COWBOY BEBOP- IT'S A HARD KNOCK LIFE Pt.1
DISCLAIMER!! This fic contains many scenes which may offend some readers. It contains
graphic violence, harsh language and questionable themes. It isn't for the faint of heart and
anyone who is sensitive to this kind of material should stop reading now. Everyone else, buckle
up your seatlbelts. We're going on a little ride...
Jet Naratting: No matter who you are or what you do, life is never easy. The trials a person
endures as their life progresses depend largely on the choices they make, where they've come
from, and also on the people they meet along the way. But one thing is the same for everyone,
adolescence. Growing up. Making that leap from childhood into adulthood. It's a transformation
that's often comfusing, and sometimes it can be very painful. Not everyone is ready for that
kind of change when it happens, even if they may feel ready. But it's a change that has to
happen eventually, it's as inevitable as life itself. And the one constant in life is change. We
may not always like it, or even want it. But it has to happen. This story is a good example of
that fact. Altough it's certainly not a happy story, or even a funny story. It's a story that
may make you angry, or sad, you might even cry. But not all good things seem good at first.
Nothing that happens in this story is good, quite the opposite. But good things sometimes come
from unexpected places.
Faye poked her head out of the galley, quickly surveying the corridor. Ed was nowhere to be
found. "She's still not around." Faye reported, ducking back into the galley. "So far so good."
Jet remarked, opening the oven. The cake looked pretty done to him. "I sent her on a little
mission, she should be back in about half an hour." Spike explained to them, handing Jet the
teal oven mitts. Jet put them on, struggling to fit the left one over his metal hand. "Just what
exactly did you tell her Spike?" Faye asked, cocking an eyebrow at him. She wasn't sure Spike
understood what was and wasn't safe for a kid like Edward. Spike smirked at her, lighting a
cigarette. "Relax Faye, I just told her she'd get something good once she cleaned out all the
ashtrays around the ship." Faye blinked, thinking about that for a second. "That'll take
forever!" She exclaimed finally, trying to remember every place on the ship they smoked in.
Spike took a drag of his cigg, peeking around the galley door himself. "Not as fast as she
moves." Spike answered, kicking the oven door closed as Jet took the cake out. "I'd say she'll
be done in about oh....Fourty minutes?" Jet narrowed his eyes at Spike's method of closing the
oven. "Careful, Spike." Jet warned him, setting the cake down on the table. Spike shrugged his
shoulders, walking over to inspect the cake. Faye did the same, looking at it curiously. "We're
supossed to EAT this thing?" She questioned, frowning at the cake. Jet rested a hand on his
head, he knew what was coming. He couldn't so much as cook french fries without being
questioned by those two. "Yep, it's tradition." Spike put in, scratching his head. He didn't
seem any more enthusiastic about the cake than Faye did. But at least he understood the reason
for having a cake in the first place. Jet smiled at Spike and gave him a nod. Sometimes the
hothead could be pretty cool about things. Faye scowled at them both, putting her hands on her
hips. "I KNOW what a birthday cake is, Spike." Faye defended. She still faintly recalled her
last birthday before the accident. A big yellow chocolate cake with red frosting and yellow
icing. It had tasted delicious, she remembered. Although she didn't want too. Her past had no
bearing on what happened here, in the present. "It just looks wrong." Faye explained, poking it
gently.
The top promptly collapsed inwards, as the cake sank. "Faye!" Jet cried, rushing over to his
fallen creation. "It wasn't FINISHED yet!" He bellowed, growling deeply at her. Faye
retracted her finger quickly, putting her hands behind her back. Jet looked solemnly at the
cake. It was still edible of course, but the top layer was now the bottom layer. "Out, both of
you." Jet said, as if Faye had killed his cat or something. Faye made no argument, as she and
Spike made a quick exit. Jet watched them go, then took the icing gun from the counter. He
perferred to finish the cake in solitude, to avoid any more accidents.
Faye and Spike were staking out the hallway, each facing a different corridor. If Edward came
by, they'd see her. "It's not MY fault it died on him, that cake had no backbone!" Faye whined,
feeling a lot more guilty than she sounded. They had all gone through a lot preparing for Ed's
15th birthday, and the cake was supossed to be one of the best parts. "Take it easy, Faye."
Spike suggested, smiling as Faye leaned on his shoulder. "I'm sure Jet just wanted to make sure
nothing else went wrong." Spike added. Faye glanced at him, her eyes thanking him for trying
to put her at ease. Spike looked back to his half of the corridor, keeping an eye out. He
understood why Jet was so testy today. It was today, after all. The big one-five for Ed.
He and Faye had already finished their gifts to her, Jet's cake was all that remained.
Faye had bought a gun, a shiny new glock 30 just like hers. She had gotten it customized
so that it held four more rounds and so the recoil was as slight as possible. She planned to
teach Ed how to use it. Spike had promised to teach her how to fight as half
of his present, after Edward had become obsessed with his Bruce Lee movies. The other half of
his present had been Jet's idea. Apparentely Jet had something big to give Ed, and Spike had
agreed to help them with it. Spike still wasn't sure what it was, but as long as it didn't
involve pets he could handle it. Faye tapped Spike's shoulder as she pointed down the corridor.
Edward was skipping towards them, her hands full of ashtrays. There were more balanced on
her head. "Spikey! Faye Faye!" Edward greeted, stopping as she reached them. "Edward has
found all the smelly-smokey-cough jars!" She announced, skipping into the bathroom to
empty them. Spike motioned quickly to Faye, who snuck into the gallery to see if all was
ready. "Edward gets something good now! Spike-person promised!" Ed demanded, coming
back out with the ashtrays all emptied and relatively clean. "It's in the galley." Spike
directed, standing up and following Edward as she curiously poked her head into the doorway.
"SURPRISE!!!" Came the huge response from all three of her friends, as Ed open the galley
door. Ein was there too, barking festively. Everyone was wearing funny cone hats and blowing on
weird straws that made noise. Ed was momentarily shocked by the chaos, but became insanely
happy when she saw the cake on the table. The orange frosting was complemented by yellow
icing, which Jet has used to draw one of her custom hacker smileys. The fact that the top of the
cake was sunken didn't even phase Ed for a second. "Cake for Edward! Hooorayy!" Ed
cheered, diving face first into the cake. "Oh well, guess it didn't really matter how it looked
after all, heheh." Jet chuckled, handing paper plates and forks to Spike and Faye.
Spike took his eagerly, but Faye was a little hesitant. She hadn't expected it, but being part
of a birthday party was bringing back more memories than she cared to have. She remembered being
so excited, she had turned 20 that day. All her freinds had been with her, laughing and cheering
as she blew out the candles. Back then, she had been a lot more energetic. Perhaps it was that
youthful energy that made Edward so manic? "Oh, the candles!" Faye exclaimed, looking to Jet.
Jet looked back at her, his face showing that he had completely forgotten. Edward looked up
from the half of cake that she'd taken as her piece. "Candles?" She repeated, sounding
confused. "Got it covered." Spike put in, reaching into his suit. He withdrew a handfull
of chinese firecrackers from the pocket. He carefully counted out fifteen of them, placing them
firmly in what was left of the cake. "Everyone's had a piece, right?" He asked, lighting the
firecrackers. His mischievous grin was only a fraction of Edward's, as she watched the
firecrackers spark. "WOW!!" She exclaimed, clapping and laughing. "Pretty pretty pretty candles
for Edward!!" Spike stood back a bit, motioning that Faye and Jet should do the same.
Jet was old enough to know what those things were, and backed himself up against a cupboard.
Faye simply hid behind Spike. as the fuses burned shorter and shorter. "Better blow those out
quick, Ed." Spike suggested playfully, knowing there was no real danger. They were far too
small. But of course Jet and Faye didn't know that, which only added to the day's amusement.
Edward did as Spike suggested, took a deep breath and let it all out on the firecrackers.
She managed to blow out eight, as the fuses for the other seven were almost gone.
"Spiiikee.." Faye whispered, holding onto him tightly from behind as Ed grinned. Faye sounded
just a little worried, but that was the fun of it all. Now make a wish Ed!" Spike cheered,
feeling more festive than he'd expected too. It was kind of fun, watching a kid get so much
excitement out of one day. Edward thought for a second, closing her eyes. They popped open
suddenly, bright as stars. "Ed wishes..." The rest was lost as the cake exploded all over
Edward and Spike, with hot little bits landing on Jet's bald head. "Owww! That's hot damnit!!"
He cried, as Spike and Edward both laughed themselves silly. Faye was relatively untouched by
the prank, and smiled as she licked a single piece of cake from her arm. "Mmm, Delicious." Faye
cooed, beginning to enjoy herself. Jet was largely unamused she saw, as he wiped a large wad of
frosting from his head. Faye decided Jet was entitled to a laugh as well, and took the frosting
from him. Jet cocked an eyebrow as Faye winked at him. She looked like she was up to something.
Jet realized a moment later what it was, as Faye tapped Spike on the shoulder. The instant
he turned around his face was covered in frosting. "Gah!" He cried, still laughing as Faye
handed him a towel. Jet exploded with laughter, stopping only after his face had turned beet
red. "Happy Birthday Edward!" Faye called to Ed, who was backstroking through
the innards of her cake. It was everywhere now, covering the entire galley floor.
