Voyagers Book III

A Collaboration of Zarek Dragon and Douglas DD

In Remembrance of TrueFan

The Sooloo received a new pilot to be a substitute-fighter pilot, but the decision to add him came after they left, so the Asimov brought him to the ship. While the Asimov was beside the Sooloo, Kyle had a chance to show off his new Astrogation office. Jesse had the opportunity to talk with a pilot from the Asimov about a problem they were having with the Bubba Loo. And Steve got a chance to meet the Chief of Operations, who also happened to wear glasses.

Friday, 3 July 2122

Captain's Ready Room ~ 1330

As many of the off-duty officers were enjoying cake in the Officers' Mess, Dr. Tom Abernathy rang the chime to the Captain's Ready Room. Jordon's voice called out, "Enter!"

"Captain, I really need to speak with you," Dr. Tom averred.

"Have a seat," Jordan offered. "Is something wrong?"

"Sir, I received a message about an issue with my ranch," Tom stated. "It's something that only I can take care of, and I have to do it in person."

"That poses a problem," Jordan averred. "How soon does it need to be dealt with?"

"Soon, but I have some time, though not much. I have about two weeks to get it done. I am resigning from Space Fleet effective as soon as my replacement arrives."

Jordan hung his head. "I hate to lose you, Tom. The entire crew, especially the children, love you."

"I know," Tom stated solemnly, "but I really don't have much choice. If I don't take care of this, I will lose my ranch, and you know it's home to several orphan boys, who all happen to be gay, or at least think they are. Some may not actually know yet."

"I understand, and I don't blame you," Jordan admitted. "It's just that, you are family, and you will be missed. What about Christian?"

"We would like for you to marry us before we leave."

"'We leave?' So, he's resigning, too?" Jordan questioned. Tom just nodded his head slowly. "Ronald?"

"He's planning to stay with the ship, at least until next time you're on Earth. After that, he may join us, but he hasn't decided yet."

"So, how are your replacements getting here?" Jordan inquired.

"Do you remember the boy Jace I guess kind of inherited?"

"Young Medici, yes," Jordan replied.

"Well, Zarek was on Earth picking him up, when I called Space Fleet. He offered to bring Dr. Doug Harris and Lieutenant Jasper Lopez to the ship. Then, he'll be taking Chris and I back to Earth."

"The Shouryou is a fast ship, so that means you won't be with us for much longer."

"No, we left Earth five days ago, and Zarek claimed that he'll catch up to us in about four days, tops. Then we need to leave almost immediately to give us four days to finish what I have to do."

Jordan nodded, "That sounds about right. So, when would you like to have the wedding?"

"Christian and I were thinking this Sunday."

Jordan agreed, "Sounds good, what time would you like?"

"Do you have watch that day?" Tom asked.

"No, as Captain, I don't usually stand watch. I only need to be on the Bridge when establishing orbit, docking, leaving orbit or leaving the space dock. Also in extreme emergencies. So, unless something happens, I have all day Sunday available."

"In that case, what about 1100?"

"Works for me," Jordan confirmed. "Get with Steve about reserving the Holodeck, and Randy and Ben about the food and cake."

Sunday, 5 July 2122

Operations Office ~ 0750

Ensign Clark Welling stopped at the Operations office to see if Steve had any specific assignment for him. Steve handed him a PADD, stating, "Here are the specifics of what Doctor Tom wishes for his and Christian's wedding ceremony." After saying that, Steve looked up to be sure Clark had the PADD before letting go. "You're wearing glasses," Steve finally noticed.

Clark laughed, "Yeah, but so are you."

"Not many people wear glasses anymore. They have surgery to correct their eyes."

Clark nodded his head, "Yeah, my parents had me have the surgery. I don't need glasses, but everyone says I look like Clark Kent from the Superman comics, so I like keeping the persona."

Steve was looking at Clark's profile, wondering why he hadn't noticed the glasses before. "Is that why your profile pic has the Daily Planet in the background?"

"That was taken at the State Fair in Kansas. I lived in Chase, Kansas, which is only 63.08km (39.2mi) from where the fair is held. My friends thought it would be funny. Something else funny, the zip code for Chase is the one they used for Smallville."

"That IS funny. Do you have a Superman outfit, too?"

"Yes, I do. My last boyfriend gave it to me for Christmas, but then broke up with me when I told him I was going to space."

"Sorry to hear that, but some people just can't handle it. I was lucky and met my husband on this ship."

