Powerless

by EdenEight

After the Outlaw Star smashes and a new member of the crew is introduced things really heat up. This story follows the crew in the present while developing their past. See how Jim and Gene metfollow the two outlaws as they struggle to save what they love

1. What Would I Do Then, All Alone

Hey please tell me what you think of my story, constructive criticism is welcomed! I would luv to know what you want in upcoming fics and stuff like that. Oh yeah, by the way I usually don't add a disclaimer to my stories ~ cause it is kinda obvious I don't own Outlaw Star, but just for all you evil lawyers and people out there waiting to sue me, I don't.~Enjoy anyway, we can always pretend that all these great characters come out of my brilliant mind J

Powerless Chapter One

What Would I Do Then, All Alone

DivineAngel



It might have been one of the few times he was considered deep in thought, but he was. And though not many of them had noticed he had been lost in thought many times for the last month or so. Maybe it's longer he thought. It seems like it was yesterday that we decided, but maybe it is longer. I will have to ask her, just to double check.

Now deep in thought it was almost intriguing to him that the world changed colors as he blinked. Slowly and steadily, it would become dark, before resurfacing. Everything continuing to move, travel on and on even though he was blackened to it; lost to it. I wonder if they think I am acting strange? He thought looking down at the wrench in his hand. Maybe I am, but it's not like I have experience with this sort of thing. I just don't get it, gotta take it slow. He blinked again, watching the colors blur and resurface, the dirty blond color resurfacing under him, still extremely busy.

"Your sure you got it?" The outlaw now asked from where he sat holding the wrench above the water tank as his younger partner lay squeezed under it. A strained yes was the only other sound outside his thoughts besides the norm. The small screws rolling around on the dirty cement, some random thumping on the ceiling above them, most likely Aisha who got her hands on five cups of coffee earlier. He smiled slightly to himself, remembering her squeaking how she was really really thirsty drinking hers, then everyone else's before they could even object. Good memories, he thought, they really are good memories. "Now really is a good time." He whispered to himself, a small smile easing onto his face.

"Good time for what?" The boy said flatly standing up next to his partner seated in the chair, dusting dirt off himself excessively, it didn't seem to want to leave.

"A good time for lunch, you hungry?" He let out a goofy grin picking up the hammer and some left over parts as he got off the chair. Fixing the stupid tank was a lot easier then the girls made it sound with all their whining about hot water. Or maybe it was just that Jim did everything. He glanced over at his partner, watching him step on several small boxes to reach the circuit breaker on the wall. The outlaw knew he should be helping; he had been quiet and useless since they first fought their way into the dirty basement. Not sure where the stairs stopped, the light switches were or any other useful things like that since none of them ever came down there. They used the upstairs hall closet for all their storage; it was just easier, brighter and heated.

"Stupid buttons" He heard the blonde hair mumble reaching to the top two as the lid of the boxes started sinking inward. "Shut up!" The smaller voice echoed as it clung to the metal lid of the breaker. The small boxes under him suddenly giving way as the outlaw did nothing to help, laughing behind him.

"I am not laughing AT you Jim." The outlaw teased mimicking Suzuka days earlier. Her most recent morale phrase being that someone was not laughing at one but with them. Really a stupid thing to say since they were very often blatantly laughing at each other. His stronger larger arms grabbed the jacket from the collapsing box as he flicked the switches up with ease. Back on the cement the blonde looked as though he had a sly comment coming before he started backing away from him.

"Melfina! Mel!...Hey! Don't come over by me!..." The blonde yelled, the red head in front of him dropping the flashlight shaking his arm to the black spider crawling up it. His blue eyes laughing.

"Blast! Is it gone!? Jim do see it? I am gonna squash that thing!" The outlaw's dark eyes searched frantically looking over his pants and the surrounding floor.

"Yes" the blond snickered, now silently grinning

"Its not funny Jim, it was crawling up my arm!" The outlaw shot him a look picking the flashlight back up

"I was laughing *with* you Gene." His grin widened

"Jim? Jim!? Why were you shouting!?" The faint silhouette of the bioandroid could be seen at the top of the stairs as the brisk white light poured around them from above.

"Gene had a spider on him!" The blond yelled up shoving boxes over, making his way to the stairs. His partner growling behind him.

"A spider!?"

"Yeah, it was crawling up his arm....you should have seen it." The blonde started to laugh before disappearing between two boxes in the dark, he had tripped. "Melfina! It was hysterical he was...." The small voice made him smile, almost struggling to tell the concerned girl how ridiculous he had acted over a little spider. It was sorta small, he admitted to himself watching the silhouette of his partner now on the stairs sinking onto the fifth step with laughter as the raven hair of the girl shrank from the doorway to the boiling pot on the stove. The small body sinking into the jacket as the boy laughed. The outlaw chuckling to himself now, feeling his own laughter growing just watching him. How could you look at someone and not want to laugh as they doubled over. I definitely want one of those he thought to himself. Watching the small arm as it pulled itself up to the rail and started walking, pausing to look back at him. He could see the questioning blue eyes in his head, even though he couldn't make them out in the dark.....yeah, we definitely want one, we made the right choice. He was sure of himself now.

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"Yeah what! Hold on I can't even hear you Fred." The outlaw growled moving from the kitchen to the living room where his partner sat typing. "Alright, say it again." He unplugged his left ear now that there was less noise.

"I said tomorrow, if you want it you will have to leave tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes Gene, Its just a simple pick up and drop off, but you have to do a good job because it's sort of illegal."

"What?" The outlaw said more baffled "What do you mean by sort of illegal Fred." He repeated sarcastically, the blue eyes rising from the laptop monitor in sudden interest.

"Well, it's some cargo I want without the paper mess. Oh don't worry about a thing Gene, I am working under an alias of mine. So if you should get caught, for any unfortunate reason. You can just claim you didn't know what you were transporting and pin in all on us, we'll take care of everything."

"Now your sure that that would work Fred? I don't do dirty jobs you know that."

"Yes yes I know, but before you write me off Gene, you would be interested to hear I am paying 11,000 Wong.

The blonde jumped pulling his laptop to his chest as the outlaw spit his coffee across the room. His blue eyes cursing the outlaw as it just missed him, his computer and splattered onto their couch..

"You know what I like to hear." The outlaw smiled ignoring the coffee mess and glaring blue eyes.

"I knew you would be happy, besides if for any reason you can't do the job I have people lined up for it. Talk to you soon then?"

"Yeah, we got it all under control, bye Fred." The small phone beeped as he hung it up.

"So what did he say? You didn't take a dirty job did you?" The blue eyes looked at him accusingly. They already knew the answer.

"Ahh don't worry yourself about it Jim, Fred has this no fail contingency plan for us." He grinned at the dull blue eyes.

"Oh yeah, and what sort of *plan* might that be?"

"One that pays eleven thousand Wong." The outlaw said smiling as he closed his eyes and leaned into the couch. He heard his partner let out a satisfied laugh "That's what I said too." he sighed, things were good.

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"So it pays that well Gene?!" Aisha screeched as she shoved more mashed potatoes into her mouth.

"Yeah, we're living it up." The outlaw flashed a smile to his younger partner who's smile only grew wider.

"Is it really dangerous Jim?" The bioandroid ask concerned as the boy stopped eating looking up at her.

"Naa I don't think so Mel, it's just a pick up drop job. Nothing special."

"Well then why are they paying you so much Jimmy!" The Ctarl Ctarl squeaked as she plunged her fork into his pork chop and attempted to drag it off his plate as he pulled it back on with his.

"I don't know Aisha, Let go!" He shot over her laughing the meat around his fork starting to give out.

"Aisha we have more right here." The bioandroid said slightly amused as she shoved a platter over the small war. The Ctarl Ctarl just looked up slightly studying the plate for a few seconds.

"I know" she beamed "But I want Jim's" Her sueak tearing the meat from his dish as he sighed. "Your such a nice boy to share with Aisha." She hissed in-between bites.

"Yeah don't mention it." He sighed retreating to the mashed potatoes.

"Aisha, can't you just let him eat. We're leaving tomorrow." The outlaw growled, somehow Aisha was always stealing Jim food, and in return it seemed to him that Jim just let the meal slide, instead of having more. "Jim you can have seconds, we have more money now." The outlaw again spoke to the other side of the table piling in his own dinner, the blonde just shrugged.

"That's right." Suzuka smiled at them. "I have noticed a dramatic difference in the business you too get since the Space Race and the layline." The calm assassin spoke from the other side of the table.

"Yeah paying back Fred has been easier too, we're almost done if you can believe that!" The outlaw grinned to the bioandroid handing his partner some roles in abundance, seemingly prepared as Aisha quickly took two. "Tell me Aisha, do any Ctarl Ctarl's ever starve on your planet?"

The light head of hair almost spit her food into the bioandroid across from her as her eyes shot at the outlaw. "Gene! You should know that the Ctarl Ctarl race is highly sophisticated and starvation has long since ceased to be a problem on a planet such as-"

"Cause seeming as how you take all that food from Jim, who obviously isn't a Ctarl Ctarl and needs to eat. It seems to me that some of your kittens might be dying over there if those are your parenting skills." He grinned speaking down to the mash potatoes he was working onto his fork. "Those are parenting skills aren't they Aisha?" He grinned his words slyly before glancing up at her. His mouth dropping open slightly as he watched her eye twitch in fiery, the mature chest of the female now heaving. "Aisha....what I meant...." He started

"How are the renovations coming!" The bioandroid screamed grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. Jim's blue eyes giving her a look from across the table as he moved farther from Aisha.

"Very well since Aisha is handling things." The Ctarl Ctarl now purred to the bioandroid. Her immense frustration subsiding as the blue eyes watched her as if it were a trick, and any second she would launch herself at one of them.

"Because I was, I was thinking it would be nice to have some flowers in, in a few months." The raven hair was soft as she spoke, now more timid, as usual.

"Aww Melfina we will be done way before that if Gene doesn't drag his feet." The dancing eyes shot back at him again, as if the frustration had been printed on his forehead to remind her to take care of it later. The sudden impact of her glare causing the outlaw to choke on his food suddenly, before the bioandroid could announce that she had baked a cake that afternoon while they were all working.

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He drew in his legs quickly as a board smashed before him where he sat on the wood floor. The Ctarl Ctarl effortlessly tearing out the wall with the sledgehammer in front of him.

"Did I hit you Jimmy?" She squeaked turning around to face him, her light fur covered with a soft dust, as was everything else in the room, including him.

"Came close Aisha." The blue eyes grabbed the hammer standing up from his break looking at her.

"I could try harder?" She purred teasing him, watching him smile as he walked back over to the wall and used the back head of the hammer to rip out the electrical socket. "Jim?"

"Yeah" The blue eyes didn't look up at her as they continued working. "Will you get Aisha some coffee? She is really really thirsty?" He laughed some now.

"How about some juice, or milk or something?" He spoke over her groaning, since yesterday no one would give her any coffee. After all it wasn't her fault that they were going to need that it the future.

"Fine fine." She snapped watching him slowlystand up pulling the coating off some wire in his hands, frowning at it. "Aisha is going to bite you if you don't go get it now Jim." she growled smiling at him. HIs loose jacket slowly starting to walk, not showing the slightest acknowledgement to the fact that she had spoken as he headed to the kitchen focusing on the wire.

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"HUH?! AISHAAAA!?" He screamed as loud as he could before signing heavily. His eyes falling back onto the drink in his hands. He had heard the wall and part of the ceiling giving in to her as he got her drink in the kitchen, but he didn't think that Aisha would really have pulled so much in that you couldn't open the door any more. He groaned, looking behind himself into the hall, but there was no one there. Gene and Mel had gone for a walk and Suzuka had obviously taken off somewhere too. He had to admit all the smashing and dirt was really annoying and there was no way to escape it. The whole right side of Starwind and Hawking Enterprises was being renovated. A firm office was being put into the front followed by a small, something or other room, and downstairs bathroom. Which was desperately needed, the upstairs one was frightfully small for all of them, and then a sunroom, mainly for Melfina who had a remarkable passion for flowers. The blonde suddenly remembered his partner telling him about one of the first times she had seen artificial ones back on Blueheaven the day they had met Aisha. "AISHA!" He tried again to let her hear him over the smashing but it was useless. He sighed again walking down the hall and upstairs. Her pushed her bedroom door open walking through to the open window.

Swinging his legs over the sill he could easily stand on the roof she was bringing in with her sledgehammer he figured they would have to hide for few months since she was having such a great time with it now.

"Hey Aisha!" He yelled looking into the jagged hole in the roof, stopping a swing in mid air.

"Jim? What are you doing up there? Why didn't you use the door?" She squeaked blinking as she looked up into the floating dust. He let out small sigh as she looked back up smiling now aware of the debris she had piled against it. "Well jump down Jimmy! Do you want Aisha to catch you?" She teased sticking her tongue at him. Blonde hair shaking no as it disappeared for a second before she could see the cold ice floating in her cup of grape juice. "Jim!" she screeched as he pulled the cup upward away from her grasp before lowering it for her to get it. Her soft hand ripping it away from the laughing blonde.

The blue eyes just studied the ends of the sharp wood of the hole, he heard the wood underneath him groan, the support beams were no longer standing. This room was to be the sunroom and Aisha had pleasant instructions to tear everything down but the one connecting wall.

"Jim? Are you coming in?" He heard her screech as she sat the cup down and drug the hammer back over to the hole in order to look up at him.

"Yes...here, I got it!" He said turning around before lowing himself in and dropping to the floor dust spurring up from the piled boards under him. He squinted up at her smiling face through the settling dust as she started to raise the hammer before dropping it as though it were the heaviest thing she had ever held.

"Ahh Jimmy, Aisha wants to take a break now. Lets go play videogames!"

The small mouth just fell open staring at her "Aisha! Why didn't you tell me that earlier, maybe before I climbed in through the roof!" He frowned at her, watching her just smile as he made an exaggerated gesture towards the hole he just climbed through.

"Cause I just decided!" She giggled tearing beams from in front of the door.

"What!" He yelled dogging a board as he protected his face with his arms. "You didn't feel this coming!?" She shook her head.

"Besides Jim, you are leaving tomorrow and Aisha wants to have time to play, lets not work *all* day. I can pick up tomorrow." She smiled standing up and swinging the door inward spewing dust back with a gust of wind. Watching him sigh before shrugging and following her out, I can always work on it later too he thought.

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He watched the trail of clear floor made in the dust by the pipe as he drug it towards the soon to be sunroom. His blue eyes watching his dark gloves slowly sliding down to the strain before he let the pipe fall to the floor. Suzuka had suggested that they run water all along the ceiling so Melfina could water the plants easier. Even though it made more since to him if she had to do it with a small watering can. It would take her longer that way and she would be happily occupied.

His jacket and white cargos turned around looking for the measuring tape as his eyes shot towards the large hole in the floor made by the sledgehammer. It had gone straight through to the basement, most likely to the sounds of Aisha's laughter. He groaned looking down into the blackness.

"Well I am not going down there looking for it. It's Gene's turn any way." He groaned a smile to no one in particular as he spoke looking into the hole. "Hey Gilliam do you think you could tell Aisha to-" He stopped suddenly, a quick gasp cutting the air as he felt the slick metal coating of the measuring tape under his foot, his body snapping at the adrenaline rush that ran threw him and tightened every muscle fast. His hands opening and reaching for something, but there was nothing. Just his small form toppling backwards into the hole..

The room slowly came into focus as his eyes struggled, blinking to the massive pain in his chest. As though someone had just run him over. His sharp painful inhale the only sound of his existence as he fell. Landing hard on his back staring up from onto of the water heater, the wind knocked out of him. His body ached and he could feel his heart pulsing through his throbbing head. The bright light from upstairs shinning onto him as though it were a spot light, making it hard to see. His eyes slowly adjusting in the settling dust.

Hie blue eyes blinked staring up, his chest breathing short shallow breaths. His lungs were killing him right along with his head. They shot up suddenly, his eyes focusing on the shattered ceiling of the room above listening to the Ctarl Ctarl calling him name, impatiently.

"Ais..Aish..." He whispered almost too faintly to hear himself, I just can't yell yet he thought to himself as he lie still, waiting for the pain to subside, it was easing. His eyes rolled lazily around in his head, the basement was still as black as ever, but the one thing that caught his eyes was the small pipe originally used for heating, extending out slightly catching the light. He felt the sharp pain in his shoulder blades and back muscles as he brought his hand towards it, his cry of pain echoing into the basement. His eyes shutting tight as he felt the thin top of the board he was on start to slide. The throbbing swallowed by his own panic, his other hand darting for the pipe, the immense pain connecting to him as the large gash in his hand connected with the pipe's cold metal. "Ahh" he cried out, his pain silenced by the squeak above him, looking down as he fell back. Falling from the water heater as if on a sled, Aisha's dancing eyes above him quickly snapping into focus before disappearing into the blackness.

