Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Why haven’t you killed Hook, yet? How long have the two of you been fighting, anyway?”</span> you asked.
Peter sighed. <span class="mu-g">“Because things tend not to die in Neverland. If you’re a resident, then you’re as much a part of the island as the earth beneath your feet. But if you’re a visitor, well…”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“You don’t get the same benefits.”</span> Prowler concluded.
Peter Pan nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“Either way, we should probably figure out a way to get Grover to step down.”</span> you added. <span class="mu-r">“And so, I nominate Black Cat for that honor.”</span>
Cat’s eyes went wide for a moment as she looked at you. <span class="mu-b">“Why me?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Well, you’re our logistics expert. I was hoping that you could go up there and start poking holes into his plans and show him how unprepared he is.”</span> you declared.
Felicia glanced between you and Grover, sighed and broke away from the group. She strode over to the ship with that same sultry sway of her hips that drew you in when you first met. And you weren’t the only one looking, either. Grover seemed to notice as well.
<span class="mu-b">“Hey, tiger. I hear you’re getting ready to set sail, soon.”</span> Cat said in a conversational manner, as she allowed her claws to gently drag against the bark.
Grover swallowed hard, and it seemed like a physical effort for him to drag his eyes back up to meet hers. <span class="mu-g">“T-that’s right! The Verdant Voyager should be sea-worthy in another hour or two!”</span> he proclaimed, pulling out a long blade of foliage that seemed to straighten and wrap around his hand as if it were an actual sword.
Cat’s smile didn’t falter, but she allowed some doubt to creep into her expression.
<span class="mu-b">“Are you sure? Has this wood been treated? There’s a good chance that it might soak up all that water and sink like a rock. And if that wasn’t an immediate problem, the bottom of the ship is too asymmetrical for it to stay afloat long.”</span> she observed.
When Grover didn’t understand, Cat went on to explain how the buoyancy of a boat was decided by the proper balance and exact geometry that went into their construction. Grover was noticeably flustered by this, but Felicia wasn’t letting up anytime soon.
<span class="mu-b">“Also, that sail is a serious fire hazard. You do know that pirates employ archers, right?”</span> she asked. <span class="mu-b">“All it would take is one flaming arrow to set it ablaze, along with the rest of your ship.”</span>
Grover rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he pondered the implications of this obvious design flaw.
<span class="mu-g">“So you’re saying that I should…weave cactus fibers into the sail and use damp wood instead of dry wood?”</span> he said.
(Cont.)
