Strange Bedfellows--Part III
Gene stared at the huge industrial building, taking in the cameras
and
other obvious safety measures. Then he began to pick out the more
subtle
ones: sensors...and likely spots for hidden surveillance. "Shit! And I
thought the first place was tough..."
Jim chuckled and handed Gene a keycard. "There's scrubs in the
trunk...along
with more caster shells. Just make certain to cover your cheeks. The
scars
are way to distinctive."
Gene pulled out the ugly green robes and peeled off his cloak,
dimly
noting it still smelled like Reikiki. "I know.... I know...you don't
have to
tell me. Just keep them out of my way, okay?"
Jim gave him the thumbs up. "You got it!"
* * *
Rei sighed. I hope Gene and Jim were able to get away
safely, he
thought, beginning to shiver from the cold in the small room.
Gene.... I
am sorry.... I caused you so much trouble.... And now I will never get
to
apologize to him.... He sighed. I suppose it is for the best....
Without me, Gene and Jim will be able to escape much easier....
His mind was wandering, unconsciously sensing his surroundings. He
felt
a familiar mind brush against his. It was a distance away...and his
head
still wasn't quite straight.... Gene?! No, what are you doing?!
Worry
about yourselves, forget me...! Gene wouldn't be able to hear his
thoughts, he knew, but his mind was too far gone at that point to
register
that little fact.
* * *
Gene did his best to pretend he actually belonged amongst all the
green
and white coats in the halls. He'd donned a mask to cover his face, but
it
wouldn't be too much longer before someone noticed he wasn't heading
into
surgery or whatever they used the things for. Okay Gene, just
remember
Jim's schematic, find Rei, and get the hell out of Dodge.
A man caught sight of Gene as he was turning a corner. "Ah!
Jarvis!" The
man quickly fell into step beside Gene before he could get away. "How
did
that surgery go? Was it serious?"
Gene felt a huge sweatdrop form at his temple. He wiped it away and
made
a dramatic sigh and he slowly worked his caster forward. Thank the
gods I
had taser shot loaded. He smiled under the mask but shook his head
as if
the greatest of tragedies had just occurred. "It's serious all
right..."
"How bad was it?" the doctor asked.
Gene leaned close to the other doctor. "As bad as it gets..." he
replied. "I'm exhausted...I just need to get to the lounge and rest a
moment. Walk with me?"
"Sure. If it's bad enough to get to 'The Unflappable Jarvis,' it's
pretty bad...." The doctor set off for the lounge. Gene fell into step
behind him, and waited until they were alone in the lounge. Before the
hapless doctor could turn around again he fired his caster, watching as
the
blue lightning crackled briefly over the green-clad body. The
unconscious
man slumped forward and Gene took a moment to divest him of his clothes
and
a real keycard. He slapped one of the ridiculous hospital robes onto
his
victim, wondering for a second why doctors insisted on having their
patient's entire backside exposed. Still, I have to be authentic...
need
to get a stretcher before anyone comes by. It went surprisingly
smoothly. He reached the area Rei was housed in without so much as a
blink.
He tried the real keycard first, but apparently the good doctor didn't
have
access to the area. So it was Jim's forged version or blast the glass.
Rei looked up through the haze in his mind and saw Gene trying to
get
in. His mind screamed, Gene! I knew it was you. No one else would
have
the aplomb to break into such a place! But you should not bother....
Not
with me....
Gene took a deep breath and slid the card through. Jim was good,
but
was he good enough? The light stayed red and he cursed softly. He was
about
to pull out his caster when it blinked a few times then turned green.
"Thanks Jim...." he whispered, not certain he'd be heard over the
connection, but wanting to acknowledge it all the same. He dragged the
good
doctor in with him and pulled down his mask. "Well hello stranger! Did
you
miss me?"
Rei lifted bleary eyes and acknowledged the question, but did not
answer
it. He was just too weak. Whatever he'd been given was still in his
system
too much for him to form a coherent thought. The winged boy did,
however,
attempt to communicate his state of incapacitation with a groan of
defeat.
Gene frowned, Rei looked terrible, even his wings looked droopy. He
picked the doctor up in his arms and deposited him beside the
despondent
alien. "Well.... I've heard of your cold receptions...but sheesh." He
picked
the auburn-haired youth up, alarmed at how weak he seemed. "Come on
Rei,
we're getting out of here. You'll need to lay on your back I'm afraid,
will
you be okay?"
