A/N: Sorry I never updated this. But let's give it another go. This. Is Tugs.

Itlaics= Captain Star's narration.

Chapter 1: Sunshine Part 1

Ah, the roaring 20's. A time when business was booming and a fortune could be made overnight. And no place was this more true than at sea. During these years, Big City Port was the busiest harbor in the world. I should know, I've lived there my whole life.

I'm Captain Starr, and in my glory days I ran the tugging company in the port: The Star Fleet. Everyone knew us, and everyone could trust us. Well, most everyone, but I'm getting ahead of myself. My fleet consisted of six tugboats: Two harbor tugs, a switcher, an ocean going tug, a railway tug, and the only paddle driven tug left in the port. They were fine machines in their own right, but were nothing without their skippers.

I had me a crew of six during these times: Otis Johnson, or OJ, was my oldest employee. He was an old sea dog, and knew how to get the job done. Then there was Warrior, not the brightest or most graceful, but he had a big heart, and that's what counted most. Big Mac was Warrior's brother, and wasn't afraid of anything. If I needed a hard job done, those two were my go twos. And of course, I couldn't forget about little Ten Cents, the youngest of the bunch. What he lacked in experience, he made up for in enthusiasm and heart, not to mention being able to think on his feet. Then we have Top Hatt, a man who's head was often to big for his own good. If he thought a job was beneath him, he would grumble until I threatened to fire him. But deep down he knew all work was important, and tried his best like anyone else. And last but not least, I have Hercules, the only one qualified to go out on the open ocean. While he was often away from port, his presence was always felt in one way or another.

These six strived to be the best of the best, not always succeeding, but they always gave it their all. I remember when we got our first big break. It started, like most days, at 6:30 AM, at the morning work meeting.

"Good morning, Star Fleet!" Captain Star's voice boomed out of his megaphone. The six skippers mumbled in reply, still not fully awake.

"Oh, don't be like that! I've got some important news! First, I've hired a new skipper from upriver. Ten Cents, he'll be working with you, so I expect you to show him the ropes."

Ten Cents smiled. He was tired of being the new guy.

"Yes sir, Captain Star sir! What's his name?"

"Sunshine!"

"Sunshine?" Top Hatt sniffed. "I suppose he's only good for day work."

"Might brighten you up a bit, eh Top Hatt?"

Everyone had a good chuckle at that, except Top Hatt, who just sniffed indignantly.

"No respect. I get no respect."

"Maybe when you actually do something worth respecting, we'll give you some."

"Shut it, Warrior!"

"Alright, alright, settle down! Now on to more exciting news. It took a lot of hard bargaining, but I've managed to land the Ocean Liner Contract. This afternoon, we'll be bringing in The Duchess!"

Everyone cheered at that. While Ocean liners were no stranger to Big City Port, the Duchess was a rare breed indeed. She and her sisters, The Princess Alice and the S.S. Vienna, were considered the most majestic liners of their time. To be able to bring in any of them was an opportunity most could only dream of.

"Alright, settle down. OJ, you're leading. Big Mac, Warrior, you're on side push. Top Hatt, you'll bring up the rear!"

"Aye aye, Captain!"

"Best stay away, Ten Cents!" Top Hatt sneered. "Bringing in The Duchess requires skilled seamen, not a little upstart like you."

Ten Cents just rolled his eyes. He was used to this by now, though deep down he wished he could help bring her in.

"Alright everyone, usual jobs for today. And make sure you look your best! Remember, you're not just representing us, but all of Big City, so look like it!"

"Sir yes sir!"

Our biggest rivals in those days were Captain Zero and his Z-Stacks. Cunning and cutthroat, Old Zero would do anything to make a quick buck. And I have my suspicions that most of it was far from legal.

The five skippers cringed as Zero's megaphone crackled to life, his loud screechy voice penetrating their eardrums.

"Now listen to me and listen good! The Star Fleet have the Ocean liner contract, and I'm not happy!"

"We're not smiling, Captain Zero!" Zorran, the most experienced of the lot said, trying to get rid of the ringing in his ears.

"I'm glad you don't find this funny, Zorran. Now, I want that contract, and you're going to get it for me!"

"But how? Zip, the warrior of their group, chimed in. "I thought-"

"I don't care what you think! Don't forget, you're the best, the better looking, and dare I say the most devious!"

"I like that bit about being better looking!" Zack snickered.

"Erm, yes, but what's devious?"

"WHAT'S DEVIOUS IS WHAT'S NECESSARY TO MAKE AN HONEST LIVING IN THESE DAYS OF CORRUPTION AND BAD BUSINESS ETHICS! NOW STOP ASKING STUPID QUESTIONS AND GET ME THAT CONTRACT!"

"Don't worry, Captain. I'll land us that contract, or my name isn't Zorran!"

"But it is Zorran, isn't it?"

Unfortunately, Hercules would be working an important contract up the coast that morning, so I would lose my Ocean Going Tug's strength the day I needed it most. Ten Cents was sure to see him off.

"Sucks you won't be there for The Duchess. We could use all the help we can get."

"Ah, I wish I could be there too, but I'm needed elsewhere. Oh well, I'm sure you'll manage."

"Hey, you haven't seen the new guy around, have ya?"

"Afraid not, old sport. Been too busy stocking up for the trip. I'd best be off, hopefully I'll be back tonight. Oh, and Ten Cents? Do look after The Duchess, won't you?"

With that, Hercules set off, Ten Cents waving until he was out of sight. Just then, OJ came by towing a coal barge.

"Oi, Ten Cents! If you're still looking for Sunshine, I just saw him by the coal depot, told him to report to Captain Star!"

"Right. Thanks OJ!"

Ten Cents set off once more. But he didn't get very far before he crashed into another, smaller tugboat. Fortunately, no one was badly hurt, and the other skipper stepped out of the wheelhouse, looking very ashamed.

"Heh heh, sorry about that. I just got here, trying to find my way around, you know how it is."

"It's alright."

"Eh, you wouldn't happen to know where I could find a Ten Cents, would ya?"

"You're looking at him! I guess your Sunshine?"

"Sure am! Guess I ran into the right guy."

"Guess so. Come on, Captain Star wants me to take you on my morning runs. The rest of the Star Fleet is bringing in an Ocean Liner later, and if we get done early enough we can watch."

"Coming, sir!"

"Look Sunshine, its just Ten Cents. Only Captain Star is called sir, understand?"

"Eh, sure thing si- I mean, Ten Cents."