Date: Thu, 06 May 2004 17:32:25 +0000 From: Douglas DD DD Subject: The Boys of Lady Lex Chapter 1 Greetings, Dear Reader. Ben and I have both written stories for Nifty, and indirectly we met online because of that. One day, while chatting we decided to try writing a story for our friends, using our friends as characters. Needless to say, our chat buddies were interested, so we went to work on The Boys of Lady Rex. Not all of the characters are based on people we know. The villains are pretty much independant creations. The cast of characters is large, and requires a spreadsheet for the two of us, but we've tried to keep the major characters manageable, yet throw in some interesting side stories. For the most part, Ben has been writing the odd numbered chapters, and I have the even numbered ones. The first chapter is based on a story Ben had outlined earlier, but of course by the second chapter I managed to twist that outline. While Ben and I started out doing each chapter independently, which was how we planned to do it, we soon found ourselves communicating our ideas more and more. So while the writing of every other chapter has so far remained the same, the ideas we come up with are quite intermixed. We hope you enjoy our little experiment. We certainly are having fun writing it. If you have any comments you can contact Ben or Douglas at TheHakaanen@hotmail.com This story contains sex between consensual minors. If it offends you or you're under 18 please don't read it. This story is copyrighted by the authors, and any use of all or part requires the permission of the authors. The Boys of Lady Lex Written by: Douglas DD and Benjamin TC Prologue "Are you done yet?" asked an impatient Jesse Hatcher. "Hold still, just have to put the finishing touches on it," said his mother, Linda Hatcher. She took a pair of wire rim spectacles and placed them on Jesse's cute button nose. Jesse ran to the full length mirror and admired himself in it. "This is so cool." Jesse ran his fingers through the shoulder length gray wig. He then patted himself on the cushion in his shirt that gave him a little belly. He then deepened his voice and spoke some of his lines. "Never was such a valuable possession so stupidly and recklessly managed than this entire continent by the British Crown. Our industry discouraged, our recourses pillaged-and, worst of all, our very character stifled. We've spawned a new race here-rougher, simpler, more violent, more enterprising, and less refined. We're a new nationality, Mr. Dickinson-we require a new nation." "Bravo, Bravo," applauded Linda. "You're gonna make one terrific Dr. Benjamin Franklin. "You and dad are going to watch me march in the pentacentennial parade tomorrow afternoon and then see me in the recreation of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, right?" "I won't miss it for the world," assured Linda. Jesse's tone dropped. "What about dad?" "He leaves the day after tomorrow to go on a very important mission." She noticed some remorse started to form on Jesse's face. "But I bet he will be there." "Mom, why doesn't dad like me?" Linda's heart sank. She escorted her son over to his bed and sad down on it and turned herself around so she looked eye to eye with her youngest son. "Jesse, your father loves you very much. He would do anything to protect you." "Whenever Mark has a hockey game or anything, dad is always there. But he hasn't yet shown up for any of the plays I was in. Dad likes Mark better then me." "Jesse, it's not that your dad likes your brother anymore then he likes you. Both of you mean the world to him. It's just that Mark and your dad share the same interest." "Linda, do you know where my dress uniform is?" asked Captain Steve Hatcher as he came into Jesse's room. "It's at the cleaners. I was going to pick up today." "Okay," Captain Hatcher turned to exit the room. "Steve, what do you think of Jesse's costume?" "It's nice," said Captain Hatcher without looking back and leaving the room. "See what I mean? He made a bigger deal over Mark's hockey uniform then he did my costume." "Look Jesse. You're father has his faults. There is no doubt on that. He'd much rather go to a hockey game then go see a play. But believe me when I tell you that he loves you very very much." "Whatever." Jesse got up and went into the bathroom. He stared at the mirror and watched tears go down his cheeks. He just wished his father was as proud of him as he was of Mark. ***** July 4, 2276 had arrived. The Hatcher household was busy getting ready for the big celebration. Linda was busy helping Jesse get into his costume. The eldest Hatcher child, Tina, was going frantic because she couldn't find the pair of shoes she wanted to wear. Captain Hatcher had finished packing for his trip and was now drinking his morning caffeine and reading the Chicago Tribune. He lowers the newspaper as he heard the doorbell ring. Steve got up and went to see who was at the door. "Is this the Hatcher residence?" asked a young man in a Sol Force Alliance Uniform. "Yes it is. I'm Captain Steve Hatcher. May I help you?" "I am Lieutenant Sam Boyle one of the assistants to the Administration Officer of the Junior Sol Force Alliance Academy. I am here to see Mark Hatcher." "Yes, Yes, come in." said Captain Hatcher who was new what the news was going to be. "Mark!!!" "May I get you some coffee or anything?" "No thank you, Sir. I have many other people I need to see. We are behind schedule, which is why I am working on a holiday." "You know what they say. There is no such thing as a day off in Sol Force Alliance." "Yes Dad?" asked the 14 year old Mark Hatcher. He had brown hair and brown eyes and he was well built for a 14 year old. "Mark Hatcher?" asked Lieutenant Boyle. "Yes, that's me." "I understand you play hockey." "Yes, I do." "What position?" "Center, just like my dad." "I understand you are really good." "My dad taught me everything I know. And my dad is the best!!!" "That's what I heard. Mark, as you know Sol Force Alliance has junior academy ships through our solar system. Saturn Alfa