Note: Rating is PG-13 and this chapter is why. It's just for language but I thought I'd point it out right here to be safe! I'm paranoid about offending people.

Chapter Nine

Olivia sat alone in the cabin. Her head ached and she longed for sleep. She had cleaned up as best she could, and her hands red with scrubbing, but she still felt as if they were caked in blood. It didn't help that her clothes were completely disgusting and she could not remember her last bath. She was curious as to why the Captain had called her to the cabin and then kept her waiting. She began pacing restlessly, exhausted and resorting to vocal exercises to keep from collapsing and falling asleep right on the floor. What was going on?

Finally the door opened, that Captain entered, certainly looking quite worn, with a deep gash across his brow and an equally intimidating scowl on his face. He looked at Olivia coldly, who stopped in her tracks, facing him.

"What do you know?" He demanded, without even a polite greeting or asking how she did, as he normally would have done.

Olivia stared at him, having absolutely no clue what he was talking about. "Sir?"

"Do not play coy with me madam." He said coldly. "Sit." He said, nodding to a chair curtly.

Olivia sank into the chair, not sure if she would have the energy to rise once more. She suddenly remembered that Calamy had told her the other ship was under American colors. Oh Lord, surely he didn't think she had anything to do with it? Surely he would have more sense?

He circled her like a vulture circles its pray. He seemed to be forming his questions in his mind. She'd never seen him so furious and it put her senses on alert. His footsteps echoed in her head as he circled, and she drew herself up as tall as she could in her chair, waiting for him to speak again.

Finally he spoke again, his voice dangerously low. "That ship, the Wilmington, what do you know of it?"

"The what? I don't know anything!" She exclaimed. His voice was accusing, and it frustrated her.

"What have you told them about the Surprise?" He demanded, his voice raising.

Olivia's mouth fell open and her exhaustion and frustration were overtaken with her anger. "What? Are you saying I'm a spy?" She exclaimed. "Oh that's wonderful. Just how exactly do you think I'm sending them messages? Just giving them a call perhaps, hopping on over there while your damn ship is blowing up? Email? SMOKE SIGNALS PERHAPS??"

"I do not know the logistics of it, but I know you are somehow involved." He said, his voice also rising in anger.

"Oh that's the dumbest fucking thing I've ever heard!" She shouted back completely losing her temper. Before she was annoyed, now she was outraged. She was sitting here, her clothes caked in his crew's blood from her attempts to help them, and he had the nerve to accuse her of spying!

"Madam, control you temper." He demanded, obviously doing his best to keep from losing his own.

"Control my temper? CONTROL MY GOD DAMN TEMPER?" She exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "You're the dumbass coming up with the retarded theories!"

His face darkened, and the glare she was getting would have frightened her if she was not so outraged. "Hold your tongue Miss, or lose it." He warned.

Olivia sat, still glaring. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. "I would love to know how you came to this conclusion, sir." The 'sir' sounded sarcastic, and she was speaking through her teeth in order to not yell.

"What other conclusion would you have me reach? You have told me nothing of how you got here." He pointed out firmly. "Do you expect me to believe that an American woman just appears out of no where and just happens to be rescued by my ship, and we then just happen to be fired upon by an American?"

Olivia sighed, frustrated. "Fine, I'll admit it doesn't look good. But I told you I have no idea how I ended up out there! How many times do I have to tell you that I don't know? I have absolutely nothing to do with that ship shooting at you! Hell, you think I want to be on a ship when people are SHOOTING AT YOU??????" How dumb do you think I am?"

"And what proof do I have that you are not involved?" He demanded.

"The same amount of proof you have that I am involved!" She shot back. "Not to mention the words that are coming out of my mouth."

He continued to glare, "And what proof do I have of the value of your word?"

She rolled her eyes, "Ouch." She said sarcastically. "Just what the Hell climbed up your ass and died anyway?"

Jack stared at her, while he was angry he was also completely shocked to hear her use such coarse language from a woman, particularly a woman who demonstrated such education. Lord, the words coming out of her mouth would have made Sophie burn quite red with shame!

