Chapter 26:
Almost completely out of breath, Jim finally tried to speak once they were out of the portal. "Silver, you gave up the-?"
The old cyborg waved his hand to stop the boy as he wiped the perspiration from his face. "Tis a lifelong obsession lad, I'll get over it."
Breathing heavily, Zara had to smile as she knelt on the cold ground. That was the Silver she knew and loved.
A metallic voice rang out from somewhere above them as the group tried to regain their energy. "Aloha Jimmy! Good to see ya Bethers!" There was B.E.N., aboard the Legacy, pulling up alongside them with Delbert at the helm.
As they were helped aboard, Zara could hear Amelia's authoritative voice instructing from behind the doctor. "You're doing fine. Now, ease her over gentl-gently!"
Once on board, Zarabeth collapsed to the deck, leaning against the rail in mental and physical exhaustion. Jim sat down next to her without a word, pulling her close so that Zara's head was resting against his chest.
Zara smiled as she continued to breathe heavily. "We're gonna make it," she thought in relief.
Silver threw himself halfway up the stairs as he tipped his hat to Amelia. "Captain, you dropped from the heavens in the nick of time-"
The feline captain suddenly stood, her words ringing across the deck as she interrupted the cyborg. "You can save your clap-trap for the judge, Silver."
Silver laughed uneasily, rubbing the folds of his cheeks distractedly as Morph flew about his face.
The Legacy was quickly turned around as it began its escape of the exploding planet. Chunks of its surface began pulling apart, flying about in unexpected directions. The ship was a good half mile from the portal door, when a chunk of debris flew overhead, crashing through the Mizzen sails as it sent that part of the mast hurtling towards the deck.
Zara let out a cry of alarm as she tried to avoid the wood that was quickly falling toward her and Jim. The girl felt Jim's strong hand urging her forward out of danger.
The two scrambled out of the way just as the mast came crashing down on top of the ship's laser cannon a few feet behind them, sparks and metal flying over that portion of the deck.
B.E.N.'s frantic voice suddenly caught everyone's attention. "Mizzen sails immobilized Captain! Ship's thrusters at only thirty percent capacity!"
"Thirty percent?" Doctor Doppler's face scrunched in calculation until his eyes widened. "We'll never clear the planet's explosion in time..."
Zara bit her lip as she looked up at Doppler, hoisting herself off of the deck. Turning her head to the rail, Zara saw that Jim was leaning far over its edge, looking behind the ship.
His voice steadily rose as his eyes lit up with an idea. "We've gotta turn around!"
Amelia's ears perked at this unexpected statement, her eyes dilating at its absurdness. "What?"
Jim hurriedly ran toward the shattered laser cannon as he began moving the debris around. "There's a portal back there! It can get us out of here!"
Doppler cleared his throat nervously. "Pardon me, Jim, but doesn't that portal open up onto a raging inferno?!"
Jim hoisted a long, thin chunk of metal from below the fallen mast, testing its weight in his hands before setting it aside. "Yes, but I'm gonna change that! I'm gonna open a different door!"
Suddenly understanding what Jim was driving at, Silver leapt into action, helping Jim create a surfer with the scrap of metal and the cannon's thruster.
B.E.N.'s voice rang shrilly across the deck as Zara helped Jim and Silver hoist the board to balance atop the thick railing. "One minute and twenty-nine seconds till planet's destruction!"
Silver kept the board steady while Jim adjusted himself to balance on its metal surface. His voice was calm and determined as he fit his foot securely in a small groove for support. "Now, no matter what happens, keep heading straight for that portal!" Silver nodded his assent as Jim looked down at Zara.
The girl was biting her lip, her eyes filled with worry and uneasiness, knowing what Jim had to do.
Jim hurriedly planted a small kiss atop the girl's head. "Be right back." Without another word, Jim slammed his foot down on the thruster, the makeshift board revving to life as it flew off the railing of the Legacy.
Zarabeth watched anxiously as Jim began zipping through chunks of the exploding planet, sometimes missing collisions by only a few feet.
Silver threw his arms up in determination as he yelled up to the captain and doc. "Well yeh heard ta lad! Turn dis blasted heap around!"
Delbert looked questioningly at Amelia before receiving her consent.
As the ship spun toward its new course, Zara climbed the stairs to the upper deck to stand against the railing near Amelia and Doppler. She tried to follow Jim's progress through the maze of debris, but there were moments where she couldn't see him. Even though Amelia was doing her best to help guide the doctor, it was hard to not be frightened knowing that their lives rested in the inexperienced flying skills of Delbert.
For one of the first times in her life, Zara realized that she was witnessing Amelia lose her temper. The girl laughed quietly at the situation unfolding behind her as Amelia yelled at Delbert. "Now to the right-no right!"
The doctor whipped his head around, his brown face tinted red with frustration. "I know! I know! Will you just let me drive?!"
The look on the captain's face was one of shock and astonishment. No one had ever really yelled or talked back to her before.
Zara smiled in spite of the situation, one thought asserting itself in her mind, "Cute couple, they'd be a really cute couple."
