Tick-tock. Tick-tock.
Jim sat on one of the few chairs not broken from the fight in the main part of downstairs. He was hunched over with his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together and head bowed.
Sarah was tending to Leland and Silver had managed to lean himself against the wall.
Ben had been the only one unharmed from the event and was sent to get help. Jim would have gone with him but he obligated to stay in case something else were to happen.
"Jim! Mrs. Hawkins!" Kate come busting through the door. She was wearing a dark blue rain coat to shield her from the storm. Others were behind her. Kate stopped as she saw two others she was not expecting: Silver and Leland.
Finally, Jim looked up at her, slowly, but surely he did. He was still wet from the rain and his pants were stained from the mud. He was silent.
Kate knelt down in front of him. "Jim, tell me everything that happened."
It took a second, but Jim told her everything. "He took her," he said. "He took her from me...just like that." The look in his eyes was dark and forbodding.
Kate rested a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get her back, but if want that to happen we have to act fast." kate realized at that moment just important Iris was to him. She loved Jim once with all her heart, and to see him like this now was upsetting. Kate pushed aside whatever grudges she might have felt towards him before all this and focused on what mattered. "You have to get up, though."
Jim said nothing and stood up. He looked over to his mother was still by her husband's side. They were both being treated by doctors. He then looked over at Silver who was being treated as well.
"Don't worry about them. They are coming with us." Kate reassured him.
Jim looked to Kate and said, "Let's go kill that bastard."

Iris was yanked and pulled and eventually pushed into Barlow's room. She was surrounded by enemies with no means of protecting herself.
Barlow pulled her up off the floor by her hair and raised her into the air. She kicked and screamed. "My, what a fighter you are." Barlow grinned and threw her on to his bed. Iris tried to get off but Barlow caught her by her waist and hauled her back, holding her in place. He held both her arms pinned down above her head, kept the weight of his legs on her own so she was incapable of getting away. Barlow sneered and ripped the top part of her nightgown just enough for him to see her crystal. It reflected in his eyes. "Ah, what a beautiful sight." He said and laughed. "I can't imagine the price people fight over to win you...no wait, I can. And just think, there are more of you." He ran one long claw against her crystal.
"Stop it." Tears started forming in her eyes. "Please, stop it." Only Jim can touch it, she thought to herself. I only want Jim touching it!
Barlow put his face to her neck and sniffed her, taking his free hand to roam about freely over her body.
Iris screamed. "Help!"
Barlow smacked her, but not hard enough to knock her out. "I'm not going to violate you. I'm merely proving to you that I can and will overpower you whenever I please. Besides, I can't be spoiling my goods. You need to be fresh for my customers."
Iris closed her eyes, not being to stand it any longer and she sobbed.
Barlow released himself from her and walked over to a table to pour himself a tall glass of wine. "You're never going to see your friends again." He told her.
Iris slipped off the side of the bed and crouched in fear. There was no sense in trying to run away now.

Jim sat in his office with Kate and her father; Silver was there, too, and Leland as well.
"We had an eyewitness tell us the direction Barlow went." Started Admiral Blake. "He's going west, which means he is headed toward The Black Space Market. There is not much out that way. That area of space is nutorious for pirates."
Kate shook her head. "That's too obvious."
Her father was going to protest but Jim stopped him. "She's right. Whose to say that that eyewitness is telling the truth? At this point I don't trust anyone outside these walls."
Leland looked at Jim with hope in his eyes. Was this Jim's first step toward accepting him?
Silver took a good look at his new and improved robotic limbs that he had recieved from the government. "Jimbo is right. If anything, Barlow could be heading in the opposite direction." He then added. "I was on Barlow's ship. I've seen what he capable of. If we don't stop him it can be bad for everyone. I mean, we're talking about a goddamn genocide here!"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"What do you suggest we do, Jim?" Kate asked.
Jim thought for a moment. "Admiral Blake, head to the east to the Coral Galaxy with Lieutenant Keeting and her crew. Barlow might have returned there to gather more of Iris's people."
The admiral nodded. "Understood."
"Kate and I will sail to the west in search of The Black Space Market."
Kate was surprised to hear this. "It will be an honor to sail beside you, Captain."
Jim sat back in his chair. "You may leave now."

