John Silver opened the inn door, soaked to bone and metal. The wind blew cold air and rain into the crowded space, snuffing out some nearby candles and sending water towards nearby patrons as he closed it. Some of the aliens inside turned their heads to his entry but soon resumed their conversations, paying him no more heed. The inn was a cheap one for folk who were generally criminally involved or otherwise wanted to avoid outside attention. As such, it was darker inside, lit by some greasy lamps and open candles. Alcohol stains were littered all over the bar and tables and the floor was uncomfortably sticky. Leaving puddles behind him, John clomped over to an empty spot by the bartender. The bartender was an eel-like man whose eyes were tired-looking and hands well-calloused from years of cleaning out used glasses-something he was doing at that present moment.

John kept his hat low and collar turned up as he spoke quietly to the bartender. "I've got comp'ny askin' for me," he murmured, arms crossed on the counter. The eel turned to him, glancing at the cyborg before resuming his cleaning. "You'll be Mr. Silver then," he said, setting his glass down and wiping his hands with the rag. John nodded his head. "Aye. I don't s'pose he's here yet?" The man picked up another glass and began filling it with contents from one of the many bottles under the bar. "The man you're looking for sits yonder," he whispered, gesturing to a shadowy figure sitting in the darkest corner of the inn. "You know of him?" He asked, passing the glass to one of the other aliens sitting at the counter. "I don't." John said, looking back at the mysterious man from the corner of his eye. "I got word from one o' me old friends tha' someone wanted to meet me here tonight. Thas him there I s'pose."

"Better go speak to him then," the bartender said, taking the rag and brushing off his side of the counter. "Just don't be causing a ruckus if you get my way o' speaking." John nodded and stood up, turning to his summoner. He cautiously made his way through tables and passed out patrons on the floor soaked in their own drink. Finally before the man, he took a seat directly across from him, not making direct eye contact. His mechanical eye examined the figure before him. The man had nice clothing, nothing too cheap. He had on a black doublet with the collar turned up and crimson gloves that were both fitted. He also wore a dark-colored handkerchief over the bottom half of his face and a tricorne hat that cast a dark shadow over his eyes. He had his arm folded on the table while the other hand held a glass that contained a clear liquid.

"Mr. Silver." Said the man, addressing him. John glanced to both sides of them before bowing his head a little. "So you's the one who asked to meet me. What do ye want?" The man set his glass down. "I have a proposition for you. One to help clear your name." John's eyes narrowed. "And why would some ol' swashbuckler want to help an outlaw like me?" The man leaned forward, light now exposing his eyes. His very familiar eyes. "Consider it returning a favor for an old friend," he said, pulling down the handkerchief and smiling. "Jimbo?!" John exclaimed, eyes widening. Jim quickly put a finger up to his lips to signal the cyborg to be quiet and leaned forward. "Hey there you old spacedog," He whispered, grinning. "What are ye doin' clear out in an ol' head like this?" John said, barely containing his surprise and joy. "T'ought ye'd be out pilotin' some clipper by now!"

Jim chuckled. "Oh, I have been. How'd you know I've been out?" At that, John smiled and pulled some news-clippings from one of the many pockets in his coat. "I've been a-watchin' ya since I left. Ye graduated from the academy a few months ago, didn't ya?" Jim nodded, looking at the circled articles about graduates from the Interstellar Space Academy. "I watched fer yer name a while now lad. Didn't t'ink I'd see it so soon though!" He said, laughing a little. "Why, it's only been three years hasn't it?" Jim nodded again, lips turning upwards into a huge grin. "I didn't know it was in the papers," he said. John collected the clippings and put them back into his pocket. "Well, what rank are ye now?" He asked. Jim looked around to make sure no one was watching before unbuttoning the top part of his coat to reveal a captain's uniform. John's eyes widened. "Well sink me lad! A cap'n and all!" Jim quickly covered up again, smiling big. "Yeah. They really liked my experience being a cabin boy. That and being a member of the crew that found Treasure Planet as well as Captain Amelia's good word. I went through the program pretty quickly."

John beamed, feeling intense pride inside him. "I told ya ye'd go far, didn't I?" He said, smiling. Jim's grin softened. "You sure did Silver." He looked at John. "I've really missed you." He said. John's shoulders slumped a little. "I've missed ya too lad. Not a day goes by t'at I don't t'ink 'bout ya. I'da liked to 'ave written but..." He looked around. "I'm with this crowd. I'm a wanted man." Jim nodded. "I know. But that's partially why I'm here." He leaned in. "Something big has happened. Something I'm involved in. And I've convinced my superiors and higher authorities that your aid would be crucial in my current mission." His eyes were filled with excitement and hope. "I gave a testimony of what happened on the R. S. Legacy. They are willing to pardon you of your past criminal record if you'll help me." John opened his mouth in confusion, eyebrows drawing to each other. "What do ye mean Jimbo? What's 'appened?" Jim looked around. "I can't explain that here. Too many eavesdroppers. But I can tell you all about it back on my ship."

