"I'm on the eight-to-midnight," Rick replied. "It's after eight now, so I'll stand by. Chahda relieves me at twelve, you come on at four, and Scotty finishes the night."
They had arranged the anchor watches that way because a single guard would be enough while at anchor, and it would allow each of them a good night's sleep.
Zircon and Chahda retired at once, but Scotty lingered. The two sat on the afterdeck and watched the stars for a few moments.
"How are we doing?" Scotty asked quietly.
Rick knew what he meant. "I'm scared," he said. "It's a big ocean, and we could miss easily. Also, I'm thinking about what Chahda said. Even if we find Shan, we won't get Tony and Shannon back without a fight. There must be hundreds of pirates, if the fleets we've seen are a sample." He was sure that the northern attack had been made by a different group than the one that attacked earlier in the day.
"Do you think they're still alive?" Scotty asked.
"We have to assume they are. What else can we do?"
"Nothing," Scotty replied sensibly. "Except say our prayers faithfully."
"Amen," Rick said. "Go on to bed. You must be tired."
"I am. See you in the morning."