"Wake up you lazy bastard!" Jim felt a sharp pain in his ribs. He jolted awake and tried to rub the sleep off his eyes.
"What did you do that for?" He glared at the woman who had kicked him.
It took him a minute for him his eyes to focus but when they did he found himself staring straight into Sarah's angry eyes.
"It's past noon and you are still in bed." She kicked him again but harder this time.
"Leave me alone." Jim groaned and tried to turn away from her but Sarah quickly grabbed the pillow he tried to hide behind.
"Give me a break!" He yelled at her. "I only got home a few hours ago!"
Sarah sighed in frustration. She threw the pillow at his head. "That's your problem! You spend all your time with that fool Tychus doing god knows what! You should be out looking for a job not looking for more trouble!"
Jim understood where she was coming from. He really did but jobs did not come by so easily. Legitimate ones anyway. Jim had been stashing away money for them but there was no way Sarah would approve of the method he obtained it.
He supposed he could just lie to her and tell her that he had a job during the day but he was already knee deep in lies that he didn't want to add to them. Besides the heists the he and Tychus pulled during the nights were absolutely exhausting. He was so tired when he got home that he simply fell on to the bed without bothering to change or at the very least wipe the dust of his clothes.
"Okay. I'll go look." Jim pulled himself up slowly.
Sarah rolled her eyes at him. "I honestly don't know how you can be so tired when all you do is fool around." She finally stormed off from their bedroom.
He was equally as frustrated as her as she was with him. This was not the life he had imagined when he left his home planet. He sought more than the life of a farmer. For a time it seemed like he had found what he was looking. Mar Sara was a new adventure to him and with that new adventure came the love of his life. Sarah Kerrigan. She had fallen for him just as quickly as he had for her. They were married not long after.
He had discovered the perfect life. At least seemed like that for a while but with marriage came responsibility for someone else and that was not something he had been prepared for. She had expectations of him and he had trouble living up to those expectations.
She wanted him to work a steady job provide for her and then eventually start a family. The fact that she was having trouble conceiving added to the tension they felt. Tension led to apathy which in turn became resentment. The nights they shared before had been filled with passion and desire. That was gone now. It was barely even a memory. They still shared a bed but they hardly even touched now.
Jim stood up and made his way to the shower. As usual it was a cold one there was almost never any hot water. Like everything else water was in short supply to everyone except the Dominion.
He dried himself off and put on one of his many plain shirts. He didn't vary much in what he wore, not that he could afford to even if he wanted to. That though was about to change.
Tychus, his sole friend and partner in crime, had promised Jim that he had a massive haul planned for the both of them. Tychus said that it would set them up for a long time and that his money problems would be over and he could concentrate on making Sarah happy again.
Jim doubted that very much. He wasn't sure all the money in this back water planet would solve what was wrong with him and Sarah. He didn't understand why but he just knew in his gut there was something wrong with how everything turned out for him.
He loved her yes but he also felt like he had forgotten something about himself. It was almost as if there was a part of his life that was incomplete. There should be more to his life than scraping by on a backwater planet.
He left their small home without saying another word to her. Once he had settled things down with Tychus he swore that he would redouble his efforts. Perhaps if Sarah finally got pregnant the tension between them would ease a little bit.
Jim was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he nearly walked right into his friend.
"I was just about to come get you but I see that she devil has driven you out of your own home again." Tychus had never been too fond of Sarah. Jim thought that maybe it was because Tychus was afraid Sarah would domesticate his partner but it was something more. Tychus' disdain had only grown as did his name calling.
"Enough Tychus." Jim stopped before he got carried away. "I'm not in the mood." His scowl showed Tychus that he was in a foul mood.
"Ease up Jimmy." He slapped the brooding Raynor on the back. "I know just the place to help you wind down."
"I don't need to wind down. I need you tell me about this job you have planned." Jim didn't like how Tychus was keeping secrets from him. He wanted to make sure Tychus' plan was as bulletproof as he claimed. The last thing he wanted was for either of them to end up in a cryogenic prison.
"Relax." Tychus waved him off nonchalantly.
Jim was having serious doubts now. He knew his friend too well. He was definitely up to something.
"I've got just the place for you to loosen up." Tychus grinned evilly.
"I told you I don't-" Jim began but Tychus cut him off.
"Yes you do." Tychus turned serious. "I can't have you all knotted up when we pull this job. So you are going to relax wether you like it or not."
Tychus grabbed his closest friend by the collar of his shirt and half dragged him to his vehicle. Jim wanted to argue but part of him knew that Tychus was right. There was no room for error with their line of work. Distractions would only get them killed.
Tychus was silent when Jim questioned him where they were heading. It wasn't long before Jim realized why. The vehicle sputtered to a stop in front of a small building. Bright neon lights flashed all around the entrance.
Jim knew that this was one of Tychus' favorite places. Before Jim had got married he frequented the place just as much as his buddy did.
They disembarked the vehicle but Jim hesitated at the entrance. "I shouldn't be here."