Five, which is our large science space station out by the planet Saturn, has the JSFA Spirit. Mars Colony has the JSFA Oriskanee. The moon colony has the JSFA Monitor and Earth has JSFA Gettysburg and JSFA Port Royal. But what I am about to offer you is very special." "You mean I got accepted to the Port Royal or Gettysburg?" said Mark who was having a hard time hiding his excitement. By this time Linda, Jesse and Tina had all come into the living room to see what the visitor had to say. "No Mark. You see on September first, the Sol Force Alliance will commission a new Junior Academy Starship. She will be attached to Earth like the Gettysburg and Port Royal, but unlike the others, she is the first class of her kind and she has the latest and greatest in technology. Mark Hatcher, I am happy to announce that you have been accepted to become a cadet on Sol Force Alliance's newest Junior Academy Ship. The JSFA Orion." Everyone broke out in cheers and congratulations. Everyone but Jesse. He just kind of sank and hid in the background. This was just one more thing that would cause his father to like Mark better then him. After the excitement settled down and Lieutenant Boyle left Steve turned to Mark. "Mark, I am so proud of you. I know it's a holiday, but the junior academy uniform shop is open until one today. We have time to go get your uniform." "What about the parade and my play dad?" asked Jesse. "We will be back in time for it Jesse. Now I want to take my son the cadet to go get his uniform before I head out tomorrow." Jesse fought back the tears as he watched his father put his arm around Mark and they left the house to go get the uniform. ***** "Mom, look at my uniform, isn't great?" said Mark out of breath as he ran through the door and showed his mom his new uniform. "Aren't you one handsome cadet." "I'm gonna go next door and show Dennis." Mark then ran out the door. "Mark, it's almost nine, don't stay over there too long. It's getting late." "I won't mom!!" Steve came in the house carrying the remainder of the packages. He put them down on the couch. "How was your day with Mark?" "It was great. We got him his cadet uniform and other things he will need. I took him to Sol Force Alliance Central and showed him around to the guys that had duty today. Then him and I went out and had dinner and celebrated." "Steve, you missed the parade and Jesse's play." "Oh I forgot about that. I'll go up and talk to him." Steve went up stairs and opened the door to Jesse's room. Jesse was lying on the bed. Steve poked his head in and saw that his son's eyes were closed. "You awake?" whispered Steve. Jesse didn't say anything. Steve shut the door. Once the hall lights were cut off by his bedroom door, Jesse opened his eyes and rolled over and cried himself to sleep. ***** Chapter 1 "The New Assignment" Captain Stephen R. Hatcher sat in his command chair on the bridge of SFA Excalibur. Captain Hatcher has been in Sol Force Alliance (SFA) for eight years. His black hair started to turn gray on the sides. His brown eyes showed evidence that he was deep in thought. His face was worn and tired and evidence of a clean shave was needed. Captain Hatcher was a tall man. He stood at six foot three inches. He was of average weight, but signs of muscles were evident in his legs and arms. Sol Force Alliance consisted of the plant Earth, The Moon Colony and the Mars Colony. There was a large science station orbiting Saturn known as Saturn Alpha Five. SFA has been in existence for over 100 years. 103 years to be exact. During those 103 years, they managed to jump from solar system to solar system, making contact with new alien life forms. Some new races took to the Earthlings kindly. Then there were others that didn't take so kindly to them. The worse of the bunch though was the Kritons. They are a proud warrior race. Honor met power and the more power their race had, the more honor they felt they had. SFA first met up with the Kritons 47 years ago. There was a small skirmish, but they were equally matched. But since the skirmish at the Helmond Asteroid field, there has been a very strong and dangerous cold war between Earth and Kriton. Other planets thought that it was only a matter of time before a full blown out war would start between the two races. And if this war ever got underway, the universe would no longer be the same. Captain Hatcher kept staring at the hologram table that sat before his command chair. Sitting across from him was his Operations Officer at his station on the table. Floating above the table was a large red ball. On one side of the ball was a space station with tiny ships flying in and out of it. On the other side of the ball was a holographic image of the SFA Excalibur. "So Captain, how is your son making out on the Orion?" asked the X.O. "He's been at the academy for over a month now and I am told he is doing really well. He's going out for the ship's hockey team." "He's a sure in for that." "I have no doubt he will make the team. I can't believe it's been three months since I took him to buy his uniform. Time sure flies." "Captain, Ambassador Talon is hailing us," said Lieutenant Commander Fitzpatrick, the operations officer. "Patch him through." The image of the red ball with the ships circling it vanished and a Pan in a blue robe with white long hair and a white long beard appear over the table. "Captain, I am returning to the Excalibur with Ambassador Ka. It looks like we are on the verge of ending this cold war. For the first time in history, Earth will have an ambassador on the Planet Kriton and Kriton will have an ambassador on Earth." "This is unbelievable Ambassador. I will have the Excalibur standing by for a warm reception for Ambassador Ka." "Very good Captain. After the reception tonight I will head back to the planet and set up my new living quarters. First thing tomorrow, the Excalibur will escort Ambassador Ka's ship to Earth." "Very well Sir. What a final mission for such a great ship." "Ah, yes. I am sad to see Excalibur being decommissioned after so many years of faithful service. I