Epilogue

Jim stepped out into the bright sunlight from beneath the galley. The air was fresh and crisp, smelling of adventure and new possibilities. He let his eyes scan the deck.

Zeb and Bobby were throwing jokes around and lazily coiling the extra ropes. Mr. Base was altering between glaring at them and laughing aloud at their comments. The rest of the crew was in a jovial mood. All around were grins and laughter while they prepped themselves for departure.

Jim smiled at the sight. His mind wandered back to the reunion last month. After being released, he and Arabella had rounded up the crew and the Cambiar back in the Gama 7 quadrant. Before returning to Montressor they had stopped at the homes of the men, letting them see their loved ones and to explain the situation.

Now though, they were reunited as a crew family with a couple of new additions. Off to his left, Jim took a moment to observe the two newest crew members.

Morph was zooming around Silver's head a lemon stuck in the little blob's mouth. Silver was red in the face from shouting but Jim could see the amusement hiding in his eyes. Silver had agreed to resume his role as galley cook, but was also the keeper of the map. The device was to be the key to their success and had become a thing of fascination for the crew.

Morph was … well … Morph. Arabella had become extremely fond of the little creature. At that thought, Jim began his scan of the deck anew. Where in the world was she?

High and low he searched. Finally he was ready to go the loud speaker up behind the wheel, but Zeb stopped him and pushed him toward the bow of the ship.

There, shining like a beacon, was the object of his search. She stood at the rail, eyes trained on the darkening sky before her. Jim smiled as he crept up softly behind her. They had made it a habit to sneak up on each other. Arabella usually won and this time was no different. Her voice rang out with a laugh as his foot creaked on a board.

"Now Commander Hawkins, do you really believe you can sneak up on me on my own ship?"

Jim grinned and came to stand behind her. He molded his body to hers and placed his hands on top of hers. Taking special care to let his fingers graze over the gold band on her left ring finger, he put his mouth to her ear.

"Forgive my impudence Captain Viscari." He murmured softly, sending shiver down her spine. She turned her head enough to glare at him haughtily.

"That's Captain Viscari-Hawkins to you sir." She sneered at him, fully in character.

"My apologies madam." He bowed his head to kiss the nape of her neck, earning him another shiver. Looking back up into her eyes, they tried to keep straight faces but soon fell into broken chuckles.

"Captain, ready and waiting!" Mr. Base's gruff voice caught their laughter short. Jim watched as Arabella's face set into determination. She ducked out from under his arms and strode purposefully up to stand behind the wheel. He followed immediately, coming to stand at her left side.

Her hands reached out slowly to grasp the wood of the wheel. She took a deep breath as her hands made contact and turned her eyes toward him. Those beautiful, shimmering orbs of green, gold, and silver were bright with determination and a smidge of uncertainty.

"Do you believe we can do this Jim?" She whispered, eyes never leaving his. He smiled and placed his left hand over her left hand, rings touching. Looking her straight in the eye, he gave her the only answer he could.

"Yes."

Her eyes lost the uncertainty and glowed with happiness.

"That feels nice." She said.

She tore her gaze away from those heart stopping blue eyes of his to settle on her crew.

"Bobby, Zeb! Trim the sails lads. Silver get to supper if you please and take Morph with you. Little guy can help." She called out, her voice settling into its brogue.

The sails unfurled and the men scurried about on the ropes and rigging. Then, with a flash of light, the Cambiar began to pull forward.

"Mr. Base, hoist the colors!" She cried. She let her gaze fix on the horizon, noting Jim's warmth at her side and the eyes of her crew blazing with anticipation. They began to sail out into the light of the setting suns.

"Forward ho lads. We set sail on the waves of change!"

And so they did.

And so my dear readers, our story ends! I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did writing it! Your reviews, favorites, and follows have meant the world to me through this journey. I hope you all stay tuned for my next batch of stories I have coming! Currently I am working (very slowly!) on a Les Mis fanfic for my mature audience. I am also in the outlining stage of a Labyrinth fanfic. However, what I am really looking forward to is writing a sequel to my all time favorite children's story and movie, Alice in Wonderland! So! I hope you all enjoy what is to come and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Happy reading!

Much love,

R.L.I.