"What'd you wish for Ed?" Jet asked, his face returning to normal color. "Shh!" Spike warned,
picking bits of sugar from his hair. "It's a jinx if she tells us, Jet." He explained,
tossing the last bit of frosting in Faye's direction. It sailed through the air gracefully,
dropping bewteen her breasts with ease. "Lunkhead!" She screeched, not actually mad. It was the
best day for things like this, after all. Faye walked slyly over to Spike, who was expecting
a hard punch. Instead, Faye stopped toe to toe with him. "Now you have to go get it." She
said playfully, taking his hand. Whatever else he was, Spike was still a guy. And she was still
a remarkably well-developed woman. Faye saw that Spike was off guard, and pulled his hand
towards her, tripping him as he lurched. Spike was perhaps not as off guard as all that,
and grabbed her around the waist as his balance gave out. They both slipped down to the
cake-laden floor, Faye landing on top of Spike. Faye expected him to be mad, but Spike
just laughed and kissed her cheek. His smirk implied that he was happy she'd decided to join the
fun, and that this indeed was the best day for these kinds of things.
"Is it really a jinx if she tells?" Jet questioned, trying to remember. He wanted to know
what Ed had wished for, on the off chance it was what he'd gotten for her.
Spike was about to repeat his view on the subject, but Ed had apparentely grown tired of
waiting.
"Ed wished for a pretty spaceship like Jet-person's! One that goes really fast and has a big gun
and makes lotsa cool noises and goes ZOOM! And POW! And CRASH! And GODDAMNIT YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
That's what Edward wished for!" Spike and Faye exchanged looks of utter shock.
Did Edward really pay that much attention to what they all said and did? Jet smiled at her,
proud that she wasn't afraid to set her sights high. Somewhere along the way, he'd become
Edward's father figure. And what father didn't want the best for his child? "I guess kids really
do pick up their parent's habits." Jet said shyly, scratching his bald head and grinning.
"Parent?" Spike questioned. "Habits?" Faye asked, both still shocked. Edward cursing was one
thing, but wanting an old tub of bolts like the Hammerhead? Spike just couldn't understand
why Ed would want a ship like that, as opposed to a mono racer like his, or a police cruiser
like Faye's. "Why would you want an old heap like that?" Spike blurted out, showing his complete
lack of subtlety for the hundreth time. Jet turned his head sharply from where he sat on the
counter. His eyes met Spike's and the message was received. If Spike didn't like their choice in
ships, he could just float home. "Because!" Ed answered, licking the last of her cake from the
plate. "Jet-person's ship is the coolest! Jet-person's ship doesen't break into pieces when you
so much as sneeze on it! Jet-person told Ed so!" Spike and Faye both got up slowly, looking
first at Ed, then at Jet. "I see." Spike commented simply. He was throughly unamused with having
his ship so insulted. He could see Faye wasn't any happier, as she scooped up a piece of cake.
Her intent was clear. "Yeah, take that you two!" Jet quiped, throwing his own hidden piece of
cake before Faye had a chance. She swiftly jumped behind Spike, who once again found himself
covered with frosting. "Gah..?" Spike's muffled voice spoke, as his hand swept the sticky cake
hair from his eyes. "My hero.." Faye exclaimed cutely, planting a kiss on his lips for being
such a good sport. Faye licked her lips, savoring the frosting she'd retained from his face.
Spike let a smirk leak through the frosting, before swiping a handful from his face and smearing
all over Faye's. "All in good fun, my dear." Spike commented, tracing his finger over her
forehead. Jet laughed out loud, feeling younger than he had in years as he was reminded of
the first meeting they'd had with Miss Faye Valentine. Spike withdrew his finger, smirking as
the character for 'romanie' was now on Faye's forehead. Jet laughed some more, as Faye
traced the character for 'gorgio' on his forehead. "Ok, you two." Jet directed, standing up as
he walked over to Ed. "The fun's just started." Jet stated, lifting the birthday girl onto his
shoulders. Ed nodded agreement and grinned madly. "Fun! Fun! More! More!" she cried happily,
tracing gibberish on Jet's head with the remaining frosting in her hands.
In the workroom, Faye was unveiling her present to Edward. "Oohhh..." was all Ed could say.
The gun was so shiny and silvery. It was just like Faye's, only smaller and parts of it were
different. "It looks like Faye-Faye's gun!" Ed cheered gleefully. "But it's a weird shape!"
Faye took the gun out from it's stand, making sure it was empty before handing it to Edward.
"That's beacuse I had it modified, specifically for you Ed." Faye explained, holding it out
to Edward. She gasped as her hand slowly took it, feeling the weight carefully. "It's not
heavy!" She cried, tossing it from one hand to other, then to her feet. "That's right, I had it
custom-made, especially for you Ed." Faye repeated, wondering if it was getting through to her
at all. Ed stopped suddenly, holding the gun in her palm. While basically the same size as
Faye's glock, the barrel was slightly shorter, and the clip stuck out past the handle. And of
course, it was painted silver. Faye had done that as an afterthought, knowing how Ed loved
reflections and shiny objects. "This...Is Ed's?" Edward asked, amazed. Faye nodded to her,
smiling as she took it back briefly. "When you feel ready, I'll show you how to use it Ed."
Faye offered, watching Ed as her eyes lit up. "Faye-Faye will show Ed?" Edward cried, hugging
her out of the blue. "Edward will be a real cowgirl!! Ed thanks Faye-Faye!" Faye hugged her
back, a little worried about her enthusiasm. True she's space the lessons out, and keep the gun
unloaded and locked up until Ed was ready. But after a while the gun would be hers, really and
truly. Spike ahd already informed Ed of his gift, and had shown her one move in advance.
It had been the night before, when Ed was too excited to sleep and wouldn't let Spike get any
sleep until he agreed. Spike had only been able to come up with one move that wouldn't take
forever to learn, a spin hook kick. Ed had picked it up fast, probably thanks to all the
spinning and twirling she was always doing anyway. Spike had even invested in a heavy bag for
the occasion, thinking they both might benefit from some practice.
His jaw had dropped when Ed gave the kick a try. Even with her considerable lack of weight she
had made the bag swing hard, harder than he ever had when he'd started training.
The rest he'd teach her slowly, working the routines into a kind of everyday game. With Ed,
Spike was sure that would be no problem at all. She really was almost a cowgirl. It wasn't
far off at all.
"There's one more thing that you're going to need, before you become a cowgirl Ed." Jet informed
her. The big fatherly grin was on his face once more. Spike and Faye were both getting extremely
curious as to what this big surprise could be."Come on Ed, let's go to the hangar." Jet
suggested, hoistering her up on his shoulders once more. "The hangar?" Spike and Faye asked in
unison, bewildered. What could Jet possibly have up his sleeve that involved the hangar bay?
"Oh, you have GOT to be kidding." Faye stated as she stared in disbelief. Spike was standing
beside her, lighting a cigg. He offered one to Faye, who took it without taking her eyes off
the ship. "What's he going to do next, buy her a carton of smokes?" Spike asked
sarcastically. They both could only puff on their ciggs and stare at the small sack fisher in
front of them. It really was just like Jet's. Edward was pleased as punch, laughing and dancing
around the ship while Jet tried to make her stand still. He wanted to point out all the finer
things about the old ship. Basically it was a smaller version of the Hammerhead, complete with
harpoon. Only this one had a special harpoon, with electronics inside. Jet explained to Edward
how she could fire it into a ship, and then use her on board computer to hack it's system.
Jet had actually gone through the trouble of installing a complete computer system onboard Ed's
ship, compatible with everything on her tomato. The ship wasn't in the best mechanical shape,
Spike guessed that was what he'd ignorantly agreed to help with. The thrusters were all
inoperative. No weapons save the vulcan cannon on the nose, and the harpoon. The panelling on
the right side was screaming to replaced, and the paint job had to go. But other than that it
wasn't so bad a ship. Spike pictured Edward in the cockpit and his outlook darkened
considerably. "When will Ed learn to fly?" She asked Jet eagerly. Ah, youth. So impatient with
everything, Jet thought to himself. Of course, the lessons would be slow and far between, if she
was as much of a natural as he predicted. He gauged she could fly the ship for the first time in
oh, about three years? 18 is a good age to start getting around on your own. Jet came out of his
thoughts, as he felt something poking his back. He turned to see Spike, looking less than
thrilled as Faye went over to kept Ed busy. "Uh, listen Jet.." Spike began, looking more
concerned than he got over his own ship. "What is it?" Jet asked. "You wanna back out of helping
now? Well forget it Spike, a deal's a deal." Spike shook his head slowly, wondering if Jet was
somehow picking up Ed's habit of not understanding things. "No Jet. It's the ship. It's Ed. It's
everything really." Spike continued. He knew Jet wasn't going to like it one bit, but he had to
at least try. "What're you getting at Spike?" Jet questioned irritably. Spike sighed brifefly,
taking another drag from his cigg. "Look, I think it's real nice you trying to be a father for
Ed, and you do a hell of a job too, better than I would. But.." Jet frowned slightly, not
comprehending Spike's point. "But?" He asked, wanting Spike to continue. "But don't you think
she's a little..Young to be flying a ship? I mean sure Faye's teaching her how to shoot but that
won't come for a long time and..." Jet smirked slightly as understanding crept over him. Spike
and Faye though Ed was too young to be piloting a ship. "You're right, of course." Jet admitted,
nodding as he lit a cigg himself. "But it's not like I'm letting her have it now, I'm going to
teach her very slowly how to fly. She probably won't take that thing off the deck until she's
twenty, Spike. You guys don't have to worry." Spike took some heart in what Jet was saying,
and nodded aproval. As long as she wasn't going to be flying the thing now. Whatever happened
later on, happened.
