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Chapter 1

[Barnabus: Howdy folks, Barnabus Comet here again. Hope your all doing well because I know I am. My life, my crew, my job, and most importantly my grumpy and rude Verdomian couldn't be in a better place. I mean, here the five of us are, newly silver ranked Jacks with a brand new ship, finishing job after job and earning ourselves a nice little nest egg that will last us for years to come. It's like I'm living in a dream that I never want to wake up from.

But, you know ... with these great things happening, It really gets a fella to thinking about all the hard times he's gone through in the past. Serious troubles that he only pulled through by the skin of his teeth and the wits in his head. Jalapeño... I remember this one time all the way back in high school when I was nothing but a skinny and dorky sixteen year old sophomore trying to muster up the courage to ask out the star quarterback of our school's football team. A task which I failed at miserably the first time but eventually accomplished after my tenth.

Another hard experience I can remember vividly were those long hard days back during my I.U.G. military training at a boot camp. Twenty mile long hikes and rigorous combat training that left me sore, bruised, and dead on my feet by the time the sun set. And of course I don't think I need to mention a certain adventure I took part in about a year or so ago. One that involved a stolen ancient artifact, a stowaway alien Romeo, and getting chased to kingdom come by the I.U.G. military, my ex-boyfriend, and worse of all a Warg battle cruiser with a homicidal Warg general at the helm.

But you know something else folks? Talking about all of these hardships makes me think of something that only happened a few weeks ago. A horrible little experience which while not as... terrifying or difficult was somehow just as bad as boot camp, high school drama, and going on the run combined. And the funny thing is that the whole horrid experience all started with a little inconspicuously piece of paper. But, I think I'm getting ahead of myself aren't I? It'd be better if I started right from the beginning. Back a couple weeks ago when I was walking home and was given the catalyst that began the whole sorted mess.]

Working his way through the ever present crowds of Aquarii station space port, a very pleased with himself Barnabus Comet casually hummed to himself and casually made his way down the stone and mortar boardwalk on his way home.

Things had been good that day during his visit at the Jack center. He had been able to successfully pick up the pay his crew had earned for their latest job, a cool five thousand credits, and had even gotten them another one delivering some building supplies to another station a system or two away.

Yeah it was the sort of piddle poor job that he had complained about little more than a year ago. But after all the tough jobs him and his crew had gone through Barnabus reasoned that a simple mission for once would do them all some good. Maybe they would even finish it fast enough that they'd have time for a small stop over on their way home. A nice little vacation on some warm planet where him and Miktes could lounge around on a beach and have some fun in the surf like those two actors in his favorite ancient earth movie, "From here to eternity".

Unfortunately Barnabus' plans for a well-deserved rest suddenly found themselves placed on the back burner when the Jack turned down the dock where the Wild Comet two was. Peering ahead Barnabus found his amber colored eyes falling on the strange sight of a lanky purple hued alien that had the appearance of a snail mixed with a reptile milling outside of his ship.

Wondering what this man found so interesting about his baby, Barnabus hurried to close the remaining distance between them and jogged forward, shouting to the stranger as he approached. "Hello sir... can I help you with something?"

Startling at the question the odd man spun around to face the human, his googly eyes focusing on him after they stopped bouncing around. "Oh... yes I hope so." He said giving a polite smile. "I was wondering if this ship here was the Wild Cammat two or not. It's sort of hard to read with the sloppy writing on its hull."

Sighing at the mispronunciation of his ships name and the insult to his artistic skills, Barnabus gave a curt hum. "It's pronounced the Wild Comet two." He corrected. "And yes this beautiful little ship is it."

His face tinting a darker shade of purple the alien bowed as an apology and stared down at a clipboard in his thin eight fingered hands. "Sorry about that sir. My vision isn't the best around." He said sheepishly. "But now that I'm sure I have the right place I'd also like to inquire if a person by the name of... ... Bar-na-bus An-der-son dwells here."

"That'd be me pal." Shaking his head Barnabus wondered what in the universe this whole thing was leading too. Who would be using his old name? "Mind if I ask you what you want with me."

"Just delivering a letter." The alien said simply. Reaching into a large sack that was slung over his shoulder the stranger rummaged around its contents for a bit and then produced an enveloped letter much to Barnabus surprise which he handed to him.

"Thank you for using Snail Mail Inc." The purple man chimed, his duty done. "Last physical mail delivery service in the galaxy." Giving a short bow the strange man quickly turned and ambled off clumsily while reading from his clipboard again, his haphazard gate colliding with a pair of spacers who fell off the dock and into the water below with a splash.

"Hope that guy doesn't end up killing someone by not looking where he's going." Barnabus chuckled to himself as he watched. Putting aside thoughts of nearsighted mailmen and the accident they could cause Barnabus shifted his attention down to the letter in his hands, frowning in thought as he turned it from side to side.

'Who the heck sends and actual physical letter in this day and age?' He wondered to himself. Most people just sent pad-mail when they wanted to contact someone. No one sent actual paper ones anymore save for primitive planets and his own father who stubbornly stuck to the old ways.

It was at that thought that Barnabus began to feel his good mood dry up. Whoever had sent the letter had used his old last name Anderson and not Comet which he had it legally changed to. There were only two people ever used his original name anymore. One being Ekkar who was currently in a level ten I.U.G. prison and wasn't allowed to send letters and two being the Jack's own family who were still on earth, mine Issy.

Examining what he had been given more closely Barnabus quickly confirmed the worst of his fears. The letter's return address clearly stating that it had been sent by none other than Archibald Augustine Anderson or as Barnabus and his brothers usually called him Dad. The same Dad whom Barnabus hadn't spoken to in several years and who he had had a fight with last time they had spoken.

A shuddering going through his body, Barnabus stared up into the artificial sky above him and groaned. "Jalapeño... I just couldn't tell that guy he had the wrong ship, could I?"

What happened next was a bit of a blur to the distraught man. Barnabus knew that he had somehow managed to compose himself enough to make his way into his ship and through its cargo bay and hallways until he entered the common room. It was there that he flopped down onto the couch and gone numb, his eyes locked on the letter in his hands for nearly an hour. Too afraid to open it and face whatever happened to be inside.

