Chapter 8 – A Midnight Rendezvous
The corridor was dark and silent. The rowdy occupants of the galley had finally deserted their festivities, acquiescing for the night and retiring in groups of two and three to the berths below.
A lone feline peeked her head from topside and glanced down the corridor. Empty. Good.
Light and stealthy steps defined Amelia's descent in to berthing, as she once again tried to make her way to Delbert's quarters. Tonight was not for pleasure. No, she had a bone to pick with the good doctor, and she was going to make certain he got an earful. Still, it wouldn't to do be seen skulking about. People tended to jump to whatever conclusion they desired, and she had no desire to become the latest topic in ship's scuttlebutt. So stealth was required. Stealth and awareness.
Creak
Darting around, Amelia zeroed in on the source of the noise behind her. A small hinge, swaying in the Etherium breeze, sliding side to side teased her senses. She narrowed her eyes and frowned, certain the offending object was mocking her. She perked her ears and waited another moment, listening. Nothing.
Realizing the absurdity of the situation, she laughed softly and relaxed her stance.
"You're getting paranoid, old girl," she chided herself. "This adventure has made you jumpy. Getting all wound up over nothing."
She sighed. When it came to being alert, being aware of her surroundings, Amelia prided herself. Little escaped her acute attention and it was rare for her to be caught unawares.
Yes, she thought with a cool smirk, she was decidedly on top of her ship; in sync with the pulse of her crew. She breathed in deeply. She would go to Delbert's quarters, tell the idiot she loved exactly what an idiot he had been and then avail herself of his, ah, creative apologies. Once again confident in her awareness and grasp of her surroundings, she turned.
A moment later she was on her knees worshipping the deck when the enlisted head door flew open, knocking her off her feet and smartly smacking in her square in the face.
Groaning, more in surprise than in pain, she tried to untangle her arms from beneath her legs. As this position was a departure from her usual graceful self, she winced in discomfort and gingerly cupped her nose when she was able to free her hands. A mere second later, her winced transformed into a frown as her eyes landed on the pair of overly-polished standard issue Academy boots that stepped from behind the door. The owner's identity rapidly becoming clear to her, she found herself uttering a small sound of frustration as the heartfelt apologies drifted down to her ears. She knew that voice. Indeed, she should have known the instant her claws raked the deck who was responsible for such an action.
"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry. I had no idea anyone was up this late. I didn't -- oh! Captain!" Roderick's apology died from his lips and he instantly straightened, bracing to attention against the bulkhead next to the offending door. Quickly sucking in his chest, he squared his shoulders and gave Amelia his best 1,000-yard stare, mentally cringing at the dressing down he knew was about to commence.
"You," Amelia scowled from where she still sat skewed on the deck. She gingerly touched her nose. "I should have known," she muttered and glanced at the cadet yet again before dragging herself up off the deck and efficiently dusting the dirt from her uniformed shoulders -- the posterior would have to wait. The action allowed herself sufficient time to compose her thoughts before fully focusing her stony gaze on the quivering cadet before her.
"Tell me, Mr. Roderick, are these pleasant meetings of ours merely random, or am I to look forward to the pleasure of your company on a weekly basis?" Her mouth turned down and she arched an eyebrow at him expectantly.
Roderick didn't know what to say. Truth be told, he was surprised that she even knew his name. And on top of that, all coherent thought had left the young astrophysicist the moment he had realized whom he had inadvertently flattened. Closing his eyes for a split-second, he blinked and then squeaked a hesitant, "Um, no m'am?"
"Are you asking me a question, Cadet?" She was merciless.
"Well, I, uh ... that is ..."
Amelia rolled her eyes heavenward and drew in a breath, praying for patience. Releasing it in a short stream through her pursed lips, she eyed the cadet impatiently. "Are all astrophysicists grammatical bumblers or is it merely those who happen to find themselves in my company?" she wondered aloud.
