Chapter Nine
The Galaxy finally arrived to orbit around Aldrea three days later. The crew was very happy to do something much more worthwhile as they have become good friends to the survivors that were on board for a short time. It amazes them that they have given them the best gift they could in their lifetime. They have the ability to have adventures and to learn what it means to be human. On the surface of Aldrea, there were some of the crew helping the people of Aldrea rebuild and in the process they were learning more of what their job entails on board the Galaxy. They eagerly took advantage of the offer and were rapidly learning new tools.
"Whew, I can't believe how much has to be done!" exclaimed John as he looked down on the portable monitor that was showing the new blueprints for the city.
"John, that is quite a bit of change around there! Who helped you go through all of these changes on the plans? Then again, why am I asking you?" laughed Lisa.
"James and I were going over it last night. There are some of the areas that are unsafe now and that has to come down. Plus, James doesn't want to look like he's paranoid but they want to upgrade a lot of things. Since they couldn't do it years ago, they can now since we have the tools and the supplies to do it. No sense in limiting you guys anymore. Another thing that concerned him was that you guys had no defense capabilities and he wanted to make sure that this time, they were prepared. We will be leaving some orbiting sensors around Aldrea that will monitor things for you. Best defense is a better offense in my opinion. Now, that old generator you guys had can't be fixed, but we can replace it and have a better sounding one. It will increase the power outage for your people so you're not limited on what you can or can't do. Also, this time, at Jaret's request, we're installing a subspace transceiver that way you can remain in touch with us if you need anything." John explained as he pointed towards the new changes he was talking about on the monitor.
Lisa looked at what John was pointing to and nodded her head in agreement. It was going to be a long 2 weeks or more but she felt enthusiastic about it all. Then for one fleeting moment she sobered a bit and John caught it but before he could ask her about it she said, "Okay, I'm going to head over here. Tammy and mom are seeing what they can do to the Medical Center and get it back and running. Are we having a separate generator there or what?"
The two of them got back into deep conversation and David was observing them from a distance. He shook his head in amazement for John was very much in his element. He heard the sound of the transporter hum and turned around. The new supplies have finally arrived and with it was the new power generator that John had begged for. He smiled and was glad that things were going smoothly for the first time in a long while.
Elsewhere on Aldrea, Jaret was with James and a bunch of the former command crew of the Galaxy. Jaret wanted to hear from them about their experiences so that he could file them away for future uses. Plus he wanted to talk to them about Lisa and another important topic that was put on the sidelines till now.
"So, you're Captain of the Galaxy now?" asked an elderly man who was seated in a nice chair made of wood and cushions. Jaret looked at the man, wondering if he missed it all.
"Yes I am. It's been an amazing challenge but I still have lots to learn and learn I will. I wanted to get your opinion on something though." admitted Jaret.
"What is it that you wanted to get our opinion on?" James asked as he got a bit curious about what Jaret has to say.
"John has chosen to inform me that there is another ship on Earth. According to the sensor logs, it is one of your own. We don't know what happened or anything yet but I wanted to let you know that there is a strong possibility that which ever ship it is, the crew might've left or crashed with it. I wanted to let you know that John wanted to get this unknown ship up and running but he wanted to get your permission first since the last thing he want to do is offend you." Jaret explained as he handed James the data padd with the recorded sensors from when the Galaxy first crashed and when they first got into space.
James took the data padd and looked at it. He sucked in a breath of shock and looked at Jaret with a grave face before saying something, "They crashed there before we did? Oh man, the ship is at the bottom of the ocean. God knows how it happened and if the ship is even worth fixing up." James handed the data padd around to the rest of his former staff. They too looked at it and were just as crestfallen as James was when the realization hit them that one of their own crashed on Earth long ago.
"Jaret, find out what happened and let us know either way. If the ship is able to get fixed then do it. Having another ship would be very ideal for you guys. Heaven knows that you can use it. There might be more people out there that want this chance at an adventure." James nodded as he made up his mind. The rest of the group of men too nodded in agreement with James' request.
"Another thing I wanted to talk to you was about Lisa. She has informed me that her place is here on Aldrea but in the event that we get the time for another mission, she'll be back to join us. I know she is rather young to be a full fledge officer but I like to keep her as a member of my crew and my command staff. I felt that I should let you know before hand," informed Jaret.
