Author’s note: I wrote part of this chapter inspired by “I’m a Spacer, Not a Mother” written by Christy.

Chapter twenty-five: behold the enemy

Amelia, Victoria, Rose and Derek looked inside the hangar toward the place Katherine was looking. There were many different ships being loaded with boxes and barrels by a crane, others were being painted, washed or repaired by workers wearing the same uniform. In the middle of hangar, like occupying an honored place, was the RLS Legacy. It was a splendid ship and anyone could tell whether they were experts on ships or not. Its polished hull shone like a rainbow when light was reflected.

Amelia could proudly say it was her ship because she bought it after coming back from Treasure Planet. The people in charge of the shipping company who originally owned the Legacy thought it was too damaged to bother fixing it and it was better to recycle it as scrap metal. But the Captain, who always talked about owning a ship and opening her own office (maybe for sentimentalism too), decided to keep the Legacy. She knew she had chosen right since that ship was fast, maneuverable, resistant and reliable or in other words, perfect for her.

But the children were not interested in those qualities. What they really found fascinating about the Legacy was the fact that it had been the scenario where most of the adventure of Treasure Planet took place. They believed that, by touching the ship with their own hands, they somehow would feel like part of that story. After hearing so much about the Legacy, it was only natural that they wanted to get on board no matter what, and probably that’s what motivated them to explore the spaceport in the first place.

It was always a pity for them not to be able to put their feet on the Legacy because it was a normative of the Ministry of Space Transports that any commercial ship in the areas nearby Crescentia must port there first for inspection. Amelia never set out to take her ship to Montressor since she thought it was best for her children to visit it once they were old enough to go to the spaceport. Besides, the Legacy constantly needed to be repaired or be prepared for its next task.

A few hours ago, the first thing the children did when they got off the ferry was to look around like hoping to spot the Legacy. That would have been their first stop, but unfortunately the ship was transferred to a hangar Amelia didn’t know. It became a crossroads for them; to waste valuable time looking for the ship with no guaranty of success or to give up on the Legacy and continue the trip without visiting it.

But there it was, looking magnificent and impressive. They could even hear background music composed of trumpets (they would find out it was a parade later on); adding a magic touch to the scene. Undoubtedly, this would be a trip worth remembering.

Amelia could almost feel the happiness emanated by her children in form of cheerful and open-mouthed faces, barely able to hold the euphoria. But before she could tell them anything, they ran off. Their mother immediately tried to stop them but she ran into one of the workers and that gave them time to disappear among the crowd. However, she knew where they were heading to so she apologized and ran like lightning avoiding agilely all the obstacles (some workers thought they were imaging things when something passed by leaving a blur trail). Moments later, Amelia reached the Legacy and saw her children standing near its boarding ramp. She walked slowly to recover her breath without taking her eyes off of them.

A young male human holding a clipboard with his arm and shouting instructions to the workers suddenly saw the children and approached them. “Good evening, may I help you?” he kindly asked.

As delighted as they were, the children didn’t notice the presence of the red-haired man right away until he stood in front of them now holding the clipboard with both hands and clearing his throat. He was short and thin but despite his inoffensive appearance his neat uniform let them know he was some kind of authority. They started to act cautiously because they realized that the area they just entered was probably off-limits for tourists, especially for children.

“What are you doing here?” he wanted to know. Then, he turned his head toward the Legacy. “Oh, I get it; you wanted to take a look.”

“Yes, sir.” they responded.

“I thought so; you have no idea how often this happens. It’s a very famous ship, you know. But I’m afraid this is not a place for children, are your parents around?”

“One is right here.” Amelia answered with a serious voice. The children immediately turned to their mother, looking at her with worried faces. “Are my little ones bothering you, mister?”

“Not at all, ma’am, they’re just admiring the ship.” He reassured her, pointing to the Legacy with his thumb.

The Captain put her hands on her hips. “Children, what did I tell you about wandering?”

“We are sorry, Mom.” they said it in unison.

The man smiled. “Let me guess, first time in the spaceport?”

“That’s correct,” she confirmed him. Then, she gave them a sidelong glance. “but if this behavior continues, it will be the first and last time.”

The children lowered their heads, saddened.

