Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Killian stayed up most of the night. He watched the door long after his aunt left. They all seemed very kind and accepting. Perhaps Star was right. Talking like he had wasn't appropriate. Finally he leaned back into the sofa and pushed the button to turn toward the window. He could see the sky from here. It was a light purple with streaks of green in it. It was pretty, different, and exotic in comparison to the night sky in the Heuth system. Finally he got tired enough to head off to the only room with an open door. Inside there was a huge bed.

A grin began to spread over his face. This bed was large enough for two people his size. It felt luxurious and firm. Not a bed that a person sunk into and practically smothered themselves in. When he laid down it had the slightest amount of give to it.

Sitting up in his bed Killian reached under his pillow for the gun he had. The man that burst through his door gave a very succinct message. It all sounded fine and he relaxed until the man ended his report with the news of 20 minutes and then guiding them to the main hall. The captain growled. "We'll be ready in 20 minutes. Now get out." Throwing his covers back he started to march about the honeycomb of rooms. "Get out all of you out!"

Servants scuttled about like beetles and rushed out the door in a flurry. Meeting Star and the other's gazes he gave a very brief explanation. "They've invited us to breakfast in 20 minutes and we're to be escorted. I don't want their charity. Let them discover Heuth for themselves. We're going. Pack up." Since they hadn't any belongings to speak of he was ready in about 5 minutes with his boots tied on and a fire in his eyes.

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After several attempts at starting the machine Killian cursed and began to tear apart the control console. There had to be something wrong with it. By now they were 5 minutes late for breakfast. Obviously being prompt was a thing around here because he could already see his family gathering around the ship outside and a few others. Most of them were well dressed. Sighing he let go of the thrust and started out the back of the ship.

"Killian your ship suffered a critical failure when it landed." The aunt slowly approached him. They had already discovered that her presence was more acceptable to the nephew. "We don't have what it takes to mend your ship. There is enough money in the estate to buy a new one. We have much better ships than these." He was roamer and they liked that. Explorer and he already had his own entourage of servants or slaves. "Come and eat with us."

It was impossible to refuse. He couldn't leave and he was standing here in front of the crew. They were going to be hungry and he could feel Timo tugging at his hand. "Fine." Reluctantly he followed them back to the dining hall. The table was piled high with food and monstrous plates set at each place.

Andy sat down and found that the table was almost as high as her armpits. Timo was barely able to peer over the edge of it. Servants quickly arrived with little boosters for them and offered some to Mike and Star as well. The older man refused the booster though he did smile when he glanced over and saw the booster under Andy.
 
Star accepted the booster, figuring it would be much more comfortable than trying to strain her arms. She smiled up at the servants and thanked them but got no response in return. Awkward... She looked to her right where Killian sat. This place was made for him. Unlike the tables in the ship, this one he didn't have to squeeze into or restrain himself to avoid knocking things over. There was finally plenty of food, enough for him to satiate the appetite she knew he had but rarely showed. At the same time she could sense his stress. He didn't like being trapped and knowing that the ship wasn't going anywhere added to that stress. She reached for his hand under the table, attempting to reassure him.

The family sat and talked...mostly his Aunt did the talking, asking various questions about the human world and where he'd come from. Part way through the meal another woman walked into the room. This one was a mere inch or two shorter than Killian and was very beautiful. She held herself with a sense of elegance and pride. "Ah, Killian." His aunt says with a tone of pride. "Allow me to introduce Merris. She is a close friend of mine and insisted on meeting you. Merris inclines her head to him, smiling like she held an important secret. "A pleasure to meet you, Killian. I grew up hearing stories of the lost Laulorin family. Too think, the long lost son has returned and just in time to inherit his estate." She smiles knowingly at Killian's brother who's frown turned harder. She sat in a seat on Killian's other side, not even regarding his other companions. "Tell me, how does it feel to be back home in the place you belong?"
 
Sitting at the table was comfortable anyway. The entire place was comfortable in size. Even the portion of food was satisfying. Killian carefully rested one hand below the table on his lap while he ate the food. His fist was clenched tightly but, it relaxed when he felt the warm little hand sneak over his paw like hand.

"How did you end up becoming a captain of a ship?" His aunt peered up from her plate of food and politely set her fork aside. She listened to the tale with great intent. Her eyes flashed briefly and she nodded. It seemed to get a positive response from them. In fact they were quite pleased with the method in which he had dispatched of an entire crew at such a young age. Even for a Chippequoti that was impressive. "This is the ship that you stole when you were a youngster?" The woman's smile faded when she heard that it was not and the smaller gray haired fellow had been the one to acquire it after he shot the nephew. It was a brilliant strategy but, hardly one that any self respecting Chippequoti would put themselves in. Perhaps the rustic human nature had been somewhat adopted by him. He was after all raised in it. There was yet a satisfying amount of their own ways left in the man. Enough that she shouldn't be ashamed if Merris came. Her nephew was sure to be a curiosity and everyone wanted to meet him now that he'd returned.

Killian sat in the room for what felt like forever. Even long after the food was gone he sat and answered question after question. His hand started to sweat and he adjusted his grip so Star wouldn't get a sweaty hand too. The more they spoke the easier it seemed to get. Both his Aunt and Uncle seemed quite eager to accept him and they wanted his acceptance to. It was a new feeling and he wasn't so sure that it was a bad thing.

