Now that everything was said and done the real fun was about to begin. Even though the crew was small there was still a chance they would be helpful. Sydney walked out of the vault since there were many things to be done. Now that her mother was out of the picture, she had to pick up the slack. Alexandria was satisfied with everything that had happened. After they gathered their supplies, it was time to move to the next place. Hopefully this one would actually have people there.

“I want to get moving once everything is loaded. We can discuss the situation moving forward once we are underway.” Alexandria was mostly talking to Eve since she was new. It was a pleasure to have her aboard. Her abilities were second to none. It was going to be easier to infiltrate places with her.

The weapons assortment was vast like nothing any of them had ever seen before. It was hard just to pick one for each of them. Alexandria wasn’t sure if there was a weapon she could use in there. She was a walking weapon herself so having one didn’t make much sense. However, it might be a good idea if the right weapon presented itself.

Lyric was able to find a saber which really fit her style. Even though she wouldn’t use it as much since the cutlass was better. Placing the weapon with the sheath around her back just to carry for now. She giggled happily making her way back up towards the ship. There were a lot of things to do before they could disembark.

Eve already had a ton of knives. There was no shortage of those lying around. However, only getting to pick one was the problem. She wanted to come back to this place later if that was possible. There could be some kind of deal worked out. Walking over to a table looking over the weapons sitting on top. There was a single knife in the center that sparkled back at her smile. Picking it up, flipping it in her hand testing the weight.

Tyra on the other hand was having a harder time finding a weapon that suited her. There were not many rifles like hers left in the world. All of her bullets were homemade thanks to the machine she took before hiding herself on the island. After that each bullet she fired took her at least an hour to work on. There had to be something here that would tickle her fancy. She was about to give up before catching sight of a large case.

A soft chuckle left her lips moving forward towards the case. It was covered with other things but Tyra had no problem getting it out after a bit of shifting. Taking it up and setting it on a nearby table. It had been a while since she heard the snap of a case like that. There was a rifle inside but the main thing was the bullets that lined the inside of the case. She let out another soft chuckle, very glad to see something this rare. It was most likely the last one out there.

Alexandria looked around at everything that was around them glad to see her crew was finding what they needed. There was still the matter of her getting something for a just in case situation. That was important since the last few times it came close an animal showed up to save her. There was no telling if that would happen every time. Stopping in front of a table full of different weapons.

Picking up an axe, spinning it a few times. It wasn’t something she was used to but it could work. Placing it back on the table seeing what looked like a walking cane. Tapping her fingers on the table moving over to the weapon. The engraving caught her eye first since it had a vulture on it. That was the surprising part as she took the cane in her hands. It didn’t weigh much but there was something different about it. Moving it back and forth in her hands a few times her curiosity peaked.

Eve walked up behind her tapping her softly on the shoulder. “Did you find a good one there or are you going to pick them all up?” Alexandria grasped the cane tightly making sure she didn’t jump out of her skin. Feeling the difference from grasping it she twisted the cane. Inside was a scythe blade curved to the wood casing it rested in.

“I believe my weapon has been found. It even has a vulture on the wood which is surprising. Who in the hell would make something like this?” Placing the blade back into the sheath testing the crane on the ground. A thud was heard throughout the vault which painted a rare smile on Alexandria’s face. Everyone had found something that suited them.

“That is just how life works at times. You never really know what might fall into your lap. Should we get going now like you said or is there more to do?” Eve placed the throwing knife she had into her jacket. She was going to make a special place for that. It marked the beginning of her new journey.

Alexandria nodded, moving towards the exit. Sydney’s spear guards filed down into the vault collecting all the supplies Alexandria was going to be taking. It was nice to have the extra muscle around to haul cargo. Tyra and Eve followed her out of the vault. The three of them made their way back to the ship.

Sydney was waiting there for them at the docks. Lyric was running around in the background making everything ready to go. The saber still on her back hilt glistening in the sun. Alexandria smiled moving up to Sydney nodding her head. “It is good to see everyone found a weapon. My guards are loading up the rest. Thanks very much for the food and water. Is there anything else you wish to discuss or wait for another time?”

Tyra and Eve walked around to board the ship. There would be plenty of time for talking later. Sydney was someone who Alexandria believed she could really trust. Everything started out rocky but now things were much different. “After I am able to trade with the other settlements we can talk more about business. Right now, I need to focus on filling the rest of my crew. Will you be able to hold this place without your mother?” Alexandria hoped the question wasn’t too forward. She had just been killed and already someone was questioning her leadership. That was not her intention, wrinkling her nose ready for unpleasantness.

Sydney was quiet for a moment processing the question. It wasn’t the only time she was going to hear that question. That is of course until she proved herself worthy of the title. “I should be able to keep up with things for a time. Gaining more members just like you would be the best idea. We still have the strength to hold this position.” There was a sense of pride and a little bite to her words.

