"What is all this for?" Sidon stared at the bundles of rope Jim was laying out across the deck. The human counted each coil and then ticked off on his fingers. He pursed his lips and sighed softly to himself.

"We're coming up on the Lagoon Nebula."

Sidon paused, still unsure what that had to do with anything, "And?"

"Specifically, we're coming up on the Deadly Sisters Archipelago."

"And your point is?"

Jim met Sidon's gaze now, a soft grin on his face, "Ethereum Folk captain. We're going to be sailing through 'spacemaid' territory."

He was utterly done with the riddles, "Speak in common tongue dammit- what is the rope for?!"

The human gave a soft laugh, "They're Sirens, sir. And unless you want to lose your crew and ship to them, everyone's going to need to be restrained and locked in the hold."

Sidon frowned, "I will not be locked in the hold-"

"Not you, captain," Jim smirked now. He walked to the main mast and trailed his fingers down it while looking back at Sidon over his shoulder, "You're going to get tied right here."

"No."

"Yes," Jim leaned on the mast and tipped his head back. "What's the point of continuing the journey if the captain - the man after the treasure - is lost to the Sirens?"

"You will not tie me up-"

"Then you'll have to get locked in the hold," The human shrugged nonchalantly.

A growl rose up in Sidon's throat. Jim simply kicked the rope coil closest to him, "This way you can stay up on the deck and supervise what I'm doing-"

"You're not getting bound?" He snapped back.

"Someone has to make sure we get through safely," Jim's calm body language was starting to get really annoying. Or at least it would be more annoying if it were anyone else; Sidon felt an odd sort of affection toward Jim's smugness. The man grinned a little, "Besides, I'm immune."

Sidon didn't know how to respond at first, but then his curiosity beat out over his annoyance, "What? How?"

The human flashed a bright smile, "I'll tell you afterward."

"You'll tell me now."

"Oh, baby, you know I love it when you order me around, but we're running out of time to get the crew safely locked up so no one gets hurt. And we really don't want to stretch this out any longer than we absolutely have to. Their song only gets stronger the longer you linger in their territory."

"There's no way to go around?"

Jim considered the suggestion for only a moment before answering, "I thought about it, but I can't see the path we're following that far out, and if our destination is inside the Siren's territory, then we'll just have to turn around and go back in anyway. It's easier and faster to go straight through. I have experience with Ethereum Folk from my time in the Navy, I'm immune to their charms. I'll be able to get us through safely. I can guarantee that."

Sidon seethed at the idea of being bound and helpless and literally unable to do anything if something were to go wrong, but he couldn't argue, "Fine! But I'll be bound last!"

The human's lips curved into a soft smile and he whispered, "Of course, captain…"

He felt the tingle of desire starting to spread through him. Damn this human…he knows exactly how to work me up-

"We should get everyone secured," Jim pushed off the mast and made his way slowly toward Sidon. It was as if he could see the effect he had on Sidon, which honestly he might have by how he looked at Sidon and moved when he was around him. It was nearly impossible for Sidon to hold back a shiver from running down his spine when Jim ran a teasing hand along his gills, "If we get that done fast enough we might be able to…"

He paused, holding Sidon's gaze with his own. Sidon swallowed. He was trapped by those beautiful eyes. Jim took in a sharp breath and he grinned again, "Have some fun with those ropes…"

Sidon turned quickly and caught Jim's hips in his hands. His eyes were on Jim's lips as he leaned forward. I want you now-

"Captain-" Timetra's voice cut off quickly.

Sidon stiffened. He stepped back and turned to her, "Yes?"

His Quartermaster stood quietly at the top of the gangway to the galley, looking at him with a knowing expression. Brigit peeked out from behind her, eyes bright and curious.

"Bri!" Jim darted toward her and she giggled wildly as he hugged her and spun her around and around.

Timetra gently took Sidon's hand and pulled him aside, "Sir, are you aware of where we're going to be sailing through soon?"

"I am," his eyes were on the bright smile and gentle look on Jim's face.

"This is dangerous sir-"

"Jim has experience in this area, he will get us through here safely."

She didn't respond, but he could feel her eyes on him, and he turned to gaze at her. She smiled softly for a moment before turning away, a look like she knew something more than what she was letting on sparkling in her eyes, "Ok, captain. If you trust him, then I'll trust him."

He wasn't sure how he was supposed to respond to that. What was that look? What did she mean? Did she not trust Jim? From the past few weeks it seemed as if they had an amicable relationship, had he misunderstood or misread their actions somehow?

