Hey everyone, this is the new and improved The Broken Chains of Love, A Space Opera. I hated the way that story sounded like, so I changed up the tone, the characters, and the plot. I even changed the name to something better in my opinion. Also, I don't know anything about government to save my life, so that communism thing had to go. I think more people will like this revision better than the original because I put my heart into this chapter to test my abilities as a writer. Also, a friend of mines told me I should stop and think about what I wanted to write. For about a week, I did. I continuously thought and thought about how I was going to make everything flow, so I just wrote this chapter to see how it would sound, and it sounded fine to me. So without further adieu, I give you my pride and joy:

OUTLAW STAR: THE YU LING SAGA

Chapter 1: The Rough Times Are Finally Over

There couldn't have been a better time to live than now, thought Gene Starwind to himself as recollected memories of his former adventure half a year ago, with the one woman he loved in his life in his arms sleeping. Everything was peaceful now. There were no more treasure hunts or fleeing from some officials...the man's life was settled down. Things were so well that the Starwind & Hawking Enterprises were no longer in debt; Gene made sure to pay off all the money he had to when he came back from the Galactic Leyline. Even though in the past he didn't care about the debts he was in, it was a fact that he was indeed worried. But now, there was no more worry and all of this was because of Melfina (soon-to-be) Starwind entered his life.

She had her soft hand on his chest and her other around his back. He looked at her, the lights coming from outside made her elegant features visible. Her gentle breathing on his bare chest made him remember the wish they both made at the leyline, the wish that they wanted to be with each other, and the kiss they shared. From that point on, keeping Melfina with him and protecting her was the only thing that drove him.

Gene laughed quietly to himself as he remembered how he met Melfina, but the fact that he had lost Hilda during that time didn't stop him from remembering the positive and humorous parts; Hilda wouldn't want Gene sad about it.

Melfina stirred a bit and said in a half-sleep voice, "What's so funny, Gene?"

Gene stopped laughing but smiled lovingly to Melfina. "Oh nothin'. Just remembering some stuff, just go back to sleep. I'm sorry I woke you," he whispered. He held her closer to him.

She got into a comfortable position, "It's ok. It always makes me feel good when your happy," she said. She fell back to sleep.

Gene rubbed some of her raven-colored hair in-between his fingers. Yeah...she was for him. And it will always stay that way...

He looked at the clock on the dresser at the foot of the bed he and Melfina were sleeping in. It was 4 o'clock, past time for Gene to go to sleep.

OOOOOOOOOO

The Farfallas sunlight coming from the window hit Gene's face, waking him up groggily. He looked at the alarm clock, reading ten-thirty. Deciding now was the best time to get up and start the day, Gene rose from his bed and stretched, now noticing that Melfina wasn't in the bed at all. Then the scent of pancakes filled his nostrils, telling him where Melfina was.

He went downstairs and into the kitchen, seeing Melfina already cooking breakfast and everyone else lounging around. She was flipping the last batch of them, putting the fully cooked ones on a serving plate. James Hawking, Gene's young business partner, was reading over some bank documents with his small computer while drinking a glass of orange juice at the kitchen table wearing only a t and boxers Aisha Clan-Clan was lying on the floor in the den watching some morning soap operas. Beside her lied a turned-off handheld game and a box of tissues, in case there was a dramatic scene about to happen. On an odd note, Suzuka was in the den watching the soap opera also, sitting down on the couch with her bokken leaning against the side of it.

Gene walked up to Melfina and grabbed her by the shoulders, causing her to yelp. "Good morning, Mel. Those pancakes sure smell good."

Melfina giggled a bit, "Yeah they do, they're buttermilk pancakes." She went on flipping the pancakes until Gene unexpectedly kissed her softly on her neck. This caused one of those warm shivers to run down her body and caused her to blush. He kept doing it, she wanted him to continue but there was someone else in the kitchen.

"Uhh...Gene, I have to finish making breakfast..." Gene's hands slid down to her waist as he continued kissing her. "And I think that this is distracting Jim..."

Gene stopped and turned to look over his back and saw the blonde-haired boy glaring up at them from his papers and mini business computer. Gene, after all this time, you're still trying to get into her pants...hell, I can imagine your married life with her...

