After months at sea, the Kestrel returned to port in Anglia. They'd picked up Henrichs on the way home. The purser had fallen for a tavern keeper's widow and stayed behind. Henrichs refused to resume command, grinning wickedly as she talked with the Commander on deck. Cal pushed away her irritation and did what she had to.

"I will be taking extended shore leave while the Kestrel is being refitted. Joliu wants to tinker with the coal feeder. Thinks we need a better crusher to handle all ...