An Unexpected Encounter

Disclaimer: I do not own OLS!  'Nuff said. ;)

Chapter 8 – Little Brother is Captured

            The next morning, Jim woke up ahead of everyone else.  It was only 8 o'clock in the morning and being an early bird, he decided to go out and shop around for ship equipment.  I'll go out and get what we need for repairs and maintenance and I'll be back just in time to see Gene wake up.  Jim smiled to himself and went off to go find what he needed.

Meanwhile…

            "Prince Rume, we are about to make contact with Poi's atmosphere in about twenty minutes," said a commanding officer of the Quarlian Empire.  His name is Keet and he is twenty years old.  He was very powerful, built like an ox, as Rume would say.  He had huge muscles on his arms, with dark features for his eyes and hair, which matched evenly with his tan skin.  He is the right-hand man to Rume, as well as his best friend.  He knew about everything that happened in the life of Rume…all of those secrets.  If there was anything you needed to know, Keet was the best person to ask.  Of course, that was an impossible task…He wouldn't tell a soul…Except for maybe one particular person whom he was very fond of.  This happens to explain the reason for which Fera knew everything she knew.  She knew just about everything that rolled around in the palace because of her connection to the handsome, young soldier and to Lily…But no one knew of her relationship with Keet for it was kept behind closed doors.

            Rume smiled to himself and fixed a small crown over his head to show his place in rank and over his people, in public.  "Very well.  Thank you, Keet.  We are making good progress.  We should be able to get the kid and apprehend those other bastards soon."

            "We have pinpointed their exact location and are positioning ourselves to land in the same spot."

            "Excellent.  This will prove to be the beginning of my reign."

            "What do you me, Rume?"

            Rume laughed aloud.  "Keet, let's just say that you better get used to addressing me as your superior."

            "What's that supposed to mean?"

            "Phase 1 of my plan is just about to begin.  Catching this kid is going to be easier than I thought, from the looks of it anyway.  Gene Starwind's crew is comprised of none other than women and as far as I know, my stepmother's brother has had no form of combat practice."

            Keet chuckled.  "You're too much, Rume.  Didn't daddy ever teach you to never underestimate women?  They can be the death of you one day."  He winked.

            Rume grunted and said, "Well, you have some nerve!"

            Keet laughed even louder.  "Relax, Rume.  I was just kidding.  Can't ya take a joke for once?"

            Rume glared at Keet fierce fully.  "No!"

            Keet now laughed nervously and said, "Okay, okay.  I'll stop now."  Sometimes, even Keet was afraid of Rume, too.  God only knows what's on Rume's mind.  He sure scares the shit out of me sometimes.  We always start off joking around, but then he'll wind up gettin' pissed at me for no reason at all.  Well, no one understands him like I do, I guess.  I can see why he's so uptight…It must be all that royalty shit.  A lot of pressure on him, that's for sure.  "So do you mind explaining what this phase 1 shit is all about?"

            Rume gave Keet another hard stare, but then relaxed his face and grinned.  "It's just my master plan to take over my throne, Keet.  You know that only the strong can rule Quarlia and my father has taken it to ruin.  It is an embarrassing situation for our empire and a disgrace to our royal bloodline."

            "No one else seems to be complaining," Keet mumbled.  He had a different point of view on Quarlia's status than Rume did.  Although he was Rume's best man, he was not as bad as everyone thought him to be.  He was happy just being alive, well, and living his life as a peaceful man.

            "What did you say?"

            "Oh, me?  Nothing, I was just thinking of how I can't wait to get to this Poi planet already.  I haven't had me a decent meal in quite a few hours."

            Rume just chuckled and loosened up a bit, realizing that Keet was right.  He needed to get a life and stop being so serious.  After all, he was soon going to be king.  "You surely are a jokester, Keet."

            "So, um, about your master plan…if you don't mind me asking…what does it consist of?"

            Rume smiled widely.  "Keet, it's for me to know, and for you to find out."

            Huh?  What does he mean?  "So it's a secret?"

            "Of course.  But don't feel bad.  You'll know soon enough."

            I don't feel bad.  I just don't have a good feel for it, Rume.  I don't know what you're planning, but I hope you don't go overboard.  "I can't wait."

Back at Poi…

            Jim made it to town on his latest invention.  While having some downtime, he managed to make himself a modern motorbike that could go even faster than your average car if you wanted it to.  He parked in front of an auto shop to pick up some tools, some fuel to last them until they find an open space port, and parts that he would probably need in the long run.  After that he went to buy some groceries and look for any job listings.  Okay well I think I got everything we need for now.  Gene's lazy ass better be up when I get back to the ship.  And with that thought, he rode back to the ship, taking his time as he realized he still had plenty of time until Gene would decide to wake up.

"We have landed safely and we are only a few feet within the crew's ship.  Everything appears to be calm and quiet.  What are your orders, Rume?"

"Spread out…try to enter the ship as best you can, if not destroy it."

"But—But didn't your father say to—"

"You will do as I say, Keet.  My father is not here, and I am the one giving the orders now."