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"Aaa" He groaned, slowly waking up exhausted. His blue eyes widening to the sounds of his partner downstairs irritated. Slowly his dresser came into view, the contents of his room now recognizable. The sun pouring softly onto the floor from his window, falling slightly onto his bed, making his sheets warm around him. "Is it still this afternoon or is it tomorrow?" He groggily looked around to his small mutterd

"It is presently the remainder of the afternoon Jim." The pink can answered him from across his small room. Blue eyes resting lazily on it before becoming more alert again.

"No just for a couple of days!" The outlaw yelled from downstairs. "Huh? I don't know through the floor or something...no, I still want it, just can't it wait for a day or two!?"

The blonde walked into the hall slowly catching sight of the crew in the living room. Melfina sitting gently on the couch concerned, Aisha toying with a pillow a little bored as she slumped next to the assassin who sat attentive and patient watching Gene who stood on the phone agitated.

"Yeah yeah I understand." The outlaw growled looking up at the girls and sighing as he hung up.-silence-

"You should go Gene, it's not like you are leaving him here all by himself. You can still use the money." Suzuka finally spoke, breaking the silence.

"But he shouldn't go alone!" Melfina shot concerned leaning off the couch slightly in her direction.

"I can go with you Gene!" Aisha perked up now dropping the pillow.

"Yeah that's a good idea Aisha." The outlaw said relaxing into the couch next to the bioandroid who took his hand in hers. He squeezed it reassuringly, he knew she was worried.

"Wait a second." It was only a faint whisper, another one that even he had a hard time hearing. His head was heavy, groggy as he sat next to the rail listening to the crew. He remembered now, slipping into the hole and smacking his heat on the heater falling off it. Aisha pulling him up from the ceiling above, her handprint on the bottom of his pants from where she grabbed his leg. Her hands had been dirty from where she had been on her hands and knees looking down at him on the dust-covered floor.

He slowly rose to his legs, holding on to the railing, to steady his balance and make his way downstairs. It hurt to move his arms around, I must have hit my shoulders first or something, his mind concluded. That and my right leg, which was also killing him. His left hand had been bandaged, most likely by Aisha since it was a little tight and she had skipped about three steps, but it was still better than it was. The blue eyes ran over the small bandaged on his left elbow, it also must have been scratched, before looking back down at the stairs tired, at least I can sit down comfortably he thought.

"Jim! Your up." Aisha smiled at him leaning to the front of the couch as though she would topple off. He inhaled quickly as though all the eyes that suddenly snapped towards him had physically hit him.

"You should still be in bed Jim." Suzuka added still calm and composed next to Aisha who started nodding before sticking her tongue out and shaking her head no.

The dark eyes just stared at him silently, sizing him up.

"I feel fine Suzuka." He said standing hard in front of his partner. Ah he's sizing me up, I hate you Gene Starwind, he thought tense, nervously waiting for the decision.

"Alright Aisha, your coming." The outlaw said matter-o-factly sinking into the chair no longer giving Jim any attention.

"Whaaat?!" He shot, even though he knew that would probably be the answer. The dark eyes looked up at him lazily, un-entertained with the loud protests. "You can't go without me Gene!" He spit

"Oh yeah, watch me." The outlaw said now shutting his eyes and placing his hands behind his neck.

"Ahh that's not fair Gene and you know it!" He was outraged. How could Gene leave him behind.

"Life isn't fair Jim, no one told you to fall into the basement." The dark eyes shrugged at him lazily.

"What! I didn't do it on purpose!" He gave the outlaw a hateful expression even though the dark eyes were still closed.

"No one is saying you did. We're just saying you have to stay here because of it." He opened an eye as his partner didn't yell back. Blonde just standing in front of him heaving, blue eyes disgusted. "You look like crap Jim." He added.

"Ahhh! Gene Starwind I hate you!" He screamed turning back around heading up the stairs. The outlaw simply shrugged and lost interest.

"Ahh he'll get over it Mel." the outlaw smiled at the silent concerned bioandroid who watched the blonde hair making an attempt to stomp up the stairs. "Aisha we're leaving tomorrow mourning, so no funny stuff tonight." He said firmly, watching her light hair bounce as she nodded.

"Aisha's really sorry Jim!" She screeched up to the hall as the bedroom door slammed.

"Don't worry Melfina, Gene is actually right, this was to be expected." Suzuka's calm and slightly humored voice caught the attention of the raven hair as her eyes switched from her unconcerned outlaw before landing on the pouting Ctarl Ctarl.

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"This time I hate you for real Gene." He spit his words sourly, crawling into his bed and wincing as he pressed his back towards the wall. It was so unfair that he was being left behind, it wasn't my fault I fell into the basement and now I don't get to go. I bet Fred had us picking up something important. Stupid Gene, he is going to need me when he doesn't even know where to sign his name. But the fact that Gene might be overly confused didn't ease his frustration; somehow he had been betrayed by him, replaced so easily. We have always been, a team, I should get to go not her!

"Jim?" The flat voice of the pink computer rose from the top of his dresser. "Mr. Lou says that Starwind and Hawking Enterprises must take the job tomorrow or he is giving it to another client.

"Huh." He grunted at the small can, but 11,000 Wong, I guess I can't really blame him for going, maybe I will just go anyway, Gene can't tell me what to- The blue eyes shot towards the door to the soft knocking.

He watched the door handle turn slowly and the soft raven hair sneakin from the girl's head and gentle face.

"Jim?" The blue eyes just stared at her, watching her now slowly enter and walk over to him, hesitating before sitting down. "I am sorry you have to stay behind. I know you will miss Gene..." She stopped watching him as she mentioned the outlaw. Blue eyes darting from her andquickly focusing on the small pillow his head rested on. Still breathing fast. "But I, I know that Gene will miss you too."

The blue eyes caught her again in his gaze. Duh; of coarse he is going to miss me, he doesn't know how to do anything! But inside her soft simple words made him feel better. She was trying hard, he knew it, and he smiled at her slightly, watching her face brighten.

"What to know what I did today?" she smiled

"Yeah, sure Melfina." he said softly shifting his weight, still tired

"Well first I went for a walk, a really long walk." she added thoughtfully "It really is so pretty here Jim, the sun was out and there were people out playing in the streets." "I, I am glad that your staying behind with me. There is something very important I have been wanting to talk to you about Jim. But I, I just haven't been able to find the right time to do it, your always so busy!" she laughed down at him. His smile widening back up at her. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad staying behind with her and Suzu, just this once, he thought.

"Hey Mel!" The outlaw burst through the door, before stopping at their sharp frowns "Hey you two lighten up." He flashed them a smile but the blue eyes continued to glare at him. "Do you know where we put the extra travel stuff?"

"Did you check the top shelf of the bedroom closet?" she suggested watching him think for a moment before rushing out. She giggled lightly to herself before looking back down at him, her mouth opening to say something more, when she was cut off.

"I still can't find it Mel!" The red head called from down the hall, she sighed lightly, before smiling again.

"I guess I will have to talk to you later Jim, but if you want I can bring you new sheets for your bed?" She watched as the blue eyes suddenly became aware of all the dirt and shreds of wood in his bed form his hair and clothes. " I also just washed all the towels this mourning if you want to take a shower or-"

"Mel!" the outlaw's impatient cry cut her off

"Aright alright." She almost mumbled to herself getting up and walking quickly out the door. His face grinning to the "Did you at least turn the light on Gene!?" he heard her call back.

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He slowly pulled himself out of bed, letting his arms rest before making his way over to his dresser and opening the lowest draw. He shoved some stuff around before grabbing some clothes sighing as Gilliam continued to ramble.

"This will be my very first time Jim. It will almost be like a vacation for me to stay behind. I have never been a separate part of the ship before. Even for the most advanced computer in the galaxy, this is quite an experience...this is..."

The boy let out another long sigh tired and sore as he opened the door to escape the rambling.

"Jim! I wanted to talk to you." Aisha squeaked shoving her face into his from where she had been perched in the hall directly in front of his door. "Aisha wants to apologize about going with Gene. Aisha did not mean to-"

"Ahh it's ok Aisha, it doesn't really matter anyway." He sighed dully watching as her eyes brightened, gritting her teeth.

"I am so glad you not mad Jim." She smiled into his face, hugging the unsuspecting blonde, who immediately began shoving her off cringing with protests. "Oh sorry about that Jim, Aisha got a little carried away." She smiled deeply looking down at him now sitting on the floor rubbing the side of his arm. Blue eyes looking back up at her seeming to communicate his thoughts -idiot- He smiled watching her walk into the bathroom not an ounce of worries.

He followed her walking in and starting the tub water as he dropped his fresh clothes to the floor next to it. The light head of Ctarl hair digging through the draws of the counter behind him.

"Hey Jim do you want to use any of Aisha's stuff? I have bubbles and gel and beads and shells and-"

"Naa, that stuff is only for girls Aisha" He said dully now watching her pile pink things into her hand.

Her bright eyes stopping, thinking for a moment on what he said before frowning. "That's stupid." She growled baffled "Everyone loves bubbles and soft stuff right?" She gave him a quick wink as she turned back to the draw.

He shrugged bending over slightly to grab the back of his shirt and pull it over his head. The sounds of Aisha brushing her teeth to the both the tub and sink water in his ears.

He felt his back muscles pulling, getting tense and hard to use, still sore from where he had gone through part of the floor and directly onto the water heater and scraps of wood that had also fallen through onto it.

Come on, he thought forcing his arms back a little more, feeling the sharp pain. Maybe I can ask Aisha to....The ringing of the phone echoed through the building stopping his thoughts as he watched her drop her toothbrush and bolted from the room, he sighed. Walking over to the counter top where she had just been he opened a small draw and shut the back of his shirt in it. His gloved hands pressing against it just about to back up and hopefully pull off his shirt when he felt the smooth warm sensation of someone's hand on his shoulder.

His blue eyes snapped whirling around in surprise to the smiling raven hair, most likely laughing at him.

"Would you like some help Jim?" She smiled sweetly, very amused but suppressing with talent. She guided his body in her hands as he mumbled something to her; she figured it was a forced yes and slowly began to raise his arms above his head grasping his wrists gently. She new his back was hurting him as she gently pulled his shirt up and over his head and tight braced muscles. Watching the dust flutter off towards the floor. The small arms slowly lowering at the same pace she had used to raise them, blue eyes closed wincing.

There, she thought to herself smiling down at him, in a weird way it was really funny. Her soft hair moved over her shoulder suddenly turning to watching Aisha now bound back in spitting in the sink.

"Jim would you mind if I wash this?" She coughed slightly shaking his shirt out; there was no reason to dirty all the floors with dust if they had already ruined this one. "Along with everything else you're wearing?" She spoke raising her voice over Aisha's gargling at the sink. Spitting before sliding herself up on the countertop and picking up the floss.

"Guess so." She heard him answer as he shook his head watching the dust settle down around him. "I never knew our basement was in such bad shape, Gene is going to have the time of his life looking for that stupid sledge."...He stopped talking watching the raven hair lowered in front of him as she started uniting his shoes.

"Jim do we have any more pizza?" Aisha questioned bored from where she sat on the counter pulling the floss out of the container for no reason. She couldn't use it on her fangs because they were too sharp. So somehow she figured pulling the box apart was satisfaction enough.

He shrugged looking at her, how random "I don't know." He really didn't

"There was a slice in the fridge this mourning." The bioandroid offered sweetly as he held on to her shoulders suddenly for balance as she took his shoes standing up along with his shirt to Aisha's growling. The odds where against her the slice would still be there.

"I bet Gene ate it." She growled again

"Don't worry Aisha, you want me to go find you something to eat?" the bioandroid now stood looking at the Ctarl Ctarl before pulling some floss from her hand. Bonde hair sitting down next to the tub, watching them waiting for it to fill.

"Really Melfina!? Your so nice to Aisha." She purred as the raven hair left the bathroom laughing slightly.

Blue eyes smiling to himself, It didn't look like it wouldn't be so bad with Melfina after all.

"Aisha stop!" He grabbed the small bottle in her hand pulling it from over the water alarmed.

"Whaaaat" She whined, "It will make you smell like pretty roses" She giggled before snapping a hard frown. "Don't you want to smell pretty Jim!" She growled at him now.

"Ahh yes" He stammered fast. "But if you share too much with me, then there won't be any left Aisha, and we're not going back to the Kai territory anytime soon." He watched her light eyes squinting at him, thinking about all of this before snatching the bottle back and screwing the top back on greedily.

"Don't even think about touching it Jim." She snapped shoving it back into her draw. Gotcha ya he thought to himself smiling triumphantly as he turned around easing the water pressure.

"Hey! Aisha likes your boxers."

"What." He did a fast choke at her sweet purr. Blue eyes blinking as she moved close rand put her fingers into a hole in his pants. Pulling it forward for him to see as she smiled.

"I wish I could find underwear with cars on them too." She sat back thinking, listening to his mumbled a thanks. "But everywhere I go, the only patterns I get to choose from are bunnies, and hearts, and-" She stopped naming items as they both looked up to Melfina walking back in to Gene's yelling about something or other.

"I am getting them right now dear!" She almost sang back to him, pulling items out of his draw, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, cologne. "Aisha stop bothering Jim." She said still looking into the draw thoughtfully. "I left some pie out downstairs for you." She continued talkingas she left the bathroom the Ctarl Ctarl following her rambling about how they should all invest in a big pool, then they wouldn't have to bother with such menial things like showers and baths, they could all just go swimming.

He smiled as he locked the door, how unrealistic he thought. Though it would be nice to have a big pool. He reached down undoing his belt as he walked back over to the tub, stopping with a loud sigh as he watched several of the remaining pink bath salts dissolve in the water. Stupid Aisha he frowned.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her eyes woke themselves, the alarm had most likely gone off at four waking Gene so he could being preparing Gilliam and the Outlaw Star for launch. Her soft chocolate colored eyes rolled to his empty side of the bed. I miss him already, and he is still here, she thought to herself softly. She sat up pushing off the covers and grabbing her light red cotton robe, pulling it over her silky nightgown.

Raven hair opening the door and starting into the hall and down the stairs for the kitchen.

He is right to still go, she thought. Everything will be fine here, I will be fine, I am not as delicate as he thinks. Besides I will still have Suzuka and Jim for company. She pulled the eggs out of the refrigerator now, adding two frying pans and a loaf of bread to the counter top still lost in thought. Now really is a good time, everything is running so smooth, she smiled to herself. The life we are living now, all of us, it really is...good, and I still feel great. She stopped thinking for a moment listening to the eggs she had just cracked sizzling in the pan the toaster heating up with the bread inside, while she pulled out a bowl and some silverware for the pancakes she was going to make. I know he loves it too. Gene loves his work, the launches, and Jim seems to enjoy it for the most part. It is definitely entertaining as they put it, but was it suitable?

Her thoughts were cut off this time as her eyes snapped up to the hall watching the Ctarl Ctarl stretch momentarily outside of her room and then kick in the door right next to hers. She smiled turning back around putting more toast into the toaster listening to Jim's familiar requests to get off his bed and put that down!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It seemed to him she didn't even care that she was going, inhaling her pancakes which she smothered with butter, syrup, confectionary sugar, and then blueberries and whipped cream.

He was slower however, he didn't see the need to hurry since there was nothing really planned for him to do. Of course I can work on the rooms, but without the sledgehammer and my back...it's not like there really is a deadline. The blue eyes glanced up now chewing some eggs and toast, watching the red head sneaking down the stairs and through the kitchen doorway.

It's weird, he thought to himself now watching Gene hug Melfina from behind as she cooked, startling her slightly as she snuck up on her. He is practically swallowing her body whole he thought frowning. Watching his older partner whispering into her ear as she batted him with the spatula playfully, his hand running under her robe onto the smooth blue color of her thin nightgown, caressing her butt. It seemed different now, somehow it is more appropriate? Not like all the other times he rubbed girls butts, maybe its cause Melfina is his after all, I guess he can rub her butt if he wants to. She didn't seem to mind, and Melfina could do the same too. She had as much right as he did to get him back. Even thought he couldn't ever imagine her doing that to Gene while he stood cooking. The whole thing just looked weird, there is too much love around here he decided as his thoughts were interrupted. His eyes falling back down to his plate as his bacon was slowly sliding away before disappearing completely. Aisha's upset snickering causing everyone's attention as she ate his bacon as fast as she could. The small blonde now shoving his pancake into this mouth as though it were his last meal, making sure he was going to eat it and not her.

He stopped shoving and started chewing as he heard the outlaw laughing at him. His blue eyes ignoring it.

