Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He’d been walking for what felt like hours, walking on and on in the dark, it wasn’t like he was anywhere in particular, just a black void. The only thing that stood out was it seemed to be getting warmer.

As he walked on, he could eventually make out faint shapes, boxes with no defining features, then, his footsteps sounded different, they felt different. He cast his eyes downwards to his feet, concrete. He looked back up and suddenly the contents of the room were clear as day, no, not just a room, an old warehouse…a familiar warehouse.

“No, no! Not here!” He turned to leave back the way he came, but in place of the void, there was only a featureless wall.

“Shit!” He cursed, turning on his heels, he ran in the opposite direction, looking frantically for a way out. He couldn’t be here, not again!

His breathing became heavy as he ran on, not from exhaustion, but from heat. The room was getting warmer and warmer. He turned his head back and his eyes widened, fire!

As if suddenly getting a second wind, he ran faster and faster, but it was fruitless, the fire spread and spread until everything around him, the walls, ceiling, and ever so slowly, the floor itself, was ablaze. Stopping suddenly, he looked around frantically for a way out, a window or something, anything!

“No, no, no, no, no-”

“…Or…an…” A voice spoke, a small, hushed whisper of a voice, but it was enough to catch his attention.

And there it was, engulfed in the flames around him was the silhouette of a person, no discernible features, except blue orbs where there should be eyes. They looked so sad.

“Zorran…Why did you leave me?”

“No…No, no, no! I-I didn’t-” Zorran frantically approached the burning figure.

“Why did you let me die?”

“No, no, I didn’t mean to! I’m sorry!” His arms outstretched as he got closer and closer. “Please, I'm sorry!” The second he touched the figure the flames rapidly spread to his hands and up his arms.

“You’re not sorry enough…” The figure’s voice changed as their arms reached out and grabbed him by his shirt, followed by the rest of their body. It was…himself. A younger version of himself. “You’ll never be sorry enough!”

Zorran’s expression morphed into horror as the face of his younger self inched closer to him, and slowly began to burn away, revealing the scorched bare muscles beneath.

“It should have been you!” Suddenly, they let go of his shirt, and Zorran fell, and fell into nothing. Only watching helplessly as he watched his young self be consumed by flames. Until…

He hit the ground, hard.

“Fuck it!” He groaned. Rubbing his head where it had hit the floor.

Grabbing his sheet, he quickly removed it from his face. Looking around and making sure he was safe. He was in his room, his shitty little room, on his shitty little floor, in his shitty little apartment.

“Another nightmare…” He sighed and pulled himself up using his bed. It was early, his alarm hadn’t even gone off yet. He rubbed his eyes and took a closer look, 30 minutes early, damn it, he hated it when that happened.

He groaned again as his hands rubbed his face, suppose he should view this as a blessing, he’d been arriving a little late to work these past few days, and Captain Zero had already given him an earful about it, so maybe arriving early would at least satiate his captain a little.

Despite being up early, he got himself dressed now. At least he didn’t have to run around frantically, and being dressed now it’d give him less incentive to just crawl back into bed, he told himself.

Dragging himself through to his kitchen Zorran began his usual routine. Being up this early meant he actually had time for breakfast, if you could call it that, shitty toast and shitty coffee. He didn’t even want it after all of that, last night’s nightmare completely spoiled his morning appetite.

After forcing down his meagre breakfast, he made his way to his tiny bathroom, suppose he had to be presentable today too, what a pain. Though he did very little with his hair, it’d be covered by his hat after all, but he still put in effort to make sure his moustache was on point.

Sadly, that was the last thing to do so, no stalling it now, he had to leave for work. He really hated this time of year, the more frequent nightmares and the merriment around the port made everything worse. The bloody Regatta. He slammed his door closed and locked it, and begrudgingly trudged his way to work.

Captain Zero was at the dock when Zorran arrived, strange, he’s usually in his office at this time. He’s only at the docks for briefing if it’s something serious.

“Early today, Zorran?” Captain Zero smirked at his second in command “Our little ‘chat’ finally got through to you, ei?”

Zorran only mumbled something in response, crouching down to check his tug’s mooring line. Stopping when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Another one last night?” Zero asked, an undertone of softness in his voice.

“…Yes sir…” Zorran mumbled. Keeping his eyes focused on the job at hand.

“It’ll be over soon…”

“No…it’ll never be over…” Zorran tensed as he stood up suddenly, voices catching his attention, his workmates were arriving. Typically Zip and Zug arrive together and Zebedee and Zak arrive just after one another, suppose they’d all timed together by accident today.

“We’ll talk later…” Zero stepped away from Zorran as the others lined up in front of their tugboats.

“Wow, Zorran’s earlier than us for once! Never thought I’d see the day!” Zak laughed, that’s just what Zorran needed today, God he hoped he wasn’t working with him of all people.

“Quiet Zak!” Zero warned.

“The Captain is briefing us down here?” Zip whispered.

“Must be important.” Zug answered, in the same hushed whisper.

“Quiet!!” Zero’s voice made the two jump “Listen up! As you know, the Regatta is fast approaching, and not just any Regatta, this year is the 150th Regatta! Since it’s such a momentous occasion, the hosts of this year, the City and the Captain of The Princess Alice have decided to make a much bigger event of it!”

Zorran groaned at the prospect “Bigger how?”

Zero flashed a look at Zorran, warning him not to interrupt “As I was about to elaborate. The Captain and the City have decided to not only have our port performing in the show this year, but two of our neighbouring ports will also be joining us. Fort Bigg and Hampton!”

“Oh wow!” Zip exclaimed, he seemed genuinely excited about it.

“Now!” Zero continued, not letting Zip talk over him. “Since we have our neighbours performing this year, this, regrettably, means we will not only have to be working alongside the other fleets, it also means we will actively be working with them.”

The five men all began to moan and complain about the prospect.

“Shut it!” Zero’s voice cut through all their whinging “I don’t like it any more than you lot do, but good relations with our neighbours means good business, so I want you all on your best behaviour. Zorran.” The captain’s gaze turned to his second in command “I want you to at least be tolerable this coming week, understand?” He warned.

Before Zorran could answer, Zak laughed “Yeah Zorran! Understand?”

