Whelp, Darleen boards the Time Bandit and meets Neal and Andy. Andy is coddled and amused. Johnathan and Sioux battle until Sioux finally breaks. Luv ya for your R&R's! Ya'll just rock and keep me writing these buck-crazy fools. Plenty more surprises to com! Keep my e-mail box singing! =:-D

Sioux and the Girls

Having hatched their defense strategy to retain more than a modicum of freedom, it was decided Lita would back up Dawne on the Northwestern, as she would be dealing with not just a legendary grumpy Deckboss, but a world-class crusty Captain as well. Sioux would introduce Darleen to the Time Bandit Captains and crew, and find out if she knew if Dick was up to anything.

When Sioux rolled up in the rented truck to the boats, Dawne, Lita and Darleen gaped for different reasons. All had seen the boats on T.V. but the reality of the actual sight left them slack jawed. Dawne had been on the Northwestern but had never seen the Time Bandit. Lita and Darleen hadn't seen either. Dawne loved the contrast between the Northwestern's blue and white elegance with the Time Bandit's shiny black, badass pirate vibe.

Lita just stood on the dock for a moment and took the two boats in. 'Maldita sea!' (Damn!) she thought as she took in the tons of steel that comprised the 'work place' of their men. Although Dutch Harbor had freaked her out, the sight of the boats excited and lifted her spirit. She couldn't wait to board and explore Andy's 'issue' that drew her in at first sight.

Darleen wanted to fall to her knees and weep tears of joy. But didn't as she took in the Northwestern and Time Bandit. Ma! I'm here! She thought as she took in the boats. Look Ma! They're soooo beautiful! She bounced. I'm here! An you're with me! We're going crab fishin' Ma!

Sioux was greeted with hoots and hollers from the hungry Time Bandit crew.

'What ya makin' for lunch baby?' Neal asked raising up from tinkering with the hydraulics wondering who the little chick with Sioux was.

'Gonna be a surprise, as it depends on what you got on board.' Sioux grinned.

Neal grinned back checking out Darleen. 'Everything thing you need for your killer pasta Bolognese, hot stuff.'

Sioux winked. 'On it then. Lunch in less than an hour! I'll introduce my new friend at lunch.'

Darleen was in heaven following behind Sioux, her mouth open, turning in circles, taking in the beehive that was the Time Bandit crew reading the boat. Sioux grabbed her by the arm just before she stepped into a tank hatch.

'Careful! Pay attention when you're on deck, it's a mine field!

Darleen sobered up quick and was grateful for Sioux's reminder because she knew if she did fall in a hatch she would owe each crew member a case of beer. As they made their way to the gallery, she shyly offered.

'I can do the pasta Bolognese for you Sioux. I make it all the time.'

Sioux gave her an appraising look and thought she really needed to talk to Johnathan and Andy.

'Really? Then you GO gurl, you're on! Make sure you make enough for seven starving, hard working, grown men and the rest of us.'

She pulled the ingredients from the fridge and pantry, showed Darleen where the pots and knives were stowed, and watched her expertly begin the meal. Satisfied Darleen had lunch under control, she made her way to the wheelhouse.

Sioux

Sioux took a deep breath, smoothed her hair and bounded up to wheel house like she didn't have a care in the world. She ignored Johnathan glowering in the co-captain chair and headed straight to Andy and kissed him on the head and stood beside the Captain chair massaging his shoulders. 'How you feeling sweetie?'

'Fair to middlin' Sioux. How's your day so far.' He grinned.

Still ignoring Johnathan, Sioux answered breezily. 'It's been great. Went to Nettie's got some yarn. Gonna make the crew gloves. Then guess who we ran into?'

She finally half turned and included Johnathan who was glaring. 'Our Observer!'

'What!' Johnathan jumped up. 'Who is he!'

'Not a he.' Sioux whispered in Andy's ear.

'Sioux! Quit playin'! You're already on my last nerve! Johnathan shouted.

'Shhhh.' Sioux shushed. 'I told her you weren't always mean and shouting, after you scared her half to death at Nettie's.'

'Her? Nettie's? What the fuck are you. . . You mean that little chick who was with DAwne and Lita? She's the Observer?' He was stunned.

Andy moaned in contentment. He was not only enjoying the massage he was getting, but watching Sioux mess with Johnathan was the best show in town. Sioux turned her attention back to Andy.

'Andy, she's so sweet. Poor thing has to finish her traineeship here with Dick. Who I caught bullying her this morning.'

And shot Johnathan narrow look. 'Which I took care of.'

Her eyes she dared him to protest. She saw him take a breath to do just that and quickly continued.

'Her name is Darleen we've already taken her under our wing. Andy, go down and introduce yourself. She's already encountered 'Captain Crazy Train'.

Johnathan came over, loomed over her and growled. 'And where is this Darleen now?'