Olivia sighed again, regaining some control from her previous outbursts. "Look. I promise you I don't know a damn thing about "Wilmington" except that it's a port city in North Carolina on Cape Fear. Went there once, place I stayed had really good bagels, but that's ALL I know about any Wilmington! Besides, what would I have to gain from endangering your ship?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you inform me, Miss Corin?" He said quite coldly, obviously not believing her.

Olivia dropped her head into her hands. "Look. We can go around in circles all night. What do I have to do to make you believe me?"

"You cannot." Jack said simply. "Which is why I have decided to put you ashore."

"WHAT??" Olivia exclaimed, her head popping back up and her eyes wide. "Where?"

"The first inhabitable place possible." He replied quite coolly.

Olivia however, was far from calm. Her rage from earlier came back in full force. "What the fuck? So you're just dumping me on some damn island? And just what the Hell am I supposed to do?? Become a hermit and talk to a fucking volleyball like Tom Hanks???? Damn it! I will NOT become a fucking movie!!!" She ranted, jumping to her feet. "You are an unbelievable jerkass! Bastard! You God damned son of a-"

Jack had no idea who exactly this "Tom Hanks" was or what a "movie" was but he got the point that Olivia was not happy, and he most certainly did not like the names she was calling him. Had she been a man he most certainly would have hit her, but somehow he found the power to restrain himself.

"My decision stands!" He interrupted her ranting with a quite firm order. "Perhaps there you will be able to ponder how a lady should conduct herself." With that, he turned on his heels and stormed out of the cabin, needing to distance himself from the furious Miss Corin.

Olivia sank back into her chair with a frustrated sigh. Her last outburst had taken all her energy and now she just felt completely helpless. What would she do now?

Meanwhile, Tom had been positioned on the quarterdeck so he could hear the whole confrontation between Olivia and the Captain and now felt as if he were torn in two. He loved Olivia, but what if Jack was right? What if Olivia was a spy of some sort? What if she was merely pretending to have affections for him? She could sing, could she act as well? He always felt that she was holding something back from him. Before he had waved these thoughts away, believing he might be misreading her, or that her secrets were not of any real consequences, but now all his suspicions came back to him in full force.

He needed to talk with her. He wanted answers to the questions that had been plaguing him. Tom paused a moment, waiting until she had a chance to calm down a bit. He had never heard her talk so foully nor sound so outraged and it surprised him. He had not thought her capable of such strong language. He thought it best to give her a chance to rest and calm down before confronting her, although his questions had him impatiently debating how long she would need. Finally, he could not wait anymore, his patience had run out.

The marine at the door to the cabin hesitated as Pullings approached. The Captain had told him that Miss Corin was not to leave the cabin, and although it was not expressly said it seemed implied that she should receive no visitors. However, she was still technically in Pullings charge, so he supposed it was all right.

Tom entered the cabin to find Olivia lying on the bench under the windows. Her hands were covering her eyes and she was humming to herself. Obviously, she did not notice his entry, either that or she did not care he was there. Tom watched her a moment, determined not to let his blind affections get the better of him, and then cleared his throat loudly.

Olivia moved one hand and looked up with one exposed eye. "Have you spoken to the Captain?" She asked, her voice expressionless.

"No." Tom replied. "But I must admit I overheard you from the quarterdeck."

Olivia sighed, sitting up. "Okay, I know I lost my head a bit."

"A bit?" Tom exclaimed. "Olivia! You were completely out of line!"

"I know!" She replied sharply. She then sighed, resting her head in her hands. "I'm sorry Tom. I was just.... I was overwhelmed and exhausted I suppose. And he was accusing me of spying, which is obviously completely insane. And I-" She stopped short at the look on his face. "Tom? Please tell me you don't believe I'm a spy too?"

He looked at her, wanting to assure her that no part of him believed it, but he could not in good conscience do so.

She closed her eyes, the hurt his silence caused was plain on her face. "I don't believe this." She said softly. "Don't you trust me?"

"Olivia, I know that you are holding something from me. It is plain enough." He stepped closer to her, so he could better see her face to read her expression. "How can I completely trust you if you do not tell me whole truths?"

She stared at him a moment, as if coming to a great decision. "If I tell you... you won't believe me." She said slowly, rising to her feet and staring out the window.