Faye was strapping the holster onto Ed's chest, showing her how to release the buckle
quickly. "Now Ed, remember the taser Jet gave you?" Faye asked her, still a bit uneasy.
Ed nodded, watching Faye's fingers as they moved mastefully over the holster.
"It's the same with this gun, Edward. It's only for emergencies. Don't ever use it unless you
have to, ok?" Ed nodded again, taking the gun a bit more seriously. "What if Ed dosen't know if
it's an emergency?" Ed asked again. "What's an emergency?" Faye knelt down, locking eyes with
Edward. She knew it was very important that Ed understood when she should and shouldn't use the
gun. "If one of us is in a lot of trouble, or someone's trying to hurt you, Edward. That's an
emergency. Understand?" Ed nodded seriously, looking somewhat stoic. Faye felt even more like
she had a kid sister now. And with a bit of instruction and a lot of practice, Ed would
be as much of a crack shot as she was someday.
The Bebop's hangar bay shook violently as something impacted on the hull.
"The hell?" Jet shouted, as warning lights flashed and alarms sounded. "That was no missile
attack, somehting hit us. " Spike said, on Jet's heels as they ran to the bridge.
Faye took Edward's hand, running after Spike as another impacted rocked the ship. Tools and
spare parts were shaken loose and floated through the air, as the artificial gravity cut out.
"Spike!" Faye called, swimming up to his side with Ed clutching her arm.
"It's a hit and run!" Jet called back, easing himself into the command chair. He called up
a diagnostic report, which showed heavy damge to a few of the Bebop's systems.
"Just great." Spike commented, floating over Jet's shoulder. A ship had collided with them as it
sped by, and they were losing power fast. "We have to land, there's not much time." Jet reported
as he plotted a course. Spike studied the report, frowning as he saw Jet was right.
"With all this damage, it's Titan or nothing!" Jet informed them, gripping his chair.
"Grab hold of something!" Spike shouted to the girls, hanging onto the back of Jet's chair.
Faye was clutching to a computer terminal, holding Ed under her protectively. "Faye-Faye! Edward
is scared!" Ed cried, grabbing Faye's legs and shutting her eyes. The Bebop descended to Titan's
atmosphere, picking up speed as the planet's gravity took hold of the ship.
"We're coming in too fast!" Faye screeched to Jet, watching the planet through the viewport
as it loomed before them. Jet gave no reply to Faye, but knew she was right. They were never
going to make it at this rate. Spike watched the viewport gravely, gritting his teeth.
There had to be some way.."Jet!" He called out, shouting to his partner. Even though Jet was
right in front of him, Spike had to scream to be heard over the alarms and screeching of steel
as the hull strained. Jet looked back at him, as if he'd been waiting for Spike to say
something.
True that Jet knew more about ships than him, but when it came to desperate solutions
and crazy plans, Spike was the answer man. "Titan's surafce is covered with loose soil!"
Spike continued, working out the plan as he spoke. "If I can get ahead of the Bebeop with
my Swordfish, a cannon shot should make enough of a cushion to.." Jet locked eyes with Spike,
feeling admiration for the young buck. Spike eyes met his, and Jet saw stoney determination
there, the foolhardy optimism that comes from being too young to die and and too bullheaded
to care. "Do it." Jet agreed, cutting Spike off. Spike nodded briefly, giving Jet a smirk
before floating to the door. "Spike!" Faye called, shoving Ed off in his direction.
"Take her with you!" She pleaded, her eyes showing concern for the poor girl. Spike had to admit
it was a crummy way to spend your birthday. "But if the Swordfish gets caught in the gravity,
it'll be more dangerous than staying here!" Spike protested. He could risk his own neck fine,
but with Ed in the ship he'd have to be careful. "It's dangerous either way Spike!" Jet barked,
taking Faye's side. "Chances are it won't work anyway, but if it doesn't you get her out of
here!" Jet barked again, looking at Spike as if they'd never meet again. It was a pretty grim
picture, Spike thought. But as Faye nodded her agreement with Jet, he understood. Spike had
pulled out of worse situations than this before, and the Swordfish was always a mess aftewards.
But his freinds were putting Ed's life in his hands, because he was the one that had the best
chance getting out of this in one piece. This one time the odds were pretty even, staying on the
Bebop was about as dangerous as being in the Swordfish trying to save the Bebop, but at least
the Swordfish was undamaged. If worse came to worse he could call for help and set up a beacon.
"Alright." Spike said, hunching as Ed clutched his shoulders desperately. He pushed himself over
to Faye, who touched his cheek and gave him what could very well be her last kiss. Faye bit her
lip as she watched Spike and Edward go. "Don't worry! They've got a pretty
good chance at making it!" Jet called out assuringly. Faye nodded, and under her breath added
"Yeah, pretty good for Spike."
Spike guided Ed's body down to his lap, wincing as the Swordfish became insanely cramped.
"Hold on Ed, we're going for a little ride." Spike told her, trying to keep her calm.
"Are Jet-person and Faye-Faye gonna die?" Ed questioned, scared out of her wits.
Spike looked at her, frowning as her eyes pleaded with him. He didn't know when they had all
stopped being a crew and became a family, only that it had happened somewhere along the way.
"No." Spike said at last, aiming the cannon. "Because we're going to save them. You and me Ed."
Spike looked down at her, feeling the weight of his own words. They were damn well going to try
at least. The cannon ripped through the hangar door, as Spike piloted the Swordfish into space.
It was hell out here, Spike thought, fighting to keep the Swordfish from being caught up in the
massive gravity of the planet. The engines whined pitifully as the Swordfish slowly gained on
the Bebop. There was no way he could get ahead of it in time, it was all he could do to keep his
ship from spiraling out of control. The G-forces were insane, forcing his body against the seat
as Ed was pushed onto his chest. "Hang on, cowgirl." Spike warned her, taking careful aim with
the cannon. There was no time for a second shot, it was all or nothing just the way he liked it.
The cannon fired a second time, as the Swordfish picked up another ship tailing behind the
Bebop. With the navigation offline, there was no way the others could see it. But Spike did.
And it was the very ship that had collided with them. The cannon burst reached the surface, but
not with the magnitude they'd hoped for. "Aw hell, it's a setup!" Spike growled, pulling as far
away from the Bebop as he could. He had seen many traps sprung, hell he'd sprung quite a few
himself in his time. And this was definetely a trap, no doubt about it.
"Shit! Ed hold on, it's gonna get rough!" Spike called to her, cutting the engines down to
minimum. He still had one more crazy ace up his sleeve to try. As the Swordfish began to fall
prey to the atmospehere, Spike gunned the thrusters back up to full, spinning them around.
Ed was screaming and crying at the top of her lungs, and Spike was screaming on the inside.
He knew they were crossing the line from crazy to downright suicide, but there was no other
choice. With the Bebop and the Swordfish totalled, no one would be left to fend off whoever
was in that other ship. "Damn, guess we take out chances alone, cowgirl." He remarked, targeting
the unknown ship. The cannon fired a third time, as the Bebop slammed into Titan's
surface. The blast caught the ship's underbelly as Spike predicted, sending the Swordfish
away from the Bebop's descent path. Spike leveled out the Swordfish as they hit the surface,
skimming the ground on it's tail as it jerked violently. Spike managed to keep them in the air
a little longer, before the Swordfish crashd as well. They were down. They were alive. Spike saw
it as a miracle composed of dumb luck and a lot of mad piloting. The world was spinning, as
Spike blew the cockpit hatch. Ed was unconscious, but aside from a few scrapes and bruises she
was unhurt. Spike realized he wasn't so lucky, as he looked at his left arm. It had broken when
they'd hit the surface. Ed had been flung onto his left side, and he was sure at least one rib
on that side was broken as well. "Fuck.." Spike grunted, trying to prop himself up.
The Swordfish was at an angle, almost tipped over on it's right side. The right wing had been
sheared off from the landing, while the left was badly bent. Spike dug into his pocket for a
cigarette, and saw that Edward had thrown up. "Helluva job, cowgirl." Spike remarked, petting
her head. The last thing Spike saw was a shadow, casted over to his right as he heard a
gunshot and blacked out.
The unknown ship, damaged from the cannon flew by in the distance. A smaller
zip craft had landed near the crippled Swordfish. Two men got out, one grabbing Edward as the
other put a bullet in Spike's back. "Bad day for the Bebop crew, eh Spiegel?" A gruff voice
mocked. Ed sprang to life, awakening at the gunshot and grabbed her gun. She brought it crashing
down on the hand of her assailant, standing as he staggered and fell to his knees. The spin hook
caught him squarely on the jaw, as the other man rushed over. Ed pointed the gun and pulled the
trigger, gasping as nothing happened. The man picked her up, throwing her down maliciously as
her world faded to darkness.
