I LIVE! School and work (I'm doing a summer class) have made me busy, and I got into a bit of writer's block as I couldn't figure out what to do with the story. But alas, I wrote up a new chapter! This one was on the backburner, but was never properly finished. Anyways... enjoy!
A few days had passed since Ten Cents returned home from Lucky's Yard, and he was now able to do normal contracts again. Despite the dream involving the strange creature, he was mostly mentally stable, and hoped that life would return back to normal. The last thing he needed was more pain and trauma caused by Hades. The other Star Tugs were pleased to have him back and working regular contracts again, as they could now focus on their normal line of work as opposed to doing Ten Cents' jobs. Despite their occasional dealings with the Z Stacks, they operated like if nothing ever happened.
It was the first week of May, and OJ was towing a cargo vessel to port. It was a simple job yes, but it would help bring Captain Starr some money. While he was sailing, he noticed something out in the distance. He squinted to see what it was, but his poor vision made it hard for him to properly identify what it was. Instinctively, he blew his hooter to alert whatever it was that he was coming with a ship in tow. Hopefully the shape was simply just a pleasure boat or even a tugboat.
The shape blew its whistle in return, and it began moving forward. OJ's suspicions that it was a ship were confirmed, but he wondered if it was heading in some opposite direction. As he reached the harbor limits, he was greeted by Zug. What was he doing out here by the harbor limits? "Zug-"
"No saying 'Zug' to me gramps!" The switcher said, and his eyes showed despair. Zorran's disappearance was really getting to him now. "Zak said that Zorran got abducted by rum pirates, and now I'm wondering if you had something to do with it!"
"Rum pirates?" OJ was confused. "The rum pirates operated in Florida last I heard. I don't think Zorran would have enough coal to get down there for rum running operations. Besides-"
"Besides what?" Zug asked, sweating nervously. "It's not like I have any sort of contracts that I need to do!"
"Zug get back here!" Zebedee called, steaming up to the two tugs. "Captain Zero wanted us to do that steel contract, and your crap isn't getting us anywhere. What would Zero and Zorran think if you didn't do your work?" Zug went silent and hurried off, not looking back at Zebedee and OJ. His leader did have a point. Even if Zorran was gone, Zug was certain that Zorran would have given him a lashing. Doing things like this would have also gotten him in trouble with Zero, if not the Port Authority.
"You need to keep an eye on him Zebedee." The paddlewheel tug said in a firm voice, watching Zug disappear into the bustling harbor. "Zorran's disappearance has really affected him, and you need to show that you're there for him. You also need to make sure he doesn't get himself hurt."
"My life is hard as is Star!" Zebedee snapped, the stresses of the day finally caught up to him. However, OJ did have a point. Although Zug looked up to Zorran with fascination and awe, Zorran often verbally abused him or simply left him behind when things went awry. "I can't… simply be the father figure for this kid. He needs Zorran."
"He obsesses over Zorran despite the abuse." OJ remarked, remaining calm despite the lashing from Zebedee. "You need to show him that you are not like Zorran. He and Zip need a better role model, and you must fill in that position now."
Zebedee simply huffed and hurried off for the steel contract, wondering if Zug made it to the factory safe and sound. However, what OJ was saying was troubling him deeply. He simply couldn't both lead the fleet and keep Zug and Zip safe! It was one or the other, and it was getting on his nerves.
A few hours passed, and Zebedee was now on his way to the fueling depot. He found Zug talking to some Coast Guard vessels while they were working, but they had no news. When he arrived at the fueling depot, he spotted OJ talking to Top Hat. He hurried over to a different dock in the fueling depot, hoping to listen.
"Zug tried asking me if Zorran was abducted by rum runners, and if I had anything to do with it." OJ told Top Hat, letting out a heavy sigh. "Luckily Zebedee stepped in and stopped him, but I told him to keep an eye on the lad."
"Zug has always been problematic, but his recent behavior is inexcusable. I ran into him today and he asked if I saw any sign of Zorran." Top Hat complained, watching as fuel lines were being attached to him. "If I were in Zebedee or even Captain Zero's position, I would have him dry docked."
"Dry dock drives a ship crazy Top Hat! Do you want him to be in the same situation as Timberwolf?" The paddlewheel tug said, shooting down the suggestion. Just a few days before, Timberwolf had her court martial and was put on dry dock as punishment. The fact she was now mute made it unbearable for her, to the point she would have been driven to insanity.
"Personally yes, Zorran had been collaborating with her." Top Hat replied, still hurting over the events that led up to Ten Cents getting falsely arrested. And nearly killed. "But I suppose you do have a point. If I was put on dry-"
"Not now Top Hat." OJ chided. He looked down at the water and said in a quiet voice, "Hopefully Zebedee does something to help Zug soon. It might be just my opinion, but Zug might try to… sink himself."
Zebedee went pale, and his heart sank. Zug? Sink himself? The switcher was cowardly and often hurried off when things went wrong, but this was beyond him. Even if he was desperate to be with Zorran if worse came to worse, it was simply unacceptable. Once OJ and Top Hat left, the Z Stack broke down in tears.