New Document

Hi all,
I hope everyone's having a safe and happy Easter. I haven't given up writing, I just lost my will to for a while, but it's back now and I hope to have the next part of Mountain and Shadow finished by next weekend. Till then, here's a little tidbit for you, think of it as an Easter candy that's not fattening.
Cbc
Title: Snapshots
Author: Cbc
Fandom: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Pairing: Cap/Dex
Summary: They say a picture’s worth a thousand words. That it can see what others blind themselves to.
Archive: Please do.
Rating: PG13
Series/Sequel: One-shot
Website: None yet.
Disclaimer: Don’t own these folks, just borrowing them for a bit of fun. No use suing, I’m poor.
&&&&
Looking around the immense hanger again Dex marveled at what he and the other members of the Flying Legion had accomplished in just two years time.
Two years ago this place was nothing more than a fractured shell, its floor covered with burning wreckage, fallen beams, and injured or dead Legion members. After the current menace to the world’s safety defeated the rebuilding began. Eager to atone for their past sins and use their work for the benefit of mankind the remaining scientists of Unit 11 offered their services to aid in putting the Flying Legion back into shape. Sky Captain was understandably leery of trusting the two old men at first but Dex had finally convinced him that things would run much smoother and faster with their assistance.
A decidedly smug smile touched the young genius’ lips. Yep, that had been one wild round of ‘convincing’ he’d done with Cap that night...
Amazingly a few good things did spring up from Totenkopf’s mad genocidal schemes. During their strike on Germany the raiding robots had pulverized much of Berlin, destroyed 3/4th of their military, and killed off the entire inner circle of the nazi party including their leader. The entire peace minded world breathed an immense sigh of relief knowing that hate-spouting lunatic would never again poison people’s minds with his foul propaganda.
Polly Perkins finally stopped chasing after Cap. That little fiasco with the lens cap had really gotten her steamed at her former love interest and the woman stormed off in a fit of righteous indignation after they finally reached dry land. Shortly afterwards what turned out to probably be the biggest story of her career hit the papers. At first Dex thought Polly was just being her usual stubborn self and would come slinking back after a few months, or perhaps in a year. But evidently keeping the front page firmly in her grasp meant more to the blonde reporter than having the love of one of the most courageous, loyal, and sexy men in the world; which incidentally suited Dex just fine.
And last, but by no means least, Dex’s kidnapping by that black clad robot woman had finally opened Cap’s eyes as to what had been patiently setting right there in front of him for years. There first kiss was tentative, exploring territory neither man had ever broached before, but soon enough passion overrode such hesitation and they shared their love in full.
Thank heavens the other Legion members were very open minded; whatever made their captain happy made them happy. Sky Captain didn’t discriminate when it came to those he offered a place in his Legion and they wouldn’t either. And it was this very acceptance that led Dex to take the biggest chance in his entire life.
Doctor Vargas’ skills in biology were second only to Totenkopf’s and several gravely injured Legion pilots owed the old man an immense debt. If it wasn’t for his extraordinary skills they would’ve spent the remainder of their lives crippled or even worse--buried six feet under in the Legion’s graveyard. When the scientist had learned of the relationship between the Legion’s leader and his top inventor he offered the pair the chance to…well a chance to experience what every loving couple in the world wanted to…
Parenthood.
One hand rested on top of the heavy swell of his belly, fingers feeling the life beneath react to the slight pressure. So much had been done to reach this moment; chemical treatments, hormone treatments, reconstructive surgery, and changes to every aspect of his life. But it was worth it. It was worth it.
“Hang in their kiddo, won’t be too much longer now.” He rubbed gently at the raised spot which might’ve been a tiny foot. “Your Daddy will be home soon.”
Several technicians waved and wished Dex good morning as he walked, well waddled, by on his way to the Legion’s map room. He really wasn’t supposed to be up, Dr. Vargas had ordered him to rest as much as possible since his expected delivery date was so close, but he just had to find out about Joe.
