Chapter 10
The Blockade
"It's a beautiful morning…well, beautiful if you don't mind being shipped off to a bloody battlefield."
"Ray, it won't be that bad," Alice argued.
"I don't know, Alice. We've battled pirates and Procyon admirals, but I don't think that means we're ready to fight in a war," he shook his head as they followed a large group of students down to the docks where the professors would point them toward their vessels.
"You did get the memo that we won't actually be fighting on the front lines, right?" Jim asked, walking on the other side of Alice.
"No, Jim, I had no idea – of course I did! How moronic do you think I am? I was standing right next to you when Professor Higgins gave the announcement! Sheesh," the dark skinned boy threw up his hands.
"Then why are you scared?" Jim smirked.
"I'm not scared. Who said anything about being scared?" Ray demanded as he tried to make himself look taller. "I'm just mad that I missed breakfast." It was then that Dalia came up behind them all, Josephine following at her side.
"Ray, none of us got breakfast," the green skinned girl grunted.
"Well they better have some powdered spheroids on the ship at least, or I'll start eating the sails."
Their friends all kept close to each other as they walked down to Lower Jacksonport Landing where they could see the naval ships sitting proudly at their piers. Jim couldn't help but admire the way the Empire's flags flapped in the breeze expressing nobility and courage, just as Principal Coleman had suggested and he was glad his ankle was near healed allowing him to walk with some normalcy to his step. Already students were heading up some of the gangplanks onto their respective ships while professors and captains tried to maintain order.
"Does anyone see the Legacy?" Jim asked, craning his neck to peer over other students' heads.
"There it is," Josephine pointed, taking the lead as they slipped through the crowd of students toward Captain Amelia's pride and joy. Some students were already lined up and preparing to board. Jim had recognized a few names when he had checked over the list back at the Academy, but most of them were kids Jim had never met before. He hoped it wouldn't cause too much dispute. He didn't want a replay of what had happened with Brian; he had been an alright guy until Rob had recruited him. Jim was grateful at least Robert and his cronies were all assigned to different ships, far away from his own, but even if Rob had been allocated to the RLS Legacy, Jim didn't suppose he'd attempt anything after Coleman's spiel. Especially since Captain Amelia would have his head.
As Jim's line shifted forward, he watched Josephine tell the professor standing at the foot of the gangplank her name. He checked his lists before nodding and allowing her forward. Next was Dalia.
"Hey, where's Doug?" Ray suddenly asked making Jim and Alice turn to look at him. "I mean, not that I care or anything. I just thought he shouldn't miss our ship."
"He's at the back of the line with Anne Marie," Alice pointed as Ray turned around, trying to get a better glimpse. Doug was, indeed, at the back of the line beside Anne Marie. Both of them were laughing, and were holding wings. Ray scowled and turned away.
"Figures," he muttered.
Jim gave his name to the professor next and watched the man check him off before he was allowed to board. He smiled as he reached the main deck, taking in all of the students chatting away amongst the few older crewmembers preparing for launch. Already Jim felt better than he had all year. The Academy was a lot of work, and sometimes it felt good to get off the ground, to fly again. He was just turning toward Alice heading up behind him when something cold and squishy slapped against his cheek making Jim take a step back.
"Wha -?" he began, unable to finish as his face was now being attacked by a small wet appendage. "Morph?" he laughed, finally managing to catch the shape shifter and pull him back. Morph wiggled out of Jim's fingers, panting and chirping, looking more cheerful than Jim thought he had ever seen him. "I know, Morph, I know," Jim laughed as the little protoplasm cuddled against his cheek, purring in delight. "I missed you too."
"Missed you! Missed you!" Morph squealed catching some other students by surprise.
"Alice is here too," Jim pointed out as Morph chirped while zooming around Alice's head, diving into her hair and rolling around on her shoulder causing the girl to laugh. Jim had to admit he really missed Morph when spending time at the Academy. The shape shifter had always been a loyal pet and friend.
"Whoa, what is that thing?"
Jim looked up in surprise to see another second year student approaching him. The young man had a reptilian body with green scales and a crocodile snout. His hands were shaped like claws and he would have looked menacing had it not been for his innocent question.
"This is Morph," Jim introduced.
"We're not supposed to have pets at the Academy," the boy pointed out.
"He didn't come with me from the Academy," Jim explained.
"Then where did he come from?" the boy questioned. Before Jim, or Alice, could answer that question a rather loud exclamation caught everyone's attentions.
"Jimmy!" Jim's eyes widened as B.E.N hit him head on, wrapping all of his limbs around Jim in a bone crushing hug and sending the boy to the deck.
"B.E.N –" Jim began as the robot rambled on about how excited he was to see his friend again, trying to fill Jim in on all of the details of what was going on, how he had been recruited again to be the navigator, and so on and so forth. "B.E.N!" Jim had to elevate his voice to talk over the robot.
"Yeah, Jimmy?" B.E.N asked.
"Get off me."
"Whoops! Okie doke, I'll help you right up here," B.E.N chuckled, looking embarrassed. He untangled himself from Jim and stood up, helping the boy to his feet while Jim dusted off his uniform. Jim gave the bot an exasperated look, unable to stay mad at him for too long. B.E.N didn't seem to notice, he was too busy greeting Alice as well as Dalia who had recently rejoined the couple after checking out the rest of the ship with Ray and Josephine.
"And who's that?" the reptilian boy snickered, nodding to B.E.N. Jim looked back at the boy and shook his head.
"As of right now, you don't want to be on his radar."
"Can't imagine why," the boy joked before holding out his hand. "I'm Rufus."
"I'm Jim," Jim replied, shaking the kid's hand.
"Yeah I know," Rufus said causing Jim to release an awkward laugh.
"I guess you know my whole backstory too, huh?" Jim rubbed his neck.
"Papers are overrated," Rufus shrugged, looking a tad sympathetic. It had been a while since Jim had been able to have such an easy conversation with someone. He had Bancroft T. Thatcher to thank for that.
"So, you got a last name or -?"
"Xavier Sarsaparilla," Rufus answered as Jim made a face.
"Wow, can I just call you Rufus?" he teased.
"That's alright." Jim smiled when he turned back to Alice and Dalia. Thankfully for Jim, B.E.N had been requested back up at the helm.