"We need to get everyone below deck," Jim's voice grabbed his attention and he jumped.

"Yes. Timetra, please help round up the crew and binding them in the hold-"

"You and Bri should stay in your cabin," the tone in the human's voice was all business now. Brigit looked up at him from where she'd attached herself to his side.

"What about Papa?"

Jim bumped his forehead to hers gently, "He's going to stay with the rest of the crew-"

"Th' Hell I am," Silver snapped with a frown as he stumped up the stairs, "I'll be stayin' wid them."

He indicated to Timetra and Brigit. Jim moved toward him, reaching for his organic hand, "I know you want to protect them, but I need you to keep everyone else in line. I won't let anything happen to them, promise."

The Ursid searched Jim's face before heaving a sigh, "A'right, lad…but if anythin' happens te 'em-"

"Nothing will," determination was clear in the human's voice. He straightened, glancing at Timetra, "We're running out of time."

Those blue eyes darted in Sidon's direction and he felt a jitter of need in his gut at the heated look. He brought the whistle around his neck to his mouth and called the crew to him. It only took a few minutes for everyone to join them and await his orders. Sidon turned to Jim, "It would be best if you explained."

"Listen up," the human's entire demeanor changed in an instant. His normal cocky attitude was replaced by an authoritative air that hinted at his experience as a captain. Shoulders rolled back, posture tall and stiff, chin up, expression stern, "We're going to be sailing past the Deadly Sisters Archipelago, which means we're going straight through Siren territory."

The men watched him silently, and Sidon couldn't help but be surprised by the confidence he exuded.

"To ensure everyone's safety, the crew will be bound and locked in the hold, and will be supervised by Mr. Silver," he nodded his head at the Ursid, who beamed with pride, before continuing. "We don't have much time before the Sirens realize we're here, so let's get moving. Timetra, if you could do a head-count before going to your cabin."

She nodded and turned quickly, "Alright everyone, below deck."

It didn't take long, but it felt like forever as Sidon waited for the crew to get situated. Timetra closed and locked the door and dropped the key into Jim's outstretched hand. He smiled at her, "Time for the two of you to get secured."

He trotted down the stairs after her and Brigit and came back after only a few minutes. He tucked the keys into his pocket and sighed. Jim rushed to the bridge and secured a few things into place, glanced over the navigation screens, and finally he joined Sidon - who stood with his arms crossed and feeling very much like a pouting child - on the deck. His eyes turned up to Sidon's face, "Ready?"

"I don't like this."

Jim guided him backward and motioned for him to sit on the deck with his back to the mast. He whispered softly, "I know, but it's for your safety, captain. And mine. I'm sure the crew will gut me if I let you get hurt or taken by the Sirens."

He tied the end of a rope around one of Sidon's wrists, then flicked the other end around the mast and tied his other wrist. Once he'd been bound, the human leaned forward and pressed his lips to Sidon's throat. Sidon groaned softly. His body ached for more. Jim dragged his nails down over Sidon's chest. He picked up another rope and bound Sidon across his stomach. And then another over his chest. He even went so far as to bind his ankles together.

"If any of them are too tight, say it now before it's too late," there was a smile in Jim's voice.

Sidon growled softly, "Are you having fun?"

Those blue eyes flashed and he bit his bottom lip.

That's a yes.

"Gotta tease you a little bit, especially now that we're alone," his voice was soft.

Sidon shuddered as Jim's hands moved over his skin. The human stood with his feet planted on either side of Sidon's lap and he wiggled his hips, "Are you not having fun?"

He was so entranced by Jim's hands and lips and body he barely noticed the faint sound of singing rising up around the ship. When it finally fully caught his attention, it was loud and all around them.

Jim turned his head and gazed off the starboard side of the ship, "Looks like we ran out of time for fun."

He backed away quickly and stopped when he was in the middle of the deck.

Sidon had been expecting that the song would be beautiful, but it really wasn't. It wasn't ugly singing, it just didn't hold him spell-bound. How could this possibly be dangerous? As he wondered that, he heard sounds of desire and near-madness coming up from below deck. It took him a moment to figure out that it was the crew literally trying to get to the Sirens coming from the other side of the locked hold door. His eyes turned back to Jim quickly. A shudder of fear gripped his heart, having forgotten for a moment that Jim had said he was immune to the Siren's song.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Jim looked completely unaffected. His expression was calm, thumbs tucked into his belt, stance relaxed as he waited for…something.

