"Is that also understood, Cadet?" Jim nodded his head and answered "Aye-
aye, Captain." "Very well then. If you'll excuse me, Admiral, I must see to
the final loading of supplies." With those words she departed the room and
shut the stateroom door behind her.
Jim let out a long sigh and turned back to his commanding officer. "Boy," he began, "It's...well, you know, like she thinks that... I'm still the same kid I was before Treasure Planet and all that other stuff." The Admiral just smiled and walked closer till he was a few feet from his protégée. "You have come a long way since that time, James Hawkins. And you have more than proven yourself to be... well, let me say, a favorable companion for any time or situation. The captain just needs to see your true character to se that as well. So, give her your best—no matter what circumstances or events may befall either of you. And she'll come to trust you as I have." Jim nodded without saying a word.
The Admiral cleared his throat and went on. "Now, before this mission gets underway, I have a few more things to say." Jim was all eyes and ears with his hands clasped behind his back. "Neither the captain nor any other member of the crew is aware or has been informed of your real status or rank; in fact, as far as they have been informed, you are just a senior Cadet onboard for "hands-on" experience. Therefore, you must not speak about or mention your training or your current orders to anyone. Understood?" "Aye Sir," Jim spoke with a small salute. Valencia nodded and continued on. "Furthermore, the captain has been instructed that...." he stopped and was silent for a few moments with a blank stare in his face." "Sir?" Jim asked with just one word and a tilted head. The Admiral shook his head and went on. "...That, excuse me, should the ship be attacked by any hostile forces that cannot be repelled or that threaten to overwhelm the crew, then...the expedition must retreat immediately from the Barrens. And if any hands are lost, the captain is not to return for them under any circumstances."
Jim was dismayed at this and his face showed it in his saddened eyes and lips. The Admiral was silent for a few moments, but then smiled. "But fear not, brave one. You have been shown all that there is to learn about warfare and survival. You will pull through; Admiral Creed believes that you are the best of the best—just as much as I do!"
"Yes Sir!" Jim answered with a more confident salute and click of his boots. The Admiral nodded and spoke again. "Very Well then, Cadet. If all goes just as planned, then we shall smite these villainous scoundrels once and for all!!" he thundered with a mighty air of faith. "And you shall be commissioned as Lieutenant Hawkins of the Royal Interstellar Navy." "Thank- You again, Sir!" replied Jim. "No, Thank-You, James, for being so loyal and trustworthy...and for being the Best that you are." Jim and the Admiral gave each other a big hug and then the Admiral cleared his throat again. "Now the, I shall go report to Admiral Creed and we shall present our news to the Interstellar Council. Until we meet again, Farewell and Godspeed to you Cadet James Hawkins." "To you to, Admiral. Thanks again for everything," Jim replied. With this said, the Admiral walked to the stateroom door and left.
No sooner had the door clicked shut than Jim let out a long breath of air. He was so full of emotions right now that he couldn't decide exactly how he felt. But he just closed his eyes and chuckled. This was another chance for him to really prove himself capable of nearly anything that he wanted to do.
All of a sudden he heard a piercing 3-note whistle and Mr. Georges shouting, "All hands assemble for roll call." Taking a few moments to look himself over and straighten his uniform, Jim headed for the door and out onto the deck
After roll was taken, Mr. Georges announced the purpose of the voyage: to survey and chart the Chautauqua Barrens. The voyage should last no longer than two solar weeks—about nearly one-eighth of an average trip by any vessel. The sailors, scientists, surveyors and ship's marine contingent were mollified by this and gave three "Huzzahs" for the captain and First Mate Georges.