"Faye!" Jet called, grabbing the metal panel she was pinned under. Jet tossed it aside, as Faye
slowly opened her eyes. "AAHHH!" She screamed aloud as she tried to stand. "It's broken." Jet
said matter of factly, lifting her up. She had several gashes on her arms, as well as her right
leg being broken. "Did they..." Faye began, trying to make words. Jet set her down in what was
left of the command chair. He had managed to bring the emergency thrusters online, just long
enough to slow the fall. The shot from the Swordfish and the thrusters had saved their lives.
"Yes." He said plainly, examining Faye's leg. He bandaged the gashes, put a cold pack on the
lump behind her right ear and knelt beside her. He had been lucky, his metallic left arm had
taken most of the damage. Jet grunted as he removed the shards of metal from his legs and torso,
then sat down on the deck. "Spike saved our asses." He told Faye, watching as she slowly began
to wake up. "What about Ed?" she asked, wincing as pain flooded her body.
"I think she's alright." Jet continued, catching the ice pack as Faye moved her head.
He carefully placed it back on the lump, grimacing as Faye gritted her teeth and moaned
with pain. "The Swordfish is wrecked, but I saw Spike open the cockpit. I guess they made it."
Jet finished, putting Faye's hand over the ice pack. "Keep that there, you might have a
concussion." Jet ordered. Faye did as she was told, slowly looking around the ship.
They both jumped as they heard a faint gunshot, and Faye screamed as her leg spasmed again.
"Oh my God, Spike!" She shouted, trying to move. "Stay here!" Jet ordered, taking his gun.
He plowed through the wreckage of the ship, until he found a way outside. The Swordfish was
to the right, not as far as he'd thought. A zip craft took off from the crash site as Jet
sprinted over, firing at the ship as it escaped. "Damnit!" He growled, watching it go. Jet
hoisted himself into the cockpit, looking for Spike. A blood trail led out of the ship and to
the right, where Spike Spiegel lay. "Spike!" Jet cried, rushing over his partner's body.
Spike's hand was reaching up at the zip craft, the gun trembling in his grip.
"Ed.." Spike whispered, as the ship disappeared over the horizon. Spike barely stayed conscious
as Jet picked him up. The bullet had missed anything vital from what Jet could see, but Spike
was losing a lot of blood. Spike grunted weakly as his left arm was tucked under him.
"It's BROKEN Jet! Geez.." Spike shouted as Jet carried him back to the Bebop.
Edward woke up in a dark room, feeling pain and nausea wash over her.
She tried to move, but she was tied down where she sat. "Hi there, little guy."
A deep voice greeted. "Ed is a GIRL." Edward corrected, straining to talk through
the pain. "Well damn you could've fooled me." The voice replied, chuckling slightly.
Ed looked around, and saw three men standing in front of her. It was so dark she couldn't
make out their faces. "Why is Edward tied up?" She asked, frightened as one of the men came
closer. "We just have a few questions for you, that's all Ed. We can't have you running off
before we ask them now can we?" The man was being unusually patient with her, but Ed could
tell there was a lot of anger behind that voice. "Ed, why were you and the others going to
Titan?" The man asked her, putting his hands behind his back. "Titan?" Ed asked, not knowing
where she was or what happened to the others. "What's your business here? Why were you in this
area? Are you here for the bounty?" Ed shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. It was so
dark in here. "Bounty?" She asked, trying to remember what had happened. "Ed likes bounties,
Ed's a cowgirl." Ed was beginning to dread being tied up and unable to run away, and she was
getting more scared by the minute. The man withdrew for a momemt, and talked with the others.
Ed heard bits and pieces what they were saying. "They know about the base, they're here to shut
us down." I don't think so, it's too weird." "We can't.." Yeah.." "She doesn't know anything."
"She won't talk." "She's just a kid." Ed was beginning to remember that someone had tried to
take her away, that they had all been in trouble and then she and Spike had crashed. She
remembered someone had shot Spike too, and that he and Jet had been talking about someone
crashing into them. "Are you the guys that hit us?" She asked, remembering what had happened.
The man turned back to her, the polite tone was gone from his voice. "Why are you here?" He
shouted, grabbing her by the shirt. "It's Ed's birthday!" She screamed back in shock. "Enough of
this bullshit!" The man shouted back at her. He took something from his pocket, and slid it over
his hand. "Talk! Are you here for a bounty or not!" The man shouted again, shaking Ed chair and
all. Ed shook her head frantically, understanding that these guys had been in the ship that had
hit them, and they were trying to hurt Spikey and Faye-Faye and Jet-person too. Maybe even Ein.
"Ed won't say anything to meanies!! Ed won't let you hurt Spikey and Faye-Faye!!" She spat back,
pursing her lips so that no words would escape. The man withdrew, talking again with the others.
"Does she mean Valentine?" "..on't know if they're alive.." "....hip went to check for bodies."
The man came back to Ed, cracking his knuckles. "Look kid, we need to know if the others
are alive and why they were coming here. If you don't tell us..." Ed shook her head violently,
eyes and lips shut tightly. "Do it." One of the men ordered. Ed felt a shockwave of pain,
as the man started hitting her. She opened her eyes, and screamed as all three men were
standing before her. They were all putting things on their hands now, and laughing. One of them
swung at her, and she screamed again. More pain, as she felt blood trickle down her face.
"Why are you here? What do the others know about us? TALK kid!!" They were all screaming at her
now, asking questions Ed didn't understand. One of them picked up a long hard looking thing,
and swung it at her feet. Ed tried to move but she was tied so tightly she could barely breathe.
She felt much more pain now, and her legs wouldn't listen to her anymore. Ed screamed again as
more pain came, all over her body. She didn't want to talk, she didn't want them to hurt
her freinds. She closed her eyes and thought of Faye-Faye, and the ring she'd given her.
"That ring is a gift, from you to me Ed." Edward replayed the words in her mind, trying not to
cry. She still had the ring, she'd never taken it off. Her hands were tied behind her, and it
hurt so much to move but she had to. Ed slowly reached her right hand around to her left, and
found the ring. The button on the inner band was so small, it was hard to reach. Ed strained as
more pain came. She wouldn't think about the pain, she wouldn't. Ed found the button, mashing it
down with her finger. Then, a whoosing sound from the right and her arm wouldn't work anymore.
The pain kept coming, and Ed was so scared she could barely stand it. She thought about
Spikey and Faye-Faye, and Jet-person and furry Ein. The first real freinds she'd had. The only
real freinds. Ed wished they would come for her now, but she knew they must all be feeling pain
too. Maybe they were even dead. No. Ed shook the idea away. They were alive, Spikey never died.
And he'd save Edward like he saved Faye-Faye. They would save her, she believed they would.
Another excruciating wave of agony made Ed shake, then Ed felt nothing, and went to sleep.
"Anything yet?" Faye called fractically over the radio. Jet had taken off in the Hammerhead
to look for Ed, and had seen nothing but dry land so far. "Nothing." Jet said, as he heard
Faye screech in panic. "Jet!" She called again, sounding frantic. "What is it Faye? I'm busy
here!" Jet barked, afraid he'd miss the one small clue that might lead him to Edward.
"She's..Her Ring! The one I gave her! It has a homing beacon!" Faye cried, hope ringing in her
words. "Give me the frequency Faye!" Jet barked back, trying all the radio channels. One of them
was emitting a steady beep, that was getting louder as he headed south. The sound leveled off
and got fainter as he passed a small structure down on the surface. Jet turned the ship around
and landed it faster than he thought possible, looking at the building. There were
marks in the ground all around the building. Jet thought they looked an awful lot like thruster
burns. Most likely from a zip craft. Jet jumped out of the cockpit, gun in hand as he made his
way inside. It looked like a warehouse of some kind, but it was empty. As Jet explored further,
he saw a lone object in the corner. It looked like a chair, but it had been smashed to pieces.
Jet gasped and dashed over to it, seeing something he couldn't believe, didn't want to believe.
But there was no mistaking the small figure laying next to the broken chair.
Jet put a hand over his mouth, as his eyes began to sting uncontrollably. As he turned Edward
over, his legs gave out under him. He sank to his knees as he saw her face. This isn't
happeneing, he told himself. This can't be happening. Faye's voice broke out frantically over
his comm. unit. "Jet! Did you find her? Jet, what's going on?" Jet couldn't answer right away,
and held the comm. unit tightly, bowing his head low. Wet drops began to color the floor, mixing
with the red liquid already there. So much of it. Too much. It had to be a dream.
"Jet?" Spike's voice called over the comm. unit, sounding just as frantic as Faye's had been.
"Jet, come on! What's the story pal? Did you find Ed or not?!" Jet could only pick the limp body
up off the floor as his tears came faster. It couldn't be real, it just couldn't. "Jet?!"
Spike's voice blared again, sounding far away as he walked towards the door. Jet could only find
the strength for a few words as he stumbled towards the Hammerhead. The ship she'd admired so
much. "I...I found Ed." Jet replied through the tears, before letting the comm. unit clatter
to the floor.
TO BE CONTINUED...........................................
SPIKE:.......
FAYE.......
JET:..Please God, no...
EIN: *whines*
SPIKE:.....Next episode, It's a hard knock life part two.
