Chapter 6: The Beginning or the End

Gene kissed Melfina on the head and said, "Melfina have I ever let you down? I promise everything will be alright. I won't let anything happen to you."

Melfina looked nervously into his eyes and sighed.

'If only I can be sure' she thought to herself.

"I need some time alone. I have to think." Melfina said as she walked into her room.

Gene watched her walk into her room and sat in the kitchen.

"I have to protect her. I don't know what I would do with out her. She means the world to me and when I find out who is doing this they will suffer the consequences." Gene said angrily.

He walked into the living room and turned on the tv. He sat there for hours until Jim walked inside and poked his shoulder.

"Hey Gene what's the matter? It's just a trip. Nothing too serious about that." Jim said asuringly.

"I dunno, I have this feeling in my gut that something bad is going to happen. I'm not sure if I will make it home this time Jim."

"Gene! You're talking crazy again. Nothing bad is going to happen. It's like any ordinary trip we have been on. You will live trust me."

"You don't know that for sure Jim."

"Yes I am. Gene you're just worried about Mel that's why you're thinking like this. Melfina can protect herself, she has before and she will now."

"I wish I can think as positively as you do."

"Gene calm down, go get a drink or something. Anything that will get your mind off this."

"Jim I can't always go get a drink every time I'm in trouble. I promised myself I wouldn't do that anymore and I'm going to stick to it."

"I'm glad to hear that Gene. It's nice to know you're actually serious about this. It might be tough but it's the best thing."

"Yea, thanks."

"Well I gotta go. Aisha wants to take me to this new sushi place. She says it's supposed to be divine."

Gene laughed to himself and said, "Oh divine she said? Big words for such a little brain."

Jim laughed and left the room. Gene was alone once again. Left alone to his thoughts. He pondered about the adventure to come and about the hard times to follow.

'How the hell am I supposed to pull this off?' Gene thought to himself.

Suddenly Gilliam flies into the room and says, "Gene there is something I have to show you. While Melfina was sleeping last night I hacked into her laptop where she was keeping the messages she has been receiving. I thought that maybe I could trace where they were coming from and I did. Gene you won't believe me but I think Harry McDougal is back."

"What the hell are you talking about?! Harry McDougal is dead. Read my lips DEAD."

"Not necessarily Gene, Harry was part machine. Machines can always be replaced. He may not have to same body but his mind is capable of being cloned. On the bottom of each message there was a symbol. It looked as if it were from the Ching-Clow period so I looked it up and it was a match. The symbol means "of machine". It is very possible that Harry has been created again and wants Melfina for the taking. Gene I suggest you proceed with caution. You never know what Harry will do. He nearly killed you last time."

"So Harry McDougal is back. Thanks Gilliam, this finally answered my question on why Melfina was getting these damn messages. We will go to the Galactic LeyLine and meet Harry and I will make sure he gets what he deserves."

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~I don't know what words I can say~

"Oh what am I singing for? I always sing at the wrong time." Melfina said as she left her room.

She walked in the kitchen to find Gene drooling on the kitchen table.

"Wake up Gene, your getting the floor wet." Melfina said as she giggled to herself.

"Oh Mel. I have to talk to you about something important." Gene said as he wiped his mouth off.

"What is it?"

"Well this may be a little bit of a shock but it seems that Harry McDougal is back and has been sending those messages to you. He wants you back Melfina."

"What are you talking about? Harry is… is dead."

"Well Gilliam told me about all this crap about this symbol and how machines can be created again blah blah blah. But anyway Harry is alive and he's after you."

"But why the Galactic LeyLine?"

"Well Melfina it's the only territory he knows well. He has an advantage that way. Don't worry Melfina, even with that advantage he won't get the best of me. I promise you Mel. I love you and nothing will happen to you."

"Oh Gene. I love you too."

They embraced in a kiss until a sudden crash broke them apart.

Gene ran over to the living room where he found a broken window and a brick with a note attached. The letter said: Gene Starwind, I am looking forward to seeing you again and your friend Melfina as well. I want you to meet me at the Galactic LeyLine by tomorrow afternoon otherwise you will suffer the consequences.

"Son of a bitch. I can't believe this. Melfina we have to leave now. Gilliam prepare the ship for take off. Melfina and I will be joining you in a few minutes."

"As you command." Gilliam said.

"But wait Gene, aren't we going to tell the others?" Melfina said as Gene rushed her out of the room.

"No it's ok. I'll write them a note."

They both ran into the ship and prepared to take off.

"All systems go Gene." Melfina said.

"Harry McDougal, prepare yourself because I'm ready for you."

The ship departed and their amazing journey began.