FicWad

TITLE: CAPTAINS
FANDOM: Gundam Wing
PAIRING: 1x2 and some het pairings in the background
RATING: R (will eventually be NC-17)
GENRE: AU, Adventure, Historical, Romance
WARNING: yaoi, crossdressing, swearing
DISCLAIMER: Don't own anything save for the story, so please don't sue poor little me
SUMMARY: The Caribbean in the time of pirates. Duo Maxwell is an infamous captain pirate bored with easy lays. His life will get much more interesting when he meets the dark Navy Captain Heero Yuy in the most unusual circumstances.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I know there are again many descriptions but they all have a point so try not to get too cranky with me...

Chapter 12 : The Royal Privateer

The progression of the galleon had been slow. The wait excruciating for Heero and his soldiers, but the Tallgeese was there at last. Close enough that people on both decks were throwing ropes overboard to moor the two ships together. At this distance the galleon loomed over the Wing, their difference in size ludicrous. The Military frigate looked almost ashamed and much too frail. The sight was ominous and Heero couldn't help but feel like the careless farmer who just let the fox in the henhouse. And yes the picture was lifelike as, if Heero was no farmer, he wouldn't have been surprised if Kushrenada did indeed have fox blood running in his veins. That would have explained the cunning, the toothy grin and even the shiny auburn locks in a weird way.

It was not an attack or at least didn't look like one, save maybe for a botched one... or a very clever one. There were no men sliding along the ropes to swarm the Wing's deck. A proper gangway was installed instead. And proper it was, ridiculously so. It was no mere plank but an honest to God wooden stairs with a handrail. Coming from anyone else, keeping such a thing onboard a ship, a privateer ship at that, would have seemed pretty stupid. Yet Heero had expected no less. He'd have bet his right hand the step of that stairs had been cut out of massive oak. He wouldn't have been fazed either if Kushrenada's lackeys were to unroll a red carpet on top of it next. So much that he was almost disappointed when they didn't.

The arrogance of the man was boundless. He acted like he wanted to crush you under his royal presence, make you feel how insignificant you were against his magnificence. Most people would have underestimated him for that, would have dismissed him as a flighty nobleman with an over-inflated ego. The Captain Lowe didn't make that kind of mistakes. He recognized all the melodrama for what it was: the settings of an elaborate deception. Yes, Kushrenada was refined, some would say excessively so but most of his mannerisms were for show. Many unfortunate men had missed the sharp glint lurking in the blue eyes while snickering at the haughty sneer ever adorning the chiseled features. Numerous times it had been their downfall.

The soldiers had relaxed in front of such pomp, Heero didn't know if that should have worried him but as there was little he could do, he let it slide. "Alea jacta est" and all that. When Kushrenada made his grand entrance at the top of the stairs, he marked a carefully studied pause, maybe to let everyone wallow in his splendor. He was garbed superbly as expected, in a blue dress coat that matched his eyes. There was an over-abundance of embroidery at the neckline and on the cuffs and the minuscule buttons glinting under the sun were no doubt made of real gold. Heero was a third generation colonist and had never set foot in the Courts of Europe, yet he could guess there was a kingdom somewhere where Kushrenada's garb had great significance. It might have been some dress uniform courtiers wore at royal audience and the Captain wondered if the privateer had earned the right to wear it or if he was merely mocking his background. There was a red rose at his boutonniere; from that far away, it was tough to decide if it was a real one or one made of cloth. Heero was going for real just on the principle that the challenge of caring for rosebushes on a ship surrounded by salt-water would have appealed to Kushrenada. The man was a piece of art that way.

The Captain Lowe moved to the main deck, a few feet or so from the ascending stairs. Noin and Trowa came to flank him as if it had been rehearsed. Maybe they thought he needed the support. The presence of his First Lieutenant was a given, it was all part of this hush-hush diplomacy crap Heero disliked so. He wasn't sure in what legal capacity Barton claimed the right to stand at his side however, seeing he wasn't even really Military, but there was strength in number and the Captain kept quiet. Anyway, that was Noin's job to keep things legit and she had frowned more at his lack of proper attire than at Trowa's presence, so who was he to interfere? They all assumed a stern soldier's stance and waited for Kushrenada to come down. He was taking his sweet time and that was explained when he extended his right hand toward an invisible figure. Soon, there was a blonde at his side and they both descended the steps with the encompassed grace of royalty. You could almost hear the orchestra, could we say overkill?