He slowly approached her, wanting to embrace her and assure her, but willed himself to hold back. Instead, he merely came to stand beside her, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. "Whatever makes you believe that?"

A faint smile played at her lips, "Because I'm having a hard time believing it myself." She said.

He stared at her in silence for a moment, waiting for her to speak again. Then, when she was obviously not going to go any further. He chose to push the issue. "Olivia, you must tell me. How can I possibly defend you if I do not know what you are hiding?"

Olivia gave him a sharp look. "If I tell you, you must promise me you will not tell anyone else." She said. "That includes the Captain."

Tom shook his head. "I cannot give you that promise."

"Then I can't tell you." She turned to face him with a sigh. "Tom, I have my reasons. Please. I promise it is nothing that will hurt the Surprise. Lord Tom, I would never want to do that!"

"Olivia, you are asking me to deceive the man I have served under since boyhood, whom I trust with my very life. I owe it to Captain Aubrey to tell him the truth." He said firmly. "And I will not lie to him. But I do need to know what you are hiding. For the safety of this ship and crew."

Olivia sighed, "Very well. But, can you promise me that if you find it does not affect the ship, then you will keep it secret? Please?"

Tom hesitated a moment, then slowly nodded, "Very well then, I will hold back what information is not pertinent, but that is for me to judge."

Olivia nodded curtly, "Fair enough." She began to pace to and fro the room, as if gathering her thoughts. "There's no good way to say this. I'm not even quite sure where to begin." She stopped her pacing, turning to face him. Taking a deep breath she spoke. "Remember how I said I was from Virginia?"

He nodded, not sure where she was going with this. "Yes, in the mountains."

"Well, that's true and it's not true." She said, shifting nervously on her heels. She tried to think of a good way to say it, but could not for the life of her think of one. Finally she sighed, "I'm actually from about two hundred years in the future."

Tom merely stared at her, he was not even sure how to react. What she was saying was completely unrealistic and he felt slightly annoyed that she did not even take the effort to come up with a good lie. However, she seemed so sincere, he just did not know what to think. "Did you hit your head very hard recently?" He finally asked.

"What? Well, I've hit my head a couple times since I got here but that's not the point!" She exclaimed. "I'm telling the truth Tom!" She sighed, throwing up her hands in defeat. "I knew you wouldn't believe me."

Tom sighed as well, "It's just hard to believe, Olivia."

She licked her lips, thinking for a moment. Then she crossed the room and found the clothes she was pulled out of the water in. She threw her shoe to him. "Look."

Tom caught it, and glanced over it. The shoe certainly wasn't like any he'd seen before. He had not closely inspected her apparel when she first appeared, and he had not noticed the strangeness of her footwear.

"It's not like any shoe you've seen before, is it?" She said, crossing back over to him. "These are my hiking and climbing shoes. Don't think any shoemaker makes them like that in this time, do you?" She said quite calmly as he studied the shoe.

"All right." He said slowly. Tom's head was starting to spin, if she was telling the truth then what did that mean? There was so much he would like to ask her, but was unsure where to begin. "If you are from the future, then how did you get here?"

Olivia closed her eyes a moment and sighed. "I have absolutely no idea." She said. "I went camping with my friends for the weekend, and I had gotten up early to go rock climbing, which is not unusual for me. But then I misjudged something and I slipped and fell off the cliff a good ways up, but instead of hitting the ground, which would have really hurt by the way and probably done some damage, anyway I hit the ocean instead. I was in such a state of shock that I didn't even put much thought behind how I got there. Then several hours later, you pulled me out and here I am." She looked at him, praying he believed her. "That's all I know Tom, I swear it."

"Why didn't you tell us this before?" He asked simply. This did explain some of the strange things she said and did, before he thought it was merely because she was an American from a rather remote area, but now, knowing she was from the future did explain some things.

"Would anyone have believed me?" She asked. "I was scared to death you'd think I was insane or something. I don't have anywhere else to go, and I was downright afraid." She sank into a chair, holding her head in her hands again. "I don't know how I got here, and I don't know how to get back." She looked back up at him, distress plain on her face and tears in her eyes. "I don't know what to do, Tom."

