Author's Note: R & R please! Let me know what you like, don't like or are confused by. Thanks to Zacas and pinknose1 for the reviews and to Creator of Hybrids and dragonrider347 for favoriting/following.

The Outlaw Hideout

Four days later…

It was mid-morning when Gabriel woke up pissed off and sore. On Earth it was 6 am TST. God only knew what time it was on the planet his species evolved on. His parents had estimated he needed a couple extra hours of sleep compared to humans, but that rarely happened now that he was an adult. Throw in two other time zones and he was the grumpiest person alive until he'd had some coffee.

After downing two large mugs, he went straight to work, mucking out the lonma stalls and feeding and grooming the mounts. He checked on the herd, pulling up the holo-screen from his data pad. The lead bulls' sensor tags marked the herd on the western side of the Ferguson's' territory as they grazed their way to the boulder studded hills to rest in the shade until sundown. One of the sensor totems was malfunctioning and that would need taking care of first. He sent a short message to Isaak, the ranch owner, grabbed some dried meat and a canteen of water and headed back to the stables, relieved he would be away for the rest of the day. The Fergusons were good to him and their young son Luke was a smart kid. He'd worked several seasons for them, often for less than what most other hands made, but money didn't matter that much to him. They trusted him and treated him with respect and that was enough. The less he was around them right now, the less chance there was he would lose his temper.

Rasha stamped and crowed as he approached with reins and saddle in hand, her crest and throat flaring red in excitement. They had only gone riding once since he'd returned from leave and his lonma was restless. Gabriel led her out into the fenced-off exercise yard to let her stretch and warm her muscles before they headed out. She pranced and snorted, kicking her head up in excitement, returning to him after barely trotting a lap around the yard. He growled softly as she gently nipped at his tendrils. She warbled back but did not pester him, sensing he was not in a playful mood today. He strapped on the reins and saddle, quickly hoisting himself up onto her back and guiding her south. "Hiyup!" he barked. Rasha bolted forward, kicking up dust as they sped over the grassy hills.

By the time they reached the totem the yellow sun was high in the sky, fast-moving clouds casting long shadows as a cool breeze whistled across the plains. Heat bled from the earth and danced above the golden grass, the white rabbit totem a dark silhouette against the warm sky. Gabriel hopped off Rasha and grabbed his gear, flipping open the small door at the base of the totem to run a diagnostic check. He kept an eye on his lonma, a small herd of brown-striped antelopes grazing in the distance below the hill, tempting her to drift away. He chirped, making sure she understood he expected her to stay nearby. She turned her long neck to look back at him, then snorted and began sniffing for a snack amongst the high grasses, pouncing with her powerful fore claws as she chased a small rodent. After an hour of fiddling with wires and cooling fans, Gabriel huffed and finished up the repairs, the white rabbit's eyes glowing red when he flipped the switch and shut the access port.

"Rasha," he growled, impatient to check on the herd. She'd wandered farther than he liked and he chirped, the herd's sentinels intently watching the pair from below. She flared her crest and stamped her foot, prancing just out of reach when he tried to grab her reins. He growled again, a deep, guttural rasp that he only used when dealing with stubborn animals. This time she came, albeit with a pout to her gait, nipping him as he climbed onto her for good measure. He gave her a piece of dried meat to placate her, which seemed to work as she took off eagerly for the zarok herd.

Gabriel moved through them, feeding medicine to those that were sick and checking on a couple calves that had been born late in the breeding season. The lead bulls tolerated his presence because of Rasha, although the herd grew nervous if she drew near any calves. Gabriel followed them at a close distance, the sun beginning to set as the herd began to settle in for the long night. When he was satisfied with the status of the zarok, Gabriel moved on to patrolling the edges of the herd, widening his range until Gabriel had nearly lost sight of the sleeping animals, the zarok warm orange dots twinkling on the hillside. His gaze swept the rolling hills, searching for any sign of predators. The pale light of two crescent moons cast the plains in a ghostly twilight as they traveled across the Milky Way, the bright band gleaming with the light of countless stars, meteorites sparking across the dark sky. Gabriel glanced up at the black-burgundy sky, red, white and orange stars glittering across the depths of space. Gabriel growled and looked back down at the ground. He didn't like to look at the stars. They were a painful reminder of what he was… and what he was not.

