Chapter 19 – Don't Shoot the Messenger

Being in command of her own vessel was something Amelia would never complain about. She loved making the decisions, knowing it was she who controlled the course, gaining the confidence of a crew and then maintaining that trust – they were all things that brought her a sharp sense of pride. But the paperwork and reports associated with command … those were something she would freely wash her hands, if only she could. Being buried under mounds of bureaucratic was not her idea of a good time – not even productive one at that – and when she was forced to finally concede the necessity of sitting down with them, she was generally of a short temper. So it was no surprise when a knock came at her door – two hours in to her foray – that she answered it with a sharp "Come in and be quick about it!"

Amelia looked up irritably, but softened her gaze when she saw Delbert peek his head through her stateroom door.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I, ah, have some rather unsettling news."

"Well do come in," she motioned. "Or, are you planning to relay the information from the doorway?"

"No, of course not, of course not," he conceded, and stepped inside the shadowed room, taking care to securely fasten the door behind him.

Amelia watched in silence as he walked over to the far window and gazed at the starry landscape before him, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. Whatever it was, he was decidedly nervous. She allowed herself the luxury of an amused smile. She'd thought he'd made particular headway in that department where it concerned her - his nervousness, that is - but clearly he still had his moments. It was good to know she still had it - that unique talent to make him squirm beneath one perfectly-arched eyebrow. As he folded his hands over one another for the fiftieth time, she decided a little gentle prodding was in order. If she let him carry on this fashion, she'd be here all night, and she couldn't have that. She had important things to see through before the night ended.

"Delbert," she prodded. "Is it your intention to stand by the window all evening, or do you actually plan on speaking with me?"

"What? Oh yes, I'm sorry, dear," he apologized and turned away from the open view. The shadow of a nearby moon cast against him, illuminating his wiry frame. The heightened brightness allowed her a glimpse of the tension gathered in his shoulders. She sighed, regretting her earlier flippancy. Making her way to him, she brought her hand to his shoulder, resting it against the soft linen of his shirt. He reached up and covered it with his own before sighing a soft, "I'm sorry."

"Whatever for?"

"My apparent inability to formulate a coherent thought. I realize you have much on your plate, and my standing here – an inarticulate mess – doesn't help you accomplish anything." He gave a short laugh. "For that, I apologize."

Amelia smiled impishly. "Oh don't worry, darling. I'm rather used to it by now."

"I imagine you are. But that still doesn't alleviate my tension."

Amelia moved to face him and placed her fingertips across his brow. "Delbert, what has you twisted in knots?" She traced a soft line along his forehead. "I haven't seen you this nervous since … well, come to think of it, now isn't the most appropriate time to bring that up,but what's causing you such discomfort?"

Sighing, Delbert took a step back, consciously putting space between them. It didn't go unnoticed by Amelia, but she refrained from commenting. "I have to tell you something."

"So you said."

"And I'm not certain how to say it."

"Then simply say it."

He frowned. "Easier said than done."

"Darling, I know how much you love your mammoth words, elongated sentences and utilizing that extensive vocabulary which you possess," she teased, "but perhaps, in this instance, a succinct statement would serve you best, hmm?"

"Perhaps you're right." He took a deep breath and held it for a moment before exhaling quickly. "I have reason to believe that Ambassador Wellington is ferrying classified information to the rebel faction."

Amelia pursed her lips, a slight smirking sneaking its way out.

"I said 'succinct' darling."

Delbert blinked, not quite expecting that particular reaction from here. He had assumed she'd be shocked or at least somewhat surprised to learn that the apparent conversion of the Ambassador from less-than-admirable to honorable hadn't lasted long. However, he quickly rallied and leveled his gaze with hers.

"That was succinct. I don't see how I could have been any less succinct."

Amelia studied a finely-manicured tip and then smirked. "There are several possibilities, Doctor. You could have opened with ' Wellington is aiding the rebels' or perhaps, for a more effective showing, 'That cad, Wellington , is a spy' delivered, of course, in a passionate cry."

