XII. Reunion

*****

Jim watched as Fletcher left the brig, a hard scowl plastered on her face and her hand at her throat where Silver had injured it. A sliver of light crossed the stairs, a metallic squeal cut the still air as she opened the hatch of the brig, and then a shattering slam as she exited.

Jim turned back to the cyborg, fixing him with a mock-serious glare.

You didn't have to do that.

Aw Jimbo, I wasn't going t' kill th' good Cap'n. He grinned roguishly. Just wanted t' take some o' th' sun out of er sails...

Jim set his hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow. Silver raised both of his and shrugged innocently.

The first mate smiled and strode forward to embrace the cyborg. You old scoundrel. You shot me!

Silver laughed and winked, returning Jim's hug with a fierce embrace of his own. I guess even t'at fancy academy couldn't teach ye how to pick yer foights, eh, lad?

Jim winced slightly at the pain in his shoulder. Yeah. I guess not. He stepped back and smiled. It's good to see you again, Silver.

Same t' you, lad. He furrowed his brow. I hope I didn't blast ye too badly...

Jim dismissed the cyborg with a wave of his hand. Nah. I've had worse.

Silver smirked. They sat down facing each other on the floor of the brig, Silver leaning against one of the walls, and Jim leaning forward, an arm wrapped around one leg to keep himself balanced.

If ye pardon me askin', Jimbo, what are ye doin' way out here? An' with a privateer loike Fletcher?

Jim shrugged. She was my professor at the academy. When I graduated, I needed to sign up with someone, and she was heading out to find your ship. He snorted and rubbed his shoulder absentmindedly. Though I didn't know it at the time... I just thought we were going to be delivering shipments... He met Silver's gaze and smiled. I gotta say I'm glad that's not what her real mission was.

Well, lad, it is moighty grand t' see ye, but I can't say I'm lookin' forward to th' next stage o' this journey...

Jim's expression turned to one of determination. Fletcher won't turn you in. As ruthless as she can be, she keeps her word.

Silver sighed and shook his head. Even so, lad; me crew, me ship...

But you're all right. You can start over...

He chuckled. Aye, that I can. He looked at Jim from the corner of his eyes, a lopsided smile beginning to form on his face. I seem t' do that a lot since meetin' ye, Jimbo.

Jim laughed.

They settled into an easy silence, each wondering the same thing. It was Silver who voiced their thoughts a moment later.

Listen, lad. Is there any way ye could get me out o' the brig ere? I won't cause no more trouble, and - There was a familiar chirp as Morph appeared between the two, nuzzling the cyborg's cheek before flitting over to do the same to Jim. Silver chuckled. I tend t' be loike Morphy here when it comes t' cagin'...

A free-spirit. Jim met his eyes and sighed. I'll try, Silver. But that ruckus you caused with Fletcher is going to be hard to smooth over... A thought came to him. Maybe you could work with Spence... He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. It is a bit of a demotion...

Is it what I t'ink yer sayin', lad?

If you think I mean cook, then, um, yeah.

Silver sighed, smiled, and shook his head. S'all right, Jimbo. If it'll keep me away from t'at bloodt'irsty cap'n o' yers, I can handle it.

Jim rolled his eyes. I'm supposed to be the pup' on this ship, but it's the two of you who are acting like children. You know, after this I have to go find the Captain and ask her to give you another chance...

Well, she did start it...

Jim narrowed his eyes. I'm serious, Silver. She was really close to her crew... and then for you to beat her in a scrap - that really hurt her pride. Now, I'm not condoning her actions, but you have to understand where she's coming from... He ran a hand through his hair. I asked her not to kill you, and I know you know that's the only thing keeping you alive. She's a woman of her word. And though I don't expect you two to end up pals, I would like you to get along well enough that I don't have to break up any more fights. It wasn't a request.

Silver watched Jim in astonishment. Surely this first mate sitting in front of him couldn't be the same troubled cabin boy who'd sailed from a little planet called Montressor in search of Treasure Planet... He had come a long way.

Lad, ye have grown up. He stood and looked down on Jim. I give ye my word that I won't touch yer cap'n again.

Jim stood as well, and extended his hand to the cyborg, who took it firmly in his mechanical one.

Thanks, Silver.

I'm proud of ye, lad. He smirked. Though t'is Fletcher isn't the cap'n I would've chosen, she is a damn foine one t' start out with.

Jim grinned at the compliment, but was slightly taken aback at Silver's admission of Fletcher's capabilities. He cocked his head to the side curiously. Why do you say that?

Silver winked. Well, she did take down me own Revenge, didn't she, lad?