Aether Shanties RP (PM if interested/Started)

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Beth let the chain rip through the air around her, the ball at the end of it threatening to hit her surroundings, but her training stopped it from doing so. She hadn't gotten the chance to use it in battle this time, but it calmed her down to unleash it and listen to the sounds it made. She could see Sheska back up on deck, and some of the officers, she turned away from them. If the woman wanted to strain herself it was her choice, still it felt like the second time she had disobeyed her in one day. Maybe she couldn't order someone to stay in bed, but she would keep an eye on her now. They had kissed twice, but it didn't mean she should go soft on her. She had slept with others and not treated them any differently afterwards.

Farthing was looking at her, possibly wondering when she was going to talk to him about their losses. She hadn't been told how bad it was yet, but she couldn't wait any longer. It would be unpleasant news no matter how long she waited. Beth slowed the chain down and rolled it up, before hanging it back at her side.

She picked up her bottle of rum, uncorked it and walked over to Farthing at the helm.

"Any update on how many we lost?"

He nodded, and kept his hands on the wheel.

"Thirtythree dead, another ten injured. The ship wasn't too badly damaged. We also found twenty imperials, but there'd probably be a few more dead and injured on their own ship after that fire."

Beth sat down with her back against a wall and drank heavily from her bottle. It could have been worse and they could recruit new crew when they arrived at Helium, but...

"People die all the time. They know they might get killed, during a raid or a boarding, or in a drunk brawl. It's not about death, it's about life."

"It could be much worse. We'll try to find a good burial ground for them. Throw the imperial bodies overboard if it hasn't already been taken care off. I'm sure the beasts are hungry."

She would show no respect for dead imperials, but her own crew deserved better.

"Already taken care off. Our own has been moved to the cargo hold for now, but they can't be left there for long."

I know.

 

[Terratina.]

"What now, Herr doktor?" she said, after removing the greatcoat.

He smiled under the mask, this was a new one, as he gave the succinct reply, "Examination."

Then Garrett entered - a minor irritation but a tolerated one as well - and said, "How is it going in here?"

Vasco was dismissive with his answer, "We had hardly started with treatment; stay and watch if you must. I will be starting with it now regardless."

She was obviously weak and the morphine didn't help with that. But it was a small price to pay to dull the pain. Weakness pointed to two things and at least one was staring him in the eye. Her side was heavily bruised, the purple-red colour leaked through the white silk-shirt. No wait, there were at least three, not five things here. But Vasco was always generous with his diagnoses, best to be safe than sorry, after all. He went and gently prodded the tender section of her abdomen and his suspicions were confirmed. Crepitus - a 'crunchy' feeling under the skin was what he felt, there were definitely at one least broken rib. Not much he could do for that. He pulled out what looked like an oversized leather belt from the doctor's bag and turned to Lanester.

"This is a rib belt. It will help with the broken ribs. I... suggest you wear it in addition to your normal clothes." He explained and went on to say as a thought popped into his mind, "I will set up a pulmometer here; it will prevent the possibility of fluid buildup in the lungs due to rib damage... You use it and do many repetitions per day, measuring your progress. You will also receive pain medication as well."

He wrapped the rib belt around her sides, demonstrating how to put it on. He left it on and moved onto the damaged arm. Vasco had an rudimentary understanding of mechanical prosthetics, but was more comfortable with those that dealt will matters of the respiratory system, as was his specially. Nevertheless, he did what he could, fixing little faults while looking for any sign of irritation from the knocked prosthetic limb. Some parts were twisted out of shape from the impact and would need to be replaced. She would have to wait until the next port of call to get the parts. Not to mention the back trauma, but hopefully bedrest would be the only thing needed. Spinal surgery was best done when absolutely necessary. He moved onto her head and treated the cuts and bruises caused by the fall. Satisfied, he gave out the last of his doctor's orders.

"Your prosthetic limb is heavily damaged; I suggest you wear the other one as the twisted parts will only cause you pain. Bed rest is needed, both to help with possible back trauma and with the trauma your head had gone through... As well as your other injuries. If there is anything else you want to mention, now is the time."