While they were visiting a tall female entered. Her hair was different than some. It was long, deep red tone and covered in gold ornaments. The woman's skin was a satisfying tan and her form a perfect hourglass. She was obvious in her affection. So far they were all very open in their affection and yet it was still cool. In many ways it was a comfortable sort of affection. Killian turned his head toward her. "Strange." That was perhaps the only word he could think of to describe it. Momentarily it felt like Star's grip on his hand tightened and he glanced toward her before looking back at the alien woman. She was oddly very beautiful. He'd never dreamed that there would be a host of women his size nor this lovely. Human women that grew close to his size were often ugly. "Are you family?" Quietly he asked the question half in fear that she was.

Merris smiled. "A friend of your Aunt's. Didn't you listen?" She knew very well he hadn't. While she didn't possess a completely pure blood line she still had her merits and it was beauty with a scheming mind.
 
Star immediately didn't like Merris, and as she had feared Killian was instantly drawn to her. She gripped his hand, as if that would help keep his attention away but he only glanced at her for a moment before returning his attention to Merris. Kato sat across the table from Star, noting the scene. In his mind he was egging Killian on to go ahead and prove what a horrible fit he was Star. Better he break her heart now that Kato may be there to comfort her than after she'd fully fallen for him.
Timo ate happily at the meal, trying everything he didn't recognize and constantly telling Andy what she should try next or what she should avoid. "This is cool right? We're surrounded by aliens and they are super nice." He says with a loud whisper to Andy.

"You must be incredibly resourceful and clever to have survived the way you did all those years in the human realm." Merris smiles flirtatiously, and strokes a soft finger along his arm. "And now that you've returned, you can put that resourcefulness to good use. A man like you could easily climb the ranks and become one of the most powerful men in the city." She watches his eyes for any hint of a whetted appetite.
 
Killian tensed when he felt the finger begin to stroke his arm. Carefully moving his arm away from her he glanced to the side. "Maybe." Becoming a man powerful in the city wasn't really what he wanted. The longer he stayed in a home the more he found that he didn't like it. Roaming the galaxies in a ship was far more appealing. "You seem to be resourceful and clever yourself." A mischievous grin came to his face. There were enough prostitutes back on the planets at home that had tried that sort of line on him. The woman's face seemed to show signs of shock as if she understood exactly what he was hinting at.

Quickly it turned to a mess. His Aunt rose from her seat indignantly. "Resourcefulness is a quality to be admired not mocked. Merris is a very resourceful and clever woman as you have noted." Sitting down again she smiled at the woman as if it were an approval to continue.

It was slightly shocking to have the aunt become so upset over it. Killian swallowed and quietly listened to the woman though he felt somewhat uncomfortable with the proximity of the female. Finally he'd had enough and he stood up. "I need to walk."

Merriss was more than pleased to hear it. Killian it turned out hadn't learned to be lazy Chippequoti. He was a vigorous one. Her eyes lit up again and she stood. "Would you care for company?"

"No." Killian rose from the table and tugged gently on Star's hand. He wanted her to come with. Perhaps they wouldn't feel quite so open to disturb him if he had Star with. He'd barely left the room and the aunt turned toward Kato. "Has my nephew chosen a mate yet?" She wanted to see him paired with a suitable life partner and if he had a human one she was eager to discover how long the life expectancy would be.
 
Star eagerly joined him as he stood to leave. "Thankyou." She says with a sigh of relief when they were out of earshot. She still held his hand tightly, not caring about the sweat that permeated both their hands. "That woman was getting suffocating. I didn't like the way she was flirting with you." She glares at the air as if she were glaring at Merris. Star looks up at him. "Stay away from her if you can, alright?"
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Kato watched them go then turned to answer the aunt's question. "Well, he and Star are quite close." His jaw tenses. "I'm not sure either of them would call the other a 'mate' yet, but they are headed in that direction."
"I see." Merris glanced in the direction they had fled, her lighthearted expression turning stern. Kato didn't like the look on her face. "Tsk...that little human is barely worth his time." She says to the rest of the family, not caring if the tiny humans heard her. They were nothing in her mind. No more than amusing playthings.

Kato stands having heard enough of the conversation, "Thankyou for the meal. We appreciate it." Their cold response left them all feeling uncomfortable as they retreated to back to the room series they'd been given.
"UGH! I'm sooo full!" Timo collapsed on the couch. He shrieked as Andy made as if to sit on him. "NO! I'll puke all over you!"
"Hmm, I'm not sure how I feel about these people. They clearly have alterier motives with Killian." Kato says in general, though he was standing next to Mike. "Should we be worried about him?"
 
The instructions from Star were slightly amusing. Killian looked at her and shrugged. "Well I can try. If you haven't noticed people around here waltz through the doors whenever they want and they seem to be much more physical." Which in some ways wasn't so bad. He'd never thought that he liked to be physical but, that was because people seemed to equate it with feeling. It wasn't necessarily the feeling so much as it was just another way of communication. One that was far deeper than he liked to admit. "Maybe we should see if there is such a thing as locks on the doors or I'll see what it is to get that estate so we can be left alone. Get Timo into a school or something. He thinks he wants to be an explorer."

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Killian returned to the room with Star after a long walk. Taking her out to the balcony he peered over the edge. "It's a ways down there." He was still half tempted to find a way to get out of this place without being followed. Though it might have appeared they were alone he knew they were being followed. Turning slightly he rested his hands on Star's waist. "So you notice anything else around here?" There was a chance that she may have seen things that he hadn't.

