Dreams of an Unknown Past

One month after their adventure at the Galactic Leyline, the crew of the Outlaw Star returned to Sentinel III for a second time. Gene had decided to set it up as their home base again, after being fined and imprisoned for a short time when the crew came back the first time. He'd found it funny that the traffic controller had been involved in the pirate attack that had forced them to leave without proper clearance. Once the dock fees and other paper work had been taken care of, the three of them returned to the old shop to begin reordering their lives on Sentinel III.

"We're finally back." Jim said as he sat down on the couch. Melfina had a long look on her face and said, "It seems kinda lonely without Aisha and Suzuka." Gene just waved it off and said, "Don't worry, they'll be back and you still have us." Melfina nodded and said she was gonna go start dinner. "What's on the menu for tonight?" Jim asked as his stomach growled. "I think I'll make some of that stew Aisha gave me the recipe for." "Sounds good." Gene said as he set a magazine down on the table. "Call me nuts, but I miss that crazy cat." He said with a smirk. Jim nodded and said, "Yea, I know what you mean. But hey, she said she'd drop by once she finishes her report for the Empire."

After dinner, Melfina yawned very loudly and said, "Well, I think I'm going to bed. Goodnight." She gave Gene a kiss then went up to bed. Jim grumbled a little then asked, "So Gene, you want to go to Clide's? Gene laughed and said, "Why? So I can see Iris and get a bottle broken over my head, no thanks." Jim laughed then said "Good point. It's kinda strange being back on Sentinel after all this time." Gene yawned a little and said, "It is a little weird, but with everything that has happened, I just need some time to cool off." He paused and smiled, "Ya know, I'm really happy for Melfina. Now that all this Leyline stuff is over; now she can just go on with life." Jim smiled and said, "Yea, I just hope she can put up with you and stay with us." Gene shot him a quick look and said, "Ah bite me. You still think of her like your mom don't you?" Jim just shrugged and blushed a little. Gene laughed and said, "It's okay bud, she's important to both of us." Gene yawned again, "Well I'm about to pass out, Gnight Jim." Jim closed his computer and told Gene good night as they walked up the stairs together.

A few hours later Gene and Jim were both wakened by the sound of Melfina crying out in her sleep. They ran to her room to find her tossing and turning crying, "No! Stop, why are you doing this to me." Gene sat down on the side of her bed and said, "Mel wake up. Melfina!" She snapped awake and began looking around the room. "It's okay Mel, it was just a dream." Jim said, the concern evident in his voice. She shook her head a few times then said, "I…It was so strange… so real, almost like a memory." "Do you want to talk about it?" Jim asked as he started toward her bed. "Jim, let's let her get some rest, okay. Go on back to bed." Gene said lightly. Jim started to say something but Gene cut him off with "Now Jim." Melfina smiled and said, "It's okay Jim, I'm fine." Jim just shrugged it off and went back to bed. Melfina leaned against Gene as he asked, "Was it the same as before, or has it changed again?" Melfina shuddered and said, "It was a litte different. Before I saw Nguyen Khan I was walking through a park with someone, I didn't see their face though; Gene why do I keep having these dreams?" Gene took a deep breath and then said, "Mel, I'm starting to think that they're memories. They started a week after the Leyline and each time, they get more detailed. I think that after the Leyline programming was completed, something, I don't know, opened up, from before." Melfina turned to look at Gene's face. "But how can that be? I'm not really human, I'm a bio-android." She asked with an uncertain tone. "Mel, I started doing some research after the first dream. There have been experiments, by people like Khan, working with cybernetics. They'd implant computer like devices in people and try to program them. The rarely succeeded but I think Kahn did. I think these "dreams" are memories from you human life before Khan made you the Maiden of the Leyline." It took Melfina a few moments to respond, "So you think there's a chance I'm actually… human?" Gene nodded. "It's hard to believe. I've always thought of myself as a construct, an artificial person and now to think of myself as something else…" Gene cut her off he looked her square in the eyes and said, "Hey, remember what we talked about. You are you; it doesn't matter to me if you're one or the other. Let's just try to get some sleep and worry about this tomorrow, okay?" Melfina nodded and then asked, "Will you stay with me tonight?" Gene nodded and Melfina scooted over and he laid down next to her. She quickly fell asleep while Gene just laid there watching her sleep. She rolled over and put her head on his chest and sleepily said, "I love you." Gene smiled and whispered the same to her.

Jim got up the next morning and went to wake Gene, only to find an empty bed. He shook his head as he walked down to Melfina's room. He opened the door to find Melfina lying curled against Gene. Jim just walked in a popped Gene on the head to get him up. They all went down stairs and Melfina got breakfast going while Jim glared at Gene. "Hey she asked me to stay. Ask her if you want." Jim just rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever." Gene waved his hand as he said, "Look Jim, all of this aside, I need you to do something for me. I need you to find me an expert on A.I." "What for?" Jim asked. Gene nodded toward Melfina and said, "Mel and I need to figure some things out." Jim gave Gene an odd look and then said, "About her dreams? I hate thinking about her this way but bio-androids are made to be just like humans; nightmares and all." Gene nodded then said, "That's problem Jim; I don't think Mel is an android. I think she was human at one point and that these "dreams" are actually memories from her human life." Jim looked back at Melfina working in the kitchen, then said, "I've never heard of anyone pulling off an experiment like that. Is it possible?" Gene shrugged and said, "Who knows what's possible anymore, a month ago, I was dead." Jim nodded and said, "I'll get to work on it after breakfast."