John paused, looked at his mechanical arm in thought. "Ye're sure there'll won't be any o' yer spacers on me tail?" Jim gave a small smile. "I can almost guarantee it. I can explain more later. Do you trust me?" The cyborg closed his eyes and chuckled, then opened them again. "Aye, lad. I trust ye." Jim grinned, pulling the handkerchief back over his face, and motioned for John to follow him.

The two walked for a few minutes through the rainy night, exchanging carefree banter before reaching a longboat parked close to the darkened shops nearby. They hopped on, sailing through the atmosphere of the planet and out into space. Soon, Jim pointed out his ship, floating in the distance. "Well, bless me Jimbo! Don't ye have yerself a mighty fine spacer!" John exclaimed. Jim laughed. "She's a good old thing." After pulling into the ship and securing the boat, Jim escorted the cyborg to the captain's quarters.

"So a lot has happened since Treasure Planet's demise and now. Namely many discoveries." Jim sat at his desk and pulled up a chair for John. "When the planet began self destruct, it didn't rid itself of its treasure." The cyborg gave a look of confusion. "How can that be Jimbo? We saw it wit our own eyes!" Jim pulled out some notes from a drawer. "Not exactly. You remember the portal, don't you?" John nodded. "Well turns out that wasn't the only one. There was another lining the interior spaces of the mechanism. When everything started coming down, the gold spilled over the sides, like we saw. It spilled into those portals." John leaned back in his chair. "So...where be it then?" Jim referred to the many pages scattered on his desk. "We don't really know. We consulted B.E.N. and all he can gather is that old Flint took a lot of precautions with his treasure. What it looks like is that it's all been scattered to the edges of our galaxy and beyond."

John didn't say anything for a moment; he just had his mouth hanging open in shock. "Jimbo...are ye sayin' what I t'ink you're sayin'? All t'at treasure is still out there?" Jim smiled. "Exactly. In fact..." He ducked below his desk and pulled out a large chest. "We've already found some." He opened it to reveal brilliantly glowing trabloons, rubies, diamonds, and other magnificent jewels, all cozied up inside. John's eyes were as wide as dinner plates. Jim spoke. "We've made an agreement with the federation. They'll fund our voyages and crew and we'll find the lost treasure. When we do, we split the profit 50-50. Fifty for them and the rest for us." John looked up at Jim and smiled. "And you want me ta help ye?" The boy nodded. "Well Jimbo, yev'e got yerself a deal. When do we start?" Jim smiled. "Tomorrow. From now on, I'd like you to be my Third Officer." John laughed. "O' course lad! And da sooner we leave, da better!"

"Let me show you to your quarters," Jim said, holding the door for the cyborg. "T'ank ye Jimbo. Now uh, do yer superiors know I'm wit ya t'en?" Jim walked down the stairs towards the officer's rooms. "I'll let 'em know tonight. There are some conditions they'll want when we start, but all they told me is that I'm to keep a close eye on you and report back to them whenever possible. Captain Amelia and Doc. Doppler were supposed to be in charge of this whole thing, but with four kids...it doesn't work so well. So they exchange babysitting and go on expeditions every few weeks or so until the little ones are old enough to work as cabin hands. That puts me in command of this mission." John chuckled. "Prob'ly for the best, lad. I dun t'ink our ol' capn's too keen about me not servin' a jail sentence." Jim shrugged. "I think she's kinda over it at this point. Your crew-mates served their time and are on parole right now I believe. You get the nice way out." John laughed again. "T'at I do Jim, t'at I do."

Jim showed the cyborg to his room. "Here you are," he said, handing over a key. I'll let the crew know you're with us tomorrow." Jim smiled. "Glad you're here," he said. John's face sunk into one of that fatherly affection he had those years ago. He held out his arms and Jim came into them, and they hugged each other tightly. "Me too, Jimbo. Bless ye for finding me lad." Jim looked up at him and they released each other. "See ya in ta mornin' Capn." John said smiling. Jim returned the grin and left the cabin, closing the heavy door behind him. John walked to the bed and settled into it. "Bless ye me lad," he said, drifting off to sleep.

To be continued.