by Zarek Dragon

Assisted by Douglas DD

Prologue:

Almost five years had passed since Kyle Robinson left the SS Sooloo to become Captain of the SS Robert Heinlein. Since that time, Fleet Admiral William "Bill" Mirah had retired, and Greg Robinson was promoted to Fleet Admiral. Several crew members of the Sooloo and the other ships had aged out of the Explorer Program, including Jordan Rivers and Jason "Jace" Blackwell.

Kyle Robinson, who is currently seventeen, remains in command of the SS Robert Heinlein. Most of the adopted children that were on the Sooloo went to the Academy. The ones that weren't old enough, or didn't wish to join, stayed with their parents. Koji is attending the Academy while Duskin is still too young. While Duskin misses Koji, he's also enjoying getting so much attention from Kyle and Danny.

Julian "Juju" Danvers left the Sooloo shortly after his seventeenth birthday, but instead of transitioning to the regular fleet, he became an instructor aboard the SS Ronald Lee Ermey. The Ermey is the Academy training ship, but Danvers wasn't training cadets. Instead, his squadron was made up of seventeen- and eighteen-year-olds who will be joining the transition fleet upon completing their training. The training takes ten weeks, and once one class is finished, Danvers gets a three-week break before the next class begins.

The SS Pegasus

Monday, 31 March 2127

Space Fleet Headquarters

Office of Fleet Admiral Greg Robinson ~ 1330

Jordan Rivers was summoned to Fleet Admiral Greg Robinson's office. As soon as he reported in, the Aide buzzed Greg, and Jordan was sent in. "You've completed your Transitional Training, I understand," Greg stated.

Jordan replied, "Yes, Sir. Jace and I actually went into the transition fleet four years ago. We've just been waiting for a ship to be available."

"Good," Greg smiled, "we have a new class of ship, the Pegasus Class, and I was thinking of you as her Captain."

"The Pegasus?" Jordan questioned. "Wasn’t that one of the ships in the Fantasy Class?"

"It was, along with the SS Fantasy, SS Unicorn, and the SS Wyvern. The Pegasus was destroyed with all hands while on a peacekeeping mission. We built the Pegasus class to honor them. She's slightly bigger, stronger and faster than any other ship in the fleet."

"New class?" Jordan questioned. "Does that mean she doesn't have any crew yet?"

"We have some crewman and junior officers assigned, but you will select your senior officers. I'm assuming you would like Jace as your First Officer."

"That I would," Jordan confirmed. "So, who do I have to choose from for Senior Officers?"

"Most of them will come from the Transitional Fleet," Greg responded, "but if any officer wishing to transfer contacts you, get permission from their Captain, then you can invite them to transfer to your ship, if you like."

"Is Randy Jenkins still on the Sooloo?"

"No, he'll be twenty years old in a week, so he's been moved to the Base," Greg chuckled. "Besides, in the regular fleet, the kitchen staff are officers and crewmen." Greg handed Jordan a PADD. "Here are some names that I recommend. There are three pages, some you will probably recognize."

"Thank you, Sir," Jordan commented, and then left once Greg dismissed him.

Blackwell-Rivers Base Quarters ~ 1415

As soon as Jordan walked in the door, Jace greeted him with a kiss, then asked, "So, what did Fleet Admiral Robinson want? Does he have a ship for us?"

"A brand-new class, the Pegasus Class," Jordan replied. "I get to pick my Senior Officers, and you'll never guess some of the names on the list of candidates."

"Any that were with us on the Sooloo?" Jace questioned.

"Kash, Aiden, Scott, Connor, Hardin, John and Will," Jordan grinned. Jordan got on the comm and contacted those that were on the Sooloo first. Kash, Aiden, Connor and John Luke were happy to reprise their roles from the Sooloo.

Scott Trevor accepted the position as Assistant Chief of Tactical and suggested his husband Łukasz for the Assistant Chief of Security. Jordan thought that was a great suggestion. Hardin Lukane agreed to be the Assistant Chief of Engineering while Will Crusoe joined his husband in Astrogation.