The Lady was a sight by herself. The skirt was ample and ornate enough to be mistaken for a cathedral. You didn't undress such a woman, you besieged her. In contrast, her neckline was so low you could have gotten lost in that much cleavage. She wore her very long hair free of restraints; in Europe that would have been a sign of depravation, in the Caribbean that was still pretty risqué. And such musings were the sad result of too much time spent in Relena's vicinity. Heero wasn't even aware he'd learned so much useful information regarding fashion. At least now it was confirmed that his fiancée had the power to melt his brain. Stupidity by association anyone?

When the couple landed on the deck at last, they gave Kushrenada a respectful salute. The man didn't have rank over them but that was the courteous thing to do. Trowa still didn't have rank at all for that matter but nobody needed to know that little detail. Sure, technically, a civilian shouldn't impersonate a soldier in anyway, but as a civilian shouldn't be on a military ship without express authorization to begin with, Heero pretty much guessed that was a moot point. And Trowa wasn't exactly a civilian either. His name was on Sank's payroll somewhere, just a little more buried than usual, what with him being a spy and all.

"Captain Lowe. Pleasure to meet you again. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you in any way."

Happy as a clam and smooth as if they were meeting at the opera. You had to give the man some points for confidence. Heero was more worried by the fact he hadn't pretended to not remember his name. It was usually how the man played it, that gave him an edge over you as he knew there was no way in hell /you /could have possibly forgotten him. The Captain wondered what that meant. That could have been everything from a ploy to dull Heero's vigilance by making him feel important or on the contrary a gentleman's warning to a worthy opponent he'd like to see struggle but planned to screw over anyway. That gave the tone for the upcoming discussion. Heero would have to analyse every words for hidden meanings. Joy! Just what he needed. Did he mention already how much he loathed Politics?

"Sir. You're welcome in Sank's territory as always. I understand you wish to parley."

There wasn't quite a question mark. There rarely was with Heero who always made it a point to speak without inflexion; that was his own way to destabilize his enemies. No one liked to be confronted with indifference, it was too much like being dismissed.

"Of course, of course, though I'd like to introduce my companion first. Captain Lowe, Dorothy Catalonia, my cousin. I hope her presence isn't a problem. The child has a knack for all things military and was eager to come aboard the Wing."

If there was a thing the woman was not, it was a child; the cold cold blue eyes said as much. Heero could believe she liked Military though and if the sharp-toothed grin was any indication she also liked blood. Fascinating girl that one. Trowa seemed to think so too. Not surprising. They were like two peas in a pod. Given half a chance they could have taken over the world or killed each other... messily. That was all a matter of opportunities. Dorothy appeared to find his friend equally interesting but she watched him only for a moment and was looking Heero's way again when her cousin introduced him. Kushrenada put a special emphasis on Heero's middle name which most people simply didn't mention. That could have been a coincidence or even mere curiosity but Heero was under no such illusion. Kushrenada obviously knew Yuy was his real last name and also that he was half-Japanese. In some circles, being half-blood, half-anything which wasn't European really, placed you barely above an animal. The man wanted him to know he was aware of that little secret but for what purpose? Anyone's guess was as good as his.

"I hear you're marrying into Sank's Governor's family. That's bold for someone of your... background."

Ah! So that was why. Blunt much? The Lady didn't mince her words. He would have pegged her for someone more subtle. Though, seeing that cousin Treize looked more amused than put off, Heero couldn't help but think there was subtlety in her rudeness itself. He couldn't help either to like her way better than Kushrenada's. He could relate with directness, that was the soldier's way and he knew no other. However if she had been going for the throat, her aim was far off. He couldn't have cared less what anyone thought about his engagement and if they were onto something that could prevent the wedding, he was even willing to give them a hand. But he wouldn't be so lucky; she was probably just fishing. That kind of girl strove on conflict. That's why he answered her in the blandest tone he could muster, not cold, not angry, not anything really, just painfully neutral. It was sure to annoy her without giving her any indication her taunts were working.

"I'm surprised someone like you is even aware of the social life of a lowly officer as myself. I'm flattered."

He was obviously not but Dorothy conceded him the point with a knowing smile. Treize shook his head with fond amusement. He then studied Heero's companions and threw him a questioning glance, waiting for him to reciprocate the introductions. Game, the Captain made a slight gesture in Noin's and Trowa's directions and indulged the privateer.

"First Lieutenant Noin, my second and Trowa Barton."

Both his visitors raised matching forked eyebrows and when no more explanations were forthcoming as of the identity of his green-eyed friend, they threw him twin curious stares. Noin and Trowa gave slight nods of acknowledgment. Neither offered a hand to shake nor further salute. Kushrenada's face took on a faraway expression as if he was contemplating the possible ways to solve a cryptic puzzle then addressed Trowa in an inspired tone.

"Barton? Are you by chance related to Dekim Barton of Lagrange?"

"Not that I know of, sir."