"Whoops, I better get back up there. See you in a bit, Jimmy, Ally," B.E.N waved and took off back toward the helm.
"Oh, Rufus, this is my girlfriend Alice, you've probably heard about her too," Jim explained as Alice stepped forward and shook hands with the boy.
"Nice to meet you," Alice greeted as Rufus did the same.
"And these are our friends Dalia and Josephine," Jim introduced.
"Who are you again?" Dalia asked, sizing the boy up. Rufus seemed taken aback.
"I'm Rufus," he responded. He looked a little intimidated as Dalia took his hand and gave it a firm shake.
"It's good to meet you," she smiled. Josephine preferred a more delicate greeting and was about to excuse her friend's brusque manners when Ray finally joined their group complaining that the professor had forgotten his name. When spotting Rufus, Raymond didn't hesitate to begin telling the boy all about himself beginning with his favorite opening line, "I'm a chick magnet". It was the exact same line he had used when he had first greeted Jim, and Jim had to roll his eyes.
"You look pretty short to be attracting girls," Rufus snickered making Jim and the rest of their friends try to stifle their laughter. Ray's mood darkened at once.
"You look a little slimy to attract anything at all," Ray spat back as he stormed away. Rufus shot Jim an apologetic expression.
"Don't worry, he's going through a rough time and has always been sort of sensitive about his height," Jim explained. Rufus relaxed and Jim made a mental note to talk to his friend about that later.
"Alright, gather round, Cadets!" Jim and the others watched as a sturdy man took up a position at the helm. He wore a bright red jacket with shiny gold buttons and medals pinned to his solid chest. He appeared to be human, with blonde hair tied neatly back in a ponytail, but his ears suggested otherwise. They were long slender things with pointed tips that flicked every which way as if he were trying to focus in on all of the chatter around him. Jim glanced at Alice as all of the cadets began to circle the helm.
"I thought Amelia was in charge here," Alice whispered in Jim's ear.
"I think Amelia found a new second officer," Jim replied, noticing the red of the man's uniform.
"Welcome aboard the RLS Legacy. As you are all aware this voyage is no longer a training exercise. While we are not proceeding to the frontier we will be aiding the home territories in any way possible. That does not mean that danger will not be prominent. As a ship of the Royal Navy we must always be prepared. My name is Camden Amherst and I am to be your second officer for the upcoming voyage," Amherst concluded. The cadets turned to each other, whispering about what they had just heard. "Without further ado, I'll present your Captain," Amherst added and stepped aside as Captain Amelia, in all her stature and pride, took her rightful place beside the wheel.
"Thank you, Mr. Amherst. I am Captain Amelia Doppler and I will be in charge of our missions to the home sector as Mr. Amherst here has just informed you. There will be rules aboard my vessel, and I expect all of you to follow up on orders quickly and concisely. You are cadets of the Intergalactic Terran Empire now, and this is war. Any slip-ups, however small, could result in damage to our vessel and in extreme cases it could cost you the lives of your crewmates."
A silence settled over the deck at her words. Jim, Alice, and their friends were well aware of the consequences of poor judgment aboard Amelia's ship. It seemed the other cadets were just then beginning to understand the seriousness of the situation.
"Each of you will be assigned to a group aboard the ship based on how well you have excelled in certain classes –"
"Within these groups one of the older crewmembers will be in charge of instructing you in how to complete your daily tasks," Amherst suddenly cut in. Jim and Alice looked surprised. When the captain was speaking the first mate held his or her tongue.
"Yes, that is correct, Mr. Amherst," Amelia bit out before continuing. "I will be assessing each of you –"
"As will I," Amherst interrupted once more. Amelia's eyes flashed, but she kept her irritation in check.
"– On how well you perform your duties. When we return to the Interstellar Academy, these merits may help you in rising to higher classes," she finished. Amelia looked about to begin another announcement when Amherst spoke in her stead, and this time it was not a simple phrase.
"We will be patrolling the home sector surrounding the Montressor Region. Our first location will be the twin islands of Alamein and Alzrand as we have cargo that must be delivered there to aid in the war," he explained. Amelia turned to her second officer with a dangerous expression.
"I am perfectly able to address my own crew, Mr. Amherst," she growled. Mr. Amherst gave her a look which Amelia returned.
"This is bad," Alice whispered in Jim's ear as the boy nodded. At last Amelia gestured for Amherst to begin dividing people into their areas of expertise. It was no surprise to Jim that he, Alice, and Doug ended up with the riggers. Alice paled at the thought of having to test her limits on heights, but Jim squeezed her hand and told her he would cover for her if there was ever a time she couldn't complete a duty. Anne Marie and the boy Rufus were moved into the group of ropers along with several other cadets. Their jobs included reeling in and releasing the sail lines as well as dropping the astral anchor when in port.
Ray, Dalia, and Josephine were placed in the Specialists category. Jim had to smirk when his dark skinned friend let out a whoop of delight upon hearing that he was to be aiding the mechanic below deck. Dalia was placed with the navigates and to help in the crow's nest as a lookout whenever possible while Josephine was under the charge of the gunners and the cadets that had artillery abilities. Once everyone had been assigned to their groups Amelia returned to the helm with Delbert at her side. Alice and Jim both laughed when the Doctor introduced himself as the astrophysicist aboard and slipped up on his words. The canine had never been one for addressing crowds.
It wasn't much longer after that when Mr. Amherst was giving the order to cast off. Jim, Alice, and Doug ran for the shrouds beginning to scale the rope ladders. Alice swallowed her fear. She could climb the shrouds to the first boom, but any higher than that made her uneasy. Thankfully she, Jim, and Doug were a few of the first to reach the lowest boom and seized that opportunity to claim their spots.
"So what do you think of Amherst?" Jim asked as he knelt beside Alice on the thick wood, his feet using some of the tightened ropes as a ledge.
"I really don't know," Alice swallowed, trying to keep her mind on her knots instead of the dizzying height below. "Captain Amelia didn't seem too pleased with him."
"He did cut her off a lot," Jim agreed. "And if I've learned one thing it's not to interrupt the captain."
"Arrow would never have done that," Alice said. "I don't know why Amherst is her second mate but just from that display earlier I don't think there's any good that will come out of it." Jim finished tying off his knot as the ship began to ascend.
