Out of this World - Part 8 [Sexy Alien Space Babe TG]

Part 3: Freedom

Chapter 2

Mal woke with a headache and a strange feeling of anxiety. It buzzed in the back of her brain; she could feel it, but somehow, it was separate from her. It was almost like she was sensing somebody else's emotions with her powers without even trying. She looked around, expecting a fellow prisoner to be the source, but to her surprise, she was alone. From the quiet rumble of engines and metal walls, she guessed she was on a ship, a ship mid-flight. Crap, she could be halfway to anywhere by now. How long had she been out? She remembered the man standing over her, and her blood went cold, Murdeek. He’d found her, even from prison, his claws stretched far into the underworld. If only she hadn't been so fucking stupid and taken that deal, maybe she could have flown under the radar longer. The door slid open, and the man walked in, his eyes still cold, even as he smiled.

“Ah, you’re awake. Good, I think it’s time we had a chat.”

Mal took a deep breath and put on his best terrified face. It wasn't hard, given the circumstances. If she was going to get out of this, she was going to have to convince this guy he had the wrong Sedun. 

“W-what’s going on? Why are you kidnapping me?”

“Drop the act, Mal. We know it’s you.”

“My name is Mal’thas, I’m just a clerk-”

“A clerk who scared the shit out of a drug runner a few months back, who dresses in masculine clothes and who has a strangely good understanding of the underworld from what I have heard.” The man said. “Murdeek has had you in his sights from prison since the beginning, there is a big bounty out for anybody who can bring you in so he can arrange for a little…accident.”

“Is that what you are then?” Mal said, dropping the terrified woman act. “A bounty hunter?”

“Best in the system. Jareth, at your service. And since you so kindly confirmed what I needed to know, we can be on our way.”

“I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but I’d be lying.”

“And I really don’t care, sweetheart.” Jareth shrugged. “Caleb, Lolth, watch her.”

“Yes, boss.”

Two men, one human and one Plumarian, stepped inside the room. The Plumarian was Kris’ polar opposite, jet black feathers with a silent severe look about him. Mal felt a pang in his chest; he never thought he could miss that little chatterbox, but he did. Still, there was no time to wallow; he had to think of a way out of here. He tucked his knees up against his chest and scowled, trying to make himself look as miserable as possible. They might let their guard down if they thought she’d given up, and she needed every advantage. Even as she tried to focus though, her eyes were drawn to the tiny window in the corner of the room. The stars were passing by and Mal’s heart ached. She wondered what Zara and the others were doing right now, did they miss her, were they looking? A silly question, she knew they would. And just knowing that she had a family out there who would care enough to do that made her miss them all the more. 

~

The mess hall was silent, even Zenk’s heavy breathing seemed quieter than usual. The air was filled with that frustrating sort of tension Zara hated. They all wanted to find Mal, but they were stuck just…waiting with no leads. Zara stared at her soup with disinterest, trying to force herself to eat, when suddenly she felt…something. An emotion that wasn't her own, there was no way to explain it. She was feeling homesickness, sadness, frustration, a whole whirlpool of emotions, but it was like there was a wall between them and her. She could feel them, and yet they were separate. They pulled at her, tugging her to the right side of the room where nobody was sitting. 

“Captain?”

Vrylix’s voice snapped her out of the weird trance she’d been in, and she turned back to see the whole table staring at her.

“What?”

“You just got a really weird look on your face and started staring at the wall?” 

“Sorry, I just…have this weird feeling in the back of my head. It sort of reminds me of Mal when she uses her empath abilities…” Zara sighed. “I guess I just miss her.”

“It may be more than that.” Vrylix said thoughtfully, “You and Mal have been intimate lately, yes?”

“Yes.” Zara deadpanned, “Obviously.”

“I have been noticing a few small signs. I was planning on talking to Mal about it, but things have just been so busy.”

“Signs of what?”

“Have her tendrils been…pink at all?”

