School had me occupied for a while, but I am back! This chapter contains language and some pretty dark stuff (abuse and torture), and admittedly this chapter got me outside my comfort zone. Enjoy!
In the meantime, Ten Cents was taken by Timberwolf to a secluded dock near Bigg City's Naval offices. The dock had fallen into disuse, but its cramped spaces allowed the Navy to keep prisoners detained. This sort of setting would be perfect for what Timberwolf had in store. Several smaller Navy vessels watched as the Navy tug led Ten Cents in, but they were silent. Finally, she spotted a shed within those docks and took the switcher inside for questioning.
"Now, you may be wondering why you're here. Is it because I want to destroy you?" Timberwolf asked, looking right into Ten Cents' eyes. "It is not that. I simply want to use you for something important."
"Like what, kissing Zorran's stern?" Ten Cents teased, knowing that he was not as strong as the Navy tug. "Taking any presented money to try and further your own needs? You're doing a good job at-"
"Shut it!" Timberwolf snapped, slapping the switcher with one of her tow ropes. She was not going to tolerate insubordination, especially at a critical time like this. "It seems you are like my subordinates. Young, stupid, and feel that they can do it all without help from their superiors. I was in your position once, but I was treated like garbage compared to you. Called a freak even. I swore that one day, I would get praise like my officers. And you are going to help me make that dream a reality."
Ten Cents hissed in pain, and tried to make sense of what she wanted. "What? Hitting a reaper like me is not going to help you get support. And besides," He smirked, "You were probably mistreated because you treated everyone like shi- Ow!"
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Timberwolf snapped, ramming Ten Cents with enough force to damage his engine. "I have been chewed and spat out all because I am a woman. And this has been going on for far too long. Now if I were you, I would shut my mouth and do as I say. Got it?"
Ten Cents hissed at the pain, and was not expecting Timberwolf to behave so harshly. He knew that many ships who visited were dismissive of the female ships, and even Lillie and Sally were not exempt from this. Perhaps Timberwolf was angry she was being treated this way, and that anger resulted in a tug who felt that fame would solve her problems. However, a snide comment would result in damage. Finally, he gave in and slowly nodded.
"Well switcher, let's see what you can do." Timberwolf huffed, satisfied her prisoner was silent. She motioned for some patrol vessels to haul in a Navy tug who was fearing for his life. Ten Cents recognized him as Hamilton, who sometimes came up to Bigg City to do inspections. Clearly something must have happened!
"Timberwolf release me this instant! You are committing treason as is by severing communication lines for this city!" Hamilton said, trying to stand firm. He spotted Ten Cents out in the distance and was now furious. "I am not your superior, but I order you release this switcher at once! He has done nothing wrong."
Timberwolf ignored Hamilton's replies, and motioned for Ten Cents to kill him. Ten Cents gulped, and tried to figure out what to do. If he didn't do what Timberwolf told him, he would have been sunk. If he did what Timberwolf did, he would have done a disservice to the Star Fleet. Time was running out, but then he felt a smack.
"What are you doing? Idling?" Timberwolf demanded, smacking the switcher with her tow ropes again. "You have to have a good reason for not doing as I tell you. Tell me!"
Ten Cents screamed in pain, and struggled to catch his breath. Hamilton watched the abuse in horror, unable to help him. After a minute, he replied in a shaky voice, "My powers take up so much of my energy. I'm not a strong reaper, so I haven't been able to use it as often as needed."
"So you're a weakling, even as a Reaper?" Timberwolf asked, disappointed that her prisoner was failing her. "Hopefully your powers manifest at sunrise. If they don't… I'll have to blow you up like I will this tug." She motioned for the patrol vessels to take Hamilton away, and she too soon vanished.
The switcher watched as the two Navy tugs left, and was worried. The sound of an explosion put him on edge, and he now wondered if he was going to get out of this mess alive. With tears in his eyes, he fell asleep, praying for intervention of any kind.
Ten Cents awoke to find himself in the middle of the ocean, gently bobbing against the waves. The sky was pitch black, and no stars were present. The only sources of light were a half moon and the lamp on Ten Cents' hat. The scene was serene, and Ten Cents took it as a sign that he was in a better place. A dream where he could escape the Navy''s abuses and sail on with no end in sight. All he needed now, was peace.
