Chapter 3

A week later found Amelia going over the members of the crew she had finally, at long last, hired. She had checked and then double-checked each spacer's papers and their dossiers provided which had been provide by the local constabulary. She was at last convinced that not a single spacer was a pirate in spacer's clothing.

She then assembled the crew aboard ship, and introduced them to her officers and passengers. Not a one had any problem with the children and every man jack of them promised to abide by the ship's rules to the letter.

One day later, Amelia made her way over to the Benbow Inn to visit Jim.

"Good day, Mr. Hawkins," she said brightly.

"Hey! Hello, Captain," Jim said and smiled at her. "What's up?"

"Yes, I was just going to get to that. I just wanted to inform you that the Legacy will be leaving three days hence," Amelia declared, a small smile on her lips.

"Thanks, Captain," Jim said. "Oh, and Captain, by the way, might I ask what my post aboard will be this time?" Jim asked hopefully.

"Well, originally I had intended for you to be cabin boy… as you've certainly got the experience for the job," Amelia began, her green eyes twinkling.

"Cabin boy?" Jim said, stunned. His face fell at that news. "Again?"

Amelia laughed merrily at his hang dog expression. "Oh, if you could only see your face right now, Jim," she mused, then sobered up quickly. "However, fortunately for you, I changed my mind. I mean, if you are ever going to learn anything useful, you should have an important job aboard ship," Amelia said.

"Makes sense," Jim replied, hope returning.

"So, I've decidedmost likely against my better judgement, of courseto cast you in the position as my First Officer," Amelia declared, smiling. "Think you are up for the job, Mr. Hawkins?"

"Oh, yes, Ma'am!" Jim said, grinning from ear to ear. "First Officer Hawkins, at your service, Captain ma'am!"

Amelia could only smile. "At ease, Mr. Hawkins. I will see you at the spaceport in three days time then," she told him. "Oh, and do try to find some sort of respectable uniform, will you?" Amelia added as she went out the door.