Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

With the sleepless nights and fights and secrecy behind her, Zasha rubbed her arms, teeth gritted together as she steadied herself.

“Ma’am, what are you doing? ”

“You’ll know in a minute, Zak.”

She grabbed the ladder she leaned against the wall between the docks, climbing quickly as her teeth started to chatter.

Climbing onto the top of she trudged through the snow on the dated dock structure.

She grabbed her megaphone off her side, letting out a shiver.

“Zero fleet! Star tugs! Listen here you bath toys!” She called, looking over both docks as they woke up, she rubbed her arms and adjusted her scarf. “Come on, I don't have all day! It’s cold and I don’t want to stand on this death trap dock longer than needed!”

“Oy! What do you want from us, miss?” Ten Cents yelled up. “We’re waiting for Captain Star’s morning orders.”

“That’s exactly why I’m up here!” She called, giving a glance to both fleets as she shivered again. “Stupid January cold, alright now listen up you rust buckets. As of last tuesday evening I’ve been working directly with Captain Star and the corporation known as Star Tug and Marine is officially dissolves and all assets including ships and watercraft are officially under the control of Zero Marine Bigg City and-”

Zasha was drowned out by complaints and yelling and hooting on both sides of the dock.

She sneered and gripped into her megaphone, feeling her blood pressure rise as the complaints came flying towards her.

“That's enough!”

The yelling persisted.

“THAT'S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU SARDINE TINS!” She screamed through the megaphone, breaking through the noise and echoing in the still morning harbour.

The Star tugs all jumped, looking put off and scared of the woman standing above them and coughing into her sleeve.

“Alright, is that all out of you ingrates systems? Alright! There is no discussion to be had or arguments to fight, first order of business I-” She patted herself down then looked over at the Zero Marine Dock, seeing her clipboard resting on the ground by the ladder. “Drat.”

Zip darted over, picking it up and tossing it up without a second thought.

“Thank you, Zip.” She looked over it before going back to her megaphone. “First order of business: This horrid eye sore needs to be removed, Salem and Warrior are on the demolition, picking up the engineers, supplies, and demo team from Lucky’s Yard.

“Zorran, Big Mac, I need you two on the Stone contract for the new quay sides down by the northern river mouth. Zak, steel works! Ten Cents, Lillies supply run then get down to San Juan for some barge organization. Zip, your favourite, Dredging down by Liner terminal 4 and 5! 

“Zug, supply hand offs with Showpack from Lucky’s, don’t argue just do it! Hercules, day in port, enjoy the rest! You have a transatlantic coming up! Zaffre, get on the Lobster run, I know you wanted to leave before the meeting but this was important. 

“Xerxes, Zebedee, down to the Navy docks they have some craft coming in later today and are making a big deal out of nothing but want you two briefed. Top Hat, It’s just Frank and Eddie for today. 

“Tonight I’d appreciate you all mooring down here at Zero Marine, this cold snap is dreadful-” And she made a loud shiver. “Last order of business. OJ! Damp down. I think it’s time, and it’s been a long time coming. 128 solid years of service ain’t half bad, huh.”

OJ laughed. “Yes Ma’am, happy to have been of service, I know I would have been in great hands of a wonderful Captain if it wasn’t.”

“Hey you can’t scrap OJ!” Ten Cents shouted.

“Yeah! He’s a valuable tug! He knows everything!” Warrior added.

“Yeah you can’t just come in and say you own us and then kick poor OJ out to the curb, young lady.” Big Mac spat. “You got a lotta nerve, doll.”

“I have to agree, this is simply too macabre for my tastes.” Top Hat winged.

“I’m not moving an inch! I bet you’re having Burke and Blair come and drag him off while we’re gone for the day! Well I’m not letting that happen!” Ten Cents yelled. “OJ stays or I wont work for you!”

“Oh would you grow up you little two bit.” Zasha snapped back. “Go and get on Lillies supplies! Now!”

“No we’re not movin’ until we hear the whole story!” Big Mac backed up. “OJ is a mighty fine and valuable tug boat and he’s worth more than whatever those demons are asking for him!”

The Star Tugs started to clamour up, yelling and calling out for OJ to stay.

Zasha went red as her face ticked and she gritted her teeth.

“ALL OF YOU BE QUIET!”

The clamouring continued.

“I SAID QUIET DOWN! LISTEN HERE YOU USELESS TIN CANS! I SAID QUIET DOWN !”

The Star Tugs quieted as her voice rang through the air in violent echoes.

She took a deep breath “Now I didn’t say a single word about scrap but if you half rate team of rusted yellow death traps don’t shut your mouths I will! OJ is a historical oddity and artefact! As Bigg City's first constructed steam ship he has a high price tag on his back and I am working with several sources to find him a nice slip for retirement!”

“And did you not think that clapped out sorry old man you used to work for didn’t make my life a living nightmare the past week making up sale terms so that you sorry sacks of bolts would be protected from the obvious best work case of you all needing to be stripped down to the frames and analyzed for best case working lives. If anything, the fact I can’t scrap you all is a worst case scenario, now get to work!”

She turned and went for her ladder.

“Captain Zero!”

She turned and looked at the window of the former Star Tug and Marine.

“You aren't supposed to be at that window, FORMER Captain Star.” She called back.

“I didn’t think anyone could get louder than that father of yours, Captain Zero, but you surprise me every day, firecracker.” Star laughed. “Keep on keeping them in line, and boys you listen to your new Captain, or else. And don’t wake me up again.”

“Go and have a nice first day of retirement, John.” She laughed and smiled. “Dad and Lucky wanted you down at the diner in-” she looked at her watch. “An hour, get cracking, sailor.”

“Yes ma’am.” And he shut the window.

Chapter Text

Star ran his hand through his hair as he looked over a set of what he initially thought were invoices but was coming to realize was bills.

“Stupid Coalling tax.” He picked up his beer and took a swig as he blinked hard, looking over the balance sheet.

He grumbled and found his last log line, he glanced at the bills in his hands and the numbers on the log line.

“It’s, no that can’t be it.”

He set down the bills and adjusted his glasses, going to the top of the month and running down the credits and debts of the past few weeks.

He tried to focus on the numbers, blinking hard and tracking each line with his finger to keep on track, but he found himself in a daze.

He zoned back in around the 10th of the month, realizing he had been looking at the 10th long enough he’d doodled a pin up in his balance sheets.

“Fish is going to kill me.” He went to erase the doodle and realized as he rubbed the back of a pen against the page that he had been doing book work in ink.

Star let out a groan and sat up, gulping down a quarter of his beer and rubbing his face.

“In the red, again.” Star gulped, putting down his beer with a thud. “I better have just missed another zero, I can handle that.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose, and breathed heavily.

He looked up as his office door knocked.

“What.”

Hercules poked into the office, giving Star a tired look.

“Reporting back in port, sir.” He stepped in and gave Star a half baked salute as Star, bleary eye’d, barely managed one back.

“Good, good, that’ll get us back out of the collectors.” Star leaned forwards and picked his pen back up, writing a note to find the invoice for the trip on a scrap paper.

Hercules’ shoulders fell as he dug his hands into his pockets. “We’re really doing that badly, sir?”

Star let out a sigh and sat back in his chair, quickly taking another quarter of his beer down. “I think I made an accounting error but I need the stupid accountant to look this all over at the end of the month.”

Hercules shook his head. “We talked about this, you need to let someone else handle the books. It’ll be more cost effective. I thought we had that figured out.”

Star slid down in his chair. “I couldn’t afford it. The only reason I can even pay the mint idiot to balance us at the end of the month is because he takes percentages based on the month's profit.”

Hercules adjusted his glasses. “Captain, we cannot possibly be taking on water like this, still, I thought we were running a profit during the war?”

“Because we could charge more.” Star leaned forwards, “Stupid Ben and his commission's policy to charge a flat rate across the board. We don’t make any more charging what Zero Marine does and we make nothing under cutting.” Star rubbed his face and took another drink of his beer.

“They have cheaper equipment.” Hercules walked closer to the desk. “They modernized when they had the money, like we should have, you know if we just take the Harbour Board loan-”

“We can’t take any more loans!” Star hit his hands against the table with a horrible thud and tensed up. “The Harbour board just wants to drain me for whatever profits I have left! That’s all they’ve been about since Ben took commission! Fee’s this! Positions that! They’ve been poisoned by this change! Ben did that stupid conversion on Top Hat and now he’s as annoying as ever!”

“Isn’t he the only tug in port pulling a profit?” Hercules glared at the man.

“They took Sunshine!”

“You couldn’t afford his repairs so you sold him .”

Star stood and swiped the accounting off his desk.

“Get out!” Star snapped.

“Angry again aren't we, old boy. You think you could handle the accounting better without drinking? Or are you still blaming this last lapse in profits on that poison they cut you off of.” Hercules crossed his arms.

“I could fix our finances tomorrow with a quick sale to Lucky’s breakers yard, Hercules.” Star glared at the tug.

“What? Me? Sweetheart I’m the only thing keeping you fed and watered. And drunk it seems.” Hercules shifted his weight as he glared at Star. “Because you blow through that Navy pension every month that’s supposed to be your salary.”

“Get out!” Star yelled again. “Now! Out of my office!”

Hercules rolled his eyes as he walked out, waving over his shoulder. “Tootaloo, darling, take a good long nap and call Fish in the morning will you.” And Hercules slammed the door.