The night passed without incident and for a moment he forgot about the irrational anger that burned inside him.

"Yo, Gabriel!" His comm squawked, shattering night's serenity and startling Rasha who'd been fast asleep.

Gabriel slumped his shoulders, groaning and rubbing his eyes. "God dammit," he muttered as Jeremy chattered on. He'd been about to fall asleep too.

"Heyyy! I know you're there… ignoring me." The radio went silent for a few seconds and he half-hoped his friend had gotten the message that he wanted to be left alone. "Well, alright… I mean, I was gonna pay you back for trying to help us find our zarok. I'm heading to the Outlaw Hideout right now for a few drinks, but if you don't want to come that's fi—"

"Jeremy." Gabriel hated himself.

"Yesss?"

It hurt to say the words. "What time do you want to meet?"

"Thirty-five hundred IST?"

"Fine," he growled. He could practically see the grin on his friend's face.

Rasha growled, annoyed at the loud interruption. "I'll punch him in the face, just for you girl," he said, patting the side of her long neck. She couldn't understand any of it, but it made him feel better to say it out loud. He dropped her off at the stables, cleaned and fed her, then headed for his hovercycle.

"Gabriel." He looked up to see Luke, the Ferguson's only son, bound over to him, a trio of dogs bouncing along behind him. He was covered in dirt and smelled of grass and mischief. Gabriel grunted, checking his hovercycle's engine. Something hadn't sounded right on his way back from Eladoro. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"Dad said I could stay up late tonight 'cause of how good I did all my chores today. The chickens laid a lot of eggs," he said, grinning. He noticed Gabriel fixing his bike. "You leavin' again?"

"Outlaw Hideout. Not long."

"Can I come with you?"

He huffed. "No. Too young."

Luke made a face, but he didn't whine. Instead he jumped into the seat of the hovercycle and rested his arms on the dashboard, watching Gabriel run a diagnostic check. "Something wrong with your bike?"

"Don't know." Gabriel's throat was starting to hurt again and this irritated him more than it usually did. He liked spending time with Luke and answering his questions, but not today. Today he wanted to bark at him to be quiet and let him think. But he didn't, letting Luke prattle on about the new garden bot he'd created from scraps to help his mom. Gabriel was starting to get a headache when his salvation arrived.

"Luke! Bedtime."

He looked up to see Naomi Ferguson approaching the two of them, Luke whining that he wasn't tired. Mid-thirties and ranch life had added a few wrinkles to her freckled face, but her green eyes still sparkled, at least according to Mr. Ferguson. She still carried a hint of her Scottish accent, mixed with a space-born dialect unique to her family line. "Luke, quit botherin' Gabriel and go wash yerself off. Ya've more dirt on ya than a potato." Luke and the dogs scampered inside and she turned her maternal sights on Gabriel. "Where ya offta so late?"

"The Hideout."

"Alright then. Stay clear of the Young brothers though. They've been shakin' up the town lately."

He nodded. He avoided the three brothers at all costs, since encounters either led to fights or him being forced to leave before he clocked one of them in the jaw.

Naomi rubbed her stomach, her eyes pinching with worry. Gabriel squinted at the unusually warm bulge protruding beneath her long shirt.

"Somethin' the matter?"

He took a few steps forward, gesturing at her stomach and rumbling.

Naomi looked down, smiled and patted her belly. "Ah, I see ya noticed the newest addition to the family."

Gabriel trilled and cocked his head. Naomi and Isaak had been trying for years to have another child. "Congrats."

"Thank ya. Be safe now."

When the ranch owner's wife was safe inside he finished the repairs and took off for Eladoro, suddenly eager to get to the bar. This was probably his last chance to visit the settlement before outsiders started trickling in to trade.

Other than Founding Day, the trade month was the most important time of the year. Zarok, pottery, furs and other exotic items from Navarra were traded for money, gear, equipment, medicine and more. He, of course, had to stay clear of the settlement, which usually meant a three-week long hunting trip. Although he would've liked to have been a part of the festivities, he often looked forward to his excursions, especially now since he felt like fighting just about everyone who came near him.

His mother had often asked why he went so often to the Outlaw Hideout. He usually brushed off the questions and said something along the lines about how good their beer was. He sometimes wondered if she already knew the real reason and was waiting for him to admit it.

