Chapter 8
Concerning Doctors
Amelia gazed down at the rumpled paper from handling it so much as her lips curved upward in a small triumphant smile. She read the letter once more just to verify that she had the correct information. A determination flared inside her as she swept from the entrance hall of the Doppler mansion to the library where she might find some silence. Not that the house wasn't silent with all of the expansive rooms it contained. Amelia was simply searching for the area she regularly sought when tending to matters of business.
"Back to work," she sighed, sinking down into the chair behind her desk and rolling open a map of the galaxy. The letter beside her lay open: the scrawled note still visible in the afternoon light.
To: Captain Doppler of the Intergalactic Navy of the Terran Empire.
Mrs. Doppler, I'm pleased to inform you that some of the Queen's most outstanding officers have not revoked your designation as captain. Sufficient evidence was presented that you are qualified for your role as Captain aboard your ship the RLS Legacy and are to offer your services as deemed fit. The sector you will patrol with cadets of the Academy is Sector 9, the Home Territories surrounding the Montressor region until given further instruction. Your crew members will consist of the following spacers…
The sound of a door opening and closing resounded around the silent house. Footsteps echoed down the hall as an all too familiar voice called Amelia's name.
"In here, Delbert!" she hollered. Moments later her husband stepped through the door looking rather haggard.
"Well, I can assure you that I will no longer be picking up groceries for Sarah," Delbert grumbled as he removed his coat. It was only when Amelia looked up did she have to stifle a giggle. Delbert's clothing was covered in food stains. He did not look pleased.
"Why is that, dear?" Amelia inquired, unable to contain her silly smile.
"Well first there was the walk into town, which wasn't so bad. It was only when I got into town, to the merchant that Sarah usually buys from, that some kids started throwing rotting food at me, and they followed me the whole way back! I of course could do nothing about it because I was too busy carrying a crate of food to the Benbow. By the time I reached the inn those little urchins ran off. Then, when I was helping Sarah unload the food, I accidentally dropped some of the eggs and promised I'd run back into town to get her some more, but the merchant said that was the last stock of eggs and now I'm here to see if we have any eggs to spare for poor Sarah," Delbert finished with a noisy breath of complaint. He sank down into an armchair close by and wiped some of the dried food off of his glasses.
"Well, that's unfortunate," Amelia commented, clearing her throat. Delbert looked up at the amused expression his wife wore.
"And now you're laughing at me," he groaned.
"Oh, Delbert, you must know how comical you look," she snickered.
"We can't all look as good as you do," Delbert sighed, shooting his wife a glance that clearly suggested he wasn't in the mood for any of her charades.
"I'm sorry," Amelia apologized in a soft voice. Amelia had never found it easy to apologize, especially since she was usually right, but ever since marrying Delbert she had begun to learn when to be commanding and when to be caring. She rose from her seat, hesitating a moment by her desk. "I have good news that might brighten your spirits."
"What is it?" Delbert muttered, studying his ruined shirt.
"I've just received a letter from Admiral Walker stating that in a few days' time I'm shipping out to the Interstellar on Terebellum," Amelia announced. Delbert looked up, his eyes brightening.
"Your designation wasn't revoked?"
"No, it wasn't," Amelia smiled as Delbert got to his feet laughing as he pulled her into a hug.
"Amelia, that's wonderful news!" he exclaimed, as they shared a delicate kiss.
"Tell you what? I'll bring the eggs to Sarah's. You've been running around enough today, it'll be good for me to stretch my legs," she said, stepping back and closing her star charts.
"That would be stupendous. I'm off to change outfits, I'm not fond of having food all over my clothes," Delbert mumbled as he left the room and Amelia headed for their kitchen. Once she had retrieved the eggs she pulled on her familiar blue captain's coat and began the long walk from the other side of town to Sarah's inn. As she passed through the town her mind wandered to all the preparations she would need to complete in just a few short days in order to be ready to ship out on time. It was ridiculous that they were giving her such short notice and Amelia was not pleased that she'd be up late for the next couple of nights trying to make sure everything was in order.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't hear the voice calling her name until a figure in her peripheral vision caught her attention.
"Mrs. Doppler!" the man greeted, attempting to catch his breath after having chased after her.