Chapter Text

Star scrambled to keep up with a waitress as she walked through a crowded diner.

“Right here, sir.”

She walked away from a table where Star sighed, sitting down in a booth opposite of two other men.

“What took you so long?” Zero snapped.

“Glad you made it.” Lucky laughed.

“I walked.” Star huffed, adjusting his coat as he looked around at the crowded diner. “It’s crowded.”

“It’s breakfast.” Zero snapped, picking up a mug of tea and taking a sip.

“It’s usually a little quieter but that snow storm last night has a bunch of docks off duty until the ice breakers can get everything sorted.” Lucky nodded.

Star snorted. “I don’t go out when it snows. Takes too long.”

“Yeah you decided to walk in this.” Zero snapped. “You own a truck.”

“Poor thing doesn’t like starting in the cold,” Lucky sighed, taking a sip of a soda. “Oh we got you a 7 up.”

“Thanks.” Star picked up the soda and took a sip, his shoulders relaxing. “Thanks for inviting me.”

Zero snorted. “Zash said you invited us.”

Lucky laughed.

Star and Zero glared at Lucky.

“You are on thin ice.” Zero chilled. “That girl of mine is going to be the end of me, just like you.”

“I don’t like how fast and loose she gets with lying.” Star snorted. “She reminds me of her old man.” And he glared at Zero tightly.

Zero scowled back at Star, taking another sip of tea. “At Least she’s reliable.”

They two were locked in a glaring match for a moment before Lucky clapped his hands.

“She’s a sour puss like her old man and an optimist like her old captain. Now, let’s not get all fluffed up, guys.” Lucky said firmly. “We've got breakfast to eat and time to kill.”

“Fine.” Star picked up a menu. “We’re all on separate cheques?”

“It’s your first day of retirement, John, I’ll cover your poor wallet this once.” Lucky laughed.

“He already had his retirement dinner, I went and it was terrible. Don’t treat the man.” Zero snapped.

“You didn’t have to go, Ben.” Star huffed as he traced his finger down the lines of the menu trying to read.

“And leave you along with my daughter?” Zero gasped, sounding offended. “Not a chance, you were acting suspicious.”

Star looked up from his menu. “Ben what was I going to do to Zasha? Are you really going to make me out as the bad guy like that?”

“I cannot be so sure, Mr Star.” Zero picked up his menu. “A bachelor at your age with nothing but an empty office to go home too, I can not take my chances.”

Star sighed, going back to his menu, trying to find his place. “Just admit you were worried about me.”

“I was not worried for you, you horrid old sailor.” Zero snapped, thwaping down his menu. “I didn’t like you planning a business dinner alone with my daughter.”

“Ben, drop it.” Lucky cut in. “We all know why you went. And we all know Star is and always has been a gentleman towards Zash.”

Zero fumed and went back to his menu. “I’ll just keep my eyes on you, Mr Star.”

Star rolled his eyes as he slowly worked through the menu.

The waitress returned, smiling. "And what will it be, boys?"

"Tuna sandwich plate I don't care what the side is." Zero passed her his menu. "Kosher, please,"

The waitress nodded and wrote down the order. "What else?"

"Can I get the omelette meal?" Lucky handed her the menu.

Star started to swear as he blinked hard at his own menu, trying to read it.

"And you, dear?"

Star gulped as he traced his finger across an item trying to read it.

"He'll have the sailors plate with rye." Lucky took the menu out of Star's hand.

"Of course." And she walked away writing.

Star started to fume. "I was looking, Lucille." Star gripped the side of the table, tensing up.

"It's okay if you need help, John." Lucky gave him a smile. "That's what friends are for!"

"I am capable of reading a menu!" Star hissed.

"Luck, you know he hates when you read for him." Zero snapped.

Star started to go red. “I don’t need you to pipe in, Ruben .”

Zero snorted and went back to his tea, his scowl deepening instantly.

"I'm just trying to help, I don't mean any ill, John, and you know it." Lucky put his hands up.

Star snorted. "Yeah, fine."

"So that leads me to ask, what are you doing with your time?" Lucky smiled at Star. "You're retired, what's the life of John Star without the Captain in front?"

Star leaned back and took a sip of his soda. "Well. I'm not sure yet. This retirement thing was sudden." Star shook his soda, clinking the ice around and getting distracted for a moment until Lucky focused him back in with a not so subtle cough. "Oh, uh. I don't know, maybe I'll travel, or pick up a new job. My plan was really to see about moving on from Bigg City. I'm not from here, maybe it'll be good for me to not just settle for where I was stationed. But I don’t really have hobby’s, or plans yet.”

Lucky and Zero both looked at Star with a vacant cloudiness, clearly trying to think of a response to the man.

“I’d say you have a hobby of drawing half naked women in your accounting, Captain Star.”

The three men jumped, tensing up and scowling, looking at the counter where a man in a mint suit and jacket was looking over some paperwork.

“Here, on the 10th you see, rather crude, like a teenaged boy drew it you see.” He turned the balance sheet around and showed it to the table as he took a drink from a coffee mug.

“What are you doing here with my accounting paperwork, Fish?” Star snapped, glaring at the man as his voice rumbled.

“Miss Zero had me stop down at her office and pick up a rather unorganised folder of your interesting attempts at accounting,” Fish took another drink from his mug. “I am simply picking up some lunch before I am off to my office. No need to chase me off on Mr Star's first day off of running his company into the ground.”

Star gritted his teeth. “Did you have to sit there, Fish?”

“Oh I am just being friendly.” Fish put away the balance sheet into the overflowing folder and tucked it into his mint suit coat. “Unlike some heathens I know.”

“Was friendliness always a form of eavesdropping, Preserved Fish?” Lucky snapped.

“Why I thought I could help sooth the misanthropic drones of one Johnathan Star feeling sorry for himself as usual.” Fish shrugged, he looked back as a paper bag was placed on the counter. “And that’s my cue, I simply cannot be late for my job unlike you three, with your care free golden years clocked in early. Good bye!” And Fish took the bag and walked away humming to himself.

The three men glared at him as he left.

“I hate Fish.” Lucky grumbled.

“I thought I’d finally be rid of him when I retired.” Star clenched his fists on the table.

“Every day I see that man and every day his jugular gets more enticing.” Zero added, he took a drink of his tea and re focused with a deep breath. “So uh, you draw pin ups. That’s... certainly a hobby.”

“Well, I uhm.” Star looked at the table as his fists loosened. “It’s nothing really, Just something I do when bored. And It's normal!"

“Well if you do it while you’re having your little space outs and when you have down time, that means you must want to do it.” Lucky shrugged. “That's a great place to start, John. We need to get you hobbies, something to do, and if you want to travel heck, we’ll help you figure out where you want to go once you get on your feet.”

“Hey I never agreed to help with anything.” Zero snapped.

“Oh please, you have the most experience being retired out of all of us.” Lucky put an arm around Zero’s shoulders as the man scrunched up. “You know all about it, I know you still do work with the harbour board and your family’s tailors shop but those are the kind of laid back part time jobs that retirement is about! And you know you still do sewing like you always have and Star does needlework, similar hobbies so you are familiar with what he likes. And look, you are the best travelled out of all of us with all those conferences and events you go to, now who else would be better as helping Star see the world than another hermit with no social life. See, you are the man for the job Ruben.”

Zero scowled at Lucky, and glanced at Star. “Well, Zash would probably make me help anyways. But I’m not here to run your retirement, but I guess I can offer some advice.”

“See.” Lucky pinched Zero’s cheek. “We’re all here to help you, John, remember that. You have folks here in Bigg City who you can fall back on. No matter where you end up.”

Star rolled his eyes as Zero pushed Lucky off of himself.

“Alright, I guess I’ll see about sticking around for a while, until I find my next venture to take me where the wind blows.”

Chapter Text

Zero walked quietly, trying to keep his eyes forwards as he picked his fingernails in his pockets.

He glanced at the strawberry blond sailor basically skipping besides him.

“You didn’t have to dress up.” Zero said, his quiet monotone flooding out of his mouth with a thick exhaustion.

Star looked down at his dress blues and tugged at them. His voice cracked as he squeaked. “My petty officer said to make a good first impression.”

Zero let out a small huff. “What did you say to him?”

Star shrugged. “I said I was meeting your parents.”

“Johnny.” Zero took a rough breath. “It’s not like I’m your girl. What did you even tell the man.”

“I told him I was meeting my special friend's folks.” Star tugged at the hem of his shirt.

Zero gulped hard. “Johnny, you cannot say that to your boss.”

“PO Bluenose says it’s good to make civvie friends while I’m young and find someone special when I find where I want to settle.”

“Your commander is named Bluenose?”

“He’s the ship taking my temp command while my ship comes back from her tour.”

“Oh.”

“And he’s right. I need a special friend, and I found one and I want to settle.”

“John-”

“It’s you, and here in Bigg City.” Star smiled at Zero.

Zero felt his chest tighten and his face heat up. “Johnathan you can’t say that in public.” Zero looked away from Star. “And please do not say that in front of my parents.”

“But you are.” Star looked down and pulled at his shirt again. “You’re my only friend, I thought we were friends?”

Zero let out a breath as his face went back to a clammy pale colour. “You are, Johnny, just don't say it like that. We have to work on your phrasing, sailor.”

“Okay,” Star gulped.

“We’re here.” Zero said as he turned and walked up a flight of stairs.

Star skipped up behind him as Zero knocked firmly.

