8 hours later, Jim was doing the same thing that he had always been given to do since his first trip—he was mopping the deck. He still didn't like to do it, but at least it made the captain and her command well satisfied. Jim let out a long sigh. "Boy, 5 years of academics and space training and people still think I'm only good for swabbing wood." He rolled his eyes up and rolled hem back to the hickory wood floor. Nobody saw him; it was nighttime and most of the crew was below decks eating supper, reading, studying or berthing in for the night. Captain Hathaway, First Mate Georges, Mr. Trump and the rest of the chain of command were polishing off their raspberry & strawberry shortcake dessert with full-bodied port wine. Mr. Skewen had returned to the engine room after chow to "tuck in his lasses" before turning in for ten hours of sleep.
Sometime later that night, the ship was cruising along at a "leisurely" 45 miles per hour. All lights were out, most hands were already in the R.E.M. sleep cycle and those that were awake were reposing, reading or talking amongst themselves.
However, the captain was still awake; port wine always had such a power upon her 140 lb. body. So she took up her hat and strolled out onto the main deck. For along while, she slowly stepped along side of the railing as her brown eyes witnessed the motions and beauty of the Etherium.
She could remember nights not so long ago when she passed nights like this one with her father and mother to accompany her. She was 25 years old and still felt like she was no more than ten years of age. From that time forward, she had longed for the chance to not only see the stars but to be with them. And so she had enlisted into the academy when she was 18 years old and excelled with all of her heart, desire and fervor to have her very own naval ship to command. And her efforts were rewarded more than two years when she was commissioned as Captain of the R.L.S. Ulterior. It was the most momentous moment of her life and many a mission had she taken herself and her ever-faithful first mate, Mr. Rupert Georges who was her authority and right hand in the direst circumstances.
Now, as she once more made her way along the well-known wooden planks, she gazed around at her enormous, ungainly yet highly capable craft. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she never heard a thing as a dark shape crept up and over the railing behind her. The shape slowly and quietly slid over and stood up as its gaze took sight of Captain Hathaway.
The captain stopped walking and looked up at the massive main sails as they rippled with waning solar energy. She held this pose for about a few moments. Then, lowering her gaze, she brushed her long, dark brown hair away from her forehead. She turned around and all of a sudden came face-to-face with the darkened figure.
"Aaaahh," she screamed as her eyes went wide and she instinctively grabbed her rapier sword from its sheath on her belt. "NO, No-no-no-no, Captain, It's me...Jim-I mean, Cadet Hawkins." The captain stopped at his words, but she still kept her hand on the sword handle and stood breathing heavily with wide, startled eyes. The figure stepped from the shadows into the starlight and Captain Marcia Hathaway recognized the tall, pony-tailed boy with brown-haired bangs. But what really held her gaze was his expression on his lips and his wide Prussian-blue eyes that only showed concern and surprise as well. For a moment neither of them said a thing although the captain continued to breathe heavily.
Finally, she let go of her rapier and dropped her arms straight. Clearing her throat she asked, "Cadet Hawkins, what may I ask is the reason that you are out here at this time of night—SCARING ME half to my solitary grave??? Hmmmm?" She put her hands on her hips and gave him a tilted look. Jim just looked down and held up a bucket of liquefied lacquer with a brush covered with the substance. "I was just...giving the hull a coat of this non-sticky bonding clear-coat. It's supposed to keep any biological objects from, you know...attaching to the wood. I learned how to apply it in my classes on ships and maintenance. I thought that, umm, well, you know...that you would want the hull to look good." Jim smiled in his simple, happy manner that let his eyes show the most expression.
The captain didn't reply immediately. Yes, she was very pleased and impressed that he had done such backbreaking favor for her and her ship. But she was actually more intrigued by how Jim said what he said than the words he had spoken. But she instantly pushed these thoughts away; she was the commanding officer on this flying washbasin and standard operating procedure dictated that emotions and feelings must never be in charge.
So she just smiled at Jim for what seemed like the longest time to Jim.
At last, she clasped her hands behind her back, tilted her neck and chuckled. "Well, I'm sure that you have done an excellent job, Cadet. And I congratulate you for being so...what's the right word...oh, perceptive. I'm most certain that you have done a splendid job of it as well." Jim nodded and smiled his radiant smile. "Sure, Anytime, Captain". The captain couldn't help but return one as well. Then, pulling out her gold pocket watch, she said, "It's quite late, Cadet. I would recommend that you go to bed now." "Thank-you, Captain." They saluted each other and Jim walked away to the stairs and slowly disappeared from her sight.
Heaving a big sigh, Captain Marcia Hathaway turned and walked towards the bow. Mentally, she was berating herself for not saying more or asking him to tell about himself. She just couldn't help it; she had never met any male—boy, Cadet, man or alien—that possessed a character (or such good looks) that appealed to her. Yes, she had only learned about him from Admiral Creed first and then Admiral Valencia, Jim's commanding officer. And she hadn't given him a second thought when he reported to her. Oh well, she thought, at least he'll be here tomorrow. I can really put him to work and see how he does. With this thought concluding all others, she retired to her stateroom for the night.
Authors Note: Hey Everybody. I'm sorry that I haven't said anything yet. But anyway, please write to me to let me know watcha'll think. If you like it please review. My address is . If the beginning was too lengthy or talkative, then I will shorten the scenes. More is yet to come. And I'll bring up the action stuff really quickly, so don't go anywhere just yet!!!
Heh-heh-heh-heh-he!!!