Epilogue

3 Years later

The RLS discovery docked once again on the crescent-shaped spaceport hovering above the outer system mining planet. The Captain stood aboard his vessel surveying the familiar spaceport. Jim Hawkins was back on Montressor. It had been a good while since he visited his mother, and from the tone of her letters, she wasn't too keen on waiting much longer. Besides, now was the perfect time to see his mother, after all, he had some news.

Footsteps sounded behind him and the captain turned to see his first mate. Melody had grown a lot since she'd first shown up at his doorstep, both in appearance and in maturity. (Though not in height, he thought to himself in amusement.) Jim looked over her with fondness, noting the impatient look on her face.

"Captain," She spoke fidgeting with the familiar locket around her neck "are we leaving for the shuttle anytime soon? Or do you plan on making Sarah wait? Do you want her to yell at us again? You haven't forgotten that time, have you?"

Jim winced as he remembered the berating they had suffered after they first returned.

His mother had been so angry at having been completely left in the dark while Melody was missing for months. They had both earned the slap to the back of the heads they had gotten. That wasn't so bad, but watching his mother burst into tears afterward was awful, he had promised himself never to make her worry like that again. Luckily, she had forgiven them both, after making them swear to write her as often as they could.

After an emotional evening, Melody and Jim had sat Mrs. Hawkins down and told her the whole story. Sarah listened raptly twisting a handkerchief in her lap anxiously. At the very end of the story, Melody told Sarah the one thing Jim had left out.

She reached for Jim's hand and threaded her fingers with his.

"Sarah, there's something else we need to tell you…" Melody began shyly, her face flushed.

"No you don't." Sarah interrupted with a sly smile.

"Huh?"

"If you were about to say that you two are in love, then you don't have to tell me. I already know that." Mrs. Hawkins rested her chin in her hand and grinned.

"What? What do you mean you already know?" Jim interrupted incredulously.

His mother looked pointedly at Jim's hand still intertwined with Melody's.

"I'm your mother, I know everything." She shrugged casually.

"Uh-huh," Jim began unimpressed with her answer "And how long have you known about this particular thing, Oh wise one?"

Melody leaned forward curiously.

"Longer than you knew, Jim." She answered cryptically.

Melody had let out a laugh at that, earning a playful glare from her boyfriend.

Mrs. Hawkins had then proceeded to tease them mercilessly for the next 2 weeks that they spent at the Ben-bow inn.

During their time there, Jim had received a response from Admiral Bluedwarf.

To Captain Hawkins,

While I must address the unorthodoxy of your request, I believe I may be able to provide accommodations. The RLS Discovery is indeed one of the largest and most essential ships in the Interstellar fleet. You are also a highly trusted officer and it is imperative that as captain, you have a first mate. However, I can not allow the employment of an officer who has not received training. You are aware I'm sure, that an officer of the interstellar navy must have at minimum 6 months of academy training as well as one year spent aboard a vessel for hands-on training. If you wish for your friend to become an officer, she will have to go through the standard 6 months at the academy. I am sure she will get into the academy if you write her a letter of recommendation. I can, however, arrange for the year of training to be spent on a very prestigious vessel. If the ship's captain is amiable to the suggestion, of course. After she has completed her 6 months at the academy, Melody may spend her year training for the position of first mate aboard the RLS Discovery. If the Captain permits it, after her year is spent, she may be promoted from acting-first mate to official-First mate. I hope this has answered any questions.

- Admiral Bluedwarf

While the letter hadn't been exactly what he had hoped for, the admiral had still helped Jim tremendously. It would be torture to be away from Melody for 6 months, but in the end, she would be free to serve aboard the Discovery. That was if she agreed of course. Melody obviously wasn't one for authority figures (he understood that completely) she may not enjoy the strict academy so much.

But of course, Melody had jumped at the chance. She told him that she would miss him terribly for 6 months, but that it was worth it. At the end of her academy training, she'd have access to the one thing that had always called out to her, Adventure.

A month later and Melody shipped off to the academy. Though they had promised to write and visit each other, watching her leave was miserable. He understood now the pain she had felt when he had left to first captain the discovery. It was only 6 months, he reassured himself, then she'd be back.

For Melody, her half a year spent at the academy sped by. While Jim was correct about her distaste for authority, he had underestimated her ability to play the part of the perfect student. She'd had plenty of practice at that in her years at the castle. The higher-ups easily fell prey to her practiced responses. She was a 'Model student'. Yeah right. Melody could care less about the politics of the Interstellar navy, all she wanted was to be back aboard the Discovery with Jim.

