Sad to say this is the last chapter of Lady Lex. It's hard to believe Ben and I embarked on this little project almost two years ago. We kind of sketched out 20 or so chapters. And here it is, 66 chapters long. We thank you all for hanging in with us, especially when our writing caught up to our reserve and it was a long time between postings. If we should ever do this again we write it all and then post it. Ben wrote the last chapter, but both of us worked hard together on the concept.
This may be the last chapter and the end of the story, but it is not the end of Lady Lex. If you would like to learn the fate of the surviving boys after they grow to adulthood, watch for the upcoming epilogue. We hope to post it within a couple of days after this chapter appears on Nifty. For those of you who wrote and learned of the story behind chapter 29 we plan to finish up by posting the original chapter 29. Then Ben and I will lay Lady Lex to rest, feeling admittedly proud of what we accomplished. We had no idea it would reach this scale. Yes, there was some blood spilled between us on more than one occasion, but we both would to it over again given the chance. We hope you enjoyed reading as much as we enjoyed putting it together and writing it.
The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 66 "Road to Recovery" Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin T. C.
Captain Hatcher stood in his full dress uniform in the mountains of Colorado. A small crowd was standing around the grave site of Captain Elijah Storm. The sun was shining brightly. But there was a feeling of sadness as Andrew Collins played Taps. As often as he had played Taps, right before lights out on the "Lexington", he never thought he would be playing it at a funeral. Andrew was thankful that he had the honor to play because, if he hadn't, he knew he would be crying like a baby.
People around Hatcher then jumped as the rifles fired into the sky. Underneath Hatcher's sunglasses, there was a tear trying to escape. Ensign Kalon Masters approached Captain Hatcher with the flag all folded up. Hatcher saluted and then cradled the flag in his arms. Masters returned the salute, once he hands were free, and did an about face sharply, returning to the formation. Hatcher marched sharply to Ely's family, who were seated near the grave sight.
"On behalf of the President of Earth, Sol Force Alliance, and the people of our Solar System, I present you with..." Hatcher started to get choked up. "with the flag that represents the freedom that he gave his life to defend." Tears were streaming down from behind the sunglasses. He presented the flag to Ely's only child, Oscar. He then stood tall and saluted Ely's family. He did an about face and looked at the casket that contained the body of his best friend. He saluted once more. The officers in rank, who has served with Ely at one time or another, all joined in and saluted as well.
The people started to leave the cemetery. As they left, each placed a red rose on Ely's casket. Commander Creevey dismissed the officers in ranks. She then linked arms with Dr. Daniels and headed to the cars. On the way, Dr. Daniels pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. She took it and wiped her eyes.
Kalon Master pulled a rusty old wrench that he had seen Ely use quite often out of his pocket. As others placed roses on Ely's casket, Kalon placed the wrench. "I'll miss you, Pops," whispered Kalon, as he did all in his power to hold back the tears that were forming in his eyes.
Hatcher pulled a handkerchief from his dress uniform trousers and blew his nose. He joined his family and began to walk back to the cars.
"Steve," said Linda, as she stopped and looked back at the casket. There standing by himself looking at the casket was Jesse. Linda started to go back, but Hatcher stopped her.
"I'll go."
Jesse was unaware that he was by himself now; that everyone else had departed. Unlike most people around him, Jesse did not cry. He shed no tears. He held it in. "I don't understand," he said. "Why did you have to go?"
Jesse felt the pressure of a hand resting on his left shoulder. Without looking at who was behind him, Jesse reached up with his right hand and rested it on the comforting hand.
"Dad, what did you do to get over the death of your parents and Jay Hood?" said Jesse, still not looking at the person who stood behind him.
Hatcher let out a long slow breath before answering. "When my parents died, I replaced them with drugs and crime. That's how I landed myself in St. Joes. When Jay was killed..." Hatcher started to choke up again. "When Jay was killed, I replaced him with hating and despising ...you." Jesse didn't say a thing. "You see Jesse, right before we found out your mom was pregnant with you, she was raped." Jesse finally turned his head in shock towards his father. "After Jay was killed, I was going through his things in his apartment and I found evidence that Jay was the rapist. Then I found out that your mom was pregnant. Even though you were innocent and did nothing wrong, I took out my anger and hatred on you. When you were just a toddler, I had you tested to see if you were indeed the byproduct of that nightmare your mother endured."
