The labyrinthine hulk of Khan’s Shadow rises from the zee, a creaking port of water-damp wood and salt-corroded metal, contraband and backalley dealings and song; the Longshanks Gunner stands at the prow as they steam closer, and he stands at her side, and together they watch the lights glimmer on black water. He’ll say goodbye to her there, and she’s made him promise to bring her zee-stories and pirate treasure, but one of the things the zee has taught him is that sometimes ways part and never reconverge.

“Steal a few hats for me,” he says, “for old time’s sake,” and what he means – what he doesn’t say, even when she pulls him into one last rib-crushing hug, because there’s no need to say what both of them know and have always known – is I won’t forget you.