EPISODE 9: A JOURNEY OF ADVENTURE.. HUH?

"I guess I shouldn't sit down for a meal while I'm holding my underwear." -- Gene Starwind

Prologue: Narrator: 'What's beyond that sea, I wonder..?' The children leave their homes in search of this quest. As they search, they are always asking questions. 'What's out there? What's waiting for me?' Leaving their innocence behind, they set out on this journey and experience many life-changing adventures. Countless difficulties lie in wait. Moments of despair. The lure of the razor's edge. There is always hope. Joy. Meeting new friends. They face challenges, but in the process, they come to find themselves. This is a journey. When they have conquered a new land, yet another sea is reflected in their eyes. 'What's beyond that sea..?' When boys become young men, they begin their own quest. Life is an endless journey.

Episode 9: A Journey of Adventure.. Huh?

As the Outlaw Star passes near a sun, Gilliam complains to himself about Gene's recklessness and being stuck with a dangerous route while the crew sleep soundly in their bunks. Well, maybe not all of them. Gilliam spots Gene practicing some fancy shooting moves. Gilliam asks him wearily what he's doing now. Gene thinks he's pretty cool, which Gilliam sarcastically humors him on before asking him to go back to bed. Gene sheepishly laughs that he was sleepwalking before heading back to his bunk. Maybe they should hide his cartridges when he goes to bed just in case? Ah well, seems he's more a danger to himself. As he goes to make a fancy spin to reholster, he drops his blaster on his bare toes, prompting a definitely awake yell.

The next day, Gilliam and Jim are busily trying to sort things out in the cargo hold. Melfina peeks over the hatch and asks if there's any salt since she can't find any in the kitchen. Jim knows there's some around, and after finding it, pushes an industrial size bag of it up for her. After a few blinks of surprise, Melfina gets over the size of it and thanks Jim, telling him that she's been cooking all day and dinner will be ready soon. Melfina heads back to the kitchen with the salt while Jim goes back to continue sorting supplies.. like cases of beer for Gene. Where is Gene, anyway? Jim asks Gilliam, who tells him that Gene's still in bed and he's had no luck trying to get him out. Sounds typical for our hero. Jim's not happy.

Gilliam has five modules on the task, bouncing on the snoozing Gene's back and shouting his name. Gene's only response is to roll over and sweep the offending canisters off with an arm before pulling the covers over his head. Gilliam doesn't give up, though, continuing to pester him with the modules in hopes of getting some life from the captain. He has no luck, but an irate Jim takes over, climbing into Gene's bunk to yell at him. Gene rolls over and wraps an arm around Jim, still asleep and dreaming, apparently a very nice dream as he mumbles, mistaking Jim for his dream girl Rosie and giving him some smoochie face, promising he'll get up for a kiss. That ain't gonna happen. Instead, Jim slams a pillow over Gene's face, then grinds his foot into it until Gene groggily agrees to get up.

Jim waits outside of Gene's cabin, still torqued. Gene stumbles out, covering his injured nose and wondering what Jim's problem is. They're not under attack and nothing else needs to be done and he's burned out with all the recent activity. Jim points out that everyone else is tired, too, but there's plenty to be done. Thanks to their last-minute launch, the cargo wasn't secured in the cargo hold, so all their supplies have been thrown around, the situation only worsened by the Grappler fight. They also have to talk about the future of Starwind and Hawking Enterprises.

Still rather resistant on both, Gene accompanies Jim to the kitchen, where Melfina is just finishing up dinner. She cooks while Jim points out the problems with Heifong. While it's a big place and the Kei Pirates probably won't cause them any trouble there, Jim's not so sure they'll be able to find jobs just because they're looking for them. Gene is more concerned about his stomach and how great dinner smells. Realizing he doesn't have Gene's attention, Jim yells at him, prompting Gene to recognize just how worried he is. Of course Jim's worried, doesn't Gene ever get it?! Gene responds with a befuddled "Get what?" and Jim loses it, then points out that they have no contacts and no plan for what to do once they reach Heifong. Melfina puts a plate down and Gene assures Jim that it'll be fine and there's no point in worrying about it right now. Frustrated, Jim has another outburst while Gene chokes on a bite, Jim asking angrily if he's already decided on their destination and if he's even thought about spaceport fees. He accuses Gene of always doing this, never thinking things through, and claims that if they don't put their heads together and come up with something they'll never pay back the 750,000 wong they owe Fred. Gene doesn't want to hear about it. All they need to do is pull off that elusive big job and they can live like kings for the rest of their lives. Jim grabs Gene's shirt and Gene retaliates in kind, both glaring at each other with clenched teeth as Melfina begs them to stop. Suzuka coolly enters, commenting on childishness and cautioning Melfina not to let her pot boil over. Suzuka sits down at the table to Jim's displeasure, Gene laughing over Jim's having been called a child. His ribbing stops, though, when Suzuka says she was referring to both of them, prompting a mature outburst from Gene. Melfina discreetly points out that she thinks Gene's been acting funny lately, too. Gene asks snappily if she wants to blame everything on him, then storms out, no longer interested in dinner.