Not long after breakfast was over Jim got a repair job out in the wheat fields not far from where they first fought the pirates with Hilda. Gene and Melfina spent the day shopping; Gene for ammo and Melfina for groceries. They all got back to the shop around sundown. "Hey Gene, Mel; I brought in 500 wong from the tractor job. Were you able to find any caster shells Gene?" "Good, we need the cash. I got a couple, but they are getting harder to find. Did you get a chance to look into what we talked about before breakfast?" Jim nodded and said, "I got word that the best artificial intelligence engineer is going to be on Heifong next month. Mmm, hey Mel, what are you cooking in there?" Melfina looked up from her cookbook and said, "Oh hey Jim, I found a nice roast in the market today while I was out with Gene." Gene looked up and said, "Hey Mel, come here for a minute, we need to talk about something." Melfina sat next to Gene on the couch and asked, "What's up?" Gene took a deep breath and said, "I had Jim do some research on artificial intelligence and he found that the supposed best A.I. engineer is going to be on Heifong next month. Now, I'm just as concerned about your dreams as you are. You say the word and we'll load up the ship, but I want to make sure that it's what you want, regardless of what this man has to say. What do you think?" Melfina looked worried for a moment the she smiled and said, "I think it will be better to know one way to the other. Besides, it won't change how we feel about each other." This made Gene blush a little and he shot a sideways glance at Jim who looked angry. "Then it's settled, we'll leave for Heifong in two weeks." Melfina smiled and asked Gene to come help her in the kitchen. Jim got up to go work on Efrau.

Once Melfina was sure Jim had closed the door she looked seriously at Gene and said, "Should we talk to him about us? As smart as he is he has to have figured out that we love each other." Gene shook his head and said, "Mel, I don't think it will do any good. For one, he's used to me being a total womanizer and two…" Mel looked at him, "Go on." Gene sighed and said, "You remember that night, not long after we landed back here on Sentinel the first time, when you couldn't sleep?" Melfina nodded and asked, "Yes, why?" Gene shifted a little and said, "Not long after you nodded off on my shoulder, I well… rubbed your leg and Jim saw me. Then he hit me over the head and pushed me off of the couch. He got on and curled up next to you. He told me you were like his mom. You have to understand, Jim loves you too, in a different and very protective way. If anything, you'll have to talk to him." Melfina just blinked a few times then said, "Wow. I don't know what I'd tell him." Gene laughed and said, "You know firsthand that when it comes to love I'm pretty much a complete idiot, so I'm afraid you're on your own. But if anything, just be honest; about us and the way you feel for him." Melfina nodded, "The roast should be ready to come out in about ten minutes, keep an eye on it for me please." Gene nodded then said, "Good luck."

Melfina went out to the garage to find Jim working on something underneath Efrau and when she came over she passed him the wrench he asked for. He then slid out from under the car and asked if dinner was ready. Melfina shook her head and said, "Almost. Jim I wanted to talk to you about something. Jim you're pretty much the smartest person I know, so why do you get angry when Gene lets his feelings for me show? You know that we love each other, even if Gene has a hard time saying it out loud." Jim's expression changed to a shy but serious one. Then he said, "I trust Gene with my life; he's saved it enough times that I ought to. I just have a hard time trusting him with… you. I don't want you to get hurt is all." Melfina thought for a moment then said, "I trust him too Jim he saved me from the pirates after all. And you know how protective of me he is, he'd never hurt me, and I know him well enough to tell when he's joking about things. Is there another reason you don't want two of us to be together?" Jim couldn't look Melfina in the eye after that. He just looked at the ground shifting his feet trying to find the words to say. While still searching for the right words Melfina broke the silence and said, "You know I love you too Jim. No matter what happens between Gene and me, you'll always have a place in my heart." Jim sniffled a little as he walked over to Melfina and hugged her tightly. Melfina hugged him back and they just stood that way for a little while. "Jim what was your mother like?" Melfina asked, hoping she hadn't bitten off more than she could chew. Jim cleared his throat and said, "She was a lot like you, from what I can remember, she died when I was little. I remember she was pretty, kind and always cared about the people around her." Melfina smiled and asked, "Will you lighten up on Gene some now?" Jim looked up at Melfina and said, "Yes. I just want you to be happy; and safe." Melfina moved out of the hug and started toward the door and said, "Thank you Jim. Now come on, dinner should be ready."

The three of them sat and ate dinner in a pleasant mood and talked about the upcoming trip to Heifong. When dinner wound down Gene asked Jim how the ship was doing for supplies. Jim said, "Fully stocked on food and we're good on ammo, By the way, while I was working on that tractor I noticed a pretty big plot of land for sale. It wouldn't be cheap to buy but if we did, we could build a hanger for the Outlaw Star and keep it there when we're staying put for a while." Gene rolled the idea around a little then said, "Hmm sounds like a good idea, but how much would it be just to buy the land?" Jim pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and said, "About 200k. To do it right the hanger would cost a little more than the land." Gene did some counting then said, "So what, about 450k?" Jim nodded and said, "Somewhere around there." Gene took one more bite of the roast and said, "We've got about 250,000 in the hold now, if the land is still available when we get back from Heifong we'll see if we can make a deal. So Jim, are we okay about me and Mel?" Jim shrugged and said, "Yea, I guess." Gene smiled and said, "Good because she's going to be sleeping in my room from now on." At this, Jim's jaw almost hit the table. Melfina spoke up and said, "Being close to Gene helps me sleep Jim. For some reason I feel calmer when he's near."Jim just shrugged and said, "Yea sure…grownups." Gene and Melfina both laughed at that. Over the next two weeks Melfina dreamt only pleasant dreams of fields and flowers, and of being with her friends.

