FSE

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Chapter 20

The sound of an earsplitting ringing startled Laird Clayworth out of his restless sleep and back to the world of the waking with an undignified snort. Slowly raising his head from his desk, ever mindful of the crick he had acquired from his awkward sleeping position, the elderly man blearily glanced around the top of his desk trying to locate the bothersome thing that had dared to wake him up. His steel cold gray eyes landing on his ringing vid-phone, Laird gave a huff and glared at the device with distain and hatred.

'Who in blazes would be calling me at such an hour?' He asked himself, perturbed. It was then that the memory of what Ekkar had told him earlier flashing in the CEO's mind. The Fidraon had told him that he'd be back in contact in an hours' time.

Scrambling to reach for the vid-phone as quickly as he could, papers and pens flying from the desk in his haste, Laird jabbed his finger down on the respond button and waited with bated breath as his office and Ekkar's ship were connected across the vastness of space. When the screen finally did light up the elderly man gave a sigh of relief as the image of a grinning Ekkar appeared before him. The alien smiling surely meant something good didn't it?

"W-Well did you get it!?" Laird asked, cutting straight to the chase.

For a moment Ekkar eyed the human, a small frown crossing his features at the way he had been greeted. However he pushed this offense aside to nod to the question asked. "Of course I have it." He said smugly. "Was there ever any doubt that that a triple platinum rank Jack like me would be able to do his job Clayworth?"

"Yes, there was!" Laird was quick to point out. "Especially after the failures on my Colony and Loma Prime." A platinum rank Jack should have been able to easily capture their bounty and finish their job with more ease then Ekkar had. "But, I am willing to put that aside. That is if you truly do have my artifact."

Rolling his eyes at the doubt still being shown to his abilities Ekkar snapped his fingers and motioned over to someone out of view to approach. Immediately a man appeared by his side, the Verdomian statue held firmly in his hands. "As you can see..." Ekkar gloated. "Relic obtained, bounty safely in the brig, and a job well done."

Laird gave a small chuckle seeing the relic. It was even more beautiful than it had been in that seedy alley in the boonies. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you Ekkar." He said with a sagely nod. "I should remember all that you have done for me in the past and have more faith instead of bring up your one failure."

"That you should Mr. Clayworth." Ekkar shooed his minion away and leaned back in his seat. "Now that you've seen that I've finished my mission shall we move onto the subject of my payment? My bank account has been lightened considerably having to trek all the way to hell and back for that trinket."

"Of course Anguis I'll transfer the payment this moment." Pulling out one of the drawers of his desk, Laird retrieved the P.A.D. he used for his more illegal affairs and quickly brought up his bank account statement. "The usual five-million credits as agreed." He said as he began the transaction. "Plus I'll add another two for such a job well done."

"Thank you so much Mr. Clayworth." Ekkar said with his best fake smile. Like he said Laird might have been a royal pain in his tail but the old human did know how to treat those who pleased him. "It's a one way transfer right? I wouldn't want anyone to track our business deals back to you sir."

The credits beginning to transfer discreetly to Ekkar's personal account Laird looked up at the other man, a gleam of suspicion in his eyes. The Fidraon had never shown concern that their secretive business deals would be tracked before. "Of course it is." Laird began slowly. "Why do you wish to know?"

Ekkar stiffened a little realizing what he had just let slip. But luckily he was good a twisting the truth. "As I said I only wish to make sure that it's untraceable to you Clayworth." He said lightly. "If you were to end up in jail I highly doubt that they'll allow you to hire me anymore. I'd so miss the nice fat paychecks you so graciously give to me."

That made sense Laird supposed. Ekkar was a greedy man who valued money above all else. A pursuit any Clayworth could fully endorse. If the alien was laying though the CEO was more than sure that he could make the Jack pay for his betrayal. "Fine then." He said eventually. "Now, back to the relic. I want you to come to my office as soon as you return to Aquarii. I need to present that thing to a third party and I know they cannot be kept waiting."

"I'll be there with bells on sir." Ekkar gave a sly smile. "That is... after I go to the authorities and turn in the crew of the Wild Comet. The bounty you placed on their heads is going to buy me a new summer house on some exotic planet."

"That will be the fifth one won't it?" Laird asked with some amusement.

Ekkar smirked. "Eighth actually." He answered. "Anyway I'll see you later Mr. Clayworth. Surging Flare out." ending the call with his older client the Fidraon gave a huff and mouthed a few unkind silent words. Having to deal with the braggarts and stuffed shirts who hired him and his crew was the worst part of the job for him. He always had to be on his nicest behavior and lick boot as to not offend them. It should have been the other way in his opinion. After all he was the famous one.

'Maybe I should hire a secretary.' Ekkar wondered to himself briefly. 'A tight little blond who will sit on my lap as I make him take diction for me.'

Before the Jack captain's mind could wonder further on that little idea a timid voice from his right interrupted his lustful fantasy. "Um sir?" it asked. "I was wondering if I could ask you something."

His train of illicit thoughts derailed, Ekkar turned towards the direction the annoying voice had chirped from. Standing there with his hands behind his back was a young human in his early twenties. The man... no boy really was dressed in a crisp and well cleaned "Team Ekkar" uniform his sandy brown haired well groomed and cut to an appropriate length and his features handsome and youthful. "What is it... um... what was your name again?" Ekkar asked now grinning at the other man.

"Harold sir." The boy said looking away. "You n-new second in command sir."

'Humm... two sir's, isn't this one cute.' Ekkar thought to himself as he shifted in his seat to face the younger man properly.

He had just promoted a Harold a few hours ago after he had demoted his predecessor after the debacle during that street fight on Loma Prime. So this must have been him. Looking at the wet behind the ears rookie, the Jack captain knew he wasn't the best man for the job, several other men better for the position. But his ass looked good in his uniform and that was all Ekkar cared about in the end. The human would be in his bed in a week if not sooner. "What is it I can do for you Harold?"

"I was just wondering about what you just said sir." The inexperienced man began bashfully. "You told Mr. Clayworth that we're heading right to Aquarii but that's not true sir we're going in the opposite direction."

Ekkar laughed at the naiveté of his young crewmember. Why were the pretty ones always so incredibly stupid? "We're not going back to the station you idiot." He informed his newest second in command condescendingly. "We're heading off to another client of mine who wishes to have our ugly as sin statue. Offered me ten times more for the artifact then Clayworth did and as you know the main goal of this team is to fill my pockets with credits."

Harold looked down at his feet as if embarrassed that he was sounding so foolish in front of the great Ekkar Anguis his personal hero. "I know that sir. They pretty much drilled it into our heads during orientation." He said. "But, double crossing Laird Clayworth!? Him and his family are the most powerful people in the entire quadrant sir! If he wanted too, he could have you stripped of your rank and ruin your career."

"Oh, that old bag of bones wouldn't dare try any of that." Standing Ekkar placed a hand on the shorter man's shoulder and led him over to the computer console where his information officer was working. "You see my dear Harold we found ourselves something very interesting in that shipwreck we just left."

Holding his hand out, Ekkar was handed the letter Barnabus and his crew had gotten from Miss Bonnibel and smugly presented to his second in command. "Seems our prisoners found a very interesting bit of incriminating evidence wherever it was they went one Loma Prime. This should be more than enough to make that geezer keep his trap shut."

Sharing in his boss's smile Harold looked up to him with adoring eyes. Leave it to his captain to have such a solid back up plan. It was just like the "Ekkar's Heroes" Saturday morning cartoon show he had watched when he was younger. "Wow, Captain Anguis you are amazing."

Ekkar gave his underling a long look, his mind briefly flickering back to a similar young man who had been just as eager to praise and worship him years ago. A man who was currently locked up in the brig on the ship alongside a bunch of worthless trash. Spinning on his heels Ekkar started towards the bridge's exit at a brisk pace. "Harold! Come along boy!" He barked over his shoulder as he stepped off of the bridge and into the adjourning hallway.

"C-Coming sir!" Harold rushed after his captain, his legs barely able to keep up with the alien's long strides.

Smirking privately at the obedient way the younger man had come to his beckon call Ekkar made a personal not to see how far that went in the coming weeks. But that bit of fun was for a later date. Right now he had other things to attend to. "I want you to take the relic to the containment room on the twenty-seventh floor understand." He commanded. "And then after that is done I want you to inform the enforcers stationed at the brig that our fat bearded prisoner is to be brought to my room immediately."

"Why do you want him to come to your room sir?"

Ekkar gave the other man an almost sinister looking grin. Oh, the things he would do to Barnabus if he agreed to what he was going to purpose. It was high time his old boy toy remembered his place and came romping back to where a simple minded little creature like him belonged.

