Chapter 6 – Strangers in the Night
Naval dispatch 123077
RLS Legacy
CO Capt. Amelia
Re: Rebel threats
After numerous communications and data review, it is the opinion of this Captain and command crew that the rebels pose a serious threat and must be dealt with accordingly. It is the recommendation of this officer that the fleet dispatch all necessary information, unclassified and classified, in an effort to better prepare its convoy in the event of an attack.
As always, this officer will bow to the discretion of the Admiralty. More reports to follow upon further information.
RNC022484
Amelia groaned and leaned back, stretching her tired, sore muscles. What a day. Reports. Delegates. More reports. More delegates. It had been 33 days since they had left Montressor, and already she was ready to turn the ship around and call the entire thing off. While they hadn't encountered any resistance as of yet, she was certain they'd been picking up rebel chatter on several of the lower subspace. More than once her Communications officer had approached her with intercepted messages detailing classified coordinates of the Legacy's location. She couldn't figure out how they were getting the information. Subspace correspondence was granted to a privileged few onboard the ship -- herself, Lightoller, Delbert, Wellington and essential line command. And even those were monitored. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing. But what?
Her thoughts were all in a jumble, she decided as she leaned back and stretched her arms, yawning broadly. Maybe a hot shower would help. She started to rise and then stopped, frowning. No, a shower wouldn't do at all. What she really needed was to talk to Delbert. She needed to have him next to her, listening as she methodically went through her day, listing the good and bad. Hearing him interject a question here and there, clarifying a point. Feeling him lean in closer, laying his head against her shoulder as her hands danced through the air, mimicking a delegate. Listening as he laughed at her frustration and then melting in his arms as he kissed it away.
It required only a moment's reflection for her to decide to sneak through the bowels of the ship to find her better half. She laughed at the absurdity of it – skulking about her own ship like a lovesick teenager. How utterly pathetic.
But her mind was made up. And so, with one final breath to extinguish the candle on her desk, Amelia was off. Her best course of action was to stroll purposefully down the corridor until she could get to the gangways that would lead her to the bridge. Nothing unusual or suspicious about a Captain checking in on her own Bridge, she reasoned.
The night air was crisp as she stepped onto the deck. The cool air whipped around her, catching her hair and lifting it in the breeze. She made her way to where Lightoller stood watch, and nonchalantly glanced through the star charts scattered across the table nearby.
"Captain," he nodded, acknowledging her presence. "Something I can do for you?"
"Hmm? Oh no, no, nothing at all, Mr. Lightoller," Amelia answered with a wave of her hand. "I was just out and about this evening getting some fresh air and thought I'd check in with you. See how things are faring."
Lightoller raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "With all due respect, Captain, it's 0200."
Amelia looked at him sharply. "I do realize that, Mr. Lightoller. I am capable of and often do consult my chronometer."
"My apologies, m'am. I meant no offense."
Amelia sighed and favored him with a rueful smile. "None taken, Mr. Lightoller, and it is I who should apologize. My nerves are a bit wound tonight."
"Ah, I understand," Lightoller smiled as a sneaking suspicion flitted through his mind. "Perhaps a stroll below decks might clear your head?"
Amelia glanced at him, trying to discern any hidden meaning in her first mate's seemingly-innocent suggestion. Finding none, she shook her head. "Yes, perhaps you're right." She extended her arms and stretched. "I think I will take a walk. Loosen the mind, a bit."
"Sounds reasonable to me, Captain. Enjoy your, uh, walk," he replied, coughing in to his fist to hide his smile.
"Undoubtedly. I leave the bridge in your capable hands."
"Thank you, m'am." He watched her leave, a wide grin spreading across his features as she idly made her way to the stairs opposite the ones she came from – stairs that would, coincidentally, take her straight to one astrophysicist's quarters.
Delbert looked at his star chart for the 77th time. He had been staring at the thing for more than 10 minutes. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. It was no use. He couldn't concentrate. He was tired. He was sore. And more importantly, he was lonely. He hadn't been able to talk to Amelia – really, truly talk with her – in almost three weeks. A few stolen words here and there, passing in the galley, a quick "I love you" as he left her stateroom from the daily briefings ... but they weren't enough. He wanted to have her beside him, sipping her cup of tea as he told her about his day, watching her sly smile creep out as she found something he said amusing. He wanted to curl up next to her and breathe in the smell that was unique to her. Feel her by his side. Her warmth.
He'd had enough, he decided as he stood up. He was going to see Amelia tonight, blast the rules and regulations. Oh, he'd take care in not being seen, he promised himself as he shrugged in to his overcoat. She did have a reputation to uphold. But he could be sneaky. Stealthy.
Crash!
He cringed as he turned and walked in to his dresser, causing the silver candlesticks to fall to the floor. Bending over to pick them up, he frowned. Perhaps he'd better work on the stealthy part a bit more.
Once outside the corridor, Delbert was quick to navigate through the bowels of the Legacy. He knew the way to Amelia's quarters, although he was certain she'd argue that point considering the numerous times he'd managed to get lost during previous missions when trying to make his way there.