He clicked his tongue. “That’d be a real pity, but if you let me say something in their defense, it’s not completely their fault. This is the ship that was used to find Treasure Planet, after all. It’s hard to miss an opportunity like this. Even I felt like a child when they told me this ship would be brought here. You don’t know how many stories I have heard about its owner, they are unbelievable.”

“Certainly they are.” Amelia thought. She was sure that part of her reputation was because of how exaggerated those stories were.

“But where are my manners! I’m talking so much and I haven’t told you who I am. My name is Thomas Gallagher; supervisor in charge of the Hangar 904.” He said shaking her hand.

“Charmed, Mr. Gallagher, I’m Amelia Doppler.” She answered bowing her head.

Suddenly his eyes went wide open. “Excuse me for a second.” He quickly checked in his clipboard the page containing the Legacy’s data with a picture attached. He had read the information several times but he wanted to be absolutely sure.

Amelia stood still with her hands on her back and showing her typical stoic expression.

“For heaven’s sake!” Thomas exclaimed, not believing his eyes. “You… you are…”

“…Captain Amelia.” She completed the phrase. “Once again you are correct.”

He saw Amelia the same way the children did with the Legacy. “Ma’am, it’s a great honor for me to be standing near such a distinguished officer. I told myself I wouldn’t act like a fool if I ever met you but I can’t help it.” He sounded so thrilled that he probably was about to ask for her autograph.

“There, there, take it easy Mr. Gallagher,” she tried to calm him down. “I’m just an ordinary person. I can assure you that anything you have heard about me, good or bad, it’s a complete exaggeration. Regarding Treasure Planet, as I already cleared up many times, I was only hired to command the ship of the real discoverers. My role was actually pretty small.”

That didn’t seem to reduce the admiration the supervisor felt for her. In fact, he was amazed that the Captain could be so humble. He thought he should compensate her for his unprofessional behavior and it was then that he focused his attention on the children. “So, this is your first visit to the spaceport, uh? And I guess your mother brought you here to show you her ship. Well, this is a lucky coincidence because I just finished inspecting the Legacy and it’s in optimal conditions. Perhaps the captain would like to verify it along with you.”

“Sorry, but we are…” Amelia began to say but her children quickly grabbed her arms and started to beg her desperately.

“Please, Mom…”

“Yes, pleeeeease…”

“We promise we’ll behave…”

“Maybe we won’t have another opportunity…”

As final touch, they stared at her pouting with big, sad and tender eyes (some of them almost with tears).

Amelia couldn’t resist. She was so moved that her words got stuck in her throat and the only thing she could do was nod. Of course, she got the usual group hug and the “you are the best” afterwards. It was illogical to think that a captain known for being so strict could fall for an old childish trick. But her heart softened a long time ago, like it used to happen to people who have kids. To tell the truth, there is a curious story that happened before she became a mother, to be more accurate; when she found out she was going to become one.

Amelia had been married to Delbert quite a time and she thought she was adjusting to her new life, but one night she started to feel restless for some reason. That went on for many nights, and naturally, the side effect was that she was unable to sleep. When her health deteriorated, she couldn’t take her husband’s continuous suggestions anymore and had to see a doctor. What was the diagnosis? Four little ones growing inside her, as you already guess. Her reaction, however, wasn’t what you would expect. At first, she denied so categorically the possibility that the doctor had to run the exam three more times just to convince her.

When Delbert knew he thought that they were blessed and he was more than happy to shout about it to the four winds. Amelia was a different story. Although she knew she should feel happy too, honestly she was more concerned for the changes she will have to do in her life; and to a certain extent it annoyed her. Since then, Delbert, Sarah, Jim and B.E.N. were always looking after her as if she was made of glass. Sarah in particular had many advices to give Amelia but there came a time when the Captain couldn’t care less the best way to decorate a cradle.

Destiny seemed to be mocking her. Every time she stopped thinking about the matter, someone had to pester her by bringing up how tough being a mother could be. In more than one occasion, the journey in ferry from Montressor to Crescentia became an endless conversation about maternity. It was then that she discovered a new use for the Legacy: refuge. A place where she could pretend that nothing had changed, that the horizon in the bow of the ship waited for her full of adventures.