"Can I help you?" Amelia inquired, surveying the man. He was tall for a human male with short cropped black hair and a mellow sort of face. He wore a mustard yellow waistcoat with a pair of finely pressed trousers, and when he smiled the expression was genuine.
"Yes, hello, I apologize for my manner of getting your attention and I hope I'm not distracting you from any duties," he said.
"I'm just on my way to bring some eggs to a friend. Who are you?" Amelia asked again.
"Ah, forgive me. My name is Doctor David Livesey. We have not yet met, but I was informed I am to be shipping out with you by the end of this week as your medical officer," he introduced himself.
"Yes, of course, I saw your name in my letter of consent," Amelia nodded as she extended her free hand and Dr. Livesey took it. "I don't mean to sound rude, Doctor, but what are you doing here? I thought I'd be meeting my crew on Crescentia." At this Doctor Livesey blushed, his rounded face turning a crimson color.
"Ah, ahem, yes. I just thought I'd get a head start…"
"You forgot the date, didn't you?"
"Yes," he sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I promise I'm not always like this. I've had a lot on my mind lately, what with the Procyons rising to power."
"They are not rising to power," Amelia growled. "The Empire is too strong, they have no footholds yet."
"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but the papers state otherwise."
"And what do the papers say?" Amelia's look darkened. Dr. Livesey furrowed his brow.
"Did you read the column today in the Galactic Press?"
"I have little interest in the lies they print."
"I don't suppose all of them are lies. Look at this right here," Livesey commented, handing her a newspaper clipping he removed from his pocket. Amelia gave him a skeptical look before scanning the headline.
PROCYONS ON THE RISE
As more vessels go missing and the Navy scrambles to set up defensive lines the Procyons are currently building their own army. An army consisting of war fleets that destroy Royal Light Ships on sight. All around the galaxy persons no longer feel safe in their towns. The city of Lochfield located in the northern hemisphere of Planet Xetae is known to have the most Procyon activity. Xetae is the brother planet of Procyon, and Lochfield is one of its largest cities – a likely place to start when beginning universal conquest.
Amelia scanned the first paragraph, caring little for the rest of the article which suggested quite a few times that the Empire was not prepared and the Navy was being sloppy with their work. She was looking for one name in particular and when she found it her anger and suspicions flared.
Neatly printed at the bottom of the article was a name that signed most of the articles located in the Galactic Press in those days.
Bancroft T. Thatcher
Amelia crumpled up the clipping, tossing it back to Livesey, before striding along the road toward the Benbow ignoring the doctor scrambling to keep up.
"I apologize, Doctor, but I really must be going. We can chitchat in a few days on board my vessel," she called over her shoulder.
"No, I mean, yes of course, it's just –"
"What?"
"Do you believe the article?" Amelia stopped short nearly making the poor man run into her. For a moment she breathed hard through her nose and when she turned to face him once more his expression was purely innocent.
"I believe what I experience firsthand. Newspaper articles are simply little white tales designed to either embellish or deface the truth. I put my trust in the hands of people who won't snatch that away. Does that answer your question, Dr. Livesey?" she cocked her head expecting a challenge. The Doctor gave her a warm smile.
"Yes, of course. It was a pleasure to meet you at last, Captain Amelia, I look forward to joining your crew," he thanked her and stuck out his hand. Amelia was hesitant before she realized that her anger was directed toward the papers and should therefore not be taken on out the poor doctor. Giving him a wan smile she shook his hand and turned back around, prepared to set off once more when his voice stopped her again.
"Peculiar, isn't it?" Livesey grunted, having smoothed out the wrinkled column to look it over for a second time. "It's a bit queer that this Mr. Bancroft T. Thatcher has written so many articles for the Press. It's difficult to get published in that particular newspaper."
Amelia paused before continuing onward.
"Queer indeed," she replied.
"He's what?"
"Sarah, don't be alarmed –"
"Alarmed? You're telling me not to be alarmed when I've just received news my only son is being drafted?" she demanded, storming up to Amelia and poking rudely under the captain's shoulder. "I don't care if you're not eligible to disobey your higher officers, you will put a stop to this at once!" she ordered. Amelia had to admit that Sarah was intimidating when she was mad. She had a similar fire to her that Jim expressed when he was determined to get what he wanted. Her blue eyes flashed as she glared at the feline.
"Sarah, calm down."
"You calm down!"
