by Saxon Andrew
Leo smiled, “How much does this cost me?”
The Tortugan raised his beak, “Nothing, Captain. We allowed you to be…put in danger tonight and…this is my way…of apologizing.”
“Are you equipped to make transfers tonight?”
The Tortugan licked his face, “We are always prepared to make transfers, Captain. The Argyans use a different bank than ours. We welcome them to move their assets to us.”
The Argyans arrived and Leo looked at the Beligeese as he said, “I’m sorry, Captain. We had to walk here from the arena. The former Fleet Commander pretty much bankrupted us in paying for the duel and we couldn’t afford to pay for a ride here.” Leo saw the Tortugan was not happy at hearing that.
Leo nodded and shouted to his crew, “Bring our visitors something to drink.”
Leo moved to the front of the room, sat down behind a console, and waited for the Argyans to be given something to drink and snack on. Finally, everyone was sitting in silence waiting for him to speak. “Black Hat, I’m sure all of your crews had time to discuss what happened tonight on your walk over here. Tell me what you’ve determined.” Black Hat looked around at the other Argyans and saw their nervousness. Leo said, “Tell me the truth.”
“Captain, there is great concern about what you are going to do with us. The Ship Commanders fear you are going to have them replaced with a member of your crew and the regular crewmen are greatly concerned about how we are going to survive with all of our holdings being wasted on this duel. They question if we will be able to go out when we’re unable to purchase the fuel we’d need to do it.”
“What else?”
“Our rent is due tomorrow. We don’t have it.”
Leo stared at the Argyans and said, “You left out that they fear that once I learn they are a liability that I might order them executed.”
Black Hat shrugged, “It would be a natural response to our predicament.”
“Before I address these issues, there are some things that you need to be aware of before we do anything else.” Leo paused and said, “I own all of you. Many of your freedoms go away as a result of that and one of them is the right to choose who leads you.”
Leo stared at them and Black Hat replied, “Yes, Captain. We realize that for all intents and purposes, we are, in effect, your slaves.”
“You will be the Fleet Commander of the six Argyan Ships. You may not be replaced or challenged by any one on the six ships. Do all of you understand?!”
The Argyans all said together, “Yes, Captain.”
“For the moment, I am not going to change any current Ship Commander. I will keep my eyes on you and if you do what I order, you will keep your commands.” Leo saw the Argyans in the front chairs start to relax. Leo looked at the Dacon, “You will retain the command of the ship you were promoted to lead.” He looked at Black Hat, “I expect you to go out with the ships and give me an accounting of what you see.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Further, my senior officers out rank all of you. If they issue you orders, you will follow them as if I’m making them.”
Leo paused and the Argyans shouted, “Yes, Captain.”
“One other thing.” Leo lowered his eyes and said very deliberately, “I will not tolerate needless killing of crews or passengers on the ships you attack. If you have to kill to defend yourself, I will listen to your reasons and make a determination if no other option was available. You all know that most ships will surrender if they know they will not lose their lives. It is bad for business to wantonly kill. If you don’t adhere to this order, I will execute you without a second thought.”
“Yes, Captain!!”
Leo looked at the Tortugan Official who was looking quite glum, “I notice that the buildings on each side of this one are unoccupied.”
“Yes, Captain…there has been no one…able to pay the rent…to take possession.”
“Is there rent similar to this one?”
“The one on the left is slightly less.”
“How much less?”
“Six thousand…a month…it does not have a pool.”
Leo reached in his pocket and pulled out a white card, “I want you to open an account in the Argyan’s name and transfer ten million credits into it.” The Argyans and the Bank Official were shocked silent. The Bank Official was too stunned to lick his face. “Once the transfer is made, I want a card granting access to the account given to Black Hat.” Leo looked at him as he said, “I want a monthly accounting of how much is used.”
Barney came forward and took the card from Leo and took it to the official. The Tortugan slid the card into a slot and began pressing buttons. After a few moments, he looked up with his mouth beak wide open. Leo smiled, “The first expenditures will be made to rent the two buildings next to this one. I also want movers hired to transfer the Argyans possessions from their current quarters to the new buildings. I want them moved in within twenty-four hours. Can you make that happen?”
The Tortugan’s tongue was back in action, “Yes, Captain! We’ll start the process tonight.”
“Further, I want another account established and all the future takings from the Argyan ships will be deposited into that account. I want another two million transferred into that account to replace what was spent on the duel.”
“YES, CAPTAIN!”
Leo looked at Black Hat, “You will use the first account to pay your bills and I’m holding you personally responsible to use them wisely.”
“Captain, I will do as you ask but this is not something we can understand. You are trusting us with this wealth and you have every reason to punish us for what happened, not reward us.”
Leo slowly shook his head as he said, “You are now a part of my crew. I didn’t ask for this but one thing I will do is take care of those under my command. I will come to your defense, if needed, and I will make sure you do not go hungry or wanting for things necessary to survive. The ones that are assigned to the building without a pool will have free access to the one here or at the other building. All of you will be given a wage each month and I would encourage you to save as much of it as possible against the time you pay off your debt to me and are free to go your way.”