Treize nodded, seeming nonplussed that his bluff had been called on without revealing any more information. Meanwhile, Dorothy and Noin were trying to stare each other down in a contest of wills. After a while, the blonde's smirk turned gleeful and she appeared to give up when she lowered her eyes down to Noin's chest. Her icy blue gaze went back to its counterpart's darker one and her smile widened. The Lieutenant didn't seem to react but her lips thinned in a barely perceptible frown. Heero watched it all from the corner of his eye and reasserted his first impression of Dorothy. She was interesting alright and even shrewder than he had feared at first. He'd better be wary of her even if she didn't look like she would embarrass Noin by revealing her deception. It might have been more reassuring if she had, rather than filing the information for later perusal. Who knew what she intended to do with it?

"Perhaps we could move to somewhere more private? The information I wish to discuss is rather delicate and could do without an audience."

Kushrenada encompassed the soldiers bustling around with a pointed look and Heero gestured mutely toward his cabin before opening the march. The four others followed on his heels. Once in the Captain's spacious room, they huddled around the table. Heero, Treize and Dorothy sat without further debate. Noin tidied the few maps and documents which had been lying around before secreting them in a cabinet. Trowa busied himself over a tea tray which had been brought in from the galley while they were on the deck and served the three seated ones. Once the tea was seasoned at anyone's liking and the space had been cleared of all mess, Noin and Trowa went to stand beside the Captain as matching bookends. Treize watched the proceedings with undisguised amusement. Dorothy on the contrary was looking around the premises in obvious curiosity. Maybe she was trying to get the feel of an officer's cabin or more likely to get some clue as of Heero's personality. He savored the fact she would be disappointed as there was few personal belongings in the remarkably regulation quarters. Little did he know that that in itself told something about him.

"Captain Lowe, I'm usually all for the niceties but I believe the matter is too serious to delay further."

Heero raised an eyebrow. It was a rather bold statement coming from Kushrenada. Heero himself not being big on niceties at any time gestured him to go on.

"I was attacked two days ago by a Romfeller fluyte and a Lagrange frigate. I sank them both but the battle was fierce."

"Bad week, but I understand you have your share of enemies so what's so unusual that you thought Sank's Navy should be informed?" Heero's eyes widened all of a sudden as he replayed the statement in his head. "Wait a minute. You said "battle", as in only one? Against the two ship?"

"My point exactly. They worked together and were no privateers but regular Military fleet. I thought Sank would be interested in knowing Lagrange and Romfeller have made an alliance. Because if they decide to war against an Oz's vessel, what's there to say Sank isn't next on the list?"

"Let's not be hasty please! It might have been a simple grudge that both had against yourself, not your country."

"I know you're a clever man Captain and you don't take me for an idiot nor a coward. Would I be that alarmed if I thought they were just taking revenge for whatever deed on my person? As you said, I have a lot of enemies and learned to deal with them by myself."

"So, I gather you have proof of this supposed alliance. Did you take prisoners?"

"They were no survivors. I found..."

"No survivors? None at all out of two full crews?"

That last exclamation came from Noin and as each time she was bothered, she forgot to disguise her voice. Treize threw her a curious glance and seemed to try and guess what wasn't quite right with her. Dorothy smirked but didn't share her own observations with her cousin. She, however, concluded from Noin's intervention that she was now allowed to speak herself.

"Men die in battle my dear Lieutenant. That is the sad reality of war. I thought such a fine officer as yourself would have come to accept such basic facts. It was really an amazing struggle between those two vessels and Cousin Treize's own. There is nothing quite like the intensity of one fighting for his life or his beliefs. It is awe-inspiring. The real nature of men is revealed in battle. Those soldiers were found wanting and in the end Treize's was victorious. You should know that the victor is always right and that there's no honor in being vanquished. The most merciful thing to do was to finish off the survivors. Treize is a very merciful man."

She gave a creepy smile and her icy eyes dared the shocked Noin to argue. The latter gritted her teeth but refrained to comment obeying in that to her Captain's slight head-shake. Heero was beginning to form a picture of the events in his mind's eye and it was a gruesome one. He wasn't like Noin who believed in doing the impossible to keep her men alive, he wasn't that much of an idealist. He was neither the sort to condone unnecessary killings and just now didn't like much Treize nor Dorothy. He hid his sudden dislike however because he suspected there had been a reason behind Kushrenada's action. It was awfully convenient that there weren't any witnesses able to infirm whatever tale the man would want him to believe.

The privateer hadn't strayed from his cool demeanor, not even during Dorothy's tirade. The man was good at keeping his thoughts private and there was no way of knowing if he disapproved her cavalier attitude or on the contrary agreed with her.