 

[hiei82]

Adrianna heard someone enter and speak up, but couldn't recognized said person or the statement in her drug addled state. Instead, she remained focused - as best she could - on the words of Doctor Roque. He went on about Rib belts and pulmometers, prosthetics and bed rest. How much of it would help went over her head, but she agreed to it all none-the-less. "If there is anything else you want to mention, now is the time." he asked, to which Adrianna had little to say

"Thank you Dr. Roque, and I do have one: any idea how long it will take before I'm healed? I have a ship to run and a mission to accomplish after-all." Adrianna said, moving carefully over toward her bed; for some reason she was very tired.

She blamed the morphine.

It was as she reached the bed, she noticed that the person who entered with Garrett. It made some sense that it was him; everyone else would have knocked first. "Ah, Garrett; take a seat. I will be with you in a bit." she managed to say before the dizziness forced her to take a seat on the nearest piece of appropriate furniture, which fortuitously was her bed.

 

[Terratina.]

"Thank you Dr. Roque, and I do have one: any idea how long it will take before I'm healed? I have a ship to run and a mission to accomplish after-all." She replied.

Maybe he should have lessened the dose, but was too late and Vasco suspected that the Rear Admiral would not appreciate him poking her side and touching the tender ribs below without sufficient pain relief. He sighed, clearly some details had just gone over her head. And there was that question. And Vasco knew the answer he would give her would not be taken with joy. Nevertheless, as the saying went, they were all in the same boat. The crew, captain and carriage needed to rest, but by order of the Empire, they had to find this artefact, whatever it was. He got his pocketbook and pen out, scribbled on it almost word for word what he said before about her treatment, tore out the page and folded it neatly. At least the Rear Admiral would get some bed rest today, even if it was more the morphine's doing than her own will. He turned to the sofa and packed up his tools in the doctor's bag, except for the rib belt. Instead, Doctor Roque left it on the desk near the couch.

He then walked over to Lanester and handed her the folded page, "You are ever welcome." He said with a sigh bow, "These are your instructions; follow them and you'll be better in no time." It was not a definite answer, but it had to do.

Vasco walked towards the door and discretely half-whispered something to Garrett, quietly enough so that the Rear Admiral could not hear, but loud enough for Garrett's own ears, "As her bodyguard, it is your duty to make sure she follows them, yes? That would be appreciated..."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska relaxed a little more when she was given another dose of painkiller, enough to finally take effect on the majority of her pain, and then some. Her mind started to blur just slightly, and her eyes were half-open before long, a bored expression on her face.

"I can't be too harsh on the people of the empire. It is all they know and they get fed so much propaganda I would be hesitant to flee too. I merely was lucky enough to get the chance to see beyond it, to see what could be rather than what merely was.".

"Good thing you got out, too. Change Cage cities are hellholes. Everglade especially. God, did I hate it there. Peelers were assholes, other kids were little bastards...", she said, trailing off before shaking her head a little to clear it.

"Anyway, hopefully the retooling for that arm doesn't take long. It feels wrong to be ordered to rest, I can't stand just sitting around unless I have some rum to drink.", she told him.

 

[blaze96]

"I mainly ordered you to rest because if you became too active the bleeding would pick up again. Once I close the wound up you should be ok to return to some level of active duty, though nothing too strenuous. Can't have you tearing up the stitches." Samuel said as he now began the closing procedure. Soon enough her arm would be closed and she could leave after he checked the area over a bit.

"As for getting out, I'm glad I could escape my life as well. Even having been from the upper class everything was always so stifling and controlled. Everything we learned was what was approved for us, and anything unapproved was confiscated. Hard to care for your patients properly when you are only taught one way of doing things." He said with a smile as he worked.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

"I mainly ordered you to rest because if you became too active the bleeding would pick up again. Once I close the wound up you should be ok to return to some level of active duty, though nothing too strenuous. Can't have you tearing up the stitches.".

She suddenly grimaced at that. "I can't say I'm looking forward to being pulled open and having that new arm stuffed into my shoulder. Hell, going to have to have a brand-new shoulder built. But, looks like it'll be worth it in the end. Might be better than my first arm.", she said, looking back at the almost skeletal prosthetic.

It was impressive to look at if nothing else, she just hoped it would stand up to wear and tear. Since it was originally made for him, she had a feeling it would, but she still wanted armor, just in case. You never knew if a bullet or well-struck blade would mess up something with the joint, or other mechanisms.

