Hello everyone! I really wanted to do a story with Outlaw Star because I loved it when it was airing. I hope you guys like it and I hope it's good.
Disclaimer: I do not own Outlaw Star or the characters from it.
The Star Child
"Gene. Who is that," asked Jim. Gene stared at the glass tube containing electro-fluid surrounding a feminine figure. Gene stared in disbelief as everyone in the Outlaw Star crew awaited an answer from the captain.
"That's…my sister."
[48 hours earlier]
"I don't know why I have to go to the doctor anyway. It's not like I got insurance," Gene said as he pouted in the chair in the hospital. On one side of him sat Jim Hawkings, his teenaged partner and Melfina, his beautiful bio-android girlfriend on the other.
"You need to get a check-up at some point. Especially with all the running around through space, we've been doing," said Jim flipping through a medical magazine.
"Okay then. Why'd you bring them?" Gene pointed to Twilight Suzuka the assassin and Aisha Clan-Clan, the powerful Ctarl-Ctarl sitting opposite from them.
"For reassurance," Jim replied, "You'd think I trust you to actually go to the doctor by yourself. Come on, you're not that responsible." Gene slumped further into his seat with a groan. If only he could just teleport out of the situation and into the nearest bar, he though to himself. Melfina reached over and grabbed Gene's hand, "Don't worry Gene, I'm sure you're fine," she said in a soothing voice.
Ever since the events at the Leyline, the Outlaw Star crew became inseparable. On occasion they separated for the different jobs, shipping, bounty hunting, assassinations (more or less Suzuka's doing), but they all came together for important matters. Gene going to the doctor was one matter. Everyone at some point or other checked the status of their health, except for Gene. It took some convincing (and threats), but they got him into the hospital for a checkup. Jim put it simply; the hospital was cheaper and more low profile than a private physician.
Just then a nurse came out with a clipboard, "Gene Starwind." Gene let out a sigh and reluctantly got up from the waiting room chair, following the pretty nurse. He was led to an examination room with a scanning bed and high tech equipment to accommodate the advancements in medicine. The nurse checked his blood pressure, vitals and looked at his records. She instructed him to remove his clothes and lay down on the bed that resembled a smaller more compact MRI machine. The scan began checking for internal ailments as the doctor entered the room. "Hello, Mr. Starwind," the doctor said with a smile, "I'm Dr. Allen. How're you feeling today?"
"Not bad doc," Gene said blandly.
"It seems its been a while since you've had a check-up."
"Yeah well a friend recommended I come," the redhead said matter-of-factly.
"Oh yes. Mr. Fred Luo is a dear friend and patient. He wanted me to tell you not to worry about the bill. Since you're endorsed by him and his company you are technically employees to him." The scanning machine finished its job and stopped its low whirling.
"Well, I guess ole Freddy-Boy came through," Gene said sitting up a scratching the back of his head.
"Well the test are complete on this end, all we need is a blood and urine sample." Gene started getting dressed in his usually black jean and tank. The nurse came in and took Gene's blood and urine sample. The doctor came back in letting Gene know that their onsite labs didn't pick up any ailments, other than telling him to ease up on the alcohol. He half-heartedly took the doctor's advice and left.
"How was it," Suzuka asked placing down the magazine and getting up from her seat when Gene came through the door.
"I don't know, it seems I'm all good. Healthy as a horse," he said with a cocky chuckle.
"I'm surprised seeing as how you love your liquor. I was expecting him to say your liver is completely decimated," Jim said earning him a head smack from Gene. A growl left Aisha's mouth when she got up, "Can we get some food now! You guys said we would be getting food after and I'm hungry now," she said practically screaming.
"Inside voices Aisha," Suzuka said.
"Yeah, alright," Gene sighed. The group left the office with Jim and Melfina both thanking the staff and apologizing for their noisiness.