While welding a seam on the hull of the Outlaw Star Jim heard a voice behind him say, "So you think you're just gonna blast off without me?" Jim spun around so fast he almost dropped the welding torch on his foot to find Aisha standing on the walkway beaming at him. "AISHA!" he yelled as he ran to give her a hug. Aisha laughed and asked, "How ya doin buddy?" Jim said, "Better now that you're here. So did the Empire give you your old rank back?" Aisha tilted her head and said, "Actually I'm on sort of a paid vacation. When they need me, they'll call. Now what do you mean "better now that I'm here" have you and Gene been fighting or something?" Jim laughed and said, "Or something. It's just been awkward with Gene and Melfina." Aisha laughed and said, "Getting serious aren't they? I knew the first time I saw them they were in love, we Ctarl-Ctarl can smell these things ya know?" Jim shuffled a little then said, "Yea it's always been pretty obvious but now that they know how they feel for each other… I don't know." Aisha giggled and asked, "Jimmy, are you jealous?" "NO WAY! I don't think of Mel like that. She's like my mom is all and I just worry about her getting hurt. I know I know, Gene wouldn't hurt her, just call me paranoid." Aisha smiled and said, "Ah, don't worry, It'll work out. So anything you need some beast-girl strength for? Jim" shook his head, "No, once I finish this seam, we'll be ready to go." Aisha nodded and asked, "So where to, More treasure hunting?" "Talk to Gene, he's in the engine room." Aisha nodded, "Kay, see ya in a bit." Jim waved as she went into the ship.

Melfina gave Aisha a big hug when she came on board. She went and found Gene working with Gilliam in the engine room and they caught up on things, then when Gene finished arguing with Gilliam they went to the kitchen for a snack and discus the trip. After Gene and Melfina finished explaining what had been going on with the dreams and the theory that Melfina was actually human, Aisha just sat there blinking for what seemed like an hour. After a few more minutes Gene laughed and said, "I've missed that expression." Aisha snapped out of it and said, "It's just hard to believe, not that it would change the way I think about you Melfina, you'll always be my friend, it's just…wow." Melfina laughed and said, "It's alright Aisha, I have a hard time believing it myself, that's why we're going, to find out one way or the other." "I too find this interesting." said a voice from behind them. They spun to find Suzuka standing behind them. "Where did you come from?" they asked in unison. "I arrived not long after Aisha. I've been standing here the whole time you've been talking. I've heard of the Cybernetic experiments but never one like what you're talking about. You people really are an interesting bunch." Suzuka said as she sat down. Aisha smiled and said, "Looks like the gang is back together." Gene chuckled and welcomed Suzuka back then yelled, "HEY GILLIAM!" The pink bot came into the kitchen and said, "Yes, Gene?" "Why did you let her in without asking one of us first?" Gene asked, to which Gilliam responded, "Suzuka is a registered member of the crew of the Outlaw Star so no permission was necessary for her to board." Gene just sighed, "Whatever." Jim had come in by now and was laughing with everyone else at Gene's expression. Melfina stood up and said, "Hey Jim, come with me to the market, we're going to need more food, especially with Aisha on board." Jim hopped up and said sure.

That night they all had a large dinner back at the Starwind and Hawking shop and reminisced on good times. It made Gene nervous when Aisha brought up when he had fallen in to the spring she was bathing in on Tenrei, but Melfina just laughed. After dinner was over Gene and Jim played a quick poker game, which Gene quit after losing two hands in a row, Aisha was snoring on the couch and Suzuka had gone outside to meditate. Then Gene stood and said to the group, "Well everyone, we need to get some rest, we're off for Heifong at noon tomorrow." Everyone said their goodnights and Aisha shared Jim's bedroom while Suzuka preferred to sleep in the spare room.

Gene and Melfina went to their bedroom and talked for a while. Gene had been going back and forth over this issue for some time now but he decided that it was time. Right after they both had lain down and begun to get comfortable Gene whispered to Melfina, "Will you marry me Melfina?" Melfina blushed and kissed him. "Of course." Was all she had a chance to say before they were both shocked by a cry of "WHAT!" from down the hall. "Damn Ctarl-Ctarl." Gene sneered, while Melfina just laughed and said, "We might as well go tell everyone before she does." Gene nodded.

Gene and Melfina called everyone downstairs and everyone sat down wondering what was going on, except Aisha. Gene got up, went over to the Ctarl-Ctarl and bopped her on the head and whispered so only she could hear, "Mind your own business you damn cat!" She just rubbed her head and giggled. Suzuka then said, "Is there a reason you woke us all up?" Gene laughed and said, "Yes, I forgot how good that cat's hearing was." Jim rolled his eyes and said, "Just spit it out. You'd better have a good reason for breaking my bed Aisha!" This made Aisha blush and giggle even more. Gene cleared his throat and said, "Alright, I asked Melfina to marry me, and she said yes." Melfina smiled shyly and nodded, Aisha just started purring and Jim's head hit the table as he said, "And just when I was starting to get used to you two being together." Suzuka offered her congratulations and returned to the spare room. Gene stood with Melfina and said, "Okay, back to bed, we have to get up early and prep for launch." Aisha jumped over and hugged Melfina then went back to Jim's room to help him rebuild his bed. Gene and Melfina looked at each other for a few moments and then just laughed as they started back toward their room.