Barnabus had been so deep in thought of all the possible horrible things within the simple communication actually that he failed to notice the sound of the common room's door opening up once again or the uproar that accompanied the sound as Rana and Miktes walked into the room, both of them carrying several bags and arguing loudly amongst themselves.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to embarrass me in public like that Miktes?" Rana snapped while entering the room.

Entering right behind the older woman, Miktes gave her distress a rude sounding snort and haughtily dropped the bags he had been carrying on the floor. "I don't see what was so bad about what I did." He argued back. "It's not like I started a fight or set anything accidentally on fire this time. I was on my best behavior."

"You call what you did your best behavior?" Rana asked at the Verdomian loudly.

Depositing the bags she had been carrying on a table the pilot turned back to Miktes and started to count off his offenses with her fingers. "First you kept complaining I was taking too long the whole time we were in the store. Then you go and eat a whole plate of "free samples" scaring that one lady at the counter, then to top off the whole thing you go an open up three boxes of cereal which you spilt all over the floor."

"Someone came to clean it up." Miktes defended.

"Yeah and when they did they slipped on the cereal and went head first into the fresh seafood tank." Trying to ease her forming headache Rana softly rubbed her forehead before she continued. "Let's just be glad that they only charged us for the damage and didn't call colony security on us."

Ignoring Rana's last sentence Miktes smiled as he remembered the small accident he had caused in the grocery store. In his opinion watching the poor smuck wave his hands around and yelp as he took a header into that tank of water had been the best part of their trip. Of course from the way she was frowning at him Miktes reckoned that Rana didn't feel the same way about the experience then he did. He supposed he'd better "apologize" to the human.

"Look, if I gotta say it then I'm soooo sooooory I got us kicked out." Miktes smirked. "I'll even promise to never to do it again too... ... ... uh, unless I get really hungry or you take too long or something."

Seeing that she wasn't getting anywhere with the smart mouthed Verdomian Rana decided to find some help to deal with the rambunctious man. Thankfully she found her salvation in the form of their captain who was sitting on the couch, his back turned to the two of them.

"Comet thank goodness you here!" The irritated woman said while making her way over to the couch and leaning over the back of it. "How about you act like a responsible captain and help me explain to our primitive buddy over here why what he did was bad? Maybe if you tell him he'll listen for once."

Hearing a voice right next to his head Barnabus abruptly snapped out of the distracted daze and turned to the source in confusion. To his surprise he found Rana staring at him, an expectant look on her face as she obviously waited for him to respond to something he must have missed while he had his head in the stars.

"S-Sorry Rana did... did you just say something?" The bearded man said after an awkward moment.

Hopeful smile dropping Rana stood back up and threw her hands up in defeat. "Fine I give up!" She cried out dramatically. "But next time you, Alfred, or Moah are taking the big green pain in the ass when we run errands."

"Heh-heh, sounds good to me." Miktes laughed walking over to the two. "Bet I'll have way more fun going out with Barnabus then you any day." Pleased that he had not only won the argument but had annoyed Rana in the process the Verdomian made went around the couch and laid down on top of it, his head coming to rest on Barnabus' lap.

"Heya Mickey." Barnabus grunted as he found himself with a lap full of alien noggin.

"Hey submissive. You miss having me to deal with this morning?" Miktes growled, making sure Barnabus fully understood what he meant by grinding the back of his scalp against the human's clothed crotch. "You go and get those credit things from the Jack place?"

Barnabus smiled down at the red head and gently rubbed his head. Leave it to Miktes to make him feel good. Even if it was only a momentary distraction. "Yeah Mick got the whole purse and even another job." Barnabus told him. "How were things at the market?"

Frowning in confusion Miktes glanced up to Rana who gazed back at him equally perplexed. How could anyone within a mile radius of the ship have missed the shouting match they had been having since entering the vessel?

It was Rana who finally posed the question on both their minds, poking Barnabus gently in the head with her index finger to get his attention. "Ok Comet, obviously something's wrong with you so spill it." She commanded. "And please don't tell me it's because you had a fight with Blahmen at the Jack center."

Barnabus cringed at the mention of the I.U.G. agent who had been assigned to watch over their special case. The uptight and frankly irritable man had been a constant thorn in the side of the Wild Comet crew since they had met. That's not to say that they made it easy for him with the stuff they constantly pulled.

"No, I didn't even see that pencil pusher at the center today." Barnabus answered. Staring down at the letter again he took a deep breath as all the possible calamities he had been thinking about earlier resurfacing. He supposed he better tell them. Not like they would let it go if he didn't.

"Look... if you both really need to know..." Barnabus began. "...I sort of got something today that upset me a little."

Showing what he meant the Jack held up his letter for all to see, a foolhardy action which proved to be a mistake because Miktes instantly snatched it out of his hand much to the older man's annoyance. "What's so upsetting about this stupid thing?" The enforcer questioned. Curious he turned the strange slip of paper over and gave it a sniff. It had a very familiar sent to it that reminded him of Barnabus but somehow different. "Looks harmless enough."

"It's not the letter itself that's making me upset. It's what's probably written on the letter inside Mick." Barnabus explained waspishly as he made a lung to get his letter back.

Miktes being much quicker than his perturbed mate easily pulled the letter out of his reach, snickering at the scowl that he got in return for his game of keep away. However Miktes soon found himself the victim of theft himself, Rana's hand darting out before he could react and relieving him of his ill begotten gain before either man realized what was going on.

"Hey that was mine!" Miktes growled.

"No, it's Barnabus'." Rana casually corrected him. Reading the return address the Jack pilot was pleasantly surprise to find out who had sent her friend the letter. "Hey this is from Archie!" She exclaimed. "Why in the universe would this get you upset Barnabus? You haven't heard from him in years."

"That's exactly why it upsets me Rana." Barnabus huffed. "Now give it back before I start to get angry ya screwy dame."

"Ooooh now you're going to have to beg for it back Comet." Rana said dangling the letter in front of her captain's nose. "I told you a thousand times now not to call me a "screwy dame"."

After reaching for the letter again and having it pulled away Barnabus growled. "Rana." He warned lowly.

Enjoying the tone being used to address her Rana lowered her voice to mimic it. "Barnabus..."

