From the deck of the prize ship, a shout was heard in the cabin.

"Grover, you lazy bastard." the unknown man called from the deck of the prize ship.

"What do you need!" Grover responded.

"We got a problem. Send down Boson, and make sure he has all his tools with him," the voice yelled back. Grover looked directly at Boson.

"You heard the man. Get yer tools and get going," Grover relayed the order as if Boson was not standing within a meter of the man. Boson's face looked like he had just asked a lass for a knee-trembler and been slapped with a wet fish for a response.

"What is going on, Boson? Are you for that ship?" Kincade asked.

"Don't know, lad. This is the first time I have been on one of these jobs. So, let's wait and see," Boson responded, gathering several tools in a sack bag. Grover slapped Kincade on his shoulder.

"Help me tie this off. Let's get Boson down on the deck, or there will be our blood for payment," Grover said. And the two of them lowered Boson to the deck of the Captain's newest prize.

Kincade was watched through the open bay doors. The dead members of the prize ship's crew were being collected in piles. By the railing of the iron-sided steamship, a line hung down from the Raven Claws to what Kincade was to learn was The Kaitangata, the prize ship.

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The Kaitangata's sails were in tatters from the attack and fluttered in the sea breeze. The aft paddle wheel to the rear was still and locked in place. And the ship was coasting with the sea currents. Kincade watched in fascination. This was not the first time he had seen mass death. But like the last time, he hoped this would be the last time he saw these sorts of crimes committed. But knew he had added another nightmare to his nights. As each dead crew member of the Katitagata was added to a pile, the landing party took another body and heaved it up and over the rail into the sea without prayer or word of remembrance.

Kincade could see from his vantage Wallace and the Captain standing next to Boson, who was pointing at a cabin door and back to the Raven's Claws. Mr Wallace raised his left hand to his right shoulder, showing the back of a fist ready to strike. Boson visibly cowered, lowering his body and raising his hands to protect himself from a coming blow. The Captain intervened by simply raising his hand barely above his waistline. Mr Wallace dropped his hand to his side and motioned to one of the soldiers.

"Mr Grover," called Wallace. "Send down Boson's mate, Kincade. He want him."

"Aye-Aye," Grover said, turning to Kincade, waving his hand hurriedly.

"Your turn and make it lively, then," Grover commanded.

"What? No! Here. I am staying here," Kincade stated emphatically. "I am not going with Wallace." He started to back away towards the bulkhead door in a panic. Grover's face grew grim, and he rushed Kincade, grabbing him roughly.

"Where do you think you are going?" Grover growled.

"I can't go down there. I can't; I will end up dead. " Kincade exclaimed.

"Boy, don't fight this. You are wanted if not needed, which does not mean you are going on the trip. Just a job. Now, you going to bring me any more of your problems?" Grover asked.

Kincade lowered his head to his chest. His shoulders slumped forward. Then he raised his head, taking in a visible breath.

"No. I will go," Kincade murmured. On his wrist, a ticking sound was the loudest he ever heard.