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"I want to make sure he's truly a full bred. How do we know he isn't part human?" The brother peered at the aunt and uncle. They were pushing for Killian to claim his half of the estate and Ogun didn't want to split it. He'd also been proven as only a half brother. A result of an extramarital affair. If Killian wanted it Ogun would have to challenge him and Killian was likely the stronger blooded of the two. His best time to make the challenge would be as soon as possible. Maybe his brother would be too afraid after living all these years with an inferior race. Killian had obviously adopted many of their customs.

Nerine looked to her husband and then back to the eldest nephew. "Oh there is a simple way to test it. We all know you must test the bones. I'll be waiting." Grabbing a handful of her dress she lifted it slightly and started for the honeycomb that the guests stayed in.

The older brother smiled. This test was a sure way to eliminate a weak link. Every man had to pass the test of his bones if he was to inherit land. Otherwise they were assigned to be servants. Taking a small walk to an adjacent building he watched the sniper begin to take aim. "Only aim at my brother. He's fond that slave on the balcony with him." Slowly the sniper squeezed the trigger and then he watched the brother crumple. "Its done." Packing the gun into its case again he started down the stairs next to the brother. "You think that he will challenge you for the estate? Will he take it all or only half?"

"I don't care what he wants. I was going to have it all until he returned and now he has a rightful claim to half." Ogan tilted his head slightly. "Killian isn't my brother. He has become weak by adopting the humans. They are a weak alien race."

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Killian grinned at Star when she made a semi-funny statement. "Well y...." Crumpling to the ground a steady flow of blood came from his temple. Within seconds the blood covered his face.

Mike saw the captain fall and he darted for the doorway. "Star get in here!" He didn't know if the sniper was still out there but, he couldn't have her out there panicking. Reaching around the corner he pulled Killian's limp body toward them. "Oh...." The engineer stared helplessly at the injury. A bullet to that part of the brain was completely fatal. "Someone must have wanted him dead pretty badly."

Hearing the panic inside Nerine rushed through the door. Her face clearly demonstrated more curiosity than concern. Peering around the huddled mass of people she finally grew irritated as they tried to coddle her nephew. "Get out of the way." Pushing Mike aside she kneeled next to the bloodied nephew. Putting her hand over his mouth she could feel he was still breathing. "Put him in his room. He'll be fine." Getting an odd look from the rest of them she smiled. "It was simply the test of bones." Fleshy wounds still took time to heal as did bruises. However, the bones were not easily damaged.

The engineer ran up to her almost angrily. "What do you mean!? This test of bones?"

"Hasn't he ever broken a bone before?" She mostly suspected that he hadn't.

"Yes he limps. He's broken one....bone twice." Mike was suddenly starting to realize that all those years he thought Killian was lucky such as nearly being beaten to death it wasn't bones that were broken and he wasn't nearly so close to death as they thought. The captain slept it all off in a few days. They should have broken several bones if they beat him with clubs like he said. The crate that fell on him. Killian had never said how much it weighed and if it only broke the bone....if it was loaded such as the story indicated it should have shattered the bone. It also explained all the broken drill bits and the problematic surgery that Kato performed on the leg. It was incredibly difficult to fix the metal in his leg.

"One bone?" The woman stared at him with some skepticism. "Tell me about this." A brief history explained it and she smiled politely till he mentioned the procedure that Kato had tried to perform to fix the leg. Glowering at the group of little humans she grabbed the dress and whipped out of the room leaving them with her nephew. In time she would remove him from their constant hovering. To be sure there was no trickery she sent a guard to stand outside his door.

Killian laid in the bed for several hours with blood dripping from his head. When he began to stir it felt like the pillow was sopping. Reaching up he felt his head. "Owe..." Groaning a bit he started to pick at it till he found something hard stuck in in the skin. Digging at it he winced and he felt a new rush of blood when the object finally came loose. Opening one eye he almost yelled out of shock. "Its a bullet! Somebody shot me in the head." Then he grew angry. "Whoever that was I'm gonna kill em." Despite the roaring headache he stormed to the door and tore it open. Shoving the guard aside he then used the back of his hand to wipe the blood away from his face.

Marching down to the dining hall he met his Aunt. "Someone had me shot. I want to know who it was."

A gentle smile came to her face. "Killian it was your brother, Ogan. Did you want to do something about this?"

"I want to kill him!"
 
"Maybe we should see if there is such a thing as locks on the doors or I'll see what it is to get that estate so we can be left alone. Get Timo into a school or something. He thinks he wants to be an explorer."
"Are we really going to stay that long though?" Star shook her head. "I'm not sure I like the idea of him being put in an alien school. We don't know enough about this culture. He could end up being bullied to death." She squeezed Killian's hand. "Let's wait for a while before making that sort of decision." He nodded in agreement and they continued to walk around, exploring the beauty and intrigue of the new planet they were on.

Finally they made their way to the balcony. Killian's hand came to rest on her hip and she leaned against him, her head on his chest. "So you notice anything else around here?"
Star shrugged. "I think there's alot more going on here than meets the eye. I feel like everything they say has some sort of hidden meaning or expectation behind it that we aren't catching." She looks up at him as he looks down at her.
"Well..." Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by loud crack and splatter of blood hot blood spraying her over her face. Killian fell from her, hitting the balcony floor hard.
"KILLIAN!" She screeched, falling to his side. She put a hand on either side of his cheeks turning his head towards her. She knew he was dead. A bullet to the brain. And yet she screamed his name as if by some miracle he would still open his eyes.