FAYE:*cries*
DISCLAIMER!! This fic contains many scenes which may offend some readers. It contains
graphic violence, harsh language and questionable themes. It isn't for the faint of heart and
anyone who is sensitive to this kind of material should stop reading now. Everyone else, buckle
up your seatlbelts. We're going on a little ride...
Jet Naratting: No matter who you are or what you do, life is never easy. The trials a person
endures as their life progresses depend largely on the choices they make, where they've come
from, and also on the people they meet along the way. But one thing is the same for everyone,
adolescence. Growing up. Making that leap from childhood into adulthood. It's a transformation
that's often comfusing, and sometimes it can be very painful. Not everyone is ready for that
kind of change when it happens, even if they may feel ready. But it's a change that has to
happen eventually, it's as inevitable as life itself. And the one constant in life is change. We
may not always like it, or even want it. But it has to happen. This story is a good example of
that fact. Altough it's certainly not a happy story, or even a funny story. It's a story that
may make you angry, or sad, you might even cry. But not all good things seem good at first.
Nothing that happens in this story is good, quite the opposite. But good things sometimes come
from unexpected places.
Faye poked her head out of the galley, quickly surveying the corridor. Ed was nowhere to be
found. "She's still not around." Faye reported, ducking back into the galley. "So far so good."
Jet remarked, opening the oven. The cake looked pretty done to him. "I sent her on a little
mission, she should be back in about half an hour." Spike explained to them, handing Jet the
teal oven mitts. Jet put them on, struggling to fit the left one over his metal hand. "Just what
exactly did you tell her Spike?" Faye asked, cocking an eyebrow at him. She wasn't sure Spike
understood what was and wasn't safe for a kid like Edward. Spike smirked at her, lighting a
cigarette. "Relax Faye, I just told her she'd get something good once she cleaned out all the
ashtrays around the ship." Faye blinked, thinking about that for a second. "That'll take
forever!" She exclaimed finally, trying to remember every place on the ship they smoked in.
Spike took a drag of his cigg, peeking around the galley door himself. "Not as fast as she
moves." Spike answered, kicking the oven door closed as Jet took the cake out. "I'd say she'll
be done in about oh....Fourty minutes?" Jet narrowed his eyes at Spike's method of closing the
oven. "Careful, Spike." Jet warned him, setting the cake down on the table. Spike shrugged his
shoulders, walking over to inspect the cake. Faye did the same, looking at it curiously. "We're
supossed to EAT this thing?" She questioned, frowning at the cake. Jet rested a hand on his
head, he knew what was coming. He couldn't so much as cook french fries without being
questioned by those two. "Yep, it's tradition." Spike put in, scratching his head. He didn't
seem any more enthusiastic about the cake than Faye did. But at least he understood the reason
for having a cake in the first place. Jet smiled at Spike and gave him a nod. Sometimes the
hothead could be pretty cool about things. Faye scowled at them both, putting her hands on her
hips. "I KNOW what a birthday cake is, Spike." Faye defended. She still faintly recalled her
last birthday before the accident. A big yellow chocolate cake with red frosting and yellow
icing. It had tasted delicious, she remembered. Although she didn't want too. Her past had no
bearing on what happened here, in the present. "It just looks wrong." Faye explained, poking it
gently.
The top promptly collapsed inwards, as the cake sank. "Faye!" Jet cried, rushing over to his
fallen creation. "It wasn't FINISHED yet!" He bellowed, growling deeply at her. Faye
retracted her finger quickly, putting her hands behind her back. Jet looked solemnly at the
cake. It was still edible of course, but the top layer was now the bottom layer. "Out, both of
you." Jet said, as if Faye had killed his cat or something. Faye made no argument, as she and
Spike made a quick exit. Jet watched them go, then took the icing gun from the counter. He
perferred to finish the cake in solitude, to avoid any more accidents.
Faye and Spike were staking out the hallway, each facing a different corridor. If Edward came
by, they'd see her. "It's not MY fault it died on him, that cake had no backbone!" Faye whined,
feeling a lot more guilty than she sounded. They had all gone through a lot preparing for Ed's
15th birthday, and the cake was supossed to be one of the best parts. "Take it easy, Faye."
Spike suggested, smiling as Faye leaned on his shoulder. "I'm sure Jet just wanted to make sure
nothing else went wrong." Spike added. Faye glanced at him, her eyes thanking him for trying
to put her at ease. Spike looked back to his half of the corridor, keeping an eye out. He
understood why Jet was so testy today. It was today, after all. The big one-five for Ed.
He and Faye had already finished their gifts to her, Jet's cake was all that remained.
Faye had bought a gun, a shiny new glock 30 just like hers. She had gotten it customized
so that it held four more rounds and so the recoil was as slight as possible. She planned to
teach Ed how to use it. Spike had promised to teach her how to fight as half
of his present, after Edward had become obsessed with his Bruce Lee movies. The other half of
his present had been Jet's idea. Apparentely Jet had something big to give Ed, and Spike had
agreed to help them with it. Spike still wasn't sure what it was, but as long as it didn't
involve pets he could handle it. Faye tapped Spike's shoulder as she pointed down the corridor.
Edward was skipping towards them, her hands full of ashtrays. There were more balanced on
her head. "Spikey! Faye Faye!" Edward greeted, stopping as she reached them. "Edward has
found all the smelly-smokey-cough jars!" She announced, skipping into the bathroom to
empty them. Spike motioned quickly to Faye, who snuck into the gallery to see if all was
ready. "Edward gets something good now! Spike-person promised!" Ed demanded, coming
back out with the ashtrays all emptied and relatively clean. "It's in the galley." Spike
directed, standing up and following Edward as she curiously poked her head into the doorway.
"SURPRISE!!!" Came the huge response from all three of her friends, as Ed open the galley
door. Ein was there too, barking festively. Everyone was wearing funny cone hats and blowing on
weird straws that made noise. Ed was momentarily shocked by the chaos, but became insanely
happy when she saw the cake on the table. The orange frosting was complemented by yellow
icing, which Jet has used to draw one of her custom hacker smileys. The fact that the top of the
cake was sunken didn't even phase Ed for a second. "Cake for Edward! Hooorayy!" Ed
cheered, diving face first into the cake. "Oh well, guess it didn't really matter how it looked
after all, heheh." Jet chuckled, handing paper plates and forks to Spike and Faye.
Spike took his eagerly, but Faye was a little hesitant. She hadn't expected it, but being part
of a birthday party was bringing back more memories than she cared to have. She remembered being
so excited, she had turned 20 that day. All her freinds had been with her, laughing and cheering
as she blew out the candles. Back then, she had been a lot more energetic. Perhaps it was that
youthful energy that made Edward so manic? "Oh, the candles!" Faye exclaimed, looking to Jet.
Jet looked back at her, his face showing that he had completely forgotten. Edward looked up
from the half of cake that she'd taken as her piece. "Candles?" She repeated, sounding
confused. "Got it covered." Spike put in, reaching into his suit. He withdrew a handfull
of chinese firecrackers from the pocket. He carefully counted out fifteen of them, placing them
firmly in what was left of the cake. "Everyone's had a piece, right?" He asked, lighting the
firecrackers. His mischievous grin was only a fraction of Edward's, as she watched the
firecrackers spark. "WOW!!" She exclaimed, clapping and laughing. "Pretty pretty pretty candles
for Edward!!" Spike stood back a bit, motioning that Faye and Jet should do the same.
Jet was old enough to know what those things were, and backed himself up against a cupboard.
Faye simply hid behind Spike. as the fuses burned shorter and shorter. "Better blow those out
quick, Ed." Spike suggested playfully, knowing there was no real danger. They were far too
small. But of course Jet and Faye didn't know that, which only added to the day's amusement.
Edward did as Spike suggested, took a deep breath and let it all out on the firecrackers.
She managed to blow out eight, as the fuses for the other seven were almost gone.
"Spiiikee.." Faye whispered, holding onto him tightly from behind as Ed grinned. Faye sounded
just a little worried, but that was the fun of it all. Now make a wish Ed!" Spike cheered,
feeling more festive than he'd expected too. It was kind of fun, watching a kid get so much
excitement out of one day. Edward thought for a second, closing her eyes. They popped open
suddenly, bright as stars. "Ed wishes..." The rest was lost as the cake exploded all over
Edward and Spike, with hot little bits landing on Jet's bald head. "Owww! That's hot damnit!!"
He cried, as Spike and Edward both laughed themselves silly. Faye was relatively untouched by
the prank, and smiled as she licked a single piece of cake from her arm. "Mmm, Delicious." Faye
cooed, beginning to enjoy herself. Jet was largely unamused she saw, as he wiped a large wad of
frosting from his head. Faye decided Jet was entitled to a laugh as well, and took the frosting
from him. Jet cocked an eyebrow as Faye winked at him. She looked like she was up to something.
Jet realized a moment later what it was, as Faye tapped Spike on the shoulder. The instant
he turned around his face was covered in frosting. "Gah!" He cried, still laughing as Faye
handed him a towel. Jet exploded with laughter, stopping only after his face had turned beet
red. "Happy Birthday Edward!" Faye called to Ed, who was backstroking through
the innards of her cake. It was everywhere now, covering the entire galley floor.