Later, Gene and Jim walk the corridors, Jim complaining about having the assassin who's out to kill Gene on board the ship with them. Gene sees no other choice so long as the Kei Pirates are after them. Jim asks if he's not worried she'll kill him the moment he turns his back on her, but Gene's not concerned; she wouldn't be stupid enough to kill the ship's captain, so he's safe so long as they're on the Outlaw Star. Gene's nonchalance sends Jim off into anger again. Gene cuts off his rant by confiding something his father always told him. People who think big make it big, those who think small will only earn chump change the rest of their lives. It's the way things are, and that is what business is all about. Jim asks what his point is, but Gene doesn't exactly have one. Jim claims that Gene can do things his way, but he'll stick to 'thinking small' and keep doing it his way. He concludes his dissertation on the smart way of doing things by calling Gene a moron, the two parting on still less-than-friendly terms.

In the laundry room, Gene asks Gilliam their location as he washes his underwear. They're in Kozat space, still about three days from Heifong. Gene sighs over the ETA, then takes out his frustration by yelling that Jim should either clean up or do his own laundry. Gathering up his underwear, Gene heads out, Gilliam pointing out their luck in so far having evaded the pirates. Gene would welcome a bit of combat to deal with the boredom of menial tasks. Gilliam doesn't want Gene to even say such things. After all, what would he do if they did come? Gene's confident he could take them all on and blow them all away.

Back in the kitchen, Melfina is cooking, a few modules assisting when Gene wanders in. She smiles at him and he realizes he's still holding his briefs, so he makes a blushing retreat to get rid of them. His choice of Gilliam's modules rail doesn't sit well with the ship's computer though, as a module slides up and asks him to choose someplace else to hang his laundry, such as the cargo hold. Jim's still hogging that, though. Gilliam suggests hanging them in his quarters, but Gene balks at sleeping with his underwear hanging in his face even though Gilliam points out that they -are- his underwear. Gene's grumbling is interrupted by Jim emerging from the cargo hold and passing Gene in the corridor, giving him the silent treatment. Gene thinks Jim needs to get over whatever bug is up his butt, then recalls that Gilliam said they were in Kozat space. He asks Gilliam if there's a station nearby called the Toward Stars Inn and gets an affirmative response. Gene has an idea and heads for the cargo hold.

Gene opens the hatch and yells down to Jim before climbing in. Jim's still peevish. As Gene starts to talk to him, a shiny pink module descends in front of his face, stunning him into silence before he starts cracking up. Gilliam sulks that he knew that would be Gene's reaction. Seems Jim decided to do it to him and as much as Gilliam protests, Jim refuses to paint him blue again. Gene doesn't see it as a problem and calls it cute, busting up again. He thinks it's fine to have one that's different from all the others and suggests Jim go show it to Melfina so she can get a kick out of it, too. Jim doesn't share Gene's humor and asks him if he's through making fun of him because he still has a lot of work to do, inviting him to leave if he is. Gene casually mentions stopping at the station to do some business. That gets Jim's attention. Gene invites him along, but Jim protests their lack of funds and asks what Gene's up to. Gene tells him again not to worry, it's nothing to get worked up about.

The Outlaw Star docks at the Toward Stars Inn, Jim asking Gene what he's going to do as the crew heads into the station. The docking fees are expensive and Jim doesn't see how they're going to pay for them, asking Gene if he intends to blast his way out again when they leave. Gene assures him that's not the plan as he doesn't want to get on the bad side of the Ban Pirates as well. Jim counters that that's never stopped Gene before. Gene retorts that they have no money, but he has an idea for fattening their wallets before they get to Heifong. Suzuka politely excuses herself from the group, claiming something to take care of, and says she'll be back at 20:00 hours.

At a rather fancy restaurant, Gene stuffs his face, explaining that they have to eat or they won't be strong enough to do anything to earn anything. Jim offers a glare and a reminder that all they have is pocket change left, so Gene's not getting seconds. Gene tells him to stop whining and start eating or he'll eat it all for him. This said, Gene snags a morsel from Jim's plate, telling him he's too slow, which leads to a shoveling match between the two males as a stunned Melfina watches. Melfina then offers her plate to Jim, saying she's been worried about him lately, he hasn't been acting himself. Jim's a little embarrassed by the attention, but Gene only remarks that kids are lucky, all the ladies kiss up to them. Jim and Gene narrowly avoid going at each other again.

