CHAPTER 5

A PLAN IS FORMED

I blinked in surprise.

"Hi Jim," I said blankly, "how're you doing?"

"I'm alright," he said cheerfully. He suddenly glanced at my enhancements wearily, "How about you?"

"As well as I could be I guess," I sighed, "What can I do for you?"

Jim's face turned grave, "I heard about the attack on Earth. I'm really sorry,"

I shrugged, "There's nothing we can do about it…for now,"

Jim suddenly grinned, "That's where your wrong. I have job for you from the Royal Interstellar Navy," he glanced down at the small sheet of paper in his hand, "They request that the Legacy scout out the Terran System. They want you to get in, see what kind of defences they've set up, and get out. I'll be joining you guys on this mission as the Navy's liaison. They're willing to pay you 20,000 credits for the job. So what do ya say Dan? Good enough for you?"

I looked away, my mind arguing with itself again.

On the one hand, he would have a better chance to have a good look at the defences, perhaps even find out why they had invaded in the first place. On the other. One ship, against the Armada could mean trouble, depending on how many ships were there.

I sighed at last. Well I was never one to turn down a job.

"Alright Jim," I said smiling, "You got yourself a ship. You know where we live."

Jim returned the smile, "Right, I'll be there in two days. I'll see you there Dan."

And with that, he hung up.

I gazed at the navel insignia that had popped up for a moment, before hanging up and heading for the dining room.

"Who was it?" Amelia asked as I entered.

"Jim," I said mildly, ignoring Silver as he perked up at the sound of his old friend, "He has a job for us from the Royal Navy."

Armstrong's eyes went as wide as saucers.

"We're in the middle of a cosmic crisis and all you can think about is…"
"We have to scout out the Third planet of the Terran system," I continued, raising my voice slightly to be heard over the American, "If you didn't know Dr. Armstrong that's Earth."

"Oh," Peter sat down again, his face going red, "sorry,"

"The mission is simple. We go in, get as much Info on their defences, and get out. With this information we'll be able to get a better idea of why they're there and so on. Jim will be there as a Liaison for the Navy."

I turned to Amelia.

"This is going to be a dangerous job. The Legacy's going to need her Captain and First Officer."

"But what about the children?" Amelia asked, glancing over worriedly the kids.

"We can come too!" Catherine said eagerly.

"Yeah we can help!" Pipped up Emma.

"It will be an adventure," Continued Maria.

"Just like in Uncle Jim's story book," Finished Joseph.

I shook my head, "It's too dangerous. And there's no use giving me that look because it won't work," I caught glance of the puppy dog eyes, "We'll ask Delbert."

"Awwww," a groan rose up.

"But he's boring," Catherine moaned as Morph turned into a mini Doppler, pouring over some notes, "all he ever talks about is his boring star charts."

"Well we can't ask Mrs Hawkins," Amelia sighed, "She has enough on her plate with that B.E.N. fellow and trying to run a Inn without out four kids to contend with."

"What about us?" Jenny asked, "What will we do?"

"You can stay here and help Dr. Doppler." I said mildly.

Jenny scowled, "Ohhhh no. there is no way your letting me and Peter stay behind while you have all the fun."

"Yeah she's right," Armstrong continued, "If you go back to Earth we do too."

"This isn't a cruise trip!" I countered through clenched teeth, "This is a serious business. You don't know the first thing about sailing and…"

"And if I remember correctly Danny-Boy, Neither did you when you sailed with us to Treasure Planet,"

I looked over at Silver, who had a smug look on his features, his arms crossed.

I sighed in defeat.

"And I suppose that you want to go too?"

Silver's smile broadened, "got it in one Danny-Boy."

I sighed, before looking over at Amelia.

"What do you think Amelia? You're the Captain."

Amelia looked over at Jenny and Armstrong, a hand under her chin in thought.

"Well, the Legacy could always use a couple of Cabin boys," she said mildly, smiling at the shocked looks that graced Armstrong's and Jenny's features, "As well as a new cook," she continued looking over to Silver.

"Now wait just a moment," Peter spluttered, "I'm a Doctor, not ship board steward!"

"And who are you calling a boy?" Jenny added indignantly.

"Tough luck," I said with a chuckle, "The Captain's word is final. We'll leave in two days time, so we better get ready."

"Aye Aye!" the two disgruntled astronauts muttered.

The girl opened her eyes as the Dearings and their friends finished breakfasts and went their separate ways.

"Is is going exactly as I had foreseen it," she whispered, "Soon, the journey will begin, and Daniel and myself will be reunited again. Only he has the power within. Only he is the one that can fulfil prophecy, and save his kind. I must prepare the Gate for activation."

She stood up and left the Meditation room, her silvery gown flowing behind her, the six Moon Crystals slowly pulsing with light as she went.