Head snapping back and forth between the two humans Miktes narrowed his eyes at the mention of this Archie character. It better not be another one of his mate's exes trying to get with him again. Dealing with that Ekkar thing and then those assholes down at that bar place had been more than enough for his taste. "Who the hell is Archie?" He huffed impatiently.

Chuckling as she gave Barnabus a knowing look Rana handed him back his letter and quickly explained who Archie was before Miktes started a temper tantrum. "Calm down green, Archie is just Barnabus' dad." She informed. "Sort of surprised that he didn't tell that you yet."

"Well he did say he had a father but he didn't tell me his name I guess." Glaring at his mate Miktes huffed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We've been busy." Barnabus defended lamely. "First cleaning up that whole artifact mess, then getting you all settled Mickey. I just haven't had the time."

"I seem to remember you having tons of time when we finished work for the day." Rana cut in with a sinister grin. "Of course knowing you two you probably spent it playing doctor under the sheets instead of talking like the prevs you are."

"We're not prevs." Both Miktes and Barnabus snapped.

Rana huffed out a laugh at their objection to what she said. "Yeah you are." She said smirking. "Do I really have to bring up what happened in the kitchen with the whip cream and bananas?"

"Shut your mouth woman." Miktes growled playfully. "That was the best meal I ever had." Pleased at the blush that his comment got out of Barnabus, Miktes sat up on the couch properly and gave the strange missive another hard look. "So that thing is from your house, huh?" He said bringing them back on topic. "What's it say?"

"I already told you, I haven't opened it." Barnabus repeated. "Guess I better though." Holding the letter up the Jack gave a deep sigh and then tore it open, quickly removing the letter inside and starting to read it out loud for the room's two other occupants to hear.

"Dear Barnabus... Hello. I hope wherever this letter finds you that you're alive and well. I would know if you were or not already if you would have seen fit to call me over the vidphone or send your own letter, but I guess you were just too busy up there in space to bother with your old man, huh?"

"And there he goes! Guilt trip right out of the gate." Barnabus deadpanned.

Rolling her eyes Rana gave him a shove. "He's just worried about you idiot." She scolded. "Stop being so hard on your dad. You know he's a bit curmudgeonly."

Barnabus made a rude sound at that definition of his dad's attitude. Curmudgeonly was too gentle a word for how the old space dog really way. "Easy for you to say Najjar. He actually likes you better than me."

"Archie doesn't like me better." Rana insisted. "He just knows excellence when he sees it and rewards me with kind words."

"Smart mouth." Barnabus retorted morosely.

"Are you going to read the rest of the damn letter today or are we just going to talk." Miktes interrupted rudely. "Cause if you are then I got better things to do then sit here."

Directing a dirty look at Miktes for being so rude to them, Barnabus debated for a second whether or not to continue. But one grumpy look from his orcish lover was all it took from him to relent and decide to continue. Miktes was just being Miktes after all. Even if it was grating.

After finding where he had stopped reading before Barnabus frowned and begrudgingly continued reciting what was written down.

"...But I guess you were just too busy up there in space to bother with your old man..." Still sounded like criticism to him. "...Anyway, I suppose you're wondering by now why I've decided to take the first step and get back into contact with you. Let me put your fears to ease right now and tell you there is nothing wrong back here with your step-mother and I. In fact we'll be celebrating our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary this year and would like it if you would come back home so you can attend the party we are planning. Now I know it would be trouble putting aside your "busy" schedule for your own father and travel home but it would make me and Rachel very happy if you would at least consider it. Either way we look forward from hearing from you soon son. Love Dad and Rachel."

"Hard to believe they've been together that long." Barnabus hummed while folding the letter back up. "Seems like it was only yesterday he was just dating her."

"Only yesterday?" Rana said with amusement. "Barnabus it was nearly two decades ago, you were still in middle school."

"Geeze thanks for reminding me how old I am Rana." Scratching his chin and thinking Barnabus breathed an inner sigh of relief that the letter hadn't been anything bad. For a moment there he was worried that his younger brother Issy had accidentally spilled the beans on everything that had happened to them. At least he could deal with this.

"I guess I better go to the gift store later and pick something up so I can send it off to them along with a note telling them why I couldn't make it." Barnabus mused out loud. "Wonder what excuse I'll use this time?"

"Wait, you ain't going to go?" Miktes said in confusion. Why would his mate pass up a chance to visit their family? Especially after all the times he had insisted Miktes and him go off to Verdomo to visit the Hestry clan, much to the warrior's annoyance. Said it was important to keep his roots whatever that meant.

"We're going to be too busy to go anywhere like that Miktes." Barnabus casually explained with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I told you, I just picked up a new job for us? Plus we still need to buy supplies, fuel up the ship, and frankly I think it'd just be easier to send off a present and then forgot all about the whole thing."

"Well I think you should go." Rana interjected. When her words earned her a look of annoyance from Barnabus the pilot raised an eyebrow in challenge. "What?! You haven't been home and years and I think it's high time you went and visited your family."

"But Rana I really don't want to." Barnabus said with a whine in his voice.

"No buts." Rana insisted with a firm nod. "You've put it off for years and it's time to man up Comet. Oh, and if your truly worried about things back here then you shouldn't be. Alfred, Moah, and I can handle whatever job you got for us while you're away."

Lifting himself out of his seat to stand Barnabus turned and crossed his arms over his chest in an imitation of Miktes' stubborn pose. "I know you can handle it Rana. You're the most able person I've ever met." He told her. "But things would go a whole lot smoother if we were all here. That way it'll get done twice as fast and we all can go on vacation after we--"

Not letting Barnabus finish his excuse for ditching his family Rana efficiently cut the sneaky man off with one of her patented "Rana Glares". "I don't want to hear it Barnabus. As second in command I'm relieving you of duty for two weeks. " She announced with finality. "Some time off back home would do you a world of good after all the hard work we've been doing. I'm also sure Miktes wouldn't mind meeting your family and seeing where you grew up too."

"I'm going too?" Miktes said rejoining the conversation. When his mate and Rana had begun to argue the warrior had basically tuned it out, the fights they had being too "nice" in his opinion to be any real fun to watch. But upon hearing that he'd actually be joining Barnabus on this trip his attention returned in full force.

"Of course you'd be going with him." Rana said as if it should be obvious. "You and Barnabus have that mating bond remember? That and Barnabus' family are going to want to meet you once they find out you two are a couple. Not that they won't regret it after getting to know you."