chose this ship to be my escort here to Kriton because I was her first skipper when she was commissioned 23 years ago. And now you will be her last Skipper, Steve. I am being told my transport shuttle is ready. I will see you in about 30 minutes with Ambassador Ka." "Very well Ambassador. We will be standing by." The image of Ambassador Talon disappeared and was replaced with the big red ball again with the ship's orbiting it. Captain Hatcher looked at the planet Kriton and shook his head in disbelief. He never thought he would see the day of something like this happening. "X.O. the reception tonight is a go. Is everything in order?" "Yes Captain," said the X.O. "Good. Make sure the docking bay is ready to render honors when the two ambassadors arrive. I expect you and all my senior officers down there to greet them." "Captain, I prefer to stay up here on the bridge, just in case something might happen." "X.O., I notice some discomfort in you this assignment. Is everything all right?" "Yes Sir. Why wouldn't it be?" "I know how much you don't like the Kritons and I can't say I blame you, but this step we are taking today is definitely the write step towards peace between our two worlds." "Maybe so Sir. But I still don't trust them. Now Sir, if there isn't anything else, I need to follow up on some last minute details." "Very well X.O. And you can man the bridge during his visit." "Thank you Sir." The X. O. then went to his station to finish ironing out the details. ***** The transport shuttle landed in the hangar bay onboard SFA Excalibur. A working party quickly unraveled a long red rug in front of the door to the shuttle. Four officers lined up on one side of the rug and another four officers lined up on the other side of the rug. They stood at attention. A ninth officer stood next to a large bell where a crewman was standing at attention as well. The door to the shuttle opened and out stepped Ambassador Talon. The crewman standing next to the bell began to ring the bell eight times. The bell went ding ding, pause, ding ding, pause, ding ding, pause, ding ding pause. "Earth's Ambassador to Kriton Arriving" said the officer standing next to the bell. He then placed an old boatswain's Mate pipe next to his lips and let out a few different kinds of whistles. At this point Ambassador Talon walked through the side boys as the officers saluted him. Once he was on the other side of the side boys, Captain Hatcher greeted him. They then turned around and the bell sounded again. "Kriton's Ambassador to Earth Arriving." When the officer started to blow his pipe once more, out stepped a tall man. He was about six feet six inches tall. His shoulders were broad and strong. He had high cheek bones and a stiff stern look. His skin was golden brown and his eyes were that of ebony. His long black hair shined like silver. He wore a fuchsia color silkish satin vest with gold trim. His black pants were a little loose and he had on black boots. There was a gold sash wrapped around his waste. His arms were well defined and his chest was large and muscular as well. Strapped to right leg was a small bamboo looking stick that was only about six or seven inches in length. Ambassador Ka walked proudly, holding his head up high as he walked down the red rug. Captain Hatcher saluted Ambassador Ka, but Ka just stood there with a disgruntled look. `Welcome aboard SFA Excalibur, Ambassador. I am Captain Stephen Hatcher, Comman..." "Where are my quarters? I must refresh myself." "I will be happy to show you to your quarters, Ambassador. Then I thought I would give you a tour of my ship before the..." "I have no desire to see a ship this petty. Now take me to my quarters." "Yes Ambassador," said Captain Hatcher trying not to lose his patience. Captain Hatcher escorted Ambassador Ka and his two body guards to their quarters. Ambassador Ka walked into the large living quarters. "This is where you want me to refresh myself captain?" "Yes Ambassador." "This is inadequate. It is small and it reeks of Earthers." "I'm sorry Ambassador, but this is the largest living quarters we have on board." "On Kriton, it is customary that the commanding officer gives up his quarters to Kritons who holds positions of authority as myself. It is done as a show of respect." "Ambassador, my quarters are actually smaller then these quarters. After all this is where the battle group commander stays when he is on board." "An admiral sleeps in quarters as petty as these? Earthers have no honor in themselves." "Ambassador, I do believe it is in your custom when someone of your authority visits another man who has authority as well that the tradition is that the visitor is given a gift to keep during his stay there." "Yes that is correct." "And if the visitor is given the most prized procession, then he must accept any other things that are given to him regardless what the visitor must think of it." "Yes, that is correct." "Then Ambassador I would be honored to give you my most prized procession to you during your visit on my ship." Captain Hatcher reached into his pocket and pulled out a black circular object. Ambassador Ka took the object and examined it very closely. It was black and flat on top and bottom, but flat round on the side. It had small nicks and scrapes on it as well. On the top portion of it was the seal of SFA. "What is this Captain? Some sort of joke?" Ambassador Talon Stepped forward. "Ambassador, that is a hockey puck. Hockey is an earth sport of competition that requires great endurance and great skill." "And why is this small piece of damaged plastic of such a prized procession to you Captain?" "Because for the first and only time Sol Force Alliance Academy won the intercollegiate Hockey competition. We were playing against Boston University who had won the competition for nine straight years. SFA Academy on the other hand always took last place for the last 20 years prior to that game. SFA Academy worked hard that year and we made it to final against Boston. By the end of the second period SFA Academy was down 2-0. Then within