That day went by faster than I'd imagined. Although I wanted to chase the SHA when I saw my friends on their ship, I couldn't. There was no way to sail without my crew... What? I was crazy, but not that much! I paced nonstop as the sky was dark. Francis and the kids played on a corner of the main deck while I waited for my crew to return. Besides losing friends, I'd lost two of my most essential crewmembers... How would I sail without a boatswain and a quartermaster? Luckily, Nuria had found Giacomo and Joaquim. They were on their respective ships, also awaiting their people's return. My hands were so sweaty that I could barely think. Since Wright had lied to me about our meeting, I had no idea what to do. Even a drunk dolphin was more intelligent than me at that moment... Don't look at me like that! Maybe there was alcohol somewhere in the ocean.

Miguel gently touched my shoulder, "Everything will be fine."

"Really?" I scowled. "I didn't know you were a fortune teller!"

Gálvez raised his brows. Francis tilted his head to the side, seemingly startled. Luckily, the kids kept playing, apparently unaffected. I squeezed my eyes shut while touching my forehead... The last thing I needed was to hurt one of the people I liked the most.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he glanced at the ground. "We can talk later."

Why was I so rude? Damn it!

I gulped as the Spaniard slowly pulled his hand away... I didn't want that! His warm touch was everything I needed that night... Don't even start! We were just close friends. If you join forces with my nosy family, I'm doomed.

"Wait! I'm sorry," I held him by the arm. "You never upset me. I'm just nervous about what happened."

"I understand," Gálvez looked at the horizon briefly. "Do you know where the SHA could've taken them?"

"Some island in the Caribbean," I forced a smile. "Is that helpful?"

Miguel laughed softly. I wondered why I trusted Admiral Wright... Shouldn't I have predicted his attitude? What was I thinking? Gazing at the ocean, I tried to forget my mistake. Gálvez's smile suddenly faded and his eyes bulged.

I raised a brow, "What's wrong, Miguel? Did the kids find our sugar bags and ate everything again?"

He took a step back. I almost laughed when I turned... Guess what was on my main deck? A brown rat! As if I didn't need any more problems... Although I hated rats, Miguel acted as if a monster was before him.

I cocked my head to the side, "Are you scared?"

"Me? Scared? Jamás..." the Spaniard rubbed his neck. "It's just a rat. Un animal inofensivo."

"You use more Spanish words when you're nervous," I crossed my arms. "Why don't you kill it then?"

Miguel shook his head in denial, "I'm not approaching that criatura del infierno. Rats bite and are disgusting."

"Come on!" I chuckled and walked closer to the rodent. "There's no reason to fear that little..."

The rat squeaked and approached me. I screamed loudly. Like a desperate child, I ran and leaped at Miguel. He caught me in his arms and took a step back, taking me away from the rat. I wrapped my hands around his neck, which gave me hot jitters. Our mouths were half-open as we stared into each other's eyes. My heart pounded and I panted... I couldn't tell if the cause was the rat or something else.

My navigator grabbed his blunderbuss, "Would you like me to kill the rat, Captain Storm?"

Once I nodded, Ashton eliminated the rodent. The shots made me hold Miguel even tighter. My eyes widened... Why hadn't I let him go yet? Shaking my head, I went back to the ground. My entire crew had returned... Yes, I deserved to be crowned queen of embarrassment! I couldn't believe I'd freaked out in front of everyone.

I turned to Miguel, "You're right. Rats are dreadful. Happy?"

He smiled provocatively, "I'll be if you give me some gold coins."

"I like the way you think," I grinned mischievously. "I'm taking your request into consideration."

Clearing my throat, I realized I wouldn't stop smiling. What was wrong with me? I'm sure it was the rum... It had to be! My stern expression returned as more crewmembers arrived and I recalled my friends' situation. Once the watchstander rang the bell, everybody came to the main deck.

"The SHA captured our quartermaster and boatswain," I gulped as people murmured. "Before I pick a temporary boatswain, everyone must vote for a provisional quartermaster."

A man crossed his arms, "Can't you take all roles?"

I raised my brows, "If I were an octopus, I could do it. As you can see, that's not the case."

Many crewmembers laughed loudly. Miguel chuckled, seemingly proud. I flinched once countless shots hit my ship's hull. Before I said anything, Gálvez talked to a female crewmember and she ran downstairs with the kids. The noise returned as more men approached Ocean Storm from land... What type of idiot started a battle at the port? Only the stupid SHA! Francis barked loudly while running to me.