"I think it's the company, m'am," Roderick blurted out before realizing the question was rhetorical. His eyes widened like lunar orbs, and he could feel the embarrassment flooding his cheeks.
Please let the deck open up and swallow me now.
Amelia's sharp voice brought his eyes to hers. "I beg your pardon?" The low tone in which the rebuke was uttered left no room for question as to his future status as permanent galley hand.
Roderick sighed and, deciding he couldn't possibly cause more trouble than what he was already in, opted for honesty.
"Permission to speak freely, m'am?"
Amelia was taken off guard by the unexpected question. He wanted to speak his mind? Not quite the course she had assumed the conversation would take, but why not?
"Permission granted," she nodded and glanced at her claws. This ought to be interesting.
"The truth is, m'am, I'm an excellent student. I get high marks, my papers are always early, I never miss a class and I'm really, really good at what I do."
"And apparently lack all traces of modesty," Amelia observed wryly.
Roderick had the good grace to blush at the veiled rebuke. "Oh believe me, Captain. I hold no illusion as to what I lack. Academically, there are few can touch me, but socially ..." he frowned. "Let's just say that socially, my marks aren't that high. In fact, they're pretty low."
Amelia studied the cadet, her anger slowly softening as she began to better understand the young man standing before her. "Go on."
"I'm really sorry about what happened when I first met you. I didn't know who you were and that you were uh, well, um ... you know ... when you came to the doorway that day." He looked down in embarrassment and continued talking, his words spilling out faster. "But when I saw this gorgeous woman in nothing but a --"
Amelia cleared her throat and gazed at him pointedly.
"In morning attire," he amended. "Well, I just didn't know what to think." He stopped and smiled a little. "We astros don't get out to the dating scene too often. Lots of studying m'am."
"So I have heard," Amelia granted, a small twinkle coming to her eyes.
Roderick shifted his weight and looked away, composing his thoughts, before finally glancing back to find her still watching him. "I guess what I'm trying to say Captain, is that I'm really really sorry. I got off to a bad start with you. I respect you very much and I'm thrilled to have the chance to serve under you -- even if it's only as a cadet. I'm just asking you please don't hold my earlier actions against me," he finished.
Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Damn him for being so insufferably sincere. After a heartfelt apology such as that, how could she even contemplate harboring any ill will toward the cadet. It didn't help any that she could see traces of Delbert all throughout young Roderick. The same honesty, intensity for his work and yes, she laughed softly, the same bumbling nature.
But, she couldn't let him off the hook too easily. She had a reputation to maintain. So exhaling slowly, she brought her gaze to Roderick and eyed him carefully. "Mr. Roderick, am I to assume you believe me to be angry with you over our first encounter?"
"Possibly, m'am," came the earnest reply.
"Hmm." She turned and paced a few steps. "Am I also to assume you have been treading lightly since boarding the Legacy because of this belief?"
"Most definitely, m'am."
"I see." She stopped and turned, pinning him with a thoughtful look. "Are the stories about me really that bad?" she chuckled.
Roderick looked confused. "M'am?"
"The stories, cadet. Come now," she urged, waving a loose hand at him. "Don't be afraid to tell me. I remember certain captains that entire classes feared -- even before stepping on deck mind you." She moved closer. "Am I that, ah, legendary, for lack of a better phrase?"
"Oh no, m'am!" Roderick quickly assured her. At Amelia's pointed stare, he faltered a bit. "Well, maybe a little. But just a small little. Hawkins has nothing but good to say about you and --"
"Hawkins?" Amelia interrupted. "As in young James Hawkins?"
Roderick looked surprised. "Yeah, uh, I mean, yes m'am. Do you know him?"
"One might say that." She looked intrigued. "And how are you acquainted with Mr. Hawkins?"
"He's my new roommate this year."
"Your roommate."
"Yes m'am."
"And just what has Mr. Hawkins said to you regarding me?" The wary look was back again.
Roderick quickly shook his head, eager to keep his new friend out of trouble. "He has nothing but praise for you. He says he's heard you're tough, but fair. Demanding, but not unduly so. You put your crew first, always looking out for their safety. He definitely admires you."
