Outlaw Star Fan Fiction

Forgotten Embers

By Kraven Ergeist

Chapter Five

As much as Jim had agreed with the mutual consensus that the team needed a break, he still didn't like this sitting down and doing nothing business. Maybe it was just Aisha's paranoia rubbing off on him – after all, every moment he spent not being immortal was, arguably, a moment spent at risk.

He shook his head exasperated. He had made it on his own without worrying about death for his whole life. He had no reason to start now. That kind of paranoia was just unreasonable.

Besides, the predominant reason behind his stress wasn't the impromptu vacation - it was where Gene had decided to vacate to.

"Did we have to come back here?"

The sun was shining brightly and tourists clad in bathing suits were everywhere. Here, there was a vendor selling fried octopus. There, a very fake looking waterfall. And all around them were swimming pools, water slides, and of course hot springs.

"Hey, just because we had some bad experiences before doesn't mean we should boycott Tenrei altogether," Gene sighed. "Besides, you and I both need castor shells. The way I figured, it'd be a great place for the kids to spend some down time while we visit some old friends about some shells."

Jim shook his head. "You mean you'll be visiting some old friends. I'm staying right here."

Gene raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Jim didn't answer. He didn't have to. Because at that moment, Aisha had stepped out of the changing room and thrown her arms around Jim's shoulders, an enormous smile on her face.

"Ready to go, Jim?" she meowed, her tail swaying back and forth contently.

Jim tried not to laugh as Gene tried to keep his eyes where they belonged. Tried, in this case meaning, "put no effort into it." Aisha still had her white and black one-piece from her pervious visit to this planet, and as much as time had passed since then, it still fit like a…like a…well, Jim couldn't think of any appropriate adjectives for the amazingly delicious feeling of her chest pressed to his back. And the multiple horizontal strips exposing her dark skin that ran down the front of her bathing suit weren't helping either.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Jim smiled, winking at Gene, silently lavishing in sweet vengeance for all those years spent playing third wheel to Gene and whichever girl he'd been with at the time. "We'll be at the pool side, Gene. You have fun finding those old geezers."

Gene watched, a little peeved, as the two of them meandered off towards the visitor's center.

"Gene?"

He turned and saw Melfina carrying a bag for Gene to take with him. Among other things, it contained his clothes – trench coat included. They had all learned from experience that if you expected to wear anything other than swimming trunks on Tenrei, then you basically had to smuggle them in. And Gene still had bitter memories of trying to force his way up the snowy mountain in little more than a Hawaiian shirt and a codpiece. Although Melfina had to admit, she kind of liked the way Gene fit into that speedo.

"Mom, I want to go on the slide!" Jace asked, persistently, tugging Melfina's arm.

"Me too!" Jenna added. "Can we, please?"

Melfina just smiled as she pecked her husband on the cheek, handing off the bag.

"Did the cybernetic armor and light shield get through customs ok?" Gene asked.

Melfina nodded. "I got some funny looks, but they made it through. I also packed you some food in case you get hungry."

"Mel…" Gene sighed, patting her on the head. "You're starting to sound like one of those old Terran housewives."

Melfina blushed cutely as Gene kissed her again.

"I'll be back before you know it," Gene smiled again, before wrapping each of his kids in a big hug. "Count on it!"

"You better!" Jace said, sternly. "You promised you'd go on the slide with me!"

Gene smiled. "You bet I did. And your dad's a man who keeps his word."

Melfina laughed. "Take care."

Gene waved goodbye, before heading to the train station. When his wife and kids were out of site, he sighed. The last time he'd seen these old men, he'd basically blown up their monastery. True it hadn't been his fault, technically, but he was an instrument in its destruction. The old men weren't likely to be granting him any favors. And that was if he could find them.

Now, the old woman on the other hand…

xxxxx

Suzuka would have been enjoying herself – really she would have. Although the sun never usually agreed with her, with the ample shade she had managed to find beneath the large beach umbrella, the warm coastal air and the sound of Melfina's kids laughing and playing in the pool set her nerves at ease. But she couldn't take her mind off of what had happened with Gene the other day.

Was she really so desperate that she would disgrace herself like that? Did her feelings for Gene run that deep? Or was it just something she saw in him? She had known her share of bad boys in her life, but none like Gene. Never like Gene. Gene was such a quandary in her eyes. He exhibited the cool roguish outward appearance, the outrageously masculine allure that drove most women bat-shit crazy, but kept it in check with a simple code he had adopted over years of family life. One of decency and respect. One of love.

And that was a love Suzuka felt she was doomed to never know. One fact had arisen from her erstwhile encounter that even his soothing words hadn't been able to undo: that time was passing. And as confident Suzuka was in her ability to survive, as healthy as she kept her body, the fact she couldn't run away from was that she just wasn't getting any younger.

Unfolding a Japanese style parasol, she meandered the enormous poolside, unable to keep that jittery feeling from moving her legs. One thing that made Gene desirable was what he represented to a woman with a life like hers. As exciting as life was aboard the Outlaw Star, tea and meditation only amounted to so much. The occasional duel here, her daily training session with Jenna there…all in all, there just wasn't enough to fill her day. These were supposed to be some of the golden years of life. And she couldn't escape the feeling that they were just going by, one day at a time…

The hair on the back of her neck suddenly prickled and she placed a hand on her sword handle, reacting automatically to her danger sense. Her eyes were instantly everywhere, and she dropped her umbrella, unconsciously dropping into a ready position, when she found the source of her distress.

Although familiar, the sight was not nearly enough to put her at ease.

"You!"

Lying on a bright yellow beach towel on the poolside, shades drawn over his eyes, was Leylong.

"Hmm?" the big man looked up, blinking in the sunlight. "Well…if it isn't Twilight Suzuka. Has that old space weed heist finally caught up with me?"

Suzuka's hand didn't leave her sword. "What are you doing here?"

Leylong shrugged his big shoulders. "Isn't it obvious? I'm getting a tan."

Suzuka growled. "I swear, if you've come to settle the score with Gene, I'll-"

"Relax," the big man sighed. "I'm retired from pirate business."

"Do you think I was born yesterday?"

"It's the truth," Leylong still hadn't moved. "If I was still with the Kei pirates, don't you think you would have run into me long before now? Besides, if I was still after Gene Starwind, you wouldn't have come across me so easily."

Suzuka frowned.

"You've made one tactical blunder, though," Leylong pointed out, sitting up. "You just casually gave away the fact that you were still in league with Gene. I may be retired from piracy, but there's a fat bounty on Gene's head that looks mighty tempting. If he's planet side…"

Her sword was drawn.

"I'll cut you were you lay before I let you touch a hair on his head."

Leylong nodded. "You made the same threat all those years ago. Tell me…has Gene Starwind stolen the heart of the Galaxy's most feared assassin?"

