Chapter 6

As James sat down at the controls of his new ship, it was to him as if his life had suddenly opened up. His pain was gone, his memories gone, and all that remained were an unbridled joy for being alive and a sense of adventure he had long forgotten.

Karen noticed the change, but remained silent.

James was able to negotiate with the navigation computer to continue towards Aaron Fifteen. Merely being at the controls of a spaceship and for the first time in a long time and being in control of his destiny made James truly happy. He smiled, then split into a grin and laughed.

Aaron Fifteen was not too far from the area where they had encountered Bureck. James's expression of happiness retreated after they landed. He reverted back to a reserved, emotionless expression that had dominated his recent years. It saddened when he realized that he'd have to give his ship, his freedom, back to Space Travel Inc. James went to his seat, picked up both Karen's and his bags, and headed for the airlock. Karen followed silently, a mixed anxiety spread across her face.

James was mildly surprised to see someone greet them when the door slid open. A man in a neat, black, expensive suit regarded them amusedly and motioned for them to exit. "Hello. Thank you for returning our ship."

James's eyes hollowed. He nodded.

The man then turned to Karen, stared at her for a second, and drew back in surprise. "Ms.…Ms. Luo! I can't believe it! We've found you!!"

Karen gasped a little. "My god…" She grabbed James by the hand and sprinted down the catwalk stairs to the launch pad. The suited man stayed rooted, stunned.

James held tightly onto Karen's hand and pulled both of them to a stop. "What was that about?"

Karen looked at James, and he read unmistakable fear in her eyes. "Later. Run!"

James was again pulled along, but he gave in for the time being.

Karen soon slowed when she realized that she didn't know where she was and that she hadn't the slightest idea where to go. Suddenly, James remembered. "Luo… Like Fred Luo?"

Karen stopped looking around and turned again to James. "How do you…?"

"I've dealt with him before. I've met him. He… he uh, had a… thing for Aniki…"

Karen had a look of utter defeat. "…You're kidding…"

James was a little puzzled. "No… are you related to him?

Karen turned away. "He's my brother."

James stepped back a little. "Wha?!"

"Yeah…" And with that, she decided on a direction and pulled him along with her.

This was getting to be too much for James. The heavy terra-formation machinery on either side of him flew past him, unnoticed. The past he had been trying to forget and move on from for the past five years had come back. With the mention of the name Luo, a multitude of emotions, feelings, and most importantly, memories, bombarded him. He didn't notice the black car pulling up along side them, or one of its doors opening. He barely felt himself being yanked in. When he turned to look at the person sitting next to him, it was all he could do to keep from screaming. Fred Luo stared back at him, eyes brimming with tears.

"James!" he cried, and flung his arms around the boy.

James was too stunned to respond. More memories flashed past his eyes. And finally, time seemed to slow down, and he snapped.

"You're so big! And so handsome! Oh, what a shame that I wasn't there to see you growing up! James… what…?"

James had pulled out a gun from his jacket, put it to his head, closed his eyes, and pulled the trigger.

Bang.

sorry to leave you hanging here, of all places. i assure you, the story continues. however, i haven't gotten very far into chapter 7 and need to resume my thinking about where the story will go from here. in fact i may leave it right here. please review, telling me whether to end it or make the wounded horse keep running : /

i'll listen, i promise.