Long Boat Ride

A glow of light shone through my closed eyelids, indicating morning. The warmth radiated off my back, reminding me that summer was nearing. I groaned, attempting to rollover and resume sleeping. Unfortunately, I rolled a bit too far and was sent tumbling onto the wooden floor. That was one way to wake me up.

With a grunt, I pushed myself into a sitting position, nursing my injured shoulder. Of course I had to land hard on the flesh side of my body, then again, if it had been my metal side, I might had broken something. With my luck, anything was possible.

Since I was up, might as well head off to the Galley. Sometimes it sucked being the cook. I was envious of those that could sleep longer, while I had to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare their morning breakfast. They could cook for themselves, surely. Even just a bowl of cereal would sustain them until lunch. It was just laziness if you asked me.

Dismissing my venting, I decided I procrastinated long enough and climbed onto my feet, fixing the blanket back on the couch. My gaze shifted, staring longingly at my bed.

While Jim's been sick with a nasty flu, I'd been ordered by the captain to ensure he remained in my room until he recovered, it was to prevent his disease from spreading to the rest of the crew. I'd dealt with it for the first day or two, but after having been subjected to the couch, I began regretting my decisions.

Sure, my bed was big enough to fit both me and the boy. Jim even suggested it at one point when he noticed my discomfort at sleeping on the small couch. It wasn't that I felt weird or awkward at being so close to the boy. The problem was that I hadn't wanted the captain or doc to walk in and get the wrong idea upon seeing us like that. The last thing I wanted was for anybody to think I was taking advantage of this boy in his sickly state. With that thought in mind, I'd gladly taken the couch.

Speaking of Jimbo... Where was that boy? Usually when I woke up early to feed the crew, he was still fast asleep. The blankets were slightly messed up, evident that he'd previously been here.

With a sigh, I crossed the room towards the door, shrugging on my coat and hat before heading off into the dimly lit hallway.

Arriving at the Galley, I scanned the surrounding area for my cabin boy, worry tugging at my heart strings upon seeing no sign of him. I even decided to check the Mess Hall, but he wasn't there either.

Dismissing the panic that was quickly rising, I headed up the stairs and checked the deck. The warm sun greeted me as I ascended from below. Due to the much warmer weather, most of the snow had melted away, becoming a pile of slosh. Because of this, the deck was extremely icy. The crew would probably be given the task of mopping up this mess to prevent any accidents occuring.

I sighed heavily in relief when I spotted Jimbo with Morph. The boy appeared to be taking advantage of the melting snow, attempting to skate and was doing a damn good job at it too. I grinned at his efforts.

My grin quickly faded as the boy toppled over a broom, that'd been carelessly abandoned on the floor, and lost his balance. Jim waved his arms and he slid about. I wouldn't had worried so much had it not been for the stairs he was quickly approaching.

Instrictly, I rushed forward, managing to grasp the boy's wrist because he toppled down the flight of stairs and sustain any injuries.

"Thanks Silver," Jim said, smiling gratefully.

My relief soon faded into anger as I pulled him upright. "W'at were yer tryin' ta do, besides break yer neck."

"I've been bedridden for a week, do you know how boring that is?"

"Yer would had been bedridden longer had yer fallen down 'em stairs and broke yer damn neck."

"Just wanted some fun..." Jim mumbled, downcasting his gaze, lip sticking out in a pout.

I rolled my eyes at the pathetic scene. I know that I said I'd missed the energetic teenager while he'd been out with a nasty cold, but I suddenly missed the peace and quiet. I also didn't have to worry about him running off, he'd barely had enough energy to raise a glass of water. I was able to get on with my work and actually managed to finish on time without him distracting me from my duties. Still...

Glancing back at his pitiful expression, I felt a familiar tug pulling at my heartstrings, suddenly feeling the need to put a smile back on that youthful face.

