Chapter 2- The Youth of Love and Old Age of Hate

Around a year later Gene and the others were back in full swing and Nariko had definitely become an important factor to victories. They were on a new mission but it was not very easy considering they had hardly any information about most of it. The group decided they had got the lost information from the inside. "But how Gene?" Gene simply says," I got an idea."

An elegant party was going on the other side of town, a party for the rich. Aisha was pulling her famous waitress act and Gene was a posing as a security guard. The arrival of the night suddenly walks into the room. It was Madam Mirandis and she was one of the richest young women in the solar system. The young lady was dressed in an elegant flowing white dress and people were amazed. Gene watches on and nods to Aisha, she nods back and walks back into the kitchen where Mel was acting as a cook. "She's here," Aisha says as she takes another tray of food. Melfina nods and smiles, though not sure of the situation.

An old woman whispers to another man," Who exactly is she?"

"The richest young woman around, she suddenly appeared but she's worth the invite." The old woman huffs and walks off. Madam Mirandis walks towards the host of the party and he chuckles," Madam... I wasn't sure if you were coming."

"Of course I was coming, this is the biggest party of the year how could I miss it." He takes her arm and they walk off. Awhile later Madam Mirandis as getting something to drink and lifts her hand to her ear. "Alright Nar get this going alright?"

She mumbles to were hardly anyone could hear her," Alright Dad hold on, I've got some more persuading to do alright? He ain't giving in very fast but awhile more and I'll have him."

"Ok," Gene hears in his ear piece," Gene, I feel weird about sending Nari out like this."

"She can handle herself don't worry."

"Yeah I know but the record on this guy and the reasons for the bounty aren't exactly reassuring."

"Why's that Jim?"

"He's wanted for multiple cases of rape and murder to young woman, Nari's more than likely bate for that."

"That's why I sent her out! Jim, she can handle him don't worry about it! Plus, I'm her father it's my job to worry about that kind of thing." Gene looks on and watches Nariko walk back to the host," Mr. Jordan this is a lovely party you're having tonight."

"And you just make it more glamorous that it is." Deep down she laughed but pretends to be flattered. "Why aren't you just the sweetest man? I'm surprised you weren't just grabbed by some other woman a long time ago."

"Same for you," He smiles down at her and then leans over and whispers," How about a walk outside together or upstairs to the balcony?"

Nari smiles back," I see why not, how about outside to that beautiful garden I hear you have."

The two walk off and Nari glances at Gene who nods," They're heading outside everyone, get ready." Slowly everyone starts moving out to the back where Suzuka meets them. "Where's Jim?"

"He's standing by in the car incase we need to make a quick run." Gene nods and they watch. Mr. Jordan waits for "Madam Mirdanis" to sit on the edge of the fountain then sits down as well. "Now Mr. Jordan how in the world did you get this beautiful mansion and everything else?"

"Hard work, how else?" Mr. Jordan smirks slyly and ask," Let's not talk about that now." Nari lets him start kissing her and when he was close enough he feels a jabbing in his side. He leans back and Nari was holding a gun to his side and she raises it to his head. "Stand up Mr. Jordan."

He does and demands," What the hell is going on here?"

"I'm not Madam Mirandis, it's a simple alias made especially for this job. I'm Nariko Starwind, here to collect you to collect your bounty." Nari smiles at him," I really did have a good time though."

"I don't believe this!" He exclaims and looks over Nari and her gun.

Gene walks out holding up a gun, Suzuka and Aisha walk out now surrounding. "Now you come with us without a fight and we don't shoot you." The man actually came with them without a fight and they easily turned him in. As they walk out of the police building Nari sighs and stretches her back," I was hoping that'd be a bit harder but oh well."

"Yeah it was pretty easy." Jim agrees. "I guess we shouldn't be complaining, but it just seems all to easy now-a-days." Gene shrugs," Oh well, I suppose that means it's considered easy money now, how about a trip to the bar then?" Mel pokes Gene and motions towards Nari. She was looking down the street seemingly dazed. Gene looks off to try to figure out what she was staring at, nothing apparent really came to view. "Nar? Hey Nari, come on we're going to go get some dinner, ok?" She snaps back to normal thought," Oh yeah, ok I'm ready." All during dinner Nariko seemed in a different place than everyone else. A normally graceful person, she spills her drink, drops food, and walks into someone. Suzuka looks over at her, again she seemed in a daze," Nariko, are you all right? You seem as though you were focused on something else constantly tonight." With a flinch Nariko snaps out of it, nearly spilling more sauce," No I'm ok! Um, Dad can I just meet you all back at the ship later tonight? Please?" Gene tries not to look at her with suspicion," Yeah, Nar it's all right, just don't stay out really late because we have to get somewhere tomorrow morning."

