Chapter 15 The Captain Takes Charge

The daily staff meeting was substantially more tense than usual following the Green Hen scuffle. Lightoller had made the strategic decision to place the men at opposite ends of the table, an action that, thus far, had proved ineffective. The two were still at each other, with heated glares being shot back and forth between them. The tension was palpable. Lightoller was secretly relieved that the uncomfortable meeting was finally drawing to a close.
With the daily briefing through, Amelia pointedly nodded at her First Mate and then threw a quick glance at Delbert who was still gathering his papers. Lightoller shook his head in silent understanding. Content that the man knew what to do, Amelia turned to Wellington who was trying to make his way out the door.
"Mr. Ambassador, a moment if you please."
"Actually Captain, I'm rather busy," Wellington told her brusquely.
"It was not a request, Ambassador."
"You realize you possess no real authority over me, don't you?"
Delbert moved forward, ready to defend Amelia once again, only to be stopped by Lightoller's friendly, but restraining, hand.

"Perhaps we should leave, Doctor."
"We'll do no such thing," he protested. But catching sight of Amelia's stony gaze, his fiery bluster diminished into a meek nod. "Ah, perhaps you're right, Mr. Lightoller. I'm certain the Captain can take care of herself."

Amelia waited for the two to leave before replying to Drake's thinly-veiled impertinence with a grim smile. "Indeed, I do realize that fact." At his satisfied smirk, Amelia continued, "But what you fail to understand is that Director Dumas is a dear family friend who I've known since childhood. In fact, I used to spend my vacations at his summer home near Nestal."
The color drained from Wellington's features. "Director Dumas is my direct superior and the only man who has yet to decide upon my permanent status as Ambassador to Croaja."
"Yes, I recall him mentioning something to that effect the last time we spoke," she replied idly, gazing at a fingernail. Satisfied with it, she looked up at Drake. "Such a prestigious and highly-sought after posting, if I'm not mistaken."
"Comparable to a position in the Admiralty," Drake replied hoarsely.

"Ah. Very prestigious then."

"I would've thought such a ploy would be beneath someone such as yourself, Captain."

"Then this has been a learning voyage for all us, hasn't it, Ambassador. Why just last night I was reflecting upon the hitherto revealed facets of your personality that you so kindly chose to grace my crew and myself with these past few days." She narrowed her green eyes and gazed at him from beneath the hooded lids. "I suggest you accept my offer to stay for a moment."

Drake stood silent for a long moment, contemplating the stalwart Captain. Finally, he sighed heavily and sat down in the chair near her extended palm.

"You leave me no choice but to do so."

"True, I don't." She sat down across from him and ran her claws along the table's edge. "I hate resorting to such methods, Ambassador, but to steal your words only a moment ago, you left me no choice but to do so." Her usual poise brooked no argument, but in this instance, she was giving him a choice. She had effectively caged him, but was letting him know that he had put her in the position which forced her to do so. If he was going to go down, it would be of his own doing. She had offered him a somewhat truce. She was going to give him a chance to explain himself. He'd be a fool not to accept it. And if there was one thing Drake Wellington was not, it was a fool. With a heavy sigh, he ran a hand through his glossy hair and then offered her a grudging smile.

"I hate conceding anything to anyone, Captain, but I must admit you speak the truth."

Amelia was surprised by the man's willing concession, but masked it behind an arched eyebrow and dipped her head. "Let me be frank with you. Your behavior has been less-than-acceptable these past few weeks. I will not tolerate disrespect to myself, my officers or crew. Your treatment of Doctor Doppler leaves much to be desired."

Drake regarded her steadily as he collected his thoughts. He flexed his hand a few times before and then pushed his chair back, stood and walked to the open porthole.

"If we're being blunt, Captain, then allow me the same courtesy." He looked to her for permission. At her swift nod, he continued.

"I know there is something going on between you and the Doctor. If I'm not mistaken, I'd hazard a pretty certain bet that he is the person you referred to as being 'involved' with. I owe you many things, the first being an apology for my unprofessional behavior these past few days, as well as my inappropriate actions toward you in this very stateroom." Drake turned and made his way to where she sat. Gazing down in to her deep green eyes, he blew a breath through his pursed lips and inclined his head.

"Please accept my humblest apologies for any discomfort I've caused you and your crew recently. It was inappropriate, and I can assure you, it will not happen again."

Amelia regarded him, silently assessing the sincerity of his words. After a long pause, she, too, stood up and gazed back in to the deep gray eyes that were staring intently in to her own. "I believe you are sincere in your words, Wellington."

Drake smiled. "I am. And I believe that I once asked you to call me Drake." He extended a hand to her. "I hope that we can start over and hopefully emerge as fA/Nriends from this. I realize I have a long way to go in securing that possibility, but I am willing to try."

A small smile lifted the corners of Amelia's mouth, and she took his hand in her own, firmly grasping it. "I can see why you've managed to climb through the ranks … Drake."

Wellington grinned. "Yes, well, it is a talent." He winked at her. "Truly Captain, I am glad we were able to solve this before extending our claws. Although," he rubbed his chin gingerly, "your Doctor seems more than happy to come out paws flying."

Amelia frowned, but Drake interrupted before she could say anything, holding up a hand to ward off any comment. "Believe me, I deserved what I got. I said some less-than-admirable things last night. And should they repeated to you, please know that I am truly sorry. But you shouldn't hold any grudge against Doppler. He did exactly what I would've done had our situations been reversed."

"I have a newfound respect for you, Ambassador. To be honest, I find it hard to digest this sudden change in you, but I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt."

Drake shrugged. "That is more than fair of you, and I can understand your reservations. As for my change, chalk it up to your effective methods of persuasion," he snorted, "as well as my ability to know when to withdraw from a battle." At her look of confusion, he chuckled. "I quickly realized, after retiring to nurse my wounds last night, that there was no possibility of me ever coming between the two of you."

Amelia nodded. "Very astute of you, Ambassador." She frowned and pursed her lips. "I would ask that you keep that bit of knowledge to yourself. I would rather not have my entire crew know the exact nature of our relationship."

"I can respect that, Captain. You have my word that it will remain so." He turned and headed for the door, but stopped to ask one more thing of Amelia. "Captain, if you wouldn't mind, please pass along my apologies to the good Doctor. I would do so myself, but I think it best for both our interests, if we don't see each other for a few days. A bit of time to cool down seems wise to me."

"I couldn't agree more, Ambassador," Amelia noted with a wry grin. "I couldn't agree more."

To be continued ...

A/N

No, not dead. Just busy. Been moving these past eight months - five moves! But thank you for continuing to read. It's slow going because I'm going back and fixing things that have caught my attention - all in an effort to make it a better story for you guys! Please let me know what you think.