I turned to a man on my left, "Maartje would normally do that, but I need you to undock us! Take more people to cover for you!"

The guy undocked the vessel without getting shot. The SHA kept attacking us. With my blunderbuss, I returned the shots. Miguel did the same. I gulped while looking through my spyglass... Although we'd sailed, our enemies boarded a galleon and followed us. Giacomo and Joaquim's ships left as well, but they were far behind. Unfortunately, I'd have to face the enemies alone. Once Ocean Storm was beside the hostile galleon, a cannonball struck it, making it sway.

I walked to the forecastle deck, "Jacques, go to the gun deck and ask all gunners on starboard to fire!"

Gálvez and the other gunners followed Jacques. Panting, I ran to the cargo hold... Guess what? I had to climb the shrouds and change a torn fore-coursesail! If my cousin was there, I wouldn't have wasted time with that. I couldn't feel my legs when I returned to the main deck.

I have three jobs! Will I become Captain Octopus?

I shot more men with a swivel cannon as my ship rolled... I'd used that weapon so much that my fingers hurt. Could the SHA ever run out of cannonballs? I didn't think so! I swallowed hard once the galleon approached.

I ran to the quarterdeck, "Ashton, steer port! They can't get any closer!"

My only consolation was that ship didn't carry my friends, so I wouldn't hurt them by accident. I narrowed my eyes at the mainmast as the fore-topsail caught fire.

Are you kidding me?

My neck wouldn't stop sweating, "Kenneth, put out the fire and replace that sail before it turns to dust!"

Yeah, I couldn't do everything at the same time. Ocean Storm rocked again as two other cannonballs hit a lower deck. I took a deep breath, trying to forget my daughters could be in there... I'd never forgive myself if something happened to them. Francis whined and I caressed his head.

I shook my head in denial, "You can't bite them from this distance, Francis."

My dog barked, seemingly upset. I squinted while looking through my spyglass... Damn it! Why was it so difficult to see enemies at night? The moonlight wasn't strong enough. I swallowed hard as SHA men prepared their grappling hooks to pull Ocean Storm closer... No, I couldn't let those morons board my ship!

I climbed the shrouds and rang the bell, "I need thirty more people to fire swivel cannons and ten more at the gun deck! Now!"

Another cannonball struck my galleon on starboard, making me grimace... If I didn't need to do my cousin's job, perhaps that wouldn't have happened! Some tears ran down my cheeks as I thought of her... Was I a failure for letting her and Laurens be kidnapped? Maybe Dirk was right and my vessel deserved a better captain.

You can do this, Eva! 

Taking a deep breath, I fired the swivel cannons like a crazy lady. My chest felt lighter as I successfully shot ten more enemies. However, the other vessel kept sending cannonballs to us. When I thought the enemy ship would sink us, my gunners achieved a miracle... They shot the vessel's hull so fiercely that it caught fire. My crew cheered.

I returned to the quarterdeck, "Ashton, take us port again!"

My navigator steered the helm, "Yes, Captain Storm!"

I sighed in relief as Ashton took Ocean Storm to safety. My heartbeat stabilized while the enemy vessel slowly sank behind us. Despite some difficulties, I couldn't believe I beat my opponent without a boatswain and a quartermaster. I smiled as all gunners returned to the main deck.

"Well done, my wonderful crew!" I grinned widely and lifted my broadsword towards the night sky. "The SHA will soon be extinguished from our sea!"

At least I hope so...

My crewmembers celebrated. They wouldn't stop shouting my name, making me feel less incompetent. Even though I couldn't rescue my friends before it was too late, I didn't let my ship sink. Miguel smiled, making me chuckle. I cleared my throat, hoping I didn't blush... Don't judge me! My stupid cheeks got red easily.

"I commanded a ship without two important crewmembers, but I can't do this forever. Time for a vote!" I walked to the center of the main deck. "Who would you like as your temporary quartermaster?"

Since my crew would choose a new quartermaster, perhaps I'd forget Miguel a little... Yes, I tried to deny it, but the weirdest feelings showed up when we were together. If he was elected, those sensations could get stronger and I was doomed.

A crewmember stepped forward, "Kenneth Smith for quartermaster."