Amelia was silent, impressed by young Hawkins' praise of her and more than a little touched by his apparent affection. When she spoke, her voice was much gentler and all traces of irritation were gone.
"Cadet. If Mr. Hawkins was able to leave my command unscathed and very much alive --"
"Jim served aboard the Legacy?! That bum! He never once --" Roderick stopped and bit his lip, realizing what he'd just done. "Sorry Captain, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was just --"
"As I was saying," she continued pointedly, "if Mr. Hawkins can survive my command, then I have no doubts that you can do so as well." She arched an eyebrow and leaned in conspiratorially. "You're far more disciplined than he was when he came to me," she confided.
"Me?" he asked in disbelief.
"Quite," Amelia assured him. "But," she continued in a tone that brooked no argument, "that is strictly to be kept between you and I. If I hear that you uttered so much as a word of this conversation, I will categorically deny it and see that your next duty station is a Daubing waste transport. Are we clear?"
"As crystal, m'am," Roderick nodded, unable to completely fathom the totally unexpected turn the conversation had taken.
"Now, if I'm not mistaken, it's time for you to return to your quarters. We have a long day tomorrow and I distinctly remember Dr. Doppler mentioning your name for duty tomorrow."
"Uh, yes m'am, that's right," he agreed and then frowned. "The Doctor talked to you about my duty schedule?"
"Of course, Cadet. A good captain is well informed of her crew's actions."
"Oh. Right. Makes sense," he reflected thoughtfully before adding a belated "m'am."
"Your quarters Mr. Roderick."
"Aye Captain." He tossed off a snappy salute and turned away, heading toward his berth. Amelia started to follow behind him, but quickly halted as he suddenly turned and collided with her. His hands instinctively reached out to brace himself, clutching at the nearest available anchor as he sought to regain his balance. Unfortunately for him, that anchor happened to be Amelia's waist. A hot rush of embarrassment flooded his face as the location of his hands finally registered in his brain.
"Captain," he squeaked. "I am so sorry. I --"
"Mr. Roderick, kindly remove your paws and we'll pretend this matter never occurred."
"Yes, m'am!"
"Your quarters." A pointed glance at him and then a quick nod of the head to his berth.
He started to turn but stopped and brought a hand to his forehead. "Oh! I just remembered I was on my way to see Mr. Lightoller before I smacked -- uh, I mean, before running in to you."
"Then by all means, report to Mr. Lightoller. But then to your cabin. Do I make myself clear?"
Roderick gave another sharp salute. "Yes, m'am!"
Watching the young man move down the hallway, she couldn't help but smile as she noticed the more confident walk, the head held higher. There was much potential for Mr. Roderick, she decided. There was much work to be done -- the lack of any grace when speaking being the most prominent -- but then again, she knew a charming astrophysicist whom she once believed left much to be desired. Looking back on that relationship, he had come along quite nicely. She laughed as she thought of her charming, daft and completely bumbling lover. Yes, quite nicely indeed.
Reflecting on Delbert instantly reminded her of her initial reason for coming below decks. While she wouldn't change the course of the evening for anything -- much had been accomplished after all -- it was high time for her to resume her previous action. There was a Canid who needed a serious dressing down before receiving a healthy dose of affectionate concern.
Amelia waited until she was certain Roderick was again gone and then listened once more, her ear perked, confirming the absence of sound. It wouldn't do to be seen skulking about the ship at this late hour, especially considering her destination. No, it wouldn't do at all.
Ship's scuttlebutt traveled fast, even more so than the angry cry of mutiny. Time had taught her that discretion best served all captains. And when one considered the appearance and connotation of a late-night visit to a certain Canid's quarters. Well ... best to not even go there. The confidence of one's crew relied heavily on maintaining a stern facade, and Amelia had no desire to see that facade crumble from a late-night dalliance. But that being said, she didn't plan on not seeing her lover in a less-than-professional sense at least once or twice on this voyage.