Tom could no longer remain cold and unmoved. It pained him to see her so upset, and he quickly kneeled before her, gathering her hands in his. "Olivia, I will take care of you as I can, I promise." He assured her, reaching up to push aside a stray strand of hair and carefully wipe the tears from her cheek. "I am quite in love with you." He admitted.

Olivia took a shuddering breath, tears streaming down her face. Without so much as a word she flung herself forward into his arms. She was trembling, clinging to him as if he were the only thing holding her back from the edge of an abyss.

Tom pulled her closer, tightening his hold on her, concerned for her trembling and rocking her as if she were a small child. He offered her what comfort he could, never being one who knew what to do in these situations he felt as if he should be doing something more to help her. "Olivia, I-" He started to say something, attempting to comfort her more.

However, Olivia shook her head, "Just hold me Tom." She said softly. "That's all I need." She said, resting her chin against his shoulder.

He closed his eyes, more then happy to accommodate her desperate need to hold onto something at the moment. He gently rested his head against hers, wondering if he could possibly hold her forever. Lord how he wanted to. Suddenly, he thought of his proposal again. Did this mean she had accepted? He knew she was distraught, but he could not help but wonder.

Tom pulled his head back slightly and kissed her gently. He then noticed the streaks her tears had left on her dirty face and smiled, wiping them with his thumb. "You're filthy." He teased gently.

Olivia laughed softly, "Oh like you're not." She replied, returning his kisses, which lead into a deeper, far more passionate kiss. With a sigh she pulled back, turning and leaning against him as they sat together. "Well, what are we going to do? The Captain is planning on dumping me somewhere."

"Yes, surely he does not mean to maroon you however." Tom replied, unable to believe that the man he respected would be so cruel. "I will speak with him."

Olivia smiled faintly, "That's probably best. I was rather nasty earlier. Apologize for me?" She asked, turning to look up at him.

"Of course." He said, kissing the top of her head before climbing to his feet once more, lending a hand to help her up as well. He smiled, stepping back, still holding her hand in his. "Will you be all right?"

Olivia nodded, "Yes, I suppose. I'm just tired and have never wanted a hot bath and a change of clothes more desperately in my life."

Tom smiled, "Well, I'm afraid I can't do much about the bath, but I will see if I can find you more clothes." He carefully lifted a hand to her face, and brushed away the remains of her tears. "In the meanwhile, see if you can get some rest."

Olivia raised her chin slightly and nodded. "I will." She said, recovering her usual voice. Tom gave her one last quick kiss and turned to leave, just as he reached the door Olivia cried out. "Tom!"

He turned, raising his eyebrow, waiting for her request. "Yes?"

Olivia paused, searching for words, "I.... I just wanted to say..." She trailed off, still searching. Finally she merely shrugged, as if poetic words simply could not come and she had to say what she wanted plainly. "I love you too."

Tom stared at her a moment, grinning widely and beaming like a schoolboy. Without a word he gave her a small bow, placed his hat back on his head, and turned to leave. Suddenly, he turned back to her, crossing the distance between them, sweeping off his hat, and pulling her into a kiss. He then silently stepped back, with a wide, sheepish grin, firmly placed his hat back on his head and turned to leave the cabin leaving a smiling, yet exhausted Olivia in his wake. Unfortunately, he was so distracted by her declaration of affection that he smacked straight into the cabin door with a loud CRACK!

"Be careful Tom!" Olivia exclaimed, trying to keep the amusement from her voice.

"Of course, dear." Tom replied, turning to her with a broad smile. He then ducked safely out the door and still grinning ear to ear as few had seen him before, Tom made his way to find the Captain.

Young Blakeney saw Mr. Pullings and curiously watched him as he passed, cheerfully nodding to the young midshipmen. As soon as he was out of earshot he turned to Calamy. "What do you suppose has Mr. Pullings in a fine mood?" He asked.

Peter turned to the younger boy with a grin, "You'll understand when you're older Will." He said.

Blakeney frowned, troubled. "But... you aren't THAT much older than me."

Calamy laughed, "Have you gone blind? Must I draw up a proof?" He leaned closer, lowering his voice to gossip. "Mr. Pullings fancies Miss Corin."

