Dreams of An Old Foe: Training

One week before Gene and Melfina's first anniversary, everyone was relaxing in the main room of the Starwind and Hawking shop; which was just as much a home as a business. It was getting late and Melfina was nodding against Gene's shoulder. Aisha yawned and said, "Well, I'm going to bed, Gnight." She kissed Jim as she went back to her room. Although they had been together for over six months, Jim still slept in his room most nights. The near silence of Aisha's sound-proof room played tricks on his mind. Gradually, everyone said their goodnights and made their way to bed.

Later that night, Jim was tossing and turning in his sleep. He then bolted upright yelling, "MELFINA!" He regained his senses and wiped the sweat from his brow and went down to the kitchen. "This is getting old." He said as he got the whiskey and a glass. He sat at the table and poured a drink when from out of nowhere someone asked, "What's going on, Jim?" He looked behind him to find Gene getting another glass from the cabinet. Jim poured Gene a drink, shrugged and said, "Just bad dreams." Gene nodded as he took a swig then said, "We've noticed. Mel and I have been hearing you Jim. Last night, you yelled out "stay away from her" and the night before that, you screamed "kill me too" I went to check on you that first night but you were asleep when I got to your room. Melfina and I want to know what you've been dreaming about. She's worried about you and so am I. You yell out tonight and now I find you drinking, you never drink alone. Talk to me Jim." Jim shot back what was in his glass then said two words that made Gene's skin crawl, "Harry McDougal." Gene took another sip then said for Jim to go on. "Basically, he kills you, Suzuka and Aisha and takes Melfina." He said this through clenched teeth. "He kills all of you, but just punches me in the gut, leaving me on the ground to watch as he drags Melfina away, screaming. Screaming your name; screaming for help. I was just too weak, I couldn't do anything." A tear ran from the corner of Jim's eye as he stared at the bottle on the table. Gene took a moment to think about what Jim had said. Then told him, "Jim, I don't know why you're having these dreams, but I can tell you first hand, Harry is dead and…" Jim looked up as Gene paused and said, "Go on." Gene nodded and said, "Before he died, he changed. He helped me save Mel and told me to be with her. I think he accepted the fact that Melfina wasn't his." Jim sighed and began to say something but Gene cut him off, "Go stay with Aisha tonight. Leave the door open or crack the window a little for some noise. Trust me, being with her will calm you down more than this." He said as he took Jim's glass. Jim thanked him for the advice; now feeling better after talking about it, and went to Aisha's room.

Jim slowly opened the door and found her fast asleep. Just the sight of her made him feel better. He left the door open slightly and then laid down next to her. He put an arm around her and drifted off to sleep as she purred a little. He woke the next morning with Aisha in his arms. "Good morning," She said as he opened his eyes. "Good morning. How long have you been awake?" he asked. She shrugged and said, "Maybe an hour, I like watching you sleep. How come you didn't wake me last night? We could have had some fun." Jim pulled her a little closer and kissed her, then said, "I've been having some pretty nasty dreams lately. I talked to Gene about them last night and he told me that being with you would help me get some real sleep. He was right, as soon as I saw you last night, my mind shut up and I slept better than I have in a week." Aisha blinked then asked, "Do you want to tell me about them? It might help." Jim shook his head and said, "I'm gonna talk to everyone about them later. Do you think we could sleep together in my room, or maybe keep that window open in here? You really do help calm me down." Aisha went over to her mirror and began brushing her hair and said, "We'll figure it out." Jim went over and kissed her again and said, "I'm gonna go see if Mel has started breakfast, love you." Aisha told him she loved him and she wouldn't be much longer.

Jim and Aisha were the first ones up and the others soon joined. Jim helped Melfina cook breakfast and then they all sat down and had a nice meal. After the dishes were cleared off Suzuka said she would be leaving for a job. Before she could finish the announcement, Jim cut her off and said, "Wait. I need to talk to everyone, please come sit down." Suzuka sat down on the couch, surprised by Jim's tone. The rest of the crew joined Jim and Suzuka in the main room. Jim took a deep breath and said, "I need to talk to you guys about a nightmare I've been having for the last week, and I need your help." He then repeated the story he'd told Gene the night before, but with more detail; making Melfina shudder. Before anyone could say anything he continued, "I know he's dead, and that none of you would go down that easy, or let anything happen to Mel, but these dreams have made me realize something. I need to become stronger. I'm a decent shot with a gun or caster and I can hack just about anything with a computer chip in it, but that's it. When it comes down to fighting, I'm the weakest member of this team. Gene, you kick ass with or without a weapon; Suzuka, your martial arts skills and swordsmanship are second to none and Aisha… you're a Ctarl-Ctarl, 'nough said, I want you guys to teach me how to fight. I know the dreams aren't real, but this weakness and… the helpless feeling are." The group sat in silence for a while thinking about what Jim had said. Gene was the first to speak, "The way I fight is pretty simple: I look for an opening, then punch. I'll show you a few things, if you think you can handle it." Gene said the last part with a smirk but Jim and Aisha just laughed. "Gene, I'm in an intimate relationship with a Ctarl. I think I can take a few." Suzuka spoke up now, "Gene you teach him how to fight with a knife, and I will show him some hand to hand techniques, on one condition. Jim you must tell me why you want to train. I know you have a hard time talking about these things, so I will give you three chances. If you lie, I will not train you." Jim looked at her curiously and said, "I want to become stronger." Suzuka shook her head and said, "I want the truth, Jim." Jim thought for a moment and said, "I think that if I become stronger these dreams will stop." Suzuka once again shook her head and said, "The truth, Jim. If you want me to train you, tell me the truth." Jim gave her a hard look, and then glanced at Melfina. He got a stern look on his face and said lowly and through clenched teeth, "I've lost one mother in my life, and I will not let anyone or anything hurt Melfina. I'd die first. Happy?" Suzuka nodded and said, "Yes. You won't understand this now, but after having admitted why you want to train, the training will be easier. We will begin after the anniversary." Jim nodded and thanked her. He then went up to the roof for some fresh air.