Rei nodded. At that point he really could no longer feel anything,
so it
wouldn't bother him. The winged boy dimly hoped that this drug,
whatever it
was, wouldn't kill him, but almost certain that it would.
Gene gently laid Rei on the stretcher and began to cover him with
the
sheet. "Try to lie still.... We're heading for the morgue. Jim will be
waiting at the exits near it." He paused just before pulling the linen
over
Rei's face and pressed a quick kiss to the cool dry forehead. "Don't
give up
Rei.... We'll make it out of this. Then me and Jim are going to find a
place
you can be free."
Rei smiled slightly as Gene's lips touched his forehead, but
otherwise,
he didn't react. Where I can be free...? Is there such a
place...? he
thought to himself.
Gene pushed the gurney into the hallway and
began
heading to the elevator. He was almost disappointed when he reached the
morgue without incident. Don't look a gift ship in the thruster,
Gene,
just get gone! He whisked the sheet off and gently lifted the alien
once
more. He made certain the coast was clear, before sprinting as quickly
as
possible to the waiting car. Rei didn't seem to care about anything at
that
point, finally passing the final stages into full-blown
unconsciousness.
Gene's heart sank when Reikki's slumped against him. The young
alien's
body had gone completely limp; it was like cradling a rag doll. "Shit!!
He
passed out...."
Jim looked into the rearview mirror, but didn't see anyone tailing
them.
So he met Gene's gaze in the tiny reflection. "What're we gonna do
Gene? We
can't stay on Heifong..."
Gene suddenly felt like passing out right along with Rei. Please
don't say it, please don't say it.
Jim sighed as he saw Gene go pale, he knew how much his friend
hated
space, but this was their lives at stake. "We have to leave the
planet."
The redhead promptly fainted.
Jim sighed. "Oh well, it'll be easier getting him into the seat
this
way."
* * *
Gene slowly came to and blinked at the odd lighting. Where the
hell
am I?
"Finally awake I see..."
Gene rolled onto his side and frowned at Jim. "It's not like I
meant to
faint you know."
Jim shook his head and brought over a cup of tea. "Here...drink up.
You'll need the fluid."
Gene sipped at the lukewarm beverage. "Why? Did I throw up or
something?"
Jim shook his head. "No, but you will if you're dehydrated when
they hit
the hyperjets. The inertia dampeners on this tub aren't too hot."
As if on cue Gene felt a lurch as the ship began making the huge
jump in
speed. His head spun a bit, but it wasn't as bad as it could be.
Nothing was
as bad as when he'd crashed in that escape pod so many years ago.
Rei slowly awoke, his mind not wanting to fully shake the fog of
unconsciousness off. His unfamiliar surroundings frightened him for a
moment
before he remembered that Gene had rescued him. Gene.... he
thought,
why did you bother? You could have just gotten away and you would
not
have been in so much trouble. If they ever find you...all three of us
will
die....
Jim noticed Rei had woken and picked up another cup of tea for the
alien. "Here you are.... It's not very warm anymore, but it's actually
pretty tasty considering the accommodations." Rei sat up slowly and
took the
cup from Jim with a quiet thanks, taking a small sip.
Jim gave him a beaming smile and watched as Gene got to his feet
and
wobbled over. The young boy leaned in to whisper, "Gene has a space
phobia,
he won't be himself until we're back on solid land." Rei nodded, then
reached his mind out to Gene's as best as he could considering his
still
somewhat dazed state, attempting to at least help the redhead out a
little.
He felt he owed Gene for saving his life, and the least the winged boy
could
do was try to make Gene feel a little better.
Gene plopped down on the mattress beside Rei and moaned a bit. "At
least
there's no windows. I can psyche myself out."
Jim gave Gene a comforting smile. "I'm going to go get us a meal. A
little food might help, rice balls should be good." Gene waved a hand
to
indicate that was fine and the young blonde turned to Rei. "How about
you
Reikiki, what would you like?"
Rei replied, "That will suffice. Thank you." He smiled weakly at
Jim.
