I don't own these characters or profit from them.
Cat girls in heat
By, Clayton Overstreet
I the last story Gene and the others blew most of the money they had gotten from robbing the Kae pirates vault on a failed attempt to move into the Tai pirates territory near Earth. The story ended with their new offices being torn to pieces and Gene deciding that it would be a lot healthier to go back to his old place on Heifong, so using their last bit of money they turned tail and took the trip back, especially since the word was that the Kae pirates were totally broken up due to lack of funds. They have just arrived on Heifong and are on their way to their building.
Aisha grumbled from the back seat. "I can't believe we just left like that. And the trip back took forever!"
Gene moaned, having heard the same thing since they had started back. "Aisha if you wanted to, you could have stayed back with the Tai pirates. I mean we only killed their leader. I'm sure that nobody would have come after you and just because they could rip a building him half, I'm sure there is no reason you couldn't have handled them at all."
Aisha stuck her tongue out at him. "I still feel like a disgrace to the Ctarl-Ctarl. What will my friends think of me running away from pirates like that?"
Jim turned to her and smiled at her. "We won't tell if you don't Aisha. And anyway we'd have missed you, right Melfina?"
Melfina smiled and nodded. "Right Jim. Things would be so quiet without her."
"And peaceful!" Gene shot in.
Aisha growled at him. "Oh like you're any better. Every five minutes yelling: 'We're broke' 'We'll make it big' 'Shut up Aisha.'"
Gene frowned, "Shut up Aisha!"
Melfina giggled and Suzuka laughed quietly. "Well I can see where Aisha has a point, but I will point out that there is no shame in bowing out to a superior opponent. Our fights were over when we left, Aisha and it was clear that, considering how we seem to always get into trouble with the local pirates, if we had stayed they would have eventually killed us."
Aisha sighed and looked out the window at the passing buildings. "I suppose you're right Suzu."
Suzuka frowned. "Then do me the favor of not calling me that any more!"
Gene ignored both of them and turned to Jim. "So how much do we have left?"
Jim opened his computer. "Well after paying off the mortgage on our offices here and back home we have about five hundred thousand Wong. With the space port fee's, bills, and the things we need to keep the business going we have about a hundred thousand that we can spend on creature comforts."
Gene nodded. "And if our luck holds we'll need to save half of that just in case."
Melfina stuck her head between the front seats. "You two need to cheer up. I know you didn't want to have to come back any more than Aisha or Suzuka, but now that we're here let's make the best of it."
Gene smiled and stopped the car in front of their building. "You're right Mel. I mean we just escaped from some of the deadliest people in the known universe. What could possibly go wrong?"
Jim looked out and saw a group of five people waiting outside the door to their office. They had pirate markings on their clothes. "Uh oh."
Gene looked and sighed. "Jim, you and Melfina stay here for a minute." Getting out of the car followed by Aisha and Suzuka.
He walked over to the group of pirates, leaving Jim and Melfina in the car. Jim watched him begin speaking with the pirates, but couldn't hear them from inside the car.
Melfina looked out the window nervously. "Do you think they'll be all right?"
Jim nodded and leaned back in his seat. "Yeah sure. I mean after the Tai pirates Gene's probably itching to make sure that he can still handle himself."
Outside Gene had told them who he was and the fight had started. Gene was in a fistfight with the biggest one while Aisha and Suzuka were fighting with two of the others. Jim looked away bored, scanning the area in case the pirates had any friends.
"Who's that?" Melfina asked pointing to the alley besides the building. Jim looked and saw someone in the shadows. He couldn't make out the face, but whoever they were they were short and judging from the way their hands were moving they were preparing to use Tao magic on Gene and the others.
"Melfina, wait here and if one of us looks like we're getting into trouble honk the horn. That might distract them." Jim said, then reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a gun.
Melfina bit her lip and nodded. "Be careful Jim."
Jim smiled and gave her a thumbs up, "No problem, whomever he is he seems about my size." Closing the door Jim snuck around the car. Checking to make sure nobody was looking he then began to work his way to the alley.
Gene had his guy against the wall while Suzuka and Aisha had both finished off one of theirs each. Coming to the corner of the ally Jim heard whomever it was chanting, "Pagawa Santa pagawa santa..."
Stepping out he pointed his gun and said, "Hold it right there, I won't let you hurt my partner!"
The pirate turned around and stared at the gun, then looked up at him in shock, "Jim?"
Jim's jaw dropped as he saw the familiar black hair and face. "Hanmio? You're a pirate?"
"You, are Gene Starwind's partner?" She replied.
Jim tried to think of something to say when he heard the car horn honk and someone hit the wall near the corner. They both looked back and saw that Aisha had thrown the guy she was fighting there. The rest of the pirates lay on the ground.
Suddenly Hanmio kicked the gun out of Jim's hand. He looked at her surprised, but she leaned forward and kissed him, then ran down the alley.
Gene came around the corner just in time to see Hanmio disappear around the corner. "Dang, one got away. Good work there Jim. If you hadn't stopped their magician they might have won."
Jim nodded still looking down the alley. Gene laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Cheer up. With the bounty we get from these guys we'll have a little more spending money. I'll tell you what, since you saved our lives you can choose where we eat tonight, deal?"
Jim looked up and forced himself to smile. "Sounds good, but I think I'll just order pizza. I'll get enough for Aisha and Suzuka too. Why don't you take Melfina out? You two haven't done much since she told you she's having a baby. And you got the good news that it's all right after what happened with the caster. You should celebrate."
Gene looked at him suspiciously then shrugged. "All right, it's your call. Thanks partner." He turned and walked over to the car where Melfina and Suzuka were waiting.
Stepping out of the alley Jim heard Aisha clear her throat. Turning he saw her leaning against the wall. "You want to tell me what that was all about? Who is this Hanmio person?"
Jim smiled and shook his head. "Boy Aisha, you have really good ears." Aisha shrugged and Jim walked over to stand next to her against the wall. "You remember that girl I had a date with on the space station?"
Aisha nodded. "I remember Gene teasing you about it."
Jim told her about the date he'd had with Hanmio.
"How much do you want to bet she's also that pirate with the weird ship?" Aisha asked.
Jim nodded. "You're right." He turned and looked up at her a little guiltily. "You know Aisha I didn't know her that well. Barely a few hours really."
Aisha giggled and rubbed his head. "Don't worry Jim, I'm not jealous. You're only twelve and like you said you barely knew her. It's not like you're old enough to do anything I'd have to kill you for. You're not Gene after all."
