Disclaimer: See Prologue

Outlaw Star: All in the Name of Love

Chapter 2: Part 4

Aboard the Outlaw Star, Suzuka retreated to her quarters while Aisha rushed to beat Gene to the shower. The outlaw didn't mind though since it gave Melfina time to clean and dress his wounds. Jim was on the bridge when Gillium informed him of an incoming transmission.

"Hello, is Captain Starwind available." Asked an important looking gentleman seated behind a large marble-topped desk with several other officials behind him.

"I'm afraid Captain Starwind is currently indisposed. I am his business partner, Jim Hawking. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Actually, we were hoping to do something for you and your crew. I am Oscar Del Rio, the Regional Governor of Cielo Rojo. We would be honored if you would grace us at a celebration in your honor." Stated the Governor.

"Really!" Jim grew wide-eyed as a huge grin spread across his face.

"Yes, most definitely. We are most grateful for all that you have done to return our planet to the law-abiding citizens of Cielo Rojo. We hope you will choose to stay on our planet long enough to allow us to show you what real Cielo Rojo hospitality is like. We have planned a street festival in downtown New Santa Fe. All of the mayors of the cities on our planet will be coming to honor you as heroes and several businesses have gifts of appreciation for each of you. We hope you will all be able to attend."

"Oh, we will be there. Most definitely." A very excited Jim exclaimed. "When are we expected?"

"The downtown region is almost ready and the food and drink has already been delivered. Give the word and we can have a police escort ready to lead you straight into town in a matter of minutes."

"Well" Jim paused, "I guess we could be ready in about 45 minutes. If that is alright?"

"That will be fine. We look forward to having the honor of your presence at your celebration."

"Thank you Governor."

"No Mr. Hawking, I thank you, I thank all of you." With that the transmission ended.

"WOHO!" Jim jumped out of his seat and ran over to his partner's quarters.

In Gene's quarters, Melfina was putting the finishing touches on the bandage on his leg.

"How's that?" She smiled.

Gene placed his hand on his thigh just above the wound and flexed his leg up and down. "Feels good, thank you Melfina." He smiled at her.

Blushing slightly, "It was nothing." She shifted her eyes away from Gene's powerful gaze.

He reached up with his hand and placed it under her chin, bringing it up to force her to look into his eyes. Her eyes grew large as she stared into his dark, laughing eyes. They stared at each other for several moments not saying a word. Slowly, Gene started to lean forward, bringing their lips within centimeters of each other. Melfina parted her lips ever so slightly. It had been a long time since Gene had kissed her last and the anticipation was almost more than she could bear. And just as their lips began to touch…

BANG, BANG, BANG!!

"Hey Gene, open up!" A familiar voice yelled from behind the door.

The unexpected interruption caused them to bump foreheads, Melfina getting the worst end of it.

"Aww!" She began rubbing above her left eye.

"Auu, sorry Mel." Gene rubbed himself over his right eye. "Are you alright?"

"Haa, I'm fine." She smiled as she stood up.

"Gene! Come on, it's important!" Jim insisted, still waiting for his partner to open the door.

Finally Gene got up and opened it. "What's wrong Jim. What's so urgent?"

Seeing Gene in just his underwear with Melfina standing behind him, Jim began to blush. "Aaa, I… aaa… " His eyes kept darting from Gene to Mel and back.

Seeing his partner's embarrassment, Gene couldn't help but tease his little friend. "What's the matter Jim? Cat cut your tongue. Ha, ha, ha."

"Gene, you pervert." Jim scowled at him.

"Easy little Jim, Mel was just bandaging up my wounds." He said, flexing his arm.

"Oh," Jim noticed the blush come over Melfina's face as she realized what Jim was implying by his comment. This caused Jim to blush even more as he hung his head in shame for thinking such a thing was going on.

"Well, Jim, what's so important that you practically knocked the door down?"

With that Jim's head sprang up, "Oh yeah, we just got a transmission from the regional governor. Seems the whole planet wants to honor us with a celebration. The Governor and all of the mayors are going to be there, he even said that several businesses are planning on giving us gifts of appreciation."

"What?"

"Yeah, they're throwing a street festival in our honor in New Santa Fe. A police escort will be here in about 40 minutes, so hurry up and get ready." With that Jim ran down the hall to let Aisha and Suzuka know.

"A street festival?" Melfina questioned, still rubbing her forehead.

Gene turned around and walked over to her. "Yeah, it's like a big outdoor party. Sounds like it should be a lot of fun." He reached up and touched where Mel had been rubbing. It was a little red but no bruise at least. "Here" He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "Better?"

Melfina smiled, "mmm, hmm."

"Well, you better go change."

"Change?"

"Yeah, well if we're going to be rubbing elbows with the big-wigs and accepting gifts, I guess we should be dressed up for it. Don't you think?" He suggested.

She nodded and exited his room.

**********

"Are you sure you won't join us Suzuka?" Jim asked one last time. "They want to honor all of us. And since you earned the most from the bounties, you should definitely be there don't you think?"

"I understand your logic Jim but I did not take on the bounties for praise or adulation. The financial compensation is adequate reward for me. Besides, in my profession it is definitely an undesirable thing to be easily recognized. I prefer to keep my identity as anonymous as possible. Don't worry about me. I will be fine. Go and have a good time. You and the crew deserve it."

Jim knew there was nothing left for him to say to her. She had returned to her meditation, which marked the end of any further discussion on the matter.

**********

Thirty minutes later, everyone except Suzuka met at the main air lock. Gene was dressed in a dark blue suit and a light blue shirt with the top button undone and no tie in sight.

Jim has on a clean pair of beige slacks and a brown polo.

Melfina was wearing a red, halter-top, form fitting mini dress with pale orange and yellow swirls on it, and a pair of red, two-inch, open-toed heels.

Aisha had on a skin-tight yellow-pastel tub mini-dress and a pair of black stiletto heels.

"Everyone ready?" Gene inquired.

Everyone nodded to the affirmative. So they headed out the ship and to the celebration.