Jim couldn't believe his eyes. Silver hadn't changed over the past eight years. He stood a little more slumped, as if the weight of so many years of his lifestyle had burdened his shoulders. The reptilian alien in front of him moved slowly through the mix of both crews, head swaying back and forth scanning the surroundings. He nodded in approval then made his way to the helm where Amelia was captured. He eyed the Captain with a sly coolness.
"What is the meaning of this?" Amelia snarled, struggling against her captor. "We are not a cargoship."
The reptilian swung, slapping Amelia with the back of his hand.
"Now see here, you scoundrel!" Delbert yelled, defensively.
"Doctor," Amelia hissed, glaring at him. Delbert knew how to get himself into hot water at the worst of times. She didn't know this band of pirates. Poking them with a stick probably wouldn't be the best thing to do.
"I'm not here for cargo," the reptilian answered, his voice throaty and frog-like. He squinted his google eyes, sizing up Amelia. "A woman captain? I feline at that. PAH!"
"What is it that you are here for, Captain?" Amelia asked gritting her teeth, trying hard not to explode.
"Crosser, I need a new ship," the pirate said, nonchalantly. "This one looks like it will fit the suit."
"What are your plans for my crew?"
A wicked grin formed on Crosser's wide mouth. "Oh, I have ideas."
"Do you think it's safe to go out now?"
"No!" B.E.N.'s voice strained to keep low. His mechanical fingers tightened around Benny's arm. "If I know pirates, and BOY, DO I KNOW PIRATES! They're still around!"
"But," Benny sounded panicky. "What if the pirates captured my Moma and Dad? The pirates will hurt them!"
"Maybe one of us should go check," B.E.N. suggested.
Benny looked stricken. "You mean, go up the stairs and peek out?"
"Yeah." B.E.N. nodded, vigorously. "I think it would be better if you went Benny."
"ME?" Benny squeaked out. He looked to near tears.
"You're much smaller. No one will see you! And," B.E.N. looked rather sheepish. "Pirates still make me nervous. I'm sorry."
Benny wiped his wet puppy nose on his sleeve. He had to do it. If the pirates had been driven away, there was nothing to worry about. If they weren't though, if his parents and friends were captured, he wouldn't know what to do. He crawled out from under the galley's counter, standing on his toes to reach a cutting knife. He took a deep breath. "I'm going."
B.E.N. throw himself at the boy, squeezing him. "Good lucky, little buddy!"
Benny awkward held the knife away from both of them, and tried to hug his friend. He pulled away, creeping his way to the galley stairs, shaking like a leaf on the inside.
It can't be. Silver had to blink twice to make sure he saw right. Jimbo - his Jimbo - was there on his knees staring up at him in exhausted shock. Last they had seen each other was a month before Jim had entered the Interstellar Academy. Silver had taken a chance to stop by the Benbow Inn for dinner. He ate in the kitchen with Jim, and they had a good talk with each other.
Since then, Silver had been basically all over the galaxy in and out of taverns and ships as a cook. His dream of treasure had died with the destruction of Treasure Planet, and also his spirit for adventure. He'd gotten caught up with Crosser's band about a year ago. He was getting a pretty penny with all the plundering of cargo ships Crosser planned. The last plunder had left Crosser's ship in dreary shape though, and a new one was needed.
But, why did it have to be the R.L.S. Legacy?
Silver jerked his gaze from Jim, a surge of anger running through him. He hobbled further onto the ship. Crosser gurgled out a command for something to eat, and Silver made his way to the galley that he had known so well eight years earlier.
As soon as he opened the galley door, he was greeted by a wiped-eyed six year old canine boy, a small cutting knife trembling in his hand.
Thank you to everyone who has read this fic, and has waited VERY patiently for me to continue it! I knew I would sooner or later, and finally got the inspiration to do so. Thanks for sticking with it :)