Strange Bedfellows

Strange Bedfellows: Part III - The Start of a 'Hot' Pursuit...

Gene stared at the huge industrial building, taking in the cameras and other obvious safety measures. Then he began to pick out the more subtle ones: sensors...and likely spots for hidden surveillance. "Shit! And I thought the first place was tough...."

Jim chuckled and handed Gene a keycard. "There's scrubs in the trunk...along with more caster shells. Just make certain to cover your cheeks. The scars are way to distinctive."

Gene pulled out the ugly green robes and peeled off his cloak, dimly noting it still smelled like Reikiki. "I know.... I know...you don't have to tell me. Just keep them out of my way, okay?"

Jim gave him the thumbs up. "You got it!"

* * *

Rei sighed. I hope Gene and Jim were able to get away
safely, he
thought, beginning to shiver from the cold in the small room. Gene.... I am sorry.... I caused you so much trouble.... And now I will never get to apologize to him.... He sighed. I suppose it is for the best.... Without me, Gene and Jim will be able to escape much easier....

His mind was wandering, unconsciously sensing his surroundings. He felt a familiar mind brush against his. It was a distance away...and his head still wasn't quite straight.... Gene?! No, what are you doing?! Worry about yourselves, forget me...! Gene wouldn't be able to hear his thoughts, he knew, but his mind was too far gone at that point to register that little fact.

* * *

Gene did his best to pretend he actually belonged amongst all the green and white coats in the halls. He'd donned a mask to cover his face, but it wouldn't be too much longer before someone noticed he wasn't heading into surgery or whatever they used the things for. Okay Gene, just remember Jim's schematic, find Rei, and get the hell out of Dodge.

A man caught sight of Gene as he was turning a corner. "Ah! Jarvis!" The man quickly fell into step beside Gene before he could get away. "How did that surgery go? Was it serious?"

Gene felt a huge sweatdrop form at his temple. He wiped it away and made a dramatic sigh and he slowly worked his caster forward. Thank the gods I had taser shot loaded. He smiled under the mask but shook his head as if the greatest of tragedies had just occurred. "It's serious all right..."

"How bad was it?" the doctor asked.

Gene leaned close to the other doctor. "As bad as it gets..." he replied. "I'm exhausted...I just need to get to the lounge and rest a moment. Walk with me?"

"Sure. If it's bad enough to get to 'The Unflappable Jarvis,' it's pretty bad...." The doctor set off for the lounge. Gene fell into step behind, an, and waited until they were alone in the lounge. Before the hapless doctor could turn around again he fired his caster, watching as the blue lightning crackled briefly over the green-clad body. The unconscious man slumped forward and Gene took a moment to divest him of his clothes and a real keycard. He slapped one of the ridiculous hospital robes onto his victim, wondering for a second why doctors insisted on having their patient's entire backside exposed. Still, I have to be authentic... need to get a stretcher before anyone comes by. It went surprisingly smoothly. He reached the area Rei was housed in without so much as a blink. He tried the real keycard first, but apparently the good doctor didn't have access to the area. So it was Jim's forged version or blast the glass.

Rei looked up through the haze in his mind and saw Gene trying to get in. His mind screamed, Gene! I knew it was you. No one else would have the aplomb to break into such a place! But you should not bother.... Not with me....

Gene took a deep breath and slid the card through. Jim goodgood, but was he good enough? The light stayed red and he cursed softly. He was about to pull out his caster when it blinked a few times then turned green. "Thanks Jim...." he whispered, not certain he'd be heard over the connection, but wanting to acknowledge it all the same. He dragged the good doctor in with him and pulled down his mask. "Well hello stranger! Did you miss me?"

Rei lifted bleary eyes and acknowledged the question, but did not answer it. He was just too weak. Whatever he'd been given was still in his system too much for him to form a coherent thought. The winged boy did, however, attempt to communicate his state of incapacitation with a groan of defeat.

