Kerem

Three days spent on one sheet with a blank space at its center. I said it smiling, but my fingers were already tapping at that empty patch before my mouth caught up.

• HayriyeThree days was your own deadline, not the paper's. Just don't miss your meals.
  KeremI'll try. Being captain means nothing in front of you, Hayriye.
• Murat ReisThree days over a scrap of paper. In that same time, my ship takes two prizes.
  KeremReis, someone had to chart the route those two prizes sailed.

Whenever the ledger comes up, this is the face I wear. Ever since I learned a smile costs the least.

• Zeynep HatunYou may wear that face all you like, Captain. The interest stays the same.
  KeremI know. I only bother putting it on because it's you.
• SalihWhoa, I saw this exact face yesterday at the docks! The merchant started stammering!

I brought two cups of coffee at the watch change. One cup was an excuse. So was the other.

• HayriyeThose two cups came out of my kitchen. When do I get paid back for the excuse?
  KeremI'll add a line for you when we split the next haul.
• Baba OsmanCarry something hot around at night and your hands stiffen up. Stiff hands can't hold a helm.