The Legacy continued to maneuver through the chaos exploding around them. Jim was still making his way closer and closer to the portal. The ship was flying close behind the cabin boy as they approached a steep cliff, its depths revealing the planet's fiery core.
They were so close to the portal now, Zara dared to let herself believe that they were going to make it. This feeling of security was suddenly ripped from the girl. Something was wrong.
Jim was just flying over the ravine when the fire in his thrusters sputtered until it died. The boy kicked frantically at the starter as he tried to get it working again.
Zara held her breath in anticipation as she helplessly watched Jim lose altitude, quickly falling down the far edge of the ravine.
In desperation, the boy turned his board to scrape the thruster against the metal wall, sparks flying from the grinding impact.
Zara gripped the railing beneath her hands, a whisper escaping her lips as she watched Jim struggle to regain control of his board. "Come on, Jim. Come on."
Suddenly, the thruster burst back into life. With newfound speed, Jim flew upward, passed beneath the ship, his hand outstretched to open the portal to a new location.
B.E.N. counted down as everyone braced themselves for a possible collision. "Five, four, three, two-"
The image before them changed, revealing the calm blue skies surrounding the crescent of the Montressor Spaceport.
With a deafening 'boom', the Legacy flew forward, fire and debris exploding behind them as they narrowly escaped into friendly space.
Zarabeth released her grip from the railing as she let out her pent-up breath. She thought the Etherium had never looked so beautiful in all its stillness.
Jim let out a victorious whoop as he passed over the deck with his surfer.
Silver threw his arm out toward the boy as he cheered. "Didn't I say ta lad had greatness in 'im!"
Morph exploded into fireworks and confetti as Jim made a second pass over the deck, jumping from the board, letting it fly out into the Etherium as he landed safely on his feet.
Zara ran down the short stairs to the deck, being met halfway by Jim. Zara let out a cry of delight as she felt herself being lifted off the ground, the world around her swirling as she found herself being spun in Jim's arms. Her feet now back on the deck, Zarabeth looked up into the boy's face. His smile was so happy, so relieved, and so full of love.
Zara let out a surprised gasp as she suddenly felt Jim's lips catch hers. Jim's hand behind her head made it impossible for her to pull away from his sweet touch. Zarabeth soon let the feelings of ecstasy overcome her as she lost herself in the kiss.
The girl's cheeks reddened slightly as their contact ended, realizing that everyone was still on deck, probably watching them. Zara laughed at her own feelings of insecurity as she looked back into Jim's crystal-blue eyes.
Jim turned Zarabeth so that they were standing side-by-side, his arm about her waist as he saw Delbert and Amelia approaching them.
The feline captain's ears perked, a gentle smile crossing her lips as she praised Jim's plan of escape. "Unorthodox, but ludicrously effective. I'd be proud to recommend you to the Interstellar Academy. They could use a man like you."
Delbert patted Jim on the back proudly. "Just wait till your mother hears about this!" Then in a more hushed tone as he walked away, "Of course, we may have to downplay some of the life-threatening parts."
Jim chuckled softly, nodding in agreement as he turned to look back down at the girl beneath his arm.
Zara met Jim's gaze, her smile suddenly tinted with uncertainty as she whispered up to him. "I'll be right back. I gotta do something."
Jim was a little confused but smiled reassuringly as he released his arm from about Zara's waist. "Ok."
Trying to mirror his reassuring look, Zara pulled away from Jim's side as she made her way across the deck to where Amelia and Doppler were standing, their backs to her. The girl had to smile as she saw them, noticing that Delbert's arm was resting around Amelia's shoulders. Maybe there was something to them after all.
Zarabeth cleared her throat to announce her presence as she came up behind the two. Turning their heads, both the captain and Delbert smiled upon seeing the girl. Zara tried to keep her voice from shaking as she spoke, wringing her hands behind her back nervously. "If I may, I'd like a word with Amelia please?"
Delbert's face was gentle as he nodded. "Of course you may. Please excuse me then."
Amelia was smiling, but Zara could see the worry in her feline eyes as she spoke. "What's on your mind, Zarabeth?"
Zara took a deep breath to urge herself on to speak. "Forgive me, ma'am, if you find this an impertinent question, but it's been on my mind for a long time. I know it should be none of my concern, but after we get back, are you scheduled for any more voyages?"
Amelia let out a small sigh as her ears relaxed. "Is that all? No, of course it's not an impertinent question. And the answer is no, not for a few months at the least." Amelia paused for a moment before continuing. "Is this about Mr. Hawkins?"
Zara looked down at her feet in embarrassment as she nodded. After a few seconds of silence, the girl felt her head being raised gently. Looking into Amelia's feline eyes, Zara didn't see any anger or frustration, but a sad kindness.
"My dear, all I've ever wanted was for you to be happy. At one time, your happiness was to simply gallivant across the galaxy with me, but I knew things would change one day. This is that day."
Happiness threatening to overwhelm her, Zara threw her arms unexpectedly around Amelia.
Caught by surprise, the captain stood there for a moment before returning the embrace. "You're as dear to me as a sister, Zarabeth. I'd do anything I could for you."