“Yeah, the other night, I didn't know Sedun tendrils could glow so brightly! She seemed just as surprised as me, though, why? What does that have to do with anything?”

“She never did read those files on Sedun physiology I sent her, did she?” Vrylix sighed. “Otherwise, she would know. Zara, there is no delicate way to say this…you’re Mal’s mate.”

“What? Like…the Sedun version of a wife!?”

“Congrats, Captain.”

“Raymond, I swear to God I will break your ribs. Don’t think I won’t.”

“It’s not so simple,” Vrylix explained. “Sedun aren’t like other species. When they reach a certain maturity without conceiving a child, their bodies… incentivise it.”

“By what, making them go into heat but pink?”

“More or less, it’s not a real heat, more like their bodies biologically and empathetically link with a specific person, making relations with them ahem…very good. To put it mildly, it makes them more likely to…conceive.”

“I can’t knock Mal up! I’m a woman!”

“Yes, well, Sedun are monogendered, so I don’t imagine their bodies know a difference.”

Zara rubbed her temples; she didn't need this right now. She’d wanted to be Mal’s mate, but that was before all her secrets came out and before she knew that there was a biological aspect to the term. Serves her right for not spending more than a few minutes researching ‘how to seduce Sedun’ she supposed. 

“This is a good thing,” Vrylix said, placing a webbed hand on Zara’s shoulder. “Sedun mates can sense one another, or at least, normally they can. Those feelings you are getting maybe Mal’s own emotions.”

She was feeling Mal? That meant she was okay! Well, aside from the irritation and fear she was sensing. 

“So if I focus, maybe we can find her? Do you think we could talk, like telepathically.”

“This isn’t a soap opera, Captain.”

“Well, I don't know what’s normal when it comes to those damn, grey alien babes!” Zara threw up her hands. 

“Captain, do you think you know which way they took Mal?” Kris asked nervously.

“Maybe? A bit?” Zara shook her head. “What are we supposed to do? Have me sit behind Ray, up on the bridge and point him in the right direction?”

“Seems like a plan.” Raymond shrugged. “Better than nothing.”

“This is a spaceship, not a boat! We need coordinates!”

“Aw, come on, Captain, I like a challenge.”

Raymond was grinning, but Zara could see the worry in his eyes; he cared about Mal too. She bit her lip.

“Alright, it’s worth a shot…Vrylix, do you think Mal can feel me as well?”

“Almost certainly.” 

She nodded and, pressed her lips into a thin line and tried to think calming thoughts.

‘We're coming, Mal…just hold on.’

~

Mal sat on the smell bed, staring at his two guards. Once or twice they’d exchanged words, and occasionally, Jareth came in to gloat or check, but otherwise, it was just Mal and her thoughts. A sense of longing came over her, hopefulness as well. She wasn't sure how, but she knew it was Zara. Mal knew she must have been imagining things to sense Zara while she was so far away, but she didn’t care. Any comfort was welcome right now. 

She’d gotten a general idea of the ship layout on her supervised trip to the bathroom. It was a small vessel, a personal shuttle, really, with only a handful of rooms. Besides Jareth and her two guards there was only one other person aboard. The giant craggy guy who had knocked her out. It seemed the only reason he wasn’t on guard duty was the fact that he couldn’t fit through the tiny doorways and was relegated to sitting in the pathetically small storage area at the back of the ship. Judging by the waves of resentment and annoyance she got from him as she passed by, he wasn't a fan of that. 

She could also sense issues between her two guards once she was returned to her tiny room. Lolth, the Plumarian, stood stock still with his arms crossed angrily, staring into space. Caleb, though, he fidgeted. Mal could sense his subtle annoyance through her tendrils and Lolth’s quiet irritation at his constantly moving. Mal’s lips quirked, and she subtly began to push those feelings of irritation further. It was a hard needle to thread; she didn't want Lolth to know she was trying to influence him, but eventually, it paid off. Caleb was tapping against the metal wall of the ship, and Lolth hissed.