Despite the repeated defeats others suffered at the hand of the Legion and its heroic leader megalomaniacs still kept crawling out the woodwork to try their hand at world domination and, just as in times before, Sky Captain answered the desperate call for help. Dex had complete faith in his lover’s abilities and his own gadgets but right now the more primitive side of his brain was running things. Some deep seated, almost instinctual, sense of urgency was driving the inventor to see Joe back at the base and at his side.
His entrance into the room hadn’t gone unnoticed and several men were by his side in a heartbeat offering their assistance while guiding the gravid inventor towards the nearest chair. He accepted their help gratefully, getting around had become very hard these last few weeks, and sank into the hastily padded chair with a heavy sigh.
“Any news from Cap yet?” He asked the nearest man.
“Not yet Sir.”
“He’s all right Dex,” said Max, who’d been one of the first flyers to join Cap and was counted on by him to see to the Legion while he was on missions. “You know Joe, he always comes out on top.”
“Even if he does fall on his arse occasionally beforehand.”
Dex turned to see Franky leaning against one of the work desks, her left arm held tight against her body by a black cloth sling. The British Officer had been badly injured during a skirmish a few weeks ago. Fearing she would loose the use of her arm Franky contacted Cap to see if the new additions to his medical staff could help her. Where military doctors failed the Legion’s succeeded and Franky could look forwards to a long and full active duty career. People like Franky and Cap weren’t meant to be tied down by some desk job, they were meant to fly.
“How are you today Dex?” The woman asked softly, her warm eyes resting on his bulging belly. Franky didn’t mind loosing Joseph to Dex or loosing Dex’s own interest in her, nor did she envy their relationship and future family. She and Joseph were just too much alike to really work it out and Dex was too attached to the Legion to ever think of really leaving. No, she’d stay married to her job and take what pleasure she could find. That didn’t mean that she couldn’t play favorite Aunt to Dex and Joseph’s little one, she might even get to be godmother if she played her cards right.
“Tired but antsy.” The inventor replied while rubbing at the small of his back. Dex didn’t add that he’d been experiencing little cramps all morning. It would just cause undue alarm and unwanted attention from everyone. Doctor Vargas would probably confine him to bed again and this time strap him down to ensure he stayed there.
“That’s understandable.” Max offered the inventor a cup of water which he gratefully accepted. “My Mary was just like that shortly before she had our son.”
Dex took another sip of water. He’d heard pregnancy and birth stories from just about every Legion member since his pregnancy was announced. Some were humorous and informative while others scared him into nightmares.
Another report came in from one of the Legion pilots who’d accompanied Cap on this mission. The Princess was saved and the bad guy done in. As soon as they finished with the clean up they’d be returning to base. Once again the Legion had succeeded where all others failed and adverted world wide disaster.
“Thank God,” Dex sighed in relief as he levered himself out of the chair. Now maybe could get a little more sleep without the worry of Cap’s safe return hanging over his head…
Unfortunately sleep would be a long time off for after just two steps Dex suddenly bent over, moaning and clutching his stomach. “Ohhh, this is…not a cramp!!”
The map room hadn’t seen such frenzied activity since Totenkopf’s attack as men swarmed around the inventor, holding him and guiding him towards the base’s medical facilities.
One man scrambled over to the radio, hit the code for Sky Captain’s frequency and started yelling into the mike. “Base to Sky Captain, Base to Sky Captain. Code L! B-day has arrived! I repeat, B-day has arrived!!”
&&&&
Despite her tattered dress, soot smudged face, and disheveled hair Britain’s young princess looked every bit as regal as her lineage implied. “Once again you have saved us all from disaster Sky Captain. I and England herself owe you a great debt.”
