Disclaimer: See Prologue
Outlaw Star: All in the Name of Love
Chapter 6
With their cargo delivered and cash in hand, the Outlaw Star began its decent to the surface of Heifong. Gene's landing was picture perfect. Though Gene and the Outlaw Star had spent most of the last 9 months sitting in space dock on Cielo Rojo, the 6 months in space prior to that really served to improve his skills as a pilot. As they disembarked the ship, the brash young outlaw received a communiqué from the port authorities requesting his presence.
"You guys head back to the shop. I'll catch up with you later." He said.
"But Gene… what about…" Melfina trailed off, casting her eyes downward, ashamed of her selfish thoughts.
"Don't worry Mel." Gene reached into his pocket, pulled out a wad of cash, and handed it to her. "Go and buy yourself something special to wear tonight. I'll be home to pick you up by 7:00, okay?" Gene smiled.
Melfina smiled back. "Okay Gene, 7:00. I'll be ready."
At the port authority, Gene was simply informed of new policies installed during his absence, and the new port fees, which had gone up six percent.
"Jim, do you read me?" Gene radioed.
"Loud and clear Gene. What's up?" His partner replied as he drove home in the company of two lovely women.
"Make sure our account is brought up to date as soon as possible and pay the port costs for the next three months."
"Okay, will do. Anything else?" The young teen replied.
"Yeah, let me know how much of our debt with Fred we can pay after expenses and still have a comfortable cushion in our account. I want to pay him a visit before he starts looking for us, for a change."
"Okay, anything else?"
"No," The red-haired outlaw turned away from the port authority official and lowered his voice. "After Fred, I'm going to make a quick stop at a friend's to drop off some goods, but then I should be heading home."
"Okay, see you then." Jim signed off.
"Is there a problem, Jim?" Melfina asked.
"No problem. Gene just needs to run a few errands, but I'm sure they won't take him long at all." The boy genius smiled.
~~~
As they walked in the door, luggage in tow, the familiar air of Starwind and Hawking Enterprises headquarters filled their nostrils.
"Aaah! It's good to be home." Jim exclaimed as he collapsed on the sofa.
Suzuka immediately went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea, while Melfina took her bags up to her room. Upon returning down to the main living area, she asked, "Jim, I need to go out and buy a dress for tonight. Could you come with me?"
"I'd like to Mel." Jim muttered into the sofa before he slowly sat himself up. "But I have to balance our account and pay some of our bills, then let Gene know how much we can pay Fred." He stood up and grabbed his bags. "Sorry." Then he headed up the stairs to deposit them in his room.
"That's all right." Mel said sadly.
"I guess…" She paused, looking in the direction of the kitchen. Uncertain whether she should even bother to ask.
'Please don't ask. Please don't ask.' Suzuka chanted to herself as she poured the boiling water into the cup and stirred in the tealeaves.
"I guess I can go by myself." She turned toward the can they had intentionally left on the table almost a year ago. "Gilliam, can you provide me with a list of upscale women's clothing stores in the area?"
"Of course Melfina, it will only take a moment." The can came to life, eyes opened and arms extended.
Melfina retrieved a note pad and a pen, ready to write down the names and addresses.
"I have the information you requested. I have located five stores in the downtown area. The first is Salya's, located at the corner of Aeka and 16th Street. The second is Women's Perfection, located at 1367 west Lefin between Jackson and Kingston."
Suzuka closed her eyes and sighed. 'Oh hell.' She set her half consumed cup of tea down and stepped out of the kitchen. "Melfina, if I may interrupt."
"Yes Suzuka?" The bio-android responded, looking up wide-eyed from her note pad.
"Those are fine stores, but if you want to find something very special to wear on your date with Gene tonight, may I suggest traveling to the Heifong Space Station? All of Heifong's finest shops are up there."
"Oh, is that right? Thanks Suzuka." Melfina rose and walked over to the phone to check the departure time for the next public shuttle to the space station.