Clark enjoyed the chat but said that he needed to get the Holodeck ready. Steve confirmed that it was definitely needed, and promised they would talk again.

Holodeck One ~ 1045

Those of the crew who were not on duty were sitting on the deck of a sailing ship created in Holodeck One. Captain Jordan Rivers was standing at the bow of the ship with all the seats facing him. Ronald Abernathy was standing to Jordan's right while Asa Hicidhe stood to his left.

Duskin walked from the stern down the aisle, carrying the pillow with the rings. Tom and Christian thought he would make a cute ring bearer and had asked Kyle and Danny for permission. They also thought Ethan did an excellent job at Kash and Mason's wedding, so they sought permission for him to be their flower boy.

Once Ethan had reached the front, he sat beside Duskin in the front row, with Duskin on the aisle, the ring pillow on his lap. The music switched to the Wedding March, then Tom and Christian walked down the aisle with their arms (Tom's right and Christian's left) interlocked at the elbows.

Jordan began the traditional wedding ceremony, then Tom gave his vows. After Tom was finished, Christian said his. Duskin stood up with the rings once both vows were said, and the happy couple exchanged the rings. Jordan declared them a couple, and they kissed.

After the wedding, everyone, Officers and Crewmen, headed to the Officers' Mess for the reception. Randy had prepared salads using "fresh" baby spinach as the lettuce. Then the guests could have chicken or fish as the main entrée with asparagus on the side.

The cake was a two-layer white cake with a space-themed frosting. It was a dark blue base with stars and nebulas. The topper was two guys dressed in medical uniforms.

There was dancing, dining and conversations throughout the Mess. When it came time to cut the cake, Dr. Tom carefully placed a piece of cake into Christian's mouth, but Christian had other ideas. With a twinkle in his eye, he smashed the cake against Tom's mouth, and then kissed him. Everyone, including Tom, thought it was funny.

Monday, 6 July 2122

Main Shuttlebay ~ 0850

A shuttle from the Shouryou landed and Zarek got out. Young Medici was with him, as were Dr. Harris and Nurse Lopez. Jace and Jordan were there to greet them. "We arrived a day earlier than planned," Zarek declared, "and Medici wanted to come with me to thank you again for letting him return to Darastix."

"I just did what I thought was right for you," Jace responded. "I'm glad it makes you happy."

"When Dad told me that he was willing me to you, he told me that you would do what was right for me. He was right."

Jace gave Zarek and Medici a tour of the ship, even though Zarek already knew the layout very well. Jordan led Dr. Harris and Nurse Lopez to the Medical Bay.

Once there, Dr. Tom and Christian logged out of their computers for the last time and turned them over to Dr. Harris.

Officers' Mess ~ 1200

Before leaving, Dr. Tom and Christian went to lunch for the last time. Everyone not currently on watch was there to give them a farewell. Ben made a special cake to commemorate their parting. The cake was made to look like a pasture with a stream, a fence and two plastic horses. On the side were the words, "So Long Tom and Christian." Tom's and Christian's eyes started welling up. They never felt so loved.

Everyone gave them a hug and requested they stay in touch. Tom agreed, and Christian promised to make sure that they did.

Astrogation Office ~ 1300

The comm in the Astrogation Office chimed. Kyle looked and saw it was Commodore Tietokone. "Hal, to what do I owe the pleasure?" 

"How are you liking your new office?" Hal inquired. 

Kyle responded, "Was this your idea?" 

"I asked Jordan what he planned to do with Dave's Ready Room, and he asked what I thought about making it the Astrogation Office," Hal answered. "I told him that I thought it was a great idea. We know that your office was a bit small, and with it in close proximity to the bridge, we agreed that it would be perfect for you." 

"A bit small is putting it mildly," Kyle chuckled. "It's definitely a much-appreciated surprise, and it tells me that my superiors more than care about me." Kyle's wide grin showed his feelings perfectly. He quickly became serious again. "I know you didn't call just to ask me about the office." 

"You are right," Hal replied. "We have a brand-new ship ready to start it's trials." 

"The SS Robert Heinlein," Kyle said knowingly. "Along with the SS Sally Ride and the SS Amelia Earhart. I can understand the Ride and the Earhart finally being built for the girls, but I never quite figured out why the Explorer Program needed another ship for the boys." 

"The interest in the program and the Academy has been unprecedented and with all of the recent media attention the program has received it's grown even more. But, as you have taken me off topic as you so often seem to do," Hal chuckled. "Are you interested?" 

