Author's Note – I do not own Outlaw Star or anything that has any affiliation with it. This is my first attempt at an Outlaw Star fic so be gentle. It's also only the second fic that I've written. Thanks to everyone for the comments, quite frankly I wasn't expecting quite so many. Please keep reviewing; I appreciate everyone one of them.
"Gene! Come in Gene! Please respond!" Gilliam's frantic voice broke through Gene's concentration as the Outlaw attempted to read Melfina's best poker face. The two had found a fairly nice bar early on the evening. Gene had taken it upon himself to teach Melfina to play cards. So far she was completely cleaning him out.
"What is it Gilliam? I'm trying to rest for one night, can't it wait till tomorrow?" Grumbled Gene. It always seemed like that as soon as he got a little bit of time to himself for some rest and relaxation something always came up.
"Jim has been taken Gene."
"Jim has been WHAT!?"
Melfina snapped her head up when she heard Gene's voice. Concern immediately darkened her features.
"What's wrong Gene, what's going on? Has something happened to Jim?"
"Hold on a second Mel. Gilliam, explain what the hell is going on to me…and make it fast."
"Moments ago Starwind and Hawking was approached by two rather large men and a well dressed lady. The lady identified herself as Michelle Summers, a social service worker for the government. She claimed that she had legal documentation that allowed her to take Jim from his current residence. Jim argued with the woman, but was ultimately carried out of the house against his will. They placed him in an automobile and then left."
"They just took him! They can't do that!" Gene's voice rose with a slight twinge of hysteria. "What the hell is going on here?! Who do they think they are?!"
"Gene, what is it? What's going on?" Melfina's worried voice broke Gene out of his anger. He looked over to the bio-android, concern etched onto her features. Sighing heavily, he spoke to Gilliam quickly.
"Gill, can you please get in touch with Aisha and Suzuka for me. I could use their help on this one I think. Tell them to meet back at the shop as soon as possible okay?"
"Certainly Gene."
"Thanks Gill." Gene cut the link with the Outlaw Star's computer and directed his gaze towards Melfina. "It looks like someone from the social services department of the government came in and took Jim from the shop today."
Melfina's eyes widened in alarm. "What do you mean? What are social services? Why would they take Jim?"
"Look Mel, I really don't have time to explain it now okay? We've got to get back to the shop and meet up with Aisha and Suzuka. Then we have to figure out some way of getting Jim back."
"Of course Gene, you're right. Jim's safety has to be our first priority. They won't hurt him will they?"
"No, not at all. But I still worry about the little guy. He's the closest thing to family that I've got anymore. I gotta look after him ya know."
"Then we should hurry. There's no sense in delaying." Melfina gave Gene's hand a quick squeeze. When the red head's eyes met hers she gave him her bravest smile. "Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine."