"Come on, let's head back on deck before the gravity goes out," he replied as he called to Doug and together the three returned to the deck. Morph flitted about their heads as the sunlight caught the Arcturian solar crystals imbedded into the sails. The Legacy's design was as familiar to Jim as the Benbow by now, and he was used to every bump and bustle that occurred throughout the launching process. Once the ship rocketed into the depths of space the crew cheered on their first successful task.
"Finally," Ray groaned as he stretched and headed toward their group of friends. "As much as I like the boiler room, I miss just hanging around on deck. I think I'll catch some z's. We were up way earlier than normal this morning."
"What about the engines?" Dalia prodded. "They need checking up on."
"Yeah, yeah. Braxton has it covered down there. He said I could relax for now," Ray waved her away. Dalia snorted as Doug and Anne Marie joined the group of cadets for the first time that day.
"Hey, guys," Doug greeted. "Sorry we didn't see you that much earlier. I guess we just ended up at the back of the line."
"No problem," Jim shrugged when Ray made a loud coughing noise.
"I'll take that nap now," he muttered and hurried away before anyone could stop him. There was an uncomfortable silence that settled between the cadets. The dispute between Ray and Doug was really straining the group as a whole.
"Hi, Jim, Alice." Everyone turned around to see Rufus, he blushed when so many eyes fixed on him as Jim invited him forward.
"Doug, Anne Marie, this is Rufus. Rufus, this is Doug and Anne Marie," Jim introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Rufus greeted as Morph duplicated an image of Rufus on Jim's shoulder.
"It's nice to meet you too," Doug grinned, extending a wing.
"Cool, so can you…fly with these?" Rufus inquired, nodding to Doug and Anne Marie's feathered appendages.
"No, unfortunately not, we're more evolved," Doug explained.
"Oh, I see." The conversations dwindled after that as they split up and mingled with the other boys and girls they hadn't yet met. Jim, Alice and Rufus found a comfortable corner on deck where Jim took the opportunity to teach Alice more knot tying tricks and Rufus scanned the other groups of cadets.
"So, you know anyone on here, Rufus?" Jim inquired from his spot between some barrels as he and Alice sat on the hard wood of main deck. Rufus was silent for a long time as he stood, his arms crossed over his chest.
"No," he whispered.
"Cool, you can hang out with us," Alice smiled. Rufus gave her a curious look.
"How do you hang out?"
It was such an odd question and neither Jim nor Alice was prepared to answer. They weren't sure what the boy meant by that and were glad when he cleared his throat to change the subject.
"What species is Dalia?" he asked, spotting the green skinned girl fiddling with a compass by the bow with Josephine at her side.
"She's sort of a mixed breed. She comes from the swamp planet Zeno 13," Alice clarified.
"Really? I come from a swampy area too. It's only swampy by my home though, I've got a country house just south of Lower Jacksonport on Terebellum," he explained.
"Hey, you two have something in common then, maybe it will help you strike up a conversation next time you're around each other," Alice pointed out.
"Yeah, maybe," Rufus grinned when a voice called to Jim and Alice. The two teenagers scrambled to their feet to see Captain Amelia standing beneath the helm close by.
"I'd like a word with you two in my stateroom," she requested. Jim and Alice shared a look before bidding goodbye to Rufus. They were on their way toward the helm's steps, when Alice tripped over a stray pile of rope. Before Jim could catch her, she bumped into another boy close by.
"Watch where you're going," he snapped before blinking and straightening up. Alice was still apologizing when the boy – a tall human with stringy blonde hair that hung down around his ears – passed her a charming smile. "No problem, accidents happen," he shrugged. Jim cleared his throat, sliding between the two of them and reminding Alice they were meeting with the captain.
"Bye," Alice waved as she and Jim took to the stairs, entering Amelia's stateroom at last. The feline was sitting behind her desk, her fingers folded together in her lap while she and Delbert argued over the possible dangers that might occur on their way from Alamein and Alzrand.
"I'm saying it's quite possible that a solar storm could gather in this area due to the magnetic reconnection of the closest planet Creedence and its sun. The open space is the perfect place for a solar storm to hatch. It will be out of everyone's way," Delbert was explaining as he pointed to a spot on the star chart lying on Amelia's desk.
"It's in our way, Delbert. That's the only open route that leads away from Alamein and Alzrand toward our next destination," Amelia argued, her ears flattening against her head.
"Going around would save the ship."
"Going around would put us off course. Besides, you know the only other route is through the Broken Territories. I won't risk the lives of these cadets by traveling through 'pirate bay'," she spat.
"You wouldn't be saving anyone if we went through sector 3," Delbert threw up his hands.
"Doctor," Amelia began, her voice on edge. Jim cringed; one knew Amelia was mad when she called her husband by his title. "There is a very minimal chance that that solar storm will even occur. If it does not and I pave way through the Broken Territories then I will have ensured the destruction of my vessel before I have even left Alzrand's port. My course is set and I will not waver." Delbert was glaring at her before he grabbed his star charts, rolled them up and left the room in a huff, displeased with his wife's judgment. It was only when Delbert had gone did Amelia notice Jim and Alice still standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.
"Is everything alright, Captain?" Jim asked. Amelia stood from her desk.
"Close the door, Mr. Hawkins," she replied and Jim did as he was told. "I hope both of you are settling into your routines accordingly."
"Yes, ma'am," Alice responded.
"Good. Very well then, onto matters of business. Last week while I was preparing the Legacy for its voyage to Terebellum a most peculiar letter came into my possession." The captain held up a piece of parchment and began to read.
"Dear Captain Amelia. It has come to my attentions that on your previous voyage to discover the worth of the legendary Eternity Star you picked up a scoundrel from the alleged vessel the Wolf Rayet. This fiend was, as you know, escorted to the local prison yards by none other than yourself under the claim that he was the famous yet forgotten Captain Henry Blackwater Fletcher. As this was proven through certain claims, witnesses, and buried documents he was placed in a hold in the local prison Gemini Holding Centre. As such Fletcher, otherwise known as 'Jook' exhibited no violent behavior and as far as our documents go, his record has been clean for the past thirteen years.