“ZAK!” Captain Zero shouted at his third helmsman before Zorran got a chance to retaliate. “That goes for you too! For all of you! I want no funny business, understand?!” Silence “Understand!?” He asked again, voice raised

“Yes, Captain Zero!” All five responded.

“Excellent!” He flipped through his clipboard and turned to Zip and Zug “You two, you’re both helping with clearing the area around the Old Docks, visitors need a place to moor their tugs and floats. The Star switchers are helping you with this. No funny business remember!” He warned.

“Yes, Captain Zero, sir!” The duo confirmed. Zug’s was more of a groan whilst Zip’s was more enthusiastic.

Working with the Stars was often a tumultuous affair, but at least Zip and Zug, compared to his other men at least, had a better chance of actually working with them.

“Zak, you’ll be making routine deliveries, try not to start a fight today…”

“No promises, sir” Zak chuckled but soon stopped when Zero gave him a sharp glare. “I mean I promise, sir.” He corrected himself.

“That’s what I thought. Zorran, Zebedee, Both of you report to Lucky’s Yard, there are deliveries for some of the Regatta preparations that need doing around the port.”

Zorran breathed a sigh of relief, whilst he lamented that he wasn’t the one doing the deliveries on his own, at least he wasn’t working with Zak, working with Zeb instead was the best outcome for him today. Zebedee wasn’t one for asking annoying questions or trying to get a rise out of him, a rare case of Zero being merciful perhaps?

“Now get to it, all of you!”

The morning work for Zorran went off without a hitch, Zak was out of the way doing his own thing, and when he had to make some deliveries to the Old Dock, Zip was taking away rubble and Zug was too busy getting his barge loaded, so he didn’t have to deal with any annoy questions.

“Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad?” He thought to himself “Make up for my rough night at least…”

For his lunch he had moored near the railway dock, there were a few workers around, but they were busy chatting amongst themselves to really pay him any mind. That suited him just fine, it was rather peaceful. As he got back to his work he’d hoped that peace would continue.

“Hiya Zorran!” Of course, hoping for peace was fruitless.

“What is it, Zip?” Zorran's voice did nothing to hide his annoyance towards the younger helmsman as he pulled alongside him.

“How’s your day been?” Zip was cheerful, only made sense, he actually liked the Regatta, so all the prep work didn’t seem to bother the kid.

“What do you think?!” He spat, making Zip flinch slightly.

“You’re right…can I ask, why is it you don’t like the Regatta?” The younger man was clearly nervous to ask, and he was right to. Zorran gave him a harsh look, but before he could speak another tug had pulled along his other side, a voice calling out from its wheelhouse.

“I’d like to know too!” Zug. Typical, if Zip or Zug was around the other wasn’t too far behind.

“None of your business that’s what!” He snapped at Zip. “Or yours!” The same tone directed at Zug, he slowly began to move on and away from them, but they only followed him.

“Well no one else knows and we want to know!” Zug insisted.

“Yeah! Zebedee won’t tell us anything and Zak doesn’t know a thing either!” Zip called after Zorran, seemingly more confident now he has Zug to back him up.

“Why do you hate Regatta day, Zorran?”

Why, why, why, why, why?! Suddenly Zorran sped off in his tug, foolishly turning back to shout at the meddlesome duo “WHY NOTHING LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!”

“ZORRAN LOOK OUT!” Zip called and blared his horn. Along With Zug and two others in front of him.

Turning his attention back in front, his eyes widened, he was headed right for OJ and Ten Cents! He cut his engine and quickly turned his boat to starboard, unfortunately it wasn’t enough and he made contact with one of the Star tugs.

Thankfully he managed to keep himself up and braced for impact, he wasn’t hurt. Quickly he exited his wheelhouse to see the damage he’d caused, he’d hit OJ!

“OJ! Are you ok?!” Ten Cents called as he too exited his wheelhouse “OI! Watch where you’re going, Zorran!”

“I didn’t mean!- OJ!” He called to the older man, he really didn’t mean to hit OJ of all people.

They both heard a faint moaning sound and a few seconds later OJ appeared, rubbing his head “Not as sturdy as I was when I was younger…” The older gentleman tried to chuckle, but he was clearly in pain.

“’Ere OJ, I’ll tow your tug to Lucky’s then take you to get your head looked at.” Ten Cent hopped down and started to prepare a towing line for OJ.

“You take him, I’ll-”

“You’ve done enough!” Ten Cents snapped.

Zorran was surprised, the kid had balls he had to admit, he was right though, he’d cause enough damage, they probably didn’t want him around anymore then he had to be. “I’m…sorry…” He mumbled as he got back in his wheelhouse and slowly backed up to leave the scene.

“OJ! Are you alright!?” Zip called as he pulled up alongside the paddle tug, with Zug not far behind him.

“I’ll be alright, just need a panad and I’ll be right as rain!” OJ tried to keep the situation light.

“Here Ten Cents!” Zip called as he hopped onto his deck “I’ll tow the paddler and you take OJ to get looked at, save you time!”

“What are you doing?” Zug interjected “This isn’t our business!”

“Well, it is in a way, it’s our fault Zorran shot off like that, it’s the least we can do!” Zug harrumphed at Zip’s logic, the lad was right.

“You can tell me about it later, here OJ, let me help you over to my tug…”

“WHAT DID I SAY, ZORRAN!?!” Zero’s booming voice felt like it was rattling the whole building. “What did I say about at least attempting to be tolerable today?!”. Zorran didn’t even have a chance to respond before Zero kept berating him “The last thing I need is to deal with you damaging one of Star's tugs…at least with witnesses around!”

“Would you believe me if I said it was an accident?” He wasn’t lying, technically.

“Was it?” Zero raised an eyebrow.

“It was! I genuinely didn’t mean to hit the old man! I just got so…UGH!” His hands flew to his face as he let out a frustrated noise.

“I know you hate Regatta day, Zorran…” His Captain rose from his chair and walked over to his second in command, placing a hand on his shoulder “I may not know exactly what happened all those years ago, and I understand it’s something you’ve struggled to move on from. Just, try harder, alright?”

“How can I promise?-”

“I’m not asking for a promise.” Zero cut him off “I’m asking you to try harder.”

“...I can try…no promises though!” Zorran sighed.

Captain Zero smirked “Naturally. Also, you’re going to be paying me back for the damage you caused, got it?”