The door opened.

“Oh! Ruben! And a friend!” She opened her arms, stepping forwards and hugging Zero tightly, kissing his forehead.

“Hello, mom.” Zero mumbled as he went red.

“Oh and who are you!” She chimed, letting go and smiling at Star.

Star yelped and got into form, saluting her tensely without a second thought. “Seasmans Apprentice Johnathan Star, sir.”

Zero took a rough breath. “Johnny stop that.”

“Oh dear you are a bitty thing!” She started to laugh as she leaned down and smiled at Star, pinching his cheek. “It’s Mrs Zero, darling. None of those Navy formalities now, you are a guest in my home.”

Star gulped, awkwardly lowering his hand as he looked at her, confused. “Y-yes ma’am.”

“Come in, come in.” She stood in and walked back into the home.

Zero followed her, touching the mezuzah as he stepped in.

Star looked at Zero and the door frame, nervously picking at the hem of his sleeve.

Zero looked back and motioned him in.

Star eye’d the scroll on the door frame as he stepped in. Zero closed the door behind him and grabbed his hat.

“Sorry, house rules.”

“B-but then I’m out of uniform.” Star looked at his hat being hung up on a coat hook.

“It’s fine.” Zero said curtly, taking off his coat and hanging it up.

“Oh Jacob, be a dear and entertain the boys!” Mrs Zero chirped, walking away.

Zero stepped into the home, instantly shrinking up as he looked at a man sitting in a great room, carefully embroidering a cloth and smoking a pipe.

"שָׁלוֹם לְךָ"

Zero steadied himself. "Father, I would like you to meet my acquaintance, Johnathan Star. I would like you, respectfully, to please stick to English this evening."

The man looked up from his stitching and bit his pipe before removing it from his mouth. "I assume he is a Gentile?"

Zero looked at Star who shuffled in behind him. "Yes,"

The man nodded. "He is welcome here." And Jacob put the pipe back in his mouth. "Where did you meet the man?"

Zero stepped into the room and sat on a chair, gesturing at another for Star to sit in.

"He was on shore leave for the weekend, he was being harassed so I stepped in and gave him a place for the night after cleaning him up." Zero said quickly.

A smile started to touch Jacob's lips. "Good, that is a good deed, son."

Zero sat up a bit, his face twitching into a smile. "I am happy to have met a good friend with it."

"That is good." Jacob nodded. "So, you are a sailor, it looks like Johnathan."

"Yes sir." Star said with a squeak.

"It is just Jacob, boy." Jacob adjusted his pipe. "How long have you been a sailor? Just with the Navy or longer?"

"Since I could walk, sir." Star mumbled. "My father was a fisherman, I was a ship's boy."

Jacob nodded. "You and your father must be close then."

Star gulped hard, feeling his face flush. "Oh, uh, well…" his throat went cottony and he visibly tensed up.

Jacob uncomfortably shifted in his chair. "You spent years of your life with him, you should have something to say, child."

Star gulped hard. "I- uh."

Jacob sat up and put down his embroidery. "Johnathan, you do not need to choke on your words. Were you close with your father? Yes or no?"

Star tensed up and bit his lip. "N-no, sir."

Jacob sat back, taking his pipe out of his mouth. "And that is sad, but quite alright, child. How old are you then?"

"E-eighteen." Star mumbled.

Jacob blinked in confusion, giving Star a glance over. "Uhm, you are a bit young for your age."

Star paled and tensed up but Zero scoffed.

"Father that doesn't even make sense, and he is an adult don't patronize him." Zero's words slurred and his face twitched as he grimaced.

"Enunciate, oytzer." Jacob huffed. "But you are correct, that was out of line, I am sorry Johnathan."

Star laughed nervously, playing with his shirt hems. “It is alright, sir.”

“Dinner!” Mrs Zero chirped from the other room.

“Why don’t you boys go and clean up,” Jacob stood, placing down his pipe.

Zero stood. “Yes father.” And he pulled Star up by the sleeve and pulled him away.

Jacob walked to the dining room, “Helen, that boy Ruben has, he is not 18.” 

Mrs Zero looked up from where she was placing a basket of bread. “Oh, boys age slower than girls, the doctor said that was why Ben hasn’t had any girl thoughts yet.” She smiled at Jacob.

“Hel, get a good look at him.” Jacob added. “And the mention of his father he started to look like he was seeing spirits.”

Mrs Zero sighed. “Alright, Ya'akov, I will speak to Ben, now sit, relax.”

Zero poked into the dining room. His voice was quiet. “Mom, do you have any bandages? I got one wet and-”

“Oh what did you do this time?” and she chased him out of the dining room as Jacob sat, rubbing his face with his hands.

Star reappeared, nervously looking at the table.

“Sit, child.” Jacob gestured at a chair.

Star sat in the seat Jacob gestured too and looked at his plate.

“John, may I call you that? John, I can understand you may have had… let's say a rough time with your father. That is certainly not unheard of, but your family, do you have connections with them?” Jacob gave Star as gentle of a look as he could muster.

Star shifted in his chair nervously. “Well, no sir. I don’t know my mother well, or my sister. I was always posted on ship.”

Jacob took a tight breath. “Do they know where you are?”

Star held his breath. “Well, not exactly.”

“And did you want it that way?”

Star gulped and looked at the table. “Unfortunately.”

Jacob nodded, letting out his breath. “That is alright, John. You are a gentile but you are young and you are a good boy, you are working for your country and that is something to be celebrated. My son, Ruben, he’s not one for other young men or women, never was. It is good you and him are able to find company in each other. I imagine with your raising you are not one for other young men or women either. Am I correct?”

“Y-Yes sir.”

“Then, Johnathan, promise me you’ll keep my Ruben on the right track, you two will have much to learn together, you are both young yet.”

Star gulped, but cracked a smile and sat up. “Yes sir. I will, sir.”

“Thank you. You are welcome here, child. Remember that. You are always welcome here.” Jacob nodded.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Don’t pout at me!” Mrs Zero hissed light heartedly as she accompanied Zero into the dining room as he tugged down his shirt sleeve. “Alright, time to eat!"

Chapter Text

Big Mac chuckled. "So who towed you over?"

OJ chucked back as Big Mac moored himself to OJ's side.

"Zip took pity on me when he got back from his contracts." OJ looked at the switcher in question scrubbing his deck.

"I guess of all the troublesome Z stacks Zip is almost decent." Big Mac huffed.

"Well Ten Cents thinks he's acceptable to kanoodle with so I should think he's the only decent one of the devils." Top Hat gawked.

“We can hear you lot.” Zak grumbled as he secured himself to Zebedee and a buoy.

“Well then stop eavesdropping,” Top Hat huffed.

“That’s a little difficult for our new crew mates to avoid, Top Hat m’dear, let’s try and stay civil.” Hercules said quickly. “Now darlings, has anyone seen Ten Cent? The squirt should be back by now.”

“He’s over at the Star Dock.” Zip called. “I can hear him.”

“You can, can you, dear?” Hercules snapped his attention to Zip.

“He’s upset so he’s not adjusting his steam output through his whistle so he’s humming. It’s been a few hours.” Zip didn’t look up as he scrubbed. “I’m letting him cool off.”

“Well, debriefing is in 30.” Zorran snapped from the dock where he was digging through some crates. “We need him here.”

“I got it.” Zip put down his scrub brush and within a moment he was climbing his stack ladder silently and jumped over to the half demolished wall between the docks.

He wobbled as the dock creeked and shifted.

“Oh! Oh be careful!” Warrior called after Zip. “That dock is a hazard, Zip!”

“It has been for years.” Zip gave a wave before skipping down the other side.

“You really didn’t build that thing to last, did you OJ.” Zorran chuckled as he started to sort packages.

“Well it only had to last long enough for old Captain Atty to wash his hands of it, you can’t bill a company for a warranty if that company doesn’t exist.” OJ chuckled mildly.

“Ah, the Atlantic charm.” Zorran snorted. “If it’s not broken,”

“You don’t have to uphold the contract.” OJ finished.

“And if it is broken?” Zebedee added.

“Deny it with lawyers.” Zak finished.

The four started to laugh.

“Oh you four know nothin’, I did a charter with Fletcher. They worked me so long and hard the screws were rattling out of my wheelhouse.” Big Mac huffed.

“Oh Captain Fletcher was just as bad, but none of you ever dealt with Dewey.” Zorran made a gag. “That was the worst company I ever got thrown into the pool with and I dealt with Lucky when he was still in his teens.”

“Oh don’t remind me.” OJ chuckled. “Lucky Jr was unbearable all the way back then.”

“Now what was this Dewey company, it could not have been the worst Company in port, the Z stacks exist.” Top Hat huffed.

“Oh, even I remember the disaster that was Dewey.” Hercules sighed. “Ten Cents’ build was a kerfuffle and a half, the poor darling.”

Zorran laughed. “Oh don’t remind me, Dewey was running us into rust and dirt to get his money’s worth out of his botched little pet project.” 

“They built him right off my blueprints, the cheap chaps.”

“Oh they built him outta more than your old blueprints, Hercules.” Zorran started to laugh. “Oh they were practically about to strip me, Thunderstorm and Fridays Dawn for parts before they found all your scrap fittings.”

“Those poor dears.” Hercules sighed.

“Who are they? New ships?” Salem pulled in and started to tie off to Warrior’s side.

“No, Sale,” Zorran let out a sad sigh. “Two old ships I knew before Zero Marine was formed.”