However Ekkar just couldn't say all the filth that had just gone through his mind. Not to such an innocent man like Harold who might get scared off by such "depravity". Doing his best to wipe the smirk off of his muzzle Ekkar looked down to his companion and humbly said. "I... just want to show Anderson the error of his ways my man." He lied through his teeth. "He was a member of my crew once after all so he at the very least deserves another chance at redemption don't you think?"

"I suppose so sir." Harold answered unsure. "I'll make sure the enforcers drag him to your private chambers."

"Good boy." Ekkar patted the other man on the head gently his flawed fingers gently ruffling his sandy colored hair. Just like the many, many before him Harold gave a small happy sigh for the littlest bit of attention from a man as handsome and famous as him. Soon he hoped Barnabus would look at him that way again. Just before yanked the fat asses pants down and reamed him out within an inch of his life forever thinking that he had the right to leave him.

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[Barnabus: Well, it's been about an hour or so since I found myself treated like some common criminal and left to rot here in this cell and I got to say... I'm really not liking it. Tight, confined, and of course uncomfortable. Not to mention the way no one's been talking to me ever since we've been thrown in here. All my crew had done is sit there on the benches in this cell and mope, not that I can blame them. This is the worst thing that's happened to use in a while. I only hope I can think of something, anything to allow us to make our escape and get back on track with our adventure.

Maybe I could talk to Ekkar or something. Not that there's a hundred percent chance that would work mind you. The smug bastard was gloat and brag as we were taken aboard his fancy smacy ship. Dressing me and my crew down in front of his army of pretty boys by saying how stupid we were for actually trying to fight him. Huh, at least we managed to put a few dents in his hoity toity ship. Not that it's giving me much solace right now, mind you. I really don't know what I ever saw in that man. He's nothing but an arrogant, infuriating, and infinitely stubborn heel and not in the amusing way Miktes is.]

Looking out into the hallway through the tiny barred window in the brig cell door, Barnabus gave a sigh and watched as the three guards talked amongst themselves. Two of them were heavily armed and experienced so trying to escape while they were on post wasn't a bright idea. 'Guess I'm just going to have to stay put for a while.' The Jack Captain said to himself. 'Not that I'm not used to it. Then again this isn't some drunk tank or that little holding cell back in the police station back in my hometown.'

Grinning at the memory of a youthful escapade, the middle aged man turned around to face his crew. Hoping desperately that their sprits had lightened a little since he last checked on them. Unfortunately when he did he found them all looking sadder than he had ever seen them before. Alfred nearly on the verge of tears, Moah staring down at the floor, and Miktes grumbling to himself. But, worst of all was Rana. His second in command was positively fuming like a wet cat, her light brown eyes glaring at him as he walked back to the seat he had just vacated a while ago.

Hoping that a little humor might make everyone feel better Barnabus sheepishly grinned over to them. So... how's life going for you on the inside?" He joked. "Been careful not to drop the soap in the shower?" after awkwardly waiting for several moments for a response that never came Barnabus gave up on trying to make anyone laugh and sighed. "Never mind guys." he mumbled.

"Sorry we're not laughing our butts off at your comedy show Comet." Rana said from her seat bitterly. "I guess being thrown in a jail cell with no way to break ourselves out has killed any sense of humor that we had."

Hairy face suddenly brightening at the words "break ourselves out", Moah got his usual look of inspiration and reached into his back pocket. Quickly producing a calculator and a few pieces of loose circuitry along with a string and used pensile eraser. The people who had placed them into the cell had allowed him to keep the small trinkets because of their banality. After all, what could anyone do with junk like that?

Oblivious to what Moah was doing, Barnabus looked up from his boots to stare across the cell to his pilot. The words Rana had sort of just flung at him had hurt a little. After all it wasn't like he had planned any of this to happen. It was just the unforeseen circumstances of being on an adventure to him. "Ok, I admit this isn't the nicest joint we've ever been in but what was I supposed to do?" He asked raising his hands in defense. "Ekkar had us beat and I know we wouldn't stand a chance fighting his storm troopers."

Rana sighed, her hands clenching as she tried to hold her anger back. "That's not the problem Barnabus! I'm not upset that you didn't fight I'm upset that you-"

"-Well, I'm upset we didn't fight them!" Miktes interjected.

Hopping to his feet the frustrated Verdomian began to pace back in forth in their cell like a tiger in a cage. He didn't like being in such an enclosed space, the sensation of being trapped making his skin itch and his nerves unravel. "I can't believe you just made us give up like that submissive!" He continued with fever. "Imagine a warrior like me being forced to surrender and let those bastards drag us into this dam room! You should have just let me break their skulls open when we had the chance."

"They were armed to the teeth Miktes!" Barnabus argued back hotly. Miktes using the word submissive again like that wasn't something he appreciated after everything that had happened that day. The older man had thought they had moved past that. "If I let you run wild I know as sure as spit that Ekkar would have just ordered his lackeys to gun you down right then and there. You and the rest of the crew!"

"I could have taken them!" Miktes replied defending his honor. Like a bunch of men covered in metal plating could hold up to his mighty punches and kicks. "You and me kicked the asses of his minions back on that water planet didn't we?"

Barnabus smirked at that. The kid had too much confidence for his own good. "Yeah, yeah we did but those guys were just a bunch of rookie enforcers." Standing up, Barnabus went over to the younger man and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him from pacing. "Ekkar wanted to embarrass me by having a bunch of wet behind the ears kids take me in. The guys who came to the ship however were his alpha squad. Top of their professions who are trained to take out anyone and kill without question. And I don't know if your remember Mick but I think your lives are a hellava lot more important than some fight."

As he spoke about his concern to his companion's welfare, Barnabus' eyes had traveled around the cell, focusing on each of his friends and giving them a small smile before he moved onto the next. When his vision finally settled back to Miktes, he graced the alien with an exceptionally long look that made the warrior look away quickly as his green face tinted ever so slightly from the attention.

Rana however wasn't as bowled over by Barnabus' little speech about their welfare. In fact his words only caused the anger she had been holding back since they had been taken prisoner to erupt like a volcano. A volcano pointed directly at a certain Barnabus Comet.

Shooting up from her seat the dark haired woman stomped her way over to her captain and shoved an accusing finger right in the middle aged man's face. "You call everything you've done caring about our welfare!" She said giving a bark of ironic laughter. "Where was all this concern when you decided to go on that stupid mission from that screwy professor?"

"Rana..." Sighing when the hand aimed at his face didn't move Barnabus gently moved his second in command's digit out of his face. He had his reasons for accepting Tworows mission she had to know that. After all he wouldn't have taken it if he didn't. "Look Rana, I know that your upset and all but it's no reason to start yelling at me after all we've been through I-"

"-No!" Rana interrupted before the other man could start. "Don't you even try to talk your way out of this Comet! I am not going to fall for your dam tricks this time!"

Barnabus was shocked by the forceful shouting. " Rana?"

"I said, no!" Stepping away Rana held up he hands and spun around slowly, motioning to everyone else in the small room and to the cell itself. "Look at where we are, what's happened to us because you just had to play space adventurer! Our ship, our home is free floating in space with a big hole in the side. Our careers are in the gutter! And need I not remind you we're currently on our way to a military police tribunal to be indicted for murder!!"

Turning away after her outburst Rana gave a shudder and crossed her arms over her chest. This really was the worst thing she could ever remember Barnabus doing to all of them. "I've had it." She finally said in a near whisper.

Barnabus blinked a few times not truly understanding what she meant by that. "What did you say hun?" He asked with growing concern. "I couldn't hear you right."

Rana spun back around unshed tears in her eyes as she shook. "I SAID I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU!!" She shouted. "I'm tired of having to put up with all the stupid stuff you've put us through! I'm tired of being your second, of being your pilot, of being your damned friend!" She stopped for a moment catching her breath as she stood there. "We. Are. Through!"

Seeing the woman who he had considered being like a little sister to him like that and saying those words sent a cold bolt of fear down Barnabus' spine. He hadn't felt anything like that since that day years ago on that desert planet and he really didn't like it. The pure unadulterated fear at the thought of losing someone who he had come to care about. Rana had never gone as far as to say that she was "done with him" even after all the times he had messed up and just the realization that she was deadly serious now was enough to scare the hell out of him.

"Come on, y-you don't mean that do you Rana?" Barnabus said trying to laugh it off. "You couldn't possibly."

"I mean every word of it Barnabus." Rana answered calming herself. Now that she had gotten that out she was starting to feel better if only a little. "I... I quit. Once we get back to Aquarii I don't ever want to talk to you ever again. Not after all that you've put us through."