"Thanks Dad," she jumps to her feet hugs him then bolts off. Gene sighs," She acting strange what do you all think?" Suzuka nods," She was surprising clumsy and off-balance, quiet unlike her." She sips on her tea," Something heavy is on her mind, or she's just distracted. If I didn't know better I'd think it was a boy." Gene sits up straight," A boy? You think that she's, sneaking around and seeing someone?"

"Well Gene, she's," in between bites," she's probably afraid you'd shoot him for looking at her." Melfina sighs," She has a point Gene, you're highly intimidating, especially as a father. She knows what you're capable of and how angry you get. I wouldn't be surprised either." Jim chuckles," Hell, I'd be scared of you if I were interested in dating Nariko. You are a scary guy sometimes, and we all know you'd go the end of the galaxy and beyond for her. Even if it was just a flirty young man." He bites in a piece of chicken," I'd sure as hell be afraid of you." Gene huffs and looks at the window catching a last glance at Nariko dashing away. "I wouldn't shoot him." Nariko sighs and relaxes as she turn the corner adjacent from the restaurant," Oh, I need to get my act together. Especially when Su is around. She's too in tune to everything." She gasp when she looks at her watch," I'm going to be late!" Quickly she bolts off towards a clear bubble that appears over the buildings of the city. It slowly begins to loom more and more over the city; it had a bright glow from within. The botanical gardens were the only non-polluted place on this planet. As Nariko gets closer she can hear tropical birds singing and the fragrant smell of millions of exotic flowers. The moment she steps foot in the bubble's entrance the humidity and smell sweep over her in a great wave, quiet refreshing. Outside the smog, cold, and dense fog where nice to get away from. Nothing could make her leave. Nariko begins to hum as she makes her away down a pebble path that lead through the indoor rain forest. The sound of water crashing to rocks became a sweet increase the further down she goes. The final bit of overlaying vegetation separates to reveal the waterfall that reached from ceiling to floor level of the gardens. Butterflies that had been recreated through genetic engineering flutter by Nariko, one flashes a bright blue color as it floats by. Nothing could ever be this beautiful. A wooden bench was nearby, there was a young man sitting on it looking at the waterfall and butterflies. Finally the two young peoples eyes meet, Nariko smiles, as does he. He rises to his feet, holds out a hand as he walks towards Nariko. "Nari," he sighs in relief," I was worried that something went wrong tonight."

"No Ren, I'm ok. It all went fine; we caught him with no trouble or problems. Oh Ren, I miss you so much, and this skipping from planet to planet is so horrible!" Nari falls onto his chest and he throws his arms around her. "I know Nari, I know! It's horrible and painful. I miss you too. I know we only have a few hours tonight but, let's not linger on the difficulties tonight." She looks up and smiles at him," Ok." Ren holds Nariko closer to him. He felt she couldn't get close enough it was never enough. In momentary bliss, they simply hold each other. The two lovers sit on the bench nearby holding each other's hands tight. The relationship was an odd one; they never see each other, making secret rendezvous on different planets, and either one really knowing the other's life. Each had their lives that the other couldn't know about. Some things that was impossible to explain or to tell for safety. Nariko wanted to tell him so much, and he wanted to tell her. He says he works for a freighting company, and she claims to simply travel with her father with his bodyguard and mechanics company. Neither were really the truth, and neither would know. The hours passed Ren sighs as he realizes he had to run," Nari, sorry I have to go. I'm sorry Nar, I don't want to leave you, I don't but I have to or my boss will shoot me I swear." She sits up from resting her head in his lap as they sat in the lush grasses of the botanical garden. "I know, if I don't get home my father will have a heart attack from worrying."

"Why's he so protective of you Nar? I mean you all just travel around making repairs, not like someone's after you or anything. Yet again you are beautiful and old pirates would love to take you."

