DISCLAIMER: Let's see, do I own it? Guess A (yes) or B (no)

                        AN: Yeppie! Another chapter out and some major romancing! I'm so proud of myself *pats herself on the back*. This was such a fun chapter to right! Hmmm, Jim in a tuxedo *eyes go dreamy* yum… Ah, forget I said that! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter Seven- Lady Typhena's Last Song

                        Alyson stood in Lady Typhena's bathroom, looking into the wall-tall mirror there. The bathroom was probably as big as Alyson's bedroom at the Academy. It was made of glass with a titled bath and see-through shower. Big bay windows, with blue curtains pulled across them, lined the back wall.

            Alyson's lips twisted as she stared at the woman in the mirror. Hard to believe this pretty thing was herself.

            Lady Typhena had insisted on Alyson wearing this dress, saying it brought out her hair colour. The dress was porcelain white, much like Lady Typhena's skin. It had no sleeves and had white straps that covered her shoulder. The neckline was straight and the dress was tight around her breasts. It just as tight around her stomach and waist, but Alyson was lucky enough to be in shape so it didn't bother her as much as it could've. It loosened after it pasted her thighs and dropped to the floor with a slight flare. Alyson looked down and had to resist the urge to lift the dress so it didn't touch the floor, but that would look even sillier then right now. The silky material brushed against Alyson's skin and pleasure soared through her veins. This may look odd on her, but it felt so good. Alyson could not resist skimming her hands along the soft material of her beautiful white dress.

            "Wait 'till Jim sees me." Alyson muttered with a frown, "He'll laugh until his sides are sore."
            "Almost done in there, dear?" Lady Typhena called, "I want to see that dress on you."

            Alyson sighed and decided there was no point in trying to hide in the bathroom. It would just be rude to Lady Typhena, "Yes, Lady Typhena, I'm done. I'll be out in a minute."

            Alyson gathered the bottom of her dress in hands and stepped towards the door. Realizing what she was doing she dropped the dress and opened the door. With a hot blush spreading across her cheeks, she stepped out.

            Lady Typhena gasped and pressed a hand to her chest, "Oh my! My dear that dress was made for you."

            Alyson felt a weak smile work its way across her lips. She saw that Lady Typhena was dressed as well. She was wearing a dark purple dress that looked like it had been made for her as well. It was shorter then Alyson's with sleeves that fell to the floor in see-through, purple strands when they reached her elbows. Her hair was done up in an elaborate twist that was piled on top of her hair. Alyson almost groaned, she hoped she wouldn't have to do her hair like that.

            But Lady Typhena didn't take notice of Alyson's distressed look. Instead, she walked around Alyson, making inspections.

            "Yes, yes. That dress was meant to be yours. Look, it draws out your dark hair and that slim waist of yours." She laughed, "Had I your body this would be the only type of clothing I would wear. Make those men drool over me."

            Alyson blushed even more at this compliment, mostly because an image of Jim popped into her mind at Lady Typhena's words, and she mumbled incoherent words.

            Lady Typhena then frowned, "As for your hair, it is to grand to simply leave it in a bun or even a twist like mine. No, it should be down." Lady Typhena loosened Alyson's bun and sent her dark hair tumbling past her shoulders, "There. Your hair is so wonderful. It even curls naturally. I know women who would give their right arm to have this kind of hair. Now, we'll just brush it, get you some shoes, and we'll be ready for the party. Did you know I'm singing in it?"

            Alyson shook her head as Lady Typhena led her to a guest-bed, where they sat down. Lady Typhena was behind Alyson and took a mother-of-pearl white brush and began to softly brush Alyson's locks.

            Alyson almost sighed with pleasure. She had never before felt so at peace. What Lady Typhena was doing was something Alyson had always thought of as motherly. She had never felt that some was being motherly to her before. Seymour had worked as a father, but he really knew nothing of what went on between mother and daughter and he hadn't been able to give it to her.

            When Lady Typhena was done with Alyson's hair, she hurried off the bed, though she did so gracefully. She then walked into a closet that was as big as a small bedroom. Alyson watched as Lady Typhena exited the closet, carrying a small white box in her hands.

            "The gown would not be complete without this." Lady Typhena said, pulling open the lid to the box.

