In answering a review - SpookySkeleton: Wow! I have never gotten a rating on any story like that x) Thank you! I'm pleased it's a good read ;) Now, oh geez, I hope I don't let you down
Okay, a little heads up for this chapter :: if Mason has been on your nerves for a long time (as I've read from you all), brace yourselves ;) [consider this the Ultimate Mason, the Mason's that will follow aren't going to be this bad... in a way.. I think]
Enjoy!
"Lieutenant Chenowyth!" she greeted, seeing the young man at the docks. "How fares your work? I had no idea you were stationed here."
He bowed his head politely and matched her smile. "Very well, Captain Kingsleigh. I have no complaints. How is everything in London?"
"Oh, I imagine it's the same as always," she replied. "Haven't been there in six months or so. It's been quite a journey getting here."
He chuckled, "Glad to have you here then, ma'am."
She had not taken one step off of the loading dock when she heard a mighty tumble behind her. She miraculously refrained from rolling her eyes… and here she thought she had lost him in the mazes of those on deck.
"Alice!"
Lieutenant Chenowyth frowned a bit and noticed Alice's scowl. He went to say something but then Alice's face brightened into a false smile and she turned around to greet whoever it was about to annoy her.
"Mr Montgomery, I see you've abandoned your duties aboard." She waved her hand like she was brushing off his next words. "Nevermind your slip up, you've brought the papers that were in my cabin, yes?"
His steps stuttered but he managed to remain composed – Mason-composed standards, that is. But his smile was not as kind as his tone, "No, Alice. Ha ha, don't play dumb with me. We've been at odds about this ever since I passed my exams. I got the papers from my cabin – Captain Montgomery." He held the stack close to himself.
She was mighty proud with herself for not scoffing. "Of course, Mr Montgomery. You know every word those papers say, don't you?"
He narrowed his eyes at her insistence with his name, and his confidence wavered at what she said. Of course he didn't know what the papers read.
But enough of that. He noticed the smart-looking lieutenant standing beside them. "Ah, you must be Lieutenant…? Forgive me, I do not remember your name. Perhaps it is because we've never met. I've never been to India."
Chenowyth looked to Alice who looked intolerant of this Montgomery's behavior. "Erm, Mr Montgomery, sir. We studied our naval courses together, under Captain Turner of course- uhm, before you requested to be taught by Captain Kingsleigh."
Alice smirked at that.
And Mason covered his embarrassment quickly and fixed his uniform obnoxiously. "And who of the two ranked Captain?"
Chenowyth gave a light chuckle. "Of course, sir. But it was during my studies that I realized the sea is not my home. I declined to continue with the program. I am thankful Captain Turner understood and gave me a position here in India."
"And I couldn't be happier for you, Lieutenant," Alice beamed. "Come, let's not keep Captain Turner waiting, as I'm sure this little interruption already has."
"Captain Turner has retired his duties as a professor?"
Alice wanted to pull her hair out at Mason's insolent questions. "Captain Turner is not a professor. He is well-respected sea captain who took time out of duties to teach those whose passion is the sea. I suggest, Mr Montgomery, you keep your mouth shut during our visit."
His upper lip twitched in annoyance. "Well, I would think he'd be here to greet us instead of sending forth a scrawny army man."
"Mason, hold your tongue," she snapped.
And Lieutenant Chenowyth did not wish to be a part of this quarrel. "He was indisposed when the ship docked and would be busy until a quarter to three." He looked at the tall clocktower down the street – five past three. "I am sure he grows impatient waiting for us- and as I understand it, Captain Turner is only expecting Captain Kingsleigh."
"That he is, but I'm afraid there's no turning back with him," she sighed. She smiled kindly at Chenowyth. "My apologies for all this, do lead on."
And he did. Mason surprisingly kept his mouth shut as they passed through the streets where rich and poor – especially poor – were present. But they were upon the base faster than both Chenowyth and Alice would have liked. She didn't blame the lieutenant when he casted a worried glance at Mason just before opening the door and announcing to the captain that she had arrived.
Captain Turner brightened when he recognized the girl with blonde hair. He chuckled, "Captain Kingsleigh! The clock has gone on and on. I feared you would not visit me your first day here."
She laughed, "This deal is the sole reason we set course for India. Why would I not come?"
"Let's get on with it, shall we?"
Alice snatched the papers from Mason who had let his grip fall slack, but unfortunately it was then that Captain Turner registered a second face in his study.
"I say, who is this?" he asked.
"Mr Montgomery, he's- he was supposed to stay aboard and help the merchants with our goods but-"
Said man scoffed, "Alice, I've just had enough with your insistence." He held his hand out to the other man. "Captain Montgomery, sir."
But Captain Turner tsked. "Alice? Oh, my dear son, you do not address us by our first names. It is rude practice."
"Rude is the only word in his vocabulary," she snarked half under her breath.