Jim smirked up at her. "Hey, stop treating me like a kid. For all you know I could have. And it wasn't like I was dating you then either."
Aisha laughed. "Well I also heard you offer to buy pizza for me and Suzuka."
"I just hope we can afford it the way you eat," He said.
Aisha stuck her nose up. "We Ctarl-Ctarl have a much higher metabolism than you weak humans."
Jim laughed and Aisha rubbed his head again. From the door Gene yelled, "Hey, are you two coming in or not?" Both of them shrugged and followed the rest of the group inside. Aisha kicked the face of one of the pirates who had started to wake up.
Once Gene had taken the pirates in and collected his bounty, he and Melfina had gone out to the restaurant where he had fought Ron McDougal, leaving Jim back at the house with Aisha and Suzuka. He had ordered five pizzas, four of which Aisha ate by herself before falling asleep on the couch.
Jim and Suzuka had been sharing their pizza quietly when Suzuka looked up at him an asked, "Something on your mind Jim?"
Jim looked at her, and then nodded. "What do you think about destiny Suzuka? I mean do you believe some events happen because they are supposed to?"
Suzuka took a bite of pizza, then nodded. "Yes I do Jim. But I think our actions also determine our destiny. The universe simply gives us the choice between destinies. Why do you ask?"
Jim thought about that. "Well I once met this person and everything seemed so contrived it seemed like we were meant to meet."
Suzuka smiled. "Oh? Would that be that pirate girl you met in the alley way?" Jim looked at her in surprise. "Oh don't look so shocked. Aisha isn't the only one who can hear more than ten feet."
Jim smirked. "Well I was just wondering if maybe it would be worth trying to make friends with her?"
Suzuka raised an eyebrow, "Just friends?"
Jim nodded. "Aw come on. You know I wouldn't just leave Aisha for someone I barely know, destiny or not. But from what I do know she's a very nice person and should be given a fair chance to turn it around."
Suzuka frowned. "You know how I feel about pirates Jim, particularly the Kae pirates. I don't trust them."
Jim nodded. "Yeah, but there really aren't any Kae pirates any more. The few who are left aren't really a guild any more. Maybe I should give her a chance."
Suzuka nodded. "I suppose. It's up to you though Jim. Why don't you take a walk? It always helps me when I have something to think about."
Jim smiled. "That sounds like a good idea Suzuka, I might just do that. I'm not that tired anyway."
Suzuka smiled, "All right. If Aisha wakes up I'll tell her where you went." Jim nodded and glanced at Aisha, smiling. Suzuka grinned at him. "She isn't that bad once you get to know her. If only she would stop shortening my name."
Jim laughed, "Yeah. Thanks Suzuka." Standing up he walked to the door, then stopped and turned back. "You know you aren't so bad either."
Suzuka smiled and winked. "Don't let it get out. It might ruin my reputation."
Jim walked out the door and closed it softly behind him. Once he was gone Aisha opened her eyes. "You know Suz, it's not polite to talk about someone when they aren't listening."
Suzuka smiled. "But you were listening. I knew because you weren't snoring."
Aisha growled. "I don't snore. Anyway thanks for talking to Jim. I'm not very good with that philosophical stuff. It gives me a head ache."
Suzuka smiled. "You're welcome, but don't you think you might want to talk to him next time?"
Aisha sighed and reached for the last slice of pizza and gobbled it down. "Maybe. I'll think about it." She rolled over and closed her eyes. Despite her calm attitude and apparent lack of feelings on the matter, Suzuka noticed she still wasn't snoring.
Jim walked down the street with his hands in his pockets. He had been walking for nearly a half-hour and still wasn't feeling much better. "Maybe I should just do what Aisha does and let things work themselves out." It would probably be a lot easier. It seemed to work for Gene after all.
But if he did that then there'd be nobody to watch for the little things and pretty soon they'd all be out of the street. Jim had had enough of that when his dad had died. If Gene hadn't picked him up off the street he'd have probably starved or ended up working for the pirates.
He stopped outside of Loa Park. He remembered that he had met Hanmio and her cats. He stopped and turned down the path, looking around at the trees and grass. There were lights lining the walkway so it was easy enough to see.
Jim shook his head and looked up at the sky. The stars were shining and the two moons were at a quarter each. Most nights on Heifong you couldn't see the night sky this well, with the city lights and the clouds.
Suddenly Jim heard something move behind him. Turning around he saw someone duck behind one of the trees, but he couldn't tell who it was because they were too far away from the lights. "Who's there?"
Something landed at his feet and he jumped back startled. Looking down he saw it was a pink rose. He leaned down and picked it up. When he looked up again Hanmio was standing in front of him. "Hi Jim. Long time no see."
He smiled and sat down on the edge of the path. "You know, I waited for you at the park. You never did show up again."
Hanmio sat down on the other side of the path. "It's hard to keep a promise when you get blown up." She looked down at her right arm and flexed it slightly. Jim heard the sound of servomotors.
"So you were the pirate who was trying to kill us." Jim said.
Hanmio nodded. "It wasn't anything personal, just a job. I didn't even know that you were on that ship."
Jim frowned and flicked his fingers through the grass and pulled out a few blades. Hanmio looked up and smiled at him. Jim smiled back, "I don't suppose you'd consider giving up being a pirate?"
She laughed. "I don't suppose you'd want to give up being an outlaw and become a pirate?"
Jim shook his head. "No, I wouldn't. But do you think we could still be friends?"
Hanmio nodded. "Yeah, I think I'd like that. But I'm not sure if we could. I can't even stay that long. Since the Kae pirates disbanded I had to join up with the Ban pirates and they don't like loose ends like this."
Jim nodded. "I know, they like to plan things out perfectly. We were at their attack on a space forces warship. But if we're friends we could agree not to attack each other or something and work from there."
She smiled, "It sounds like something worth a try." He arm beeped slightly. "Look, I have to go. They let us try to get revenge against Gene Starwind for today only. If we couldn't we agreed to forget about it and get back into space by midnight. Looks like I'll be going back alone." She stood up and walked over too him. "I was hoping I might be able to talk you into coming with me Jim."
He stood up and looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry, but that isn't going to happen. But I will see you off if you want."
She nodded and they turned to walk to the spaceport.
