Author's Note: OK, blame this chapter on JaqueDark. She came and kicked by butt so I'd write and post more. So Jaque, this is for you, m'dear. I'd still like to know what the rest of you think of this, I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing with it. Please, leave a review, message me – anything!

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Chapter 2

Jack had used his body to get what he wanted for most of his long life, especially since he became immortal. He'd always relied on his body to get him out of whatever scrape he was in, no matter how dire the situation. So that's how he found himself sitting in one of the numerous dark holes that passed for a bar on Sol Station.

He'd refused his Vernuden friend's offer and struck out on his own. By the end of his first 'day' on the station he'd made enough to rent a small room at a cheap intergalactic version of a motel. By the end of the first week he had a completely new wardrobe. Unfortunately, his beloved greatcoat and quasi-Air Force uniform didn't do much for his figure.

His clothes were a bit. . . brighter than he was used to and he still winced when he looked down at them. He was wearing a tight, green shirt and loose, easily opened pants in a darker, contrasting purple and sipping something that he was pretty sure wouldn't kill him.

He'd died last week when a client insisted he drink a concoction that tasted like wine but obviously wasn't. He'd charged extra for that when he caught up with the alien after dragging himself out of the recycling chute.

The night was half over and business had been slow, only one customer so far. Jack sipped his drink again, eyeing the bartender warily. If he was thrown out business certainly wouldn't get any better.

Jack eyed up the group of Selniks that were partying in the corner. They'd been there for quite a while and were getting very drunk, blowing their wages on cheap booze. He was just about to go and join the party when someone sat down next to him.

The. . . person ordered something in a language Jack didn't understand and turned to look at him. Unashamed at being caught staring Jack cooly regarded the creature beside him.

It was tall, nearly as tall sitting as he would be standing, and thin. It had a vague head blob at the top of its body with what was pretty much the standard for faces, two deep-set eyes, a flat nose and a mouth. It had two arms that looked a lot like tentacles that ended in fans of smaller tentacles that resembled fingers. Two leg tentacles that ended in more fans of tentacle toes. In fact it reminded Jack of Mary, only more solid, more wet and much more... intelligent.

Jack shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking of that. He'd gotten in the bad habit of comparing all aliens to humans. He'd even started thinking of the creatures as aliens. God, he'd been trapped on that tiny rock for too long.

"You are looking for... Someone?" The creature asked, surprising him by using English.

Jack sipped his drink and plastered a grin on his face. "Yeah, as a matter of fact I am."

"And now you think you have found who you are looking for." The creature was either looking for "someone" too or it had some telepathic capabilities.

"Maybe, I dunno yet," Jack replied, shrugging his shoulders. He looked his companion over, "I'll tell you in a little bit."

"I am not the one you seek," the creature said, definitely telepathic - or mated.

Jack cursed mentally, wondering why he'd let his psychic exercises slip over the years. He was startled, and maybe just a bit embarrassed, when the creature spoke next.

"It would not matter. My people have significant... abilities. Your puny defenses would not stop me."

"So, why are you here?" he asked, "Are you looking for company?"

He projected a mental image of company to the creature, hoping it would understand. The creature paused, no doubt analyzing his meaning. "I am not seeking that, per se. Though it seems that I am looking for you."

"And why would you be looking for me if not for that?" Jack gestured at his shirt, green was the standard color for whore now-a-days. No slinky red satin for him, not away from Earth anyway.

"I am seeking your mind. The body attached is of little importance to me," The creature said, and Jack thought that it might be female, or feminine at the very least. Not that it mattered really, he certainly wasn't picky. "I wish to examine your memories."

"My memories?" Jack was starting to feel distinctly uneasy, he didn't like people messing with his head.

"Do not worry," She said. "I will not harm you or intrude on you if you do not wish it. I merely wish to. . . watch some of your memories. To experience them with you."

"What's so great about my memories?" He took a swig of his drink, grateful for the burn that distracted him from the conversation.

"They are very. . . unique. You are projecting so loudly that half of my crew refused to come aboard the station."

"Sorry," Jack muttered, hoping she wasn't seeking revenge. "I'm a little out of practice."

A strange gurgle came from the creature that Jack could only assume it was laughter. "Do not worry, human. As I said, your defenses would mean little to us. I am merely curious as to the reason for your projection."

Jack looked skeptical, "What did you have in mind?"

"I merely wish to. . . join with you. You may show me anything you wish, or let me guide you," She said, seemingly eager now that they had left carnal subjects behind.

"And what's in it for me? My time ain't free, lady." Jack sipped his drink, he'd either have to buy another one or go with this person.

"I will pay you, if that is what you wish."

"Don't you even wanna hear my price?" He teased, though secretly he was surprised that money seemed to be no problem for this strange person. But then again, she could tell if he lied so maybe it wasn't all that important.

"I will pay whatever you ask," She said steadily, meeting his eyes.

For a long moment Jack considered her offer. It seemed that there was no one else willing to pay for him tonight so he might as well go with her. He'd have something to show for the night at least. The rent needed to be paid and he had to fix his vortex manipulator if he wanted to find the 456. . . Finally, he made up his mind.

"Alright, fine. It's a hundred credits a unit. Payable in advance, cash only."

Without hesitation his customer produced a sizable stack of credits and laid them on the counter, "Here is six hundred credits. Will that be sufficient for the rest of the night?"

Jack grabbed the credits, counting them carefully just to be sure. There were indeed six hundred credits, enough to pay his rent for the rest of the week. "Yeah, this is fine." He gulped the rest of his drink, "I'm all yours until oh-five-hundred."

"Excellent," she said, clapping her tentacles together in a very human gesture. "It would be best to go somewhere that you will be comfortable."

"Fine, we'll go back to mine." Jack stood up and offered his arm, "It's this way."

She regarded him blankly for a moment until he sent a picture, explaining what she should do. After a moment's hesitation she took his arm, "Since I have paid for your time may I at least know your name?"

Jack frowned, slightly taken aback. No one here had asked his name, not even the owner of his motel. "It's Jack."

"And mine is Cozail."