"But the only reason I did it was because we needed the money!" Barnabus tried desperately. He knew he wasn't being the most dignified kind of person right then but he needed to try and make her understand where he was coming from. "We needed to get our asses out of the dam hole we're always in and going to Verdomo and getting that relic was the perfect answer."

"That's not the only reason why you wanted to go and you know it." Rana huffed. "You wanted to play the part of a great space hero, like you always do. You wanted to go out and fire your laser at bad guys, explore a temple on a forbidden planet, and seduce attractive alien men or something."

Miktes who had been watching the fight between the two human, raised an eyebrow at the last part. 'Seduce alien men?' He asked himself. 'Then why the hell did I have so much trouble?'

Recoiling as if he had been hit by what Rana had said, Barnabus stood there in shock. Yeah, he had wanted to have an adventure, who wouldn't. But that wasn't the only reason why he had done it. He wanted a better life for his crew. Better weapons, ship upgrades, and the ability to give them anything else they had wanted. At least... that's what he thought.

"Is that what you guys really think?" He asked after a few moments. Hesitantly he glanced over to Alfred and Moah who had been quiet during this whole exchange. When he did the two of them looked away afraid to make eye contact but telling their captain that they too believed what Rana was saying. That he had selfishly dragged them on this mission.

"Fine, you're right I wanted to go out and play adventurer for a bit. But isn't that why we all became Jack for?" Barnabus asked searching his crew's eyes for confirmation. "We all wanted to go out having fun and exploring space, not shipping sheet rock and delivering space plants all the damn time like a bunch of low rank losers!"

"Barnabus... don't you get it? None of us cared about doing that kind of work." Rana said softly and sadly, giving the older man a pitying look as she turned to face him. "All me, Alfred, and Moah ever really cared about was being on the Wild Comet and being together."

Going over to the other two members of her ex-crew the dark haired woman placed a hand each on their shoulders. "I think the only one who wasn't was you?" She added "And I know you could have been if you'd just grow up and act like a real Jack captain for once instead of chasseing after some stupid dream of living like some sort of imaginary space hero."

More stinging, truthful words Barnabus realized. Looking down at his feet the heavyset man gave a long suffering sigh as he absorbed everything Rana had just said to him. "You're right..." He finally admitted after a few moments. His whole body starting to tremble he slowly looked up until he was looking into to his crew once again. "I should have just given up on being something like that a long ago and learned to live with my life the way it was. But funny thing... I just can't stand the idea of doing that."

Rana looked as if she was about to argue again but was halted when Barnabus raised his hand to stop her. "Please, let me keep going Rana." He asked in an almost begging tone. "This is important." Glaring at him the Middle Eastern woman harrumphed and sat down between Moah and Alfred, motioning for Barnabus to continue on in his justification.

"As I was saying: I can't give up because what the hell am I if I do?" Barnabus continued. "I know it sounds ridiculous.... pathetic even, but believing in what I do is one of the only things that gets me up and out of my bed in the morning." Taking a step back Barnabus flourished to himself "I mean look at me. I'm nothing but a tubby middle aged space bum. I couldn't last two years in the military, I can't give you guys your pay most months, and I don't even want to bring up my love life into this mess."

There was a small bitter huff as he stopped to catch a breath. "But as long as I got that dream I can keep going. I can keep going cause I know that things could get better. And I'm damn sure they will, I believe it to the very bottom of my heart."

There were several minutes of awkward silence in the cell following everything Barnabus had just told them. Each member of the Wild Comet looking at Barnabus with varying degrees of pity and understanding. It was only when Miktes gave a grunt that the somber mood was broken. "What're the other things you were talking about?"

Barnabus cocked an eyebrow at the sudden question. "W-What's what?"

"I said: what are those other things that make you get outta bed in the morning?" Miktes restated with an irritated snort. "Ya know you said that your dream was one of the things, but what're the others?"

Chuckling Barnabus gave the redhead a raised eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious Mickey?" He asked. When Miktes just shrugged the older man rolled his eyes. "The other thing is my crew you big dummy." The three other inhabitants of the cell looked up in surprised at Barnabus' words. "Just knowing that I was helping them in some way made me feel good and gave me a purpose."

Miktes raised an eyebrow ridge. "That gave you purpose?"

"Yeah purpose." Barnabus confirmed. "Being the kind of leader that deserved their respect and loyalty was one of those things that made me happy. I'd do anything for them. Even if it cost me my life." he stopped for a moment as a flash of regret crossed his face. "Um... guess that makes what I did worst doesn't it?"

{Miktes: I really don't get the things that come outta my mate's mouth sometimes. How can anyone believe that they get purpose from having the respect of people who follow them? All a real leader needs is complete unwavering obedience. Or... at least that's what I've always believed. You know, maybe it ain't right though. I mean look at the way Barnabus and his underlings act or did act. He never really bosses them around. He gives orders and junk, but he lets them question him and tries to convince them that he's right. I would just make them do it without question. I thought that, that was weakness but maybe it ain't. After all before all this fighting they were happy and acted like they were friends. That's more the how I acted back at the village ever got me.}

"Barnabus Comet!" A pair of voices called out from behind the cell door. The clang of a lock being released echoed through the small cell, before the door opened and a pair of gruff looking guards stepped through the open entryway. "Captain Anguis has requested your presence."

Barnabus eyed the two wondering what the hell Ekkar could want with him. 'Maybe he just wants to gloat some more.' He considered. Glancing at his friends, or ex friends in one case the bearded man realized the opportunity he had just been given.

"Ok, fine. Let's go and talk to your captain boys." Moving to go join the pair of guards, Barnabus suddenly found a green hand slapped against his chest, halting any further movement. Looking over to its owner the middle aged man made a tired huff. "What now Miktes?"

"You ain't going nowhere." Miktes growled. "If that bastard wants to see you then let him drag his scaly ass down here." Glowering over to the two men the Verdomian bared his teeth in an attempt to scare them which had the desired effect.

Seeing the "feral" looking alien trying to keep them from their assigned task the two guards reached for their weapons ready to fire on him at a moment's notice. They had both heard the beating the green skinned man had given the squad that had been sent to Loma Prime to apprehend him.

Luckily for both Miktes and the two guards Barnabus was there to reign the young hothead in. "Wait!" he shouted. "I said I'll come with you. There's no need to start anything."

"I said no you won't!" Miktes huffed. "You are my submissive and I command you to stay here by me!"

Barnabus gave a growl of his own about to give into the childish urge to flick the big green pain in his but across his bulbous nose for using that kind of language again. He was not Miktes anything except for friends with benefits at best. But giving it a second thought he saw the gleam of concern in his red hued eyes. Miktes was actually worried about him. Though he was going about it in his usual rude and slightly thoughtless way.

"Yes I am" He told the alien firmly yet gently. "Someone needs to talk to Ekkar and since I'm the captain of my crew it has to be me."

"W-What are you going to say to him Captain?" Alfred asked before Miktes could argue.

Giving the medic a comforting smile Barnabus took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm going to tell him that I'm the only one responsible for what happened to the professor." He began. "I'll tell him that I... m-murdered the old man all by myself and that you guys didn't know a single thing about it."

Nearly dropping what he was working on, Moah looked up at his captain in shock. "Ginjjo gotsha yeaho!" He said in a protesting tone.

"He's right!" Alfred agreed. "You know that's not what happened! It was Laird Clayworth and that Warg friend of his who killed that man not you!"

"Yeah you know that and I know that, but I'm pretty sure Clayworth has convinced everyone from here to Aquarii that we're the ones responsible." Barnabus pointed out grimly. "There was hope as long as we had that letter, but I'm sure it's long gone by now. They need a pound of flesh to sacrifice so I'll gladly give it to them if it means you guys get to go free."

"That's crazy!" Alfred exclaimed, standing up. Turning to Rana, the medic grabbed her by the shoulder, desperately shaking her and trying to get her to stop the older man from doing something so stupid. "Rana please tell the Captain that he can't do this!"

Rana looked at the thin man with conflicted eyes. "Maybe he should." She said calmly.

Alfred's mouth hung open. "WHAT!"

"I said maybe he should." Rana repeated. "What Barnabus said might just work. We could get off with minor offenses if he takes blame for everything." Looking from the shocked faces of both Alfred and Moah over to Barnabus, the Middle Eastern woman instantly realized what she was saying was the wrong thing. The hurt and utterly lost look that the older man gave here hurt her deep. She might have just quit his crew but they had been through too much to just let him sacrifice himself in such a way.

Getting ready to tell him just that she opened her mouth to tell him to come back, but in the short time she had been thinking Barnabus had left their small group and was standing before the two guards with his hands out, waiting to be handcuffed. "Barnabus wait!" She called out.