The next morning they left for the space docks. Once they were onboard the Outlaw Star they began all of the pre-flight checks and finally strapped in and requested launch clearance. Right before they took off Gene smiled and mumbled to himself, "Here we go again." Once clear of Sentinel III's gravity well they made the first of three sub-ether jumps. While waiting for the Ether Drives to cool, Melfina prepared a nice lunch and everyone just relaxed. Gene stood up and told everyone he'd be back in a sec and went back to his quarters. When he came back he looked at Melfina and said, "I figured you should have a ring seeing how as we're engaged." And he held up a small band with a large pinkish stone. The rest of the crew just stared as he put it on Melfina and kissed her. Jim was the first to speak, "Hey Gene is that Dragonite?" Gene said, "Yea, I thought it would make a nice ring." Jim gawked a little then said, "I'll say. Dragonite is pretty much the most valuable substance there is! Where did you get it?" Gene just kept looking at the stone and said, "It's a piece from my dad's cargo. Some of it ended up in the escape pod he put me in during the attack on our ship." Melfina kissed him again and said, "Thank you." Gilliam came over the com system and said, "Please return to the cockpit, the ship is now ready for sub-ether travel."

With everyone back at their stations the Outlaw Star dove into the Ether twice more. After exiting sub-ether space they were in the Heifong system. "Hey Jim, our appointment with this Dr. Moritsugu is at 3 tomorrow right?" Gene asked. Jim told him, "Yep." Gene nodded and said, "Alright, Jim contact the space port and get landing permission. Let's take her down."

Once they had landed, Jim booked them rooms in a hotel close to the Heifong Expo Center, where they were to meet with Dr. Moritsugu. They were sitting in the dining room when Jim's PA went off. Gene burped then asked, "What's up Jim? Is there a problem with the ship?" Jim shook his head and said, "No, a big bounty just came up, here in the Heifong area. Some guy named Kazuhiro held up a couple of banks and killed a few members of the Space Forces in the process. He's got a 100k ticket on his head." Gene shrugged, "I might look in to it after the doctor tomorrow." Suzuka set her tea down and said, "I know Kazuhiro, I'll take care of it while you go see this doctor and we can split the bounty." Gene thanked her and then called Jim over. "What's up?" Jim asked as Gene bent down very low. Gene whispered very quietly, "I want you to go into town and find some catnip. I want to get back at that goofy cat." Jim shook his head and said, "Wow, that's low, even for you. Think about how strong she is. Do you really want to see that hyped up on catnip?" Gene scratched his chin and said, "Good point. I'll have to come up with something else. Maybe I'll lock her out of the ship the next time it rains?" Jim rolled his eyes, put a hand on Gene's shoulder and said, "You need help Gene, I mean it this time."

After dinner everyone said their goodnights and went to their rooms. Gene noticed that Melfina was having a hard time getting comfortable and said, "You nervous?" Melfina turned over and looked at him. She looked like she had been crying. Gene whipped her face off and said, "Hey don't worry about it that much, you're you and that's all that really matters." Melfina sat up and said, "I know, but what if I really was born a human? What happened to my family? Where am I really from and who was I before? My mind won't stop racing." Gene put an arm around her waist and said, "Mel if you were born human, then maybe this doctor will know how to unlock your memories. I don't know the answers to those questions. If it helps, then think about it this way; if Nguyen Khan hadn't made you into what you are now, we never would have met. Now give me a kiss and try to get some sleep." She kissed him and said, "Thanks Gene, you always know how to calm me down." She kissed him again and they both settled in to sleep, not knowing what new revelations the new day would bring. The next morning they all woke up excited and curious. Suzuka left a note at the front desk saying that she was out hunting Kazuhiro. Everyone went down to the dinner in the hotel and order breakfast, except Melfina. Gene noticed and asked if she was feeling okay. "I just don't have much of an appetite today. I just want to go see Dr. Moritsugu." Gene nodded and said, "I understand, let me pay the bill and we'll head out." Gene asked Jim and Aisha if they were coming, they said they were going to check out the expo. "Call me when you two get done" Jim said firmly. Melfina smiled and said, "Don't worry, we will." Gene put a hand on her waist and said, "Okay, let's go."

Gene and Melfina got up from the table and made their way to the lobby of the hotel and hailed a cab. It took about ten minutes for them to get there. There was a technology fair going on so it was very busy. They finally made their way to where Dr. Moritsugu was putting on his demonstration of cybertechnology. Gene made the introductions and apologized for being late. The doctor closed his exhibit and led them to a private office. Dr. Moritsugu sat down at his desk and said, "It's nice to meet the both of you. As I'm sure you know bio-androids are designed to be almost identical to humans. Have you brought the subject with you?" Gene laughed at this. He himself couldn't tell Melfina was an android when they first met. Melfina smiled and said, "I'm the subject sir. Something happened about a month ago and I've started having very vivid dreams, each time they become more detailed. Gene and I believe I may have been human at one point, and then a doctor named Nguyen Khan made me what I am now. I act as a central part of the navigation system for a ship he was part of building. We were hoping that you could clear some of this up." Dr. Moritsugu stiffened when he heard Khan's name then said, "Such experiments have been attempted in the past but almost always failed. But if anyone could pull it off, it would have been Khan. You should go and ask him." "He's dead." Gene said shortly. He then asked, "Is there any kind of test you could do to determine Melfina's origin?" The doctor thought for a moment then said, "Before we go any further I would like to know what happened a month ago." Gene shot Melfina a nervous glance then said, "Let's just say her program objective was completed. Will that suffice?" Dr. Moritsugu nodded and said, "Ah, yes I suppose. It may be possible by looking at a sample of her DNA. A Bio-Android's DNA carries certain traits, because it is synthetic. I will try but these traits are very hard to spot." Gene and Melfina thanked him in unison and then the doctor asked for a blood sample to begin the test. Dr. Moritsugu then took them out to a portable laboratory and began testing the blood. It took several hours before he sigh and said, "That crazy old fool did it. Melfina, you are a human being, not a Bio-Android." Melfina almost feinted when she heard this. "I'm… human." Dr. Moritsugu did a few more tests and found a small implant at the base of her neck that contained the computer mechanisms that let her interact with the ship. He explained his findings to Gene and Melfina. "Can you remove the chip?" Gene asked. Dr. Moritsugu shook his head, "The chip is integrated with her nerves in such a way that tampering with it would most certainly kill her. I'm sorry." Melfina smiled and said, "That's okay, without the chip, I wouldn't be able to help with the ship. Doctor, is there anything you can do to restore my memories?" Again the doctor shook his head, "I'm afraid not Melfina. The process Khan used to integrate the circuits with your nerves caused a severe case of amnesia. If they do come back, I'm afraid they will be in bits and pieces, like the dreams you have been experiencing. I would suggest that you start to keep a journal of the dreams, it might help you piece together some of your past. I can tell you that you are twenty-two years old though." Dr. Moritsugu handed Melfina a card and said, "You can reach me here at any time should you have any further questions." Gene and Melfina thanked him and said their goodbyes.