Zorran grumbled

“Got it?” His grip on Zorran’s shoulder tightening slightly

“Yes Captain Zero…” He answered begrudgingly.

“Lovely. Now…” Zero released Zorran’s shoulder and walked back over to his chair “As I mentioned at de-briefing, representatives from Fort Bigg and Hampton will be here tomorrow to oversee a few things, and since you’re struggling with being around people these days, I’m having you be out of port tomorrow and working up river. Think you can at least handle that without blowing a gasket?”

Zorran nodded, this was Zero’s way of making things easier for him, but of course it also benefited him too. “I think I can deal with that, thank you Captain Zero.”

“Perfect!” Zero grinned as Zorran stood from his seat.

“You know, I like these not moments we have.” Zorran chuckled.

“Me too Zorran. Now get out of my sight!” He waved him off, but just before he left… “Oh and send in Zip and Zug on your way out would you?”

Zorran nodded as he left the office, breathing a sigh of relief once the door clicked shut. On his way out he noticed Zip and Zug lingering, Zero had asked the three of them to say after de-briefing, so they were just waiting their turn.

“Zero’s ready for you both.” He was very matter of fact with them, clearly still annoyed about the events earlier that day.

“Uh, thanks Zorran…” Zug was clearly nervous.

“Yeah…” Zip’s voice also betrayed how nervous he was. “And sorry, about before…” Zip looked down, his eyes not meeting Zorran’s.

Zorran just grumbled and made his way out of the building. Hearing Zero’s reprimanding of Zip and Zug as he left the Zero dock. Usually the five of them would go to their usual hang out spot together, but with the damn Regatta day coming up, Zero had some ‘special’, after hours work for them. Regatta day was a day people liked to ‘quench their thirst’ as it were.

He walked in the opposite direction to the city to meet Zak and Zebedee. Zak had heard all about the incident earlier that day, he grimaced thinking about the comments he’d likely make about it. Tonight was going to be a long night, but then again, anything was better than going back to his dark, quiet apartment.

Chapter Text

The port was as busy as ever, summertime was always a busy time of year, but the Regatta preparations had made everyone buzzing around with more activity than usual. It all made Captain Star and Captain Zero seem like they were doing nothing, well, technically they were. The two captains were waiting at the Star dock for their guests to arrive.

Big Mac and Zebedee were the ones chosen to bring the two guest’s ships into port, and Ten Cents and Zip were chosen to lead them to the Star dock. They would have had Big Mac and Zebedee do this too, but they were needed for bigger jobs.

Captain Star reached into his coat and pulled out his pocket watch, letting out a small “hmm”.

“That’s the fourth time you’ve checked that thing in the last five minutes…” Zero noted, taking a quick drag of his cigarette.

“Didn’t know you were one for keeping track of the times I reach into my coat, Tavish.” Star raised a brow at his competitor. Zero hated it when Star used his actual name.

Zero’s eye twitched as he chuckled “At least I know you’re more concerned about this meeting than me, Dick” Zero smirked, knowing that Star was way more bothered by this name, than he was by Star using his real name.

“It’s Richard! And you’re one to talk. That’s your third since we’ve been standing out here.” Star gestured to Zero’s cigarette.

“Judging my habits now, Dick?” Zero took a long, last drag of his cigarette and let it out with a sigh, only to drop the bud to the floor and stepping on it. “There, happy?”

Star grumbled as he watched his rival put out his cigarette “Not really. I would prefer you not make a mess of my dock.”

Zero rolled his eyes and kicked the flattened bud into the water “Happy now?”

Star opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Zip and Ten Cents’ horns. The captains both smiled as the ships they were leading into came into view.

“See, you were worried for nothing…” Captain Zero grinned.

Star rolled his eyes. “Just wanted to be sure things were on track”

They both watched as Zip and Ten Cents led their guests to the dockside. One of the ships had a gentleman standing at the bow, the other seemed to only have the helmsman on board.

Once they’d come to a stop both the visiting helmsmen exited their respective wheelhouses and began the process of mooring their tugs. The gentleman at the bow also stepped off the ship at this point. He looked to be about a similar age to the captains, but he was taller and had a bigger build. His eyes were green and he had salt and peppered hair, and wore a white captain's uniform. Holding a clipboard in one hand, he adjusted his tie with the other.

“Captain Mason, Harbour Master of Fort Bigg, pleasure to meet you both!” He held out his hand to the captains, his voice was deep and booming.

Zero was the first to shake his hand, being the closer one. “Captain Zero of Zero Marine, pleasure to make your acquaintance, captain.”

As Zero introduced himself, Star had stepped towards the now standing helmsman of the other ship “You must be Thompson, the administrator of Hampton, I am Captain Star of Star Tug and Marine. I trust everything was smooth sailing for you.”

The man looked down at the captain's outstretched hand, well this was awkward. “Smooth sailings it was sir. But I am not the administrator.” As if on cue, one of the doors to his tug opened. And out stepped a…lady. She walked along the deck and effortlessly stepped up and off the tugboat with no trouble. She had blue eyes and short brown hair, which was covered by a hat, one that matched a tailor made suit.

“Forgive me.” She adjusted her hat slightly and cleared her throat “I am Thompson. Geraldine Thompson, administrator of Hampton. Pleasure to meet you, Captain Star.” She held out her hand to shake his.

Only the captain didn't shake it, not immediately, his mind was trying to process why a woman would be the Harbour Master of Hampton’s second in command. Star shook his head, he could ponder that later. Reaching to shake her hand in return. Initially his grip was lighter than usual, but tightened once he felt how firm she held his hand, she shook hands like a man.

“Pleasure to meet you too, miss Geraldine.” Star nodded at her but once the greetings were over he turned to the Fort Bigg Harbour Master. But before Star could go through the script of greeting him himself, Mason stepped towards Geraldine.

“Miss Geraldine! Good to see you again!” He gave her a firm pat on her shoulder.

“Mason, you old dog! So good to see you too, is the family well?” Geraldine smiled, they clearly knew each other.

“The missus is as beautiful as ever! And the boys are still keeping me on my toes” He chuckled.

Captain Zero stepped forward towards the two “Oh, you both know each other?”