Now, more than ever, she needed to be in his presence, to reassure herself that he was there. Alive. Unharmed. After the incident earlier that afternoon, almost losing him … she shuddered as a damp, cold chill ran up her spine. She never wanted to repeat that.
Ever.
She had been harsh on him. She knew that. It had been unwarranted. And what made it even worse was that she knew he knew it had been unwarranted. It wasn't as if he had intentionally plunged overboard. She had reacted out of pure emotion, something she never allowed herself to do. But this was Delbert. And when it came to him, all the rules she had carefully lived her life by seemed to not matter.
Watching him flail as he fell through the Etherium had been heart wrenching. And she knew then, in an instant, that she needed him, always. And so now, here she was in the wee hours of the morning, standing outside the astrophysicist's door.
Amelia gave the corridor one final glance before quickly turning the doorknob and slipping inside Delbert's quarters. The room was dark, save for one candle flickering in the corner. She smiled softly. Delbert and his candles. The man was enamored with them, but she could hardly blame him. The soft, sweet fragrance of vanilla wafting through the air was a calming aroma.
The flame danced off two small silver frames, propped side by side. Amelia crept closer to inspect them. The first was the more recent of the two – a picture of her and Delbert on the cliffs near his home. She remembered the day well. They had spent the afternoon walking across his grounds, talking, learning about one another. It was early on in their relationship. He was still so shy and bumbling. Every other word a cautious question. Her mouth curved into a smile. The sky had been overcast that day, and the wind a bit heavy. They were bundled up, scarves wound around their necks, and Delbert's hair was flying in every direction. She laughed. She loved seeing him all mussed. It was too adorable. Her own fiery locks had managed to stay in place, save for a few wisps dancing along her cheeks. It was a wonderful photo. She made a mental note to ask him for a copy for her own study.
As her eyes landed on the other photo, she felt her breath catch. It was a photo of her. That, in itself, was not surprising. She rather expected him to have her picture somewhere nearby. No, it was the photo itself that caught her off guard. He'd taken it while she was sleeping. She leaned in closer and saw herself curled up in Delbert's favorite chair; the one he always so gallantly let her use when she came over. A blanket was pulled around her; Delbert's doing no doubt, and her hand rested just slightly tucked beneath her right cheek. Her hair was down, falling softly around her shoulders, and one stray, bare foot peeked out from beneath the knitted fabric.
She couldn't help but be amazed at how absolutely peaceful, how content, she looked. Amelia knew that when she was with Delbert she felt home, but to feel such security and to be at such peace. It was breathtaking and touched her deeply. She turned to find the cause of her happiness, and her gaze fell on the sleeping figure shrouded in semi-darkness. The slow rise and fall of his chest did wonders to comfort her. As she moved toward him, images of the earlier firefight flashed through her mind. It had been a very close call today. She knelt down to where his head lay, and gave a soft laugh when she saw the exquisite ruby red handkerchief monogrammed with her initials.
The sound woke Delbert, and he opened his eyes slowly, bringing himself away from the dream he'd been having. It took him a moment to realize that Amelia was by his bedside.
"Darling?"
"You have many women coming to and from your quarters at this late hour, Doctor?"
He sat up, brushing the last remnants of sleep away from his eyes. "No, no. Of course not. I'm just rather, uh, surprised to see you here. I thought you would have other things to attend to," he explained, searching for his spectacles.
Amelia extended her arm and plucked them from the table. "Here you are, dear."
"Ah, thank you." He adjusted them against his nose and took a moment to drink in the sight before him. He hadn't had a minute alone with her since they'd left Montressor. And while he wasn't usually a greedy man, when it came to Amelia, there was never enough to satisfy him. He was getting ready to greet her properly when he noticed her smirk and furtive glances to his pillow. It took him a moment to realize she was nodding at the handkerchief.