 

[blaze96]

"It will not be an easy adjustment, but with proper help and support you can get through the process." Samuel said as he finished the procedure, before going and grabbing a bottle of rum. He poured two glasses and gave one to Sheska.

"To health, long life, and successful surgery." He said before downing the drink he had poured himself.

"So how does it feel to be able to indulge in the wonders of rum again?" He asked with a laugh after they had both had their drinks.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

When Samuel finally finished stitching up her side, she groaned softly and forced herself to sit up, grabbing her shirt from nearby and pulling it on over her head. Then she turned and gasped, quickly snatching the glass of rum from Sam and downing it easily.

"To health, long life, and successful surgery.".

"And to killing those two bastards who put me here. Thanks Sam. The sooner I can fight again, the better I'll feel.", she said, just before eying the bottle that Sam had, but thought better of it.

"So how does it feel to be able to indulge in the wonders of rum again?".

"Good. I'd best get back to the Cap'n's cabin, she's likely to be right pissed I didn't stay there and sleep. Still, I needed to think, and things were... Too comfy there.", she said, pushing herself onto her feet and stretching a bit.

Then she sighed and reached up, pushing her dreadlocks out of her face again and frowning. "Well, better get the ass-kicking I earned over with. Talk to you later, Sam.", she said, waving back at him as she opened the door to his cabin and strode out.

Overall, she felt better. Having some time to herself helped, and so did the surgery that Sam performed. Now, she needed to have a talk with Beth, first to apologize for disobeying her, then to see just how things were going to stand between them. She needed to take her own advice and make her feelings known, plain and simple. Beth may or may not like how she felt, but she would have to deal with it, just like she would have to do the same concerning Beth's own feelings.

When she got to the Captains cabin, she opened the door, stepped inside, and sat on the bed to wait.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

"That was a good night. I don't think I've ever seen a captain and first mate dance on a table together before or after." Farthing laughed and downed the last of her bottle. "Makes me miss the old days."

Beth was snickering herself. Both her and Roberts had been pretty drunk, when the band at a tavern in High Tortuga had started playing one of her favorite shanties. She had climbed onto the table and the captain had suggested that she should get down again, before she hurt herself. Beth had made the rest of the crew chant Roberts name until he got up on the table as well.

"I'm glad I didn't get so drunk that I forgot it the next day."

It was one of her favorite memories. The look on her captain's face when she dragged him up on the table, the fact that he was actually decent at dancing and that the band had replayed the song just so they could continue dancing had made it a night to remember.

Farthing handed her the empty bottle and she put it towards her lips to drink, but there was nothing left. She shook it and pouted.

"Sorry, Cap'n. I'll buy you a new one when we get to Helium City."

Beth had to steady herself against the railing, when she tried to get back up on her feet, after sitting down. The ship moved a bit too much for her liking, but she realized that it was probably the rum and not a storm.

"Don't worry about it. I have a few more, and I was the one who drank most of it anyay." Maybe she should be worried that Farthing would steer the ship drunk instead. "Get someone to take the wheel and get some rest, man."

He smiled and yawned.

"Simply extending a courtesy to a lady. And I'll do that. Maybe Isaac is around somewhere."

She pointed at him and stumbled away from the helm.

"That's lady, cap'n."

He chuckled.

"Aye, aye, captain. I'll blame it on the rum."

You are excused. She thought and waved at him, before heading down below deck. There wasn't anyone around in the hallways, but she could hear talking from some of the rooms she passed by. They sounded surprisingly cheery, considering the circumstances. Beth opened the door to her cabin and found Sheska sitting on the bed. She slammed the door shut behind her, threw the bottle at her safe, which broke when it hit its side.

"So, you came back... Is this pleasure or business?" Beth didn't wait for an answer, she started trying to get her dress off, which was hard when she was drunk.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

When the Captain stepped in, Sheska stood up and opened her mouth to start apologizing, when an empty rum bottle was flung past her to shatter against the safe. Blinking, she closed her mouth and frowned, watching Beth slam the door behind her and step forward.

"So, you came back... Is this pleasure or business?".

