Tessa Venn did not expect Captain Durna Ironwake to remember her.
The dwarf looked over the Five Knots and pointed at each of them in turn.
"Pilot, rigging, engine, navigation, and repair."
Tessa nodded. "We won the first Skyyard qualifier."
"That was not praise. It means you arrived with habits. Small racing craft forgive habits that kill people on real ships." Durna faced the open deck. "The Stonewing does not care whether you can fly quickly. It cares whether you can reach the ground with everyone still breathing."
Orin Moss leaned toward Tessa. "She likes us."
Durna's eyes moved to him.
"I have excellent hearing."
Orin straightened. "Yes, Captain."
The dock clamps released.
Five Knots had studied every public Level Three attempt that they could get their hands on.