Once outside the expo center they decided to walk back to the port. "I still can't believe it…" Melfina said and trailed off. Gene stopped and Melfina turned to see him looking at a flower bed in the park they were walking through. Melfina walked back to him and held his hand. "What is it Gene?" she asked quietly. Gene chuckled a little then said, "I was just thinking about when we were on Blue Heaven and you were thinking about how you were like the flowers, artificial. So much has changed since then. It's hard to believe that that shy, innocent little thing I saw comparing herself to fake flowers was you." Melfina laughed and said, "So am I not innocent anymore?" Gene turned red and said sharply, "And you and Jim wonder why I don't talk about my feelings, you always make fun of them!" Melfina shrugged and said, "Come on, I know what you meant. So what now? I'm human, big deal. Let's continue like we were, living and working together. Treasure and bounty hunting, the only difference is that we'll be married." She said with a laugh. Gene and Melfina sat down on a bench and talked for a while. "I know I don't say it as much as I should but it really does feel good when I tell you I love you. What do you feel when you say it to me?" Melfina leaned against Gene and said, "I feel right, kinda like I've found a missing piece of a puzzle." Gene nodded and said, "I know. I love you." Melfina looked up at him and said, "I love you, too." They sat there in the park for a while then shared a long kiss and went back to the hotel. "So what should we tell the others?" Melfina asked as they walked. Gene shrugged and said, "Hell, let's just tell them everything; I think it will be simpler that way." "Yea, you're probably right. I wonder how Jim will react. I knew he cared about me, but he thinks about me like a son would his mother." Gene chuckled and said, "It won't change. He's felt like that since the first time we brought you back to Sentinel." The two of them got back to the hotel right around sundown. Right as Gene reached for the door handle he realized he was supposed to call Jim once they had finished with Dr. Moritsugu. "Great, he's gonna be pissed." He said as they walk in. They checked with the clerk and found that Jim and Aisha hadn't returned yet. Gene and Melfina went up to their room and Melfina contacted Gilliam. "Gilliam would it be difficult to change Gene's quarters into a room big enough for two?" she asked. "Not at all; once we are in zero gravity I will be able to make the room into one bed room if you'd like. There is room in the spare hold to make it into a new crew quarters." Melfina turned away from the computer and asked, "What do you think Gene? We'd be able to sleep together comfortably on the ship." Gene nodded and said, "Sounds good to me. Gilliam, how long will the modifications take?" "No more than three hours, but you will have to buy a new mattress." Gilliam replied. Gene told him to go ahead and order one, he also said, "I want you to begin what work you can while still on the planet." "Very well." Gilliam replied and Melfina ended the call.

Gene called Jim and told him and the girls to meet them at the hotel restaurant. As Gene and Melfina were making their way down the stairs Melfina asked, "So Gene, are we going to be on Heifong long or do you want to go back to Sentinel?" Gene shrugged and said, "At this point, I'm not really sure of anything, Mel." Melfina nodded and said with a chuckle, "I know what you mean. But I'm sure I could use another kiss." Gene said "Yes ma'am" as he bent to kiss her. They arrived at the restaurant to find Jim Aisha and Suzuka sitting at a table. The two sat down and ordered, then Jim popped and said, "Okay, spill it! What did that doctor tell you?" Gene looked at Melfina and winked, "Nope. You'll have to wait until after dinner." Jim's head hung a little. He then said, "Ah come on. Mel?" She smiled and shook her head. "Let's just have a nice dinner and then we can talk." Aisha sighed and said, "You two are mean." The food arrived shortly after that last comment from the Ctarl-Ctarl and she seemed to completely forget anything existed other than the food in front of her. She let out a thunderous burp then said, "Ah that was good." Jim stood and looked Melfina in the eyes and said, "Okay, now spill it!" Melfina smiled and said, "I'm human. Dr. Moritsugu said there was no mistaking it. My cells are 100% natural. He also found the implant Nguyen Kahn put in me so I could work with the ship." Jim went over and hugged Melfina while Aisha and Suzuka offered their congratulations. Jim took his seat and then said, "So the dreams you've been having since the Leyline are memories. Was the doctor able to restore the rest of your memories?" Melfina shook her head. "No, he said that the way Khan worked the circuits in with my nerves caused a really bad case of amnesia. But I don't need those memories. I have plenty of happy ones with you all." Aisha asked if the doctor was able to remove the implant. She shook her head again and said, "No, it would be too dangerous to try, and besides, without it, the Outlaw Star wouldn't work right." Suzuka sat down her tea and asked, "So, what has this knowledge changed? Do you think differently of yourself?" Melfina thought for a moment then said, "No. It's like Gene told me after the Leyline. I'm me, that's all that matters. I just needed to know what was causing those dreams. Some of them were of when Nguyen Khan was kidnapping me, so I was worried. But now that I know what they really are, I'm not worried that something is broken inside me. Suzuka smiled and said, "I'm happy for you Melfina. And don't trouble yourself over the lost past. Some things are better left forgotten." Melfina smiled and said, "Thank you, Suzuka. And I was thinking, if Khan hadn't changed me, I would have probably lived a normal life, but none of you would be in it, so in a way, I'm glad he took me."