Everyone stood up and headed for the door, ready to set sail and track Barlow down.
"Except for you, Leland." Jim called his father by name.
Leland sighed and closed the door. He never thought he'd hear his son address him by his first name. "Yes?"
"On this ship you will call me Captain and nothing else. Is that understood?"
"Yes...Captain."
"Good. You can go now."
Leland turned to head out but he stopped and looked back at his son. "Jim—I mean, Captain, may I speak?"
Jim nodded once.
Leland cleared his throat. "I'm sorry I left you. It was never my intention to hurt you this way?"
Jim raised a brow. "This way? What way were you trying to hurt me then?"
Leland stumbled around with his words. "I didn't want to hurt you at all."
Jim sighed. "Look, the only reason why you are here is because you know the island the best out of everyone on this ship. And when we get there, with Iris in our care, you will lead us to the village."
"Why not just send me with Admiral Blake then? He's headed there now. When you return with Iris I will already be there with the village waiting to support you. Why keep me here?" He paused. "Unless there is another reason you want me here?"
Jim scoffed. "What reason would that be?"
Leland shrugged, hoping his son would get the hint. "Maybe...try and...rebuild our relationship."
Jim wanted to laugh just to show his father that he didn't care, but underneath it all he did care. At least a small part of him did. "You can go now." He said.
"I'm right, aren't I?" Said Leland. "Jim?"
"That's Captain to you."
Leland pressed his lips together, holding back what he really wanted to say. "Yes...Captain." And he left.

Jim closed himself off in his office for hours. He didn't even come out to eat, and whatever food or drink was brought to his door he ignored. He had been up for over twenty-four hours, but the rage that was still settled in him kept him from falling asleep. "Think," Jim said to himself. "If I were Barlow, where in The Black Space Market would I go to sell a human?" The Black Space Market was infamous for its drug deals, red light disctricts, slaves, stolen goods, and other things resulting to living creatures. It was basically its own country. Once you set foot in there, pirate or not, it was harder getting out. This was a dangerous game Jim was playing but Iris was worth it. A girl like her would never last long in a place like that. It pained him to think just Iris might be going through at this moment.
He looked around the room, trying to find an answer to his problem. He saw the chest Iris had arrived in, boggled that it was still sitting in his original spot. Standing up now, Jim walked over to it and opened it up, rummaging through the clothes. There were remnants of drugs and bullets randomly placed inside. There were even a few rolled up pieces of parchment. Jim took all of them and unravled each once to read. Most of them were recods of stolen goods, others were drawings of maps, but there was one in particular that caught Jim's attention: It was a letter written out in great detail about meeting up with a certain someone who remained anonymous. They explained in the letter exactly where they would be waiting and have the payment ready.
Jim nearly jumped up in triumph. Not only did this letter prove where Barlow was heading, but it also secured the location in which he would deal his business. "You're mine, asshole."