He weaved around spindly twist trees and massive boulders, keeping close to the river as he headed north, the warmth of the settlement glowing a soft orange in the cool violet air as he drew closer. The glowing bodies of settlers moving about the town stood in sharp contrast to the burgundy stone and indigo trees dotting the landscape. Gabriel slowed as he neared the edge of the settlement, the Outlaw Hideout carved into the larger of two buttes and surrounded by a thick grove of trees. Behind it rose the massive docking station, the landing platforms on top of the mesa large enough to hold two cargo cruisers. Gabriel brought his hovercycle to a full stop and gently rested it on the ground next to Jeremy's, locking it with this thumb print before heading in.

Several heads turned when he entered, but all of them quickly returned to their drinks and conversations, his appearance not that unusual. Most were focused on the small darts competition going on in the corner, a cheer going up as Nova hit another bull's eye. He took it as a good sign that the sheriff's daughter was here. Hopefully, the night would end as peacefully as it had begun.

Gabriel found Jeremy at their usual spot and slid into the curved booth, his bulk taking up almost half of the red padded semi-circle. Jeremy sipped some blue rum, sliding the rest of the bottle towards him. Gabriel grabbed the bottle and down several mouthfuls, the sharp, tangy liquid sending a small shiver through him. Damn. He got the good stuff.

They'd once tested his alcohol tolerance, the entire bar tossing bets on how much he could drink before he threw up or passed out. He didn't remember any of it, but two people had gotten it right. Jeremy, of course, and — Gabriel's gaze swept the warmly lit bar until he found her serving some platters across the room — Rin. Heat flared inside his chest and over his arms, his length hardening until it pressed uncomfortably against the front of his pants. He shifted slightly until he felt somewhat comfortable and took another swig of the rum, suddenly regretting his decision to come here. But no, you just had to see her one more time, didn't you Gabriel? he thought to himself as he snuck glances her way, noticing how her tight pants hugged her wide hips and perfectly round buttocks. Even when he wasn't looking at her, he knew exactly where she was in the bar at all times. He took note of who gave her subtle once overs and those who took a second look. He told himself he was simply looking out for her as a friend, the lie getting a little bit harder to swallow each time he told himself that. Maybe at one point that had been true.

Rin was the first person he'd befriended as a child. Actually, she'd been the first child he'd ever met, his world consisting of a small network of protective adults until he was about six, his mother constantly worrying about him being exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses. They'd met by accident, the memory one of his favorites…

Gabriel's bare feet pattered over the cold, sterile floor of the med bay, huffing in frustration. He'd looked everywhere. The living room, the bathroom, he'd even cleaned his bedroom. But he still couldn't find it. It was his favorite toy and his dad didn't seem to care. All he'd said was check the last place he remembered seeing it while staring at his holo-screen and reading boring medical stuff. A robot that could transform into a fighter craft and shoot red lasers was way more interesting in his opinion. He jumped down the steps and headed straight for the back closet, wondering if his mom had been cleaning and put it in storage. He pressed his hand against the door sensor, but it wouldn't open, flashing red instead. Gabriel mandibles scrunched in frustration and he let out a small growl, heading back into the hallway to search the exam rooms. He poked his head in the first one. Nothing. He growled again and headed to the next one. He opened the door, freezing when he saw a small girl sitting in the exam chair, playing with something. Her back was turned and as he stared at her he realized she had his robot. Gabriel hesitated, angry at her for taking his toy without permission and afraid she would see him. Suddenly, she straightened and started sniffing. Curious, Gabriel took a small sniff as well. He didn't smell anything, other than the acidic cleansers his parents used to sterilize everything. He hated that smell.

The girl turned and looked straight at him. Her eyes widened and she gasped, her mouth hanging open in shock. Gabriel bolted, fear knifing through him. He ran into his mom as she was walking down the hall and he grabbed onto her legs, burying his face into her white coat.

"Gabriel! What in the world?" His mom cried out, grabbing the wall for support as she wobbled from the force of his hug. He mewled and just clung tighter. He'd done something wrong, he just knew it. Suddenly the little girl was there, hugging the robot against her chest. He heard his mom sigh. "Gabriel, it's alright." Still, he didn't let go. The girl was staring at him now and had his toy. He was suddenly angry again, but too embarrassed to let go of his mother's leg. "Rin, this is my son, Gabriel. Gabriel, this is Rin Harris. Her daddy owns the new bar near where the ships dock."