            Alyson gasped as she stared at the white shoes. The heels were tall and strings were attached to that top of the shoes. She took them from Lady Typhena and laced them up her legs. She tied the white strings into bows at her mid-calves.

            Alyson hopped off the bed and put her weight down on the shoes, almost afraid they would break beneath her, they looked that fragile. But they held firm and didn't even waver. Alyson was a little unhappy with the fact that no one would be able to see her shoes because of her dress, but it still looked beautiful.

            Alyson smiled at Lady Typhena and found herself caught up in the magic of the dress. She couldn't resist. She twirled around her dress, allowing the bottom of the skirt to billow around her. She was surprised to find that she wasn't embarrassed.

            Lady Typhena smiled and said softly, "Perfect. Absolutely perfect. I'll have someone send your cloths back to your ship."

            "What? My cloths…? But how will I get back to the ship?" Alyson asked, her eyes wide.

            "You'll wear that dress of course." Lady Typhena said as if it was obvious.

            "But… I couldn't possibly… I mean it's your dress… how could I…?" Alyson stammered, touching the silk of her dress.

            "I haven't worn it even once." Lady Typhena said, "It was a present to me from a fellow singer. He forgot that white did not look good on me. I've been saving it for someone that really looks good in it and you're the one."

            Alyson smiled widely, "I don't know what to say… I mean… I haven't done anything for you…"

            Lady Typhena shook her golden head, "There is no need to. I see it in your eyes that you are not used to another woman being so nice to you… like a mother, if you will. Every girl has a right to feel that, I'm just doing my good deed for the day."

            Alyson blushed, "I'm a orphan, you see, but I've been well take care of by Professor Seymour Blake-"

            "I was right!" Cried Lady Typhena, "A man has taken care of you all your life. You've never known a mother. Well, this what mothers and daughters usually do, only with a lot more arguing."

            Alyson smiled.

            "I'll have Rosario show you the way to the ballroom." Lady Typhena said and on cue, Rosario walked into the room.

            "You aren't going with me?" Alyson asked as Rosario took her hand with a slight smile.

            Lady Typhena shook her head, "My dear, I am singing at the party. I have to go into the back of the stage, so I have to go a different way then you."

            "Okay." Alyson muttered and allowed Rosario to lead her out of room. As they left the room, Alyson glanced back at Lady Typhena as if she wanted to say something but did not.

                        Jim stood awkwardly by the refreshment and food table in the ballroom at Lady Typhena's mansion.

            The ballroom was pretty enough. The floor was a dark marble colour and the walls were made of glass. There was a large stage in the back where the band played on musical instruments. There were tables in the front of the room and there was large dance floor in front of the stage. There was a grand, dark mahogany double-staircase in which guests spilled in from.

            Jim absently fiddled with his tie and then decided to remove it, leaving a deep v-line in his shirt. He was not used to tuxedos; he was usually in his captain's uniform. This was very uncomfortable. He wanted to find Alyson, throw her over his shoulder, and storm out of the mansion. Only problem was, Jim wasn't quite sure where Alyson was. Leave it to the women to spent five hours getting dressed.

            To make matters worse, Jim was forced to stand next to very annoying men. They kept making crude comments about every pretty woman they saw. Jim may not have been a very fancy man, but he would not tolerate such rudeness to a woman, unless she utterly deserved it like Alyson. It was all he could do not to grab the men by their collars and bash their heads together. But then, that would be very unsophisticated and he would probably be kicked out and then how would Alyson find him?

            "Wow, look at this tasty morsel, man." One of the men was saying, "I could eat her up. She a babe with a capital B."

            The other rude man was saying "Oh yeah, she's got all the right stuff in all the right places. Look at those curves!"

            Unable to resist, Jim tuned his head to see what had caught the men's eyes. He felt something kick in his stomach.

            He was staring at Alyson! But she looked so different from Alyson. The white dress, the glossy hair… it was so different from the Alyson he knew. But he could tell from the way she strutted down those wood stairs with such meaningful atmosphere, only the cloths had changed. From the way those sea-goddess eyes sparked with strength, he knew she was still Miss-Holier-Then-Thou. With almost a smile on his face, Jim began to walk to her.