Later, Gene's samples were sent to a lab on Heifong specializing in genetic scanning and medical research. Upon receive the blood and urine samples of Gene and other patients around the planet of Heifong, scientist immediately scan for anomalies and diseases. When Gene's samples were scanned, a notification signal appeared on the screen of the technician. "What's that," one of them asked. The other began typing and opening the files revealing a match to a sample SX19 from a research facility in bioengineering and genetics. "I can't believe it," the technician said, "get the information from the doctor about the donor," he told his colleague. He picked up the phone and called a Dr. Tate.
The Godchild Bioengineering and Genetics Research Laboratories Incorporated halfway across Heifong was a gleaming facility that was a beacon of scientific advancements. It was the first research facility built on Heifong and was the most respected research labs in the known universe. It was a pioneer in genetic discovery, engineering and bio-android technology. It was the same research lab where Gene's blood samples were sent to for further testing. The phone rang in the office of Dr. Troy Tate, lead scientist and physician a part of their genetic and physical engineering department. The serious scientist's forehead was wrinkled, looking over data results and compiling notes on a case study labeled 'Star Child'. The phone ringing broke through the silence in his office. He answered it running a hand through his dark hair that was starting to turn gray and the edges of his temples just slightly.
"Yes, Dr. Tate," he answered, weariness lacing his voice.
"Dr. Tate, we found a match," the lab technician said frantically. The doctor's eyes grew wide in disbelief.
He ran a removed his glasses, "A match? Are you sure."
"Yes, sir. We received a sample today that matched SX19." This news made the Tate run a hand over his face. He let out a sigh and turned his chair to look out the window from his office. He could see the sun setting and one of Heifong's moons rising in the distance. "So she does have someone."
After the Outlaw crew got back to their home, everyone made their way to their respective corners. Gene parked himself in front of the TV, Jim went to organize their bills hoping they got calls for jobs when they were out. Aisha started to argue with Gene about what to watch on TV, Melfina sat back worried about the outcome of the fight, while Suzuka had her nose in a good book, silently amused at the scene. The next day the crew was busy with an important and successful delivery job while, Suzuka as always, was off getting her portion of the rent and other living expenses. After they came back from a job, the phone rang immediately. Jim answered immediately hoping it was another job, "Hey Gene, you have a call." Gene strolled over to their phone.
"Hello is this Gene Starwind."
"Yeah, whose calling," he said in his usual brusque tone.
"This is about your test results from yesterday's visit," said the doctor over the face call.
"What's up doc? Did you get my results mixed up or something, "he joked.
"No actually we would like to come into our facilities for some extensive test. Since your records show an extensive amount of time spent in space, we just need to do more detailed and in-depth test to give you a more accurate bill of health."
"Oh really," Gene asked surprise.
"Yes, we do this all the time with patients who travel through space frequently. It's merely just a precaution. A lot of people are fine, it's just to make sure."
"Oh well okay," Gene said looking over to Jim with a raised eyebrow, "When do you want me to come in?"
"Is it possible to come in anytime today," asked the doctor with urgency lacing his voice.
"Um okay," Gene said incredulously. A sigh of relief left the doctors lips.
"Wonderful, I'll send you the address to the facilities." With that he hung up before Gene could ask anymore questions. The directions came in on the screen immediately and Gene wrote them down.
"What was that about Gene," asked Jim coming over with a glass of water in his hand.
"Well, apparently my health check-up isn't complete. Something about spending a lot of time in space and needing more detailed test or whatever," he handed Jim the paper with address and coordinates of the lab. As Gene went over to the couch to relax, Jim practically choked on his water when her read the address.
"Gene," he yelled, "Do you know where this is?" Gene replied with a lazy shrug and a blank expression, which turned to confusion when he looked at Jim's wide eyes. Melfina and Aisha walked in the door groceries in their hands.
"Gene. Jim. We're home? How was the job?" Her bright brown eyes lit up seeing her friends had returned safely. She began to unload the food as Aisha began tearing into a bag of potato chips.
"It went really well, Melfina. We're getting closer to paying Fred back in full."
"That's great, Jim. What would you guys like for dinner," she asked getting out some pans and utensils. Gene got up from his spot on the couch and stretched his arms over his head, "Sorry, Mel. I got a call from the doctor."
