FSE

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Chapter 18

'Something's off here.' Barnabus thought to himself as he slowly regained consciousness, his eyes fluttering open and his vision falling onto the sun dappled hotel room where he had spent the previous night. 'I can't tell what it is but it's defiantly something.'

Laying there in the warm bed, the Jack captain tried to figure out what was causing this odd feeling to bubble up in his gut, pursing his lips as different ideas went through his mind

Maybe it was the fact that he was in a hotel room. No, that couldn't be it. Sure the small space wasn't the prettiest sight one could wake up to in but it wasn't like he had been in worst. Maybe it was that, under the heavy and scratchy blanket upon the bed, he was in his birthday suit. Again, no it wasn't that. Barnabus had lost count of the numerous times he had woken up in a similar situation. His body all achy and his mind strangely at ease as the trick he had picked up the night before... 'Wait a trick?'

It was then that a sudden feeling of dread suddenly came over the middle-aged man. 'Please don't be that alien, please don't be that alien." He chanted as he went to roll over and make sure he was alone in bed. However before Barnabus could, he suddenly found out that he was far from alone. A very large and very warm body nestling up behind him as a soft purr sounded in the now mortified man's ear and a thick muscled arm draped itself over his shoulder.

For a moment Barnabus laid there on his side eyes going wide as he came to the stark realization of who was currently spooning him and the memories of what they had done the previous night came flooding back to him in one quick horrible flash. The conversations, the damn kissing, the wild unrestrained sex that had satisfied him so much and left his body aching with such pleasure.

By gods... the sex! The wonderful, amazing, soul satisfying sex!! It had to have been the best nights Barnabus had ever spent with another man in all his forty-three years of life. Miktes was just so wild, so eager to get himself topped despite all his "I'm the dominate" talk.

Briefly Barnabus wondered if the younger man was always like that and if he should wake him for yet another round. However as soon as that lecherous thought crossed his mind, he mentally slapped himself. 'What the hell is wrong with me!?' He shouted in his head. 'I'm actually considering sleeping with him again. When I should be kicking my own ass for actually doing him in the first place.'

Knowing that he had to free himself from the other man's embrace, Barnabus slowly reached down and gently pulled the heavy arm off of his body. For a moment it seemed that he was successfully fleeing from his bedmate, but then suddenly Miktes gave a snort which had the human freezing in panic and hissing through his teeth in worry. Thankfully all that the Verdomian did next was roll over onto his other side and give another loud Worchester laced belch in his sleep.

"Jalapeño, thank goodness you're a deep sleeper kid." Barnabus chuckled quietly in relief. Now free the older man swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat up, placing his face in his hands as he sat there and let what he had done the night before wash over his mind.

[Barnabus: You know, for once I'd like to wake up after a one night stand and not be shamed about my decision from the night before. I can't believe I actually got into bed with that big green brat let alone had sex with him. Oh and get this, the thing that makes worst is that I actually enjoyed it! Miktes was a complete glutton in bed last night. The horny little monster demanding that we keep going until he was fully satisfied. I had wanted to show him how good it could be, but this was nuts. Heh, I don't think the little Comet down there is ever going to recover. Oh, for the love of- I'm doing it again!? I'm acting all proud and happy that we did it when I should be horrified. Ugh, I-I need to get the hell out of this room for a bit.]

Quietly standing, Barnabus peered around the floor in search for his discarded pants. 'This is always the most annoying part of the morning after.' He groused. "Having to find where you fling all your clothes when you're trying to get naked as fast as you can.' Not finding his pants on his side, Barnabus realized with a groan that his missing clothing must be on Miktes' and tiptoed his way over. Sure enough there were his shorts, still lying in the same place he had let them drop the previous night.

Reaching down, Barnabus went to retrieve them as quickly as he could, but just as he was about to pick them up he stopped and glanced over to Miktes' sleeping face by accident. Soundly asleep the Verdomians features were softened and relaxed, Miktes just lying there as he nibbled on his bottom lip in his sleep and gently snored.

He knew he shouldn't be staring but Barnabus couldn't help it. For some reason seeing the other man like this was... oh for the love of the stars he couldn't believe he was thinking it. But, it was strangely adorable. Without the ever present smirk which Barnabus had grown used to always seeing he was actually kind of handsome. That large nose which always seemed to be sniffing him out, those eyebrow ridges that seemed to be permanently stuck in a grimace, and those square little tusks. It was decently one of the least awful faces Barnabus had woken up next to in the morning.

Shaking his head at what he was doing, the bearded man quickly picked up his shorts and slipped them on before he padded his way into the bathroom. Entering the damp and mildewed room, Barnabus pulled out his P.A.D. and dialed Rana's number. He needed to check on his crew before he did anything else. As he waited for the call to connect, Barnabus glanced at himself in the mirror and took notice at the annoying healthy glow that seemed to be radiating from him.

"Darn it, she's going to figure out what I did last night." The Jack companied to himself.

Just as the bearded man was debating whether or not he should turn off the video option on his P.A.D., said device came alive and Rana's loud and very worried sounding voice rang out over it. "BARNABUS! Oh thank goodness you're alright!" The distressed woman said. "Do you have any idea how long we've been waiting for you and Miktes to get to the ship?"

Barnabus quickly went to lower the volume on his P.A.D. and then gave Rana a confused eyebrow. He didn't think they were that late for the rendezvous. Glancing at the time display he instantly found out that he was wrong. It was almost one o'clock in the afternoon and he had told the crew that he'd meet up with them again by ten in the morning. "Sorry about that Rana." He apologized. "I sort of slept in this morn... ah, afternoon. Had a wild night."