Feeling pleased with the latter, Amelia flashed him a brilliant smile. "That last one was quite good, don't you think? I rather like it."

Delbert stood silent, confused by her apparent lack of concern. He opened his mouth to comment and then closed it after a moment, unsure of what the proper reply would be to such a statement. He finally settled on a confused "um."

"Whatever is that matter, Delbert? I was merely offering you a few suggestions on how to better phrase your statements." She clucked her tongue at him. "Really. You'd think I'd just suggested you commit treason."

"That's precisely what I'm suggesting!" he protested. "Not us committing treason," he quickly corrected. "But Wellington ! I have from a good source that the Ambassador has been in communication with the rebels."

"Oh tish-tosh, Doctor. I hardly believe that the Ambassador, no matter how ill a manner he has treated us in the past, would be capable of treason."

"Amelia, surely you don't believe in this overnight transformation he's professing," Delbert questioned. "You're far too intelligent for that."

"Why thank you, Doctor."

"Look how long it took for you to come around to me," he pointed out.

"Well that was different."

"How so?"

"You were an academic, Delbert. All bumbling, based out books, poor dresser," she rattled off with precision.

"Yes, but –"

"Which, now, is precisely why I love you, but at the time, it was unfathomable to me to believe that I ever could." Her practical air held no room for debate.

"But it isn't I we're discussing, Amelia. It's Wellington . And bumbling and academic is a far cry from treason and spy."

"I couldn't agree more."

"Good." He nodded sharply and then looked at her with questioning eyes. "So we're agreed?"

"Hardly."

"But you just said – "

"I know precisely what I said, Delbert. And I find it difficult to fathom that Wellington is spy."

"Well," he huffed somewhat testily, "I certainly don't share your vote of confidence regarding Wellington 's character."

Anything she was going to further say was cut short as the ship lurched beneath her feet, causing her to lose her footing and pitch to the ground. Delbert was in the same predicament as she and felt his feet give beneath him. As he tumbled to the deck, he reached out for Amelia, and in a moment of sheer grace, managed to wrap his arms securely around her waist and pull her on top of him, cushioning the fall and landing against the unyielding floor with a loud thud.

Amelia slowly opened her eyes after realizing the jarring impact she had braced herself for had not come. "Delbert?" His arms resting against her back. She peeked down at him. "Are you all right?"

He groaned, but did not release her.

"Delbert, are you hurt?" The sound of cannon fire echoed faintly outside the stateroom windows. She could hear the shouts of her crew and knew she had to get to the bridge. But she wanted to make certain he wasn't injured.

"Have you put on weight?" he finally managed to ask. He pried his eyes open just in time to see Amelia arch an eyebrow at him.

"Were you not flat on your back and had you not just saved me from a nasty bruise, I'd have your head for that comment."

"But you have rebels to fight," Delbert pointed out helpfully and gingerly sat up. "Having my head would be a waste of time."

"Indeed," she nodded briskly and leaned forward to place a quick kiss against his cheek. "Thank you and be careful out there," she warned him. "I'll not have any repeats of our last skirmish. Do I make myself clear?"

"Quite." And as Delbert watched her fly out the door and race down the hallway, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head in admiration. "What a woman!"

To be continued …

A/N

My sincere apologies to anyone who had the misfortune of reading my roommate, friend and my late-night AIM conversation on how to formulate your adult film name. We're college students. It was 2 a.m. 'Nuff said. Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. As always, please let me know what you think. It only takes a few minutes of your time to review, and it means so much to the author! It is what keeps us writing. Also, you should check out The Captain's Papers by Courtesy. This is a terrific story and one I'm enjoying reading. I recommend it highly!

As always, if you're not reading WeasleyKid8 - you're not reading Treasure Planet!Drop thistalented author a note andharrass, ah I meanencourage them towrite some more fic!