"That sounds reasonable Jaret and I like that idea too. I don't think Lisa would consider giving up the chance to go with you guys again. She has talked non stop about you and the friends she had made on board. I'm happy for her in that way and I won't stand in her way. Will Lisa also talk to her mother about what she wants to do?" asked James.
"I have a feeling that might be what she planned to do today. I know that her mom is with Tammy in the Medical Centre attempting to put things back to right there. Speaking of which, I should get back on board, Ryan has talked to me about my lack of taking command lately and I have to admit I have been doing that. Ryan wants to be down here, helping and I'm going to let him. I have some other issues to take care of anyhow." Jaret grinned as he turned to leave them.
"How long do you think you'll be here and I'm sure you're all anxious to get home?" James asked before Jaret could leave them.
Jaret stopped in mid stride and looked at his own crew in the distance helping the people of Aldrea restore their home, "Home, that sounds so strange now since we've been onboard the Galaxy for about 2 weeks now." sighed Jaret.
"Now, you're thinking like a captain, you started to refer the ship as home. Go ahead Jaret; I'll tackle John to see how things are progressing since its only day one." James chuckled as he slapped Jaret on the back.
"Have we really though? We're still young and we still have so much to learn. Although I think the most part that worries me is our parents and our school work that we will have to catch up. I'm sure we'll do okay. I have to figure out how we can balance our school life with the Galaxy now." murmured Jaret as he strode away from them.
"You're worried about school work? I think you can handle that! I mean for goodness sake, you faced off with the Romulans, something you haven't done before." shouted James after Jaret.
"Yeah, thanks for poking fun at that. School work is harder since my teacher is the school we go to has to be rebuilt before we can do anything. After all, we had to tear it down in order to free the Galaxy!" explained Jaret as he waved his good bye to James.
Soon Jaret turned the corner and was gone from James' sight.
"Oh that would be difficult. I didn't know that their school was demolished. Now I know what he's worried about." understood James as he went back to work.
All Jaret could do was shake his head in amazement on how quickly that conversation ended. He sighed tiredly and went to join David at the transport site. He waved to David to let him know that he'll be heading back to the Galaxy.
"Leaving so soon Jaret?" asked David.
"Yes I am. Ryan will be down here since I think its time for me to actually take command of the bridge. I've got something important to do tomorrow that I can't put off for much longer." Jaret nodded.
"Okay, talk to you later then Jaret." David acknowledged.
The sound of the transport hum took David by surprised and saw that Jaret was gone before he could say anything else. He shook his head and saw that another person was beaming down. Once the transport cycle was done, there was Ryan looking very happy.
"Welcome to Aldrea sir. John is over there, you might want to see what he can assign you. I'm stuck her coordinating the supplies for everyone. If you need anything, just contact me and I'll get the supplies down here for you." David explained as he pointed Ryan the way where John was.
"Thanks David, I will do that." Ryan grinned as he went off to see John who was busy arguing with Tammy about something. He sighed, nothing changes it seems.
The next day came all too soon for Jaret. He was sitting down in front of his desk in his quarters, having some early breakfast. He had trouble sleeping last night no matter what he did. He wasn't kidding to David about having something important to do today. He read what he had typed into the computer and was about to save it but he stopped. He shook his head, "No, I'm going to save it after I talk to her."
Jaret pushed his breakfast away and drank the last of the fruit juice down before he got up and headed out the door. Several minutes later, Jaret found himself in front of Twyla's brig. She was very surprised to see him there since that day they had argued.
"Twyla, I've decided on some things that you should be aware of. I hate to do this but this is something you should know before hand. As what you don't know, Tomahawk was just using you as a way for him to get what he wanted. He's been arrested and no doubt will be stripped of his command and god knows what punishment he's facing. Adm. Reilu informed me that Tomahawk recruiting you wasn't endorsed by their government and that he had planned to have you executed later on. I'm sorry to tell you that you were just a pawn to him and nothing more. What I have decided is that when we get back to Earth, you will face punishment for your part in trying to kill me, but that's all I'm going to charge you with. The double agent or treason I'm going to let it slide, you were tricked and I'm not going to hold you to that. I want you to know, that you have much potential to be a good officer here. John has told me that much. You have a very good affinity for engineering and I'm going to recommend that you be put on probation after you serve 2 year in jail. Since by the time we get back home, you'll be in the brig for about 3 weeks, I will ask that they already put that time forward. Once you're out, you'll be back here to serve under John again." Jaret explained.