Aisha watched Jim and the pirate girl from the roof of a near by building. The second Suzuka had gone to sleep she had climbed off the couch and had started following Jim. She had caught up to him just before he entered the park, but then had noticed that she wasn't the only one following him.
She waited while Jim talked to the girl. The hard part was that she was still hungry. She couldn't even concentrate on what they were saying. She turned to look for someplace to grab something quick while they talked and when she turned back they were gone.
Aisha growled. "Oh great. Now how do I get myself into these things?"
Jumping down from the roof she walked into the park and looked around. Sniffing the air she caught their scent and began to follow then stopped. Maybe she should just go home. After all Jim and that girl seemed to be getting along well. And she trusted Jim totally.
It was the pirate she didn't trust. Something had been bugging her about it since the moment she had shown up. And it wasn't just that nagging twinge of jealousy she'd felt since the girl had kissed Jim. Something about her made Aisha's fur stand on end and not in the good way.
Working her way through the park she followed after them. Whether Jim got mad at her or not didn't matter. She just had to make sure he was safe. Then she saw the burger stand. Maybe Jim could wait a few extra minutes after all.
Jim and Hanmio arrived at the spaceport almost a half-hour later. When they got there Hanmio smiled and pointed to a ship about half the size of the Outlaw Star. Jim looked it over and whistled. "Wow, a 2X11. That's a great ship. But it's also hard to fly. How are you going to do it with the other pirates in jail?"
Hanmio smiled. "I don't." She put her fingers up to her mouth and let out a loud whistle. Suddenly shadows began to detach themselves from various places around the spaceport. Jim looked at them in shock and realized that they were the same pirates that had attacked them earlier.
Two other men, who Jim recognized at the police who had taken the men into custody and paid Gene his bounty money, came out too and they all lined up behind Hanmio.
Jim looked at her and sighed. "I see. So what's the plan? Can't be ransom, Gene's broke. If you wanted to kill me you would have."
Hanmio smiled. "Boy Jim, you're just as smart as the records said. You're right; I don't want to kill you. But we do need you to get us into the XGP and if you don't help us..."
Jim looked at her. "You know, I really did want to be your friend."
"And I really wish you had agreed to come along with us. But you didn't and now we have to do this the hard way. Come on."
Jim sighed as the pirates lead him towards where the Outlaw Star was docked. Jim was pushed into the elevator by one of the other pirates and bumped his head against the wall. Hanmio punched the man in the stomach. "I told you not to hurt him unless he didn't do what we said! You go back to the ship now." Clutching his stomach the man nodded and hobbled back out of the elevator. Hanmio looked at Jim and rubbed his head. "You all right Jim?"
He pushed her hand off and refused to respond. Hanmio just smiled and pushed the button to raise the elevator.
Once they were at the top one of the pirates pushed Jim towards the door. "Open it."
Jim walked up to the door. "Gilliam, please open the door."
The computer's voice responded, "Who are your friends Jim? They are not registered crew members."
Jim nodded, "They are a group of pirates that will kill me if you do not open the door and let them in."
Gilliam waited quietly for a minute, then the door opened slowly. "Understood Jim."
Gene smiled and put his arm around Melfina's shoulder. When they had finished eating at the restaurant Gene and Melfina had run out of things to say and do. Gene never was used to fancy places like that as anything but a meeting place for customers and Melfina knew it. So after sitting there quietly for a while she had suggested that they go someplace fun.
Gene knew of a nightclub in the area and Melfina had agreed whole heatedly. They had spent most of the rest of the night dancing and talking, when suddenly he heard Gilliam's voice. "Gene, we have a problem."
Gene put his hand up to his ear, "What is it Gilliam?"
"Pirates have kidnapped Jim and have used him to force me to let them in. If something is not done soon they may steal the ship."
Gene cursed and looked at Melfina, "Jim's in trouble. Gilliam says the pirates have him and they are aboard the Outlaw Star."
Melfina gasped, "Oh no, do you think they'll hurt him?"
Gene shrugged. "I don't know, but we have to get there now." He reached up to his ear. "Gilliam, do whatever you can to keep them busy."
"I will do my best Gene," Gilliam said.
Melfina and Gene ran out to the car. Gene started it up and handed Melfina the phone. "Call Suzuka and Aisha, tell them to meet us there."
Suzuka heard the phone ring and opened her eyes yawning. Crawling out of the bed she picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Suzuka, it's me," Melfina said. "We need your help. Some pirates got Jim and are on the Outlaw Star. Gene and I are on our way there now. Can you and Aisha meet us there?"
"Aisha isn't here. She left a while ago, probably to get something to eat. I'll be there shortly." Suzuka said.
"All right. See you there Suzuka." Melfina said and hung up the phone.
Reaching for her robes and sword Suzuka ran out the door, not bothering to even put her hair up. Jumping into the air she landed on the top of a passing bus she began working her way to the spaceport.
Aisha smiled and rubbed her belly. She had just cleaned out all of the burgers and fries in the stand as well as a vat of chocolate milkshakes. Wobbling slightly she paid her bill and walked out of the stand. Now she could go look for Jim again. Sniffing the air she picked up his scent and followed after the way he and the pirate girl had gone.
Yawning she began to wonder why she was doing this. Before she would have just let Jim do whatever he liked and stayed at home in bed. Hanging around with humans must be rubbing off on her.
Suddenly she stopped in her tracks. At the edge of the spaceport she noticed several other smells. They were the guys from before, and maybe two others. Growling in her throat she let out a curse. "I should have known. Stinking pirates." Running faster now Aisha sniffed around. The scent led her to a strange ship she hadn't noticed when they had landed, but realized had been there.
In the darkness she saw one pirate sitting near the elevator, holding his stomach. Slowly working her way through the shadows and avoiding the lights, she snuck up behind him and grabbed his throat, digging her claws in slightly. "You have exactly two seconds to tell me where Jim is or I will rip your head off."
"He's on the XGP. The boss wants him to show her how to..." He was cut off when Aisha knocked him out.
Aisha growled and worked her way towards the Outlaw Star, checking to make sure there were no other guards. Slinking close to the ground she saw that the elevator was up, so she couldn't use that. Even if it were down the sound might alert the pirates. Grinning Aisha began climbing up the metal beams towards the door. She'd show these pirates what it meant to attack the friends of the Ctarl-Ctarl. Then she'd skin Jim alive for being dumb enough to trust a pirate.
Gene arrived at the spaceport about a minute after Aisha began climbing up the elevator. Suzuka jumped off the top of a passing car at the same time. Without a single word they ran straight towards the launch pad. Gene was about to push the button for the elevator when Suzuka grabbed his hand to stop him.