Delbert blushed a deep shade of crimson. "It's the closest thing to having you here. It carries that intoxicating scent you always wear." He sighed. "Do you know how frustrating is to be so close to you day in and day out and yet not have you in my bed, watching you fall asleep in my arms?"
Amelia chuckled. "Never thought 300 yards could be such a damned nuisance, did you?"
"Never." Delbert rubbed the back of his neck with a rueful smile. "I miss not seeing you first thing in the morning."
Amelia cocked her head, not understanding. "You see me at the staff meetings, 0800 sharp."
"No," Delbert shook his head. "I see the Captain every morning, but not Amelia."
"Delbert …"
"The Captain is 'spot-on'," he informed her, mimicking her perfectly. "My Amelia wakes up, her hair ruffled from a night's sleep. It falls in her eyes," he murmured as he reached up to pull a perfect strand of her flaming tresses, bringing it to rest across her brow. "Her eyes are still heavy, fighting off the last remnants of sleep, and her lips," he brought a gentle thumb to caress the edge of her mouth. "Her lips melt into that slow, shy smile … the one she only gives to me."
Amelia's eyes slid shut at his gentle touch, listening as his words washed over her, a balm to her weary soul and an affirmation of the love she felt for this man. A man she'd very nearly lost today.
Delbert watched the emotions dance across her tired face and threaded his fingers through her hair, feeling the soft silk as he brought her head to rest against his shoulder.
"I love both women, darling. But I miss getting to see you unguarded. Out of uniform."
Amelia gave a muffled laugh. "You miss seeing me out of uniform, eh?"
"That's not quite what I meant."
"Freudian slip?"
"Hush, you incorrigible woman."
"Incorrigible indeed, Doctor." Amelia smiled but then grew serious. Tenderness aside for the time being, she knew she needed to address an issue and, as such, allowed her attention to be redirected to her original reason for coming to his quarters. She gave Doppler a gentle shove.
"But let's talk about you for a moment, shall we? What were thinking today, jumping in to the middle of it all? You could have been seriously injured or even killed!"
"Amelia, I-"
"Can you even comprehend how I felt when I saw you go overboard? Do you know the heart-stopping, gut wrenching horror at seeing you disappear?"
"I rather imagine it's similar to knowing you've taken a stray blaster shot," he responded quietly, referring to the numerous missions from which she'd come home badly injured.
Amelia grew quiet and her eyes softened. When she spoke, her tone was much gentler.
"Yes, I can see you do understand. I'm sorry, Delbert. I hadn't realized."
"It's all right, but I don't want to talk about it all right now."
Amelia sat down next to him and took his hand. "Darling, I will endeavor to be more careful in avoiding rogue firefights if you promise me to do your best in not going overboard under my command, or any command for that matter," she offered him with a cheeky smile.
Delbert eyes lit up with laughter. "I think I can manage that."
"Wonderful."
Her eyes darted to the clock sitting on his desk, noticing first, with a rush of pleasure, that it was the same one she'd given him for their six-month anniversary and second, the lateness of the hour. She stood up. "It's getting late. I should be heading back to my quarters."
"Must you?" He snaked an arm around her waist, his other hand moving to the opening of her jacket.
"I should. I still have to work through the damage reports Ravenwood left for me."
"Damage reports. Well, I can see where that would be important," he nodded, his fingers slowly making work of the fastening's on her overcoat.
Amelia smiled, fully aware of the doctor's wandering hands. "As you can imagine, it's rather important for me to take care of these crucial systems."
"Oh yes. Quite important," he agreed, his hand moving underneath the now-open flap and tracing small circles against her hip.
"Delbert," she warned.
"Mmm?" He dipped his head and placed a soft kiss against her neck.
"I have things to do, dear," she protested, eyes closing under his gentle ministrations.
His kisses moved higher and he leaned closer, easing her against his pillows. "I'm not stopping you," he murmured between kisses.
She smiled as she felt his hand lightly dance across her abdomen, caressing her.
"Delbert Doppler …"
"Hmm?"
"You're a scoundrel."