Scarred form walking over to the table casually, chuckling to himself. He was gonna miss them, good thing I am only going to be gone a few days. Alone with Aisha, ehhh, he shuddered, playfully roughing the blonde hair as he walked by to an empty chair. The dark gloved hand immediately shoved him away with irritation causing him to stop sipping his coffee and take another look.

"Hey Jim you aren't still mad cause you have to stay with the girls are you?" The outlaw teased laughing as he sat down. "HahaCome on it won't be all that bad."

"Just make sure you drag your butt back in one piece cause we have a lot of work to do around here Gene." The blue eyes snapped at him with a look annoyed.

"Yeah I know, I promise I'll come back. K Jim...." the outlaw trailed off thoughtfully, his dark piercing eyes gliding over the building, the construction equipment, the random holes Aisha had provided them with before landing on Melfina. She smiled at him, a loving smile, as he looked her up and down making a goofy face. Her sweet laugh turning away shaking her head before bringing another platter of food to the table.

"Can I have some of this doggy bagged Melfina?" Aisha smiled widely up at the bioandroid "I might get hungry on the ship and Gilliam is an awful cook."

"Excuse me, but you are talking about the galaxies most advanced ship." Gilliam objected from the kitchen. The Ctarl Ctarl just closed her eyes annoyed before stabbing her fork into the pancake the blonde was trying to pull off her plate.

"Gene!" She screeched causing the outlaw to look up suddenly "I want to go! Jim is stealing my food." She demanded as he laughed at her, the outlaw simply sighed turning back to the raven hair behind him.

"Yeah yeah Aisha" He mumbled getting up, causing everyone else to get up with things to do, leaving just Suzuka behind who sat sipping her tea, un- entertained with the launch.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Keep an eye on Mel for me." The outlaw winked down, signing papers.

"Yeah yeah." The blonde hair mumbled "Where is she going to go Gene." He said flatly, but the scarred face only grinned, roughing his hair. Causing his body to sway lightly before stumbling back as the scarred hand shoved his forehead backwards to get a better look at him.

The blue eyes just watching him put on his gloves. As in tuned as the outlaw seemed to be for the past few weeks. The sudden commotion of the launch and the fact he was leaving Melfina behind left him totally oblivious that his younger partner was very nervous watching him leave.

Stupid Gene, He thought "You better come back real soon, or I am going to kill you myself Gene." The blue eyes spit sourly "And bring back Aisha too!" He ordered to the smirking red head.

"Yeah yeah Jim, don't worry yourself about it. It's a transport job. Why don't you just watch cartoons or something while we're gone." He laughed at the growling blonde hair that was extremely irritated by all the carefree belittling comments, but inside all he really wanted to do was hug Gene. This is the first time he has ever left me alone, he thought. It was the first time he could ever remember Gene really going somewhere without him, what if he didn't come back? Or what if he needed him?

"Then don't watch them Jim, geez. If I knew you weren't going to talk to me about it, I never would have suggested it. Even thought I don't understand how you can pass up Scooby Doo."

"Ahh shut up and get in the ship!" The boy yelled shoving him into the elevator that had been waiting while he had signed the papers and put on his gloves.

He watched the Gene disappear as the door closed and the small light blink. Increasing its height with small circular numbers. He jammed his hands into his pockets and walked off the launch pad towards the parked car were Melfina sat waiting. Her large chocolate eyes glancing down at him from the preparing ship as she smiled. It was reassuring to see her so calm, maybe I am just over reacting, or, getting dumber he thought to himself sliding in next to her. Suddenly the loud speaker let out a booming "BYE!" teasing them.

"Aaaa" He growled, "Gene you such an idiot." He looked up at the ship now using it's Grappler arm to wave at them, pissing off several docking employees

"Bye!" The bioandroid laughed waving back. Her smile was just enough to raise his spirits as he started the car, watching her sink back into her seat from where she had stood. Their hair blowing softly as the car turned and started back to Starwind and Hawking Enterprises, both of them silent, lost in thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He was bored but not really, he knew he should be, but really couldn't make up his mind if he was or not. So he just sat there starring at her, if anything slightly irritated.

Even thought work wasn't the best occupation for entertainment, he still skimmed through things he could do in his head, there really isn't that much, he thought to himself. I can't do any labor because of my back and my hand. The blue eyes glanced down at the bandages, even though he was taking medication to make it heal extraordinarily fast, it still wasn't fast enough. I can't lift my arms; he tested slightly moving his shoulder upward as he sat on the couch. The pain causing him to write off any possibilities that involved heavy mobility or the lifting of any objects. Even though his back was feeling better since Melfina had rubbed it and he over loaded on aspirin. The girls would kill him if they found out. So what do I do? He questioned staring ahead at the assassin quietly reading.

"What to play some video games?" The sudden sound of his voice caused the cunning eyes to look up at him from over her book.

"To be honest, I really don't see why you play them." She said calmly still smiling slyly at him.

He shrugged "They're fun?" He answered almost questioning himself.

"Huh" She laughed slightly "They are nothing like real life."

"Yeah, that's why their fun." His response seemed to grab more of her attention as she placed a marker in her book closing it gently on her lap.

"Jim, may I ask you a personal question?" He eyed her for a second before shrugging softly again. "Did you ever have a brother or sister?"

The question caught him totally off guard. He was expecting something about how much he was eating or sleeping, or watching something, along the annoying statistical questions Suzuka normally bugged him with. No one in his crew ever questioned him about his past, though at some times it was apparent they were thinking about it. Gene, who had found him when he was younger, probably knew as much as there was to know. The topic hadn't been touched for several months when Aisha got particularly interested one night, but she was quickly shut up with an insult to the Ctarl Ctarl Empire, and no one had fallen back on it since.

"Well I, I don't really know. I think that maybe I could have, but I don't remember." He spoke with a flat tone. The question was meaningful, the answer meaningless.

"Well I would convey my condolences but since you can't really remember then it isn't much of a tragedy is it?" He was silent thinking about her questioned answer, none of that had ever really crossed his mind.

"Guess what" Melfina smiled as she entered the room. "I just ordered the most beautiful flowers, you want to see?" She asked laying a magazine onto the coffee table between them, both Jim and Suzuka leaning in to get a better look.

"Yes, I believe these flowers require direct sunlight."

"How did you know that Suzuka? I had to read this to find out." Melfina smiled running her finger over a small passage underneath the picture.

"Mel don't you think you should maybe wait till the room is up?" He asked sliding towards the edge of the couch slowly, she simply shrugged.

"In order to keep the light direct you will have to place it in the middle of the room."

"I know, I was thinking about having a small....."

Whatever, he thought, I wonder what it is like to be a girl, if they really are all as happy as they look. Girls are always laughing and smiling, he thought to himself watching them now flipping through pages before stopping and leaning in. They seem to be so much happier with things all the time, even when Gene and I aren't. He wondered if it was something in the way they were made, maybe it was because they had different skin, or different parts, something that allowed them to deal with pain and tragedy so much easier then he could, then Gene could. Then again, maybe it's just Aisha, Melfina and Suzuka who are good at it, or maybe it's just that Gene is bad at it. He studied them; he didn't really have an opinion of himself. He sighed leaning back into the couch, deciding to take more medication later; it was boring not being able to do anything.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

__*~*~*~3 DAYS LATER~*~*~*__

The small-gloved hands desperately pulled the pieces of debris he could reach upwards without too much strain. He had decided hours ago that if there was nothing he could do, no typing, ordering, smashing, or connecting that he would simply try and move all the pieces they had been tripping over for the last few days. It was boring but it was better then doing nothing.

"Oh Jim!" the soft voice rang from behind him causing him to drop the small board he was lifting rolling his eyes as he turned around. "You shouldn't be doing any labor."

"Well I can't just sit around here doing nothing! It is driving me crazy Melfina! I feel so useless!" He frownec at her annoyed, he had waited for three days and the frustration was almost unbearable for him now.

The blue eyes just looked at her, I shouldn't have yelled at her, he felt a little guilty.

"I understand." she said quietly after several moments. "I, I know how you feel Jim, but......before you get too dirty could I talk to you for a second?" He shrugged following her into the kitchen tracking dirt all over the floor, oh well he thought. At least she won't be bored if she has to clean something.

"Do you want some tea?" she asked cheerily pouring herself a cup.

"Sure." He watched the liquid swirl around in the cup below him from where she sat it in front of him. Maybe the tea is what does it he thought looking down at it. Maybe it was something about the tea that did it for girls, since Gene and him were always having coffee and they were always drinking tea. Even the color was different; theirs was strong and dark, while the girls were sweet and light, ironic.

"Jim, I wanted to know what you would think if..." She began as she sat down across from him. "If we got a new crew member?"

The chocolate colored eyes just watched him look down at the cup and then back up thinking "What kind of new member?"

"Well, Gene and I....also Suzuka and Aisha have been thinking about allowing another member to join." She stated not really answering his question.

"What!" he shot at her "Gene said that!" He yelled outraged, no one had even bothered to ask him "Doesn't anyone even care what I think?! I am as much apart of this crew as you guys! Why wasn't I included Melfina!?"

"No, calm down Jim." She laughed at him lowering her cup from where she was going to take a drink. He simply frowned at her, there was nothing funny about this. "I was trying to think of a way to break it to you, but I guess it back fired. What I am trying to say Jim." she watched him sit back in his chair still frowning "Is that I am going to have a baby." she waited smiling for his response.

Surprisingly his face didn't change, he just sat there looking at her, and after a long pause finally spoke.

"What are you joking?"

"Emmemm." she shook her head smiling

"But bioandroids can't reproduce!"

"Well I can." she beamed just watching him stare at her before his confusion seemed to dissolve.

"Wow Melfina that's great." Se smiled at her, she was happy. She knew that Aisha and Suzuka would be happy to hear the news, now that Jim was too a strong since of approval and satisfaction seemed to fill her.

"How long have you known?"

"A little longer then a month." She continued smiling at him, as he shook his head slightly. The whistle of the teakettle on the stove calling her away from the table as he turned in his chair watching her.

"Soo ahh, everyone else knows that your.....right Mel?" she heard him speak from behind her as she turned around to face him laughing to herself.

"Well yeah, sorry Jim but you were kind of the last one to-" she was quickly cut off by the annoying beeping of the videophone and Gilliam talking.

"Excuse me, but the Outlaw star has just reached the under atmosphere and should be arriving very soon." She smiled excited, Gene was home,

"I'll go get Suzuka when I get off the phone." He called to her over the annoying sound.

"Oh don't worry about it Jim, she left and said she won't be home till later tonight, or tomorrow mourning" She stopped talking listening to the small hello on the other side of the room.

"Is this Starwind and Hawking Enterprises?" the space dock sneered at them.

"Yes, what can we do for you today Sir?"

"Well will you find a way to get in touch with your ship?! We haven't been able to establish radio contact and it is coming in way too fast! If it keeps up like this it will plow right into the space docks!"

"What!" They both screamed Melfina pressing into his back as she leaned over him watching the small screen close out.

"Gilliam patch a link to the Outlaw Star right now!" He shot turning to the pink can.

"As I am of coarse." It spoke blankly several monitors appearing above it. The first four showed only empty hallways, from the cameras on board the ship, the last was a transmission window, which remained staticy.

"Where are they Jim?" He felt her hand squeeze his shoulder, a small amount of pain running through his body, but he hardly noticed as their phone picked back up

The same space dock manager frowning at them mad. "The ship is coming in too fast, there is no way for them to stop at this altitude we are holding you both responsible for the damages if no one on the ship survives."

He felt his blood run cold, the dull sensation of panic sweeping over him, why wasn't Gene piloting the Outlaw star? "What could have gone wrong with Aisha on board?" His whisper just made it to the bioandroid staring up at the monitors.

"There going to crash Jim?" He heard her timid question but didn't answer, her hand squeezing him harder as he stood mesmerized by the small numbers printed on the bottom of each monitor, some of them changing so fast they became a blur. The outlaw star was coming into port all right, to fast to read,

as they stood there watching,

powerless.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her soft chocolate eyes glanced down at him, feeling his determination even sitting across from him as he drove. She moved, looking ahead again as some of her dark raven hair blew over her forehead. "Jim?" She called his name quietly, but he didn't answer, she didn't expect that he would. She was still confused. Why was the ship going to crash? Why hadn't Gilliam done anything? Where were Gene and Aisha? She was slowly starting to panic, remembering Jim ranting at the small pink can about their connection as he grabbed the keys and shot for the car faster then she had ever seen him move. Now he just sat motionless, staring ahead at the ship as they drove over the fields to the launch pad. Oh Gene, she thought, what are you doing, you have a little girl now, where are you?

She felt him take her hand as he pulled her from the car towards the gray metal pad as they ran. Their eyes frozen, even if I didn't know anyone on that ship I still would have stared she thought. Now looking up at the red ship, the front nose bent inward in an awkward twisted manner, small bursts of hot steam erupting from the outer panels as the dark smoke of the left engine covered the whole mess. She stopped running.

The small blue eyes turned around from several feet in front of her "Come on Melfina!" He called to her

"No Jim you go. I don't know why, why they would have crashed like that, but....I can't go on the ship!" She was getting upset now, her brilliant mocha eyes flooding with tears that glistened in the sunlight in front of him. "I can't! I can't go on the ship if there is something terrible in there! Her voice became sobs as she buried her head in her hands. She is leaving me too? He thought

He slowly turned around leaving her behind him. The reflection of the ship in his own blue eyes. What if there is something terrible in there waiting for me? He thought. What would I do then, all alone?

Again he watched the small circular numbers blink as he rose up to the ship. The door sliding open as he stepped out onto the ramp leading to the familiar red door.

"Gilliam?" His voice was quiet, as his dirty blond hair blew in the breeze that carried the height of the altitude. There was no answer, and he let his eyes fall making his way to the door of the ship, which didn't open. "Gilliam it's me!" He announced as his own vacant expression reflected back at him from the dull camera. Frowning he entered the code into the side of the door watching it slide open, the light pouring in.

Suddenly it was as though his body became alert for the first time. He could feel his heart inside his chest. His eyes alert adjusting to the dark, but he was quiet as he slowly leaned into the dark ship, standing in the hall that lead to the cockpit and then to the kitchen.

The cockpit was black, short shrilled blasts of light were sent out sporadically as blue and yellow sparks immerged from the control panels. I am not going in, he thought looking down at the floor now one gigantic slide into the front of the smashed ship. He turned, slowly looking down the dark hallway worried, where were they? His eyes catching the long smear of crimson that lead into the kitchen, his body jumping as his cry was cut off by the loud blast of electricity that sent light onto the floor allowing him to see the pool of blood he was standing in. His face breathing hard, small hands gripping the wall he was leaning onto tighter. Who's blood was this? Something so precious let on the floor where it didn't belong. He felt himself swallow hard as he took a soft silent step forward. Silently gagging at the soupy slop noise he made walking through the sticky puddle. His scared blonde hair slowly making his way through the bloody floor towards the kitchen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She is dead, we got here to late, what will we do with out you? His head whined to him as he stared down at her. She looked dead lying like that, quiet and still, the pool of blood emitting from her body. She had obviously drug herself there before her strength gave out. Oh Aisha, his voice was weak even inside his head as he stared at her, unable to believe that she could really be dead, the immortal Ctarl Ctarl, his friend. A sudden deep growl making him jump and scramble into the kitchen from the dark hallway. His eyes squinting at her suddenly, was that her that just growled?

The sudden movement next to her released a ferocious roar as he felt her grab his ankle ripping him onto his back as he slid under her. "Aisha Wait!" He cried, don't eat me his mind finished the blue eyes squeezed shot while the hot breath rolled over his face. Her fangs pressing against his skin as the warm blood soaked into his clothes from the floor.

"Jim." He heard her whine as the fangs were pulled back, the soft wet peach fur of her face rubbing into his as she fell back into the cabinets. He stared at her eyes, she's not dead.

"How could I have ever thought *you* had died Aisha." He spoke to her, his voice weak and shaky. All to relieved to see her moving.