Mason chuckled “Of course! She’s the one that handles all the business affairs between our ports on her side. Along with myself and Geraldine’s boss, Captain Pollock, going way back.” Zero let out an intrigued “hmm” at this information before turning to Geraldine herself.

“Captain Zero, lass, welcome to Bigg City Port. Such a pleasure to meet a nice young lady today.” He reached out to shake her hand, much like Captain Star, he only gave a stronger grip once he felt hers.

“The pleasure is mine, Captain Zero. Thank you.”

During all this, Ten Cents and Zip watched silently as their Captains ‘rubbed elbows’, as it were, with the guests, it was funny to see them both be so formally business-like. Especially Zero, for Ten Cents, he didn’t exactly see the Z-Stacks’ Captain on the regular, but he definitely heard him, it almost seemed impossible that Zero would have a normal speaking volume.

Ten Cent shook his head, snapping himself out of his thoughts as he noticed his Captain approach his tug. Star stepped to the side slightly to allow Captain Mason to board the ship, only following him after he boarded.

“Welcome aboard, Captain Mason!” Ten Cents stood at attention for his guest, and tipped his hat slightly.

“Thank ye, lad” Mason smiled at the young helmsman and gave him a firm pat on his shoulder, making Ten Cents lose his balance a little.

Zip did much the same as Ten Cents as he noticed his captain and guest approach his tug. Geraldine stepped aboard with little effort. “Welcome aboard, miss Geraldine!” He stood at attention, but glanced upwards noticing his hat. Swiftly he took it off, greeting the lady properly.

This made Geraldine smile “Such a polite gentleman!” She reached out and shook his hand “Thank you for having me aboard, so nice to be on ‘familiar ground’ as it were.”

This confused the young man, who cocked his head “Familiar ground?” He questioned as he put his hat back on.

Geraldine gestured at the ship “Your tug was made in my port.” She stepped over and pointed to where the ship’s name was painted “It has dashes either side of the name, it’s a staple of my port. All the ships we build there have it.” She pointed over the tug she arrived in, it also sported dashes either side of its name.

“Wow really?” He’d never really thought about where his tug was built, what a small world.

Captain Zero cleared his throat at the younger man “To the Old Docks, Zip.”

“Uh yes, Captain Zero!” With that, Zip scurried up to his wheelhouse and set off to the Old Docks, following Ten Cents who was slightly ahead.

During this time, Zorran had been up river, pretty much since the work day started. Zero held true to his word. It was pretty peaceful regardless of the work he was doing, mostly odd jobs and deliveries. But no one was needlessly bothering him or trying to ask questions. Well except one worker telling him not to get stuck on the rocks again, but other than that, he was having a decent day. Maybe he could ask Zero to do this for him every year?

He’d just finished up a delivery of timber to the sawmill and just made his way back down to Mittsville. This was the job he was dreading, not only for what he was going to be hauling, but the fact he had to go back into port to deliver them. Hopefully no one would notice him, but that was wishful thinking.

He wasn’t waiting long before he heard a horn going off, he turned to the direction he heard it, seeing a familiar face approach.

“Hiya Zorran! Lovely day innit?” Billy Shoepack was always cheerful, but he seemed even more so today.

“Shoepack.” Zorran acknowledged him with a nod, but he didn’t answer his question. “Didn’t blow yourself yet then?”

“Never! I’m a professional with explosives, remember?” He chuckled

Zorran grumbled at that “What are you implying, Shoepack?”

“Just that you don’t need to worry, Zorran. There ain’t no rocks for you to get stuck on ‘ere!”

“Shut it Shoepack!” Zorran was starting to regret getting the up river jobs.

Billy chuckled again “All in good fun, Zorran! Anyway, let's get this pretty dynamite loaded for ya!”

“Pretty dynamite.” Zorran thought, of course Billy would like fireworks, just fancy explosions afterall. Suppose that made Billy’s name for them pretty accurate.

The loading went surprisingly smooth. Zorran was used to managing dangerous loads thanks to Captain Zero frequently assigning them all to the naval munitions contracts. And despite Billy Shoepack’s pyromaniac tendencies, he was surprisingly careful about it all, guess he was the professional he says he was. The only downside of it all was Billy’s constant talking about the Regatta Day, though Zorran was mostly tuning this out.

“-What about you, Zorran?” Billy asked.

“What?” Zorran was snapped out of his wandering thoughts.

“I said “I’m looking forward to the Regatta, what about you?””

And there it was, Zorran practically growled, these damn Regatta Day questions again.

“No, I’m not!” His tone was sharp and harsh.

“Why’s that then?” Billy asked further.

Zorran eye twitched, he’d been warned by Captain Zero to try and temper his anger today, so he was trying not to just explode, but he was so fed up with the Regatta. “I don’t like Regatta Day, Shoepack. Just leave it at that.”

Billy paused and let out a “hmm” before perking up again “No worries! I won't pry any further!”

“I told you!- Wait really?” Zorran was very confused, he’d pegged Billy to be like Zip and Zug, constantly pestering for answers.

“Yeah! Every explosives expert knows to back away when dynamite is about to blow, same goes for people.” Billy chuckled. “‘Sides, you’re all loaded and ready to go, so I’ll be heading off now, safe travels back to port, Zorran!” Billy hopped into his wheelhouse. “Don’t forget those danger flags, Zorran” He waved as he pulled away and started heading back up river.

Zorran was left utterly confused, but relieved. Maybe Billy was way more tolerable than he thought. He shook his head and raised the red danger flags on his tug, yeah they weren’t as bad as naval munitions, but there was still a risk of them going off if he wasn’t too careful, he’d rather not leave anything to chance.

Once he double checked to make sure everything was secure, he set off back towards the port, hopefully the delivery would go as smooth as the collection.

Captain Star and Captain Zero were both very pleased, all was well at the Old Dock. Progress on the clearance was all going smoothly, repairs being made and old buildings demolished. The only thing of concern was the space, with the final count of ships and floats, it would be a tight squeeze. Though Geraldine assured them that the Hampton floats wouldn’t be a problem, Captain Star asked her to elaborate on this, but she just responded “It’s a surprise. Captain’s orders” with a smile.

Right now, they were coming from the area where The Princess Alice will be moored and where everyone will be displaying their floats for the Regatta. Mason mentioned logistics on who will be performing first and if there were any restrictions since there would be a lot more activity than usual. The order wasn’t set, but it was decided since it’s their port, the Bigg City fleets would be performing first. Whether Hampton or Fort Bigg were after them would be decided between themselves.

