Greetings Faithful Readers.
Thanks for getting this far. There's a lot more to go, so if you're into Lady Lex consider it a long term project. We apologize for not having comments for Chapter 2, but the Douglas half of us got into a hurry and forgot to include them. Since you've read the first 2 chapters you've read one by Ben (1) and one by Douglas (2). Being an odd numbered chapter, Ben is the writer here. We hope you enjoy it. You can e-mail your comments to TheHakaanen@hotmail.com As before we warn you this story contains sex between minor males. And it is copyrighted by the authors.
Douglas and Ben
The Boys of Lady Lex Chapter 3 "The Verdicts"
Gerbil stood in a small room. The room was in disarray.. Standing next to him was his brother TJ. Sitting on a couch that had no legs and lots of stains and holes was a 16 year old boy with brownish black hair. He was big, but he wasn't fat. He stood about 6 feet tall, and was solid. He played defenseman in hockey, and his build showed it. As he sat on the couch, he was eating a Canadian bacon and pineapple pizza.
"Donkey, you know how to ruin a good pizza by putting fruit on it, don't you?"
"TJ, you haven't had good pizza unless you had pineapple on it."
"I've been in here for ten minutes and all we talked about is food. I want in the gang. Aren't we going to talk about that?" blurted out Gerbil who was getting impatient.
Donkey let out a loud belch and threw the crust into the pizza box which joined other uneaten crusts.
"Not only do you ruin it by putting fruit on it, but you throw away the best part," declared TJ. Gerbil gave his older brother a pissed off glare. He wanted to move on with the reason they were all in the room to begin with.
"Your brother tells me that you want in our gang."
"Ya."
"Do you know who Johnny Cooper is?"
"Not really."
"Johnny is the one who founded the gang. He was the leader for the first year of our gang's existence. But he got caught."
"I guess he was pretty stupid then, huh?"
"Not at all. He got caught because I made a mistake. I screwed up. But Johnny valued our gang's friendship and he took the entire fall alone. Now he is doing time in a juvie hall. He has one year left and he gets out."
"So what are you saying? You're afraid that I will screw up and caused you to get caught?"
"No, what I am saying is that if you get caught, you will not reveal any of us to anyone. You go down by yourself alone. We will do what we can to help you, but once the authorities get you, you're on your own. Do I make myself clear?"
"I don't plan on getting caught."
"Johnny didn't plan it either. But he did. Now tonight, you, me, TJ and Ryan will be going on a simple job. It's a kind of job we don't bother doing anymore because it is a waste of our time. It's too petty. The other six gang members won't be joining us. There is no need to bring in that many people for something as routine and simple to do. This is a test to see how well you do. You can say it is a test to see if you are indeed ready for our gang. Are you ready to take this test?"
"YES!!!!!" said Gerbil excitedly.
"Very well, tonight we will hit Donavan's Liquor Store."
"I'm ready. Watch me. I will make you all proud of me. I know it," said Gerbil.
"Just watch your footing," warned TJ.
"I will, I know I will. Nothing will go wrong," assured Gerbil.
"It better not, because I hate trouble," said Donkey. He then turned his attention back to the pizza that sat beside him. TJ and Gerbil walked out to prepare for their next job.
Lieutenant Colonel Alex Stone stood at attention in front of the five highest ranking generals in the Sol Force Alliance Marine Corps.
"Lieutenant Colonel Stone, we understand what happened at Cremshaw, but it can't remain silent. Since you and your Master Sergeant have twenty years in the SFA Marine Corps, we will give you the option to retire with partial benefits." said the Lead General.
"What about my enlisted men who doesn't have twenty years in, General?"
"They all will be dishonorably discharged. I must warn you though, if you so chose to not take an early retirement, then a full court martial will be warrant and you could possibly receive up to 30 years in military prison."
"With all respect General, my men were just following orders. I was following orders. I can see what this board is doing. You are using us as the scapegoats. Well, I won't let you take the honor that my men have, just because someone made a bad decision" snapped Stone.
"At ease Marine. You should be grateful for what we are doing here," said the lead General.
"Grateful my white hairy ass. I will be grateful to see the person who made the decision on Cremshaw to take responsibility of it. After all, is that not what the Corps tries to instill into our men? Responsibility, honor and pride?"
"That's enough Marine. Our decision has been made. Now it is time to make yours. What will it be? Court Martial or an early retirement?" said the lead general who was getting a bit irritated.
"Court Martial."
"Are you sure, Lieutenant Colonel Stone."
"Yes Sir."
"Very well, your court martial will began first thing tomorrow morning."
"But Sir, I need to get a lawyer,"
"Then get one and I will see you tomorrow morning. That is all."