"What is it Suzuka?" Gene asked.
Suzuka pointed up at Aisha, who was almost to the top. Melfina smiled and shook her head. "I wouldn't want to be those pirates right now."
Gene nodded. "No doubt. But do you thinks he can do it on her own?"
Suzuka nodded. "Don't tell her, but yes I think so. Just in case though, if she's not out of there in ten minutes..."
Inside the ship Jim was being watched over by several increasingly annoyed pirates. Gilliam was giving exactingly detailed answers to all of their questions and adding his own comments whenever possible.
Hanmio turned to Jim, "How do you live with this? If it were me I'd have had a new personality put in a long time ago." Jim shrugged. "Now Jim, would you like to tell me how to pilot this thing so that I don't have to listen to this piece of junk any more?"
Gilliam said, "I am not a piece of junk. I am the single most advanced computer system in the universe, second only to Melfina and the galactic leyline, which in all truth can't be considered computer systems since they are alive and have souls which opens up many philosophical questions such as..."
Jim smiled at Hanmio and shrugged. "Sorry, but I just handle the weapons and computer. Gene is the pilot and the only one who has ever flown the Outlaw Star. And Gilliam can't help you either because he isn't hooked up to life support or anything to do with flying the ship." He smirked. "Plus Gene has the keys."
Hanmio frowned and turned to her men. "All right, two of you watch Jim. The rest of us will search this ship for any extra keys." She turned back to Jim and kissed his cheek. "Don't go anywhere now." Jim frowned and wiped his cheek off.
Leaning back against the wall with the two pirates watching his every move Jim wished he had been just a little more skeptical. Or at least taken a weapon with him. He just hoped he'd get out of this. If he did he swore to never trust another pirate as long as he lived.
Aisha whispered into the console next to the door. "Gilliam, it's me. Open the door quietly and don't say anything."
The door slowly slid open and Aisha slipped inside. Stopping just inside the door she closed her eyes and listened carefully. From what she could tell there were seven people. Three of them in the cockpit and four spread out through the ship. Aisha grinned and worked her way down the hall towards the cockpit.
She peeked in and saw Jim being watched by two pirates. Slipping into the room she walked over to them. When the pirates looked up in surprise she grabbed each of them by the neck and slammed their heads together, knocking them unconscious. Jim smiled up at her. "What kept you?"
Aisha smiled and rubbed his hair. "You know, sometimes you are almost more trouble than you are worth. And if you ever do this again I will personally skin you."
Jim smiled. "All right. But there are four more pirates."
Aisha nodded. "I'll be right back." She disappeared down the hall leaving Jim behind smiling and shaking his head.
Aisha found the first pirate coming out of her quarters. He was holding some of the things she had managed to steal from the pirate vault. Aisha knocked him out before he knew what hit him. Pushing him and her stuff back into the room, Aisha closed the door and worked her way deeper into the ship.
Suddenly she heard someone coming down the hall. Jumping into the air she grabbed hold of Gilliam's drone rail. Two more pirates walked underneath her. Hanging on by her feet Aisha reached down and grabbed both of them. They managed to get out a startled yell before Aisha managed to knock them out.
Hanmio stuck her head out of the kitchen. "Rasher? Hillock?" She turned and saw Aisha drop the two pirates onto the floor. Standing in a defensive position she watched Aisha closely as she let go and landed on the floor. "And who are you?"
Aisha grinned. "Me? Well I'm Jim's girlfriend." She walked straight towards Hanmio, who shot her hand forward hard enough to drive it through someone's stomach. Someone human that is. Aisha simply stood there looking unimpressed. Hanmio hit her three more times before her hand started hurting. As she turned to run Aisha grabbed hold of her shirt and lifted her off the floor.
Hanmio began moving her hands in tight circles and mumbling under her breath. Aisha immediately banged Hanmio's head against the wall, knocking her out. Aisha smiled and began piling the pirates by the door. Jim smiled at her. "You know Aisha..."
She smiled at him, "Yeah, I know Jim." She let the tip of her tail tickle his chin.
Just then Gene, Melfina, and Suzuka came through the door. Gene saw the pile of pirates and whistled. "Good work Aisha. You saved Jim."
Suzuka grinned at her and said, "Just how did you get here so quickly? When Melfina called me you were gone, so how did you even know where Jim was, let alone that he was in trouble?"
Aisha yawned and looked totally calm as she said. "Oh I wasn't after Jim. I woke up and was hungry so I went out to eat. Then I decided to see if I could find that other pirate that got away. That's why I went to their ship first. If you'll check there you'll find another one unconscious." She turned and headed for the door, then stopped and looked back at them. "By the way Gene, when you turn these guys in and sell their ship I get the money."
Gene nodded, "Whatever you say Aisha. Thanks."
She shrugged it off. "I'm going home to sleep, wake me up in time for breakfast." She winked at Jim, then stepped out the door and got into the elevator.
Suzuka looked at Melfina. "Do you really believe that the only reason she was out her was the pirates?"
Melfina giggled. "No."
Gene shook his head at the two of them, then glanced at Jim. "Well I guess we'd better collect these pirates and their ship."
Jim nodded. "Yeah, and sell it as soon as possible. We don't want to have to pay fees to dock them both. But first let's turn these pirates in before they wake up."
Suzuka noticed Jim glance at Hanmio sadly. "Jim, I'm sorry you couldn't make things work out. It was nice of you to try."
Jim looked up at her. "That's all right Suzuka. I should have listened to you anyway."
They each picked up a pirate and headed towards the elevator. Once there they piled the pirates up again and headed down to the launch pad. Gene looked at them and said, "Come on guys, let's get them into the... hey where's the car?"
Jim looked around the spaceport. "For that matter where's..."
"Aisha!" Gene yelled.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Hey guys, it's me Gene. As you know I'm the star of the show, but in this one Aisha and Jim were pretty much the focus of attention. Now Suzuka is threatening us so the next fic is going to be about her mostly. What is the universe coming to these days? Anyway in the next fic we'll see where Suzuka disappears to and what she does with all the money she makes us pay her. So watch out for the next fic, 'Assassins and Bounty hunters.'