Then she started to try and get her dress off, making Sheska close her eyes and blush, hard. "Cap'n, you're drunk. And of course I came back.", she said, taking a breath and opening her eyes so that she would try and say what she was wanting to say.

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry, for leaving when I shouldn't have. But, I was restless, and needed to think, needed to move. Needed to sort things out.", she started, trying not to pay too much attention to Beth's attempts to undress, which unfortunately was incredibly distracting.

"A lot has happened lately. Another you came from the future and died in front of us, I lost my arm, and we... Ok, do you need help with that?", she blurted out when she couldn't take it anymore.

She strode over and sighed heavily, shaking her head as she helped Beth out of her dress. She supposed she could speak her piece later, Beth's fumbling had gotten to be too much. It was both a little frustrating to watch, as well as rather endearing in a strange way. But once it was off, she stepped back and nodded.

"There. Better?", she asked, smirking just a little as she forced herself to focus on the Captains face.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

"Blah, blah, blah." She mumbled while Sheska talked, and continued trying to get her dress off. If nothing else, Beth should think about drinking less because she'd be able to undress and get her weapon easier.


"Ok, do you need help with that?" The first mate said, out of nowhere. Beth grinned and cocked an eyebrow. Sheska stepped over to her and helped her get undressed. "There. Better?"

She removed the goggles keeping back her hair from her head, and allowed it to fall down past her waist. When the goggles kept her hair back, it almost looked like she had a ball on her hair, but now the red hair draped her body. Beth pushed Sheska away from her and the first mate stumbled backwards, until she fell on the bed.

Beth smiled seductively, which she wasn't even sure Sheska could see behind her hair. Many times she had wished that her mutations had been useful, rather than mostly aesthetic.

"Do you want to perish in skin and hair?" She walked over to the bed as well.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska was only more taken aback when Beth promptly removed her goggles, the only thing keeping her copious amount of hair even relatively tame upon her head. When they were gone, she was practically covered in the red locks, making it hard to see that there was a person underneath all of it.

The push was also unexpected, especially since she had the one arm now to try and catch herself with. She fell back onto the bed with a soft grunt, then looked up and managed to catch a glimpse of a rather scarily seductive smile behind the curtain of Beth's hair.

"Do you want to perish in skin and hair?".

"Wait, what? Beth, you're drunk! You aren't seriously considering... Now? But I-", she stammered out of panic, before she finally sighed and smiled nervously.

"Just, be gentle.", she said shyly.

-The Next Morning-

Sheska awoke with a terrified gasp, bolting up in the bed and clawing at her neck. She was shaking violently, her face pale and covered in a cold sweat, and she choked softly as she forced herself to take in hasty gulps of air.

She could still feel the monstrous hands around her neck. She could still see eyes not unlike that of a goat, and hear angry bleating in her ears. This time, the Misbegotten Capricorn wasn't satisfied with just tearing off her arm, but had tried to both choke her to death, and rip her head off as well.

It took her a few moments to regain her composure, slowly letting out a shaky exhale. She laid back and reached to her side, gently rubbing the stitches where her arm used to be. They itched, and the wound felt like it was on fire again. She'd need to see Sam for that.

But when she glanced over to her other side, she immediately felt more calm and at ease, and remembering the night before, she grinned. "Well, at least that wasn't a dream. Best get things ready for the Cap'n.", she murmured under her breath, leaning over and placing a gentle kiss on the sleeping Beth's cheek.

When she stepped out of the cabin, she was dressed and feeling herself again, and she strode to the top deck and glanced around. Everything was in order, but that didn't stop her from moving to one crewmate to another, barking out orders to make sure everyone was working their hardest.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Garrett quietly stood at the back of the room, not wanting to interfere with Vasco's examination, as the process revealed some interesting and useful information regarding Adrianna's current state, medically that is. The good doctor pulled out a couple of items that Garrett hadn't seen before, but then again, he didn't delve all that far into the medical profession. Afterwards, Adrianna was finally lucid enough to notice his presence in the room, as she made her way towards her bed.

"Ah, Garrett; take a seat. I will be with you in a bit." Vasco then gathered up the items that he had used, leaving the rib belt with Adrianna. He then made his way to the cabin door, talking to Garrett in a quiet enough tone so Adrianna wouldn't hear.

"As her bodyguard, it is your duty to make sure she follows them, yes? That would be appreciated..."