"You'll have to forgive my cousin for her harsh words. She's young still and she just had a very traumatic experience. We both could have been killed in this skirmish."

Heero wouldn't have called that kind of battle a mere skirmish but again that was just semantics. He didn't believe either Dorothy had suffered trauma in any way. Disturbingly, she looked like she had fun. Fascinating girl really. Scary, but fascinating.

"I see. So, if they were no survivor, what proof do you have of this alliance?"

"We found documents on the fluyte. I have them here and wanted to ask you to deliver them to Sank's Governor. I'll informed Oz's officials myself but I thought that information would be better served if it was given to Sank by one of its officers and with solid evidence. I'm aware that my word might not be enough."

"I thought you sank both ships?"

"We had the time to go through one of them before it sank."

Heero could guess how that had gone. Kushrenada most likely accepted the fluyte's surrender, searched it then sank it with the survivors still aboard. Ruthless but effective. He glanced at the document and read what he had expected. It was orders of sort addressed to a Captain Aaron Gunther, presumably the captain of the fluyte, to attack on sight every Oz's ship and to collaborate with Lagrange's Military. Most distressing were the twin stamps at the bottom. It was just wrong to see Lagrange's emblem so close to Romfeller's. The two countries had a long History of conflicts and never seemed to see eye to eye, merely managing to tolerate each other in recent years in order to avoid another pointless war which would only success in weakening their already frail Politics and Economy.

"Very well. I'll make sure this document go to the Governor. Was there anything else?"

Kushrenada was unbalanced by Heero's easy acceptance and more worrying, failed at concealing it. He couldn't push without looking too eager and eagerness in this case would have been suspicious. The man must have expected reluctance and planned the lengthy argument to get around it. Things hadn't gone his way and he didn't know how to deal with it. At long last, his good sense won. When Heero lead him back to the gangway, his assurance had returned with a vengeance and he was making small talk. They were arrested once more on the way when the Captain Lowe inquired about a certain brigantine they were looking for. Surprisingly enough, Dorothy was the one who answered.

"The Sandrock? Do you mean Quatre Raberba Winner's ship? What did the boy-wonder do this time?"

"You know Quatre Winner?" That was Trowa asking while Heero stood thinking.

"Yes, I knew him when we were kids. At some point, there were even talks between our families about marrying us."

"Didn't pan out in the end?"

Noin's tone was deceptively uninterested. Heero was startled that she forced her way into the conversation. That wasn't Noin's type to bait people and especially not that cavalierly. Dorothy must have rubbed her the wrong way. He wondered if the blonde would take the bait. She did: hook, line and sinker. Weird. Must have hit a sore spot.

"The twit run away before any agreement could be reached. His father sent people after him but couldn't get him back. There are rumors that he's sailing in the Caribbean with an unsavory crowd. How unbecoming of a prince!"

"Wait a minute. You mean to say a young prince renounced his inheritance and life in a Palace to go gallivanting around the world. When he could have married you? Jeez! Wonder why's that."

Even Heero's sharp "Lieutenant!" couldn't completely cover Treize and Trowa's snickers. Dorothy looked murderous for an instant before clamping her mouth shut and blanking her expression. Noin didn't look apologetic but her puzzlement appeared almost genuine. After that, the goodbyes were hasty and in no time both visitors had gone back to their galleon which sailed away as soon as the last rope had been untied.

The Captain Lowe sent his First Lieutenant on her way. He should have reprimanded her for her rudeness which had prevented him from learning more, but even him could appreciate the humor of the situation. It had been fun to see someone take Dorothy's confidence down a notch, that mustn't happen all that often. That also confirmed his belief that women could prove more vicious than any man.

Once Heero and Trowa were back in the privacy of the Captain's cabin, the spy inquired as of their future actions.

"We're going to Port-Royal!"

"Hmm... Okay. How did you come to that conclusion? And shouldn't you be rushing those information to Sank anyway?"

"Well... if I thought they were genuine I might, but at this point I'm not sure of anything. We need more information and Port-Royal is where to get it."

"Of course. And I suppose the fact that the "unsavory crowd" Winner's frequenting is most likely pirates hidden away amongst their kind has nothing to do with our destination?"

Heero looked admirably blank. "Of course not. Now that you mentioned it though, we probably should check that out too."

Trowa snorted. "Okay. Let's say I'll bite. How do you expect us to enter Port-Royal and to investigate there? One you're Military so that means you're persona non grata and second, even if we managed to get in, there's no way anybody will trust us."

"Guess I'm lucky my best friend's a spy then. He should be able to find a solution..."

Heero's expression was guileless and Trowa couldn't smother his amused chuckle. For such a conventional man, the Captain Lowe sure had a way to drag him into the most improbable situations.