Jim nodded and left the room. The door shut behind him with a hiss
and
a click. Gene sighed and sat up. "I know Jim means well, but I swear he
treats me like he's my wife or something sometimes." The space pirate
stood
up again and began to walk a bit, getting a little steadier with each
step.
"Good...starting to adjust." He turned around and smiled at Rei "You
doing
okay?"
Rei nodded. "Yes, the effects of whatever drug I was given seem to
be
fading. I am still a bit dazed, but I suppose that is to be expected."
Gene nodded. "That's great! I bet the Professor must be seething
right
about now... Heh, well just have hide out on...umm...where are we going
anyway?"
"Er.... I have no idea...." the winged boy replied somewhat
sheepishly.
"I believe Jim intends to attempt to return me to my home planet.
Yet...I
have no idea how long I have been away.... It may no longer exist."
Gene grinned, "Hey, planets don't exactly up and disappear you
know...
They may be marooned from time to time, but they rarely disappear." He
bit
his tongue. "So...are the other denizens of this planet as cute as
you?"
Rei blushed a bit and looked down. "I...suppose...."
Gene chuckled, but then the ship gave another lurch and his face
went
pale all over again. He sat back down heavily, flopping on the mattress
beside Rei. "Aww fuck! I know we were in a rush but couldn't you have
picked
a newer ship Jim? This is playing hell with my system." The winged boy
snickered a bit, careful to hide it from Gene. The redhead let one eye
peek
out from under the gloved hand spread over his face. "Are you
laughing?"
"I suppose I am," Rei replied softly, still grinning.
Gene pouted. "Oh great I'm miserable and you're laughing." The
pout
grew even more dramatic and obviously fake. "I'm so
under-appreciated..."
Rei poked the redhead lightly in the side. "Come now, it cannot be
as
bad as that...."
Gene barely covered a chuckle. "Oh yes it is... I might even pass
out."
Then he gave the alien his best puppy-dog face. "If I do will you give
me
mouth to mouth?"
Jim walked in at just that moment and pull one small fist to his
hip.
"Fishing for sympathy again Gene? Jeez..." He set down the tray he'd
been
balancing. "Anyway! The ship has stopped to refuel and pick up some
supplies. We can go explore the station if you like."
"It would help if I were to acquire some clothing...." Rei
commented
sheepishly.
Jim blushed a bit and nodded. "Yeah...sorry I didn't bring any for
you,
but we didn't really have any time. So I guess we go shopping, you
should be
able to get away with the cloak if you borrow a pair of Gene's boxers."
The
blonde grinned, I hear this station is pretty impressive, got a great
view
of the sta.... Oops."
Gene tried not to panic. You can do this, Gene Starwind...Rei
can't
stay like this without arousing suspicion...among other things. The
red-head let out a sigh. "Don't worry.... I can do this. We just avoid
the
observation area."
Jim nodded. "Cool!! We can get you some real clothes now Rei!
Better
eat first though.... We may have to walk a ways."
Rei simply nodded and began eating, somewhat aware of Gene's
thoughts
and understanding them a bit better. He mentally shook his head.
Perhaps
I am still dazed from the drug I was given, he thought to himself.
He
was only with me at...Fong's Pleasuredome...because he had to. He could
not
possibly feel...that...for me.... The winged boy found himself
hoping
Gene actually felt something for him.
Gene nibbled absently on a huge rice ball, like the tea, it was
surprisingly good given the appearance of the ship. The filling was a
bit
lumpier than he liked, but it was tasty, and it soothed his nausea a
bit. He
looked at Rei from the corner of his eye while he used his tongue to
scoop
out the sweet bean paste. I know it's best...but God...I'll miss you
Rei.
Part of me doesn't want to let you go.
The winged boy glanced up in time to see Gene go to work on the
rice
ball. He had to look away before his body betrayed him. Stop
thinking
about that, he chastised himself. They will be gone soon, and
you
will miss him too much if you.... Oh, what am I saying? I will miss him
anyway....
Gene sucked out the last of the bean past and popped what remained
of
the rice ball into his mouth. He swallowed it down and drank some more
tea.
"Ahh...that is a bit better. Everyone ready to go?" Jim nodded and
finished
the last of his own rice ball in one huge bite. "How about you Rei?"
Rei finished his rice ball as well. "Yes. I am ready to go."