Hopelessly giving in to my hearts demands, I heaved a sigh and said, "Alright, alright. I'll make a deal with ya." Intrigued at the offer, big curious blue eyes stared back. Ensuring the area was empty, I leaned forward, Jim did the same, and lowered my voice, "If yer complete all yer chores for the day, I'll take yer out on a long boat road."

That was all it took for that frown to transform into the biggest smile I'd ever seen on his face. "Seriously?"

"Have we got ourselves a deal?" I extended a hand. Unlike our first meeting, Jim didn't even hesitate, firming grasping my flesh hand.

"Of course," Jim agreed, his excitement shone brightly in those blue eyes. "I've wanted to ride one of them since I boarded."

"Ye'll get the chance. But only if yer complete all yer chores," I firmly reminded.

"Oh, yeah. Of course. I can do that." Jim shrugged, nothing seeming to be able to extinguish his growing excitement.

"Well, the sooner we start, the sooner I can take yer out on yer joyride."

"Aye, aye, boss," Jim replied, adding a salute for extra points. Unlike his usual cockiness, he actually appeared quite genuine and sincere when he said that.

As Jim shot past me, travelling below deck, I felt a smile forming on my lips.

As promised, Jim worked exceptionally hard, blasting through all of his chores without so much as a word of complaint. When I gave him a task, he'd complete it way above the required standard. If I wanted to be nasty, I would had given him a hard job, like scraping barnacles off the ship's hull, much like his first day aboard the legacy. He hated that job. Always tried to cleverly wiggle his way out of it when I presented the task to him again. I'd been nice enough to pretend to believe his smart worded lie.

Still... It was kind of nice to see a change within the boy. It was a good kind of change. He appeared a lot happier and more mature, much better than that moody teenager I'd met during the first day aboard the ship.

Looking back, I couldn't remember when it'd started. Was it when he'd gotten drunk? Was it during the harsh winter? Was it when the lad came down with a cold? Despite my claims of not caring for the boy, I'd still been there for him during the entire voyage. I saved him from Scroop, prevented him from getting taken advantage of during his drunken state, brought him some new winter attire and even cared for him when he came down with a flu.

Was I the reason for his dramatic change? Did I fill the empty hole his father left? Did I fill that void within the lad? Did he actually view me as a substitute father?

During the voyage, he'd referred to me as 'dad' twice already. The first I'd brushed off as delusional due to his drunken state. The second I'd also dismissed as just a silly fever dream. But I couldn't just continue sweeping those incidents under the rug forever. I had to face the truth, even if it terrified me.

That I might actually care for this kid and possibly viewed him as a son...

"So... About that long boat ride you promised me..." a familiar young voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Unexpectedly being pulled back into reality, I had to blink several times, remembering of my surrounding area. My gaze shifted to the teen at my side, large pleading blue eyes staring hopefully up at me.

With a sigh, I tossed the cloth I'd been using to wipe down the tables into the sink before focusing my full attention on the boy. "Did yer finish all o' yer chores?"

"The ones you gave me, yes. I did." His expression shifted to serious. "I swear if you give me a load of chores to finish now, I'm going to start a riot."

I chuckled, guessing he was most likely joking. However, his expression contracted my earlier thought. Not having the heart to even return that comment with a joke of my own, I settled on playfully ruffling the lad's hair. "Alright, yer did a fine job today. I think yer deserve a reward."

"Long boat?" Jim grinned.

"Longboat," I confirmed, returning the grin.

After ensuring dinner was prepared, I led Jimbo towards the Hanger Bay. I'd barely opened the door wide enough for me to squeeze through, when the boy bolted forward, stumbling down the stairs. My muscles stiffened as I watched him, relaxing only when his feet were firmly on the deck.

With a sigh of relief, I lightly shut the door behind us, following the boy down the steps. Jimbo was already leaning over one of the long boats, fiddling with the controls, eyes full of wonder and excitement.

"Glad to see all my hard work during these past few months is finally paying off," Jim said, grinning.