“Can you stop that?”

“What? I’m bored.”

“So am I. You don’t see me tapping like a twelve-year-old.”

“I just don’t see why we both need to be here. She’s not dangerous, we took her down easily.”

Caleb indicated to Mal, who did her best to look offended. 

“She used to be a member of Murdeek’s gang. She may not have been anything special, but she was still dangerous.”

“Well, she’s certainly special now.” Caleb grinned, looking down at Mal with hungry eyes. 

An idea formed in her mind, and she forced herself to blush and smile at his interest. Lolth slapped Caleb across the back of the head.

“Seriously, man?”

“I’m just being friendly, forgive me for trying to make this trip a little more bearable.”

“The money we get paid for it will make it bearable.”

“How much are you getting paid for this job?” Mal asked innocently, and Lolth narrowed his eyes.

“We’re not discussing it with you.”

“Have you discussed it with each other, though?” Mal asked, searching for wedges he could make bigger. “You’re getting paid the same, right?”

“Of course. How green do you think we are?” Caleb snorted.

“The same as the big fella too? Even though he’s the real muscle?”

“Of course, and good pay too, 5,000 credits a pop,” Lolth smirked, crossing his arms confidently and Mal had to hold back a grin as Caleb’s jaw dropped.

“Five? Jareth only offered me four.”

“Well, I’ve been doing this longer than you.”

“You just said we were getting the same amount!”

“I thought we were, come on, man. We can talk about this later, not in front of her.” Lolth shot Mal a dirty look. “I see what you’re trying, and it won’t work.”

“Who me?” Mal blinked her wide eyes innocently. “I’m just asking a question. Murdeek certainly never paid me that well…”

The three of them lapsed into silence, but Mal could feel the tension in the air. So the big guy and Caleb were angry with their employer. If she could drive that wedge further, maybe she could turn them to her side. Lolth, though, was a lost cause; she had no idea how long it would be until they reached the rendezvous, and she didn't have time to waste on somebody who wouldn’t turn. Especially when he already had an inkling of what she was going to try. So instead, she had to get rid of him. With that in mind, she turned to Caleb.

 “Personally, I think you should be getting the same amount as Lolth here.” She said, “It would only be fair.”

“Yeah, well…I’ll chat to Jareth and set it straight.”

“Then again…maybe he can’t afford to, maybe he’ll have to take some of Lolth’s pay and even it out.”

“Shut. Up.” Lolth hissed.

“Well, it would be more fair, even if it meant you got less.” Caleb said and Lolth rolled his eyes. 

“Can’t you see what she’s doing, man? It’s the oldest trick in the book. She’s trying to turn us against one another. Jareth pays me more because I have been working with him longer, end of story.”

“Not a very good story if you ask me.” Mal murmured, just loud enough for them to both hear. All the while projecting irritation and anger at Lolth and watching his temper slowly rise. 

“We’re not stupid, we ain’t falling for your tricks.”

“Aw, are you really scared of little ol’ me?” Mal giggled. “The scary Sedun with her scary words?”

“I said, shut up!”

“Aw, all those muscles, and you can’t stand somebody being a meanie?”

That was the last straw, Lolth threw a punch, and Mal braced herself, ready to take the hit and bawl like a baby. But to her shock and delight, Caleb stepped between them. 

“Dude! Calm down, she can't do anything to us!”

Lolth lowered his fist and swore.

“Bitch. I’m not sticking around here to be insulted.” He muttered before turning around and walking out. Now it was just Caleb and her; Perfect. 

Mal waited for the tension to subside before putting on his most earnest face.

“Thank you for that, saving me, I mean. I know I put up a struggle before, but the truth is I was never much of a fighter. Even before.” 

“Yeah, well, you don’t hit a lady. I may not be the straightest arrow, but Mama didn't raise a monster.”