Just as they were about to pass Lucky’s Yard, Captain Star ordered Ten Cents to head over there. Captain Zero having Zip follow him.

Once Ten Cents got closer, Captain Star called out “OJ! What are you doing here? I told you to take the day off!” His tone wasn’t really angry, just annoyed.

“Ahoy captain!” Called OJ “Lucky says my tug is all fixed, just minor damage he says.”

“That’s all well and good, but I told you to rest today!”

“Oh I’m fine captain, like I said to Ten Cents, right as rain after my paned!” He chuckled.

“Ti’n iawn, boyo?” Geraldine called from Zip’s tug to the older gentleman, the language she spoke catching his attention.

“Ti'n siarad Cymraeg, cariad?” OJ answered back in his mother tongue.

“Dipyn bach!” She answered back “Though I’ve not spoken it in a while.” She switched back to English.

OJ was beaming “Oh you speak it very well…miss?...”

“Geraldine Thompson, pleased to meet you.” She tipped her hat to him.

“Owain Jones, but call me OJ.” He tipped his hat back at her.

Their conversation was cut short by Captain Star clearing his throat “Either way OJ, I’d rather you return home, don’t want another Z-Stack causing you damage.” He flashed a slight smirk at Zero.

“It wasn’t his fault though…” Zip huffed.

“Zip!” Captain Zero glared at the younger man, making sure he bit his tongue, the last thing they needed was a verbal altercation. It wouldn’t be a good look for his business. “I assure you Captain Star, Zorran has been disciplined in regards to this matter!” Zero grumbled. The damned Star fleet Captain, trying to make him look bad in front of their guests.

Zorran?! Geradline’s eyes widened at the mention of the name. Zorran…it wasn’t a common name, definitely not one she heard on the regular, the only other person to mention his name was her friend…But it couldn't-

“Miss Geraldine? Is everything alright, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Captain Mason called over to her.

Geraldine shook her head, snapping out of her thoughts “Oh! Forgive me, I just remembered some important preparations I need to complete once I get back to Hampton.” She waved off her friend’s concerns with a chuckle.

“Yes, well speaking of which, let us all head back to our docks so we can finalize some paperwork, shall we?” Captain Star gestured at Ten Cents to begin heading back.

The young helmsman nodded, following his Captain’s orders. But before he left he called from his wheelhouse to OJ “See ya OJ!”

“Hwyl fawr, OJ!” Geraldine called along with Ten Cents, OJ giving them both a wave as they set off to the Zero dock, ships side by side.

“So you’re Welsh, miss Geraldine?” Captain Star asked.

“Half, my fathers Welsh and my mothers Scottish.” Geraldine clarified.

“Oh I knew I had a good feeling about you, lass!” Captain Zero laughed.

At the Zero dock Ten Cents and Zip were waiting for the visitors to be finished with the meetings with the Captains, Ten Cents didn’t much like hanging around the Zero dock, but since Zip was the only Z-Stack with him it could be worse. It helped that the two helmsman from Fort Bigg and Hampton had moved their tugs to the Zero dock, so even if some of the other Z-Stacks turned up, at least he wouldn't be alone. Even if one was inside his tug's wheelhouse and the other was smoking outside it, seemingly uninterested in the switcher helmsmans conversation.

“I think everything went well, don't you?” Zip’s voice pulled Ten Cents out of his thoughts.

“Uh, yeah I think so, the visitors seemed nice enough.” Ten Cents shrugged.

Zip nodded “I really like Captain Mason, he looks like he could wrestle a bear! And miss Geraldine is very nice!”

Ten Cents nodded “Well OJ seemed to like her a lot at least.”

“Speaking of OJ, I’m sorry again for yesterday.” Zip looked down, still feeling guilty about the whole affair.

“I told you already, Zip. It wasn't your fault” Ten Cents smiled kindly at Zip.

“But it was, Zorran wouldn't have sped off if I wasn’t being so annoying…”

“You’re not annoying!” Ten Cents defended Zip from his own harsh words. “Zorran just hates everyone.”

“But he-” Before Zip could finish, the doors to the main building opened and their visitor and the captains stepped out.

“Thank you both very much for having us here today.” Geraldine shook the hands of their hosts.

Captain Mason nodded and followed suit “Yes, thank you both.”

“It was our pleasure.” Zero was smiling, all had gone smoothly.

Captain Star nodded in agreement “Looking forward to seeing you both again during Regatta day.”

“Likewise, and thank you again for the envelope, Captain Zero.” Geraldine smiled.

“No trouble, lass. Safe sailing to both of you.” He tipped his hat to the two guests.

Mason and Geraldine boarded their respective ships. Zip hopped up to his wheelhouse, and began to pull away from the dock and lead the visitors out of the port. Ten Cents wouldn't be joining in this task, his captain needing him for another job.

As Zip guided the visitors away, he noticed the Hampton tug pulling alongside his, looking down onto their deck, he caught sight of Geraldine frantically writing something before looking up at Zip. She smiled and climbed up the steps of their tug and stood by the wheelhouse, so she was now at a similar height to Zip. She was silent for a little bit before she turned and asked “So Zip…Tell me about Zorran.”

Chapter Text

“So Ten Cents, how was the meeting with the Hampton and Fort Bigg gents?” Sunshine asked, they were on their way to Lillie, usual routine delivery, fuel for her lightship.

“It was alright, went pretty smooth I think, it was strange seeing the captains being overly friendly though!” He chuckled. “Oh and the Hampton admin, they’re-”

“Hey who’s that with Lillie?” Sunshine cut him off.

“Huh?”

As they got closer, they could make out the tug next to Lillie a little better, it definitely wasn’t Hercules, it was too small to be an ocean going tug. It wasn’t one Sunshine was familiar with, but as they got closer, Ten Cents did recognise it.

He blew his horn twice as they got closer, catching their attention and eventually coming to stop alongside Lillie and the other tug.

“Hello miss Geraldine!” Ten Cents called.

Geraldine “Oh hello again, Ten Cents isn’t it?” She waved at the younger man.

He nodded and tipped his hat “I thought you left ages ago?” He was confused why she was still around.