“Dewey sold them off for quick cash to keep Ten Cents afloat, didn’t he?” Hercules looked at Zorran.

Zorran picked at one of the packages in his hands. “Dewey had those two completely gutted for their value in scrap one morning, no warning or anything.” Zorran took a deep breath. “They were good ships, they where.”

“Shame, but the past’s the past.” OJ mused. “Nothing we can do now.”

Zorran steadied himself. “Of course, Old-”

The group jumped as Zip’s horn went off.

Zak burst into laughter as the shock wore off.

“Oh, Zip’s getting quick.” Zak snorted.

“Oh you know he does that when he gets real mad too.” Zorran put down the package in his hands and walked over to the wall.

“Zip, come on! Get Ten Cents over here!” Zorran yelled.

Zip stomped up and jumped down the wall, bright red and shaking.

“Ten Cents isn’t joining us.” Zip sniffed. “He’s really upset.”

Zorran tensed up and gritted his teeth. “Oh he’s playing up is he?”

“He’s upset,” Zip sat down, leaned up against the wall and looked at the dock. “He just needs time.”

“That is quite enough.” Hercules crossed a few decks and stepped onto the Dock, standing up straight. “I will be right back with Ten and an explanation, don’t you worry yourself sweetheart.” And Hercules marched out of Zero Marine with a scowl.

“Here.” Zorran held a hand to Zip. “You’re not dressed to be sitting in the snow, kid.” 

“He never dresses for the cold.” Zebedee chuckled, stepping into the dock. “What are you sorting, Zo?”

“Nothing too important, Zash had me get this crate earlier. Was just trying to see what it was.”

“This crate.” Zebedee crouched down in front of it. “This is a good size for sheepshead.”

Zorran nodded as he brushed snow off Zip’s back. “Yeah, yeah that’s true.”

“Oh, this is a mess, where am I supposed to moor huh? This is a terrible idea.” Zug yelped, upset as he pulled in.

“Here, Between me and Salem!” Zak motioned the switcher in. “And Xerxes can go on the side buoy by the bridge.”

“Oh, this is a right mess.” Grampus huffed as he climbed out of himself and into the small dock near the back of the group with ropes in hand. “I hope this is temporary. I don’t very much like being in a school of fish let alone a flock of tugboats.” He quickly went to tying himself off.

“It could be worse, I suppose, Ten Cents, Sunshine and that girl could be here.” Top Hat mused.

“Who?” Warrior looked at Top Hat confused for a moment. “Oh, Zaffy!”

“Yes yes, her. The loud one.” Top Hat grumbled.

“What are you saying about our Zaff?” Zak snapped as he tightened a line on Zug.

“S-Sounds like Top Hat can’t take someone else with a big attitude and a loud mouth, though I’d say Zaffre usually has something to say, right Zak?” Zug needled.

Zak gave Zug a tired look. “Zaffre isn’t a pompous speech box with no sense of quittin’ like long neck over here.”

“So true.” Zug nodded.

“If you think what I say has no value that is a reflection on your own dull mind, you filthy Zero.” Top Hat sapped.

“Hey, you’re one of us now, pretty boy, so why don’t you start acting your rank. We do have ranks, you know, Zorran is our commander and quartermaster, Zaffre is the ocean fleet specialist, Zebedee and I are officers and Zip, see he’s our in port specialist, and we all have to climb the ladder ourselves.”

“Y-yeah, I finally got my chevron in 50, see. I’m no longer a junior member” Zug pointed at his arm.

“Exactly, and Zug worked hard to be a junior officer. So as far as I’m concerned, you all are new recruits.” Zak punched his hand, hard, and smirked. “And new recruits need to be kept in line.”

“I refuse to be outranked by a low life thug like you.” Top Hat gasped. “Of all the disgusting things I’ve had to hear today-”

“Oh you just can’t stand being put in your place can you-”

“You are filth, garbage, I don't want to be near your-”

“And you are a-”

“Quiet!”

The booming voice of Captain Star cut through the dock.

He stood tall, megaphone in hand and dressed as formally as he could manage next to Hercules, who was carrying a fuming Ten Cents under his arm.

“I told you boys to behave, and I expect it from all of you!” Star barked. “Now cut all of the infighting, you all know better than to start out any situation with fighting and anger.”

“Very right, Captain Star.” Zorran hyped up. “Our debriefing is about due then, is it?”

“Naturally, I had to make some sort of an appearance. The good Captain asked me.” Star said, putting his megaphone on his belt.

“And the Captain thought she told you to stop carrying that thing around, John.” Zasha stepped out of the office building, adjusting her formal coat.

“It’s useful, Zash,” He opened his arms and the two hugged. “And look at you, you are looking like a real Captain yourself.”

“And you look homeless.” She chuckled. “Alright, on with the show, everyone get over here to the dock side, let’s not make this take longer than needed.”

Hercules put Ten Cents down and lightly tapped his back, the switcher stood up straight and stopped fuming as heavily as the large group converged in front of Zasha and Star.

“Zorran?” Zasha glanced over at Zorran as he walked over holding the crate from before, he set it down and saluted her.

“All sorted and ready for the ceremony, ma’am.” Zorran confirmed.

She saluted him back and they both broke form. “Good man, Zorran.”

Zorran stood by her side as she faced the tugs around.

Zasha clapped her hands. “Good evening, friends, comrades, ships and watercraft. Tonight is a very special occasion for Zero Marine! Tonight we welcome our old rivals, Star Tug and Marine, as the new members of our fleet and family.” She looked around, smiling. “Some of our own ranks may not be so familiar with the Star fleet, and certain members of our fleet are very familiar with Star Tug and Marine as a company and with its former personnel. Some of us have worked together long before there was Zero Marine or Star Tug and Marine, and some of us have worked on both sides of the conflict, some of us have even formed bonds despite our company's rivalry.

“Now I want us to look at the differences, and use those to our advantage. Zero Marine has proven time and time again that we are a strong, fierce company who will do anything for our harbour and our fleet. And Star Tug and Marine have proven with every day their doors stayed open and that they had a powerful resolve for doing the right thing and working hard in the face of change and challenge.

“We all have a sense of duty, towards our crew mates, our fleets, our captains, and our harbour. I for one do not wish to overstep what all of these things mean to each of my ships. I will never be Captain Star. Even with my years under his careful eye as a sailors apprentice I will never know more than a fraction of his sailing skills and knowledge, and I will never have the same handle for leadership. The same as with my father before me as Captain Zero. I only wish to serve you all the best that I can, and you all to take this adversity in stride and serve me the best you may back.”

The group around started to clap.

“Well said, Captain Zero. You have a way with words like your father.” Star called, standing beside her and patting her back.

Zasha smiled at Star proudly, “Any last words for your fleet before we exchange uniforms, Captain Star?”

Star looked at the group, “Inspection!” And he saluted with a well practiced form.

His old fleet scrambled forwards, getting in line and saluting back.

Star broke his salute as the fleet held steady.

“So, boys, it’s been a long time coming.” Star started to walk down the line as he chuckled. “I want you to know that through our challenges, you all have made these years the best of my life. Regardless of bickering, yelling, and misunderstandings, you boys have always done your best for the fleet and Bigg City. I wish I could have done more for you all over the years, but we all work with what he are dealt in life, weather we are Navy retirees, saved salvage jobs, charter ships put out for lease, ships past your prime, or failed experiments, you all have made your Captain proud.

“My last order to you all as vessels under my command is this.” Star stood at the end of the line, looking down the row at his fleet with a melancholy smile, but a pride welling in his eyes. “You wear your colours with pride, regardless of where you all end up, you will always be my Stars and I want you to honour that by being the best fleet you can be. And don’t forget your old captain, I’ll be around for a few years yet, so I want to see you all keeping up your great work and keeping me proud of what you all have done and will do.”

Star saluted again. “Inspection complete, at ease. I yield command to Captain Zero.”

The line of Stars broke form, a sadness over them.

“I don’t want you to leave.” And Ten Cents stepped forwards, hugging his old Captain tightly.

“Yeah!” And Warrior leaped forwards following suit. “No one else would have saved a clumsy old tug like me, sir.”

Star clucked, opening his arms the best he could. “Oh come on over, you lot.”

And Star was tackled and squished into a group hug.

There was a flash and a click, and Star laughed as he was let go and looked at Zasha.

“Where did you hide that?” He sighed as she shook a polaroid.

“We have lots of pockets in this uniform.” She patted her coat loudly. “Zip, did you get the rest?”

Zip gave a half baked salute as he popped a roll of film out of a camera. “Setting up for the next bit, Captain.”

“This is for you.” Zasha handed Star the polaroid as he walked over to her. “I’ll have copies of the rest sent over when they are processed,”

“This is a feature in the next Downhaul then?” Star took the polaroid and smiled before tucking it in his coat.

“Well, for the albums too.” She smiled. “Alright, let’s get on with this! We have ranks and uniforms to give out! I know that Captain Star did not have formal ranks in his command but I’ve worked carefully with him to make sure you all are properly ranked for my crew. Zorran, whose first.”

“Hercules, ma’am,” And Zorran picked up a parcel and opened the box.

“Hercules, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Hercules, as a experienced ocean going tug, former naval commander, and the unofficial leader of the Stars it is my pleasure to assign you the rank of commander and Ocean fleet specialist.”