Miktes stuck his tongue out at his cheeky friend for the insult at his expense. As if anyone would regret meeting him. Well... there were people he beat up but they didn't count in his opinion. Turing to his mate the orc grinned. "We're definitely going." He announced.

Catching the excited look on the younger man's face and then Rana's determined and stern one Barnabus could plainly see that he was beat. Better to give in now before their doctor and resident Girunjh came back and joined in on the conversation. There's no way he'd survive an onslaught from all four.

"Ok, Ok you two pains in my caboose win! I'll go." Barnabus shouted at the meddling pair. "But just so you both know I am not going to enjoy one single second of this harebrained trip!"

"Whatever Comet." Rana said back barely acknowledging his tantrum. "But just so you know, by the time you get back well rested and all happy from seeing everyone you're going to be thanking me."

"I doubt it." Giving his second one last dirty look the irritable Jack left the room in a huff, rudely brushing out of the door and into the hallway beyond with a disgusted grunt.

Having watched this display as the older man left Rana gave a soft sigh. She supposed she had gone a little overboard making his visit home an order and all. But Rana also knew that if she hadn't he would of just kept making excuses and never gone at all. And like the Jack pilot said, it would do him some good to take a break.

Barnabus had been working harder than ever since they had gotten back from their adventure. His promise to not let his dream of being a space hero consume him and be a better captain being the only things on his mind. It was a welcome change for the crew. But... at the same time Rana had also begun to notice how run down he was getting. Someone defiantly needed to talk to Barnabus and fully convince him that going was a good idea. Luckily there was a certain someone who had a knack for doing just that even if he didn't realize he did.

Looking over to Miktes, Rana noticed that the redhead had retrieved the control for the vidscreen and was flipping through the channels trying to find something to watch. Seeming to sensing her watching him Miktes shifted around in his seat and glared at her over his shoulder. "What?"

"Don't you think you should do something about that Miktes?" Rana asked. When Miktes didn't seem to know what she was talking about she nodded towards the door Barnabus had just going through.

Following her gaze Miktes cocked his head to the side, looking at the closed doorway. "There something wrong with the door?" He wondered. "Wouldn't Moah be better at fixing it then me?"

"Miktes!" Rana huffed in annoyance. Sometimes the green skinned alien could be so thickheaded. "I'm talking about Barnabus. If you didn't notice he's sort of upset right now so go talk to him."

Pursing his lips at Rana's request Miktes thought it over for a few moments and eventually decided that she was right much to his irritation. Barnabus was his mate after all. His responsibility. "Fine, fine I'm moving." The Verdomian growled as he got to his feet. "But I ain't doing it just because you told me too."

"Whatever gets you though the day Green." Said Rana sarcastically. "I'm just surprised by how good your actually are at cheering him up. Makes me wonder what your trick is exactly."

Seeing Miktes about open his tusked mouth to reply to what she had just said, no doubt dirtily, Rana was quick to interrupt him before she regretted her words with a raised hand. "Never mind I don't want to know!" She cried. "J-Just go and see if he's alright already!"

"Shame... I'd love to brag." Miktes joked as he headed towards the door. "Course you'd never be able to do it as good as I do."

After ducking out of the way when Rana threw a box of crackers at him Miktes stepped out into the hallway and began ascending the stairs to his and Barnabus' room. Climbing upwards, the warrior began trying to go over what it was exactly he was going to say when he faced his hairy lover again. It wasn't like he was any good at this sort of thing. Usually when he wanted Barnabus to relax he dragged him to bed for a little couple time. But he supposed that wouldn't work with him this upset. Guess he'd have to just wing it.

Opening his bedroom door Miktes found Barnabus still steaming form the argument downstairs inside. Watching for a moment as the older man stalked around the room, grumbling to himself and throwing carious pieces of clothing into an open suitcase, Miktes was once again reminded why he had fallen for him. Sure the human often acted calm and collected, but when he got himself riled up like he was now he was never sexier. He could fight, he was sexy as hell, and best of all he actually loved Miktes back.

But before he could become too distracted by the human's good qualities the warrior caught himself with a reminder at what he was there to do. "Barnabus..." He called out. "How about you stop stomping around and talk to me or something."

"That's real funny coming from you Mickey." Barnabus said back without stopping. "I'd have thought you would love seeing me all red faced and fuming like a wet cat."

Miktes looked down at his feet for a moment at being called out on his dirty thoughts. "Yeah well it is kinda hot." He admitted. "But yer making me dizzy going back and forth like that. So stop it."

When Barnabus refused to do as he had told Miktes entered the room and grabbed the human by the shoulders to keep him from moving. "I said knock it off." He repeated. Then as an afterthought he added a soft, "Please.", trying to soften his words.

Finally calming down at the attempt to be thoughtful Barnabus slumped in his Verdomian companion's grip. "Alright I'll stop." He said giving in. "Jalapeno, I'm acting as bad as you do whenever we run out of Worchester sauce."

"Hey! You better watch your mouth there human." Miktes said with mock anger. "Running out of that stuff is a real good reason to throw a fit."

"Oh yeah?" Barnabus said starting to grin. "Is it also a reason to storm the closest store demanding a whole case of the stuff?"

"Yes." Growling lightly Miktes gave his mate a hardy push, the human ending up on his bottom on top of their shared bed. "Ok, so now that I calmed you down... I think. How's about you tell me what put a bug up your ass." Miktes commanded as he leaned down to look into his mate's eyes. "Why don't you want to go home?"

Barnabus gave a sigh and awkwardly scratched the back of his neck with on hand. "Heck if I really know Mick." He confessed. "I suppose I'm just nervous about what my old man is going to think about me now. Last time we spoke I had just quit my job on Ekkar's crew and decided to become a jack. He really wasn't happy about it to say the least."

"I would think he'd be happy you got away from that bastard." Miktes said.

Making another uneasy chuckle Barnabus began staring down at his lap. "Well I sort of didn't tell him the real reason why I quit exactly. Said I just got bored with being on his crew."

"Wait, he don't know the real reason why you left that Ekkar things group?" Miktes said surprised.