"What'd you wish for Ed?" Jet asked, his face returning to normal color. "Shh!" Spike warned,
picking bits of sugar from his hair. "It's a jinx if she tells us, Jet." He explained,
tossing the last bit of frosting in Faye's direction. It sailed through the air gracefully,
dropping bewteen her breasts with ease. "Lunkhead!" She screeched, not actually mad. It was the
best day for things like this, after all. Faye walked slyly over to Spike, who was expecting
a hard punch. Instead, Faye stopped toe to toe with him. "Now you have to go get it." She
said playfully, taking his hand. Whatever else he was, Spike was still a guy. And she was still
a remarkably well-developed woman. Faye saw that Spike was off guard, and pulled his hand
towards her, tripping him as he lurched. Spike was perhaps not as off guard as all that,
and grabbed her around the waist as his balance gave out. They both slipped down to the
cake-laden floor, Faye landing on top of Spike. Faye expected him to be mad, but Spike
just laughed and kissed her cheek. His smirk implied that he was happy she'd decided to join the
fun, and that this indeed was the best day for these kinds of things.
"Is it really a jinx if she tells?" Jet questioned, trying to remember. He wanted to know
what Ed had wished for, on the off chance it was what he'd gotten for her.
Spike was about to repeat his view on the subject, but Ed had apparentely grown tired of
waiting.
"Ed wished for a pretty spaceship like Jet-person's! One that goes really fast and has a big gun
and makes lotsa cool noises and goes ZOOM! And POW! And CRASH! And GODDAMNIT YOU PIECE OF SHIT!
That's what Edward wished for!" Spike and Faye exchanged looks of utter shock.
Did Edward really pay that much attention to what they all said and did? Jet smiled at her,
proud that she wasn't afraid to set her sights high. Somewhere along the way, he'd become
Edward's father figure. And what father didn't want the best for his child? "I guess kids really
do pick up their parent's habits." Jet said shyly, scratching his bald head and grinning.
"Parent?" Spike questioned. "Habits?" Faye asked, both still shocked. Edward cursing was one
thing, but wanting an old tub of bolts like the Hammerhead? Spike just couldn't understand
why Ed would want a ship like that, as opposed to a mono racer like his, or a police cruiser
like Faye's. "Why would you want an old heap like that?" Spike blurted out, showing his complete
lack of subtlety for the hundreth time. Jet turned his head sharply from where he sat on the
counter. His eyes met Spike's and the message was received. If Spike didn't like their choice in
ships, he could just float home. "Because!" Ed answered, licking the last of her cake from the
plate. "Jet-person's ship is the coolest! Jet-person's ship doesen't break into pieces when you
so much as sneeze on it! Jet-person told Ed so!" Spike and Faye both got up slowly, looking
first at Ed, then at Jet. "I see." Spike commented simply. He was throughly unamused with having
his ship so insulted. He could see Faye wasn't any happier, as she scooped up a piece of cake.
Her intent was clear. "Yeah, take that you two!" Jet quiped, throwing his own hidden piece of
cake before Faye had a chance. She swiftly jumped behind Spike, who once again found himself
covered with frosting. "Gah..?" Spike's muffled voice spoke, as his hand swept the sticky cake
hair from his eyes. "My hero.." Faye exclaimed cutely, planting a kiss on his lips for being
such a good sport. Faye licked her lips, savoring the frosting she'd retained from his face.
Spike let a smirk leak through the frosting, before swiping a handful from his face and smearing
all over Faye's. "All in good fun, my dear." Spike commented, tracing his finger over her
forehead. Jet laughed out loud, feeling younger than he had in years as he was reminded of
the first meeting they'd had with Miss Faye Valentine. Spike withdrew his finger, smirking as
the character for 'romanie' was now on Faye's forehead. Jet laughed some more, as Faye
traced the character for 'gorgio' on his forehead. "Ok, you two." Jet directed, standing up as
he walked over to Ed. "The fun's just started." Jet stated, lifting the birthday girl onto his
shoulders. Ed nodded agreement and grinned madly. "Fun! Fun! More! More!" she cried happily,
tracing gibberish on Jet's head with the remaining frosting in her hands.
In the workroom, Faye was unveiling her present to Edward. "Oohhh..." was all Ed could say.
The gun was so shiny and silvery. It was just like Faye's, only smaller and parts of it were
different. "It looks like Faye-Faye's gun!" Ed cheered gleefully. "But it's a weird shape!"
Faye took the gun out from it's stand, making sure it was empty before handing it to Edward.
"That's beacuse I had it modified, specifically for you Ed." Faye explained, holding it out
to Edward. She gasped as her hand slowly took it, feeling the weight carefully. "It's not
heavy!" She cried, tossing it from one hand to other, then to her feet. "That's right, I had it
custom-made, especially for you Ed." Faye repeated, wondering if it was getting through to her
at all. Ed stopped suddenly, holding the gun in her palm. While basically the same size as
Faye's glock, the barrel was slightly shorter, and the clip stuck out past the handle. And of
course, it was painted silver. Faye had done that as an afterthought, knowing how Ed loved
reflections and shiny objects. "This...Is Ed's?" Edward asked, amazed. Faye nodded to her,
smiling as she took it back briefly. "When you feel ready, I'll show you how to use it Ed."
Faye offered, watching Ed as her eyes lit up. "Faye-Faye will show Ed?" Edward cried, hugging
her out of the blue. "Edward will be a real cowgirl!! Ed thanks Faye-Faye!" Faye hugged her
back, a little worried about her enthusiasm. True she's space the lessons out, and keep the gun
unloaded and locked up until Ed was ready. But after a while the gun would be hers, really and
truly. Spike ahd already informed Ed of his gift, and had shown her one move in advance.
It had been the night before, when Ed was too excited to sleep and wouldn't let Spike get any
sleep until he agreed. Spike had only been able to come up with one move that wouldn't take
forever to learn, a spin hook kick. Ed had picked it up fast, probably thanks to all the
spinning and twirling she was always doing anyway. Spike had even invested in a heavy bag for
the occasion, thinking they both might benefit from some practice.
His jaw had dropped when Ed gave the kick a try. Even with her considerable lack of weight she
had made the bag swing hard, harder than he ever had when he'd started training.
The rest he'd teach her slowly, working the routines into a kind of everyday game. With Ed,
Spike was sure that would be no problem at all. She really was almost a cowgirl. It wasn't
far off at all.
"There's one more thing that you're going to need, before you become a cowgirl Ed." Jet informed
her. The big fatherly grin was on his face once more. Spike and Faye were both getting extremely
curious as to what this big surprise could be."Come on Ed, let's go to the hangar." Jet
suggested, hoistering her up on his shoulders once more. "The hangar?" Spike and Faye asked in
unison, bewildered. What could Jet possibly have up his sleeve that involved the hangar bay?
"Oh, you have GOT to be kidding." Faye stated as she stared in disbelief. Spike was standing
beside her, lighting a cigg. He offered one to Faye, who took it without taking her eyes off
the ship. "What's he going to do next, buy her a carton of smokes?" Spike asked
sarcastically. They both could only puff on their ciggs and stare at the small sack fisher in
front of them. It really was just like Jet's. Edward was pleased as punch, laughing and dancing
around the ship while Jet tried to make her stand still. He wanted to point out all the finer
things about the old ship. Basically it was a smaller version of the Hammerhead, complete with
harpoon. Only this one had a special harpoon, with electronics inside. Jet explained to Edward
how she could fire it into a ship, and then use her on board computer to hack it's system.
Jet had actually gone through the trouble of installing a complete computer system onboard Ed's
ship, compatible with everything on her tomato. The ship wasn't in the best mechanical shape,
Spike guessed that was what he'd ignorantly agreed to help with. The thrusters were all
inoperative. No weapons save the vulcan cannon on the nose, and the harpoon. The panelling on
the right side was screaming to replaced, and the paint job had to go. But other than that it
wasn't so bad a ship. Spike pictured Edward in the cockpit and his outlook darkened
considerably. "When will Ed learn to fly?" She asked Jet eagerly. Ah, youth. So impatient with
everything, Jet thought to himself. Of course, the lessons would be slow and far between, if she
was as much of a natural as he predicted. He gauged she could fly the ship for the first time in
oh, about three years? 18 is a good age to start getting around on your own. Jet came out of his
thoughts, as he felt something poking his back. He turned to see Spike, looking less than
thrilled as Faye went over to kept Ed busy. "Uh, listen Jet.." Spike began, looking more
concerned than he got over his own ship. "What is it?" Jet asked. "You wanna back out of helping
now? Well forget it Spike, a deal's a deal." Spike shook his head slowly, wondering if Jet was
somehow picking up Ed's habit of not understanding things. "No Jet. It's the ship. It's Ed. It's
everything really." Spike continued. He knew Jet wasn't going to like it one bit, but he had to
at least try. "What're you getting at Spike?" Jet questioned irritably. Spike sighed brifefly,
taking another drag from his cigg. "Look, I think it's real nice you trying to be a father for
Ed, and you do a hell of a job too, better than I would. But.." Jet frowned slightly, not
comprehending Spike's point. "But?" He asked, wanting Spike to continue. "But don't you think
she's a little..Young to be flying a ship? I mean sure Faye's teaching her how to shoot but that
won't come for a long time and..." Jet smirked slightly as understanding crept over him. Spike
and Faye though Ed was too young to be piloting a ship. "You're right, of course." Jet admitted,
nodding as he lit a cigg himself. "But it's not like I'm letting her have it now, I'm going to
teach her very slowly how to fly. She probably won't take that thing off the deck until she's
twenty, Spike. You guys don't have to worry." Spike took some heart in what Jet was saying,
and nodded aproval. As long as she wasn't going to be flying the thing now. Whatever happened
later on, happened.
