This far from any land, the sea is calm, with just a gentle roll as the water moves. As far as the eye can see, there is glistening blue, uninterrupted by any sign of a shore.
High above, the sun beats down from a cloudless sky.
It is peaceful.
"-Huh. Most people round these parts pack, less they're trying to skim under the Protectorate's radar."
"What the Protectorate do to people they don't like ain't good. They're vengeful, but they dressed it up all pretty like they're trying to save our souls."
"S'why we're out here, with Mischa hiding in a cave and us living in the open ocean. Safest way."
"We're doing good though, and the occasions we get shot at on the mainland aside, we're safe."
That gets a grin and a laugh. "While I appreciate that, and the others will too, we've got that pretty well covered."
"...Circ threatened you didn't she?" Rex sounds kind of amused by that, if also a little concerned.
"Just don't screw us over and you've already have. Like...safety isn't something to earn. Not really."
"It's...it's like I keep falling into groups that become my closest friends, and then I'm gone. I wonder when it will happen to you all too."