All of them nodded. They spent the rest of their time at the restaurant talking about the different experiences they'd shared since meeting. Gene started to ask the waiter to bring some wine, but then he remembered the one time Aisha had gotten drunk and decided not to. Gene then asked, "Well guys, where to? I don't really care where, I just feel like going somewhere." Melfina's eyes sparkled a little as she said, "I have an idea. It would take about five days to get there but I think I need to go." Jim tilted his head a little and asked where, but she just shook her head and said, "That part's a secret. What do you think?" "Sounds good to me, and the time spent in space will let Gilliam set up the bedroom faster." Gene replied. "What bedroom?" Jim asked. Gene shrugged and said, "We're just having Gilliam modify the crew quarters a little." Jim nodded and said, "Makes sense. So when are we leaving?" They agreed to leave first thing in the morning. Suzuka paid the tab with the bounty she'd gotten and they went up to their rooms and slept through the night.

Early the next morning they returned to the ship and began launch preparations. "Gilliam, has the container I ordered arrived?" The pink bot slid in front of her and said, "Yes Melfina, I installed it as you requested." Melfina nodded and thanked him.

Gene received launch clearance and soon the Outlaw Star was under way. With Gilliam running the ship on auto pilot the crew prepared for bed. By this time Gilliam's bots had finished the remodels Melfina and Gene had requested. "Gilliam did a good job." Gene said as he inspected his new share quarters. "And this bed is really comfy." Melfina said as she laid down. "Hey Gene, can I ask you about something?" Gene went and stood next to her and asked, "Sure, what's up?" Melfina shifted a little and asked, "Don't people who are in love have sex?" Gene fell onto the bed like someone hit him in the head with a brick. He stuttered a little as he said, "Well… yes, why?" "I was just wondering about it." She said quietly. Gene chuckled and said, "Now that we're together I'm not really proud of this but I've had plenty of experience. What do you want to know?" She shifted a little more and nervously said, "I was just wondering what it was like and … well… wanted to try it." Gene was having a hard time breathing at this point. "It feels great." He said, almost choking on the words. "She wants to have sex with me." He thought to himself. Melfina started playing with the fringe on her night gown and asked, "Does it hurt at all? I've heard it can hurt sometime." Gene nodded and said, "For women it hurts a little at first, but then it feels good. Melfina looked down, blushing and said, "I know how it works but I've never done it before, so I don't really know what I'm supposed to do." Gene thought he was going to have a heart attack but then he just took a deep breath and sat up next to her. "It's one of those things that your body knows. Once those feelings start, your body will take over." Melfina looked up, not quite meeting Gene's eyes and said, "Gene, will you make love to me." Gene lifted her chin up so he could look her in the eye. He didn't say anything he just stared into her eyes. Then he began kissing her. The next morning, Gene woke up, wrapped in Melfina's arms then remembered what happen the night before. "Wow" he thought. Melfina stirred and looked up at him. "Thank you, Gene. That was…I don't know how to describe it." She said quietly. "I know what you mean" he said as he kissed her.

They got dressed and went to the galley to get something to eat. They found Aisha and Jim where already there, eating some scrambled eggs. "Good morning." Melfina said as she got a few more eggs from the fridge. "Morning." Jim and Aisha replied in unison. Melfina noticed that it looked like Aisha was trying not to laugh at something. "Hey Gene, can I talk to you for a second?" Jim asked as he put his dishes in the washer. Gene followed him to the cockpit to talk in private "What's up, Jim? Are the quarters Gilliam built not comfortable, he did a great job on our bedroom." Jim shook his head and took a deep breath, then said, "No, they're fine. I just wanted to talk to you. First I wanted to tell you that I am happy for you and Melfina. Second, I wanted to point out that even though this is a space ship, IT HAS THIN WALLS GENE!" It took Gene a moment to realize what Jim meant. Once it sank in, he almost fell down laughing. Jim leaned against the wall and said, "Look, it's not the first time I've… overheard you, it's just…" Gene nodded and said, "I know, it's different because I was with Melfina." Jim sighed and said, "I know the two of you are all but married but it still bugs me." Gene walked over to Jim and put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Next time we'll try to keep it down." Jim nodded and thanked him. Then Gene said, "I know how you feel about Melfina Jim, but you're gonna have to accept the fact that we're together. The longer you fight it, the more awkward things will be." Jim nodded and said, "You're right…for once. I'll work on it." Gene smiled and said, come on, I'm hungry.