Black Hat sighed, “Captain, we may never pay off our debt with the rental expenses that these two buildings cost.”
“They will not be included in your debt.”
“WHAT?”
“You are an investment. I fully expect there would be expenses in making you ultimately profitable, however, you will not have those expenses added to your debt.”
One of the Argyan Ship Commanders asked, “What about the wages paid to the Commanders?”
“You will be paid the same wage as the members of your crews. You will be allowed to choose your personal quarters first and those quarters will be much larger than those assigned to your crews. I recognize that you will need the additional space to handle your duties. If your ships are successful, you will be paid a large bonus the day you pay off your debt. You will also be responsible for taking good care of my crews on board your ships. You will be replaced if I find you put yourselves ahead of them.” Leo looked at the Ship Commanders, “If this isn’t acceptable, you may resign your positions now. However, if you choose to keep your commands, I will hold you responsible for not wasting the lives of those under your command. Do any of you wish to step down?” The six Commanders looked at each other and shook their heads. Leo looked at Barney, “Please take the Argyans to the cafeteria and have the kitchen staff prepare a meal for them while our Bank Representative orders transportation to take them back to their quarters to start packing for the move.”
Barney stood up, “If all of you will follow me, please.”
Leo looked at Embree, “I need to speak with you.”
Embree walked over and Leo said, “Effective immediately, you are promoted to Second-in-Command.”
Embree’s eyes narrowed, “But, Captain…”
“This is not
optional, Em. You know you are the best one for the position and I’m not going to waste time trying to convince you. I’ll announce it in the morning.”
“But…Carl…”
“Carl would not want it and would fight tooth and nail to avoid it. I tried to promote him numerous times in the past and he insists he is too grouchy to command himself much less anyone else. Just tell him you took the position to prevent me from offering it to him.”
“And you think he’ll accept that.”
“Go and tell him now and see how he reacts?”
Embree glanced across the meeting room at Carl. He took a deep breath and walked toward him. Leo watched them and after a moment, he saw Carl actually grab Embree and hug him. Embree’s eyes were wide open as he looked across the room at Leo. Leo smiled and tipped his hat.
Chapter Nineteen
Desiree and Victoria were sitting in a tavern and it was clear they were not happy. Victoria looked at Desiree and sighed, “I just can’t make myself get into a party mood. I’m worried about Leo and his crew being on Tortuga.”
Desiree nodded, “I feel the same. I really hate that we are both vying for his affection and that makes me want to avoid having to resolve that issue.”
Desiree put her drink down and stared at Victoria. “What?” Victoria asked.
“Victoria, I’ve given this situation a lot of thought and I see that you would be the better choice for Leo. I’m going to step out of the competition.”
“Just how did you arrive at that conclusion?!”
Desiree gave a heavy sigh and lowered her eyes, “You are incredibly rich, Victoria, and I’ve learned while working with you that you are a wonderful person. I sincerely believe he would be happier with you than me. I’m little more than a simple warrior.”
Victoria smiled and took a sip of her wine, “You are far from being a simple anything and once you receive your bonus at the end of this mission, you will be rich as well.”
Desiree shook her head, “No, I will have enough credits to be comfortable but I am not in the same universe as what you have.” Victoria sighed and Desiree’s eyebrows came together, “What’s bothering you?”
“Desiree, I’ve had a lot of time to think about this as well…and…”
Victoria stopped talking and Desiree asked, “And what?”
“I don’t believe I really love him.”
“WHAT?! How can you not? He’s handsome, brave, intelligent, kind…”
“I know! It’s just…what I feel for him isn’t really love.” Desiree sat back in her chair and stared at her as she continued, “What I feel is tremendous respect and admiration. I know it’s not love.”
“What are you saying?”
“He and I wouldn’t make it, Desiree.” Desiree stared at her in silence and Victoria sighed, “Leonidas has the heart of a warrior. Once this is over, he will start carrying that Purple Card again and go out into the universe making a difference. I don’t know if that is how I envision my life shaping up.”
“Do you intend to continue on the party train?”
“NO! I’m more tired of this than you know. Desiree, I just…just…”
“Love someone else.” Victoria’s eyes came up and stared at Desiree. Desiree’s eyes softened before saying, “I didn’t believe it at first because it was just not believable. But I started seeing that the only time you looked half-alive was when you went to Gem’s lab. I also thought it was crazy that an Insectoid could possibly love a human but I’ve seen that he genuinely loved the first Victoria. It’s not so far out there that she didn’t love him as well. If she did, it’s also not out of the realm that you could too.”
“I’m acting insane, aren’t I?”
Desiree shrugged, “Love is something that makes us do some pretty crazy things. Are you going to tell him?”
“I honestly don’t know but I pray that this mission never ends. When it does, I’m going to lose him.”
“I’m so sorry, Victoria.”
“Don’t be. I’ll treasure this moment in time for the rest of my life.”
Desiree’s communicator vibrated and she lifted it, “What’s up, Jack.”
“I’ve received a message from the Thermopylae, Leonidas has called for us to come to Tortuga.”