The judge for the court martial was an Admiral for Earth Force. He sat behind his desk looking at the accused. Lieutenant Colonel Stone sat proudly and with honor bestowed upon him. If he was to lose, he would lose with dignity and honor. His Master Sergeant and his 25 enlisted men all sat behind him, to give him support.
"Lieutenant Colonel Stone, you are aware of your charges. I have read your report and your concerns, not so much as for your career, but the career of your men. So before we even go into the trial, I want to give you an option here."
"Your Honor, the General gave me the option yesterday, and I turned it down. I am not going to retire while my men get the shaft."
"Colonel, this is a new option. If you chose to accept this option, I will rule that you and your team will serve one year of community service on board SFA Lexington CBC-719. What your responsibilities on board the Lexington will be up to her Commanding Officer, Captain Stephen Hatcher."
"Excuse me Sir. I am not familiar with the SFA Lexington."
"Of course your not. She is a new test project that SFA is doing. The Lexington, also known as the Lady Lex, is a decommissioned carrier battle cruiser. She is being turned into an academy for juvenile delinquent boys."
"And if I decide not to take this option, Sir?"
"Then you will be tried and more then likely convicted of the crimes that you are being charged with and your men will be discharged."
"Sir, what happens after our one year time is up?"
"You all will be sent back to the Marine Corps to perform you normal duties." said the Admiral.
"I would have to discuss this with my men?"
"Understood. We will break for recess. We will continue this trial in 30 minutes."
Alex Stone turned and looked at all of his men. They were all shaking their heads and making body gestures to accept the option.
"Uh, Admiral, I don't think my men will need that long. We accept your kind offer."
"Good to hear it. Captain Hatcher is departing Earth on a shuttle to the Lexington this afternoon. They were supposed to leave this morning, but we postpone it. I want you and your men on it."
"Yes Sir."
"Court is adjourned."
The old Admiral went into his chambers. He queued up his miniature view screen and soon Admiral Natter's face appeared.
"Joshua, how did the court martial go?" asked Natter.
"They accepted the offer."
"Great, that's good news. I know Steve will be very pleased."
"Paul, what do you think Peter is going to say when he finds out that you are helping Captain Hatcher on getting his crew?"
"I could care less what that son of a bitch says or thinks. Hatcher is doing an admirable thing and he needs all the support we can give him."
"Okay Paul, I just wanted to let you know the outcome. I have some paperwork to do."
"Very well, Joshua. Thanks. Natter Out." The screen went blank.
"Linda, hi! Come on in," said a lady with long auburn hair and green eyes with an Irish accent.
"Amanda, it's been a long time. How are you doing?"
"Things are going great. This past December I got my Masters in education and I recently got promoted to Commander and I am waiting for orders to my next command where I will be an executive officer. Can I get you coffee or anything?" said Amanda Creevey. She was slim but muscular. Her face was stern and firm, yet tender and kind. She had a hard charger seriousness about her, yet she was laid back and enjoyed life.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks. Look, Amanda, you probably know why I am here."
Amanda nodded her head. "Linda, what Steve is doing is remarkable and admirable. And it would be great to serve with Steve again. But to drop everything that I worked and gave my life and soul to get, I just can't do it."
"Amanda, how many years do you have in SFA?"
"I just went over sixteen years."
"And of the sixteen years of service, when were you the most happy?"
"That's simple. When I was teaching at the academy." Linda gave an inquisitive Spock look glare at her. "I know where you are going with this Linda. I can't do it. Yes, I will have the best of both worlds again. But I would have to resign my commission and work a whole year without pay."
"Oh come on Amanda. I know you are a women, but where are your balls? Where is your sense of challenge?"
"Linda, if I could I would, but I can't. I love you and Steve dearly, but this is something I just can't do. Maybe when I retire in six years, but not now."
Linda let out a small forced laugh. "It's a shame, Amanda. Steve was always there for you. When you weren't accepted to go to command school so you could become an executive officer, it was Steve who fought for you and got you in. When you ran into that finance trouble a few years back, it was Steve who gave you the money, not loaned, but gave you the money so you wouldn't lose your parent's farm. Whenever life threw a curveball at you, it was Steve who coached you. And not once did he ask you for any help from you. And now when he finally came to you for your help, you closed the door on him. Would you be a Commander today if every time you needed help, Steve would have said `Maybe when I retire in six years, but not now?' I thought I knew you a hell of a lot better. But I was wrong about you. I won't make that mistake again. Good day Amanda. Have a good career." Linda then saw herself out of the house before Amanda could say anything.
"All rise! The Honorable Gordon Fleecewater presides!" said the bailiff as the judge dressed in his traditional black robe entered the chambers and sat down at his desk. Gerbil's heart skipped a beat when saw the judge walked into the room. It was only two days prior that he showed TJ the watch that he had stolen from him.
