A/N: I have overhauled the entire story. Several scenes have been added to previous chapters. I highly recommend going back and reading from the beginning, or you might be confused.

Chapter 12 – An Informal Education

Delbert had never seen anyone take so long to disembark ship. He had waited for 45 minutes before finally deciding that perhaps the man had been detained. Rather than waste the remainder of his wait, he had opted to pore over his beloved star charts under a tarp that had been erected to protect the precious cargo from the mist that had been present since arriving in port. He had been at it for a good half hour when the dulcet tones of the maddening Ambassador floated across the deck to his ears. He scooped up his charts and turned to duck into the hallway, but instead landed squarely against the larger man's chest, knocking him to his feet and scattering his papers across the soaked deck. Doppler glanced up to see Wellington scowling at him and then focused his attention on the smaller man standing next to him. He was definitely older than both he and Wellington, by a good 10 years at least. His eyes were a bright blue and his button-shaped nose turned up slightly. Floppy ears hung loosely to the side of his head, and Delbert suddenly realized he was looking at a Renan, a native of Renana, the sister planet of Ronan. Renans were said to be skilled negotiators and fiercely loyal to those they served under. Delbert wondered what the man was doing with someone like Drake. Amelia was apparently wondering the same thing, because she stepped away from her First Officer and directed her gaze to the Ambassador. Her words were sharp and filled with subtle rebuke.

"And pray tell who is this man you've brought aboard my ship, Ambassador? Without my permission, I might add."

Wellington spoke in a brusque manner. "This is Antonius Rupert. He has assisted me on several treaties and has been my right-hand man for the on-going negotiations with the Empire of Ronan."

Amelia was not pleased. "If he has been such an integral part of your stuff, why is it that he is just now joining you? And more importantly, why was I not informed on his addition to my crew?"

Drake glanced at her with irritation. "He was detained by proceedings back on
Montressor. I knew he would be joining us at port, but I did not feel, in the interests of safety, that it would be wise to announce his arrival." He reached in to his vest pocket and pulled out a small piece of parchment. "The Ambassador Office and the Royal Navy both apparently agreed with me," he informed her as he handed the document to her. Satisfied that he had done his part, Wellington turned and made for his quarters, motioning for his assistant to follow.

Wellington's aide, Rupert, smiled apologetically and stooped down to help
Doppler collect his papers.

"I'm sorry," he murmured softly. "I'm afraid the Ambassador can be a bit, ah, blunt, at times." He handed the wet papers back to the Canid. "He means well, though. He truly does care about people."

Delbert scoffed and let his disbelief show on his features. "Frankly, I find that hard to believe," he told Rupert, standing up and reaching a hand down to the older man. "From everything I've seen, Wellington is pompous and arrogant. His concern for others stems only from how far it will propel him in his career."

Rupert frowned, unsure of how to respond to Doppler's comment. Delbert frowned, realizing the awkward position he had placed the man in.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have spoken like that. I'm Dr. Delbert Doppler, astrophysicist." He thrust a hand out in greeting, forgetting the papers clutched there.

Antonius bit back a smile, but his eyes couldn't hide the twinkle there. Delbert blushed, embarrassed.

"Ah yes. Sorry. I forgot those were there." He fumbled with the papers, trying to shift the star charts tucked in his other arm. Rupert laughed and rescued the crumpled papers from Doppler, firmly grasping the Canid's proffered hand. "Antonius Rupert, intergalactic negotiator. A pleasure to meet you, sir."

"The pleasure is mine, sir. I've heard so much about your planet, but have never had the opportunity to visit. Perhaps sometime we could discuss your home world?"

A fleeting frown passed across the older man's features, but was gone a second later. Delbert frowned, the imperceptible emotion catching him by surprise. He started to say something, but was interrupted by Rupert's almost instant response.

"I would be honored to discuss my home world you at length, Doctor. Perhaps once I get settled in, we could do so over a lattoid."

"I look forward to it."

"As do I," Rupert assured him.

A loud clearing of the throat interrupted them and both men turned to see Wellington scowling at Doppler. "You've taken up quite enough of my man's time, Doctor. Kindly cease your prattle and allow him to get back to serious matters."

Delbert glared at the man before turning back to the Renan. "A pleasure meeting you, Antonius."

Rupert smiled and returned Doppler's papers before disappearing behind Wellington in to the bowels of the ship. Delbert watched them go and then retreated to the utility room to resume his wait. Wellington would have to disembark soon enough. The man was nothing if not predictable. And Delbert was nothing if not patient. He would wait.

The roiling gray clouds that had settled overhead only moments before were fitting, Delbert decided. It had been a cloudless day up until 15 minutes ago. But as soon as he had snaked his way through the wooden crates lining the stall where the Legacy was docked, the clouds had rolled in. It was an ominous omen one that usually wouldn't be lost on Delbert; however, today was different. Today, he was a man on a mission. A quest for justice. He was going to find Drake Wellington snake and give him what for. No matter how much she had protested and threatened him should he choose to take matters in to his own hands, there was no way Delbert was going to let the man get away with accosting Amelia. And he would look dark and mysterious with his black wool coat hanging just above his ankles and gray hat pulled low over his eyes.

But keeping a steady yet trail-able pace behind the feline Ambassador was difficult. By nature, the man could sneak around far more easily than Delbert. And as the streets became less crowded and more narrow and darker, Doppler had to focus to keep sight of him.

Businesses had taken a decidedly less-friendly tone as he walked alongside the dank, moss-covered wall. Delbert frowned as he took a moment to read the names of the establishments that resided in the less-reputable quarter of Creshenthia.

The Watering Wench, Lady's Malady and Devil's Drink were just a few of the shingles hanging overhead that offered dubious drink and questionable pleasures. His eyes landed on the Cat's Meow. The faded shingle bore three deep scratches embedded in the wood. He shuddered and shook his head. He didn't even want to know what tastes that particular establishment catered to. He wasn't surprised in the least that Drake would frequent such establishments. He knew beneath the suave and cultured exterior the man presented, resided the heart of a hell rake. The austere luster was merely a façade for a dark and less-than-scrupulous cad.

As Delbert contemplated Drake's questionable character, the subject in question slowed his pace and cast a furtive glance over his shoulder. Delbert, catlike in his reflexes -- Amelia would be proud he thought fleetingly -- pressed against the damp wall alongside him and sucked in his breath, fervently praying to blend in with the shadowy surroundings. He watched, lower lip wedged between his teeth, as Drake's gaze darted back and forth. After what seemed an eternity, the feline grunted, satisfied that he had not been followed, and quickly ducked inside a doorway behind him.

Delbert's eyes fell upon the creaky shingle that swung haphazardly above the doorway. The white paint, which had once probably glistened proudly in the summer sun, now fell in rotting chips, littering the cobblestone below and giving it a milky white appearance. He could just discern the outline of a dark green animal drawn against the backdrop.

Delbert was unsure of what to do. He hadn't really planned past following Drake and seeing where he was going. He supposed it would be best to follow the Felid inside and covertly observe him. He wasn't certain what exactly he was hoping to see and if he did see something, what he would do with the information was a bit unclear. He snorted in disgust.

"Could you make it any less clear, old boy?" he snorted.
Best to simply head inside and let events take their natural course ... whatever it might be. With a deep breath to fortify his courage and a rapid tug on the brim of his hat to better hide his face, Delbert squared his shoulders and boldly strode through the splintered wooden door that would lead him into another world.