Tears threatened to escape the girl's eyes as she felt Amelia hug her in return. "Thank you, Amelia."
Stepping apart, the captain straightened out her uniform as she spoke, resuming her authoritative, yet kind, tone. "It's settled then. Until I'm chartered for another voyage, we shall stay on Montressor. You may see Mr. Hawkins as often as you are obliged. I will most likely not be needing your services often. Now if that is all, I have a ship to dock. You're excused, Zarabeth." The captain smiled sweetly as she slowly made her way back to the upper deck.
Zara closed her eyes, tipping her head back as she let out a content sigh, relieved at how things were working out.
The girl opened her eyes, looking about the deck to find Jim, but was confused upon realizing that he wasn't on deck. A second glance revealed that Silver was also missing. An idea of where they were instantly came to Zara as she tried to walk casually to one of the sets of stairs leading into the bowels of the ship. As she walked through the maze of hallways, Zarabeth thought she could make out voices. Slowing her pace, she approaching the longboat bay. Carefully poking her head around the corner, Zara saw that Silver and Jim were talking quietly, their backs to her. Morph was floating idly about their heads.
Taking care not to be noticed, the girl hid behind one of the wooden support beams as she listened in on what they were saying.
Silver's was the first that Zara could make out. "If yeh don't mind, we'd just as soon avoid prison for little Morphy here. He-he's a free spirit! Bein' in a cage, it'd break his little heart."
Zara smiled as she leaned her head against the wood at her back. She knew Silver was really describing himself.
A loud 'click' filled the room as the longboat hatch slowly opened from somewhere behind the girl.
Jim was letting Silver go. He'd saved both of their lives in one way or another. Now they could return the favor.
The old cyborg continued to speak to the cabin boy. "What's say yeh ship out wi't us lad? Hawkins and Silver! Full of ourselves with no ties ta anyone!"
There was a small pause before Jim finally replied. "Ya know, when I got on this boat, I would've taken you up on that offer in a second. But...uh, I met this old cyborg, and he taught me that I could chart my own course."
"And what da ya see off dat bow of yours?"
"A future."
Zara let out a small sigh in contentment as she listened to Jim. She was so proud of him.
Silver's voice was broken and strained, as if he were trying hard not to cry. "Look at ya. Glowin' like a solar fire. Yer somethin' special, Jim. Yer gonna rattle da stars yeh are."
It was silent for a moment before Silver spoke up again, catching Zarabeth off guard. "An' don't t'ink I haven't seen ya der lass."
She'd been caught. Zara stepped quietly out from behind the beam. Jim and Silver were just pulling away from a hug as she did.
The cyborg stretched his arms out wide, eager to hug the girl goodbye.
With tears in her eyes, Zara ran to Silver, immediately enveloped in his warm embrace. "I'm gonna miss you Silver."
His eye filled with worry, Silver looked down at the girl in his arms. "Zara, could ya ever forgive me?"
Raising her head to meet his gaze, Zarabeth's smile was gentle. "I already have. Thank you for everything."
The cyborg pulled Zara close to him, wrapping his arm about Jim as he did, till they were in a tight knot beneath, Silver's arms. After a few seconds, Silver released his hold on the teens as he turned around, his tone matter-of-fact. "Got a bit o' grease in dis old cyborg eye of mine."
Jim and Zara looked at each other knowingly as they wiped their own eyes.
Morph slowly fluttered between the two as his eyes spilled over in tears, melting into a watery puddle in Jim's hands as he let out a sorrowful cry.
Jim raised his hands to eye level as he tried to comfort the shape-shifter. "Hey Morph, it's ok. We'll see ya 'round."
Morph rose from the boy's hands, returning to his normal form as he repeated sadly, "See ya 'round." Chirping his goodbye, the shape-shifter licked at the boy's face before Zara pulled the pink blob toward her to kiss his little cheek. Flying back to rest on Silver's shoulder, Morph looked longingly down at the teens.
Silver sighed heavily before pulling the shape-shifter to rest on his finger. "Morphy, I gotta job fer ya. I need ya ta keep an eye on dees here pups for me." The cyborg looked down at Morph with a sad smile. "Will ya do me dat f-favor?"
Morph chirped in delight as he nuzzled the cyborg's cheek. After licking Silver's face, the shape-shifter flew happily around Jim and Zara's heads until he landed softly down on Jim's hand.
Jim wrapped his free hand around Zarabeth's waist as he pulled her close.
The two watched in a mixture of feelings as Silver climbed into the longboat. The boat was beginning it's decent when Silver's face lit up. "Oh and one more t'ing! Jimbo, here's for yer dear mother, ta rebuild that inn of hers." Silver reached into his pocket before tossing a small handful of gold and jewels up to Jim.
The boy looked down at the treasure in his hand before calling down to Silver just as the cables released the longboat into space. "Stay out of trouble, you old scalawag."
The old cyborg laughed jovially as he tipped his hat. "Jimbo! When have I ever done otherwise?"
The longboat zipped out of sight, leaving Jim and Zara alone with Morph in the bay staring out at the swirling Etherium below.