“Aye-aye, Ma’am.” Hercules called, Zasha came out of her salute and Hercules followed, Zorran passed a cap to Zasha, she presented the cap to Hercules. “Oh, a little out of your style, darling, but I’ll bite.” Hercules took the cap and switched it out, tucking his old hat under his arm.

“I don’t think I could look at you with any other hat. It’d be all wrong.” Zasha chuckled.

“Hercules.” Zorran snapped a coat in his hands and glanced in front of himself, Hercules stepped in front of Zorran.

“I present you, Commander specialist Hercules, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City No 13.”

Hercules went to take the coat.

“Turn around.” 

Hercules shrugged and turned and Zorran awkwardly fumbled the coat onto the much taller tug. Turning him around by force and buttoning the coat carefully.

“I can dress myself, Zorran old boy.” Hercules chuckled.

“It’s tradition.” Zorran said finally, taking a step back and saluting Hercules.

Hercules saluted back and the two eased.

Hercules patted down his coat and turned to the crowd as they gave claps and a few cheers. “Maroon isn’t so bad, ey?”

“I like the pretty details.” Warrior chimed.

“Warrior, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Warrior, as the high wakes causing havoc to the harbour, I recognize your skills as a quick thinker and kind hero to this port. I think we have room to work on you, but it is my pleasure to assign you the rank of Junior Officer.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Warrior beamed, Zasha came out of her salute and Warrior followed, Zorran passed a cap to Zasha, she presented the cap to Warrior. “It’s like my old one!” Warrior took the cap and switched it out, tucking his old hat into a pocket.

“Warrior.” Zorran called, and Warrior stepped in front of Zorran. “I present you, Junior Officer Warrior, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City No 12.”

Warrior turned around and Zorran put on his coat, turning him and buttoning it. Zorran took a step back and saluted Warrior. Warrior saluted back and the two eased.

He turned to the group and rejoined them to clapping and cheers.

“Top Hat, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Top Hat, as the only Railway tug in harbour your skills and abilities are vital to the smooth running of this port and the rails that feed in and out. It is my pleasure to assign you the rank of Command Officer and Rail Specialist.”

“Of course, Ma’am.” Top Hat snorted, Zasha came out of her salute and Top Hat followed, Zorran passed a top hat to Zasha, she presented the hat to Top Hat. 

“You wouldn’t be you without one.” Zasha chuckled. Top Hat took the new top hat and looked it over before putting it on.

“The white stripe is rather formal, however, I will live.” Top Hat huffed, putting his old hat under his arm.

“Top Hat.” Zorran called, and Top Hat stepped in front of Zorran. “I present you, Command Officer Specialist Top Hat, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City No 11.”

Top Hat turned around and Zorran really stretched to put on his coat, turning him and buttoning it. Zorran took a step back and saluted Top Hat. Top Hat saluted back and the two eased.

He turned to the group and rejoined them to clapping and cheers.

“Big Mac, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Big Mac, you are a hard worker and a fine tug. It is my pleasure to assign you the rank of Officer.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.” Big Mac said, Zasha came out of her salute and Big Mac followed, Zorran passed a cap to Zasha, she presented the cap to Big Mac. Big Mac took the cap and switched it out, tucking his old hat into his back pocket.

“Big Mac.” Zorran called, and Big Mac stepped in front of Zorran. “I present you, Officer Big Mac, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City No 10.”

Big Mac turned around and Zorran put on his coat, turning him and buttoning it. Zorran took a step back and saluted Big Mac. Big Mac saluted back and the two eased.

He turned to the group. “This is a little fancy for my tastes. But it’ll do.” and he rejoined the clapping and cheering group.

“Grampus, come forward.” Zasha called, the submarine in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Grampus you absolutely demolished our number and rank system, but your experience as a Naval officer and as a key asset to this harbour are invaluable. It is my pleasure to assign you the rank of Command Officer and Underwater Specialist.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Grampus called, Zasha came out of her salute and Grampus followed, Zorran passed a cap to Zasha, she presented the cap to Grampus. Grampus took the cap and switched it out, tucking his old hat under his arm.

“Grampus.” Zorran called, and Grampus stepped in front of Zorran. “I present you, Command Officer specialist Grampus, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City Auxiliary Vessel No 1.”

Grampus turned around and Zorran put on his coat, turning him and buttoning it. Zorran took a step back and saluted Grampus. Grampus saluted back and the two eased.

“You better like that coat. It took me an entire night to redesign the thing so you could be in bridge formal and not get caught up in your own equipment.” Zorran chuckled.

“It’s perfect, thanks Zorran.” Grampus said, smoothing the shorter cut coat out.

He turned to the group and rejoined them to clapping and cheers.

“Ten Cents, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. “Ten Cents, you are a master switcher and one of the most experienced, hard working natural leaders in this harbour. Your temper is a problem that I don’t think anyone can solve, but I think you’ll learn that’s pretty par for the course around here. It is my pleasure to assign you the rank of Commander and In Port Specialist.”

“Aye, Ma’am.” Ten Cents puffed, Zasha came out of her salute and Ten Cents followed, Zorran passed a cap to Zasha, she presented the cap to Ten Cents. Ten Cents took the cap and switched it out, tucking his old hat under his arm.

“Ten Cents.” Zorran called, and Ten Cents stepped in front of Zorran. “I present you, Commander Specialist, with your new coat, and officially enstate you as Zero Marine Bigg City No 9.”

Ten Cents visibly grimaced but turned around and Zorran put on his coat, turning him and buttoning it. Zorran took a step back and saluted Ten Cents. Ten Cents saluted back and the two eased.

Ten Cents rejoined the clapping and cheering group visibly steaming with anger.

“Zorran, come forward.” Zasha called, the Tug in question looked confused for a moment but stepped forwards and saluted Zasha as she saluted him back. 

“Ma’am I-”

“Zorran, you have been the only commander in the Z stacks ranks since 1914. As you know Zaffre was officially promoted to commander last night, and two more commander’s joined your ranks this evening. I think it’s time that you get that well earned promotion.”

“Ma’am the rank system-”

“It is my pleasure to assign you as the first and only ship to Captain, Quartermaster and Full Fleet Specialist.”

“It is an honour, ma’am.” Zorran beamed. Zasha came out of her salute and Zorran followed. “But ma’am, why do I need to be ranked so high?”

She handed patches and a cord to Zorran. “Well, it felt wrong leaving you in the waters with a bunch of Commanders when you’ve been alone at the top for so long. And I’m going to have to take maternity leave-”

“ZASHA?!” Zorran looked like he was about to pop.

“NOT YET! NOT YET!” She yelled back, shaking her hands and head in a ‘no’ motion. “Not yet, not yet! Eventually, some day. Not now.”

Zorran and a number of the tugs in the crowd let out sighs of relief.

“You need to be more careful about that!” Zip snapped.

“Oh shut up, Zip, you have more chance than I do of ending up on parenting leave right now,” Zasha snapped.

“If your father had heard that, young miss, you would have been dead.” Star laughed.

“Whatever, it’s freezing, let’s get going John.” Zasha huffed, rolling her eyes. “I’m off duty, Zorran you’re on post.”

Her and Zorran gave hand wave salutes to each other. “Everyone play nice!” She waved over her shoulder as she walked out.

A chorus of ‘good night, Zasha,’and ‘good night Captain Star,’ rang out as she took Star’s arm and the two walked out of the dock area.

Chapter Text

Star took a shaky breath as he hung up his phone.

He looked around the office and knew he didn't have a clue where to start.

Drawers were ruffled through, everything was out of place, even the plants were clearly dishevelled.

He looked up as the office door creaked open.

"T-the dock is clean, sir." Ten Cents was visibly shaken up and upset, his voice sounded hoarse and he gave a small whimper and sniffle.

Star stood from the desk chair and walked towards Ten Cents.

"Good, why don't you get some sleep, Ten Cents?"

Ten Cents looked up at Star, his eyes brimming with tears. "Is Captain Zero going to be alright?"

"Don't worry about him." Star snapped.

Ten Cents shrunk down. "But… he was bleeding, that's bad."

"He deserved it."

Ten Cents blinked at Star, looking confused. "But-"

"Captain Zero was a bad man, he was a criminal, he robbed us, he had that man try and hurt you and me, he had Zorran doing his dirty work too." Star tensed up and went red, gritting his teeth.

Ten Cents shrunk down again. "Wasn't Zorran trying to help us?"

"No." Star barked. "Zorran is a crook, and he's always had a bad reputation. I can only imagine what he was doing with Captain Zero."

Ten Cents looked at the floor. “Aye, sir.” 

Star nodded, “Good, now why don’t you go and study charts, I’ll be off for the night.”

Ten Cents looked up at Star, sniffling.

“B-but what if the-” Ten Cents eyes started to drip with tears. “The men come back? What if they-”

“We’ll be fine.” Star said firmly.

But Ten Cents just started to cry, hiccuping and sniffling.

Star gulped, he glanced around before sighing and kneeling down in front of the switcher.

“Hey, you’re in charge now when I’m gone, okay? Just what you wanted-”

“B-but what if those men come back? They were scary, what if they tried to take more? And- and what if they try and hurt me again. And- and what if they go and find you and-” Ten Cents was now fully sobbing, choking on his words.

Star put his hands on Ten Cents’ shoulders.

“Look at me.” Star said, his voice going low. Ten Cents sniffled and looked up at Star. “Ten Cents. I promise that those men won't be back.”