"You may be seated," said the old, balding gray hair judge. He peered through his bifocals at the computer note pad that he held in his hands. "Let's see here. Michael Wakeman alias The Donkey, Michael Polaski alias Hamster and TJ, Ryan Thumbleton alias Rydawg and," the judge peered at Gerbil "Rayjay Polaski alias The Gerbil and RJ." He then looked back at the computer note pad. "You four were caught robbing from a liquor store last night." The judge stared down at the four boys looking directly in their eyes. "This surprises me. We been trying to capture the Donkey Gang for three years now and you guys get caught in such a simple and petty crime. This just goes to show you that even the best criminals make mistakes and boy did you guys make a mistake. Now you four boys are guilty of last night's crime. There is no way out of that. However, if you are willing to give the names of the other boys in your gang, I will shorten your sentence."
"There are no other boys," said Donkey confidently.
"I suppose there's not. There never is. So how do you plead?"
"All four of us plead not guilty your honor," said Donkey.
"Not Guilty? All four of you were caught red handed and yet you stand before me and plead not guilty? Well boys, I am half tempted to try you all as adults, but I am in a good mood today. So there will be no trial. Only this herring. And it is this court's decision that Michael Wakeman will serve time in St. Crispin's juvenile delinquent work farm until the age of 18. Ryan Thumbleton and Michael Polaski, you will spend no less then one year and no more then 3years at St. Crispin's Juvenile Delinquent Work Farm. And finally, Rayjay Polaski. A ten year old boy who had so much to look forward too in his youth. I sentence you to St. Crispin Juvenile Delinquent Work Farm for no less then six years and no more then eight. Court Adjourn!"
"All rise!" said the bailiff as the judge left the courtroom.
"This hearing was totally unfair," declared the Donkey.
"They didn't call witnesses or anything," said Ryan.
"Why did he give Gerbil so much more time then us?" asked TJ.
"Hamster, remember that watch I showed you the other day? The one I got from the guy in the park?"
"Yeah, what about..." It dawned on TJ. "No! That was the guy?"
"Uh huh."
"Damn it Gerbil. Didn't I tell you!!"
"This donkey hasn't yet begun to fight. Relax; we're not at the work farm yet. And even if my plan fails, at least we get to see Johnny again."
"I knew my donkey would have a plan," said Ryan. But before Mike could tell his friends what it was, they were escorted out of the courtroom.
Ensign Kalon Masters stood casually in front of his Commanding Officer, Captain E'Than, on board SFA Renegade. Kalon was wearing black jeans, black boots, a black T-shirt, with a pair of sunglasses hanging off the collar of the shirt, and a black trench coat. He was about six feet tall. He had long black hair that shined in the light. His skin was golden brown. One could tell that Kalon definitely had American Indian in his blood. But according to blood DNA tests, American Indian made up only 75 percent of his DNA. An unknown DNA, possibly another alien race, made up the other 25 percent. Although no physical features showed what that Alien race might have looked like.
Captain E'Than stood up and walked in front of Kalon. He was tall and muscular. He had a scar that ran down his cheek. One could tell that he was using every ounce of energy he had not to lose his vicious temper.
"Ensign Masters. You have been under my command for two years now. You managed to break every rule in the book. You constantly disregard the rules and regulations that are set before you by Sol Force Alliance. You never wear your proper uniform, you insist in wearing that ridiculous outfit. You have no respect to your reporting senior officers and constantly succumb to insubordination" then his voice boomed. "YOU CAN'T EVEN STAND AT ATTENTION PROPERLY!!!"
Kalon went to open his mouth.
"Shut that trap of yours Ensign Masters. This is a one way conversation. Your code of conduct and your actions on this last mission was totally uncalled for. You are a disgrace to the SFA Uniform. That is if you ever wore it."
"But Captain,"
"Don't but captain me. I've tried the past two years to turn you into a model Sol Force Alliance Officer. I always believed you were a diamond in the rough and just needed smoothing out a bit. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are pond scum not worth the trouble and hassle I go through trying to turn you into something you will never be. The sad part is that you have potential. You have excellent piloting skills. Piloting skills that exceed most of those officers and crew on board the Renegade. But you continue to think that piloting both the Renegade and the shuttlecrafts is a game. A toy. Taking unnecessary risks. Not only putting your life, but the lives of your fellow crew mates at jeopardy. I feel like I failed with you, Masters. And I don't like failing."
"So what are you going to do with me then?" asked Kalon.
"Funny that you ask. I can't bust you in rank, because you are already at the lowest you can go. I can suspend you of your duties and confine you to your quarters, but I already done that in the past, and you still don't listen. No Masters, I did everything I could, except..."