He glanced at her, his stubby dreadlocks shielding part of his face. She didn't say anything. Instead, she held out the toy in front of her, just far enough away that he had to let go of his mom in order to get it. His gaze flicked back and forth between the robot and her for a few seconds. He quickly grabbed it and ducked behind his mother again, clutching his toy securely against his t-shirt. When he peeked around her legs, she started gesturing with her hands, some of the movements familiar.

"Yes, he looks… different, but he's usually very sweet." His mom's hand patted him on the head and he looked up at her, her warm smile reassuring him that everything was okay. "Gabriel, Rin says she's sorry for taking your toy."

Gabriel watched the girl carefully, suddenly curious. He had to use hand speak sometimes because talking hurt his throat. He was better at it than his parents because they made him watch videos and play games, but he always grew bored since there was no one else to sign with.

"Come on, Rin. Let's finish your check-up so you can get back to school," said his mom, guiding the small girl back into the exam room.

Gabriel stood in the doorway, watching his mom listen to her heart and check her ears. "Mama, why does she talk with her hands?" he rasped.

"Because Rin is deaf. She can't hear."

"Are you fixing her?"

She shook her head. "She was born like this. Maybe on one of the inner systems she could be helped, but out here…"

Gabriel rumbled and took another sip, the bottle nearly gone. After that day, they'd eventually become inseparable, learning how to sign, swimming in the river and creeks, and playing space pirates together. He missed those days, back before he grew up and realized he wanted to be more than friends. I shouldn't have kissed her, he rumbled to himself, downing the rest of the bottle.

Rin had decided she wanted to play Sleeping Beauty and Gabriel had to fight the evil dragon made of thorn bushes and save her before the timer ran out and she fell asleep forever. He'd fought his way through, hacking and slashing at the tall briars and earning some decent scratches before he made it through to where Rin lay, eyes closed and perfectly still. And that's when he, genius that he was, realized he had no idea how to kiss her. He'd stared at her, looked around to make sure no one could see them and then knelt down, his stomach tying itself into nervous knots. He'd felt like throwing up as he leaned over her and backed off, his throat suddenly dry and tight. When he'd finally built up enough courage, he just went for it, wrapping his mandibles around her cheeks and pressing his jaws onto her soft lips. Of course, he'd kissed her too hard. She'd been startled, but hadn't been upset at him. He'd saved her from the dragon after all. Her upper lip was swollen for a few days afterwards, but she'd lied to her mom, telling her it was a cold sore. He'd apologized and they'd moved on, but Gabriel had never been able to look at her the same way again.

He watched her take orders, using her ability to read lips to take down what people wanted. She smiled and walked back to the kitchen, coming back out with several waters and hot tea. His mind went blank as he watched her hips sashay while her long, black hair shimmered in the hazy bar light.

"…riel. Earth to Gabriel."

He snapped back to reality, grunting. "What?"

Jeremy sighed. "You need to quit staring so much or everyone else will figure it out," he said, taking another sip.

"Figure out what?"

Jeremy raised an eyebrow at him, but Gabriel ignored him, closely examining his empty bottle.

"That you like Rin."

Gabriel glared at his friend and growled.

His friend smirked and pressed the order button in the center of the table before Gabriel could stop him. Horror gripped him as he watched small holo-pad attached to Rin's hip buzz and light up as she cleared a table. He rounded on Jeremy, hissing, "What the hell did you do that for?!"

"So you can say 'hi'. She's the reason you're here after all."

"I came for the free drinks," Gabriel growled.

Jeremy chuckled before taking another swig. "Sure you did."

Gabriel felt his stomach start tying itself in knots. He shouldn't be anywhere near here. He could actually smell the female pheromones wafting through the air, the faint perfume driving him crazy as his body responded to each individual's scent. Rin's scent hit him right before she got to their table and he nearly flinched in pain as a throbbing fire filled his groin. She smiled at Jeremy then turned to him and he felt every muscle go stiff as she leaned over and hugged him, her large, soft breasts pressing against his chest. He managed a stiff half-hug, his skin tingling from where she'd touched him as she pulled away.

