Chapter 2

Amelia stood on the bridge of the RLS Legacy, shouting orders at the repair crew, who still hadn't fully completed repairs on the ship from her disastrous last voyage.

She had eventually managed to prise herself away from her doting and loving partner, who had an appointment at Cresentia University. They had travelled to Cresentia together and had kissed briefly before bidding their goodbyes, Delbert promising to visit her on his way home.

She was now waiting for her final crew list, including a new first mate. She saddened at the prospect of replacing Mr. Arrow, but she knew it had to be done. She also was awaiting the arrival of an astrophysicist to aid her in plotting a safe course through the treacherous system of Melcore, ready for her departure in a few days. She also had to organise supplies and fill in launch paperwork.

She sighed; this was going to be a long day.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Delbert was sat in the office of the Head of the Astrophysicist Department at the university. He had once held the position himself (long ago), but had retired to an advisor, simply because he couldn't be bothered with the extra work.

The current Head was a human male with fair hair named Dr Jonathon Kelly, who had been Delbert's choice as his replacement and had held the position since.

"Delbert, its good you could make it!" he smiled as he finished signing a pile of papers, "Sorry for the wait, paperwork, you know how it gets."

Delbert nodded, wincing. He did, and certainly hadn't enjoyed it. "Now, what could possibly require you to bring me in to help you?" he questioned, "You're certainly capable enough to manage 99.9% of problems by yourself!"

"Well, it's not a problem, but more of a favour. The Navy requested that we send an astrophysicist to go on a voyage to the Melcore system, and they asked that I go. Unfortunately, I am occupied overseeing another project at this current time, so I needed an astrophysicist of equal (or perhaps greater) ability. There was only one man – or rather Canid – that fit the bill... you" he finished, pointing a single finger at Doppler.

"Well, Jon, I'm flattered, and of course I'll accept. But on one promise," he paused, as Jon nodded his head, "You accept that we are totally equal on ability, if anything I have become a little rusty!"

"We are not having this argument again!" Jon chuckled, passing a sheet of paper to his friend.

"These are the terms of the voyage", he added as Delbert picked up the sheet.

As he scanned the page, three phrases shot out at him:

'RLS Legacy'

'Four weeks'

'Captain Amelia Smollet'

A smile slowly spread across his face, as realisation sunk in.

"What?" asked the mildly confused Jon.

"Oh, it's nothing, It's just... oh never mind!"

Authors Note: Yeah! 2 chapters in one day! Go me! I just want to warn you, this one may drag on a bit, just hang on tight it will get better soon... I PROMISE! R&R please! Constructive criticism/comments welcome, but don't get nasty!

Thanks for reading!

Robbingswine