With only IS, Medical, Science and the Executive Chef positions left to fill, Jordan tried contacting those on the list. He contacted Xander Ryan, first. "How soon until you complete your transitional period?" Jordan inquired.

"I completed it yesterday, Sir," Commander Ryan stated.

"And you were on which ship in the Explorer Program?"

"I served aboard the SS Bradbury, Sir."

The second time Xander said "Sir," Jordan grimaced. "Before we continue, there is a time and place when formality is needed. If you wish to be my Chief of Information Systems, dispense with the 'Sirs.'"

"Yes, Sssssss..." Xander caught himself. 

"So, I see you are wearing glasses; not that it matters, but do you need them?"

"I only wear them when working on the computer. I have excellent eyes, but these make staring at the monitor easier. Plus, they have blue-blocking to protect my eyes."

Jordan looked puzzled, "Shouldn't everyone in IS get a pair or two?"

"I received mine in the Academy five years ago. They were just starting to give them out, but everyone in IS should have been issued a pair."

Jordan started wondering what Brad thought when he received his. He remembered how adamant he was about NOT wearing glasses.

Jordan had secured most of his Senior Staff already, so he decided to take a break and enjoy the evening with Jace. With the twins at the Academy, they had their quarters all to themselves.

Tuesday, 1 April 2127

Rivers' Office ~ 0650

Jordan contacted Landon Carey as soon as he arrived at his office that he was using. He chuckled because it was the same office where Dave interviewed him and the rest of the Senior Staff for the Sooloo. Landon Carey was a medical officer aboard the SS Abraham Lincoln. Once the communication was opened, Jordan stated, "I understand that you wish to transfer to the Pegasus. Before we begin, I must ask if your captain is aware of your request."

"Captain Rivers," Jordan heard someone call out. "I've heard a lot of good things about you and the crew of the Sooloo. Nice of you to stay in Space Fleet after you aged out of the Explorer Program."

"And you are?" Jordan queried.

"Captain Joshua Kidd of the SS Abraham Lincoln," the person came into Jordan's view, and the computer confirmed his identity. Jordan wanted to ask if he were any relation to the famous pirate, but thought he probably heard that a lot. "Now as to your question, I hate the idea of losing Landon, he is a good officer, but I also understand that this is a chance for him to move up. I contacted Fleet Admiral Robinson personally about putting Landon on your list."

"I appreciate that," Jordan averred. "Only reason I asked is because I don't want to step on any toes while recruiting my staff."

"And I appreciate that," Captain Kidd smiled. Jordan spoke with Landon for over half an hour and then offered him the Chief Medical Officer position aboard the Pegasus.

Science Building ~ 0830

Alex Young was a young science officer working in the Cybernetics division. He was part of the team building the Jinzo androids. Captain Jordan Rivers walked into the building and asked to speak with Commander Pete Murdock, the head of the division. "What can I do for you, Captain?"

"Sir, I am here to speak with Lt. Commander Alex Young about joining my crew, but only if that doesn't cause problems with you."

"I see," Murdock smiled, "Alex is a good officer, one of my best. I really hate losing him, but he's wanted to go to space ever since he joined Space Fleet. I won't stand in his way, especially if he's getting a promotion out of it."

Jordan chuckled, "I would like for him to be my Chief Science Officer and promote him to full Commander."

"Yes," Murdock laughed, "he definitely deserves that position, or at least I think so." He stepped out of the office and called Young over. "This captain would like for you to join his crew on the SS Pegasus. Are you interested?"

Alex looked at Captain Rivers, "I would get to go to space? Yes, I am interested."

"But you didn't give me a chance to give you my offer," Jordan feigned a pout.

"If it means I get to go to space, the offer isn't that important to me, sir."

Murdock broke out laughing, "See what I mean, Captain?"

"So, that means you don't want promoted to Commander or head of the entire Science Division aboard my ship?"

"I didn't say that, Sir," Alex became serious. "If that is what you are offering, I will accept, but to me, the important part is, I will go to space."

"Commander, pack up your things," Commander Murdock suggested. "I will file your transfer orders right away. I will miss you, but I know this makes you happy."