The beautiful assassin turned to head back into the kitchen when Melfina continued. "Suzuka, hmm… I was wondering…" She paused.
"Yes Melfina?" The assassin responded, doing her best not to express any emotion that might encourage or discourage the ship's navigator from asking what she wanted to ask.
"Hmm, I was just wondering if you might be willing to come shopping with me? I could really use another woman's opinion."
Suzuka hesitated for a moment. 'Why couldn't Aisha be here? She'd jump at this opportunity.' Looking over at Melfina, she saw a look of sadness begin to fill her countenance in anticipation of a negative responds. 'Oh, what the hell.'
"I would be happy to accompany you Melfina but we must hurry." She pulled out her watch. "The next shuttle leaves in 13 minutes."
Melfina noticed Jim descending the stairs at that moment, so she turned toward him and said. "Jim, can you do us a favor?"
"Sure Mel, what is it you need?" The boy asked.
"Could you get us to the shuttle port in less then 13 minutes?" She asked.
"Hmm, sure, but what's the rush?" He enquired.
"That's when the next shuttle launches." She replied
"Well, in that case we better get going." He reached in his pocket and pulled out his keys as he headed for the door followed by the two dark-haired women.
Jim got them to the ticket office with four minutes to spare. Melfina quickly purchased tickets for the two of them and they boarded the ship. Within 35 minutes, the two women were walking down the garment district of the Heifong Space Station.
~~~
Having paid the port costs for the next three months, Gene made his way to the offices of Fred Lou. He was desperately hoping that Fred was not in, in which case he would transfer the funds from his account to Fred's in the presence of Fred's accountant and then be on his way. Unfortunately for him, Fred was in and available.
"Gene! It's been so long!" Fred walked out from behind his desk and embraced his friend. "How have you been? It's been nearly a year since I saw you last. Where have you been this whole time? Come, sit, tell me all about your adventures." The arms dealer directed Gene to the sofa and sat a bit too close for Gene's comfort, but the outlaw restrained himself and recounted the past years adventures to Fred. Fred was so enthralled by his stories that he ordered in breakfast for the two of them and canceled his morning appointments.
"Then we returned home, everyone except for Aisha that is."
"Incredible, how you survived such harrowing experiences is beyond me. You truly are an outlaw, aren't you Gene? So what brings you here? Need more cash for repairs?" The merchant set his cup of coffee down on the table, ready to get down to business.
"No Fred, actually I've come to pay off my debt to you, well at least part of it, anyway." The outlaw smiled, picking up another bacon strip and stuffing it in his mouth.
"Really, that's fantastic. I knew you'd make it big someday Gene. I've always had the greatest confidence in you." Fred signaled to one of his bodyguards to come over. "So Gene, do you have your account number?"
Gene pulled out a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to Fred's goon.
~~~
Both Melfina and Suzuka were showing signs of frustration and fatigue. They had spent four hours shopping in 6 different stores and had come up with nothing. The basic problem was finding something that didn't exaggerate Melfina's ample breasts but did accentuate her slim figure. While they did come across two or three outfits that Melfina thought were adequate, Suzuka, who was an unwilling participant at first, was now determined to make Melfina look her best and was not about to accept anything less.
"Where to now?" Melfina asked.
"This way. I've heard of a boutique that will customize while you wait." She said as she led the way down the street.
~~~
A thin man with black-rimmed glasses and an oversized suit handed Fred an electronic notepad.
"That's wonderful. You managed to pay off nearly half of your debt." The merchant said exuberantly.
"Half? Jim told me it would be close to two-thirds." Gene grabbed the notepad out of his friend's hand.
"Well, it was, before interest." The merchant smiled.
"Interest?" The outlaw sighed.
"Of course, you didn't actually think you were getting an interest free loan, did you?"
"Well, yeah, actually I did." Gene replied tossing the notepad back to Fred.