the first minute of the final period, this puck scored SFA's first point. Three minutes left to the game, this puck scored the second goal tying the game up. Then with 6 seconds left to the game, this puck scored the winning goal. And that was the last time I ever got a hat trick in Hockey." "A hat trick?" asked Ambassador Ka. "A hat trick is a term used in hockey. It is when a player scores three goals. It is difficult to achieve." Ambassador Ka looked at the hockey puck more intensely than before. "And is it because of this hat trick you scored that gave you your call sign of Hat Trick?" "Yes Ambassador." "Why was this the last time you got this hat trick?" "Because I was a senior at the Academy then and after that I no longer played organized hockey. I was too busy chasing stars in space." "Very well Captain. I accept your gift while I stay here." "Thank you Ambassador. And I am sure that you will enjoy your quarters we have arranged for you." Ambassador Ka had a disgruntled look on his face. But because he had accepted the visitor's gift, he had no choice but to accept his temporary quarters. "Very well Captain. I assume you will escort us to the reception this evening?" "Yes Ambassador, I will." "I will see you tonight then." Ambassador Ka and his two body guards disappeared into the room and the door shut tightly. "Steve, you did a remarkable job there," said Ambassador Talon. "It doesn't hurt to brush up on customs and traditions to other races when dealing in matters such as these. I just hope that Ambassador Ka returns his gift when he departs us tonight after the reception." "Don't worry. I am sure he will. Besides it is their tradition to return the gift when they leave." "Except, they could keep the gift if they give their host their most prize procession." "Relax Steve. I don't think Ka will do that. Now, I think I will go freshen up myself. I will see you tonight at the reception." "Yes Ambassador. I'll see you tonight." ***** Captain Hatcher stood on Deck 14 where the reception room was located. He was in a small room where the gravity generator was. This particular generator supplied gravity to four decks. Standing next to Captain Hatcher was his Chief Engineer, Captain Elijah Storm. He was about the same height as Captain Hatcher. But he was much older. Matter of fact, as soon as the Excalibur got back to Earth and decommissioned, he would retire after spending 40 years in the SFA Fleet. He was only a captain in rank, but it wasn't because he wasn't offered the rank of Admiral. He had turned down promotion so many times in his career. He knew once he made Admiral, he would never work on ship systems again. And it was engineering that he loved, not authority. "Are you sure Ely?" asked Captain Hatcher. "I checked the logs and systems over and over the past hour. This generator is losing power slowly. According to my calculations this gravity generator will fail in approximately two hours." Captain Hatcher looked at the black man with a white tight afro. He had a look of concern on his face. "Ely, when a gravity generator goes, it goes all at once, not a little at a time." "I know that Sir. That is why I ran these tests. Somebody has definitely been tampering with this. Someone wants us to lose gravity on this deck. "Someone is trying to make my life very difficult during this reception. If the gravity fails during the reception, who knows what Ambassador Ka would think. The way his kind think they could take it as an act of war." Captain Hatcher took a deep breath. "How long will it take to fix it?" "I can have it replaced within the hour. I can reroute gravity from the generator on deck 16. This way we can still have the reception." "All right. Sounds good. Ely, I want you to personally install the new generator. If this was indeed an act of sabotage, you're the only one I can trust." "Steve, I been your friend ever since you were a rookie helmsman onboard the SFA Chambers eight years ago. I can tell something more is eating at you then this generator problem." "It's nothing. I will just be glad when Ambassador Ka is no longer our responsibility. You better get started on replacing this generator. I'll see you when you finish at the reception." "I'll be there captain," said Ely. ***** A small band played reception music as the ship's officers mingled with some Kriton dignitaries that came on board just moments before. Ambassador Ka was in the reception degrading everything that came pass his nose. He said that the ship, the crew, the uniforms, the food, were all a disgrace to space farers. Captain Hatcher went over to the punch bowl to get away from the Ambassador. If he heard one more time how much inferior the human race was to the Kriton race, he would scream. "Steve," said Ambassador Talon as he came to the punch bowl table. "Ambassador." "I must commend you on your efforts to hosting Ambassador Ka. You're diplomatic skills are quite impressive." "Don't let me fool you Ambassador." "I understand once you decommission the Excalibur in May you will be the new Deputy Commander of SFA Intelligence." "Yes I will. Admiral Natter, the Fleet Personnel Commander, has given me that assignment. My wife and kids are looking forward to it. I will actually be coming home every night after work now." "And how will your family handle you being home every night?" "I don't know, but I will be able to tell you in three months." "Steve, I want you to reconsider your next assignment," said Ambassador Talon. Captain Hatcher looked awkwardly at the ambassador. "I want you and your family to move to Kriton and be my military Liaison advisor. And accepting this assignment will put you as a front runner for admiral." Captain Hatcher couldn't believe his ears. He was being offered a job of a life time. "Ambassador, I am honored. But before I accept it, I want to talk it over with my wife and kids." "No problem. I understand. Let me know as soon as you come to a decision though." "I will Ambassador. I will." "Excuse me Captain. May I have a word with you alone?" said an older looking man with brown