Journeys of the Outlaw Star

Prologue and Growing Feelings

By: Sylis "The Twilight Fox"

Dedicated to my love and inspiration, Rebecca "Becky" H.

I do not own Outlaw Star or any of it's characters. No point trying to sue me, cause you would get nothing!

A/N: This is a Jim/Aisha Fic, it doesn't start out right away, but it will get there. This is my first Fan Fic, I hope you enjoy! Read and Review Please.

Prologue

(6 Years ago)

The crew of the Outlaw Star made their way to the Galactic Leyline. After Gene rescued Melfina, with the help of his companions, they defeated Hazanko. At first, it seemed like everyone was going their separate ways, but after a break down not to far from Sentinel 3, Aisha and Suzuka rejoined the Outlaw Star. Will Gene finally make a name for himself? What will happen on their journey? Will they ever get out of debt from Fred? Only Gene and the rest of his crew can make that decision.

------

(6 Years Later)

Suzuka looked towards the big screen, listening to the announcer carefully.

"The first ship is in sight… And it's the Outlaw Star!" The casino was filled with an uproar as the Outlaw Star finished 1st in the Heifong Space Race.

"Looks like my bet wasn't a waste this time." Suzuka said as she sipped her tea.

"Alright! We showed them!" Gene yelled as he gave a thumbs up to the rest of the crew. This was the second time the Outlaw Star had entered the space race. 6 years had passed since they last entered, and since then the 1st place prize was higher. "With that six hundred thousand wong, we can have one hell of a party." Gene said, ending with a laugh.

"Don't count on that Gene," a teen with yellow hair warned him, "We still owe Fred money, plus we need to restock on ammunition and supplies."

"Oh it can't be that bad." Aisha stated, "You two couldn't owe him that much."

"Well it would help if caster happy over here wouldn't waste the shells that we buy, they're expensive!" Jim pointed to Gene as he spoke.

"Hey! I need those casters!" Gene yelled at Jim, "Those have saved our asses many times"

"Alright alright, let me see…" Jim pulled out his computer and started typing up. He was like this for a few minutes.

"Well, Jim?" Gene asked.

"Hey, give me a second." Jim responded.

"Yeah Gene," Aisha said backing Jim up, "Just cause you aren't as smart and organized as Jim doesn't mean you have to get so impatient." Aisha let a small giggle out, as she loved poking fun at Gene. Jim laughed to himself at Aisha's remark.

"What did you say?" Gene said glaring at Aisha.

"Gene, she is just trying to get you upset." Melfina said giggling from her navigation tube behind Gene.

"Yeah yeah I know…" Gene replied.

"Hey, looks like we do have some spare cash this time!" exclaimed Jim. "We have an extra fifty thousand wong. We won't be in debt to Fred anymore! Good thing we only owed him four hundred thousand."

"Heh…. Yeah right, only four hundred." Gene said nervously, scratching the back of his head.

"Oh no… don't tell me." Jim said slapping his face and shaking his head.

"We owe him five hundred thousand." Gene stated, laughing nervously.

"Gene! You idiot!" Jim yelled.

"Yeah Gene, for the pilot of a spaceship, you sure are a moron." Aisha said laughingly. Jim gave her a thumbs up with a quick smile" Aisha responded with a, "Nyao!" and a quick wink to Jim. Jim blushed slightly and quickly faced away.

"Well let's just go collect our prize money. At least we are a lot better off." Gene stated.

------

After collecting their money from the officials, Gene, Melfina, Aisha, and Jim made their way back to the Starwind and Hawking Inc building. When they entered, Suzuka greeted them. She finished of her tea and left to her quarters shortly after. Jim sat down on the couch as Gene and Melfina headed for the stairs.

"Well we are off to bed, good night Jim."

Gene and Melfina headed towards to their room. Since the events at the Galactic Leyline, Gene and Melfina have been together. Their marriage happened shortly after the Leyline, but it wasn't until Gene grew his hair back out to how he had it before, hating his short hair. Melfina hadn't changed at all, but she and Gene spent much more time together then before the Leyline. Suzuka also did not change, she would leave at time, without letting anyone know where she was specifically going, no change there. Out of all the crewmembers, Jim had changed the most, mainly in appearance. Now, at the age of 17, he stood 5'8", almost as tall as Gene, his hair hadn't change at all, same length. Jim argued that since he was older, he wanted to help Gene more than just being his back up from so far away, he wanted to help protect his companions, especially a certain someone. Over the years, Gene helped Jim improve his marksmanship with a gun, and Aisha also forced Jim to join her in daily exercise and training, mainly to pull him away from working so much. Even now, Jim was the hardest working crewmember on the Outlaw Star, staying up to the early hours of the morning preparing strategies, repairs on the ship, as well as organizing everything. So now, Jim was a pretty fit, as well as a genius when it came to computers and other electronics. With a good shot, and some new hand to hand combat moves, he could give Gene a good run for his money, though he still isn't strong enough to win in a match.