Once on the roof Jim noticed that some of the plants need to be watered so he filled the can and watered them while thinking about what was going to happen in a week. He set the can down and went over to the corner of the roof that faced the space port and sat down. While he was looking at the ships, Melfina came and sat down next to him. They just sat together for a while then Melfina quietly said, "When Gene first told me how you felt about me Jim, he said that you loved me too, but in a different and very protective way. I guess I never really thought about how protective of me you feel." Jim nodded, still looking off into the distance then said, "You've never felt what it's like to lose someone; it leaves a hole, Mel. As time passes, you get numb to it, but it's still there. Sometimes you can fill the hole; Suzuka used revenge to fill hers. I'd gotten used to the fact that my mother was gone and then we found you. You filled my hole, Mel. I love you just as much as I did my real mother and I would do anything to protect you." Melfina smiled and said, "I love you too, Jim. Remember though, that you aren't alone. You know how much Gene loves me and Aisha is like a sister to me, Suzuka too, she just doesn't express it as much." Jim nodded and got a troubled look on his face and said, "I know. I… I just need to know that if it came down to just me, that I could keep you safe." Melfina stood and put a hand on Jim's shoulder and she could feel how tense he was. "Why don't you go swim off some of this tension while I get dinner going?" Jim nodded and thanked her for the tip. He went down the stairs to the deck and changed into his trunks and began his laps. Melfina stood watching him for a while then laughed and went inside to begin cooking.

After finishing his 30th lap Jim heard Gene yell dinner was ready. Once he had dried off and changed, he joined the rest of the crew and sat next to Aisha. "Mmm, those steaks look great, Mel." Jim said when Melfina sat the platter on the table. "Thanks, Gene helped." She said as she sat next to Gene. Jim laughed and asked, "Aisha, do you think they're safe to eat?" she just giggled while Gene responded with the standard "Bite Me." Once Jim finished his dinner he asked, "Did Suzuka say when she'd be back?" Gene shrugged and said, "She said she'd be back in about three days. So Jim have you and Aisha worked out the sleeping arrangements?" Aisha answered for Jim. "He's going to sleep in my room, the sounds from outside should be enough to keep his mind from playing tricks on him. If not, we'll work it out." Jim just smiled and said, "Yes Ma'am." This made Gene and Melfina both laugh. Jim helped Melfina with the dishes, then went and sat next to Aisha, who was half asleep on the couch. When he sat down, she let her head slide down and rest on his shoulder. Jim was smiling, watching her doze when Gene called him from the door at the top of the stairs. He carefully stood, lying Aisha all the way down and made his way up to the roof.

Jim found Gene in the rooftop greenhouse, where Gene made his caster shells. Gene was admiring one of Melfina's rose bushes when he walked in. Jim laughed and said, "I never thought I'd see you become a gardener." Gene chuckled and said, "Yea, weird, huh? Mel's made me appreciate flowers." Gene's smile faded somewhat as he sat down at his work bench. He sighed then said, "Neither of us thought I'd be a gardener…and I never thought I'd hear you sell yourself so short. You're not weak Jim. Hell, in some ways, you're stronger than I am. You might need a tip on how to throw a punch, but most of all you have to believe in yourself. You don't need to prove yourself to anyone, least of all us." Jim sat in the chair opposite Gene and nodded. Gene could see that Jim was thinking so he just sat, preparing ingredients for shells. After a few moments Jim looked at Gene and said, "I think that's the problem, Gene. I don't believe that I'm strong enough, so I have to prove it to myself." Gene set aside the shell he had been filling with sulfur and said, "I figured as much. We'll work on it together, but you have to promise me something." Jim nodded and Gene continued, "While you're training, with Suzuka or me, I don't want to hear the words "I can't" come from your mouth." Jim thought for a moment then said, "Deal." He then sighed and said "I'm gonna get my ass KICKED." Gene laughed and said, "It's the best way to learn. Come on, we've got women to attend to." Gene went down to his room to be with Melfina while Jim carried Aisha back to their now shared room. He slept soundly and peacefully through the night.

Jim woke the next morning wrapped in Aisha's arms. He carefully turned so he could see her face. She had a goofy grin on her face as if she had been dreaming of something funny. Jim smiled as he brushed a stray lock of hair out of her face. She yawned and blinked a few times then said, "Good morning. How'd you sleep?" Jim gave her a small kiss and said, "Like a baby. I'm gonna go get breakfast started." He started to get up when she pulled him back down. She got nose to nose with him and said with a smile, "You're not gonna give me a tease of a kiss like that and get away with it." He smiled and closed the remaining distance between their faces and gave her a long, passionate kiss at the end of which she said, "Now that's more like it. You go ahead, I'll be up soon." Jim got up, pulled his pants on and went down the hall to the bathroom. Jim went into the main part of the house to find he was the only one up. He made his way to the kitchen and started breakfast. He noticed a note on the fridge as he opened the door to get the eggs. It was from Gene, it just said, "Had to go get a few things, be back later – Gene" "Weird. Eh, maybe he went to get something for Mel." Jim mused as he scrambled eggs. Aisha soon joined him and he fixed some sausage and eggs for her as well as for Melfina who followed shortly after Aisha.