“I think she raised a gentleman.” Mal batted his eyelashes and watched as Caleb’s chest puffed up a little. He really was handsome. Seducing him over to her side might actually be enjoyable.

~

“You think you’re really smart, don’t you?” Jareth said when he walked in, holding a pitiful dinner on a tray.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Mal replied coolly.

“Trying to pit Lolth and Caleb against each other, it’s so pathetic. My boys are loyal, isn't that right, Caleb?”

“Of course, Boss.” 

Mal could sense his unease, though. The seeds of doubt had been planted, and now all she needed to do was tend them. Jareth placed down the tray, and Mal looked at the dry freeze rations with disgust.

“I hope you eat better than I do.” He said to Caleb, who snickered. 

“Caleb, you’re getting a pay rise as soon as she’s dropped off to Murdeeks guys,” Jareth said, without taking his eyes off Mal. “Provided you don’t get any funny ideas.”

Without another word, he got up and walked out, a confident smirk on his face. He was sure he’d confirmed Caleb’s loyalty; what a small-minded, arrogant man. Mal would use that to his advantage. She sat on the edge of the narrow bed, picking at the unappetising dinner; she knew he was the key to her escape, and she intended to use every weapon in her arsenal to convince him to set her free. 

 The faint glow of the overhead light cast shadows across his chiselled features, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of boredom and irritation. Mal rose slowly and made sure to make her movements fluid and sensual. She used her body to full effect, swaying her hips slightly as she closed the distance between them. Caleb remained stoic as she approached, but Mal could see the glimmer of interest in his eye. She stopped just inches from him, their bodies almost touching, and looked up, meeting his eyes with a challenging glare. 

"You know, Caleb," she purred, making her voice husky and low, "I can sense how unhappy you are. Your boss doesn't appreciate you, does he? But I see your worth. I know you're a man who deserves so much more." 

“We’re not supposed to talk anymore.”

“So don’t talk.”

As she spoke, she let her fingers trail lightly up his chest, enjoying the feel of his firm muscle beneath her touch. His breath hitched imperceptibly, she had him. Slowly, deliberately, she ran her hand up to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing lightly over his lower lip. 

"I could offer you so much, Caleb," she whispered.  "I could show my appreciation... in so many ways. And well…I’m bored, sugar. There isn’t much to do here except for you." 

Mal let her hand drop slowly, teasingly, down his chest, enjoying the way his breath quickened as she reached the button of his trousers. With a flick of her wrist, she undid the fastening and slid her hand inside, wrapping her long, slender fingers around his rapidly hardening length. A low groan escaped his throat as she began to stroke him slowly, her thumb rubbing across the sensitive tip. 

"I can tell you've been longing for some attention. Someone as skilled and handsome as you shouldn't be so neglected."

She pressed her body against his, letting him feel the full length of her lithe form, her hips grinding provocatively against his. His cock twitched in her hand, and she could feel it throbbing with his rising desire. Mal slid down to her knees in front of him, taking his thick cock in both hands as she did so. She looked up at him through her long lashes, tendrils flowing out as she projected as much arousal as she could. Caleb’s eyes were wide, his lips pressed in a thin line, but he still stayed silent. For a moment, Mal was worried he was going to stop her, but he didn’t. Slowly, she lowered her mouth onto him, taking him deep into her warm, wet mouth, her tongue swirling and flicking as she tasted his length. 

She moaned softly around him, the vibration sending shudders through his body, and he couldn't hold back a guttural groan of pleasure. She sucked harder, her cheeks hollow as she worked him with her mouth, determined to push him to the edge. If this was going to work, she had to show Caleb just how much better being on her side would be. 

"Fuck... I'm close," he gasped, his eyes screwed shut as he fought for release. 

She wanted him desperate, needy, so she pulled away, his cock slipping wetly from her mouth with a lewd pop. 