"I'm not the one shouting," Amelia reminded her lightly. Sarah huffed, but cast an embarrassed look toward the swing door that led to the dining room where a few guests were enjoying lunch. "Look, Sarah, Jim and Alice will be well protected –"
"That's what you said last time."
"And they survived, didn't they?" Amelia grumbled. "They're spending time aboard the RLS Legacy with plenty of other trained spacers. Besides that we won't be on the frontlines of the battle field. My vessel will be well concealed within the Empire's borders, transporting shipments of food and supplies to places that most need it. If there is danger it will be very mild, nothing that Jim or Alice can't handle," she explained, keeping her voice calm. Sarah shook her head.
"No. No, I don't care if they're shipping out to go on vacation, the Empire is at war! Do you think I'm going to let my son walk through a war zone? Not to mention Alice, she's under my protection, Amelia!"
"Yes, and she is also under mine, for she has been assigned to my ship. Both of them have. War with the Procyons has not yet started. At the very least Jim and Alice will have finished with their duties by the time the war actually begins. They'll be safe at the Academy once again."
Amelia noticed the distressed look on Sarah's face as she fiddled with a locket around her neck.
"I'm sorry, Sarah, but I assure you that I'll keep them safe," Amelia promised. Sarah shook her head, trying to hold back her tears.
"Oh, do as you like then! Give them a chance to lose their lives, why should I care? Why would I ever care about my son? The only person I have left?" she spat, going to work on the dishes in the sink. "He's always running off in search of adventure anyway. The stars only know how difficult it is to regulate him, to keep him safe…" she sniffed, refusing to let Amelia see her cry. The feline pursed her lips before putting a gentle hand on Sarah's shoulder and turning her around.
"Sometimes we have to let go of the things we love the most so that they may thrive." Sarah clenched her jaw as she pressed her soapy fingers to her forehead, struggling to maintain her emotion.
"You've been spending a lot of time around Delbert, haven't you?" she finally whispered.
"Yes, I suppose I have," Amelia gave her a thin smile. Sarah returned the expression before she wiped her eyes furiously on her apron. Grabbing Amelia's shoulders she stepped as close to the captain as she dared.
"You bring my son back to me. You bring him home. No matter what it takes. You bring James Pleiades Hawkins home."
The ship was all ready to depart, the solar sails were neatly tied up, and Amelia's crew rushed about securing cargo or managing the ropes so everything was prepared for launch.
"It's good to be back," she sighed as she stared up at the Legacy – her pride. After all of the adventures the ship had been put through it looked remarkably well. No one would've guessed it had seen supernovas, exploding planets, or pirate raids. The dock hands had fixed it up quite nicely.
"Are you ready to board, Captain?" Delbert smiled as he approached Amelia's side as they stood beside the gangplank leading up to the deck of the vessel.
"Yes, hopefully we won't run into too much Procyon trouble when out and about," she commented and strode purposefully up the stairs and onto the main deck. B.E.N and Morph were already at the helm, Morph giggling away while B.E.N scanned their navigation systems – working much more efficiently than he did in the Benbow's kitchens. Amelia had requested they accompany her on the journey as well. Mrs. Hawkins didn't seem to mind their absence as much. It removed the stress of looking after them from her shoulders.
"Ah, Captain. I was waiting for you to show up. Everything should be in order, and we'll be ready to launch as soon as you are," a man announced, approaching Amelia. He wore a pristine red jacket and pressed tan pants. Gold buttons and medals were pinned to his sturdy shoulders. Amelia pursed her lips as she eyed the alien man. He was tall with long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. His face was humanistic in nature save for the enormous pointed ears attached to either side of his head. They flicked as if they were focusing on all the noises around him.
"Yes, you're Mr. Amherst, I believe. My commanding officer," Amelia cleared her throat as she extended her hand. Amherst appeared to know what he was doing, but Amelia was still wary of receiving a new second mate. Nobody could replace Mr. Arrow.
"I am, and as I stated the ship is all set to launch whenever you're ready, but I thought you might want to take a quick look around yourself to double check everything is in order," Amherst said.
"Do I need to take a look around, Mr. Amherst?" Amelia eyed him. Amherst gave a light shake of his head.
"No indeed, ma'am, but seeing as this is your ship and I have never worked under your authority yet, I supposed I should know if there is anything you would have done differently," he explained. Amelia nodded.