One upside of the academy was the other officers-in-training. She hadn't told any of the people there about her royal heritage, and she was glad to be treated like a normal person. The girls in her dorm were kind, interesting, and funny. After 3 months, the word had leaked that Melody's recommendation letter had been penned by the renowned Captain Hawkins. Suddenly Melody was swamped by other students questioning her connection, most of them, girls swooning at Jim. Melody had taken particular glee in telling them that the captain in question was her boyfriend. After all, there were no rules about dating among officers of differing rank in the interstellar Navy. She was happy to let the word spread, knowing it would have no negative effect on either Jim or her career.

A few weeks after the word was out, Jim dropped by for his promised visit. He had grinned cheekily when she had told him of her bragging about their relationship, before sweeping her into a dramatic kiss, directly in site of a few girls. Those watching burst out in whispers and giggles. Melody had punched him in the shoulder at that. He always had to one-up her.

Finally, her 6 months had passed, and Melody was able to return to the RLS Discovery.

For the next 2 years, Melody served aboard the Discovery as second in command to Captain Jim Hawkins. The crew welcomed her readily and on her first night back aboard the ship, Timothy had cooked an extravagant meal in celebration. In between missions they would take turns visiting home planets, though much of the crew skipped their turns for personal reasons. The discovery even visited earth at one point and Melody and Jim had dropped in on her parents.

Now, three years after King Faren had died, the Discovery was docked in the Montressor spaceport.

"Still reminiscing, Captain?" Melody teased a hand on her hip.

"I suppose we should catch that shuttle down to the surface now." He replied as the two walked down the gangplank.

"I think that'd be best Jimmy." She smirked as they headed towards the shuttle bay.

"Oh, so I'm Jimmy now? What happened to Captain?" He questioned as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"You're only 'Captain' when we're aboard the discovery. Once we're off it, I'm free to call you Jimmy whenever I like." She responded as though it were obvious.

"Right. And when am I Jim?" he asked as they walked through the crowded spaceport.

"Hmm, I guess whenever you're in my good graces." She hummed.

"I see. I'll do my best then." Jim smiled as they climbed aboard the shuttle

Melody watched the doors close in front of her and leaned against the wall as the vehicle slowly moved out of the dock. Jim leaned beside her and watched out the little port window.

Melody, however, wasn't paying attention to the view of the window, instead, she had brought her left hand up to her face with a smile.

Jim glanced over at the motion and grinned when he realized what she was doing.

The fingers of her left hand flexed as she admired her hand with a soft smile.

"I wonder," Jim began "If I'm currently back in your good graces?"

Melody looked up at him, love shining in her eyes.

"I'd say so, Jim." She murmured happily as her eyes drifted back to her hand.

"First mate, best friend, partner in crime-" Melody began to recite, her eyes following the flash of the diamond ring wrapped around her ring finger.

"Fiancée."

Yes, they definitely had some news for his mother.

The visit had been the most joyous, hectic, and over-all tiring one they'd ever had. His mother had cried (thank goodness it was tears of joy this time), Morph had taken the shape of rice and thrown himself at the two, and Ben-ugh, Ben. He had lifted them both into a hug and spun them until they were green. Jim loved the bot, he really did, but he could be overwhelming. After a week spent at the Benbow Inn, the two had decided it was time to return. There would be plenty of time for visits later, seeing as they had a wedding to plan, one that both of their mothers would want to organize. Luckily Sarah and Ariel had met several times before, and they got on like old friends. Melody was relieved that the two of them had volunteered to take over on the planning. She couldn't have cared less about all the little details, as long as she was walking down the aisle towards Jim.

The two of them departed from the shuttle and once again began the walk through the Montressor spaceport.

This time, however, Melody was distracted by a little vendor set up. She halted in her path and wandered over towards the booth. Jim sighed fondly and decided to wander off to another booth a few blocks down to look at some solar-gear.

Melody's eyes drifted over the curious assortment of odds and ends at the currently unmanned booth. Her head tilted in puzzlement at an iridescent ring in the shape of a little coiled dragon.

"Tha's a fine eye ya have there miss." A voice called from above her. A burly humanoid stood before her, a smile across his face.

"That there's a dracorian wishing ring. They say any wish made on it'll be granted." He picked up the ring to show her as he spoke.

Melody gave him an unimpressed smile.

"Really little miss, tha's what they say. I'll give it to ya for 60 gold pieces." He offered.

Melody shook her head kindly at the offer, even if it was overpriced.

"Thank you, but I've already got a ring." She beamed as she flashed the vendor her engagement ring.