"Oh sure Mick I can just see how that would have gone." Barnabus started with a sarcastic voice. "Heya dad, remember that really great job I got on the ship of the legendary space hero Ekkar Anguis? Well the real reason I had to quit was because he broke my heart. Oh, you want to know what I mean by that? Well, you see my first day on the ship he seduced me and we sort of had this torrid affair for a couple of years where I unwittingly committed several crimes under his command between getting boinked twelve ways to Sunday. Oh and to make matters worse I was so star struck by the big blue jackass that I led a whole unit of men to their deaths. Yeah Mick that would go just fine he would be so proud of me it--"

"Barnabus!" Miktes interrupted with his best dominate growl.

Realizing what that he had been rambling Barnabus let out a puff of air and looked up to the younger man with a lost expression. "Sorry." He said. "Guess I got carried away."

Seeing his mate's sullen face Miktes sat down next to the human and draped an arm over his shoulders, pulling him close. "Look... ... ... I don't know about all the shit between you and your father but I think your acting stupid." He began. "I mean remember what I thought about father? I thought after running off with you into space that he'd hate me or something. But he didn't."

"Miktes I don't think Daleer could ever hate you for anything." Barnabus assured.

Making an unconvinced noise Miktes almost rolled his eyes at his mate's confidence in his and Daleer relationship. "Anyway, I'm sure your father just misses you and junk." The warrior continued in an almost sagely voice. "Just stop being a baby and go home."

Chuckling at the younger man, Barnabus leaned into his green lover. Miktes was right; he might as well just take it like a man and go him to visit the family. Who knew that Miktes would be the mature one in their relationship for once?

However... just as quickly as this newfound respect had blossomed inside of Barnabus' mind it found itself wilting and blowing away when Miktes let his hand travel a little lower to Barnabus' lower back, fingers dipping under the waistband of his cargo pants.

"Hey I'm getting horny with you pressing up against me like this." Miktes said with a purr. "How about you take off your clothes and let me lick you from head to toe."

"Ok, that's enough cuddling." Barnabus suddenly thought to himself pushing away. "I hate to be the bearer of bade news kiddo but if we're really going to take this vacation we have work to do." Standing up the Jack began removing clothes from the suitcase he had been packing during his little tirade.

In his anger he had been packing anything he could get his hands on leading to a few odd items inside of the empty compartment. "Let's see... we're going to have to clear everything with Blahmen back at the jack center, start packing everything we need, and then make all the arrangements to get from place to place

"Sounds boring." Miktes huffed. "I'd rather one of us fuck the other then do all that shit."

Stopping what he was doing Barnabus shook his head with a sigh and gave Miktes a quick kiss on his green forehead which the redhead leaned into. "Don't worry we can do that after." He assured him. "Oh, and before I forget... sorry again for acting like such a heel and being all grumpy."

"Its fine I guess." Miktes said when Barnabus pulled away. "But if you really wanted to make it up to me you would have kissed me lower just now. I'm not a child you know."

Barnabus laughed at the other man's not so subtle attempt to get another kiss and took pity on him. Taking Miktes under his chin and lifting the alien's head so that he could connect their lips in a sweet kiss that left the two of them panting and breathless by the end of it.

However any romance in the moment was spoiled a little when Miktes, returning to his childish ways, gave a haughty pout. "I said if you want to really apologize you should kiss me lower." He growled huskily. "A lot lower."

"Jalapeno, you lamebrain lounge lizard. You're incorrigible!" Barnabus laughed. "Alright then, you win. I'll give you your blasted kiss and then some."

His mood sufficiently lightened for the first time that afternoon since coming home Barnabus proceeded to give his husband exactly what he wanted. The two men forgetting about their trip and family for a few hours until Moah came knocking on their door to tell them he and Alfred had returned with lunch for the crew.

***************

Glowering at his own visage in the mirror, Miktes once again tugged at the shirt his mate had insisted he wear for their trip. Who the heck invented this sweater thing in the first place? It was as itchy as hell and so stuffy that it felt like it was trying to suffocate him.

"Do I really have to wear this stupid thing?" He asked over his shoulder. "I look like a fucking idiot wearing it."

"Your powers of observation never cease to impress me Mick." Barnabus said from across the room.

Placing the last of what they were taking with them on their trip into his suitcase Barnabus went over to the surly orc and joined him in looking into the mirror; his eyes go over his lover's outfit. It wasn't that bad in his opinion. A nice baggy sweater from his closet and a pair of loose jeans. Not high fashion but still presentable.

"As for your question babe: Yes you got to wear it." The older man continued once he was finished looking. "Its winter where my family lives right now and you're from a tropical jungle planet. We wouldn't want what happened last time we visited a cold place to happen again now would we?"

Miktes instinctively shivered at the memory of the chilly world they had been to for a job a couple of months ago. It had been the first time he had ever seen snow and had been excited to see what it was like at first. That feeling only lasted until the moment he realized how damn cold the stuff was. After that Miktes had been so soured by the idea of a winter wonderland that he had spent the rest of their thankfully short trip under a blanket scowling.

"You win I guess, I'll wear the dumb thing." Miktes said, sticking his tongue out at his reflection. "Still wish I could just wear my normal clothes."

Barnabus grinned at the other man's sour face. "Me too Mickey." He told him. "But as much as I think you're the handsomest sheik this side of the Milky Way with your space greaser look I don't think my family will be impressed with it."

"If you say so." Miktes responded flatly. "I just think it's... ..."

Suddenly realizing what Barnabus had just said about his usual attire Miktes forgot all about wanting to change and quickly grabbed him by the hips, pulling him close. "Heh... you think I look good when I'm all dressed up?" He questioned huskily. "Thought you said you liked it best when I wore nothing but my old loincloth. You know so we can play brave space adventurer and the primitive alien prince who needs to learn how to make love?"

Barnabus cheeks tinted at the reminder of the bit of role-playing they had taken part in once or twice. Yeah he knew it was stupid but a part of him still really liked playing the part of hero. "I-I never said I-I didn't like that too Mick." He stammered trying and failing to back away. "It's just that... I... think you--"

"--Hey guys we're going to be arriving at the spaceport in a few minutes!" Rana's voice suddenly came over the ships PA, her interruption breaking any amorous mood that might have been forming. "Whatever you're doing in there knock it off boys. We got to make this drop off quick so we can get back to Aquarii."

