Emma entered the mess hall of the Visious Fall, followed by Amelia and Hutchens. Mr. Wolf was already in the galley cooking. All three grabbed food and drink.

Emma looked at Hutchens and then at Amelia as they sat at the center table. Then slapped the tabletop, coursing the plates and cups rattled and jumped up. Emma opened and closed her hand that had just hit the tabletop each time she squeezed harder.

"We don't have a path to follow. But, if we hurry, an airship would outrun any ship under sail or steam on the waves. Then, if we're lucky, we might be able to find the ship," Emma said and looked at both Amelia and Hutchens as if she were asking for some comment.

However, before they could open their mouths, Emma continued, "This Boson fellow has given us a fair description of the prey. But no help as to the course or port she sails for." Emma said and grabbed her chin between her thumb and forefinger.

"Now that you say that..." replied Hutchens, looking at Emma and reaching out to her. He placed his hand on her wrist, "He is your brother, and of course, we will help you however we can. It is just that we need to tell you something in the interest of expectations." Hutchens continued.

"There has been a change. Err, in the nature of our, err." Hutchens looked questioningly at Amelia, who nodded and looked to the ground.

"You see, this adventure has equally revealed to us that although our previous connection was mere acquaintance. That connection has changed in nature, and we have become closer, and I fear we are now deeply in love. " Hutchens said, exchanging his grasp of Emma's hand for Amelia's.

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"We are in love, and should she consent, we shall marry," Hutchens blurted out.

"Oh, Hutchens. Yes, I do consent. And I shall marry you." Amelia said, then looked to Emma.

"What the hell are these shenanigans? You had better not be looking at me as the Captain of this ship to marry you both. It is unlike making you walk a metaphorical if not an actual plank," Emma said, taking a step back and looking at the two of them as if they were two people who had robbed her and had returned for more.

"In the names of all creation. You pulled me into this adventure without a payday for my crew. And, now you tell me that you will marry not my brother but this man? Aren't you? My brother's friend?" Emma asked, pointing her finger at Hutchen. Unaware that the crew had gathered around her and started to exchange whispers and what sounded like small amounts of coin.

"No! Don't say a thing. On the contrary, I am glad you are a woman of shifting affection," Emma chided in a rising and annoyed tone.

"This may be true. But the very nature of these travels has opened my mind to a different view of the world. And, you must see the correctness of this action," Amelia jumped up to explain.

"Stop! Get out of my sight," Emma said, standing with a curved blade in her hand. Hutchens, seeing the knife, moved sharply in front of Amelia.

"Steady on, old girl," Hutchens said as he and Amelia left the table.

"Mr Wolf, tell Reo Iti we are heading back to bloody Wellington without our prize. And I brook no question. And get that fool Boson a bunk. And a purpose on this ship." Emma yelled.

A few crew members dropped their shoulders and looked to the deck as fewer still puffed up and smiled, then started to collect on their wagers.