A/N: Alright guys, this will be my last fan fic for a while I think. I have to buckle down for school, writing research papers, reading novels, making graphic novels, finishing my AP portfolio, the whole shebang. Thanks for reading and sorry if this is a bit short. Enjoy.
Partner
Chapter 2
She would never get tired of the shocked and curious faces of various crew members as they docked for Montressor spaceport at the end of each voyage. Oftentimes, she traveled with a new crew each time, all usually knowledgeable of her rank and reputation, most respectful and non-intrusive. Though, some members thought she to be a predictable mystery, the figurehead for strong willed feminists everywhere, untapped beauty and prowess a byproduct of discipline and insane amounts of academy training she'd endured in her earlier years. They knew her to be witty, also thinking the habit to be a mask in which she hid her true self behind in order to keep from becoming too close to anyone, though she was a surprisingly personable captain.
These quiet conspirators were always the ones she paid the closest attention to when docking, purely for her own amusement. She could just picture their thoughts. Captain Amelia-strict, sarcastic, oftentimes mocking and extremely intimidating Captain Amelia-was striding down the ramp and onto the dock to be greeted by the cheery faces of four small children. She received them all with a motherly glee, getting down on one knee to embrace them all properly. Her husband nearby would always patiently wait for his turn, the seemingly scrawny, bookish type canid suddenly seen in a different light with the captain so willingly in his arms. Their connection was sometimes received well by strangers, the more intelligent of passersby able to see their strong love for each other and accept it. Not so intelligent persons often questioned such a pair, especially the men of upper rank, such as herself.
She knew Delbert handled the criticism well and with little thought, knowing that others' non educated opinions meant nothing. But he himself rarely encountered it first hand, his colleagues amazed that he'd even have a chance with her. But even after nine of marriage, four of those years with the children, she still couldn't quite believe she'd gotten so lucky.
It was a joy to see them after long journeys, even short ones, it no longer a surprise to her how much she missed her family in her absence. The pride she possessed for her little ones brought her joy she never wanted to live without, they forever a living testament of the love she shared with Delbert; their legacy. This joy would only grow, she realized, as they did. Years past and they all became quite clever, all with different interests and passions. She was honestly surprised when the shyest of them all, Amory, turned out to be the one to follow in her footsteps.
He was nearly sixteen at the time of his first voyage, too young, in his father's opinion.
"This is a routine mission, dear, we're not supposed to run into anything that might delay us." She said to her husband, trying to persuade him. When it came to parenting, neither pushed to be in complete control, both having learned early on that this kind of job required a team effort. So, even with matters such as this, when she so wanted to abuse her rank, rank had no relevance here.
"Not supposed to." The doctor retorted. "The universe is unpredictable, I don't trust it with my son, and at such a young age."
"So you don't trust me, either?" Amelia said, crossing her arms. "Delbert, if anything were to go wrong, you know I would protect him with my life."
Delbert sighed, the very thought of his wife and child in danger a very unnerving one. He'd gotten used to her frequent missions and to the possibilities of her in hostile situations. Before the children, he'd often gone with her, which helped, letting him feel somewhat more in control of fate by being there to witness anything first hand. But with the arrival of their four kittens and pup, he more than willingly volunteered as the "stay at home dad."
He sighed, contemplating his options, which were thin. Say yes, and your son will probably have a marvelous time, even if danger arose. Say no, and he'll ignore you until he's 18 when he can make his own decisions. When he looked back into Amelia's eyes, she saw just what was running through his mind. If I say yes, he'll grow up much too fast.
Amelia sighed, knowing his inner struggle, but not sharing it. She was much more accepting of the fact that their little angels were growing up and becoming the stars they were meant to be instead of staying the small, adorable cubs they were just years ago.
Before she could say another word, he nodded and spoke.
"He can go. Who am I to deny him? I yearned for adventure at his age, but I only knew the adventures that books could take me on. Amory, it runs in his blood." He gave Amelia a knowing smile. "From his mother, the fearless captain, galaxy renowned."
She smiled at this, thankful for his change of mind. She embraced him. "And from his father." She added, talking close to his ear. "The most courageous astrophysicist in the galaxy."
"Courageous?" He said. "I wouldn't say courageous."
"Don't be so modest." She retorted, meeting his eyes and lightly slapping his arm. "Flying the Legacy into a 'raging inferno' with no proper training to even steer a ship qualifies a title much more than simply 'courageous.'"
"Crazy, perhaps?"
...
With one last kiss, Delbert bid his captain farewell. They watched as the girls bid their only brother goodbye, straightening his jacket and hat, prepping him for a safe journey.
"You remember how to chart a course using the stars? It's the best way, I wouldn't trust maps if I were you." Leontyne advised, the star gazer of the four, the lone red haired feline. "If you're marooned on a hostile planet, the stars can guide you home, if you're lucky enough to get a ride, that is."
"Don't be morbid, Leon. He won't get lost." Alteria said, pushing her sister slightly. The blond swiped unseen dust from her brother's jacket, thinking him to be the most adorable thing she'd ever seen. "Amory will be fine, especially with mom."
"Come back in one piece, k?" Danica said, her black hair covering one eye.
Amory brushed her hair aside so that he could see both eyes. "I will." He felt a strong hand on his shoulder, then, looking up slightly to see his mother. She was still slightly taller than he, only about a few inches. Though she'd never feared him growing up, she did however dread the day that he stand taller than this.
As they strode up onto the Legacy, Amelia immediately went to snapped to work and started giving out orders force of habit. However, she was powerfully aware of her son, still in her slight grasp. It was if she was seeing through his eyes, but had no idea of his thoughts. She looked at him, he visibly quite content, a small smile gracing his canid features. He looked so much like his father, it made her heart swell, pride once again reigning over her emotions.
She sighed. "Come, Amory. You have much to learn." She placed her hand on the side of his face, ignoring her crew members, too caught up in her happiness. "We've got an adventure to lead. And I can tell, son, this will be the beginning of a glorious partnership."