Desiree’s eyes went wide open and she jumped up, “Notify all the crewmen on the planet to get to the shuttles now! Get the ship ready to boost when we arrive on board!” Desiree looked at Victoria, “Leonidas has called for us to go to Tortuga!” Victoria jumped up and ran out of the tavern behind Desiree.
They arrived on the bridge and Desiree looked at Jack, “What’s going on!?”
“I don’t know, Captain. The message said we should go to Tortuga and move to the planet without stirring up suspicions.”
Desiree lifted her communicator, “We are boosting to full speed in ten seconds. Brace yourselves and go to battle stations.” Most of the crew was already at their consoles as the arriving shore party sprinted to their positions. The Play Toy boosted away from the planet at high speed and entered the filament. Tortuga was three hours away and Victoria looked at Desiree and saw her fear, “He’s going to be ok, Desiree. If this was an extreme emergency, he wouldn’t have told us to move in slowly.” Desiree nodded and prayed she was right. There were at least sixteen thousand reasons to be frightened and those warships were going to be waiting at Tortuga when they arrived. Gem arrived on the bridge and went and stood behind Victoria’s chair. He put a hand on Victoria’s shoulder and Desiree saw Victoria relax. It just wasn’t fair that their feelings would have to go unspoken. Desiree blew out a hard breath and stared at the tactical monitor.
• • •
The Play Toy went through the intersection and headed toward Tortuga at maximum speed. They were two hours out from the planet when they heard over the loud speaker, “This is Tortuga Traffic Control.”
“Sir, we have ten warships moving our way on the filament.”
“Answer them, Jack!”
“This is the Play Toy and we are headed to Tortuga.”
They immediately heard over the loud speaker, “Attention all defense ships, this ship is a registered vessel. Go back to your designated parking coordinates.” Everyone on the bridge looked at each other as the Traffic Controller said, “You will reduce your speed two thirds and I’m sending you parking coordinates above the planet. Please park there and welcome to Tortuga, Play Toy.”
Victoria looked at Desiree, “What’s going on?”
“I have no idea. Billy, contact Leonidas.”
Desiree waited and a few moments later, Leo appeared on the display, “What is going on!!” Desiree demanded in a loud voice.
Leo smiled, “A lot has happened since my arrival here and I’ve registered the Play Toy as one of my ships. If you’re questioned when you arrive, tell whoever asks that you are a ship in the Spartan Fleet.”
“Spartan Fleet?”
Leonidas shrugged, “We had to name it something. I am now commanding eight pirate ships including the Play Toy and Thermopylae. I’ll explain everything when you arrive. I want you here to attend a meeting I’m having in three hours. I’m sending you coordinates to take a shuttle down to the planet and I want you to bring Gem with you when you come.”
“Leo…”
“Desiree, it will have to wait. Get here as quickly as you can.”
The display went dark and Gem said, “Something has him bothered but it does not appear he is in any danger.”
Jack snickered and Desiree looked at him, “What’s so funny?”
Jack shook his head, “Leonidas can fall into a giant pile of Elephant dung and come out smelling like a rose.”
Desiree stared at him and after a moment smiled, “You’re right. That’s why we all thought he was our good-luck charm.”
Desiree looked at her console and saw the ship’s speed. She turned to Jack with a raised eyebrow, “Sir, I’m boosting the ship on the edge of the limit set by Traffic Control. We can’
t move faster without violating the statutes.”
Victoria stood up, “I’m going to get out of this party dress and change into a less formal attire.” She looked at Desiree and Desiree sighed, “Jack, you have the ship.” Gem sat down in one of the command chairs and Jack asked him, “What do you think is going on?”
“I really don’t know. I guess this calls for patience.”
• • •
The Play Toy arrived in orbit and was escorted to their parking position by two Tortugan Vessels. The process consumed a lot of time and by the time the shuttle left the landing bay, they knew Leonidas’ meeting had started. The shuttle circled down to the planet and Victoria said, “This is really a beautiful city.”
Gem clacked, “What were you expecting?”
“I don’t know. I guess I expected things to be dirty or ugly in appearance. I did not expect this beautiful well maintained city.”
They moved toward the surface and the shuttle landed in a clear space outside three tall buildings located on a river that flowed through the center of the city. Barney was waiting for them and said, “The meeting has started and Leonidas asked me to take you directly there.”
Desiree, Gem, Victoria and the rest of the bridge crew followed Barney into the building. “What is this place, Barney?”
“This is our quarters on Tortuga, My Lady.”
Victoria looked around and said, “Nice digs.”
“We also rent the two buildings adjacent to this one.”
Jack smiled, “I told you…smelling like a rose.”
They entered the room and saw Leonidas sitting at a table. They moved quickly to the front of the room and Victoria stopped in her tracks when she saw John Blakely stand up with Leonidas to greet them, “WHAT IS HE DOING HERE!?!”
Leonidas’ eyes narrowed and he said, “Because I invited him and you will show him the respect one of my guests deserves!” He pointed to some chairs next to his and said, “Take a seat and behave!!”
Desiree put her hand on Victoria’s arm and shook her head. Victoria went to a chair and sat down glaring at the tall pirate sitting across from her.