“But they where after Captain Zero, and-”

“Captain Zero won’t be back here. You won't have to see him again. I promised he’ll never get close to you or me again. He’ll never be back. Those men wanted him, not you, not me. I promise you, nobody will be hurt again. Zero will never be welcome here, I’m never letting him back near us. Do you understand?”

Ten Cents nodded, then reached out, grabbing Star around the neck and hugging him and burying his face in the man’s shoulder. “I don't want you to get hurt, don’t get hurt please. I can’t lose every captain I’ve ever had. I don’t want to lose you. Please, please Captain Star.”

Star tensed up before looking at Ten Cents.

He wrapped his arms around the other, hugging him tightly and rubbing Ten Cents’ hair.

“I won't let anything happen, Ten Cents. I promise. I’m never leaving you, okay? You’re mine, and it’s going to be alright. I’ll never let anything hurt us again, okay?”

Chapter Text

Zasha laughed. “Come on Herc, he’s not that bad.”

Hercules rolled his eyes. “Captain, dear, what do you think he’s been doing in there?” He kept sorting through keys.

“Well.” Zasha shifted. “Uncle Lucky said he bought John some kind of art thing and told him to take walks.”

Hercules gave her a flat stare. “Ha ha.”

“Look, I'm hopeful.” She shrugged. She watched Hercules sort keys. “How many keys could you possibly need.”

“I have a set for each of the stars, Lucky gave me a set, I have keys for every door here, Zorran gave me a set for the office, Zaff gave me a set, Lillie gave me a set-”

“Okay I get it.” Zasha puffed. “Wait, Lillie makes sense, why did Zaff give you a set of keys?”

Hercules stopped and gave Zasha a confused look. “Why would Lillie give me a set of keys and Zaffre not?”

Zasha took a deep breath. “Well… I thought Zaffre was a lesbian?”

Hercules reeled back slightly. “She is.”

Zasha bit her tongue and thought for a moment, “Wait….” She rubbed her lip with her thumb as she looked away from Hercules. “Do you need to tell me something, Hercules?”

Hercules shrugged and gave her a puzzled squint. “What are you on about, ma’am?”

“Well, I don’t want to assume but if Zaffre and you are-”

Hercules scoffed. “What about me and Zaffre? We’re friends.”

“And you put her on the same level as Lillie?” Zasha rolled her hand, encouraging Hercules to think.

“Yeah, Lilies my friend too.” Hercules huffed, his shoulders dropping.

Zasha looked like a wall hit her. “You and Lillie… are just friends?”

Hercules snorted. “Yeah.”

“Oh.” Zasha looked back at the door. “Let’s get John.”

Hercules sighed and went back to sorting keys. “Scuttlebutt gets far, m’dear, very far.”

“I didn’t know, I’m sorry-”

“I’ve been being made fun of over this since the teens, it's quite alright dear. Now here I got the key.” Hercules unlocked the door. “Now, do let me take the first peek into the office.”

“Why?” Zasha asked as the two entered the building.

“What was rule number one of getting Captain Star during an emergency?” Hercules chuckled.

“Do not enter unannounced.” Zasha nodded. “But that was when I was a kid and his employee, I’m a grown woman. What could he possibly be doing?”

“Sleeping, drinking, pin ups…” Hercules paused and thought. “Other things.”

“Herc, pal, I’m not a child. I live with a hermit, I can handle the usual activities.” Zasha huffed.

“I would be a bad commander if I let my captain take the fire.” Hercules chuckled. He knocked on the office door. “Captain Star, sir!” Hercules opened the door and leaned in, looking around.

“Go away.”

Hercules sighed and fully opened the door.

“Captain Zero needs to talk to you.”

“Tell Ruben to get lost.”

“No, sir-”

Zasha pushed in from behind Hercules. “Losing track of time, Johnny?”

Star looked up from the floor, where him, a smattering of art supplies, and a large wooden board sat sprawled out covered in paint.

“Been busy?” Zasha asked, walking around the board to see what Star was working on.

“Lucky bought me this stupid art thing and he called me earlier this week because he hadn’t seen me since the museum opened and him and Nora are ‘worried for me’ and they are going to come and pick me up on friday to take me to dinner to check in on me. And if I hadn’t been doing anything to keep myself busy he was going to start sending Ben down here to drag me to the rec centre twice a week and if that didn’t work he was giving Fish keys.” Star made a grossed out noise. “So I’m appealing to the beast.”

Zasha laughed, looking over Star's shoulder. “Oh, Hercules, it's you!”

Hercules strode over and looked as well. “And a very lovely woman.”

“Would you two leave me alone?” Star hissed, leaning back over the board and going back to painting. “I’m busy.”

“About that.” Zasha cocked her head as she watched Star work. “I have some news for you, I figured you’d like it straight from me rather than a letter or forbid someone else coming over her.”

“What? Evicting me?” Star snapped as he focused on his board.

“Worse.” Zasha laughed.

“Bought me a YMCA membership?” Star looked back at her, unamused.

“Okay, better than that.” Zasha shifted. “Dad’s been really busy with the museum but he’s got more obligation that just it and he needs someone to help out-”

“No.” Star went back to painting.

“Hear me out, John.” Zasha put her hands in her pockets and thought. “What’s the one thing you always had as a captain my dad didn’t?”

“Self respect.”

Zasha sighed. “No, Johnny, not self respect, what was the one thing you had that he never would.”

“Sailing experience.” Star mumbled. “And dignity.”

Zasha rolled her eyes. “Sailing experience was the answer.” Zasha squatted down next to Star as he painted. “Dad’s been in a tight spot, the museum is a great pet project for him on the business and political side, and it’s for a good cause. He loves it, and it’s for a good cause. But he’s been doing curator work, he’s had people asking him questions, and people are starting to question his authority when it comes to being a sailor.”

“Well, that's his own fault. He isn't one. He shouldn’t lie.”  Star huffed.

“That’s the thing.” Zasha sighed. “You know he loves this harbour, the port and the ships and sailors in it. He loves this town. He’s trying to do good deeds for her,”

“And?” Star snorted. “Do you need me to explain sailing to him to lie better? Not happening.”

“We both know dad won’t retain anything. No, you’ve got a job offer-”

“Not interested.” Star snapped.

“Look, I’m going to explain what the job is, no titles to scare you away, it’ll be part time.”

“Fine.”

“We need two things. The first is easy for you, we need someone to handle boat care-”

“Zash, you’ve seen the state my tugs were in.” Star barked.

“You’d have all the funding you need for the physical care side. John, you were a boatswain with the Navy. You’ve rigged galleons and tended to the largest ships around. We need someone who knows what a knot is and can keep the ships in line.” 

“And look where that got me.” Star grumbled.

Zasha looked at Hercules.

Hercules sighed. “You may have been a stubborn old man, but you managed to keep us all in line, sweetheart. You are a captain. You do a damn good job at it.”

“The second part is a little more involved, but you’d be asked to keep your eyes open, and ears out, on the port, all the activity in and out, and find ships and pieces of history that would fit into the museum.”

“I don’t leave my office.” Star snapped.

“And if you don’t start leaving it, Uncle Lucky is going to give Mr Fish a set of keys.” Zasha put a hand on Star's shoulder. “It’s part time, until we find someone else if you’d like. But dad can’t keep up anymore,”

“I’ll think about it.” Star puffed.

“Come on, it’s not like it’s forever, and it’ll get you out of Lucky mandated painting.” Zasha stood. “I know you two don't get along, but he’s happy and willing to just work the back end of things and not bother you at all. Help dad with his good deed, please?”

Star sighed, his shoulders falling. “Alright, alright. Only if you find someone else to take over.”

Chapter Text

Star quietly pushed open the door of the recruiting station. He adjusted the canvas bag over his shoulder as he glanced around.

“We’re about to pack up for the day.”

Star tensed up, without thinking he stiffened up into a salute. “Aye sir, sorry sir.”

An older man in a navy uniform chuckled as the door swung back into Star, who held his form, despite the smack.

“At ease, kid.” The man walked over and re opened the door. “You don't have to impress us before you get in the door.”

Star broke form and looked up at the man. “Aye sir. Sorry, sir.”

The man chuckled, “Come, let's sit and talk, what's your name?”

“Johnathan Sullivan Star, sir.”

Star was led through the room to a desk by a gentle hand on his back. He was offered a chair and sat, putting down his canvas bag.

“So, Johnathan, what brings you down here?”

“I was relieved of my old post, sir, and I’d like to sign on with the Navy.”

The man nodded, smiling and leaning forwards. “What was your old post, John?”

“I was a boatswain and sail maker on the Mysa Bugg, as well as cook. I started as a ship's boy.” Star dug in his jacket and pulled out a folded paper. “The captain wrote this to give to you.”

The man took the paper and read it over.

“You grew up on the ship, then?”

“Yes sir.”

The man nodded. “And Captain Lars Stjärna. He’s in charge of the Mysa Bugg?”

“Yes sir. Owns and operates. She’s a fishing ship but we did merchant runs as well.” Star said quickly.

“Is she in port?”

“Just left. I’ve turned 18 and Captain Stjärna sent me off, saying it’s time to make my own way.” Star stumbled quickly.

“Shame, but this letter is good enough in detail.” The man nodded. “Do you have anywhere to go, sailor?”

“N-No, Captain Stjärna was boarding and educating me in exchange for work, I’ve no pay to get an inn room and nowhere else to go.”

The man put down the letter and leaned in again.

