Disclaimer: I do own Treasure Planet

The Ship's Launch

For Buzooka Zooka

Cassandra ran out to the side of the ship to look out into the distance. There wasn't much to see other than what she could see from the dock but she saw something which resembled flying whales however she wouldn't be getting a better look at them until the ship had launched off again. She was about to climb up on the ropes but she heard a voice from behind her.

"I'd love to see you attempt climbing those in a dress." She looked over her shoulder to see Helen with her arms folded and a smirk on her face. Cassandra hurriedly jumped off and brushed her skirts. Helen narrowed her eyes. "Did you tell him you wanted to be a Space Captain or did you try to make it obvious for him?"

Cassandra shook her head. "No. I didn't really think about it really until recently. I even think he probably knew what I wanted to do before I did."

"I knew when I met you." Helen replied gently. "I knew you weren't going to be confined in corsets and housework for the rest of your life. You're too restless."

"And you're too studious." Cassandra accused mockingly, prodding her in the chest. "Hey did you get into the Medical Academy?"

"I haven't got the results back yet." Helen replied grimly. "They won't be there until after we come back."

Cassandra slapped her on the back. "You'll be fine. You studied like crazy."

Helen sighed. "I hope so. I hope your father still okay with paying for the..."

"Helen you of all people should know its okay by him."

"But your brother." Helen pressed, making Cassandra's expression go from hopeful to grim.

When George first met his new sister he welcomed her into the family with open arms and all the more when he discovered that she was the reason that Cassandra's once bright and happy demeanour had once again been restored. Fredrick on the other hand greeted her with the same indifference and coldness as he did to any other servant. Fredrick probably saw her as a money-hunger street brat which needed to be thrown out the doors. When the rest of the household welcomed her he stood alone in his opinions which made him hate Helen even more. Cassandra had always been a pleasing presence to him since her adventurous spirit had sobered. But since it had been restored she began to stand up to him, confronting about his feelings about Helen, which displeased him even more. He acted like he was the King of the castle when their fathers bed was still warm.

She shook her head. "Do not think of that. Father would never take his side of those sort of affairs. I don't think my father thinks much of Fredrick to be frank."

"But he is his son. His heir."

Cassandra nodded. "Yes, also one who is a pompous, arrogant fool who only values aristocracy, money and status. Its disgusting that he's his fathers son. I think he'll hate it even more that he's found a favourite above him." Nodding towards the first mate who had stepped on board.

Helen eyed her suspiciously. "It seems he's not the only one."

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what I am talking about." Helen teased. "You've had your eye on his since he stepped through the door."

"Don't be ridiculous. The only reason why I expressed an interest in him is because I met him before which we both recalled just today. Sorry about that by the way, we were just-"

"Deep in conversation." Helen breathlessly finished. Cassandra tilted her head and gave her look.

Helen laughed as a siren went off to warn the passengers and crew members that they were taking off.

"I'm going to my room. Are you coming?"

Cassandra shook her head. Helen shook her head and turned round to walk back to her room. Captain Richardson passed her by.

Just as the ship was about to launch off Cassandra felt her feet rise above the ground slightly fearing that she might be floating off into space she reached out to grab something only to have some wrap his strong arm around her shoulders to hold her in place. When she looked up she brushed her cheek against his medals and the rough material his jacket was made out of. She didn't care who is was, considering that it was a commanding officer and not a mere ship mate and clung onto him. She found the sensation of flying a little bit exhilarating however the thought of floating out into space was something she wasn't eager to discover the reality of. Her feet finally returned to the ground however the man still hadn't removed his arm from around her waist. She looked to find her fathers first mate looking down at her with a smirk on her face.

"Afternoon, Miss Richardson." He chuckled.

"I'm sure you find this amusing, Mr Hawkins." She replied, slightly embarrassed.

"I do."

"Well, if you would could you please-"

"Um, I would brace yourself if I was you." He warned, still with the smirk plastered on his face. She narrowed his eyes.

"For what?"

He looked out to the destination and put his hat on. "We're about to launch."

She frowned wondering by what he meant by that until she felt the force surging the ship forward which almost threatened to knock her over if she was holding onto Hawkins. Shooting her into the open sky and into the far and beyond.