In his unquenchable thirst for power and world domination the hooded madman calling himself Cyranus Rex sought to make the fertile British Isles his first conquest and base from which to launch future attacks on Europe’s nations. Kidnapping the Princess he intended to hold the girl hostage and use threats against her life and virginity to keep the King and his people firmly under his steel tipped boot heel. He hadn’t counted however on the King calling on Sky Captain and the Flying Legion to rescue his daughter and crush the menace this Rex represented.
Cyranus Rex found himself outmaneuvered, outgunned, and finally outwitted. His broken lifeless body now lay somewhere amidst the rubble of his once great base.
“There is no debt Your Highness,” Sky Captain bowed to the future monarch.
“Nonsense young man,” the old General’s rough voice was a bit hoarser due to smoke inhalation but still very understandable. “I shall see to it myself that you and your brave lad’s are amply rewarded.
Sky Captain was about to protest when the radio in his warhawk’s cockpit sprang to life.
// Base to Sky Captain, Base to Sky Captain. Code L! B-day has arrived! I repeat, B-day has arrived!!//
For a fraction of a second Sky Captain paled then a marvelously delighted smile graced his handsome features and he let out a startling whoop of joy.
“Please excuse me Your Highness, General, I’m sorry but I must return to my base immediately!” He bowed hastily to the two before him before sprinting towards his airplane.
“Is there some emergency Captain?” The princess raced after him. “What is this Code L and B-day?’
One leg already in the cockpit the young flyer turned back to the woman he’d just recently rescued. “It means I’m about to become a father Your Highness, I’m about to become a father!!” And with that he hopped in, closed the hatch and revved up his engines.
Together the Princess and her elderly escort watched the plane race down the remaining clear runway and take off at top speed.
&&&&
Dex panted through the contraction as best he could.
He never dreamed it would be this bad.
He foolishly allowed himself to be lulled into a false sense of security by the relative ease which his pregnancy had passed month to month. Just a few short weeks of mild morning sickness and from there on end it was smooth sailing. Day by day he watched his stomach grow, from just a small bump to looking as is he’d swallowed an over inflated basketball. The day Dex felt the first tiny flutter in his belly, proof that there was indeed another life beginning within him, had been one of the most amazing and marvelous days of his life. Joe had been ecstatic, beaming from ear to ear, when he’d felt his child moving beneath Dex’s flesh; the smile didn’t leave him for a whole week. Joe had promised his lover he’d be here for the birth of their child. So where the hell was he??!!!! Besides him Franky was doing her best to remain outwardly calm while all the while she was panicking inside. Here she was, a hardened battle veteran who’d faced countless life or death situations with a smile on her face, and she was ready to run out of the room screaming just as loud as Dex was. If this is what women went through during childbirth she’d adopt thank you very much. The first few contractions Dex experienced had been relatively easy but as time went by they grew stronger and more painful. Vargas couldn’t give Dex much in the way of painkillers saying heavier doses would only hinder the birthing process so the young man had to endure the pain as best he could. Thankfully the labor was moving at a reasonably fast pace so Dex wouldn’t be suffering for long. The only thing bad about that was Joseph might very well miss the birth of his child.
Taking a cloth from the basin she wiped some of the sweat from Dex’s face and neck, whispering words of encouragement and promises that everything would turn out all right. The young man welcomed the cool moisture and leaned into the moving cloth.
“Not much longer now young man,” Doctor Vargas said as he finished inspecting the widening birth canal which he’d constructed months before. “Another hour at the most and you’ll be holding your child.”
There’s was a scuffle out in the hallway and Sky Captain burst into the room. “Dex!!” He scrambled over to the bed and grabbed the younger man’s outstretched hand.
“Joe! Joe! You made it!” Dex sobbed, pulling his lover down for a quick kiss.
Cap rubbed his cheek against Dex’s sweaty hair. “I’ve never broken a promise I’ve made to you Dex; I swore I’d be here for this and here I am.”
Unnoticed by the lovers Franky silently made her way out the room. She’d sit the rest of this one out in the waiting room with the others.