Once they had quieted, Mr. Georges continued his announcement in his strong, resonant voice. "While this venture is fully intent upon peaceful purposes, we are all aware that there is no guarantee of safety from pirates, privateers or any assailants of any nature. Therefore, this craft has been prepared to the fullest extent, as well as most of you, for such manners of confrontation. And if we are attacked, all of you shall be expected and required to assist in defending your lives, your honor and the deck upon which we stand." The crew again gave "huzzahs", cheers and whoops at this. Mr. Georges just raised his right paw-hand for silence and resumed speaking. "I have complete faith in all of you. The events of this expedition shall be our greatest test of skills and judgments. I only ask that each of you," and his gaze rested upon Jim for a moment, "to give all that you have in strength, heart, courage and stout-heartedness in all circumstances. That is all. To your stations, all hands!"
At this last command, the sailors of different races and species raced up the riggings and masts, the "passenger scientists and surveyors" ran about and below the deck to secure their belongings and loose cargo and the captain and first mate took their positions at the bridge behind the helmsman and two navigators. Jim however was bewildered for a moment; he had not been given any assignment for a ship launching. "Cadet Hawkins," called Mr. Georges. Jim glanced up towards his way. "Below deck, assist the chief engineer in regulating our power." "Aye, Sir," Jim answered as he jumped for the stairs.
Going by his instinct, Jim sped down to the fourth deck (the ship was just like an oversize bathtub hence the number of decks), got off there and followed the passageway to the massive engine room. He stopped and tried to see through the steamy, dark red light that blanketed the entire room. At first he could only make out the two giant electron-generator turbines that occupied more than half of the floor space along with the control rods, auxiliary power lines and gauge glasses.
But then, over the loud hissing of steam and the deep groaning noises of the engines warming up, Jim heard a high-pitched tune being whistled. Walking through the moisture-laden clouds, Jim came upon the engineer, a lanky, slender sand-colored gecko attired in navy-blue trousers, a chest strap belt and a mud-colored beret. He was oiling some wheel-crank valves with an oiling can and didn't see Jim. "Um, Excuse me?" Jim spoke as politely as possible. The gecko ceased his melody and swung his long neck in an eye-blink in Jim's direction. "Hi, I'm Jim...Hawkins. I...uh, was assigned to come down here and help by Mr. Georges, the First Mate."
The curious reptile looked him over from head to boots and then quipped in a high, slightly nasal voice: "And what do ye know, lad, about machines like these here beauties of mine?" He leaned on and affectionately patted the iron encasing. Jim just cleared his throat. "Well, I actually graduated as a Machinist Mate, First Class from the Interstellar—""First Class, ye say?" interrupted the gecko rubbing his scaly chin, "Well then, if that's exactly yer know-how, why then, just keep yer ruddy eyes on those there relief valves." He stretched his long thin arm towards the top of the generators where Jim saw the butterfly valves flapping inside of their tempered glass pipefittings. "And keep yer hands off the wheels too. That is, unless, ye see them gauges" he pointed out the big, glass encased dials, "a'risin' too fast. 'Tis then that there be trouble." "Oh wait, wait, I know," Jim began, "If that happens, I just "bleed off" the excess power by aligning the directional thrusters with the main ones and open them up. That way, none of it goes to waste, tight?" The gecko gave out a hearty laugh. "Ahhh, yer just the boy I could have only dreamed of workin' with. In that case, why don't ye just watch over my own pretty "Stella" for the rest of the launch, eh lad?" "Stella?" Jim answered with a perplexed expression. "Why, sure boy. Even a machine that's made up of a whole caboodle of gizmos and "who-knows-what's" has got a soul and a spirit to run it like magic," he said as he leaned on and stroked the gigantic starboard generator. In a few moments Jim understood that he was referring to the engines. "Ohhhh, I see. So, what's the other...um, "lass" named?" "Why, she be a very special one, lad." "It's Jim, um...just Jim." The lithe creature gave out another hearty chuckle. "Why then, Jim it is. Now, where was I?" Jim just grinned and pointed to the port side engine. "Ohhhh yes, me very own "Leah". Why she came to this here spot by—"