Gene frowned, Rei looked terrible, even his wings looked droopy. He picked the doctor up in his arms and deposited him beside the despondent alien. "Well.... I've heard of your cold receptions...but sheesh." He picked the auburn-haired youth up, alarmed at how weak he seemed. "Come on Rei, we're getting out of here.'ll 'll need to lay on your back I'm afraid, will you be okay?"

Rei nodded. At that point he really could no longer feel anything, so it wouldn't bother him. The winged boy dimly hoped that this drug, whatever it was, wouldn't kill him, but he was almost certain that it would.

Gene gently laid Rei on the stretcher and began to cover him with the sheet. "Try to lie still.... We're heading for the morgue. Jim will be waiting at the exits near it." He paused just before pulling the linen over Rei's face and pressed a quick kiss to the cool dry forehead. "Don't give up Rei.... We'll make it out of this. Then me and Jim are going to find a place you can be free."

Rei smiled slightly as Gene's lips touched his forehead, but otherwise, he didn't react. Where I can be free...? Is there such a place...? he thought to himself. Geusheushed the gurney into the hallway and began heading to the elevator. He was almost disappointed when he reached the morgue without incident. Don't look a gift ship in the thruster, Gene, just get gone! He whisked the sheet off and gently lifted the alien once more. He made certain the coast was clear, before sprinting as quickly as possible to the waiting car. Rei didn't seem to care about anything at that point, finally passing the final stages into full-blown unconsciousness.

Gene's heart sank when Reikki's slumped against him. The young alien's body had gone completely limp; it was like cradling a rag doll. "Shit! He passed out...!"

Jim looked into the rearview mirror, but didn't see anyone tailing them. So he met Gene's gaze in the tiny reflection. "What're we gonna do Gene? We can't stay on Heifong..."

Gene suddenly felt like passing out right along with Rei. Please don't say it, please don't say it.

Jim sighed as he saw Gene go pale, he knew how much his friend hated space, but this was their lives at stake. "We have to leave the planet."

The redhead promptly fainted.

Jim sighed. "Oh well, it'll be easier getting him into the seat this way."

* * *

Gene slowly came to and blinked at the odd lighting. Where the hell am I?

"Finally awake I see..."

Gene rolled onto his side and frowned at Jim. "It's not like I meant to faint you know."

Jim shook his head and brought over a cup of tea. "Here...drink up. You'll need the fluid."

Gene sipped at the lukewarm beverage. "Why? Did I throw up or something?"

Jim shook his head. "No, but you will if you're dehydrated when they hit the hyperjets. The inertia dampeners on this tub aren't too hot." As if on cue Gene felt a lurch as the ship began making the huge jump in speed. His head spun a bit, but it wasn't as bad as it could be.hinghing was as bad as when he'd crashed in that escape pod so many years ago.

Rei slowly awoke, his mind not wanting to fully shake the fog of unconsciousness off. His unfamiliar surroundings frightened him for a moment before he remembered that Gene had rescued him. Gene.... he thought, why did you bother? You could have just gotten away and you would not have been in so much trouble. If they ever find you...all three of us will die....

Jim noticed Rei had woken and picked up another cup of tea for the alien. "Here you are.... It's not very warm anymore, but it's actually pretty tasty ideridering the accommodations." Rei sat up slowly and took the cup from Jim with a quiet thanks, taking a small sip.

Jim gave him a beaming smile and watched as Gene got to his feet and wobbled over. The young boy leaned in to whisper, "Gene has a space phobia, he won't be himself until we're back on solid land." Rei nodded, then reached his mind out to Gene's as best as he could considering his still somewhat dazed state, attempting to at least help the redhead out a little. He felt he owed Gene for saving his life, and the least the winged boy could do was try to make Gene feel a little better.

Gene plopped down on the mattress beside Rei and moaned a bit. "At least there's no windows. I can psyche my out out."

Jim gave Gene a comforting smile. "I'm going to go get us a meal. A little food might help, rice balls should be good." Gene waved a hand to indicate that was fine and the young blonde turned to Rei. "How about you, Reikiki; what would you like?"

Rei replied, "That will suffice. Thank you." He smiled weakly at Jim.

