Contract: Kill Safia

Walkthrough
Safia is the pirate captain of the ship Red Wave, which is typically moored at the docks north of Solitude. Upon receiving this quest, Nazir states that this mission will be the conclusion of the Dragonborn's time serving under him and that all future contracts will now be distributed by the Night Mother.

The Red Wave can be boarded by accessing a gangway on the port side of the ship. At night, there appears to be nobody on the top deck. The Red Wave isn't always in Skyrim, but can be traveling around the whole of the Empire. If not in Skyrim, the ship may not dock in its usual place near Solitude again for a matter of days at times.

The sailors and soldiers aboard the ship are not initially hostile to any trespassers, rather they are merely upset for the invasion of privacy. Accordingly, it is possible to sneak past the multitude of people along the path to the inner belly of the vessel. It is common for the captain Safia to pace the lower decks with one of her underlings, however, she habitually sits in isolated places where she can be stealthily eliminated. She carries a fair amount of gold, enchanted rings, scaled armor, and an enchanted weapon on her person.

Alternatively to privately killing her, one can brawl with Safia by initiating dialogue and selecting the first option available. This choice will not cause her minions to engage in combat whereas the former option will cause them to become hostile if a witness is present while she is being killed. Dorian and Sabine Nytte are impossible to kill, as they both are required for quests.

It is important to note that the ship holds a fair amount of wealth in both valuables and other items so it is best to thoroughly clean it out, and afterwards, return to the Dawnstar Sanctuary and receive your contract payment from Nazir.

Bugs
Sometimes upon entering the ship the crew and soldiers will attack the Dragonborn instantly.