Author's note
So what did you think? I know a lot of you don't really see the Jim-Aisha thing happening, but I think they make a cute couple. Besides it was a cool story. Tell me what you thought about it at clayton_n@hotmail.com
Cat girls in heat
By, Clayton Overstreet
I the last story Gene and the others blew most of the money they had gotten from robbing the Kae pirates vault on a failed attempt to move into the Tai pirates territory near Earth. The story ended with their new offices being torn to pieces and Gene deciding that it would be a lot healthier to go back to his old place on Heifong, so using their last bit of money they turned tail and took the trip back, especially since the word was that the Kae pirates were totally broken up due to lack of funds. They have just arrived on Heifong and are on their way to their building.
Aisha grumbled from the back seat. "I can't believe we just left like that. And the trip back took forever!"
Gene moaned, having heard the same thing since they had started back. "Aisha if you wanted to, you could have stayed back with the Tai pirates. I mean we only killed their leader. I'm sure that nobody would have come after you and just because they could rip a building him half, I'm sure there is no reason you couldn't have handled them at all."
Aisha stuck her tongue out at him. "I still feel like a disgrace to the Ctarl-Ctarl. What will my friends think of me running away from pirates like that?"
Jim turned to her and smiled at her. "We won't tell if you don't Aisha. And anyway we'd have missed you, right Melfina?"
Melfina smiled and nodded. "Right Jim. Things would be so quiet without her."
"And peaceful!" Gene shot in.
Aisha growled at him. "Oh like you're any better. Every five minutes yelling: 'We're broke' 'We'll make it big' 'Shut up Aisha.'"
Gene frowned, "Shut up Aisha!"
Melfina giggled and Suzuka laughed quietly. "Well I can see where Aisha has a point, but I will point out that there is no shame in bowing out to a superior opponent. Our fights were over when we left, Aisha and it was clear that, considering how we seem to always get into trouble with the local pirates, if we had stayed they would have eventually killed us."
Aisha sighed and looked out the window at the passing buildings. "I suppose you're right Suzu."
Suzuka frowned. "Then do me the favor of not calling me that any more!"
Gene ignored both of them and turned to Jim. "So how much do we have left?"
Jim opened his computer. "Well after paying off the mortgage on our offices here and back home we have about five hundred thousand Wong. With the space port fee's, bills, and the things we need to keep the business going we have about a hundred thousand that we can spend on creature comforts."
Gene nodded. "And if our luck holds we'll need to save half of that just in case."
Melfina stuck her head between the front seats. "You two need to cheer up. I know you didn't want to have to come back any more than Aisha or Suzuka, but now that we're here let's make the best of it."
Gene smiled and stopped the car in front of their building. "You're right Mel. I mean we just escaped from some of the deadliest people in the known universe. What could possibly go wrong?"
Jim looked out and saw a group of five people waiting outside the door to their office. They had pirate markings on their clothes. "Uh oh."
Gene looked and sighed. "Jim, you and Melfina stay here for a minute." Getting out of the car followed by Aisha and Suzuka.
He walked over to the group of pirates, leaving Jim and Melfina in the car. Jim watched him begin speaking with the pirates, but couldn't hear them from inside the car.
Melfina looked out the window nervously. "Do you think they'll be all right?"
Jim nodded and leaned back in his seat. "Yeah sure. I mean after the Tai pirates Gene's probably itching to make sure that he can still handle himself."
Outside Gene had told them who he was and the fight had started. Gene was in a fistfight with the biggest one while Aisha and Suzuka were fighting with two of the others. Jim looked away bored, scanning the area in case the pirates had any friends.
"Who's that?" Melfina asked pointing to the alley besides the building. Jim looked and saw someone in the shadows. He couldn't make out the face, but whoever they were they were short and judging from the way their hands were moving they were preparing to use Tao magic on Gene and the others.
"Melfina, wait here and if one of us looks like we're getting into trouble honk the horn. That might distract them." Jim said, then reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a gun.
Melfina bit her lip and nodded. "Be careful Jim."
Jim smiled and gave her a thumbs up, "No problem, whomever he is he seems about my size." Closing the door Jim snuck around the car. Checking to make sure nobody was looking he then began to work his way to the alley.
Gene had his guy against the wall while Suzuka and Aisha had both finished off one of theirs each. Coming to the corner of the ally Jim heard whomever it was chanting, "Pagawa Santa pagawa santa..."
Stepping out he pointed his gun and said, "Hold it right there, I won't let you hurt my partner!"
The pirate turned around and stared at the gun, then looked up at him in shock, "Jim?"
Jim's jaw dropped as he saw the familiar black hair and face. "Hanmio? You're a pirate?"
"You, are Gene Starwind's partner?" She replied.
Jim tried to think of something to say when he heard the car horn honk and someone hit the wall near the corner. They both looked back and saw that Aisha had thrown the guy she was fighting there. The rest of the pirates lay on the ground.
Suddenly Hanmio kicked the gun out of Jim's hand. He looked at her surprised, but she leaned forward and kissed him, then ran down the alley.
Gene came around the corner just in time to see Hanmio disappear around the corner. "Dang, one got away. Good work there Jim. If you hadn't stopped their magician they might have won."
Jim nodded still looking down the alley. Gene laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Cheer up. With the bounty we get from these guys we'll have a little more spending money. I'll tell you what, since you saved our lives you can choose where we eat tonight, deal?"
Jim looked up and forced himself to smile. "Sounds good, but I think I'll just order pizza. I'll get enough for Aisha and Suzuka too. Why don't you take Melfina out? You two haven't done much since she told you she's having a baby. And you got the good news that it's all right after what happened with the caster. You should celebrate."
Gene looked at him suspiciously then shrugged. "All right, it's your call. Thanks partner." He turned and walked over to the car where Melfina and Suzuka were waiting.
Stepping out of the alley Jim heard Aisha clear her throat. Turning he saw her leaning against the wall. "You want to tell me what that was all about? Who is this Hanmio person?"
Jim smiled and shook his head. "Boy Aisha, you have really good ears." Aisha shrugged and Jim walked over to stand next to her against the wall. "You remember that girl I had a date with on the space station?"
Aisha nodded. "I remember Gene teasing you about it."
Jim told her about the date he'd had with Hanmio.
"How much do you want to bet she's also that pirate with the weird ship?" Aisha asked.
Jim nodded. "You're right." He turned and looked up at her a little guiltily. "You know Aisha I didn't know her that well. Barely a few hours really."
Aisha giggled and rubbed his head. "Don't worry Jim, I'm not jealous. You're only twelve and like you said you barely knew her. It's not like you're old enough to do anything I'd have to kill you for. You're not Gene after all."