The next four days went by quickly, and without further embarrassment for the crew of the Outlaw Star. Aisha was panting a little and said, "It's getting hot in here." Melfina nodded and said, "We're almost there; Gilliam how long until we reach Farfalas?" "We should arrive at the coordinates you input within the hour. Gene and Jim looked up and said in unison, "Farfalas?" Melfina laughed and nodded. "It's been three years since we met. I wanted to come and pay my respects to Hilda. Gene, what would you think about getting married at Blue Heaven, by the garden we visited?" Gene smiled and said, "Sounds good to me." With that the ship descended into orbit of the "Outlaw Star". Aisha blinked and wiped sweat out of her eyes and asked, "So what are we doing here?" Gene turned around to face her and asked, "Do you remember when Horus passed your ship on approach to Blue Heaven?" Aisha nodded and Gene said, "This is where we were going. Hilda had an asteroid bunker here in obit of this star. It's where she stashed the XGP, this ship, after she stole it from the pirates. While Jim, Mel and I were prepping the ship for launch, we were attacked by the Kei Pirates. Hilda fought them off long enough for us to get the ship out of the bunker, but Horus was knocked down too far and couldn't escape the gravity well. Hilda tried to cross over to the XGP but a pirate cut the anchor she was using to cross over. Hilda wasn't gonna go out that easy though, she latched on to the pirate's space suit and blew herself up taking that little witch with her. Then Horus and the asteroid fell into Farfalas. That's why I named the XGP the Outlaw Star. That was three years ago tomorrow. Melfina just wanted to pay respect to the one that was responsible for bringing the two of us together." Melfina nodded and shuddered a little, "If not for Hilda… it scares me to think about what would have happened to me. Gilliam launch the container please." "Certainly." said the ship's computer. And with that a large cargo container flew from the Outlaw Star. Then it opened up and what must have been hundreds of thousands of flowers began to float out in to space. No one spoke, only watched as the free floating wreath spread out around the grave of "Hot Ice" Hilda. Melfina whipped a tear from her eye and said, "Gilliam set a course for Blue Heaven."

The ship slowly began to turn around, back towards the station where their quest for the Galactic Leyline began. Jim looked up from his consol and asked, "Hey Gene, you think we'll run into Swanzo and Mickey?" It took Gene a moment to notice Jim was talking to him, "Huh, oh I haven't thought about those two in years. I dunno, I'm gonna be busy trying to remember where that garden was." Jim got out of his station in the cockpit and said, "Yea, I heard Mel mention a garden before we left Farfalas. What was she talking about?" Gene and Jim were both leaning against the control center when Gene said, "Not long after the three of us docked at Blue Heaven, while you were looking for shells, Melfina and I were out walking around. Just when I thought I had gotten used to space, I collapsed and Melfina helped me to a park bench. When I regained some of my senses, I saw Melfina staring at a flower bed. She said that they were fake. Artificial, like her, that was the first time we really talked about who and what she is. I already knew she was beautiful, but when she was standing in front of that flower bed… I don't know, she just looked right, when she smiled at me." Jim rolled his eyes and said with a chuckle, "I know love changes people, but you're starting to scare me Gene." Gene nodded and said, "You should feel it. I know I love her, the part that scares the hell out of me though, is that she loves me." They both laughed at the last part, but then Jim looked down and didn't say anything for a few moments. "You okay, bud?" Gene asked in a gentle tone. Jim chuckled a little then said, "It's just funny. All this time I've thought of you as my best friend, hell almost a brother, and now you're going to marry the woman who is the closest thing I've had to a mother since I was six. I just wonder what it will change." Gene sighed and said, "You do know she loves you like a son, don't you? She doesn't look at it that way because she really doesn't know what it is to have a family. But when I've talked to her about you, she talks about you the way my dad used to talk about me. Have you even told her you love her yet? She already knows, but trust me, you will feel so much better after you come out and say it." Jim looked up and asked, "You think?" Gene smiled and put a hand on Jim's shoulder and said, "I know. When I was "in" the Leyline, Melfina and I didn't have to speak; we could hear each other's thoughts. That's where I kissed her the first time. It felt so awkward afterwards, because she knew everything about me, including my feelings for her, and I knew hers. But once I finally said the words, it felt like someone had lifted this ship off of my chest. Just go tell her, she's in the kitchen working on supper." Jim just looked down and shuffled a little and then Gene sighed and said, "Okay, that's it." He then threw Jim down the hall into the galley. Melfina was surprised and just said an uneasy hello. Jim smiled and turned back to Gene who was standing in the doorway and mouthed "asshole" to him. Gene just smiled and walked away. "Mel, I just wanted to …" Melfina could see he was having a hard time and said, "Go on Jim, it's okay." Jim shuffled a little then walked over to Melfina and hugged her tightly. He whispered, "I love you…mom." Melfina's eyes went wide when she realized what Jim had said at the end and she smiled, hugged him back and said, "I love you too, Jim" They just stood that way for a moment, just holding each other. Jim looked up and said, "Gene was right for once, I do feel better now. Was it this hard for you to tell Gene the first time." The two of them went over and sat down at the table. Melfina smiled and said, "No Jim. For me, telling Gene I loved him was… the only word I can think of to describe it is natural." Jim wiped his eyes and said, "You may be the closest thing I have to a mother, but there is NO WAY I will ever think of Gene Starwind as a father figure. They were laughing at this when the oven timer went off. "And why would I ever think of you like a son?" Gene asked from out of nowhere. Jim laughed and then got a serious look on his face and asked, "How long have you been standing there?" Gene smiled and said, "Since somewhere between I and Mom." He began laughing again but Melfina stopped him saying, "Come on Gene, that was hard for him." Jim shrugged and said, "Don't worry about it Mel, I'm used to my annoying big brother." Gene got a beer from the fridge and said, "Well I'm glad we finally got that out of the way. By the way Jim, you do know Aisha heard every word you just said, right? DIDN'T YOU, YOU DAMN CAT?" Aisha came down the hall into the galley and said, "It's not my fault we Ctarl-Ctarl have the strongest ears in the galaxy." Jim laughed again and said, "It's okay, if anything she's like a big sister." Aisha smiled and hugged Jim. "And where do I fit into this strange, twisted family?" asked Suzuka. Jim went over to Gene who bent down to whisper with him, and then they stood and said in unison, "You're the strange Aunt everyone wonders about." Everyone but Suzuka found this very funny. "Well, let's eat." Melfina said after she whipped away a tear. The five of them had a nice supper full of "Aunt Suzu" comments.