Suddenly, the lizard was interrupted by Mr. Georges' voice coming down the speaking tube: "Make ready for full power on my mark, Mr. Skewen." The lizard, Mr. Skewen, nearly turned a full white. "Oh me-oh my, whatever has come over me? I've forgotten about the launch!!!" He scrambled over to a tall seat between the two generator-engines, flipped himself in, and glanced at the glass tubes and meters that indicated the ships power levels. Jim in the meantime ran to over to "Stella" the starboard engine. "Want me to open her up full?" he yelled. "Yes, yes, yes, turn all wheels to mark 10!!! Keep the dials at mark #9!!! And turn "Leah" up to full throttle, quickly!" replied Mr. Skewen. The poor skink began to mutter nervously to himself. Jim got the control wheels and dials set and ran over to "Leah". No sooner had he finished than Mr. Georges voice came again. "Stand-by, Mr. Skewen." Mr. Skewen just tied himself in with a rope attached to his chair and gripped the control pulleys tightly. Jim ran quickly scanned the dials and wheels and made snap adjustments and ran to "Stella" to do the same. "Hold on tight there, Jim lad! This boat's going to take us for a ride like never been seen." Jim believed him and grabbed on to one of the metal pipes that ran vertical from the side of "Stella". "Stand ready!" Mr. Skewen continued as he watched power level in the glasses rise. "We launch in t'ree seconds!!" In fact it was a second later that the order came: "All ahead full, Mr. Skewen!" "HERE WE GO!!!!" he yelled as he pushed the two main engine throttle levers forward.
The moment Mr. Skewen engaged the main engines drives, a massive internal fuse switch was flipped into a horizontal position to connect the turbine drive shaft in each of the engines. The moment the fuse bridged the two contact points a massive charge of supercritical solar energy burst across and fired directly into the combustion chamber. Once there, the supercharged particles collided with the oxygen and hydrogen ions that were impelled in from the outside. The result was a controlled explosion that expelled enough energy to destroy a 150 km diameter rock. The explosion, however, was controlled inside a 15-layer iron/titanium/carbon shield that directed the gigantic flow of energy out through the exhaust nozzles into the Etherium.
All this took place in about 1.578 seconds and the R.L.S. Ulterior blasted from a complete standstill to 75 miles-per hour into the wild, wide-open frontier of the cosmos.
Jim let out a long sigh and turned back to his commanding officer. "Boy," he began, "It's...well, you know, like she thinks that... I'm still the same kid I was before Treasure Planet and all that other stuff." The Admiral just smiled and walked closer till he was a few feet from his protégée. "You have come a long way since that time, James Hawkins. And you have more than proven yourself to be... well, let me say, a favorable companion for any time or situation. The captain just needs to see your true character to se that as well. So, give her your best—no matter what circumstances or events may befall either of you. And she'll come to trust you as I have." Jim nodded without saying a word.
The Admiral cleared his throat and went on. "Now, before this mission gets underway, I have a few more things to say." Jim was all eyes and ears with his hands clasped behind his back. "Neither the captain nor any other member of the crew is aware or has been informed of your real status or rank; in fact, as far as they have been informed, you are just a senior Cadet onboard for "hands-on" experience. Therefore, you must not speak about or mention your training or your current orders to anyone. Understood?" "Aye Sir," Jim spoke with a small salute. Valencia nodded and continued on. "Furthermore, the captain has been instructed that...." he stopped and was silent for a few moments with a blank stare in his face." "Sir?" Jim asked with just one word and a tilted head. The Admiral shook his head and went on. "...That, excuse me, should the ship be attacked by any hostile forces that cannot be repelled or that threaten to overwhelm the crew, then...the expedition must retreat immediately from the Barrens. And if any hands are lost, the captain is not to return for them under any circumstances."
Jim was dismayed at this and his face showed it in his saddened eyes and lips. The Admiral was silent for a few moments, but then smiled. "But fear not, brave one. You have been shown all that there is to learn about warfare and survival. You will pull through; Admiral Creed believes that you are the best of the best—just as much as I do!"