Her bright eyes answered half open "You better believe it Jimmy." She sighed exhausted as she seemed to slip away for a moment, and for the first time since he had gotten there he realized she was naked. Clinging some rags to the wound in her chest, the large gash on the side of her thigh just bleeding. What the?… She must have transformed he thought to himself, remembering the times she had been completely engulfed by her she-wolf state at the strongest women in the universe contest and again at the Leyline, where she had made him leave in order to fight one of the seven. Running back to the ship leaving Gene to fight for Mel he had found her exhausted like this before,. It was just the massive amounts of blood that seemed to be everywhere, all over him, that made him worry. He felt her hand running over his face, over his eyes, leaving a small smear of blood on his pale skin. "Don't look at me Jimmy." she cooed "I don't want you to remember me this way." She loved the small blonde. He was one of the nicest people she had ever met. She didn't want him to remember the gore, all the blood if something were to happen, if she were to get worse. She watched him next to her gripping the arm that covered his face tightly, and she could see she was upsetting him. Watching his chest fall up and down as he starting breathing heavier, shakier through clenched teeth. "Jim.." She started watching his body pause for a second listening to her "If you could get Aisha a doctor and a sandwich, that is, if it doesn't cost to much, I am sure I will be much better." She watched his mouth smile meekly under her hand, as she let it slide down reveling the blue that constantly made eye contact. Ignoring the fact and the chance to look at her brilliantly mature exposed body. "I think Gene is down the hall." She watched his eyes do a fast snap. Widening to a horrified look at the thought of what Gene would look like now that he found Aisha. "He's not too bad." She quickly added watching the eyes flood with more concerned now remembering there was another person, his aniki onboard the ship. Her bright eyes watching him do a shaky nod, swallowing hard as he stood up creeping back into the dark hall before disappearing.

He watched the rooms around him, being lit with sparks of energy, the wires that had gotten shoved back into the ship from the impact protruding from the walls.

"Gilliam can't you turn any lights on?!" He finally shot looking upwards for the ships response but none came. His eyes shifted to the floor trying to find the number printed somewhere that would tell him exactly where he was, when he spotted something else. He picked it up, it was cold, and practically covered in blood, but that might have come from my hand, he thought, as he looked at it. A caster shell. Another rolled away from him with a small clinking sound as he heard the ship grown, he dropped it running, following them. The bright glisten of their shells, then blackness until he could see them shine again in the light of the sparks. For once the significance of how much these bullets actually coasted, or how many they had, didn't matter. All he worried about was the life they might have failed to protect.

He felt something under him, his body connecting with the floor as he tripped. The sparks sending him out of the blackness and into the light long enough from him to turn around and focus on the scarred arm that was laying out of the doorway, surrounded by caster shells. His face swallowing as he pushed himself up fast. Ignoring the sting from the scraps that just ran into his skin from the hard metal floor. His hands scrambling, body scrambling towards the scarred arm before moving slower. Listening to the fast beating of his heart inside his head. His chest hyperventilating slightly as only the fast hu ha hu ha hu ha of his breathing could be heard. Looking down at the blood, shells and scarred arm lying motionless on the floor.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"I know your going to be ok Gene wake back up!" He yelled watching the red head just lie there breathing. His eyes were open slightly when he first ran into the room, but they went out the minute they saw him. "You are so stupid Gene, wake up!" The last sound of his voice trailing into a plea, as he looked at the small pool of blood trickling from the outlaw's side. Whatever had happened must have hit Aisha worse, considering she was in the way. All around his older partner lay remains of her clothes. She must have transformed here, protecting Gene he thought.

The blue eyes closed, sitting next to the great outlaw, both of them weren't dead. His chest ached suddenly, and he wanted to cry, but for some reason his face was still paused, and his eyes didn't respond to the burning the rest of his body felt. The relief that they were both ok, that they were both going to be fine, was almost worse then seeing them bleeding for some reason. He couldn't understand why, but it was. Knowing they would live after this, hurt like someone beat him in. So he just sat there silent next to his partner, his best friend, his only life, numb.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Back away! Please back away miss!" The paramedic ordered practically prying the bioandroid off the scared body and handing her to another. The second man gripping her small figure with ease as he held her arms to her chest to keep her from struggling. Her large chocolate colored eyes squeezing shut before opening up the sky. The bright sunlight causing her tears to sparkle as they ran down her face to her loud choking sobs.

"It's going to be ok son." He heard the man say from behind him now pulling him towards the back of the open ambulance parked some ten feet from where the outlaw lay on the stretcher he was carried out on.

"Is he going to be alright?" The blue eyes seemed small squinting in the sunlight at the tall frowning man above him who glanced at his female partner as she carried a small cooler out of the truck racing over to his partner. The small cries of the bioandroid almost lost in the commotion as she sat behind the huddled circle of paramedics holding her head, her body shrinking lower to the ground.

He felt the rough strong hands of the man on his back again, but he couldn't pull his eyes from where they were huddled like that. Ordering one another with sharp commands, their arms making swift movements fallowed by a short pause of silence before the shouting continued. How am I ever going to tell you how mad I am Gene that you died and left us all alone, if you die now! His mind screamed

"Woo calm down." The voice of the paramedic broke through his thoughts, as he woke up to the man in front of him, partially blocking his view from the huddled game. Most likely on purpose because he refused to pull his eyes from it.

He felt the strong arms now pulling his coat and shirt off, the once warm blood now being wiped off him as he sat breathing hard, watching.

"He's going blue, he's going blue!" He heard the one paramedic shout from the huddled mass. Gene what are you doinnng, his head whined. You can't leave us like this, he blinked the cloth running down his arm smearing the blood it didn't absorb with it.

"You know, going blue is really a code." The paramedic spoke soft now, staring into the eyes that seemed to be crying in everyway but physically. "It really means he's stabilizing." the man said reassuringly, pulling out a new fresh cloth and handing it to him, wiping more blood from his back.

"Your lying." He mumbled bitterly, watching the man stop, his green eyes inquisitive, as he watched the blonde wipe some blood from his expressionless face. "He is going to die, isn't he?" The voice was soft, yet strong with a sense of understanding. Poor kid, he thought, who had the heart to drag him out here and let him see all this. The green eyes dropped, searching the scene for some type of answer that would give the boy hope or ease his worries but there was none. They fell back onto him, realizing he would understand he next words as a lie too, unless he told him the truth.

"He has lost a lot of blood, for people in his condition, you can't tell until they start falling, or stabilizing. I hope he has something he wants to come back for, because when they don't they usually fall pretty…fast..." his voice trailed, I shouldn't have said so much, I am such an idiot he's only a boy, his mind raced watching the young face blink horrified.

The blue eyes widened to his words as he spoke, blinking as they started to fill with tears, finally connecting to his mind, understanding everything that was happening around him.

"He does. He does!" The blonde hair screamed at him, scrambling off the stretcher and towards the mess.

"Hey kid!" hHe yelled partially out of surprise throwing his rag down shooting after him.

"Gene! You better get back here! Do you hear me!?" He struggled against the strong arms wrapping around his waste. He could see more in the air now, as the paramedic pulled him back away from the glimpse of his partner. Lifeless, probed with tubes and clear masks as at least ten sets of hands worked to save him. "You promised me! Gene!" his voice broke, his body still struggling, kicking wildly as the man held his arms. "Gene! I hate you! Stop playing and just……" His voice became a plea, as he subsided, his chest jumping under the man's arms, his body limp staring at the doctors. They hadn't even heard him.

"It's ok now Jim." The chocolate colored eyes choked suddenly pushing into his view, snapping the blue ones back to life.

"Melfina. Let me go!" He ordered as the grip increased "Hey let me go! What do you-" He stopped abruptly shooting from the man who watched the bioandroid give a small nod to let him go.

She felt good to him, bigger then he was. Blocking out the world and everything bad in it. Her heart humming into his ear as she pulled him against her. "If Gene can make it Jim, he will. Wdon't have to worry, he's a tough guy."

The blue eyes squeezed shut, soft tears rolling down his cheeks as he inhaled shakily crying. Oh Gene, he thought, what I am going to do without you here, with you gone?

But he couldn't get away, no matter how much of her shirt he pulled foreword, or how hard he pushed into her blocking out the light as he cried, they were still there. The flashing lights, the shouts, the beeping monitors, and ringing intercoms. It was all real and not some horrible nightmare "But I *want* it tooo be Melfinaaa!" He sobbed to her, her worried eyes now drying. She was excepting her fate, waiting for him as he struggled against himself. Inside knowing the truth as his body rejected it, all of his strength shoving himself into her, pushing into the ground with frustration.

"I don't know what it is that is happening, or how it will really work out, but somehow it will be for the best" she whispered, her eyes forcing themselves over to the crowd now raising the stretcher up. The limp body on top moving slightly to the tense click as it snapped together and rolled into the back of the ambulance.

"Hey wait! Gene!" The blonde shoved her, her smooth hands sliding over his bloody young skin. The lack of anything really tangible causing her to stop at his wrists. The blue eyes snapping back at her, yelling to let him go, he wanted to go with him, but she held him firm. Even if he went, there was nothing he could do, even thought he felt there was, she knew better. There is no reason for him to see this she thought, if Gene didn't make it he wouldn't want Jim to see it, to miss him like that.

He struggled against her almost punching her as she pulled him back towards the ground where she sat, turning him around to pull his back inward to her. Forcing him to sit leaning into her, his hands gripping her wrists as she rapped her arms around his chest. "Jim, just you wait, everything is being taken care of." she hummed to him placing her head on the side of his gently. "If we want Gene to get better, all we can do is hope, you want to try?" She asked gently her voice cracking softly, she had no idea what would happen to Gene. How his human body could be hurt, or healed, now that she was hanging on, all she was hoping for she found trying to force on Jim. Somehow her one sided argument that Gene would be ok gave her that glimmer that he really was. His shaky breaths were the only answer to what she had said, but she knew that he had been listening.

"Are you the family?" The green eyes looked down at them again, obviously enduring the worst of his job. They were silent, the blue swollen eyes staring off as the dark mocha ones nodded softly. "If you will just come with me, I can drive you home and give you a number and address to where they will be taken-" He stopped, the blue eyes snapping at him suddenly, filled with disgust, hating him. He turned away focused on helping the women up, feeling as thought the mess of blonde hair was blaming him for what had happened.

She glanced down quickly to make sure Jim was following them back to the ambulance. Slowing her pace until he was right next to her. She felt his soft bloody hair as she ran her hand over the opposite side of his face. Gripping him under the chin, pulling him towards her quickly. His hand gripping the side of her jumper as they followed the paramedic.

"We're parked over here." she pointed, as the man stepped back out of the ambulance caring only a small foam box, and the boys shirt and jacket, heavily stained with blood.

"How is it he?...How were you hurt?" The green eyes now bent around from Melfina to the blonde who ignored him.

"He wasn't on the ship." She spoke softly placing her hand back on him as he pulled open the side of the car door and crawled inside, taking his clothes from her.

"He, he wasn't on the..." the man trailed climbing into the drivers seat.

"No, we first got a call about the crash and I....I couldn't go in, so Jim......so he went in for me. It's really all their blood, unless.......Jim?" She turned around now to face him from where she sat in the passenger side. Blue eyes just glancing up at her silent, disgusted. She turned back around, it was probably safe to say he was fine, he seemed fine, and he didn't look like he felt like talking to any of them. She shook her head dismissing the whole thing as the man put the key into the engine turning the car around heading back across the fields.

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She opened the door silently as the car stopped in front of Starwind and Hawking Enterprises, catching the one behind her as it opened. Blue eyes stepping up staring at the sign exasperated, she tugged on his jacket causing it to slide off his arm a little as he looked up at her shutting the door. The green eyed man just standing in front of them waiting, she unlocked the business.

"Alright this is the address." he spoke as he scribbled on the small notepad in the kitchen next to the raven hair, the blonde still lingering in the kitchen doorway watching him. "This is the phone number there, or at least I think it is, there are so many hospitals. If it's wrong I am sure this one can give you the right number, sorry." He muttered, she only forced a small smile as he stood up looking at her, sorrow in his eyes.

The blue eyes snapping away as the green ones fell on him too. "I usually don't get involved, but I am a doctor, and this is my cell phone. It's always on." he added "You can call me anytime." Her smile relaxed now becoming more genuine as the blue eyes watched.

He couldn't make up his mind about this man, if he hated him or what? He had tried to help at the scene, running around like the others, before letting the more advanced and pushy doctors take over. Tending to him and Melfina, checking on Aisha several times. But he should have done more, he should have been there every second! What if one of the doctors, couldn't reach something!? Or didn't know what they were doing and he knew. He should have tried harder!

"Please don't, don't hesitate to call me, I am, am not married." He said tapping the pad with his pencil a few times before sliding it to her turning to leave. "Oh." He said suddenly "You might be getting a call from my ambulance partner, she seemed to feel....." his voice trailed off to the blonde hair as it lowered speaking directly to the bioandroid. Her face frowning suddenly as her eyes snapped in his direction.

"What!?" He demanded, do they think I am stupid? It's not like I can't tell they are talking about me, he thought bitterly. Watching the green eyes turn to him exhaling with a worried expression. However, it wasn't any different from the worried one it had been wearing all afternoon.

"Well I, I just thought I would mention it, in case." He finished giving a small wave as he started for the door. Blue eyes glaring at him as he left.

"What did he say?" He asked feeling her hand on his back as she stepped beside him watching the door open and close.

"Nothing important." She sighed lightly, her dark eyes falling down to him now, watching his mouth open to protest as the door opened again.

"Emmmhmmm." she whined shutting the door now and leaning into it. "Aisha's really really starving." The Ctarl Ctarl squeaked placing her bandaged hand on her stomach weakly.

"Aisha!" His voice was filled with relief as he ran over to her.

"Don't even think about touching Aisha Jimmy." She snapped at his smiling face. "Get me something to eat!" She demanded, as he tore back off towards the kitchen not a syllable of objection. "Hey Melfina." She mumbled sinking into the dinning room table exhausted. "Hurry up Jim, Aisha is really hungry and your just about the right size!" She teased as he came back in setting a platter in front of her Watching her quickly inhaling it, as she chugged down thirteen glasses of water.

"Are you feeling alright Aisha?" The raven hair finally spoke eyeing the random bandages that covered sections of the soft fur.

"Well you know, being that I am an immortal Ctarl Ctarl and all..." she let her squeaky voice trail smiling at them. Before pushing the platter away.

"You…don't want more?" His light voice sounded confused looking down at the plate before back at her.

"There is just too much excitement around here Jim, and Aisha's stomach is just a little upset." She whispered to him now, her chin resting on the table "When did you get home?" her eyes glancing up at the bioandroid but she didn't move.

"Only seconds before you."

"Really!?" she sat up excited "You both looked like you were here for hours." She squeaked as they both smiled weakly. The blue eyes falling back down to the empty but small platter. "Now don't worry about me Jim." She squeaked causing his blue eyes to look back up at her. "Aisha is going to be fine, she promises." She said hissing as though it were an offer rising from her chair and walking around the table to where he sat.

Are you going to break your promise too? He thought bitterly ignoring her

She rapped her arms around him sweetly, and he didn't fight her off. "I was really worried about you Aisha." She heard him muffle his sentence as he stood up in his chair to face her embrace.

"I know you were kid, but you don't need to worry. And neither does Melfina." The chocolate colored eyes snapped up at her suddenly. "Aisha made sure that she took care of everything on board, Gene wasn't worried either." She hissed feeling him squeeze her momentarily, the sound of *his* name sweeping tension into the room.

"Was that a hug Jimmy?" She squeaked shoving him off to look at his face. "Did you just give me a hug?!" He scowled at her, shoving her off and sitting back down as she laughed. "Melfina did you see that!?" Her bright eyes snapped at the dully humored bioandroid "Who would have thought that wittle Jimmy had it in him!" She teased pulling at his jacket sleeve as he sat frowning ignoring her mind numbing chatter before glancing up at her sudden stop.

"What's the matter Aisha?"

"Jim" she said studying him before pulling his jacket off his shoulder grabbing his bare arm. "Someone stole your shirt."

"Ahh" he growled at her reaching out to shove her off before stopping, and looking at her. Somehow as he caught her in front of him, he realized.

She's hurt, he thought, now starring into her eyes, he could see the pain she was in to even move. The scratch on her cheek, the bandages on her arm and chest, her one hand completely engulfed. All this, and she, she is playing with me? Aisha must, must really care if she wants to play now, like this, he thought.

She let out a small whine as he grabbed her, surprised that he wasn't pulling or pushing, punching or shoving, biting or yelling, any of the normal things Jim would have done to get her off, make her go away, shut her up. He was hugging her, out of his chair with his arms rapped around her neck as she sat crouched on the floor. The bright eyes blinking, looking up at Melfina for some sort of an explanation. The dark eyes only looked bewildered and worried. Frowning as the raven hair shrugged shaking her head lighlty. She had absolutely no idea what he was doing, and neither did she.

"Aisha you have to promise that you wooon't break your promise too!" He cried to her from under her bright hair. "I hate him sooo much!" His threat sounded more like a whine from in-between him clenched teeth.

She slowly placed her hands down against his back, as if waiting for some surprise. Some trick he had up his sleeve, but he just hung on her motionless, almost resting on her. Her body relaxing as she realized that for some reason, every chain of events that he had been drug through that day must have went in just the right order. Happened at just the right time, to allow the bruised Ctarl Ctarl to come stumbling home and fall into the small eleven year old who had forgotten how old he was. Giving in to the urge for someone to take the wheel because he was sick of seeing everything that was happening. Sick of being smart enough to understand it all.