I nodded. Great! My plan was working... I felt no attraction whatsoever for Kenneth, so the damn sensations would disappear! If I interacted with a different guy more frequently, they'd vanish soon... Those feelings hadn't gone away since before Dirk and I got together, but I was hopeful.

"I like Kenneth, but he has no leadership experience," Ashton scowled. "Gálvez is the only one who can do this."

Miguel turned to my navigator, "I'm definitely not the only choice. Besides, it's been years since I captained Diablo Rojo."

"Don't be modest!" Jacques gave Gálvez a pat on the back. "You're my best gunner and everyone knows about your great accomplishments as El Dorado."

The crewmembers murmured. Some people rubbed their chins while gazing at Miguel. I breathed faster, hoping someone would suggest another person... Could I recommend another crewmember? Definitely! However, I wouldn't put Gálvez down in front of everyone for purely selfish reasons. Also, I knew he was the best man for the job. I had to put my crew first.

"We'll be even richer if El Dorado joins forces with our captain," a woman gazed at the Spaniard. "Miguel Gálvez for quartermaster."

A man nodded, "Dixon was good, but we should've replaced him with Gálvez earlier. I'm for Gálvez as quartermaster!"

Holy rum...

I swallowed hard as my crewmembers kept voting for Miguel. Breathing faster, I couldn't understand how he was chosen by every crewmember... Yes, Kenneth changed his vote later! Gálvez gazed at me, then back at the crew, seemingly surprised. More people knew about his past as one of the best captains ever than I'd thought.

"It's been decided," I walked closer to Gálvez. "Miguel Gálvez is our new quartermaster."

"Thank you for choosing me. I promise to plunder a lot of gold with Captain Storm while Laurens isn't here," Miguel looked at the crewmembers. "We shall make him and Maartje proud when they return! Are you with me?"

My crew shouted "Aye!" and celebrated... If my people missed Laurens, they didn't show it. My people wouldn't stop saying "Gálvez!" repeatedly.

"I'm glad everyone's happy," I pointed at a man on Kenneth's left. "You shall be my new boatswain."

The guy smiled and nodded. Luckily, the crowd dispersed soon and everybody returned to their duties. At least they didn't get as excited when I chose the temporary boatswain... I'd feel bad for Maartje.

"Congratulations, Quartermaster Gálvez," I smiled sweetly. "I'll be right back."

Miguel raised a brow as I ran to my quarters. I quickly returned with his dark green coat and brown cocked hat. He chuckled while grabbing them.

"You told me to throw these away, but I couldn't," I chuckled. "They're a little dirty."

"You took good care of my captain outfit," Miguel put the coat and hat on. "How do I look?"

So handsome that I'm trying not to gawk... Stop, Eva!

No, I wouldn't say that out loud. He'd get too cocky. Besides, we were friends, so that'd be a little strange. I had to tell him the partial truth. My eyes bulged and I was unable to stop looking at Gálvez.

"Not so bad," I nodded and smiled. "Old clothes really fit you."

"Gracias. I'll try to be as great as Laurens," Miguel leaned on the port side of our ship. "We'll see him and Maartje again. I'm sure of it."

"I hope you're right," I smiled mischievously while getting closer. "In the meantime, let's fulfill that promise about plundering a lot of gold."

Gálvez laughed softly, "I'm looking forward to it."

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. My heart was beating faster and I felt my chest getting warmer... What the hell was that? I knew I'd feel the weird things more often if Miguel became quartermaster! Damn it... The last thing I needed was new problems. However, I also felt happy. Gálvez was great company and never disappointed me. Despite being upset with my friends' disappearance, I was excited to see how the future would be with Miguel as my quartermaster. Besides, there was no reason to worry about my feelings. I just had to suppress them like I'd always done. Everything would be alright.

****

Author's note: Hey! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone is well. Please vote and comment if you enjoyed this chapter and follow the "Battles and Secrets" playlist on Spotify. Will Mrs. Campbell harm Maartje and Laurens? Is Eva going to successfully suppress her feelings for Miguel? Keep reading and you'll find out... :-)

I dedicate this chapter to my awesome friend Invisibleky3

Foreign words/expressions in order of appearance:

1. Jamás means "never" in Spanish

2. Un animal inofensivo means "a harmless animal" in Spanish

3. Criatura del infierno means "creature from hell" in Spanish