"Well Jim, this is what two people do most of the time when they're engaged." Gene said this in a tone an older brother would use on a younger brother when they were mocking the youth when teaching him something. "When you grow up Jimmy, you'll discover girls!" Gene started to crack up while Jim called the red-headed aniki a "son of a bitch" and other curses that implied Gene was perverted. He got up from the table and left into the den with his papers and PC, grumbling random insults.

Gene gave Melfina a quick kiss on the cheek and went to join the others. He stood at the doorway, noticing both Aisha and Suzuka focused intently on the TV screen. He also noticed how Aisha had Jim in a tight hug as if he was a blonde haired boy genius teddy bear, which was obviously squeezing the air out of the kid. When the words "I am your long lost wife, Michael" were heard from the soap opera, Aisha placed on hand to her mouth and held on to a now red Jim with her other arm, Suzuka was taken aback and raised her eyebrows, and Gene simply said "Oh my god..." at their expressions.

He didn't feel like arguing to Aisha about her stupid soaps, and it was worse now since Suzuka would most likely back her up if he did attempt to. He just sighed and went up to his and Melfina's room to find some clothes to put on, he had a job to do today at some agroplant in the Heiphong wheatfields fixing a busted crop moisturizer. Afterwards, he was going to hit the early part of the night at the local bar and get some alcohol in his system.

OOOOOOOOOO

The lights from the sparks flying from the laser drill reflected off of Gene's goggles as he melted the hatch to the moisturizer to its hull. Jim was is the operator's compartment, running various proficiency scans on it though his palm pilot. The farmer was sitting in a fold-out chair with a straw hat and a glass of lemonade. "You boys are doing a wonderful job," he said, taking a sip of his drink.

Gene moved the drill up the last side of the hatch, finally sealing it. He removed the goggles and wiped his forehead of sweat. He climbed down from the hull of the moisturizer and cracked his stiff neck. He was surprised he didn't get a sunburn from working out in the sun for so long, but his mouth was dry from it. "Hey, would it be ok if we could get a glass of lemonade also?"

The farmer drunk up the rest of his glass, "Sorry kid, that was the last of the juice. My wife is making some more tomorrow, and I also have some seed separators that need fixin'."

Jim saw that Gene was pissed off at the lazy farmer, these jobs were things he could have done himself. "Sorry," said Gene, not showing his anger, "we're closed tomorrow."

"Oh...well its ok, I'll fix the thing myself."

Jim got out of the moisturizer and ran up the bill for the job on the computer, his fingers typing as if on fire. He walked up towards the farmer and showed the cost on the screen to him.

"7,500 wong...ok..." The farmer reached into his suspender's pocket and pulled out a wad of multi-colored bills. He counted up the money and handed the amount to Jim, who recounted it. After seeing if it was the right amount, he placed it in his pocket.

"It was nice doing business with you, Mr. Rives."

"Yes, and thank you, you guys."

Gene and Jim walked to their car parked near the edge of one of the wheat fields. Gene turned around and saw the farmer walk into his house, making sure he didn't hear the two talk about him.

"What an asshole, when I asked him for some lemonade, he drinks up what he has that fast! He acted like I was going to steal it from him or something..." said Gene getting inside the passenger side of the car.

"Yeah, that's why I recounted the money in front of his face to make him mad a little," said Jim. He ran his hands through his hair and started the car, turning on the air conditioner. He backed up and drove down the dirt path that lead to the main highway back to the city.

Jim decided to use this time to get back at Gene for the morning incident. "Hey Gene," said Jim with a grin on his face, "What are you going to do when you and Mel get married? Have any plans for kids?"

Gene, who was looking out of the window, was surprised and embarrassed by the question, which made Jim laugh. "Well, I dunno...I haven't put that much thought into our future in that way..."

"What do you mean 'you haven't put that much thought into your future in that way'? You're getting married and all families have kids." Jim cleared his throat, possibly parched from the heat outside.

Gene pondered about that. He had lied about what he said, almost everyday Gene and Melfina went out, she would always look at some couple with a kid or two and smile at them. Sometimes, she would even play with the younger kids. It was just that he was unsure about children. He knew that he had dumped some of his bad habits because of Melfina, but some still stayed with him such as drinking excessively. He knew that he wasn't a violent person when he was drunk (based on what people say who are with him during those times,) but it may cause problems with kids. Another thing that bit Gene was if Melfina could even have children. Now when he started to think about it, he was unclear if she was still an android or not. He knew the Leyline took the maiden part out of her, but was she still an android? Even if she did somehow turn human because of the Leyline, could she still bear children? If she could bear children, would they even be healthy because of what she had been through?