Alexandria was glad to hear she hadn’t lost any of the fire shown earlier. If she was able, anyone that couldn’t join her sending them towards Sydney would be the next best thing. Of course, they would have to fit the mold she was trying to build. “I will send anyone your way if the option presents itself. Anything else you need from me?” Alexandria looked around for a moment at everything going on around them. It was not long ago she was held up inside a small room being tested on. V flew in from behind them landing on the top of the crow’s nest shrieking in excitement.

Adjusting her sword Sydney looked up at V then back to Alexandria. “V seems to think it is time to go.” Looking down at her hands to see the cane. “I see you were able to find a weapon. If you want to know more about it, the next settlement is where to go.” Looking off towards the south nodding her head. “I believe that is where that weapon came from. There should be some good information there.”

Looking down at the cane a small smile crept across her face. A weapon was something she never thought was needed. The information Sydney was providing definitely merited looking into. Alexandria looked to the south, turning back to Sydney. “I will do what you suggested. The engraving on the sheath seems like it was made just for me. That is something I would love to talk about with the creator.” Her hand danced playfully on the handle of the cane.

There was a good chance a few more things could come together. Her thoughts were interrupted by the final thud of the last piece of cargo being loaded onto her main ship. The guards walked off the ship for the final time. Alexandria yawned, shaking her head a bit. “Well, that is all the time we have. Is there a way we can keep in touch or do we wait to see each other to talk?”

That was a very good question. It was tricky keeping in contact with someone long distance. Looking up at V she had an idea. “You could try sending a message with V or another bird. The only long-distance communications that are up and running would be inside a walled city.” Alexandria nodded her head in agreement. She wasn’t sure how well it would work out but giving it a try wouldn’t hurt.

“I will give it a try once we leave the next settlement. Thanks for everything so far. Hopefully everything stays this way and we can both have bright futures.” Alexandria walked past Sydney placing a hand on her shoulder patting it softly. Sydney nodded back a soft smile on her face. There was nothing more to say walking onto the deck of the ship. Lyric had everything just about ready to disembark.

“Be careful and we will see you soon.” Sydney waved as she and the other guards walked back into the settlement. There were going to be some fun times up ahead. Alexandria really wanted to try sending a message with V. Of course, she might need to bribe her with bones to make sure it was done correctly. The next stop would be the settlement to the south. There would seem to be a lot of information to gain along with the trading of cargo.

“All we need to do now is cast off the mooring lines. Are you ready to go now captain?” Lyric stood near the ropes waiting for Alexandria’s answer. There was a lot to process and now with Eve on board the adventures would get even better. The flag fluttered above them as Eve walked up to join the conversation.

“Sure, Lyric let's get these ships moving. Head a course south with all the speed you can get.” Alexandria breathed in deep as Lyric untied the mooring lines and they started to move away from the docks pulling the other ships with them.

Eve flipped her new knife in her hands. She was familiar with all the surrounding settlements. “The settlement we are coming up on could have some useful things for us. On the other hand, we could run into some trouble.” Pausing for a moment, throwing the knife at the mast. “Do you think you're ready for that kind of heat?”

Alexandria wrinkled her nose a bit looking at the knife then back at Eve. “First of all, get that damn knife out of the mast. Second, I am sure we can take the heat with all the abilities on this ship. What is this trouble you're talking about?” There was a bit of tension in the air. Wind burst into the sails propelling the ship forward. Eve walked up to the mast pulling her knife out of it.

“I meant no disrespect just wondering how you're going to handle the situation. I am good but there are worse things than spear guards and walled city raids to worry about here.” Spinning the knife in her hand placing it into her vest pocket. “There are hunters, pirates, smugglers, not to mention cannibals all over the place. They sit in plain sight just waiting for new crews just like yours to steal from. Settlements are not always good.”

Cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders back letting out an exasperated sigh. “I have heard many stories of such things. We are prepared for now. Why are you acting this way?” Alexandria wasn’t sure what to make of this conversation. Did someone flip a switch or was this the real Eve talk now?

Blowing air out of her nose Eve spoke. “Stories are not going to prepare you for everything. I want to make sure joining this crew wasn’t a mistake. I know you are all skilled. However, that doesn’t mean you will always win.” It was the truth but that didn’t mean the attitude it was delivered in was needed.

Moving close to Eve getting right next to her ear. “That may be true but if you want to give attitude, save it for the enemy. I am not going to tolerate that fucking talk again regardless of how you phase it.” Stepping back Alexandria was about to walk off when a loud voice from above spoke.

“If you two are finished. I can see the settlement from here. There are a lot of ships there. Do you still want to proceed?” Tyra’s voice cut into the conversation making it hard to focus for a moment. Alexandria let out another exasperated sigh wondering when the hell they would catch a break.