"And was I?" asked Jesse hoarsely.
"Jesse, you are my son, regardless of the test results. It was Ely who kept telling me that over and over until I finally listened to him."
"So I am a byproduct then," Jesse bowed his head in shame.
Hatcher placed his fingers under Jesse's chin and lifted his head up so he could look into his eyes. "Jesse, you are not a byproduct. You are my son. I know I haven't been much of a father to you, but I hope it's not too late to start. Like I said before, I replaced your grandparents with crime and drugs and I replaced Jay with hatred. Although, one can never truly replace anyone, I think instead of replacing the loss of Ely with something negative like crime and hatred, we should replace him with something positive, like...each other."
Jesse wrapped himself into a tight hug with his father. Then his eyes erupted and a flood of tears gushed out. Hatcher held his son tight. "Let it out son, let it out."
"I'll miss him," cried Jesse.
"I know; I will too. But I think, together, you and I can overcome the loss of a best friend and father figure. I know I can't do it alone. I will need your help. Can you help me?" Jesse sniffed and shook his head yes. "And from now on, I will be here for you, too." As the father and son held each other in their time of sadness, somewhere in the galaxy, there was a smile radiating from the wake of a mysterious comet.
Hatcher walked into the reception room of Admiral Natter's office. Sitting at a big wooden desk was a civilian secretary. She had her hair in a bun and, although she looked old, she was clearly a woman who knew her stuff.
"May I have help?"
"Yes, I'm Captain Stephen Hatcher. I'm here to see Admiral Natter."
"Ah yes, he's expecting you. Go on in."
Hatcher opened the large wooden door to Natter's office and walked in. For the first time, Hatcher actually saw how old Natter was. The past few months has taken its toll on him.
"Come on in Steve. Have a seat."
"Admiral, I'll cut to the chase. I know we didn't win the Olympics; that it was declared a tie. But we can't quit this project. Those boys came too far and earned their right to..."
"Hold your horses Steve. The Olympics deal was between you and Whitaker. Since he's on trial, the president made me the acting chief of SFA Operations. So therefore, since there is a delay in the school year because of what happened a month ago, the JSFA Academy ships will begin their school year on October 15th. That is in two weeks. During that time, you and your crew will report to the West Point, the newest academy ship to accept juvenile delinquent cadets. And as for your current cadets, they have all been pardoned by the President for their role in the saving of Earth."
"With all due respect Admiral, I won't accept those orders, and I know my cadets won't accept them either. The Lady Lex is those boys' home. They know no other. They built her, fixed her, and now they want to rebuild her. Admiral, those boys have nothing to go home too. That is why I request permission to keep my current cadets and continue to serve on board the `Lexington'."
"Steve, the `Lexington' performed beautifully, but she's done. She is battered and beaten beyond recognition. Do you realize how much work it would take to get her back up and running? You had to be towed back to Earth."
"Admiral, a lot of people didn't think my boys could get the mothballed ship up and going again, but we proved them wrong. Granted, I don't have Ely around anymore to be my miracle man, but his legacy still lives and I vow to you that the `Lexington' will once again compete in next years Olympics."
Admiral Natter left out a sigh. "Very well, you and your boys can remain on the `Lexington'."
Hatcher smiled. He was pleased. "If there isn't anything else sir, I need to go prepare my ship for the new class of cadets."
"Go ahead Steve," smiled Natter. Hatcher turned and opened the door. "Just one other thing Steve."
"What's that?" asked Hatcher, who was holding the office door open.
"While you are in orbit around Earth fixing up the Lexington', don't try to attach yourself to the Excalibur'. Remember what happened last time."
"'Excalibur'? But I thought she's in Mothball Graveyard."