She laughs lightly and thinks," If you only knew."

"Well I don't know he's just protective, I'm his baby girl and one the main things in his life. Typical father thing to do I guess."

Ren nods," Yah, I'm sorry but I really do have to go Nar." With a reluctant nod," I know, we're going to go relax at Tenrei after this, when well I see you again?" He looks off," I don't know, actually to tell you the truth I think captain was thinking of giving us a short vacation leave and he always takes us to Tenrei for that." Nariko tries not cock an eyebrow," You all sure have been right on our tails lately, I mean you've been everywhere that we have lately. That doesn't ever happen." Ren just shrugs," Just luck I guess." He helps her to her feet and kisses her forehead," I have to run Nariko, please keep in touch."

"I will, you know I will." She hugs him a last time and he runs off. Suddenly Ren stops, runs back, grabs Nariko, and kisses her. Nariko staggers back and little while blushing as Ren finally runs off for good this time. She touches her lips with two fingers and laughs lightly. "Bye Ren."

Ren runs out of the gardens and a long feminine arm reaches out with a cigarette between her fingers," Dear, dear Renzo, a romantic are we? How sweet, now don't get too close dear Rennie or you'll have trouble when comes time to capture her and give her over to the boss." Renzo looks into the shadows to the see the silhouette of a tall dark woman. "Lida, I know we what has to be done, it's just so I can get to her easier. Trust me Lida."

"Lord Horoi wouldn't be happy with us if something got in the way of us not being able to get his little prize doll."

Ren bites his lip and sighs," Don't worry Lida, Lord Horoi will get his puppet and the ship. Her father watches her every move carefully, and he'd do anything to get her back. We'll get it done and make Horoi plently happy." Lida throw her cigarette down on the pavement and walks back into the city. Renzo follows her but turns back to look in the garden hoping Nariko hadn't been near, though he wanted her to be. How could he do this to her? At first it was as he told Lida it was, it wasn't anymore, he really did care about Nariko, more than he wanted. He couldn't hurt her now, but if he wanted to see her again with his life intact, he had to deceive her.

Nariko makes it home eventually that night, she sighs deeply as she hits her soft pillow. Melfina knocks on the door," Nari?" She pokes her head in, Nariko looks up at her," Hi Mel, is dad asleep?"

"Yes he is. He tried staying up till you got home but it didn't work. He can only worry about you so much before it wears him out. Nothing happened, right?" Nariko nods," It was fine. Is dad or anyone suspicious of anything Mel?" Melfina walks in and sits on the foot of the bed," No, well Suzuka is but she intuitive and just knows everything."

"Ok, I just don't want dad to know until I know this is something serious with Ren." She sighs and rolls over on her pillow," He's so sweet and nice Mel. I can't help but to be happy around him. Though," she pauses," I think he's hiding things from me."

"Well you're hiding things from him too aren't you?"

"Yeah I am so I guess if I am then he's entitled to hide too."

"That sounds fair."

"Mel, why is everyone always after us? What is it about you, I, and the ship that they want?"

Melfina sighs, Gene still never told Nariko the truth. She figured she could at least tell her about the ship and herself. "Well I'm an android with a special system in me that I'm the only thing that can run this ship, kind of like a key." That was the best way she could describe it. Nariko looks at her strangely," You're an android? I guess that explains why you seem to not age any really. You're so real, I never knew Mel. That's why everyone's always after us." She chuckles a bit," That makes more sense than dad's explanation." Melfina smiles and laughs softly," Your father is difficult with the truth sometimes. Well I'll let you get some sleep Nari, night dear." She gets to her feet, walks towards the door, and shuts it as she walks out. Nari rolls over with a sigh slowly slipping into a good nights rest. Melfina walks delicately into Gene's room not to wake him immediately. She leans over his bed, rubs his shoulders," Gene, wake up." He rolls over with a reluctant moan," Yah… oh Mel, is Nariko back then?"

"Yes, we need to talk."

"What about?" He sits up and let's the sheets fall to reveal the scarred chest of a hero," Is it Nariko?"