"In being her Chief Astrogator?" Kyle asked. "Why would I want to do that? I'm happy where I am, here on the Sooloo." Puzzlement was obvious in his voice. 

"No, I'm asking if you would be interested in becoming Captain Kyle," Hal smirked. 

"Captain?". 

"Yes, Kyle, we are offering you your captaincy of the Heinlein. Are you interested?" 

To say Kyle was shocked would be an understatement. He looked at Hal in disbelief for a few seconds before declaring, "Yes, of course I am interested. You know my ambition is to be a captain, and to be the youngest captain in the fleet if possible. But I've never even been a first officer? How do you think I'm qualified to be a captain?" 

"I will let you in on a little secret, Kyle. Being a first officer is as much an administrative job as a command position, maybe even more so. He keeps the captain from being flooded in paperwork, which makes him damn important. You have already had more situations in which you've taken command than most of the first officers in the Explorer Program." Hal gave Kyle a serious look. "You are more than qualified, Kyle, or else I wouldn't have asked if you were interested." 

Kyle had been interested from the moment Hal had asked him if he was. As he listened to Hal, the questions that were piling up in his head were begging to be released. "When do I take command of her? Who will be my First Officer? Will Danny be my Chief Pilot?" Kyle shot off many more questions before taking a breath. 

"You will have final say over who all your Senior Officers are, just like Dave did when he took command of the Sooloo. It's the prerogative of being the captain of a new ship. Applications to be considered for the senior officer positions have been coming in ever since the openings were posted. You might be interested in knowing that Devon French has requested to be the first officer, but that is your decision. As for Danny, that is your decision, also. We did ask Steve Boyer if he would be interested in being your Chief of Operations, should you want him, and he said that he is ready. Again, that is your decision." 

"If I take Steve, does that mean I can take Brad, too?" 

"Your call, but I would highly recommend it," Hal chuckled. 

"What about Randy Jenkins?" Kyle grinned. 

Hal laughed, "He's a civilian, so we have no say over him. If we did, I would have moved him to the Base Kitchen." 

"I would love to give Jesse Gross a position, and…" 

"Slow down, Kyle. There will be time to decide all of that." 

"I am definitely interested, but I have to talk with Danny about it. I'm pretty sure he will be okay with it. Plus, we have Koji and Duskin to think about. They're going to need some playmates and some kind of schooling beyond a virtual classroom. But, no matter what, if Danny says yes, I'm in." 

"We will line up some candidates for your senior officers, and you can interview them when next you are here. Also, if Steve and Brad join you, you will have Shasho. Plus, I have some ideas about schooling, but that can wait until later." 

"Thank you, Commodore. I'm going to need to sit down for a moment and get my breath back, and then go find Danny." Kyle thought for a moment and then said, "But I am going to insist on one thing if I'm going to take this command." 

"What's that?" Hal asked.

"Whoever becomes my chief astrogator is going to have an astrogation office," Kyle grinned.

Hal laughed hard, then caught his breath and informed Kyle, "The new ships already have them built in, opposite side of the Bridge as the Captain's Ready Room.

"Now, as to when you take command and are officially promoted to Captain… due to some concerns, the Admiralty wants you to be thirteen before you are promoted to Captain. We don't want any more people like Allen Cooper trying to stir things up about a preteen Captain."

Kyle nodded. "I understand."

"Your birthday is in four weeks," Hal acknowledged, "I was thinking we have your promotion ceremony on your birthday. It will make you the youngest Captain in Space Fleet, and if we don't allow preteens to be Captain, no one can break your record."

Kyle grinned at the thought. Then he asked, "Do I already have a crew, or will I need to recruit one like Dave did?"

"If you agree to take this position, Zarek has agreed to wait to leave. You can come to Earth with him."

Bridge ~ 1515

The Shouryou departed at 1500, and the Sooloo continued to Water World.

Authors' Notes:

It is with heavy heart that I and Douglas DD have decided to end this story at this point. With the loss of TrueFan, we tried to carry on, but just didn't have the heart to do so. Never fear, though. The story doesn't end here. Douglas DD will continue with Voyager: SS Robert Heinlein, with my assistance as he feels needed, and I will be writing Voyagers: Pegasus, a look 5 years in the future with Jordan as an adult captain in the regular fleet.

End Notes:

This work is a collaboration of 2 authors, since the third passed away. We will be posting chapters of this story as we are able. When commenting, please send to both authors or click here... Authors of Voyagers.

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