Tides of the Ethierium

I kind of got bored of searching for a Jim on Amelia romantic story. So I decided I'd give my imagination a whirl and create my own. Please note, that as you are reading this. I am coming up with everything on the spot. I do not draft, if I can help it anyway, because I feel drafting constricts my imagination to following a line of thinking. I like the more "free" feel I get like this, so if a well constructed story is your type of thing, I wouldn't bother yourself with reading this, for you may not enjoy it.

Anyway, enough of this rambling. I do not own any of the original characters from the movie, and all that legal stuff. I think we all understand this part. Anyway! On to the story and comments, and questions are expected, and desired. Please enjoy!

Jim had turned 18 a few months back, and also accomplished almost everything in the curriculum set forth by the naval academy in half the curriculum's time frame. In short, he was going to graduate early. He only lacked the mandatory 2 year apprenticeship on a militarized ship that was on active duty. The ship he chose to be aboard was the RLS Legacy. He was granted the privilege personally from the dean for his good grades, ethics, and other characteristics that made him stand out among his classmates.

After the mess with Treasure Planet, the Legacy had to be repaired, and was in dry dock for testing, further maintenance, and various other outfitting routines. All together, It was a year and a half before the Legacy was back out on the Etherium. Even with all the new repairs, there wasn't any new orders for the Legacy and her crew for months. Captain Amelia was anxious to leave the docks. And even more so when she received the letter of notice that her apprentice from the academy was Jim Hawkins himself.

She was to report to the docks at 0900hrs to meet Jim and set up everything to make sure the ship and crew were ready to go out on a regular patrol. Her orders were to patrol near an asteroid field that was prone to be hiding pirates, for about two weeks. The ship was stocked with the supplies needed, and was given the finalization of departure.

At the BenBow Inn, Jim was wide awake. He couldn't hardly believe he was going to sail with Captain Amelia again, and this time for 2 years! Excited wouldn't have described how he felt. He had worked harder than ever before in his life to graduate early, and it was paying off. He was going to be on a familiar ship, with a familiar captain. A big advantage to him than the other cadets that were going into unknown territory.

Jim didn't know what time he fell asleep, but he awoke around 0500hrs. His mom was up with Ben, and were waiting for him as he cam downstairs to eat breakfast and say goodbyes. He enjoyed the small talk about how he'll miss them, and he'll come back to see them when he can. The typical family talk when going away for some time. He hugged Sarah and Ben, then grabbing his duffel bag, got on his solar surfer, and took off.

As Jim stepped off the vessel that carried him to the spaceport, he remembered his first steps to becoming a spacer. With Dr. Doppler in the odd suit, and constant talking about this and that. he rounded the familiar store where he asked a robot for directions, and continued his way down the street. The whole time he was walking, his past adventure kept popping up in his head, he couldn't resist smiling for the rest of his walk.

Jim arrived at the dock where the Legacy was awaiting departure, at approximately 0835hrs. Upon walking to the boarding plank, he was greeted by a sailor and was ordered to meet Captain Amelia in her quarters as soon as he stepped one foot onto the deck. Everything looked the same as it did several years ago, except for the few newer looking pieces of wood, and a few new guns. Walking up to a heavy looking door with some sort of lock that looked like a bank vault, he knocked heavily and awaited whomever was inside to open the door.

Amelia was charting their course on a map when she heard knocking on her door. It sounded as if it was being hit with a rock, or brick. Opening the door just a small crack to see who was knocking so absurdly, she swung the door open and took her usual officers posture.

Jim immediately stood at attention and saluted her.

"Captain Amelia, Cadet Jim Hawkins reporting for duty ma'am!"

"At ease Mr. Hawkins. Please come inside and have a seat."

She ushered Jim inside and closed the door behind them, locking it. She pointed to a seat in front of her desk and Jim immediately sat down.

"Mr. Hawkins. How long has it been since we last met? Also did you received a letter regarding our mission details?"

"Around 2 years ma'am. And yes, we are supposed to do a routine patrol."

"Yes, 2 years seems about right. And good, I hoped I wouldn't have to explain our mission to you. Although it seems a waste to not take the Legacy out to raid a pirate planet or outpost. But, I won't push it with the brass. Anyway, how have you been?"

"I've been working extremely hard to get out of the academy. I wanted to graduate as soon as I could. So I did work 3 days in advance, teaching myself and receiving help from older cadets on various subjects. I probably worked myself too hard in some people's eyes, but I just couldn't stand being cooped up in that academy. And I couldn't stand being away from the Legacy. She's such a beautiful vessel."

"Yes she is. And I understand your eagerness to get back on board. The repair time almost drove me mad. But, that being said, I went along with it. The dean of the academy sent me a personal letter about your academics before you were ordered to my ship. He said you sent about twenty-seven letters, all asking to be accommodated to my ship. Is that true?"

Jim's cheeks were a little red, but he wasn't all too embarrassed.

"Um, y-yes ma'am. I wanted to be sure I was assigned to the legacy under your command. Is that a problem ma'am?"

"Oh no, it's not a problem at all Mr. Hawkins. It just makes me curious why you would work so hard and practically beg to be assigned to my ship. Tell me, what is your reason for these actions?"

Now Jim was starting to get a little uneasy. He didn't like how this was going. Adjusting himself in the seat, he was getting ready for the next question.

"Ma'am, as I said earlier, I couldn't stand being cooped up in the academy. You know how it is, once you taste of the freedom the Etherium, you can't go back."

"Hmm, I guess so." She said, eyeing him for his reactions. "However, that being said, I still think there's something your not telling me. And I will find out Mr. Hawkins, whether I have to beat it out of you, or you come clean all by yourself. Am I understood?"

Jim couldn't help but gulp. "U-uh, y-yes ma'am!"

"Good man, now, come along, we launch in 5."

"Aye Aye!" Jim saluted.

I'm going to stop here for now. I need to let my brain rest. I was never good in English class so please forgive me if anything is messed up or unclear. I'm not used to writing, well, more like typing, for hours straight. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little chapter and I look forward to writing the next chapter soon. Cheers!

-Z