Jim nodded and left the room. The door shut behind him with a hiss and a click. Gene sighed and sat up. "I know Jim means well, but I swear he treats ike ike he's my wife or something sometimes." The space pirate stood up again and began to walk a bit, getting a little steadier with each step. "Good...starting to adjust." He turned around and smiled at Rei. "You doing okay?"

Rei nodded. "Yes, the efs ofs of whatever drug I was given seem to be fading. I am still a bit dazed, but I suppose that is to be expected."

Gene nodded. "That's great! I bet the Professost bst be seething right about now... Heh, well just have hide out on...umm...where are we going anyway?"

"Er.... I have no idea...." the winged boy replied somewhat sheepishly. "I believe Jim intends to attempt to return me to my home planet. Yet...I have no idea how long I have been away.... It may no longer exist."

Gene grinned, "Hey, planets don't exactly up and disappear you know... They may be marooned from time to time, but they rarely disappear." He bit his tongue. "So...are the other denizens of this planet as cute as you?"

Rei blushed a bit and looked down. "I...suppose...."

Gene chuckled, but then the ship gave another lurch and his face went pale all over again. He sat back down heavily, flopping on the mattress beside Rei. "Aww fuck! I know we were in a rush but couldn't you have picked a newer ship, Jim? This is playing hell with my system." The winged boy snickered a bit, careful to hide it from Gene. The redhead let one eye peek out from under the gloved hand spread over his face. "Are you laughing?"

"I suppose I am," Rei replied softly, still grinning.

Gene pouted. "Oh, great; I'm miserable and you're laughing." The pout grew even more dramatic and obviously fake. "I'm so under-appreciated..."

Rei poked the redhead lightly in the side. "Come now, it cannot be as bad as that...."

Gene barely covered a chuckle. "Oh yes it is... I might even pass out." Then he gave the alien his best puppy-dog face. "If I do will you give me mouth to mouth?"

Jim walked in at just that moment and pull one small fist to his hip. "Fishing for sympathy again Gene? Jeez..." He set down the tray he'd been balancing. "Anyway! The ship has stopped to refuel and pick up some supplies. We can go explore the station if you like."

"It would help if I were to acquire some clothing...." Rei commented sheepishly.

Jim blushed a bit and nodded. "Yeah...sorry I didn't bring any for you, but we didn't really have any time. So I guess we go shopping, you should be able to get away with the cloak if you borrow a pair of Gene's boxers." The blonde grinned, I hear this station is pretty impressive, got a great view of the star--oops."

Gene tried not to panic. You can do this, Gene Starwind...Rei can't stay like this without arousing suspicion...among other things. The red-head let out a sigh. "Don't worry.... I can do this. We just avoid the observation area."

Jim nodded. "Cool!! We can get you some real clothes now Rei! Better eat first though.... We may have to walk a ways."

Rei simply nodded and began eating, somewhat aware of Gene's thoughts and understanding them a bit better. He mentally shook his head. Perhaps I am still dazed from the drug I was given, he thought to himself. He was only with me at...Fong's Pleasuredome...because he had to. He could not possibly feel...that...for me.... The winged boy found himself hoping Gene actually felt something for him.

Gene nibbled absently on a huge rice ball, like the tea, it was surprisingly good given the appearance of the ship. The filling was a bit lumpier than he liked, but it was tasty, and it soothed his nausea a bit. He looked at Rei from the corner of his eye while he used his tongue to scoop out the sweet bean paste. I know it's best...but God...I'll miss you Rei. Part of me doesn't want to let you go.

The winged boy glanced up in time to see Gene go to work on the rice ball. He had to look away before his body betrayed him. Stop thinking about that, he chastised himself. They will be gone soon, and you will miss him too much if you.... Oh, what am I saying? I will miss him anyway....

Gene sucked out the last of the bean past and popped what remained of the rice ball into his mouth. He swallowed it down and drank some more tea. "Ahh...that is a bit better. Everyone ready to go?" Jim nodded and finished the last of his own rice ball in one huge bite. "How about you Rei?"

Rei finished his rice ball as well. "Yes. I am ready to go."