"Well yes, she's ok. She knows about me now though. Gene, you need to tell her about who she is." Melfina grabs Gene's hands so he won't get angry or mad. "She needs to know Gene. It puts her so much danger, and she doesn't even know why." Gene takes his hands from her, gets up to pace while rubbing the back of his neck. "Mel… I can't tell her that, not yet. If I had known they made her technology more sophisticated than yours, we wouldn't have done it. It's not her fault." Melfina gets to her feet," I know that, but she doesn't! She doesn't know why she was attacked her whole life. Gene, she doesn't know why she has an artificial lung, at least not the true reason why he did it to her! It's not fair for her Gene! She's old enough to understand it now! I'm getting older Gene and my system is running down little by little. The other day I couldn't even run a systems check with having to start over." Gene turns and looks at her with sincere shock," Mel why didn't you tell me? If I had know we would be going back to get you checked over rather than the Hot Springs." She sighs," I know Gene, I didn't want to worry you. I think I just need a rest and get a chance to relax." He puts his hands on her arms, she looks up at him as he moves his left hand to her cheek," Mel, you need to tell me these things." She nods," I will for now on Gene, I'm sorry. You need to tell Nariko the truth Gene." He looks down then turns towards the door," Ok, I'll do it when we get to the Hot Springs. I'll take her out to dinner, then we'll go out for a walk and I'll tell her. I promise Mel."

"Thank you Gene."

"Renzo!" A loud menacing voice rings through the dark ship," RENZO!" Renzo comes running through the door nearly slipping," Sir, yes Sir I'm here. Sorry for the delay my Lord I just got caught up with something." A large figure emerges out of pitch black into the shadows," It better have been something to you with your assignment, boy." Ren nods," It was Sir, it was. Nariko called me to tell me that they had arrived in at the hot springs so we could arrange a date. I assume you want a status report on how it's going with her?" The figure nods," Ok, she's completely fallen for me, and I can get anything out of her now I think. We're meeting in two days at a concert at the springs. Nari," he thinks," Nariko Starwind," better not call her Nari," Is completely fooled." Lord Horoi nods but is stopped when Lida struts in," Lord Horoi, I think not only is the little fish falling for the bait, but I think the bait is in love with the fish. The little worm wriggled his way into more than just her heart, but she's made her stamp in his heart too." Lord Horoi looks at Renzo," Is she telling the truth Renzo? Are you in love with the prize? Has become too much for you to keep from wanting? Tell me Renzo is it true?"

Renzo knew he couldn't tell them the truth or it could be his life. When he delayed his answer Lord Horoi took that as yes," Dear Renzo, do you not remember what I did for you? You were all alone and about to die, we took you in and made you family. Now you go a risk our plans to get us everything we want in the universe, the galaxies! Would you jeopardize my whole life's work?" Renzo shakes his head," No sir, I wouldn't. I know what you've done for me; I'll keep myself from falling for her, for real. My acting is better than I thought." He shoots a look at Lida. Lord Horoi seemed pleased though. "That's good Renzo, because I would hate to have to dispose of you, you really are one of my favorites." Renzo bows," Thank you Lord."

Without incident the Outlaw Star arrives for their vacation. Nariko stretches out her arms and back when she steps into the sun. "I love the warm sun on this planet, it's so refreshing!" The group moves on to look for their hotel. The first day was nothing but relaxing, the girls lounged guiltlessly around the springs, while Gene and Jim drank and soaked. Gene knocks on Nari's door later that night, Mel opens it," Hello Gene." He smiles," Where's Nar?" Mel opens the door to let him in," I thought she told you; she went to a concert of this band she's crazy about. Did she not tell you?" With a laugh he replies," Apparently not, why wouldn't she tell me though?" Gene turns to look out onto the patio," That's weird, she normally tells me things."

"She's growing up Gene, whether you like it or not."