"Saved by the bell!" Quickly squirming out of Miktes grip much to the younger man's disappointment Barnabus tried his best to keep from remarking at his sour expression and instead went to get their suitcases. "Come on Mickey I'll take one suitcase and you get the other two." He said over his shoulder.

"Stupid voice in the wall magic." Miktes grumped as he stalked across the room and unhappily picked up the items he had been tasked to carry. "We're picking this up later human. Trust me on that."

"Knowing you Mick I'd be surprise if we didn't." Barnabus replied. After taking one last look around the room to make sure they had gotten everything Barnabus motioned for Miktes to follow and left their room, the two making their to the Wild Comet Two's second story and then into the common room.

Entering the downstairs room the two men were greeted by both Alfred and Moah who were in the middle of a hushed conversation. Quietly walking closer Barnabus caught the end of whatever it was they were discussing and immediately became suspicious.

"Moah are you sure buying all those power cells yesterday was a good idea?" Alfred said worriedly.

"Li garnuu ji ko Alfred." Moah replied with his usual boisterous laugh. "Gu lossa jexy doyut yet li def for covei oi turvo qoino li def jol goosta eona."

Concern flashing across his face at whatever Moah had said Alfred began wringing his hands together nervously. "Well... I guess I can see it that way." He relented. "But I'm still a little worried what the captain's going to say about it."

"What am I going to say about what Doc?" Barnabus said speaking up. Hearing their captain's voice the two conspiring men gave frightened yelps and turned towards the older man, Moah quickly hiding something behind his back as they looked over to him with worried expressions.

"C-Captain!" Alfred said a little too loudly. "I d-didn't know you were done packing."

"Just finished." Walked closer Barnabus shifted his gaze between the blond and the Girunjh. "Now what exactly were two talking about?"

Alfred gave a small awkward chuckle at being asked the same question again. "Well you, um... you see we..."

"You know what? Forget about it right now." Barnabus quickly interrupted. "I don't have the time. Just promise me nothing will explode and no "samples" will be left in the fridge when I get home."

Relieved that he was off the hook Alfred let out a breath he had been holding and gave a shaky smile. "S-Sure thing Captain." He assured the other man. "I wouldn't want another accident like the last time."

"I still say it tasted alright." Miktes remarked pushing his way from behind Barnabus. "And I liked that it made my tongue glow."

"Yaggho! Moah. Will. Try. Too." Moah added. Waddling his way over to his human captain the mechanic patted him on the shoulder and handed him something from out of his pocket. "Fohku, oi fluno wi tagg gi fu."

"Ah, thanks big guy." Barnabus said examining the small triangle shaped device he had been given. "What is it exactly?"

Grinning Moah descended into a long and complicated sounding explanation of what the device was in his own language. Vividly making all sorts of weird motions with his hands as he went on and on. Finally after what seemed like minutes he finished and gave Barnabus the thumbs up.

Barnabus of course immediately turned to Alfred hoping he had caught everything and that the "explosion" noise Moah had made during his lecture had been an exaggeration.

"He says that it's something call a sound disrupter." Alfred translated unsurely. "When you turn it on it'll create a field five feet around it which will block any sounds being made inside from being heard outside the bubble."

"Why in the universe would I need something like this when I go planetside?" Looking to Moah the Jack watched as the furry man's eyes wandered over to Miktes, Barnabus instantly realizing why he had made it. "You're a dirty old man Zash." He laughed. "But thank you. I know how noisy our green friend can get so I'll make sure to put it to good use. Even when we get back."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miktes asked suspiciously. Gazing down at the device himself he wondered what exactly the two were talking about.

"You'll see Miktes." Was Barnabus' sly response to the question as he pocketed the invention. "But right now let's get ready to disembark. I'm sure Rana will be coming in here any minute to tell us we've landed."

Just as Barnabus had predicted Rana did indeed walk into the room a few seconds later, the pilot entering the common area from the door which led to the bridge. Gazing over to the foursome Rana couldn't help the snicker that escaped from her lips at seeing them. "Wow, you certainly look... nice." She said referring to what Barnabus was wearing. "Kakis and... Is that a polo shirt?"

"What's wrong with this?" Barnabus gazed down at the dark blue shirt and tan colored pants he currently had on. "I bought these clothes especially for the trip."

"Nothing if you're trying to win the most boring man ever contest." Rana quipped back. Holding back any more unexpected chuckles she went over to her friends, picking at Barnabus' sleeve as an added bit of teasing. "You're dressed like my great, great grandfather."

"Ha, Grandfather." Miktes snickered, Moah and Alfred quickly joining in after a failed attempt remain serious.

"Watch it sweater boy." Barnabus shot back with a frown.

That comment seemed to stop Miktes humorous mood, the younger man pouting as Rana shook her head at him. Getting back to business though she decided to inform them of where they were. "Now that we got our jollies at Barnabus expense." She stopped for a second to enjoy the glare she received from that. "I wanted to tell you guys that we're here. Have to say I'm surprised how fast we got a landing sport at the spaceport. Usually it takes us an hour back on Aquarii."

"That's earth for you Rana." Barnabus said as he picked up his suitcase again and began leading the group out of the room. "The backwatery-ist part of a backwater town."

"Yes and isn't that such a shame." Alfred chimed in thoughtfully. Taking his P.A.D. out of his pocket the doctor brought up several pictures and jogged to the front of the group to show them to Barnabus. "More people should visit. I mean there have been so many important and historical things that have happened here! Not to mention the origins of nearly every human culture! Every time I think about all the things I could discover just by exploring the surface I just feel faint. In fact did you know that--"

"Take a breath Alfred." Rana quickly reminded the excited man from behind before he could continue rambling. "We all know how much you'd like to go down there. But you know we have to get back to Aquarii for that job Barnabus got for us."

Alfred made a small sigh, his body drooping at realizing that he had once again gotten carried away. "I know Miss Najjar." He said. "Still, I wish we could. I've never actually set foot on it you know."

"Neither have I Alfred." Rana said back. "I was born in a military outpost in the Aquarii system myself."

Looking from Rana to Alfred as they all entered the cargo bay Miktes scratched his head confused. "Wait..." He began. "I thought this planet we're going to is the human home world?"