curly hair. "Sure Doctor. Ambassador, thanks again for the offer. I do hope we can work something out." Captain Hatcher and the ship's doctor walked into the passageway. "I'm sorry to pull you away from the party, but Captain Storm was just brought into sickbay." "Ely? What's wrong?" "He is suffering from a concussion. Someone rendered him unconscious with a blunt instrument. He's lucky he didn't die from it." "Do we know who did this?" "No we don't. He was found in the gravity generator room on this deck. A crewman came up to bring him a certain part he had called down for. When the crewman came up, he found Captain Storm unconscious and bleeding from the head." "Doc, do you know if Ely changed out the generators yet?" "When I went to check out the scene of the emergency, the generators weren't hooked up yet. Then I had to transport Captain Storm to sickbay," said Doc. "Did you notify the Security Officer?" "Yes I did. He is at the scene now." "I have to get back into that damn reception before Ka starts getting suspicious on things. Tell the security officer to keep this under the pillow as much as possible and report any findings to me." "Will do Captain." "And Doc, keep me posted on Ely's condition." "I will Captain. I'll take good care of him." Captain Hatcher went back into the reception. He immediately heard more put-downs by Ka. He walked over to the window and peered out of it. He saw the red planet of Kriton. He wondered what it would be like to live there. He put his hands on the window as if he was trying to touch the planet. It was moist to the touch. He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together and there was a slimy residue on them. He then brought his finger up to his nose and smelled them and stuck his tongue out and tasted it. "Shit." He murmured to himself. He tapped a button on his watch. "Bridge, this is the Captain." "Lieutenant Mandrake here, Captain," said a young voice through the watch. "Mandrake, where is the X.O.?" "He stepped out for a little bit Sir. Is there something I can help you with?" "Put an exterior force field around deck 14 now. We're about ready to have a breach." "Uh, Captain. The system is malfunctioning. It won't let me do it," said a panicking voice. "Damn it, Mandrake fix it." "I'm locked out Sir. Somebody locked me out of the system." "Who?" "The X.O. Sir." Captain Hatcher cursed under his breath and quickly went to the other side of the room. He knew he had to get the two Ambassadors out of the room. Someone, most likely the X.O., had placed Caliper Liquid on the windows. In normal gravity the liquid is harmless. But in zero gravity the liquid explodes with great force. "Excuse me, Ambassadors. But I must ask you two to accompany me out of this room." "What for Captain?" asked Ambassador Talon. "I feel your lives may be in dang..." The lights flickered and the ship jolted. Soon everyone started to float off the deck. Then people screamed as an explosion occurred by the windows. There was a large gasping noise and things started to be sucked out into the cold vacuum of space. Then the forced winded died immediately. "Captain, this is Lieutenant Mandrake. Is everything okay down there? I broke the code and set up a breach force field." "Lieutenant Mandrake, dispatch a damage control detail immediately. And send out a security team to find the X.O." "Yes Sir." "What is the meaning of this Captain!!!!" yelled Ambassador Ka as he bumped his head on the ceiling. "I am sorry Ambassador, but someone tried to take this party outside." ***** Captain Hatcher sat at his command chair. On the Holo Table was a figure of Ambassador Talon. "Captain, I must say I was surprised as much as you were that the X.O. was behind this assassination attempt. I thank you for trying to save mine and Ambassador Ka's lives. I just wish we could have saved the five that perished before Lieutenant Mandrake managed to fix the force fields." "I know Ambassador. I know. I am just glad that Ambassador Ka is still willing to be the Ambassador and go to Earth." "I tell you Steve. He was ready to declare war, but you talked him out of it. If this peace attempt is a success, it will be because of you." "Captain, Ambassador Ka's ship just notified us and wondering when we are going to start escorting them. Ambassador Ka doesn't like waiting." "Well Ambassador. It's time to take the Excalibur on her last ride. Good luck Sir and I hope to see you in about six months." Captain Hatcher turned off the Holo Table and turned his attention to Lieutenant Mandrake. "Lieutenant. Tell the Ambassador we are honored to escort him to Earth and we will be leaving now. Mr. Toz, you may take us home." ***** Captain Hatcher's shuttle landed at the air platform in Chicago. He grabbed his bag and stepped off the shuttle. The cold bitter Mid January wind cut through Steve like a sharp razor. He took a deep breath of the cold bitter air. He headed down the terminal when he saw a woman with long black hair with strands of silver in it. Standing next to her were two children. He saw his 17 year old daughter, Tina standing next to her mother. He noticed that the older she got the more and more she looked like her mother. Jesse was standing there wrapped up tight. The cold was getting to him. He noticed his father didn't even take notice of him. "Hello Hatcher Family," smiled Captain Hatcher. "There's my hero," smiled Linda Hatcher as his family swarmed around him and he hugged them all. Jesse only hugged his father because his mom pushed him into it. It had been over six months since he seen his family. There were a lot of tears of happiness being shed that day because the family was once again together. Except for Mark, who was in his freshman year at the newest junior academy. "How was your return trip?" asked Linda Hatcher as she and her family started to walk off the landing docks and towards the exit. "The trip to Kriton wasn't bad. But the return trip was not the most pleasant. As you know, the Excalibur had to escort Ambassador Ka's vessel and he isn't the most cooperative or the most