Jim sent word over Kate's ship, telling her to meet with him in haste.
"What's the matter?" She asked walking into his office.
Jim handed her the rolled up parchment. "Read it."
Kate carefully and quickly read the letter. Once she was done she handed it back to Jim. "This is wonderful. We have him now. We'll get Iris back and we'll save her village."
"I've already maped out a detailed plan as to how we will enter that godforsaken place and free Iris." He slipped a paper toward her on the desk.
Kate went to pick it up but stopped. "Jim, I know it's none of my business, but if we're going in there blind at least tell me that."
Jim was confused. "What are you talking about? I have an excellent plan right here."
Kate shook her head. "No, that's not what I mean." When Jim said nothing she continued on.
"Have you told Iris how you feel about her?"
"What are you talking about?"
Kate rolled her eyes this time. "Oh please, Jim. Don't play dumb with me. I've seen the way you've looked at her, talked about her. It's obvious that you care about her more than a friend. She's special to you, isn't she?"
Jim didn't say anything.
Kate sighed. "When I ask if we are going in blind, I'm asking if we are risking our lives for a girl who doesn't even know you love her?"
"That's none of your business." Jim told her.
Kate got on top of his desk and grabbed him by the shirt. "It becomes my business when I am delibrately invloved! Now man the hell up and tell me the truth, tell Iris the truth!"
Jim pushed her away. "Damn it! No, I haven't told her. Are you happy?" He straightened out his shirt.
Kate grabbed the paper with the maped out plan and then pointed on long finger at Jim. "That better be the first thing you tell her when you find her. And to be honest with you, Jim, we might not make it out alive."

Iris walked the smelly, dirty street of The Black Space Market with Barlow keeping a tight grip on her shoulder. She was smothered with people trying to sell her drugs and merchandise. One man Barlow stabbed to death for getting too close to her. He was serious about keep her unspoiled.
Prostitutes walked the streets, male and female of all races. Animal carcesses hung high; fights broke out over the most trivial of things, and music was being played everywhere with people performing dances; lights were strung up and flashed all different colors and the buildings were all built radically. Even a broken down monastery was being used to hold executions. Iris turned her head as to not see a dog-like man be held down and have his face smashed in with a giant rock.
This place was a living nightmare and Iris feared she was just seeing the beginning of it.
Finally, Barlow forced her to make a turn and shoved her into a building painted black with a pointed roof.
As Iris walked through the door she was met by a smell of burning incense.
A woman dressed in red and gold garments was there to greet them. Her hair was extremely long and black. It was straight and she let it slip over her slender shoulders. In her hand she held a smoking pipe and took a long drag before speaking. "You're late, Barlow." She said, her fox ears twitching.
Barlow couldn't help but grin. "Sorry, Mistress Ralu." He inched Iris closer to her. "This is my offer."
The fox named Ralu puffed at her pipe and then blew it into Iris's face. She lauged as Iris coughed. "What a pretty girl." She looked at Barlow. "Is she unmarked?"
Barlow nodded. "Of course, just as you wished her to be. Virgin and all."
Ralu smiled, her sharp teeth glistening. "Good. Follow me. We shall discuse our payment in my chambers." She looked to her servant girls. "Take our new arrival to the guest bedroom and get her cleaned up. Feed her as well." She left with Barlow.

Iris was glad to be away from under Barlow's eyes, however, she was unsure what was instore for her next. Ralu ordered her servants clean and feed her. They were obviously preparing her for something.
The guest bedroom was decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The floor was made out od bamboo sticks with countless animal furs acting as rugs. Pictures hung on the wall, and a painting of space was made on the ceiling.
"Sit over there." Said one of the servants.
Iris sat down on a fur covered bed. The pillows were fluffed with feathers and the blankets made out of silk.
Some of the servants whispered into each others ears, snickering. Iris got the feeling they were talking about her.
"Wash your feet and hands." Said another servant. She brought with a basin of water with a white rag hanging off the side of it.
And then another servant rested a bowl of exhaustic fruit down in front of her. "You may eat when you finish cleaning yourself."
Temptation, thought Iris. This girls are trying to trick me into thinking they're nice. I won't do as they say!