Then, out in the distance, he spotted a large shape charging through the water. He panicked and started to inch back, not wanting to be caught in its path. The shape shouted with a booming voice that shook the heavens (and sounded like Timberwolf), "Don't run away from me now boy! I still have work for you to do!"
Ten Cents could not speak, but he refused to back down. However, he whined as he saw beatings received throughout the evening, and verbal abuses flung by Timberwolf and her subordinates. These actions cut to the core, and it was hard for the switcher to stay strong without breaking down in tears. He finally shut his eyes and braced for the impact, tears trickling down his cheeks in worry and defeat. He was done for.
Just as when all was lost, a song pierced the air. It was not harsh, but the words were gentle and spoke to Ten Cents' soul. The large shape tried to press on, but growled in frustration as the song grew in intensity. Each movement led to it fuming, as the words caused it to stop and admire. Finally, it gave up and sailed away, never to be seen again.
Ten Cents slowly opened his eyes, and was shocked to notice Hades right next to him. Yes, this was the same Hades who he had met a few times before, but his behavior was different. Instead of being sadistic and demanding, the maroon tug was calm and peaceful and had no shred of malice. It must surely be a dream, as this was very unusual to see someone like Hades behave like this. With a gulp, Ten Cents asked in a quiet voice, "What're you… what're you doing here? In my head too?"
Hades stopped singing, and curved his lips into a mischievous grin. "Keeping some of the night terrors away my little angel. Hercules can't be here, so he sent me instead. Abuse at the hands of someone in authority is beneficial to no one." He replied, shooting out some smoke to wipe away Ten Cents' tears. "Hush now, you have me for protection."
The switcher tensed up, but relaxed under the touch. The pain from the night's abuse began to lessen, allowing him to focus on more pressing matters. "Hey Hades, do you know if anyone is coming in to save me? I hope this mess will come to an end." He asked, showing anger in his voice.
"Yes. However, Hercules is having a hard time convincing those Stars to not come with him. He wants to keep them safe and out of harm's way." Hades answered, taking his time to examine Ten Cents' wounds. "In the meantime, I want to help ease your suffering. Your captors are making you a meat puppet, and I do not like that at all." As he spoke, a small light slowly emerged from his stack and gravitated towards Ten Cents. The light went into his very being, causing him to feel a mixture of excitement and anger. Before he could ask what it was that Hades gave him, he vanished.
The next morning, Ten Cents awoke to a state of commotion. The Coast Guard had received a telegram from Captain Zero, but the news was so unexpected and unannounced that Timberwolf had to be called in to assist with search efforts. In her place was a hardened patrol vessel, who had broken down plenty of new recruits of their basic selves. "Alright shorty, Timberwolf isn't here to beat ya senseless, so she put me in charge." He said, looking right at Ten Cents. "She wants me to make sure your powers come up before she returns."
"Before?" The switcher snided. "I bet you an operation like that is going to take all day at least!" He had a point: if something unexpected did happen, it would force everyone to put aside their differences and try to resolve whatever had happened. Then- smack!
"You do as I say and you will be a killing machine." The patrol vessel stated coldly, ignoring the tears rolling down Ten Cents' cheeks. "Or else I will have to remind you again and again." Or the blood that just started to trickle out. As he inched closer to punish Ten Cents further, he stopped.
No one knew how to properly explain it, but Ten Cents had serrated teeth. His first instinct was to intimidate, and he needed it, especially now. Ten Cents chuckled and continued baring his teeth. Whatever Hades gave him was really good at making the patrol vessel's paint peel. Then, without warning, he hissed and flashed his tongue, which had become long and pointed. The patrol vessel let out an inhuman shriek and hurried away, fearing he pushed Ten Cents to his limit.
"Ha he didn't even try." Ten Cents said to himself, and now tried figuring a way out. However, with so many patrol vessels, it was practically impossible. Then, he felt the air grow cold. This was a sign that Hades here. Yet, the switcher did not see any fog. Or birds. Why was he feeling this now?
"Sharp teeth won't save you from dynamite." Hades whispered in a soft voice, and a silhouette of the tug suddenly appeared along the walls. "You may have scared one vessel away, but there are so many countless others it is impossible. Perhaps a display of power will make them think otherwise. Maybe even regret their decision."