She heard him say something to her in objection but she ignored it as she picked him up felling his small light body under her arms. His jacket sliding up as she held him, the small pale skin of his bruised lower back one of the only pieces of his body actually visible. The rest lost in his baggy white pants. She walked calmly as though he were sleeping even thought his eyes were open. The sound of his breathing in her ear as she followed the bioandroid upstairs letting him slide to the ground in front of his room before ordering him to change and heading to the bathroom. She showered, the warm water both painful and refreshing as it slid off her raw and tattered body. Disposing of her outfit made of random oversized pieces of clothes pulled together from fire trucks at the sight to hide her exposed body. She shut the cabinet, happy to be home, by exhausted from the journey to get there.

The air outside the bathroom was cooler, and she watched the steam roll into the light listening to the bioandroid talking down the hall. She listened eyes half open, she wanted to go to bed but there is no way they were going to have a party without Aisha Clan Clan she thought nearing the doorway of the bioandroid room, the one she now shared with the outlaw. Granting her the larger room and Jim one of his own.

She shoved him foreword gently and he wasn't expecting it, Her bright eyes watching him turn around frowning, talking to her but she wasn't listening. "We are going to sleep with you tonight Melfina." She growled sleepily, climbing onto the king size bed. There was plenty of room for all three of them, and she pulled the blonde up by his arm watching him squeeze his eyes shot suddenly grabbing at her wrist. "What's the matter with you Jim?" She muttered frowning.

He sat rubbing his shoulder for a second before glaring at her "I fell through the floor remember?" He mumbled irritated

"My sledgehammer!" She screeched suddenly overjoyed as the memories flouted back.

"Aisha!"

"Relax, Aisha was only joking." She smiled lying down next to the bioandroid already under the covers. She reached up with one of her soft hands, wiping away a tear, as the raven hair shook lower trying to hide her sorrow. "It's alright Melfina, Aisha knows he will be better." She cooed watching the chocolate eyes as they opened now looking at her.

"But how do you know?" The small voice from the foot of the bed caused both their eyes to glance up at him. "How do you know that Aisha? For sure?" The blue eyes were worried filled with sorrow or was it fear watching them. It was upsetting, almost like Gene really wasn't coming back, and they were all trying to get over loosing him. Already mourning his death.

"Aisha can smell it with her superior nose." She teased lightly "Don't you worry about a thing Jim." She spoke forcing a smile as he watched her extend her hand to him from where she still lay, the bioandroid hugging her arm.

"Good night." He said softly sliding off the end of the bed almost to the floor before she squinted, reaching down after him and dragging him back up towards them. He lay still for a moment, on his back his head resting on her stomach in the small space between them before making the attempt to shoot for the bottom again.

"Move again Jim....." Her voice hissed, threatening sweetly as her clawed hand now pressed against his chest to keep him there. Waiting several minutes before feeling his body relax and give in, her claws retracting. The bioandroid loosening her grip around the soft tanned fur as she reached down pulling up an extra blanket and tucking it around the blonde who now pushed up in-between them, laying his head on the pillow. Listening to the purring behind him as the bioandroid took his hand smiling, he just looked at her. Somehow even with Gene missing, he felt as though he belonged but it hurt him, and he felt his eyes growing heavy as they grew warm again.

The bioandroid watched him struggle to keep his eyes opened before sleep overpowered him, and his breathing became soft and light as he held on to her hand. She lifted her head slightly, her gaze flouting over him to the Ctarl Ctarl on the other side.

Aisha was still awake smiling, one of her bright eyes half open, watching them both, and she smiled back. "He is so stubborn." she purred, watching the raven hair nod. It was good to be so close to them, I am not lonely she thought, it was good to have the other side of the bed filled, even if it wasn't Gene...tonight.

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"I am fine." He heard her call as he sat up the unknown contents of the room flouting back into place with the memories of last night.

"You sure Melfina?" Aisha called again, listening to the bioandroid in the bathroom throwing up.

"What's wrong with her Ai.-" He began her hand silencing him as she quickly shoved it over his mouth. Te girl's large ears twitching swiftly before she laid back down snuggling into the blankets next to him. "Aisha! What's going on, is she sick!?" He yelled alarmed crawling towards the edge of the bed, one of her eyes shooting open as she grabbed his ankle pulling him back.

"Mourning sickness, go back to sleep."

"Mourning sickness? From what?" He spit baffled.

"The mourning." She whisphered falling back asleep, her eyes shooting back open to the small frowning boy in front of her as he kicked her gently, waking her. "Errrr Jim, stop annoying me and go to sleep! Mourning sickness is sickness from the mourning! Melfina's tummy wants to eat her baby, so it makes her sick, now shut up!" She ordered eyeing him.

"Aisha." He said flatly one of her eyes twitching open slightly to look at him. "That's dumb." She growled pushing his head into the pillow to the muffled cries. "What!?" she screeched sitting up snickering. "What Jim I can't hear you!" She laughed letting him go as he flung upward watching him breathing hard as she laughed hysterically, before snuggling back down into the covers and muttering a shut up.

He stared at her quietly regaining his breath watching her. It never seized to amaze him how quickly she changed her mind, or emotions.

I am glad they feel better she thought, walking softly from the bathroom. The soft perfumed tissue against her mouth, her stomach still upset as the blue eyes looked up at her.

"Are you ok Melfina?"

"Yeah I am fine Jim." She said smiling slightly at him, unconvincingly

"Do you want me to get you something?" He asked eyeing her as she shook her head, she really didn't look all that convincing, but why didn't Aisha seem to care?

"Why are you all sleeping in here?" The calm voice spoke from behind them in the now open doorway. "Did we kick Gene out?" She teased watching the eyes fall onto her solemnly.

"Suzuka." The raven hair whispered her name, almost in shock she was really there.. There was an abnormal tension in the air, and deep in her komono she felt her wooden sword between her fingers. Something had happened, she could tell by the way Aisha was watching him, the blue eyes studying the bioandroid, the raven hair that now made her way to her.

She sensed he was ready to move and grabbed his arm firmly.

"But can't I.-"

"No." She snapped rolling over to face the other way but not letting go. He laid back quietly listening to the door click shut at the end of the room. He could only imagine the assassins reaction to the news now, only it was very hard, Suzuka never seemed very connected on her face. Or maybe that's just cause I can't make the connection he thought sourly contemplating if maybe he should drink more tea as he looked over to the Ctarl Ctarl the light head of hair resting lazily on the white t-shirt as she slept.

Her eyes opening slightly as she felt him wiggling up against her, pressing his back to hers. Still don't want to be alone Jimmy? She thought to herself rolling over and sliding him into her stomach. "Don't you worry about it Jim, it'll work out you'll see." she cooed, but he was worried, being in her arms he could almost forget. The soft smooth blankets caring away his troubles, but no matter how hard he tried to listen to them, to not worry, he did. Every time he opened his eyes, and realized who was missing.



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Her bright eyes opened again, it was Melfina. "Mourning sickness" She mumbled scrunching up her nose. She was tired and cranky; all the renovations had been a little much. Even as a Ctarl Ctarl doing all the smashing was quiet exhausting and Melfina had been feeling sicker those past few days, they were taking her to the doctor that afternoon for her six-month checkup. "That's quiet a tummy you got their Melfina." She teased lightly as she handed the bioandroid a towel.

She nodded with a slight smile as she stood up leaning against the bathroom sink of the new downstairs bathroom. The only room they had almost completely finished, it was considered the most important.

"What time is it?" She sighed wiping her forehead with the top of the towel.

"We still have forty minutes, and besides there is no use in rushing. I would rather Jim get home before we leave then leave without him knowing."

"Oh, Jim, that's right." She frowned briefly she had forgotten he had gone out to pick up some new pieces of pipe needed to finish the sink she was now leaning on. "How soon-"

"Any second." She purred, soft fur smiling. The bioandroid let her friend help her to the living room as she eased herself into the chair with her arms before sinking in entirely. Her stomach enormous in comparison to her small figure.

"Do Ctarl Ctarls have children like this Aisha?" She sighed tired, watching the light hair flick through the stations on the television bored.

"Emmemm." She answered shaking her head. "Naa the Ctarl Ctarl are entirely different from humans Melfina." She answered still bored as she dropped the remote back onto the coffee table watching an infomercial on the new turbo cooker.

"Lucky." The chocolate eyes smiled at her, watching her mouth open to boost about the empire as she was cut off.

"I am back!" The front door slammed

"We're in here!" The bioandroid called trying her best to turn around and see behind her chair, quite impossible with her stomach.

The blonde just walked in caring a small bag. The rattling of pipe parts could be heard inside as the Ctarl Ctarl watched it drop onto the side of the couch he sat on. "So?" He said expectantly

"Well I-"

"Melfina has a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so we have to go in ten minutes." Aisha smiled at him.

"What for?" He said turning to look at her now. As ridiculous as her stomach seemed to him, she looked fine, smiling at them.

"Just a routine check up, nothing serious." She smiled, watching him shrug, his mouth opening.

"Yes you can call the hospital while we're gone." Aisha rolled her eyes. "But you have to come and pick us up Jim so you can't go!" She squeaked as though this were party news. He growled at her, stupid Aisha.

"Well why do I have to pick you up!?" He shot at her, her happy face even more annoying as she didn't seem to care that he was annoyed, or might have things he wanted to do.

"Oh you don't, that is, if you want poor Melfina to have to ride the bus back." She smiled.

"Aaaa" He groaned, he couldn't let them take the bus, no matter how irritating Aisha was going to be that mourning. He had specific directions not to let Melfina handle herself, or something along those lines. That really didn't sound like Gene, but then again the nurse had probably edited some of it. Being that he wasn't allowed visitors yet, he had sent his message through a very stingy looking woman, who hardly had time to spit that at him before she shoved him back into the lobby. "What time?" He mumbled to the Ctarl Ctarl's laughing.

"It shouldn't be that long Jim, 1:00. Or, or we can call you from there, so you don't have to wait?" The raven hair spoke in all sincerity, trying to make things easier for him.

"Naa, one is fine Melfina." He answered watching her woddle as she pulled and pushed herself out of the chair and made her way to the kitchen. Her thin hands on her back as if supporting part of her upper body by hanging on.

"Look look! They are heating up the corn!" The light head of hair squeaked now inches in front of the TV. "Melfina! Would you like it if Aisha made corn for dinner?" She yelled at the kitchen winking at him, he smiled. They didn't have a turbo cooker, but he doubted she knew that.

"Oh no Aisha I got it." The raven hair glanced at them through the kitchen doorway. "I was just going to take out some chicken and maybe heat up some of these-" She stopped as she was interrupted.

"Melfina we've got to go! Aisha hates waiting in the lobby, they won't let her play at all!" She whined shutting off the TV and hurrying past him to the kitchen grabbing a small jacket for the girl on the way.

"Bye Jim!" She called as the head of hair directed her towards the front door. He watched it shut before turning back to where the turbo cooker was, and flicked the screen back on.

"Now watch, look at all that flavor just boiling in....." The heavy man watched eyes wide as the corn sizzled under the butter.

"Yeah" He grunted sarcastically "Buddy you got to get yourself a new job." He flicked the TV off. He only had about an hour before he had to go pick them up. Reaching for the paper bag he pulled out some of the washers he had to pick up and started making his way to the downstairs bathroom. Playing with the shinny metal he watched the small cuts in his hands be distorted 10 times bigger. Fixing the holes Aisha had smashed was not all that it was cracked up to be. All that measuring was a pain in the butt, and the wood, he discovered was very sharp. "Oh well" He muttered to himself, pulling the soap and paper towel back out from under the cabinet he had installed under the sink. The pipes were all there, but the water wasn't turned on. Without these new seals and washers it would have just leaked everywhere. He had just enough time to fix it before leaving.



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"For a whole hour then Jim?"

"No Gilliam only while I am gone!" He shot back annoyed grabbing his coat before realizing he still had oil on it and raced back to the kitchen shouting.

"There is no need to yell Jim, I will only complete these tasks while you are gone." The computer said blankly, watching him scrub his scrapped arms with soap. The black oil rinsing into the sink.

"Then why do you keep asking me if you should do it a whole hour!?" He shot back annoyed now wiping the water off with a towel.

"Did you not say you be out that long?" The small pink can replied watching him race for the door.

"I don't know how long I will be! I have to pick the girls up don't let anyone in!" The door slammed.

Geez Gilliam I am going to have to do a serious upgrade, I swear nobody can do a simple thing anymore. He scowled throwing his coat to the other end of the seat as he got into the car and started the ignition.

I look like crap he thought, people are probably going to think I am homeless or something. He growled taking a left, he had grease and oil on his clothes and in his hair. He had forgotten about that part. He was tired, it was seriously annoying, and there was no reason why only Melfina should get to see Gene. It's not like I am going to go in there and try to upset him, he thought bitterly. Thought it wasn't that insulting since the nurses were dead set against not letting him or Aisha in. Even thought that wasn't that much of a compliment, and Suzuka hadn't shown that much interest in really going in. The first time the nurse had offered she hung in the doorway for a while watching Melfina with him before coming back to sit with him and Aisha in the hall. I wonder if she really cares? She did try to kill him originally, so it's understandable that his death might not be that upsetting, but then, she definitely made a fuss about it before. He smirked remembering her threatening Leilong. Maybe Suzuka really does care? I know Aisha does, and Melfina is so a given, he smiled. The hospital was right around the cor....

The truck really came out of nowhere, and he slammed on the breaks, but it was too late, they still hit, just not hard.

He felt his body slide forward slamming into the front of the car. Ahh my head he thought looking up from the dashboard, he could see the man in the truck in front of him getting out.

"Hey you got a problem!" He shouted arms outstretched as if welcoming him. He was scrubby, wearing a beer t-shirt with old jeans and work boots.

"Hey pal you ran into me." He shot now defensive staring at the man from aside the car; at least it's a rental he thought. Thankful that he hadn't taken the Ehefrau.

"Yeah whatever you little snot, I am leaving." The man turned back around disgusted

"Hey! I had the right away, give me you insurance number pal!" He heard the boy yell from behind him, I can't believe him, he thought bitterly. How the hell does he know about that?

"What are you talking about, what insurance? I don't have any."

"Oh yeah right, I suppose that the company you drive that truck for has absolutely no way to insure itself, what do I look like here." The blue eyes almost laughed at him, things had started to get very funny the last few days. This had just been the most fun event of the day so far.

"Look kid I don't remember what-"

"Remember now?" The blue eyes demanded, the small click of the blaster he held caused the man to take a step back as he looked up from over it. He didn't have time for this, he had to pick up the girls, and then, go to bed, no wait, I can go see Gene today, he thought, his spirits lifting.

"Hey kid where did you get that gun?" The man said almost baffled, the blue eyes just started at him, dull, tired and impatient. "3524873" He spit before getting back into the truck and riding off.

"Guess he didn't want mine" The blonde chuckled lightly getting back into the car slowly and ripping the aspirin out of the glove compartment. This sucks he thought before starting the car again.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Well then scoot over Aisha's driving!" The Ctarl Ctarl squeaked hoping into the car and sliding him to the passenger's side.

"He just ran right into you?" The bioandroid asked concerned from the backseat where she half sat half laid. Somehow she always seemed to come back tired from these visits. As thought she had been working out the whole time she was in there or something.

"Yeah, but don't worry I got his insurance stuff Mel, I am just glad it wasn't the Ehefrau. If anything ever happened to my baby....." He stopped the blue eyes snapping to the driver laughing hysterically. "Shut up Aisha!" He yelled at her.

"Ohh Jim, I am so glad you car wasn't hurt. Never mind Aisha doesn't want to even touch you! You look like crap Jim. But it's ok cause his little Ehefrau wasn't touched and is going to sit in the garage forever and ever until it becomes dust! She squeaked

"Aisha shut up! And why do you think I don't drive it! Because if it were to be run into it would be like 800 Wong to fix just one headlight! You just don't drive classics all over! And watch the road!" He shot, his protests only causing her to laugh harder.

"Aisha come on." He heard the raven hair pipe in from the backseat. "I have a head ache can't you get Jim mad later?"

"Mel?!" He shot turning around "But Melfina, she's the one.."

"Not know Jim." She sighed turning to face the other way, before pausing and turning back to him. "I'm sorry, I am just tired...did you call the hospital yet?" He nodded "What did they say?"

"They said I can go see him."

"Really!" The Ctarl Ctarl turned around glancing at him her laughter stopping listening contently.

"Well that's wonderful Jim!" The raven hair exclaimed she knew how long he had been waiting to see his partner, but the hospital was set on keeping him very separate and Gene for very long. They said it was a precaution to make sure he was completely stable before releasing him, his body still had time to reject treatment.