Gene shook his head, those were too many hard questions to figure out at one time. "We'll just have to wait Jim, but I don't think we're going to have kids anytime soon..." This brought about an akward silence for the rest of the ride. Jim knew what Gene was thinking, and even if she could have children, what would become of him? This was something Jim always thought about and now the time was most likely coming. He had been with Gene for as long as he could remember, ever since Gene found him in some crashed car on Sentinel III. Back then, both were young. Now, Gene was an adult and had a life he had to decide on, but would Jim be a part of it? He didn't want to leave Gene, but he didn't want to be a burden on his new life either. Jim just breathed deeply as he neared the Starwind & Hawking building, the new night already arrived.

Jim pushed the open button on his garage keychain and the garage door lifted up. He drove the car inside and clicked the close button, automatically turning the lights on in the garage and closing the metal door, a small innovation Jim had installed. Both of the boys went into he house, but Gene left through the front door, saying he was going to the bar.

OOOOOOOOOO

The tavern always remained the same, the feint scent of alcohol lingering around, laughter of men and women, a cloud of cigarette smoke above everyone's heads, and the sound of a glass being put down or dropped and broken. Gene took a seat in front of the bartender and grabbed a napkin for placing his shot glasses.

"Hey Gene," said the bartender who was cleaning out some glasses with his apron, "What'll it be today?"

Gene was about to say "the regular," but someone who had just came in slammed their hand on the get the bartender's attention. "No, he will get a whiskey on the rocks. Make that two."

Gene didn't recognize the stranger, he didn't look like he was a regular of the bar. The man wore a black button-down overcoat which probably contained an entire arsenal by the looks of it. He had short cut brown hair and an aftershave which showed that he probably haven't shaved in a week. He looked just as tall as Gene, but that was most likely from the boots he was wearing. The stranger say down beside him and the bartender gave both of them the drinks he ordered.

"So stranger," said Gene before taking a sip of his drink, "Who are you to start making drink orders for a guy when the guy already made his order." He leaned forward, resting his head and arm on the counter while moving the ice around in his glass.

"Well, I decided to make my self seem polite and order a drink almost everyone likes for the both of us," said the stranger in a collected voice, taking a sip himself. "Just for the record, are you Gene Starwind?"

Goddammit...this had better not be some pipsqueak criminal that's hoping to get some cash from some crime lord by killing me... Instead of feeling nervous as anyone else would do if they were in his position, Gene felt annoyed. A few nights ago, he was taking a relaxing drink and minding his own business until some loser came and picked a fight with him because of some bounty job he did in the past. Gene ended up slamming the guy out cold into the still broken table behind him. "Who wants to know?" said Gene finishing his glass.

"Hopefully no one, but I doubt that." The stranger told the bartender to keep the drinks coming.

"You say that hopefully no one wants to know if I'm Gene Starwind, but you doubt that." Gene started on his second drink. "I don't think that's very polite of you, but I'm not the most polite guy in the world either. I'm Gene Starwind. What do you want?"

The stranger grabbed his new glass. "I don't want anything, I just came here to congratulate you."

"What did I do? Do I get a prize?" said Gene half-seriously.

"You defeated Hazanko. As for a prize, you had better hope you don't get one because I doubt it'll come in a gift-wrapped box with a bow." The man started on his third drink.

Gene didn't want to hear anything about the Kei Pirates. As far as he cared, they were dead and weren't coming back from the grave. This man beside him probably was a pirate himself, which made Gene glad he did at least placed his handgun in his coat pocket before he left his home. But Gene decided to keep things slow until the stranger sped things up. "Yeah, I did kill that old bastard. Bringing him down and the Anten Seven killed off the Kei as well. And if I'm right, the Kei were the most dangerous guild of all of them. So I'm happy as well as everyone else."

"I don't think the pirates themselves think the same way as you do. By destroying the Kei, you loosened the grip the Tendo King had on the majority of the galaxy seeing as how the King had the Kei control most of the territories."

Gene had heard of the Tendo King a few times, once from Suzuka and from Hazanko at the Leyline before making his wish. The Tendo King must have been the leader of all these pirate guilds and was probably powerful for Hazanko to have to wish to be more powerful than him. The last thing he wanted was the remaining pirates out after him for revenge, but that seemed what the stranger was leaning towards saying. "Yeah, well good riddance." He was on his third glass now.