"What if they want to use me as a weapon though?" Ten Cents asked, doubting what Hades said. "Timberwolf said she wanted to use me for something important, but she didn't tell me- someone's coming!"
Hades quickly vanished, only for Timberwolf and the patrol vessel to appear. "He woke up and had razor sharp teeth this morning!" The patrol vessel explained, sweating nervously. "I wouldn't approach him if I were you, he'd probably eat ya!"
"Eat someone? We get bird strikes all the time, this is nothing." Timberwolf shook her head and steamed up to Ten Cents. She noticed the sharp teeth and smiled. "Good, now you're making yourself worth something. A tool for my plans."
"Didn't you tell me that yesterday?" Ten Cents asked, and was surprised when he wasn't silenced with a slap or even a ram from her bow.
"I must have not given you the full details." The Navy tug said, remaining calm and composed. "Have you heard of the Navy's attempts to use one of your kind?" When she got no reply, she said, "It seems you're quite young and not know much. Pity. I'll give you a briefing. When Johnny Cuba came here a year ago, he was host to a being called a Reaper. Reapers have one job, and that is to take life. I felt this would be beneficial, as it would allow the American Navy to have a method of crippling destroyers and sink the stealthiest of submarines without the use of mines. Meanwhile, I myself would be finally acknowledged by the Navy for my genius. However, before any sort of experimentation would take place, Bluenose had Cuba blown up. I was furious, and swore that I would not let that opportunity slip away from me again. When I heard of the rumors, I came up with the intention to capture the Reaper and use it for my gain."
Ten Cents was trying to wrap his head around what she was saying. He didn't even know that Johnny Cuba was like Hercules and had an alter ego. And a reaper too. However, Hercules was the only Star Tug who had even confronted the notorious tramper that fateful day, so where was Timberwolf getting her information from? Unless Zorran or one of the other Z Stacks told her too. Suddenly, he felt a sharp bump against his bow.
"Are you even paying attention?" Timberwolf asked, her voice cold. "It seems I will have to mentally break you down before you are even fit for my plans. I will have to use force, even dynamite, to get you to comply. Maybe then, I would finally get the chance to make the higher ups in the Navy suffer, and then I would place myself in top. Show them what a female tug is truly capable of doing."
A low snarl escaped Ten Cents' mouth, causing some of the weak willed patrol vessels to scurry away. His blood was boiling, and he looked up at Timberwolf with fury in his eyes. "Back off bitch." He hissed, not wanting to put up with the abuses any longer.
"What did you say?" Timberwolf asked, her patience having run out. The insult pushed her to her limit, and now the urge to lash out sounded nice right now. "You have three seconds to explain-"
"I said back off!" Ten Cents shouted, the smoke now contorting into a plethora of tentacle-like appendages. The smaller Navy vessels gasped and started to inch back, wondering if they pushed the switcher too far. Just as when Timberwolf was about to attack, she screamed and stopped in her tracks, her vision suddenly getting worse. Ten Cents used his smoke to strike her on the face, taking out one of her eyes in the process.
"Now are you guys aware of what the Grim Reaper can do? You simply can't contain me and use my power without risking your lives." Ten Cents hissed, but the voice was not his own. Instead, it was harsh and demanding, as if some sinister power had awoken and taken control. Then, with a smirk, he added, "I will give you two options Timberwolf. Release me, and I may consider sparing you and the ass-kissers you call patrol vessels. If not... I will unleash Hell upon you and your crew. Your abuses will only add fuel to my fire-"
"ENOUGH!" Timberwolf shouted, showing desperation. Considering how Ten Cents struck her in the eye, it looked as though she wanted to give in. However, it would be embarrassing for her and prove a deadly blow to her plans. Gritting her teeth, she said, "If you plan on unleashing hellfire, how would you feel if I took you out? Men, prepare Ten Cents for detonation."
Ten Cents returned back to a somewhat normal state, and tried shaking off some Navy vessels who approached him. He tried to ask Timberwolf what was happening, but she already left.
NOTE: During a convo with a friend, it was brought up that sexism was rampant in the twenties. Yes suffrage was a thing, but people still perceived women as weak when compared to their male counterparts. We also brought up the numerous female tug ocs and she pointed out that they would have been laughed out of the harbor due to the fact that sexism was prevalent during that time. I decided to incorporate this into the story, as I wanted to give a reason for why Timberwolf was the way she was.