"It is Mister Miktes but a great deal of the human population lives in space now." Alfred explained. "There were a few problems in the past with overpopulation so several colonies left a long time ago. Most humans have never even seen earth in person nowadays."

"Like I said Mick "The backwatery-ist part of a backwater town." Barnabus repeated as he came to a stop at the back of the room and pressed the button to lower the cargo bay door.

Taking out his P.A.D. next the Jack quickly sent something to his second in command and now acting captain. "Here Rana, I'm sending you everything you the contact information from that job I picked up." He explained. "If there are any problems, any just call me alright. I'll be more than happy to call this trip short and run back to the colony."

Her own P.A.D. beeping Rana took it out of her pocket and read what had just been sent to her. "For the last time I can handle this Comet." She said going over the details. "From what I'm reading here it's just a simple delivery job which we've done a hundred times before without breaking a sweat."

"You say that now but you have no idea how much trouble some clients can be." Barnabus said. The Jack couldn't keep count of the many, many times someone they were working for nitpicked everything they did. "Just be sure to keep me in mind if anything pops up."

The cargo bay doors fully lowered, Rana decided that she had had enough of Barnabus trying to weasel out of his trip and began to forcibly push him out of the door and down the ramp. "Stop trying to get out of this trip and leave already." The pilot huffed as she shoved. "We're on a schedule here and you're keeping us."

"B-But Rana!" Barnabus whined as he tried and failed to dig his heels into the ground

Rana shook he head. "No. Go!"

Falling into line behind the two humans as they bickered their way outside Miktes watched his mate with a bit of annoyance himself at the repeated attempts to ruin their trip. He thought they had settled all this not wanting to see his family thing a week ago, but apparently he was wrong. Maybe someone else could explain Barnabus behavior to him.

Roughly grabbing Alfred by the back of his shirt Miktes pulled the short human over to him deciding that he'd be the one to ask. "Hey skinny you know why Barnabus if trying to get out of this so badly?" He muttered grumpily. "I asked him earlier but I think he only told me half of the real reason."

"He's just nervous about all this Mister Miktes." Alfred told him a little intimidated. "Though I have to say it's very strange seeing the Captain like this. Usually he's so self-confident and brave. If anything I'd have put credits on you being the one all jittery and nervous. But you're a cool as a cucumber."

A dismissive snort coming out of him, Miktes raised his chin in offence that anyone would believe he'd be so easily scared or that he was some sort of vegetable. "Why should I be worried?" He asked. "Not like I haven't handled a bunch of dumb humans before, so this'll be easy."

"Well you're a braver man than I am I suppose." Alfred laughed lightly. "I'd be a nervous wreck if I was visiting my spouse's family for the first time. What if I said or did the wrong thing while I was there? Oh, or worse, what if they flat out didn't like me? That would be the most horrible damaging thing that could happen to a relationship."

His confidence faltering at the two very real outcomes Alfred has just voiced, Miktes gave a hum of worry. What if he did do something wrong when they were at Barnabus' father's house? What if he somehow humiliated himself in front of his new family and added to the nervousness that his mate was feeling?

Before Miktes could dwell on this new worry brought to his attention too long Moah gave a deep baritone chuckle breaking the other alien out of his dreadful thoughts. Leaning down the mechanic grinned and whispered something into Alfred's ears, whatever he said making the doctor giggle into his hand softly.

"What the hell did he just say?" Miktes demanded to know. Last thing he needed after that bombshell was the two of them laughing behind his back with a private joke "You better not be making fun of me fuzz ball."

Moah pretended to act innocent under the other man's harsh gaze, looking away as if he hadn't heard him.

"It's nothing Mister Miktes." Alfred interjected while trying his best to stop snickering. "He was just saying that he hopes the Captain's family doesn't give you the old shovel talk while you're visiting. As if anyone truly does that sort of thing."

Growing worried again Miktes glared at the thin human. "What's a shovel talk?"

Alfred tapped his chin thinking how to word what he was about to say. "Well... It's supposed to be this conversation that a family member, usually an older brother or sister gives to the person who's with their sibling." He began. "They threaten you with bodily harm say that they'll then bury your dead body where no one will find it if your hurt their loved one."

Miktes blinked, completely stunned by what he had just been told. "Ok..." He said slowly.

{Miktes: You know, I'm starting to see why Barnabus didn't want to go on this trip. To think human's actually kill someone if they aren't a good mate to their family members. Fuck, and I thought we Verdomians were hard asses when it came to punishing people. Humm... I guess I should watch my back around Barnabus' older brother now that I know. Not that I'm afraid or a bad mate or anything. I just don't want to have to hurt the bastard if he decides to just attack me to get rid of me.}

"Heya Miktes hurry up will ya?" Barnabus' voice suddenly called out, breaking Miktes out of his thoughts. "That is unless you rather not-- OUCH! Hey don't hit me like that! I am your captain remember? You should show me some-- OUCH!"

"I'll show you some respect when you stop acting like a moron." Rana snapped back.

Shaking his head to regain his senses Miktes went to join Rana and Barnabus outside, Moah and Alfred right behind him as they stepped out into the chilly air of the Terran day. The spaceport where Rana had landed the ship was a modest one, the building while large and expensive looking lacking the thousands of parked starships or rustic charm that the Aquarii port had.

For Miktes though he took little notice of the spaceports design, his eyes solely focused on what he could see through the windows of the main building. Inside, as could be expected for a busy place, was a large crowd of fellow travelers. But what had caught the Verdomian's eyes was the fact that almost everyone milling about inside the building was a human.

Hundreds and hundreds of them running around, arguing and talking to each other, and even sitting around playing with small human children. Miktes had never seen this many humans in one place before. Back on Aquarii there were a lot of human's sure but there was always a mixture of various species in any location. Seeing all these earthlings at once was strange.

Not letting his shock show Miktes instead growled at his mate as he stepped off the ships ramp. "What did I tell you about shouting at me submissive?"

"What did I tell you about calling me submissive?" Barnabus reminded him with a smirk. "Not that I don't like it sometimes."

After enjoying the scowl that his comment had earned him for a second Barnabus gave a sigh and turned to his crew. "Well since your all in such a hurry I guess this is goodbye for now guys." He said begrudgingly. "I really do hope you call me if there's anything wrong, my wanting to get out of this trip aside."