Suzuka's voice caught in her throat. "Don't be absurd! We're business partners! I also have a vested interest in the training of his daughter!"

Leylong's eyes widened. "Oh? He has a daughter now?"

Suzuka's hand came over her mouth. Idiot!

"I see…" Leylong nodded, understanding. "Melfina's the mother, isn't she? I should have known. I wouldn't have thought the pirates would have made her capable of reproduction."

They hadn't, Suzuka thought. The Leyline did.

She didn't say anything though.

"This is all too interesting," Leylong smiled. "The galaxy's most feared outlaw is the father of Melfina's children and has the legendary Twilight Suzuka hot on his heels."

"I told you, that isn't how it is!" Suzuka shouted. No matter how much she fought it down, she couldn't keep the heat from her cheeks. It sounded so shameful the way he put it.

"Oh, sure," Leyline laughed. "The galaxy's greatest killer, claiming Gene as some kind of prey to be sought, and following him around, defending his life in the name of protecting her kill. And after seven years, she's still failed to go through with that promise she made to herself. So she invents another excuse. And another."

"I've met very few people who ever dared to mock me," Suzuka said coldly. "Even fewer who are alive today."

"This isn't mockery, Suzuka," Leylong said, staring at her. "This is pity."

WHAP!

Suzuka's eyes flew open. Her hands had acted automatically, but that wasn't what surprised her. What surprised her was that when she swung her sword to cut his lip open, his hand had raised to catch the wooden sword, stopping it fast.

"Has the great Twilight Suzuka fallen so far as to pine in the dark for a man who has already made his decision?"

She tugged violently for her blade, but Leylong's grip was firm.

"Why doesn't she act? Something as illusory as marriage shouldn't keep a woman like Suzuka from attaining her desires."

"Shut up…" Suzuka breathed, struggling for her blade.

Leylong twisted his arm, prying the bokuto from her grip. "And I wouldn't have thought a man like Gene Starwind would turn down an offer from such a pristine example of femininity."

"Damn you!" Suzuka hollered, swinging around to deliver a kick, aimed at his crown, which Leylong caught with ease, before yanking her off balance.

Suzuka tumbled forward, grazing her knees on the paved poolside, but the shock of the impact was significantly lessened by the pair of huge strong arms that held her by the shoulders.

Stunned, Suzuka looked up to see Leylong's easy smile looking back at her.

Something inside her broke.

"You're wrong…" she sobbed, her hands balled into fists against his chest. "Gene would never betray Melfina! He's too good for that! Damn it, he's too good! He'd never…no matter what I do…and I just look like a fool whenever I try…damn it…"

Leylong hadn't expected Suzuka to break down in front of him. Not like this, at any rate. Maybe he shouldn't have been so harsh on her.

Feeling guilty and a little foolish, he stood up, helping her to her feet.

"Why don't I buy you a drink?"

xxxxx

After cooling off in the pool for a while, Jim and Aisha had settled down, relaxing on a beach towel underneath another beach umbrella. Aisha was stretched out like a cat, purring in her sleep as Jim laid his head on her abdomen, lying horizontal to her, lightly dozing.

As promiscuous as his thoughts had been when he'd first laid eyes on her in that bathing suit, now he felt none of that. Now, he only felt calm and passive. He could hear her contented purr resonating from within her belly, and the continuous low thrum made it all the more easy to slip into dreams.

He dreamed of a life together, of days spent in eternity. They were back on Stratus, fixing cars, going out to dinner, watching movies, playing games, and having a grand time together. They were back on Sentinel III, watching Gene and Melfina's kids grow up. They were all seated at the table, reluctant to try Aisha's traditional cooking. And for some reason, he and Aisha couldn't stop playing with the children. And somehow, in his dream, he just kept noticing that Aisha's belly was round.

He opened his eyes and was sweating from being in the heat of the day for so long. Aisha seemed fine, however over the course of their nap, either she had gravitated lower, or her arms had unconsciously hoisted him into a full embrace, her arms and legs wrapped around him.

Jim admired her face as she slept and kissed her as gently as he could. As sensitive as she was, however, she was already awake and kissing him back. Her arms and legs tightened around him, and her tail began to sway happily.

Jim just continued to kiss her, enjoying the moment of unadultured happiness. This had happened too many times that had ended with Aisha backing off out of fear of what it could lead to. Though if she didn't cool it soon, Jim was worried he might not be able to stop himself.

When her leg began to run up and down the back of his knee, Jim began to get shivers. Her hands began to roam his body and Jim began to panic. God help him, she felt incredible! But they really should put a cap on this, not only because Aisha was only half awake, but because they were both in full view of no less than a hundred pool goers.

"Aisha…" he breathed, stroking her silver hair back.

"Hmmm?" he heard her hum. Her ministrations didn't stop.

"Time to wake up…" he breathed in her ear, nearly choking on the words as her hands found their way to his rump.

"Mmm…don't wanna…" was her reply as she began kissing his ear.

"Aisha…I mean it…" he shuddered, before reluctantly breaking her hold over him.

He should have known better than to match strength with a C'tarl-C'tarl. She seized both his wrists and turned him over on his back, straddling his waist.

"Aisha…" he gasped, looking up as her cat's eyes peered down at him.

She grinned, knowing full well her power over him.

"Well…" she purred, feeling a certain stiffness between her legs. "Good morning to you too."

Jim smiled weakly up at her. "Will you let me up?"

"Mmm…don't think so…" she purred, before leaning down to lick his ear, his arms still pinned.

"Aisha…" Jim groaned, agitatedly. "We're in a public place…"

"So…?" she mewed, licking her way down his neck. "I'm not planning on removing any clothes. I just…want a little taste…"

Jim gasped as her tongue crept down to his chest, driving him crazy with her rough catlike tongue. The hairs all over his body stood on end as shivers shook his body with each stroke of her tongue, and her tail swayed gleefully as she felt him falter.

"Aisha…" he gasped as she reached his nipple. "Don't…I…"

"What?" Aisha smiled knowingly, licking her lips. "Is that a bit too much for you, Jimmy?"

Jim fixed her with a weak grin. "You're really…not playing fair…"

She winked. "Who said anything about fair?"

With that, she leaned back down to tongue his navel, and Jim let out a yelp that was both ticklish and ecstatic.

"You must really like this…" Aisha grinned, noticing how tight his trunks had become.

Jim had just about had enough of this. As she'd made her way down, her grip on his wrists had inadvertently moved downwards as well, still gripped tightly on either side of his waist. Fortunately for him, this left him with the advantage of leverage, and with a quick precise movement, had released his arms from her grasp, grabbing her by the wrists, and flipping her onto her back.