Gene got home around lunch and found Melfina reading and Aisha watching TV in the main room. He went up to the deck to find Jim swimming. "Hey Gene, where'd you run off to?" Jim asked as he got out of the pool. "I've been looking all over town for a couple of new toys. Finish drying off and meet me downstairs." Gene said as he held up a shopping bag. Jim went to change as Gene made his way to the kitchen. When Jim came in to the kitchen he found Gene eating a sandwich and a strange box on the table. Gene motioned for Jim to open it. Inside Jim found two sticks that looked like honing rods used on meat cleavers. "What are these?" Jim asked. Gene got a wolfish grin on his face and said, "Shock-sticks, they're what we're going to be using in your knife fight training. They won't kill you but they hurt like hell." Jim sighed and asked when they were going to begin. Gene smiled and said, "After I finish my sandwich." Jim sighed again and said, "I'll be up on the deck." Gene nodded and said, "Don't worry; it will be awhile before we use the sticks."

When Gene met with Jim on the deck, he began instructing Jim in the different types of knives, ways to use them and other basics. This went on for about two hours, and then Gene said it was time for a break. "So Gene, what are we going to work on next?" Gene gulped down the last of his tea and said, "Blocking and dodging. We'll work on this for a while then we'll talk about seeing openings. Then we get to have some real fun." Gene smiled at the last part but Jim cringed, wondering what the shock-sticks would feel like. Gene and Jim continued practicing for a couple more hours when Melfina came up to the deck. "Dinner's ready…but I think both of you could use a shower first." Melfina said with a bit of a laugh. Jim and Gene got cleaned up and joined Aisha and Melfina for dinner. While they were eating Jim asked, "So do you two have anything planned for your anniversary?" Gene paused then said, "I don't know, we haven't really talked about it that much."Melfina spoke up now and said, "Suzuka will be back tomorrow, so let's just have a nice dinner together." Everyone nodded and agreed that it was a good plan, but Jim froze in place. Aisha noticed it first. "Jim, you okay?" she asked as she waved a hand in front of his face. "Suzuka" He muttered. Gene realized what he was worried about and began laughing. Jim snapped out of it and said, "Yea, laugh it up, you're not the one she's gonna be beating the hell out of." Gene waved his hand and said, "I think you'll catch on pretty quickly. I noticed while we were working on your knife skills, you have pretty fast reflexes. You'll be fine; sore, but fine." Jim nodded with a faint smile.

"Hey Aisha, come here." Jim said up on the roof. Aisha came up the stairs from the deck and stood next to him. "What's up?" she asked. "Do you think you'll be able to watch me train without trying to save me?" She laughed as she moved a stray hair from her face then said, "I think I'll manage. I've actually been looking forward to you starting. I know you'll do fine." Jim sighed and said, "I'm not so sure, I've seen Suzuka fight and…" Aisha cut him off, "And I've fought beside her Jim. Jim, even if I hadn't seen and felt how strong you are, or how fast you react, I would still know you will do fine." Jim looked at her and asked, "Really, why?" Aisha smiled again and said, "Because I heard you describe your dreams. You won't let yourself be anything other than the best because you feel so protective of Melfina. When you told us that you would die before you let any harm come to her, I knew you were telling the truth. We all felt it. Now come on, let's quit worrying and go for a swim." Jim nodded and followed her down to the deck. They hadn't been swimming long when Gene and Melfina came up and joined them. The rest of the evening passed without worry. Jim just concentrated on enjoying the time with Aisha and the others.

Later that night, Jim began to feel anxious again. Aisha must have noticed because, without warning, she rolled over on top of him and looked him in the eyes and said, "Either you relax, or you're sleeping on the floor. You're so tense I can feel it through the…" Jim began kissing her and rolled both of them over so he was on top of her and said, "I think I found a way to relax." She smiled and resumed kissing him. They made love and for Jim, nothing else was real, other than Aisha. When they finished and were able to stop kissing, Jim settled into a peaceful sleep. When Jim woke up he went to the bathroom to clean up the two sets of scratches that ran down his arms, he looked in the mirror and thought, "Wow, these are almost identical." He laughed when he noticed how evenly spaces the five scratches on each are were. Jim went back to his now shared bedroom to find Aisha brushing her hair, which now came down to the middle of her back. He kissed her and took the brush from her and told her to turn around. As he brushed her hair he asked, "So were you able to find a present for Gene?" She shrugged and said, "I just got him a bottle of good whiskey. Shopping for Mel was so much easier." Jim nodded and said, "Yea, I got him a better light shield…" he trailed off as he reached under the mattress and pulled out something wrapped in a bag, "And I got these for Mel." He then pulled a small box from the bag and opened it showing the pink earrings inside. "Do you think she'll like them?" Aisha nodded which in turn pulled a massive knot from her hair then said, "She'll love them. What else is in the bag?" Jim laughed and said, "This one is between me and Melfina. Come on, let's go get some breakfast." Despite her gripping about seeing the other gift, she followed him into the dining room. "Good morning." Melfina said as Jim and Aisha came into the room. "Happy anniversary." Aisha said with a smile. Jim went over to the stove and gave her a hug and said, "Go sit down, you've got the day off." Melfina started to thank him when she noticed Jim's latest battle scars. She tapped his arm and laughed. Jim just shrugged, after six months, he'd gotten used to it. He was scrambling eggs when all of a sudden he asked, "Do you want one egg or two Suzuka?" Mel and Aisha both looked over at him then towards the hall to the back rooms and there stood Suzuka with a hint of a smile on her face. "Two please. How did you know I was standing here?" Aisha scoffed and said, "That's what I'd like to know." Jim platted the eggs he'd already cooked and said, "Since you left, I've been paying more attention to my surroundings. When you came in, the sound of the fountain in Aisha's room changed. I knew where everyone else was and I knew you'd be back today." Jim smiled as he looked up at her. She just nodded. Gene came down not long after that and the family of the Outlaw Star spent the next few hours talking about what had been going on and what they were going to do later for Gene and Melfina's anniversary dinner.