------

The second Gene and Melfina were out of sight, Jim grabbed his computer and started to boot it up, just then Aisha came over and grabbed it right out of his hands.

"Jim, what are you doing? We just got 1st place! We should be out celebrating!" Aisha exclaimed. "So no more computers."

"Well we can't just relax, we have to be prepared incase we get attacked by the Kei Pirates."Jim responded. "Besides I have a lot of work that has to get done." How can she be so carefree? Jim asked himself. Doesn't she realize that without me to be there to help that idiot Gene, nothing would get done?

"That can wait Jim." Aisha said shaking her head. "Do you have a deadline that this work has to be done by? Hmm?" Aisha looked at him, waiting for a reply.

"Ah… well…. No, not really but-" Jim didn't get to finish his sentence as Aisha cut him off.

"Ok then." Aisha smiled and ran to the stairs. "I say we get something to eat, and you better be the gentleman and treat me!"

"What? Wait a min-" Again, he was cut off as she started to speak.

"I'm gonna take a shower and get into something nice" She smiled and scurried up the stairs. Jim just though to himself, How did I get caught up in this?

------

As Aisha finished up her shower, she walked over to her closet. She pulled out a blue Chinese dress she had gotten a few days earlier. I wonder if Jim will like this… Wait! Why do I care what Jim thinks of it? If he doesn't like it, well that's too bad. She nodded to herself.

"I'll wear it."

While Aisha was changing, Jim was also getting out of the shower and changing into something not too formal, but not too casual. After he got dress, he left his room and returned downstairs. A few minutes later, Aisha headed down the stairs, looking over at Jim and smiling.

Wow… She looks cute, wait, did I just admit that Aisha is cute? Jim thought to himself, blushing slightly at his own thoughts. Aisha came up to Jim, noticed that he was blushing.

"Jim, you look a little red," Aisha said giggling, "you ok?" That's cute, he is blushing.

"Huh!" Jim realized she caught him blushing, his whole face started turning red. Aisha giggled again. Jim tried to change the subject. "Yeah, I'm fine. We should get going." Aisha nodded, they headed to the door. Jim let Aisha go ahead of him.

"Oh, such a gentlemen aren't you?" Aisha said with a grin on her face. Again, Jim was blushing.

When they got to the restaurant, they were seated right away. Aisha must have literally ordered half of the menu, Oh boy, and I have to pay for her food too? Jim sighed. Jim was just finishing his half of his steak as Aisha had moved on to her 3rd meal. Jim decided to break the silence.

"So Aisha, whatever happened to that ride home from the C'tarl C'tarl Empire?"

"Oh, I told them I wasn't coming back, I much prefer staying here with you guys."

"What made you change your mind?"

"You know… I'm not really sure." Aisha started to think about it herself. Why did I stay here… I guess I enjoy their company. She thought about Gene, well maybe not his company, and Suzuka doesn't really talk much. Melfina cooks all the great food. "Well I guess…"

"What was that Aisha?" Jim looked up from his food.

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing." Aisha laughed nervously. Well, I guess I enjoy spending time with Jim, he is so smart, and he doesn't insult me like Gene does. She thought for a minute, staring at Jim. Wow… he sure has grown up fast… It seemed like it was just a few days ago that we were at that planet with the Ancient Ruins on it. I'm surprised he grew up from being such a cute kid to being a handsome man. Jim looked up at Aisha, who was just staring off into nothing. She was playing with her hair slightly.

Jim again broke the silence, "Aisha? You ok?" Aisha snapped out of her little trance.

"Huh? Oh!" He saw me staring didn't he? I feel so stupid! Aisha started blushing. Jim saw that she was blushing, What could she be blushing about, was she staring at me? With that thought he started blushing himself. They both looked at each other and smiled. After finishing their food, Jim paid the bill and they left. As they walked back to the Starwind and Hawking building, they remained silent for most of the time. Yet again, Jim was the one who broke the silence.

"Hey Aishia?" She looked over.