Nariko makes her way through the crowd that was jumping around with their hands in the air to the music. The hottest female lead metal band in the universe was on stage rocking out with their biggest hits. She stops to look for Renzo but he hadn't gotten there yet. With a sigh she moves further up the crowd hoping to find him. Finally she reaches the front row of the crowd but has to step out of the way of a drunken fan. He jumps by her, nearly running her over. Nariko just shakes her head and turns to watch the lead singer swing her hair back as she yells the climax of the song. The lead guitar wails a solo momentarily, Nariko forgot all about looking for Ren and gets into the music. She lets it rush over and through her like a sweet high. This was her escape from pirates, outer space, and her father. The music instantly goes into another song, it was slower, a rock ballad. The lead singer wrote all the songs, she wrote eerie romantic songs that gave you goose bumps. Nothing was more moving than the power ballad and her voice's hypnotizing musical talent. Nariko was still lost in the music; she didn't even notice the arms coming around her hips and the chin falling to her shoulder. Without looking or asking she knew who it was. Slowly she lifts her arms back, around his neck. They swayed together and let the music move them. The band drug the song out for dramatics, it was considered a spiritual moment among the fans. Everyone was either mouthing the words along with the singer, no one daring to sing aloud and take away from the haunting voice around them, or dancing with someone. Nariko tilts her head back to rest her head on the chest of her company. He kisses the side of her face, near the eye, after what seemed forever the music stops," We're taking a quick five minute break, sorry guys." The pianist needed to rewrap the bandaging around his fingers and hand to continue. Nariko finally turns around to smile at Renzo," I was worried you were skipping out on me." He smiles back as he shakes his head," Never." She kisses his cheek," What took you then?" With a kiss back," Our ship got held back at this station on the way here. For some reason they wouldn't let us unload something that was suppose to be there. Sorry that I'm late Nari."

"Don't worry about it." The two enjoy the rest of their night together with the music. When the concert had ended Renzo decided to take Nariko out for something to eat, the dancing and concert took a lot of energy. There was a small restaurant with some foreign food that they couldn't quiet figure out. Luckily someone was able to help them so it turned out to be a great meal. "Hey Renzo, don't take this the wrong way but, I kind of feel like we're not being completely truthful with each other." Ren puts down his fork and sighs," Yeah I know, I wish I could Nariko but," she interrupts him," You can't! I know I can't either. Father's strict about what leaves the mouths of all us. He can't help it though." He nods," Why exactly?" Nariko sighs," Ever since I can remember we've always had to run from someone, or chase someone, then run from their friends. It's a constant game of cat and mouse for us. It gets dangerous, and we never know who's after us or what's coming our way. Thus, secrets are key for survival." She stops and seems to be gasping for breath. "Nar, what's wrong?" Nariko presses with two fingers on her ribs under her arm, it stops. "Sorry." Renzo looks at her," What was that?"

"Artificial lung acting up, it does that after lots of moving like I did at the concert. We need to get a new model this one is dated. Don't worry about it. It's fine." She rubs her sides to stop the momentary leftover pain. Renzo sighs," You sure?" With a light smile," Of course I'm sure. I probably need to go back and rest to give it time to rest." Reluctantly he walks Nari back to their hotel," I'll call you Ren." He smiles and kisses her," I know, see you then." As fast as he could, Renzo turns and walks away from Nariko. He had to before he was tempted to tell her everything and warn her of Lord Horoi and Lida. This left Nariko a little confused but she walks upstairs to sleep.

Renzo walks into the luxury suite that the Lord Horoi had bought for them to stay in. "Good job Renzo, she never knew you were bugged." He snaps his head to the left to see Lida sitting there," I didn't know I was bugged too. Why did you bug me?" Lida twirls a wire connected to an ear piece," Because we needed information and I was worried you weren't going to give it us when you did get it. You do love the fish don't you? I could tell how acted around her, I've never seen you that way before. It's rather sweet. You're so charming. Didn't know you had it." He rolls his eyes," Did you at least get what you wanted?" She gets up, walks over seductively, then whispers," More than you'd be comfortable knowing that I know. Make me happy and I won't tell Horoi what's really happening with you and Nariko." Renzo steps back," I'm not sleeping with you Lida! No! I refuse to anymore." She pouts," Oh am I being replaced by a fish? How sad because you know, big cats love to eat little defenseless fishes. Make me happy or I'll go on the prowl, hunt your precious fish, and eat her for my supper." She was hoping to watch him squirm and suffer but it didn't take a heartbeat," OK Lida, just promise me when it comes down to it you don't touch Nari at all. You let the boss take what he wants and not touch Nari." She was shocked but loved it," Alright dear Rennie, I won't touch your precious fish, now come with me and we'll sign on the dotted line to make it all final."