"Wha-!" Aisha yelped, her fur standing on end. She hadn't been expecting this!

"I mean it, Aisha…" Jim growled, eying her maliciously. "Settle down."

She just grinned back. "I don't think that's happening, Jim…"

He bit his lip as he realized how little their position helped his argument. He was still situated quite firmly between her legs, and his lower regions ached for her more than ever.

"Damn it, Aisha…" Jim groan, before seizing her lips with his. "You're just…impossible…"

Aisha giggled. "You're one to talk. Aisha can feel you down there, you know."

"Shut up," he commanded before nipping her ear, her neck, biting the strap of her bathing suit with his teeth, letting it snap back.

Aisha let out a whimper. "Jim…remember, no removal of clothing. Your rule, remember?"

Jim grinned at her, still pinning her wrists to the towel. "I know…fortunately, thanks to the genius who designed this bathing suit of yours, I won't have to…"

Aisha looked down, too late to realize that with skin exposed over half a dozen diamond shapes strips lined up the center of her one-piece, she was actually left quite vulnerable.

At least, to Jim.

"Me-ow…" she said rather than mewed as he began tonguing the bits of exposed skin. She closed her eyes, letting a purr rumble through her as he kissed the ravine between her breasts, and her head rocked back as she licked her lips. How this Terran was so good with his tongue was a mystery – that domain, she was positive, was firmly with the C'tarl realm of superiority.

Oh well. More for her to prove later.

"Jim…?" Aisha muttered as his lips started getting lower and lower. "What are you…?"

Aisha suddenly drew in her breath as he began to kiss her between her legs. Her ears flicked, her hair stood on end, her toes curled, every muscle in her body clenched.

"Mmmm!" she whimpered, licking her lips. "Jim! Please! I…I don't think-"

She lost her words when she bit her lip in response to his tongue dabbing at her through the black synthetic fabric of her one-piece, and she let out another mew as his fingers entered into the equation.

"Jim! Stop! I can't take much more of this!"

Tears began to squeeze from her eyes as her body fell back, spasming in pleasure. Her hands found their way to Jim's yellow hair, and she squeezed his scalp mercilessly as his tongue worked its magic on her, even through her bathing suit.

"Mrow!" she hollered.

And then she succumbed.

"Jim…Jim…" she panted, defeated, her limbs limp, her body dead weight.

Jim just smiled up at her, crawling up to lay beside her, one arm draped over her waist.

"Well…that certainly wasn't expected…" Jim admitted, licking her ear.

Aisha was still panting. "Jim…what did you do to me…?"

"What a guy can…" Jim winked. "I take it none of your old boyfriends ever went down on you?"

Aisha blinked. "Old boyfriends? Me? What are you talking about?"

Jim stared oddly at her. "You know, the C'tarl guys you used to go out with."

Aisha looked strangely at him. "Aisha…doesn't understand, Jim. Aisha's never 'dated' anyone before. You're the first boy she's ever been interested in."

Jim gaped. "You're kidding, right? You've never been interested in anyone before?"

Aisha blushed. "Well…not really. I had crushes on a few C'tarl guys once or twice when I was a kid, but I've never had a relationship before."

Jim looked up at the inside of their beach umbrella, staring obliquely. "Gosh…I never knew. You mean you're…you're still a-?"

"A virgin, yes," Aisha growled. "I'm sorry, I just-"

"Wait, Aisha…" Jim interrupted, taking her hand. "There's nothing wrong with that. It just means I need to be a bit more considerate, that's all. Nothing to worry about."

"Still…" Aisha grumbled. "I don't…really know what to do…"

Jim chuckled. "You seemed to handle yourself pretty well."

Aisha shrugged. "That's just stuff that you read in cheesy romance novels."

Jim kissed her cheek. "Well, if you can gain that much from reading a book, I'm not too worried."

Aisha just frowned, clutching him tightly.

She had crossed a line she knew she'd never go back from. Before, she'd been unwilling to admit her feelings for him, and now…

She gulped.

Now, she was letting him take her to the stars and back.

xxxxx

"Well, well, well…" an unsuspecting Urd smiled. "Look what the cat dragged in."

Gene thought of making some kind of reference to Aisha, but he doubted that the old witch would get the joke. "Nice to see you too, Urd."

Thankfully, after making it around the traps from before, and having sufficient clothing to successfully locate the actual entrance, Gene had managed to make it to Mount Nyotai without blowing anything up. However, he was apprehended upon entering.

Urd had been surprised to see him. And despite the fact that he had worn that speedo damn well in their last encounter, she thought the trench coat and body suit look suited him mighty finely.

"So, did you enjoy that naughty video I sent back with you?"

Gene shrugged. "Honestly? I'm not really into older women. No offense or nothing, but you're not my type."

Urd giggled. "I see. Have Ark and Hadul rebuilt their monastery yet?"

"I wouldn't know," Gene shrugged. "I didn't bother checking with them, cause I knew I probably wouldn't be welcomed. Though, if you'll hear me out, I've got a plan that might add insult to injury for our old friends."

Urd raised her eyebrows, her interest piqued. "I'm listening…"

xxxxx

Suzuka sipped her fifth round of sake, wincing as the harsh rice wine stung the back of her throat.

"So, Gene Starwind's trying to find the Leyline?" Leylong said. He was sitting next to her at the open bar, the sunlight lowering in the late afternoon.

"Yeah…" Suzuka muttered, her cheeks red from drink. "He's planning to wish for immortality."

"Really?" Leylong blinked. "How come?"

"Why do you think?" Suzuka grumbled. "So he can live forever with his bio-android wife, that's why."

Leylong nodded. "I see…so, this daughter of his…?"

"Is the greatest swordswoman I've ever had the pleasure of teaching," Suzuka explained. "She's only six years old, and she's already a competent fighter. And her twin brother, Jace, is also a master with his guns."

Leylong blinked. "Twins? Starwind's been busy."

Suzuka growled again, holding her saucer out to Leylong, who obliged, refilling it with sake, which she immediately gulped down.

"How can he cast me off like that?" Suzuka muttered, her voice starting to slur. "I've always been there for him, haven't I? I keep his family safe, train his daughter in the art of iaido, and he can't even…" Suzuka slammed the saucer down on the bar. "Ugh, who am I kidding? He's been wonderful, even for someone who's already married! He's been fair and accommodating on all our business transactions, he's given me a roof over my head and a warm bed, and his perfect wife gives me three square meals a day…"

Leylong fancied himself a good listener, but even his ear was starting to bend under all this. Seven years of frustration and pent up desires were spilling out faster than he could keep track of.

"So why don't you leave him?"

Suzuka fixed Leylong with a hard glare. "What?"

