Miri gets to know the ship.

“You said you can climb?” Oliver asked, breaking the awkward silence that had presided since leaving Riley’s cabin.

“Oh, yeah!” Miri cheered up, pointing at the mast, “Like, up the big pole thing? Or, like, those ropes over there?”

Oliver nodded, “The mast, and the rigging, yeah. It’s a generally useful skill for sailors. The others could probably show you the ropes better than I can, but why don’t you show me what you’re capable of, to start.”

Miri bounced happily, glad to exhibit her skills. Oliver pointed up to the crow’s nest, and she quickly scampered up the mast. Her new dress was short and loose enough that it didn’t particularly hamper her movement, nor did it get caught on anything, a testament to Riley’s skill and effort. The dress did, however, provide Oliver with a clear view of the young woman’s panty-clad ass as she ascended. He had seen much more than that a few minutes ago, of course, but he still felt a little guilty as he watched.

Miri, of course, was oblivious to his gaze, and reached the nest, giving an excited shout before climbing back down. Oliver directed her up and down some of the rigging, next, and was pleased to discover that she was, in fact, a fairly skilled climber. He spent most of the day assessing her skills and imparting some of the basic knowledge she would need to survive aboard a pirate vessel. He also introduced her to Isabella, who regarded her with suspicious caution, and Rat Jack, who regarded the newest crew member with barely-disguised lust and practiced flirtations.

By the time dinner was called and everyone gathered in the mess hall, Miri felt almost like a member of the crew, albeit one who wasn’t yet allowed to wander freely. Still, it was better than sneaking around and hiding.

“Doesn’t seem quite fair to consign you to the brig, though,” Rat Jack said, piling extra food on Miri’s plate, “Are we sure she can’t sleep in the crew quarters, Captain?”

Bone regarded the young woman with a careful eye, but it was Riley who answered, “A few nights in the brig won’t hurt her.” Turning to Miri, she nodded, “If you prove yourself trustworthy, you’ll be given a bunk by the end of the week.”

Miri nodded, having already accepted her fate, but Rat Jack interceded again with the obvious suggestion that Miri simply share his bunk until she was a full member of the crew. Isabella scoffed at this suggestion and flicked an apple seed at the cook, who responded with a rant about food conservation. Somewhere along the way, the captain had produced a bottle of rum, insisting that everyone have a drink to celebrate their “newest acquisition,” and Oliver started a game of dice.

It was exactly the kind of fun, noisy scene that Riley hated, and she excused herself at the first opportunity. Johanna and Bone were the next to leave, no doubt heading to the captain’s cabin for a round of noisy, passionate sex. Miri helped clean up the after-dinner mess, and was then escorted to the brig by Oliver, leaving Isabella alone with Rat Jack for the first time since their earlier encounter.

“‘Oh, Miri,’” Isabella said in a high-pitched imitation of the cook’s voice, “‘Don’t worry little miss, you can sleep in my bed.’”

“Ah, Izzy,” Rat Jack cooed, doing his best to look contrite, “I was just being polite, is all.”

“Hmph,” Isabella gave an exaggerated huff, but didn’t pull away from the cook as he wrapped an arm around her, “And the way your eyes were fixed on her ass as she walked away? Is that just being polite, too?”

“Isabella,” Rat Jack wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her close even as she turned her face away from his with another huff. “Are you jealous?”

“N-no,” She claimed, her tone and body language making it obvious that she was, in fact, a little jealous.

“Oh, Izzy,” Rat Jack nuzzled the young woman’s neck affectionately, nibbling at the love bite he had left her earlier, “You have nothing to worry about, dear.”

Isabella found it difficult to stay angry at the cook, and her angry huffs softened into sweet sighs as he held her close, his hands squeezing her ample rear while he kissed at her neck and cleavage. “Mmm, Ratty,” She moaned, finally turning her face towards his and beginning to grope back, “You’re right, I shouldn’t be jealous.”

Rat Jack pushed Isabella to the wall, pleased to learn how easily she could be won over. He ground his firm erection into her hip, letting her know how he felt about her. “Feel that?” He asked, “You did that to me. Just you.”

“Hmmm,” Isabella squeezed a hand between their bodies, sliding it down to feel the outline of Rat Jack’s erection through his clothing, “I did this, huh?”

Rat Jack nodded solemnly. “Just you,” He said, before dipping down to kiss at her cleavage once more.

“Well then,” Isabella moaned, wiggling her hips, “I guess I’m the one who has to take care of it.”

If only that logic worked with the other girls, Rat Jack thought with a smile. Alas, he was going to have to work a bit harder for them...