Star vaguely heard Mike in the background of her panic to come inside. Mike grabbed his arm and with much effort and with the help of Kato pulled the man inside away from the aim of the sniper. Star fell on him as soon as was inside, sobbing into his shirt. It was, without a doubt, the worst moment of her life. You were going to be the one...you were going to be the one. Someone forceably pulled her away as the aunt came in. Kato wrapped her in his arms as she sobbed painfully into his chest. The woman said something about Killian being fine and a 'test of the bones', but he didn't believe her. He half suspected that it was just a ploy to keep them calm until they could figure out what to do with them. Kato looked down at Star. She was still too panicked and sobbing to hard to have heard what the aunt said. For that he was glad. She didn't need that sort of false hope.

Star lets Kato guide her away. Once in her room he finds a towel, dampens it and kindly begins to wipe the blood from her face and hair. "I'm sorry, Star. I'm so sorry."
She just shook her head, choking in air between desperate cries. "He was going to be the one...he was going to marry me."
Kato's eyes widened, wanting to question her further but knew she was too upset to answer any questions at this moment. He helped her lay down, covering her with a blanket as she continued to sob into the pillow. There were still streaks of his blood in her hair and on her clothes, but he'd done the best he could. For now, all he could do was sit with her and comfort her until she cried herself to sleep.
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Star cried for the next two hours before she fell asleep, completely exhausted. Even in her dreams though, she wept. Kato finally felt free to leave her and joined the rest of the crew who looked shell-shocked. Timo looked like he wanted to cry but wasn't sure if he needed to or not, considering what the aunt had said about him still somehow being alive. "I'll check on him. See if they are telling the truth." Kato assures them. He approaches Killian's door, but the guard stops him. "I'm Killian's doctor. Let me through." He orders. The guard sneers at him and pushes him away. Kato stepped forward again. "I said, i'm his doctor! If he really is alive, let me confirm!" The guard sniffed in disgust at Kato and continued to ignore him.

After trying for the next 20 minutes and getting no where he finally sat down with the rest of the crew. He shook his head, "I'm sorry. I don't see how even an alien could survive a bullet to the brain and live...no matter how strong the bones."

It wasn't until Killian came flying out of his room like a mad-man that the crew had confirmation of his survival. Blood covered his face like a bad horror film and Mike was too shocked to shield the boy from the sight. They all stared in shock as he stormed out of the room like some terrifying enraged bear. Kato stared, mouth open in shock. Were the people playing some sort of trick on them? How was he still alive!?

Kato jumped to his feet and followed him. Though Killian was way ahead of him, it wasn't hard to track the loud thumping and dripping blood. He found Killian just in time to hear him say, ""I want to kill him!"
The woman said something else to softly for him to hear then Killian stormed away. Not back toward the room but deeper into the city. Kato rushed after him and just managed to catch up with Killian's powerful long strides. "Killian! What are you doing!? Where are you going!?"
Killian's answer angered him. "What about your crew!? What about Star!?" He yells at Killian in outrage, still following after him. "Every one of us were certain you were dead. Star has been crying her guts out. Are you going to let her continue to think you're dead for the sake of some quick revenge!? And what if you really do get killed this time!? How could you do that to her!?"
 
Nerine could hear the foot steps coming toward the dining hall. She knew if she sat here long enough Killian would come to find her. That was if he had any of his instinct left. A smile spread over her face and she looked to her husband. Seemed that Killian still had plenty of his instinct left. Standing up to meet him she was more than pleased to hear his answer. Walking a bit closer she rested a hand on the front of his bloodied shirt. "Then you must issue a challenge against your brother. He lives on the street Yule number 3452. Go North for 5 meters and then turn East on Yule and his home will be there." Stepping away she watched the man brush at the fresh blood that was running along the side of his face and down his neck.

The smile faded from her face when she saw the doctor again. These humans were going to try and interrupt the natural process. This was the way of life. It was natural and it needed to be done. Only the strongest brother could survive if they both had ambitions. Some were only suited to be servants and she'd been afraid that Killian would be a servant if he had grown up among these small weak humans. Looking to her husband she hissed. "We'll separate him from his precious little weaklings. Especially the female. Merriss I think should visit him tomorrow while he recovers from the headache."

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Jogging out of the room Killian started for the front door and slowed to a walk. His head was still pounding but, the rage inside was far greater. Somehow he felt threatened and the best response was to eliminate the threat. They threatened him and his crew. What if they had shot Star? It was lucky they tried for him first. A voice sounded behind him and he stopped. Without turning to look at the doctor he answered. "I'm going to kill Ogar."

His stomach almost churned with the anger. Then Kato mentioned Star. He'd forgot if she was there when he left or not. Turning around he looked at the doctor and wiped at the blood running down the side of his neck. "Fine I'll come back for Star." Irritably he returned to the house and passed the dining hall and a gaping aunt. What bothered him more was that it felt like she had been part of this only he didn't know how. Why would the woman set him up like that and then encourage him to go kill his own brother. That was wrong wasn't it? He could see the reason in it, but it conflicted with so many things he'd learned growing up.

Killian came back through the door and Mike was still sitting in the same spot as earlier his mouth agape. Andy just shook her head and Killian passed them to go into the bathroom and try to clean up before going to Star. With a little help he got his head to stop bleeding. He almost forgot to change his shirt but, Kato pointed to it. Tearing the shirt off Killian reached into the closet and pulled out one of the strange robe type shirts that his people wore. Slipping his arms into the sleeves he tied the front of it and started for the room. Reaching up he felt the little gauze and tape pad over his temple before walking into the room.