"Yeah Jim?"

"About earlier, when I asked why you never went back to the C'tarl C'tarl Empire… I'm glad you didn't," Jim said with a small smile on his face, "I really enjoy your company, not to mention the training you've given me. If you hadn't forced me to workout with you, I would probably be as weak as I was 6 years ago." Aisha smiled, placing her hand in his.

"Thanks Jim. It makes me happy to know I have helped out in someway. Besides, I've enjoyed your company too, ever since I started traveling with you, Gene, Melfina, and Suzuka." They finally made it back to the Starwind and Hawking Inc. Once inside, Jim locked up the doors and both of them headed towards their quarters.

"Thanks for the night Jim, I really enjoyed it." With that said, she opened her door and started walking in. Jim headed for his door, when someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around to find Aisha, who leaned up and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She blushed slightly and walked into her room, closing the door behind her. Jim stood there for a moment, rubbing the cheek that Aisha had kissed. She just kissed me. With that thought in his mind, he smiled and turned to his room. That night, Jim slept pretty well.

------

The next day, Jim woke up at 7 o'clock. He crawled out of bed, throwing on his usual tan colored cargo pants and brown T-shirt. With his eyes partially closed and with a series of yawns, he finds his way to the kitchen and starts making some pancakes and sausage. No sooner was he done making it and putting it on a plate, was he joined by Aisha, her hair still a mess from just waking up. She took a look at the food and gave Jim a very eager look. With a begging tone in her voice, she said.

"Can Aisha have some?" Jim sighed, handing her the plate.

"Sure, why not. I can always make more for myself."

"Thanks Jim! You're the best!" She winked at Jim and grabbed the food, sitting down. Jim just gave a small smile. After fixing up another batch for himself, as well as seconds for Aisha, he sat down next to her and pulled out his computer again. Aisha looked over at him.

"Jim, why don't you just enjoy your breakfast first, don't worry about work."

"Well I wish I could, but I need to get started on it right away, no one else will."

"I have an idea, I can help you out, I'm sure there is something I can do to help. But that's only if you eat your food first. Besides, if you don't, I might eat it on you if you don't hurry!" With that said, Aisha gave Jim an evil looking grin. Jim knew well enough not to make light of her statement and started eating his food. Aisha placed her hand on Jim's head and rubbed his hair. "There ya go." She smiled slightly.

A few minutes later, Melfina joined them in the kitchen. She blinked for a second, she is usually the first one up cooking the breakfast.

"Good morning Jim, Good morning Aisha." She said with a smile on her face. Aisha just waved, seeing that her mouth was full of food.

"Oh good morning Melfina, Gene isn't awake, is he?" Jim asked.

"No he isn't" Jim sighed to Melfina's response.

"Go figure. When will he ever take anything seriously."

"He does." Melfina looked towards the direction of their room, "He does take many things seriously. He just does it in his own way."

"I guess…" Jim looked back over at Melfina. Jim waited for Aisha to finish up with her food. He then took his and her plates over to the sink. Aisha got up and headed for the stairs to her room.

"I'm gonna get ready Jim, I'll be back in a few minutes to help you."

"Ok Aisha." After Aisha left, Jim signaled Melfina to come over to the table. "Hey Melfina?" he whispered, "How can you tell if someone likes you?" Melfina was a bit surprised at the question.

"What do you mean exactly?"

"Well…" Jim thought about it for a second. "Like you and Gene."

"Oh! Hmm, well…" At first, Melfina didn't really know what to say. "I guess it is just something that happens. I think when your heart knows, it will let you know. I know that sounds a bit confusing, but that's the best way I can think of describing it." Jim nodded.

"Ok. Thanks Melfina."

"You're welcome." Melfina responded with a smile. With that said, Jim left the kitchen and headed for the basement. About 5 minutes later, Aisha joined him.

"Ok Jim, what do we have to get done today?"

"Well, now that I think about it, there are some things that we have to move, with your strength, we should have no problem getting it done on time." Aisha flexed her arm, grinning.

"Alright, just leave everything to me."

------

It was now 2:25 PM. Jim looked around, he was shocked at all the work they had gotten done.

"Well what do ya know, everything is done." Jim took one more look around the shop. "Yeah, that's everything, I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help Aisha." He looked over to the C'tarl C'tarl and gave her a smile. She smiled back.

"It was no trouble at all." She stretched a little and walked over to Jim. "Well since everything is done, I guess we have some free time huh?"