"To kick me out of SFA," Said Kalon, finishing the sentence for Captain E'Than.
"I would love to kick you out. I have the authority to do so, if I so desire. But I think I might be the wrong man for the job to turn you into something that you have all the potential to be. I feel like I am passing my problem child onto someone else to deal with, but I am not giving up on you yet. In one hour, LT Xara will be escorting you to Mothball Graveyard. SFA Lexington is there and it is being converted into a junior Sol Force Alliance Academy for juvenile delinquents boys. I shudder at the thought of what could happen with you around those boys, but I know the commanding officer and maybe, just maybe he will be able to do something I couldn't do in the past two years. From now to September after the academy Olympics, you will be the Lexington's helmsman and shuttlecraft pilot. You will probably even do some instructor work there as well."
"Instructor work? Forget it, I don't want to go."
"You don't have a choice Mr. Masters. You will be on that shuttlecraft in one hour."
"And if I'm not?"
"Then I will send you to Hard Term Prison on Katala Prime for one year."
"You wouldn't dare," questioned Kalon.
"Try me!" challenged Captain E'Than.
"All right I'll go. What happens after the six months are up?"
"We will play it by ear. Now get out of my office and get on that shuttlecraft." demanded E'Than.
Kalon Masters strolled out. He couldn't believe he was leaving the Renegade. As much as he hated that creep of a commanding officer, he did have some good friends on board that he would truly miss.
Schnar Kellis sat at the bar, drinking Balgorian Ale and smoking a big fat cigar. He was bald, with a thick bushy beard that showed evidence on what he had for lunch. He was really fat, and dressed like a pretty boy renegade. He had two alien women species hanging around him, soaking up as much of him as possible. Kellis was enjoying their company very very much. Kellis pulled out his gold pocket watch. He kissed the girls goodbye and excused himself. He exited the bar that was located on Mars Colony. He walked down the street a few blocks. It was dark and the streets were empty for the most part. Just a few stragglers here and there. He turned down a dark alley.
"You're late," said a voice from the dark shadows of the alley.
"Relax. You will enjoy this next job I got for you."
"I don't want it."
"You haven't even heard the job offer yet," said Kellis.
"I told you that I would do ten jobs a year for ten years. This is my tenth year and last week, I did my tenth job of this year." said the man in the shadows.
"But this one is worth 50 thousand Geldon Boron. You know how much money that is worth?"
"Who's the target?"
"Now that's what I like to hear. Actually there are two targets. Ambassador Talon."
"The new Earth Ambassador to Kriton?"
"That's right."
"And the second?"
"Ambassador Ka, the new Kriton Ambassador to Earth."
"Who's the client?" asked the mysterious man.
"I'm not allowed to say."
"Why do they want them dead?"
"I don't know. I don't ask why. I just find out who."
"Any special instructions?"
"Yes, make it look like the Kriton's killed Ambassador Talon. Then wait a day or too and kill Ambassador Ka, making look like it was an act of revenge on Earth's behalf." said Kellis.
"You realize this could provoke war?"
"Yeah, but I don't care. Heck, I can make much more profit during war time. More so then what I am making now. So, you take it?"
"When do they want it done?"
"There is a peace treaty that will be signed between the two planets within the next few months. They want the job done before the treaty is signed. And they want the killings done as close to the peace treaty signing date as possible."
"It sounds like whoever the client is; they want a war to break out."
"Big deal,"
"Yes it is a big deal, Kellis. If a war breaks out between Earth and Kriton, this whole universe will be up in smoke. This would be the worse war in the Universe history. I would imagine Kriton would survive, but Earth would not. Earth is too week for a Kriton attack. I won't do the job."
"But how can you pass up this much money?"
"The consequences are too great. I will not be responsible for it. As I told you ten years ago, ten years, ten jobs per year, and I am through. I held my end of the bargain. I am officially retired."
"What are you gonna do now?"
"Teach." said the mysterious man.
"Teach? Teach what? How to be a hit man?" There was no reply. "You there?" but the mysterious man had gone.
Ben Collins and his twin brothers, Andrew and Trevor, sat at a table in front of the judge. All three of them were trying to hold back tears as their lawyer fought for them. Ben was 14 years old. He had blondish brown hair with a tint of red high lights. He had brownish hazel eyes and lots of freckles scattered on his face. Ben was a decent student when it came to school. He was in Honors English; however he was in remedial math. The one thing he did enjoy doing was playing baseball. He was happy at most when he was crouched behind home plate and feeling the breeze of the bat swing only inches from his head and feeling a hard thud in the palm of his left hand as he caught the strike in his glove.