The captain sat on the edge of her bed and rubbed her back. "Star I'm fine."
 
Star was lost in a hell of her mind's making. Here, Killian was shot again and again. Dying over and over...her helpless to do anything but watch. Her face was red and puffy from crying so hard, so long. Her head pounded and still the tears flowed. And then...a heavy weight sat next to her and a familiar hand came to rest on her back. The voice...Killian.
She looked up suddenly, not believing her ears. He was there...right next to her. A bandage over the place where he'd been shot. It was impossible. Was she hallucinating? She reached out a hand, grabbing his shirt. He was real.

Star sat up and wrapped him as tight a hug as she could manage, crying anew but this time in relief. "You died...you died..." She sobbed, her head pressed against his chest. "God, please don't be a ghost cruelly haunting me."
 
Killian watched the little woman almost without emotion when she sat up and grabbed his shirt. That action felt like she was pulling on his heart. Wrapping an arm around her he held her close. "No I didn't die, but I do have a killer headache." Gently he kissed the top of her head. "It was my brother. I'm going to kill him. Tomorrow I'm going to issue the challenge."

Surprisingly Star didn't seem to want him to do that. "Why not?" Killian gazed into her eyes. "He threatened me and the entire crew. I have to kill him. If I don't who will he hurt next? Will it be you, Mike, Kato, Andy, or Timo?" This was the logical process that he could see.
 
"I'm going to kill him. Tomorrow I'm going to issue the challenge."
"NO!" She grabbed him tighter, nearly beginning to panic again. She shook her head at the argument. At this moment it didn't matter. She didn't care what that bastard of a brother wanted to do next. "Then let's just leave! Let's just leave!" She pleads in the midst of tears. "You died. I saw the bullet hit you...I felt your blood...you were dead. If you challenge him, it could happen again." Her fingers dug into him, trying to hold him down. "You can't do that to me again. Don't make me go through that again. Please...let's just leave."
 
Star was going into a fit and he didn't know what to do about it. Killian blinked a few times. "Why would we run away?" They had barely got here and he didn't intend to spend time running. "If I win this fight we have a place to come back to." She was in a frenzy and kept repeating that he died. Tired out and his head hurting he finally relented for the time. "Alright lets just go to sleep and we can talk about it in the morning." Laying down on the other side of the bed he put a hand on her and gradually closed his eyes.

Early the next morning Merriss came into the honeycomb. She knew which room would be his. Walking to the doorway she pushed it open with a smile on her face only to see the bloody empty bed. They had left the blood knowing that it would only irritate the man and instead he left it. Cautiously she started peering into the other rooms till she came to the female's and found Killian laying in the bed with her and his big hand resting over the female.
 
Merris frowned deeply. The little human female was tucked against his chest like a newborn babe to its mother's breast. He held her tenderly, clearly having fallen asleep while comforting her. Apparently their connection was closer than the other little man had let on. This was going to take another level of intervention to deal with.
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Star woke to Killian before her, sleeping away. She reached up, stroking his face softly. She'd dreamed of him dying again, but this time she woke to him alive and well before her. "I love you, Killian." She whispers to his sleeping form. She softly removes his hand and takes to the showers, in desperate need of a hot one to remove the blood from her hair and the salty tears from her face. When she was refreshed, Star stepped out grabbing her towel and wrapping it about her, then looking around for her clothes. She could have sworn she set them on the end table.

She turned around the corner and came face to face with Merris, who held her clothes in her hands. "Good morning...little human." Merris had a cruel smile on her face and she looked down at Star's clothing. "Humans are so tiny...wouldn't you agree? These clothes might fit a doll." She threw them to the side and stalked towards Star causing her to stumble backwards to get away. "You know, that's all you are to him. Just a little doll to satiate his needs from time to time, but you'll never mean more than that to him."
Star laughed at her mockingly, still slowly backing away. "Well, then you don't know him nearly as well as you think. We haven't even slept together and he still cares for me. Our relationship isn't about his needs, its about our wants. He's my boyfriend...no matter what you try to do, nothing is going to change that." Her retreat is stopped abruptly by a bathroom cabinet. Merris steps right up to her, grabbing Star's chin and forcing her to crane her neck to look up at her. "Tsk, tsk. Poor disillusioned little child. You really think he's going to choose you...over someone like me."
"Hell, ya. You're a bit**." Star smirks. Merris' grip slid to her throat and it tightens. "I could kill you now...little human. It would be so easy."
Star squirmed beneath Merris' grasp, tugging at her fingers. "You do that...Killian would never...ever...do what you want. He would kill you...without hesitation."
"I doubt that. You're just a little slave. All weak humans are slaves."
"Not...us." Star gasps.
"Hmph..." Merris releases her and Star drops to her knees, holding her throat and gasping for air. "We'll see. Stay away from him, human. And don't breathe a word of this to him, else...I'll kill every last member of your crew. Starting with the tiny boy." Merris leave Star trembling and coughing on the bathroom floor, her eyes smarting with tears. I wish we'd never come.
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Star barely eats breakfast. Everyone just assumed it was because she was still upset from the day before and she was too scared to tell them otherwise. She had no doubt in her mind that Merris would in fact kill all of them if she breathed a word. Who knew what sort of surveillance equipment they had around this place? She glimpses Killian and looks away, blinking away the tears that threatened to come. She wanted to hug him and hold him, but she couldn't know if Merris was watching. Timo laughed happily, eating some of the unusual fruit they'd been given. She couldn't put him at risk, but neither could they remain under that woman's thumb. What was she supposed to do now?
 