Leylong shrugged. "Well, obviously, all your troubles seem to be stemming from Gene Starwind. So leave him. Go some place else, go back to the assassin business, live your life! Heck, pick up some guy and screw his brains out for god's sake, woman, you need something to get rid of all these repressed feelings!"

Suzuka pursed her lips. "Excuse me? What kind of woman do you think I am?"

Leylong shook his head. "One who really needs to just stop bitching and find herself someone or something to take her mind off this guy she's been chasing for the past seven years. It's just not healthy!"

Suzuka frowned. "I don't need to take this from you! Now give me that bottle!"

Leylong just sighed and topped her saucer off. As an afterthought, he took a swig from the bottle, downing what was left. This woman was giving him a headache!

"Hey, that was the last of it!" Suzuka complained.

"So what? We can order more!" Leylong countered, raising his finger and asking for another bottle.

Before he could uncork it, Suzuka grabbed the bottle and swigged it down herself. Leylong gaped at her as she finished it off, wiping her mouth with her sleeve, slamming the bottle back down.

Another bottle arrived, and Leylong poured it into her saucer, keeping the bottle out of her reach.

"So, are you gonna take my advice or what?"

"What advice?" Suzuka blinked. Her eyelids were feeling heavy.

"The advice that says to leave Starwind behind and live your own life from now on," Leylong shook his head, taking another swig of the bottle. "That's what I did. I decided that I didn't want to put up with the Anten Seven and faked my own death in order to get out and live my own life."

Suzuka groaned. "That may be easy for you, but I've already put my lot in with these people!"

"So what?" Leylong groaned. "I'm sure they can handle themselves! Just ditch the lot of them! Heck, I'll give you a lift off of Tenrei tonight if you want!"

Anything to get this woman to stop complaining!

"I can't!" Suzuka growled. "I already tried that! Before they started having kids, I took off on my own and tried to make ends meet. But I came back! I just didn't want to go back to that life of blood money and crummy hotels! I couldn't stand it! I don't want to live like that again, damn it! Living with Gene is so much better…"

Leylong sighed. "And here we go again…"

"But living under the same roof as him just makes it…ugh…"

Leylong downed the bottle himself. This woman was seriously giving him a headache.

"I stand by my earlier conclusion," he said.

"What conclusion?"

Leylong threw her a knowing smile.

"That's you're just a lonely woman in need of some kind of fulfillment."

Suzuka just stared bitterly at him.

"And what about you, huh?" she retorted, as though it were a challenge. "Have you got some cute girl waiting for you at home?"

Leylong laughed. "I've buried too many lovers to count, Suzuka."

The lady assassin eyed her sake before downing the last of it, placing her saucer on the bar.

"Maybe you should try someone who knows how to take care of herself."

Leylong chuckled. "After what I've heard, I'm not sure if I'm inclined to believe that you-"

He didn't finish his sentence because Suzuka had already gotten to her feet and was kissing him, grabbing his face with both hands.

"What was that?" Suzuka breathed huskily, parting with him. "Were you about to say something?"

Leylong just chuckled. "You know, it's funny. It was just on the tip of my tongue."

Suzuka just grinned, face red from drink. "Really? Let's see if I can't find it for you…"

xxxxx

Ark and Hadul could only scowl as they saw the familiar face standing outside their new monastery door.

"Yo!" Gene Starwind smiled, as friendly as he could.

The two men just stared at him before slamming the door.

"Go away!"

Gene made a face as he stared at the monastery doors.

"Aw, come on guys! I'm just here to do business!"

The door remained shut, and nothing more was said.

"Alright then…I guess I'll have to take this naughty video of Urd somewhere else!"

Instantly, the doors flew open.

"What did you say!" Ark demanded.

"N-n-naughty video of Urd!" Hadul gaped. "Are my old ears deceiving me!"

Gene grinned, holding up the VHS tape for them to see.

"Lucky for you guys, I'm in the market for castor shells again," Gene said, business-like. "I was able to negotiate some from Urd…" he held up the #4 shell that Urd have given him. "Apparently, she only had one to spare, so I negotiated for her to make a video – a real video this time – for me to trade to you guys in exchange for more castor shells."

Ark eyed him suspiciously. "How did you convince her to do that?"

Gene shrugged. "Truth be told, I won a game of ping-pong."

Hadul inspected the tape. "How can we be sure this is the real thing?"

Gene gave them a thumbs-up. "I took the liberty of inspecting the goods. It's the real thing, boys. Now, about those castor shells…"

Ark, who had been drooling at the prospect of genuine Urd porn, snapped out of his reverie. "Um…that's where we kind of hit a bump. You see, the mana that was once so abundant on this planet has completely dried up."

Hadul nodded. "I regret it's true. There's not a drop of mana left to make a castor shell with."

Gene frowned deceptively, retracting the arm that held the tape in question. "Hmm…well, that just won't do…"

Ark and Hadul flinched visibly as Gene pocketed the video.

"Wait!" Hadul blurted. "There has to be something we can trade for that tape!"

Gene shrugged. "Well, unless you have any castor shells lying around…"

Hadul cringed. "Well…no…

Ark gritted his teeth. "What if we sold you the technology used to infuse mana into shells? That way, you'd be able to create your own!"

That got Gene thinking. "Oh? Is that something a normal person like me will be able to use?"

Ark hesitated, but Hadul jumped at the chance. "Yes, yes, of course! You can just fly off to some other planet with an abundance of mana and siphon it yourself! So, do we have a deal!"

Gene grinned, and reached into his pocket. "Throw in a dozen empty shells for me to fill, and you've got a deal."

No sooner had Ark retrieved the device – an odd contraption that looked like a car jack without a handle – when Hadul had grabbed the tape and whisked it off to the viewing room.

Gene stared oddly at the device, before sticking it in his bag. "Pleasure doing…business…with you guys…" he said to the empty space where they had been.

Without further ado, Gene took off back up the mountain. Urd had promised him at least two and a half minutes, but just to be sure, he picked up his speed.

Moments later…

KABOOOOOOM!

Gene grinned as the monastery behind him lit up.

"They never learn…"

He made his way back to Mount Nyotai, where he was just as swiftly apprehended for trespassing.

"Relax guys, it's me again…"

They took him into the complex, where Urd stood waiting.

"I take it from the rumbles I heard that the package was delivered?"

Gene smiled. "Indeed. They didn't even bother checking the shell I told them you'd given me."

Urd smiled. "Very good. Well, I supposed it's time to fulfill my end of the bargain."

Gene smiled, handing her the bag Melfina had given him.

"Make sure it works, okay?"

xxxxx

Aisha was nervous.

Ok, before at the pool had been one thing. She'd been half asleep at the time anyway, and Jim was doing most of the work.

But now…

"Jim…" she breathed, sitting on the bed at the inn.

Jim was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. "Mmm?"