"In two days she will be here. You see Steve; the Lexington' will be the JSFA Academy Ship for Juvenile Delinquent Boys. The Excalibur' will be the JSFA Academy Ship for Juvenile Delinquent Girls."
"Really? How interesting. And who is going to be her Commanding Officer?"
"I am," said a familiar voice from the reception room. Hatcher turned and saw Captain Linyu-Wang.
Hatcher smiled. He couldn't think of a better man to take command of the ship that he had decommissioned for what seemed like ages ago.
"Hey!! What are you guys doing here?" asked TJ as he answered the door.
"We were in the area and wanted to see how you were doing," said Mike.
"Come in, come in," said TJ. He was happy to see his old friends Mike and Ryan.
"How are you feeling?" asked Ryan.
"Better, much better. Especially since I died on the way to Earth when that ambulance shuttle rescued me. But the doctors think I will make a full recovery."
"That's awesome," said Mike.
"I heard on the news that the `Lexington' will remain in operation."
"Yeah, Captain Hatcher talked Admiral Natter into it."
"That's wonderful," said TJ.
Mike could tell that as joyous and happy TJ seemed on the outside, he was still hurting on the inside.
"You know it's not your fault," said Mike.
"I know. But still I can't help but think that RJ's big brother failed him. Plus, I feel like I failed my crew on the Buford."
"TJ, you did what you had to do. We lost a lot of good people. I wish there was a way to bring them back, but we can't. We just have to move on."
"You're right, Mike. But the road to recovery is long."
"Yes it is, but you don't have to travel it alone. We're here for you," said Ryan.
"I know you guys are and thanks. So anyway, I heard that you will be the official Cadet Commanding Officer when school starts back up."
"Yes I am. Douglas was promoted to my XO. He was a little disappointed when he found out that the Senior Officers won't be in the fighter squadron this year, but he does like positions of authority. And this way he can help others out and make what lays before him the best that he can."
"He'll be a good XO."
"I think so. Ben was promoted to Air Wing Commander. They offered him Operations Officer, but he turned it down. He didn't want to give up his shuttles."
"So who's the Operations Officer then?" asked TJ.
"Andrew Collins. And Nipper is now the Chief Science Officer."
"Will any of the new cadets hold positions of authority?" asked TJ.
"No. They have to earn their way into positions. Things were different for us, because there was nobody else. But in a year's time, the new cadets will have their opportunity to be promoted to senior officer positions."
"Makes sense."
"I sure wish you would stay with us," said Mike.
"I know. I'll miss all you guys, but my feet belong on the ground. Too much happened up there. Besides, Captain Hatcher got me into a prep school in Boston. They have a great hockey team as well. And if I do well on the team and in school I will have a great chance to be accepted into Boston University in 2 years. I start next week, and I am excited about it. Luckily for me, they are allowing me to start late because of the circumstances."
"Well, if they didn't let you start late, then I would have to give them a good old fashion donkey hoofing."
All the boys smiled and laughed.
Trevor, Ian and Brian sat on the bed in Trevor's bedroom back on Earth. They were all given shore leave until October 12th. Then they had to return and get ready for the new cadets and the start of the new school year.
"So are you upset that you didn't get a promotion?" asked Brian of Trevor.
"No. I mean they gave me Lieutenant Junior Grade, but I didn't want a positional promotion. I like being Special Missions Officer. It means I still get to be on the Raptor as a Bird of Prey."
"With Spencer, Kyle and Dylan all opting to take their presidential pardon and run, who are we going to get to fill their places?" asked Brian.
Ian smiled because he already knew the answer; Trevor had told him earlier in the day.
"Chandler the Falcon will become the Raptor's pilot. Ian will stay on as the Raptor's engineer. Then when the new cadets come aboard, I will choose ones who will be the Raptor's navigator, science officer and weapons officer."
Brian frowned some. He couldn't believe that Trevor was going to replace him as science officer after how hard Trevor had fought for him to take the position.
"You...you don't want me to be the science officer?" asked Brian.
"No, I don't," replied Trevor firmly.
"I understand," said Brian, who was hit with a wave of depression and disappointment.