"Don't get used to it. T'is is a one time t'ing," I firmly reminded, crouching down to untie the rope securing the longboat.

"Right... Well, better enjoy your kindness while I can because tomorrow you'll probably turn back into a prick again."

Outraged by the rude words, I stood at my full height, towering over his much smaller figure, attempting to appear intimidating. Jimbo, however, was unfazed by this. In response, he folded his eyes across his chest, a challenging look in his eyes

"I'd watch yer mouth unless yer want me ta cut yer ride short," I threatened, probing his chest with a meaty finger.

"Sure, if you want me to sneak down here in the middle of the night, steal a long boat and possibly kill myself," he returned, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes.

Knowing I couldn't compete with that and too tired to drag this bickering on, I simply pushed the boy towards the boat. "Get in."

With a mocking salute, he slid into the seat behind the controls. After opening the hatch, I squeezed into the vacant spot beside him and grasped hold of the steering wheel.

"Do I get to drive?" Jim questioned.

"Once we're out, yes. Yer can."

Slowly, the longboat eased itself out of the Hang Bay and towards the open space. With the jets off, the small boat paused in mid-air, awaiting its next commands. Ensuring we were a good distance away from the legacy and any other obstacles that would interfere with Jimbo's driving lesson, I finally relented and handed Jim the wheel, which he gladly took, eyes sparkling. I began dreading my decision of allowing him to take the wheel.

Pushing away my worry, I leaned forward, moving his hands into the correct positions. Once he was set, I released my hold. "Alright, lad. Drivin' a long boat is hard on yer first try, so listen carefully."

First, I decided to explain the controls, pointing to each button in front of us and describing what each one was used for. Before I even had a chance to get into the safety rules, Jimbo was already pushing buttons, despite my warnings. Face full of determination and thrill, he pulled down the lever, unexpectedly lurching us forward. A surprised yell escaped my lips as we soared through the night sky.

My worries soon dissipated as Jim expertly flew the long boat. With a brief glance his way, I saw the thrill and excitement on his youthful face, the first fun thing he'd done throughout this entire voyage.

I half felt bad for being the reason he'd been stuck in the Galley, doing chore after chore, nothing to help him burn off that built up energy. Maybe I was a bit too much of a slave driver. Maybe I could lighten up a little with the workload and give him at least one day a week to have fun and be a kid. Yeah... I could do that...

I was abruptly snapped out of my thoughts as Jimbo steered the long boat into a passing comet. Surprised at the sudden jerk, I clenched the side of the longboat, my knuckles turning white from the pressure.

I thought that was the worst of it. I thought Jimbo would relax and slow down, even just a tiny bit. Boy, was I wrong...

Jimbo did the complete opposite of what I wanted. I got that he needed to burn off some energy, but was it completely necessary to flip the long boat over into a barrel roll. Couldn't he had warned me he was going to perform such a dangerous stunt? Geez... I felt my breakfast backing up my throat. That was officially the last time I let him control the wheel.

Finally, Jimbo steered the long boat out of the comet's tail, both of us covered in tiny sparkles. While the wind swept most of them off our clothings, we still attempted to brush the remaining off. With the biggest smile, Jim glanced up at me and, for the first time, I saw him for what he truly was...

A child...

"How'd yer like it?" I questioned, relaxing as Jim steered us back to the ship, at a much more peaceful and calming pace.

"Amazing." Jim grinned, then playfully elbowed me. "Can't believe you were holding out on me this entire time."

"Well, I am just a prick, right lad?"

"Hey, you said it, not me."

"Quiet, you." I playfully shoved the lad.

Jim batted my hands away, laughter consuming him.

Yeah... He was completely different from that first day... Where the change came from, I had no idea. But I wouldn't had changed a single thing...

When we finally arrived back on the ship, night had fallen, stars scattered across the darkened sky. Silence filled the air, aside from the loud buzzing of the long boat's engine. A calming breeze swept past me as the long boat hovered underneath the ship.