Hey! How have you been? Rin flashed him a smile, folding her hands to let him know she was done signing. Gabriel felt his hearts beat a little faster. She was the only person who could make them do that. His thoughts tripped over each other as his brain tried to remember how to form a coherent sentence, his hands suddenly paralyzed. Jeremy kicked him in the shin under the table and he blurted the first thing he could think of. You look nice.

She smiled again. He wanted to kill himself. Jeremy kicked him again and Gabriel shot him a nasty sideways glance before continuing. I'm fine. Jeremy's buying drinks tonight.

She glanced at Jeremy before replying. Did he lose a bet again?

"Come on, Rin, I know you're talking about me. And the answer is 'no' to whatever it is you guys are secretly conversing about."

It was Gabriel's turn to smile, his friend suddenly miffed now that the tables had been turned on him. Actually, he's repaying me for helping him look for a few missing zarok. Me, him and Mariana went searching last week but I couldn't find any sign of what happened to them.

Rin turned serious and her gestures became sharper and more animated. I've heard rumors of people missing cattle. Markus is missing one of his best bulls.

Gabriel perked up at the news, focusing on the conversation rather than her breasts, her v-neck shirt teasing him with brief glimpses of cleavage. Where was it last seen?

Near the eastern edge of his territory, three days ago. The chip suddenly stopped working. Markus and his sons rode out but they never found anything.

Gabriel clicked thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing. Markus was the largest landowner in the settlement and resided north of the town. His eastern border touched the Red Labyrinth. The Wans were just south of the landmark and their cattle had gone missing after passing over their northern border. What else have you heard?

Before she could reply, her holo-pad started buzzing and flashing. Rin sighed and glanced back at her father who ran the bar, the big, dark-skinned man giving her a no-nonsense look before tossing a towel over his shoulder and grabbing a pint to fill. When she turned around, Gabriel's gaze fell to her neck. That way he could stare at her breasts while appearing to be looking her in the eye. God only knew what women would do if they found out about that trick.

I have to go. Do you two want anything? She made her hand into a cup and made a drinking motion so Jeremy could understand. They ordered and she quickly hurried over to her dad who was waiting with several drinks, the two having a quick, silent argument mostly consisting of tossed up hands and rolling eyes.

Gabriel chuckled. Harris was good man and had managed to raise Rin on his own after his wife had walked out. He carried a limp from his war days, his right leg shredded enough to get him sent home but not enough to have it amputated and given a bionic replacement. He ran a clean bar and didn't tolerate smoking or fights. Nobody argued with him about it since it was the only place to get a drink, unless you managed to either make your own or buy from a trader. Out on the frontier alcohol was a luxury. Sometimes Harris got the good stuff and sometimes it tasted like shit. Didn't really matter, so long as you had a drink in your hand and friends to enjoy it with.

Rin gave them their drinks, winking at the two of them before hurrying off to serve someone else. Gabriel forced himself not to look, instead downing his entire glass of straight bourbon, the strong, sour liquid burning his throat and warming his belly. He slammed the top of his drink on the table, warbling as fire filled his veins. Jeremy gulped down his Black Velvet, sighing in pleasure when he came back up for air. "You know what, screw it," he said, raising his glass in the air. "Let's get drunk!"

They were five shots in when a dark breeze blew in three shadowy figures. As the door slid shut, Gabriel let out a low, raspy hiss. Jeremy peered around him, his slurs morphing into a mumbled curse and he ducked back out of sight. "Shit, it's the Young brothers!" he whispered loudly. Gabriel didn't look, instead pouring himself another shot. He might be drunk but he wasn't stupid drunk. If he could just keep Jeremy quiet then they might be able to get out unscathed. Officer Brady had been seeing him too much lately and the last thing he wanted was to spend a night in jail.

The brothers sauntered into the bar, grabbing a table at the center of the room and propping up their feet like they owned the place. Korwin, the oldest, slapped the table button, not even bothering to look at the holo-menus. Gabriel watched them from the corner of his eye as Rin approached, silently waiting to take their order. Korwin gave her a dark smile as his eyes slithered over her body. "Surprise us," was all he said.

Harris was watching the newcomers closely, frowning when his daughter tried to explain what they wanted. They kept Rin running back and forth for the next hour, giving Gabriel plenty of time to sober up. Jeremy meanwhile had gotten bored of the stakeout and gone over to flirt with a group of girls, too drunk to remember that he had a reputation as a philanderer that denied him access to the more intelligent females of his species. As the ale flowed, the brothers started becoming more boisterous. Gabriel's sharp eyesight picked up what his incredibly sensitive hearing could not as he watched and listened.