"Thank you, Sir."

Space Fleet Academy ~ 1200

Jordan met Jace at the Academy. They thought they would have lunch with Jonas and Jason. "I can't believe you're going back into space without us," Jason whined.

Jonas asked, "Who will take care of Shadow while you're both on duty?"

Jordan looked at the boys, "Grandma and Grandpa Rivers think Shadow should stay with them. He is almost six, and that way, you two can play with him when you're able."

"But that means the two of you will be alone out there," Jonas averred with a horrific face. "Any chance that you can adopt another brother for us?"

Jace hugged Jonas, "We are considering it, but wanted to see what you boys thought before we checked into it."

"You should do it," Jason answered as he took his last bite of "sketti."

After everyone else was finished eating, Jordan and Jace visited with Jonas and Jason until they had to go to their next class. Then they hugged and left.

Turning Winds Group Home ~ 1400

Jordan and Jace decided to head over to a group home. They heard that Turning Winds was a home for troubled adolescents, and thought maybe they could turn someone's life around. As they walked in, they were greeted by a well-dressed gentleman, "I am Walker Granger, the Headmaster. May I help you?"

"We hope so, I am Captain Jordan Rivers, and this is my husband and First Officer, Jason Blackwell, but we call him Jace. We are considering adopting a boy to join us in space."

"Most of my boys aren't much younger than you," Granger declared, "and most have some severe issues. I do, however, have two boys you might consider. They aren't adolescents, so they don't feel like they fit in. Their names are Dallas and Austin."

"Are they brothers?" Jace inquired.

The headmaster shook his head, "No, but being they are the only two under thirteen, they have grown fairly close. They COULD almost pass as brothers, though."

"May we visit with them, please?" Jordan asked.

It was mere minutes when Granger returned with the two boys. The headmaster was right, the boys looked very much like brothers. "So, what's your story?" Jordan inquired. "How did you end up here?"

Austin replied first, "My dad was sent to prison about eleven months ago. He got drunk and killed my mom. He signed over his parental rights and swore he never wanted me." The boy started to cry and Jace embraced him.

"My dad went to prison for kidnapping a girl," Dallas declared. "I guess I started lashing out because he told me he never wanted me and wished I was a girl. Mom signed over her parental rights and sent me here. We both just want someone who will love us. We would like to stay together, but we don't have to."

"Jace and I have two boys already, twins, but they are in the Academy. Would either of you be interested in going into space?"

Both boys' eyes lit up. They enthusiastically asked in unison, "REALLY!?!"

"I take it that as both of you would," Jace laughed. He looked over at Jordan who nodded. "What if we adopted both of you?"

Austin wiped his eyes. "We would like that, very much."

Headmaster Granger had been sitting quietly, evaluating the meeting. He looked at Dallas and Austin before stating, "I will get the paperwork started, but it may take a few weeks before they can go to space with you. How long do you have before you leave?"

"We are looking to leave between the twenty-first and twenty-eighth," Jordan replied.

"Oh good," Granger sighed. "Everything should be in order by the eighteenth, that's the Friday before. If the boys want, they can start staying with you immediately. That will give you a chance to see how they fit into your family before we finalize everything."

"Can we?" Dallas almost begged.

"I don't know," Jordan replied, "it'll mean we have to quit hugging you so you can get your things."

"As much as I love this hug," Austin commented, "I can leave it to get my things if it means I'll get more of them."

Jace let go of him, and he looked at Dallas, "Want me to get your things, too, Brother?" Dallas just nodded and kept hugging Jordan.

Rivers' Office ~ 1500

After Jordan and Jace took the boys to their quarters on the base, Jordan went to his office. He contacted James A Ryker to be the Assistant Chief of Operations, Blake Hudson to be Assistant Chief of Information Services, Tanner Fagg to be the Assistant Chief of Medical and Devon Pegasusuza to be the Assistant Chief of Science. With those four lined up, he had all his Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs lined up. Until the ship was ready to depart, all Jordan had left to do was meet with his Senior Officers and learn about the rest of his crew.