Jim smirked up at her. "Hey, stop treating me like a kid. For all you know I could have. And it wasn't like I was dating you then either."
Aisha laughed. "Well I also heard you offer to buy pizza for me and Suzuka."
"I just hope we can afford it the way you eat," He said.
Aisha stuck her nose up. "We Ctarl-Ctarl have a much higher metabolism than you weak humans."
Jim laughed and Aisha rubbed his head again. From the door Gene yelled, "Hey, are you two coming in or not?" Both of them shrugged and followed the rest of the group inside. Aisha kicked the face of one of the pirates who had started to wake up.
Once Gene had taken the pirates in and collected his bounty, he and Melfina had gone out to the restaurant where he had fought Ron McDougal, leaving Jim back at the house with Aisha and Suzuka. He had ordered five pizzas, four of which Aisha ate by herself before falling asleep on the couch.
Jim and Suzuka had been sharing their pizza quietly when Suzuka looked up at him an asked, "Something on your mind Jim?"
Jim looked at her, and then nodded. "What do you think about destiny Suzuka? I mean do you believe some events happen because they are supposed to?"
Suzuka took a bite of pizza, then nodded. "Yes I do Jim. But I think our actions also determine our destiny. The universe simply gives us the choice between destinies. Why do you ask?"
Jim thought about that. "Well I once met this person and everything seemed so contrived it seemed like we were meant to meet."
Suzuka smiled. "Oh? Would that be that pirate girl you met in the alley way?" Jim looked at her in surprise. "Oh don't look so shocked. Aisha isn't the only one who can hear more than ten feet."
Jim smirked. "Well I was just wondering if maybe it would be worth trying to make friends with her?"
Suzuka raised an eyebrow, "Just friends?"
Jim nodded. "Aw come on. You know I wouldn't just leave Aisha for someone I barely know, destiny or not. But from what I do know she's a very nice person and should be given a fair chance to turn it around."
Suzuka frowned. "You know how I feel about pirates Jim, particularly the Kae pirates. I don't trust them."
Jim nodded. "Yeah, but there really aren't any Kae pirates any more. The few who are left aren't really a guild any more. Maybe I should give her a chance."
Suzuka nodded. "I suppose. It's up to you though Jim. Why don't you take a walk? It always helps me when I have something to think about."
Jim smiled. "That sounds like a good idea Suzuka, I might just do that. I'm not that tired anyway."
Suzuka smiled, "All right. If Aisha wakes up I'll tell her where you went." Jim nodded and glanced at Aisha, smiling. Suzuka grinned at him. "She isn't that bad once you get to know her. If only she would stop shortening my name."
Jim laughed, "Yeah. Thanks Suzuka." Standing up he walked to the door, then stopped and turned back. "You know you aren't so bad either."
Suzuka smiled and winked. "Don't let it get out. It might ruin my reputation."
Jim walked out the door and closed it softly behind him. Once he was gone Aisha opened her eyes. "You know Suz, it's not polite to talk about someone when they aren't listening."
Suzuka smiled. "But you were listening. I knew because you weren't snoring."
Aisha growled. "I don't snore. Anyway thanks for talking to Jim. I'm not very good with that philosophical stuff. It gives me a head ache."
Suzuka smiled. "You're welcome, but don't you think you might want to talk to him next time?"
Aisha sighed and reached for the last slice of pizza and gobbled it down. "Maybe. I'll think about it." She rolled over and closed her eyes. Despite her calm attitude and apparent lack of feelings on the matter, Suzuka noticed she still wasn't snoring.
Jim walked down the street with his hands in his pockets. He had been walking for nearly a half-hour and still wasn't feeling much better. "Maybe I should just do what Aisha does and let things work themselves out." It would probably be a lot easier. It seemed to work for Gene after all.
But if he did that then there'd be nobody to watch for the little things and pretty soon they'd all be out of the street. Jim had had enough of that when his dad had died. If Gene hadn't picked him up off the street he'd have probably starved or ended up working for the pirates.
He stopped outside of Loa Park. He remembered that he had met Hanmio and her cats. He stopped and turned down the path, looking around at the trees and grass. There were lights lining the walkway so it was easy enough to see.
Jim shook his head and looked up at the sky. The stars were shining and the two moons were at a quarter each. Most nights on Heifong you couldn't see the night sky this well, with the city lights and the clouds.
Suddenly Jim heard something move behind him. Turning around he saw someone duck behind one of the trees, but he couldn't tell who it was because they were too far away from the lights. "Who's there?"
Something landed at his feet and he jumped back startled. Looking down he saw it was a pink rose. He leaned down and picked it up. When he looked up again Hanmio was standing in front of him. "Hi Jim. Long time no see."
He smiled and sat down on the edge of the path. "You know, I waited for you at the park. You never did show up again."
Hanmio sat down on the other side of the path. "It's hard to keep a promise when you get blown up." She looked down at her right arm and flexed it slightly. Jim heard the sound of servomotors.
"So you were the pirate who was trying to kill us." Jim said.
Hanmio nodded. "It wasn't anything personal, just a job. I didn't even know that you were on that ship."
Jim frowned and flicked his fingers through the grass and pulled out a few blades. Hanmio looked up and smiled at him. Jim smiled back, "I don't suppose you'd consider giving up being a pirate?"
She laughed. "I don't suppose you'd want to give up being an outlaw and become a pirate?"
Jim shook his head. "No, I wouldn't. But do you think we could still be friends?"
Hanmio nodded. "Yeah, I think I'd like that. But I'm not sure if we could. I can't even stay that long. Since the Kae pirates disbanded I had to join up with the Ban pirates and they don't like loose ends like this."
Jim nodded. "I know, they like to plan things out perfectly. We were at their attack on a space forces warship. But if we're friends we could agree not to attack each other or something and work from there."
She smiled, "It sounds like something worth a try." He arm beeped slightly. "Look, I have to go. They let us try to get revenge against Gene Starwind for today only. If we couldn't we agreed to forget about it and get back into space by midnight. Looks like I'll be going back alone." She stood up and walked over too him. "I was hoping I might be able to talk you into coming with me Jim."
He stood up and looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry, but that isn't going to happen. But I will see you off if you want."
She nodded and they turned to walk to the spaceport.
Aisha watched Jim and the pirate girl from the roof of a near by building. The second Suzuka had gone to sleep she had climbed off the couch and had started following Jim. She had caught up to him just before he entered the park, but then had noticed that she wasn't the only one following him.
