Ash knew nothing of any strange planet disappearances or legendary pirate captains escaping the jaws of certain death. In fact, she didn’t care at all. She was happy to live her life in the asteroid belt completely out of touch with the rest of the system. It was a simple existence, mining for rare resources, selling said resources at competitive prices and being among the stars every night. But something had been nagging at her recently. A certain feeling she had yet to know. Dissatisfaction. Strangely she was no longer content doing the same thing day in and day out with no one new to talk to.
Perhaps it was youthful recklessness or plain stupidity but Ash knew she had to get out of there. So when a pirate ship docked at their station wanting crystals at a discounted price, she knew what to do. Stowing away was much easier than she previously thought. Like frighteningly easy. And as the ship left dock and flew into the stars only now did she think about what she just did. Ash had left a perfectly comfortable, and nice life to be a stowaway on a pirate ship, because she was bored.
“I’m so stupid” Ash said to herself. But now she was locked in, and what an adventure it would be.
It wasn’t long until the crew found Ash. But shockingly they didn’t seem to care, only laughing at her and making fun of her reasons for stowing away. She was immediately put to work as the ship’s janitor and everyone’s personal assistant. So whatever the crew needed Ash to do, she did it. It wasn’t bad, the work was fair and the captain of the vessel told Ash they worked in exchange for food and safe passage to wherever they were going. Strangely kind for pirates. And this captain. He seemed younger than what she expected, prettier, and with a lopsided smile she couldn’t help but gawk at whenever she had the chance.
“Do you even know where this ship is headed?” He had asked her a week into the voyage
“Not a clue.” Ash responded honestly.
The captain just laughed and shook his head “You’re crazy you know that?” he exhaled wistfully, then continued “You must’ve been born to roam the stars.”
“Why’s that?” She asked a little flustered.
“Cause it’s exactly what I’dve done.” He said with a good natured grin.
It was a weirdly pleasant experience. Even if Ash got less of a food ration, and a crappy sleeping place. The price of stowing away she presumed. Most of them were young, mid twenties to early thirties with no sign of age reversal and, aside from a few jabs here and there they treated Ash like one of their own. She found it refreshing, endearing even, but supposed that for long voyages one would need a crew of even tempered people who got along with each other well, otherwise you'd risk infighting or worse.
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After about a week the only crew member she ever had a fully negative experience with was the first mate Dervin. He looked older than the rest of the crew by about twenty years, the man had a hard face with a salt and pepper beard that was interrupted by a long scar going up his cheek. His hairline was receding a bit and was cut in a short, authoritarian hairstyle with flecks of gray amongst the black. He seemed serious and never acknowledged her presence, nor treated her with the same kindness the others had. Which was fine with her anyways because from the way he carried himself she wanted nothing to do with him anyways.
“Dervin’s just paranoid the Albatross’ll get to us. I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you. Not like you’re gonna be with us much longer anyways.” One of the crew members said when they had asked about him. Ash almost felt disappointed when imagining her leaving the crew. Even though she knew it was the smart thing to do. Wanting to start fresh on a new planet was what ash told them.
“Yeah I guess so… he’s still kind of a dick.” When they said that, the crew mate hardened.
“Don’t speak that way about the First Mate. You may not like him but he could have jettisoned you out into space the moment we found you. You should be grateful.” That made her feel like an ass.
“Yeah… sorry, you’re right…” Ash sunk into her for the rest of the day and focused on their duties.
A little bit later when they were cleaning a particularly gross mess made by what they could only describe as the unholy combination of rum and engine fluid, Ash overheard the Captain and First Mate speaking in another room.
“—I don’t like it. She won’t even tell us what these crystals are for.” Dervin sounded angry
“You know how she is… I’m sure they’re some kind of focusing thing…” the captain sounded unsure
“You have no idea what she’s up to. None of us do.” He was pacing now. “I don’t like it. That witch can’t be trusted.”
“Dervin. Stop being—“ and then they went silent. Ash knew she had made a sound and when the door opened and the two men were staring at her, she needed a quick excuse. So, Ash tried to look as confused as possible, pretending to have been listening to music.
“Eavesdropping, freeloader!” Dervin practically yelled the accusation and approached with what can only be read as violent intent
“Now hold on…” the captain said restraining his first mate
“I… i didn’t… I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was just, just cleaning and I heard and then…” the words left their throat when Ash made eye contact with the captain. His gaze was patient, she tried not to blush.
“Don’t worry, I get it. Dervin, let’s do this somewhere else and let Ms Stowaway get back to their job.” And the two walked away
Ash sighed to herself, thankful for the captain's even temper and made up her mind to get off this ship as soon as she was able having finally realized her mistake. They jumped into blink space the next day after sublight drifting far away from any civilization. It was an unpleasant experience to say the least. They were all strapped into metal chairs, welded to the hull and she was advised, specifically, not to stare out into the void for very long. The jump pushed her against the seat in a way that made her want to puke, but she kept down the bile and soon the pressure alleviated.