"He was imprisoned for five months to be studied further and released on parole soon afterwards. To prove his ability to sustain himself, besides his obvious affinity for alcoholic beverages, he was given the chance to board a ship. Since you are one of the few captains that has dealt with him aboard, and because the Legacy was heading out to space again so soon, Jook was given a position aboard your vessel as a roper, one of the few categories on a ship he claims to be good at. You will find that everything has been legally handled and I expect to hear good results from you soon. Sincerely Sally Kurt, head of the department for Intergalactic Security."
When Amelia finished she lowered the letter and stared at Jim and Alice who were speechless.
"My thoughts exactly," she sighed, rubbing her temples. "He showed up in my stateroom with this letter the day I was to launch. I don't know what to make of all that is happening. First Bancroft T. Thatcher, then Jook, and now Amherst? I have a ship and crew to keep under order and a certain Procyon admiral to stop; I don't have time for all of these games. So…" she trailed off, straightening her uniform. "I'd like the two of you to keep an eye on Jook."
"You want us to make sure he stays out of trouble?" Jim clarified.
"But Captain, we didn't even see him during the launch. Where is he now?" Alice inquired.
"He's currently down in the bunk house, and yes, Mr. Hawkins, that is precisely what I am requesting of you," Amelia replied.
"But why us? Why not Amherst? He is your first mate," Jim pointed out. Amelia's thin brow furrowed.
"I don't trust Amherst. I'm learning quick that to survive during this war you have to keep your allies close."
"But he's your first mate, you should be able to trust him," Alice exclaimed.
"I should, but I don't. Amherst was assigned under my command, I did not choose him, yet so far he has demonstrated very little acceptance toward me and my authority," Amelia sighed before she shook her head. "Don't trifle yourselves over Amherst. I want you to stay focused on your roles as cadets and to make sure Jook stays in line. If he steps out of line I want to be informed immediately so that I might stop him from upsetting order aboard this vessel. I will not have a rerun of our escapade to Treasure Planet."
"Understood, ma'am, we'll keep an eye on Jook," Jim nodded. Amelia gave them both a small smile.
"You two are turning into fine cadets, I'm proud to have you aboard. You're dismissed, we'll be upon Alamein and Alzrand early tomorrow morning." Jim and Alice grinned in return and thanked her before leaving her stateroom and heading down to the bunk house. Most of the cadets were on deck, enjoying the relaxed Etherium atmosphere, so it was easy for Jim and Alice to slip below unnoticed. All of the students had already set their belongings in place, making sure to claim a bunk so there weren't many that remained. As Jim and Alice scanned the expanse of hammocks, all of them appeared to be vacant save for one large hammock near the very back corner.
"Jook," Alice whispered as the two cadets approached the snoring ex-pirate. He was just as they had remembered him with the scruffy appearance and scraggly gray beard. He was even coddling an empty rum bottle in his arms while he snoozed.
"Jook," Jim spoke up, grabbing the man's arm and giving it a shake. Before Jim or Alice could defend themselves, Jook had sprung from his makeshift bed, grabbing Jim around the throat and pushing him against the wall so the boy had the breath knocked out of him. Before he could gain it back, a lethal dagger came into contact with the soft flesh of his neck.
"Who are yeh to threaten ol' Jook?" the ex-pirate roared.
"Jook!" Alice shrieked, but Jim shook his head.
"Jook, it's us," Jim panted. "It's Jim. Jim Hawkins and Alice Perez." For a moment Jim was afraid the old man wouldn't recognize him, but moments later understanding shown in his eyes and he belted out a barking laugh.
"Yer the stooderntz!" he cried, dropping his knife and gathering Jim into a tight hug. "Boyo am I glad to see you!" Jim winced and coughed as Jook's grip cracked a part of his back.
"Alright, okay. Let go of me," Jim groaned as Jook finally let him go and Jim staggered, putting his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
"Ah, it's good ta see you again too, lil' lassie," Jook boomed, moving toward Alice to give her a similar form of greeting when Jim stepped between them.
"Whoa, alright, I think we're done with the hugs," he announced.
"Right-o, kid. So I heard yeh would be commin', I didn't suspect so soon –" Jook stopped midsentence to let out a rather horrendous belch. Alice wrinkled her nose and Jim clenched his teeth.
"Yeah, we're here, Jook. We heard about how you got here as well," Jim said.
"Ah, yeh, I thought I should get out an' test these ol' sail lines," he chuckled, slapping his belly which bounced in return. "What better way ta do it than wit' the kiddos who set me up on parole?"
"Actually –" Alice began when Jim stopped her.
"Jook, now that you're a part of this vessel, you're going to have to work. You know that, right?"
"Shoot, course I do, boy! I got plenty a hard work left in these bag o' bones," he released a wheezy laugh before suddenly sobering up. "But I ain't just here for the work. I got something a little bigger in mind."
"What do you mean?" Alice asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I mean one o' the reasons I wanted ta get back out there was to find me brother," he explained. Jim racked his brains to the last conversation he'd had with Jook about his brother.
"The one you lost? The one you thought was kidnapped by the Procyons in the first war?" Jim pressed.
"Aye, lad, tha' be the one. Jack Blackwater Fletcher," Jook nodded.
"Hang on, I thought you said he was dead."
"I thought he was dead, but yeh convinced me tha' he just might still be alive. By golly if he is, I'll find 'im. If he ain't…" At this Jook's expression became dangerous. "I will wreak so much havoc on them Procs they won't never touch this here universe again! Never!" Jook shouted, stomping his foot.
"We'll help you find your brother, Jook," Alice told him, placing a gentle hand on his arm.
"Yer good kiddos. I know I can trust yeh. Dancer…he was always rantin' and ravin' about who knew what. Never got me anywhere aboard dat vessel. Too busy int'rested in his plunder. Well I tell yeh one thin', there be no plunder in them skies we be travelin' toward." When Jook finished his speech, he scooped up his empty rum bottle and tipped it upside down. Screwing up his expression he turned and pushed the bottle into Alice's hands. "Meet me up on deck when yeh have more rum, wench," he hiccupped and drew in his belt before stomping up on deck.
"I can't tell if he's trying to be offensive or he's just out of his mind," she scowled, tossing the bottle aside.