"The Tendo King also had Hazanko rule over the other guilds and look after them. Everything Hazanko did was from the Tendo King's command. With Hazanko gone, the Kei split up and fought for who wanted to become the new second-in-command for the King, and the remaining Kei were washed away by the other guilds with their leaders hoping to fill in that spot." The stranger took a drink from his glass, "In other words Gene, you crippled the entire pirate faction. Everyone of them is fighting each other all because of the fall of one of the guilds. You really pissed them off."

Gene finished his last glass, "So? I'm not stressing it." That was very stupid of him to say that, but it at least kept the man talking.

"Now its time I told you a little story about the pirates." The man let the alcohol burn his throat for a second before talking. "Before the Kei, the Tendo King had four main guilds that controlled what is now the Kei territories, they were the Xian Shu, the Feng, the Lan, and the Ti Mei. Everything was going fine and dandy for them until the Feng started to teach banned dark arts to its members, they were planning to take over all the territory and rumor has it that they were going to overthrow the Tendo King himself once they did. The other three guilds stood joined forces and fought against the Feng. The fight elevated to the scale of war, earning the name the Hellistic War from the deadly and efficient techniques used by the Feng; legend has it that they were the ones that created the caster guns and shells some old-fashioned outlaws use today. Even though it was three to one, the Feng managed to shake the galaxy before going down in a bang. Those three guilds, proud of defeating their powerful enemy, combined their strength and formed the Kei guild that would be destroyed by you years later.

"Everyone thought the Feng was dead, but they weren't, they were just weakened. A lot of guild members died in the war, but the same could have been said about the other side. The Feng went underground, spying on everything the pirates did. Now their enemy is dead and word is that they're taking Hazanko's empty seat. They're numbers are also returning because most of the lesser guilds have allied themselves with the Feng because they see them becoming the most powerful pirate guild and I don't think they want to get on the Feng's enemy list.."

Gene couldn't say that he wasn't interested in the story, especially the war and that the Feng may have been the creators of the caster shells. But one question was on his mind, "Nice story, now what the hell does this have to do with me?"

The stranger started digging into one of his coat pockets and pulled out some money, "You took down the Kei, Gene. All of the pirate guilds sees you as a threat. Some fear you enough not to cause any trouble with you, but some want to make sure you don't mess up their plans again. The Feng probably sees you as a threat to whatever they may try to do now, so they may come after you, your family and your crew." The man got up and left the money on the counter for the bartender, telling him to keep the change.

When the man said that the Feng may come after him, his family, and his crew, Gene zoned out a bit. There was a chance for more pirates, even stronger than the Kei... This couldn't have been happening. He hated pirates for the death of his father, but this...this was crazy. He had taken out the Kei, wasn't that enough? It seemed like a never-ending chain, where he'd cut off a large portion and it'll only be replaced by an even larger portion.

"The Feng consider the magic the Xian Shu, the Lan, and the Ti Mei weak. Where the Kei used protective spells, the Feng uses full offensive magic. Where the Kei used offensive magic, the Feng uses technology." The man extended his hand to Gene, who was too deep in thought to notice. "Well I'm going to leave now, I have to go and meet a friend of mine. So good lookin' out."

Gene snapped out of his trance and shook the man's hand. Before the man left, he asked him. "How do you know all of this stuff? Who are you?"

The stranger laughed softly with his back turned to Gene. "You can call me a...guardian angel of sorts. I have a feeling we'll be meeting each other soon enough, and when we do, I think your questions will be answered and more." The stranger walked out the door and onto the steps. He turned around and gave Gene a farewell wave before the door closed on him. When the door swung inward, the man had vanished.

Gene stared at the door. Was that man a pirate? If he was, why did he tell him all that information? Hell, was everything he said real? He knew that his victory over Hazanko was starting to become news around space, but what he heard from the stranger was just new to him...

"Damn," cursed Gene to himself as he got out of his chair and headed to the door. "More fucking pirates..."

OOOOOOOOOO

(So life is now settled down for Gene Starwind. But who was that man? What about this news about this Feng pirate guild? Will they truly come after him? Are they even real? Will this affect what Gene has with Melfina? Is there an adventure in the future? You're just going to have to tune in to Outlaw Star: The Yu Ling Saga next time to read 'Chapter 2: Hiding in the Windows.' You may even find out more about the Feng itself! R&R!)