But reality made sure to put her feet back on the ground. Soon, she lost control of her body functions and the constant nauseas, cramps, cravings and mood swings were like screams in her head reminding her she was pregnant. And just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, she realized her clothes didn’t fit her overnight.

Delbert and Sarah dragged her to many stores to purchase suitable attire for her condition because they insisted borrowing her husband’s outfits was not the answer, even if she only wore them in the mansion. She couldn’t find garments not even close to her uniform anywhere, but it was to be expected since maternity dresses were not made thinking of former officers of the Armada. Amelia stood in front of the mirror inside the changing room trying on a robe Sarah had chosen. It was blue like her uniform but adorned with little mother-of-pearl flowers instead of golden buttons.

The Captain sighed. She wasn’t very skilled at choosing dresses; what use could it possibly be to someone who spent most of the time sailing through the Etherium? At least, that’s what she always thought. She checked the robe from top to bottom but it didn’t matter from which angle she looked, that wasn’t her style. Then, she saw the reflection of her face and she almost couldn’t recognize it under those dry lips, pale skin, faded hair and eyes; once sharp and lively, now sad and empty.

When she heard Delbert’s voice behind the curtain asking if she was done, she hid in her cubicle. She had decided which one to buy long ago but once they were finished, they would go to the pediatrician for her daily checkup (or daily torment according to her). After he left, she sat down covering her face with her hands. “What am I doing? I’m a captain, for goodness’ sake! Is this how the rest of my life is going to be? Is this how the one called the finer officer in the galaxy will end her days?” it seemed Amelia had reached the limit her mind could take. She wanted more than anything that this was just a dream but at the same time she despised herself for thinking that way.

She stopped pretending and admitted she was confused and scared. She found ironic remembering all her trips to the unknown and all the occasions when she defied danger; none were such a terrifying experience like becoming a mother. While she was there fighting her depression, she heard someone sobbing in the adjacent cubicle and then a curtain being pulled.

“Did you try on the… why are you crying, honey?”

“Th-this dre… dress do… doesn’t make look p-pretty”

“But sunshine, that dress can’t make prettier than you already are.”

“Bu… but some girls out th-there told me I lo… look ugly”

“Aw, don’t listen to them. C’mere, sit down with me. Have I ever told you what happened when you were born? It was a peaceful day at the end of spring. The doctor was getting ready to deliver you and your dad was so nervous that he was about to faint. An hour later the doctor was congratulating me for giving birth to a healthy baby. He left and I kept waiting for the nurse to bring you back to say ‘hi’. She entered the room and what did I see her carrying? A beautiful li’l angel. I knew right away life had given me a gift. You know what happened next? The nurse put you in my arms, you opened your eyes and you caressed my cheek. I thought I would never feel something that touching but I was wrong; every time I see you growing up is like reviving that moment all over again.”

The changing room remained silent for a few seconds. Then, a kiss was heard.

“Thank you, Mom, you are wonderful. I love you.”

“I love you too, Angela.”

Amelia leaned against the wall thinking over the tale. She began to imagine a similar picture with four babies in her arms. Being there, trying to visualize their faces, her heart was filled up with a feeling of love like never before. She put her hands on her belly, closed her eyes, let a tear out and smiled, whispering: “I’m going to be a mother…” That day she learned that raising a family was going to be her greatest adventure and she shouldn’t be scared because Delbert and the others would be there to support her. The rest, as they say, is history.

“Alright then, my loved ones, we’ll take a brief tour around the Legacy’s deck.” Their mother informed them. “Remember; we’ve got other businesses to attend to.”

The children nodded and went up the ramp very fast. Thomas smiled when he looked at the Captain and made a gesture inviting her to get on board. Once everyone was there, they could behold the splendor of a ship with new sails and a fresh coat of paint. The children spread out but stayed in sight of their mother who remained near the ramp with Thomas discussing minor details about the inspection. The little Felinids explored every corner, trying to remember all what their parents, Jim and B.E.N. told them about the Legacy. Derek, nonetheless, was more interested in the technical aspect of the ship (the mechanics in the hangar would have been impressed with his knowledge). Given the limitations of the excursion, they didn’t last long to complete it, which ended when they reached the bridge.

