The Crew of the Outlaw Star sat around their motel room moping around, resting after the events of yesterday. Everyone was in a dark mood. Jim sat in the corner typing on his computer checking up on Gilliam's just to keep busy. Suzuka as always stood and was silently meditating on the previous day's events, she shouldn't have let that bounty hunter live. She realized that she getting soft, something was going to rectify. Aisha was just upset she had missed a fight, she was always ready for a throw down. Melfina was sitting next to him trying to comfort him. He was upset he hadn't met his contact, due to the interference from that cowboy. His contact was a man who supposedly knew information about the Galactic Layline, and this particular was not a cheap but on information.
"Ahhhh! Now what are we supposed to do? That stupid bounty hunter got in my way! I can't believe I let my guard down like that, if it hadn't have been for Suzuka, I would've been rotting in a prison behind bars somewhere."
"Hey gene, it's okay. I just a message from out contact. He says he saw some of what happened and will happily reschedule if... we double the fee."
Gene's already strained face darkened. Rather go for his normal outburst he was just too tired and upset so he opted to remain calm.
"Jim, tell him I will give more but I will not double the price, I have to eat remember?"
Jim wasn't surprised; Gene always talked about his stomach. He was either eating or drinking and the mood Gene was in he'd be doing a lot of both.
"Hey Gene why not lay low for awhile? With that bounty on all our heads we are being hunted day and night by every bounty hunter in the galaxy. We can't keep going like this."
Gene's shoulders sagged under the truth of Jim's words; they were being hunted by every testosterone filled jerk. But then his face hardened, he would not, could not risk it.
"No! If I lay low how long would I have to wait? What if someone gets to the Galactic Layline before us, what then? Suzuka I know you want to keep going! You are no coward, right? And Aisha, I know you aren't scared, you wanna fight just as much as I do. And Melfina... you... you wouldn't let me stop, would you?"
Gene stopped talking because he could see by everyone's faces they were all in agreement. No one could even look him in the eye. They couldn't bring themselves to allow Gene to be hurt or worse killed for the Galactic Layline. It was a simple fact they all loved him. Gene knew they weren't cowards, they just wanted him safe, but that didn't prevent his anger from flaring.
"You know what, fine! I don't you; I don't need any of you! I wish Hilda was still here..."
He was interrupted by a sharp rapt at the door. The first thing he did was reach for his Calister and put a finger to his lips, the universal sign for quiet. Silently he crept toward the door; every step was a chore as he anticipated what threat lay behind that barrier. Another knock sounded on the door followed by a very alluring voice.
"Hello is anyone there? I'm gorgeous tour guide you ordered, open up."
Gene took one last stride and yanked open the door and had his Calister cocked and ready. He raised his gun and pointed his barrel in the face of a beautiful Asian girl with short black hair. She wore a tight yellow outfit which was very revealing, not that Gene minded too much.
"Ahhh! What's your problem!? I'm just a tour guide not target practice put that thing away! What are you trying to do kill me? You better cough up a hefty tip buddy."
Gene noticed that the girl was very appealing indeed. Beneath her outfit he could make out her amazing body and many curves. He was barely paying attention, not even enough to wipe the drool from his mouth.
"Ummm sorry miss wrong room we didn't order any tour guide, you should check your information."
Jim was sorry for his comment half a second later when Gene nailed him in the head with his shoe.
"My friend didn't know but I did order a tour guide, maybe I should have told him, hehe."
"So do you want to go on the tour or not? I'm not paid by the hour you know so let's go."
Gene didn't remember ordering a tour guide and didn't really care. This one was hottie he didn't want to pass up. He felt like things were looking up for a change, like this was a sign of good things to come.
"I'm sorry I wasn't ready I totally forgot, I've had my mind on other things. So exactly what kinda tour is this?"
She gave him the look that broke many a man's heart and bank account. After that she said the magic words that got him hook, line and sinker.
"Oh you know, the special tour."
Gene couldn't believe his good fortune he could actually smile and take his friends advice.
"Well guys you're right! I should lay low, with her! So I'll see you all later I have a tour to attend to."
"Oh yes," thought the Asian girl, "you do have a tour to attend to, but it ends in a jail behind bars and sixty million wulongs in my pocket."
Faye smiled to herself as she hooked her arm around his as they walked down the hall toward the lobby. Tonight she would be sixty million wulongs richer.
"So Mr. Starwind you and your friends do odd jobs for money? That sounds like so much fun, I wish I had that kind of excitement in my life!"
Faye played the role of a ditzy interested girl well; she had lots of practice. She made sure she signaled the waiter to bring another beer, she always replaced Gene's empty bottle wit a fresh one. Gene leaned back on his chair with his feet on the table, gloating about all the things he'd seen and done.
"Yea it's ok but (hic) my favorite thing to do is to get bounties, (hic) those are the best. It's... it's a real thrill. (hic) Want to know what else? I have my own ship, (hic) it's one of a kind. My friend Hilda kinda left it to me you could say. (hic)"
"Hey pretty lil lady, how about you come hang out with some real men?"
Two big biker guys with lots of tattoos had made themselves at their table. If only they knew whom they were messing with they might have reconsidered their actions. Too bad they were idiots.
"Hey fellas, why don't you go away, and leave us alone before someone gets hurt. Now run along little boys."
"Oh Bruno we got ourselves a tough guy! He don't look too tough, let me take of'em."
Bruno's friend reached over to grab Gene but before he could make a move Gene was up and swung the large man into the next table. Food and drinks spilled everywhere. Gene looked the other guy as if daring him to move. Too bad Bruno was as dumb as friend. He pulled out a switchblade and attacked Gene without skill or purpose. Gene easily dodged the attack and sent his foe following his friend.
The other customers in the restaurant were appalled by Gene's behavior. The waiter quickly walked up to Gene being wary to stay out of arms reach.
Excuse me sir I'm going to have to ask you to leave.
Gene looked at the man as if he were insulted.
"Why should I? I'm a paying customer so buzz off."
Faye decided he was drunk enough and didn't want to cause a scene. There was just one last thing to do. She stealthily slipped a couple of pills into Gene's last beer and smiled to her companion.
"Aw Gene, this place is boring anyway. Let's go somewhere else after you finish that beer big boy."
Gene looked at the drink lustily; he always could have more beer. He picked it up and drained it in one big gulp. He put the bottle down and had a big smile, but that rapidly changed.
"Uhhh, I don't feel... so hot. Maybe... we... shou... blarrggggg!"
Gene threw up, something he rarely did when drunk. He felt something was wrong, out of place. He tried to gather his thoughts but his mind was scattered like cards. He looked at his tour guide and when he saw the smile on her face he knew he had been tricked, she had to be a bounty hunter.
"I-I guess... you... got..."
He never got to finish that sentence, Gene passed out on the table.
"Check please, and don't worry you'll get a big tip; I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot of money real soon. Ed send my ship to my coordinates!"
What!? Is it over for Gene Starwind? Is his game up? Find out next chapter!! Later and review!