And that's when it happened.

Sidon saw the sparkling of sunlight on the surface of water, but instead of below them - where water would have been if there was any - it was all around them. And that's when he realized that the light was glinting off scales. The Ethereum Folk were beautiful. Blue and green and purple iridescent scales glimmering in the light, their long slim bodies shooting up like comets so they could peer at Sidon and Jim, then streaking back down below the railing and disappearing into the Ethereum where they swam.

Jim waited patiently, his eyes darting to watch the creatures just as they watched him.

The song was growing ever louder, and the swooping and diving more frequent and the number of Ethereum Folk multiplied with every passing moment, until one creature leapt especially close to them. It was significantly larger than the others, and almost glowed with a golden hue, and it locked its gaze on Jim.

"What do you mean by trespassing in our waters?" It called in a deep baritone voice.

"Simply passing through," he called back.

The Ethereum Folk disappeared as he fell back toward the Ethereum, then rose again in another strong leap a moment later, "There is no passage without payment."

Jim's eyes flashed and he jerked his chin, "Come aboard and we will discuss a price."

Instead of diving back into the safety of the ethereal waves, the Ethereum Folk landed on the rail. His tail was replaced with two legs. He was a lovely creature. Humanoid with soft golden scales overlying his entire body like chain link armor. His jet-black hair hung around his face and shoulders as if it were wet.

"I know better than to trust the offer of a spacer."

Jim motioned around himself, "Do you see anyone else? Check the shrouds, the rigging, the sails, everyone is below deck and bound."

"And that one?"

Sidon met the creature's star-bright gaze.

"You have eyes, don't you? He's tied to the mast," Jim practically purred. He moved toward the Ethereum Folk carefully, "Now, name your price."

"A life."

Sidon stiffened. The creature's eyes were still on him. He jerked to look at Jim.

"Deal."

"Wha-" Sidon started to ask, but both Jim and the creature made their move.

While the Ethereum Folk dove at Jim, the human dodged and brought his clenched fist down in the middle of the creature's back. It twisted to snatch at him, but he was faster, and grabbed a handful of that dark hair. He swung his leg over the Ethereum Folk's back, pinned his arms and forced him to the deck. Jim's free hand went to his belt buckle and detached it from the rest of the belt, unsheathing the small knife built into it. He pressed the knife to the man's throat and leaned back with a smile, "I'll spare your life for safe passage."

Sidon's jaw dropped.

Howls and shrieks of rage came from the Sirens around the ship, and they swooped and dove and gnashed their razor sharp teeth at Jim, but made no move toward him.

The creature snarled and struggled, but Jim had a good hold on him, and he pressed the knife tighter against his throat, "Make the order to your girls. No one touches this ship, no one looks above the deck, no one does SHIT and I'll let you go, but only after we've sailed through safely."

A furious roar rose from the creature's throat, but he gave in quickly, "Very well! Girls, back down. But sing as loud as you can until I return to you."

The Ethereum Folk disappeared from view, and the song was belted out. This time though it was angry sounding.

"You wanna let me go now Jim, we put on enough of a show to trick them."

Jim chuckled, "I thought you liked being pinned with a knife at your throat."

He removed the knife, slid it back into its sheath, and stood up. He offered his hand to the man and helped him back to his feet. Sidon hadn't thought Jim could surprise him any more than he already had, but apparently he was wrong.

"Looks like you're home again, huh Tuatoai? What brought you back? Thought you were going to explore the galaxy," Jim and the Ethereum Folk - Tuatoai - clasped each other's wrists like old friends.

"Eh, it got boring after you and Caolan split from the convoy," Tuatoai chuckled softly. Jim's jaw tightened, just barely, but Sidon noticed it. Tuatoai didn't seem to and reached forward to brush his fingers through Jim's hair, "Your hair's short again! Why'd you cut it?"

"Got in my way all the time," Jim smiled.

"So, what's with the Zora tied to the mast, eh? Did he not know he's immune to the girls' singing?"

Sidon gaped at Jim, who smirked back at him, "I might have neglected to mention that Zora are distantly related to you guys."

He was able to break out of his shock enough to snap, "You little shit!"

Jim laughed, turning to face Sidon fully. He hooked his thumbs in his belt and grinned, "It's not fair that you get to have all the fun! Besides, I thought you liked it earlier."