The younger woman squinted her eyes at her older friend. There was just something off about what he had just said. Then with a smirk she realized what that thing was. "You got lucky last night didn't you?"

Barnabus' face turned beat red at his second in command's question. "W-WHAT NO!?" He sputtered. When his denial earned him a raised eyebrow and one of Rana's patented "Don't you like to me looks." the bearded man gave an embarrassed groan and bashfully admitted. "Yeah I sort of did." Barnabus said with an embarrassed groan, his face coloring.

"And exactly where was Miktes during all of this?" Rana asked now frowning. She truly hoped that her captain didn't just leave the poor simple alien alone while he got his rocks off with one of his sleezeballs.

"Actually..." Barnabus glanced over his shoulder and through the bathroom door to the still sleeping Verdomian "He... was sort of in the bed with me. I sort of slept with Miktes a little."

Rana's mouth hung open for a moment in pure shock, then suddenly she gave a huff of laughter and grinned. "And how much is a little exactly?"

There was an awkward cough from Barnabus before he guiltily admitted. "Five times and a quick handy before we fell asleep."

A snort of laughter came over the P.A.D. as Rana lost control and openly snickered at the redness in her captain's face. "What the hell happened to keeping your distance?" She asked trying to control herself. "Cause I'm pretty sure sleeping with someone is the exact opposite."

"That's what I was trying to do!" Barnabus said looking up to the ceiling. "B-But then we got to talking and we both said some things and I ended up slipping-"

"-Into him a few thousand times, right?" Rana finished with a smirk.

Choosing to ignore that smart remark, Barnabus looked away and opened up the medicine cabinet, trying to find something to brush his teeth with. After locating a disposable toothbrush in a wrapper he quickly wetted it and began to brush his teeth as he continued their conversation. "You know you really should stop making fun of me." He said around his toothbrush. "I feel bad enough already."

Finally getting herself under control Rana wiped away a tear and smiled. "Yes it is!" She told him "After all that "I don't want to go and get attached to him" stuff you go and literally attached yourself to him. I told you I was right! I can't believe you took my advice and are actually going to try and see where this thing goes with him."

"I didn't have sex with him cause of your advice Najjar I did it because I'm a sap who falls for a sweet line." Barnabus was quick to point out. His teeth cleaned mostly the bearded man spat into the sink and shuddered at the oddly pleasant aftertaste of snack foods and Verdomian cum in his mouth. "Anyway let's drop what I did last night for now, ok. We need to get back to business. Were you able to get back to Loma Prime without Ekkar or any of his men seeing you?"

Rana nodded. "Yeah me and Alfred were able to get back unseen and we're at the place in the jungle you talked about in your old P.A.D." there was a quick grimace. "I also saw a few things in that drawer which had me debating whether or not I should put you in the nut house."

"Hey a guy gets lonely in space sometimes and the Assblaster infinity can be a good friend." Barnabus quipped. Heading over to the toilet to relieve himself, the Jack went back and responded to the first thing his friend had said. "But, it's good that you guys were able to get back planetside safe. Has Moah come back to the ship yet or is he sleeping in late like I did?" He asked as he started to go.

"Um, hold the camera up a little higher will you." Rana said pleadingly. When Barnabus gave an awkward chuckle and raised his P.A.D. the dark haired woman continued. "Yeah he' back, big guy came floating into the ship about two hours ago with lipstick all over his fur and a dopy smile on his face. Alfred said that he said something about building a display case to keep a scarf that Miss Bonnibel gave to him."

"I'm glad he had fun." Barnabus said finishing. "The big guy deserves some loving after all the stuff he's been through."

"He's not the only one." Rana said, her smile returning. "I'm guess that you and Miktes playing doctor last night means you're going to let him stay after we clear ourselves."

The mention of what Rana had suggested the other day instantly soured the good mood Barnabus had developed by thinking of their happy mechanic. "No, I still haven't changed my mind." He said firmly. "What we did last night was just appeasing that mating lust, I made sure our Verdomian friend in the other room realized that."

Rana gave an exasperated sigh. Even after sleeping with the green alien her captain was still fighting that he liked the other man. And it was completely obvious to everyone that he did. "Barnabus... can't you just reconsider?" She asked. "I mean it's not like-"

"-I SAID NO!" Barnabus shouted, surprising both himself and Rana. At his second's hurt look he deflated and gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry I shouted just now, but... you just aren't listening to me hun." he continued quietly. "Me and Mickey just wouldn't work out. Not just because that he has to go back to his planet though that's a big part of it. I... I just don't want to be in a relationship like that. Not after what happened with Ekkar."

Rana gave her friend an annoyed glare. Why was he so dead set against it? He and Miktes obviously liked one another so it would be the prefect thing for both of them. "Barnabus... I know things with Ekkar didn't end on good terms." She began carefully. "But, you can't let that ruin any chance of happiness you could have with another guy. You need someone to be with who you could actually grow to love."

"What makes you such an expert on it?" Barnabus asked bitterly. "I'm sorry to say it but you've never been in love. Do you know how much it hurts when it doesn't work out?"

Rana shook her head. "No I haven't but-"

"-Exactly, it sucks and I'm never going to subject myself to that again." Flushing the toilet Barnabus started the shower, the cold and weak spray making him shiver from the thought of having to step into it. "Miktes is going straight back to his jungle as soon as Alfred finds a way to free us from this accidental mating bound and then both me and him are going to be much more happier going back to our own lives."

Unknown to both Jacks, back in the hotel room. A now awake Miktes lay silently on the bed giving a small frown. He had been awoken by Barnabus loud refusal at his friend's suggestion and ever since then had been eavesdropping on the conversation the two humans were having about him. And the more he heard the more he came to the conclusion that he didn't like what they were saying.

