Jim found himself suddenly worried about John once more. That Ctarl Ctarl hadn’t fled in fear. He’d just been biding his time for a chance to talk with Aisha alone. His wife, Aisha? For some reason he couldn’t entirely explain he felt growing rage and loathing in the pit of his stomach. What was that bastard thinking? Did he think he could just sneak into Aisha’s room at night, whisper a few words of Terran inferiority, and then take her back to his place to mate? The thought made Jim sick to his stomach. Aisha deserved someone a hell of a lot better than him.

“Come on Aisha, I’ve got you.” Jim let Aisha put a little more of her weight on him.

She swooned slightly for a moment but Jim steadied her.

“Thanks Jimmy, I owe you one. Eaaaahhhhh!” Aisha yawned, “You know what? On second thought how about we just rest here for while?”

She had been completely drained of strength. The sudden surprise of seeing the dangerous Ctarl Ctarl slaver gaping at her, then belittling her after awaking her, had gotten her adrenaline pumping. Now though, after her taxing transformation…….. Aisha tried to withdraw her arm from Jim but he grabbed onto her.

“No Aisha, I’m sorry but I think it would be best if we got back home.”

“Come on Jimmy, 40 winks. Just a little catnap I promise.” Aisha yawned again.

Jim shook his head furiously. It was too dangerous. They couldn’t risk being cut off from their friends, alone and vulnerable. What if the Ctarl Ctarl came back while Aisha was resting? What if he’d gone to summon more Kei pirates like the ones they’d fought earlier? They’d be easy pickings. Even the bartender was a threat. After demolishing his place he had probably called the cops. Terran officers weren’t very tolerant when it came to Ctarl Ctarl related incidents. Aisha could find herself locked up without trial. No, it was best to keep moving, to get back to Starwind and Hawking Enterprises.

“I’m sorry Aisha, I really am, but we can’t stay here.”

“Ugh, all right but you’re carrying me.”

Aisha wasn’t completely joking. She made it a couple dozen meters out the door and onto the side walk when she fell down on top of Jim. Jim went to his knees but was able to remain standing. He blushed furiously when he realized one of Aisha’s ample boobs was resting on the back of his head.

“Ergh, come on Aisha!” He wrapped her arms around his waist. Aisha was still on her feet…… sort of. Though her full weight wasn’t on him and she was still able to move her legs, most of her weight was now on her young companion. He’d have to give her half a piggy back ride to get her back. Lurching forward Jim slowly started to make his way back home.

Gene, Suzuka, and Melfina met them half way. Though they hadn’t heard Hojoma and Aisha’s conversation they’d heard the initial 5 second battle. They’d gone to investigate but only found an empty room and an open window when they went in to check up on Aisha. Soon they had realized Jim was missing as well.

“What happened?” Gene cried out, he moved forward to greet them.

He was visibly shocked to see Aisha so drained.

A Ctarl Ctarl, from the slavers warehouses, showed up in Aisha’s room. He…….” Jim felt the anger coming back, filling him up, “He…… wanted to maker her his bride! He wanted to mate with her.” Jim spat the words bitterly.

Gene was surprised to see Jim so angry, he hadn’t realized how much Aisha meant to him.

“What happened to you? Were you kidnapped?” Suzuka asked as she and Melfina gently took Aisha off of Jim’s back.

“Yeah, he used me to get Aisha to follow him away from Starwind and Hawking’s.” Jim didn’t like being used, especially by someone who’d use him against his big sister.

Now free of Aisha he was able to act out his anger. He kicked a nearby can sending it flying.

“He came into your room and took you?” Suzuka asked, ignoring Jim’s outburst.

“No I…….. kind of fell asleep in Aisha’s room. We’d been watching a movie and afterwards Aisha got a little long winded”

Aisha growled slightly, “What? Long winded?!”

“Well anyway,” Jim cut in nervously, “long story short I ended up falling asleep in her room.”

“I’m just surprised that these slavers are bold enough to attack us at night within our own home. Slavers don’t usually tend to be the brave of people. Going into the enemies den alone is very……. reckless.” Suzuka pondered Hojoma’s actions allowed.

Gene’s eyes filled with what seemed to be concern “Hmmm, it seems things are more serious than I thought.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, “Well I don’t see any way around it. Melfina, it’s now imperative that we sleep together for safety purposes.”

“Oh you idiot!” Suzuka smacked him upside his head with the sheath of her katana, “Two of your friends are attacked in the middle of night and all you can think about is sex with Mel?!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Gene yelled back rubbing the side of his smarting head, “If you want to join in on the action I’d be up for a threesome.”

THWACK!!!!!

Gene was down for the count.

“Great,” Jim gripped, “Now we’ve got TWO people we need to drag back home.”