The servants left Iris be and locked the door so there was no way of her getting out. Iris was stuck there.
The candles that were lite and the softness of the bed were her only comforts. She lied down, closing her eyes and thought of Jim. She started crying again, hoping he and everyone else was safe. She tried to get some rest but it was impossible; she was too frightened.
Soon hours had gone by and the chatter outside the door came to a stop. Iris wondered if he and Ralu had come to an agreement about her. If all went accroding to plan Iris knew that Barlow would only bring back more of her people. It made her sick to her stomach.
Just then a sound of explosives went off and screaming erupted from down the hall. They were banging of fists and guns firing. The heavy footsteps found their way to Iris's door. She sat up, frozen in fear. Whoever was on the other side of the door had every intention of getting in.
Suddenly, the handle to the door was shot off and the door was kicked in. Smoke piled into the room making it difficult for Iris to see.
A tall figure stepped into the room. They wore a smask and held their gun firmly in their hands. As the scanned the room they soon found Iris and ran up to her. They put their gun away and removed their mask.
It was Jim. He was dressed in rogue clothing as a disguise.
Iris smiled, happy tears forming in her eyes and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I knew you would find me."
"I will always find you." Jim said in her ear. He then brought her face up to his and kissed her without hesitation.

The precious moment was short lived as more shots were fired.
"Jim! We need to get the hell out of here now!" Kate was right behind him, along with a few others.
Jim held Iris in his arms and ran. "Kate, in front. You're the eyes now! Lead us back to the ship. You know where to go."
"Right," Kate fired her gun, shooting the pirate that stood in her way, while the others ran behind Jim, protecting his back as he carried Iris.
The market was in complete mayhem and it wasn't all on Jim and his team. More fights had broken out, causing a giant wreckage among pirates and thieves and the like. It made it possible for them to escape, but not without Barlow knowing about it. He was too smart for that. In fact he was right behind them. He shot at them, managing to three of their men, but the fighting always kept him away at arms length.