"Yes Sir!" Jim answered with a more confident salute and click of his boots. The Admiral nodded and spoke again. "Very Well then, Cadet. If all goes just as planned, then we shall smite these villainous scoundrels once and for all!!" he thundered with a mighty air of faith. "And you shall be commissioned as Lieutenant Hawkins of the Royal Interstellar Navy." "Thank- You again, Sir!" replied Jim. "No, Thank-You, James, for being so loyal and trustworthy...and for being the Best that you are." Jim and the Admiral gave each other a big hug and then the Admiral cleared his throat again. "Now the, I shall go report to Admiral Creed and we shall present our news to the Interstellar Council. Until we meet again, Farewell and Godspeed to you Cadet James Hawkins." "To you to, Admiral. Thanks again for everything," Jim replied. With this said, the Admiral walked to the stateroom door and left.
No sooner had the door clicked shut than Jim let out a long breath of air. He was so full of emotions right now that he couldn't decide exactly how he felt. But he just closed his eyes and chuckled. This was another chance for him to really prove himself capable of nearly anything that he wanted to do.
All of a sudden he heard a piercing 3-note whistle and Mr. Georges shouting, "All hands assemble for roll call." Taking a few moments to look himself over and straighten his uniform, Jim headed for the door and out onto the deck
After roll was taken, Mr. Georges announced the purpose of the voyage: to survey and chart the Chautauqua Barrens. The voyage should last no longer than two solar weeks—about nearly one-eighth of an average trip by any vessel. The sailors, scientists, surveyors and ship's marine contingent were mollified by this and gave three "Huzzahs" for the captain and First Mate Georges.
Once they had quieted, Mr. Georges continued his announcement in his strong, resonant voice. "While this venture is fully intent upon peaceful purposes, we are all aware that there is no guarantee of safety from pirates, privateers or any assailants of any nature. Therefore, this craft has been prepared to the fullest extent, as well as most of you, for such manners of confrontation. And if we are attacked, all of you shall be expected and required to assist in defending your lives, your honor and the deck upon which we stand." The crew again gave "huzzahs", cheers and whoops at this. Mr. Georges just raised his right paw-hand for silence and resumed speaking. "I have complete faith in all of you. The events of this expedition shall be our greatest test of skills and judgments. I only ask that each of you," and his gaze rested upon Jim for a moment, "to give all that you have in strength, heart, courage and stout-heartedness in all circumstances. That is all. To your stations, all hands!"
At this last command, the sailors of different races and species raced up the riggings and masts, the "passenger scientists and surveyors" ran about and below the deck to secure their belongings and loose cargo and the captain and first mate took their positions at the bridge behind the helmsman and two navigators. Jim however was bewildered for a moment; he had not been given any assignment for a ship launching. "Cadet Hawkins," called Mr. Georges. Jim glanced up towards his way. "Below deck, assist the chief engineer in regulating our power." "Aye, Sir," Jim answered as he jumped for the stairs.
Going by his instinct, Jim sped down to the fourth deck (the ship was just like an oversize bathtub hence the number of decks), got off there and followed the passageway to the massive engine room. He stopped and tried to see through the steamy, dark red light that blanketed the entire room. At first he could only make out the two giant electron-generator turbines that occupied more than half of the floor space along with the control rods, auxiliary power lines and gauge glasses.
But then, over the loud hissing of steam and the deep groaning noises of the engines warming up, Jim heard a high-pitched tune being whistled. Walking through the moisture-laden clouds, Jim came upon the engineer, a lanky, slender sand-colored gecko attired in navy-blue trousers, a chest strap belt and a mud-colored beret. He was oiling some wheel-crank valves with an oiling can and didn't see Jim. "Um, Excuse me?" Jim spoke as politely as possible. The gecko ceased his melody and swung his long neck in an eye-blink in Jim's direction. "Hi, I'm Jim...Hawkins. I...uh, was assigned to come down here and help by Mr. Georges, the First Mate."