"Well, yeah I guess we do. Is there something you had in mind?"

"Hmm…" Aisha gave it a good amount of thinking time. "Well there is the Heifong Fair. I hear they have all types of games and stuff to play."

"A fair huh?" Jim thought about it. "Alright, lets go."

"Should we tell Gene and Melfina?"

"Yeah, might as well, so far we haven't gotten any job offers and they'll probably want to go." Jim and Aisha both headed up stairs to tell the rest of the group their idea. As usual, Gene was half-asleep with a book covering his face, while Melfina was making everyone lunch. Suzuka was no where to be found.

"Hey Melfina, where is Suzuka?" Jim inquired.

"Oh she left about an hour ago," she said, "and she said that she wouldn't be back till tonight." Jim shrugged.

"Oh well, Aisha and I were thinking about heading to the fair, you and Gene interested."

"Oh, that's alright, as you can tell," Melfina quickly glanced over at Gene, who was still sleeping, "Gene isn't exactly awake, so I'll just stay here with him." Jim nodded. Jim and Aisha headed for the door, but Aisha stopped and quickly ran over to Melfina.

"Hey Melfina…" Aisha whispered into her ear.

"Yes?" Melfina blinked.

"Could you do us a favor and don't tell Gene that the two of us went to the fair, ok?"

"Sure, no problem." Melfina smiled. "Have a good time you two."

------

At the fair, the first game Aisha wanted to try was the Test of Strength game. She picked up the giant mallet and was prepared to swing. Jim backed up thinking to himself, Oh boy, this isn't going to end good. With that thought in mind, Aisha swung the mallet as hard as she could, hitting the bell clean off the game. The game instructor gave her the biggest prize and begged her not to come back. Jim and Aisha spent most of the time going on rides like the roller coasters, playing a few more games, and eating ice cream. Good thing I brought enough money with me today. Jim thought to himself, At this rate, I'd be broke soon.

As the nightfall grew near, Jim and Aisha found a nice grassy fill as they lay down, staring up at the stars. Aisha glanced over at Jim and smiled. Wow, I don't know when the last time I had this much fun. As the two watched the night sky, Aisha broke the silence.

"Hey Jim, thanks for the wonderful time. I had a lot of fun." Aisha smiled, moving closer to him. "Thanks" Jim smiled, rubbing the back of his head.

"No problem Aisha, I had fun too." Jim couldn't help but admire Aisha. Why do I feel so weird? I can't describe it, but it just feels right. Aisha leaned her head over, resting it on Jim's chest, her hand lying on his stomach.

Aisha couldn't help but notice how well he filled out over these last few years. I could stay like this forever, it just seems so right. Jim is such a great guy. Thinking this, Aisha started blushing. After a few hours of stargazing, Aisha sat up.

"It's getting late, we should probably go." With that being said, Jim nodded and stood up. On their way back, they held each other's hand tightly, not letting go. There was silence the entire walk home, no words needed to be said. As they walked into the Starwind and Hawking building, they sat down on the couch. Aisha leaned against Jim, placing her head on his shoulder.

"Thanks Jim. I had fun." She looked up and gazed into his eyes.

"I had fun too Aisha." He returned her gaze. The area between their faces slowly grew smaller. As their lips were about the touch, they both stopped, Aisha's ears twitched.

"You heard that too huh?" Aisha asked, Jim only nodded.

"Aisha," Jim whispered, "Move on my mark…" Jim reach slowly into his jacket. "Now!" Drawing his gun, Jim moved quickly, shooting the Kei pirate that was hidden within the shadows behind Aisha. Aisha leaped over and tackled the other pirate that was also hidden behind Jim. She grabbed the pirate's neck, breaking it in an instant. Aisha dusted off her hands.

"Well that was easy." Aisha stated. At that moment, Suzuka and Gene came running down the stairs.

"What's going on? Is everyone ok?" Gene asked, his gun in hand.

"Don't worry Gene, we are fine." Jim said, placing his arm around Aisha's shoulder. "We should see if there are anymore pirates around the building." Gene nodded in agreement as they turned on the lights and searched the entire building, no more pirates were found.

"Wow, it's been awhile since we have been attacked by the Kei pirates, I thought they would have given up years ago." Gene scratched the back of his head. He touched his earrings, turning his communicator on. "Gilliam, are there any signs of intruders at the Outlaw Star?"

"No Gene," the robotic voice said. "Everything is calm here."

