Chapter 3 – Back in the Saddle Again

The University on Montressor was a grand academic emporium, rivaling any school in the Etherium. Its grounds spread across more than 80 acres, with buildings littering the vast expanse and stadiums jutting up from foothills situated in lower areas. It was a source of pride for Montressor. Students from all over the galaxy came to study there. Literature, history, sciences and most importantly astronomy. Some of the most famed astronomers and astrophysicists had come from this institution of higher learning. Was it any wonder he, Delbert Doppler, had chosen to go there?

And now, here he stood, waiting outside the large, gilded doors of the lecture hall, pacing back and forth as the large mechanical clock ticked precisely, noting the passage of time. Whatever could he have been summoned for? The grant? Could it be they finally wanted him to take a resident position? A professor for one of the many courses offered each semester? He had been talking with them for some time now, ever since returning from Treasure Planet. The adventure had proved fruitful in more ways than one, although only one really stood out in his mind. He sighed in frustration. What was taking them so long?

The door before him suddenly swung open as if in answer to his frustrated question, casting a soft yellow light from the room beyond.

"Dr. Doppler?" a young man inquired, peeking his head from within the entry.

"Yes." Delbert straightened his shoulders.

"The Chancellor will see you now." And he ushered Doppler in, leading him through the long entryway. Rows of past University chancellors and presidents watched him from their photographic perches as he made his way through the corridor. He thought it a big unsettling, but had little time to reflect upon it further, as he found himself suddenly deposited in front of a panel of six trustees and introduced. The Chancellor, a burly man named Tookin-house, sat in the center, staring solemnly at him, and in a most unfriendly way, Delbert thought to himself.

"Thank you for joining on such short notice, Dr. Doppler."

"It was my pleasure," Delbert assured them. "But I must confess. I am rather curious as to what this is all about."

"Naturally. Naturally," Tookin-house nodded, pursing his lips. He carefully laced his fingers together before continuing in a grave tone, "Let me get straight to the point, Doctor. As I'm sure you know, the government has been in serious negotiations with the Empire of Ronan for the past few months."

"I am aware of that, yes."

"Things have been progressing at a rather quick pace and in a most favorable direction. But lately, there has been a sudden discord within the Ronian government. Our ambassadors and delegates are at a loss as to why."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he frowned. "But, I don't see how this concerns me. I'm an astrophysicist, not a politician."

"Quite right, Doctor."

"And aptly stated," Maris broke in. "In fact you're one of the best in your field. Your recent findings regarding cosmic atmosphere in interplanetary space travel where phenomenon."

"Well, ah," Delbert blushed, lowering his head. "Anyone could have done what I did."

Maris smiled. "You're far too modest, old friend. But whether they could or not is beside the point. The fact is you're the one who discovered the anomaly. You're the one who published the findings, and you're the one we want." She took a sip of water from her cup before continuing. "As you know, the systems between Montressor and Ronan are fraught with peril."

"It is one of the more treacherous areas to navigate," Delbert agreed with a nod of his head.

"Which is exactly why we've asked you here," Tookin-house boomed. "A delegation is leaving this afternoon for Ronan. We've got the best ships in the fleet ferrying them, but the Royal Navy would feel more secure having an expert on hand for the voyage."

Delbert's eyes widened as the implication of what Tookin-house was saying settled on him. He brought a finger to his chest. "You want me to accompany the delegation?"

"We do," Maris smiled. "You're the best man for the job."

"But that's a six-week trip!"

"It is long. But think of all the research you can do along the way," she pointed out.

Delbert shook his head. "Yes, but six weeks!"
"You keep saying that Doctor Doppler," Tookin-house frowned. "Where does the problem lie with this timeframe?"

"Surely, there's someone else," he protested weakly. "Someone more qualified. Or at least more available."

Maris shuffled through the stack of papers which lay on the desk before continuing. "Delbert, we've known one another for years."

"Since our undergraduate programs," he nodded.

"Indeed," she smiled. "Trust me when I say there's no one better qualified than you."

"Well, I ... I'm flattered, of course."

"It's not a matter of flattery, old friend. It's the truth."