"Yes, sir."  Keet gave Rume's commands to the rest of the soldiers and they moved out of their ship and onto the plain field surrounding them and the Outlaw Star.  All but Rume had left the ship.  There were about thirty of them, armed and ready for battle if need be.  They looked around for any strange traps, objects, or disturbances that would get in their way.  Nothing seemed to catch their eye until Keet spotted an attractive, young lady who was probably around the same age as he was.  "Everyone spread out.  Surround the ship, and don't let anyone out of your sight.  If you see something or someone strange, don't hold back.  Defend yourselves."  Keet completed his orders and moved forward to the girl. She was fair skinned with dark hair and light brown eyes, reminding him very much so of his woman, Fera.  For woman, she was indeed.  Although she was only a girl in age, Fera had given up her precious gift of love to Keet, the only man she ever knew and was with.  He did not know about this girl standing before him, but she definitely caught his attention.  Look at her holding that flower.  She looks just like Fera…well her features and all…she reminds me of her.  So beautiful…As Keet made his way to the girl, she took note of his presence and was startled by it.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't meet to frighten you, my lady."

"It's okay," said the young woman.

"Good to hear," Keet said with a smile.  Wow.  This is unbelievable.  She looks more like Fera now that I'm face to face with her.  "What's your name?"

"Melfina," she said reluctantly.  She stared at his wild eyes and saw that he was a wild man with a mission.  She then took note of his armor and weapon.  "Why are you carrying a gun?"

"Oh."  He looked at the size of his weapon and was afraid it would scare the poor girl.  "You mean this," he asked pointing to his large combat gun.

Melfina nodded at him.  "Yes, that."

"Oh, well there's not much I can tell you here, Miss, but I don't think this is a safe place for a lady like yourself."

"Why's that?  I don't have any place to go to."

Man, this chick is weird.  Why would she be wandering out here in a field with no place to go back to?  "Sure you do, my lady.  Just go back to where you came from.  You see, there's this business that me and my men have to take care of.  Please Miss, I don't want to see you get hurt."

Melfina was taken back by what this stranger was saying to her.  He was very polite and gentle with her.  Why can't Gene be like this man?  He is so sweet and handsome as well…huh?  What am I saying?  Why am I all of a sudden attracted to him like this?  It's like I have some sort of connection to his being… "I would leave to not interfere in the way of you and your men, but my home is right there."  Melfina smiled and pointed to the Outlaw Star.

Keet was shocked to learn of the girl's true identity.  "What?!"

Melfina's smile faded and she gasped, as she was forcefully hit by the butt of Keet's weapon.  As her mind grew dark and dreary, Melfina dropped to the ground and lost consciousness. 

Keet carried Melfina back to the gigantic Quarlian ship, which was five times the size of the Outlaw Star.  In it, Rume had been awaiting confirmation that all went well and that the ambush had worked as planned.  "Rume, here is one of the crew members."  He laid Melfina before his feet on the floor.  "She was out by the fields.  I thought she was an ordinary girl until she pointed out that she lived inside of that fuckin ship."

Rume looked at her in amazement, relishing her beauty.  "She is quite the looker…but there's something about her that looks familiar."

"Like what, Rume?"

"I can't quite place my finger on it."  Rume looked at Melfina harder and noticed the resemblance she had to Fera, and grinned.

"What is it, my lord?"

"Hmmm, that's the first time you have called me that in a long while, Keet.  Are you trying to win a prize in this prisoner here?"

Keet looked away in embarrassment.  He surely was attracted to Melfina, but it had been a while since had taken women as prizes.  He had many women before Fera, but once he got to know her, everything changed.  He changed.  He really had no need for other women because Fera was the perfect girl; the one he had been looking for his whole life…The only problem being that she was a servant, and he an elite soldier.  He held a high rank, and if anyone was to know about their relationship, it would be the end of him and her.  "No, Rume.  I did not come here looking for any prizes."

"Of course not.  A woman of such rare beauty belongs to me…She kind of reminds me of that bitch of a servant, Fera, now that I've thought of it.  If that girl wasn't so close to Lily, I would've fucked her a long time ago…She would make a fine addition to my collection of broken hearts…But this girl will have to do for now…I could use a good night in bed after a long day's work."

Keet controlled his anger.  He could not believe how cruel and obnoxious Rume had become over the years.  He was now your average son of a bitch who cared about no one but himself, and there was no way to stop him.  He's gotten too out of control!  How can this be?  Rume, what has happened to you? I don't agree with what you do, but if I wanna keep my head, I know I'm gonna have to do as you please. "Yes of course, Rume.  You deserve everything that comes your way.  I will go back and see how the troops are doing.  Is there something you want me to do with the girl before I leave?"

"No, I'll handle it myself, Keet.  Go on."

Keet bowed before Rume and went out to check on the rest of the troops.  "How is everything go—ing?"  There was a loud siren and an electronic voice that was constantly chanting 'Intruder Alert.'  "What is the meaning of this?!"