"Not yet, Caleb," she taunted, "I want you to hold out... just a little longer. Because when you cum, I want it to be explosively, utterly mind-blowing. And I promise, it'll be worth the wait." 

Caleb shuddered as Mal pulled away and she smiled at him, letting her tendrils stroke up and down the side of his face. 

“But before then…I think we should work out where we stand, don’t you?” 

Caleb swallowed thickly.

“Alright.”

“Jareth may be paying you well, but being part of my crew on The Haven would be rewarding…in other ways.” Mal pressed a hand to his crotch again. “Not only that, you’ll have something Jareth and Lolth could never give.”

“And what’s that?”

“Respect.” Mal giggled. “You’re a good man, a gentleman. You can’t let men like Jareth simply buy your loyalty, you’re better than that.”

She continued to gently massage his cock through the whole conversation, bringing him to the edge and then backing off over and over until Caleb was groaning in frustration and delight. 

“I was thinking about jumping ship…”

“I have just the place you can go.”

Mal swiped her fingers over the head of his cock and smiled widely as he came with a shudder, down his own pant leg like a teenager. It was cute, in a way. Mal had never felt more powerful or turned on. She would have jumped him, stroked him up, ready for round two but something stopped her. Zara’s face was in her mind…that was who she really wanted right now. Some bodyguard, no matter how cute, just couldn't compare to what she truly craved. 

~

Zara gripped the console so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She could sense Mal’s desire and had a pretty good idea of what the Sedun was up to. She was also aware of her lover's cool, calculating side at play. Whatever, or whoever, she was doing, it was for her own safety and escape. Still, it made Zara’s skin crawl to know Mal could be fucking some random stranger. It would be weird to feel it, knowing she was with one of the other crew but they all shared Mal. At least then, she would have known the Sedun was safe and cared for with somebody she trusted. 

They followed her instincts, flying randomly through space and off the usual routes freighters and other ships took. It made her nervous that at any moment, pirates would swoop out and grab them and their cargo. 

“I really hope we get Mal back soon, this is making me nervous.” Kris said, “And sending all those messages to clients saying there would be a delay was…scary.”

“You need to grow a spine, Kris.” Raymond sighed, words coming out a little harsher than he intended.

“I’m an engineer.” The Plumarian puffed up defensively. “I’m not built for all this subterfuge and scary stuff.”

“I think she’s more…that way.” Zara interrupted, pointing to the left and Raymond adjusted, then groaned.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, why?”
 “Because you’re leading us right to an asteroid field…”

Zara winced, Haven was bulk and definitely not built for zooming through asteroids. Raymond seemed to sense her worry because he reached up to pat her arm. 

“It’s alright, you’ve got me at the helm. I can pilot this ship through the eye of a needle if I have to.” 

“Please don’t try.” Kris squeaked. 

“You just focus on scanning for any ship signs.” Zara told him. “Ships don’t go through asteroid belts if they can help it, if there is a ship in here somewhere, it’s got to be the one that took Mal.”

There was silence as they entered the asteroid field; Kris was practically trying not to hyperventilate from nerves and Zara had her mind laser focused on Mal. Trying to sense which way to go in the figurative minefield. If any of those rocks brushed their hull the wrong way…it could end badly for all of them. So far from a station that could offer emergency repairs, they could end up trapped or worse. 

“Captain…I think I see something.” Kris whispered. “Another ship, a small shuttle.”

“Can you tell where it might be heading?” 

“It’s heading through the debris field…judging by the heading and direction it's heading for one of Jupiter's smaller, uninhabited moons. No station in sight.”

“I’ll bet there is some sort of rendezvous planned, why else come all the way out here.” Zara muttered. “Ray, do you think we can catch up?”

“Maybe, it’ll take some time,a  shuttle is a lot smaller than us, they wouldn’t have to divert around asteroids as much.”

“I know you can do it, Ray.” Zara gave his shoulder a squeeze and he nodded.