“Look at me, Mom, I’m the captain!” Victoria exclaimed turning the helm and waving.

Amelia waved back smiling. Then, she called them using her hand and after they joined her, she let them know it was time to go. They didn’t reply because they knew they received more than they asked. So, the children went down the ramp quietly. When they were about to head for the exit, Katherine decided she had to take one more look at the Legacy. But the second she turned around, her mother shouted: “Katherine, watch out!” the little one didn’t have time to react and she ran into someone.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” she tried to apologize but she gasped when she looked up to see the person she just hit.

A huge figure wearing a black cloak and holding a cane was standing a few inches from her. Its protuberant face was covered with wrinkles and scars, and its mouth could barely house its long fangs. Katherine’s reaction was like the one she had when she met Frederick, but maybe she could have controlled her shock if it wasn’t for the creature’s eyes. Six yellow eyes with thin red irises were fixed on her; shining with a sinister intensity.

“MOOOOOMMYYYYY!!!” Katherine screamed scared, running toward her mother.

While her daughter hugged her tightly; Amelia caressed her head to comfort her. Her siblings went to her side and patted her shoulders gently. Then, the Captain frowned at the stranger in black cloak. She thought that concerning looks with contempt, counselor Ebiluk had no rivals. That was before she met this individual, whose number of eyes seemed to increase considerably said feeling.

It wasn’t after a few tense seconds that Thomas intervened. “Oh! Colonel Vlad, I didn’t realize you were already here. I was waiting for you the whole morning but I thought you wouldn’t turn up.” He was utterly ignored by the Colonel. Evidently, he was more interested in Amelia than in him. So, the supervisor proceeded to introduce them. “Sorry, my manners again! Captain, he is…”

“Vladimir Wolfgang Meenkoff.” He interrupted him with a voice even more sinister than his appearance. “I don’t need your help.” Thomas swallowed and remained quiet. “And of course, a captain with your reputation doesn’t need introduction, isn’t that right captain Amelia Newhart Smollett?”

“Doppler.” she corrected him with a harsh tune. “My last name is now Doppler… Colonel.”

He took a quick look at the children, which made them shudder. “Hmm… I see…” he started to walk toward her, leaning on his cane and a weird metallic sound was produced as if he was wearing iron shoes. He stopped so close to them that the children had to hide behind their mother. “So, you are the famous captain that found Treasure Planet. Cor blimey, this must be my lucky day.”

Amelia didn’t know what he was up to, but he obviously had hostile intentions, that’s why she decided to put away the ‘formalities’ and went straight to point. “What do you want, colonel, is there something you wish to tell me? Go ahead, I’m all ears.”

The Colonel looked like he was amused by Amelia’s defiant attitude. “There will be a time for chitchat, captain, but I’ve got better things to do. With that, I leave.” He bowed his head and turned around, but after a few steps he stopped without looking back. “By the way, let’s hope that incident in Aniketus was just a misunderstanding. Otherwise, it would be a shame that its repercussions shall befall innocent people… such as your children.”

Rose, who was holding her mother’s arm, felt how it started shaking as the Captain tightened her fist. Victoria heard her snort angrily. Only when the Colonel was no longer at sight, she calmed down.

Thomas approached them. “I… I have to go too, captain. I must begin examining the colonel’s ship. It was really a pleasure to meet you and your children.”

Amelia took a deep breath and exhaled. “The same to you, Mr. Gallagher, thanks for your time.” The supervisor shook her hand and left. She followed him with her eyes feeling sorry for him because he still had to deal with that guy. “Let’s go, children.” they continued walking toward the exit without saying a word.

Once in a carriage on their way to Antheonoros, the children were talking to each other more cheerfully (they didn’t mention anything that reminded them what happened in the hangar, that’s for sure). It was a good thing that the trip wasn’t over yet, but certainly it was regrettable that the best part had turned into a frightening event. How it’s possible that someone could cause such an impression? Amelia was meditating; resting her chin on her hand and looking through the window. She was fighting against dozens of thoughts that only baffled her. The most pressing question that needed an answer wasn’t what was the infamous colonel of the Procyon Army doing there but why he seemed to be holding a grudge against her?