            As he walked past the two snickering men, he couldn't resist bumping into them and sending them both sprawling on the floor. He could hear their curses of pain and smirked.

            Alyson looked around her, feeling slightly nervous and at the same time giddy. She felt like some kind of princess, waiting for her prince. What had been that story Seymour had once told her? Oh, yes, Cinderella. That was what she felt like, Cinderella. She had escaped the evil clutches of her stepsisters and was now at the ball waiting for her prince.

            Only the man striding to her was not the fair, gentle-eyed prince she had always imagined, but a dark, dangerous looking captain in a tuxedo. He's not my prince, Alyson told herself furiously.

            "Captain Hawkins." Alyson gasped as he reached. Slowly, she looked over his tuxedo and snickered.

            Jim's eyes narrowed as Alyson pressed a hand to her mouth, "What's so funny?" He asked angrily.

            "You." Alyson giggled, "I've just never imagined you in a tuxedo. You look terribly uncomfortable."

            Jim glared at her, "Well, I haven't exactly imagined you in a dress, either. I think you look silly." Even though it was lie, Jim thought it was better then admitting that he thought she looked stunning.

            Alyson glared right back at him, "Let's just find a table. I don't feel like embarrassing myself in front of all these people."

            Alyson brushed past Jim as if he wasn't worth her time and Jim felt his anger rising once more. What was it about this girl that got him so annoyed? He had never had this problem with other women before.

            Gritting his teeth, Jim followed Alyson to an empty table in front of the dance floor and sat down. As Alyson took her seat, Jim noticed that all the other men with dates where helping their ladies into their seats. He was surprised to find he was a little shamed that he hadn't helped Alyson into her seat.

            It's the stupid atmosphere, Jim told himself, I don't really feel sorry for not helping Alyson into her seat. She doesn't deserve my politeness and she's not even my date so I shouldn't care.

            Alyson sipped her water and watched Jim out of the corner of her eye. He looked annoyed, she mused, like someone who just swallowed a bug.

            As they sat in silence, the music on stage stopped. Alyson and Jim turned their attention to the stage as the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on the stage.

            Lady Typhena walked gracefully onto stage and she smiled at her guests. The room erupted into applause, Alyson and Jim included.

            "Ladies and Gentlemen," Lady Typhena said, "Thank you for coming to my last performance. I am sad to say that my career as a singer is ending, but all good things must come to an end. So enjoy this night and remember me well."

            With that, the band started playing but this time Lady Typhena's silvery voice chimed in.

            Alyson turned her head as she felt a tap on her shoulder. She stared up into the blue eyes of a fair-haired man.

            Prince Charming, Alyson thought and offered him a dazzling smile.

            "Excuse me, miss." The man said, "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. I would like to ask for your hand in this dance."

            "Sorry," growled Jim, "but the lady's with me and we were just about to have a dance." With that, Jim stood up and held out his hand for Alyson to take.

            Alyson should've taken the fair-man's hand, just to spite Jim. But there was something in those impossibly dark blue eyes of his that told her not to be stubborn or proud right now.

            Offering an apologetic smile to the fair-man, Alyson took Jim hand and he pulled her into his arms and onto the dance floor.

            Jim wrapped a strong hand around the small of Alyson's back and with the other took her hand. Alyson wrapped her free hand around Jim's neck. She was aware of how close they were.

            "Why did you do that?" Alyson asked as they began to dance.

            Jim glared at her, "Maybe I don't want you to get caught up in a romance with some pansy of a man when we'll be leaving soon." It was close enough to the truth, but the reason was different.

            Alyson was surprised that hurt filled her heart at Jim's words, "Oh." Was all she was able to say.

            Jim twirled Alyson away from him and then twirled her back into his arms.

            Alyson, to cover up her hurt, laughed softly, "You know, Captain? I never thought you were the dancing type."

            "I'm not and neither are you." Jim pointed out, "But we both know we had to take dancing lessons at the Academy."

            Alyson nodded with a smirk, "Yes, I know, but I'd always assumed you'd just failed those classes."

            A muscle in Jim's mouth tightened, "I wouldn't fail something as stupid as that. I may not have enjoyed it but I passed it."

