Contributor: BrettB

He was at least two feet taller than either Lavera or Helia. His massive upper body rippled under his linen shirt as he trudged into the engine room. A long scar cut across his face from ear to chin -- the nearly straight line deformed a little by the scowl he was wearing. He carried a large wrench in one hand a large wooden mallet in the other. A thick leather tool belt was cinched around his wide waist. He looked down at the engine upon entering the room and noticed the two women for the first time. A wicked grin replaced his frown, wrinkling the scar into a squiggly snake-like line. Helia gulped.

The man swooped down and, dropping his tools, scooped Lavera into a bear hug.

“Lavera!” He bellowed. “How’ve ya been?”

“Nigel! I haven’t seen you since we were on that convoy with the Sheiks of Agamemnon! What are you doing here?” Lavera exclaimed.

“I’m a deck hand. You?” Nigel asked.

“Engineer.” Lavera replied. “I’m fine-tuning this tub.” They both laughed. Nigel dropped Lavera back onto the floor and turned to Helia.

“And you are..”

“She’s my help.” Lavera interrupted. Nigel continued to stare at Helia. She began to squirm uncomfortably. Without turning to look at Lavera he asked,

“Assistant or Apprentice?”

“Apprentice, definitely.” Lavera said. “She doesn’t know the first thing about Aether or clockwork.”

“Say,” Nigel began. “We’ll get to the next port by tomorrow morning. How about I treat you and…”

“Helia.” Helia squeaked.

“…Helia to a couple of drinks once we’re unloaded?”

“Sounds great!” Lavera chimed.