"No, I'm going to act like a responsible captain for once Rana." Barnabus told her with a small sad smile. This was the right decision he was sure of it. His crew could get off with the minimum time and maybe they could talk the military into taking Miktes back to his people. After all they couldn't blame a primitive for being abducted. "Just don't put those handcuffs on to tightly fellas. I tend to chafe"

The guard holding the cuffs snorted at the other man and roughly placed the handcuffs on him. "Come along then." He commanded as the three of them walked out into the hall. The door starting to close behind him Barnabus took one last glance at his friends and Miktes over his shoulder silently mouthing the words, "Bye guys.", just before the door slammed shut and he left their sight.

Now alone in the cell with the rest of the crew of the Wild Comet, Miktes felt a blind rage bubble up from deep within his gut. His Barnabus was going into the beast's lair with no one to back him up. Who knows what the creature would do to him! The only thing worst was that his so called friends just let him leave.

Turning to the three who had allowed this to happen in his mind, the angry alien was about to give them the nastiest growl he could muster. But when he did he didn't find them happy or gloating at the downfall of their leader. Instead all he saw were a trio of despondent and troubled faces. All of them obviously devastated by what had just happened.

{Miktes: Yet another thing I don't get! Barnabus just stands there as his underlings chew his ass about his decisions and then he goes and offers to sacrifice himself so that they can be safe! He's the leader they should be doing that for him not the other way around! Then there's his so called crew, especially that woman. She actually says he should do it then turns around and tried to stop him. These people are nuts or something. Well... whatever it is I don't like one bit of it. I liked it better the way it was before we got ourselves captured. I was actually starting to enjoy being around these people. Guess that's over now.}

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

As he was led through the expensive and brightly lit corridors of the Flaring Surge, Barnabus had to keep himself from looking too impressed at the ship his ex had acquired since they had broken up. Sure the one he had served on under Ekkar had been nice, but this one was top of the line and luxurious. What with its polished chrome hallways that were brightly lit and carpeted with fine imported rugs. It made Barnabus think about how much better he could have done for Rana, Alfred, and Moah all these years.

Coming to a stop in front of a large door the two guards escorting Barnabus roughly shoved the sightseeing man towards it. "The captain should be waiting in there for you." One of them said curtly. "Get inside."

"And don't think about trying anything either." The second one threatened. "I'm sure the captain would break all your bones if you did and we'd be helping him."

"Geeze talk about overkill fellas." Barnabus snorted. "It's not like I'm going to attack Ekkar in there. All we're doing is having a talk."

The pair of enforcers shared a look between them which bordered somewhere between amused and annoyed then snickered to themselves. "Yeah sure." The one on the right said. Reaching forward the large and intimidating man unlocked Barnabus' handcuffs and gave him another shove for good measure. "Have a good time in there fatass."

Looking up from his activity of rubbing his slightly sore wrists, Barnabus glowered at the two as they took positions at either side of the door. That fatass remark was a little mean he thought. Sure he was a little plump but most liked that about him. Miktes certainly did. 'Stop thinking about that!' Barnabus scolded himself silently. 'Mind out of the gutter and back to negations.'

Stepping up to the entryway Barnabus pressed his palm against the flat metal surface of the door and waited for it to open. He had to make this upcoming talk with Ekkar quick or else he'd lose his temper. Tell the smug S.O.B. that he was responsible for Tworows, make sure he released everyone his crew and Miktes, and of course do some major boot licking to make the dragon agree to his plan.

The door sliding open with a swoosh Barnabus instantly found out that what was about to go on between him and his captor would be anything but quick. Given the nature of his situation he had assumed that he was being led to some stuffy meeting room or Ekkar's personal office. Someplace official and sterile where the platinum Rank Jack could dress him down figuratively and make him feel insignificant when compared to the dragon's lifestyle.

However instead what Barnabus, found himself present with when the metal panes of the room's entryway slid open was as far as one would think from what he had expected. Beyond the door was a very stately and lavish looking bedroom. Thick carpeting, expensive furniture and electronics, and a big horrific looking painting of Ekkar himself plastered on the wall over a roaring simulated fireplace. Of course all these things paled in comparison to what else he found in the room. On top of everything else there were thousands of lit candles lining the room. Their soft glow bathing the bed, covered in silk sheets and rose petals, in a dim light as light jazz music wafted through the air.

Stepping into the room dumbfounded, Barnabus spun around very slowly taking every detail in. "Did I just somehow step into a porno movie scene?" He asked himself out loud. That had to be it because something this cheesy just couldn't be real. Understanding the full extent to his presence there, the Jack instantly turned around and padded back towards the door. He should have known that Ekkar had an ulterior motive for this little get together.

However just as Barnabus turned to make a run for it a door on the opposite wall from his slid open, a thick steam poured out as whoever had opened it walked through the now open entryway and into the bedroom. Well, well I didn't know they'd be so quick about bringing you up here." Ekkar's voice came from behind Barnabus' back. "If I had known I wouldn't have taken so long in the shower bathing."

'Bathe?' Barnabus wondered with a quirked eyebrow.

Spinning to face the Fidraon the bearded man had to keep himself from tripping over in shock he got an eyeful of something he hadn't seen in a long time. There the Fidraon was naked as the day he was hatched, beads of water dripping off of his still wet from a shower frame.

As he took in every inch of his ex's body, Barnabus subconsciously took a gulp of air his face heating up a little. Ekkar was just as he was eighteen years ago. Muscles bulging from his scaly blue arms, a tight and impressive looking six pack and powerful chest colored a creamy white with light blue spots that melted into the rest of his scales, and most of all that thick veiny shaft which hung from between an equally powerful set of legs.

"You should stop drooling soon Anderson." Ekkar's voice said in amusement. "I wouldn't want to you ruining the Sentarian carpeting I had imported with your spittle."

Broken out of his surprised ogling by the seedy voice of the other man Barnabus glared up at him. "I wasn't drooling!" He snapped. "And I told you its Comet now, not Anderson."

"Ah yes Captain Comet: king of the wild space frontier." Ekkar snickered as he padded his way across the room and picked up a towel which was lying on the bed. "I still can't believe you actually had the gall to have it changed to something so ridiculous."

"It's not ridiculous!" Barnabus knew he was pouting at the teasing but at that moment he couldn't help it. He liked his new name it sounded cool in his opinion. Then again maybe he shouldn't be thinking like that. Especially after what Rana and his crew had just said to him downstairs in the brig.

"Now, now what did I teach you about arguing with me about thing Barney?" Ekkar asked with a smirk. Giving a coy look the platinum rank jack turned his back to the other man, giving him a full view of his vast back, long reptilian tail and firm backside as he dried his emerald colored hair with his towel. "It never turned out too well for you in the past if I remember correctly." Ekkar then continued as if he hadn't just flashed the hairier man. "I'd always end up giving you a spanking for being such a bad boy."

Now that the shock at seeing Ekkar wet and naked again had worn off Barnabus was finding that seeing the larger man naked was beginning to make him nauseous. Sure Ekkar was good looking, gorgeous actually but the man himself was far from attractive. "Will you put a towel on Ekkar?" He ordered the older man. "I know you're in the habit of showing off your narrow behind to everyone but I really don't appreciate having to look at it."

The jovial mood the Ekkar was in instantly dropped at that, his sly grin falling into a small scowl. "There's no need to insult my looks Barney." He sniffed haughtily as he wrapped the much to short towel around his waist. "After all I'm being nice here if you didn't notice. I invite you into my private chambers and even make it more comfortable or you."

"Yeah I noticed that." Barnabus remarked sarcastically as he picked at a rose petal on a nearby table. "Really going for the creepy stalker vibe aren't you Ekky." At the reminder of the word stalker the middle aged man peered over suspiciously at the dragon. "While we're on the subject of stalking I wanna know how the hell you keep finding me. My ship was in the middle of a hyperspace tunnel this time. It's hard enough to keep track of another ship when you're right in front of you in those things."

"I suppose that it won't hurt telling you." Ekkar reasoned with a shrug. "Take off that ratty vest you always insist on wearing and take a look under the collar." when Barnabus gave him another look the alien snickered. "I assure you that I'm not trying to trick you into undressing for me."

"Even if you were I wouldn't do it." Barnabus huffed as he slipped out of his padded vest. Taking the article of clothing into his hands the bearded man examined the collar and to his surprise there was a very small almost undetectable device. "A tracker!" He exclaimed in outrage. "You tagged me like some sort of animal!"

"More like a lost pet." Ekkar joked. When his quip earned him an intensely dark look the Fidraon rolled his eyes. "Fine I know it was a little extreme but what choice did I have. You left me on such bad terms that I was desperate to keep in contact with you so that we could make amends."

"I left you because I found out what an asshole you are!"