"Alright then, we should all get back to bed, no point on getting worked up." Gene wrapped his arm around Melfina, giving her a quick hug, then leading her upstairs. He looked at Aisha, Jim, and Suzuka. "Good night guys."

"I believe I shall go back to bed as well," Suzuka stated, nodding to Jim and Aisha, "Don't stay up long you two." She said with a smile on her face. Jim and Aisha both blinked then looked at each other. Blushing, then facing away from each other. They looked back at each other, their eyes meeting like they did before. They both closed their eyes, as their lips met, feeling the warmth of each other lips. Thoughts just started to race through Aisha's mind. Oh my god! I'm kissing him, I'm kissing Jim! But I've known him since he was eleven! But it feels so right. I was always fond of him, but I didn't think I liked him like this… Do… do I love him? As if Aisha's limbs had a mind of their own, she slowly wrapped her arms around Jim's waist, placing one hand on his cheek. Jim followed her actions, wrapping both of his arms around her. The kiss they shared was a passionate one, lasting for a good amount of time before they broke the kiss. Jim thought to himself, as he gazed into Aisha's eyes. Wow…

"Umm," Aisha tried to speak as she continued to blush, "It's getting late, we should go to bed." With that, Jim nodded as they made their way up the stairs. As they reached their respective rooms, which were across from each other, they shared one smaller kiss, then said their good nights. Suzuka closed her door, and returned to her bed.

"Just as I thought." Suzuka said smiling. "I think they will be a good couple."

------

The next morning, Gene was up at the spaceport, making sure all the preparations were ready for the launch later that afternoon. Aisha and Jim were working out and getting their exercise.

"Wow Jim, you've gotten stronger, I'll give ya that, but you still can't match my strength." Aisha said with a big grin on her face.

"Well how am I supposed to match up to a C'tarl C'tarl?" Jim replied with a smirk on his face.

"That's no excuse Jim, you have to get stronger, so you can do lots of things with your strength." Aisha stated.

"Oh really? Like what?"

"Hmm…" Aisha was thinking, "Let's see…" After that, Jim said in a very low volume voice.

"So I can protect you…" Aisha's ears twitched when she heard this.

"What did you say?" Aisha knew what he had said, and usually she would take offence to such a comment, cause it would be questioning her abilities, but now, she blushed slightly.

"I want to be able to protect you. I care about you Aisha and I don't want to see anything happen to you." Jim was blushing as well, but he looked towards the ground.

"I gotta go!" Aisha quickly scurried out of the room. Jim thought to himself. Did I offend her? I hope not… Aisha went to the roof, where she thought she was alone.

"That's an odd shade of red on your face Aisha, are you alright?" Suzuka asked her, not changing the direction that she was facing, taking a sip of her tea.

"AH!" Aisha jumped back, panting. "Suzy, you scared me half to death!"

"What did I tell you about calling me that?" Now Suzuka glared over at the C'tarl C'tarl.

"Ok ok, sorry Suzuka."

"That's better. Now, what was on your mind that you were blushing so much about?"

"Well… umm. Suzy- I mean Suzuka… I need some advice." Aisha looked over.

"What about?"

"Well… I kinda like this guy, but I don't know if his feelings are as strong as mine are."

"This "guy" wouldn't happen to be someone we both know with blonde hair, would it? Aisha was shocked. How does she know! Is it that obvious?

"No, no it isn't." Aisha said trying to cover it up.

"Oh give it up, I saw you and Jim sharing a moment last night." Suzuka said with a smile on her face.

"What! You did!" This made Aisha blush even more than before.

"Yep." Suzuka said, taking another sip of her tea. "Well, either way, I think that you should tell him how you feel."

"But it is so hard…"

"Well, would you want something to happen and for him to never know how you truly feel?"

"But… What will happen in the future…? He is a Terran… His life will end long before mine. I couldn't bear with losing him."

"Well, that is a problem." Suzuka walked over to Aisha, patting her on the back. "But I'm sure you can think of a way for it to work, you already know how you two could be together, you just have to figure it out for yourself." Aisha looked at her, with an angered look in her eyes.

"What! You mean to tell me you know a way and you won't tell me! Why not?"

"Listen, I know you will figure it out, if you are too stupid to figure it out, and you take too long, then I will reveal the secret. But I am sure you will figure it out. The answer is right under your nose." With that, Aisha calmed down and thought about it for awhile. What is she talking about…? I can't think of anything. Well if she says I'll figure it out, then I guess I'll wait, but for now, I have to find Jim.