“Johnny, you’re a bit small for 18,” The man’s voice was hushed, and gentle. “Do you know where your folks are?”

“I’ve got none,” Star gulped, feeling his face heat up. “Captain Stjärna took me in when I was but a boy, he needed a ship’s boy and I was on the streets. I don’t even remember what port I’m from, sir.”

“Then Lars is your father?”

“No!” Star was taken aback by how fast the word had left his mouth. He felt his stomach churn as the man gave him an odd look. “N-no, sir. He’s simply my Captain. And now I’m 18.”

“Then I assume you’ve got no birth records? Medical records?”

“No sir.”

The man nodded and handed the letter back to Star.

“I’ll assume you wouldn’t mind us filling out the paperwork in the morning and sending you off for Great Lakes with the ship leaving tomorrow afternoon.” The man smiled at Star, who perked up and smiled.

“No sir, I’ll report back first thing in the morning, sir.”

“No need.” The man stood. “I want to hear about this 18 year old boatswain. Fancy a pint and a meal? On me.”

“Yes sir, thank you sir.” Star stood.

The man stood and held a hand to Star, the two shook.

Chapter Text

Star tapped his pen against his desk.

Yeah, part time job, that's why he was here at 1 am.

He had to pen a strongly worded letter to his ‘conservator’ and ask just why she had decided to make him her pet project and if she could let him handle his own affairs and not lock him into all these stupid plans of hers.

Maybe he could sue to get his finances back.

Yes he’d-

Star took a deep breath and put down his pen, ripping off the scrabble he’d started on his paper pad.

No, no he was penning a letter to Fultan Ferry Company about excess stock of vintage parts.

Star picked his pen back up, tapping it again as he started at his page.

He noticed he’d been leaving dots on the paper and put his pen back down.

He rubbed his beard and thought for a few moments, noticing the crumpled page on his desk.

He opened the paper and sighed as he slowly read the contents, remembering why he’d just thrown it aside.

He really-

“You oughta take that home and get rid of it, if you’re going to talk to my daughter that way.”

Star jumped, yelling and turning around and looked at Zero, looking at him tiredly.

“What the heck are you doing here, Zero?” Star hissed, crumpling the paper.

“John It’s 2 in the morning.” Zero rubbed one of his eyes. “I left my wallet down here and I was trying to pay bills. Why are you here? Are you still working on that letter to Fultan?”

Star snorted. “No-”

“Then why are you here writing nasty grams?” Zero yawned.

“It is one-” Star looked at the clock on his wall and blinked as it ticked away at quarter past 2.

Zero rubbed a catch in his jaw. “I saw you reading the letter when I got here 20 minutes ago and you didn’t move the entire time I was in my office. Are you losing time? John… that's not good.”

Star felt his face heat up as he tensed up. “I’m fine! I’m not losing my mind!”

Zero blinked at him. “Time, losing time. Are you aware of the passage of time? You were here before I came down for the accounts write up, what was that, 9 am? John-”

“I’m fine.” Star turned back to his desk. “I can write a stupid letter to Fultan.”

Zero put a hand on Star’s shoulder. “You’ve been up at least 20 hours, John, when did you get here yesterday?”

“I don't know, I don’t keep a schedule.” Star picked up his pen. “Lucky dropped me off after dinner.” Star rolled his shoulder, knocking off Zero’s hand.

Zero’s face ticked as he thought hard. “John, that was tuesday.”

“I have a letter to write-”

“It’s friday.” Zero pushed Star, turned the man from the desk. “You are losing time.”

“I’m not losing my mind.”

Zero let out a deep sigh.

“I can’t let you stay here, John. You’re going to kill yourself.” Zero grabbed Star’s jacket and pulled him to his feet. “I’m taking you home. Your part time job shouldn’t have you sleeping under your desk over a letter.”

“I haven't slept under my desk.”

“Oy vey, come on. Have you taken your pills?”

“Pills?” Star blinked at him.

Zero squinted at Star.

“The lithium, John, your lithium.”

Star grimaced. “No, I haven't had that in years.”

Zero let out a breath. “Okay, let's go get you a 7up, then we need to talk. I need you off this episode.”

“I’m-”

“Not getting out of this, come on, you can’t be comfortable.” Zero started leading Star out of the office. “We’re putting you on a work schedule.”

Chapter Text

Star stood at attention at the door to the bridge.

“John Star, reporting, Petty Officer Bluenose.”

“At ease, recruit.”

Bluenose glanced at Star as he held his wheel. He looked back at the water.

“Why don’t you come and sit down. Here.” Bluenose pulled a chair away from his helm, and gestured towards it.

“I am fine sir-”

“That was an order, recruit!”

Star stiffened and walked over, sitting down and looking up at Bluenose. “Yes sir, sorry sir.”

“You non-ships, you never listen.” Bluenose mumbled, pulling the wheel and his engine lever yanking back. He grabbed his whistle and blew two sharp blasts. “At least you aren't as stupid as the rust buckets in this harbour.” Bluenose glared out towards a green and red tugboat. “Captain Dewey is an idiot. Bought a lot of boats destined to be reefs.”

“Civvy ships don’t like becoming reefs, sir.” Star said mindlessly watching the Dewey company three glare back at them, yelling something.

Bluenose sent two more blasts of his whistle and the ship started to move off.

“They ought to.” Bluenose snapped. “Nevermind. Your physical and evaluation came back and they requested your commanding officer, your TEMPORARY commanding officer, discuss the results with you.”

Star looked down at his hands in his lap. “Yes sir.”

Bluenose glanced at Star as his engine controls adjusted and he turned his wheel.

“Look, Star, I’ll preface this because I know you non-ships like that sort of thing. You are a very skilled boatswain. I’ve never had a recruit put on transitional duty on my ship who stepped into his duty without a pause with skill I’ve seen from you. You clearly have been raised on galleons. I’ve never had the pleasure of putting in a recommendation for promotion to a recruit before.”

Star perked up. “Really sir? Thank you sir!”

Bluenose glanced at him again. “But.”

“But?”

Bluenose pulled his wheel, adjusting course. “But, Mr Star, I also had you put in for maintenance before I could make that recommendation.”

Star leaned back, looking at Bluenose with a worried glance.

“You are small for a sailor and I wanted to ensure that you were up to snuff for your duty. And I’ve noticed behaviour that doesn’t read as very seaman-like.” Bluenose glanced at Star again as Star went muddy and started to sweat. “The doctor says you’re just malnourished for your age, so you are getting double rations until further notice and I’m to keep track of your intake.”

Star let out a bent up breath.

“However, the psych said something else, Mr Star.”

Star bit his lip. “I’m fit to serve, I swear sir-”

“I know you are, but you lose attention and you get anxious. You work after your shifts and when anyone stops you that anxiousness builds up. When you are anxious you act irrationally, you get snappy and you get hard to reason with. You are wired up; that’s dangerous on a ship. And if you don’t get the proper rest you will become a danger to yourself or others.” Bluenose reached up and blew another few short bursts, glaring at two white and blue tugboats, the two looked at him, unmoving, and starting to laugh with each other. Bluenose blew a few more times and looked back at Star as his engine stopped. “I can’t recommend a sailor who could be a danger to his crew.”

“I’m sorry sir, I’ll work on-”

“And.” Bluenose glanced up as the two ships kept laughing and talking. He looked back at Star as he sent over a few more blasts. “And I heard the Psych offered you medication to help. You said no.”

“Sir I’m healthy and up to my post, I swear. I don’t need-”

“Recruit.” Bluenose snapped. “Stop yammering. Now give me a moment.”

Bluenose shifted away.

Star looked out the windows and braced himself against the movements the wheelhouse suddenly made as he heard Bluenose start to scream at the two atlantic tugboats who kept a cool attitude and a flat humour as they talked.

Star took a few deep breaths as Bluenose raised up a storm over their idleness. He watched as a vintage ship in the same colours paddled in, snapping something to the two younger tugs.

They both went red, and started to roar into action and move off.

The Atlantic paddle steamer said something to Bluenose which Bluenose did not take well, yelling and sending off several barrages of whistles.

The three Atlantic ships moved off as Bluenose shifted back into his spot at his helm.

“This port is a nut house.” Bluenose shook his head. “Anyways, Mr Star. There is no shame in you non-ships having routine maintenance. Imagine if I didn’t lubricate my moving parts? I’d be a poor ship, wouldn’t I?”

“Well-”

“Take the pills, Johnathan.” Bluenose snapped. “I can’t order you to take them, but I can withhold you from promotion, I can put your behaviour on your record. And if I don’t see improvement, I will. Got that?”

Star gulped. “Y-yes sir.”

“Good, we’re coming in to dock and unload supplies, get on deck, boatswain.”

“Yes sir.” Star stood and went for the door.

“Oh, and Star.” Bluenose turned and looked at Star.

“Yes sir?”

“You will have this weekend for shore leave. Starting Friday after breakfast and you will report back 6 sharp on Monday. I don’t want to see you back on my deck all that time, got it?”

“Yes sir.”

Chapter Text

Star rubbed his hands together before going back to his truck's ignition.

He made a few pitiful attempts at turning the engine over.

"That's the timing belt."

Star yelled and jumped, looking out the window.

Zip leaned onto the side of the door, smiling at him.

"When's the last time you got a service, sir?" Zip kept smiling as Star caught his breath.

"Buzz off." Star went back to trying to get the car to turn over.