“Oh, she needed some womanly advice.” Lillie chuckled, causing Geraldine to brush her hand through her hair awkwardly, almost blushing.

Ten Cents turned to Sunshine “Sunshine, this is miss Geraldine, she’s the Hampton admin!”

“Oh! Won’t your boss be upset by you being late?” Sunshine asked.

“I’m basically the boss at this point” Geraldine smiled and gave a playful wink to the helmsman. “He won’t mind at all, so don't worry about that…Mr?”

“Uh, Sonny ma’am” He tipped his hat to her. “But just Sunshine is fine.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Sunshine, and no need for the “ma’am” just Geraldine is fine.”

“Well miss Geraldine, I don’t know about womanly advice, but is there anything we can do?” Sunshine asked.

“Yeah, we’d be glad to help if we can!” Ten Cents chimed in.

Geraldine thought about it for a moment looking down at her clipboard and back at Lillie, who only nodded at her with a kind smile.

“Well…I have a letter and if one of you could deliver it for me, I would be very thankful!” She seemed a bit hesitant, almost shy to ask this.

Sunshine nodded “No trouble at all, miss Geraldine! Let us just refuel Lillie’s ship and we’ll get that sorted for ya!”

As Ten Cents and Sunshine got to work, Geraldine and Lillie chatted together a little more, it was mostly Lillie looking over the clipboard, but the lads could make out Lillie saying some words of encouragement.

Once it looked like the Stars were wrapping the refueling up, Geraldine took the paper from her clipboard, folding and putting it into the envelope Captain Zero had given her, and writing something on the front.

“Thank you again for doing this for me.”

Sunshine stepped towards the side of his tug, he was closest to Geraldine, so he thought it best to take the letter. “No trouble, miss Geraldine. Can I ask where or to whom we’re delivering it to?”

Geraldine looked smiled as Sunshine took the letter “I would like it to be delivered to Zorran, of Zero Marine, please…” said with a slight nervous tone.

“To Zorran?!” Ten Cents asked in disbelief. Sunshine was stunned at this too, even looking at the letter to make sure it wasn’t a joke, sure enough, Zorran’s name was on the envelope. “Why would you want to write to Zorran?” Ten Cents asked further.

“Is that a problem?” She seemed genuinely concerned.

“Is he in trouble?” Sunshine chuckled, making Ten Cents chuckle too.

“Oh, nothing like that…it’s…” Geraldine trailed off a little.

Lillie, catching her discomfort, spoke up “I’m sure despite the Stars and Zeros conflict, Sunshine and Ten Cents will still be more than willing to help, right boys?”

“Y-Yes of course!” Sunshine stood up straight “We did agree and we’ll make sure he gets it…But just to warn you miss Geraldine…” He looked down a little.

“He’s just…been in a bad mood lately, and…” Ten Cents finished for Sunshine.

“He may not accept the letter, you’re saying?” Sunshine and Ten Cents both nodded at that, making Geraldine pause for a moment. “Hmm in that case, I’ll tell you something to say to him, that might convince him to accept it.”

“We could try! What’s it you want to have us say?” Sunshine leaned over his Tug as Geraldine gestured him to come closer.

“See this is what you say…” She whispered something to Sunshine, Ten Cents strainted to listen in but he couldn’t really hear anything “And if that doesn’t work, try this…” She whispered the rest, causing Sunshine to be slightly taken aback.

“Miss Geraldine, are you sure this will work?” Sunshine sounded nervous.

“Of course, he’ll know it’s definitely from me, trust me”

Sunshine was hesitant, Zorran wasn’t exactly pals with them, sure he’d be decent to them at times, but nothing more than that, if he went up to him and started saying the things Geraldine told him to, he’d probably end up in a fight.

His worried thoughts stopped as he realised Geraldine was handing him something else. He reached over and took it, it was money, three dollars!

“For your troubles.” Geraldine smiled.

Ten Cents leaned over to see what Sunshine had in his hands, “But this is much too much, miss Geraldine! We can’t accept this!” Sunshine was trying hard to return the money to her.

Geraldine stepped away from the side of the tug, out of Sunshine’s reach “Nonsense, you’re doing something very important for me. Use it to get yourselves a drink.”

Ten Cents spoke up, his voice a little nervous “But, that’s illegal miss Geraldine…” Yes they did go to the local speakeasy, but she didn’t need to know they were doing something illegal.

“Now, now, Ten Cents, I didn’t say anything about it being alcohol, did I?” She winked playfully at them.

She was right, she didn’t specifically say anything about alcohol, but the way she said it, it was implied. There was a chance that she too went to speakeasies? But she didn’t seem the type to want to break the law so casually, maybe she just didn't care that others went to them?

Geraldine turned to the wheelhouse “We should set off now.” she spoke up to her helmsman, who nodded in return. “Thank you two so much for your help!” Gerladine beamed at the two, she seemed genuinely happy. “And thank you for your help too, Lillie, I really appreciate it.”

“No problem, dear. It was nice to chat with another woman for a change.” She chuckled as she watched the visiting tug pull away “I’ll see you on Regatta day!” She called

“See you all then!” Geraldine called back and waved to the three as they finally started to leave proper.

The two switchers shared a look as they stopped waving, Zorran really was in a foul mood these past few days, but they did say they would deliver it for her, and she even paid them, it would be ungentlemanly to go back on that now…

Later that evening, Sunshine and Ten Cents were walking down a slightly unfamiliar street, looking around cautiously. They’d only been down it a few times, but that wasn’t why they were keeping their eyes peeled, making sure no one was around, they dipped into an alleyway where they came across a small flight of stairs, descending them, they stood outside a door.

“You got this lad?” Asked Sunshine.

“Yeah, I remember it…” Ten Cents knocked on the door, rather rhythmically. Few seconds later the door opened and they were face to face with a tall and well built man.

“Evening lads…what can I do for ya?” The stranger raised a brow at them, his voice gruff.

“We’re the plumbers, we’ve come to fix the sink!” Ten Cents spoke confidently, it was a strange password, but this speakeasy hadn’t been found out yet. Most likely because they changed the password so often, though it was annoying to remember different ones almost every week.

The man nodded and stepped aside, letting them in with no issue.