Andrew and Trev were 12 year old identical twins. Most people couldn't tell them apart, however when someone got to know them well enough they could easily tell them apart as if they never looked alike to begin with. Although they were identical, that was the only thing they had in common. Trev was the more athletic aggressive one, while Andrew was the more academic, gentle one. Trev was quick to lose his temper, especially on the playing field, and throw a punch or mouth off. Andrew was more apt to keep his mouth shut and give people hugs when they needed them most. Someone once described Andrew as a boy who lives inside of his heart and that is an awfully big place for a boy to live.
"Benjamin Theodore Collins, Trevor James Collins and Andrew Jacob Collins, it is this court's decision that the three of you will spend no more then 3 years, but no less then 18 months at the Junior Sol Force Alliance Academy for Juvenile Delinquents. Since the SFA Lexington won't be ready for your arrival until March 1, which is 3 weeks from today, I will release you into the custody of your parents. If you fail to arrive at the loading docks on March 1 in Chicago to be transported to the Lexington, then I will place all three of you into a state institution for a minimum of three years. I hope you boys realize what the outcome can be when you play practical jokes. Court Adjourn."
Andrew immediately began crying when he heard that he was leaving his home and parents. But not only was he leaving his home, he was leaving the planet. He never left the planet before and he was scared.
Ben wiped away his tears and then he left the courtroom with his family.
Captain Hatcher stood at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the transporter ship that would take him and his senior crew to the Lady Lex. It was going to be a two day trip, but at least they had cabins to spend the two nights in.
Dr. Daniels came out of the ship. He walked up to his friend and now commanding officer. "The boys are already settled in and talking up a storm about their new adventure."
"They seem like good boys. My family will be coming to the Lady Lex in three weeks when I return."
"Return?"
"I am going to the Lady Lex only long enough to do a site survey and see what I got myself into. Then I have to return and have meetings with the Academy boards and I still need to find more officers and crew and teachers."
"Okay Steve, I gave up fishing to go on your wild adventure. This better be good," said Ely Storm as he was still wearing his fishing cap.
"Ely, I want you to meet Dr. Larry Daniels. He was a doctor on the same ship I was the Operations Officer on. Larry, this is Captain Elijah Storm, the finest Cheng of all time."
"Call me Ely and don't listen to him. He is just sucking up to me because I gave up fishing to do this."
"Nice to meet you, Ely," said Dr. Daniels.
"So you're a SFA Officer. What rank are you?"
"When I turned in my resignation to come on this assignment, I was Commander Select."
"Captain Hatcher?" said a man in a strong firm solid voice.
"Yes, that's me."
"I am Lieutenant Colonel Stone and these are my men. We have been assigned to you."
"Yes, I was informed on your coming. There are cabins reserved for you and your men. Go ahead in and get settled in."
"Men, load them up!!!" yelled Stone. Soon all the Marines filtered into the ship. Dr. Daniels and Captain Storm made their way in too. Captain Hatcher turned to enter himself when he heard someone call him.
"Captain Hatcher!!!"
Steve turned around and saw Amanda Creevey. "Amanda, what brings you here?"
"I like to volunteer for your mission. I don't care what position you give me, just as long as I get to work with you once again. I worked for you when you were an X.O. and you were one great X.O. and I know you are going to be an even better CO."
"Welcome aboard, X.O. Go find your cabin." Smiled Steve.
Captain Hatcher and Commander Creevey made their way on board the transport vessel.
"Welcome to Mothball Graveyard Station, I am Chau Chan, the head operator of this station and the yard."
"Thank you Mr. Chan," said Captain Hatcher. "I am Captain Steve Hatcher; this is my Executive Officer Commander Amanda Creevey, my Chief Engineer Captain Ely Storm, my Company Commander Lt. Col. Alex Stone and my ship's doctor Dr. Larry Daniels"
"Nice to meet you. Did you have a nice trip here?" asked the Chinese man.
"Not bad. But I am glad I am here now."
"I understand there are more of you here?"
"My men, they are still on the transporter ship," said Stone.
"And my sons are still on the ship as well," replied Dr. Daniels.
"I arranged sleeping quarters for you all. I also arranged a shuttle that will be yours until you are able to move onto the Lexington. Now let me show you all to your quarters and give you a tour of our station."
"If you don't mind Mr. Chan, we are anxious to get to the Lexington." said Captain Hatcher.
"I am sure you are. Very well, I will show you to your shuttle. You will find environmental suits and gravitational boots on board. The Lexington has no gravity generators and the life support systems are all off line."
"You mean the gravity generators are just off line, right?" asked Ely.
"Oh no, Captain. There are none on board. The Lexington has been cannibalized the past 20 years."
"Wonderful. Steve this is going to be worse then I thought." said Ely.