Killian didn't wake up till later in the morning. Star had come in to get him up for breakfast. His head still hurt, but that was to be expected after having it shot. Sitting up in the bed he followed her out to the main room in the honeycomb and sat down with the others. The little lady wasn't acting like herself. Quickly finishing the breakfast he set a hand over hers briefly. He got a misty eyed expression. "I'll be back in a bit." Kissing her forehead he started for the door.

"Where's he going?" Mike looked to the others though no one seemed to know. Digging into the bowl he took an extra serving for himself.

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Finally at the house Killian beat on the door till his brother answered. "We're settling this now."

Ogan grinned broadly. "Then we'll go register for a fight at the court." Grabbing a coat he started out the door and walked near his younger brother. Neither of them looked at the other until they reached the court where a clerk waited patiently for them to finish filling out the information regarding their names and the reason for dispute. Her eyebrows raised slightly when she read the part about being shot. It was a trivial matter though it was likely his excuse to pursue the entirety of the property. Walking with them to a small room she laid out the various weapons and then returned to her station.

Killian chose a small gun. He liked shooting them and his brother selected a sword. It seemed a dumb choice until they stepped into the arena. A man sitting on a bench behind a glass window waited for the fighting to begin. As soon as they were both on the arena floor Ogan made a rush for his younger brother. Killian hadn't even a chance to cock the gun and he was already having to dodge the sword. A wild slash caught him along his side.

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Despite being such a large woman Nerine was tall and graceful appearing in her walk. The woman found the honeycomb full but the female had gone off to sit by herself in her room. Stepping into the space she shut the door behind herself and peered at Star. "You cannot be my nephew's mate." Sliding in a chart in front of her she pointed to it. "This is his blood. He has to marry this class of woman. To marry the same or higher would result in deformation, disease, or illness. You're too low any children you would produce would not be viable in this society." Seemed that the little woman was beyond naïve. "Don't you know we live for far longer than your kind. I read the records of those we brought back decades ago. They all die so young. My nephew, Killian will likely live to be near 200. He's barely begun his life and you're already a third of the way through yours."

Staring into the eyes of the other woman she almost had to snort. "You rely too much on your feelings. Haven't you seen that it is not feelings that drive our kind. It is compatibility. You are not compatible. He needs a woman that will live with him all the days of his life. Teaching him your ways will destroy his instinct." Pushing the chart closer to the female she pointed to the corresponding pictures. "These are the children of the bloodlines and their best mixes. You will corrupt the bloodline." Getting up she started for the door. "Think of what you will do when you leave him and he has 100 years to go without you."

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Ogan lunged again. Sweat poured down his face still he smiled. He'd already drawn first blood though it was becoming increasingly difficult to get close enough to his brother. Unfortunately for Killian he only had 12 shot and he'd missed 5 times. 2 times had been skims. There was no time to aim and he was struggling to get the gun to work now because it had jammed. It was pathetic that they didn't even get a chance to separate. All the fighting had started as soon as both his feet touched the ground in the arena. Running was not an option either.

Another lunge came and the sword barely slipped past him. Killian charged forward and he grabbed his brother's neck. It wasn't breaking so easily as he thought it would. While he twisted his brother tilted the sword's blade and began to press it into his side. Still neither of them broke their stance. With the blade cutting deeper Killian was forced to change his plan. Moving one hand down he punched his brother and then gripped the sword hand. Wrenching it from his brother he turned the blade on him and stuck it into his brother's stomach. With a twist he pulled it out and then slit Ogan's throat. Staring at the dead body for a long moment he almost could have sworn it was himself except for the blue eyes.

Stumbling toward the clerk he dripped blood most of the way. His head had started to bleed again from the effort and his side was oozing blood constantly. Before he could leave the clerk rushed out to stop him. "I need confirmation that the dispute is settled from the witness first." It only took a few moments longer and then she nodded to him and stamped both letters copied them and sent him with the copies. "Congratulations."

Killian took the papers and shoved them into a pocket. "Yeah if you call it that." On the way into the honeycomb he was stopped by Nirene. The woman smiled and drew him into a hug. Taking the papers she nodded and started down the hall.

"You may take residence in your estate now or after you heal." Nirene had wished that he would leave now and she could lose the little friends in the process. However he wasn't in a hurry to be getting out of here just yet since he stumbled into the honeycomb.

Andy's eyes got wide when she saw the captain come in bloodied again. He was starting to make a habit out of this. "What happened?"

"I killed my brother." Killian took himself to his room. The bed was made with clean sheets and he hated to lay on it but, his side hurt and he didn't have much energy left for now.
 
Star sneered at the woman during her entire "bloodline talk". These people were incredibly arrogant. Stronger blood this, viability that...blah, blah. Had they no sense of love and desire? "Killian and I don't give a damn about your culture's value for bloodlines. We've been through hell together, and something as stupid as your chart isn't going to change what we have." She shoved the papers back at the woman. She was finally beginning to understand why Merris had threatened her but it didn't make her any less pissed off.