"Oh no," she replied with a gasp, "is it serious?"
"Nah, they just want to do some more test," he looked over to Jim, "so where is this place anyway?"
Jim risked stealing some chips from Aisha's bag. "The place we're going is the oldest research facility on Heifong. But it's kinda far so I suggest we eat now," he said finishing his snack. Melfina prepared a quick meal for everyone, as Jim delved into the history of Godchild Bioengineering.
Taxi's weren't as reliable as having their own car. Gene found a junk car that would have been demolished, if Jim didn't use his genius to fix it up. With a little work and an upgrade link to Gilliam, the crew had a remodeled car, fashioned to compliment the XGP and to make travel around whatever planet, easier. And all it took was a couple hundred won to make repairs (way cheaper than getting parts for the XGP). The crew piled in and set in the address to go nearly three hours away, even with the turbo boosters that make the vehicle more like a racecar.
"So why exactly did they want you going all the way out here again for a check up," Jim asked up front in between Gene and Melfina.
"I don't know, maybe this facility is better equipped than the hospital," Gene paused and gulped, "or maybe it's something more serious."
"I don't know Gene, something seems off. It's a research facility we're talking about."
"Well whatever it is we'll find out when we get there," Gene said pressing on the gas more. He appeared aloof and unbothered by the whole situation, but in all honesty his stomach was in knots. His anxiety rose the closer they got to their destination.
Dr. Tate stood looking out of his window, hardly taking his gaze off of the entrance. He was looking at the people coming and going out of the facility, wondering if the entering individual was the match to SX19. He watched as a red car pulled up the facility with a red haired man in a yellow coat accompanied by a child, two women and what looked like to be an alien. He sat down in his chair from the overwhelming anticipation. He ran his hand through his hair, hoping that this wasn't a mistake. Gene Starwind. Who was he? What kind of person is he? He was making up for so many things that he hoped this one decision wouldn't end him. "Dr. Tate," called a voice over his phone. It was the front desk guard. "Yes," he answered excitedly.
"He's here." He immediately hung up. The man known as Gene Starwind was here. He exited his office running into a fellow geneticist.
"Dr. Tate," the young doctor called.
"Yes, Dr. Veda?"
"We need to talk about it."
"Walk with and talk, I'm on my way to do something important." The five-six woman caught up to his five-eleven frame walking so fast he was close to running downstairs.
"I don't think this is a good idea," she started.
"It's a bad a idea to return something lost that doesn't belong to use."
"No, but all the progress we made and the work we've gone through to achieve such a- "
"Is more important than righting a wrong," he said cutting her off. He pressed the down button when they got to the elevator. It felt like the past year, especially the last stress-filled months has taken a toll on him, but he was determined and nothing could make him go back on his decision. Dr. Veda followed him into the elevator not done trying to get him to convince him otherwise.
"No, but we are losing the most precious and valuable thing, because of some self-fulfilling mission. Are you ready to start from scratch building a weapon of this magnitude?" He was used to walking away from her whenever he wanted to avoid the subject of SX19 and possible outside connections, but he was trapped in the elevator and needed to face this head on if he was going to do this.
"Well, with all the data and results you've been collection I'm sure it would be easier to replicate our work."
"But you decided to shut down the project," Dr. Veda said frustrated.
"I sure did, and I'm not going back on that. You fail to understand the magnitude of this endeavor."
"Well, tell me. I'm sure the we can continue the work you and Dr. Khan put in." The name itself gave him indigestion. He's been trying to forget Khan's hand in this whole project, but it seems that Dr. Veda won't let him.
"Khan's work died with him, plus this is a person we're talking about not some lab rat or robot."
"I'm sure we can find some solution to continue with SX19." When they got to the Lobby floor, he gave a sigh of relief.
"I already did Maya, and it's standing over there." He scurried out of the elevator with his colleague right on his heels.
Gene walked into the symmetric, sterile building filled with fear of what may happen inside. He signed in with the security at the front door. "Pretty tight looking security for a research lab," Aisha whispered.