"There is still a matter of payment," the Ethereum Folk was watching Jim hungrily and it made Sidon bristle. The man was right behind Jim, looming over him, mouth pulled into a dark grin and eyes starved.

"You're still on that?" Jim groaned without looking back. His shoulders slumped a little, a grimace on his face, and he started to look uncomfortable. He avoided looking at Sidon at all and drew into himself a little. Tuatoai reached around to grip Jim's hips roughly and flinched the smallest amount while his cheeks flushed, "Wait- here?"

"I don't mind an audience," the Ethereum Folk grinned wolfishly. His eyes moved toward Sidon, "Enjoy the show, big boy."

He hooked an arm around Jim's waist and picked him up, pushing him roughly against the wall. Sidon realized what Tuatoai was doing when he pulled at Jim's belt buckle and nibbled up along his slim throat. Jim whimpered softly, "Tuatoai-"

"Do you not want it?"

Jim bit his lip and the Ethereum Folk leaned in again.

Sidon felt a snarl rising up in his throat as the man's hands roved over Jim's body, but it was drowned out by Sirens. They pulled his pants down around the human's knees. He bent and hooked his arms under Jim's legs and pinned them up, held him against the wall and thrust in roughly.

Jim moaned. His hands gripped Tuatoai's shoulders.

Rage filled Sidon's chest. His vision was washed in red. Get your hands off him! The snarl rose to a roar and he strained against the ropes, but Jim's knots held strong. Even with how loud he was, he could barely hear it over the singing all around the ship. Somehow though, he could clearly hear Jim cry out as the Ethereum Folk rocked into him. How had he heard them speaking? He wasn't sure. Maybe he'd read their lips, or maybe the singing had only just started to pick up.

"GET OFF HIM!"

Tuatoai turned his head and gazed at Sidon, panting, "A new lover, hm? Seems he's not enjoying this as much as you are."

He pulled away from Jim and guided him onto his stomach on the deck so he was facing Sidon. He lowered down over him and jerked his hips forward and Jim shuddered. His eyes went to Sidon's face, and the Zora pulled at the binds again at the emotion in them, like Jim wanted it to be him instead of Tuatoai.

"I said- Get. Off. Him."

It didn't take long for them to finish, but it felt like an eternity to Sidon, and he was beyond enraged when Tuatoai finally stood up and helped Jim back to his feet.

The Ethereum Folk were starting to quiet again, but Sidon hardly noticed. He glared at Tuatoai, who seemed not to even see him. His eyes were only on Jim, who's blush seemed more out of embarrassment than anything else, though Tuatoai seemed hardly to notice, "Seems I pissed him off."

Jim rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't think I helped that any…"

"I didn't see Caolan around, I thought he would have wanted to get in on this like old times-"

The movement was lightning fast, and Tuatoai yelped in surprise at Jim's belt knife pressed roughly to his stomach. Jim's expression was dangerous, "Say that name one more time and I'll gut you like the fish you are."

Tuatoai stared at him for a moment before he managed to gasp quietly, "Did you two-"

"He's dead."

He stiffened for a moment, then brushed the knife aside and moved to pull Jim into his arms, "I'm sorry-"

"Stop- just stop. It's fine," the human blocked the attempted embrace. His face had become expressionless, "You should get going, we're leaving your harem behind."

Tuatoai finally caught Jim in a hug and nuzzled into his neck and whispered something that Sidon couldn't hear. He was at the point that he was so angry he really wasn't hearing or seeing anything other than the target of his rage. Jim leaned into his arms for only a moment before he pulled back, "Good to see you."

"See you 'round?" The Ethereum Folk called over his shoulder as he hopped up on the railing. Jim flinched, "Yeah…yeah, see you 'round…"

Tuatoai disappeared over the edge of the ship and it became eerily silent. Jim stood stiffly, back to Sidon, hands gripped into loose fists at his sides. He let out a sigh after a long while, "You were right, we should have just gone around..."

Sidon's scowl deepened but he didn't speak and the silence stretched on again. He watched Jim as he tipped his head back a little and sighed again. The man finally asked, very softly, "So…how mad at me are you?"

I'm not mad at you…and I'm not sure why… It took him a long moment before Sidon was able to calm down enough to ask, "What makes you immune to the Sirens?"

"The Sirens are women; they sing about offering sexual pleasure and whatnot...it doesn't work on me because..." Jim turned around to face him finally and he grinned in a matter-of-fact manner, "I'm gay."