"She's not going to start with a noise like that, pop the hood." Zip hopped down from the side of the truck and rounded the front of the truck. He stood, smiling at Star through the cracked windshield.

Star sighed and popped the hood.

Zip opened the hood, diving in without a second thought.

“Oh yeah, you’re timing belt tension is all off, let me get the tool box.” And Zip skipped away.

Star leaned out his window, snorting as he watched the switcher pull open the storage doors on the front of Zero Marine.

The window opened and a megaphone popped out.

“What’s going on down there? Supply issues?” Zasha yelled down.

“Helping Captain Star with his truck, Captain Zero ma’am.” Zip skipped back and looked up at her, saluting.

“Hmm, good, then back on your rest rotation, you have the-”

“Navy night shift for the munitions transfers, yes ma’am.” Zip broke form and skipped back to the truck.

“Alright, don’t take too long.” And Zasha closed the window.

Zip grabbed a wrench and dove back into the truck’s engine as Star stepped out, being wary of the ice on the dock.

“-so the carburetor is going to need to be blown out and the filter replaced and the oil is leaking into the radiator, and yes yes the spark plugs need to be replaced too.” Zip mumbled as he dug through the truck's engine. “Zash is gonna need to get this thing in.”

“What are you yammering about?” Star snapped.

Zip looked up and laughed awkwardly. “Oh, your truck needs some heavy maintenance. I’ll let Captain Zero know and she can get on that.”

“It’s my truck.” Star hissed.

“Actually, it's the property of Zero Marine.” Zip said as he started to undo a few bolts. “You transferred over all your assets and this truck was owned by your corporation.”

Star sputtered. “I-”

“Shoot!” Zip yelped as a bracket broke in the engine, causing the entire engine to fall in the engine cavity to the dock.

Zip slipped out of the hood and threw his hat onto the dock, stepping on it.

Star’s throat tightened at the noise, his hands tensing up and his face going pale.

“What did you do to my truck!?”

Star took a step forwards and batted Zip over the head.

“Look what you did!”

Zip cringed up then elbowed Star back, sending the man to the ground.

“What is your problem!” Zip rubbed his head. “I’m not letting that pass, Star .”

“You ungrateful little-”

Star went to sweep at Zips leg with his cane but the switcher stamped down on the cane.

“I am not one of your tugboats, sir! And even if I was what gives you the right? Huh? Ten Cents might put up with your anger but he shouldn’t and I will not!” Zip snapped, fuming as Star let go of his cane and feebly attempted to stand from the icy dock.

“You just wait until I get my hands on you, you pretty little zero!” Star hissed.

“What was that noise? What's going on over there?” Zasha leaned out the window to get a look at Zip and Star. “Zip get off Captain Star’s cane! What is your deal?”

Zip rolled his eyes and took his foot off the man’s cane.

Star instantly took it back and reeled back, thwacking Zip in the side.

Zip grabbed the cane again, ripping it from the man’s hand.

“He started it!” Zip pointed at Star. “And his truck’s toast!”

Zasha was taken aback for a moment. “Alright Zip, go and take a walk before you get more upset!”

“I-”

“ NOW ,”

Zip went red and stomped off with Star’s cane.

The megaphone disappeared from the window as it slammed shut.

Star sat on the dock, stammering in the cold, slowly tensing up more and more as he attempted to stand. A red and upset wash slowly started to cover his face.

The door at Zero Marine opened, Zasha stepping out with a scowl on her face.

She walked right towards Star, "John what the hell are you doing with my tugboats?"

Star grimaced as he looked up at her.

"That good for nothing idiot just destroyed my truck-"

"Oh please," Zasha held a hand out to Star, helping him up with a good heave. "You know DAMN well that truck has been toast since the late 20s and that Zip is pacifistic until provoked. Which brings me to asking you how you provoked him? Because if you did what I think you did, we're going to be having a problem."

Star huffed. "He-"

" John ."

Star took a sharp breath. "My truck has not been toast since the 20s and that air headed switcher destroyed my engine, look! I was completely justified."

Zasha crossed her arms and just glared at him, her face ticking as she grimaced at him.

Star gulped, looking right through her for a moment before letting out a breath.

"I got angry, so I hit Zip."

Zasha's grimace deepened and she batted Star over the head. "Don't you ever put your hands on one of my tugboats again, Johnathan Star. I can make or break you."

Star gulped as his head rang. He started to go red and feel his blood boil.

He took a step back before he turned and limped towards his building.

“Where are you going?” Zasha snapped.

“What does it matter!?” Star barked back, “My truck is destroyed!”

“You have work!” Zasha hissed back. “The museum? Remember?”

“Whatever!” And Star slammed his door open and closed as Zasha fumed.

“Unbelievable.” She snapped, rolling her eyes before looking at the truck.

Chapter Text

“He’s in a bad state, Mr Zero.” 

Zero nodded along as he followed a young man in a white coat.

“Is he awake?” Zero mumbled, his voice drowsy.

The man looked back and thought for a second. “Oh, he will be coming out of anaesthesia any minute now. Luckily he is showing no signs of coma.”

Zero nodded solemnly. “Thank you. I only wish I could get here sooner.”

“I’m glad he at least had some form of emergency contact, we were concerned when he didn't have any family on his paperwork. The Navy always finds the next of kin.” The man made a small laugh, stopping in front of a door. He grew serious again. “This may be upsetting, Mr Zero, you may not want to enter.”

Zero puffed and rolled his eyes. “I said it already, I want to see him.”

The man nodded and opened the door. “Here, take all the time you need.”

Zero stepped in, glancing around the sterile white private room.

His eyes locked on the bed.

“Oh… Johnny. What did you do?” 

Zero walked up to the bed, pulling over a chair and sitting down, not paying any mind to the state the man was in. 

He stared at the young man in the bed and reached over, flicking a stray clump of hair off of his face.

“That won't do, John, we both know you can’t stand your hair out of place. Now come on, it's time to wake up.”

“I’ll leave you be.” and the man closed the door.

Zero crossed his arms on the edge of the bed, and then leaned forwards and rested his chin on his arms, watching Star quietly as the man breathed.

Within a few minutes, Star's breathing started to stir and his body started to twitch.

Zero leaned up, watching as Star started to blink and groan.

“Johnny? Hey, sailor, come on. Wake up time.”

Star mumbled, “Ben? Why are you on my ship? It’s dangerous.”

Zero put a hand on Star's arm. “I’m not on your ship, Johnny. You think they’d let a schmuck like me on there?”

“We’re doing training drills with the landsmen.” Star mumbled, blinking rapidly but not being able to keep his eyes open. “Why do I feel numb?”

Zero rubbed Star's arm softly. “We’ll talk about that when you are fully awake.”

“I’m doing line drills and anchor drills today. I can’t feel numb. I need to move quickly.”

Zero took a sharp breath. “Don’t worry about drills, Johnny. Just worry about waking up.”

“What’s going on?” Star attempted to lean up but groaned and hissed. 

He started blinking more rapidly as Zero stood and leaned over the bed, gently adjusting Star’s bangs.

“Just wake up, Johnny, okay? You’re still groggy. We shouldn’t talk when you’re groggy.” Zero said gently. “Just wake up.”

Star squinted as he tried to keep his eyes open, looking up at Zero. “Why are we in a bright room, Ben?”

Zero sighed. “We’re in the hospital, Johnny.”

“Are you okay?” Star reached up for Zero with his good hand, at first missing the man's face but then gently touching his fingers to Zero’s cheek. “You look upset, is it the chest paralysis again? Did I fall asleep on you?”

Zero made a sad smile. “It’s not for me, John. You were doing drills today, remember? Do you remember doing your drills?”

“Yeah, the landmen were doing great on flaking.” Star chuckled. “One of the freshies got stuck in a line, pulled him across the desk-” Star stopped laughing, gulping hard. “One of the…”

“It’s okay, Johnny.”

Star started to breathe hard as he took his hand off Zero’s face, rapidly patting down his chest and abdomen before touching one of the metal external bone fixations on his left arm.

“T-the anchor chain, I stepped over the flake and it snapped back and- and-”

Star sat up, mewling with pain as a panic hit his face.

He looked down at what was left of his leg and felt his throat tighten and his chest seize up.

Zero carefully pushed him back down.

“It’s okay, Johnny, it’s okay-”

Star looked up at the white ceiling, his eyes growing narrow as his face paled and he started to sweat.

“T-the chain snapped back, I-I tried to grab it and the snap back grabbed my arm, and the flake, I stepped into… it…”

“You don’t have to talk about it.” Zero said quietly, adjusting the man's bangs again. “It’ll be okay Johnny, alright? I’m here for you, through all of this, okay? We’ll get through this. I know it.”

"I stepped into the flake." Star pulled his arm away from Zero and covered his eyes with his hand. "How could I step into a flake?"

"Hey, we all make mistakes its-"

"We don't all lose legs!" Star yelled, he reached up, grabbing Zero by the shirt and tie, pulling him down firmly. " We don't all become invalids, do we Zero?! "

Zero gulped, a sobriety hitting his face and clouds leaving his eyes.

He put a hand over Stars, and swallowed before speaking. "No, Johnny, we don't. But we're going to get you through this, I swear on my life I'm not going to let ANYTHING happen to you again."

Star looked into Zero's eyes and his hand released Zero's shirt.

"Ben I-"

Zero adjusted his hold on Star's hand.

"Look, we are sticking together, sailor. I'm here for you, and I always will be."