“For Mal.”

The ship rumbled as Ray began to pick up speed, moving them through the rocks and ice. Kris looked like he was starting to regret noticing the ship at all. 

“Alright everybody,” Zara said over the intercom. “Hold on, things are about to get rough.”

~

Mal pouted; Lolth had come and relieved Caleb of his position, much to all of their chagrin. She and Caleb had only been able to discuss the most basic ideas for a mutiny before he was relieved so now she just had to hope he could figure the rest out on his own. Things in her cell had gotten a lot more boring since Lolth had come in, but at least now she could put her plan in motion. She just had to hope she convinced Caleb and that her inkling about the craggy alien was correct. The hum of the engines dimmed and a sense of quiet dread settled over her; if they were stopping…it meant they were at the drop-off point. The door slid open, and Jareth stood there looking pissed off. 

“Seems our partner is late. Lucky you. You get to hang out in the cargo bay until they arrive.”

Caleb stepped up behind Jareth, and his eyes locked with Mal. She could sense his excitement but also…fear. Mal had the impression that the delay had something to do with him, and she smiled and let herself be taken into their tiny cargo bay. Half the room was taken up by Jareth muscle, with all of them inside it was a tight squeeze. 

“Do we have to wait here?” She complained. “It’s so cramped.”

“She’s got a point.” Caleb winced, “Any closer, and I’ll have to add Lolth to my body count.”

The Plumarian made a disgusted face and Mal had to stifle a giggle. 

“For once, I am in agreement,” Lolth said. “Boss, I could-”

“I’ll go to the bridge, both of you stay here.” Jareth interrupted. 

Lolth watched him go and Mal felt a sense of anxiety building inside her as the door slid closed. It was now or never. She couldn’t be sure how Calrb had delayed the rendezvous or how long it would last. 

“So, big fella, what’s your name? Jareth apparently didn’t think you were worth introducing to me. Rude if you ask me.” 

“Vul.” The craggy alien rumbled. Mal was honestly a little surprised. After months of sharing a ship with Zenk, she assumed his species just didn’t talk. 

“Well, Vul. I hope your species likes the cold. I am freezing my tits off in here.”

It was true; the tin storage bay was frigid, and Mal could feel all four of her nipples hardening in the cold. Judging by the look on Caleb’s face, it hadn't escaped his notice either 

“We do not,” Vul said gruffly.

“You’d think Jareth would get a bigger ship or at least make you more comfortable, considering you’re the most important member of the crew.”

Vul’s eyebrows raised. 

“Well, I mean, you knocked me out after all. These guys were back up, but it was mostly you. All Jareth did was sneer.”

Vul took a deep breath and let out a huff. 

“I won’t work for Jareth much longer.”

“Oh?” 

This could be even easier than she’d hoped. But Vul didn’t elaborate further, and they lapsed into awkward silence. Lolth tapped his arms impatiently and kept checking his wrist.

“Come on…we were supposed to do the drop off almost an hour ago. You put the right coordinates in, right Caleb?”

“Of course!”

Caleb’s eyes met mals and in that moment, Mal knew he absolutely did not put the correct coordinates in. That meant she only had a limited amount of time to act; eventually, Jareth would check, and there would be no denying that Caleb had betrayed him when that happened. She had hoped to have more time to work Vul, but they couldn’t risk it, it was now or never. She locked eyes with Caleb and nodded, sending a burst of confidence his way before flicking her eyes to Lolth. Just like that, Caleb threw a punch right into the Plumarian’s hooked nose, and he yowled in pain. Mal grinned, taking a moment to revel in her own power; she had done that; turned Caleb to her side so easily with her feminine wiles. How did she ever cope without them? 

“Ow! What the hell?! You bastard!” Lolth swung, and Caleb dodged, the two of them descending into a fistfight as Caleb struggled to keep the other man from the door. Mal turned to Vul, who was watching the display with a hard look in their eyes.