"Now, now there's no need for that kind of language." Ekkar warned. Making himself comfortable the scaled alien leaned back on his bed, reclining in such a way that his manhood was peeking out from under his towel. "How about we talk about the Flaring Surge for a bit? Yes, that seems like a safe topic."

Barnabus gritted his teeth. This wasn't some sort of social call where they were going to chat over some cookies and tea. "Ekkar..."

Ignoring his ex's warning, Ekkar continued with his gloating. "It's a lovely Class-A cruiser isn't it. Top of the line with twenty-five floors and the best of everything. I bought it after a very successful mission helping a group of rebels reclaim their ancient homeland. The I.U.G. paid me quiet handsomely for my expertise."

"How many of your men did you loose on that mission Ekkar?" Barnabus asked bitterly. "How many men gave their lives so that you could buy yourself this fancy new ship that you truly don't need."

"Three units." Ekkar answered matter-of-factly. The dragon showed not a bit of remorse for his fallen crewmembers as he spoke those words, in fact he looked sort of proud at the total. "You know that's the way of the Jack lifestyle Barney. At least that's how it is for the higher ranks. All for the common good."

"Of course it is Ekkar." Barnabus said snidely. "All for the common good and your bank account."

Ekkar seemed to be even more amused by the other man's sneering words. Barnabus was always one to give a good show when the addle minded man was trying to act all tough and smart. "But of course." He said. "After all I get what I want out of it and they get the pleasure of working for the great Ekkar Anguis. You remember what that's like don't you?"

"Unfortunately."

"You say that now but back then..." Ekkar chuckled to himself. "Back then you reveled in it and you could do so again if you agree to rejoin my crew. Imagine it! Lounging on my private beach or in a hot tub, eating the best foods at the best restaurants again." There was a brief pause as he licked his lips. "Sleeping in late after a night of carnal pleasures and my thickness still embedded in your-"

"-Stop talking about us having sex!" Barnabus cut in his face now beat red from the filthy imagery Ekkar had just conjured in his mind. "And I'll say it again; I am not coming back! There is no way on earth, Aquarii, or any other planet that I would ever work for a man who's as big a scumbag as you are!"

That was the last straw for Ekkar, the taller man standing up and towering over his human guest. "You stupid little..." He began with an eerie calmness. "...You actually have the nerve to talk to me that way!? Your nothing but some two-bit copper rank Jack with a rundown ship and a lackluster crew that consists of a military flight school reject, a doctor who's so wet behind the ears that he practically drowning, and a crazy hairy mad scientist who can't even talk right!"

Barnabus bristled at the dressing down the other man had just given his crew. "Watch what you say about my friend's firedrake!" He threatened.

"I'll say whatever the hell I want!" Ekkar growled back. "You used to be a dam good Jack Barney. When you were with me you were respected and a man worth knowing. But now... just come back to me. We'll pin everything on those three imbeciles your with and then you can be a real hero like I am."

"That isn't the way I want it Ekkar and you know it." Barnabus huffed. "Besides the way you go about being a "hero" isn't right, it's selfish."

"Your one to talk." Ekkar pointed out. Going over to a picture frame the Fidraon pressed a small button on it, the scenic landscape of his home planet being replaced by a real time display of the holding cell where Rana, Alfred, Moah, and Miktes were still being kept. "I heard every little bit of your argument down there and from what I observed you're no better than me."

Barnabus watched the flickering screen for a few moments. Oddly the foursome was huddled around the front of the cell doing something. Seeing them caused what had happened only ten minutes ago flashed through his mind again. "You're right I am selfish." He eventually admitted looking back to Ekkar. "I put my entire crew on the line for some stupid wild goose chase but there's a difference between you and me. I admit that I'm wrong now and I'm going to make things right."

Glaring Barnabus stepped up to Ekkar and jabbed his finger into the alien's light colored chest. "And just so you know those four "imbeciles" down there are the most important people in the universe to me right now and just the fact that I got to know them is worth a hellava lot more than all the money in your bank account."

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

'Such a simple lock.' Moah mused to himself as he sat on the floor and fiddled with a small device in his paws, a long wire connecting it to an open panel in the wall which exposed hidden circuitry. A simple tumbler which was attached to an even simpler electronic system with what had to be the simplest security program ever conceived protecting it. For a Girunjh cub it would have been child's play to get past such a primitive lock a day or so at the most. For a man of his years though it was only a matter of hours before he broke the code and gained himself and his three companions their freedom.

"I still can't believe he's hacking a top of the line computer system with a calculator and a couple pieces of junk." Rana said with a giggle from over Moah's shoulder. "I'm really impressed furball."

"MacGyver di dakaa junyi goloah Rana." Moah mumbled as he broke past another firewall.

Rana turned to Alfred who like her was avidly watching their mechanic and resident genius wanting an explanation to what the bear man had just said. The young man gave her a puzzled look and unsurely translated. "He said that some MacGyver person has nothing on him." Alfred said scratching his head. "Who the heck is MacGyver?"

"Dunno." Rana shrugged. "Sounds like a Girunjh name so it must be a friend of his."

Moah smirked at the confusion of his younger friends. Barnabus wasn't the only one who occasionally watched old earth programs for fun. Actually, seeing that certain man use his skill and brains was one of the reasons why he had gotten into his chosen trade of working with machines. With yet another security barrier taken down he gave a manic looking grin and gave a thumbs up. "Only. Little. Bit. Longer!"

"What is taking him so damn long?" Miktes' grumpy voice came from behind the trio. "Stupid furry man's been messing around with that stupid door for ever now!"

Turning away from Moah and Alfred, Rana put her hands on her hips and stared down the fourth member of their little jailhouse gang. The Verdomian had been a pain in everyone's rear end since Barnabus had been taken away. First pacing around the cell grumbling to himself then retreating to one of the benches so that he could scowl at each of them as he brooded.

"Will you shut up about that already?" Rana snapped at the redhead. "I don't think Moah appreciates having someone complaining over his shoulder about his lack of speed."

"Ogsha!" Moah protested.

Rana shook her head at the outrage in whatever the large man had said. "I didn't mean to say you weren't fast enough Moah." She clarified. "I was just saying that Miktes needs to sit there and stay quiet so that you can work."

Taking offense at the way he was being spoken too Miktes stood up from his seat and stalked towards the human. "I don't take orders from you woman." He growled.

"From what I've seen you don't take orders from anyone." Rana said not an inch intimidated by the alien's posturing. "Besides why do you care how long it takes us to open this door? It's not like you have anywhere to go."

"Are you kidding? Of course I got somewhere to go!" Miktes huffed. "I gotta go and rescue my submissive from that blue lizard bastard." Stopping to fume and stop his feet at the thought of Ekkar and Barnabus in the same room together Miktes snarled. "I see the way he looks at him and I don't like it. Who knows what he's trying to do to him."

Rana snorted at the aliens concern for her former captain. Both from her own anger which still festered in the back of her mind and the obvious way the Verdomian was worrying about him. "I wouldn't worry about the great space ace, Captain Comet." She said sarcastically. "I'm sure Mr. Hero can just shoot his way out of the mess he's gotten himself into just like in his movies."

"Ya know that's something else I don't like! You talking about him like that." Walking closer to the female Jack, Miktes leaned down so that he could glare into her eyes. Barnabus was her leader, her master. Who was she to talk like that? "That uppity man despite what he thinks is a member of the Hestry clan and you will show respect."

Challenging the warrior with an equal amount of aggression Rana gave a huff of her own and shoved the green skinned man away. "I'm sorry but I only show respect to people who actually deserve it." She told him. "And trust me Barnabus Comet doesn't deserve anyone's respect tight now."

"Rana that's not fair." Alfred said coming to Barnabus' defense. "The Captain just sacrificed himself for us! Which was the bravest thing I've ever seen someone do."

"Oh, for the love of. You too?" Rana gave a groan and rubbed her forehead. "It wasn't brave it was selfish! How could he ever think that any of us could live with ourselves after he goes and do that! I swear I don't even know why I decided it was a good idea to start working for such a selfish jerk like him in the first place."

"Well... why the fuck did you start working for him if he's so selfish?!" Miktes shouted his question echoing off the walls of the tiny cell as everyone else suddenly went quiet.

Rana was taken aback by the loud query just presented to her. It was a good question. Why had she stayed with Barnabus through all these years? Most sane people would have run for the hills after the first incident of having to drag a captain home after an all-night bender or having to call the fire department to get his naked ass off a billboard or throughout the entirety of everything that had happened since Verdomo.

Pursing her lips Rana thought hard for a few moments and unsurely answered the Verdomian's question. "Well... I guess I joined his crew because he let me fly his ship." She began awkwardly. "After I failed my flight school exam for the fifth time I was booted out of the program and he just sort of turned up out of the blue and offered me a job."