"Relax, Ely. We will pull this off. Now, Lieutenant Colonel, why don't you and your men get settled in on the station here, while Amanda, Ely and I go check out the Lexington. Larry, go get your boys settled in and then make your way to the station's sickbay to see what kind of medical equipment and supplies they will be able to give us."
"Aye Captain." Alex then went back to the transport shuttle to get his men.
"I can do that," said Dr. Daniels.
The next six hours, Steve, Ely and Amanda spent floating in the huge giant ghost ship. They were doing their inspection to see what repairs had to be done in order to move on the ship. Once the inspection was done, they boarded the small shuttlecraft and headed back to the station.
"Can we move in within 2 weeks when the boys arrive?" asked Steve.
"Not bloody likely," said Ely.
"Captain, this ship is in very poor shape," said Amanda with an Irish Accent.
"Ely, what will it take to get life supports working?"
"I have to compare notes and look over what we did today, but I think we might be able to get life support running on the bridge, Hangar 3, and the living quarters on Deck 8. Hopefully that will be only a weeks worth of work. Of course I will have to put those Marines to use. I need every hand I can get."
"What about the engineer spaces?" asked Amanda.
"That entire area is shot to Haiti. It's going to take at least three weeks to get life support going in the engineering spaces. And those three weeks aren't counting the week to get the bridge, hangar and living quarters up."
"Amanda, how many living spaces are there on Deck 8?" asked Steve.
"According to the charts, there are 25 two man quarters."
"Steve, that won't handle half of us," said Ely.
"This is what we will do. The Officers and Crew will get the living quarters. We will set up cots or something in the hangar for the boys. Then when they report here, they can work on the life support system for their quarters. Maybe it will motivate them all the more." said Steve as he was looking over his notes.
The small shuttlecraft landed on the space station. The three officers got out and started to find their quarters. They were worn out from working all day.
"Excuse, Captain Hatcher, I have a message for you" said Mr. Chan as he greeted them once again.
"What is it?"
"There is a visitor on board who would like to see you immediately. He is at the tavern on board."
"Who is it?" asked Steve.
"I do not know his name. He just told me to tell you to meet him in the tavern as soon as you got back."
"Very well, would you two like to join me?" asked Steve.
"If it's all right with you, Captain, I think I will go find my quarters. I need to freshen up." said Amanda.
"Ely?"
"Yeah, after seeing the Lady Lex, I need a stiff drink. You're buying right?" said Ely.
"Yes old friend, I will buy the first round."
The two men found their way to the tavern. Sitting at the bar was a middle aged man. He was smoking a cigar and telling a bunch of dirty jokes to the people sitting next to him. He was over weight and very loud.
"Can I get you something?" asked the bartender.
"We are supposed to meet someone here," said Captain Hatcher.
The loud man stopped and turned to see Steve. He stood up and laughed. "Steve Hatcher. How long has it been?"
"Do I know you?"
"You don't remember me?"
"Wait a minute. Rodney Jenkins. My first year at St. Joes was your last year."
"That's right. Do you remember that last year?"
"As if it was yesterday."
"You saved my life."
"I remember that very well. So what brings you here?"
"I told you that I would repay you for saving my life. And now its time to owe up to my debt."
"What, you want to sign on as a crew member?"
The fat man laughed with a sound that echoed throughout the room. "No, I can't sign on as part of your crew, although it would be fun. Look, I owe you and St. Joes my life and my career. I am the CEO of Rollings, Rocker, and Biggs Ship Construction Company. When I heard what you were doing for St. Joes, I new you would need all the help you can get."
"So what kind of help are you going to give us?" asked Ely.
"I'm sorry, I don't think we met."
"Oh, pardon me Rodney. This is my good friend and chief engineer, Ely Storm."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Storm. As chief engineer, you will be happy to know that I will be making your life easy."
"How's that?"
"I have some tools, equipment, and repair parts that were left over from a recent job. It's not much, but I think it will at least get you standing on your own two feet again." said Rodney as he handed a computer palm pilot to Steve.
Steve scanned the list, with Ely looking anxiously over his shoulder. "Is there gravity generators on that list?" asked Ely.
"No there isn't, but there is enough to get life support going out throughout 75 percent of the ship." said Steve smiling. Then he turned his attention to Rodney. "Rodney, I don't know what to say?"