"Probably both," Jim muttered as he took Alice's hand and they ascended toward the top deck. "I hope the cook has something to eat soon, I'm starving –" Jim's sentence was cut off as someone knocked shoulders with him while jogging down the stairs.
"Hey, sorry, man, oh…" the boy stopped. It was the same boy from earlier with the stringy blonde hair. Jim bristled when the cadet fixed his eyes on Alice and held out his hand. "My name's Ryan. I guess we keep bumping into each other, huh?"
"Hi, I'm Alice," Alice grinned, taking his hand to shake it when Ryan stopped her by bringing it up to his lips and planting a delicate kiss on the surface.
"Really?" Jim demanded, crossing his arms and stepping in front of Alice so the two were forced to break their connection.
"Really what?" the boy drawled, meeting Jim's eyes. Jim squinted at him long and hard before turning to Alice and leading her back up the steps away from Ryan.
"What was that?" Jim asked once the two stood in the sunlight.
"He greeted me by planting a kiss on my hand, Jim. Some people are just courteous that way," Alice laughed, placing her hands on her hips.
"I don't like him," Jim shook his head.
"You don't even know him!"
"I don't like him," Jim repeated. Alice rolled her eyes.
"Whatever, it's not like we have to see him that much anyway. Now come on, I think the cook has breakfast ready," she smiled, taking Jim's hand and lacing her fingers with his. Jim hoped Alice was right. Perhaps he was just being overprotective, but he didn't hesitate to step closer to Alice's side when Ryan reemerged from below deck, his eyes locking on Jim's.
The first day on the Legacy went much as expected. The cadets did their work and in their free time they developed games, told stories, or had friendly fencing spars (most of which Alice coordinated). They met a lot of new students and greeted old ones. It wasn't very different from any other day aboard any normal vessel.
But the Legacy wasn't just any vessel.
Jim started to believe that some of the students were avoiding direct conversation about the real reason they were aboard the ship. Every time he tried to casually mention it in conversation the other kids would give him brief uncomfortable looks before trying to talk about something else. Even some of the games they came up with seemed halfhearted. It was almost as if a dark solar cloud was hanging at the edge of the sky just out of sight. Jim found himself on the bow later that evening tying knots with old rope around his fingers. He hated thinking about what was to come and how it would play out. He was more at ease with his friends aboard, but it still worried him that there would come a time during their voyage when he might not be able to protect them.
Jim's throat constricted and his breathing cut short. For a fleeting moment he panicked about what might happen to the ones he loved. His tumultuous thoughts were cut short when Alice approached him from below, calling his name to get his attention. Jim's gaze snapped down to her smiling expression and he felt his worry heighten. He remembered what it felt like when Alice had left the ship to confront Leah. The fear had consumed him. She had been so close to death and Jim had not been able to save her.
"Come on down, Jim, you're missing dinner," Alice hollered as Jim slipped his rope in his pocket and jumped down in front of her.
"Yeah, okay," he let out a tired breath and headed past her to the galley. Alice's eyes narrowed when she noticed his hands in his pockets, his head hunched over. She grabbed his arm to pull him back.
"What's wrong, Jim?" she asked, making him face her. Jim caught her eyes and shrugged.
"It's just this whole…war thing. I hate to admit it, but it's not making me feel any better with you and the others on board," he sighed.
"What do you mean?" Alice frowned.
"I just mean what if something happens to you and I can't do anything to stop it?" Jim explained, feeling his shoulders slump.
"Jim, it'll be fine. Remember, we won't be fighting any Procyon vessels, we'll just be helping those in need by carrying around supplies," Alice chuckled, trying to lighten his mood. Jim gave her a sideways look.
"Do you really believe that?" he asked, his voice solemn as opposed to her hopeful attitude. "Just from what we've witnessed before, do you really believe there won't come a time when we're in danger?"
"No," Alice whispered after a moment's hesitation. "But, Jim, it's not your job to protect all of us. We'll be perfectly alright. We've made it this far, haven't we?" She gave him a weak smile. "We'll be okay. Let's not worry about this now. Everyone's having a good time in the galley and Morph and B.E.N were wondering where you were. I told them I'd go find you."
"Yeah, yeah, you're right," Jim muttered as she pressed a hand to his back and led him to the galley. Jim tried, in vain, to expel the anxieties rolling around in his head and he was grateful for the lively distractions of the rest of the crew. The warmth of the galley's atmosphere made him feel a lot better especially when he had food in his stomach. Morph snuck some crackers off of his plate and B.E.N, being the ever helpful waiter, served drinks to the cadets at their tables.
"Hey, Jim. Hey, Alice," Rufus greeted as he took up a seat across from them beside Josephine and Dalia.
"Hi, Rufus," Alice welcomed as the others also said hello.
"I heard one of the older crewmembers brought along a few instruments. He's going to try and play some tonight," the reptilian announced.
"Count me in," Ray leaned forward from his seat beside Jim. "I love a good dance!" Morph chirruped and formed an image of Ray in a tutu spinning around. The dark skinned boy was not as amused by that interpretation as the others.
"Ray, pink is definitely your color," Dalia smirked.
"Hey, shut it," Ray stuck out his lower lip while crossing his arms. Dalia then turned to Rufus with a small smile.
"So, Ru, I heard you came from a swampy area South of Terebellum," she started. Rufus looked embarrassed.
"Did Alice tell you that?"
"Yeah, I think it's cool because I'm from Planet Zeno 13, almost half of that planet is swamp land. I'm used to dirt and grit. I just thought it was kind of interesting we had something in common. Most people look at me weird when I tell them that," Dalia shrugged.
"Same here!" Rufus exploded. "It's really irritating, it's like they think I'm going to start spitting swamp water at them or something. I'd just like everyone to know I have personal hygiene," he grumbled. Dalia laughed.
"Exactly, we should form some sort of campaign. 'Those Not Opposed to Swamps'," she highlighted. Jim looked at Alice and both of them shared a secretive grin.
"They seem to be hitting it off well," Alice muttered.
"Can we please talk about something else over dinner?" Josephine complained looking outright grossed out by their conversation.
"You against swamp people, Josephine?" Dalia teased, giving her an elbow nudge.
