After that song, a tawny man comes from behind Elisia and hisses "Wonderful song. Don't you have work?". He is Tam Drohwat, a mean man with sword skills and a belligerent disposition.
As the recruits scatter to their duties, Elegant Interlude lurches foward, leaving the Gnol drydock. Within the span of two minutes, EI has left Gnol's atmosphere and headed for stars beyond.
Caelano has been assigned to moving sails, and to take over the helm when Arani gets tired.
Rhamyr, Westenberger, Tam, and Elisia have been assigned to sail manuevers, along with crewmembers , Valben Lawler, a male human from a world of water, and Pilya Braun, a female human from the same world as Valben.
After a day of sailing, a large explosion is seen in space, maybe a mile aft of EI, and the shockwave is felt a scant six seconds later.
Westenberger the Jovial curses, and dashes off toward the helm. Tam sneers and begins moving sails for an about-turn, in spite lack of any order from the captain. Pilya and Valben attempt to stop him, but he just ignores them.