"Come on Gene, with the rate of inflation and as long as it's taken you to start paying off your debt, I'd be out hundreds of thousands of wong if I made the loan interest free." He handed the notepad back to his accountant who bowed then left the room.
Gene grudgingly acknowledged Fred's argument.
~~~
"Now that looks incredible on you." Raved the saleswoman as Melfina stepped out from the dressing room area.
"Do you really think so?" The bio-android inquired as she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror, first from the front, then her side, then her back, as much as she could see, finally her other side. She let the sequined shawl hang off her shoulders so she could admire the dress in its entirety along with the matching shoes.
"Most definitely, but don't take my word for it. Ask your friend." The clerk insisted.
"Well Suzuka, what do you think?" Melfina asked as she turned to face the beautiful assassin.
"I feel I must concur. I believe Gene will be beside himself with amazement. That dress truly enhances your natural beauty Melfina." Declared Suzuka.
Melfina smiled at herself in the mirror. "All right, I'll take the dress and the shoes."
"And the shawl as well?" Asked the clerk.
"Hmm, sure, why not." Nodded the bio-android with a smile.
She handed the shawl to the saleswoman, then went back into the dressing room and changed out of the dress and shoes.
While Melfina was paying for her new outfit, the clerk offered, "If I may be so bold; you may want to go to Georgio's on the sixth level."
"Georgio's? What's that?" Melfina asked.
"It's a beauty salon. You can get your nails and hair done and even a facial if you like. Normally you need to make an appointment at least a month in advance but I can call them for you. The manager there, Gregory, is a very good friend of mine." She smiled knowingly.
The navigator of the Outlaw Star turned to the kimono-clad woman with questioning eyes. She didn't have to ask; the assassin knew what the question was already. "Yes, please, tell him he'll be having two customers arriving shortly." Suzuka responded.
The saleswoman smiled. "Very good." Then she picked up the phone and called.
~~~
Gene left Fred's place and went home to pick up Jim's car. Walking in, he found Jim napping on the couch.
"Hey Jim, wake up already." He tapped his partner on the shoulder.
"Auugh, Gene, you're back. What's up?" The boy asked as he sat up and stretched at the same time.
"I need to borrow your car. I've got a delivery to make." He held out his hand for the keys.
Jim grumbled under his breath while fishing in his pocket for the keys. Handing them over to his partner, he said, "Now, be gentle with her. Remember, she's a classic."
"Yea, right." Gene responded sarcastically. "Oh, by the way, where are the girls?"
"They went shopping on the space station. They've been gone…" He glanced at his watch. "Almost five hours now."
"Good, I should have plenty of time to drop off the booze and get ready myself." The outlaw reasoned. "Did you say the space station? Are you sure about that?"
"I dropped them off at the shuttle port myself. Why?" Jim asked sleepily.
"That means Melfina's sparing no expense. I better rent a tux for the evening." He replied.
"A tux? That I've got to see." Jim smiled evilly.
"Well, got to go." Gene turned around and headed for the door.
"Hahahaha, Gene in a tux. I can't wait." Jim mused as he laid his head down and fell back to sleep.
~~~
After enjoying a deep tissue message, Melfina chose to have a sea salt scrub before having her hair styled, a facial, a manicure and pedicure. Suzuka chose a relaxing mud bath after her massage instead.
"I must say Miss Melfina, I'm pleasantly surprised." The stylist said.
"Oh, why is that Sofia?" The raven-haired young woman asked.
"To be honest, when I first saw you, I thought your hair was going to be wiry and uncontrollable, but I'm happy to say it is actually quite soft and manageable." The blue-haired stylist said.
"Well, thank you." Melfina smiled.
"Would you like more tea Miss?" The hostess asked.
"Yes please." Suzuka responded with her eyes still closed. "By the way, is my friend finished yet?"
"Friend?" The green-haired girl asked as she poured the tea.
"Yes, the young lady with the dark hair and deep dark eyes." The assassin replied.
"Oh, I'm not sure, but I'll go check." She stood back up. "I'll be right back."