"'Nother fuckin' zarok stolen," slurred Dallas, the youngest of the trio. Gabriel could smell his stringy blonde hair from across the room. All three smelled of grease and ozone. The brothers were ranch hands and mechanics and were very good at their job. It was the only reason they were tolerated.

"From who?" asked Korwin. He took his time with his drinks, his dark brown hair neat and slicked back, his black cowboy hat resting on the table.

"The Holbrooks," spoke up John, the quiet one of the group and the only one not drinking. Bastard had pulled a knife on him one time. "Markus and his sons searched for two days. Couldn't find a trace."

Dallas dismissed him with a sputter of his lips. "'Betcha they lost 'em."

Korwin chuckled and took another sip.

"Hey! Hey bar girl!" called Dallas, waving around his empty glass. When he finally remembered that she couldn't hear him, he slapped the button, muttering something under his breath. Korwin laughed.

Gabriel watched Rin roll her eyes when she saw who was calling for her on her holo-pad and she hopped down from the bar stool, leaving her friend Nova with her drink. The bar crowd had begun to thin out, making it easier for Gabriel to hear what the Young brothers were saying. Rin marched up to their table, putting on her best face for the sake of business as she approached them. Dallas demanded another round, making sure she saw the empty glass in his hand. She grabbed her pad and began tapping it with fingers, the table's center button lighting up and projecting several food and beverage items.

"Water? Water?!" Dallas slurred in outrage. "Do I look like a fucking lonma?!" Korwin snickered at the scene, slapping the table as his younger brother struggled to understand why he couldn't have any more alcohol. John just grimaced and looked away.

When Rin pointed at his options and kept insisting that it was water and food or nothing, Dallas' face began to flush red. He suddenly grabbed her outstretched arm and jerked her towards him, yelling loudly. "Hey bar bitch! I. Want. A. Fucking. Beer—"

Gabriel grabbed him by his scruffy hair and slammed his face into table, the wood groaning as it cracked. Rin yelped and stumbled back, Nova jumping down from her stool and quickly making her way to her friend. The entire bar erupted into hoots and catcalls, watching as Gabriel drug Dallas off the table and threw him aside, chairs crashing as he crumbled to the floor. Gabriel roared at the other two brothers, daring them to go for their guns. Hot blood pumped through his veins, the hazy bar suddenly bright as day. His mandibles flexed as he let out a long, low growl, the rank odors of tension and excitement filling the room only fueling his fury.

A voice cut through the mayhem. "Nobody move!"

Every eye flicked over to Harris standing behind the bar, a lasrifle tucked against his shoulder and aimed right at Korwin's head, a small, red dot dancing across the back of his skull. "Hands off your guns!"

The two older brothers complied, shooting Gabriel nasty looks as they raised their hands into the air.

"Now I'm only gonna say this once. You got 30 seconds to get your brother off my floor and outta my bar before I fry your asses."

The two brothers slowly moved away, hoisting their whimpering brother onto their shoulders as they slunk out without a word, the bar slowly buzzing back to life as soon as they were gone.

Gabriel was still wound tight from the encounter and he stared at the blood stained crack he created with Dallas' face, wishing he could've thrashed all of them. Jeremy suddenly stumbled next to him, staring at the table in awe. "Damn… I ain't never seen them guys look so scared in their entire lives. Didn't even see you move. Everyone sayin' you looked like a blur."

Gabriel ignored his friend, watching Nova pull Rin into the back for some privacy.

Harris motioned for Gabriel to step forward, laying his rifle down across the bar top as he approached. The war veteran gave him a long, hard stare, his dark gaze intensified by the jagged scars crisscrossing his coffee-brown face. "I ought to kick you out of here too."

Gabriel, clenched his fists, but didn't say anything. He was still angry, the memory of Rin afraid and in pain seared into his mind. But Harris was her father and he had to respect that, even if it meant getting banned from the Outlaw Hideout.

"I got no patience for hotheads looking to start fights and word is you've been gettin' into a few lately. You ruined a table and lost me money. But... you did give that bastard what he deserved for layin' hands on my daughter. So, in a way, I owe you some thanks," he said, offering his hand.

