Chapter 11 – Business Before Pleasure

Creshenthia, a backwater planet known for its seedy inhabitants, free-flowing liquor and rowdy women, was a breeding ground for the galaxy's ruffians. It was a place even the most hardened spacers flinched at, so invariably it was a port call for the Legacy when passing through the system.

Amelia had given the port call much thought, debating whether or not she should allow her men to take some time away from the ship. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have given it a moment's thought, but after the taxing battle they'd just emerged from, she knew the time would do them good. But she also knew ample warning must be given before she allowed them to disembark. So it was with firm resolve and a steel voice that she addressed her men as they lined the deck of the Legacy.

"Take some time for yourself men, but remember where we are. This port isn't known for its friendly locals and it's known even less for its safety. If you must venture beyond the initial boundaries of port, exercise the utmost judgment, not to mention caution," Amelia warned them. "Anyone not here when we push off tomorrow gets left behind." She stared hard at her crew. "I don't think any of you want that."

A chorus of masculine voices lifted up in an "Aye, m'am."

Amelia, satisfied that she had made her point, nodded curtly. "Dismissed."

As the crew made their way off the ship, Lightoller came up behind her. "Any plans for shore leave, Captain?"

"Not for this spacer, Mr. Lightoller," she cracked a smile. "I have too much on my plate to even consider stepping foot of this ship."

Lightoller nodded his understanding. "Just the same Captain, might I suggest you take a little time for yourself while we have it. It has been a stressful few days, and even the formidable Captain needs some down time every now and then." The smile with which he delivered his words helped to take off a bit of the sting.

Amelia considered him for a moment and then shook her head in defeat. "I concede to your wisdom, Mr. Lightoller. Blast me for choosing such an able First Mate."

"Indeed, Captain."

"Perhaps I'll spend a nice evening in my quarters, a good book to keep me company."

"Aye, Captain. A good book. That is always pleasurable." A mischievous smile played at the corners of his mouth and his innocent suggestion of, "Perhaps Doctor Doppler might have a good title to loan you," earned him a sharp glare.

"Mr. Lightoller, I don't know what you're suggesting, but I take offense at –"

"Captain! Oh there you are, Captain." Amelia's statement was halted as a slightly out-of-breath-Doppler made his way to where the two spacers stood. "I went by your stateroom, but you weren't there."

Amelia gave him a withering look as Lightoller's smile grew even larger. "Rather difficult to be two places at once, wouldn't you say, Doctor?"

"Um, yes. Well, uh – I suppose so. Unless you had a time space distributor. That would allow it. Of course, those are only fabled, no scientific basis to substantiate them, as you know. But, it could be possible …" he stopped, realizing they were staring at him. Clearing his throat, he quickly mumbled, "No, ah, basis at all. So, yes, very difficult."

Lightoller coughed, though Delbert could swear it was a thinly-disguised laugh and excused himself from their presence with one last comment about the Captain wanting a good book.

Delbert turned to her questioningly. "Do you need a good book? I have several fascinating titles with me."

Amelia rolled her eyes and sighed. "Only you would think to bring fascinating titles on a mission such as this."

"Is that a no?"

"Most definitely. As much as I love a good read, our preferences do not coincide when it comes to literature, Doctor."

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Delbert agreed. "But," he continued with an earnest smile, "I have been sampling some of the works you suggested. So far, I've found them to be, ah, rather interesting."

Amelia's smile softened and she took a step closer to him, lowering her voice. "I do appreciate that, Doctor. Not many men would be so open to sampling their partner's culture. It means a great deal to me that you've chosen to do so," she confided as he blushed.

"Yes, well, ah," he stumbled, "I want to know you better."

Amelia glanced around and then fixed him with a feral smile.

"The crew will be completely gone in the next hour. Why don't you come by my quarters then and keep me company. I'm certain we can work on you getting to know me better."

Delbert swallowed hard and gritted his teeth. Oh, but the offer was tempting! It took every ounce of strength he had to not give in and allow himself the luxury of another night alone with Amelia. But, he couldn't. Ever since that incident with Drake, he had been waiting for an opportunity to confront the man – one that was out of Amelia's sight. He knew Wellington would have too much honor to mention it to the Captain and that was perfectly fine by him. He had caught whiff of the feline's shore plans and knew the Ambassador would be disembarking shortly. He needed to be on hand to follow him to his destination and then confront him. Better to do it in front of a crowd. Delbert wasn't given to any illusions about the man. If they were alone, he had no doubt the feline wouldn't hesitate to resort to dirty fighting.

Pulling himself together, he took a step away and gave her an apologetic smile.

"As much as I'd love to, and believe me," he winced, "I would love to, I have plans that I must attend to this evening."

Amelia was stunned. Never, in the entire time they'd been seeing one another, had Delbert passed up an opportunity to spend time with her. Never.

"You have plans?"

"I do," he murmured. "I would much rather spend the evening with you, but this can't wait. Truly, it can't."

Amelia nodded, surprise still etched on her features. "If it cannot wait, then I understand. I will say I am rather surprised."

"Me too," Delbert sighed.

"Well, if you have plans, you'd best be on your way then, Doctor."

Delbert watched her with his dark brown eyes. "You're not angry at me?"
Amelia frowned. "Of course I'm not angry with you. Disappointed, yes. But in the situation. Not in you."

"You are truly the most gracious woman I have ever met," Delbert smiled and took her hand before remembering they were on the bridge. He quickly transformed the loving caress to a hearty handshake. "Thank you, Captain. I will see you later this evening."

"Aye, Doctor," she agreed, watching him go, a perplexed frown making its way into her eyes. Something was most decidedly going on. Any fool could see that, and she was no fool. It was completely out of character for Delbert to deny himself time alone with her, especially on a mission. And it was so unlike him to evade the truth. Especially with her.

Best to find out what was going on and put a stop to it before it got out of hand.

Turning on her heel, she headed for Lightoller's quarters. The man was not going to be happy about having his liberty disrupted, but she had no choice.