"That's because, they deal with a lot complex experiments that a lot of people woud try to get their hands on," Jim replied. The guard told them to stay here and wait for a Dr. Tate. Melfina stepped beside Gene seeing that he was deep in his thoughts with worry lines peppering his forehead. She comforted him by rubbing his arm. He turned to look at her and gave her a reassuring smile. To everyone else it seemed like five minutes but to Gene it seemed like five hours. He didn't know what was going on. Any and everything could happen and it he felt his stomach completely disintegrate when he was tapped on the heard a voice call out for him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Starwind?" Gene turned to see a dark-haired man in a lab coat, being followed by a dark-haired woman sporting a lab coat and glasses.
"Yeah that's me," Gene turned to face the man staring at him eye to eye.
"I'm Dr. Tate, thank you for coming," he said holding his hand out. Gene took with a strong grip, still incredulous of the reasons behind this trip. They said they wanted to do more testing on him to make sure he's healthy, but he's been in enough trouble to know most traps start off as something else.
"So what exactly are these test you have to run, Doc?" He dropped his hand and raised an eyebrow. Dr. Tate chuckled at the young man's question.
"Come walk with me, Mr. Starwind," he started walking back towards the elevator that he just left. Gene was hesitant to follow the ambiguous doctor, but he followed anyway with everyone following him.
They came to a brightly lit floor brimming with different doctors in lab coats, chattering about scientific experiments with their clip boards and notes glued to their hands and shoved in each other's faces. The Outlaw Star crew took in the busy and chaotic scene in astonishment. Dr. Tate led them deeper and further into the facility which led Gene to finally speak. "So Doc, why exactly do I need to run these test I'm supposed to be taking," Gene asked grabbing the doctor's arm. Dr. Tate and Dr. Veda stopped just short of a door marked 'Restricted: Authorized Personnel Only'. He couldn't hold back the information any longer and he could see the young man getting wary of following him any further without answers. He took in his athletic frame and the small scars visible from his arm. He also took note that he had a Ctarl-Ctarl in his company and knew of their rumored strength and power. He saw the questioning face of his other companions like the boy and the two other women with them. He glanced back at Dr. Veda for assurance before taking an exhale, ready to explain.
"What are you looking for," asked the young redhead.
"It's not about what we're looking for, but what we found." Gene lets go of his arm with a slightly horrified expression.
"It's better if we show you."
The doctor went over to a key pad and scanned his ID, placed his palm on a liquid gel-like opening and held up his index finger for a little needle to take a DNA sample. The system scanned the information for a mere moments before a green light of the door turned from red to green with a robotic female voice saying "Access Granted, Dr. Tate". Once the doors slid open the crew entered with the doctors and came to their destination. A large room filled with tubes and wired, with super computers and medical machinery. There were other doctors in lab coats and other personnel in full hazmat suits. In the middle of the room was a tank filled with greenish liquid and a person, a girl, floating in the tank. Melfina moved closer to Gene holding his arm.
She was young and looked to be around the same age as Melfina except her hair was lighter and she looked peaceful amidst all the low humming sounds of the computers and machinery drowned out by the voices of scientist. Dr. Tate watched the young man's blue eyes grow wider as he stood in awe. The knot in his heart had finally dissipated looking at the Gene's reaction. Tate knew he could finally put the project to rest and his mind at ease.
"Meet subject SX19, or, Stella. Years ago we found her after her escape pod landed on Heifong. A…colleague…of mine was working on a project that I found could help heal the extensive injuries. We've been taking care of her ever since, trying to find someone with some kind of DNA link, something that proved she just didn't come out of thin air; some link, any link to possible family, " he walked up next to Gene placing a hand on his shoulder, "You are her link."
"Gene. Who is that," asked Jim. Gene stared at the glass tube containing electro-fluid surrounding a feminine figure. Gene stared in disbelief as everyone in the Outlaw Star crew awaited an answer from the captain.
"That's…my sister." Gene stepped closer to the glass container. "Her name is Max."
[So I forgot how to do the separating line thing.] That's chapter one! dun dun duuuuuunnnn! Read and Review and tell what you think. I hope to give you guys more.