Blakeney felt his jaw drop, now that it was pointed out to him, it was rather obvious. He wondered how exactly he missed it before. "And... Mr. Pullings just came from the cabin..." He trailed off. "Oh." He flushed at his ignorance and decided that it would be the opportune moment to leave, excusing himself.

Calamy watched his friend leave and laughed to himself going on about his business, and wondering with curiosity just what exactly Pullings was up to.

A/N: Sorry about the language but I DID warn you at the very beginning. She was not happy hehe. And Tom now knows about the whole time travel deal. Awww he's such a nice little puppy. Okay I went to the Acoustic Planet tour last night which was awesome by the way, but I think I seriously lost a few brain cells from second hand smoke blown in my face (of multiple kinds...blah....) so I can't think of anything witty to say. I'm also pooped from driving about 800 miles this week alone.... And it's only Thursday..... dang. Anyway, no wit for you!

Will Pullings convince the the Captain not to maroon Olivia? Tune in next time to find out!

Jingerjinx: Thanks for reviewing. I checked the second chapter and didn't see what you were talking about... maybe was doing something weird? I don't know. But I had a friend scan it while I was thinking about it and she didn't see it either... so weird.... haha Pullings there at handy times isn't he? Glad you're enjoying

Mascara Rain: I posted! Are you angry? Please don't be mad! I don't like having people being mad at me. Besides you don't want to come near me to beat me up I stink right now. Haha Olivia singing anything pop would be funny. Though I think a phish song would be funny too because those lyrics make no sense... and phish is cool. Anyway, thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm glad you approve of it. Killick will deliver your cookies as soon as he figures out how to use the electric oven.... Might be a while...

Sillytigerlily: Hahaha yes Tom is all right. He's not dead.... yet.... Mwahahaha. I enjoy messing with people's minds can you tell? Haha so if he died you would have been mad she didn't accept his proposal? Well... that would have been sad because then he would have died all sad and crap. But she didn't refuse! Thanks for the lovely review m'dear! Hehe!

Fawks: Haha he certainly would have been happier. Her answer was vague... so you shall have to wait and see... poor confused thing. I enjoy torturing my characters. It's fun. Thanks for the review :-)

Sarah: I updated! Even though I'm tired I updated! Just for you! Hehe! Because you rock! You should post your story! Even though I don't know what the plot is yet.... I emailed you today though so there. Man am I tired.... I don't think I'm making sense in any of these response deallies. But anyway! As always lovely to hear from you! Thank you for reviewing! You get the gold star because I had a really bad day the day I got your review and you made me happy again! Yay you! Thanks so much for making me smile :-)

Cajunpippinpirate: I agree! Tommy-boy is cute when confused... like a puppy hehe. Olivia is um... yeah probably 21... she's 21 or 22.. something like that. I'm thinking 21. So good job on calling the age! Hm... I honestly don't know what I would say in her situation. Her situation is crazy so I doubt it will ever come up.... LOL. Thanks for the lovely review and hope you enjoyed this chapter.

British-luver: Wow! I've never received such a nice review! Ever! Can I send this to my eighth grade english teacher? Hehe! Haha a movie producer eh? Actually I'm going to be a history teacher, haha and if I change majors now my parents might murder me and bury me in the backyard with the rabbit. Aww... I'm sorry the girl isn't toi... you can imagine she is though if it makes you feel better! Haha I try to update with some time between chapters and I try not to make them too long... (eats words and looks woefully at the pretty much abandoned LOTR story) well... I said try... though I'm getting ready to study abroad so there might be a semi-long pause at some point... Though hopefully I'll get my computer hooked up pretty quick over there. Haha but just warning you. Thanks for the nicest review ever. I love you!

Eldarwen999: Here's another chapter! Is it soon? I don't know. What happens next? Mwahaha you'll just have to wait and see! I know.... Hehe

Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews! Yay! You're all my heroes! I'm really quite sleepy tonight and I hope the responses make sense but I wanted to post before Friday in case things get crazy! I just hope I got everyone! If I left someone out you have my most profound apologies!

Please continue the lovely reviews and if you've been reading and haven't been reviewing shame on you! I'm just as bad but still! Shame shame shame!