"Of course doctor, don't worry, I've been able to convince her before, its the reason why she's been in here the past couple of hours or so resting, rather than up and about on deck; figured it would do her some good to take it easy for a little bit. And thank you doctor, your work has been appreciated, and we're glad to have someone like you on board." Garrett said politely in a quiet voice. He had gained a fair amount of respect for the man, after all, he had kept many of them afloat, and was able to tend to Adrianna's injuries in a delicate manner.

 

[3quency]

Isaac wandered blearily across the deck, tin mug of steaming coffee clutched like a talisman.

Another sleepless night of nightmares had led him to forcing himself up earlier than everyone else so he could go and do his work in peace and quiet. He'd just spent the last hour cold and tired up the Crow's Nest mapping out the rest of the route to Helium City (as if he needed to go over it again) and was just about ready to collapse. He needed to be in his room with some calming gramophone record playing, possibly with a nice cold rag over his eyes too. Anything that might nudge him into sleep.

But as he was walking he saw Sheska. The crew were working fine but she was yelling at them anyway, only getting both herself and the men in question stressed out and angry. He had a couple of ideas as to what that might be about.

Well, no use just standing there, he still hadn't spoken to her since she first lost the arm.

"You'll do yourself an injury, yelling like that this early." he said, keeping his tone friendly. He looked Sheska up and down covertly before she replied, and an eyebrow arched.

He recognised that glow. And that posture. He'd been trained to pick details out, and the unkempt hair and ever-so-slightly out of focus eyes told a very curious story indeed.

Oh my, Sheska. You didn't, did you?

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska turned whenever she heard a familiar voice, smiling just a little as she put her hand on her hip.

"You'll do yourself an injury, yelling like that this early.".

She snorted, then gestured to her missing arm. "Been there, done that, Izzy. You look tired. Ought to get some rest once we make sure we stay on course, you could use it. We'll be at Helium City before too long.", she told him, just before noticing the look he was giving her.

She shifted uncomfortably and narrowed her own eyes, even as she panicked inside. Oh, goddamnit. I knew, I knew that if anyone was going to find out, it'd be Izzy. Shit, he already knows, doesn't he? Of course he can tell. Shit, shit!, she thought, but she refused to let it show on her face.

"What is it? Something wrong?", she asked, her tone more gruff as she quirked an eyebrow.

 

[3quency]

"What is it? Something wrong?"
The overtly gruff tone said it all really.

Wow, you actually did. Good on you Sheska.

"From the looks of things, something's right" he said without thinking.
Once he realised what he said his eyes went wide, his face mortified.
"I mean... shit, I really just said that out loud didn't I?"

Maybe Sheska was right. Bed was suddenly looking like a tempting option and right now he needed to go and hide.

 

[Tips_of_Fingers]

You appear to have failed us...

I'll set you to carrying the cabin boy's slopbucket, pidgeon-shit!

It's nothing personal, you simply haven't delivered...

One man's mistake is the entire crew's death!

You'll unfortunately be stripped of all your honours...

The floggings will continue for months, flea-ridden cur!

You have disgraced the Empire...

Your life is mine!

You have disgraced your father....

Exeter jolted awake, body snapping upright as he looked around crazily, disorientated as the voices in his nightmare melted away. It took him a moment to realise where he was, remember what airship he was on. The Invincible. He wasn't sure how long he'd slept but the moments before falling asleep rushed back to him in a barrage of pain and confusion.

Still clothed in his rumpled and blood-stained uniform, Exeter rummaged in his bed and found an empty glass. He leaned to the floor clumsily and grabbed the discarded brandy bottle only to curse at it's lack of contents. He closed his eyes wearily and took a deep breath, recalling what had transpired.

He remembered reading the piece of paper stolen from Lanester's coat. Remembered the meanings buried deep within the official rhetoric of the Empire. 'Find the artifact or do not return.' Exeter had spent a good time pondering over the implications of such an order.

Obviously it was aimed at Lanester, but why? The answer was obvioius, something Exeter already knew from his meeting with the Lord Commander in Desolation. She couldn't be trusted. This was certainly a way to keep her out of the way, suggesting that the artifact was indeed useless. The Empire was testing Lanester's allegience to the limit. The one thing Exeter couldn't fathom was what did the higher-ups know about her that he himself couldn't figure out? What made them so damn suspicious?