When he looked in her direction, she didn't meet his gaze.

"I'm not…sure if I'm ready for this…"

Jim stared for a moment of stupor, before spitting into the sink and rinsing off his toothbrush.

"Aisha…" he sighed, shaking his head as he stepped out of the bathroom. "You're jumping to conclusions. Maybe I was a bit too rushed this afternoon, but…if you still don't feel comfortable with this…"

Aisha blushed profusely. "It's not like that! I mean…I'm okay with the hugging and kissing…but…when you started…" she gulped. "…touching me between my legs…"

Jim's jaw dropped. "I…I'm sorry, Aisha! I didn't mean to force that on-"

"Let me finish!" she yelped, causing Jim to flinch. "Look…I…I want to make you happy, Jim. And I'm really glad that you want to mate with me…"

Jim raised an eyebrow. "Mate with you? Aisha, maybe the C'tarl do things a little differently than Terrans do. But when two people are in love, it's not just about doing it."

Aisha blinked. "Terran lovers don't mate?"

"Sure they do," Jim smiled. "But they do other things too. For Terrans, being a couple is more like a partnership. You do things together. You support and protect each other. You treat each other like family."

Aisha's features elevated a fraction. "But…you still mate, right?"

Jim blushed, slightly. "Well…yeah…"

Aisha shivered. "And…how are you supposed to know what to do?"

Jim shrugged. "You're a creature of instinct, right? Follow them."

Aisha looked away. "Aisha's instincts are telling her to turn tail and run away!"

Jim looked heartbroken. "Do I really scare you that much?"

Aisha turned towards him immediately. "No! That's not it at all! I'm just really nervous, that's all!"

Jim blinked, before smiling. Clearly, this would require light treading. But he had faith that they would make it through.

"Tell you what," he sighed, kicking his shoes off. "We won't worry about it tonight. Why don't we just try sleeping? And if you feel like snuggling under the covers or something…well, I'll leave that up to you."

Aisha's ears pricked up.

"I won't do anything until you're ready, Aisha," Jim promised. "I'll wait as long it takes."

Aisha's lips curled into a smile.

"…Ok."

They both crawled into bed and Jim flipped the light switch. For a while, both of them just laid there, staring at the ceiling. For a while, Jim didn't think she'd try anything.

But then he felt her toenails tickling the back of his knees.

Jim chuckled and prodded her back, and she giggled. She tickled him again and Jim flinched. Suddenly the two of them were involved in a poking war beneath the covers.

"That tickles!" Jim laughed as he grabbed her ribs, digging his fingers into her.

"Mrow!" she meowed, squirming around. "Cut that out!"

He jabbed her again, and she grabbed his wrists, somehow ending up on top of him. Jim was looking up at her in the dark, grinning desperately as she looked down at him with hungry eyes.

She kissed him.

And she kissed him again.

And again.

"Jim…" she breathed, feeling that same feeling that arose by the pool, that arose whenever he touched her.

Jim held her to him. "I love you, Aisha."

She stopped kissing him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I…"

Jim looked at her. "Aisha…?"

Aisha bit her lip. "I…I've never been in love before, Jim. I just don't know."

Jim sighed, smiling helplessly. "Still such a child, Aisha…"

The cat girl scowled. "Hey, don't forget, I can still whoop your butt."

"Speaking of butts…"

"Ow!" Aisha yelped after Jim pinched her. "Jim!"

Jim was laughing when Aisha latched onto his bottom lip.

"Unhhh…" he groaned in appreciation.

Aisha purred as she teethed on him.

"See?" Jim grunted. "You're doing alright."

Aisha blushed. "But, I…I don't know where to go from here…"

Jim just hugged her. "You don't have to, Aisha. I think it's just fine like this."

Aisha's ears pricked up. "Really?"

Jim smiled. "Yeah. Just stay with me like this. I don't need anymore than this right now. Just being able to hold you like this…"

Aisha gasped as she noticed tears coming down Jim's face.

"Jim!"

He brushed the offensive tattletale away. "Sorry…it's nothing…I just…never thought we'd make it this far…I never thought you'd let me…"

Aisha snuggled in closer to him. "Jim…?"

The boy blinked. "Yeah…Aisha?"

The girl's voice caught in her throat.

"I…I love you…"

Jim's voice caught in his throat. He held her tightly as she gripped him back, holding him as though she'd never let go. Though he couldn't make out her face, she could see his just fine.

And his tears were now those of joy.

"…Thank you."

xxxxx

That night, Gene made it home to the inn the family had checked into. Aisha and Jim had locked their door, and Suzuka still hadn't checked in. The kids, however, were tucked in their beds, so Gene wasn't concerned.

"Gene…" Melfina sighed as he walked in through the door. "The kids missed you today! You promised them you'd play with them at the water park."

Gene groaned, setting his bag down. "I know, I know…I'm so sorry, Mel. But I got all my work done! Tomorrow, I'll spend the whole day with them, I promise!"

Melfina, wearing little more than a white button down, walked up to him and wrapped him in a hug, not even letting him take his coat off.

"You better," Melfina scolded, holding him close. "Your children love you Gene…they want to spend time with you."

"Hey, I know that, Melfina…" Gene said, kissing her gently. "I love them more than anything…"

Melfina shivered as his knee slid between her legs.

"As long as my kids still love me, I'll be the happiest man in the world…"

He slowly began to unbutton her shirt.

"And as long as you still love me…"

Melfina smiled back at him, shrugging one of her shoulders promiscuously out of her top.

"Spare me the corny pick-up lines, Gene…" she winked, grabbing him by the hem of his pants. "If you want me out of my panties that bad, you know all you have to do is ask…"

Gene actually blushed. "Well then…are you going to make me say please?"

Melfina turned her back, bobbing a single shoulder his way. "Polite's polite."

Gene caught his breath and reached out to pull her to him, holding her back to him.

"Please…" he breathed into her ear, and delighted in knowing that she was squirming with anticipation. "…Let me screw you senseless…"

Melfina shivered, her cheeks red with excitement.

"You can have me, Gene…" she whispered. "I'm all yours."

Gene smiled and kissed the back of her neck, slowly lowering her to the bed.

"When this is over…" Gene breathed, discarding the button down she had been wearing. "We'll have the rest of eternity to live our lives together."

Melfina reached behind to dig her fingers into his hair, turning her head to kiss him. "Yes…"

"We'll be together forever, Mel…" Gene panted, his fingers dancing across her body.

"Gene…"

His fingers found their way south, and Melfina gasped at his touch.

"Gene!"

As his fingers dug ever deeper, and his teeth bit into her ear, Melfina let out screams that might've woken the night. Every tickling finger, every dab of saliva, all of it sent electricity rocketing through her. Every nerve in her body tingled and convulsed and ached for more.