Faye was strapping the holster onto Ed's chest, showing her how to release the buckle
quickly. "Now Ed, remember the taser Jet gave you?" Faye asked her, still a bit uneasy.
Ed nodded, watching Faye's fingers as they moved mastefully over the holster.
"It's the same with this gun, Edward. It's only for emergencies. Don't ever use it unless you
have to, ok?" Ed nodded again, taking the gun a bit more seriously. "What if Ed dosen't know if
it's an emergency?" Ed asked again. "What's an emergency?" Faye knelt down, locking eyes with
Edward. She knew it was very important that Ed understood when she should and shouldn't use the
gun. "If one of us is in a lot of trouble, or someone's trying to hurt you, Edward. That's an
emergency. Understand?" Ed nodded seriously, looking somewhat stoic. Faye felt even more like
she had a kid sister now. And with a bit of instruction and a lot of practice, Ed would
be as much of a crack shot as she was someday.
The Bebop's hangar bay shook violently as something impacted on the hull.
"The hell?" Jet shouted, as warning lights flashed and alarms sounded. "That was no missile
attack, somehting hit us. " Spike said, on Jet's heels as they ran to the bridge.
Faye took Edward's hand, running after Spike as another impacted rocked the ship. Tools and
spare parts were shaken loose and floated through the air, as the artificial gravity cut out.
"Spike!" Faye called, swimming up to his side with Ed clutching her arm.
"It's a hit and run!" Jet called back, easing himself into the command chair. He called up
a diagnostic report, which showed heavy damge to a few of the Bebop's systems.
"Just great." Spike commented, floating over Jet's shoulder. A ship had collided with them as it
sped by, and they were losing power fast. "We have to land, there's not much time." Jet reported
as he plotted a course. Spike studied the report, frowning as he saw Jet was right.
"With all this damage, it's Titan or nothing!" Jet informed them, gripping his chair.
"Grab hold of something!" Spike shouted to the girls, hanging onto the back of Jet's chair.
Faye was clutching to a computer terminal, holding Ed under her protectively. "Faye-Faye! Edward
is scared!" Ed cried, grabbing Faye's legs and shutting her eyes. The Bebop descended to Titan's
atmosphere, picking up speed as the planet's gravity took hold of the ship.
"We're coming in too fast!" Faye screeched to Jet, watching the planet through the viewport
as it loomed before them. Jet gave no reply to Faye, but knew she was right. They were never
going to make it at this rate. Spike watched the viewport gravely, gritting his teeth.
There had to be some way.."Jet!" He called out, shouting to his partner. Even though Jet was
right in front of him, Spike had to scream to be heard over the alarms and screeching of steel
as the hull strained. Jet looked back at him, as if he'd been waiting for Spike to say
something.
True that Jet knew more about ships than him, but when it came to desperate solutions
and crazy plans, Spike was the answer man. "Titan's surafce is covered with loose soil!"
Spike continued, working out the plan as he spoke. "If I can get ahead of the Bebeop with
my Swordfish, a cannon shot should make enough of a cushion to.." Jet locked eyes with Spike,
feeling admiration for the young buck. Spike eyes met his, and Jet saw stoney determination
there, the foolhardy optimism that comes from being too young to die and and too bullheaded
to care. "Do it." Jet agreed, cutting Spike off. Spike nodded briefly, giving Jet a smirk
before floating to the door. "Spike!" Faye called, shoving Ed off in his direction.
"Take her with you!" She pleaded, her eyes showing concern for the poor girl. Spike had to admit
it was a crummy way to spend your birthday. "But if the Swordfish gets caught in the gravity,
it'll be more dangerous than staying here!" Spike protested. He could risk his own neck fine,
but with Ed in the ship he'd have to be careful. "It's dangerous either way Spike!" Jet barked,
taking Faye's side. "Chances are it won't work anyway, but if it doesn't you get her out of
here!" Jet barked again, looking at Spike as if they'd never meet again. It was a pretty grim
picture, Spike thought. But as Faye nodded her agreement with Jet, he understood. Spike had
pulled out of worse situations than this before, and the Swordfish was always a mess aftewards.
But his freinds were putting Ed's life in his hands, because he was the one that had the best
chance getting out of this in one piece. This one time the odds were pretty even, staying on the
Bebop was about as dangerous as being in the Swordfish trying to save the Bebop, but at least
the Swordfish was undamaged. If worse came to worse he could call for help and set up a beacon.
"Alright." Spike said, hunching as Ed clutched his shoulders desperately. He pushed himself over
to Faye, who touched his cheek and gave him what could very well be her last kiss. Faye bit her
lip as she watched Spike and Edward go. "Don't worry! They've got a pretty
good chance at making it!" Jet called out assuringly. Faye nodded, and under her breath added
"Yeah, pretty good for Spike."
Spike guided Ed's body down to his lap, wincing as the Swordfish became insanely cramped.
"Hold on Ed, we're going for a little ride." Spike told her, trying to keep her calm.
"Are Jet-person and Faye-Faye gonna die?" Ed questioned, scared out of her wits.
Spike looked at her, frowning as her eyes pleaded with him. He didn't know when they had all
stopped being a crew and became a family, only that it had happened somewhere along the way.
"No." Spike said at last, aiming the cannon. "Because we're going to save them. You and me Ed."
Spike looked down at her, feeling the weight of his own words. They were damn well going to try
at least. The cannon ripped through the hangar door, as Spike piloted the Swordfish into space.
It was hell out here, Spike thought, fighting to keep the Swordfish from being caught up in the
massive gravity of the planet. The engines whined pitifully as the Swordfish slowly gained on
the Bebop. There was no way he could get ahead of it in time, it was all he could do to keep his
ship from spiraling out of control. The G-forces were insane, forcing his body against the seat
as Ed was pushed onto his chest. "Hang on, cowgirl." Spike warned her, taking careful aim with
the cannon. There was no time for a second shot, it was all or nothing just the way he liked it.
The cannon fired a second time, as the Swordfish picked up another ship tailing behind the
Bebop. With the navigation offline, there was no way the others could see it. But Spike did.
And it was the very ship that had collided with them. The cannon burst reached the surface, but
not with the magnitude they'd hoped for. "Aw hell, it's a setup!" Spike growled, pulling as far
away from the Bebop as he could. He had seen many traps sprung, hell he'd sprung quite a few
himself in his time. And this was definetely a trap, no doubt about it.
"Shit! Ed hold on, it's gonna get rough!" Spike called to her, cutting the engines down to
minimum. He still had one more crazy ace up his sleeve to try. As the Swordfish began to fall
prey to the atmospehere, Spike gunned the thrusters back up to full, spinning them around.
Ed was screaming and crying at the top of her lungs, and Spike was screaming on the inside.
He knew they were crossing the line from crazy to downright suicide, but there was no other
choice. With the Bebop and the Swordfish totalled, no one would be left to fend off whoever
was in that other ship. "Damn, guess we take out chances alone, cowgirl." He remarked, targeting
the unknown ship. The cannon fired a third time, as the Bebop slammed into Titan's
surface. The blast caught the ship's underbelly as Spike predicted, sending the Swordfish
away from the Bebop's descent path. Spike leveled out the Swordfish as they hit the surface,
skimming the ground on it's tail as it jerked violently. Spike managed to keep them in the air
a little longer, before the Swordfish crashd as well. They were down. They were alive. Spike saw
it as a miracle composed of dumb luck and a lot of mad piloting. The world was spinning, as
Spike blew the cockpit hatch. Ed was unconscious, but aside from a few scrapes and bruises she
was unhurt. Spike realized he wasn't so lucky, as he looked at his left arm. It had broken when
they'd hit the surface. Ed had been flung onto his left side, and he was sure at least one rib
on that side was broken as well. "Fuck.." Spike grunted, trying to prop himself up.
The Swordfish was at an angle, almost tipped over on it's right side. The right wing had been
sheared off from the landing, while the left was badly bent. Spike dug into his pocket for a
cigarette, and saw that Edward had thrown up. "Helluva job, cowgirl." Spike remarked, petting
her head. The last thing Spike saw was a shadow, casted over to his right as he heard a
gunshot and blacked out.
The unknown ship, damaged from the cannon flew by in the distance. A smaller
zip craft had landed near the crippled Swordfish. Two men got out, one grabbing Edward as the
other put a bullet in Spike's back. "Bad day for the Bebop crew, eh Spiegel?" A gruff voice
mocked. Ed sprang to life, awakening at the gunshot and grabbed her gun. She brought it crashing
down on the hand of her assailant, standing as he staggered and fell to his knees. The spin hook
caught him squarely on the jaw, as the other man rushed over. Ed pointed the gun and pulled the
trigger, gasping as nothing happened. The man picked her up, throwing her down maliciously as
her world faded to darkness.