The taller man shook his head. "There was a time that you would have beaten me in there."
"That was a long time ago. A lot had changed." Jim kept his eyes at the entrance. It was true that a lot had changed. There was a time when Jim and Tychus would visit this place regularly, especially after pulling of a heist.
Like young men without a care in the world they spent freely whatever they stole and this was one of their favorite places to spend their hard earned credits. Whenever they came the drinks never seemed to stop coming as did the girls. This had been their favorite strip club once upon a time.
"That's what I'm afraid of Jimmy boy. Trust old Tychus. You need this." Without waiting for his friend to respond Tychus grasped he arm and roughly pushed him towards the dark opening.
While the outside of the building was quiet the inside was the complete opposite. As soon as the door was opened, loud and deafening music filled the air.
The interior of the building was lavishly decorated. Lights of every color washed over them as they were greeted by a scantily clad girl who couldn't have been more than in her early twenties.
"Tychus! Back already?" She smiled warmly at him and affectionately ran her.
Tychus returned her smile. "You know me. I can't get enough of this place but today I'm here for my good friend here."
"Of course. Follow me." She swayed her hips seductively as she turned. Tychus' eyes never left her body as she led them to a corner table. "Have a seat please."
Instead of chairs a large soft sofa extended all the way around half of the table. It was soft and cool to the touch. It was certainly a lot more comfortable than what Jim was used to.
The table itself shone with a glossy finish. A single candle adorned the middle of it. It wasn't long before the young lady returned with a pair of drinks even though Jim couldn't remember he or Tychus ever ordering anything.
"To you Jimmy." Tychus raised his drink in a salute to his buddy.
If a few drink was all Tychus was after then Jim was relieved. He was afraid that Tychus had set him up with a girl. In his earlier days Jim would have loved the idea of having a rendezvous with a beautiful girl before going on a job but now he had Sarah. While things were not ideal at home the one Jim was never one to stray from marriage. He was not the most morale man in the galaxy but he was big on loyalty. He had made a commitment to Sarah and he was bent on keeping that promise.
"Even in a club full of gorgeous women all you think about is the she devil in your house. She isn't good for you buddy. It's not a big deal Jimmy. Just have some fun. What Sarah doesn't know won't hurt her." Tychus laughed and took another swig of his drink.
Jim followed suite and took a late swallow of whatever drink had been placed in front of him. Then he realized something. How the hell did Tychus know what he was thinking?
"I should get out of here." Jim began to stand but Tychus placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him seated.
Strangely Jim suddenly could barely move. He felt heavy and light headed at the same time. Everything in the room seemed to get hazy. He was having trouble concentrating on anything.
He could no longer see Tychus but he still felt his hand on his shoulder weighing him down.
The table and all the surroundings seemed to fade into darkness. All the light disappeared except for a singular area in front of him. It was as if a spotlight was telling him to keep his attention on the area in front of him.
A slow slow song started playing and though he didn't recognize it Jim found it extremely tantalizing. Out of the darkness a beautiful woman stepped into the light. He had never met her before but instantly mind tried to warn him. It was impossible but his mind told him that the young woman was a possible threat. He tried to focus and remember why he would think that but the haziness battled him for control.
She looked him right at the eyes and smiled at him. Her green eyes were captivating. The rest of her was the same. Though he tried not to Jim's eyes wandered and explored every inch of the hauntingly beautiful apparition in front of him. Her bright blonde hair was tied in a neat, single ponytail but some of her hair still spilled to the side of her face. His gaze traveled up and down her body as she twisted and twirled to offer him a better view. Her alabaster skin seemed perfect and her clothing left little to imagination. She was wearing teal bra and panties that almost seemed to glow. The rest of her was only covered in a sheer white fabric that was clearly designed to tempt.
Jim swallowed hard as she slowly walked closer to him. Even her long smooth legs seemed perfect as she moved. The light followed her every movement until she was standing directly in front of him.
She was so close now that Jim could feel the warmth radiating from her. Every inch of his body long for him to reach out and feel the goddess standing just inches away. He could feel his fingers twitch as he struggled to control himself.
She smiled warmly at him as she gently straddled his hips, facing him. Jim blushed at what she did and was sure that everyone else in the room was staring at them. He was going to look to see but instead unconsciously turned his head downward to see two magnificent breasts nearly touching his own chest. He found himself wishing that the fabric was gone so that he could see her more clearly.
No sooner than he thought it the fabric disappeared. She was now clothed only in her teal underwear. He knew that all he had to do was think it and that too would disappear.
He tried to slow his heavy breathing so that he could turn his thoughts away from her. He shouldn't be doing this but for the life of he couldn't remember why. Even though he could no longer remember why he was doing so he tried to fight the temptation that was building in him.
"You don't have to fight it, you know." She leaned in and whispered slowly to his ear. Even her voice was tantalizing beyond measure. "I can give you anything you need."
She reached down and took his hands in her own. He was unable to resist and she gently lifted his hands and placed them on her bare waist. Her skin was cool to the touch but it sent warm shivers that made his hands tingle. He found himself savoring the feel of her as he tightened his grip on her.