Standing up, I grasped both of the ropes dangling from the hatch, tossing one over to Jimbo, which he caught. As a team, we yanked at the ropes, using our remaining energy to raise up the loatboat.

While I worked, I felt the long boat tipping unevenly on my side, almost causing me to topple over, and fall through the opened hatch.

"What? Are you having a little trouble there," Jim joked, peering over my shoulder and flashing me a teasing smile.

"Oh, get away from me," I chuckled, playfully shoving him back to his side.

Laughter filled the area as we continuing pulling the long boat into position.

My mind returned to our longboat ride. Despite the fact Jimbo had never been on a ship before, he rode that longboat with such grace and experience, it amazed me. Sure, at the time I was too terrified to marvel at his talent. But now that I was back in the safety of the ship, I was quite impressed by his skills. He didn't even give me a chance to teach him before he sped off into space. This boy was definitely something special.

"Yer definitely have some talents, lad. Why, If I could maneuverer a skiff like that when I was yer age, they'd be bowin' in the streets when I walked by today," I complimented, flashing him a genuine smile so he knew my words were sincere. After securing my side of the long boat, I collapsed, feeling it swaying under my weight.

Morph transformed into a mini me. "Bowing in the streets!" he mimicked, sitting down in mid-air.

After securing his side of the longboat, Jim sat down opposite of me, a knowing smile laced his lips. "Eh, I dunno. They weren't exactly singing my praises when I left home."

Even as I listened to his words, I couldn't help but focus on the knot he'd just tied, the corners of my lips twitching. He'd learnt that skill far faster than I expected, considering he was new at being on a ship. Then again, he'd picked up on everything I'd taught him rather quick. Plus for me, considering I hadn't exactly wanted to go through each step.

"But I'm gonna change all that," Jimbo continued, pride obvious in his tone.

"Are yeh now? How so?" I asked, looking back at him with a curious smile as I continued patting Morph's head.

Jim's smile momentarily faded at my unexpected question. My curiosity spiked at that sudden reaction. "I've got some plans," he vaguely explained, casually leaning back against the boat, and closing his eyes. That confident smile stayed planted on his face. "Gonna make people see me a little different."

Oh... I got it... He was talking about Treasure Planet. So that was why he wanted the treasure. He wanted to make a difference in his life. He wanted people to see him differently. But, little did he realize, that was all going to be ripped away from him. I was going to have to crash this lad's dreams. I was going to have to destroy that smile of his. Could I really hurt him?

I felt my cheerful smile slip. Guilt stabbed my heart, and I felt sick to my stomach. In that moment, I was relieved his eyes were closed. At least he couldn't see the guilt consuming me.

"Oohhh..." I downcasted my gaze, focusing on Morphy at my side. I didn't have the heart to look at that boy, not when he wore that smile. "Sometimes... Plans go astray."

"Mm, not this time!"

With a sigh, I decided to drop the subject before I said something I'd regret later. Nothing I said was going to change his mind, and there was no escaping this fate. I came too far to just give up now. The treasure was so close that I could almost touch it.

"So... What are your plans after this voyage?"

Surprised by the sudden question, my eyes darted back to him, mouth opening and closing, failing at forming any words.

"You got nothing?" Jim questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Just... living day by day, lad," I replied, flashing him a fake smile that didn't reach my eyes. "W'at 'bout yerself? Got any friends back home t'at might be missing ya?"

"Nah, I never really got along with other kids my age." Jim shrugged.

"Makes sense. Yer much too smart for 'em, right?" I winked.

"I don't know about that..." Jim said, fiddling with the buckles on his boots.

"I 'ave never been certain of anything more than t'at."

Probably surprised by the pride in my voice, as was I, Jimbo's eyes darted back to me, those blue eyes staring, as if searching for the truth. Finally, a smile laced his lips and he nodded.

"Right..." was his only reply.