Gene nodded and shrugged off his cloak, handing it to Rei. He bent
over
his duffel bag and began tossing the contents carelessly over the bed
in his
quest for clean undies. He gave a small laugh of triumph as he surfaced
with
his prize, then frowned at the mess he'd made. Shrugging he stuffed
everything back in haphazardly. He had to kneel on the bag and hop
slightly
to get it to zip again, but HEY it all fit and that's what counted.
The winged boy accepted the cloak and boxers without complaint and
donned
them. "I hope I do not get us arrested for indecent exposure..." he
commented somewhat wryly.
Gene shook his head. "Nah...just be sure you don't let the front
fall
open." The redhead grinned. "Now let's go!"
A few minutes later the trio found exactly what they were looking
for...
a shop that specialized in clothing for taller men.
Gene smiled at the alien and waved a hand at the racks. "Pick
whatever
you like Rei."
Rei looked at the clothing racks, perusing the articles of clothing
there.
Then a few garments caught his eye-an olive-green poncho, a pair of
simple
brown pants, and a pair of black, flat-soled boots that would reach
about to
mid-calf. Finally.... Something I am accustomed to wearing, he
thought with a smile as he picked the garments from the rack.
While Rei was picking out his clothes Gene brought up the subject
of
getting Rei back home. "I dunno Jim... I mean...we don't even know how
he
got to Heifong in the first place. Is this really the best way?"
Jim rolled his eyes. "Of course it is Gene. He needs to be with his
own
people. The only reason the scientists wanted him is because they
thought
his kind were extinct."
Gene leaned down. "That's exactly what I mean. What if they were
right?"
Jim let out an exasperated breath. "It's obvious they weren't or
Rei
wouldn't be here!"
Gene growled. "You know what I meant!"
Jim replied, "Only because I'm used to your idiotic logic!"
Gene growled, "Idiotic!" He grabbed Jim around the throat and
began to
wrestle. "I'll show you idiotic...! Wait...that didn't come out right."
Rei looked over at the Gene and Jim's display and sighed. He walked
over
to the pair and batted them both affectionately on the backs of their
heads.
"If you two are quite done, I have found something suitable to
wear...."
Gene winced and rubbed the back of his head. "Hey!! What'd you do
that
for?"
Jim took the rare opportunity to elbow Gene in the gut and grinned
at
Rei as the redhead doubled over. "Looking good Reikiki!"
The olive-colored poncho hung loosely over Rei's thin frame,
complimenting his complexion in the subtlest of ways. As an
afterthought,
he'd picked up a white shirt that was basically nothing but long
sleeves and
a front, with straps that fastened around his neck and waist. The
sleeves of
the shirt were frilly, but not effeminately so. The simple brown pants
hugged the alien's legs snugly, and the black, knee-high boots finished
the
look.
Gene grinned from his bent over position. "I agree. You look great!
Do
you need anything else?"
"No thank you," Rei replied. "This will do nicely, and you both
have
been generous enough with necessities for me." He blushed slightly, a
bit
embarrassed that he hadn't been able to help himself. On his planet, it
was
a man's duty to provide for himself and his family.
A voice in the back of his head asked matter-of-factly, What if
they
consider you their family?
Gene grinned and gave Jim a little 'love tap' on the top of the
shaggy
blonde head. "Don't sweat it Rei! Now...let's get some supplies and
figure
out where to go from here."
After a few more shops the trio took a seat in a nice little mom
and pop
style restaurant. The prices weren't nearly as bad as the more ritzy
establishments and the food smelled heavenly. Gene plopped down in a
booth
and crossed his legs, leaving Jim no choice but to squeeze in beside
Rei on
the opposite side.
Jim ordered the special of the day, as did Gene. "How about you
Rei?
What would you like?" the redhead asked peeking around the side of his
menu.
Rei looked at the menu he'd been given, a bit confused. He realized
something else...he didn't understand the written language. "Er...what
do
you suggest...?" he asked a trifle sheepishly, trying to cover up his
ignorance of the language.
Jim began pointing at the words. "...Well the special has miso
soup,
braised fish, steamed rice and red bean jelly... but the Peking tofu
might
be nice if you like spicy/sweet...oh and garlic chicken...wait...I
think
I'll change my order I didn't notice that had orange beef."
