Macao I

The last stretch of the journey to Macao was the slowest.

The many islands and the presence of the merchant and military navies of a dozen nations along the heavily trafficked naval routes forced Kimberly Anne's Revenge to run submerged during the day.

Once inside Portuguese national waters it was smooth sailing. Portugal was one of the few nations in the world more or less friendly to Ron and his crew. The country had been badly hit by post war recession and the money Captain Stoppable brought in by selling plundered goods and buying necessities made Kimberly Anne's Revenge a welcome guest in all ports of the colonial empire.

Thus it was not a surprise to the crew of the submarine to be met with friendly faces and cheers as she sailed into port.

"Don't forget the 'Gift Box'" Ron called over his shoulder as he made his way ashore, smiling and waving at a small crowd of fences, black marketeers and similar enterprising fellows.

With the bulk of the loot being sold off by Lord Fiske in Shanghai the small cargo holds of the Kimberly Anne's Revenge were crammed only with the most precious commodities.

Unloading was therefore conducted with excitement and jealousy by Ron's contacts in Macao.

Although impatient to get to his hotel, Ron had to stay and handle the transactions.

"Felix, take the box to the hotel and make some arrangements for Mr. Load, will you?"

"Aye, Captain."

Felix saluted smartly and walked off to hail a few taxis. Ron noted that Felix used his walking cane. It wasn't a handy tool aboard the sub but on land it made walking on prosthetics easier for Ron's second in command.

It took Ron longer than he'd liked to sort out the deals but eventually all was settled and considerable quantities of money had changed hands.

At his arrival at the luxurious hotel the manager himself greeted Ron.

"Capitano Stoppable! We are ever so happy to have you as our guest!" The dapper, elderly gentleman held out his arms, welcoming the American renegade.

Ron smiled politely.

"Thank you, . I'm always happy to be here."

"We have your usual suite ready and all your friends have checked in of course."

"Including the new man?"

"Ah yes, the young American. He has been given an accommodation near 's room."

"You're efficient as always, Mr. Senior."

"Only the best for our most important and profitable patron." Mr. Senior laughed heartily. His deep voice made it sound more sinister than jolly.

"Well, as you can see, and probably smell, I'm far from presentable. I would very much like to go to my suite now, Mr. Senior. With your permission?" Ron hinted at walking away.

"Of course! Of course! I am sure we will have more time for conversation later on."

Ron didn't waste any time. He had his filthy naval uniform sent to the laundry and once Room Service had left he stepped into the shower without delay.

The rushing hot water concealed the faint noises of an unannounced guest entering Ron's chambers.

Hearing the sound of the shower the newcomer smiled softly and undressed until she was completely naked.

The covering noise from he shower had stopped but this didn't deter the woman.

By now Ron had stepped out of the shower and stood by the basin, shaving off the beard he'd acquired during the months at sea.

On naked feet the woman moved without a sound over the thick carpet. She slipped into the bathroom just as Ron covered his face with a towel and wiped the last remains of shaving soap off his face.

Her hand closed around the handle of the razor. She stepped up behind Ron and held the razor against his throat and spoke softly into his ear.

"Stoppable-san, you really should be more alert to your surroundings. What if I slit your throat where you stand?"

Ron froze for a moment. As he looked into the mirror his eyes met those of the woman behind him in the reflection.

"If I must have my throat slit I would rather have you do it than anyone else, Yori."

The razor fell into the basin with a clatter as Yori dropped it to embrace the blonde man from behind in a strong hug, her athletic body pressed against his.

"I have missed you so much, Ron!"

Turning around, still in her embrace, Ron wrapped his arms around his mistress and their lips met in a passionate kiss.

Quite some time later they lay side by side on the large bed, the sweat cooling on their naked bodies.

Yori rested her head on Ron's shoulder. She traced patterns on his chest as her finger played with the blonde hair.

"Are you happy, Ron?"

"I'm never unhappy with you, Yori."

The young Japanese woman looked up.

"But you are not truly happy."

He sighed.

"Why do you ask me these things? I can't answer your questions without hurting you."

"I ask because I want you to be happy. I ask because...because." She took a deep breath. "Because I love you, Ron. That's why. And I want you to love me."

"I do love you, Yori."

"But you do not love you they way I would want you to." It was a statement, not a question.

Ron was silent for a long time before he spoke again.

"No, Yori, I can't love you the way you deserve to be loved."

He turned his brown eyes away, embarrassed at having to say such hurtful things to the woman he cared for but could not love with all his heart.

Yori cupped his chin in her hand and made him face her.

"Don't be sad, Ron." Her smile was melancholy but warm. "Remember, you said you were never unhappy with me. Your American-style sense of individuality is misleading you. It is not your destiny to love me like I want just as it is not my destiny to be loved like I need."

She kissed him. The tip of her tongue played with his.

After the kiss Yori's dark eyes looked into Ron's.

"But maybe it is enough for both of us to have each other any way we can? Perhaps it is our destiny?"

Her smile held no longer was sad and somehow Ron felt his own spirits lifted was well.

They kissed again.

They embraced again.

She opened herself to him and once again they lost themselves in each other.