The galley fell so silent that the ship's own voice took over: the low groan of the rigging, the steady whisper of waves against the hull. On the wall, the brass chronometer ticked, each click a sharp report in the quiet.
"Excuse me?" Alyssa's voice climbed an octave, her pale green eyes widening with indignation. "Why does she get more than double what I get? That's unfair!"
"Because sheholds the contact. She set up the deal." Pierre turned back to face them, leaning against the countertop with his arms crossed over his chest. "Without her, we have a piece of paper and no way to turn it into coin."
"And without my ship," Alyssa countered, her voice cool and dismissive, "you and your little map would be in a rowboat, arguing with the seagulls. I doubt you'd last three days."
"True. Which is why you get more than me." Pierre acknowledged with a slight nod. "The ship's a valuable asset. I'm not denying that."