&&&&
Out on the landing field Polly Perkins, ace reporter for the Chronicle, was looking around to see if anyone had noticed her. Strangely the field and the hanger seemed to be completely deserted. That wasn’t so surprising now that she thought about it; everyone was probably hanging about the base’s medical facilities waiting for news from the delivery room. Well, that would make her job a little easier, and a little harder. She’d only have to be careful once she reached the crowded hospital.
Polly had already decided to pay a visit to the Legion’s rebuilt base when her Editor dropped the mother of all bombshells in her lap. News of the Princess’ rescue and Sky Captain’s amazing revelation traveled fast and even Polly wasn’t sure which tidbit interested the world more, but she was dead certain as to which one currently held her complete attention!
Joe was supposed to be hers! Someday Polly would stop stringing him along and make the dope realize he loved her. They’d get married, have a couple of kids, and both would continue doing what they did best.
Where did he get off on falling for and marrying someone else!?? She wanted to see the woman she’d lost him to and if it was that British slut Polly would see to it that he didn’t have the necessary equipment to provide this child with any future siblings!
Grabbing her camera Polly scampered over to the hanger wall and clung to its shadow as she headed out towards her goal.
&&&&
Doctor Vargas was ready, hands in position. “Very good! Keep pushing now!! Push!!”
Dex bent forwards, muscles straining to the limit, a sharp painful scream rolling up from his heaving chest. Cap’s arm was around the back of his lover, giving him both physical and mental support as he struggled to bring their child into the world. Joe was caught teetering between excitement and terror. The moment he never thought would ever come to pass was almost here. He was about to become a father! Only he never expected Dex would experience so much pain during delivery. Joe feared loosing both his lover and child if matters worsened. And the most gut wrenching part was there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop that tragedy from occurring. He was the world’s best pilot; a hero who’d fought against impossible odds and always came out on top. Only in this case his skills and daring feats wouldn’t save the day. Joe shuddered and forced such grim thoughts away, returning his focus to Dex’ grimacing face.
Dex whimpered and writhed on the bed, free hand fisting the sheets. Between his spread legs the old doctor, seated on a stool, was waiting with eager outstretched hands to catch the baby as it emerged. The pain was almost unimaginable. If this is what the female of the species went through every time they gave birth it was a wonder the human race hadn’t plunged into extinction centuries ago! He’d long since run out of strength and was now running on adrenalin and sheer willpower. Another scream escaped him.
“Push now!! Push!” Vargas shouted. “The head is coming!”
“I…I’m not…sure I can,” Dex whimpered before biting his lip and drawing blood. “It…hurts…sooo baaaddd!!” He wailed pitifully, tears mingling with the beads of sweat on his reddened cheeks.
“You can Dex! You can do this,” Joe urged. “You have to. You want this baby, our baby, don’t you?”
“Yeessss.” Dex hissed from between clenched teeth. He had to push. From some far hidden depth within him Dex dredged up the strength needed.
Hands cupped the crowning head, easing it through the tight flesh which encased it. Dex let out a little cry as the head popped free and for a moment he could rest while Dr. Vargas quickly cleaned out the baby’s nose and mouth. Another push and the shoulders were free enough that the old doctor could aid by gently pulling on the tiny body in time with the contractions. With one final effort the island’s newest inhabitant arrived. Dex collapsed back against the pillows, smiling weakly as he listened to the sweet melody of his newborn baby’s robust cries.
“A boy, a fine healthy little boy!” Doctor Vargas exclaimed through his own tears of joy as he held the loud squirming infant up thus allowing the parents their first glimpse of their son. Passing the baby to the waiting nurse Dr. Vargas went about the business of tying off the cord. Freed now from the physical connection to its mother the baby was removed to the other side of the room where he would be examined, cleaned up, and dressed. Dex grunted and gave a little push delivering the afterbirth. The birth canal itself would close up on its own within a few days but remain intact otherwise in case the two men wanted to add to their family in the future.