The curious reptile looked him over from head to boots and then quipped in a high, slightly nasal voice: "And what do ye know, lad, about machines like these here beauties of mine?" He leaned on and affectionately patted the iron encasing. Jim just cleared his throat. "Well, I actually graduated as a Machinist Mate, First Class from the Interstellar—""First Class, ye say?" interrupted the gecko rubbing his scaly chin, "Well then, if that's exactly yer know-how, why then, just keep yer ruddy eyes on those there relief valves." He stretched his long thin arm towards the top of the generators where Jim saw the butterfly valves flapping inside of their tempered glass pipefittings. "And keep yer hands off the wheels too. That is, unless, ye see them gauges" he pointed out the big, glass encased dials, "a'risin' too fast. 'Tis then that there be trouble." "Oh wait, wait, I know," Jim began, "If that happens, I just "bleed off" the excess power by aligning the directional thrusters with the main ones and open them up. That way, none of it goes to waste, tight?" The gecko gave out a hearty laugh. "Ahhh, yer just the boy I could have only dreamed of workin' with. In that case, why don't ye just watch over my own pretty "Stella" for the rest of the launch, eh lad?" "Stella?" Jim answered with a perplexed expression. "Why, sure boy. Even a machine that's made up of a whole caboodle of gizmos and "who-knows-what's" has got a soul and a spirit to run it like magic," he said as he leaned on and stroked the gigantic starboard generator. In a few moments Jim understood that he was referring to the engines. "Ohhhh, I see. So, what's the other...um, "lass" named?" "Why, she be a very special one, lad." "It's Jim, um...just Jim." The lithe creature gave out another hearty chuckle. "Why then, Jim it is. Now, where was I?" Jim just grinned and pointed to the port side engine. "Ohhhh yes, me very own "Leah". Why she came to this here spot by—"
Suddenly, the lizard was interrupted by Mr. Georges' voice coming down the speaking tube: "Make ready for full power on my mark, Mr. Skewen." The lizard, Mr. Skewen, nearly turned a full white. "Oh me-oh my, whatever has come over me? I've forgotten about the launch!!!" He scrambled over to a tall seat between the two generator-engines, flipped himself in, and glanced at the glass tubes and meters that indicated the ships power levels. Jim in the meantime ran to over to "Stella" the starboard engine. "Want me to open her up full?" he yelled. "Yes, yes, yes, turn all wheels to mark 10!!! Keep the dials at mark #9!!! And turn "Leah" up to full throttle, quickly!" replied Mr. Skewen. The poor skink began to mutter nervously to himself. Jim got the control wheels and dials set and ran over to "Leah". No sooner had he finished than Mr. Georges voice came again. "Stand-by, Mr. Skewen." Mr. Skewen just tied himself in with a rope attached to his chair and gripped the control pulleys tightly. Jim ran quickly scanned the dials and wheels and made snap adjustments and ran to "Stella" to do the same. "Hold on tight there, Jim lad! This boat's going to take us for a ride like never been seen." Jim believed him and grabbed on to one of the metal pipes that ran vertical from the side of "Stella". "Stand ready!" Mr. Skewen continued as he watched power level in the glasses rise. "We launch in t'ree seconds!!" In fact it was a second later that the order came: "All ahead full, Mr. Skewen!" "HERE WE GO!!!!" he yelled as he pushed the two main engine throttle levers forward.
The moment Mr. Skewen engaged the main engines drives, a massive internal fuse switch was flipped into a horizontal position to connect the turbine drive shaft in each of the engines. The moment the fuse bridged the two contact points a massive charge of supercritical solar energy burst across and fired directly into the combustion chamber. Once there, the supercharged particles collided with the oxygen and hydrogen ions that were impelled in from the outside. The result was a controlled explosion that expelled enough energy to destroy a 150 km diameter rock. The explosion, however, was controlled inside a 15-layer iron/titanium/carbon shield that directed the gigantic flow of energy out through the exhaust nozzles into the Etherium.
All this took place in about 1.578 seconds and the R.L.S. Ulterior blasted from a complete standstill to 75 miles-per hour into the wild, wide-open frontier of the cosmos.