grateful person I know," mused Captain Hatcher. "At least your home now," Linda replied. "Yes I am. And the next month I will be preparing the Excalibur to take her final voyage to Mothball Graveyard. It's sad really. She's been a great ship." "Dad is it true that we will be moving to Kriton to work in the embassy after you're done with decommissioning the Excalibur?" asked Jesse. "Yes it is. Your father will be the first Military Liaison Officer at the Earth Embassy on Kriton." "When are we moving?" "In just over a month. As soon as I am done with the Excalibur, we will be moving." "But dad, I am in the school play. I got the lead. I can't go." "You're just gonna have to give it up." "I can't give it up. I worked hard to get the role." "I'm sorry son. But I want you guys with me on Kriton. Now let's get out of this cold and into someplace where it's warm." Jesse stopped walking as he watched his family walk away from him. Tears started to trickle down his wind burn red cheeks. He wanted to move to Kriton because it sounded like fun, but he didn't want to give up his role in the school play either. Jesse heard his mom call him to hurry up and he ran to catch up with them. When Jesse reached his parents and sister, he tried to tell his dad about play hoping he could change his father's mind, but the topic of the conversation was shifted to Mark and how well he was doing in school and how he was made the assistant captain for the junior varsity hockey team. Jesse felt it was hopeless for him. And was beginning to wonder why he ever joined drama club. He should have taken up hockey like his brother. Then maybe, just maybe his father would notice him. ***** Captain Hatcher sat one last time on his ship, the Excalibur. It has been three weeks since he had returned home from Kriton. Today was the day that civilians would take the Oriskanee to her final resting place at Moth Ball Graveyard in the Alphrede Sector. He wished he could take her there himself, but the ship was no longer his command. Next week, he and his family will be taking a transporter vessel to Kriton, so he could start his new life at the embassy. "Lots of memories, eh Steve." "What is it Ely? I left many commands before in my career and never had any remorse, but this time it is different." "Ah,, that's because you were commanding officer of this ship. Plus you know that this ship will never see another commanding officer again." Ely then sat in the X.O.'s chair. "Could be. So, you ready for fishing days in Colorado?" "More then you can imagine. Would you believe that Admiral Natter tried talking me into staying in longer?" "Natter is a good guy. What assignment did he want to give you?" "Earth Force is building a new site to build and repair warp engines. He wanted me to be engineer in charge." "You turned him down?" "Darn tootin, I did. I did my 30 years. It's time to enjoy life and not have to worry about nuts and bolts." "Where are they building this place at?" "You're old stomping grounds. Pittsburgh." "Pittsburgh, I remember those days. Who would ever have thought that a bad apple that was raised at St. Joseph's Home for Juvenile Boys would hold the position I hold today?" "You went to St. Joseph's?" "Yeah, why?" "That is one of the buildings they are tearing down for the construction site," "Where is St. Joes at then?" "I don't know," "You got me curious now." said Captain Hatcher. "I'm gonna have to look into that." ***** "Captain, you can't go in there, the Admirals are in a meeting," shouted a young Lieutenant as Captain Hatcher stormed into a conference room with her hat his heals. "What is the meaning of this?" yelled Captain Hatcher as he thrown down a Computer Note Pad down in front of Admiral Whittaker, the Chief of Sol Force Alliance Operations. "I might be asking you the same thing, Captain" said an annoyed Admiral. "Would you like me to call security sir," said the Lieutenant. "No that will be all right, you may leave and close the doors behind you." said Admiral Natter. There were six admirals sitting at the table, including Admiral Whittaker. "First of all Captain Hatcher I can have you court-martialed for in subornation. Secondly, I don't need to explain my actions to you." "What seems to be the problem, Steve?" asked Admiral Natter who was trying to calm things down in the room. "I will tell you what the problem is. SFA is shutting down homes for delinquent boys in not one, not two but 15 cities in the United States, not to mention the school in Scotland and Australia. Pittsburgh, Miami, New York City, Dallas, Las Angeles, Seattle, Toronto, Edinburgh, and Sydney and many more are moving delinquent boys into adult penitentiaries because these homes can't afford to stay open on their own anymore and SFA bought their deeds to the property at dirt cheap price so they can build on it," said Admiral Doyle. "We are well aware of that," said one of the other Admirals sitting at the table. "That's right. Those particular homes couldn't afford to be open anymore." said another Admiral. "So we took the opportunity to turn those valuable sites into something beneficial for SFA." "And what about all those boys, over 200 of them, who are being kicked out of their home?" "These boys are not being kicked out of their home. They are being sent to another place to fulfill their sentence." said Whittaker. "In a State Institution with hardened criminals here, or to a work farm. I mean these kids are tough, but almost all of them are first time or second time offenders." "Real criminals? Captain Hatcher, these boys did worse crimes then a lot of those real criminals done. They were just lucky that their sentence is only until the age of eight. Then they are free again. And what do you think they will do when they are released? I'll tell you. They will go out and rob, steal, kill again. Maybe if they go to a real prison, they will see what could become of them if they don't shape up once they are done with their sentence." "Admiral, I was one of those boys and the people that worked at that home there, helped me and the other boys