Gene nodded and shrugged off his cloak, handing it to Rei. He bent over his duffel bag and began tossing the contents carelessly over the bed in his quest for clean undies. He gave a small laugh of triumph as he surfaced with his prize, then frowned at the mess he'd made. Shrugging he stuffed everything back in haphazardly. He had to kneel on the bag and hop slightly to get it to zip again--but hey it all fit and that's what counted. The winged boy accepted the cloak and boxers without complaint and donned them. "I hope I do not get us arrested for indecent exposure..." he commented somewhat wryly.

Gene shook his head. "Nah...just be sure you don't let the front fall open." The redhead grinned. "Now let's go!"

A few minutes later the trio found exactly what they were looking
for...a shop that specialized in clothing for taller men. Gene smiled at the alien and waved a hand at the racks. "Pick whatever you like Rei."

Rei looked at the clothing racks, perusing the articles of clothing there. Then a few garments caught his eye-an olive-green poncho, a pair of simple brown pants, and a pair of black, flat-soled boots that would reach about to mid-calf. Finally.... Something I am accustomed to wearing, he thought with a smile as he picked the garments from the rack.

While Rei was picking out his clothes Gene brought up the subject of getting Rei back home. "I dunno Jim... I mean...we don't even know how he got to Heifong in the first place. Is this really the best way?"

Jim rolled his eyes. "Of course it is Gene. He needs to be with his own people. The only reason the scientists wanted him is because they thought his kind were extinct."

Gene leaned down. "That's exactly what I mean. What if they were right?"

Jim let out an exasperated breath. "It's obvious they weren't or Rei wouldn't be here!"

Gene growled. "You know what I meant!"

Jim replied, "Only because I'm used to your idiotic logic!"

Gene growled, "Idiotic!" He grabbed Jim around the throat and began to wrestle. "I'll show you idiotic...! Wait...that didn't come out right."

Rei looked over at the Gene and J dis display and sighed. He walked over to the pair and batted them both affectionately on the backs of their heads. "If you two are quite done, I have found something suitable to wear...."

Gene winced and rubbed the back of his head. "Hey!! What'd you do that for?"

Jim took the rare opportunity to elbow Gene in the gut and grinned at Rei as the redhead doubled over. "Looking good Reikiki!"

The olive-colored poncho hung loosely over Rei's thin frame, complimenting his complexion in the subtlest of ways. As an afterthought, he'd picked up a white shirt that was basically nothing but long sleeves and a front, with straps that fastened around his neck and waist. The sleeves of the shirt were frilly, but not effeminately so. The simple brown pants hugged the alien's legs snugly, and the black, knee-high boots finished the look.

Gene grinned from his bent over position. "I agree. You look great! Do you need anything else?"

"No thank you," Rei replied. "This will do nicely, and you both have been generous enough with necessities for me." He blushed slightly, a bit embarrassed that he hadn't been able to help himself. On his planet, it was a man's duty to provide for himself and his family.

A voice in the back of his head asked matter-of-factly, What if they consider you their family?

Gene grinned and gave Jim a little 'love tap' on the top of the shaggy blonde head. "Don't sweat it Rei! Now...let's get some supplies and figure out where to go from here."

After a few more shops the trio took a seat in a nice little mom and pop style restaurant. The prices weren't nearly as bad as the more ritzy establishments and the food smelled heavenly. Gene plopped down in a booth and crossed his legs, leaving Jim no choice but to squeeze in beside Rei on the opposite side.

Jim ordered the special of the day, as did Gene. "How about you Rei? What would you like?" the redhead asked peeking around the side of his menu.

Rei looked at the menu he'd been given, a bit confused. He realized something else...he didn't understand the written language. "Er...what do you suggest...?" he asked a trifle sheepishly, trying to cover up his ignorance of the language.

Jim began pointing at the words. "...Well the special has miso soup, braised fish, steamed rice and red bean jelly... but the Peking tofu might be nice if you like spicy/sweet...oh and garlic chicken...wait...I think I'll change my order I didn't notice that had orange beef."