"Say nothing. You're a good man Steve. Always have been. Not many of us who left St. Joes made something of themselves. A lot of them just turned right back to the streets. The year I left St. Joes, there were 16 of us who left at the same time. There are only three of us who are still alive, because the other 13 turned to the life of crime. Some died in prison, others died on the streets. For the three of us who are still alive, I am the only one who made an honorable name for himself. The other two, well one became an honest blue collar worker and he has a wife and three adorable kids. The other one, well last I heard he is running some illegal operation in the Gamma Sector. St. Joes worked for me and you. It taught us many things, but the one thing it didn't teach us was how to survive on the outside. That is why 13 of my classmates are dead. They didn't know how to survive in the world, without turning to the life of crime, the life which they came from. They didn't know how to live an honest life. One of those men that couldn't adjust to the outside world, because he didn't know how, was my best friend at St. Joes. Dylan Gillespie. He killed himself only fours days after being released. If he would have been taught how to survive an honest life, then he might still be here today. Maybe not, but one just doesn't know. I know the success rate is better these days, but still it is far from being at 100% where it should be. And maybe, just maybe what you are doing here, will teach these boys not only how to survive in school, but how to survive in life, in the real world, without turning back to the streets of evil that they came from. What those boys did before they came to St. Joes is in the past and now its time to create a future. A good future. A prosperous future. A future that one can survive. Maybe if someone did what you are doing back when we went to St. Joes, Dylan would still be alive. Giving you this equipment is my way in hoping that there won't be another Dylan Gillespie once these boys you are taking in, graduate and turn to a new life and maybe we can make the success rate even better then what it is now."
"Rodney, I will do my best to teach them how to survive an honest life."
"I know you will Steve. Now, how about a beer?"
"That sounds good to me," said Ely. "But what I really want is some gravity generators." Rodney and Steve both laughed. "Ely, don't shoot a gift horse in the mouth," said Steve.
"Ah, he's not shooting a gift horse, he's just being honest. Gravity generators are important. Unfortunately I don't have any spare ones to off you. Other wise I would."
"I'm sure I will find some somewhere." said Ely. "Here let me buy the first round."
"I here to that." said Rodney. The three men then talked casual talk and enjoyed each other's company.
The next morning Captain Hatcher, Commander Creevey, Captain Storm, Dr. Daniels, and Lieutenant Colonel Stone sat around a table eating breakfast and having a meeting at the same time.
"Excuse me, Steve, but I notice you are wearing another hockey jersey. Is that all the civilian clothes you have?" asked Amanda.
Ely laughed. "Amanda, Steve here is a big hockey fan. Especially when it comes to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He can tell you their 300 year history at a drop of a dime."
"Is that true?" asked Amanda.
"Maybe not the entire 300 years, but at least the last 30 years." replied Steve.
"Have you ever played the game?" asked Alex Stone.
"I was team captain both at St. Joseph's and at SFA Academy. Matter of fact, it was my hockey talents that got me a scholarship to the Academy."
"Didn't other colleges offer you scholarships?" asked Alex Stone.
"Oh yes. Got plenty of offers."
"But you chose SFA. Why?"
"Well Alex, St. Joes was lacking in discipline. Don't get me wrong, it was a good school and it kept me off the streets, mainly because it was the court's decision, but I knew I needed more discipline in my life. I knew the other colleges weren't going to offer me discipline. I knew SFA would. So that is why I joined SFA. They taught me discipline. They taught me self confidence. They taught me team work. They held me accountable for my actions. And that is what we will try to teach the boys here at the newest Sol Force Alliance Junior Academy. But it won't be easy."
"Nothing worth fighting for never is easy," said Alex.
"Very true, Alex. Very true. Now I am taking the two day journey back to Earth this afternoon. I am not sure how long I will be there, because I still have to find a few more volunteers. Admiral Natter helped me out where he could, but the rest is up to me. Ely, I want you to begin repairs on the Lady Lex immediately. Use Alex's men to help you. I know we have enough equipment to give the Lady Lex life support throughout 75 percent of her. I just want life support established on the bridge, engineering, sick bay, the aft hangar, hangar #3, and the Staff and Faculty living quarters deck."
"I should be able to accomplish that and then some before the students arrive. I will go ahead and fix the life support systems on the student living quarters as well." said Ely.
"No, we will put the students up in the hangar for the first week or two. This is where they will sleep, eat and bathe. We will bring in some portable sonic showers for them, and they can live off of instant field meals. They taste disgusting, but there is a method behind my madness. If you do get life support fixed and have time left over, try to get the Faculty living quarters up to the best standards possible. I am sure some staffers we will be getting will be bringing their families, I know I am. We don't want them to suffer anymore then need be."
"Understood," said Ely. "What about the gravity generators?"
"I'm still working on it. I talked to Mr. Chan this morning before breakfast, and he has two for sale, unfortunately it is way above our budget. I am an optimist though, so I am sure we can find them."
"Larry, what is the status on medical?"
"I already made arrangements to get the sickbay on the Lady Lex up and running and filled with supplies. I made some calls back to Earth and I think I can get the equipment we need to have a satisfactory sickbay."
"Good. Keep me posted on that. Alex, I want you, Master Sergeant Flint, and your entire team to be at the same docking pad we left Earth from on September 1. That is the day we pick up the boys, and being their Company Commander, I want you there."