It was the revelation about his life-span that wiped the sneer off her face, causing it to turn into shock. Nerine knew she had her there and continued about bloodlines, then she said, "Think of what you will do when you leave him and he has 100 years to go without you." Nerine left her and Star stared at the charts, her heart feeling as if it were being torn into. How could she choose such a thing? She knew what Killian would say, "Screw them." But...if he spent much longer here...perhaps, he would begin to see things this way. He'd already said something about wanting a place to return to. If she married him, and bore his children, they wouldn't survive here. Timo wouldn't survive here. This culture only seemed to care about strength. She buried her face in her hands. What do I do?
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Killian had disappeared for several hours again and she couldn't help but fear for his life. Where was he? Why was he gone so long. And then he returned, bloodied yet again. Damn him...why can't he just stay out of fights!? Star so desperately wanted to rush to his side, but was well aware that the woman of this home would be watching her. But...maybe there was a place they wouldn't be watching.

Then he said he'd killed his brother, even after she'd begged him not to. From the look of his wounds, he'd nearly killed himself again. Star watched Andy and Kato help Killian to his bed. He lay down and Kato immediately began wiping the blood off his wound and began to stitch it up. She'd begged him...and still he'd gone. Even if she understood why...to protect the rest of them...it didn't change the fact that he'd gone despite knowing how much she didn't want him to. Star turned away, leaning against the wall breathing heavily. Timo gave her a worried look and she managed a small smile before retreating to her room to process in peace. It was too much, her head felt like it was going to explode. We should have never come...we would've been happier fighting the alliance and smuggling.

Happiness seemed illusive now. She'd nearly lost him a mere 20 hours ago, and again just now. Merris threatened to destroy the crew if she did not give him up. Nerine had made a convincing argument for why it would be better for him. She couldn't help but wonder, deep down, if releasing him would before the better. And then...she remembered the ring in his drawer. Clearly he was planning for a future with her. He'd chosen that. He'd chosen her. How could she abandon him now?
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Killian was in the shower, getting blood, sweat and grime off. He heard the door upon and close. "Killian?" It was Star, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rushing water. Her back was to the shower, giving him his privacy. "I need to talk to you...its about your Aunt...and Merris."
Star took a shaky breath, hugging herself. "Killin, they...Merris threatened me...threatened the crew. Said, if...if I don't back off from you, they'll kill Timo...and the others. And then Nerine she...she explained why and how my blood would make our children too weak to survive in this society and...and how you're going to live so much longer than me and..." Her voice broke.
"God, I don't know what to do. I'm trying to be strong here, but its so hard between your family and...and you nearly dying then killing your own brother and nearly dying again." She shook her head. "It's getting to be too much. I can't handle much more."
 
Kato was always the dutiful doctor. In a way Killian had come to rely on him for many little things, like stitches. It was far easier to have the doctor do it than try and do it himself. Almost as soon as the doctor finished Killian fell asleep. Sleeping was always the best treatment for a wound. Healing was faster that way. A few hours later he woke up. The captain used his arms to assist in sitting up since the stitches felt like they were already straining. Even if they felt tight it was probably just a figment of his imagination. Carefully he made his way to the shower and stripped down.

Putting his face right under the water flow Killian savored the moment and rubbed soap into his hair and over his face. The water ran a light pink color in the bottom of the stall and the blood from his side that had remained started to gradually wash away. Carefully he picked at a few of the spots with his fingers till the crusted blood came loose.

A slight interruption got his attention. Standing completely still, he listened and then she spoke. It was only Star but, her voice wavered slightly. She was so quiet he could barely hear her. Sounded like the entire crew was in trouble. Killian snatched the towel hanging over the shower door and wrapped it around his waist. Leaving the water run he stepped out of the stall dripping water everywhere, but it was easier to talk with her. "I'm sorry. We were trying to get out of the war and found something almost as bad." It was slightly worse in a way. Not for him but, for the crew it was. "I need a ship, Star." Putting one hand out he rested it on her shoulder. "We need to take the estate and I'll have to humor Aunt Nerine for a while and I don't know what you're talking about with all this blood stuff and I'm not living unnaturally long or anything. That's just ridiculous." Her further explanation drained the color from his face. Beautiful Star was going to die long before he was. 100 years without her was a long time. "Well there has to be someway to extend your life. If its in the bones can't we do a marrow transplant or something? Can't Kato take some from me or someone and put a little in you. Your body should be able to synthesize the new material and reproduce it." Maybe it was a bit of a stretch though it was worth a try.

Killian thought for another long moment. "I need you to trust me. I'm gonna get a ship and we're going to leave. This might take a few days and I need you. Star don't leave. Don't let the crew leave. Ok?"
 
Star flinched slightly as a hand landed on shoulder. She hadn't exactly been expecting him to get out of the shower. She flushed at the thought he was probably standing naked, or close to naked behind her. He found Nerine's reveal to be ridiculous, and she would've agreed except it made perfect sense. "Killian, you were shot...in the head...and you lived. Kato can explain it better than I but there is something about your bone make up that is completely different from a human's. And when I told Kato about it he said that the key to long life in humans is in the bone marrow. Something about stemcells or whatever. Point is Killian...I'm going to grow old and die and you're still going to have 100 years left to go."
"Well there has to be someway to extend your life. If its in the bones can't we do a marrow transplant or something? Can't Kato take some from me or someone and put a little in you. Your body should be able to synthesize the new material and reproduce it."

She spun around to look at him, flushing again as she realized she'd forgotten he'd just gotten out of the shower. At least he was wearing a towel. "And if it doesn't?" She took Killian's hand. "I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with you...but I can't imagine how painful it would be to watch me grow old and weak and you still young and roaring to go." She looked up at him sadly. "Would you really be able to sit still and remain committed to me for years after I can no longer go exploring with you? Would you be able to honestly stand by me happily even as I grow grey hairs and can no longer move on my own?" Assuming I would even live that long?