{Miktes: They want to get rid of me? They want to just abandon me and go fly off back to their dammed floating island? Shit, I know they said stuff like that before but I didn't think they actually meant it. I just thought they were being jerks cause I was bothering them all the time. But here they are actually trying to break the bond I have with my mate so that they can leave me behind. Why does that thought make my chest hurt so much? Am I sad cause they don't want me around no more? Ugh! If that's the case then why the hell do I even care!? They don't want me and Barnabus is a disobedient, ungrateful, complaining little pain in my ass!

I'll just let them break our bond that I can go back and get mated to Ocher like I was supposed to. I'll have a mate who has to obey me, I'll get treated like an adult and my father wouldn't be able to boss me around, and someday I'll be an elder. But...then I'd also be giving up ever seeing all the stuff I've seen since I snuck aboard the flying house. No more magic boxes, no more new delicious foods, no more seeing the stars close up or new worlds, no more being around Barna... No, I don't want to give up all those things! But, how am I going to make them let me stay?}

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

'Of all the incontinent things to happen!' Laird Clayworth cursed to himself as he waited for the elevator to reach the top floor if his interplanetary HQ building. 'To imagine that they'd call me this late in the evening.'

With the elevator finally coming to a stop and the door opening with a ding, the elderly man raced from the enclosed space and down the hallway heading towards his office. As he made his way through the corridor members of his staff were forced to jump out of the way to avoid the hectic pace their boss was going at. Accidentally getting in the way of a man as important as a Clayworth when he was rushing was one of the biggest mistakes a low entry aid or secretary could do in their simple careers. Especially when said Clayworth had been having a day as miserable as Liard had.

For Laird his day had been one disaster after another. First there had been an emergency board meeting where he had to explain the cost of bribing the colony security to a group of is top investors, then there was his wife who was planning some sort of big affair which would mean that he'd have to take a night out of his busy schedule to escort her, and lastly just as he was about to go home for the night and slip into his warm bed he had gotten word from his assistant that the vid-phone he kept in his office closet was making beeping sounds.

Rushing into his office the elderly man quickly shut and locked the door behind them and then made his way over to his closet doors. After checking to make sure all his clothing and hair was in place he opened the oak doors and revealed an expensive and clearly none I.U.G. tech vid-phone which was nestled in-between his winter coats and spare business blazers. 'Confound it I hope he won't be too upset it took me so long to get to him.' Laird fretted as he pressed the respond button on the machine and waited for it to connect him with the caller.

Within a few moments of hitting the button the screen gave a bright flash and Ragno's annoyed face appeared on the small and dimly lit screen. "About time you answered my call human." The Warg general said with a growl. "A man of my station is not used to being kept waiting."

Laird gave a frown at seeing that it was only Ragno who had called him. Out of all the Wargs he had dealings with this was the only one whom he did not trust. Mostly because of tendency to insult him every chance he got and his impudence towards the Warg leadership, the Clayworth families personal friends. "You must forgive me Ragno but you do realize I am an old man." He said haughtily "It takes me time to get to the phone."

"Humph, that is the reason why we Warg put our elderly down before they become slow and feeble." Ragno said with a chuckled. "Well... except for the elders that is. Which truly is a shame."

"What do you want Ragno." Laird said not liking the turn the conversation had taken. "And please be quick about it or I'll be very tempted to inform your masters of what you just said about them."

Ragno narrowed his eyes at the threat. "Now, now there's no need to go as far as to tattle on me." He began trying to convince CEO not to do as he just said. With his secret plan going against the elders alerting them that he had called Laird was the last thing he wanted. There would be too many questions. "But you are right, let's get down to business shall we?"

Sitting in the captain's chair of his luxurious and deadly battle cruiser, Ragno WargC-34 gave a sneer and pressed a few buttons on the armrest of his chair with his sharp claw. The details of why he had called the human printing out on Laird's machine half a galaxy away.

"Our scientists have discovered that there is one more artifact hidden somewhere in I.U.G. space" Ragno informed the other man as he leaned back. "We don't know the exact location but we believe that the coordinates must be somewhere in the research you stole from that professor that I slaughtered. The details I just sent you may help you in finding out exactly where."

Laird ripped his printed instructions out of the slot on his vid-phone, giving a small sound of disgust at such outdated technology and then read over the specifics of his newest mission. Unlike the one he was still in the middle of completing this seemed easy. It would only take a few days of making his assistants go through all the notes that bumbling Tworows had in his personal files. "I'll get right to it." Laird told the alien general. "Just be sure to tell your masters that I accepted this mission with the humblest of bows."

"I'll be sure to tell them every little thing human." Ragno smiled inwardly as he thought of how easily he had just tricked the old man on the screen in front of him. The elders had no idea that there was another artifact out there, him keeping the information from them after they scrapped his brilliant plan. "Now, if you must excuse me I believe I have other calls to make."

"Of course Ragno." Laird responded in a bored tone. "May the day find you well."

"As it may find you too." Ragno said back as he hit the end button. As the vid-screen in front of him went dead the Warg general sat up from his seat and sneered. "By the unknowns how I hate that pompous human." He growled. "When the day comes I'll take such great joy in crushing his bones with my teeth."

Seated across the small bridge with the rest of the small skeleton crew, a grinning Bekno turned always from the surety console he was in charge of and smirked at his commander. "It's a shame that you cannot just end him right master Ragno." He said with a laugh. "Why did you call him anyway?"