Jim helped Aisha prepare a nice roast and once they got in into the oven they went up to the deck where everyone else was relaxing. Jim jumped into the pool while Aisha sunbathed with Suzuka. Afternoon passed into evening while the five friends relaxed and played. Then Aisha got out of the pool and told Jim, "The timer just went off. Let's go finish dinner." Jim nodded and dried off then went down to the kitchen with Aisha. Within an hour they had the roast on the table surrounded by different side dishes and gravy. Gene carved the roast and the five of them ate and reminisced over the events of the last year and of the other adventures they'd shared. After they had all eaten far too much, it was time for gifts. Suzuka gave them a pair of matching lockets, each with the other's picture in it as well as a group photo that had been taken after the wedding. They both thanked Suzuka and put the lockets on. Then Aisha gave Gene the bottle of 30 year old whiskey and gave a large box to Melfina. She opened it to find a nice pale blue kimono. "I know it's not your usual style but I saw it and thought it would look great on you." Aisha said as Melfina took the garment out of its box. Melfina smiled and thanked her, "I think I'll try it on after we get done with the presents. Jim just smirked and tossed a box at Gene then said, "I noticed your old ones where getting a little worn out. Those gloves will put out a full body light shield and they have an area function. They can project the shield out 30 feet around you at full strength." Gene put on the new gloves to see how they fit then said, "Thanks bud. I know it's rude to ask how much a gift cost, but…" Jim cut him off and said, "I won a small hacking competition, so I had some to spare. These are for you Mel." He handed her a jewelry box which she opened to find a pair of earrings with pink stones, and a note that said, "Meet me on the roof later." She made a quick nod as she said, "Thank you Jim, they're beautiful. What kind of stones are these?" Jim smiled and said, "They're pink sapphires. I didn't have any spare Dragonite lying around, but I thought these would match your ring pretty well." Melfina held the Dragonite ring on her left hand up next to the sapphires and the colors were almost identical. She thanked Jim again and then gathered up the kimono and went to put it on while Gene opened the whiskey and poured a round for the group. While Gene was complementing Aisha on her choice, Jim took his glass and made his way to the roof. Melfina came into the dining room in her new kimono and wearing the earrings Jim had given her. Aisha saw her first and exclaimed, "You look great!" Gene and Suzuka turned to see her and it took Gene a moment to react before he finally said, "You look beautiful." She blushed a little and thanked them. Aisha looked around and then asked, "Where's Jim?" the others looked around the room, also having just noticed his absence. Melfina then said, "I'll be back in a few minutes." She then made her way up the stairs and found Jim watering the plants in the greenhouse. "Jim?" she asked as she walked in. Jim set the glass down and turned to look at her and like Gene; it took him a moment to respond to the way she looked. "Aisha was right; it does look great on you. Let's go sit outside. They went out on to the roof and sat in the chairs that faced the space port. "I wanted to give you this in private." Jim said as he handed her a box. Melfina opened the box to find it was a case for a caster. The gun itself was sky blue and a little shorter than Gene's. Melfina took the caster out and looked it over. "Thank you Jim, but why…" "I just wanted you to have a way to defend yourself it you needed to." Jim said with a shy shrug. Melfina smiled and thanked him again. Jim nodded and said, "I remember Gene teaching you to shoot. The caster works the same way but the recoil is different each time. It takes a few shots, but you'll get used to it." Mel nodded and said, "I think you're more protective of me than my husband." They laughed then Jim said, "Come on, let's go back downstairs." They got up and went inside and made their way back to the rest of the group, after a quick stop by Melfina's room to put the caster up. When they rejoined the party, Melfina just told everyone that Jim had a special present for her. Aisha smiled and winked at Melfina who knew she'd heard every word they had said on the roof. The party continued for several more hours when Suzuka told them all goodnight. Jim and Aisha went next, leaving Gene and Melfina in the main room. Gene was sitting on the couch with Melfina leaning against him. Gene shifted to get a better look at her. "Yep, fast asleep." He said with a grin. He picked her up and took her to bed. He laid her on the bed and then lay next to her. "It's been almost six years, and she still amazes me." Gene thought as he drifted off to sleep next to her.

