Disclaimer: Sorry folks, I don't own Outlaw Star…someone in Japan does…
Author's Note: Hi, this is the second installment on my story Star Dawning. This chapter kinda works on the tense feelings between Gene and Liara, and weaves the mystery whether or not it will become a love triangle between Melfina, Gene, and Liara.
Star Dawning: Chapter Two
By Moonbeam
"I don't trust that Liara Pikaro," Jim blurted suddenly while he and Gene were enjoying a cold drink in the cockpit.
"Hmm, I know what you mean," Gene said, taking another sip of his drink. "Still, she's pretty hot."
"That's your hormones talking again," Jim sniggered. "We don't know anything about her, and she won't 'fess up about herself. But you're right, she's pretty."
"Hot," Gene corrected.
"Whatever," Jim said. "At least we have our weapons expert. All we need to do now is get the ship for outfitting. Liara's supplying the weapons, so we'll just get the Outlaw Star to Zoron-sei and let Muchiro work on it."
"Zoron-sei? Isn't that Hilda's home planet?" Gene said.
"Yes, dumbo."
"But isn't that where that stupid Ctarlctarl said she was going to find the Galactic Leyline?" Gene said, beginning to get alarmed. He took out his laser gun and fingered it nervously.
"Don't tell me you're scared of some kitty cat," Jim said.
"Docking in Zoron-sei's port," Gilliam announced.
"Well, no, but she was pretty vicious, and she's got a little more anatomy than she should. Don't you think she should get a reduction?" Gene said jokingly.
"GENE!" Jim roared, looking very exasperated. "Sometimes I wonder what goes on in your mind." He paused. "Nope. Don't even wanna START to think about what you might be fantasizing in that dirty mind of yours."
"Hey, what can I say? The ladies love me," Gene said, and followed Jim out of the cockpit. Jim rolled his eyes.
Liara was already waiting out of the ship. She was speaking with a robot about the ship.
"And we'll need some hydro turbulence resistance blasters. I think all those guns will suffice. Don't worry, I'll pay it all in machinery and guns," Liara said. The robot nodded and went to speak with Muchiro, his boss.
"Have you seen Melfina?" Jim asked Liara.
"Yeah. She went to buy something new to wear," Liara said, and bent over to pick up a wrench. As she did so, her short skirt rode up her butt and Jim's eyes widened.
Gene noticed that Jim's eyes were like soup-plates and chuckled to himself.
"Don't start, Jim, you're only fourteen," Gene said. He was right, Jim's fourteenth birthday was only a month ago, and he was too young to be looking up girl's skirts. But then again, Liara looked like she was pretty young.
Jim quickly regained his composure and grinned sheepishly. Liara straightened up, and followed the robot, hips swaying. It was clear she knew what Jim had been doing.
Jim's agonized cry echoed in the repair shop. Gene chuckled. Melfina returned just then, wearing a nice steel blue sweater and simple black jean pants. Retro, yes, but it was still attractive.
Jim slyly stole a glance at Gene whose mouth was slightly open. Jim reached over and pushed it closed.
"I know what you're thinking," Jim murmured. Of course, Melfina had the look on that said 'I have no idea what you're talking about'.
"Well, it probably looks bad," Melfina said. "But being artificial, I guess I have an artificial sense of style."
"Don't think that, Mel-chan," Gene said. ~ Oh God, did I just call her chan? ~
Melfina blushed. "Thank you Gene."
Liara came running out just then, pushing past Melfina and Gene. She smiled sweetly at Gene and began.
"Muchiro said he'll take my deal and he'll have the ship outfitted in a day. Meanwhile, we'll have to stay here overnight," Liara grinned. "He's got a hotel arranged for us, so we're covered. There's one room for each of us, a good high-tech suite. Isn't it great bargaining with weapons? Everyone's dying to get them and they'll go to any lengths to get them."
Gene smiled back at Liara. "Thanks Liara, maybe we will trust you after all." He winked at Jim, who blushed deeply. "Right Jim?"
"Uh…" Jim blushed six shades of purple, then three shades of bright red. "Yeah!"
"Okay," Melfina smiled. "I'm sure she'll be good company, right?"
"Yeah," Gene looked at Melfina, and suddenly realized the opening the hotel arrangement gave him. Naughty thoughts began to grind his mind, and Jim could swear he heard gears working up there…
Okay, the next part will NOT be a lemon, but it'll be kinda citrus-y. Just subtle hints and it'll stop before it gets graphic. I know it doesn't seem Gene and Melfina will get together, but they will eventually. But most of all, what's happening to Jim? Could it be? Is he falling in…gulp…LOVE? Well, you'll just have to see in Chapter Three! ^_^=
-Moonbeam