Suspicion

Writers: AL, Devin
Date Posted: 19th November 2009

Characters: Edele, Jerroll
Description: As the Silver Sails come into port, Jerroll and Edele make plans for the day.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 5, day 23 of Turn 5
Notes: Silver Sails

Edele stared at the soup as it simmered and stirred it slowly. They were coming into their third port and she hoped that they wouldn't have a repeat of what had happened at the last two. Both times someone had let it slip that they carried cargo that wasn't exactly legal per se. Both times they had managed to stash it before they were searched, but it had been a close call. Who was doing it? Someone had to be telling them and it was obvious that it was someone on the ship - but who? It bothered her to no end.

"What's for lunch?" Jerroll asked as he stepped into the doorway.

"Vegetable soup and fresh bread." Edele sniffed at the soup, then poured a bit of green herb into it before she stirred it. "I should be ready in another half hour."

"You know you don't have to cook. The crew can find something in port." He watched her, his little cook, and uneasiness settled into his stomach again.

"It would mean a rather late lunch." Edele pointed out. "And there's still a lot to do before the men are free to go."

"Very true," he agreed. "Would you like to go shopping together when we get to port?"

"That sounds nice." Edele agreed, though the affirmation sounded distracted. "Are you looking for anything specific?"""

"No ... which is why I'm free to accompany you." Jerroll smiled.

Edele laughed softly. "Well good, we'll make a day of it then. The soup's almost ready. Want to try a bite and tell me if it's missing something that I should add before it's too late?"

He shook his head. "I trust your judgment." After many turns of practice, it was easy to lie, even to her.

"All right. It will be ready soon. Hopefully I'll have everything clean by the time we reach port so we can go." The thought of a day with Jerroll in port was lifting her spirits. It would be nice to spend time with him, just the two of them, away from the ship.

"I'll grab someone to help you with cleaning."

"I see someone is already here." Edele laughed as she picked up a bunch of pots stacked inside one another and handed them to Jerroll. "Two's company!"

He lifted an eyebrow. "Hmm ... I don't remember being demoted to cook's assistant."

"Who said it was a demotion?" Edele indicated that he should move over to the small area that was used for washing. "You wash, I'll dry, and we'll be done in half the time."

"If I had the time to help you, I would. But I have other duties to attend to. Unless you want me to _skip_ the lunch you're making." He set the plates down in the wash bin.

"I suppose I can't let you starve." Edele heaved a sigh, but the smile made it obvious it was a farce. "I guess I shall simply have to wait then."

"I'll help you clean later if I have time. I'll be back when lunch is ready." He gave her a quick kiss.

"All right." Edele returned the kiss then turned back to the sink. They both had work to do.

**Please let me be wrong to doubt you, ** Jerroll thought as he left the galley.

Last updated on the November 21st 2009

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Suspicion