"Anything you need. Anything you want. You don't even have to say it. Just think it and I will give it to you."
Her lightly glossed lips curled a bit in anticipation. Jim could feel her need as much as his own.
"Tell me Jim Raynor what do you want..." She whispered to him. Her lips were only inches from his. "What do you desire more than anything else in this galaxy?" Her mouth parted in invitation. One kiss. Just one kiss and she would fulfill every desire he ever had.
Jim closed his eyes as their lips brushed together slightly. That brush was more than enough. A spark ignited inside him.
"Sarah." He opened his eyes to stare at the girl sitting on his lap. A girl that was not his wife.
Her green eyes flared with anger. "Even now all you think of is her!"
She gripped his shirt tightly. "I can give you what she has and more!"
She greedily crushed her lips onto his. Nova had dreamed endlessly of that kiss. She had long thought of what it would mean when it finally happened.
She was savoring the taste when everything exploded in a searing bright light.
Nova was knocked back from where she was sitting. She and the chair flew several feet from her position beside Jim's bed at the medical facility.
Before she hit the floor, Nova already knew what had happened. She picked herself up and looked at Kerrigan.
A furious Queen of Blades was the last thing many Terrans had seen death greeted them but Nova did not back down. This was not the same monster that had terrorized her people. In some ways this new Kerrigan was worse than the old one.
"What the hell are you doing?" Sarah yelled at her furiously. Sarah had taken a much needed break to recoup her own strength after her ordeal in Jim's mind. She took a quick rest and took the time to inspect her Zerg forces to let them know that the ordeal had left no lingering effects on her.
She was looking forward to seeing a sleeping Jim but instead walked into the medical bay to see Nova projecting something into Jim's head telepathically.
Nova smiled slightly at Sarah's question. "Why don't you go into his head and find out."
Sarah's silence confirmed her suspicions that the two were no longer psionically linked. "You can't can you?"
"I'm warning you I will protect Jim from any threat." Sarah said angrily. Her wings twitched uneasily. Her instincts wanted to rip Nova apart for entering Jim's mind. Until that moment it was a connection that only they shared. Nova had violated it and without Jim's consent.
"Even if that threat is you?" Nova sneered at her. After Jim's most recent brush with death it became apparent to Nova that the path Jim was on would eventually lead to his demise.
She was a ghost. Death was a natural thing to her. A part of life and a part of her existence but losing Jim Raynor was something she could not come to grips with. Her feelings confused and frightened her. They were something she was not accustomed to. If she had experienced anything like this before she simply did not remember. She was, however, sure that something had to be done. She had done her fair share to torment Jim in the past but she would be damned if she didn't do what she could to save him even if it was from the woman who claimed to love him.
"I only want what's best for him. If there is a threat here it is you." Sarah still had not forgotten that it was Nova who had captured Jim when she had first been deinfested. It was Nova who delivered him to the prison ship and kick started the events that led her to agree to be reinfested. Nova was the reason that for much of their suffering.
"Do you really?" Nova questioned Sarah. She had thought things through carefully and knew what buttons she needed to push. "Do you really want what is best for him?"
She continued when Sarah nodded her head. "What will you do then, Kerrigan when what is best for him is not you?"
Sarah wanted to argue with Nova, wanted to refute what was being said but had Sarah not made the same argument before?
"Jim almost died because of you. How many more chances are you willing to take with his life?" Nova demanded.
"He fought protecting people your Dominion abandoned!" Sarah shouted at the foolish girl. "People need him."
"Are you really that naive? Jim did fights because you fight. You think he did everything he has done for anyone else? Everyone who truly knows Jim Raynor knows that he fights for you. He always as. even when he thought he lost you he risked everything time and again for revenge against the man who betrayed you. For you he would give his all and more. You need him more than he needs you. Your army is dwindling daily amd you cannot win this war without more men to helo retake the swarm. Terrans would not generally side with Zerg but they see how furiously Jim fights for who and what he believes in. He inspires them by what he is willing to sacrifice. Is that what you want? A martyr for your cause?"
Sarah had no answer. She had those same thoughts every time Jim threw himself into battle. Without him she would have lost a long time ago. Even if they survived this war there was no way to even tell of they could be together. She had stopped aging the moment she was first infested. Everyday that gap widens.
She looked at the man she loved, peacefully sleeping. Was Nova right? No, she couldn't be.
Nova did not wait for an answer. She walked coldly by Sarah but stopped just short of the doorway. "Tell me are you unwilling to admit I'm right because you truly don't believe me or because you are afraid that he will find out that there are things I can give him that you cannot. Are you frightened of what he will do when he discovers that he actually has another option? Does competition really scare you the Queen of Blades?"
And with that Nova left the room but even as she did she could hear the faint sound of tears from a broken heart.
a/n I did everything on my phone today including posting so please forgive me if there are any errors. I really hope this one was okay. Please let me know. If its not I will try to replace it with something better.