"Because we still need to find the world where we must take the artifacts in our possession." Ragno explained with a flick of his hand. "And as much as I hate to admit it we need Clayworth because he is the only one with the resources to move about I.U.G. space freely." Frowning, the larger of the two Wargs walked up behind his subordinate. "Speaking of which, have we gotten any word from our other partner?"

Bekno shook his bare head. "None yet sir but I'm sure he'll eventually make contact when he's found the Jack crew who stole from the empire."

"Fine, report to me when he does." Growing tired of spending his time on the bridge, Ragno turned on his heels and began to leave. 'I'm going to be in my room for the remainder of our journey into I.U.G. space. Only disturb me if there is something worth my attention."

"Actually sire there might be." Bekno called out before his commander left. "Long range scanners have picked up a badly damaged I.U.G. military class one shuttle. Their communications are out and they seem to be on back-up power."

Ragno glared over his shoulder at the smaller man. Just when he was about to get some much needed relaxation this happened. "How many aboard?"

"I'm getting six life signs master Ragno, mostly common I.U.G. species but there is one Girunjh aboard a very rare delicacy if I'm not mistaken." Bekno grinned. "How do you want to handle them?"

Ragno ginned at the mention of the men aboard the ship. It seemed the unknowns had given them a little gift. A good meal would go a long way to making their journey ahead more pleasurable. "Take us right to them Bekno." He said flexing his elbow blades in and out. "I think I would like to "help" these poor wayward soldiers."

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

Miktes decided that he liked riding on these bus things. You could relax and sit as the scenery passed by you at a good pace and there were always new creatures to look at riding with them. All in all it was very enjoyable experience for the curious young alien. The only bad part he saw of having to ride on the bus to wherever they were going was that this bus unlike the one they had taken on the flying island had seats which faced each other. This unfortunately meant that for the duration of the entire trip he was forced to look into a certain pair of amber colored eyes. And even that wouldn't have been so bad given what they had done the night before. After all one should look his mate in the eyes, Miktes thought. But with this threat of being sent back home over his head, all the warrior could think of was how much Barnabus wanted to be rid of him.

{Miktes: I just don't get why he wants me to leave so badly. Wasn't what I did last night proof that we're supposed to me mates? Then again, maybe us fucking last night was just sex to the human. A way for both of us to sate the annoying fever lust burning in their veins. I guess if that's true then I should be ok with it. It ain't like I haven't done stuff like that before. That was about the only thing I did do back at the village. Besides eating and picking fights that is. But, for some reason this time just the thought of having sex just for the physical pleasure doesn't feel right. Almost like I was something more out of it. Whatever it is I know I'm not just going to get the answer by sitting there staring at my human. But I just can't bring myself to say such sappy and embarrassing things. I am a proud Verdomian warrior after all and being one I can't give into such week willed feelings. No matter how much I sort of want to.}

Sitting across from the brooding orc, Barnabus was having a similar train of thought. Only his was about how much he disliked old earth busses. It was slow for one, he would have rather of gotten a hovercraft taxi but of course they couldn't afford on after paying for the hotel room. Then there was the crowd on the vehicle which Barnabus had to watch like a hawk in case any of Ekkar's men were among them. Lastly and most importantly he hated the way the seats were positioned on them. Rows of two which faced one another so that you could talk to your companions.

The greatest problem with that last part was the fact that his current companion's attitude was making the bearded man very worried. Ever since they had left the hotel room the Verdomian had been glaring at him very grumpily. More so then usual, so the Jack noticing it meant it was plainly obvious.

[Barnabus: Why the heck am I so concerned that, that dumb alien is so upset. I mean it's not like it's any of my business if he's down in the dumps. But it bothers me. Especially after the way he acted as he left the hotel room and snuck our way to the edge of the city. He didn't say a thing except for a few gruff "ok's" and "alright's" and he refused to make eye contact with me. I know I should be thankful for the silence that my big green friend here had been so graciously given to me, but something in the back of my mind wants him to curse, complain, and huff at everything I say. It's sick I know but I've just grown so used to it. Seeing Mickey acting like some spoiled brat was actually fun to watch. Maybe the reason he's acting all moody is because I went and topped him yesterday. I sort of did take complete control during the whole thing. If that's the problem I don't know how I'm going to fix that. There's no way I'm going to sleep with him again after all.]

The bus driver announcing their next stop drew both thinking men out of their thoughts and back at the matter at hand. This was where they were supposed to get off. "Whelp, this here is our stop Miktes." the older man said as he stood and squeezed his way from their seats with a grunt. "We'll have a bit of a walk to do so get ready."

Miktes gave a pout as the human passed by him, red eyes flicking down briefly to his backside. Why hadn't Barnabus called him Mickey like he usually did? Not that he liked being called that he told himself. It was just that he was used to it is all. Joining the shorter man as he made his way towards the front of the bus, Miktes growled out. "Why don't we make the bus take us there? I want to keep on riding."

"I don't think that would fly with the bus driver." Barnabus said casually over his shoulder. Stepping up behind said driver, a large roughneck of a Corcalva, Barnabus held out his P.A.D. and waited as their fair was subtracted from his personal account.

Standing behind his human, Miktes sized up the pink creature that was in charge of the moving box. He was big and strong looking to be sure but he knew he could kick his ass. But, given that they were short of time Miktes decided he didn't feel like it at the moment. No need to humiliate the horned creature. "Whatever, just don't expect me to be all happy 'bout it."

"When are you ever happy about anything?" Barnabus remarked smartly as they stepped out onto the dirt road. ""Don't worry though it's not that much of a walk to where the ship should be." When the younger man only snorted at what he had said, Barnabus rolled his eyes and started to walk down a small trail which was next to the bus stop, Miktes following a short distance behind him.