Gene blinked as the pair tried to make their decision. "I just want
some
sizzling rice soup...I'm willing to compromise on the rest." Rei
blinked,
confused for a moment, but finally decided on a simple bowl of fried
rice.
The waitress bowed and went to fill their orders, leaving a pot of
tea
in her wake.
"So...what do you do for fun Rei?" Gene asked causing Jim to choke on
his
cup of tea.
The winged boy raised an eyebrow at Jim's reaction. "Normally, were
I on
my home planet, I would be gathering food for the day. As to
recreational
activities, I suppose swimming and flight races," Rei replied.
Jim snickered as Gene's attempt at flirting fell completely flat,
leaving his friend looking slightly dazed. "Where is your home Rei?"
Jim
asked as he replaced his lost tea with more from the pot.
The winged boy answered, "My home is a planet by the name of
Perdaeta. I
doubt that either of you has ever heard of it." He looked from Gene to
Jim.
He got a pair of very blank stares, before the pair shook their heads
in
tandem. "I thought not," Rei said wryly. Then he continued, "I have no
idea
where we are now, so I have no idea where exactly the planet is in
relation
to here. I do know that its orbit is nearly right next to a wormhole.
Anyone
coming from the other side could not miss it unless they did not look."
"Well..." Jim said a bit breathlessly, "at least that gives us a
starting point."
"Yeah." Gene agreed. "The galaxy isn't exactly littered with
wormholes."
"We'll need a ship though..." Jim cut off as the waitress returned
with
their meals.
Gene gave her a smile that made her blush and asked
for
some melon soda. She nodded and dashed off to get the drink.
"Well...let's eat! We can talk business later."
Rei nodded and began to eat his rice. The conversation had gotten
him
thinking about Perdaeta--his home, his family, his friends. What if
there
was nothing left? Those invaders....
The winged boy broke off the thought when his distracted air became
so
obvious that Gene gave him a look. Gene set down his bowl of miso and
frowned. "What's up Rei...? You look awfully down for a guy who just
got
rescued."
Jim groaned and put a hand over his face. I swear Gene
Starwind...you
haven't got an ounce of tact in your entire body.
Rei looked up at Gene. "I...began thinking about my home...all the
people I have left behind...friends, family.... Understandably, it
would
slightly unnerve one," he replied softly, staring down at his partially
emptied bowl.
Gene sighed. "I'm sorry Rei...we'll get you home. I promise. Just
think
positive!"
Jim rolled his eyes. "FIRST...we need a SHIP."
Gene shook his head. "Nope!" When the other two stared at him he
chuckled. "We finish eating first...then we go ship hunting." Jim
kicked him
from under the table, making the redhead yelp and blush furiously at
the
waitress bringing him his soda.
When she left again Gene growled at Jim. "Why you little..."
Rei laughed outright at this little display. Innocent blushes and
cute
smiles aside, neither Jim nor Gene had ever heard the alien laugh.
Obviously, the auburn-haired boy had lapsed back into his native
language
for a moment, as the laughter had a musical sound to it.
The pair immediately dropped their aggressive act. "Wow Rei," Jim
said,
a little awed. "Your laugh sounds like music."
Gene nodded, "Yeah, it's beautiful." He absently ran a finger
around the
edge of his glass, making a soft sound similar to the note in Rei's
laughter.
Rei blushed slightly. "...Thank you both," he replied. Watching
Gene run
his finger around the edge of his glass made the alien remember what
had
transpired in Fong's. He wondered something--if his pursuers hadn't
interfered, and the person behind the glass had wanted it, would the
space
pirate have truly....
Gene, too, found himself thinking again of his all too short time
with
Rei. True it would take them time to get where they were going, but the
idea
the young alien would soon be out of his life made him feel gloomy for
some
reason. At least I got a few kisses.... But he knew deep down
he'd
wanted more. He shook his head. "Well...dinner's all done so we'd best
move
on!" he said a little too brightly. "Unless you guys want dessert."
Rei could sense the dark mood behind Gene's false lightness. The
alien
wondered if he was the cause of it. "No, thank you," Rei replied. "I
have
had enough to eat."
Jim shook his head as well. "I just want to get going... those guys
are
bound to be following us and we're more likely to loose them if we just
keep
moving."
Gene nodded, "Okay then! It's off to find a ship!"
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