The Outlaw Star arrived at Blue Heaven in three days. Gene and Jim introduced the rest of the crew to Swanzo and Mickey. Then Gene and Melfina told the group to find a hotel while they went and looked for the garden. Gene spotted it first. "Hey Mel, look." he said pointing toward an elevated viewing platform. Melfina smiled and said, "Yep, that's it." She laughed and said, "And that's the bench I had to put you on." They walked up the platform together and then Melfina said, "And there are the flowers." Melfina went down and looked at the flowers. Gene sat on the bench and watched her. For some reason she looked happier than he had seen her in a long time. Gene walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder, she wrapped an arm around his waist.

"These flowers are still like you, ya know" Gene said, looking down at Melfina. She got a curious look on her face and asked, "How? I'm human, not artificial." Gene smiled and said, "The flowers are beautiful, same as you." She smiled and hugged him tighter. Then they made their way to the hotel Jim had booked and began planning. They found someone to perform the ceremony but Jim ran into a snag. "Um Mel, you don't have a last name." She smiled and said, "I thought about that. I figure we can use Hawkins as my last name." Jim smiled, blushing a little and said, "Sounds good to me."

They scheduled the wedding three days away. Suzuka and Aisha took Melfina out to look for a dress, while Jim and Gene went out to get suits. Suzuka was planning to wear her traditional kimono, while Aisha was going to get a bridesmaid dress to match Melfina. "How about this one." Melfina said as she stepped out of the dressing room. She was wearing a strapless white gown with black lattice stitching on the front. Aisha gasped and said, "You look great." Suzuka nodded her approval. "Suzuka, would you wear a dress like Aisha's? I think it would be nice to have the three of us match. And you'd look beautiful." Melfina asked in a cheery mood. "Very well." she replied. The tailor came in and took the measurements of the three women, and had to make a special alteration for Aisha's tail. The three friends returned to the hotel to find Gene and Jim in white suits that went surprisingly well with the dresses Melfina had picked out. They put Aisha in charge of the wedding dinner as she was almost a better cook than Melfina.

Three day's passed by in a flash. They got their marriage license; using the fake ID Jim made for Melfina, and then met with the minister and planned things out. They met at the garden at noon. Gene was standing in front of the flower bed with Jim. "Geez, I think I'm gonna pass out." Gene said to Jim. Jim adjusted his tie and said, "Yea, it is kinda hot out here, especially for a space station." "I'm getting married." Gene mumbled to himself for the hundredth time. Jim gaped and tugged on Gene's jacket to get his attention and just said, "Look." Gene looked down the path to see Melfina in her dress and veil. After seeing her like that all of his nerves calmed down and he relaxed. He was shocked to see Suzuka wearing a matching bridesmaid dress, as he'd hardly ever seen her in anything but her kimono. The ceremony began with the minister giving a short speech about love. Gene didn't hear a word of it, he was too busy staring at Melfina, and then the time came. "Gene Starwind, do you take Melfina Hawkins to be your wife?" asked the minister. Gene said, "Yes." almost before the minister finished the question. "Melfina Hawkins, do you take Gene Starwind to be your husband?" She quietly answered, "Yes." The minister nodded and with a smile said, "I hereby pronounce you man and wife. Mr. Starwind, you may kiss your bride. Gene lifted the veil to find Melfina smiling with a small stream of tears rolling down one check. He wiped them away as he bent down and softly kissed her. Jim and Suzuka both clapped while Aisha burst in to tears. The minister cleared his throat to get Aisha's attention and said, "Ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr. and Mrs. Gene Starwind." After being pelted with rice, everyone thanked the minister then drove back to the hotel for the small reception.

Gene didn't bother trying to make a speech, and then they enjoyed a massive dinner. Gene didn't take into account how much a Ctarl-Ctarl eats when he asked Aisha to cook. When things were winding down Gene leaned over to Melfina and whispered, "What do you think Hilda would say if she were here right now?" Melfina blinked a few times, thinking and then they both began laughing. After the dinner had all but ended Gene stood and asked, "So, where do y'all want to go? Heifong or Sentinel III, Melfina and I are going to Planet Tenrei. I did some research and they actually let men in when it's a honeymoon." Aisha begged to go with them but Gene said, "Nope. We need some time to ourselves." They decided to go back to Sentinel III and do some remodeling on the shop. Suzuka was going to get a transport to a planet not far from the Heifong system. Gene and Melfina dropped Jim and Aisha off on Sentinel. Before they left Jim hugged Melfina and once again said, "I love you, mom." She smiled replied with "I love you too, son." Gene and Melfina said their good-byes, then got clearance and began the five day trip to Hot Springs Planet Tenrei.

Yet another adventure begins for the crew of the Outlaw Star.