Gene blinked as the pair tried to make their decision. "I just want some sizzling rice soup...I'm willing to compromise on the rest." Rei blinked, confused for a moment, but finally decided on a simple bowl of fried rice.

The waitress bowed and went to fill their orders, leaving a pot of tea in her wake. "So...what do you do for fun Rei?" Gene asked causing Jim to choke on his cup of tea.

The winged boy raised an eyebrow at Jim's reaction. "Normally, were I on my home planet, I would be gathering food for the day. As to recreational activities, I suppose swimming and flight races," Rei replied.

Jim snickered as Gene's attempt at flirting fell completely flat, leaving his friend looking slightly dazed. "Where is your home Rei?" Jim asked as he replaced his lost tea with more from the pot.

The winged boy answered, "My home is a planet by the name of Perdaeta. I doubt that either of you has ever heard of it." He looked from Gene to Jim. He got a pair of very blank stares, before the pair shook their heads in tandem. "I thought not," Rei said wryly. Then he continued, "I have no idea where we are now, so I have no idea where exactly the planet is in relation to here. I do know that its orbit is nearly right next to a wormhole. Anyone coming from the other side could not miss it unless they did not look."

"Well..." Jim said a bit breathlessly, "at least that gives us a starting point."

"Yeah." Gene agreed. "The galaxy isn't exactly littered with wormholes."

"We'll need a ship though..." Jim cut off as the waitress returned with their meals. Gene gave her a smile that made her blush and asked for some melon soda. She nodded and dashed off to get the drink. "Well...let's eat! We can talk business later."

Rei nodded and began to eat his rice. The conversation had gotten him thinking about Perdaeta--his home, his family, his friends. What if there was nothing left? The state of the place when he'd left.... The winged boy broke off the thought when his distracted air became so obvious that Gene gave him a look. Gene set down his bowl of miso and frowned. "What's up Rei...? You look awfully down for a guy who just got rescued."

Jim groaned and put a hand over his face. I swear Gene Starwind...you haven't got an ounce of tact in your entire body.

Rei looked up at Gene. "I...began thinking about my home...all the people I have left behind...friends, family..." he replied softly, staring down at his partially emptied bowl.

Gene sighed. "I'm sorry Rei...we'll get you home. I promise. Just think positive!"

Jim rolled his eyes. "FIRST...we need a SHIP."

Gene shook his head. "Nope!" When the other two stared at him he chuckled. "We finish eating first...then we go ship hunting." Jim kicked him from under the table, making the redhead yelp and blush furiously at the waitress bringing him his soda. When she left again Gene growled at Jim. "Why you little..."

Rei laughed outright at this little display. Innocent blushes and cute smiles aside, neither Jim nor Gene had ever heard the alien laugh. Obviously, the auburn-haired boy had lapsed back into his native language for a moment, as the laughter had a musical sound to it.

The pair immediately dropped their aggressive act. "Wow Rei," Jim said, a little awed. "Your laugh sounds like music."

Gene nodded, "Yeah, it's beautiful." He absently ran a finger around the edge of his glass, making a soft sound similar to the note in Rei's laughter.

Rei blushed slightly. "...Thank you both," he replied. Watching Gene run his finger around the edge of his glass made the alien remember what had transpired in Fong's. He wondered something--if his pursuers hadn't interfered, and the person behind the glass had wanted it, would the space pirate have truly....

Gene, too, found himself thinking again of his all too short time with Rei. True it would take them time to get where they were going, but the idea the young alien would soon be out of his life made him feel gloomy for some reason. At least I got a few kisses.... But he knew deep down he'd wanted more. He shook his head. "Well...dinner's all done so we'd best move on!" he said a little too brightly. "Unless you guys want dessert."

Rei could sense the dark mood behind Gene's false lightness. The alien wondered if he was the cause of it. "No, thank you," Rei replied. "I have had enough to eat."

Jim shook his head as well. "I just want to get going... those guys are bound to be following us and we're more likely to loose them if we just keep moving."

Gene nodded, "Okay then! It's off to find a ship!"