“You can either go against us, and get no thanks, or you can join us and give Jareth a giant, rocky, middle finger.”

“...If it gets me out of the cargo bay.”

“Oh, it will.”

Mal ducked as a giant, grey-skinned fist swung past her and collided with Lolth, slamming him into the wall with a loud clang. He slid down the wall and Mal had to wince; damn, no wonder she’d had such a headache when she first woke up. She turned and placed a gentle hand on Vul’s arm.

“Thank you, darling.” She purred. “Lolth has outstayed his welcome.”

Vul made a low purring sound, or at least, the alien equivalent of it. It sounded a bit like rocks rumbling together but Mal took it as a compliment. Now she had half the crew on her side and only Jareth remained.

“We need to get rid of him before he figures out what I did, or contacts the people who’re going to take you to Murdeek.” Caleb panted. 

“Vul, you should come too,” Mal said genuinely. “I know it’s a tight squeeze, but just because it’s a little inconvenient, doesn't mean you should have to stay here.”

She sensed his excitement, and Mal had to hold back a smile; this was actually going to work. As she made her way through the ship's corridors, she realised she already felt free. Jareth may still be a threat but her confidence was high, she could do this. She let her hips sway sensually as she walked; fully in control. Mal opened the doors and stepped out into the shuttle bridge, grinning as Jareth whirled around, pistol already in hand. She flicked her tendrils over her shoulder with a confident smile and watched as Jareth grit his teeth. Caleb and Vul flanked her on either side, his men who she’d so easily turned into her obedient dogs.

“What are you playing at?” Jareth hissed, “Where’s Lolth?”

“He’s…indisposed.” Mal purred. 

“If you think you’re in control of this situation,” Jareth cocked the gun. “You’re sorely mistaken.”

 "You should’ve known better, darling," Mal said, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "A girl like me? I’m always in control."

“What’s to stop me putting a bullet in you right here, right now?” 

Vul made a rumbling sound and squeezed his way through the door, stepping in front of Mal while glaring down at Jareth. Mal gave him a gentle pat on the back.

“Thank you, darling.”

"You think you’ve won?" Jareth spat, "The other ship will be here soon, Loth will wake up and together, we’ll deal with all three of you!”

“I don’t think so.” Mal wagged a finger back and forth. “See, Caleb here changed the coordinates of our little meet-up right under your nose. He’s so talented, you really should have appreciated him more. Him and Vul here, they are such sweethearts.”

Jareth’s face was turning red with rage and Mal threw back her head and laughed. He’d underestimated her, expecting her old, wimpy self just in a new body. He had no idea that her confidence had grown along with her cup size, or that she’d fully embraced her new sexual powers. She put on her best, sultry smile and leaned up against Vul, letting her body press against him.

"Vul," she said sweetly, “be a dear and get rid of that nasty gun, won’t you?"

Without a word, Vul’s massive fist swung like a hammer. Jareth barely had a moment to react before the blow connected with a sickening thud. His head snapped back, eyes rolling up as he crumpled to the floor, unconscious. Mal sauntered over to his limp form, nudging him with the toe of her boot. 

"So predictable," she murmured, “Now, Caleb, if you could get the communications screen up-”

Before she could continue there was a buzzing static sound and Mal was suddenly assaulted with those strange emotions that weren't her own; rage, impatience and…hope. 

“Alright, whoever is on that ship, if you have our Sedun you’d better pick up quick.”

Mal’s heart thumped in her chest.

“Zara…”

Without hesitation she slammed a hand on the communication button and opened up a channel. There was her captain’s beautiful face, the striking green eyes she loved so much. It almost brought Mal to tears; she hadn't realised just how much she had been missing her. 

“Mal! You’re okay! What happened?”

“That’s…a long story.” She laughed, “Think you could connect these two ships with a boarding corridor? I can't wait to be off this damn thing. Oh, and I am bringing some new friends as well.”