As they pass a boutique, Melfina's attention is drawn to a pretty pendant. While she's busy looking it over, Jim demands to know what Gene's plans are. Gene finally fills him in. He's heard from Fred that there's supposed to be a wanted man outside of town with a 10,000 wong bounty on his head. Jim repeats the price in incredulity, Gene slapping his hand over his mouth before anyone else can hear. Jim says he's never seen any data on this guy, and Gene explains that there isn't any data, but everyone around knows about it. Jim doesn't think it's a good idea to do something like this, but Gene reminds him of the Starwind and Hawking Enterprises motto, if you're going to do something, do it big. Jim claims that's Gene's motto, not his, and he still thinks it's stupid to try this, he doesn't want anything to do with it. Gene scoffs that that's fine by him. Once he has his reward he'll take himself to a nice restaurant again and Jim can eat take-out with his pocket change. Jim changes his mind, incensed. Gene crouches, getting pretty close to his partner as he cajoles him to tag along, Jim reluctantly agreeing. Gene puts his arms around him, whispering that he's counting on him. Melfina returns and asks if something is wrong because everyone is looking at them. Gene and Jim realize that their fraternal display has drawn an audience and blush and grin their way out of close contact. Gene asks Melfina to return to the ship.

Gene and Jim enter a bar. Gene approaches the bartender and asks about a man named Zomba who's upstairs. The bartender drops the glass he's holding and a hush falls over the patrons. The bartender nervously asks Gene if he's a bounty hunter, to which Gene replies "Sorta." This clears the bar as patrons rush out. The bartender resignedly asks Gene for his name and height, explaining the latter is needed for his coffin measurements. This is exactly what Gene wants to hear, Zomba must be worth the 10,000.

Gene heads upstairs and kicks in Zomba's door, the thin and reverend-attired fugitive not bothering to look up from his book as he remarks on Gene's rudeness. He admits he's Zomba. Gene introduces himself and claims he's going to make a name for himself by taking Zomba down. Zomba drily inquires if he doesn't mean his name on a tombstone. Zomba requests that they take it outside in order to avoid messing up his place. Gene asks if he's expecting his girlfriend and Zomba cautions that he doesn't discuss his private affairs. Gene points out that only draws more attention to the man. Zomba coolly promises to remember that.

Gene and Zomba meet up in an old church as a crow lands in the window and caws. Zomba tells Gene it's singing its death song for him, but Gene counters that it's meant for Zomba. Zomba replies that they'll find out soon enough. Jim peers over some debris as Gene invites Zomba to get on with it. Zomba rushes him with a knife, so Gene draws his own blade, asking Jim for advice. Jim runs a scan and tells Gene to go for Zomba's weak point in his back. Getting behind Zomba will be easier said than done, however. Gene jumps behind Zomba and stabs him in the back, Zomba commenting that perhaps the song was meant for him after all as he goes down. Gene is a bit disappointed with the ease of the kill, but Jim warns that Zomba's still alive. Zomba jumps up, swinging his knife, which Gene knocks aside, the cyborg then sprouting a number of blades across his shoulders, changing his mind again about who the crow sang for. Gene still has the opinion on the matter he started with and draws his blasters, emptying them into Zomba's chest. Zomba complains that that was bad sportsmanship and keels over. Gene offers that he doesn't hold back when fighting against cyborgs, then thanks Jim for his help. Seems Gene and Jim are now back to being friends.

Leaving the bounty collection center, Gene cheers their acquisition of 2,000 wong. Jim points out that Gene told him it was 10,000, but Gene brushes it off, saying he didn't know it wasn't the real Zomba, just an android stand-in, and 2,000 wong is still a lot of money. After he takes down the real Zomba, they'll have even more. Jim patiently endures a bit of bragging about his macho skill from Gene. Suzuka emerges from the collection center, noting as she sees the two that apparently they had the same idea for earning some cash. Gene gloats about his big score, even Jim joining in to brag that Gene couldn't have taken down the infamous legendary wanted man without his help. Gene asks Suzuka how much she earned, but she evades him with a modest reply of "Just a trifle." As Suzuka walks away, several people from the collection center rush to get a look at the woman who took down the legendary Zomba worth 10,000 wong. As Gene deflates, Jim sighs over missing the chance to prove their manliness, then reminds Gene that if they don't get their act together, Starwind and Hawking Enterprises is in trouble. Gene lets his frustration out in a primal yell as Jim strolls off.

Heading back through the city, Gene listens to a broadcast announcement of the assembling of ships for the 13th Heifong Space Race, scheduled to start in five days. Looking up at the screen, Gene spots MacDougall's ship amongst the others. Jim asks if something's wrong, but Gene dismisses it, then asks Jim if he'd like to start for Heifong right away. Jim gladly agrees.

Melfina greets them back at the ship, glad to see them back. Gene tells her they're launching right away. As the Outlaw Star sets off for Heifong, Gene thinks about MacDougall's ship.

To be continued!

Next Episode: The big city! It's what young men dream of! We finally made it to Heifong! To seek your fortune here, you gotta promote yourself. So, we've entered into the glamorous world of motor sports. Show them a thing or two of what we know. Ah, just you wait, MacDougall! You better watch out! Next time on Outlaw Star, Gathering for the Space Race! You better get ready!