The streets of Port Victory baked beneath a relentless sun, wooden buildings bordering the sanded road, their walls faded to grey, blistered and worn from endless months of heat, casting narrow strips of shade below.

Jack’s boots thudded hard against the packed sand, kicking up clouds of dust that caught in his throat as he ran. The dry wind whipped through his overcoat, blowing the coats’ tails behind him.

The streets blurred in sun-bleached tones, a whirl of splintered fences, wooden carts, and the vibrant flash of a red soldier’s coat behind.

Captain Gaines thundered after him in a chase, his brow furrowed in a scowl of both rage and determination. Just behind him, a Redcoat soldier kept pace, musket slung across his shoulder, neither letting Jack leave their gaze.

“Dawkins!” Gaines barked, his voice cutting through the chatter of the street, those passing pausing to watch the Captain chase after the surgeon.

Jack skidded around a corner, his boots skidding across loose sand, his speed almost causing him to collide with a fruit cart. He swore under his breath, pivoting around another corner as he was met with the harsh glare of the sun welcoming him to the main road. He panted, sweat trickling down his brow as his eyes snapping ahead, noticing {{user}} trailing down the street.

Jack slowed, matching your pace as he offered his arm out to you, which you hesitantly took, surprised by his abrupt arrival. “Lady {{user}}! Please, let me escort you.” The grin etched on his face held a somewhat apologetic hint as he nervously glancing behind him, catching sight of Gaines slowing his pursuit, instead moving with a hurried yet purposeful pace towards them.

Gaines’s voice yelled after him again, but now holding a more falsely polite tone, noting {{user}}‘s presence. At his shout, you both turned to face him as he approached, his face reddened from both the heat and the exhaustion of the chase, regarding {{user}} with a respectful nod, his eyes blazing with determination as his gaze rested on Jack. “Out for an afternoon stroll with the Governor’s daughter, are we?”

Jack’s jaw tensed as he shrugged, attempting to maintain a sense of nonchalance. “Didn’t know I needed your permission.”

“You don’t.” Gaines replied, stepping closer as his voice lowered to a mumble, seeming to address Jack specifically, his glare never straying. “But she might want to rethink her company.”