"Very good, Mr. Amherst. I shall have a second look around, but before that I'd like you to meet my husband Doctor Delbert Doppler," she introduced as Delbert stepped forward and gave Mr. Amherst a kindly look. Amherst grinned as the two men shook hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor. I've become very familiar with your contributions to modern astronomical advancements," Amherst praised. Delbert looked flattered.
"Really?" he exclaimed before realizing his mistake. "Ah, yes, I'm glad to hear of it," he tried to cover up.
"Yes, we'll need your expertise on this voyage," Amherst added.
"I'm always ready to help." As the two men exchanged words and the like Amelia scanned her crew. She was familiar with the few that had accompanied her on the voyage to the Eternity Star, but some of the spacers had been switched out with new ones Amelia had had to read about in the letter Admiral Walker had sent her.
"Amherst, I'll begin my inspection of the ship," Amelia cut in when Delbert or Amherst gave no indication that their conversation would end anytime soon.
"Yes of course, Captain." Amherst snapped to attention. "But, ah, there was one problem I couldn't seem to fix."
"And what's that?"
"He insisted he talk to you in person, and I wasn't clear on the circumstances of the situation," Amherst admitted rather begrudgingly.
"He?" Amelia echoed.
"Yes, the man in your stateroom."
Before Delbert or Amherst could speak another word Amelia was marching toward her stateroom. Whoever this man was he didn't at all sound like pleasurable company and Amelia was curious as to why he chose to wait in her stateroom instead of greeting her on deck like any respectable person. Reaching the helm she grabbed the door to her stateroom behind the wheel and pushed it open to reveal the 'problem'. What she saw made her freeze.
The man was sitting in her chair, his feet propped up on her desk as he smoked a pipe, seeming right at home in her cozy quarters. When Amelia burst in the man's face lit up and he shot her a yellow toothed smile.
"Greetings, Cap'n!" he called. Amelia blinked, not seeming to understand.
"Jook?"
A/N: Alright, so how long has it been since I worked on this story? A month? Maybe longer? I don't know, far too long as usual. Guess life caught up with me. I haven't had much time to write at all because of how busy I've been with work and school and graduation – which is tomorrow, whoop whoop! When I actually have time to write I feel so incredibly exhausted that all I want to do is sit down, eat a bunch of candy, and watch hour long episodes of Sherlock.
So I don't even know how I finished this. I thought I'd take another month to get back to writing anything at all, but as it is this just sort of happened. I wrote it like thirty minutes before I had to go to work a couple days ago so as always I apologize for the quality. I just do not feel like my writing is really working out for me lately. Every time I try to sit down and write, every word I type is strenuous, and I've tried taking a break from writing – hell I haven't worked on anything important for at least a month or two - but that also hasn't helped clear my mind. I'm hoping now that school's out I can get back on track and really start focusing on my writing again. Please don't think I'm trying to complain or fish for compliments, I guess it always feels good when I talk about what's up with my stories, sorry!
Ahem, anyway.
So, I'm terribly sorry if I'm bad at writing about Delbert and Amelia, their characters are so colorful and it's so hard trying to think of what they might act like! And now we are finally introduced to Dr. David Livesey (does anyone get the reference?). He'll be the medical officer on board because they are going into 'war' and they need to be prepared unless anything happens. Dr. David Livesey is the name of the Doctor in Treasure Island. He's the character Delbert Doppler in Treasure Planet was based off of. Thought I'd add him in, to pay respect to Robert Louis Stevenson.
You're also introduced to Amherst, but he's a minor character and was an easy way for me to transition into what Amelia found in her stateroom which was Jook! Ah, Jook is back and ready for action everyone! How is he on her ship, how did he get there, and what does he want? You'll have to find out!
Another thing I'm swinging back into play is the name Bancroft T. Thatcher. The faceless man who writes for the Galactic Press and has no shame in tainting the crew of the Legacy's names in the paper. Who is he? Read on to discover more!
The next chapter should be a lot more fun, I've been excited to write this chapter for a while and I really really hope I don't blow it. Sorry for the long description, enjoy!
Special thanks goes to: lazyX1000, PartofYourWorld-ArielMermaid, Lele011, RenegadeVampireGirl, and x Finn x
Keep rocking you guys!