Renzo walks through the streets the next morning. It hurt. Normally screwing around with Lida wasn't that big of a deal, but now it was. It hurt him. He walks past a floral shop and stops to glance in. There was also a jewelry store nearby. He could never send her anything her father would get curious. Though, Nariko was staying in a room with Melfina so it would be ok. Renzo nods, the door chimes happily as he steps in. An old wrinkled lady steps out from behind the counter," How may I help you?" He nods," I need a bouquet of flowers for a loved one." The lady smiles more," A lady loved one?" Renzo smiles," Yes madam." She nods and turns back to the counter," What flowers does this lady like?"

He thought, he really didn't know. Then it hits him, in the gardens she had pointed out some. What was it? "Oh I know, Hibiscus or Iris something along those lines."

"Those are rich flowers my boy, how much are you willing to spend?" He gets a big paycheck, plus, this would count as gaining more for the mission after all. "Whatever the cost madam." The old lady was so pleased that she put together the arrangement in a record time for herself, even gave him some free ribbons. The delivery boy was called then the flowers sent off. Renzo pays the giddy old lady," I haven't made this much money in a long time! No one comes around any more, unless they want daisies or something that's cheap." He walks out of the store then turn back into the jewelry store next door.

Nariko, Melfina, and Suzuka were sitting down drinking tea in their room when there's a knock. Melfina rises to get the door. A room service boy from the hotel was standing there with flowers covering his face. "These are for Miss Nariko Starwind." Nari leans over to look out the door as he brings the flowers in. She gasp with amazement," Who're they from?" Melfina finds the card and gives it to her. Carefully, Nariko reads the letter," Oh…" then another man appears with another delivery. "Miss Nariko Starwind?" She steps forward," That's me." He hands her a box then turns to leave with the other hotel employee. Nariko unwraps the box; she lifts the lid, and a simple silver chain with a sapphire star charm. Another note," Nari, this was perfect for you. You're a star shining in my dim night and sapphires can't compare to your eyes." She sighs with a giddy chuckle," Oh it's so pretty!" Suzuka nods," I thought there was a boy. Who is he Nariko?" Melfina sits down and goes back to her tea," Just a boy." Still staring at the necklace she takes it out to wear it. "Put it under your shirt Nari, you're father will ask questions. Then you can't wear it tonight if you wear that outfit you were planning." Suzuka nods," You're father's actually a rather observant person." Nariko does as she is told," I need to get ready don't I?" Melfina nods. The necklace is removed and put into safekeeping. Gene knocks on the door minutes later," Nariko, you ready to go out?" The door opens and she smiles at her father," Of course daddy!" Father and daughter, a night on the town, dinner and a few games at the arcade, they would never know that this was the last night they could enjoy each other's company. Gene laughs as Nariko beats him at another round at a combat based video game. She hugs him as they walk out of the bright, loud arcade. "Daddy, I love you." He stops, and moves in front of her," Nariko, we need to talk." Without much conversation they make it a more secluded spot in a park. He has her sit in the grass in front of him. "What do we need to talk about dad?"