"I'm against talking about it while I'm eating," she wrinkled her nose before turning to Ray. "When's that dance going to happen?"
"Dancing?" B.E.N exclaimed, overhearing their conversation. "I love dancing! Jim, Ally, I've been practicing my moves since last time." Alice wore an amused expression while Jim looked a little worried as B.E.N stepped back between the rows of tables and motioned for Morph to help. The little shape shifter morphed into a tiny replica of dancing B.E.N before the two of them began spinning around, moving their limbs in a very robot-esque manner. Alice noticed something over B.E.N's shoulder and she gasped.
"B.E.N, look out!" But it was too late, B.E.N didn't see the mop and bucket set off to the side and ended up tripping over the cleaning materials, landing on his rear as the bucket got stuck on his foot, the mop handle clattering against his head. The robot rubbed his metal cranium, making sure no wires or things had fallen out before he tried to stand once more.
"Sorry, I'll clean that up right away," he assured them, grabbing the mop and swirling the water around the floor all the while wearing a sheepish grin. Jim and most other cadets in the galley watched him try to unsuccessfully kick the bucket off his foot. Meanwhile Morph had also turned into a little mop and was attempting to aid his uncoordinated copper friend in cleaning up the mess.
"I'll help them out," Alice shook her head as she got to her feet and pulled the bucket off of B.E.N's foot. She then headed to the back of the galley to grab a rag.
"Well that went well," Jim grunted, taking a sip of his drink.
"I can see what your mom has to put up with now," Ray laughed, slapping Jim's back.
"B.E.N can be helpful when he's not making a mess," Jim answered. The galley returned to its normal noisy state for a short time before down the stairs thumped Jook. The spacer looked more sober than Jim could ever recall seeing him, even if his eyes were still bloodshot from years of alcoholic consumption. When the man's stare locked on Jim he lumbered to his side, taking up Alice's seat next to Jim.
"Ah, laddie, I've never felt more clear minded in my life," he let out a wheezy laugh, ruffling Jim's hair as the young cadet made a face.
"That's good, Jook," Jim struggled to reply as the ex-pirate start eating the remainder of Alice's food. Josephine, Ray, Dalia, and Rufus all looked rather disgusted and leaned back because of the man's close proximity.
"Say where's tha' pretty girl o' yours, Hawkins," Jook grunted through a mouthful of the meal.
"Right behind you," Alice glared, tapping her foot. "Jook, that was my dinner!" Jook laughed at her expression.
"Well it's mine now, ain't it?" he taunted. Alice rolled her eyes and threw down the rag she was using.
"Forget it, I'll head to bed early!" Before Jim could call her back, she had turned around and bumped right into the blonde haired cadet from earlier. Jim racked his brain for the name when it came to him at last. Ryan.
"I can get you another plate if you'd like, Alice," he smiled. Alice looked a little surprised to see him so quick to help her.
"That'd be great, Ryan, thank you," she replied, putting a hand on her chest. Jim did not at all enjoy the way the boy's eyes were wandering up and down her figure and before he could stop himself he was out of his seat and standing between the two of them.
"I'll get it for you, Alice."
"Jim, it's alright, Ryan has it covered," Alice chuckled, touching his shoulder.
"Yeah, Jim, I can handle a plate of food," Ryan snorted, giving Jim a defiant stare. Jim matched his gaze.
"I'm sure you can, but seeing as I'm her boyfriend –" Jim emphasized the word 'boyfriend' "– I should get it for her instead."
"Whatever," Ryan shrugged and turned to sit back down at a table close to where Anne Marie and Doug were sitting alone. Alice stopped Jim before he went to find her another plate. Jim glanced at her and she gave him a look that suggested she wanted to know what had just transpired.
"Jim, he only offered to get me another plate," she pointed out.
"Well, now I'm getting you another plate. Besides, I know what you're favorite foods are," Jim said. Alice gave him an exasperated smile before she let him go. As Jim talked to the cook about fixing an extra plate, he could hear Jook belching loudly behind him while the chatter of the galley became a background buzz. As Jim turned around to head back to their table and pass Alice her new plate of food, he stopped short. Ryan was, once again, by her side laughing with her, talking about who knew what. Jim frowned, about to approach them when one of the older crewmembers stepped up with his string instrument just as Rufus had mentioned earlier.
"Alright, everybody, I've had a few requests to play some songs tonight for all of you. Feel free to dance or sing along, but don't make too much of a mess, alright?" he winked as the rest of the spacers cheered and the song began to mount. Jim was caught in a flurry of cadets all beginning to clap or dance to the music. He spotted B.E.N and Morph once again trying out their 'moves' and Jim was relieved to see that they weren't making any more messes.
When he finally made it back to his table of friends with Alice's plate of dinner he noticed Rufus and Dalia were gone.
"They're dancing," Ray said, glaring into his drink. Jim glanced up to see that the two were taking part in the animated dance and he had to laugh. Rufus looked a little shy, but seemed to be getting into it. "So are Anne Marie and Doug." Jim also saw the couple spinning around, enjoying the warm atmosphere. Jim took a seat next to Ray with Josephine fixing her hair across from them.
"Ray, you need to let this go –"
"How can I, Jim?" Ray snapped. "He's obviously found a better friend."
"You're a complete moron, Raymond Peters," Josephine spoke up. "First of all, he's infatuated with her, he still needs you as a friend. Stop being such a stubborn mule!"
"Okay, well, I thought Jim would understand. His girlfriend's dancing away with another guy already," Ray jerked his thumb over his shoulder.
"What?" Jim's head snapped up as he spotted Alice and Ryan laughing and spinning around. He had momentarily forgotten about the two of them and he wasted no time in getting to his feet to interrupt their partnership. He had no trouble with Alice making friends with other boys. Alice had made friends with lots of other boys at the Academy, but there was something about Ryan that made Jim uncomfortable and he could not condone Ryan's piercing gaze when the boy looked at her.
"Mind if I cut in?" Jim asked as he walked up beside them.
"Jim, come on join us. We're having a competition to see who can dance better," Alice laughed, tapping and stomping her feet. "I'm winning."
"No way," Ryan joked. "I'm obviously better."
"I've danced a street dance before with Jim," Alice taunted. Jim couldn't contain his smug feeling when Ryan's face darkened.