By the time his mouth had found its way past her navel, her legs had given out, and Gene was supporting her by the waist, ravaging her with his tongue. Melfina's toes curled and uncurled at each mind-blowing touch. Her fingers dug into his scalp as she hollered his name into the night.

"Gene!"

She began to lose track of time. All it could be measured in was waves of pleasure, from when his fingers reentered the equation to when he finally conjoined with her, piercing her heart, to when her tender flesh became red and sore and he finally finished, clasping her lovingly, as he whispered her name in the thralls of absolute ecstasy.

"Melfina…"

Tempted and tormented, drawn and quartered, penetrated and finally capsized in a tempest of passion that unfolded and reknit itself before she could have possibly been satiated, Melfina came to her senses, to see Gene's loving smile kiss her to sleep.

And she fell away into a world of dreams.

xxxxx

Suzuka could not recall the last time she had awoken with such a headache. Usually she managed to control herself, but this time, she had let go. Damn it, she had had every right to! She had put up with enough in her time, and it was about time that Gene…

Suddenly, she blinked, and realized that the man lying next to her was not Gene.

"I…what…?" Suzuka gasped, staring back as Leylong rose from his slumber, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Mmmrgh…Suzuka?" he muttered, drowsily. "Could do me a favor and turn off that damn strobe light?"

Suzuka couldn't tell if he was trying to make a joke, and at the moment, didn't much care to consider it. Her mind was racing to try to recall the events of last night. She had found Leylong - that she could remember. She had been hostile at first, until he had offered to buy her a drink, and then things had started to heat up.

"L…Leylong…?" she stuttered.

The man blinked his eyes open. "That's the last time I drink four straight bottles of sake. That stuff is murder."

Though Suzuka was inclined to agree, she felt compelled to ask.

"What…went on last night?"

Leylong stared oddly at her, eyes squinting. "I don't think it'd take too much of a stretch of the imagination to assume that you took my advice to heart."

Suzuka gulped. "What…what advice?"

Leylong got to his feet, smiling at her. "Not that I'm complaining, but when I said you should go out a find yourself a good lay, I'd assumed you'd go for someone other than myself."

Suzuka gulped. She'd done it.

The big man offered a weak smile. "Now, before you decide to kill me…"

She was already up with her hand pressed against a pressure point in his throat.

Leylong gulped. "Like I was saying…before you decide to kill me…let me just reassure you that I didn't do anything you yourself didn't invite me to do."

Suzuka glared. "As I recall, you seemed to be highly in favor of the act."

Leylong shrugged. "What can I say? You're a beautiful woman, Suzuka."

She slammed him roughly against the wall.

"And what do you call plowing me with liquor? Foreplay?"

Leylong scowled. "Now, wait a second. I offered to buy you one drink. Then you started hogging the entire stash! You nearly emptied the bar! Aside from the bartender, I was the only one protesting."

"I find that hard to believe," Suzuka glared.

"Hey, it was my money you were spending!" Leylong growled back. "And let's get one thing clear – you were the one who invited me back to your room. I gave you every opportunity to bow out, and you reeled me in like a sapsucker."

Suzuka still had him by the throat. "Why should I believe you?"

Leylong frowned. "Look…I'm giving you a break here, cause you're probably feeling even worse than I am after last night."

"No kidding."

"But you were the one calling all the shots!" he shot back. "Heck, you dragged me along for three solid hours! I was ready to go to sleep, and you were still raring to go!"

Suzuka blushed furiously. "That's a lie!"

"Is it? Don't you feel so much more liberated now? Don't you feel like you've finally let all that tension go? Don't you feel so much…I don't know…freer?"

Suzuka suddenly blushed as she remembered just what an instigator she had been. As much as she wanted to blame Leylong for the whole ordeal, it just didn't make sense that he would or could force something like this on her. For one thing, Suzuka knew from experience that she was the least likely person to be able to take advantage of while drunk. When inebriated, she was all the more likely to draw her sword than any other situation.

Which meant that, if last night had gone as her memories insisted that they had…then she must have wanted it herself.

She released him, looking away, her face beet red.

"Gods, I've never been so ashamed…"

Leylong shook his head. "What's to be ashamed of? You're a human being, Suzuka. Humans have needs. Suppressing them for seven straight years doesn't solve anything. If last night was any indication, it only serves to enhance the need."

Suzuka blushed even more furiously. "Would you please just shut up? Gods, what the hell's going on with me? Why can't I think straight!"

Leylong raised an eyebrow. "Alcohol has a tendency to do that."

Suzuka hissed and kicked the mattress. "I can't believe myself. Gods, I'll never be able to so much as look at another-"

Leylong grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him.

"Stop living on a pedestal," he growled. "You're not some untouchable goddess, Suzuka. You're a human being. Nobody expects you to adhere to some ungodly code. The least you could do is allow yourself to live a little."

The assassin just bit her lip. "It's just that I…for long, I've only thought of Gene…"

Leylong touched a lock of her hair, brushing it aside. Taking her face, he moved her eyes to look at his.

"Well then, maybe it's time you started looking at someone else…"

Suzuka hesitated for just a second longer.

And then she was kissing him as hungrily as before.

xxxxx

Melfina was honestly surprised to find Gene up at nine the next morning, tinkering away on that little device he carried down from the mountains. She hadn't heard all the details, but from what she could gather, it was supposed to offer a steady supply of castor shells on the cheap.

"Morning," he waved to his wife, his hands smudged with grease. "I got you and the kids some breakfast." He pointed to the table in their hotel room.

Melfina sat down, ignoring the food. "Suzuka's not in her room."

Gene looked up from his work. They had gotten a hotel suite, with a room to themselves, and another room for the kids. Jim and Aisha had gotten a room of their own. It was never stated, but Suzuka made a habit of checking in on the kids, and insisted on sleeping near them should anything happen.

"She's not a babysitter, Mel," Gene frowned. "And I highly doubt she's in trouble – at least, any trouble she can't handle. Who knows, maybe she finally decided to go out and have a good time for once. Or found herself a bounty to hunt down. One or the other."

Mel smiled ironically. "Don't think I didn't catch the gleam in your eyes when you mentioned getting out and having a good time."

Gene shook his head, lamenting. "Ah…remember when you and I used to do that? Before we even had kids, when it was just you and me?"

Melfina nodded. "Good times."

Gene got up from his requisitioned worktable. "So, you haven't seen her since last night?"

"Nope."

"So it's my job to rustle up the kids?"

"Yep."

Gene sighed, washing his hands at the kitchenette sink. "A dad's work is never done…"

xxxxx

Jim stepped into Gene and Mel's hotel room, buttoning his newly bought Hawaiian shirt.

"You find what you were looking for?"