            "Of course." Alyson said, looking into his eyes, "You would have to pass it. Your ego wouldn't allow you to fail."

            Jim growled and tightened his grip on the small of her back, "You know, for someone as smart as you claim to be, you make lousy comebacks."

            He twirled her once more but this time when he pulled her back to him, he did so more roughly then he should've. Alyson gasped, but not from pain but from something she wasn't quite willing to name.

            "I swear, Captain, you are the most intolerable man I have ever met." Alyson said, the humor gone from her eyes.

            For some reason, Jim's gut clenched. In a deep part of his subconscious, Jim realized he was making a drastic change in their relationship and he couldn't seem to care, "Yes, but I think you like it."

            Alyson blinked and said, "What do you mean?"

            "You like the fact that I challenge you. I'm sure not many people challenge you. You're used to being Miss-Holier-Then-Thou, where everyone bows down to you. I don't do that. You like trying to get me to."

            Alyson laughed, but her laughter had a waver in it, "The only thing I like about you, Captain Hawkins, is that your ship is taking me to Dead Earth. And I don't like that fact very much."
            Jim and Alyson stopped dancing abruptly. Luckily, at the same time Lady Typhena had stopped singing so everyone else had stopped as well and everyone was clapping for her.

            But Alyson and Jim where not clapping. They were to busy staring into each other's eyes. They seemed to swim there, lost in the dark pools of blue and green. There hearts beat loudly and as one.

            "Jim." Alyson whispered softly and that seemed to be it. Jim removed his hand from Alyson's back and placed it on her cheek. With a gentle tug Alyson was pulled even closer to him. Now their faces were just inches apart.

            Alyson's eyes fluttered closed as Jim lowered his head to hers. She was surprised to see she was looking forward to their mating of lips.

            I don't really like him, of course, Alyson thought; it's just that he gets me so flustered and angry like no one ever has. My hate for him is so strong that I'm attracted to him. I don't really like arrogant guys like him.

            But it was hard to believe what she was telling herself when her whole body was moving in for the kiss. Alyson found herself noting how her body seemed to fit against his and she wondered what his arrogant lips would taste like.

            But she would never know, for the moment before there lips meet a scream broke through the air.

                        Lady Typhena stepped behind the stage after her song. Her throat was burning and she reached for a drinking glass in the darkened stage room.

            Even though she looked young, her body felt old. She couldn't sing like this anymore. She was too old, her body couldn't handle it. She was actually glad this was her last performance.

            Lady Typhena smiled as she thought of Jim and Alyson. Any minute now they would be kissing. She had seen it in their eyes when they had first looked at each other in her home. Love. Maybe they didn't realize it, but it was hard to miss. They were in love and it was a fierce kind of love. The kind that was so heated, so passionate, that if watched them long enough would get hot from their passion. That came from their arguments, she knew. They were so alike, yet so different, that they couldn't stand each other. Or so they thought. Maybe right now Jim and Alyson were denying their feelings for one another, but eventually they'll realize that they loved each other and then there was no telling what would happen.

            Lady Typhena sighed with pleasure as the cool water splashed down her throat. She didn't even sense the movement behind her.

            Lady Typhena turned and fixed her dress, preparing to go back on stage and sing again.

            All at once, Lady Typhena's mouth was covered by a large hand and she was dragged back into the darkness of the stage.

            Lady Typhena gasped as something sharp struck hard against her neck. Without anymore encouragement, Lady Typhena shut her eyes and stood perfectly still.

            "You should've just kept your mouth shut." A voiced hissed in her ear, "You should've stayed quite."

            Lady Typhena opened her mouth to bite the man that held her captive, but suddenly the sharp object pressing against her skin broke through and Lady Typhena's whole body went weak. The hand left her mouth and she felt his body disappear from the room.

            Lady Typhena collapsed to her knees, shaking her golden head like a wounded animal. Dark dots began to appear in her visions. The world was spinning and she had to press her head to the floor to remain conscious.

            Lady Typhena realized she was poisoned. Whoever had poisoned her had not wanted her to speak of her past, any of her past, and now she was going to pay the ultimate price for it. It wasn't fair.

            Like that, Lady Typhena found the power to move her feet once more. She surged upward and hurried out to the stage, emitting an agonizing scream of death and pain, hoping someone would be able to help her.