Stunned, Gabriel shook the big man's hand, his anger receding. Neither said a word to the other as Harris hid his gun back under the bar and Gabriel took a seat, ordering a gallon of water to flush out the rest of the alcohol lingering in his system. Jeremy continued to drink until he could barely walk, at which point Gabriel dragged his friend up to one of the board rooms to crash in. When he came back down, the bar had cleared out. While it was nearing midnight on their world, it was nearly 3 a.m. on Earth. Except for the moons and stars, it would still be night when the settlement awakened. By the time Ixion rose it would be supper time.

But even though he hadn't slept for over a day, Gabriel couldn't rest, not yet. He insisted on helping clean up, promising to buy Harris a new table if he could. Harris finally gave in and tossed him a broom. After thoroughly sweeping and mopping the floor, Gabriel set about wiping down the tables. About halfway through, a familiar sweet scent made him stop and look up. Rin had returned and she was watching him from behind the bar as she helped her father clean the last of the glasses and plates. Warmth flared inside his chest when she gave him a small smile and looked away, tucking her hair behind her ear.

When the chores were done, Rin left her father to calculate the credits and expenditures from the previous day, walking over to Gabriel as he finished wiping down the last table. She smiled at him as they sat, the two sharing a moment of comfortable silence that only came from years of friendship. The warmth in his chest quickly morphed into a painful ache as he recalled the night's events. Are you alright?

I'm fine, she said. Dallas isn't the first drunk to yell at me.

But you're not hurt?

Rin shook her head. Gabriel, he only grabbed my wrist. I'm tougher than I look. I was just really surprised he would do something that stupid with you and my dad watching his every move.

His shoulders tensed. She knew he'd been watching her? Or just watching the Young brothers?

I think Nova was more upset than me. She did most of the talking once we were out of sight. Lots of pacing and shouting. I couldn't understand much of what she said, but I'm pretty sure it was how she was going to kick Dallas' ass if she ever saw him again. I told her she's never going to be sheriff if she didn't learn to control her temper. Of course, she starts lecturing me. And this goes on and on until I finally grab my data pad to write on and tell her to be quiet and let me finish speaking!

Gabriel didn't say anything, letting her vent. Then he realized that he was concentrating so hard on not staring at her chest that he was missing what Rin was saying. Focus, moron.

When she finally paused for several seconds, he responded. It sounds like Nova's just looking out for you. The Young brothers aren't some passing trader or corporate soft hand who is going to leave in a few days. They're here to stay and believe me they tend to carry a grudge.

Well then, if anyone should be concerned, it's you and my dad. You smashed Dallas' face into a table and he banished all of them at gunpoint. Which reminds me, how many times have you fought with them?

Once. And I kicked their asses. He'd held back too. He could have easily broken their arms or jaws. When he'd reached adulthood Sheriff Brady and him had had a long conversation about when he was allowed to use his strength and how much.

Let me rephrase the question: how many times have you nearly fought them in the past couple months?

Nearly is a grey area.

She frowned and glared at him, daring him to try and dodge the question again.

Four… or five, I think. Wait, we're talking about you, how did this become about me?!

Rin smiled and pushed his shoulder playfully. Because you make it really easy, that's how.

After teasing each other a bit, they caught each other up to speed on what was going on in each other's lives. Rin's garden was flourishing and she insisted he see it before he had to leave for his hunting trip. She planned to sell the seeds and flowers at the trade fair, hopefully earning some extra money to help her father finish paying off his debts. Gabriel told her about the hunt for the Wans' missing zarok and his frustration with being unable to find any tracks or clue as to what happened to them.

And now Markus is missing a head? he asked.

It could've been a pack of foxwolves. Nobody is sure. Rin hesitated, chewing her lip as she folded her hands on the table.

What?

It's just that… there've been whispers. Rumors from around town. Nova told me that a few people think you might be the one… stealing the zarok. And that's why you couldn't 'find' them.

Gabriel growled. You don't believe them, do you?

Of course not, she said, grabbing his hand for emphasis. He tensed, his hand and arm on fire as her small hand squeezed his calloused fingers. His mind went blank as he stared into her soft, brown eyes, her scent filling his throat and lungs until he couldn't breathe. Her jet black hair fell in lustrous waves over her tan shoulders, framing her high cheeks and round breasts. His hand closed around hers and before he knew what he was doing he gently brushed a thumb over the side of her face, his fingers entangling themselves in her thick locks.