When conversation died and Jim appeared lost in his own thoughts, I shifted in my seat, leaning back against the side of the longboat, finding a comfortable position to lie down. Satisfied, I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the peaceful silence.

With dinner prepared and all our chores taken care of, I figured we could use a moments peace. Not only have I been working Jimbo hard, I couldn't even remember the last time I took a moment's break. Sure, we'd landed on several planets during the course of our voyage, but those weren't a vacation, they were for stocking up on supplies and winter gear. It felt nice to take it easy for once.

Eyes still closed, I felt the long boat swaying and Jimbo's heavy boots thumping against the wooden surface. The sound increased as he drew near, plopping his weight down in the empty space beside me.

"So, uh..." he murmured awkwardly.

Curious, I opened my eyes, glancing over at him. His eyes stared at something nearby. Following his gaze, I realized he was staring at my cyborg leg. "How'd that happen, anyway?"

I ran a finger over my cyborg leg, the hard metal brushing against my fingertips.

For the longest time, I didn't answer, just continued staring at my cyborg limbs, processing his question. My heart told me to be honest with him. Tell him the real reason I'd lost half my limbs. That being the Treasure Planet hunt. I opened my mouth, but reluctance forced the words back down my throat.

I raised my cyborg hand, clenching and unclenching it, the sound of gears working filled my ear drums. At one point, this hand had been made out of flesh, now everytime I looked at it, all I saw was cold, hard metal. Reminding me that I was half the person I used to be and I could never go back to that. I remembered the pain and horror I felt that day. The amount of blood spreading across the deck would cause the bravest to faint. I had been lucky enough to survive that attack. How scared I was that day… I would never forget it…

Quickly reminding of Jimbo's presence, I pushed those terrifying memories to the back of my mind. My gaze shifted to the lad who sat beside me, blue eyes held genuine curiosity. He didn't speak. He didn't move. He just simply sat there, patiently waiting for me to continue. I couldn't tell him about what happened that day. He would only pity me.

So instead, I said, "You give up a few t'ings... chasin' a dream…"

Blue eyes locked with my mismatches one, his mouth setting in a firm line as he stared up. "Was it worth it?"

That question caught me off guard.

My mind returned to the previous memories I'd discarded and I began wondering. Was it really worth losing half my body to find Treasure Planet? At the time it happened, I'd regretted ever hearing about Treasure Planet. I had wanted to forget about it and move on. But I still pursued that dream. Still wanted that treasure. My motives had always been greed and desire. But now... something seems different... Like I wasn't the same man I was two months ago. What changed?

Dismissing those thoughts, I redirected my gaze back to Jimbo's curious face, forcing a smile upon my lips. Leaning close, I playfully ruffled his hair, recieving a half hearted smile from the boy. "I'm hopin' it is, Jimbo!" I softly replied. "I most surely am..."

"Well... If it makes you feel any better, I bet you were a prick way before you became a cyborg."

"T'at makes me feel a lot better lad," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, but I was still unable to wipe that smile off my face.

When conversation ceased, I closed my eyes again, resuming my relaxing state. Silence filled the night air, shortly broken by Jimbo shifting in the spot beside me. Annoyed by the intrusion, i peaked an eye open, seeing Jim wiggling into a laid back position, eyes shut. Satisfied, I closed my own eyes, once again enjoying the relaxing silence.

It actually felt nice to take a well deserved break. I'd been working this kid hard for the past two months. He was only a child. He deserved a break every now and again, as did I. Maybe I should make more time for fun activities such as this one. After we'd finished our chores, of course. Didn't want the captain to get mad at either of us for abandoning our duties. Maybe next time I could teach the kid to shoot a gun. I bet he'd like that.

Feeling something soft fall against my arm, my eyes fluttered opened, glancing down at the spot beside me. My curiosity faded into shock. Jimbo had dozed off, his chest rising and falling as he slept. Smiling at the scene, I dipped my hat over my eyes and allowed sleep to claim me as well.

He was a good kid... A really good kid...