Sioux patted Andy on the shoulders and squeezed past Johnathan. 'Downstairs. Making lunch. See ya.'

Before she could escape Johnathan was behind her, manhandling her into their stateroom, slamming the door behind them. Andy threw his head back and laughed like a loon.

Johnathan and Sioux

She slapped his hands off her and turned, ready for battle, her green eyes fierce and hot, breasts heaving under the unbuttoned shirt man-tailored shirt she wore over a black low-cut sports bra.

'Come on!' She taunted bouncing on the balls of her feet ready to kick his big ass.

'Tell me again how you're gonna lock me up on the boat.'

He closed his eyes and washed both hands over his face. Johnathan couldn't figure out if he wanted to shake the fool out of her or fuck her. She was sooo hot when she was mad.

'Maybe I was a little hasty.'

'Ya think?' She replied sarcastically. Then screamed at him.

'Now you listen to ME! I got Dick! And I don't need you going all smothering crazy! I took him down once and I'll do it again if he steps a centimeter out of line. With anybody! Got it! Me! He's mine! I take him down!'

She was so heated she was shaking as she paced in the tight confines of the stateroom. Each time she saw Dick, she just wanted to beat his ass like she now could. Punch his stupid face, break his legs, take her knife and. . .

'Sioooux, calm down.' Johnathan spoke low and slow. He didn't like the wild murderous look in her eyes, that he knew was not directed at him per say. Thank God.

Sioux had finally stopped pacing, and stood still, breathing hard as she struggled to release the pent-up rage that had been simmering since she saw Dick manifest like a nightmare of a ghost out of the past.

He slowly reached out and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.

'Calm down baby. I'm sorry I made you so mad. I was just so scared after Andy told me all the stuff about Dick, I didn't want you anywhere near him.'

Johnathan cautiously gathered her into his arms and stroked her hair. 'Forgive me? Please? I love you baby.' He whispered in her ear as he held her close, her stiff, tense body slowly softening in his arms.

'No, it's not you, it's me. I'm sorry. Such a bitch.' She mumbled into his neck.

He lifted her chin, his deep, dark brown eyes soft and loving. 'What's wrong baby? Tell me.'

His eyes broke her. Mortified she burst into the hot tears she couldn't hold back.

Andy & Darleen

Delicious smells were starting to waft up from the galley and laughter, Andy' mind and stomach were curious. When he got to the bottom of the stairs Neil and Darleen were cooking up a storm and giggling like they'd known one another and cooked together for years. Neil was chopping salad mixings and recounting one of his best beloved bar fight tales.

'So then the cocksucker says 'Well wadda ya gonna do about it.' So I take a chair and smash over the big rat-bastard's head, then. . .'

A petite blond in a knit cap and sweater next to him was deftly stirring a big pot of something that smelled amazing. She wasn't conventionally pretty, but her big smile, sparkling eyes, and porcelain skin flushed as her infectious high-pitched laughter rolled, lit her with a beauty all of her own. Her big hazel were wide and swimming with tears of laughter. She'd never been around anyone who cussed like Neal and found him hysterical.

'Rat-bastard? That's a new one.'

Neal snorted. 'Darlin', before this trip is over, I'll have you cussin' like a real sailor.'

'There will be no corrupting of young ladies on this boat. Captain's orders.'

Andy smiled as he entered, cuffed Neal upside the head, and added himself to the cramped galley space. He stood behind Darleen, his hands on her slim shoulders, peering into the pot she was stirring.

'What cha makin' Darleen?'

Darleen's breath caught. Andy Hillstrand! He took the spoon from her hand, dug in, blew on it leaned against the counter tasted and gave Darleen a grin.

'Damn! That's good! What is it?'

'C-c-classic Ragu Bolognese sauce. ' Darleen stuttered. Oh my God she thought. T.V. had never captured his eyes properly. They were so crystal blue and striking she was dazed. Andy handed the spoon back and shot her one of his killer grins.

'Welcome aboard the Time Bandit Darleen. Hope you'll have a good trip. I won't be going out, but I can guarantee you'll have the full cooperation of my brother and crew. If you need anything this week, let me know.'

Darleen finally managed to speak without stuttering. 'Thank you Captain Andy, sir. It's an honor to be on the Time Bandit, I'm sure I'll be fine.'

Andy pushed off the counter and gave her a wink . 'Now I gotta go see if my brother and the little woman have murdered one another. See you around Darleen.'

Neal grinned. 'Well, that's two Hillstrands down, two more to go!'

Darleen gave Neal a hesitant look. 'Neal, can I ask you something?'

'Sure Darlin'.'

'Do Sioux and Captain Johnathan fight a lot?'

Neal chuckled. 'Gurl, with those two, it's fightin' or fuckin'! Welcome their crazy!

Darleen's blush rose to from her chin to her hairline.