Sunshine and Ten Cents dipped in and made their way down another small flight of stairs before entering the speakeasy proper. They looked around a little before they spotted some of the other Stars, Big Mac and Top Hat waving them over.

Ten Cents began to walk over to them, but Sunshine was still looking around. “‘Ere Sunshine, everything ok?”

“Looking for Zorran, I want to get this letter delivery over with…” His voice betrayed his nervousness.

“They’re probably at their usual table, want me to come with you?” Sure Ten Cents didn’t want to be intruding on the Z-Stacks at their own bar, but he’d feel bad if he let Sunshine go alone.

Sunshine shook his head “They might think we’re ganging up on him, best if I go alone…”

“You sure, Sunshine?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about me kiddo” Sunshine gave the younger man a thumbs up.

“Well, you just shout if you need backup, ok?” Ten Cents pat his friend’s shoulder and walked over to the table where Big Mac and Top Hat were sat.

The switcher helmsman slowly made his way to the Z-Stacks side of the speakeasy. He was still nervous about being here, this was their hangout spot. The only reason the Stars were here was because their speakeasy was found and shut down, they didn’t really have many other options to pick from. Thankfully the owner of this one warned them all not to start any trouble, else they’d all be banned, so the Z-Stacks graciously accepted the Star’s presence here.

“Evening lads…” Sunshine spoke up as he approached the Z-Stack’s table, they were all there, including Zorran, thankfully…or un-thankfully, depending on how he’d react to things.

“Hi Sunshine!” Zip waved, Zug and Zebedee just nodded, acknowledging his presence.

“What’s one of the Stars doing at our table, come to buy us a round?” Zak waved his bottle smugly at Sunshine.

Sunshine chuckled slightly “Sadly for you, no.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope, turning to Zorran “I’ve come to deliver this to Zorran.”

At the mention of his name Zorran perked up, he’d been quietly ignoring everyone up until then. His eyes found the envelope in Sunshine’s hand, looking at it with suspicion.

“Aw come to give him a love letter Sunshine?” Zak laughed, causing Zug to chuckle too.

“Didn’t know you liked men, Sunshine. Good for you!” Zug and Zak clinked their bottles together, laughing at their own jokes.

Sunshine shrugged at this, seemingly unbothered “It might be? It’s not from me, it’s from the Hampton Administrator.”

“Miss Geraldine? She was asking about you, Zorran…you know her?” Zip asked. Zorran's eyes widened slightly, that name again…

Zebedee raised a brow at his “Why would she be writing to Zorran otherwise?” He questioned and turned to Zorran, hoping for answers.

Zorran, aware of the attention on him, waved Sunshine off “I don’t care, I don’t want it.”

“You don’t?” Sunshine cocked his head.

“What did I just say?” Zorran glared at the Star helmsman.

Sunshine sighed “She thought you might not accept it, so she told me to ask ya, “Have you got any better at tying bowline knots?””

All the Z-Stacks had their eyes on Zorran now, curiosity peaked. Zorran himself had paused for a second, mulling over the comment Sunshine had made. A bowline knot, that was…a coincidence, surely! He waved off Sunshine again.

“Clear it Sunshine, that means nothing to me!” He practically growled and started to drink again, he wanted this night over now more than ever.

Sunshine shook his head slightly “Well…she also told me to tell ya that she “still remembers the night in the boiler room.””

At this Zorran almost choked, setting his bottle down loudly and hitting his chest whilst coughing.

“The night in the boiler room?!” Zak was immediately interested! A chance to annoy Zorran? This night just got better for him! “What’s this Zorran? You have a steamy night in the boiler room!?”

“But boiler rooms are supposed to be steamy, right?” Zip asked, confused about what Zak was implying.

Once Zorran had stopped coughing he silently stared at the letter in Sunshine’s hands. The bowline knot, the boiler room, the name…Everything was adding up.

As Sunshine held the letter closer towards Zorran, gesturing at him to take the envelope. Zak reached out suddenly to try and grab it, thankfully he was just out of reach and Zorran grabbed it first, standing as he practically snatched it out of Sunshine’s hand.

Zak was causing a fuss, he wanted to know what it was, Zebedee had his hand on his shoulder, warning him not to try anything stupid.

“Do you really know miss Geraldine, Zorran?” Zip asked, but only received a glare from Zorran, who silently walked over to the bar. If this was from who he thought it was from, he’d need to be alone…

Sunshine breathed a sigh of relief, that had gone better than he thought. “Well my job is done, have a nice evening lads.” He tipped his hat and made his way back over to where Ten Cents had gone.

“Bye Sunshine!” Zip waved as the other three were more curious about Zorran.

“Should we go and see what's going on?” Zug asked as he began to stand, only to be stopped by Zebedee putting his hand on his shoulder.

“Best leave him be, Zug.” He spoke firmly, it was more of a warning than anything.

Over at the bar Zorran sat silently, staring down at the envelope, sure enough, that was his name on the front, in familiar writing…He had ordered another round, he was going to need it.

Zorran had finished the first bottle and was halfway through the second, but the envelope still remained sealed. Was he afraid? No!

He let out a frustrated huff and downed the rest of his second bottle.

Okay, maybe he was a little afraid! If this really was from her then what happened that night? Was he lied to? Why hadn’t she said anything?

A third bottle finished…

But if she thought he was dead, she wouldn’t have said anything… He huffed and took another swig of his newly opened fourth bottle. So…was it all her father?! Of course it was! That man always had it out for him!

A fourth bottle finished…

Zorran let out a sigh as he ordered a fifth bottle and paid off his tab. He stood up, wobbling a little, maybe he shouldn’t have drank so much…well…too late for that now!

He walked towards the exit, letter and bottle in hand, but he didn’t turn towards the exit, he turned to where the Stars were sitting.

He slammed the bottle on the table in front of Sunshine, making him jump.

“Sunshine!”

“Ah! Yes Zorran?!” Sunshine stammered

“Did she say anything else?!” Zorran’s speech was slightly slurred, but he still had his wits about him.

“Oh so you do know her, Zorran?!” Ten Cents asked, clearly wanting the gossip!

“I don’t understand how...” Big Mac chimed in “She seems far too decent for you!” He chuckled, Top Hat joining in. This only caused Zorran to glare and growl at the two men.