"Maybe...Maybe you should send us away and take advantaged of the people you have here. People who will live as long as you and won't cause you the heartache I would." She put a finger on his lips. "Don't...answer now. I want you too seriously think about it. This isn't something to be taken lightly. And...if the answer is 'no' I'll...I'll understand." She had to bite her tongue to keep from making an expression that would destroy everything she'd just said.
 
Star was still trying to talk him out of this. Killian shook his head. "They won't let you just leave though. Just stay a little longer. Please." Before he could continue she put a finger to his mouth. Almost crossing his eyes he peered down at her finger and was half tempted to just bite her finger. Wherever that came from he had no idea. Instead he grabbed her wrist and pushed her finger away. "You do your part. Stay here for a while longer and trust me. I'll do my part and think about it." For now that was the most logical response that he could possibly come up with in regards to the current situation.

Letting his hand drop from her shoulder he moved it to rest over his side. She was already leaving and he couldn't help blurting. "You're precious to me." Perhaps it wasn't the best phrase but, he couldn't think of anything else at the time. Something precious was usually of great value. Sometimes great enough in value that you didn't dare trade or sell it. Star was that kind of precious and he didn't want her to leave.

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Killian had barely accepted the estate and moved into the main property when he was flooded with parties. His aunt graciously planned them all and sent invitations. Mostly the invitations went to people of a marriageable class. Entire families would show up and daughters were each expected to at least try and learn a little bit about the possible suitor.

Sitting in a far corner he stared at the growing crowd. Killian's crew had been invited and they were given their own smaller table. It almost looked slightly dwarfed next to the regular one. They were referred to as his curiosities.

"The captain and his little curiosities." One of the women twittered to another. She caught his disapproving gaze and wandered further away. Merris had seemed to be the most knowledgeable and she was one that hadn't spoken a single word against the little humans since she discovered his mind on them. It was something to slowly let wear away. Pressing in through the crowd she took a seat near Killian and placed a hand on his. Her eyes widened slightly when he pulled his hand away. "Oh you've become so shy. Is it all the people?" Leaning closer she whispered into his ear.

Shaking his head he stared glumly at the food in front of himself. "I need to be alone. Just for a while." Turning toward Merris he gently rested a hand on her arm. "I'll come back for you."

Getting up from the table he could feel his heart start to beat faster. There was a merchant with a massive ship that had agreed to consider a trade. While he wasn't a man of status this would give him some leverage if he had property and it would give Killian the ship he wanted. They could live aboard a ship again. It was a far more comfortable lifestyle. Eventually he found the merchant standing by the drink table. At least he wasn't drunk yet.

Killian offered to shake his hand and the man stared at him for several moments. "What's that about." The captain deduced that it was obviously not a common greeting. "Never mind." Grumbling he offered to go outside with the merchant. Once they were outside he walked next to the man for several minutes before speaking. "I want your daughter. She's impressed me. I would offer my estate for your ship. I'm not much of one to settle. Grown up accustomed to travel. Of course I expect that you will name her or our first child as heir. There are also a few modifications that I would like to make to the ship before leaving and I will request to make the maiden voyage before the partnering. You will have the deed for the estate and I will have the deed for the ship first."

Grinning the man agreed. He had no daughter but, it made for good talk in case anyone was listening. "Have you need of a crew?"

"Nay I've got my crew." Killian nodded to the man. "Tomorrow we will go to the council and make the trade?"

"I'll have some money to bribe the clerk if we must." In the end it wouldn't have mattered whose money it was because it was all going to be his. "Did you want a tour of the vessel?"

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Late that night Killian started to dig through the new estate records that he had. Not being able to read was becoming difficult. Taking a heap of papers he wandered into Star's room. "I need help." Dropping the box on one half of the oversized bed he stared at her. "When we find the deed then I'm going to get all of you loaded onto the ship and we leave tomorrow after I sign an agreement."
 
Star paused at the door as Killian suddenly blurted out "You're precious to me." She smiled and looked back over her shoulder at him. "You're precious to me too, Killian. And i do trust you. Be careful, alright?" She left him, her heart feeling much lighter and weight off her shoulders.

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The next few days were torture. Killian's time was occupied by the lavish parties his aunt insited on throwing. Most of the participants were elligable females of great beauty and charm. Each one took there chance flirting with him, Merris especially couldn't keep her hands off despite Killian's subtle attempts to pull away. It soon became to painful to watch anymore and she retreated to her room.

Though hidden away, she was not idle. She'd borrowed one of kato' s medical datapads and began researching everthing she could find on bone marrow transplants. The more she researched it the more she began to doubt Killian's suggestion would work. There was enough of a risk of rejection with those who only partiality matches. Throw alien DNA and marrow into that and she had know idea what would happen. Kato would probably have a decent idea and would undoubtedly vehemently oppose the idea.

A knock sounded and she looked up, hiding the data away beneath a blanket. Killian came in a dropped a heavy looking box on the bed next to her. "Tomorrow!?" She confirms excitedly. She'd been expecting them to be stuck here much longer than that. She openeopened the box and began flipping through the papers. It was only now that she vaguely remembered Killian saying something about only being able to read numbers. So all those times he'd been looking at books he'd been trying to teach himself? "Would you like me to reach you how to read?" She asks casually, pulling out any papers that looked relevant.
 
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