"See that's something." Miktes said smugly. He might have not known what the hell an exam was but reminding the dark haired woman of it obviously was enough to make her rethink what she said. Shifting his attention away from her, Miktes next glared at Alfred who jumped a little at the attention. "What about you skinny?"

"Well... I owe it to the Captain." The doctor said humbly. "He saved me from those thugs that night in the alleyway. A-And every time I start talking about one of my projects he actually looks like he's listening."

Moah chimed in next momentarily stopping his breakout attempt. Smiling and waving his hands around wildly from his seat on the floor the large hairy man gave a long winded explanation in his native tongue. The odd and erratic sentences only causing confusing for both Miktes and Rana and sagely nodding from Alfred as it continued on and gained exuberance with each passing word. Finally after what seemed like minutes the Girunjh mechanic finished his peace by giving a big grin over his shoulder and saying the words. "Barnabus. Good. Captain."

"See you each got your reasons for following him." Miktes said looking back to Rana. "So show some respect."

"Miktes..." Rana began with a sigh. "This isn't about what' he's done for us in the past or even what he just did. Which I am grateful for." She was quick to add. "It's about how he put all of us in danger because he wanted to live out some fantasy. You should be angry too; he took you away from your home and everything."

'And I'm happy that he did.' Miktes said to himself. Out loud he merely huffed at the human's words and frowned at her. "Look, I know I don't understand much about what goes on in your crazy world but I know one thing. That smart mouthed mate of mine let each of your puny submissives live your damn dream on his flying house and do what made you happy. It ain't right that you just decide to abandon him now cause he was trying to do the same. Specially since he's your friend and leader."

Rana felt herself lose some of her anger at the primitive man's blunt assessment of their friendship with Barnabus. "What makes you such an expert on stuff like this?" She asked giving a bit more resistance.

"Well... I, um I..." Miktes floundered at the question.

{Miktes: Dam. Didn't think she'd challenge that I don't really know a lot about being friends with other people. I mean yeah I haven't had people I'm close to before. But I've seen things. The way the hairy guy Moah tried to befriend me those first days, the way Alfred had helped fix my bloody hand even though I scare him a little, even the way Rana and Barnabus talked to one another. That's the way yer supposed to act right? That's what's father said to me that day back home. That I gotta learn how to be a good leader. Someone who connects with the people around him and find a place for myself. I don't know if I'm ever gonna be like that though. But now... I sort of want to find out.}

Snorting in amusement at the stuttering coming from the burly green skinned warrior Rana shook her head and waved to stop him from making a fool of himself anymore. "Ok, Ok forget I asked you Mickey." Stopping in his blubbering Miktes blinked at the human in surprise. Had Rana just used the nickname he had been given?

If she had she barely noticed it because the Jack pilot continued to speak as if nothing has happened, walking up to Miktes and smirking up at him. "You know you really are a pest." She said chuckling lightly. "But, in this case you're right. We got to help Barnabus and stay by his side. Moah!"

"Yogoosh Rana!" The Mechanic responded.

"Hurry up and get that door open." Rana ordered, reassuming her position as second in command of the Wild Comet crew. "We got ourselves a rescue mission to pull off. Let's just hope that Barnabus can last long enough in Ekkar little bower of bliss till we get to him."

Miktes felt a genuine smile cross his tusked mouth. They had actually listened to him! A first for these unruly humans and their pet. But going over what Rana just said again in his head the Verdomian scratched his chin puzzled "Wait what's a bower of bliss?" He asked.

"Oh, it's what some people call a place that's specifically made to seduce someone." Alfred explained absently. "From what I've heard about Ekkar it's most likely he had Barnabus taken to his bedroom."

"B-B-BEDROOM!!" Miktes roared. Of all the nerve! That reptile was in his bed chambers trying to have sex with his submissive! His Barnabus!! Padding over to Moah the warrior poked the working man in the shoulder. "Come on hurry up hairy! I ain't going to let that Ekkar thing trick my Human into fucking him! The only one Barnabus is allowed to fuck in me!"

Realizing what he had just said in his rage, Miktes let out a hiss of embarrassment his face burning red. He had just told everyone in the room that he was taking it like a submissive during his and Barnabus' ruttings. Cautiously peeking behind himself to the two human's the alien found them looking back at him in surprise and a little bit embarrassed themselves.

It was Alfred that finally broke the awkward silence though what he said barely helped Miktes' mood. "You... ... must like the Captain an awful lot to let him do that." He said bashfully. "F-From what I read about Verdomians, Dominates like you don't let just anyone do that."

"Who'd of thought that the great "Miktes of Hestry clan" would like that sort of thing?" Rana snickered. "I didn't think Barnabus had it in him to be slick enough to seduce someone into letting him get on top."

"He didn't convince me I forced him to do it!" Miktes said lamely. When he saw his lie only make matters worse, Rana, Moah, and even Alfred stifling laughter the proud man gave up and looked away. "Ok, I'll admit it. I like letting him and do that. But that don't make me a submissive here me! I'm full blooded warrior dominate."

Rana and Alfred shared a look between each other, the Middle Eastern woman's lips quirking in another smile. But before she could add more salt to Miktes' perceived wounded pride Moah interrupted all of them by cheering "Yaggho!" and lumbering to his feet with a hop. Then with a happy looking grin he turned around and presented the trio the device he had been using. "Door. Open. Now!"

Hearing that they had gained their freedom Miktes instantly took off for the door. He would break out of their prison and rage through the entire ship till he found Barnabus. Luckily thought, Moah quickly stopped the hot-blooded man from ruining their escape attempt, the Girunjh placing his large arm across the orc's chest and stopping him before it was too late.

"Naoggho." The mechanic said shaking his furry head. "Rana, Tenso bunnn."

"Let go!" Miktes growled lowly. He didn't have time to fool with the creature now. "We can get out now can't we?"

"Yeah we can go but as soon as we open the door I'm sure that there's someone outside guarding us who will tattle when we do." Rana explained. "The longer we can keep them in the dark the better." Stepping up to the door, Rana carefully peered out into the hallway. Just as she and the others had suspected there was a bored looking guard standing at the far end of the corridor. It seemed that Ekkar was so sure of himself that he believed that there wasn't need for much security to watch over his prisoners.

"Stay quiet and watch this boys." She said to the three men behind her. "Maybe you'll learn something." Putting her fingers to her lips Rana whistled loudly gaining the attention of the young man keeping watch over them.

"HUH, huh?" The man said startled by the sudden noise. Realizing what had broken his peace the guard scowled at his prisoners through the small window. "What do you want?"

"Oh I was just wondering if you'd do me a favor sir." Rana said sweetly, her voice taking on a tooth rottenly sugary tone. "I know I shouldn't ask but I have to. It's really important."

The way he was being spoken too seemed to have an effect on the hapless guard. His cheeks turning pink as he was paid attention to by his female prisoner. "I-It is?"

"Yes it is." Rana said with a nod.

"O-Ok then tell me."

Rana gave a coy smile, she had him. "I was wondering if you could be so nice as to put me into another cell for a bit." She asked. "It's just that I can't stand it in here anymore. They're so mean to me. All the yelling and name-calling I can't stand it."

"Ship protocol states that once a prisoner is placed within a cell they cannot b-be removed unless Captain Anguis says." The guard said in a very uncertain voice. The way the attractive young woman was looking at him was starting to make his stomach do flips.

"Please..." Rana continued to prod. "I'd be really thankful if a nice handsome guy like you would show me just a little kindness."

Hearing that one simple word "Handsome" was all it took for the man to give in. "Ok." He relented taking out his PAD to open the cell. "But if the Captain or my superior comes down here you got to run back into you tell them that you were always in the other cell, alright?"

"Of course." Glancing over her shoulder to her three confused companions, Rana gave them a wink and then stepped back as the man got in front of the cell to unlock it. He seemed to be a nice guy albeit a bit dim. Almost made the pilot feel sorry for what she was about to do. Just as the guard leaned down PAD in hand to unlock the door, Rana sprang into action and pushed the door forward hard, the heavy slab of reinforced metal colliding with the unsuspecting man's head with a sickening thunk as he was sent sprawling across the hallway and into the opposite wall unconscious.

"Well, that's one less guard to worry about." Dusting her hands off, Rana gently pushed the door all the way open again and stepped over the unconscious form of the guard and out into the hall. Dumbfounded Moah, Alfred, and Miktes all stood there in shock. It wasn't until Rana shouted at them, saying, "You guys coming?", that they regained their senses enough to stare at each other in awe.

"I think I'm starting to like that woman." Miktes remarked as he walked out of the cell. "Real sneaky and a real bruiser! Two of my favorite things."