"Understood. I was wondering, Captain, what is my authority with them?"
"Your authority?"
"Yes, I mean what do you expect from me and my men?"
"Simple. We will divide the kids into groups of 20 or 30. Depending how many kids we will have total.. You will assign two Marines to each group to be their, drill sergeants. When the boys aren't in school, or working on repairs to get this ship fully functional, they will be under your custody. You will teach them how to make their racks properly. You will teach them how to march. You will teach them how to keep a proper uniform. You will hold personnel inspection. Room inspections. Marching inspections. You will conduct physical training. Get these boys in good physical condition. It will be just like boot camp."
"That I can handle Captain." said Stone. "What disciplinary actions can I take if one of these boys steps out of line?"
"You can make them do push ups. Scrub the deck with their tooth brush. Whatever you see fit. Look, this junior academy isn't going to be easy for these boys. They are going to work like they never did before. They will all be pushed beyond what they think their limits are. But in doing so, they will learn discipline, self confidence, and the value of teamwork."
"Steve, if it is all right with you, I would like to go back to Earth with you, I might have a lead or two on some teachers." said Amanda.
"I was going to leave you behind, but I trust Ely, Larry and Alex that they can get things done here. So, you can come to Earth with me. We will need all the help we can get. Is there anything else?" Ely went to open his mouth. "Besides the gravity generators?" said Steve before Ely could get a word out edgewise. No one answered. "Good, you know what has to be done. Let's get started."
Captain Hatcher and Commander Creevey were sitting in their seats as the transport shuttle was zooming towards space. Both of them were busy with their computer palm pilots. They were reading them, making notes, and planning what would lay ahead for the SFA Lexington.
"Steve, I am looking over the instructions for the other JSFA Academies as well as the rules and regulations for the Academy Olympics. Do you realize we will need shuttlecraft for some of the competitions?"
"Yes, I am."
"Where are we going to get them?"
"Mr. Chan is loaning us 13 five man shuttlecraft, 7 seven man shuttlecraft and two 12 man shuttlecraft. They are, what we would call fixer uppers or junkers, but the price is right. They've been floating in Mothball Graveyard for a few years."
"Are they operational?"
"Barely, but at least they start. They will need a lot of work and their crews will do it."
"Crews?"
"Yes. We will have the kids be the crew. We will place one to two boys from each grade level per crew. And once they get their quarters up to standards, they will berth together. The crew quarters can accommodate four persons apiece, but with only 200 crew, we can set the same standards as the Academy ships. Two to a room, unless we have a reason not to. So they will eat, sleep, live, work, and train together. Of course when it comes to academics, they will split up to go into their appropriate grade level classes. But other then that they will be together."
"How are you going to assign the shuttlecraft teams?"
"I am not sure yet. I do know that we will mix all the schools up together. I know the boys will already have their clicks and we need to break that up. If we are not careful, they may team up against each other, just because of the different juvenile schools. They will have to learn that they are not multi juvenile schools, but one."
"What about the children who will be living on board with their families?"
"Well as of now the only civilian children onboard will be my daughter and youngest son and Dr. Daniels two boys. They will attend the same academic classes with the juvenile cadets. As for work details they will not be a part of that."
"What about shuttlecraft training?"
"I think I will leave it up to my kids and Larry's boys. If they want to become a part of a shuttlecraft crew, I will let them. But I won't make them become a member nor will I deny them to become a member of a shuttlecraft crew."
"Attention passengers," barked on the intercom. "May I have your attention please. We are making final preparations to enter Earth's atmosphere. We should be docking at the Chicago Shuttleport in 30 minutes. Thank you for flying with us."
"I guess this is it Amanda. We have ten days to get the remaining of our skeleton crew. Once we land, ensure that the private shuttlecraft on the return trip to Mothball Graveyard is set up. Lieutenant Colonel Stone wants an entire deck on the transport shuttle for himself and the boys. It will be off limits for everyone else. I think Stone will be doing some preconditioning on the return trip."
"Understood captain. As soon as I talk to the leads I have for volunteers, I will be sure to let you know."
"Very good, Amanda. Let's just hope your leads and mine doesn't lead us to a dead end. Otherwise this could be the shortest school year in history."
"Relax Captain; if anyone can get teachers for all academic classes, a security officer, an operations officer, and additional engineering officers, it is you and I working together."
"I suppose you're right Amanda. At least I know someone volunteered for the English teaching position."
"I didn't know that. Who?"
"I got the message right before we left Mothball Graveyard. His name is Harrison Wolfe and his credentials seem good. I will be interviewing him tomorrow."
"Well good luck. I hope he works out."
"So do I Amanda, so do I."
TO BE CONTINUED...