She waited while Jim talked to the girl. The hard part was that she was still hungry. She couldn't even concentrate on what they were saying. She turned to look for someplace to grab something quick while they talked and when she turned back they were gone.
Aisha growled. "Oh great. Now how do I get myself into these things?"
Jumping down from the roof she walked into the park and looked around. Sniffing the air she caught their scent and began to follow then stopped. Maybe she should just go home. After all Jim and that girl seemed to be getting along well. And she trusted Jim totally.
It was the pirate she didn't trust. Something had been bugging her about it since the moment she had shown up. And it wasn't just that nagging twinge of jealousy she'd felt since the girl had kissed Jim. Something about her made Aisha's fur stand on end and not in the good way.
Working her way through the park she followed after them. Whether Jim got mad at her or not didn't matter. She just had to make sure he was safe. Then she saw the burger stand. Maybe Jim could wait a few extra minutes after all.
Jim and Hanmio arrived at the spaceport almost a half-hour later. When they got there Hanmio smiled and pointed to a ship about half the size of the Outlaw Star. Jim looked it over and whistled. "Wow, a 2X11. That's a great ship. But it's also hard to fly. How are you going to do it with the other pirates in jail?"
Hanmio smiled. "I don't." She put her fingers up to her mouth and let out a loud whistle. Suddenly shadows began to detach themselves from various places around the spaceport. Jim looked at them in shock and realized that they were the same pirates that had attacked them earlier.
Two other men, who Jim recognized at the police who had taken the men into custody and paid Gene his bounty money, came out too and they all lined up behind Hanmio.
Jim looked at her and sighed. "I see. So what's the plan? Can't be ransom, Gene's broke. If you wanted to kill me you would have."
Hanmio smiled. "Boy Jim, you're just as smart as the records said. You're right; I don't want to kill you. But we do need you to get us into the XGP and if you don't help us..."
Jim looked at her. "You know, I really did want to be your friend."
"And I really wish you had agreed to come along with us. But you didn't and now we have to do this the hard way. Come on."
Jim sighed as the pirates lead him towards where the Outlaw Star was docked. Jim was pushed into the elevator by one of the other pirates and bumped his head against the wall. Hanmio punched the man in the stomach. "I told you not to hurt him unless he didn't do what we said! You go back to the ship now." Clutching his stomach the man nodded and hobbled back out of the elevator. Hanmio looked at Jim and rubbed his head. "You all right Jim?"
He pushed her hand off and refused to respond. Hanmio just smiled and pushed the button to raise the elevator.
Once they were at the top one of the pirates pushed Jim towards the door. "Open it."
Jim walked up to the door. "Gilliam, please open the door."
The computer's voice responded, "Who are your friends Jim? They are not registered crew members."
Jim nodded, "They are a group of pirates that will kill me if you do not open the door and let them in."
Gilliam waited quietly for a minute, then the door opened slowly. "Understood Jim."
Gene smiled and put his arm around Melfina's shoulder. When they had finished eating at the restaurant Gene and Melfina had run out of things to say and do. Gene never was used to fancy places like that as anything but a meeting place for customers and Melfina knew it. So after sitting there quietly for a while she had suggested that they go someplace fun.
Gene knew of a nightclub in the area and Melfina had agreed whole heatedly. They had spent most of the rest of the night dancing and talking, when suddenly he heard Gilliam's voice. "Gene, we have a problem."
Gene put his hand up to his ear, "What is it Gilliam?"
"Pirates have kidnapped Jim and have used him to force me to let them in. If something is not done soon they may steal the ship."
Gene cursed and looked at Melfina, "Jim's in trouble. Gilliam says the pirates have him and they are aboard the Outlaw Star."
Melfina gasped, "Oh no, do you think they'll hurt him?"
Gene shrugged. "I don't know, but we have to get there now." He reached up to his ear. "Gilliam, do whatever you can to keep them busy."
"I will do my best Gene," Gilliam said.
Melfina and Gene ran out to the car. Gene started it up and handed Melfina the phone. "Call Suzuka and Aisha, tell them to meet us there."
Suzuka heard the phone ring and opened her eyes yawning. Crawling out of the bed she picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Suzuka, it's me," Melfina said. "We need your help. Some pirates got Jim and are on the Outlaw Star. Gene and I are on our way there now. Can you and Aisha meet us there?"
"Aisha isn't here. She left a while ago, probably to get something to eat. I'll be there shortly." Suzuka said.
"All right. See you there Suzuka." Melfina said and hung up the phone.
Reaching for her robes and sword Suzuka ran out the door, not bothering to even put her hair up. Jumping into the air she landed on the top of a passing bus she began working her way to the spaceport.
Aisha smiled and rubbed her belly. She had just cleaned out all of the burgers and fries in the stand as well as a vat of chocolate milkshakes. Wobbling slightly she paid her bill and walked out of the stand. Now she could go look for Jim again. Sniffing the air she picked up his scent and followed after the way he and the pirate girl had gone.
Yawning she began to wonder why she was doing this. Before she would have just let Jim do whatever he liked and stayed at home in bed. Hanging around with humans must be rubbing off on her.
Suddenly she stopped in her tracks. At the edge of the spaceport she noticed several other smells. They were the guys from before, and maybe two others. Growling in her throat she let out a curse. "I should have known. Stinking pirates." Running faster now Aisha sniffed around. The scent led her to a strange ship she hadn't noticed when they had landed, but realized had been there.
In the darkness she saw one pirate sitting near the elevator, holding his stomach. Slowly working her way through the shadows and avoiding the lights, she snuck up behind him and grabbed his throat, digging her claws in slightly. "You have exactly two seconds to tell me where Jim is or I will rip your head off."
"He's on the XGP. The boss wants him to show her how to..." He was cut off when Aisha knocked him out.
Aisha growled and worked her way towards the Outlaw Star, checking to make sure there were no other guards. Slinking close to the ground she saw that the elevator was up, so she couldn't use that. Even if it were down the sound might alert the pirates. Grinning Aisha began climbing up the metal beams towards the door. She'd show these pirates what it meant to attack the friends of the Ctarl-Ctarl. Then she'd skin Jim alive for being dumb enough to trust a pirate.
Gene arrived at the spaceport about a minute after Aisha began climbing up the elevator. Suzuka jumped off the top of a passing car at the same time. Without a single word they ran straight towards the launch pad. Gene was about to push the button for the elevator when Suzuka grabbed his hand to stop him.