"Besides, it would be too much to handle to be the science officer and shuttle commander."
Brian looked up at Trevor. Brian's eyes were glistening with tears. "What?"
"The Raptor will now be commanded by the Osprey."
"Really? You want me to be the shuttle commander?"
"Did I stutter?" asked Trevor with a smile.
"No I guess not." Brian then leaned over and gave Trevor a giant hug. Trevor hugged him back.
Hatcher walked into the VIP stateroom on the "Lexington". It hadn't been used at since the "Lexington" was recommissioned. But now, it was being occupied, and always would be occupied.
"Captain Hatcher?" said Johnny Cooper.
"Mr. Cooper," said Hatcher. He looked around the room. The bulkhead that lead to the skin of the ship had a large window that showed the Earth. It was such a beautiful sight.
Hatcher had chills as he entered the room. Just entering the room brought remorse and sadness. He looked at the other bulkheads. He saw what Johnny Cooper had done. There was a picture of each cadet, with their name and rank under each. Hatcher recognized all the kids in the pictures taken during the school year. Each boy was wearing his cadet uniform. There was Greg, Tyler, Gary, Travis, Scooter, Jeff, Ely, Chaplain Kyle, and the others who didn't survive the battle. In the center of the room was the only piece of furniture: a large wooden stanchion that had many candles burning on it.
"I call it the Room of Heroes," said Johnny, as Hatcher walked up to each picture and looked at it. He then saw Ely and placed his hand on his dearly departed friend's picture. He then went over to the candles.
"They are Zelphoid Candles. They will never burn out, nor or make a flame that is dangerous to the ship.. You can say they have an eternal flame. There one for each person that was killed."
"You did this all by yourself?"
"I did have help from some of the others. I can't take full credit for it."
Hatcher turned and looked at Johnny. "Mr. Cooper, you are 18 years old and officially out of JSFA. So I can't give you any orders. Not that you would listen to them anyways. But this is still my ship and you are now a visitor on it. So therefore. I still have the right to tell you a few things. First, I would like you to put Stan's picture on the wall and light a candle for him too." Johnny's eyes bugged out. "I know, I know, he betrayed all of us, but he was the first victim and casualty of this war. He was a member of our crew, and because certain demons had their hooks clutched into him, he was indeed a helpless victim. And I won't hold that against him."
"Yes Sir. I can do that."
"Secondly, as soon as you hang his picture and light his candle, I want you off my ship."
"Captain, can't I stay here? Help out some how?"
"No you can't."
"Captain, I know I wasn't the best cadet, and I caused a lot of trouble and didn't listen, but I have nothing down on Earth."
"You're right Mr. Cooper. You weren't my best cadet. You did cause trouble and never listened to me. You lacked discipline. That is why I am not ready to let you loose out in the civilian sector."
Johnny was confused. "But you said you want me off your ship?"
"I do. Because, in two days you start at the Marine Academy and if you stayed here then that would mean I pulled a lot of strings for nothing. Me, Colonel Stone and Master Sergeant Flint."
"You mean I am going to be a Marine Officer?"
"Only if you can get through the academy."
"I will, oh I will. Thank you Captain."
Hatcher looked at him. "No, thank you." Even though Hatcher didn't say what he was thanking Johnny for, he knew it was for rescuing Mark and Jesse and also opening Hatcher's eyes about his son, Jesse.
Kalon Masters walked down the corridor of the SFA Renegade, the ship he served on before being sent to the "Lexington". It seemed like it was just yesterday that Captain E'Than sent him to the "Lexington" to straighten out, to grow up. But that was almost six months ago. Now he was back. His temporary duty was over. He finally reached his destination. Captain E'than's ready room. He knocked on it and heard the rumble of E'than's voice. Kalon entered.
"Ensign Masters, would you care to explain this?" said E'Than as he held up a small computer pad.
"It's my letter of Transfer Request."
"I know what it is, but why are you submitting it? You've done your time on the `Lexington'. Captain Hatcher sent a great report on you, and if you continue on your current path, you should see a promotion of rank within the year."