"Yaggho" "Yeah" Both Alfred and Moah agreed as they followed.

Outside of the cell Rana quickly confiscated the unconscious guard's multitool and flipped it into the weapons mode. "Ok guys, now that we're out we got a few things to do." She said getting right to business. "First we have to find ourselves a way off of this ship. Alfred, Moah I want the two of you to make your way to the cargo bay. I'm sure that a ship this size has at least one shuttle or something aboard."

"We'll get right on it Ma'am." Alfred saluted.

"Good going soldier." Rana said with her own salute. "As for me and Miktes, We're going to go and get Barnabus. It's going to be hard fighting but as long as we stick together I'm sure that..."

Turning to where Miktes had been standing only a short while ago, Rana found herself talking to thin air the sight of the wayward alien's retreating back as he ran down the hall greeting her instead. "MIKTES GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!" She yelled after him.

Stopping with a skin the Verdomian glared back at the trio. "Don't feel like it!" He shouted to them with a laugh. "I'm going to go and get my mate back! I can smell him!"

Rana sighed and rubbed her head again. Why did the universe have to keep testing her patience? First it stuck her with a cocky childish captain, now she had to take care of a cocky childish alien too. Then again maybe this was a good thing. If Miktes could actually smell Barnabus out then he could find him quickly. "Ok if you can sniff him out then go." She said giving in.

"Really?" Miktes said his face brightening at being allowed to do what he wanted. "What's the catch?"

"No catch. Just make as much noise and get as much attention as you can." Rana told the green alien. "You'll be our distraction while me and the others get a new ship."

"You're using me as bait?"

"Yup." Rana slowly nodded as a smile crossed her face. "You want to go and get Barnabus then make yourself useful." She smirked. "Just be careful and don't do anything stupid. I know you're a strong guy but not invincible so I don't want to see you get hurt."

"You're starting to sound like you're my mother." Miktes snorted. After giving a smirk when what he said caused Rana's eyes to go wide the thickset alien continued on his way down the brig hallway and out into the adjoining corridor out of sight.

Standing there for a moment as the sounds of shouts and grunts of pain from whoever Miktes had stumbled upon as he had left them, Rana had to quickly regain he composure. Miktes calling her his mom was yet another thing him and Barnabus had in common. If she wasn't careful she knew that she was going to start liking the hothead just as much as everyone else apparently did.

"Ok guys!" The dark haired woman said getting back to their part of the plan. "Now that our pet Verdomian is stomping his way through the ship to get his playmate back let's use it to our advantage. I'll go with you while he rescues our captain."

"Y-You're just going to let him go off on his own?" Alfred asked ever worried about other people.

Several more screams of terror from Ekkar's men rang out from the hallway Miktes had gone into. "Something tells me that anyone who tries to stop him isn't going to be able to do it for long." Rana assured him. "Barnabus bragged about how he handled the fight and now I believe him."

"If you're sure Ma'am." Alfred said chewing his bottom lip. He supposed she was right. But he also had the feeling that he was going to have to bandage the older man up after all of this. Which really he wouldn't mind. He had come to think of Miktes as a friend really.

Answering Alfred Rana nodded. "I'm sure." She said. Waving for the two men to follow her, the Jack pilot began leading them the opposite way down the hallway, away from all the ruckus. It's was going to be one hell of a fight getting out of this mess. But in the end isn't that what an adventure was?

Meanwhile, as Rana's group began their search for a getaway ship. A very battle crazed and happy Miktes was bloodily and forcibly rampaging his way through the many hallways of the Flaring Surge, his nose up in the air as he blindly followed the scent of his mate.

Whenever he came to someone who tried to stop him from his goal the Warrior wouldn't show any mercy. Letting out a vicious sounding roar as his slammed into the poor soul at high speed. The force causing those who were lucky to lose consciousness as soon as their heads made contact with the hard metal of the floors and walls of the ship as for those who were unlucky they found themselves on the receiving end of a green colored fist which quickly struck repeatedly until they joined their comrades in dreamland.

"Don't see why Barnabus was so afraid of these idiots." Miktes remarked to himself as he pummeled and raged his way through the large flying house. "I could take them in my sleep."

{Miktes: Nothing is going to stop me from finding my submissive, NOTHING! Not his friends, not these henchmen, not even the strangers themselves. And as soon as I get him back from that Ekkar creature's "bower of bliss" I'm going to disembowel that scaled sob for even thinking he could get at what belongs to me! The hairy human is my submissive, my mate, my Barnabus!}

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

Still standing in the middle of Ekkar's room, Barnabus glared over to said Fidraon as he leisurely reclined on his large and plush bed and quietly sipped from a glass of wine in his clawed hand. "Humm... you know, I'm really glad I spent the extra thousand on this particular vintage." Ekkar remarked idly as he swished the silvery liquid in the glass. "It has a certain kick to it that would temper the thirst of any man. You sure you won't have any Barney."

"Can I please just go back to prison?" Barnabus said with a whine as he stomped his foot. This had to be the sorriest excuse of a seduction attempt he had ever seen. The way the amorous dragon was strutting around in nothing but a towel as he continued to point out his every fault and offer him re-admittance in his crew of pretty boys and brownnosing lackeys wasn't going to win him over ever.

Giving a huff of irritation from his place on the bed, Ekkar down the last of his drink and then sat up. "Why must you be difficult?" He asked with a sneer. "All I am trying to do is make you more comfortable while we talk."

"You could make me more comfortable by putting your clothes back on." Barnabus quipped back. "I'm getting awfully tired of seeing your nethers every time you move."

Not one to be told what to do, Ekkar moved his legs apart so that his glorious Fidraon-hood was on clear display. "I remember an eager young man who was very content to just sit there and worship what I have down there." He chuckled darkly. "In fact he used to beg me to strip down every time we were alone and even a few times when we weren't."

Barnabus could feel himself blushing a little from the memory of his libido when he was younger. It had gotten him into trouble to many times to count. "Yeah... well, there was a time when I was able to tolerate that big as all outdoors ego of yours but things change."

"Yes they do." Ekkar said frowning sadly. "But just because that is so it doesn't mean that they cannot go back." Grunting, as he got up off the bed, Ekkar slowly approached his ex-boyfriend eyes never once leaving the other man's bearded face. "Remember what it was like being a part of my crew Barney? The fame, the fortune, the promise of finally being able to live out your dream? If you returned I would give you all of that again. Even more so now with this mission I'm on. I'll be able to buy worlds with the payout."

It was a tempting offer. Barnabus wasn't going to lie to himself about that. Living a life of luxury again of simple pleasure and glory. However the thought of his crew and Miktes having to pay for that lifestyle soured it instantly for him. He was their captain but even more he was their friend and he wouldn't betray that. Not after all they did for him.

"I told you this a million times over already Ekkar: I am not coming back to you!" Barnabus said firmly. Taking a deep breath the copper Rank Jack shook his head and chuckled to himself. "I really don't get why you're doing this. It's not like I'm your type anymore? I'm not one of those pretty boys twenty-something's that you like to have cling to you like a lamprey."

"I'll say you aren't." Ekkar said with a derisive snort. When he saw the face his statement caused in his companion's to make the dragon instantly tried to cover up what he said. "I-I mean that's not what I care about Barnabus. I just want you my dear, dear man." Reaching forward Ekkar went to caress a bearded cheek, but before his hand could touch the other Jack's cheek, He found is slapped away.

"You know what? I think I just figured out why you're so keen on having me come back." Barnabus said with a huff of laughter. After what Ekkar had just said it was so obvious now. "You want me back because I told you no, don't you? I bet it's the first time anyone's ever told you that isn't it."

The look that crossed Ekkar's face at that could only be described an dark and sinister. "You're right you are the first to say it in a long time Anderson." He said with a sneer. There was no reason to use nicknames or endearments if the human was going to act in such a way. "Most are smarter than to dare deny me something when I want it."

"And there's the spoiled brat I knew you were hiding under all that pomp and self-importance!" Barnabus fake cheered. "Little Ekky Wecky doesn't like it when people tell him he can't have something doesn't he?"

Ekkar didn't know which to be more insulted by the nickname or the gall Barnabus apparently had to actually use such a childish name. "Don't try me human!" He growled lowly. "Lest you remember that I've had you writhing under me defenseless and naked as I hammered away at your insides and made you scream my name!"

When Barnabus startled at the imagery just given to him, Ekkar saw a chance to try something new. If talking to the fat man wouldn't change his mind then maybe making him submit to his lust would. No one had ever said no once he had gotten his eight inches into them. Snarling like a vicious animal the sinister reptilian alien surged forward at an amazing speed. Grabbing Barnabus by the wrists as the other man raised his hands in defense and pining him to the wall with every bit of his Fidraon strength.

