She strode across the deck as if she didn’t feel him walking behind her, as if his laughing eyes weren’t boring into her. She strode as if she weren’t fleeing, which she was, without a doubt doing. She’d give Jax the promised ointment and then send him on his way and not emerge again until she needed to. 

“Toss the garbage over the side.” She said as she passed a knot of crewmen, men who admired but did not necessarily like Cooper. The sort that pointed wherever the wind blew them. The body needed to go and she thought it best they feel the consequences of mutiny in a tangible way. They would not balk, but they would learn. She was a big believer in such lessons, they saved her much trouble in the long run. They saluted and she was certain she detected no insolence in it and nodded back as she passed by. 

Only then Jax was alongside her, whispering, his laughing voice making her turn her head and narrow her eyes at him. Her smooth brow furrowed a little, waiting for a jest, a quip, something aimed at her that would sting. But it didn’t come. His words were confusing, inexplicable and her brow furrowed even further as she tried to figure out his angle. There had to be one, she was certain of it. She just couldn’t see it and was far too riled up to think, let alone puzzle out this unsettling man. 

“Invitation?” she mused. “Commander?”

She shook her head and before she really knew that she was even speaking, words came out, “I do not go to such things but I am certain you will look lovely on the Captain’s arm, you should ask him.” 

She froze, shock cracking her mask of ice. Had she… Had she just quipped? 

She had.

What was wrong with her? 

Shaking her head she stepped past Jax into the cool, dark of the cabin where hopefully the dimness would hide the scarlet flame on her cheeks. Furthermore she opened her cabinet of medicines and with shaking fingers began to sort through her bottles. 

“Undo your shirt.” She commanded in a tight voice that declared her distress.