"Captain, I don't belong here. I don't relate to you or any of the other crew members. We all grew up so differently. But on the `Lexington' the crew and I, especially the cadets, have much more in common. We can relate to each other. I know how to communicate to these boys in their language and help them. The past six months, I trained them to fly shuttlecraft and to be better persons, but what really happened was they made me into a better officer. And I owe them for that. I started something there Captain and I'd like to see it through."
E'Than sat there and looked at the compassion and determination on Masters' face. Then after a long pause he spoke. "I lost a lot of my crew in the battle and I sure could use you here. But, when one becomes a commanding officer, he needs to know where to put his crew so they can be the most beneficial for the ship, SFA and themselves. And I believe, Ensign Masters, that in order for you to be in the place where you would be most beneficial, I would have to authorize your request." Kalon smiled as E'Than stood up. "Good luck Ensign Masters." E'Than shook Kalon's hand and, before Kalon new it, he was on his way back to his home, the "Lexington".
Major Zjan-Ren finished packing. There was a knock on his door. "Enter," he said.
Harrison Wolfe came in. "Leaving us?"
"I'm afraid so. I have been ordered back to Kriton."
"I heard they want to put you on trial for treason."
"Yes they do."
"You know they will find you guilty, regardless," said Wolfe.
"I know."
"And you know what the Kriton Counsel will do once they find you guilty."
:"I know. I am the Kriton here after all."
"Did you talk to Hatcher?"
"I did. He said he would grant me sanctuary here on the `Lexington'. But I cannot hide for the rest of my life from my own people. No, I still have some honor left and, if I don't go back to face what's coming to me, everything I taught Young McDowell about balance would have been wasted. I am not a hypocrite."
"Zjan-Ren, you will be missed."
"As I will miss you."
"And I never told you this, but thank you for saving my life that time back in the tavern when Jake Masters was about to kill me."
"And thank you for saving my life back on Hawking's planet."
"I was just paying you back. The only difference is that I didn't let your would be killer away. I would escort you back to Kriton, but I have some unfinished business to attend too."
"I understand. Besides, I have another favor to ask you of," said Zjan-Ren.
"What's that?"
"I was hoping to see Young McDowell before I left, but he is on shore leave. And my shuttle leaves soon. Can you give him this?" He hands Harrison a rolled up scroll.
"I'll see that he gets it."
"Thank you, Dorian."
Wolfe looked surprised. "You know?"
"Don't worry; I will take your secret to my grave with me." Zjan-Ren bowed, picked up his belongings, and left.
On October 13, Hatcher was up to his waist in cold running water. Luckily for him, he was wearing waders. Standing next to him was a young black boy. Both of them had fishing poles in their hands.
"I got one," said Brad.
"Another one? That's the sixth fish you caught. That lure your grandfather left you sure does wonders. I haven't caught a thing," said Hatcher.
Brad reeled the fish in. He was having a fun filled day fishing with Captain Hatcher. He missed doing it with his grandfather, but Hatcher told him many stories about his grandfather, and both Hatcher and Brad could feel Ely's spirit fishing with them.
"Captain, I'm sorry to disturb you," said Commander Creevey from the shoreline, but we just got word. Tomorrow morning the jury will be announcing Admiral Whitaker's verdict."
"Thank you Commander. I will be there in the morning. Right now I am fishing." Hatcher then turned and helped Brad with his fish. The slimy wiggling thing caused Hatcher to stumble and lose his balance. Hatcher fell into the cold water and the fish got away. "Tell me Brad. Have you ever thought about ice hockey?"
The court room was crowded. It was filled with the top brass and high ranking officials. Captain Hatcher found a seat and sat down. He saw Admiral Natter sitting in the front row with Whitaker's son and Matt. Everyone started to chatter as Whitaker came out and went to the defendant's table. The judge's bench was empty, as well as the jury box.
"Tim, whatever happens, I will love you," whispered Matt in Tim's ear.
Tim squeezed Matt's hand. A part of him wanted to see his father burn in Hell and another part of him wanted to see his father found innocent. But, regardless what the verdict would be, he knew he would be starting school in two days, with Matt this time.