The blue eyes smiled at her, he was happy to go. It felt like forever since he had last seen Gene, but at the back of his mind he was worried. As if they were all lying to him, just saying Gene was ok because they thought he couldn't handle it, they just didn't want to tell him how bad off he really was. "Gene *is* ok, isn't he Mel?...You really think I should, go see him?"

"Jim! Don't be dumb of course you should go and see him!" Aisha squeaked taking a right. "It would make that puny human happy to see you!" She shot frowning but slightly amused, watching him think about that.

"Your right Aisha." He smiled

"Coarse I am!" She shot honking the horn as she screeched out the window at some unlucky guy who quickly made room for her. He just leaned back, they would be home soon with Aisha driving.



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The doors slid open as he walked up to them, the smell of alcohol and the color white flooding the air. He turned slightly looking up as he watched Suzuka sit down and open her book behind him. He didn't know why she had insisted on coming, he didn't think she was that entertained with the fact that she could see Gene. She obviously planned on just waiting for him.

He walked over to the desk where a receptionists in white sat, looking down from over her small reading glasses as he approached.

"Gene Starwind?" She asked exhausted with him. The crew had been in and out all mourning staying long hours and making quite a commotion in the waiting room several times, since the nurses insist that they wait even longer before saying they could come back and definitely see him.

She glanced down at the chart, for a moment, before looking back up at him "Down the hall." She directed almost irritably, but he smiled at her anyway. He didn't care how much she hated him as long as he could get in.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He paused outside the door watching a small girl down the hall tugging on her mother's skirt as she talked to a doctor, completely ignoring her whines for ice cream. He inhaled deeply.

Turning back he saw more of a distorted picture of himself in the foggy glass then he could see of the room inside, he sighed deeply placing his hand on the knob of the door. For some reason the way all the nurses made such a big deal about them not going in and not disturbing him, made him nervous opening it. Even after what Aisha said. Maybe I am doing something wrong and just didn't know it yet. Maybe Gene is really hurt and they just haven't told me yet. Maybe they just don't think I can handle it; come to think of it all anyone ever said was that he looked better. No one said from what point that better was, he swallowed even thought his mouth was dry, thinking.

There was a small click as the door opened slightly and he peered in. It was a normal hospital room, shared by two beds. The first one empty, followed by a small nightstand, then a second bed occupied by the red head, just lying there. The dark eyes picking up to where the sound admitted before smiling.

The blonde walked over to the side of the bed eyeing his older partner, now pale and slightly thinner then he remembered. The doctors did say he lost a lot of blood.

"Well well look how tall we are." The outlaw laughed weakly "What have those girls been feeding you Jim?" He smiled watching the boy roll his eyes frowning. The blonde was amused but mostly worried about him and Melfina. She hadn't spoken a word to anyone after that night he slept in with them. For a week she was quiet and determined to stay with the outlaw. She had refused to leave his side, and eventually even the nurses had given up on her. It took five days before she would leave and come back hom. After Aisha's relentless pleading, then demanding, and assuring that nurses would be there and so would the rest of them in Ctarl Ctarl spirit. "Jim I want to apologize." The firm voice broke into his thoughts.

"For what?" He shook his head slightly confused

"I don't really know." The outlaw smiled goofily at him "For not doing something right somewhere. I must have screwed up or I wouldn't be lying here." He watched the blue eyes make a face.

"You didn't screw up Gene, it's not your fault this happened." He answered reassuringly, because for once it really wasn't. They were attacked, and they did everything they could to protect themselves. It wasn't their fault they fell into debt and smashed up the Outlaw Star along the way.

The strong scarred face just grinned at him, before reaching out and grabbing his shoulders gently. Strong dark eyes looking at him, knowing all of this already as it gave him a sure grin. "Jim I am proud of you."

Huh? What did I do?! His voice questioned wishing he could pull away from the dark eyes that stared at him, but the grip was strong and assuring "What? Why?" He finally managed

"Well, not just for holding it together and staying strong for the girls, for Melfina…but for everything." He spoke as though he had just now made up his mind. "You are much smarter then I ever was at your age and you have tons going for you. Yet, you still find time to stay and hang with a dead beat like me." The outlaw laughed to himself. It was his own personal joke.

"What? Gene you are not a dead beat." The blonde smiled at him "No one is debating you dumb, but your not a deadbeat." The outlaw just laughed more before coughing softly, watching the worried look flout back into the blue eyes.

"No, I meant what I said Jim." The outlaw's voice was firmer now before lifting "So Melfina I guess, guess she's the big news." He grinned

The blonde smiled "It's great Gene, really great."

"Well I am glad we made you happy." The outlaw teased, watching him laugh slightly, it was kinda cool they were going to have a crew member younger then he was. "Cause I want to ask you a serious question." The outlaw squeezed his shoulder reassuringly as the blue eyes darted slightly uneasily waiting. What could Gene possibly want? He hadn't seen him in four months and here he was joking around and now this? Maybe I should just leave for a while and come back later, he thought. It was too much to look at him like that, the same face only paler and thinner, but he must be getting better or they wouldn't have let me in he thought looking back up at him awaiting the question.

"Jim I want you to stand godfather to our child."

The blonde let out a cough as he shoved the strong hands off him sliding off where he had sat on the bed.

"Woe woe I didn't mean to push the wrong buttons." The outlaw spoke teasingly "But you're the best friend I have Jim. I can't think of anyone I wouldn't rather have do it then you." He spoke soft but firm at the blonde hair now standing with it's back to him. He couldn't believe what Gene had just asked him, it meant so much. He really wants me to, to be the godfather of his baby? He thought to himself. It must have meant that Melfina felt the same way. "Well there is always Fred." He heard the outlaw teasing from behind him again. "But then we will have to invite him to all the holidays and special occasions, and I think he has something against Melfina. So what do you say?" He said grinning.

He nodded and the outlaw's smile relaxed leaning back into the bed closing his eyes. He let out a small-satisfied sigh as he reached up and ruffled the dirty blonde hair. "Thanks, now get lost Jim." He said grinning as he shoved the blue eyse backwards gently. "Get some rest, you all look sick with worry. I am alive for crying out loud." He opened an eye smiling at the blonde, who just looked back before muttering an ok and heading for the door, leaving his partner to rest.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Closing the door behind him he felt a rush of relief. No one was lying to him Gene really was ok and he really was coming home. He smiled, a genuine smile, maybe the first one in months. No wonder Melfina has been so happy for the last few days he thought, remembering how she had hummed excessively making breakfast, and ironed everything she could get her hands on that mourning even thought Aisha protested. Insisting that a weak human such as herself should rest. Maybe we can finally start bringing some money in he thought to himself. Remembering Gilliam complaining that the parking fees were adding up, housing the Outlaw Star was expensive, never mind the repairs that had to be done on it, I am only one man he thought. As it was he had to turn down several jobs all ready, they were all jobs he needed Gene for. He might have been able to fix almost anything with a motor, or hack into almost any system, but he couldn't be a bodyguard, or put up a front with a gun. Can't believe I actually need him for something, he thought still smiling as he made his way to down the hall. But inside he always knew that he had, even though he chose to ignore it.

"Excuse me." He turned looking up at her, her almost tight face and small glasses looking down at him. Crisp blue office coat over her white blouse and matching blue skirt, to the side of him, gasping him gently to get his attention. "Are you lost?"

"No." He shook his head slightly disgusted. The day was too far away when people would stop asking him such stupid questions. "I am just visiting, but if you need a job done I can help you." He continued dully.

"You aren't a patient here?" Her voice seemed tense as she asked this, as thought someone should have caught him before she had, a bad sign.

The blue eyes just looked at her too exhausted to care what her problem was as they exhaled. "Lady, I am dirty and tired, if you don't want to hire me or something, I have stuff to do."

"I work here at the hospital." She spoke, as thought he had asked. "Can I borrow you for a second?" She made a move directing him to come, but he just stood looking at her.

"Do you want to hire me?" He said flatly not moving.

"Just to this room." She continued ignoring him. He sighed following her, if she did want to hire them, they could definitely use the money.

She led him to a small room, an office. Dull soft gray paint covered the walls a desk and two chairs sat facing it to the back. Several filing cabinets sat against the wall littered with papers, as well as some framed pictures but nothing particularly interesting. She motioned for him to sit down and he did, bored with her.

"You work then?" She inquired now sitting at the desk looking at him

"Yes, we do anything legal. Do you want something?"

"We?"

"My partner and I." he stopped, does she want a job or not? "You want to hire us?"

"Aren't you a little young to be working?" She continued eyeing him, he shrugged, if you need money, you work. There was sense in that he thought. "What kind of work do you do?"

"Anything legal." He said again slightly impatient remembering Suzuka waiting in the lobby and the warm lunch at home waiting for him, or was Aisha cooking?

"How did you get those bruises?" She sat up a little straighter in her chair nodding her head upward as if pointing to them.

"Huh?" The question caught him a little off guard as he looked down to his arms. "Ahh, I fell through a floor, and some guy ran into our car. Do you need a job done or not lady?" He groaned his question at her, she was wasting his time.

She was quiet for a second looking at him, through a floor? "I work for the social services here at the hospital." She stated now relaxing her tone. "You know that anything you wanted to tell me would be completely confidential don't you? Do you understand what that means?" He sat there looking at her, she was irritating all in herself. Just sitting there, stupid lady he thought, of course I know what that means, but he didn't answer her. "It is safe to tell people here things-" She continued but he wasn't listening, instead he glanced at the clock behind her. I don't think she wants a job he thought.

"Yeah." He cut her off "I am going to get going now, since you don't want a job done or anything, so bye." He got up and started heading for the door as she stood up quickly making her way around the desk to intervene.

"Please." She said a hand on his shoulder as she motioned back to the chair he exhaled.

"Look lady, I am hungry and I am tired, if you don't want anything, I am leaving!" He said pushing out of her grasp.

"Did you eat anything today?" She asked from behind him.

"And what's it to you?" He said turning around. She was the most confusing person he had ever met. Nothing she said made any sence. It was like she was talking in some sort of code.

"Please sit down." She said a little firmer shutting the door. He watched her, easing back into his chair, he wasn't sure what to do with her. Leave or listen?

"Does your partner make you work?" She asked now sitting back down at her desk in front of him.

"Gene!?" He almost laughed

"Is that his name?" She asked tapping a pencil slightly listening to him, as if trying to read into his every sentence.

He shrugged "We have to eat, and if you want to eat you have to work." He said flatly, obviously she must know that, she was working.

"Uh huh." She said, "How did you get those bruises?"

"Lady I already told you I fell through a floor, accidentally." He added quickly.

"How did you do that?"

"Ai... someone unintentionally knocked a hole into it, and I fell in." He said sarcastically, she was kinda funny.

"They must have been really strong." She commented

"The Ctarl Ctarl usually are." Her eyes seemed to widen slightly with concern.

"You live with a Ctarl Ctarl?" She spit at him, as thought she would fall out of her seat.

"Yeah she is part of our crew." He shrugged his answer casually.

"A female?" She was silent for a second, thinking. He glanced down at the small cuts on his hands before shoving them into his pockets away from her view as he caught her eyeing them. Suddenly her brown eyes looked back up at him. "I want to ask you a question......" she trailed off

"Jim" He said filling in his name where she was blanking.

"Jim." She repeated "Do you think you can give me an honest answer?" He shrugged "You don't have to be afraid to answer me honestly you know." She spoke again as the blue eyes rolled. If she didn't want a job he was so leaving after this question. "Does anyone in you crew hit you?"

The blue eyes snapped at her suddenly "What did you just say!?"

"Have you ever been hit by a member of your crew?" She spoke again calmly, as if she were asking him his favorite color or what he did that afternoon. Maybe I am miss understanding what she is saying he thought to himself, what the hell kind of question was that?! "Does you crew make you work Jim?" She continued

"No!...Hey lady what is your problem!" He glared at her as he slammed his hands onto her desk standing up. His tone hard and demanding.

"There is not reason to get upset Jim, if these events have never happened it shouldn't bother you." She spoke as though he had just admitted these things had happened. As though she had been spying through their windows watching him and knew everything there was to know. She was giving him the creeps. "Has anyone you know ever tried to touch you?" She spoke continuing to watch him carefully.

"What!?" He screamed, this was disgusting "Who do you think you are lady!" He yelled at her. "You have a lot of nerve thinking that you can just-Get away from me!" He yelled backing up as she stood up and started walking back around the desk.

Both of them snapping their attention to the door as it flung in. The tall firm assassin standing in the doorway, her dark eyes glaring into the woman. "Jim." She spoke firm.

"Suzuka" He answered as if there was so much more being said in-between them.

"Let him go." She demanded knocking the woman's hand from where she held the sleeve of his jacket.

"Who are you?" The woman demanded eyeing her with disapproval

"I believe that is no business of yours." The assassin answered calmly between the woman and the short blonde behind her.

"You don't look as thought you are a legal guardian." The woman shot at her "Are you a member of this crew?" She pit her words with a sarcastic tone, as if the whole time the word crew had been code for something else.

The assassin smiled slyly eyeing her "And what if I am?" She spoke calm still, he felt the back of her hand press against him suddenly. Pushing him in the direction of the door, but he stood his ground, he didn't plan on leaving after the way that woman had talked to him.

"Jim." She glanced down at him "Go out into the hall." She ordered the blue eyes looking up at her.

"Hey no way Suzuka!" He shot back at her making his way around to the front of her. He wasn't hiding.

"Do as I say." She said firmly but he just frowned at her, he could take care of himself, he wasn't leaving. He heard her sigh. "We'll be leaving now." She spoke calmly to the woman.

"I have medical record from a paramedic physical showing he had suspicious bruises on his back." She shot at the assassin as thought this information was some special price. But the sly hard eyes just looked ahead, as thought she had said nothing and started for the door. "If I have to, I can get a court order to investigate this!" The assassin spun around her eyes hard all of a sudden, and he watched the woman back up slightly raising her guard.

"Will you?" That small phrase might have been the first time he heard Suzuka sneer her words out with hate.

"Come on Suzuka lets go. Who knows what her problem is." He said pulling the side of the Komono towards the hall. She let her body turn still glaring at the woman until they were making there way down the hall silently. She felt the blue eyes glancing up at her from the corner of his eye, but she remained looking straight ahead, walking tall and proud along side of him.

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She opened the car door and got into the drivers seat, putting the key into the ignition as he buckled up next to her, shaking his head.

"Did she bother you Jim?" She asked calmly pulling into the street.

"I don't know what her problem was Suzuka." He said annoyed "I thought she had a job for us." He almost laughed thinking how weird things had turned out. There was a long silent pause before the hard eyes spoke to him again.



"Jim do you know what she was talking about?" she asked calmly still completely focused on the road, as though nothing was different. He shook his head looking out the window, leaning into the door slightly, his legs on the front seat resting. "Apparently the fact that you had bruises on you back that were considered out of place the day the Gene was injured was noted and sent to the social services. Now they may be pursuing a case to investigate weather or not you are being beaten." she said switching on the blinker as she spoke, still using her calm monotoned voice.



"Suzuka!" He yelled at her now, as thought she had caused all this "That is...what!? Don't they think that maybe I would, do they just think that I would sit back and let people hit me!?" he shouted outraged kicking the dashboard, she glanced at him a small smile coming over her lips as she pulled up to Starwind and Hawking Enterprises. "What are we going to do with her!" he yelled still disgusted staring over at her as he unbuckled.

She shrugged lightly "For now nothing, if they make a move, we will counter act it, but as it stands there is no need to worry." She said slowing the car, parking.

"Well are they going to make a move!?"

"I don't know." She said as she got out of the car walking towards the front of the building in the bright sunlight..

"You don't know!" He yelled at her as thought she was lazy and simply hadn't cared to have this information.

"No I don't know Jim." She answered ignoring him, same calm tone. "How did it go with Gene?" He stopped walking suddenly, the topic change catching him off guard before he exhaled hard and pushed into Starwind and Hawking behind her.

"Fine." He mumbled. What was wrong with Suzuka didn't she see how important this was?

"Welcome back, how did it go?" The raven hair woddled out of the kitchen to greet them.

"How are you feeling?" The assassin smiled warmly watching the bioandroid now lean on a chair for support.

"Big" She answered almost laughing at herself, before stopping suddenly. "What's wrong Jim?" She asked frowning now.

The blue eyes were just disgusted. This was so dumb, every time something goes wrong everything goes down hill he thought, "Once we fall off the good path it's like a land slide!" He shouted walking past her to the kitchen, he was starved.

