Just Another Day

"Moppin' the deck," Whitten said boredly.

"Housework?" Shanku asked timidly and pulled her wings and knees together. Many memories resurfaced of Mrs. Birchfield having her help mop the floors.

"Tch," he scoffed and sneered over his shoulder at her. "Man's work."

"I've done it," Shanku crossed her arms over her chest. "It can't be that manly."

"Then do it again, would ye?" Whitten laughed and tossed the mop at her. Shanku squawked and tried to keep her balance as the mop handle bopped her on the head.

Down below in the captain's chambers, Doctor Newbury was having an audience with the captain.

"Why is there another of those things on my ship?" Captain Morgan asked sternly. His hands were folded before his chin and he was leaned forward with his elbows on his desk. His light brown hair was pulled neatly together in the back. His tidy blue jacket was pressed, with big cuffs and shiny brass buttons, and his white pants showed not a speck of dirt.

"A good question," Doctor Newbury said as he stroked his chin. "I do believe she stowed aboard the ship at Port Tephras out of sheer curiousity for searfaring vessels."

"No more pets, Doctor Newbury," Captain Morgan said firmly. "Put her out when we dock."

"But she isn't native to Mruha!" Doctor Newbury threw his hands out to his side. "She wouldn't be able to survive."

"Then let her swim home," Captain Morgan said as he gave the doctor a cold look.