Gene and Mel were busy putting sunscreen on their kids' backs.

"Yup," Gene smiled satisfactorily. "Getting ready to spend some quality fun time in the sun. We'll be shipping out tomorrow, so don't you worry."

Jim shrugged, sitting down at the table. "Oh, I'm not worried. Ooh, hey, free food."

He helped himself to the pastries Gene had procured.

Gene winked. "So, I take it from your chipper attitude that you made some progress with the lady friend last night?"

Jim smirked, turning his head. "Sorry – I don't kiss and tell."

"Hey come on Jim," Gene held up his arms. "I told you all the gruesome details of my earlier exploits."

CLONK!

"Ow!" Gene rubbed his head where Melfina had chucked her bottle of sunscreen.

Melfina ignored his complaint. "How is she, Jim? Is she feeling any more comfortable about things?"

Jim tried not to stare. "A bit, I'd say. We're taking it slow. And Mel, why you let this perv dress you in that kind of bathing suit?"

Melfina looked down at her coquettish one piece. "Why? What's wrong with it?"

Gene snickered and came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing where his hands found the most purchase.

"Hey, there's a reason I married this woman."

"Eeeeek!" Melfina's eyes went wide, before she batted him away. "Gene!"

Jim turned away, red faced. "I…think I'm gonna go check on Aisha."

Gene ousted his kids away from the television as Melfina still covered her chest in indignation.

"See you at the beach!"

xxxxx

"The beach," of course, was just another artificial swimming area. Of course, that included artificial waves, artificial sand, artificial seashells, and even artificial sea creatures. With all the stinger-less jellyfish and stinger-less stingrays around, Jim wouldn't have been surprised to find artificial toothless sharks swimming around the oversized swimming pool.

It took a fair amount of convincing to get Aisha into the water – if it wasn't a hot spring where she could relax (and by hot spring, she meant lava pool) – then she wasn't interested.

Then she saw the water slide.

"Last one there's a rotten anchovy!" Aisha suddenly darted off, and Jim was hot on her heels.

By now, the Gene had ridden down the water slide with both of his kids over a dozen times, and had convinced Melfina to take over slide duty for a much needed lemonade break, when who should he see walking by, but his wayward assassin and – more to the point – his old friend Leylong.

The old Gene would have grabbed his gun and started firing the moment he laid eyes on the scene, but at present, Gene simply sat there, content to watch the two of them. Suzuka appear to be holding one of the fold-out maps that the costume wearing mascots passed out, and unless his eyes deceived him, looked to be discussing with Leylong how they were intending to spend their vacation at Tenrei.

When Melfina and the kids came out of the slide for the umpteenth time that day, Gene motioned for her to come out and the water and, when she got within earshot, he pointed and said, "Now I would be the happiest man alive if you informed me right now that you had slipped something into my drink that was causing me to see things, because that would explain what I'm looking at right this moment."

Melfina followed his gaze, and had the presence of mind to grab a chair so that when she fell over into it, she managed to keep a certain degree of grace.

"That's…"

"Leylong."

"And he's with…"

"Suzuka."

"And the two of them are…"

"That's the way it looks."

Melfinfa still hadn't managed to pull her eyes away. "Why?"

Gene hadn't either. "That's where I'm drawing a blank. You wanna be the one to ask them?"

Melfina hadn't blinked. "You're…not going to?"

Gene shrugged. "I just as soon let her enjoy herself. I think we've discovered the reason she didn't come home last night."

Melfina blushed. "Gene…you don't think…?"

Gene smiled. "The way I see it, Suzuka's the only one of us who stood a chance against him back then. Plus, she's got her instincts that can usually point out danger within twenty yards. Now look at her: she looks like she's on a date with him. Let her enjoy herself."

Melfina looked concerned. "But still…can we trust him?"

Gene shook his head. "Even if he's not with the Anten Seven, there's still a bounty on my head. And just because most people back down from it doesn't mean he will. Guy would probably stand a chance, from what I remember. I figure, maybe he doesn't know she's still tied to me – which would explain why we haven't heard from her. If that's the case, and she still wants to spend time with him – or possibly try to swindle him somehow – I figure, best let her do it alone. She'll come to us when she's ready."

Melfina wasn't convinced. "I don't know, Gene…I…maybe I'm imagining things, but I haven't seen her this happy in years…"

Gene sighed, staring at the two of them chatting. "Yeah, I know. They look downright good together. Still…all the more reason to let them have their time together."

Melfina sighed. Gene wasn't getting the big picture. "Gene…what if he takes her away?"

Gene sipped his drink. "I already told you, Suzuka can handle herself. As much as she's improved over the years, he's not taking her anywhere."

"That's not what I mean, Gene…" Melfina sighed, tearing her eyes off the spectacle to look at him. "What if she wants him to?"

Gene's expression fell. "Oh…I hadn't thought of that…"

Suddenly, the idea of Suzuka and Leylong running off and leaving the family behind seemed very real. This family, which she had been a part of for more than seven years…and he knew he shouldn't feel jealous. He had no right to feel jealous, not after she had already come out and made it clear to him that she was odd woman out given their current plans. Who was he to keep her tethered to his family given that situation? She had every right to go off and her own, find her own happiness, or even start a family of her own. It was an odd thought. It was kind of depressing to think on. And it was a very, very real possibility.

"Well…what could we do?" Gene asked, resigned. "It's not like we're paying her anything. I mean, we split bounties down the middle, and we provide for her in exchange for her protection. And she's all but taken Jenna under her wing, but…"

Melfina's eyes widened at the mention of Jenna. "Gene! What if Jenna wants to go with her!"

Gene shook his head. "Now calm down, Mel. We don't even know if they're serious about each other. For all we know, they're just having a fling."

Melfina just bit her lip, convinced that the man who had once been their enemy wasn't going to tear their family apart.

Gene frowned as he saw Suzuka and Leylong seemingly having made up their mind at what to spend their day doing and heading towards the mountains, before placing a hand on his wife's shoulder.

"I need to make a phone call…"

Melfina watched confused as Gene quickly ran off in the direction opposite Suzuka. Staring at her dear friend disappear in one direction and her husband in the other, she was left totally confused, with her kids staring at her, wondering when she'd take them on the slide again.

xxxxx

Suzuka smiled. After getting her some breakfast, and letting her cool off, she had actually managed some semblance of civility with her one time enemy. He even managed to make her smile on more than one occasion. After lounging about for a reasonable amount of time, the two of them decided they weren't spending time on Tenrei to enjoy the hotel rooms, and went out to try to take in the sights.

While hesitant about seeing the hot springs, Suzuka couldn't think of much else on this planet that would keep her interest at this time of day. There were casinos and nighttime shows, but what to do during the day? Leylong pointed out that there were plenty of hiking trails up in the mountains, and Suzuka decided that hiking sounded like a good idea.