Walking across the small field where they had been dropped off and into the jungle, Barnabus slipped into an old memory he had of his discovery of the small clearing up ahead of them. A few of his old squad mates and him had gotten drunk off their asses one night and had somehow ended up on a transport heading to a nightclub on the other side of the island with a few women that his friends were trying to get with.

They had been so rowdy and rude to the other passengers that the driver had shouted at them and thrown them out of the bus before they ever go to where they were going. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere they all did the only thing they could think of in their inebriated minds. Heading down a dark trail which led into the jungle.

Yeah it had been stupid and looking back on it Barnabus wondered why they hadn't gotten themselves eaten by carnivorous animals or hopelessly lost. But what they found at the other end of that trail was more the worth it. A small little clearing where apparently the locals were having a bonfire at. Anything else from that night was a complete blur to the bearded man because the next thing he remembered was waking up on his back in the grass with one of the worst hangovers he had ever had. Not that he minded it too much. He knew he had fun with his squad mates and in the end that was all that mattered to him.

'Dam I miss those guys.' Barnabus sighed

Behind the reminiscing man Miktes most certainly was not happy. His mate was ignoring him now and that just wasn't something he liked. His mood lightened a little however as they walked into the thick underbrush his primal mind instantly calmed by the green foliage and sounds of wild animals. Sure this jungle wasn't the one he had grown up next to and had different sounds and smell about it but it was still a place that was familiar to him somewhat.

Miktes could still remember the first time he had been allowed to enter the jungle on his own for one of his coming of age rituals. He was nothing but a wimpy teenager who was excited about going out on his first hunt. Small weapon in hand and way too much cockiness. By the time he had walked back out he had been covered in bruises and covered in mud but he was still happy beyond belief because he had caught a small animal for his supper that night.

At the memory of his past, Miktes allowed himself a small smile remembering how proud his parents were of him for coming back home alive and of how his father had been forced to promise at length to his mother that their "baby" wouldn't ever be allowed to go into the growth alone ever again. He hadn't found it funny at the time however and had gone back in the next day with similar results.

It wasn't until Miktes was much older that his treks into the jungle were without any serious injuries, his inexperienced replaced long ago with the skill and knowledge of an hardened Verdomian warrior who had learned how to observe their surroundings with a keen eye and an even more keen mind.

It was then with a sudden yelp that Miktes found himself tripping over an exposed root which he had failed to notice in his gloating, his face turning red after he landed face first on the dirt trail he had only moments ago been walking down. 'Never mind what I just thought.' He thought to himself bitterly. 'I hope that stupid mate of mine didn't just see me-'

"-You alright over there kiddo?" Barnabus' voice came from above the fallen man. Looking up as he laid there on his stomach Miktes watched as the human squatted down in front of him and smirked. "What happened you stumble over your own feet?

Climbing onto his hands and knees Miktes glowered up at the other man. "No I didn't trip." He snapped haughtily. "I... I... this is a Verdomian thing! We scent the ground to see if there are any dangerous animals around." Miktes knew he sounded like an idiot but he didn't want his submissive to laugh at him for his clumsiness.

Biting back some laughter at the other man's expense, Barnabus got back to his feet and held out his hand for the alien to take. "Ok, I'll buy that." He said. "I have been learning a lot of strange facts about Verdomians over the last day or so."

Miktes slapped his mate's hand away and got up on his feet on his own. He wasn't going to take his submissives charity. After dusting himself off he gave the other man a suspicious eye. Barnabus had been learning stuff about Verdomians? "What sort of things you talking 'bout Human?" Miktes asked out of curiosity.

"Well..." Barnabus began tapping his chin. "I found out that you eat like you have a bottomless pit in your bellies." the Jack captain grinned as Miktes gave an offended huff and rubbed his belly. "Also learned that you have big families, that you're good fighters, and what you look like naked up close."

His face heating up a little at the mention of the last thing, Miktes relaxed a little and shared in his mate's amusement, a hesitant smirk crossing his face. "There anything else?"

"No I don't think so." Barnabus waited a few moments before he chuckled to himself as one more thing came to his mind. A dirty little fact that he knew he shouldn't mention but he couldn't help it. "There is another thing now that I think of it." He waited for Miktes to raise his eyebrows and encourage him to go on. "I found out that the great Miktes of the Hestry clan squeals like a pig when he gets himself reamed out real good."

"W-WHAT!?" Now Miktes was truly mortified. He had actually been squealing as his mate pounded away ad his ass last night. That was something only the slutiest of submissives did when rutting. He should know because he had made quite a few sexual partners do the exact thing many a time before he was mated. "I didn't do that." Miktes insisted. "You're lying."

Barnabus crossed his arms over his chest and gave the other man a smug smile. "Yeah you sort of did." He said snickering. "I didn't mind it though. Never had a guy be so vocal in bed." The two men shared a look. Miktes a little grumpy and Barnabus smiling coyly back at him.

But before this could evolve into anything more the bearded man turned away, a frown crossing his face as he realized what he had just been doing. 'Don't you dare let you guard down again Comet!" The Jack kept repeating to himself while continuing down the trail again. 'He's not fun to tease. He's not cute when he gets all huffy. He does not look good on his back with his legs in the air. So stop accidentally flirting with him and get you mind back on track!'

Miktes gave snort as he watched his mate walk away from him muttering to himself. Despite the small disagreement they were sort of having he was actually enjoying it despite the frown on his tusked lips. Mostly because it may have been leading into a rutting in the jungle. Something which was a personal favorite of his. To see Barnabus now giving him the cold shoulder so suddenly was a sobering reminder of his plans to get rid of him.