"What is it Suzuka?" Gene asked.
Suzuka pointed up at Aisha, who was almost to the top. Melfina smiled and shook her head. "I wouldn't want to be those pirates right now."
Gene nodded. "No doubt. But do you thinks he can do it on her own?"
Suzuka nodded. "Don't tell her, but yes I think so. Just in case though, if she's not out of there in ten minutes..."
Inside the ship Jim was being watched over by several increasingly annoyed pirates. Gilliam was giving exactingly detailed answers to all of their questions and adding his own comments whenever possible.
Hanmio turned to Jim, "How do you live with this? If it were me I'd have had a new personality put in a long time ago." Jim shrugged. "Now Jim, would you like to tell me how to pilot this thing so that I don't have to listen to this piece of junk any more?"
Gilliam said, "I am not a piece of junk. I am the single most advanced computer system in the universe, second only to Melfina and the galactic leyline, which in all truth can't be considered computer systems since they are alive and have souls which opens up many philosophical questions such as..."
Jim smiled at Hanmio and shrugged. "Sorry, but I just handle the weapons and computer. Gene is the pilot and the only one who has ever flown the Outlaw Star. And Gilliam can't help you either because he isn't hooked up to life support or anything to do with flying the ship." He smirked. "Plus Gene has the keys."
Hanmio frowned and turned to her men. "All right, two of you watch Jim. The rest of us will search this ship for any extra keys." She turned back to Jim and kissed his cheek. "Don't go anywhere now." Jim frowned and wiped his cheek off.
Leaning back against the wall with the two pirates watching his every move Jim wished he had been just a little more skeptical. Or at least taken a weapon with him. He just hoped he'd get out of this. If he did he swore to never trust another pirate as long as he lived.
Aisha whispered into the console next to the door. "Gilliam, it's me. Open the door quietly and don't say anything."
The door slowly slid open and Aisha slipped inside. Stopping just inside the door she closed her eyes and listened carefully. From what she could tell there were seven people. Three of them in the cockpit and four spread out through the ship. Aisha grinned and worked her way down the hall towards the cockpit.
She peeked in and saw Jim being watched by two pirates. Slipping into the room she walked over to them. When the pirates looked up in surprise she grabbed each of them by the neck and slammed their heads together, knocking them unconscious. Jim smiled up at her. "What kept you?"
Aisha smiled and rubbed his hair. "You know, sometimes you are almost more trouble than you are worth. And if you ever do this again I will personally skin you."
Jim smiled. "All right. But there are four more pirates."
Aisha nodded. "I'll be right back." She disappeared down the hall leaving Jim behind smiling and shaking his head.
Aisha found the first pirate coming out of her quarters. He was holding some of the things she had managed to steal from the pirate vault. Aisha knocked him out before he knew what hit him. Pushing him and her stuff back into the room, Aisha closed the door and worked her way deeper into the ship.
Suddenly she heard someone coming down the hall. Jumping into the air she grabbed hold of Gilliam's drone rail. Two more pirates walked underneath her. Hanging on by her feet Aisha reached down and grabbed both of them. They managed to get out a startled yell before Aisha managed to knock them out.
Hanmio stuck her head out of the kitchen. "Rasher? Hillock?" She turned and saw Aisha drop the two pirates onto the floor. Standing in a defensive position she watched Aisha closely as she let go and landed on the floor. "And who are you?"
Aisha grinned. "Me? Well I'm Jim's girlfriend." She walked straight towards Hanmio, who shot her hand forward hard enough to drive it through someone's stomach. Someone human that is. Aisha simply stood there looking unimpressed. Hanmio hit her three more times before her hand started hurting. As she turned to run Aisha grabbed hold of her shirt and lifted her off the floor.
Hanmio began moving her hands in tight circles and mumbling under her breath. Aisha immediately banged Hanmio's head against the wall, knocking her out. Aisha smiled and began piling the pirates by the door. Jim smiled at her. "You know Aisha..."
She smiled at him, "Yeah, I know Jim." She let the tip of her tail tickle his chin.
Just then Gene, Melfina, and Suzuka came through the door. Gene saw the pile of pirates and whistled. "Good work Aisha. You saved Jim."
Suzuka grinned at her and said, "Just how did you get here so quickly? When Melfina called me you were gone, so how did you even know where Jim was, let alone that he was in trouble?"
Aisha yawned and looked totally calm as she said. "Oh I wasn't after Jim. I woke up and was hungry so I went out to eat. Then I decided to see if I could find that other pirate that got away. That's why I went to their ship first. If you'll check there you'll find another one unconscious." She turned and headed for the door, then stopped and looked back at them. "By the way Gene, when you turn these guys in and sell their ship I get the money."
Gene nodded, "Whatever you say Aisha. Thanks."
She shrugged it off. "I'm going home to sleep, wake me up in time for breakfast." She winked at Jim, then stepped out the door and got into the elevator.
Suzuka looked at Melfina. "Do you really believe that the only reason she was out her was the pirates?"
Melfina giggled. "No."
Gene shook his head at the two of them, then glanced at Jim. "Well I guess we'd better collect these pirates and their ship."
Jim nodded. "Yeah, and sell it as soon as possible. We don't want to have to pay fees to dock them both. But first let's turn these pirates in before they wake up."
Suzuka noticed Jim glance at Hanmio sadly. "Jim, I'm sorry you couldn't make things work out. It was nice of you to try."
Jim looked up at her. "That's all right Suzuka. I should have listened to you anyway."
They each picked up a pirate and headed towards the elevator. Once there they piled the pirates up again and headed down to the launch pad. Gene looked at them and said, "Come on guys, let's get them into the... hey where's the car?"
Jim looked around the spaceport. "For that matter where's..."
"Aisha!" Gene yelled.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Hey guys, it's me Gene. As you know I'm the star of the show, but in this one Aisha and Jim were pretty much the focus of attention. Now Suzuka is threatening us so the next fic is going to be about her mostly. What is the universe coming to these days? Anyway in the next fic we'll see where Suzuka disappears to and what she does with all the money she makes us pay her. So watch out for the next fic, 'Assassins and Bounty hunters.'
Author's note
So what did you think? I know a lot of you don't really see the Jim-Aisha thing happening, but I think they make a cute couple. Besides it was a cool story. Tell me what you thought about it at clayton_n@hotmail.com