“Good boy Dex.” Joe’s own tears joined his lover’s as the nurse lowered the swaddled infant into his mother’s waiting arms.
Dex ran a shaking hand over his son’s head, marveling at the soft brown fuzz beneath his palm. New tears made their way down from his eyes, this time ones of joy not pain. “He’s so…so…” Dex simply couldn’t find the words to describe this moment.
Joe found himself just as emotionally tongue tied as his lover was. Every dream, every moment imagining this, paled to nothing in comparison to the sweet reality. Their son…their son! A part of him, a part of Dex, a miracle they’d went against almost insurmountable odds to bring into this world. It was too early to really be sure but Joe believed he could see bits and pieces of both them in their son. The jaw line, nose, and slightly wavy hair were definitely his contributions while the eyes were pure Dex, so rich and full of intelligence. He was really going to be something when he grew up, good looks and brains all rolled up into one neat package.
“Our son…our little Daniel...,” the inventor kissed his son’s forehead before turning and kissing his lover’s parted lips. Joe was only too happy to reciprocate and put all his love into the connection.
&&&&
The instant after the first wail reached the nervously pacing crowd in the waiting room celebrations began. Men were laughing, cheering, hugging, slapping backs, and shaking hands. By midnight the entire base would be engaged in the biggest party to hit the island since the defeat of the Rat-master and his insidious Vermin.
(From the way they were going on you would think they were the proud new fathers and not Joseph.) Franky weaved her way through the crowd towards the door; she needed a bit of fresh air and someplace less congested to celebrate her new promotion to Aunt.
Out of the corner of her remaining eye Franky caught a flash tan and gold.
(Well, well, well, it looks like Ms. Perkins is seeking the scoop again.) A wicked smile blossomed on her tan features. (How very sad she’s going to be so disappointed.)
&&&&
Avoiding the areas where the celebrating was thickest Polly penetrated deep into the Legion’s hospital. Having already checked the operating rooms and found only the clean up personal working she was now trying her luck with the private rooms. Polly couldn’t see Joe, no matter how deeply bonded he was with his men, would ever let his wife and newborn be housed in the regular wards. No, they’d have a room all to themselves.
Slipping off her shoes for quieter movement she crept down the well lit hall, carefully peering through the observation window whenever the chance presented itself. Those rooms lacking windows found the blonde reporter’s ear firmly pressed to the door waiting to hear anything that might indicate the room was occupied and its residents were the ones she was searching for. Seven proved to be the lucky number as she could just make out two very familiar voices inside. Easing the door open she crept inside.
The private rooms were set up to fill a number of functions one being isolation should a Legion member be exposed to some unknown contagion. A short corridor led from the hall to the entrance to the area where the bed was situated. The glass was a special one-way-view blend, allowing the doctors to check up on their patients without disturbing their rest. Polly was really thankful for that, as long as she made no loud noises no one would ever know she’d been here. Edging closer her blue eyes searched the room, eager to see what bimbo had snagged Polly’s man.
(That’s odd,) her brow knotted in confusion. (That’s Dex in the bed. What’s he doing here? Did he get hurt? And why was he holding and feeding Joe's newborn son?) A tiny crack in the inner door promised an answer to all her questions and she accepted the gracious invitation eagerly.
&&&&
With practiced ease Dex held his son, watching with rapt attention as that little bow mouth worked diligently at drawing the warm milk from the bottle’s rubber nipple. While Dr. Vargas had performed what could be construed as a miracle in creating Daniel and womb he’d been gestated in, he couldn’t figure out a way for Dex’s body to produce the required amount of nourishment the baby needed. Bottle feeding wasn’t that bad, it meant that Joe could have this very same pleasure. In fact he could see his lover was fairly itching for the chance to try his hand at giving their son his meal.
