Phaedra begins unraveling the rope. A voice comes from below, startling her.

Cheth (offscreen): No need for that.

Phaedra is lurched forward, ass-over-teakettle, hitting the bow of the ship off-camera with a BONK.

She recovers and looks up, insulted. The voice continues.

Cheth (offscreen): You've finally agreed to go on my little errand, after all.

Phaedra looks over the edge of the Mantaluna, down to the water. The female avatar of Cheth is floating casually just above the water, one hand on the body of the ship. Ripples go out from it on the water's surface - she has stopped the Mantaluna with a single hand. She examines the nails of her other hand as she continues.

Cheth: And mark my words, you'll have plenty of work to do soon.

She looks up, smiling with sharp teeth.

Cheth: The least I can do is help you park <3

Phaedra looks down at her, hair whipping behind her. She looks unamused, but not angry.

She turns away from her.

Phaedra (quietly): Thank you.

Cheth looks up with a start, befuddled.