Suzuka enjoyed another sip of tea as the hostess exited the mud bath room.
"There, so what do you think?" Sofia asked.
Melfina looked at the large wall mirror, examining her hair and her face. Sofia had smoothed and straightened her hair. Parting it off-center, she tucked the shorter side behind Melfina's ear while setting the longer half in a bob that partially concealed her eye. The effect was breathtaking. The stylist suggested minimal makeup, allowing Melfina's natural beauty to radiate through.
The young woman in love smiled at her reflection, then looked down at her hands and feet and smiled even wider.
"Thank you Sofia, thank you all." She said to the stylist, manicurist, and pedicurist. "It's wonderful, simply wonderful."
The ladies smiled with contentment, knowing they had once again elevated beauty to an art form.
"Melfina, I don't believe there is a man in this universe that could resist your beauty." Suzuka's voice came from off to the side.
The bio-android caught her image in the mirror and turned to face her friend. "Do you really think so? Do you think Gene will like it?"
"Knowing Gene Starwind, he will be beside himself in amazement, overwhelmed by your beauty." Her friend replied.
"Thank you Suzuka." Melfina took one last look at herself in the mirror when she caught a glimpse of the clock on the opposite wall. "Oh my goodness, is it really that late?" Turning to her friend once more, she said, "We have to go."
~~~
Gene had stopped at a tuxedo rental shop before heading to his friend's nightclub. He got fitted for a tux and told the salesman he'd be back in a couple hours to pick it up. He then headed over to the blue light district of Heifong, to the Silver Star. The Silver Star nightclub featured exotic dancers and privacy suites that were rented by the quarter-hour, and Gene's friend Stan, the owner and manager of the club, was a former outlaw himself. He had made it big a few years back and used the fortune he made to open up the nightclub. Stan and Gene enjoyed exchanging war stories, drinking late into the night, and picking up the newest hot babes that made their way into his club. On more then one occasion, Stan had allowed Gene the use of a suite at no charge. Giving Stan two cases of tequila was Gene's way of saying thank you and farewell.
"I don't believe it!" Stan exclaimed.
"It's true." The red-haired outlaw assured him.
"Gene Starwind becoming a one-woman man. What is this universe coming to?" The former outlaw sighed.
Gene laughed. "It's not the end of the world. In fact, since I made this decision, I've been happier than ever."
"Well then, a drink to your happiness." Stan reached behind the bar for a pair of glasses and, pulling out one of the bottles of tequila from its case, held it up for Gene's approval.
But Gene put his hands up in front of him and replied, "You know what I like."
Stan smiled, opened the bottle and poured himself a drink. "Hey Frank, serve my friend here a single malt scotch, on the rocks."
The bartender came over with a bottle of scotch, added ice to the glass and poured the drink.
"You can leave the bottle, and take the rest of this" Stan pointed at the two cases, "to my office. Can't have this stuff lying around just in case we get a visit from any inspectors." He took a long slow drink and sighed with pleasure. "It's been a long time since I've had any of this stuff. It's even better than I remember it being." He poured himself some more and took another drink.
The Silver Star didn't open for business for another two hours so as long as he left by the time the club opened, Gene figured he still had plenty of time to pick up his tux, go home, shower and change. So he continued to drink while regaling his friend with stories of bravery and skill during his time at Cielo Rojo.
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: Sorry for the long delay. I actually had this chapter finished over a week ago but it still needed to be beta-read. The second part to this chapter will come much sooner, I promise. ^_^ First off let me thank my new beta-reader, Janice, for her wonderful enthusiasm and willingness to edit stories to anime that she hasn't even seen yet. On of my other beta-readers, Tex, does that too but he's been doing that for a long time now.
And I'd like to thank you, my readers for sticking with this story. I promise the payoff will be well worth the wait. ^___^ Please let me know how you liked this the first part of chapter 6 by taking a few minutes to review it. I really appreciate all your reviews. I really do.
A. Amishi