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah, it was great," Jim added, wrapping an arm around Alice's waist. "And it's my turn to beat her." Jim was pleased when Ryan sulked off once more while Jim took the lead in spinning Alice around, holding her hands as they moved between the other cadets. He twirled her out before bringing her back in so her back was against his chest. At that time the music began to pick up and they linked arms before following the other cadets' examples and dancing down the aisle between the galley's tables. Jim couldn't stop his laughter as Alice cheered and held his hand. The two teenagers enjoyed their close proximity and were pleased to see others joining in. Jook was tapping his foot and humming. Meanwhile Ray had asked Josephine to dance and although the two were rather awkward in each other's presences, Ray seemed to be having a blast teaching Josephine some forms of dance from his home town.
By the time the music came to a close the whole galley was in an uproar as people clapped and whistled. It was hot from all of the moving bodies, but not unbearable. Alice's hands were still on Jim's shoulders. The boy noticed Ryan staring at them from across the room and he made a show of pressing an innocent kiss upon Alice's lips. When he pulled back Ryan seemed to have gone.
"Jim, that was great, we haven't danced like that since…well since the Benbow reopened," Alice exclaimed as Jim led her back to their table of friends all trying to talk over each other. Morph came to rest on Jim's shoulder while B.E.N began helping clear away dinner plates.
"I know, that was fantastic," Jim agreed as he tried to catch his breath. "Better than what Ryan could do, eh?"
"Why are you so against Ryan?" Alice frowned. "He's only ever been polite to me and you're not the controlling type of boyfriend, Jim, otherwise you'd never let me talk to any boys."
"There's just something about him…" Jim replied. "I can't explain it."
"Well, I don't have a problem with him and neither should you. I think I'll head to bed now, it's late and I'm tired. I'll see you in the morning," Alice huffed, heading up the stairs and out of the galley when Jim followed her.
"Alice, I'm not trying to judge him," he argued. "It's just that I don't trust him."
"Why? He hasn't done anything wrong," Alice bit out as they now stood in the silence of the main deck. Morph had followed Jim up the stairs hoping to cuddle in the boy's hammock that night. Jim wanted to say that Ryan had looked at her in a way that Jim did not approve of, but he knew that that wasn't enough evidence for Alice who was determined to find the best in everyone.
"It's just a gut feeling," Jim finally answered.
"Well it's a stupid gut feeling. I'm going to bed, I'll see you tomorrow morning for when we arrive at Alamein," she grumbled and walked off to the bunk house for the remainder of the night. Jim let out a silent breath of defeat. Maybe he was overthinking it. Alice was right, Ryan hadn't done anything wrong yet besides looking at her, but maybe he looked at everyone that way. Jim doubted it, but there was nothing he could really call the boy out on. Instead Jim looked at Morph resting on his shoulder. The shape shifter let out a sympathetic coo as Jim tickled him with his index finger and decided to turn in himself.
Most of Jim's other classmates and crewmembers were already asleep as Jim got comfortable. Morph dozed off immediately, burrowing into the crevice of Jim's neck, but Jim lay awake for a while contemplating the rest of the day. He was still awake when Ryan came down the stairs later that evening, his stringy blonde hair pushed back. And although Jim wanted to believe that Ryan was a good person, he couldn't help but stiffen when the boy stopped next to Alice's hammock before continuing on to his own.
"Jim!"
"Whoa – what the -? Rufus?" Jim stammered, trying not to drop his purp as he left the galley after an early breakfast the next morning. He had been coming up the stairs when Rufus' exclamation had caught him by surprise.
"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you," Rufus let out an embarrassed laugh. "I just wanted to tell you we'll be coming upon Alamein in about twenty minutes. The Captain wanted all hands on deck."
"Alright, but we have a little time to spare, don't we?" Jim smiled, biting into his purp.
"Yeah, have you been watching the scenery? The floating islands around here are beautiful," Rufus replied, gesturing to the small islands they passed on their way to the two prime ports of Alamein and Alzrand. Jim walked to the rail with Rufus and the two watched the floating majesties as they passed. Jim saw a few insignificant homes scattered about with an old fishing vessel or two tied up at the small docks extending off of the island clumps. They were peaceful against the deep blues and reds of the Etherium stars.
"Whoa, look at that," Rufus gasped, pointing ahead. Jim blinked, taken by surprise. He'd studied the fishing industry of Alamein and Alzrand in one of his history classes at the Academy, but he'd never seen the lifestyle up close.
The shiny silver blues of the fish reflected the starlight as they flew about the sky in schools, keeping together to avoid danger. They'd occasionally nip and feed on some excess vegetation that had fallen off of the landmasses. What Jim found peculiar was the way they floated only about the ship's underbelly, no higher. Jim supposed it had something to do with the gravity field. If they tried to fly across the deck they'd be trapped, unable to float back to safety.
"I think they're called Moonfish," Jim said, watching one tear off and devour an astro barnacle stuck to the Legacy's hull.
"I can see why these islands are economically sound," Rufus commented. "Just look at how many fish there are!" Jim had to agree when a shriek of laughter made him turn around. His eyes honed in on Alice and Ryan both leaning over the rail trying to catch some of the many fish that came close enough to nibble their fingers and check if they were food. Jim let out a hot breath and hardly acknowledged Dalia when she said hello.
"I'll be right back," Jim muttered, leaving her and Rufus alone.
"Watch your hand," Ryan was saying, taking Alice's hand in his own when Jim joined them.
"So, what's going on over here?" he asked, plastering on a fake smile and wrapping his arm around Alice's shoulder.
"Jim, put your hand out, try to touch one," Alice ordered. Jim shrugged but did as he was told, reaching his hand down as one brushed up against his fingers.
"Ugh, they're slimy," Jim complained, snatching his hand back.
"Can't handle a little slime?" Ryan asked, quirking an eyebrow at Jim.
"It just took me by surprise," Jim narrowed his eyes. Alice looked between the two of them suspiciously before attempting to break the ice.
"Well, they are fish. They need to be sleek to maneuver so well," she pointed out.
"I just thought it was kind of funny how Jim got so scared," Ryan mocked. Jim shot the boy a daring expression.