The next morning Jim woke up feeling both relaxed and anxious. He was relaxed in that he was still wrapped in Aisha's arms and nervous because he was afraid of what Suzuka might have planned for him. Aisha woke up while Jim was worrying about this and hugged him, saying, "Don't worry, you'll be fine. Speaking of, did I hurt you last night?" Jim turned over and kissed her, then said, "Nope, not a scratch. What time is it?" Aisha turned to look at her clock then chucked and said, "Six in the morning, let's get some more sleep." She tightened her grip around him and Jim returned the embrace and kissed her. "I have to get up and do something otherwise I think I'm gonna explode. You go ahead and get some more sleep." Aisha protested some, then gave up after Jim kissed her and began getting dress. "See ya later." She said as Jim walked to the door. "See ya." Jim replied as he closed the door. He guessed she'd be out in about five minutes. The thought made him smile as he made his way to the living room.

His smiled faded somewhat when he saw Suzuka watching TV with the volume turned down, but then he just laughed. "Figures" He muttered to himself. "Good morning Jim." Suzuka said as he came into view. "Morning. Do you want some coffee?" he asked as he made his way to the kitchen. "No thank you." She said and picked up her tea cup and came into the kitchen with him. She poured herself another cup of tea as Jim brewed a pot of coffee. Suzuka laughed a little then said, "Relax Jim, all we're going to do today is work on a series of stretches I use to stay flexible. They'll also give your muscles more definition." Jim sighed and let himself relax; now that he was aware of what was in store for him. "Have you eaten?" Jim asked as his stomach growled. "No, it's better to do these exercises on an empty stomach. If you have to, just eat something small to hold you over." Jim nodded and got an apple from the fridge. Once he'd finished it, he drank a cup of coffee and then Suzuka said, "Go on up to the deck, I'll be along shortly." Jim didn't have a chance to reply as Suzuka was already gone, so he just made his way upstairs.

It was cool and bright outside with the sun a hand's breath above the horizon. Jim tried to sit while he was waiting but gave up quickly and began pacing the length of the pool. Suzuka came out onto the deck in a white kimono that looked like a dressing gown. She called Jim over and had him sit in the chair she was standing in front of. She then said, "Sit here and watch for a few minutes and then I'll walk you through the poses." She then stood with her feet together, put her arms straight out behind her back and bent forward until her torso was almost flush with her legs. She then stood; again with her feet together but this time she bent all the way backwards, her body forming a perfect arch. She went through several more complex poses then began instructing Jim in the different movements. After half an hour Jims muscles were on fire. Within another hour they were just numb. Then he went to change from one pose to another, he slipped in a small puddle of sweat and fell in a heap on the ground. "I think we'll stop for the day" Suzuka said, with a hint of a grin. Jim picked himself up and said, "Sounds good to me." Suzuka leaned back in one of the deck chairs, closed her eyes, and said, "We'll continue with the stretches each morning until you can complete this level easily. Then I will start teaching you some basic defensive techniques." Jim nodded then asked, "Levels?" Suzuka nodded as well and said, "Yes, there are five levels, each more difficult than the next, but don't worry, judging by how you've done with this set of forms, you'll do fine." Jim nodded then went over to the pool and dunked his head. "Ah, that's better. Hey Suzuka, can I ask you something?" She sat and replied, "Sure." Jim sat in the chair next to her and said, "I've researched it, but I can't find an explanation of how a Vokudo works, would you tell me?" It took her a moment to respond but then she said, "It's actually quite simple. The blade edge isn't a single edge, but three. The edges are carved in such a way that they compress the air around the weapon into a single edge finer than any blade. Other than that, it's up to the wielder's strength and reflexes." "That makes more sense than most of the crap I read." Jim said with a small chuckle. Suzuka must have noticed the somewhat puzzled look on his face because she asked, "Was there something else Jim?" Jim nodded and said, "I understand how it cuts but how does the wood stand up to everything you put it through? I've seen you deflect bullets with that thing." Suzuka replied with a wry smile and said, "That's something only those of us who are trained to use them know, a house secret if you will." Jim nodded and said, "Fair enough. Well I'm going to get something to eat, you coming?" She shook her head and said that she would be along.

After Jim ate another apple he and Aisha went out for a while. Gene and Melfina told them, "Bye" then Mel turned to Gene and said, "I'm gonna go water the plants and read for a while. Do you want to come outside with me?" Gene smiled, then said, "Maybe later. I got a call from Fred yesterday and it sounds like he might have a job for us. I'm gonna go over to his place." Melfina laughed then said, "Remind him you're married." Gene rolled his eyes and kissed her, then got up and got ready to leave.