Meanwhile nearby Lida stalks the pray. Renzo pops up behind her," Remember you don't touch Nariko!" She nods and shrugs him off," Yah yah, go do what the boss told you to." He shakes his head and darts off. He was supposed to hack into the ship and shut it down until they had everything. Lida's job was to catch Gene, so Renzo thought, her true purpose was to kill Gene and take Nariko. Gene wasn't important, more a flea that was annoying. She watches carefully as the two talk in the distance. "Nariko, do you remember what I told you about your mother?" She nods," She didn't really abandon you. I don't know how to tell you this." Nari moves closer and rest a hand on her fathers," I know about Mel. Why didn't I ever know about that?" He smiles," I know that you know about Mel. See you and Mel are kind of…" That sentence was never finished. Lida leaps out," GENE STARWIND! I AM HERE TO REPAY A LITTLE DEBT, AND YOU'RE LITTLE GIRL IS COMING WITH ME!" Gene jumps to his feet to attack Lida," NARI, RUN BACK TO THE HOTEL NOW! DON'T STOP UNTIL YOU FIND AISHA OR SUZUKA!" She doesn't reply but runs off. Easily in minutes she arrives at the hotel only to see chaos. Guest at the hotel had been evacuated from their rooms due to battle taking place in the lobby. Aisha had transformed and was fighting off hundreds of mechanical minions of the pirates. Suzuka was defending Melfina when she sees Nariko," Nariko! Where's you father?" Nari dodges a body flying through the air," Fighting Lida back at the park. He told me to find you!" Mel runs for Nari, grabs her, and they dodge behind a large plant. "They're after the ship and me again. You have to…" The pot containing the plant explodes covering the two in soil and leaves. Suzuka runs to them," You two run for the ship now." Melfina nods but Nariko bolts to the stairs and yells," I need my guns first!" Without struggle she manages to get her two side arms and a dagger. Quickly she bolts back down to the lobby and makes a run for it with Melfina. It was a long run to the ship. Nariko finds a scooter like vehicle," Mel! This will get us there faster!" They bolt off and the ship comes into view within minutes. The scooter parks in front of the docking bay where Nariko leaves it. The two run for the door of the Outlaw Star only to find it open already. "They've already got into the ship!" Renzo had shut down Gilliam. He bolts into a corner when he hears voices coming towards him. The voices get closer, he jumps into view with a gun," RENZO?" He lowers the gun," Nariko."

"What are you doing here?" She yells at him. "I…" He couldn't tell her. He didn't know how. Lida walks up behind the women," He works with us sweetie pie." She makes a mock gasp sound," He was playing you so we could get closer and you never suspect a thing! It worked didn't it dear, dear Nariko."

"Renzo, is she telling the truth?" He couldn't answer her; he just nods and hangs his head. Suddenly he snaps back," Nariko it was that at first but then I started to fall for you. It's not that anymore, they only reason I'm doing this is so I can get out of here with my life intact! I never wanted to hurt you Nari, I swear." Nariko started to cry," I trusted you Renzo! You used me to get to my father and this ship!" Lida laughs," We don't want your father Nariko, we want Melfina, the ship, and you dear." Nariko turns to Lida," Me? I don't have anything to do with the ship?" Lida shakes her head," Did daddy never tell you?" Melfina interrupts," She's not adapted to it yet though. I'm still the only thing that'll work with the ship."

"So she doesn't know does she?"

Lord Horoi's holo image appears in the group," We have the others, get these two and the ship now!" It disappears and Nariko runs. She dives into her father's room and scrambles for something to use. He left his caster on the ship," That'll work!" She pops a caster shell into the gun to meet Lida face to face. "Back away now or you'll be sorry." Lida laughs then sees the caster," Oh, paying with daddy's toys are we? Do you know how to use that thing?" As Nariko raises the caster to Lida's forehead," Try me, they're more dangerous close range, you might want to put some distance between you and me." Lida steps back," You wouldn't."

"Where are my father and the others?"

"They're being held up on our ship, you'll never get to them deary."

"I'll get my father back."

"I'd like to see you try." Slowly the two were edging down the hall towards the bridge. Nariko was pushing her back, distracting her with the caster gun. Nariko didn't know if she could handle the blast of a caster, the dagger was her best bet. She was always more skilled at the hand combat than with firearms. Slowly she gets Lida out of the ship on to the docking platform. "If you're going to kill me do it already you little bitch." Nariko finally reaches behind her and throws the dagger all in one fluid movement that couldn't be seen with the human eye. Lida gasp as blood flies from her lips then pours down her chin. Melfina comes out of the ship and screams as it happened. "Nariko!" She turns around," Mel, I had to!" In anger Nariko rips her dagger from Lida's limp bloody body. "I had too. We have to get the ship out of here Mel, come on." They run back into the ship and prepare to lift off. "You can't lift off, I killed your computer systems." Nariko snaps grimace at Renzo," Fix him!" The holo of Horoi appears," Dear Nariko Starwind, we have your family. We'll be holding them captive. If you hand over yourself, the ship, and Melfina, we will release them." She yells," NEVER! You can't have our ship!" He makes shakes his head," What a shame you're father will just have to stay with us. Well hold your father and the others until we get what we want. If you change your mind you'll have to find us. Renzo, we exile you from the clan. Lida's dead now and we have no need for you either." The holo goes out and Nariko hits the console in front of her. "Dammit!" She begins to cry," Daddy…"