"All rise," said the bailiff. Everyone stood up. "This court is now in session, the Honorable Admiral Joshua Lewis presiding." In walked the judge. He saw, off in the distance, that Colonel Stone was a bit uneasy about him. For this was the judge who found him guilty of the crime that lead him to the "Lexington".
The jury began to file into the courtroom. The room was fraught with tension and anxiety. Once all the jurors entered and took their seats, Admiral Lewis looked at them.
"Have reached a verdict?" asked the Admiral.
The lead juror stood up. "Yes your honor, we have."
"Will the defendant please rise,"
Admiral Whitaker stood up with his lawyers.
The Bailiff brought some papers over with the verdict written on them. The Judge looked at all of them without showing any signs about what were written on them. He then handed the papers back to the bailiff who, in return, handed them back to the foreman of the jury.
"Gentleman and Ladies of the jury, what is your verdict?" asked the Judge.
"We find the defendant not guilty on all charges."
The room immediately filled with chatter and sideline noise. Admiral Whitaker breathed a sigh of relief. The judge hammered his desk. "Order! Order in the court." Soon the thundering pounding quieted down. "Admiral Whitaker, you have been tried and judged by your peers. They have found you not guilty on all charges. Court dismissed."
"All rise," said the bailiff, as the judge stood up and went back to his chambers.
Whitaker turned to his son. "See Timmy, I told you everything would work out alright."
"So what did it cost you to get out of this?"
"Cost? I was innocent and the jury recognized that."
Tim shook his head in disgust. "You disappoint me father. Because you won't admit you were wrong. The worst part is that you tarnished the Whitaker name. Regardless what the verdict was today, people will always associate the name Whitaker with traitor. And, unfortunately, I am the one who is left with the mess to clean up. You really disappoint me father. I feel sorry for you." Tim took Matt's hand and disappeared into the crowd.
Before Admiral Whitaker could say anything else, he was whisked out of the courtroom and to the outside of the courthouse where the media flocked. The press immediately began asking questions.
"Admiral Whitaker, will you be staying on as Chief of SFA Operations?" asked one reporter.
"No, I won't. I will submit my retirement papers so I can begin my presidential campaign." With this news the reporters' questions doubled. "What happened to our planet, to our alliance was a tragedy. I obviously sad the Kritons as a threat to mankind. And when I am elected president I will ensure that something like this doesn't happen..." Whitaker paused as someone behind him accidentally bumped into him. He then turned his attention back to the press. "As I was saying, I will ensure that something like this doesn't happen again. Earth needs a new leader who isn't afraid to lead. And I am the perf..." Whitaker's words dropped off. He began to sway a bit. Whitaker grabbed his chest and collapsed. Flashes started going off as his lawyers immediately began CPR.
Hatcher stood at a distance, trying to see what was going on. He then saw a shadowy figure walk down the street away from the crowd. The shadowy figure tossed something into a garbage truck that was on the corner. Hatcher turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Ambassador Benson sat in his office on Earth. Since the Kriton Conflict, he had had to move back to Earth. And, of course, Ambassador Ka had to move back to Kriton. It seemed that the ground work that Ambassador Ka and Ambassador Talon created, as well as the work he did as a replacement, had gone to waste. But he knew that, with people like Ambassador Talon and Kritons like Ambassador Ka, one day Kriton and Earth would become allies.
The ambassador's phone rang. He picked it up. "Yes Maureen...yes send him in." The doors to his office opened and in walked his aide.
"I'm sorry to bother you Ambassador, but I have some news on Admiral Whitaker."
"Yes, I know. He died of a heart attack. I can't say he didn't deserve it though. I guess justice did win out in the end..." Benson's thought was interrupted by the phone. He picked it up. "Yes Maureen...yes please patch it through to my view screen."
"I have a private call coming in, can you step out side?" asked the ambassador.
"Yes sir." As soon as the aide left and shut the door behind him, the view screen came online. There on the screen was Ambassador Ka.
"Hello, friend," said Benson.
"Hello, Friend," said Ka.