“He has a very hearty appetite.” Cap murmured softly, unwilling to raise his voice for fear of breaking the spell of this perfect moment. It all still seemed like some fantasy, a daydream that could disappear at any moment. Everything he’d ever wanted in life was right here in this room. Dex, that wonderful amazing young man, loved him so much he was willing defy nature to bear Joe’s child. Their child, their sweet son Daniel, would grow up with two loving parents, one amazing Aunt, and a hoard of daring Uncles; quite possibly the most unique family on the face of the earth!
“Yeah,” Dex’s voice was equally soft but tinged with a mother’s fathomless love. The Legion wives he’d spent all that time talking to were right. Until now, he’d always thought his life was full, aiding Cap and the Legion keep the world safe from evil, only it wasn’t really, not until Joe and their son came into the picture.
Joe watched Dex and their son and dearly wished he’d thought to bring a camera along. He wanted to capture this moment on film so that when age dimmed the memory of this precious moment he could look back on that picture and remember. No successfully completed mission had ever given him such a sense of fulfillment as just the simple sight of his son feeding was producing.
The perfection of this moment was not lost on their hidden observer as noted by the tiny click of photos being taken.
&&&&
Polly stumbled deeper into the observation room’s shadows, shocked to her very core by what she’d seen in that other room. Joe and Dex, they were lovers and had somehow found a way to have a child together. The mere thought of it boggled the mind, and broke the heart.
Somehow she’d blinded herself to what should’ve been so obvious. Anything that Dex needed Joe went out of his way to get. Whenever Dex was sick Joe only would fly a mission himself if the situation presented a dire threat to world safety, preferring to remain at the base by Dex’s bedside. Joe went to impossible lengths whenever Dex’s life was threatened. The level of savagery the heroic captain displayed if so much as a scratch marred the inventor’s skin was frightening; Joe showed no mercy or seemed to feel any remorse later for his actions in those thankfully rare instances. The times when Joe willingly shielded Dex from danger with his own body…
He never went to such extreme lengths for her.
What she dismissed as simple gestures of deep trust and friendship between the two Polly now saw in a new light. Every touch, every passing glance the two men had shared, it was all so obvious now.
Head hanging down in defeat Polly admitted it now; she’d never had a chance with Joe, not after Dex entered the picture.
In her hands the camera felt cold and heavy. The film inside held her next big story, one sure to gain her the front page once again. She could almost smell the ink as it printed out her name…
But if she printed it…if she exposed Joe and Dex’s relationship and child to the world there would severe repercussions for the pair and probably the Legion too. There were some very narrow-minded people in the world that would see such a union as unholy; a few more fanatical might even try to kill Dex and the baby.
Could she do that?
Could she expose them to such danger just to get the scoop? To Joe, to Dex, to that little innocent baby?
Caught up in her dilemma Polly didn’t the British officer slip silently into the room.
From the deepest shadows Franky watched Miss Perkins fight her conscious with keen interest. If the woman failed and chose prestige over friendship the British officer was ready to step in and make her see the error of her ways. She could throw a punch well enough with her uninjured arm to knock the blonde twit out and take the camera. However Franky hoped that the girl would make the right decision and spare her the effort. Watching her struggle stretch from one minute to the next Franky tensed up, her hand clenched into a fist ready to strike. Miss Perkins was taking too long to make up her mind…
Lucky for Polly her inner argument ended before Franky could step forwards and deliver a strong painful blow. Sighing in regret Polly lifted the camera strap over her head and sat it on the stand in front of her. She took one last longing look through the window at the happy family before turning and exiting the room as fast as her bare feet would carry her.
(Very good Miss Perkins, you have a heart and conscious after all.) Franky thought as she picked up the camera. (I wonder who I might ask to develop these. Joseph and Dex would certainly enjoy having a picture or two to commemorate this day.)
&&&&
The next day Franky presented the couple with the developed photos. Caught up in the joy of seeing each snapshot neither got around to asking where Franky had gotten the camera or how she’d taken such perfect shots with just one hand.
The British woman offered up no explanation save for a secret little smile and a rather cryptic remark about a little parrot.
End