"Congratulations! Perhaps you're in need of a wedding gift for your lucky groom." The seller wheedled.

Melody crossed her arms.

"Maybe I am, but not at your over-inflated prices" She quipped with a raised brow.

"Ah lass, how you wound me!" The seller replied dramatically throwing a hand over his heart.

Melody giggled at the display.

"Perhaps I've something that'll strike your fancy aboard my humble little vessel. I'll even promise not to over-charge ya, since I like ya so much." The man grinned before heading inside the little boat docked behind the booth.

Melody went back to inspecting his various wares as he rummaged through his boat. He really did have some fascinating little treasures, they looked to be from all over the galaxy. Melody's treasure collecting impulse hadn't really faded over the years, maybe it wouldn't hurt to buy one little thing…

"I know what your thinking," Came the voice of her fiancé behind her.

"So, what is it, which knick-knack are we bringing back to the ship now?" Jim teased as he slung an arm over her shoulder.

"Ha Ha laugh it up, Jimmy. I haven't decided yet." She poked him in the side as he snickered. He really did know her too well.

"Aha! I think this mother of pearl pocket watch will catch yer eye, little miss." The vendor called from his boat. Jim froze at the sound.

He watched in awe as a cyborg stepped out from the little boat.

Silver halted as his eyes fell over Jim.

"Jimbo?" He muttered in astonishment.

Melody tilted her head at the nickname, she'd have to file that one away for later use.

Silver stepped around the table and swept Jim into a hug.

Jim laughed as the man swung him lightly.

"Okay-okay enough, Silver." He chuckled as the man let him down.

Melody gasped. Silver! As in Long John Silver the cyborg from Jim's treasure planet story! So, it really was true! She hadn't even realized that she'd been haggling with Jim's long-lost friend.

"You're Silver?" Melody grinned.

The cyborg looked over at the girl in surprise, he had forgotten about her in his excitement.

"Aye, though it'd be best if ya didn't say my name too loudly, wouldn't want any Navy officers catching word an all." He grinned at the woman he now understood to be Jim's fiancée.

Melody and Jim shared an amused look.

"Sorry but I think it's too late for that," Melody shrugged "I'm the first officer of the RLS Discovery."

Silver chuckled weakly and rubbed the back of his neck with his cybernetic hand.

"Really now? I suppose you'll be wanting the officers discount then."

"I won't say no." She grinned sly.

Silver let out a hearty laugh as he handed her the pocket watch.

"I like this one, good on ya Jim, you've chosen well, even if she is a first mate in the Interstellar Navy." Silver chortled.

Jim gave the same sly smile as Melody.

"I definitely chose well; Melody is an amazing fiancée and an even better first mate. My crew really respect her." Jim laughed at the cyborg's shocked expression.

"Am I hearing right? You're a Captain, is that it?" Silver asked in awe.

"Yep, he's Captain Hawkins of the RLS Discovery" Melody chimed in, admiring her new watch.

"My word, you really have grown up," Silver smiled softly

"You've charted your own course." The cyborg said gently, pride clear in his eyes.

"I have," Jim looked up at his old friend meaningfully.

That night Jim and Melody returned to the ship. They had spent several hours aboard Silver's little boat talking to the man and reminiscing. They had even told him a bit about Melody's story of running away and finding the inn. Finally, they had to leave and return to their ship. Silver had told Jim how proud he was, and he had congratulated the two of them on their upcoming wedding. He stated his regret at not being able to attend due to the likely presence of high-ranking naval officers. At the end, he ruffled them both on the head and told them that they would surely meet again.

As Melody changed into her nightgown in her first officer's quarters, she looked over herself in the mirror. Her eyes swept over her engagement ring giddily. Melody lifted her hands and undid the clasp to her locket. Her fingers traced the familiar engraving before finding the little button to open the locket. It swung open and hummed as the holo-projector kicked in. Years ago, Jim had taken it apart in an effort to change the holo-pic. His mechanical savvy had allowed him to successfully switch out the old photo of Montressor. Now Melody looked fondly upon the picture it projected. The locket held a flickering image of Melody and Jim grinning hand in hand, as they stood before the RLS Discovery.

'Now you may always carry your home close to your heart.'

The End.

(A/N): Thank you so so much to everyone who read my story. I'm so happy to know that other people have gotten something out of something that I created. I read every review I got, sometimes more than once. You guys gave me the motivation to finish this story, even with all the craziness going on in the world right now. I hope you all stay safe and healthy. If you enjoyed, The Runaway with Raven Hair, Please Review! Thanks for sticking with me!