Douglas and Ben stood at the docking port. It wouldn't be long now, and the new cadets would be coming to embark on their own adventure.
"I can't believe it will take us two days to get to the `Lexington' when she is only in orbit," said Ben.
"Colonel Stone wants the two days of conditioning before getting to the ship. You went through it. Nipper went through it. Everyone went through it."
"You didn't," said Ben with a glare. "Maybe you should go through it this time."
"I don't think so," smiled Douglas.
"Hi, Douglas," said David, as he approached them.
"David, hi." Douglas was surprised. He hadn't seen or heard from David since their communication during the Battle of the Wormhole.
"I just want you to know that...that if we could have finished our game, we would have won." David wasn't much for apologies. But in his own weird sort of way, this was his way of apologizing.
"No way. That game was ours," said Douglas in a joking tone that two friends would use when competition was involved.
"I challenge you to a rematch then."
"You're on. You name the time and place," said Douglas.
"Soon," said David. Then for the first time in David's life he stuck out his hand to Douglas. Douglas looked down and then shook David's hand.
Mark and Jesse looked up at the ramp. There, standing with Commander Creevey was their father. They were greeting the old and new crews aboard.
"That's cool that you made Operations Officer," said Jesse.
"I don't know if I deserve it or not, but I will do my best."
"You're doing ok."
"So you're going to be the new shuttle commander for the Savoy Special?" asked Mark.
"Yeah, with Scottie as my pilot. Of course Ben will use the Savoy Special as his command shuttle."
"That's cool. You know, Jesse, I'm sure we can get you on the Orion."
"No, Mark. The `Lexington' is where I belong. Besides, Dad wants to teach me a few new hockey moves so I can kick your butt again."
Both boys smiled. They then hugged and said their goodbyes. Jesse watched as Mark and David headed down the terminal to their shuttle.
"You must be Captain Hatcher. I am Commander Christine Nicosia, your new Chief Engineer."
"Yes, I've heard a lot about you. I understand you were a good XO on the Pioneer. Tell me, what made you change your mind to become a Chief Engineer?"
"I was a Chief Engineer at one time. But then I decided to go to through the command route. The Pioneer was my first ship on that path. I hated every minute of it. It's engineering where I belong."
"I hope you know you have your work cut out for you Christine," said Commander Creevey.
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
"And you have some big shoes to fill."
"I don't intend to fill Captain Storm's shoes. It's impossible to fill a legend's shoes."
"Indeed it is," said Hatcher. "Welcome aboard." Commander Nicosia went onboard the shuttle. "Mr. Wolfe, it's good to have you on for another year."
"I do have some unfinished business here Captain. I started building some things and they aren't quite finished." Harrison Wolfe then entered the transport shuttle.
"That man is a mystery," said Creevey.
"Some mysteries are best left unsolved."
Creevey and Hatcher watched as a caravan of buses came driving up to the terminal. Their new cadets had arrived. Master Sergeant Flint came out of the transport shuttle.
"Captain, I need..."
"I know, I know. You don't want them to meet their captain yet. I know the drill."
Douglas, Ben and Jesse watched as the buses pulled up. Flint got on the first bus and immediately began yelling and screaming like a mad man. They could hear some kid mouthing off and then a thud. Soon the kid was counting in a strenuous tone.
"They're never going to make it through this," said Ben, as they climbed aboard.
"No, I don't think they will," replied Douglas.
"And just think, we get to work with them," chimed in Jesse.
All three boys then groaned at the thought.
Captain Hatcher, Commander Creevey, Dr. Daniels, Ensign Masters, Harrison Wolfe, Commander Nicosia, and a few new officers and faculty were in the transport shuttle's lounge. Out the window was a beautiful view of the "Lexington" orbiting Earth.
"May I have your attention please," said Hatcher as he poured himself a glass of champagne. The room quieted down. "Please everyone grab a glass." Soon everyone in the lounge had a glass of champagne. "I would like to make a toast. Here is to old friends, new friends, friends who are gone but never will be forgotten and to the boys of Lady Lex."
The End.