Captain Keller AKA Dick Tracy (Day 2 Evening)

“He’s right. This evidence would be circumstantial at best….” The pilot countered.

“Circumstantial? I don’t care if he’s the turtleneck, or turtle poking his head out sort, the boy’s yinjing has nothing to do with the fact that he was caught red handed. Tell me Rooster - if you found the missing bottles in say that fella Leo’s room, what would your conclusion be?”

“Captain, are you implying I NEED a reason to rip Leo in half? And why are we talking about my privates? I am very uncomfortable with the direction of this conversation.”

“Exactly. You would conclude he did it.”

“So not what I said.” Vas huffed

“Sir? You have no evidence, except -- I’m going to regret this -- where is Edwards?”

“Something about Tea and a Bat.” Vas answered. “Why would you even suspect me? Is this about the hair?” Vas asked the Captain.

“Someone brained one of our deckhands. The weapon of choice was found in your room, and if you recall son, I was on the skyhook and saw the end result. This does seem in your wheelhouse.”

“Sir, you’re being unreasonable. Jat says he didn’t do it, I believe him, end of…”

“No!” The captain fumed. “You pulled your little override stunt and that’s why that chichi boy doctor friend of yours is still on board.

“Captain you know correlation does not necessarily equal causation.” Vas pointed out.

“Again, no one cares about your yinjing. Folks aren’t gonna feel safe. I told you we needed a brig.” The captain chastised.

Riley looked around. Passengers were already starting to chatter amongst themselves. Once word circulated further, the last thing the lieutenant wanted was some would be vigilante gunning for her crew chief for something he didn’t do.

“Captain if you going to hold me defending myself on the Skyhook against me it should prove if anything it wasn’t me.” Vas grumbled.

“Jat.” Riley said, ticking her head for him to follow, away from the prying eyes and ears of the passengers. “Walk with me.”

Vas exhaled sharply and followed.

“Listen,” she said calmly. “I know you didn’t do it. Keller--” she waved her hand dismissively. “But I also don’t want every chivalry-is-not-dead tough guy on this ship givin’ you guff for something you didn’t do. It’s just a proactive measure. Just keep to your room until we find who did this or til we get to Silverhold.”

“Lieutenant I deal with guff all-day and being blamed for all sorts of things I ain’t done - wait your CTQ-ing me?” Vas blinked stunned as what she has said sank in. What? What did he do? If she did that who would watch out for his crew? Why? Vas peeked over his shoulder, between the Captain and the gaggle of passengers …

“It’s cuz I look the part … don’t I?” He asked in a hushed tone.

“Just until we have more information.” Riley reported. “Listen, I know you didn’t do anything. And yes, you do look the part which is why someone probably singled you out. We don’t need hysterical passengers going off the deep end. Obviously someone put the bottles in your room, which means they don’t want to get caught. And if they think we’ve ‘caught’ the guilty party, we don’t have to worry about a repeat incident. Also and most importantly? I’m not asking.” She specified.

There wasn’t much he could say or do now. He wanted to protest and reason the situation out, prove he was more valuable hunting the culprit down than rotting in his room … but … it … was … an order. A very kindly put order. Not a request. So, deflated and defeated, Vas just hung his head to hide his hurt. “Yes. Lieutenant.” He said waiting for her dismissal.

“Good. Go.” She ordered.

“Wait, what? No!” Serena protested. She’d practically thrown the tray of tea at the old bat, then ran back to eavesdrop. “Crew Chief didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You found the bottles in his room,” the captain accused.

“That don’t mean nothing, anybody can put somethin’ somewhere on this ship. I seen where Haddie puts your toothbrush when you leave it in the showers. This ain’t fair, Lieutenant, it ain’t right!”

“Serena!” Vas said sharply “It’s not about fair or right. Lieutenant gave an order and I will follow it as will you. Off with you before you dig yourself a hole you ain’t able to climb out of and trust your crew.”

“You’re my crew. And I trust you.” she replied meeting his eyes before swearing under her breath in Chinese about the stupid eggs on the ship and the ducks that stole their sense of decency.

“Baka.” Vas said bopping her affectionately on the top of her head. “Then trust me. Go, less you want trouble.”

Serena shot a scornful look at the two ‘commanders’ of the ship, biting her tongue for the sake of the crew chief, definitely not for them. Keller could pour his own stupid bourbon from now on.

Vas walked to his quarters without complaint or resistance. It was going to be a long ride to Silverhold.