Once Melfina finished watering the plants, she went downstairs to the deck where she found Suzuka sunbathing. Melfina got the book she'd been reading out of the little drawer in the table next to the deck chairs and sat down. Just as she found where she'd left off, Suzuka said, "You're very lucky you know." Melfina blinked then asked, "In what way?" Suzuka turned to look at Melfina, then said, "To have two good men like Gene and Jim. To have two people love you the way they do." Mel smiled and said, "I know. I'm still a little shocked by the level of Jim's devotion. The way he explained it when you pressed him…"She shuttered, remembering that morning, "It sounded like he would really be willing to die for me." Suzuka nodded, "He is an extraordinary young man. His love for Aisha is almost unbelievable and then the depth of his caring for you… with the five of us together I don't believe it would ever come to it, but I believe Jim would lay down his life for you." She said as her gaze drifted into the distance. Melfina noticed the change in Suzuka's bearing and asked, "This is making you think about him isn't it?" Suzuka took a deep breath then sighed, knowing who Melfina meant. "Yes. I just can't help but think that if I'd had…" Suzuka said then hesitated. Melfina shifted, put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Let it out Suzuka. You don't have to keep your heart locked in a box anymore." Suzuka smiled sadly then continued, "If there had been people like Gene and Jim in my life when I was a child, maybe we could have stooped Hitoriga." A single tear rolled from Suzuka's eye. Melfina nodded then said, "I'm sorry that you lost your family Suzuka, but remember, you have one now. I know it isn't the same but try looking at it the way I look at what Nguyen Khan did to me. If he hadn't kidnapped me; you and Gene none of you would be a part of my life." Suzuka nodded and said, "I do, and it does help, it's just the idea of training Jim brings back memories of training with Hitoriga. You know, you're the only person I feel I can talk to openly about these things." Melfina smiled and said, "I'm glad I can help, and if you need to, you can come to me at any time." Suzuka nodded and thanked her again, then said," I'll keep that in mind." She then stood and went inside, leaving Melfina to enjoy her book.

Gene arrived at Fred Lo's Sentinel III office and once Fred's guards opened the door Fred immediately started flirting; something Gene was at one time accustomed to, disturbed by, but He'd been able to cope with. But ever since he'd married Melfina he found it almost insufferable. "Yea, yea, okay Fred. I'm here on business, what did you want to talk to me about?" Gene said with an edge in his voice that let Fred know playtime was over. Fred sighed and said, "First I have a question for you: Are you still using that antique Caster?" Gene nodded and pulled his caster and set it on the desk. "Good. An old client of mine has offered me a rather large amount of money for any information regarding finding caster shells, so I was wondering if you had any information I could pass along." Gene laughed then said, "First, what's my cut? Second what's your client's name? I have more than a few enemies that use casters." Fred straightened somewhat then said, "I can't disclose my client's information Gene, you know that, as for compensation, I'll offer 20,000 wong." Gene rolled the number around thinking to himself, "I could use the cash, not to mention how much I'd make selling the shells, but what if it's him?" Ever since they'd left the Leyline it had bugged him that Ron McDougal's ship, the Shangri-La had been missing. Then Gene asked, "I take it you know what your client looks like?" As Fred nodded Gene took out the pocket computer Jim gave him and held it out to Fred asking, "Does your client look anything like this?" Fred looked at the picture Gene had pulled up then said, "Even if he were alive I wouldn't do business with Ronald McDougal." Gene sighed then put the computer up and said, "Good, in that case, tell your client you found someone who can make them and that it's legit." Fred laughed and said, "Oh come on Gene, you and I both know that no one can make caster shells." Gene smirked and said, "If you want a demonstration, come over to my place. I made everyone of the shells in my belt and in the surplus I have back home." Fred was silent for a moment, then he picked up the phone on his desk and told someone to get his car ready and meet him out front. They got in and made their way to Gene's home/office. As they got out of the car, Gene put a hand on Fred's shoulder, stopping him a few steps from the door and said firmly, "Before I show you anything, let me make two things clear. First, if this guy wants to buy my shells, the money is mine, you're being paid for information; in the future we can work out a percent for acting as a go between. Second, you don't tell anyone about this without talking to me first. Understand?" Fred started to protest but after Gene put more pressure on his collarbone he agreed.

"Is that you Gene?" Melfina called as she came out of the kitchen. She was surprised to see Fred in the main room, the two of them just said hi to each other. Fred had never been friendly towards Mel, but it had gotten worse since she and Gene had been married. "Fred's here to see the shells." Gene said as Melfina looked questioningly at the two of them. "Oh, are you going to sell them?" she asked. Gene nodded and said with a laugh, "Yea, if the guy will believe I can make them. Well, come on Fred, my workshop is on the roof." They made their way upstairs and when they went into the greenhouse Fred began to look even more skeptical. Gene sat at his work bench and said, "Have a seat." Fred sat and Gene began to measure out the salt needed for the shell he was making, as well as explaining how the shells were made. "You don't need any special powers to make the seventeen normal shells. All you need are the empty shells, one of seventeen chemicals, depending on which shell and an incantation. The incantation imbues the chemical with energy from your surroundings, that's why I make them in here, with all of these plants, plenty of energy." Gene then spoke the incantation low enough so that Fred couldn't hear. After the words left his mouth the plants in front of him wilted slightly and the salt in the shell began to glow with a soft green light. Gene showed the now charged shell to Fred then affixed the cap. Gene took the new shell, loaded it into his caster and said, "Let's step outside." Fred got up and followed Gene out to the corner of the roof and then Gene fired a blue-green bolt of energy from the caster. Gene turned to see and amazed look on Fred's face. Gene laughed and said, "I'll make shells for your customers that ask, but remember what I told you, you come to me first before you tell them anything." Fred just nodded with his mouth still half open. Gene laughed and said, "Come on, Melfina should have dinner ready, you're welcome to join us, but you'd better be polite to Mel. You might get your ass kicked if you not."