No sooner had they started up the mountain when her earphone beeped. Politely excusing herself, Suzuka answered Gene's call.

"Hey Suzuka, just checking in," his voice sounded on the other line. "Where were you last night?"

"Out," Suzuka said brusquely. "Can I call you back later?"

"No need, just making sure you're still alive."

Suzuka rolled her eyes.

"Oh, and just to remind you that we're leaving tomorrow morning, so…" There was an odd pause. "Just…just to let you know."

Suzuka blinked. He knew that she was well aware of their schedule. Gene was never one to call and remind her of these things – usually, it was the other way around. What was he trying to get at?

"I'll be there," Suzuka said, sounding suspicious. "Don't worry."

"I'm not," Gene said, a little too quickly. "Just…if you stay out again tonight…"

"I'll be on the ship at eleven hundred hours tomorrow morning, just as you said yesterday."

Suzuka huffed. He wasn't her damned keeper, why was he trying to put a leash on her?

She caught back up to Leylong who just eyed her curiously. "Is Starwind keeping tabs on you?"

Suzuka nodded, irritated. "He is."

Leylong shook his head. "Let's not worry about Starwind for today. I wanted to take you out somewhere where you could get your mind off of that life you live with him. Forget all about him, and just focus on today, and what you enjoy doing most. What you truly desire."

Suzuka nodded as she followed Leylong up the mountain path.

"What I truly desire…huh?"

xxxxx

Everyone had gathered for dinner. Gene was treating everyone to Kobe beef (or at least Tenrei's equivalent, which might not legally count as meat) at one of the local restaurants. Everyone save one was present.

"Where's Suzuka-sensei?" Jenna asked out loud as everyone stared at their menus.

"She's out with a friend," Melfina covered swiftly before Gene could spill the beans.

Jim looked curious. "Who does she know on Tenrei?"

Gene tensed, but Melfina was the one who spoke. "I think they're just passing through as well."

Jim didn't press the issue, but he thought he heard a thump that sounded like Gene being kicked beneath the table.

"Well, less for your tab, I suppose," Jim grinned. "Though with Aisha at the table, it hardly makes a difference."

"Oh, no-no-no," Gene held his hands up. "I'm treating everyone to one helping of beef. Only one. Anything more than that, Jim, she's your date."

Jim gawked. "What!"

Aisha leaned on Jim's shoulder. "Mmmm…you're gonna let Aisha have lots to eat, right? Right?"

Gene didn't press the issue, but he thought he heard a squeak that sounded like Jim being handled beneath the table.

"Sure…" Jim sweated nervously. "Have as much as you want…"

Aisha cheered in triumph as Jim mourned over his poor, depleted pocketbook.

xxxxx

The next morning, everyone was packed and ready to go. Gene and Melfina and the kids were carrying suitcases back into the crew quarters, while Jim and Aisha made sure the ship was refueled and restocked.

And Suzuka was nowhere to be seen.

"With who!" Jim gawked when Gene and Melfina spilled the beans. "Leylong!"

Jace looked up from his task of toting bags down the corridor. "Isn't that where we're going?"

Jenna made a face at him. "No, stupid – that's the Leyline. Uncle Jim said Leylong."

"Ohhhh…" Jace's eyes widened in understanding. "So what's a Leylong?"

Melfina herded them off. "I'll explain it later, kids…"

Gene fixed his partner and his partner's tentative girlfriend with a look of remorse.

"When we were at the Dragon's Tomb…Suzuka seemed bothered by how unfair it seemed that everyone was going to be immortal besides her," Gene said in a lowered voice.

Aisha and Jim exchanged a glance.

"She's not childish enough to feel jealous or abandoned," Gene went on. "But I think she felt like…maybe she didn't fit in with us anymore."

Jim lowered his eyes. "Still…I can't believe she'd just…take off like that. I mean, Jenna means the world to her, and her training isn't even finished."

Aisha put her arm around Jim's shoulder. "Maybe…maybe she's finally happy where she is now…"

"As luck would have it…" came a voice, "I am…"

Everyone looked up.

Standing there, holding Jenna in her arms, beside Melfina who held Jace, was everyone's favorite assassin.

"Suzuka!" everyone shouted happily.

"Look who I found, everybody," Melfina smiled.

"I told you I'd be here," Suzuka gleamed. "As if I'd leave you guys to go off with some ex-pirate. My place is here with you all…" she winked at Jim. "I think we've all seen how little it pays to split the group up…wouldn't you agree?"

Gene stared at her happily. "Suzuka…but…you looked so happy with him…"

Suzuka gave Gene a meaningful look. "I was…we exchanged numbers so we can stay in touch. Maybe later, when Jenna's training is finished…and when I'm convinced you all can handle yourselves without me there holding your hand…" Suzuka smiled, allowing herself a moment of smug pride. "Then maybe I'll go find him. But not now. Not now, when you'll need me the most."

Aisha was beaming. Jim had tears in his eyes.

Melfina just smiled at her. "I'm glad you decided to stay Suzuka. The Outlaw Star just wouldn't have been the same without you."

Suzuka looked back at her. She could tell she meant it.

"You just make sure Gene stays out of trouble," she smiled, sparing Gene a glance. "At least, as much as possible."

"Don't worry," Melfina giggled. "I will."

"Hey, come on!" Gene smirked, not even put off by the teasing. "Who do you think I am?"

Jim gave him a playful slap on the back. "The biggest bonehead in the galaxy, that's who!"

Gene put his hands on his hips, turning to Jim. "I can still kick your ass, you know?"

As if in response, Aisha wrapped her arms around Jim's shoulders and made a protective sound in her throat, staring down Gene as Jim crossed his arms, giving Gene a cocky smile.

The two other women just laughed. The kids were confused. Gene just smirked.

"Oh, I see how it is…"

One of Gilliam's drones whirred down form overhead. "I regret having to break up this reunion, but the Tenrei space port crew just let us know that if we don't take off soon, they're going to increase our parking bill."

Gene nodded. "Wouldn't want that. Ok guys! Get to your seats. We're out of here!"

And before long, the Outlaw Star had taken off into the night.

xxxxx

A/N

Well, I originally planned to make this the final chapter, but then the idea to send the crew to Tenrei once again came up, and the chapter got longer and longer, until I realized that I was already at my benchmark for page count, and they hadn't even made it to the Leyline yet. So, I decided to cap off the chapter for you all to read, and finish the story in the next chapter.

What is this device that Gene's wrought for himself? Where are the McDougal brothers in all this? What about that dragon god chasing the team through the galaxy? Will Suzuka ever see Leylong again? When will our team finally reach the Galactic Leyline? How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?

The world may never know.