"Faye!" Jet called, grabbing the metal panel she was pinned under. Jet tossed it aside, as Faye
slowly opened her eyes. "AAHHH!" She screamed aloud as she tried to stand. "It's broken." Jet
said matter of factly, lifting her up. She had several gashes on her arms, as well as her right
leg being broken. "Did they..." Faye began, trying to make words. Jet set her down in what was
left of the command chair. He had managed to bring the emergency thrusters online, just long
enough to slow the fall. The shot from the Swordfish and the thrusters had saved their lives.
"Yes." He said plainly, examining Faye's leg. He bandaged the gashes, put a cold pack on the
lump behind her right ear and knelt beside her. He had been lucky, his metallic left arm had
taken most of the damage. Jet grunted as he removed the shards of metal from his legs and torso,
then sat down on the deck. "Spike saved our asses." He told Faye, watching as she slowly began
to wake up. "What about Ed?" she asked, wincing as pain flooded her body.
"I think she's alright." Jet continued, catching the ice pack as Faye moved her head.
He carefully placed it back on the lump, grimacing as Faye gritted her teeth and moaned
with pain. "The Swordfish is wrecked, but I saw Spike open the cockpit. I guess they made it."
Jet finished, putting Faye's hand over the ice pack. "Keep that there, you might have a
concussion." Jet ordered. Faye did as she was told, slowly looking around the ship.
They both jumped as they heard a faint gunshot, and Faye screamed as her leg spasmed again.
"Oh my God, Spike!" She shouted, trying to move. "Stay here!" Jet ordered, taking his gun.
He plowed through the wreckage of the ship, until he found a way outside. The Swordfish was
to the right, not as far as he'd thought. A zip craft took off from the crash site as Jet
sprinted over, firing at the ship as it escaped. "Damnit!" He growled, watching it go. Jet
hoisted himself into the cockpit, looking for Spike. A blood trail led out of the ship and to
the right, where Spike Spiegel lay. "Spike!" Jet cried, rushing over his partner's body.
Spike's hand was reaching up at the zip craft, the gun trembling in his grip.
"Ed.." Spike whispered, as the ship disappeared over the horizon. Spike barely stayed conscious
as Jet picked him up. The bullet had missed anything vital from what Jet could see, but Spike
was losing a lot of blood. Spike grunted weakly as his left arm was tucked under him.
"It's BROKEN Jet! Geez.." Spike shouted as Jet carried him back to the Bebop.
Edward woke up in a dark room, feeling pain and nausea wash over her.
She tried to move, but she was tied down where she sat. "Hi there, little guy."
A deep voice greeted. "Ed is a GIRL." Edward corrected, straining to talk through
the pain. "Well damn you could've fooled me." The voice replied, chuckling slightly.
Ed looked around, and saw three men standing in front of her. It was so dark she couldn't
make out their faces. "Why is Edward tied up?" She asked, frightened as one of the men came
closer. "We just have a few questions for you, that's all Ed. We can't have you running off
before we ask them now can we?" The man was being unusually patient with her, but Ed could
tell there was a lot of anger behind that voice. "Ed, why were you and the others going to
Titan?" The man asked her, putting his hands behind his back. "Titan?" Ed asked, not knowing
where she was or what happened to the others. "What's your business here? Why were you in this
area? Are you here for the bounty?" Ed shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. It was so
dark in here. "Bounty?" She asked, trying to remember what had happened. "Ed likes bounties,
Ed's a cowgirl." Ed was beginning to dread being tied up and unable to run away, and she was
getting more scared by the minute. The man withdrew for a momemt, and talked with the others.
Ed heard bits and pieces what they were saying. "They know about the base, they're here to shut
us down." I don't think so, it's too weird." "We can't.." Yeah.." "She doesn't know anything."
"She won't talk." "She's just a kid." Ed was beginning to remember that someone had tried to
take her away, that they had all been in trouble and then she and Spike had crashed. She
remembered someone had shot Spike too, and that he and Jet had been talking about someone
crashing into them. "Are you the guys that hit us?" She asked, remembering what had happened.
The man turned back to her, the polite tone was gone from his voice. "Why are you here?" He
shouted, grabbing her by the shirt. "It's Ed's birthday!" She screamed back in shock. "Enough of
this bullshit!" The man shouted back at her. He took something from his pocket, and slid it over
his hand. "Talk! Are you here for a bounty or not!" The man shouted again, shaking Ed chair and
all. Ed shook her head frantically, understanding that these guys had been in the ship that had
hit them, and they were trying to hurt Spikey and Faye-Faye and Jet-person too. Maybe even Ein.
"Ed won't say anything to meanies!! Ed won't let you hurt Spikey and Faye-Faye!!" She spat back,
pursing her lips so that no words would escape. The man withdrew, talking again with the others.
"Does she mean Valentine?" "..on't know if they're alive.." "....hip went to check for bodies."
The man came back to Ed, cracking his knuckles. "Look kid, we need to know if the others
are alive and why they were coming here. If you don't tell us..." Ed shook her head violently,
eyes and lips shut tightly. "Do it." One of the men ordered. Ed felt a shockwave of pain,
as the man started hitting her. She opened her eyes, and screamed as all three men were
standing before her. They were all putting things on their hands now, and laughing. One of them
swung at her, and she screamed again. More pain, as she felt blood trickle down her face.
"Why are you here? What do the others know about us? TALK kid!!" They were all screaming at her
now, asking questions Ed didn't understand. One of them picked up a long hard looking thing,
and swung it at her feet. Ed tried to move but she was tied so tightly she could barely breathe.
She felt much more pain now, and her legs wouldn't listen to her anymore. Ed screamed again as
more pain came, all over her body. She didn't want to talk, she didn't want them to hurt
her freinds. She closed her eyes and thought of Faye-Faye, and the ring she'd given her.
"That ring is a gift, from you to me Ed." Edward replayed the words in her mind, trying not to
cry. She still had the ring, she'd never taken it off. Her hands were tied behind her, and it
hurt so much to move but she had to. Ed slowly reached her right hand around to her left, and
found the ring. The button on the inner band was so small, it was hard to reach. Ed strained as
more pain came. She wouldn't think about the pain, she wouldn't. Ed found the button, mashing it
down with her finger. Then, a whoosing sound from the right and her arm wouldn't work anymore.
The pain kept coming, and Ed was so scared she could barely stand it. She thought about
Spikey and Faye-Faye, and Jet-person and furry Ein. The first real freinds she'd had. The only
real freinds. Ed wished they would come for her now, but she knew they must all be feeling pain
too. Maybe they were even dead. No. Ed shook the idea away. They were alive, Spikey never died.
And he'd save Edward like he saved Faye-Faye. They would save her, she believed they would.
Another excruciating wave of agony made Ed shake, then Ed felt nothing, and went to sleep.
"Anything yet?" Faye called fractically over the radio. Jet had taken off in the Hammerhead
to look for Ed, and had seen nothing but dry land so far. "Nothing." Jet said, as he heard
Faye screech in panic. "Jet!" She called again, sounding frantic. "What is it Faye? I'm busy
here!" Jet barked, afraid he'd miss the one small clue that might lead him to Edward.
"She's..Her Ring! The one I gave her! It has a homing beacon!" Faye cried, hope ringing in her
words. "Give me the frequency Faye!" Jet barked back, trying all the radio channels. One of them
was emitting a steady beep, that was getting louder as he headed south. The sound leveled off
and got fainter as he passed a small structure down on the surface. Jet turned the ship around
and landed it faster than he thought possible, looking at the building. There were
marks in the ground all around the building. Jet thought they looked an awful lot like thruster
burns. Most likely from a zip craft. Jet jumped out of the cockpit, gun in hand as he made his
way inside. It looked like a warehouse of some kind, but it was empty. As Jet explored further,
he saw a lone object in the corner. It looked like a chair, but it had been smashed to pieces.
Jet gasped and dashed over to it, seeing something he couldn't believe, didn't want to believe.
But there was no mistaking the small figure laying next to the broken chair.
Jet put a hand over his mouth, as his eyes began to sting uncontrollably. As he turned Edward
over, his legs gave out under him. He sank to his knees as he saw her face. This isn't
happeneing, he told himself. This can't be happening. Faye's voice broke out frantically over
his comm. unit. "Jet! Did you find her? Jet, what's going on?" Jet couldn't answer right away,
and held the comm. unit tightly, bowing his head low. Wet drops began to color the floor, mixing
with the red liquid already there. So much of it. Too much. It had to be a dream.
"Jet?" Spike's voice called over the comm. unit, sounding just as frantic as Faye's had been.
"Jet, come on! What's the story pal? Did you find Ed or not?!" Jet could only pick the limp body
up off the floor as his tears came faster. It couldn't be real, it just couldn't. "Jet?!"
Spike's voice blared again, sounding far away as he walked towards the door. Jet could only find
the strength for a few words as he stumbled towards the Hammerhead. The ship she'd admired so
much. "I...I found Ed." Jet replied through the tears, before letting the comm. unit clatter
to the floor.
TO BE CONTINUED...........................................
SPIKE:.......
FAYE.......
JET:..Please God, no...
EIN: *whines*
SPIKE:.....Next episode, It's a hard knock life part two.
FAYE:*cries*