"What the hell!" Barnabus said struggling in the other man's grasp. "What do you think you're doing!?"

"I know you're getting on in years Anderson but surly you remember how I used to start our little romps." Ekkar chuckled.

[Barnabus: Man this is one hell of a reaction to a little jab. Makes me wonder how much stock Ekkar puts into always looking and acting cool if one little blow to his ego could cause all this. I might felt sorry for him too for being that emotionally fragile if he hadn't just slammed me into the dam wall. It's almost like since talking to me didn't work that he thinks that this will. Don't get me wrong I used to really like it when he did this to me in the past. Those hot nights in his bedroom. Me moaning and crying out as Ekkar aggressively pounded into me without mercy. Back then it had been the most intense sexual experience in my entire life. The vigor, the veracity, the feeling of being completely dominated by this man it was intoxicating.

But... now all this is doing is making me feel sick to my stomach. All Ekkar ever did was treat me like some pet which he could use when the need came to him. I hadn't realized it back when I was young but it was demeaning. I know now that that's not how you treat a bed partner. Take Miktes for example. Yeah he's rough and a little too horny sometimes. But that night in that hotel room after that big dummy said that he would have been there for me in the past and he clumsily kissed me, he really showed me what kind of man he was in that instant. It was so different then what it was like with Ekkar. Miktes despite his talk of dominance and owning me was just as willing to learn and give pleasure as well as receive it. And that gets me going a hellava lot more then what's happening right now.]

Continuing to hold the other man down Ekkar gave a small growl, his species way of beginning their mating rituals and ground himself again Barnabus obscenely. "I'm going to show you why you climbed into my bed all those years ago." The Fidraon said huskily. "I'm going to strip you down and drag..." Leaning forward Ekkar slowly ran his long tongue along the side of Barnabus' neck. "...My tongue across every square inch of your body then I'm going to fuck you like old times."

"OH, like hell you are!" Narrowing his eyes and continuing to struggle against the other man's advances Barnabus growled and huffed.

"Like you're going to stop me once I get going." Ekkar chuckled deeply. He recognized that tone or at least he thought he did. That simple crack in the human's voice meant that he was about to give in. "I'm going to force you down on your knees, make you suck my cock till it's nice and wet, and then force all nine ridged inches up that fat hairy ass of yours. I'll make you scream in pleasure and show you who you belong to once and for all!"

That last sentence got an instant reaction from Barnabus. Without even a second thought he got one of his legs free and swiftly raised it, kneeing owing Ekkar right where it would hurt the most as hard as he could. In his oversexed manhood. As soon as that hard knee made contact with his vulnerable balls, Ekkar let out a painful and rather girlish scream and staggered back, releasing Barnabus from his grip.

"There's no way in hell I can belong to you Ekkar." Barnabus said smugly as he watched the other man cringe in pain. "You see, I already belong to a certain green skinned pain in the butt right now and while I don't fully agree with that... I'd rather it be him then a pompous jackass like you!"

[Barnabus: By the stars in the sky what did I just say!? Never mind that Comet stay focused. Just another one of those slips.]

"You're going to pay for that!" Ekkar threatened as he rubbed his sore balls. "If you won't give me what I want I'll take it from you." Standing up painfully, the dragon glowered down at the other man fire and fury in his eyes. "I'm going to strap you down to my bed and fuck you till you beg for mercy. Then afterwards I'm going to let every single one of my enforcers have a turn. Let's see if you can keep your smart mouthed attitude after being the Flaring Surge's resident whore for a few weeks."

"Bring it on puff the magic dragon!" Barnabus challenged. "I really want to slap that nasty smirk on your muzzle." Shifting into a fighting stance the dark haired man raised his fists ready to fight for his life. He guessed that his opinion of the platinum Jack needed a serious revision. Ekkar had gone from simple annoyance, to stalker, to greedy bastard, to rapist in a matter of a half hour. Now more than ever did the bearded man realize that he had made the right decision to leave him.

Ekkar took a step forward ready to trounce his unruly prisoner, but just as his foot began to raise the sounds of people shouting and screaming began to echo through the wall behind Barnabus. "What the..." Ekkar said giving a confused expression as he stood up fully. "What is all that racket out there?"

The curious man instantly got the answer to his question as the door to his bedroom flew open, the pane of metal flying across the room and knocking over several candles which started a small fire. Looking from the blaze and then to the door, Ekkar was shocked to see Miktes walk into his room dragging on of the guards that had brought Barnabus to the room by the scruff of his shirt, the man moaning in pain as he was roughly dropped on the floor.

The Verdomian was heavily bruised and slightly bloody as he stood there for a few moments, cracking his knuckles as he looked around wildly for what he had come for. When his now slitted and feral looking eyes fell onto his mate and outrageously a completely nude Ekkar he snarled and began to advance towards them. "You son of a bitch!" The orc growled dangerously.

"Oh my." Ekkar gulped. He shifted his focused from Miktes to Barnabus who like his was shocked by the other man's sudden appearance. "This isn't what it looks like my dear man was only tying to-"

Whatever excuse Ekkar was about to say never left his muzzle, because as soon as Miktes say the slightly afraid look in his mate's eyes he went wild at the thought that he was scared. Moving quicker than either Barnabus or Ekkar could see the warrior raced up to the pair and drew his fist back, slugging the reptilian Alien across his face with all his might, Ekkar flying backwards from the incredible force and landing on the floor out cold with a fresh new bruise gracing his face.

Barnabus blinked a few times as what just happened caught up with his mind. He had never seen someone move that fast. With the world slowly coming back up to speed the Jack looked down to the prone form of his ex-boyfriend. "Dam that was one mean right hook." Was all he could say. And it was, Fidraon were known not only for their beauty but their toughness.

Looking back up to Miktes, Barnabus was surprised to see that the warrior was staring down at Ekkar with the same animalistic expression that he had been sporting ever since he had entered the room. As if he was contemplating on killing the other man. Realizing that something was very, very wrong, Barnabus tried to reach out to his friend to get him to stop. "Mickey? A-Are you alright?"

The sound of his voice seemed to snap Miktes out of whatever daze he had been in. Red eyes slitted like a cat's quickly left the unconscious man and focused on Barnabus' face. Miktes stood there completely still for a few moments, then suddenly without any warning he surged forward, pinning Barnabus against the wall again just as Ekkar had done moments ago.

"Whoa, whoa!" Barnabus yelped, panicking. "Miktes what's wrong!"

"Barnabus..." Miktes growled. Leaning forward the Verdomian began sniffing at the human rudely, as if trying to check something. Whatever he was looking for Miktes seemed to find it because after a few moments of his inspection he leaned back and stared into Barnabus' golden eyes. "Alright?"

"Y-Yeah buddy I'm all right." Barnabus assured him shakily. He didn't know what was going on but it was scaring him a little. "You mind letting go of me anytime so-"

Before Barnabus could finish his sentence he found himself silenced as Miktes grabbed him by the back of the head and crashed their lips together in a scorching kiss that left the stunned human wide eyed, his hands hovering over the other man's bare green back before the settled and he hugged him.

It was a rough passionate kiss. Miktes completely dominating it at first as his thick tongue worked its way into Barnabus' mouth and wrestled the human's own organ into submission. Then suddenly things switched as Miktes allowed Barnabus to take over, letting the Jack take his turn in governing their shared kiss as he hummed and moaned into his mouth in pleasure.

Finally after Barnabus thought he was about to pass out from lack of oxygen, Miktes retreated with a growl and a nip at his bottom lip. W-Wow... that certainly was unexpected." Barnabus gulped. "Why did you do it?" it was a rude question but he just had to know.

"Your mine." Miktes said his eyes still wild. "You. Are. Mine. Barnabus of the Comet Clan! I will never allow anyone to touch you the way I do again you understand. You are my mate."

Barnabus' smile instantly fell hearing that. It was just what Ekkar had said. But at the same time it didn't feel the same. It almost gave the Jack a calming feeling hearing that. As good as that feeling was thought he just couldn't let him think that. "Look, kid I'm happy you saved me in all but I'm not yours." He said trying and failing to dislodge himself from Miktes' embrace. "Remember we had a deal. We're just friends."

"You are mine!" Miktes insisted. "You are mine body and soul... ... ... Just like I'm yours."

Barnabus stilled at that. "What?"

"I belong to you the same way you belong to me, idiot." Miktes explained, his features slowly morphing back to normal. As Barnabus' mouth opened in shock from the statement the alien took it upon himself to kiss his surprised submissive again, this kiss gentle and soft where the other one was hard and aggressive. His tongue dominating and possessing the human's mouth in such an erotic and heated way that all the older man could do was stand there and let him do as he pleased as his head spun and his mind went blank.