Mason glared at her but composed himself once again. "Nevertheless, I am Captain Montgomery and I demand to be part of this negotiation."
"Negotiation?" Turner repeated incredulously.
"Demand?" Alice blanched. Okay, she really shouldn't be surprised at that. She looked to Turner, "Captain, I should send him out- I don't think it's wise to have him-"
But he brushed her aside, "Nonsense! We both know the contract is to be signed. The best thing we can do is give him experience with a mock negotiation."
As if Mason could handle such a thing.
"Did you say the contract is to be signed," he more stated than asked. He looked to Alice. "No matter what?"
She wasn't ready for whatever scene he was about to make. She moved around him and headed right for the inkwell and feather pen, hoping to sign it before he blew his lid. "It is. And no matter what you say will change our minds, Montgomery-"
He stepped on her toes and she yelped in surprise and he snatched the papers from her before she realized it. "No."
Oh so he was going to try using a firm voice, was he? she thought. She scowled.
"The contract will not be signed."
"You hardly have the authority to say so," she shot back.
"I agree," Captain Turner added. "My boy, do you know what this document is?"
Mason squared his shoulders and Alice really knew he had no idea what the papers said. He held them tightly and raised them high as if that would help his case. "This- this will cripple our country. This will open for free trade! This is highly against the morals of our king- Is that what you want?"
"Just as I assumed," she huffed. "Clearly you do not know what good this will do for England-"
He leveled to her, eyes narrowing and lip curling. His voice was like venom. "You are not signing this piece of worthless parchment!"
"Mr Montgomery," Captain Turner intervened carefully. "I suggest you calm yourself and we can talk this through. But I agree with Kingsleigh, this will open doors for our countries."
"The King would never give permission for this-"
"It's done with. I'm going to sign it. Captain Turner is close with the locals. He's knows what is best-" Alice continued.
Captain Turner chuckled darkly and looked down at Mason. "I do not know what you are thinking, young man, but you are not thinking in best interest of your country. To serve His Majesty, you must put aside your own morals – unless you can balance them well like myself and Kingsleigh – and think 'what would be good for King and Country?'"
He sneered at the man, completely forgetting the other's rank. "Shut your mouth."
"I beg your pardon?" he said a bit shocked.
Alice had heard enough.
She grabbed Mason's hand and yanked him outside. "What in the blazes has gotten into you!" she scolded sharply, not worried about how loud her voice was. She wanted to the whole world to hear exactly what she thought of Mason this very minute! "You just insulted a famous sea captain who was appointed by the King to befriend the locals and earn himself high in their ranks! The same King, mind you, that personally- personally, Mason – told me to sign this deal on behalf of England!
"If you ever pulled your head out of your arse, you would have seen on this very paper that the King's signature is at the bottom! I was appointed because I am the fastest captain! My crew could travel here and back again in a timely manner!"
She shook her head and groaned, "I should have known there was something wrong with you. Ever since those pirates came aboard, you've been ranting and raving about some stupid imaginary place called Wonderland. Blimey, Mason, things like that don't exist! Tell me, can a frog walk on two legs and talk? Can he? No, he cannot. Thank the heavens we are not in London otherwise I'd have you committed for your own sanity in the asylum."
Mason glowered, "I am not insane."
"That's what they all say," she puffed. She tried to compose herself. "Now, you have wasted my time and Turner's time. Please, return to the ship and pray to the heavens that I don't enlist you in the Captain Turner's army, leaving you here while I return to London!"
He didn't move.
She snarled, "Get out of my sight!"
She cringed – waiting for him to challenge her and start a shouting match as if this wasn't one (on her part) already. But he didn't. He nodded and relented, obeying her word and walking back to the ship.
She stepped back into the study – her pride very wounded. "I apologize, Captain. I do not know what got into that sailor's head.
"Nevermind it, dear," he said. "Shall we finally sign it?"
She nodded and smiled – or at least tried to.
"Chart course back to London, Cap'ain?" Glasdon asked when Alice finally returned to the ship.
She gave a short nod and made a beeline for the captain's cabin. The irritating shadow that she hoped wouldn't dare to go near her appeared in the corner of her eye and she tensed.
"I apologize, Alice-"
She didn't turn around to face him. "I am still angry with you. Please- Mason, if you can- if it is so possible for you to manage, do not speak with me for the remainder of the journey to London. If it is dire, tell Glasdon and he will pass it on to me. Understood?"
"But Alice-"
Her smile was filled with poison when she finally looked at him. "You're very lucky I won't demote you this minute. Now, keep to the deck. Do as I say!" she snapped when he didn't move.
"Cap'ain?"
She gave a long and calming exhale – hoping not to snap at Glasdon. "Keep him busy. Make him mop the deck if you must. I do not wish to be bothered for the rest of the day."
He nodded.
Think of this as a turning point for Mason... Oh yes, Mason is still going to be very much part of this story ;)