Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:23:22 +0000
From: Douglas DD DD <thehakaanen@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 66

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. <Douglas and Ben>




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.