Falling into step behind the human, Miktes followed after his mate as they continued towards their destination. Slowly but surely making their way down the old forgotten path and deeper and deeper into the wild jungle. After a half hour of this brisk and silent pace the pair finally reached where they were going. Both coming out of treeline and into a large open clearing where they spotted the Wild Comet parked at the far edge, its cargo bay doors lowered but its engines idling and ready for an emergency take off.

"Man oh man, am I glad to see you old girl." Barnabus said happily while jogging across the meadow and towards his starship. Soon they would be back in space and heading off to the last of the artifacts so that him and his crew could clear their names. Running up to the ship the Jack captain quickly bounded up the ramp happy to be back home. But his mood suddenly came to crashing halt when upon entering the cargo hold he was greeted by the sight of all three of his crewmembers having a conversation.

At hearing their captain returning the crew of the Wild Comet all turned to look at him, each of them giving a relieved sigh as he slowly made his way over to them. "Thank god you ok Captain!" Alfred exclaimed, running up to the older man. Moah was right behind the lithe doctor, the both of them drawing Barnabus into a bone crushing hug that knocked the wind out of him.

"Glad to see you too guys." Barnabus grunted out as he was crushed in their embrace. "But, why the big welcome?"

Moah released the human and gave him a comical expression as he waved his hands around. "Yuttto nolah ganty forto zanbu nottal yut si fro hejji notah!" The large man tried to explain.

"Yeah," Alfred said nodding to whatever the Girunjh had just said. "With Ekkar chasing after you we all were really worried."

Barnabus would forever be grateful that the blond actually understood what his mechanic said. It had been hard those first few years trying to understand him. Responding to the duo's concern over him, the Jack captain patted them both on the shoulders, having to get on his tiptoes to do so to Moah, and gave them a confident grin.

"Aw, you guys don't have to worry about that ol firedrake; me and Miktes kicked his enforcer's asses and then gave him the slip." Barnabus looked over his shoulder to Miktes. "Ain't that right Micke- I um mean, Miktes."

"Whatever." Miktes said. Giving the humans and their pet a snort the green skinned alien went over to a short stack of boxes and sat down on them, a broody pout crossing his face as he eyed them, or more specifically Barnabus with a touch of distain.

Barnabus raised an eyebrow at the way the Verdomian was acting but choose not to bother with it right then. It wasn't like he was supposed to look after his stowaway's unpredictable mood swings. His crew however was a completely different matter, they were his family and at seeing the frown on his trustworthy second in command's lovely face he knew there was something up.

"Rana?" Barnabus began, his brows furrowed in worry. "I-Is something wrong? Did Ekkar or someone see you land here?"

"No Barnabus no one saw us this morning when I landed here, but... there is something wrong that we need to discuss." Rana sighed. After glancing over to Alfred and then Moah who both nodded to her, the Jack pilot took a deep breath and hesitantly spoke up. "We need to talk about what we're going to do now that we have Ekkar after us."

Barnabus gave a confused look. "But we already discussed what we're going to do." He said with a shrug. "We're going to go off to that planet, search for the last artifact, and then hand it along with the letter we got from Miss Bonnibel to the military."

"That's just it Captain." Alfred said from the older man's left. "We were all talking about it and we don't think we should go through with that plan."

"Yeah Barnabus. It's really starting to get dangerous." Rana added. The Middle Eastern woman gave a worried frown and rubbed her arms as if she were cold. "Not only do we have the military and police after us, we now got a bounty on our heads! This means it's not only Ekkar that is after us right now, it's every Jack crew who bounty hunts!"

Barnabus exhaled a deep breath at the mention at that. They were all right Laird being as rich as he was had no doubt but an unbelievably high bounty on their heads. But even in the face of that threat the Jack captain knew he couldn't just give up. "I'm sure we can handle it." Barnabus reassured his crew with an indifferent wave of his hand. "Besides it'll be a real adventure. You know, like what happens in all those old movies."

"It's not about us having an adventure Barnabus!" Rana snapped, glaring at her captain. "This is about us getting in over our heads! About how we could all get our asses thrown in jail before we can even show the authorities what we have on Laird."

Shuddering after her outburst, Rana continued in a much softer tone. "We should just cut our losses right here and surrender. I can contact my parents and you can call you dad and through them we'll be able to convince the military about what Clayworth is doing."

Barnabus though over what his pilot had just said for a few moments before he responded. "But what if he still gets the artifact after all that?" He pointed out again. "We have a responsibility to make sure he can never get that weapon that we learned about yesterday."

"That was just a legend." Rana argued. "And even if it wasn't it's not our place to try and stop him. It's the military's." The group fell silent after that revelation Barnabus looking from one to the other and getting worried looks from Alfred and Moah and a frustrated from Rana.

It wasn't until he failed to answer that Rana spoke up again while gently placing her hand on his bicep. "Barnabus... are you sure the real reason why you want to go on this crazy scheme isn't because you want to be a space hero so badly.

Barnabus flustered at that, his face tinting at the suggestion that he'd only be doing this cause of his childish dream. It wasn't that, he was sure of it. Opening his mouth to tell her just that, the bearded man was beaten to it when Miktes gave a loud huff. "I agree with Barnabus." The Verdomian announced.

"Excuse me?" Rana said looking over to the alien. She, like Alfred and Moah were surprised that the redhead had just used their captain's first name. "I'm sorry but this isn't any of your business."

Standing, Miktes padded his way over to the human woman, his eyes never once leaving hers as he stepped up to here and stared her down. "Like hell it ain't." He growled. "If we don't go and get that other artifact then my people won't get ours back. Plus..." Glancing over to Barnabus the younger man tapped him on the chest. "...this idiot is your leader; put some damned trust in him. Even if he is annoying."