Wednesday, 2 April 2127

Rivers' Office ~ 0900

Steinar Thomas Pennisi was born to an Italian father and a Norwegian mother in Gay, Idaho. He was a recent graduate of the Academy and yet was not assigned. He had spoken to a few captains, but none were interested in him at the time. Someone very high up suggested that he speak with Captain Rivers. He made an appointment and arrived five minutes early.

"Sir, I would really like to serve on the Pegasus. Fleet Admiral Robinson suggested that she might be my best chance of getting aboard a ship."

"Why is that?" Jordan inquired.

Steinar looked down, "The captain of the SS Ronald Reagan turned me down. He said I had two strikes against me before the interview even started. The fact that you are still organizing your crew also helps."

"How could you have two strikes before the interview even started? I didn’t see anything in your file to warrant that."

"Sir, he was referring to my last name. He said it was too close to the spelling of male genitalia, but it's Italian. The second was my hometown, Gay, Idaho."

Jordan shook his head, "Those are not valid reasons, if you ask me. Sure, you could have changed your name if you wanted to, but it's your family name. You should be able to be proud of it. As for your hometown, the name doesn’t define you. It is just the city's name. Besides, whether you are gay or not, it's nobody's business except whomever you wish to share it with."

"You seem cool, Captain, so I don't mind telling you that I am."

"It doesn’t matter, but I appreciate you feeling like you could. And for the record, so are my husband and I."

Steinar smiled, "Now, I understand why you were my best shot."

"Unfortunately, all my Senior Officers and their assistants have been assigned. Would you be willing to be a junior officer?"

"YES, SIR!!!" Steinar replied. "My major was Astrogation, and I was fifth in my class."

"Welcome aboard, Ensign Pennisi. Report to Commander John Luke for your scheduling."

SS Pegasus

Jordan's Ready Room ~ 1500

Jordan decided to take a trip to his ship and visit with some of the crewmembers who had been assisting in the construction. After completing his rounds, he went to his Ready Room. No sooner had he sat down, and the chime went off. "Enter," Jordan called out.

"Sir, I am Lieutenant Richard Campbell, and…" Jordan cut him off.

"Before you proceed, you should know, formality has its place, and I don't believe it's when two people are alone. As long as you remain respectful, we can dispense with the formality when not needed. Understood?"

"Understood, but if I don't say Sir, what should I call you? Captain?"

"Captain is still formal, but not as formal. When it's just us, I have no problem with you calling me by my name, Jordan."

"Understood, Jordan," Lt Campbell smiled. "As I was about to say, I understand that some officers will have children on board."

"Your point? Your records indicate that you are single with no children."

Richard Campbell looked down; Jordan could see a tear forming. "Three months ago, my parents were killed in a shuttle accident. I am the oldest of three boys."

Jordan gulped, "I see. First, I am sorry about your loss. How are you holding up? How are your brothers holding up?"

"Under the circumstances, we are doing alright, but it hasn't been easy."

Jordan stood and walked over to the Lieutenant. "I bet not. Loss of a loved one never is. I'm guessing you would like to bring your brothers aboard the ship. How old are they?"

"Ian is eleven and Liam is ten," Lt. Campbell replied.

Jordan gave a small smile, "Jace and I are adopting two boys, they are eleven and ten. What time are you scheduled off?"

"I actually just completed my watch. Ian and Liam should be just getting out of school, and I will be joining them once I get back down there."

"Do you have plans tonight?"

"Not at the moment. Why?"

"I think you should bring your brothers to Jace and my quarters. They can meet our boys and perhaps start a friendship. If they are going to be together on the ship, I think it's important."

"That does sound logical," Campbell agreed. "What time should we arrive?"

"How does 1730 sound? That will give us and the boys thirty minutes to socialize before we normally eat. And remember, this is an informal impromptu dinner. I am Jordan, and my husband is Jace?"

"My friends call me Rick, Jordan."

Next Chapter

Chapter Two: The Crew

End Notes:

This is currently incomplete and as the remaining Bios are written, they will be added.

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