"Suzuka, thanks for the advice." Aisha then headed for the way down into the building.

"You are quite welcome, Aisha."

With that Aisha returned downstairs to the weight room, Jim was no where in sight. She looked all over, but there was no sign of Jim anywhere. Aisha found Melfina and decided to ask her.

"Melfina, do you know where Jim went?" Melfina turned around.

"Oh, Jim said he was heading over to the spaceport to help Gene. We were supposed to go over there and meet them in 2 hours, did you want to wait?"

"Sorry, but I have to talk to him right away."

"Ok then, good bye, tell Gene I send my love." With that, Melfina smiled and went back to packing a lunch for everyone. Aisha thought to herself. I will Melfina, but first, I have to talk with Jim.

------

About 30 minutes later, Aisha had made it to the spaceport, she found Gene outside.

"Hey Gene, do you know where Jim is?"

"Huh?" Gene pulled his wielding goggles off and looked over his shoulder, "Oh, hi Aisha. Jim is inside, he is double checking all the systems."

"Thanks Gene, oh Melfina sends her love." She walked towards the Outlaw Star's hatch.

"She did huh? That's my girl." Gene smiled and went back to wielding. Inside Aisha started by looking in the Engine room, she called his name out but got no response. He wasn't in the Engine room. She continued her search.

Meanwhile, Gene was outside when all of a sudden…

"Gene" Gilliam said. "We have intruders in the Outlaw Star, it appears to be Kei Pirates."

"What? Again?" Gene grabbed his gun and headed for the inside of the ship. He tapped his earring, "Jim, you hear me? Those pirates are in the ship!"

Back inside the ship, Aisha was still looking for Jim, when she found him in a large room.

"Jim!" Aisha yelled. Jim turned around with his gun in his hand. "Jim?"

"Don't you dare move…" Jim said with a serious tone in his voice, he raised his gun, aiming it towards Aisha.

"Jim?" Aisha took a step forward, "What are yo-"

"I said don't move!" Jim yelled at Aisha. Aisha's mind was going a million miles a second. What is Jim doing, why is he pointing his gun at me! Did I do something wrong? Jim raised his gun by an inch and fired. Everything was silent, and then a body of a pirate fell behind Aisha. "Phew, if you had moved, I might have hit you." Jim returned his gun to his holster. "You ok Aisha?" Aisha nodded. "I told you, I want to protect you," Jim made a gun gesture out of his hand and pointed at Aisha. "I'm gonna make sure you are safe, no matter what." Jim grinned and gave a quick wink to Aisha. Just as Aisha stepped forward, Jim's eyes widened, his body thrown to the ground.

"Jim!" Aisha screamed as she ran to his side. 4 more Kei Pirates surrounded them.

"Damn, they surprised me." Jim said, he was holding the side of his stomach, where a large gunshot wound was causing his blood to form a pool around him. "Aisha… Teach them a lesson." Jim spoke, forcing the words out of his mouth, giving Aisha a grin. Seconds later, he fell unconscious.

"Jim? Jim!" Aisha shook Jim's body. She could only look down at the horror as Jim continued to lose blood. An uncontrollable raged filled Aisha, her head jolted to the Kei Pirates in front of her. "You… You'll pay for this… You bastards!" Aisha screamed as she charged her opponents, ripping them limb from limb in an unbridled fury. The encounter only lasted a minute. Aisha picked up Jim, carrying him to the Infirmary.

Later, Suzuka and Melfina showed up, Gene met them outside.

"What happened?" Suzuka asked.

"Pirates attacked… They got Jim pretty badly." Gene led them up to the Infirmary.

"Oh no!" Melfina couldn't help but start crying, burying her head into Gene's chest. The room was silent.

Aisha sat in a chair by Jim's side, running her hand through his hair. The others left them alone, discussing their options at the moment.

"Oh Jim… Please stay with us…" Aisha pleaded quietly, tears running down her face. "I don't want to lose you. Not now!" She placed her head next to Jim's, sobbing quietly.

A/N: Oh, cliffhangers are fun, aren't they? I can't wait to read your reviews. Well time to see if I can pull off a "Next Episode" style thing.

Gene: What? Jim is hurt pretty badly? Well I know he'll pull through, he always does. But why is Aisha so attached to him? Pretty odd behavior for her. We learn an interesting secret about the C'tarl C'tarl.

Next time, on Outlaw Star.

Joining of the C'tarl C'tarl and the Terran.

You better get ready!