~ Salvage What We Can ~
Solomon and his skills were well-known⊠when you talked to the right communities.  As far as salvage went he was a man who could get a job done quickly, cheaply, and professionally.  However, he was still selective about the work he took and tended to be booked out a year or two in advance (unless some sort of emergency arose.)  Tonight was something that fell into that category - even if it wasnât a typical salvage job.  No - tonight he was helping track down and observe a group of poachers and smugglers.  The Coast Guard needed as much photographic and video proof of the criminalsâ activities as they could possibly get, and heâd agreed to lend his boat for the task. Â
Solomon had been assigned to someone theyâd brought in to help them. Â He didnât know too much about the man - only that his name was Knox Caulfield and, if his watch was right, the guy should be arriving any minute now. Â The sun was just starting to set on the horizon, plenty of light to help the other man find his boat. Â It wasnât hard to miss (during the daylight) - matte black finish, a deep red wood for the floors, and a sleek design meant for silence and speed. Â Her name was written on the side in a dark grey script - Kunea. Â
Although Solomon preferred his own mode of traveling through the water, he was proud of this vessel and all the work heâd put into her. Â And he was also proud that having her made him able to help now. Â Yes, he enjoyed removing the humanâs trash from the ocean and returning it to them. Â But he believed even more in protecting those that dwelled within its waters, and being given the opportunity to act on those beliefs in a way that felt fruitful was something the adaro was actually looking forward to. Â An element of excitement buzzed through his veins as he waited for his partner to arrive. Â This was possibly the most excitement heâd had in ages!
@knoxcaulfield
Once safely below deck, Solomon showed Knox to a comfortable living area, and flipped the light on.  âKeep the covers down over the portholes,â he said, moving into the bedroom that sat off to one side.  âTheyâre sealed good and tight right now, but even a crack of light could alert others out on the water.  As he redressed, he continued talking.  âYouâre welcome to anything in the kitchen.  I know some need to⊠refuel after something like that.â
Finally redressed in another set of dark clothes, Solomon moved back out into the living area.  âOnce youâre feeling better youâre welcome to come back up⊠or you can rest and wait until Iâve got the boat back to port.â  The adaro moved back towards the door and the stairs that would take him up to the deck, then hesitated.  âI am⊠interested to hear your story, Knox⊠but you shouldnât feel obligated to tell me.  When the time comes, the choice is yours.â  Then, with an understanding smile and a brief nod, Solomon headed back up to man the camera and make certain they still managed to get what they came for tonight
Knox nodded slightly before slumping a bit against the wall. âThank you so muchâ he replied. âI just need to sit down for a bit.â he replied. He had never attempted what he did to lift out of the water. This feeling was more than tired, it was a more drained feeling. But coming down here and resting, it was helping. âI just need a few minutes.â he replied âI will, thank youâ Knox made a mental note to wash and return whatever clothes he borrowed tonight. This man, he was going out of his way, above and beyond the scope of their objective tonight. Perhaps he could trust him with a version of his truth. âAs am I. And I am the same. You donât have to tell me more than you wish to.â
When he was left alone, he slowly pulled his pants and shirt off. He was going to hear about this when he got home tonight. Sighing, he found a shirt and some pants that relatively fit. Finally sitting on the bed, he slumped, rubbing the back of his neck, tracing the lines of his tattoo, the minuscule glyphs patterned into the feather design. âWhat a nightâ he muttered to no one. Helping himself to a bottle of water and a granola bar, he made his way back up to where the other man was. âThank youâ he whispered.


