Zorran turned back to Sunshine, his voice stern “Answer the question Sunshine…”

“Uh, not much really…” Sunshine rubbed the back of his neck “She just said what I told you when I gave you the letter…” Zorran wasn’t satisfied with that answer, surely he knew more, he had to!

“She was speaking to Lillie when we saw her, she might know…” Ten Cents piped up, sensing Zorran’s rising frustration.

“Lillie…” Zorran mumbled and shook his head and let go of the bottle, gifting it to Sunshine “Thanks Sunshine…” He patted his shoulder and slowly walked off towards the exit.

“Goodness, Zorran saying thank you and buying us a bottle? I never thought I’d see the day!” Top Hat chuckled.

Zorran made his way out of the alley, cautiously looking around the corner, making sure there were no law enforcement around. Once he had the all clear, he began to walk home, looking down at the unopened letter in his hands. Not really paying attention to anything else…

And maybe that was a mistake, as not long into his walk home did he bump into some.

“Watch it!” Zorran snapped.

“Well, that’s not a very nice greeting m’dear.” Hercules chuckled.

“Oh it’s just you…” Zorran seemed to calm down a bit, realising it was Hercules, at least he didn’t have to potentially fight anyone…

“Everything alright old boy? You seem troubled.” Zorran didn’t answer “Sorry, it is that time of year for you, that was a foolish question…”

Zorran still didn’t answer, trying to gather his thoughts.

Hercules hummed and put his hand on Zorran’s shoulder “I know we made an agreement, but if you don’t want to be alone tonight you could-”

“No!” Zorran snapped.

“We don’t have to do anything! We can just talk.” Hercules clarified, holding up his hands defensively.

Zorran sighed “No, no it’s just…” He held up the letter “She…might be alive…”

Hercules stared at the envelope in Zorran’s hand “Are you sure?”

“No…but from what Sunshine said, there’s just too many coincidences…” Zorran looked down at the envelope. “I’m scared to open it…”

Hercules was quiet for a moment, remembering the times Zorran cried from nightmares and sheer guilt over what he called “The worst thing he’s ever done in his life” The Star sighed “Zorran m’dear…I don’t think I can give you advice on this…this seems like something you need to do by yourself…”

Zorran was quiet, he knew Hercules was right, but damn he was so scared. “What if she hates me now…it’d make things worse…”

“It might…but it also might give you closure…” Hercules placed his hand on his old friend's shoulder, giving it a pat “I must be going, have a nice night m’dear…and good luck.”

Zorran mumbled a goodbye to Hercules, who went off in the direction of the speakeasy. The Z-Stack just stood there for a little bit, his mind was racing…closure? Wouldn’t that be nice? He shook his head and started off again, slowly making his way back to his apartment.

At said apartment, Zorran sat in his living room looking down at the still sealed envelope on the table, an empty mug beside it. He said he would read it when he got home, then he said he’d read it after a drink. He shook his head and grabbed the envelope, walking to his bedroom, he’d read it after he’d gotten his nightwear on!

Once in his bedroom he set the letter down on the bedside table, and stepped towards his chest of drawers, but he didn’t open it, he just stood there. He was stalling. Zorran grumbled to himself, why was he stalling? He wasn't afraid! He opened one of the drawers aggressively and yanked out one of his pajamas. He tossed them onto a chair and began to undress, almost aggressively putting his nightwear on once he was out of his work clothes. He huffed and stomped over to the bed sitting down and crossing his arms. He wasn’t afraid!

...He lied, he was afraid. The letter sat there almost mocking him. No, if it was from Geraldine, his Geraldine, she wouldn’t ever mock him…He picked up the envelope, staring at it.

“Damnit all!” He whined and practically ripped the envelope open, thankfully he didnt rip the letter itself. Contrasted to the violent envelope opening, he carefully unfolded the paper within and began to read…

To my Zorran,

I hope this letter finds you well. It is not the most elegant one I have written, so forgive me. If you are not my Zorran, please refrain from reading on…

Zorran, I understand that hearing from me may be difficult for you, I do not know what you were told in regards to that night, the night of the fire, but for me, I was told that you had died, that you had burned alive in the fire. Despite the ‘complications’ we had with my father, I did not believe that he could have lied about such a thing.

I mourned you, and until today, I still did. When your co-worker mentioned you, I felt hope like I have never felt before, the idea that you were still alive was always a fantasy I have had, perhaps it was just a childish way of coping with my guilt. Regardless, the description your co-worker gave me seemed like too much of a coincidence to me, hence this letter you are reading now.

I truly hope from the bottom of my heart and soul that you are Zorran, my Zorran. The one who would write me letters and poetry and visit me at my balcony almost every night. The Zorran who I would sneak around the port with, and who said he would fist fight my father if he did not approve of you.

My apologies for the crude writings in this letter, there is so much I wish to speak with you about. I hope to see you on Regatta Day. Until then, I wish you all the best.

Yours

Geraldine (Watkins) Thompson

Zorran read the letter over and over again. It…it really was her…Geraldine…He could feel his eyes welling up with tears, he hadn’t killed her and she didn’t hate him! And she would see him on Regatta Day! But she had a different name now…Nevermind that!

He stood up and practically ran out of his room, heading to a storage closet. He rummaged around frantically before finding what he’d been looking for. Slowly, he walked back to his room, leaving the mess he made behind, he could sort that out tomorrow…

Zorran returned to his bed, taking a seat with the item he’d been looking for held in his hands. Carefully he removed the old newspaper that covered it, discarding the it onto the floor and turned the item around in his hand, a picture frame, with a photo of two figures held safe inside. It was them, the both of them, him and Geraldine when they were younger.

Staring down at the photo, a rush of memories came back to him, the day this was taken. Geraldine had paid the photographer to secretly take a photo of them after he’d taken a family photo for Geraldine’s father. He rubbed his thumb against the glass, these memories bringing a smile to his face finally after years of them hurting him.

The photo was placed on the bedside table, with the folded up letter placed beside it. He stared at the photo a little longer, a content smile still plastered on his face. Sighing, he reached to turn off his light and got himself settled into bed.

So many thoughts buzzed around in his head, would he be able to sleep tonight? Would he have another nightmare tonight? He hoped not, she was alive, he shouldn't feel guilty, not any more…

And now, for once, he was looking forward to Regatta Day.