learn between right and wrong. I would not be where I am at today, if that school didn't help me in maturing. I'd still be on the streets stealing and who knows what else. I might even be dead by now. You can't throw these boys into a state institution." "The decision is made, Captain Hatcher." said Whittaker. "We don't have any other facilities to accommodate them," said another admiral. "Sure you do. You have the Orion, the Gettysburg and Port Royal," said Captain Hatcher. "You expect us to place over 200 bad eggs on a state of the art academy ship with well-behaved cadets who earned their position on board?. That is absurd," said Whittaker. "There has to be something that we can do for them. If we take these boys under our wings, maybe it will take the bad spot light shown on SFA since last week with the Cremshaw Incident. That really gave us bad publicity. Doing something for underprivileged boys will maybe get the people back on our side." said Captain Hatcher. "You know Peter, that isn't a bad idea. Some of those boy's homes are geared toward very smart and intelligent boys." said Natter to Whittaker. "But majority of those boy's homes aren't geared towards geniuses. Instead they are filled with boys who don't know their asshole from a hole in a ground. I am not going to subject our cadets to a bunch of criminal hooligans. Captain Hatcher I feel your sympathy, but SFA just cannot and will not give up the space on any of our ships or any facility on earth for the juvies," said Whitaker in a firm tone. "Then how about the Excalibur, we can turn that into an academy." "That's not a bad idea," said Natter. An hour ago, I just signed a contract turning it over to Mothball Graveyard. The ship is in their custody now and according to them, they are selling it to the people of Cardious Prime in the Degca Sector. But I will offer you this and you can take it or leave it. If you resign your commission, I will give you the SFA Lexington, which has been moth balled for 20 years now, and you can use that for your academy for these roughnecks. The only thing we will be able to supply you besides the ship, is food rations. Tools, parts, teachers, crew members, and such will have to be supplied by you." "But, Admiral, what about pay for the officers and crew?" "Can't do it. You will have to find volunteers. Now this is my offer, take it or leave it." "Can I think about it?" "No you can't think about it. You must give me your answer now. If you walk out that door, the deal is off." Captain Hatcher thought it over quickly. He knew what he had to do. But the odds of his success were against him. "Admiral, if we come in first place in the Academy Olympics this August, will SFA fully fund this program then?" "There is no way, you will be able to come in first place. Those cadets have been training for the Olympics since September and come June when the normal school year lets out those cadets who wish to stay behind go through intense training to prepare themselves and their ship for the Olympics. You're boys won't be ready." "Then I guess you have nothing to worry about then." "All right. I like challenges. If your boys come in first place, we will fully fund your program for one year. However, if you come in any other place, then those boys go to the state institution and this program will be declared a wash." "That's not fair," "Take it or leave it, Captain" "But Admiral," "Take it or leave it." "All right, I'll take it." "Steve?" said Natter. "It's okay, Admiral, I know what I am doing." assured Captain Hatcher. ***** "I'm not talking to you," said Ely Storm as he lowered a fishing line into a hole through the ice. He was sitting in a small shed drinking a can of beer and ice fishing. He didn't bother looking up to who just opened the door to his fishing hut. Sitting next to Ely was a young black boy. "Now Brad, make sure you keep your pole close to you. We don't want a fish to bite and yank your pole into the hole," "Okay, Grandpa," "First my wife, then my kids, and now you. Why aren't you talking to me?" said Steve Hatcher who was standing inside the doorway. "Because I know why you came to see me and my answer is no." "Maybe I came down here to go fishing with you?" "I wasn't born yesterday...." "Grandpa, I got one!!!!" yelled the young boy excitedly. "Bring it in Brad, ooo, that's a big one." said Ely. Once the fish was brought in, Ely and Brad stood up and threw the fish into a bucket. "Ely, I need your help. Admiral Whittaker is against me and is setting me up for a fall. Linda is mad at me because I made a major career move without discussing it with her first. My daughter is mad, because she will be moving to an old ship away from all her friends. Mark is really mad at me because we will be competing against his school, the Orion come August in the Academy Olympics." "What about Jesse?" "Jesse is still upset because I made him drop the school play. So how bout it, Ely? Will you sign on?" "Steve, I've been retired for only three days now. I am out here on a frozen lake fishing with my grandson. Something that was long overdue. I did my time. My heart goes out to you, but I am staying put." "Grandpa?" "Yes, Brad?" "Who's this?" "This is Mr. Hatcher a friend your Grandpa use to work with." said Ely. "If he's your friend, how come you aren't helping him? You always told me that you should always help out your friends." Ely felt defeated. Even his own grandson gave Steve ammunition. "Because Brad, if I would to go help Mr. Doyle here, that means I wouldn't be able to take you fishing again for at least another year." "Ely, I know you are retired and want to enjoy life for a change, but think of those boys that needs your help. They need your mentoring." "I don't know what those boys will need of me, but I do know what the Lady Lex will need of me. She's been floating in Mothball Graveyard for 20 years. You know how much work will be required, just to get environmental systems operating, let alone all the other systems. It will take a miracle." "And what better person could pull this miracle off? Ely, if