They barely escaped as they reached the edge of the market. Hopping into their air crafts they fled the scene and Barlow was left to watch them go.
Iris buried her face into Jim's neck. She knew she would see Barlow again, but still, she hoped not to. For now she was safe.
Silver and Leland were left on the ship to watch over it and as soon as the others returned they wasted no time and getting both ships to sail away quickly as possible.
Phillip, the accountant, ran up to Jim. "Where are the others that went with you? What were the casualties? Tell me, I must know so I can better prepare our supplies."
Jim stopped abruptly, turning to face Phillip. "I don't want to hear anything. As of right now you and the rest of the crew will leave me alone. Is that understood?"
Phillip gulped. "Yes, very much so, Captain." He chuckled nervously. "Please, be on your way."
Jim turned his back and walked to his room with Iris still in his arms. When he set her on the bed he locked his bedroom door as he did not want anyone bothering him.
"Jim," Iris said.
"One moment." He told her and walked into his bathroom. When he returned he came back with him a basin of water, a wet rag and a dry rage. He knelt down in front Iris and took the wet rag and wiped the dirt off her arms and hands.
"I'm so thankful, Jim." She said. "How can I ever return that kindness to you?"
Jim moved on to her facem gently wiping all the dirt away. "I just want you to be here with me. That's all I want. Just knowing that you are beside me is enough." He cleaned her neck and shoulders. There wasn't much he could do about saving her nightgown. It was ripped beyond repair and stained. Once he dried off her top half he moved on to her legs. He slowly slipped off her dirty stocking and tossed them to the side. And then, dipping the rag in water again, he ringed the excess water out and started cleaning legs.
All the while Iris looked down at him, slightly blushing. The feel of his hands on her thighs made her stomach tingle. She touched her lips, remembering they he held her when he kissed her. She desperately wanted him to do it again. He finished washing and drying both her legs Iris lifted his chin so he would look up at her. She bent down to meet him half way and kissed him.
After a long moment their lips parted; the taste of Iris excited Jim. He touched one thigh and massaged it with his lips. Iris let out a soft sigh, which resulted in exciting Jim even further. He was curious to know what other sounds she made when touching other parts of her body. And then, he stood up takigng off his shirt. His chest was perfectly chiseled and the crease his hips made at the top of his pants was intoxicating.
Iris looked up at him, unsure of what to do next.
Jim reached out and played a rogue lock of her hair. "Its okay if you're not experienced. And its okay if you don't want to go any further. I'll understand." He gave her a comforting smile.
Iris shook her head.
"No...you're not inexperienced?" Iris shook her head again. "No...you don't want to go any further?" and again she shook her head. "So...you want to?"
This time Iris nodded, looking up at him with a more determined look in her eyes.
Jim faintly laughed. "Alright, I'll guide you through it." He took off his belt and unzipped his pants. "If you feel like stopping just let me know." He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his buldge.
Iris rubbed gently, not sure if she was doing it right, but when Jim moaned she guessed that she must have been doing something right. She could see his manhood growing in size; she blushed.
"Here, stop," he said and leaned her further back on the bed. He slipped off her dirty nightgown and marvled at her body. He pressed his body against hers, reveling in the moment. Once again he closed the gap between their mouths and sucked on her lower lip, biting down gently and she moaned. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth and massaged the inside. He rubbed her breasts; her nipples getting hard just like he wanted them to. When he broke free from her lips he enjoyed the sound of her light gasp for air and then he smothered his face into her neck, kissing and sucking hard on both sides. All the while he slipped his hands to her private and she gasped in pure delight as he rubbed her clitoris. He could feel her getting wet and he hardened even more.
When her body start to twitch he knew she was having an orgasm and slipped two fingers inside of her and moved in and out of her slowly, preparing her for his size.
A few moments later she reached climax again, her whole body shivering with ecstasy. Jim trailed sweet kisses down her body, sucking at her breasts, licking her belly, playfully biting her hips; he spread her legs a little more and licked her clit now; kissing, sucking—everything.
"Captain," her cheeks were pink.
Jim stopped giving her head. He didn't want to make her cum just yet. He wanted to tease her now, make her beg for him. It was one of his favorite parts. He slipped off his pants, revealing himself to Iris now and he positioned himself on top of her. He grabbed her hand and guided her to stroke his manhood.
Iris was sure all she had to do was move her hand up and down and that alone would give him pleasure. She enjoyed that feel of him growing harder in her grasp.
"Stop," Jim pulled her hand away. Any more and he would have cam. No, he didn't want that yet. He pressed the tip of penis against her vagina, rubbing it. He could hardly contain himself now. The juices from her orgasm dampened his tip and it overwhelmed him in the best way possible. Was she ready for him now? He would have to make sure. He stroked her cheek, looking into her glossy eyes. "I love you, Iris."
"I love you, too, Jim."
Oh, how he loved that sound of her saying those words. "Do you want this?" he asked.
Iris smiled innocently at him. "Yes."
Jim slowly entered her, becoming one with her, loving her. He held her close as they rocked together.
Iris wrapped her arms around him, her nails digging into his back. She loved both the pain and pleasure it gave her. To know that he was inside of her, holding her, being with her, it was everything she wanted.
Jim's slow thrusts quickened. He wanted to fuck her more passionately; hear her moan louder and grab him harder.

Before cuming Jim removed himself and cam on her belly, moaning. When he looked down his dick was slightly red with blood and then he saw that the bed sheet beneath was stained with blood as well. Jim was quick to grab his shirt and wipe his cum off of her. "Are you alright? How do you feel? I didn't hurt you too much, did I?" He lied down beside her and wrapped her in his arms, pulling the cover over them.
Iris pressed her face into his chest and shook her head. "No, I'm okay."
"Good. I was worried." He kissed her forehead.
"Where do we go from here?" Iris asked.
Jim caressed her hair and back. "We're headed to the Coral Galaxy. I'm taking you home."
Iris gasped. "What? Really?"
Jim smiled. "Yes. I told you I would get you back home, so that's what I'm doing."
Iris smiled softly. "I love you, Jim."
The sound of her voice ringed in his ears again. "And I love you, Iris."

I started this chapter at 12:30AM...and its almost 4:30AM.
Please leave a review. I'd like to know what you think. Comments from guests are welcomed too.