                        As the scream broke the crowd, Alyson pulled away from Jim just as their lips brushed.

            Forgetting they had been about to kiss the people the claimed to hate, Alyson and Jim hurried to the placed where they had heard the scream. The stage.

            Lady Typhena ran from the back of the stage like a bat out of hell. The band members were too surprised to try to stop her from falling off the stage. Lady Typhena fell face-first onto the floor. She began to spasm on there on the floor, her body jerking as if she was having a seizure.

            Alyson collapsed to her knees and took Lady Typhena in her arms. All around her, the people on the dance floor were hurrying away to either get away from Lady Typhena or to get help for her.

            "Lady Typhena," Alyson whispered, "can you hear me? It's me, Alyson."

            Lady Typhena gurgled and her eyes rolled back into her head, but then she seemed to final regain her senses and stared into Alyson's eyes.

            "Watch out, girl." Lady Typhena whispered, "He'll come for you next."

            "Who?"

            But Lady Typhena could not answer Alyson's question. She cried out again and began to thrash violently, as of trying to escape whatever was attacking her body. Fearing for her safety, Jim grabbed Alyson's arms and pulled her away from Lady Typhena.

            Lady Typhena continued trashing for a few more minutes, then her body gave a final jerk and she lay perfectly still. The stillness of her body gave Alyson a portentous feeling.

            Alyson pushed away from Jim, who had a death-grip on her arm. Then she walked towards the still woman with slow feet. With trembling fingers, she placed two fingers against the base of Lady Typhena's throat and gave a small cry.

            She turned to Jim and looked at him with tear filled eyes, "She's dead." She whispered.

            Jim flew forward and caught Alyson as her body collapsed to the ground. He picked her up gently in his arms, forgetting the fact that he sworn he would never carry her in this fashion. Alyson's body felt so small and fragile against his that his heart ached for reasons he would not name.

            Brushing the hair away from Alyson's eyes, Jim walked to the door and left for the Fate.

                        Two days later, Alyson stood at the railing of the Fate, as the crewmembers prepared to shove-off.

            Alyson gripped the railing so tight, her knuckled were turning white. She stared blindly out at NSPO. Tears blurred her vision.

            After the death of Lady Typhena, Jim had decided it would be better if they left as soon as possible and get on their way to Dead Earth. Alyson had been to upset to argue and now she just didn't want to.

            She felt a presence beside her and looked over at Jim.

            Jim looked at her right back, hating the look of pain and utter sadness in her eyes. They hadn't spoken about the almost-kiss and he was a little upset. He was surprised to find he had been looking forward to kissing Alyson on her oh-so kissable lips. He wanted to kiss her, he realized, but that didn't mean he liked her. It was just lust, lust for a pretty face. That was it.

            But now was not the time to go into it, or even talk to Alyson about their almost-kiss. She certainly wasn't ready or willing.

            It's probably better this way, Jim told himself, it'll give my lust time to fade and we can just pretend the ball never happened.

            "They think it's a heart-attack." Alyson said, her lips trembling, and Jim didn't think his attraction would fade, "But they're not sure… but, Captain, oh, Captain! I know that Lady Typhena's death was no accident."

            Jim shook his head, "Whatever it was, we can't worry about. I know you were really close to Lady Typhena, Professor, but remember your mission. You have to get to Dead Earth."

            "Only a few more days," Alyson mused, "and we'll be in the Dark Galaxy… Dead Earth's Galaxy."

            Jim nodded, "Yes, and then you can get your pictures and notes and we can head back home. Thank God."

            Glad to have feelings again, even anger, Alyson snapped her head at Jim and glared, "The same could be said for me, Captain."

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                        Don't I suck! So close yet so far! They almost kissed… *sigh* when will I stop being so cruel? Well, it probably not going to be for a least *checks notes* three or four chapters! Anyway, stayed tuned for Chapter Eight: Dead Earth. Alyson, Jim and the others finally arrive on Dead Earth, but they immediately run into trouble! Could Dead Earth not be as dead as they originally thought?

                                    People say never underestimate the power of stupid people in groups, I say never underestimate the power of one stupid person.

                                                -Lizzy Rebel