One of the soldiers replied in saying, "It seems that we have to blow our way in…the ship allows no entrance of any sort and it has sent out an intruder alert of some sort.  If there is anyone in the ship, they are sure to know that we're here now."

Keet thought for a moment.  "I guess we will have to do that, but careful not to cause too much damage.  The kid might be in there and he is to be taken with no harm caused upon him."

"Yes, sir."

"Move with caution, then."  And upon Keet making his last remark, there was a surprise attack coming from the ship that wiped out about 1/3 of the soldiers.  The movements were too fast to determine, but they were definitely done by someone with skill.  "What?!  They're gone."  His men had been sliced in half, diced with limbs flying to different places of the field, and clawed at as if some wild beast had attacked them.  Keet became scared and looked around for any suspicious activity. 

Out of nowhere, two women appeared.  One was tall with snow-white skin and red lips and the other, half cat, half human.  They smiled and were pleased with the work they had accomplished, but not satisfied.  As they charged for more action, they were stopped by a man that not much older than Keet.  He was slim with a medium build and had short, red hair that brought out a blue-green hue to his eyes.

"I think I'll take it from here, ladies.  No one messes with Gene Starwind and gets away with it."  He smirked and stood tall, showing no fear to his enemy.  "Who has sent you all here and why?"

"We have no business with you, man," Keet said.  "We are just here following orders of an imperial race."

"So what's that supposed to mean?"

"Listen you smart ass, we know you're hiding something and if you don't give it to us, we'll take it whether you want to or not."

"What are you guys?  Pirates?"  Gene chuckled.  "You sure as hell don't look like any pirates I've seen before."

"We're not pirates you fool.  We're an elite group of imperial soldiers from Quarlia.  We have come here on a mission and we are to pulverize anyone who gets in our way."

"Is that so?"

Keet grunted.  "Ugh!  You are too confident about yourself."

"Am I?  These two lovely ladies over here just seemed to have killed one-third of your men and you don't expect us to do it again?"

Keet was at a lost for words.  He didn't know what to do…until Rume came out of the ship and answered to Gene's question.  "Prince…?"

"That's right.  You will not do it again."

"Right.  Don't be so sure."  He studied Rume and noticed the small crown over the man's head and began to laugh.  "You're kidding.  So what are you supposed to be?  King to a peace-loving planet that want to make a name for itself??  Give me a break?"  He laughed even harder and angered Rume.

"Enough already!  If you don't shut the fuck up, your little bitch over here dies."  Rume pulled a now tied up Melfina to where he was standing, and placed her in front of his hard body.  He placed a knife to her throat and licked her from her neck to her pale cheek to insinuate sensual pleasure.

Gene was surprised to see such an act.  "Mel!!"  He couldn't believe that they had captured Melfina. 

Rume just roared in laughter.  "Unless you want to see her die, surrender to me now!" 

Aisha and Suzuka were also amazed by the dilemma that they were faced with and did not want to see their dear friend killed.  "What do we do, Gene," asked Aisha.

Gene closed his eyes and thought that he had no choice, but to give up until Jim showed up.

"Gene!"  Jim raced with his motorbike and jumped out, letting it crash against a few of his enemies that were caught off guard.  He landed right in front of Keet who was standing right in front of the ship.

"That's the kid, Keet.  Get him before he escapes."

With his brute force, Keet went straight for Jim and gripped him from behind, leaving no space for Jim to escape.  "There is no use in you struggling.  Just come willingly and I won't hurt you."

"No way, you son of a-----aaaaaahhhhhh—"

"Jim!!  I'm coming Jim!"

"You make one move, Gene Starwind and the girl is dead."  Rume pushed the blade deeper into Melfina's throat, ready to slice away.  "It's your choice."

Gene stopped dead on his tracks and Jim was tranquilized by one of the soldiers to be kept still, falling into a deep sleep.

"Good choice, Gene.  I hope you like your accommodations because you'll be having a permanent stay where you're headed."  Rume laughed wildly and with joy as Gene and the rest of the crew were cuffed and tied up like you wouldn't believe.  There was no escape for any of them now.

"Rume, that ship is quite interesting.  It seems to have a mind of its own.  That's way advanced technology.  What should we do with it, sir?"

"Ask the remaining soldiers to lie it faced down and get it in here….we have much space on this ship and I'm sure my father would be eager to learn of this new technology, as would I."

"Yes, sir," Keet replied.

This outlaw is more trouble than I thought…I have to watch out for him personally.  If I had the choice, I would kill him on the spot but that would not work good for my plan, so I'll let him live…for now.  My father will be pleased…and so will Lily.  I can't wait to see the look on her face when she discovers that I led the troops on this little search and retrieve mission.  She will just have to be mine, and if she refuses again…she will see what I am capable of…She will be my woman, whether she likes it or not…

I hope you all liked this chap.  I tried to make it as long as possible since my last three weren't as long.  Well, I am off to bed now.  I stayed up extra late to get you what you asked for…more of my fanfic! :D  So please R & R!!!