Truth be told, he felt a secret thrill in skulking about the ship, blending in with the darkened shadows. It wasn't every day he was allowed to indulge in such an adventure. And lurking about was quite an adventure. As a boy, he had dreamed of becoming a famous spy. But that dream had taken a different direction when his more bumbling nature had begun to emerge.
Too bad, he thought with a sigh. The adventure that particular life would have afforded him would have been tremendous. Although, when he started thinking about it, the adventure his life with Amelia had afforded him was quite grand.
He had been to Treasure Planet and back and actually managed to survive the ordeal, coming away with a treasure far greater than Flint had ever amassed. Amelia kept him on his toes, to be sure. Her constant sarcastic cracks had actually served to teach him to think on his feet. He still had far to go in that area, but he had improved. He was even able to render Amelia speechless every now and then – no small feat.
More importantly, he had embarked on the greatest adventure anyone could ever know, and one he had thought was far out of his grasp – love.
Yes, his life was perfect. He might have wished for a little more out of the ordinary every once in a while. But for the most part, he was quite content.
His contentment was quickly shattered as he heard footsteps rapidly approaching to where he stood. He couldn't be seen lurking around the hallways at this late hour. It was bound to raise suspicion, and suspicion was the last thing he needed. He'd already received a stern scolding once on this mission. He didn't need, nor want, another.
Quickly ducking underneath the stairwell, he moved backwards, shrouding himself in the darkness. Whoever was coming down those stairs wouldn't be able to see him. Unfortunately, with the corridor being badly lit as it was, he wasn't able to make out the figure casually strolling down the hall. He waited a moment after they had rounded the corner and then quickly emerged, bounding up the stairs and stepping on the main bridge to find Mr. Lightoller standing watch.
"Ah, uh … good evening, Mr. Lightoller," he called out nervously. He had forgotten that someone would be standing watch.
Smooth Delbert, he winced, smooth.
"Good evening, Doctor. Out getting some fresh air this evening?" he asked with a knowing smile.
"Um, yes," Delbert nodded. That was as good as excuse as any. "Just getting some fresh air, familiarizing myself with the layout of the Legacy." He pulled at his collar. "Been some time since I've been onboard you know."
"You've been onboard before, then?" the smile turned sly as he asked the question.
Delbert looked at him in confusion. Hadn't Amelia mentioned to him that she'd informed Lightoller all about the incident? "Uh, Treasure Planet?"
Lightoller nodded his head, "Ah yes. I remember the Captain mentioning something about Treasure Planet. You two met there, yes?"
"Yes. Yes," Delbert nodded, pleased that he didn't have to go into everything. Lightoller seemed nice enough, and Amelia certainly seemed to trust him. But, he didn't feel comfortable revealing the nature of his and her relationship if he didn't have to. After all, they were still a fairly new couple, only six months together, and not everyone knew they were seeing each other as seriously as they were.
"We met at Treasure Planet, and have been, uh, friends ever since."
"Unlikely."
"Excuse me," Delbert blurted, surprised at the comment.
"Unlikely friends," Lightoller clarified. "You and the Captain seem like night and day opposites."
"Yes, well, uh, we are a bit different," Delbert admitted with a stammer. "But we, uh, have some things in common."
Please don't let him ask me what we have in common. Please please please.
"Such as?"
So much for answered prayers.
"Such as, um …," Delbert racked his brain, trying to come up with a believable answer. "Such as … uh … well … space! Yes! We both love space!" he answered triumphantly.
Lightoller laughed and nodded his head. He'd harassed the poor man long enough. Best to let him go on to his Captain.
"I hadn't thought about that one, Doctor. Yes, I can see how you two might get along famously."
Delbert scratched an ear. "Well, I wouldn't say famously," he hedged. After all, he didn't want Amelia's First Mate thinking they were all buddy buddy. "We get along well enough," he allowed.
"Speaking of getting along, how is young assistant coming?"
"Ah, young Mr. Roderick?" Delbert smiled. "He's doing rather well. I must admit, I am surprised by the breadth of his knowledge of astrophysics. Reminds me a lot of myself at that age."
Lightoller smothered a laugh. From everything the Captain had told him of the cadet, he resembled Doppler in more ways than one. He swallowed a grin and nodded. "I see."
"Yes, he seems to be taking to the work quite nicely. He's been able to assist me with several of our plot maps and hopefully, he'll find the upcoming star charts reworking stimulating."
"No doubt he will, Doctor," Lightoller agreed. He was about to say more but was interrupted by the booming voice of Drake Wellington walking up the stairwell and toward the two men.
"Ah Mr. Lightoller! There you are!"
"Good evening, Mr. Ambassador." Lightoller tipped his head in greeting, but Delbert could easily discern that he was not pleased to see the man.
"Mr. Lightoller, I have been looking for Captain Amelia, but she doesn't seem to be in her quarters."
"You went to her quarters?" Delbert frowned.
Wellington glanced at him in disdain and then turned back to Lightoller. "Do you have any idea where she might be at the moment?"