Twyla looked at Jaret with shock and amazement on her face. She swallowed before she gathered enough courage to speak, "I too had a few days of thinking too. I know that I've done some wrong but I guess my reasons for it were selfish. I will take whatever punishment is allowed. I do want to be a part of this but I don't know if that will happen. After all, 2 years is a long time."
Jaret nodded, "Very well, I will see you later. When we do get home, whatever happens is out of my hands."
Jaret turned around and left the brig, and left Twyla to ponder her new direction in life, whichever it may be.
Two weeks have gone by almost too fast for the crew of the Galaxy. Many felt that to go back to Earth was almost going backwards and not forward in their life. The tension once again returned and it was felt by Jaret and his command staff.
In Medic Bay, Tammy was busy working on some last minute stuff. She was in her office, arranging stuff on the computer that she will have to send back to the health authorities in her town and elsewhere. Nothing major she knew but she didn't want to be accused of being lax in her duty. She took it very seriously. She sighed in frustration, "Okay, there is simply not enough time for me to do this. I have too much to do!"
"Tammy, what are you upset about now?" asked a soft voice.
Tammy looked up and saw that Tressa and Ryan were standing in her doorway. She groaned as soon as she saw Ryan's childish grin on his face.
"I just hate to leave here Tressa, I love my work here on board the Galaxy and I feel that it's just pointless to go back to school." Tammy growled.
"You're not the only one who feels that way. I feel the same way, being a commander has brought me some perspective that I haven't thought of in a long time." Ryan sobered before Tressa could speak up.
"Tammy, Ryan, I know that this is most difficult on you. The entire crew feels that way. We all have made some strong bonds between us and the people on board here. It will be a bit depressing but remember, this is not an end for us, rather a beginning. We just haven't come to terms with it yet. Lisa knew that and can you imagine how it felt to leave us? She had duties to fulfill on Aldrea and she couldn't do that while on Earth. One day, when we don't have to worry about school, we will be back. Just be patient." Tressa pointed out to them both.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Jaret was in his office talking to James via subspace.
"We're just about home James, but it's been an extremely long journey this has been. I hate to leave her in orbit. I feel like a traitor for even thinking about it." Jaret chuckled as he leaned back in his chair.
"Jaret, don't worry. You have already made sure that the computer is pre programmed with its instruction. We've thought of everything we can to make sure that the Galaxy remain in your command and care. Now, just keep leading by example. Have you also talked to Twyla?" asked James.
"Yes, and I think she's been doing more thinking since I've talked to her. I've already been in contact with the authorities and have everything planned. Chief O'Hara and his men will see to transporting her to a facility so that she can spend her term there. However, what she doesn't know is that if she is on good behavior, she can be out in less than a year. I feel that she can find that out on her own, or at least earn it on her own."
"That sounds reasonable Jaret; you've been more than compassionate about this situation than I though?" James agreed.
"A first I wasn't James, believe me, I wasn't so charitable then. After awhile, with Ryan, Lisa, Tammy, and Tressa hounding me day and night since that incident, I've since then came around to finally coming to terms with it." Jaret pointed out.
"Good to have good friends to care for. Anyhow Jaret, wish I could talk more, but from what I see behind you, the Galaxy just dropped out of warp." James grinned.
"Ryan to Jaret, we have dropped out of warp and are on low impulse. Earth is only 30 minutes away." Informed Ryan through the comn link.
Jaret swiveled his chair and saw that indeed the ship has dropped out of warp and turned back to face James on the monitor and growled, "I hate it when you're right. I suppose I better take my place on the bridge now?"
"See you later Jaret, and good luck." James smiled as he signed off. The computer monitor went black.
Jaret sighed to himself and pushed himself out of his chair and headed towards the bridge. He stopped at the door and looked back. He hated to leave but James was right. It was time to do it but he didn't know how hard it will be in the next few months. At least, he groused, "We still have a school to rebuild."
With that, he walked through the door and onto the bridge. Ryan was already seated in his own spot and cocked his head in a questioningly manner.
Once Jaret sat in his own chair, he could see on the view screen that the Galaxy has almost reached Earth, it was a faint image but he knew it would be several minutes before he can see Earth clearly. He leaned back and grinned and looked at Ryan.
"Well? How was your conversation with James?" prompted Ryan.
"It was okay, but I think for the most part, I'm having a bit of trouble realizing that soon, we're going back to our families who no doubt are waiting to give us an earful and that we still have to rebuild our school. We're not out of the words yet." Jaret sighed as he crossed his legs.