Rana was stunned that their pet alien had just not only defended her captain's dangerous plan, but pointed out that he was right. Barnabus was their captain and that meant that what he said went. He had always trusted them enough to keep the promise they all had made long ago. "Fine." She said with a tired sigh. "I'm still not happy with it Barnabus. But I'll go along with what you want."

Barnabus took both of Rana's hands in his. "Trust me hun, you won't regret going on this adventure with me."

"I hope so." Giving an unsteady laugh the middle-Eastern woman pulled her hands free and turned away. Her mind still consumed with the danger they were facing, but a little eased by Barnabus' confidence. "So when are we going to take off? I got the coordinates all programmed in for the world we 're going to head to."

Barnabus smiled and gave his crew a nod. "We're going to head out as soon as possible." He announced. "We don't have any time to waste."

"Yes sir!" Alfred said with a salute, much to everyone amusement.

"Thank you medic!" Barnabus saluted back with a smirk. With everyone shaking their heads the crew of the Wild Comet turned to leave the room so that they could start the takeoff. But before they left the room Barnabus realized that he had one thing he had to do.

Reaching over to Miktes as the Verdomian passed him the Jack grabbed him by his shoulder and stopped him. "Thanks, for sticking up for me back there Miktes." He said. "I didn't think you even cared what we were doing."

"I don't." The younger man said shrugging off his mate's hand. "All I care 'bout is that artifact, not you. Now get the hell outta my way submissive. I'm tired of being around you." With that Miktes growled and hurried out of the room with a flick of his tail.

"Geeze that was sort of harsh." Barnabus groused. Turning to his crew who had stopped when they noticed their captain talking to their stowaway the bearded man next asked them. "You guys got any idea why he's acting like that."

"Isn't that how he always acts?" Alfred asked.

Moah nodded. "Yagosh."

"If you're so concerned about your husband Comet then why don't you go and ask him?" Rana suggested with a shrug. "After all he's your lover."

Alfred and Moah both made "oh" sounds and then gave the older man knowing looks which Barnabus responded to with a blush. "You know what? That's what I'm going to do little miss wise guy." He said not wanting to be there as they silently mocked him. "You think you can handle the take off without me."

"With my eyes closed." Rana answered as Barnabus left the room. 'Well at least he's listening to me when it comes to Miktes. He didn't even complain when I said the word "husband".'

"Oh and Rana!" Barnabus' voice suddenly came from out in the hall. "HE'S NOT MY HUSBAND!" Rana rolled her eyes at her captain's denial. Well, so much for that she supposed.

Padding up the steps to the second story of the Wild Comet, Barnabus quickly caught up to the still angry Miktes before he walked into his bedroom. "Miktes, wait up kiddo!" He called out.

Huffing at the sound of his mate's voice, the warrior turned and watched with a bored expression as the human approached him. "What do you want submissive?"

"Hey, hey what happened to calling me Barnabus?" True the Jack captain was trying to distance himself from the younger man again, but he could still use his name instead of those archaic and possessive words.

Miktes snarled at the hairy creature for insulting him in such a way. "What the fuck do you care what I call you!?" He snapped. "It's not like me using your name is going to make a difference in the long run."

"What?"

"I heard you." Miktes clarified. "I heard you telling that Rana woman that you're trying to find a way to break our bounding so that you can get rid of me!"

Barnabus gave a sigh. So that's why the other man had been acting so moody during their entire trip back to the ship. He had heard about Alfred's experiment and was confused about what they had done last night. And really, Barnabus should have known better. With the way he had been talking it was obvious that Miktes would put more stock into fooling around then he would. He supposed he should try and explain what exactly was going to go on now that they had messed around. "Look... Miktes I know that-"

"-Call me Mickey!" The other man growled lowly. When Barnabus gave him a surprised look Miktes grouchily explained. "That's what you've been calling me since I came on this dammed flying house of yours ain't it?"

"Well, yeah." Barnabus felt the back of his neck itch. "Of course I was only trying to make you mad by doing it at first."

Miktes crossed his arms over his chest and looked away haughtily. "I know that stupid, but I don't see why you should stop doing it now" The Verdomian gave his hairy mate the briefest of wounded looks before he covered up to the best of his abilities. "I know you don't want to be my mate but at least give me that will ya!"

Despite the seriousness of the younger man's statement Barnabus gave a warm chuckle. "Who would have known that a big bad warrior like you would be so sensitive?" He said. "Guess I should watch what I say around you, huh?"

"I ain't sensitive! It's just that... that..." Miktes gave a frustrated growl and waved his hands around as he blurted out what he said next. "That it pisses me off that you want me to leave and I don't understand WHY!!"

For several seconds after the Verdomians outburst both men stood there unsure what to say. Both of them thinking about what had just happened between them. Then, stepping forwards Barnabus gave Miktes a sympathetic look and sighed. "I think I know why you're feeling this way Mikt-Mickey." The bearded man said. "You're getting all wound up because you're starting to like me... I mean like the crew, aren't you?"

When Miktes glared down at his feet suddenly not wanting to face his mate's piercing gaze. Barnabus not letting the other man avoid him, reached forward and flicked him on his nose. Miktes giving a yelp and glaring back up at him as he held his nose.

"I said: you like me don't you?" Barnabus repeated in a softer tone. "You like being around everyone. Even though we've done nothing but fight, insult each other, and treat each other badly. You still want to be around us cause you've gotten yourself attached."