I have to, I will get on my knees and beg you to join me and the Lady Lex. I really need you man." Ely stood in silence looking at the desperation on Steve's face. He looked down at his grandson, then back at Steve. "All right count me in." "That's great Ely, thanks." "You will owe me big," "I can't argue with you there," smiled Steve. "School starts on March first," "That's three weeks away! You expect me to get her operating in three weeks?" "Not fully operational. Just life support systems" "When do I leave?" "There is a shuttle that leaves the day after tomorrow to the Mothball Graveyard. You, me and hopefully an XO, and a Ship's doctor will be joining us. We will do a sight survey to see what the ship needs exactly and try to get the environmental systems working on the bridge, one of the cargo bays, the officers and staff living quarter's deck, the galley and sick bay. As far as I am concerned the boys can sleep in a zero gravity hangar bay until they get their living quarters up to standards. I want them to be the ones to get environmental systems and gravity systems and what not working in their spaces. They will be the ones who under your leadership and advisory to get that ship fully operational." "You realize Steve that the Lady Lex will probably be completely stripped of everything. I am willing to bet my retirement checks that there will be no racks, no galley equipment, no medical facilities, no gravity generators, no communications, no nothing at all." "I didn't say it was going to be easy Ely." "Where are we going to get the parts and tools we need?" "I talked to Mr. Wang who is in charge of Mothball Graveyard. He has some spare parts and tools we can use. But not many. You will figure out something." "Why is it I that have to figure something out?" asked Ely. "Because I need to pay some visits and cash in pretty much every favor I have to a couple of dear friends on mine so we can have an XO, a doctor, school teachers, and other key positions to run a ship like the Lady Lex. I just hope the people I have in mind to fill the XO and Ship's Doctor positions and their families are willing to move on the Lady Lex with us." "And if they don't?" "Then they will see a grown man groveling at their feet." "Steve I can't see you gravel at anyone's feet." "You're right. I wouldn't. I'd resort to bribery and blackmail instead." Both men laughed. "Day after tomorrow, huh? Very well, I guess we can't put things off. Okay, I will see you on the shuttle. But for now, I am going to show my grandson how to fillet and cook this fish." "Thanks, Ely, I really appreciate it." "Yeah, just remember. You owe me." ***** Captain Hatcher walked into his house. It was late at night and everyone was asleep. He took off his jacket and hat and sat down on the couch. He opened his brief case that he had with him and he pulled out a computer note pad. He started to punch some buttons and started to make some notes. He was so happy that Captain Elijah Storm signed on as Chief Engineer. "There's my hero. How did it go with Ely?" said Linda as she came down the stairs wearing her nightgown. "Ely signed on as my Cheng." "That's wonderful. I didn't think he would do it." "I knew better. I knew I just had to push the right buttons." "Did you see Amanda Creevey for the X.O. position?" "Yes I did." "I am sure she signed on. I know her so well." "Wrong again Linda. Amanda turned me down. Nothing I said would convince her to drop what she is doing now and take a risk as big as this one. Especially a risk with no pay." "So what are you going to do?" "Tomorrow I need to visit a few other people to see if I can fill at least the X.O. and Ship's Doctor position." "Steve, I can help in sickbay. Matter of fact, I want to help out in sickbay. I am a RN after all, even though I haven't been working the past couple years." "Thanks Linda. I am sure whoever I get to fill this position will be honored to work with a nurse as beautiful as you." "Steve, you must be mad. But I still love you." "I best get to bed. I have another long day ahead of me tomorrow then the next day I have to go to the Lady Lex and do a sight survey. God I hope I did the right thing here." "Even though I was mad at you for not consulting with me first, I know why you did it. And that Stephen Hatcher is why you're my hero and always will be. You did the right thing Steve. It might not seem like it now, but in the future it will become apparent." "Where did you ever get so smart?" "From my husband." "Not only are you smart, but you're a bullshitter too, but I still love you." "Steve, there is something I have to talk to you about though." "What is it?" "My sister called today. It seems that three of her boys got into some serious trouble. They were pulling a practice joke on some other kids and one of the kids died and one other serious injured." "Oh my God. That's horrible. Which boys was it?" "It was Andrew, Trevor and Ben." "I wish there was something I could do to help. They are good boys overall." "There is something you can do. My sister's lawyer said it would be very difficult to prove them innocent. So he is recommending to plea guilty for manslaughter. If the courts rule this, they will go to a work farm for 3 to 5 years. Or until they turn eight. Which ever comes first. The lawyer thinks he can talk the judge into sending the boys to the Lady Lex. This way they still get their punishment, but it will help them out too with education and stuff." "You call your sister first thing tomorrow morning and tell her that Ben, Andrew and Trev will be welcomed onboard the Lady Lex if the judge chooses that route, but also tell her that they will be treated like all the other boys. My staff and I and the crew will show no favoritism between them and the other delinquent boys. There will be no favoritism or special kindness to them just because they are our relatives." "I understand Steve and I am sure my sister and her husband will agree. Thanks." "Come on, let's go to bed." Steve and Linda Hatcher went up stairs and retired for the Evening. To Be Continued...