Sam has never been happier than aboard this merchant ship in the middle of the ocean. Most of the crew accepts her despite knowing about Sam's Natural abilities. They tease and scold as if she were one of their own, even letting her listen to their tales. She'd do anything to stay, but the captain has made it clear: Come the next port, her voyage is at an end.Sam's presence has cost Nat so much, but he'd do anything to have her stay. Still, Nat knows the captain made the only possible choice in these circumstances. The sailors view Sam as a good luck charm now, but as soon as something goes wrong, they could turn on her. Transforming Sam into a boy and giving her Nat's share of the profits means she'll have a decent chance on shore as long as she stays in control. Nat likes neither image of her future so struggles to come up with a better plan.