"A social service agent at the hospital upset him." The assassin started calmly causing the chocolate colored eyes to turn back to her from where she had watched the blonde stomp off. "Apparently Jim's injuries had been noted and have just now surfaced, the social services are concerned that he may be being mistreated."

"Mistreated?" She repeated concerned. "Ohhh, I can't believe I forgot." She said to herself closing her eyes. Silently scolding herself, for being so dumb as to forget, before realizing she had totally confused the white Komono in front of her. "They day that, that Gene was hurt. A paramedic drove us home and mentioned to me that the social services might stop by because the other driver found it upsetting that he was hurt like that." She said remembering the man whispering to her in the kitchen, before Jim had yelled at him.

"The whole thing is so ridiculous!" They turned to his fast yell as he came stomping back out of the kitchen with a messy sandwich and can of soda.

"Jim I....." The raven hair started quietly, to tell him there was pie in the oven, but he didn't seem to hear her.

"I am going upstairs! No Aisha! I want to be by myself!" He yelled watching her come in the front door her face lighting up as she caught sight of him before falling.

"Jimmy?" She squeaked up at him as he slammed the bedroom door. "Hmph" She grunted "What's wrong with him?"

"The social services think that we are hitting him." The bioandroid frowned now woddling to the living room to sit down.

"They think we are what!?" Her voice screeched with surprise pouncing in front of her for more information. "But we don't hit Jim." She scowled disgusted with the fact, before laughing it off as thought it were a joke.

"Yes I know that Aisha." The raven hair spoke again now easing herself into a chair and propping a pillow under her lower back. Her large stomach protruding in her jumper, the only thing other then her black hair visible from behind the chair.

"Then why do they think that we would hit him?" She asked now crawling up the side of the couch next to the assassin calmly sipping tea thinking.

"Most children do not hurt themselves like Jim did Aisha. He is under a lot of physical strain here, it is abnormal for his age." She spoke calm watching the soft face of the Ctarl Ctarl fall knowing she was the one who had made the hole and got him into this mess.

"Don't worry Aisha." Melfina spoke from the chair across from them, watching the bright eyes look up to her. "Should we worry Suzuka?" She asked, now concerned herself. She was trying to make them feel better, but honestly didn't have any idea as to what these service workers were capable of.

"I am not sure." She answered placing her cup onto the coffee table.

"Come on Suzu!" The light head of hair squeaked impatient for a real answer that would solve this. The assassin merely sighed at the use of her pet name she was unable to shake.

"In all honestly I am sure they will make contact with us, that women seemed very intent on getting him to confess to her. To be perfectly honest, she was very intimidating. I am glad he didn't have to listen to her for much longer."

Her calm voice flouted up to him as he stood leaning against his bedroom doorway listening. That wasn't the end of it?! That annoying woman was going to come back?!

"I'll show her!" He heard the voice squeak from downstairs jumping onto the floor from the couch "This is no fun, Aisha wanted to play, she had been working all daaay." She whined, the bioandroid laughed slightly.

"I am sure Gene can help straighten things out." She said reassuringly, trying to convince herself.

"Ha!" He heard her squeak "That weak human! Compared to a Ctarl Ctarl he is no more threatening then cattle, and as anyone can see they are not threatening at all." Her voice rose up to him caring her proud smile.

"Aisha." He heard the bioandroid scolded softly, sure that he would take care of things.

"If I tell them that they are wrong they will believe me right?" His sudden question caused the room of females to look up at him silent, none of them knew that answer.

"...The truth always comes out Jim." The assassin finally spoke, her tone firm and assuring. She watched him think about that for a second. Looking down at them from the upstairs banister before slowlycoming down the stairs.

"Cheer up Jim, Aisha wouldn't let anyone get their hands-"

"Let's watch a movie." The raven hair suggested, watching their eyes float from one to another as if to gain an implicit group decision.

It was much calmer with the familiar sounds of the television on, even if it was to the annoying persuasion of the turbo dryer as Aisha dug through their movies chewing the covers of the ones she despised. The blonde, assassin and bioandroid, patiently waiting for one to play. Eager to forget the troublesome events of the day.

"We should just relax, after all Gene is coming home tomorrow." The bioandroid beamed watching the small weak smile rise up to her, the hard eyes of the assassin reassuring her as she turned back to the hissing light hair, a cassette sliding to their feet on the floor.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Are you sure I look alright Suzuka, your not just saying that are you?" the bioandroid almost whined as she stood in front of the downstairs mirror, the assassin behind her humored.

"Melfina stop worrying."

"I know, but I think I look...well I feel fat." She said frowning a little embarrassed but casting her eyes down only enforced it as she was unable to see her feet or the floor under her round stomach.

"You terrene's are always good for a laugh!" The Ctarl Ctarl giggled upstairs as she walked across the hall and into the upstairs bathroom digging through her draws.

"You look great Melfina." He beamed up at her almost laughing at her, but she couldn't tell.

"Do you really think so Jim?" She spoke timidly

"Ah huh" He assured her opening his eyes and rubbing some grease from his hand onto his cheek before realizing it was there and frowning down at his fingers. She laughed slightly, causing his blue eyes to snap back up at her, but her warm smile melted his irritation and he snickered at himself.

"Well it's 10:30." The assassin spoke heading to the kitchen for a washcloth.

"He should be here any minute" The bioandroid beamed turning from the blonde back to the mirror studying herself.

"Hey Melfina!" The squeaky voice called from upstairs "Do you know where all Aisha's bath beads went?!"

"No, I haven't seen them Aisha" She called back up sweetly. Looking up slightly and slowly as to not to be thrown off balance. Her head appeared over the side of the banister frowning, trying to think of where they could have possibly...."Jim" She snapped her eyes squinting. He sighed.

"Aisha I didn't take them." He said tired, she simply glared at him. "Aaaa" He groaned making his way to the kitchen, "Maybe you used them all!" He called back at her

"You're not getting away that easy Jim!" She hissed moving from the banister. Her comment sending him bolting for the kitchen. "You can't get away from Aisha!" She yelled over his laughing drowning out the doorbell to everyone but the bioandroid who's large chocolate colored eyes turned from the swinging kitchen door to that of the front of the building.

"Gene." She whisphered. Finally. She couldn't wait to have him back, back in the house, back in her bed, "I want you back." She said making her way to the door and opening it. But her smile fell with her heart, it wasn't him. "Can I help you?" She asked all too disappointed and she straighten up immediately, not wanting to appear rude. After all they hadn't known that she was waiting all mourning for him. Waiting all those days for him, to get better, to come back to them all.

"Is this Starwind and Hawking Enterprises?" the woman asked her, the eyes of the too men behind her almost glaring.

"Yes." she smiled amused that they bothered to ask even thought they had the sign.

"My name is Nancy Hyde, I am with the social services department." The woman spoke opening her brief case.

"The social services department?" She repeated timidly. Oh no she thought glancing behind her. Where were they? The crew, she was all-alone with these sharp eyes, the rest of them goofing off somewhere behind her.

"Yes that's right." The woman continued snapping her back to life. "We are here concerning the boy currently residing here, one by the name of..." She paused briefly reading the sheet of paper. "James Hawk...Hawking?" She almost asked as if wondering if she was pronouncing it right. "We have a-" She stopped as the hard eyes opened the door wider standing next to the soft bioandroid. "We have here a document stating that he may be in improper care and have been issued a warrant stating us the rights to transfer him to another facility for the next forty-eight hours."

"You can't!" She cried, her soft voice filled with concern, as the assassin snatched the paper. The dark firm eyes concerned, looking for a lie, a way around all this as she read. "Oh no, Jim." She muttered to herself. Backing up slightly for the two men and woman to enter the hall as she slowly turned around as they waited on the small mat next to the reading assassin.

"Say it.....who is the most delicate flower you ever saw!" Aisha hissed now appearing from the kitchen dragging the laughing wet blonde. An empty water cup in his hand.

"Your going to have to do better than that Aisha!" He yelled throwing the cup at her and scrambling to his feet as he ran and dove into the living room couch. The Ctarl Ctarl hot on his heels. Accusing him of questioning the strength of the empire as she beat him with a pillow before some pizza crust hit her in the face from the couch, followed by two smaller pillows.

"Jim you cheater!" She squeaked picking up the pizza crust and smelling it.

"Eww Aisha don't eat that." He said grimacing, laughing at the same time.

"Why not? It's yours you know." She smiled sniffing it.

"Hey shut up Aisha." He said pushing her playfully as she bite it, "Hey Aisha, what's the...." his voice trailed off watching her bright eyes staring past him; he turned around stepping all over the couch. Blue eyes hitting the chocolate ones as his smile faded.

"This isn't necessary." The assassin finally spoke, apparently unable to find any loopholes.

"It's perfectly legal." The woman answered taking the paper back from her.

"That's not what I said." The assassin shot now irritated.

"Aisha who are they?" He whisphered to her climbing off the couch.

"Shh, quiet Jim." She said placing her hand on his shoulder.

"We'll wait." The woman said firmly "But he is a police officer and this document will be enforced if you do not cooperate." She said motioning to the man on her right, the assassin glaring at her, disgusted.

"Jim come here for a second." She said calmly turning around and walking towards the living room. Leaving the raven hair leaning into the doorway for support in the hall.

"What do they want Suzu?" Aisha hissed at her, stepping in front of him as if to keep the assassin from agreeing with the strangers.

The assassin simply frowned at her, pausing for a second before the Ctarl Ctarl moved aside. She could see he was worried, he didn't know what to expect. "Jim, these people would like you to go with them for the day. They are government officials so you won't be in any danger." She said reassuringly.

"What?" He was baffled. "I don't want to go with them." He said glancing from her to the hall.

"I know Jim, but there are some things in life you just have to do, this is one of them."

"But how come he has to go Suzu!" Aisha screeched frowning.

"Aisha they have a legal document -"

"I am not *going*." He scowled as thought it were the most preposterous thing he had ever heard.

"Jim if you do not go, legally they can force you to." She whisphered down to him watching his blue eyes widen. Force him? Force him to leave?

"What!" He whisphered back "Who gave that order? How come they can make me leave?!" He demanded, but his voice sounded worried.

"They are in ordinance with the social services Jim. Certain laws state that if they presume that someone such as yourself is thought to be in danger they can remove that person from their current conditions." He stared at her, his mouth wide open; no way this was definitely not true this had to be some sort of misunderstanding. "Their document can only hold you for 48 hours Jim."

"It won't be so bad Jim, you will be back before you know it." Aisha's voice squeaked happily as she forced a fake smile. He ignored her immediately his small eyes darting for a way to debate this, missing the deadly glance Aisha shot at the foreign figures in the hall.

He felt the strong firm hand of the assassin on his shoulder guiding him to the hall. To the tight expressions of the three waiting for him, his heart beat harder in his chest. How could they just stand there? Just let them take him? Weren't they even going to fight? Gene would have fought for him.

"Aishaaa" He cried under his breath, her bright eyes snapping down at him, brushing Suzuka off.

"Everything is going to be ok Jim." She smiled at him crouching before him. He felt her squeeze his arms from where she held him on either side, but he shoved her off not wanting to seem like he really felt, that he really wanted her there.

"What if they are lying?" He hissed at her worried, before he had been part of their crew, before Starwind and Hawking Enterprises he had been left on the streets. Even now, as things went smoothly, well maybe not lately, but things were better than they had ever been and he hated that he could still remember life before. He was never going back to that, no one could make him, he didn't know who these people were but he didn't trust them. He felt safe there, even with just the girls. They were the only faces he knew, the only life he had. How could they just shove him out? He didn't want to be hurt again, and she could tell. Reading into the blue eyes in front of her before she stood up turning around to the waiting guests.

"You know you have a lot of nerve" She hissed "You come walking in here with your fancy little paper and just expect us to drop everything we are doing for you? What kinda of terrenes are you?" She sneered.

"Aisha-" Suzuka started sensing the frustration the Ctarl Ctarl was holding back.

"You know where I come from such acts wouldn't be allowed. We would just eat you." She hissed smiling "So now you want me to listen to you here? It's not my custom." She sneered softly.

"If you do not comply, we can place you under arrest and shut this business down." The woman spoke harshly, trying to hide her unsteady voice. She felt his small hand on her braid, he didn't want anything to happen to the business and she knew it. It was what supported them all. "If anything happens to-"

"I'll go!" He shot over her, watching the pairs of eyes turn down to him.

"Jim do you want us to get you anything?" The raven hair asked still distressed.

"No I will be ok Melfina." He muttered as Aisha ruffled his hair with affection, she didn't want him to leave.

"This way" The man said placing his hand on his back and walking him outside.

"I want a number or address where we can reach you." The assassin shot suddenly as they stepped out onto the steps, the eyes turning back at her.

"It isn't really any of your concern." The woman said coldly

"It is all our concern!" She shot back. "You have a right to leave us with that information!" She almost shouted ordering the woman.

"What information?" The firm voice spoke from behind them all, stepping out of a cab.

Seven pairs of eyes shot in his direction immediately, catching his firm scarred body, as he stood as thought he had never been hurt one hand on his hip. Looking at them as if they were a joke, a sly smile on his lips.

"So what's going on here?" He asked, calmly, inside catching the concerned bioandroid resting against the doorframe, the agitated Ctarl Ctarl who looked as thought she wanted to tear those people in front of him apart, where Suzuka stood glaring deeply. His eyes falling down to his younger partner seemingly caught in between it all. The worried blue eyes looking up at him, telling him something was seriously wrong. He knew that look; he had seen it once before a long time ago. It was darker the first time he had seen his eyes like that, they were in an alley then, but still he remembered them, the small blue flying from his small then pale and thin body. From under his dirty hair and tattered clothes, somehow even as he had grown the eyes were still the same, I don't like this at all he thought to himself.

"Are you Gene Starwind?" The woman spoke.

"Yeah that's right, I am Gene Starwind. Are you here to make something of that?" He spoke slyly grinning at her.

"We have legal documentation granting us possession for 48 hours. He is in our custody now, if you interfere you will suffer the consequences Mr. Starwind." Her last words seemed like a threat to him and he struggled to hold down his anger. This was some welcome home.

"Oh really" He answered, his eye twitching slightly with irritation. "Well guess what, I don't like you or your legal documentation, so how about walking out of here, leaving Jim behind and letting me have a nice welcome home day. Since you may or may not be aware of the fact that I have been in the hospital for a very long time, and I would really like to sit back, eat something and enjoy the company of my crew."

The woman just smiled at him. "I would Mr. Starwind, but I don't promote child abuse."

"What did you say!" He shot stepping closer to her. The two men stepping forward into his face, but his eyes remained glued to her.

"Gene!" The dark eyes fell down to his younger partner's grasp. "Don't worry about it! I will be back in 48 hours." He spoke, but his eyes argued with his words, he didn't want this to mess up the debt they were already in. Or make it harder for the business, for Gene. But a small part of him wished Gene wouldn't listen. That he would just pull out his caster and make them all go away instead of listening to him. Out of all the times Gene had to act sensible, he picks now to do it, his mind laughed shakily.

The outlaw backed away silently, his eyes shooting back up at the faces.

"I want an address, I want a phone number, and it better be real, cause I will hunt you down." He threatened closing his eyes calmly.

"We are not legally obligated to give you anything." The woman answered with a supercilious tone.

"Oh yeah, well how about morally?" He smirked

His answered seemed to catch her off guard, and she studied him for a second before handing him a small card. "It is my cell phone, but I don't expect for it to be ringing off the hook." She gave him almost an approving smile before nodding at the man to her right.

He forced a reassuring smile that looked genuine to the blue eyes as they disappeared inside the car. The hands of the bioandroid on him as he stood on the steps and watched them pull away. He was pissed out of his gore, but he knew that if he let on it would only upset them. Make them believe there was reason to worry, and he didn't want that. What can I do? He thought to himself. I am only one man. Damn business suits; I hope they don't plan on sticking around.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You can sit here young man." The man directed him; it was an average folding chair almost in the middle of the room. It was next to a desk, but he still felt like he was in the middle all by himself. There were two file cabinets to the very end, yet it was still empty, maybe on purpose he thought

The door behind him closed and he waited, glancing at the two doors at the other side of the room; maybe one is like a closet or something he thought watching the one open and a younger woman enter. He hated her, and she thought so, feeling his stare as she walked over.

"I want to apologize for everything that happened earlier Jim." She began "You have to understand that no matter what they tell you. You have rights and you can enforce them, that's what we are trying to do, to get you help." She sat down across from him, waiting for him to answer her, to maybe spill that it was true. That they made him work, that they did hit him, that inside he had been dying this whole time for someone to help him escape it.