It made sense that Lanester would hide that part from the rest of the crew; Annis had touched upon it being a suicide mission in during the briefing. Maybe she'd want to see it? Exeter knew he needed to proceed with caution. Reveal things too soon and the situation would likely turn nasty, become a power struggle he was loathe to participate in. He had determined to keep his cards close to his chest for now; Lanester was a pretty good admiral, although she had her problems - like everyone else - and Exeter needed to continue his observations. He needed concrete evidence first, something that Black Annis would pounce on to aid in bringing down the traitor.

Exeter swung his legs onto the floor groggily and rubbed his face, wincing slightly as he brushed across his swollen nose. It didn't feel broken but still throbbed painfully. He toyed idly with the empty brandy bottle, remembering the hours spent trying to figure everything out but clouding his mind with alcohol too much to really grasp anything. His head pounded and his mouth was unbearably dry.

Suddenly, it occurred to him that he had no idea where the scrap of orders were. He dropped the bottle and desperately searched his bed, tearing the sheets off in an attempt to find the important evidence. After a few moments, he stopped, breathless and staring. A smile crept onto his lips as he shoved his tattooed hand into his jacket pocket and felt the paper there, crumpled in a ball. He needed a safe place to put it whilst figuring out what to do.

Reaching under the bed, Exeter pulled out a small mahogany box with a complicated lock attached, keeping it secure. With a few deft movements of his fingers, he unlocked and opened it to reveal a collection of old medals. He regarded them for a moment, face impassive. These were links to his past, reminders of the blood oath made to his father. Medals his own father had gained fighting - and dying - for the Emporer. Flattening the scrap of paper, Exeter slipped it underneath the silk lining of the box, safe from prying eyes. He allowed his eyes to pass across the medals once more, savouring their dulled surfaces, before locking the box and pushing it deep under his bed.

Standing up, Exeter looked down at his blood-crusted clothes and, for once, decided it would be a good idea to change. Although his wounds were not too severe, they still needed proper dressing, so once Exeter had dressed in a cleaner - if only marginally - uniform he decided to pay the good doctor a visit.

 

[Arcanist]

Jason strode out onto the deck, a smile on his face. Fry could be a judgmental little shit, but he did know when people where working themselves too hard - and his insistence that Jason go to sleep at a reasonable hour was one of the few times he was glad he'd taken his advice. It'd been what, three days since he'd gotten a decent night's rest?

"Good morning, you listless sods!" The rest of the crew, either exhausted from the end of their shifts or bleary from waking up to take their watch, gave him a death glare - but he paid it no mind. For once, his mood was high, and the fact that he didn't have a hangover for once certainly helped. He saw Issac and Skeska conversing on the opposite side of the ship. Isaac looked... bleary, to say the least. "Wow, Isaac. You look like shit. Something happen?" He turned to Sheska, who looked quite a bit more upbeat. She seemed to have a glow about... her...

Dammit. Looks like I'm keeping Fry from leaving the engine room for the next week. "Sheska. You're looking... upbeat. How are things?" So much for his good mood.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

When Isaac spoke up next, Sheska's eyes widened in horror.

"From the looks of things, something's right.".

She suddenly glared and leaned forward, even though deep down she felt a surge of pleasure at his approval. The fact he knew, however, was problematic. "You tell no one, you hear me? Keep it to yourself!', she hissed, keeping her voice low.

Then she heard Jason.

"Good morning, you listless sods!".

She leaned back and did her best to look like she normally did: Irritable and ready to bark out an insult or order at a moments notice. Thankfully, it wasn't hard.

"Wow, Isaac. You look like shit. Something happen? Sheska. You're looking... upbeat. How are things?".

"How in the blue hell am I looking upbeat? I'm missing an arm, I'm in pain, my stitches itch, and I had a bloody nightmare.", she said, reaching up and rubbing her temple.

Of course, all of that was true. But, it didn't include the fact that she had been seduced by a drunken Captain Beth, resulting in a spectacular night that far surpassed any of her recurring wet dreams concerning her. And, for some reason, just about everyone could tell that just that happened.

How the hell was she that obvious?