Jim and Aisha returned just as Gene and Fred came down to eat. Fred hadn't seen Jim in almost a year, so he began hitting on him with a renewed vigor. Jim sighed, rolled his eyes and tried to explain that he was with Aisha, but he couldn't get a word in. Finally Aisha growled loudly, and then said in a firm tone, "He's with me now." Then, as if to reiterate her point she pulled Jim into her arms and kissed him passionately. Jim returned the embrace and kiss with the same vigor he'd received them. When they separated, Jim and Aisha said "Got it?" in unison. Fred adopted a defeated expression and went to sit at the dinner table, where both Gene and Melfina sat laughing. After that little bit of drama had passed, the dinner went on pleasantly. Fred even gave Melfina several compliments on the lasagna she'd made.

The two of them made their way up to their way to their room. They settled in to bed, Aisha with her back against Jim's chest. Jim wrapped one arm around her. The two of them said I love you at the same time. Jim chuckled while Aisha purred. The two of them settled into a peaceful sleep.

Jim's alarm woke him at seven, an hour before he was to meet Suzuka. He drank a cup of coffee, ate an orange, and then went up to the deck. He inhaled sharply as he stepped out into the cool morning air without a shirt on. He began going through the forms Suzuka had shown him the previous day. He chuckled after completing the set of forms and poses. It amazed him that he remembered the entire set. Then he remembered why he was doing it and he started going through the set again. After completing the forms a third time, he sat down for a moment to let his stretched muscles relax some. "Very good Jim, I only went over that level with you three times, and you have it memorized perfectly" Suzuka said from behind him. He chuckled and said, "I had a feeling someone was watching me. It surprised me too. But then I remembered why I was training in the first place. How long were you watching me?" Suzuka came and sat next to him and said, "The whole time. I was on the roof meditating when you began. From what I saw I'd say you're lower back and left shoulder are the only areas that are giving you any trouble." Jim nodded, "They're starting to loosen up more each time I go through the forms. By the way, does this stretching series have a name?" Suzuka nodded and said, "It does, but it's another "house secret". If Melfina wasn't so important to the both of us, I wouldn't be teaching it to you." Jim nodded and thanked her, then stood and began going through the forms again, exaggerating and pausing on the form that stretched the muscles that were still giving him trouble. When he finally stopped at 10:00, he'd lost count of how many times he'd gone through the set. He sat next to Suzuka with a thump and said with a hint of humor, "I'm gonna be REALLY sore later." Suzuka smiled and said, "Go take a hot bath. Let the water run until it's just barely too hot. It will help your muscles contract without hurting too much." Jim thanked her and went downstairs and took a nearly scorching bath.

After a week of working through the first level, Jim could complete the whole set with ease. Suzuka began teaching him the second level and a few basic defensive moves. As with the previous level, Jim learned very quickly. He was both amazed and proud that he was impressing Suzuka.

Two weeks after Gene had talked to Fred about caster shells Gene got a call from Fred, who asked if he could pass Gene's info onto his client Gene gave him the go ahead. When he was off the phone he asked Jim to pull up the report they had kept of shell prices before Gene learned how to make them. The two of them worked out the average price of each shell so Gene would have something to base his prices off of in case Fred's mystery client decided to buy some.

In the third week of Jim's training with Suzuka she told him to take the defense he'd learned and apply it in a knife fight with Gene. The next morning Gene, Jim and Suzuka all met on the deck. Jim and Gene each had one of the "Shock Sticks" as Gene had called them. Suzuka gave Jim one last tip before he began, "When Gene comes at you, just take a deep breath and wait, your instincts will tell you what to do." Jim was going to ask her what she meant but was interrupted by Gene calling out, "Are we going to do this or not?" Jim turned and said, "Ready when you are." They faced off and Jim was surprised to find that he wasn't nervous at all, but calm. Then he saw Gene shift his weight forward. Jim closed his eyes and took a deep breath, when he opened them, he could see that Gene was coming at him but it seemed like he was moving in slow motion. Jim easily side stepped a lunge from Gene and scored a touch on Gene's right flank. Jim was surprised again when he saw Gene double over. "I guess these things do pack a punch." Jim thought to himself as he prepared to attack. Jim grabbed Gene's hair and pressed the hilt of the electric weapon to Gene's throat, then simply said, "I win." Jim released him and Gene shrugged it off, calling it beginner's luck. The two of them went at each other a total of ten times and each time they met, Gene's movements seemed slower to Jim. By the end of the tenth bout, Gene hadn't touched Jim once. Suzuka stepped in between the two and said, "I think Jim has demonstrated his proficiency with a blade." Gene nodded and Jim just stood there, amazed by the fact that he had beaten Gene each time. Suddenly, the edge of Suzuka's Vokudo was pushing against his throat. "You did very well Jim, even better than I expected, but don't let your guard down." Suzuka said from beside him. He smiled and nodded, "It was incredible. It was like he was moving in slow motion, and he got slower each time we fought." Suzuka nodded and said, "It's a combination of your reflexes and the fact you were expecting an attack from Gene, that's why you didn't see my attack. When we begin sparring, you'll learn to be aware of everything around you without trying." Jim grimaced somewhat at the thought of fighting Suzuka but he simply nodded and asked when they would begin, to which she replied, "Next week I will start teaching you offense and we'll go from there." Jim looked at her questioningly, but she simply laughed and said, "You don't expect me to believe that you forgot that your own birthday is this week?" Jim blinked and thought for a moment and then he began to laugh himself. Suzuka smiled and said, "Birthday or not, you've earned some time off." Jim nodded and thanked her, and then he thought of Aisha and blushed. He chuckled a little and said, "Time really does fly doesn't it. Thank you again for training me Suzuka." Again she smiled, "You're welcome Jim. I've enjoyed it so far and I think I understand you better now." She trailed off, as if thinking to herself. Jim went over to the pool and splashed some water on his face to cool down a little, then he asked Suzuka if she would like to join him for lunch. She declined and said she was going to relax on the deck for a while.