Delbert's posture relaxed slightly. "Mar – Doctor Vitale, I can understand why you'd want me. My one concern, weak though it may be, is that someone very dear to me has just returned from a very lengthy voyage." He cleared his throat. "I had been hoping –"

"Good gods man," Tookin-house broke in. "Are you trying to tell us that you're hesitant to serve the Empire because your girlfriend has dropped by for a visit?!" His voice thundered throughout the room.

Maris jumped in quickly before the agitated canid could deliver the angry retort on the edge of his tongue. "I'm certain you misunderstand, Chancellor." She glanced down. "Right, Doctor?"

Doppler shook his head in affirmation, silently fuming.

"As it stands," Maris continued, shooting a quick smile Delbert's way, "we've arranged passage for you on one of the Fleet's best vessels under the command of our brightest captain, who's coming out of semi-retirement specifically for this mission."

Delbert furrowed his brow in confusion at the look Maris was giving him as she delivered this news.

"I realize it's only a small consolation, but you will be able to experience the sheer joy and utter pleasure of serving with the Fleet's finest – Captain Amelia."

If his eyes could have gotten any wider, they would have popped out of their sockets, Maris decided with barely contained laughter.

"Well Doppler?" Tookin-house boomed. "Feel like seeing what you can do for Amelia? Provide her with your services?"

It was all Delbert could do to keep a straight face. But after a moment, he was able to gain his composure, and answer in a serious and utterly honest voice, "Mr. Chancellor, I can think of nothing that would give me greater pleasure than offering my services to the Captain." He cracked a small smile. "In fact, I think she'll be ecstatic when she learns what I can do for her."

At his comment, Maris choked on the water she had been drinking and brought a hand to her mouth.

"Dr. Vitale, are you all right?" Tookin-house inquired.

"I'm fine, sir." She sat the glass down and shot an amused look in Doppler's direction. "It just went down the wrong way."

"Well then. If you're all right, then I suggest we adjourn this meeting. The good doctor has much to do before leaving."

Tookin-house nodded and then rose, straightening his robes. "Well Doctor, I trust we'll hear nothing but good from the Legacy."

"Nothing but good," Delbert assured him. He hid his smile as he made his way out of the chambers. But, as soon as he passed through the council doors, there was a definite spring in his step. He couldn't believe this wonderful turn of luck. Assigned to the Legacy! Six weeks! Whereas only moments ago, it had seemed an unbearable eternity, the time now seemed like a glimpse of heaven. Six weeks with Amelia on the Legacy! Certainly, she would be busy. No doubt about that. But with her only mere feet away from him – for six whole weeks! No ship taking her away from him. It was going to be paradise.

He was eager to tell Amelia, but when he had tried to contact her from the university, he had no luck. He sighed. It had been a slim hope. From the transit time on his orders (and he took secret delight in having official orders), he would have little time to return home and pack his belongings for the journey. He glanced at his pocket watch. Two hours, Not nearly enough time do everything he needed. Thanks goodness he had let Amelia organize his study a few weeks ago. She had prodded and nagged, finally resorting to seducing him to get him out of her way. He grinned. It had been a good course of action, a pleasurable diversion, and now, a lucrative one. Everything he needed was in one place. It would only take him half an hour to get his instruments together, leaving him another half hour to pack his clothing and other necessities. That left an hour for travel to his home and back to the Legacy. A tight schedule to be sure, but he could do it.

"I suppose I'll just have to wait to tell her when I get to the ship," he decided. Delilah snorted in agreement, and Delbert smiled. Yes, it was turning out to be a grand day after all.

"You got an assignment!?" Jim stared at Roderick in disbelief. "I thought you were working off a discipline chit!"

"I was," he grinned, throwing clothes in to his sea bag. "But the Chancellor summoned me and said he believed it would build character."

"But we're in the middle of finals," Jim said, sinking to his bed.

"I know! I've been excused from them." He cinched up the bag. "Professor Donnelly said she thinks I can learn a lot by accompanying the fleet. Apparently, they're sending that Doppler guy with Navy. Donnelly said he's been making serious progress in a new field of astrophysics."