"Well I think it's funny you're trying to hit on my girlfriend, when obviously she has no interest in you," he spat back before he could stop himself.
"Jim," Alice snapped, turning around to give him a shocked and disapproving look. "He's not hitting on me!" Jim's response was to press his lips together as Alice looked back at Ryan. "I'm so sorry about that, Ryan. Jim's just being stupid."
"No, it's no problem. Look, man, I'm sorry I joked around with your girlfriend. I get it now, you're the possessive type. I'll back off," Ryan held up his hands.
"Ryan, he's not normally like that –" Alice tried again when Ryan brushed her off and walked toward another group of cadets to hang out with. Alice whirled around to glare at Jim.
"Jim, what is your problem? He did nothing wrong, you're acting ridiculous!"
"Oh, I'm acting ridiculous?" Jim snorted. "Who was trying to hold your hand?"
"Stars above, are you serious right now?" Alice threw up her hands. "You really think he was hitting on me?"
"Yeah, I do, because you don't see what I see, Alice!" Jim raised his voice.
"No, Jim, I don't see what you see because what you see doesn't exist," she yelled. "And if you're going to keep trying to shelter me like some breakable piece of chinaware then I don't want to be around you!"
Jim watched as Alice spun on her heel to go meet up with Rufus and Dalia. He didn't want to let the argument go, but Amherst stepped up to the helm and began barking orders. He proclaimed that they were coming up upon Alamein and they needed to prepare to dock. Raymond came to Jim's side then as they watched the massive island appear, the bustling town growing larger the closer they got.
"What's that?" Ray asked, pointing to the string of ships surrounding the Alameinian fishing grounds.
"Probably just some fishing vessels," Jim shrugged, but as they drew nearer there appeared to be more of the little vessels than fish. He frowned, glancing up at the helm to see Amelia with her spyglass scoping out the same area.
"Ahead slow," she ordered Amherst who relayed the command to the engineer below deck.
"It's almost like the fishing vessels are blocking off passage," Jim rubbed his chin as he squinted to get a better look. While the RLS Legacy closed in, it appeared as if the fishing vessels were doing exactly that. They were too evenly spaced apart for it to be a coincidence, but what had Jim's attention was the fact that they had their nets cast. They were fishing while they stood guard, but stood guard over what?
"They're not moving," Ray frowned. "The Captain should tell Braxton to cut the power below; it's going to take a while for this vessel to slow down based on the mass and the amount of cargo."
As if she had heard his suggestion, Amelia ordered the engines into a full stop. The Legacy came to a slow rest just close enough to the fishing vessels to see the men and women on board. Jim and Raymond both watched as Amelia stepped up onto one of the observation towers, hanging off the side of the helm, so as to hail the citizens of Alamein.
"Attention Alamein fishing vessels! I am Captain Amelia of the RLS Legacy, and I demand that you disperse this blockade immediately in the name of the Navy!" For a long time the men and women on the ships pretended not to hear as they continued to reel in their nets of Moonfish. At last an amphibian-like alien stepped forward. His voice was rough and deep just like the rest of his body from years of hauling nets.
"My name is Captain Rozen and as of this moment Alamein and all of its territory is under our control!"
A/N: NOOOOO! I can't believe I missed the cut off! I was trying to upload this before midnight so it would technically be uploaded at the beginning of this week, but this chapter took me forever to write and at least an hour and a half to edit and I still feel like it SUCKED!
Ugh...
I tried so hard, but the truth is the inspiration was not coming for this chapter. I had to force it out of me which is never good so that's why I'm worried I didn't capture any of the characters very well. I wrote the first half of this chapter about two months ago and didn't get around to finishing it until now. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO WRITE THIS STORY!?
Ahem, I'm really, really tired right now. I need to go to bed because I gotta work 7 hours tomorrow, but of course I'm staying up late just to write this obnoxiously long author's note for all of you to enjoy. Okay, so let's get down to business. Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla is the name from the School House Rock video. In my first version of this story I named Rufus that to pay homage to those good ol' School House Rock shows. I decided to keep Rufus' character in the new rewritten version of these stories just for fun. You're going to learn a bit more about his background in upcoming chapters which was foreshadowed in this chapter when he said, "How do you hang out?"
Moving on. Amherst is another dude that I created as a minor background character who wasn't going to play much of a part, well, I guess that just sort of changed in this chapter. He is a second officer who does not respect Amelia's authority which can cause a pretty big rift aboard a galleon and it will cause a rift. More on that later.
Ryan. Now, Ryan was also a sort of background filler character in the original stories. I won't tell you what part he played in the older versions for it will spoil the new version, but I'm sure you can all already guess what's happening here. Jim's being a little jealous rat. So look out for more tension there coming up as well.
Now Jook's brother. Do all of you remember that part in The Eternity Star where he mentions having a brother? Probably not because it took me so FREAKING LONG to upload this chapter (I have a thing for the caps lock button tonight...). That's okay, here's a little refresher: Basically Jook lost his brother in the first Procyon war and now he's hoping he might find him again in the second war. (If you want to read more, the chapter that has more information is Trial and Error for The Eternity Star).
And one more base I need to cover is Delbert's rant on the solar storm. That's foreshadowing something. Keep your eyes peeled when you read my stories. Everything has a purpose! Every word has a reason for being there! (Except awkward adverb use...those guys you can throw out).
Anyway, sorry for the three month long wait, thank you for being awesome supporters, I apologize if all of you have completely forgotten what's happening. I encourage you to go back and reread what's going on if you'd like to stay caught up or just for fun. Whatever works for you. Please enjoy, leave a comment/review/add to your favorites, etc. And I apologize for sucky writing and/or character development in this chapter.
Special thanks goes to: PartofYourWorld-ArielMermaid, lazyX1000, Knight of Wings (for faving the Eternity Star), sixandfour, supersmach, coolmccool5 (for faving The Eternity Star), and Thassir (for following A New Beginning)!
Just thank you all for being so wonderful and supporting me! I'm trying this new thing where, when I thank people and I specifically thank you for something in parentheses that just means that they're doing those things to my other stories, and I just want to incorporate them into this message in case they ever start reading this story and see that I do get notifications when they're interested in my stories and that I sincerely appreciate them. I especially appreciate those of you reading this story right now. It means so much to me!