Jim went downstairs and took a quick shower. He was surprised to find Aisha still in bed, half snoring, half purring. "How'd it go?" she asked when he finally managed to wake her. Jim smiled and said, "I beat him ten out of ten." She smiled and said, "I told you you'd do fine." Jim shrugged then said, "Come on and get up so we can go out for lunch." She nodded then paused. "Lunch?" she asked. Jim laughed and said, "Yep, it's two in the afternoon." She sat up and shook her head and said, "Wow, I knew I was tired last night but I didn't think I'd sleep all day." Jim laughed again and kissed her then said, "Come on, get dressed, I'm hungry." She nodded and stole another kiss as she got out of bed. Once she'd gotten up, she dressed quickly, and with some help from Jim, made quick work of her long hair.

They went into town to a nice dinner and were surprised to see Gene and Melfina sitting together in a small booth. Melfina noticed them first and motioned for them to join them. Jim and Aisha made their way over and sat down with them. Jim and Aisha placed their orders and then the four of them fell into a pleasant conversation. "I'm surprised to see you done so soon Jim; did Suzuka let you go early?" Melfina asked. Jim nodded and said, "Actually we didn't do anything after my fight with Gene, just talked about the next steps in my training, and she gave me the week off because of my birthday. Can you believe I got so wrapped up in training that I forgot my own birthday?" All three of them laughed and answered "Yes." The food arrived shortly after that and the conversation slowed while they ate. After the meal wore down, Jim asked Gene, "So how are you feeling? I could feel that shock stick vibrate each time I got you." Gene smirked and said, "You should have felt the other end. I'm fine now, save for a couple of burn marks. For the first five or so minutes after a touch, the muscles in that area cramp up so it feels like you really are wounded." Jim cringed a little and with a mocking tone said, "Well I guess it's a good thing you didn't get in a touch." Gene got a little more serious and said, "You laugh, but I didn't stand a chance. You were moving so fast I couldn't follow you at all. It was actually kinda scary. I guess Suzuka's training is paying off." Jim chuckled a little and said, "I guess so. When we started, I couldn't believe how slowly you were moving. Then I realized I was just more aware, like I was really paying attention for the first time." Aisha laughed and asked, "So do you think you could hold up against me?" Jim shrugged and said, "I don't know. Hell, a session against you might be a part of Suzuka's plan. We're going to start offense next week, so I'll probably be sparring soon." His tone was a little distant when he brought up sparring. Gene laughed and Melfina just smiled, while Aisha mumbled, "Bout time." With that Gene paid the tab and the four of them left the dinner and went for a stroll.

The two couples walked through the park near the dinner for a while, talking amongst themselves and taking a roundabout way back home. When they finally got back to the shop, they found that Suzuka wasn't there. They spent the rest of the afternoon just kicking back and on Jim's part, catching up on little things he'd missed or blocked out during the last three weeks of training.

As the evening wore on, Melfina began working on dinner, only to find she needed to make a quick trip to the store. "Jim, will you drive me to the market, we're out of potatoes?" Jim got up and said, "Sure." Jim went to the garage and brought Efrau around front where Melfina was waiting and the two of them drove down to the market a few blocks away from the shop. Jim and Mel made small talk while she looked for some decent potatoes. Once she found and paid for them, the two began back towards the car. From behind them, a man said, "Hey honey, why don't you ditch the pipsqueak and come have some fun with a real man." Jim started to turn but Melfina gave her head a slight shake. After a few paces the man grabbed Mel's shoulder and turned her around. She shook off his hand and slapped him so hard, the red hand print swole up almost immediately. The man just shook his head and said, "That wasn't very lady like." He made a waving motion and two other men came out of the shadows. Jim positioned himself between Melfina and the strangers. Jim began to say something but the first man cut him off, "Okay, both of you, wallets and jewelry on the ground." Jim shook his head and said, "No. You and your two girlfriends get out of the way, we're leaving." The three robbers jumped him. He pushed Melfina back and proceeded to tear them apart. He got them off of him, kicked one in the chest, backhanded another and broke the nose of the first man. The man clucked his nose and began to say something when Jim roared, "Shut up and bleed! We're leaving now." He turned into the fist of the man he'd kicked. Jim shook his head and then went at him, punching him twice in the gut and finishing with a roundhouse kick that hit so hard, he felt at least two of the man's ribs break. Jim was about to knock the man out when he yelled, "Suzuka set the up!" Jim was taken aback for a moment, which was all the men needed to escape. Jim took a couple deep breaths and became aware of someone behind him. He spun to find Suzuka standing behind him with a smile on her face holding the bag of potatoes. He began to say something when he felt a slight pinch near the base of his neck and fell forward. Suzuka caught Jim as he fell toward the ground, unconscious.