"I don't keep tabs on the Captain, Mr. Ambassador. But, she's most likely sleeping and didn't hear you when you knocked."
Wellington pursed his lips in displeasure. "What a shame. I was looking forward to speaking with her."
"At 2:15 in the morning?" Delbert asked incredulously. "Good God, man. What could be so important that you have to talk to the Captain this late?"
"That is none of your concern, Doctor."
Delbert started to inform him that it most certainly was but then remembered his place. He glanced at Lightoller who shrugged his shoulders before consulting his time piece.
"Doctor, Ambassador, if you'll kindly excuse me, I have to get back to my watch."
"Ah, yes, of course," Doppler nodded. "And I'd best get back to bed. Been a long day, you know." He turned and started toward the stairwell that would lead him to Amelia's quarters, only to be stopped by Wellington's annoying drawl.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, Doctor, but aren't your quarters back there?" He jerked a thumb to the stairwell from which he'd just come. "Near mine?"
Delbert smiled weakly. "Ah, yes. So they are," he admitted, flustered. "How silly of me. I guess I'll just be heading back that way." He nodded to Lightoller and then glared at Drake. "Thank you Ambassador for pointing that out to me."
Wellington sneered. "Always a pleasure to help someone in need, Doctor."
Thoughts of several crude, but highly satisfying, replies sprang to Delbert's mind, but he bit his tongue and instead headed below deck.
Amelia was surprised to find Delbert absent from his quarters. After several knocks, she had given up and reluctantly started back to her quarters. Drake Wellington's door squeaking open had quickly altered her plans and she'd bolted around the corner and in to the head, barely closing the door before hearing the Ambassador's heavy footsteps as they plodded past her.
She gave him a few moments before cracking the door open and peering about. The hallway looked clear enough. Stepping out, she glanced down the corridor one final time and made her way to the stairwell. She was about to ascend the steps when she heard someone approaching from topside. Quickly, she darted to the side and took refuge in the blackness beneath the stairwell, ducking behind one of the crates stored there.
Peeking from behind it, she silently cursed the dimly lit corridor which was making it impossible to discern who was making their way down the hallway.
She was just about ready to emerge from hiding when another set of heavy footsteps collided with the wooden steps.
This time there was no mistaking who was above her. Wellington. She waited, impatiently, for him to round the corner to his quarters before moving, again, from her hiding place and heading to the Bridge.
Lightoller glanced over from where he stood when he saw her emerge at the top of deck.
"Ah Captain, enjoy your stroll?"
"Not particularly, Mr. Lightoller."
"I didn't think you would," he nodded, his lips pursing in displeasure.
Amelia looked up, intrigued. "Really? Why is that?"
"I just had a visit from our Doctor Doppler."
Her ears perked up. "Really."
"Yes. Seems he was on a little tour of the ship, getting the feel of it, learning its layout."
"I see."
"Yes, m'am. We chatted for a few minutes, and then the Ambassador joined us. But as the Doctor was getting ready to head back to his quarters, on the wrong side of the ship, I might add," he paused for a moment and pretended to think about it. "Actually it was more like he was heading to your or my quarters."
Amelia narrowed her eyes. "I urge you to continue the story and stick to the facts, Mr. Lightoller. No subjective thought is necessary for that, wouldn't you agree?"
"Quite right, Captain. As I was saying, he was heading off, but Ambassador Wellington found it necessary to point out to the Doctor that he was leaving in the wrong direction. At that time, the Doctor thanked him for his help and returned to his quarters."
Blast! She cursed inwardly. It had been Delbert coming down the stairs first! She had been so close. Damn Wellington for being so helpful.
Aloud, she merely nodded. "Ah. Tis a shame. I had a few things I wanted to discuss with the Doctor. Would've been nice to have passed him on the Bridge."
"Indeed, Captain."
"Well," she continued with a glance at her well-manicured claws. "I suppose I will retire to my quarters and leave you to your duties." No sense in raising any more eyebrows by heading to Delbert's quarters a second time, she reasoned.
"Very well, Captain."
Amelia could have sworn Lightoller seemed almost disappointed. Or perhaps she was merely projecting her emotions onto him. No matter. The evening was a bust, and there was nothing she could do about it.
She'd just have to try again in a few days.
The darkness effectively hid the lone insomniac as he made his way through the darkened hallways. Hugging his overcoat tightly around him, he pulled the brim of his sweeping hat farther over his eyes. It wouldn't do to be seen lurking about. Not at this early hour and not in this particular location. No need for people to start asking questions. He was confident the communications room would be empty this time of night. And that was the way he wanted to keep it. His business with the home world was best kept private, what with rebels dancing in and out of the sector, and Ronan in a heightened state of turmoil. No need to bring any attention to himself or his activities.
He checked the corridor up and down as he halted in front of the communications center. No one there. Good. Giving the doorknob a silent turn, he slipped inside and made his way to the console to begin transmitting the Legacy's current coordinates. Only a few more days, he assured himself. Then he could do away with the secrecy that had shrouded his mission. And Ronan would finally be free.