"Home…here comes the hard part.", muttered David behind Jaret.
Jaret turned to look at David, "Not looking forward to school or parents?"
"Okay, school and Parents are a part of it, but I think I can speak for everyone when I say this, I am not looking forward to going back to the mundane things. I believe we still have lots to do up here. I know John was complaining that there is so much he wants to do project wise but he won't be able to. We're limited to only being on board on the weekend!" explained David.
"Good point, but that is something we have to do. We have to find the balance between our duties here and…." chuckled Ryan.
"We have our duties to our families on Earth. We will figure it out in due time." said a voice.
Jaret chuckled and looked to his left, and saw that Tammy just exited out of the turbo lift.
"Yes, Lisa will be doing that too. I'm sure she's facing the same thing we're all facing. Now, let's not worry about this, after all, we're a role model for our crew and we have to show them that we can do this." Jaret agreed with Tammy's comment.
Tammy sat down and laughed, "I'm sure we can do this, after all, what's tougher than facing off with the Romulans? I know that there are going to be some challenges ahead of us family wise but we will manage."
"Good point, care to test that theory?", asked Ryan.
"Just you wait Ryan…I'll get even with you one day.", promised Tammy.
"Okay cut it out, the both of you. Why did I have two siblings on my command staff I'll never know. And that would be my next advice to any other captain to be." muttered Jaret to himself.
"Next captain to be? What do you mean by that comment Jaret?" asked Ryan who was suddenly intrigued.
Before Jaret could reply the helm officer interrupted him.
"Sir, we're approaching Earth." informed the helm officer.
"Finally, Standard orbit. David would you please inform Chief O' Hara of our arrival and make the appropriate steps to transfer Twyla to the appointed cell position." commanded Jaret.
"Aye sir, commencing Standard orbit." acknowledges the helm officer and David at the same time.
"I can't believe we're home. So, how do we go about this?" asked Tammy.
"Home? When do I issue the order to disembark?" asked Ryan as well.
Jaret looked at both of them and was amazed that they have similar track minds. He shook his head and looked at Ryan first, "After Twyla gets down on the surface and everyone leaves level by level, shift by shift. If I'm correct, the bridge and senior officers will be the last to leave the Galaxy since I have to program the computer to go on auto pilot among other things. The last thing I want to do is overwhelm the transporter and incur John's wrath." explained Jaret.
"Well, that means I better let my staff know, I'll see you guys later. Let's hope all goes well." hinted Tammy as she got up from her chair and hurriedly went to the turbolift.
"The transport site will be the school Tammy, let your staff know that, from there, they can go home." shouted Ryan before the door of the turbo lift closed.
"Good idea, I'll mention that to the transporter chief. Ryan, you have the bridge, I know that I'm leaving you in command again but I'm going to do a final log in my ready room, till then, everything is all up to you within reason.", approved Jaret as he too got up and headed to his office.
Ryan watched Jaret's door closed and sighed, "Why me? Why am I stuck in the same rut again!?" muttered Ryan quietly.
Epilogue
It was two days later that the entire crew save the command staff were off the Galaxy. They hit a few snags but it was corrected in the process of it. John and Jaret was really busy with Mr. Cryer about building the school and they knew it will be the fast rebuilding in history for the school board wants the school operational within a month. Tammy, John, Tressa, David, Ryan, and Jaret were the last people on board the Galaxy. They were all smiling.
"Okay, last thing to do, computer transfer helm control to autopilot and remain in standard orbit around Earth. Keep a lock on all senior staff at all times.", instructed Jaret.
"Helm controls transfer to auto pilot completed. Maintaining standard orbit. Any last instruction?" informed the computer.
Ryan looked at them all, and Jaret nodded, "I know Ryan, it won't be long now."
"All the supplies are on Earth Ryan, and you said that you would help my staff rebuild the school with the construction people. Trust me; this will be over and done with in 2 weeks." John smiled.
"Oh god, what have I done?" Ryan groaned at the saddened realization that he still had to work.
"Computer, six to beam down to the surface on the saved coordinates." Jaret instructed as the other friends erupted into a fit of laughter. As the transporter started its cycle, the laughter dimmed and soon the bridge was silent save for a couple of beeps and blinking lights on the console. The lights automatically dimmed in response to the pre programmed instructions. How long will it be before the crew returns and resume another adventure that is lying in wait for them?