Reaching forward Rana patted the older man on the shoulder, looking into his eyes meaningfully. "Don't worry Barnabus we will if it truly comes to it. But I'm sure everything will be alright." She said. "And don't worry about seeing your dad either. Try to have fun."

Shifting her gaze over to Miktes next Rana gave him a nod. "As for you Green." She began. "I expect you to make sure he's well rested by the time we pick you both up in a week."

"I'll make sure he's bone tired by the end of the day." Miktes smirked. He usually didn't like being ordered around by the human woman even if she was his friend but this task he could look forward to doing for her.

Choosing not to think too hard about what the warrior meant by that Rana shook her head and turned to head back into the ship. "Moah, Alfred come one let's get back in the air." She called over her shoulder as she walked up the ramp. "We have a job to get done."

"Yes Ma'am." Instantly snapping to attention Alfred gave his temporary captain a quick salute and went to chase after her. Just as he was walking up the ramp though the thin man spun back around to give a quick wave to Barnabus and Miktes. "See you in a week Captain. You too Mister Miktes."

Giving his own wild wave while he walked backwards into the ship Moah said his own booming goodbyes, the few people who were around the landing strip covering their ears in fright as it echoed across the area. "Barnabus, Miktes ji mugo lat tagg nadol gi Oiko-fu. Hoot goosta jop!!!!"

"Moah says he's going to miss you too!" Alfred translated for the mechanic.

"Sort of got that already doc." Barnabus laughed. Stepping back the Jack captain and his green skinned companion watched as their friends disappeared into their ship, the cargo bay door raising and closing behind them with a loud clank that reminded Barnabus of a cell door slamming shut. "Welp, guess I have no other choice now but to go now, huh?" He said over to Miktes.

"Guess so." Miktes hummed back growing bored again. "Won't be so bad though. You'll have Miktes Hestry Comet, Enforcer of the Wild Comet crew with you."

Snickering into his hand at Miktes' usage of his whole official title Barnabus smiled over to the younger man his sprits suddenly lifted. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but there were sometimes when Miktes knew just the way to make him feel better. Even if the Verdomian didn't realize it himself

"Yeah babe, I suppose there's that." Barnabus said agreeing to what had been said. With the sound of the Wild Comet Two engines starting in the background the Jack reached out and took his companion by the arm, slowly leading the green shinned man towards the spaceport's main building so they could start the next leg of their trip. However upon entering the spaceport Barnabus instantly found himself wishing that he had tried one last time to get out of this trip.

Scanning the area he took notice to the several pairs of eyes that had turned to them when they had appeared. Men, women, children all of them staring at them with obvious interest. For the first few moments Barnabus felt his fight or flight response rear it's heard. But at seeing the attention wasn't sinister in any way he relaxed. He supposed that with earth being so slow-paced and far from the center of the I.U.G. world that a new alien would garner some attention. Still didn't mean they didn't have to keep an eye out though.

They had cleared the trip with their handler but were under strict orders to make sure no one knew where he was from. In fact Barnabus' own family would be told that Miktes was an Orcian from the outer rim of I.U.G. space. He hated lying of course but what option did they have not to? If someone somehow found out what Miktes was there would no doubt be trouble for them so they had to be careful.

Miktes for his part didn't seem as worried about being found out. Actually he seemed to be taking this interest in his person in stride liking the attention like the glory hound he truly was. Smirking and growling as they passed people on their way to the front entrance of the terminal.

Wanting to rein his husband in before he really started to draw attention to them Barnabus nudged him with his shoulder getting his attention. "So Mickey, what do you think of earth so far?" He asked making conversation. "Everything you ever dreamed of?"

Sniffing the air and looking around Miktes grunted. "Smells like humans." He simply stated. "But it's not bad. Too damn chilly though."

"Told you." Barnabus said smugly. "Glad you have the sweater now?"

"I'll be glad when I can rip the damned thing off." Miktes grumped as moved his shoulders back and forth. How could anyone stand something this itchy? "Hey how long that gonna be anyway? We better be close to your house cause I'm sick of traveling already."

"Sorry to break it to you kiddo but we still got a ways to go." Barnabus informed as they came to the front of the building and he pushed open the old fashioned glass door for Miktes to exit. "Right now we're in a city called Paris. My folk's place is a few countries over in a town called Olerud. It's going to take a train and a transport ride to get all the way out there."

Miktes growled in irritation at hearing how much more traveling they would have to be doing to get to his mate's family. Then suddenly something caught his attention. "Wait... what the hell is a train?" He asked confused. He had heard of spaceships, buses, and transports but never something called a train.

With growing amusement at the lost "puppy dog" look on Miktes' green face Barnabus brushed past the puzzled man with a wicked looking grin. "Well, let's just say that if you loved riding a bus Mickey that you're going to be bouncing off the walls when you see what a train is."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miktes questioned growing worried. When Barnabus refused to answer his question, instead opting to keep smiling at him Miktes narrowed his eyes and began to demand he tell him what he had planned. But before the Verdomian opened up his tusked mouth he stopped, noticing for the first time since they had begun traveling to earth that Barnabus seemed to be his old pain in the ass, teasing, charming self.

If keeping him in the dark was making the human happy then maybe... just this once Miktes would allow him to continue making fun. But only for a little. Growling lowly the warrior held out his hand for Barnabus to take. "Fine..." He said gruffly, referring to the human's surprise. "I'll keep quiet, but this train thing better be good."

"Don't worry It will be." Barnabus promised.

Taking the Verdomian's hand, Miktes' face turning a little red as he did; the Jack pulled the larger man down the street. This time as the people around them stared at the middle aged human and his alien companion neither of them seemed to notice. Both too wrapped up in the feeling of being together and Barnabus excited to see how Miktes would react to the train.

{Miktes: Yeah, yeah I know I've turned into the fucking sissiest warrior in the history of all of Verdomo! But the hell with you I don't care. My mate comes first I guess. Besides with him keeping his trap shut it gives me the chance to concentrate on that Shovel talk" thing Moah and skinny told me about. You know strat-er-rize and figure out what I'm going to do if it's really true. No way some human is going to get the drop on Miktes Hestry Comet, Enforcer of the Wild Comet Crew! Um... that is unless they're mated to him I guess.}