"That's the Doc's specialty."

"Yep," Roderick grinned. "And it's gonna' be mine soon."

"And you don't know your ship, yet," he asked, rising from the bed.

"Nope. But Professor said she'd send someone by with my orders and – " He glanced up as someone knocked on their door. "That must be them."

Jim waved for him to finish packing. "I'll get it." He opened the door and took the slip of paper from an underclassman. "Want me to open it?" he asked, turning back to Roderick.

"Sure," he nodded, and then smiled. "I can't believe it! Going out with the fleet. I've got to be the luckiest cadet," he laughed. "Can this day get any better?"

Jim shrugged and unfolded the orders, skimming its contents. A moment later, he broke out in to a wide grin and began to laugh.

Roderick frowned. "What's so funny?"

"This," Jim told him, extending the papers in his direction, still chuckling.

Roderick grabbed the papers and began to read, his eyes widening in horror as they scrolled down the page. "Oh no! This can't be right," he moaned, sinking in to a nearby chair.

"This is the best thing that has happened to me all week," Jim grinned.

"Oh shut it, Hawkins," Roderick winced. "The Legacy. I'm assigned to the Legacy. I can't face her. Not after this morning."

"Come on, man. You've gotta' admit it's pretty funny."

"No, it's not." He looked up at Jim. "Maybe she won't remember me?" he asked hopefully.

Jim shook his head. "I wouldn't bet on it. If Captain Amelia's one thing, it's sharp. She's got a memory like nothing I've ever seen."

"I'm dead."

"No, you're not," Jim laughed, putting a hand on his roommate's shoulder. "Just keep a low profile for the first couple of days. You'll be fine. And look on the bright side. You're on the best vessel in the fleet," he pointed out. "That's pretty lucky!"

Roderick grimaced and closed his eyes in defeat. "Yeah, lucky me."

The day could not get any worse. Amelia was certain of it. She had returned to her ship only to discover that Engineering was having massive problems with the aft thrusters. Since arriving two hours ago, she had done nothing but listen to reports dealing the extensive measures required to repair the malfunctioning equipment.

Her engineer was in the midst of detailing the repairs when Amelia finally decided she had had enough.

"Mr. Ravenwood, do take a moment to actually breathe in some oxygen and allow me a word in edgewise!"

The Orellian paused, his lead antennae twitching momentarily at the unexpected and wholly out-of-character outburst. He lowered his head slightly. "I apologize, Captain. It was not my intention to ramble."

Amelia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "No, I apologize, Mr. Ravenwood. I was too sharp with you. Far more than the situation called for. I am just rather ... agitated at the moment. I should not have taken it out on you."

Ravenwood nodded, accepting her apology. "I understand, Captain." He glanced at the space dock outside the port window. "I imagine we all would have enjoyed a lengthier stay in port."

Amelia gave a hollow laugh. "Yes, one day doesn't quite seem adequate, does it?"

"I'm afraid not, m'am. But, we've done it before, and I'll make certain the thrusters are online by nightfall. We can make it out on the auxiliary thrusters for launch."

Amelia smiled. "What would I do without you, Mr. Ravenwood?"

"You'd be sitting in port, staring at a ship with no thrusters, sipping a brandy, I imagine."

"Ah yes." Her eyes narrowed and then, "Get off my ship," she ordered with a laugh.

Ravenwood chuckled, and Amelia smiled. "I do love a good brandy," she admitted.

"Then let me buy you one on our return home, Captain. My way of apologizing for being too good at my job."

"I can't refuse an offer like that. You have a deal, Mr. Ravenwood," Amelia laughed, rising from her seat. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an ambassador to meet and then some ninny the Navy has assigned to us to give astronomical advice."

"Advice?"

"For navigation, apparently," Amelia shrugged. "Never fear, though. They have assured me he has more-than-enough experience in space travel and fire fights, should it come to that."

"Well, that's somewhat comforting," he acquiesced and then stretched. "Well, I'd best get to those thrusters if you want them by nightfall, Captain."

"Carry on. And keep me apprised of our status."

"Aye, Captain."