Miktes gave a huff at realizing that the human might just be right for once. After all he had been making nice with the other members of his mate's strange group. That big smiling hair creature, that skinny talkative blond one, and even that woman. Though he didn't truly like her as much as the others. "How do you know if I like it here or not?" He asked with a snort

"Cause kid..." Barnabus scratched at an imaginary itch on the back of his neck. He just couldn't believe what he was about to say next. "I think the others are actually starting to like you too and maybe I'm in the same boat."

Miktes blinked a few times in surprise. His mate actually liked him? After all the shouting and cursing and yelling the two of them had done since they had met? After all the refusals and insults the human had flung at him. "T-Then why are you going to make me leave?" He said. "And why making the blond concoct a way to break our soul bound."

"Whoa, I said I might be starting to like you Mickey not that I wanted to be you mate." Barnabus quickly and firmly said. "Maybe... we could be friends."

"You want to be my friend?" Miktes asked, narrowing his eyes. He hadn't had many friends back at his village. And the ones he had had all left him once they had come of age.

"Yeah I guess." Barnabus admitted. "Now as for you going back it's what needs to happen. You'd never be able to get used to living in space like us and I just know that once we make contact with the military they're going to take you away to a lab and try to vivisect you or something."

"What the hell is viv-a-sek?"

"It when they open you up and remove your organs while you're still alive." Barnabus explained, both of them giving a cringe as they thought over the procedure. "I'd hate to see that happen to you Mickey, I really would." The human gave a small smile and then frowned. "So you see it's for the best." He continued. "Alfred being the genius he is will find a cure to this mating thing, we'll drop you back off at you home, and in a few short weeks you're going to go back to your old life and just forget about us."

{Miktes: He honestly thinks I'm could just forget about everything that I've seen since we've met? That I'm just going to be all happy about returning to my damned village and let all the strange creatures, magic, and places I've been slip from my mind? How could he actually think that would be possible? There's I know I'm gonna remember everything until I'm an old white haired old man. But... I guess it ain't really my choice is it? These people despite being all submissives are in charge, no matter how much that pisses me off. They get the last say and if they want me gone I don't think I could fight them on in.}

"Fine." Miktes said crossing his arms over his chest and glowering. "I guess your right about me having to go home. But I ain't happy about it."

Barnabus rolled his eyes at the other man repeating what he had said earlier. "Well that's a relief." He joked. When all little quip earned him was a hurt look from the younger man the bearded man gave a sigh and shook his head. "You know what? What the hell, not like I got nothing to lose."

Miktes raised an eyebrow ridge at the strange sentence. "What the hell are you going on about Barna-oomph?" Before the alien could finish his sentence he unexpectedly found himself being slammed against the hallway wall and kissed soundly by his hairy mate.

Standing there his wyes growing wide as his mouth opened in a silent gasp. Miktes felt his stomach fluttering and wrapped his arms around his human. Breaking apart after a few moments he watched through half lidded eyes as Barnabus sheepishly looked up at him. "What about wanting to stop being my mate?" Miktes asked dumbly.

"What I just did isn't about being you mate. I just thought you needed a kiss." Barnabus explained. "That and I sort of just realized that there really isn't reason why we can't just... fool around a little." Pushing himself away from the taller man, he gave a coy smile and nodded towards his bedroom before he went inside.

Miktes wasn't one to say know to having sex and gave the other man a wicked grin before he went to follow after the human. "You actually want to rut again?" He asked his whole body heating up at the thought of them in bed together again.

"A-As friends of course, you know to handle the fever lust when it hits." Barnabus made sure to tell him. "It's just that we're in for a long trip to where we're heading and I think I rather spend it doing, you know instead of just playing cards with my crew."

"So what do you say? We both promise to stop all this fighting and mating talk and just enjoy having sex and acting friendly." Grinning, the older man held out his hand for Miktes to shake, the same way he had done it the other night. "But let me make this clear the sex part only happens if you completely understand that it's all just for fun not for anything else. None of what happened the last time. Just hot mechanical sex between a pair of friends who need to scratch an itch."

For several minutes Miktes stood there looking down at the human's outstretched hand. He didn't understand the significance of what the gesture meant but he did understand what he would be promising to. He'd actually be agreeing to let his mate have his way. To just fuck around for the sake of their lusts. He should have said no to what was being proposed a part of him wanted to say no. But another part told him that he should say yes, that if he couldn't have Barnabus as his mate then at least he could have him as his friend, at least for now.

In the end it was that second part that won out however, Miktes grabbing Barnabus' hand roughly and pulling the human into a strong embrace, curious four fingered hands traveling down the hairy man's back and cupping his doughy ass with a firm grip. "Fine, but I get to be on top this time." He growled hotly.

"Depends who gets who on their back first Mr. Green." Barnabus chuckled back. Smirking the pair started to draw closer about to kiss one another.

But before the made contact the ship's communications system came to life over their heads, Alfred's voice blaring over it. "Hey Captain, Rana wants to know when you're coming to the bridge anytime soon!"

Barnabus gave a growling huff and rolled his eyes. Why were all the members of his crew such cockblockers? First Rana interrupting his play time with Salvador back at Aquarii now this. "Ask her if she minds taking off without me, ok?" He said "I'm sort of a little busy up here in my room."

Sitting in his sick bay, Alfred cocked his head to the side and looked down at the intercom on his desk. "What could you possibly be doing in your room at a time like this Captain?" The younger man got his answer when the sounds of two grown men giggling came over the speaker, the laughter quickly followed by the very obvious sounds of a Barnabus' pants being unzipped and Miktes lusty appreciative growl coming soon after.

"N-Never mind!" The now red faced medic said as he quickly hit the end button on the intercom. There were just some things he never wanted to hear his Captain doing and sleeping with their primitive alien was one of them. The only thing worst was going back to Rana and explaining to her why she now had to take them out into space alone.