Rin's father coughed and Gabriel snapped back to reality, quickly pulling his hand back. He tried pulling his other hand back, but Rin's surprisingly strong grip trapped his two forefingers. His mind raced as he tried to remember what they'd been talking about, glancing over at Harris and wondering if he'd seen what had just happened. Rin finally let go of his hand so he could speak.

I need to go, he said, quickly standing to his feet and grabbing his coat from the back of the chair.

Why? I haven't seen you in over two months and we've barely talked to each other.

It's been over an hour, Rin. I need to get back to the ranch and you need some sleep.

He nodded to Harris and strode out. The windswept plains and uwanu trees blurred past him as he tried to forget the feeling of Rin tugging on his arm as he left, asking him what was wrong. He pushed the hovercycle faster, the throbbing hum vibrating through him until his hands and feet went numb. He was a coward. He was always running away and hurting the people that wanted to help him. Gabriel forced his mind to go blank the rest of the ride to the Ferguson's ranch. When he arrived, he was too upset to sleep, so he threw himself into his chores, desperately trying to forget the hole in his chest that ached night and day.

\'/

A gut-wrenching scream echoed through the lower mineshafts, followed a guttural roar that shook the earth and sent violent trembles through Adam's body. He bolted, sprinting down the tunnel, desperately trying to remember which way led to the elevator. His breath came in heavy gasps and sweat dripped down his face and back. Adam misjudged a turn in the darkness and slammed into a wall, the force of the blow sending a wave of dizziness and nausea through him. He bent double as wracking coughs tore through his throat. He spat, futilely trying to get the bitter taste of poison out his mouth. He'd lost his rebreather during the fight. If he didn't get out soon, the noxious fumes would shut down his lungs and he'd die of asphyxiation – a slow, painful death. He pushed on, having no intention of dying in this dark hell.

Adam stopped at four-way intersection, panic gripping him when he realized he'd been here before as he scanned the area with his night vision goggles. A low, guttural rasp made him spin around, his eyes flicking towards every shadow. Adam's heart pounded against his rib cage and his hands shook. Run, he told himself. Run!

"This is HQ Red Shaft sector bravo, come in bravo!"

Adam cursed and fumbled for his radio. The grid had gone down and he'd been running around blind without headquarter support since they'd been down here.

"Bravo, come in bravo. Reid, McCormick, can you hear us?"

A growl sounded to his right and Adam bolted left. "HQ this is Reid! Get me outta here!"

"Calm down, Reid. Where's McCormick?"

"He's dead! He's fucking dead and I'm next if you don't get me outta here!"

The line went silent for a moment and Adam slowed to a walk, his breath coming in heaving gasps. Shit. The thing was toying with him. It knew exactly where he was. Adam listened for the telltale clicks, grabbing a pipe from the floor. It wouldn't do shit against whatever was stalking him, but it made him feel better.

"Reid, you're about a hundred meters from the elevator. Go straight ahead and take the second right."

Adam took off, adrenaline burning through his muscles, HQ guiding him through twists and turns. His chest and head ached and his vision was starting to blur as he stumbled into the man-made cave that held the elevator shaft, equipment and machines. A strange crackling noise made him freeze, sending terrified chills over the back of his hands and neck.

In front of the elevator door, white, ghostly lights coruscated over the empty air, the flickering electricity slowly revealing his worst nightmare. The hulking monstrosity growled as it stood between him and the way up, two wickedly curved blades extending from one of its wrists.

"Oh God…" Adam rasped, fear paralyzing him.

Several miles directly above in the control center, Damian heard Reid's whisper. "Reid, what's going on? What is it?" Damian flinched as Adam's blood curdling screams filled his headset. "Reid! Reid! What the hell is going on!?" He spun in his chair, yelling at one of the other monitors. "Do we have camera access yet?"

The woman quickly checked her screen. "Not yet. The system's separate from the radio wiring. They still don't know what the problem is."

The screams suddenly cut off and Damian glanced down at his screen, watching Reid's beacon flicker motionless next to the elevator. Then it was gone.

Damian tried to patch into the system and get a radio tracking signal. All he received was static. He tried finding McCormick, but his signal was gone too. Frustrated, he pounded his fist against the dashboard. What in God's name was going on down there?!