"What? Do you think I am gong to except that?" He spit at her, his answer was not what she had anticipated, and she figured she would have to talk to him a while more to get into the swing of things. She opened a folder calmly skimming through papers, the entire time the blue eyes stared at her face. Not giving the slightest indication the folder was even present. Not letting on that he was the slightest bit interested in whatever information she might have on him. Medical files, birth records, photos of his injures from when he had been hospitalized years before. He didn't tell her that he was embarrassed, that he was pissed that she could open that and read his history; see the pictures of him when he was like that. He just stared at her. She can't tell me who I am now he thought.

"Do you want to tell me how you got the bruises on your back earlier?" She began.

"I fell." He answered sourly, staring at her.

"Emmhmm." she sighed "And what about those bruises on your arms there? Did you fall again?" She asked almost mocking the fact that he might have actually fallen.

"No, I was in a car accident."

"I don't see any accidents filed here?" She said testing his story.

"It was a rental car, the man's insurance company dealt with the car dealers." She was silent for a moment studying him.

"Jim you don't have to be afraid to tell me anything, I would never tell your crew, or blame the people who might be hitting you. I know that would only make them mad and possibly put you in more danger. Can't you see that if you don't tell anyone this will only keep happening and get worse?" She spoke concerned as to why he didn't want to tell them, why wasn't he giving into this chance for help?

She watched him blink slowly, before the blue eyes opened back tup her, glaring at her, he was pissed. "No one hits me, I fell through a floor, we had part of our building renovated. There is record of that!" A sledgehammer was swung and it took out a small hole in the floor, I slipped and fell in. A man hit the front of the car I was in and I hit the dashboard. I work lady, I repair things and sometimes I get scratched, but if you want to eat you have to work, that is why *you* work isn't it?" He spoke sourly as she watched him waiting for him to move to get aggressive or upset. But he simply stared at her, motionless talking monotoned to her every question.

"Jim, is that really what happened?" She asked, but he didn't answer he had already told her it was. "Do you really expect me to believe that?"

"I don't care if you do or don't, you can't hold me." He spit. She frowned at him, looking back into the folder, her eyes skimming over paragraphs and printouts.

"So you don't think anyone hits you?" She asked, again he just glared at her. "If anyone ever did would you report it?"

"Yes." He said flatly.

"Why Jim, hmm?" She leaned into the desk propping her head on her hand "Why would you report that?"

"Because it's illegal."

"What if it was someone you liked, a friend or a partner?" She watched his eyes spark at the last word, and she sensed it was a sensitive subject. He was quiet for a moment considering.

"I don't know." He answered finally, but she only looked at him, making him give her more of an answer. "I guess maybe, but it depends on the situation."

"What if it was because they were really angry with you, lets say that your partner was really angry at you. You lost a client or you messed up in your work, and he hit you. What would you do then?"

"He would never hit me!" He spit, and she watched his eyes, frustrated. His thoughts jumbling inside his head, as if she could see them packing together behind the blue color of his eyes.

"Let's say that he did." She said again calmly tapping her finger slightly on the desk "What would you do?"

"I don't know" He mumbled, "Talk to him."

"Why?"

"Because! You don't just report someone just like that! If it was an accident or something!"

"What if he did it more than once?"

"He wouldn't!"

"Lets *say* he did." She said raising her voice to make it clearer this was the scenario. He sat back in his chair now breathing harder, frowning.

"Well if he kept doing it, then I guess I would, maybe I would leave."

"You wouldn't report it?"

"I don't know, maybe."

"Why don't you know Jim?"

"Because! You aren't giving me any real plot! You just say, lets say he did, what the hell does that mean!?" He yelled at her. She was quiet for second studying him.

"Let's talk more about your partner." She said calmly after several seconds.

"Why?" He grumbled at her

"Because, it seems that he is very important to you, is that true?" Again he just stared at her, the blue eyes hating her, hating this. "It says here he is your only family? But he isn't really family is he?" She waited for him to answer. "Is it true Jim, what it says here, how he found you?"

"Yeah." He grumbled at her

"Why is he listed here as your only family?"

"Cause I don't have any other family. Why do you think?" He snapped at her bitterly "My parents are dead."

"How did they die?"

"What does this have to do with people beating me!?" He demanded

"I am just curious" She stated calmly, watching him shift in his chair. She wasn't about to tell him it enabled her to tell when he was or wasn't lying.

"I don't remember how they died, I just know that they are dead."

"Do you think you might have repressed those memories?"

The blue eyes just snapped at her bitterly "How would I know that? If I *repressed* them, don't you think I wouldn't know it!?" He shouted

She smiled at him, she was impressed with his ability to grasp the topic and angle of the conversation. Of coarse that would make him a better liar, but he didn't seem to be lying.

"Ok" She said pausing looking back down at the paper "Who are these girls who live with you?"

"Huh?" He asked not fully understanding her question

"It says there are three women who live with you, is that true?"

"Yeah."

"Tell me a little about them."

He sighed heavily. "Melfina is a bioandroid and she is with my partner, she's pregnant and is going to have a baby soon."

"I thought bioandroid's couldn't reproduce?" She frowned slightly confused.

"She can." He said chuckling, ironically recalling those had been his first words as well. "Aisha is a Ctarl Ctarl who had some problems with her empire because of us. She became part of our crew and Suzuka is an assassin who was sent to kill a business associate of ours and we were hired to stop her. She too became part of our crew." He looked at her, listening, a slight frown on her face. Not because she disapproved but more so because it was quite a tale.

"Well how do you feel about them living with you?"

"I don't know, it's nice."

"How so?"

He shrugged, "They do girl things, and we do, we do the other things."

"What do you mean by girl things?"

"Well Melfina is a really good cook" He smiled, and she smiled back at him. It was the first time she had seen him look happy, he was lightening up to her now, talking more freely. "Aisha is a lot of fun too, sometime she gets a little crazy and we break things but she is good to have around. Plus her and Suzu...err Suzuka are really good fighters and they help out a lot."

She smiled at him "That sounds like a good system." He nodded "You kind of all lean on each other. That's kinda of interesting."

"Why?" Her comment was weird, what was so interesting about that?

"Well your an odd bunch, it's not so often you see an outlaw and eleven year old, a Ctarl Ctarl, bioandroid and a class A assassin traveling together as friends as you put it.

"Well we are." He said almost defensively and she nodded slightly in agreement to him.

"So let me ask you about these three. Do you find any of them attractive?"

"Huh? What do you mean?" He made a face.

"Attractive. Do you think any of them are nice looking, their bodies their features, any part of them?" He stared at her, wide eyed in bewilderment.

"Melfina is pregnant!" He shot, and she laughed.

"Haha Ok other than her."

"No!"

"So you don't like girls?"

"No! Well, no that's not what I mean. I mean I like them, but I don't like them....I don't like the ones who live with me like that. I like them because they are like friends, like I am friends with Aisha but I am not like Gene."

"What do you mean *like Gene*?"

"Well Gene really likes women, and I am not really like that." She nodded at him suppressing her smile before looking back down at the paper.

"So you like the girls who live with you because they are, friends with you?" He nodded "And you like you partner because he is your friend too." He nodded frowning "What? Am I wrong somewhere?"

"No you just make it sound so dumb like that. Like we should all be coloring or something." He frowned annoyed, and she laughed.

"Sorry." She chuckled looking back down with an exhale. Reading some more before looking back up at him. "Sorry but I have to get serious again." He just looked at her, waiting for her to start. "Jim is any one was to advance on you what would you do?"

"Shot them." Her eyes widened suddenly. "Ahh fight back, fight them....you know!" Her eyes seemed to regain focus a little, blinking before she continued.

"No, no Jim I meant if someone was to make sexual advances on you what would you do?"

"What!?" He said his face bewildered.

"Do you understand what that means? Or what, what are you asking me?" She said

"No. I understand, but I don't know anyone who would do that!" He yelled her.

"Well lets just say that one of the women you live with." She paused watching his mouth open to protest before she raised her voice to silence him "Let saaay! That one of these women made an advance like this on you what would you do?"

"I don't know." He muttered angrily

"You don't know…So you wouldn't do anything?"

"No I would do stuff, I wouldn't let them."

"Who would you ask for help?" He shrugged "Who would you tell if they actually did, if you couldn't fight them and no one could help you. Who would you tell about that? If you had to tell someone who would that be?" She watched him think about that, his soft blue eyes blinking struggling to run over this scenario.

"My partner." He said finally

"Why?"

"I don't know!" he shot defensively

"You must know or you wouldn't have answered me."

"Because! Cause we are like that!" He hot defensively.

"Does it have anything to do with you past?" She said pointing down to his file with her pencil. He looked away from her silently, and she waited for him to answer but he didn't. "What if you partner wouldn't help you. What if he told you to ignore it, would you?"

He nodded

Her eyes grew wide again in surprise "Why?!"

"Because." She watched him turn back to her. Blue eyes looking at her calmly. "He would only tell me that if it...were for a good reason." She was quiet; no one had ever answered her that way. In all her years in that field.

"How would you know that? How would you know it was for a good reason?"

"I would just know!" He spit, his calm air disappearing. Blonde hair mad at her again.

"How?"

"I would just know! When I look at him, I would know!" He yelled at her leaning out of his chair.

"Alright, alright." She said looking back down as he leaned back. "How do you feel about being brought here?" She heard him grunt, almost laughing at her as if that were the stupidest thing he ever heard. "How did you feel at first, where you afraid?"

"No" He shot

"You weren't afraid?" She gave him a skeptical smile.

"Well I was worried, but I knew that they wouldn't let me go unless it was ok. So it must be ok." She raised her eyebrows at him asking if that was so. "What!? That's how it was! I wasn't scared I was worried!" He growled at her shifting in his chair, he had been scared.

"Alright" She said looking down, she seemed much more pleased then she had been when she first came in, but he didn't really care. "Ok Jim, your looking alright." The blue eyes snapped back up at her annoyed. "If you don't think that anyone is hitting you…You are alright at home?" He just stared at her, he had already answered that "Then I don't think we have a problem." His face brightened.

"Really? You mean I can go?" He asked eagerly leaning out of his chair again.

"Sorta." She said wrinkling her nose and his face fell leaning back. Waiting for the catch. "It's routine policy that if your case if brought up that every six months for the next year. That means twice. Someone from social services will come out and check on you."

"Whaaat!?" He groaned "That is so ridiculous!"

"I know, it may sound stupid, but it is a good precaution for us. To help those who slip though...not to imply that you slipped through." She added quickly watching him. "All they will do is ask you some questions, probably not as many as me, because all of these will be documented, and they will just look you over so they are sure there is nothing wrong...do you understand?" He glared at her watching her push the papers back into the folder and press a small button. The door behind him opening to the same man he was with before walking in. She walked over to him writing something on a small pad, almost as if writing out a prescription and handed the man the folder and a separate piece of paper. "As soon as they are done, you can being him back home, he should be fine." She spoke to and the mans deeper voice answered but he couldn't make it out. This is ridiculous, this whole thing like one big quiz, I am not doing this again in six months! I probably won't even be on this planet, he smiled to himself. Plus I am going to hack in here and delete all this, his smile widened. "Well Jim." Her voice stopped his thoughts as he snapped back up to her "It was a pleasure meeting you. I am sorry it wasn't that much fun, and I hope to never see you in here again." She smiled at him, but he frowned at her scowling. This whole thing was still pissing him off.

The man lead him to a small room where again he waited, at least I get to go home after this, he thought. All I have to do is pass this last part.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The car stopped pulling to the curb directly in front of Starwind and Hawking Enterprises, and he got out without a word. He stood there in front of the building looking at the soft glow of the windows as it shown out down the steps and almost to the curb in the darkening night. He sniffled slightly walking up to the door. He hoped they were all busy, he didn't really want to go in, but there was nowhere else to go.

He shut the door quietly behind him, looking around, The living room was empty, he couldn't see Suzuka or Aisha anywhere. Looking up he could hear the dishes and pots in the kitchen, the sounds of Gene and Melfina talking, making dinner. He walked slowly into the hall looking down at the ground. He felt ashamed, somehow this whole thing must have been his fault. He didn't know how that was or could possibly be, but his stomach felt like it was, so it must have been. He heard a platter clank suddenly and stopped walking, I don't want to make any noise, they won't even know I am here, he thought as he started walking again. He didn't want them to know that they examined him, that they had looked at every inch of his body and asked him all those horrible questions. They had taken away so much from him in those past hours. He felt so small now, so worthless, as if he was so much younger all over again. He felt so dirty, this awful feeling just pulling him in from the pit of his stomach, as if there was this thin layer of filth all over him, marking him somehow. I just want to go to bed, he thought, go upstairs and go to sleep in the dark.

He stopped dead in his tracks, just staring at her, the door swinging gently shut behind her, one small glass in her hand and the other on her round stomach. Why is she just looking at me! His head screamed, and she was, she just stood there, here mouth slightly open as she stared at him. His eyes darting away from her immediately, he didn't want anyone else looking at him that night. Just stop, stop looking at me Melfinaaa his head whined. He felt as thought she could see right thought his clothes, right through to him. He wouldn't look up, even though he could hear her walking over to him. Not until she was right above him, her soft hair brushing against his as she crouched down slowly, her sweet smell in the air. She hugged him. All of a sudden, just sitting there looking at him, the blue eyes reflecting in the brilliant chocolate ones before she threw her arms around him squishing his to his sides. Sighing as thought she were eating something delicious. And he felt himself reach out and grip her jumper on either side before he could tell himself to stop, his eyes shut tight.

The red haired outlaw just stood behind them silently, no one had noticed him. His scarred hand slowly placing the dishes he held on the table and making his way over to them.

He felt the strong-scarred hand in his hair ruffling it. The sudden strong force made him jump but she held on to him. The strong hand running on to his shoulder, squeezing it, crouching down behind him. Her arms relaxed as she leaned back smiling at him, his eyes turning around to his partner who shook him slightly as he held on to the top part of his arms. "Did they hurt you?" He asked quietly, the blonde hair shaking no, just standing there, before darting away from the dark eyes. It's not like he could just hug Gene, Gene was different from the girls. It was different for him too, I don't want him to think I am weird, he thought. I can handle this all by myself, I don't need his help. I can do this myself his mind told him. He felt the large scarred arm sling around the back of his neck pulling him in teasingly. His body falling into the strong chest, pushing his head into the strong shoulder of the outlaw. His small arms limp at his sides as his hands balled into fists. He felt his eyes welling up as he fought back his tears, all the stress he had been holding now coming out. He was back, he was safe and it all came pouring out. He couldn't take the stress from being with those people, not having any control over anything, where he was, or what they did, or how they treated him. They didn't know him.

God Damn business suits, he thought, what the hell did they know. He felt the soft blonde hair shaking slightly under his arm, almost trembling. But he shook his head, trying to ignore how dumb those people were. To think they could just show up, pull Jim out of there and think that they wouldn't worry him. That it wouldn't be the least bit upsetting for him, or scare him out of his mind. "Are you hungry Jim?" He murmured feeling the head shake no. Yeah I didn't think so he thought almost bitterly. "Maybe you should just go to be early tonight. You'll feel better in the mourning." The blonde nodded stepping back from where the one arm held him, inhaling deeply as he stared down at the floor turning around to the stairs. He felt a little better knowing that they were down there, but he really did need to be alone some. He was still so messed up inside, as thought someone had shook him and knocked everything around. "Hey Jim!" The outlaw called firmly from behind him down the stairs. The blue eyes turning around looking down at him, waiting for him to speak. "It's good to have you back." The outlaw smirked, smiling slyly up at the weak smile that tried to imitate him before heading back up the stairs, leaving him standing there.

She knew he didn't feel like playing. She had seen him get out of the car and could tell just by looking at him that he was upset. No harm done she sniffed looking back up at the sky, the small stars reflecting in her bright eyes. It really is pretty, she hummed before looking back down from their neighbors roof. I wonder what it must be like to have a little baby; Melfina is so lucky she purred thinking of the small bundle she would soon have. "Please god of all Ctarl Ctarl, watch over Melfinas baby" She whisphered into the night, the light head of hair knew all too well that the bioandroid only had one shot of reproducing; her manufacturers had been so complete with her they had allowed her to create life, only. They only gave her one shot at it, she didn't have enough parts to do it again. Unless, she could somehow get more she thought. What am I doing? Her head jumped. Maybe Aisha should settle with a family too now...Do I really need one?...There are plenty of guys at the empire. She smiled, things aren't as bad as Jim thinks. I guess Aisha will have to give him a lesson tomorrow about how things are not as bad as they seem, and maybe if he just shuts up, that stupid brain of his always working, stupid terrenes. That's it! His brain needs a vacation she beamed silently thinking, watching him. The light on inside his bedroom making him perfectly visible to her in the night air. Yelling at the small pink can as it displayed three graphs into the air turning on his main light, making it even brighter. He made an attempt to kick it before shutting off the light again and getting back into bed to go to sleep, and she smiled watching him.