48 Days
by Mele

It had been a couple of days since Billy's ill fated fight in the bunkhouse when he and Jason became aware of a commotion. They looked toward the entrance to see Sarlas enter with numerous guards. Walking the perimeter of the large area Sarlas simply pointed to various prisoners, who were then pulled to their feet and taken outside. When he got to Jason and Billy's location he indicated to both of them. They were roughly removed from the bunkhouse and marched to the far end of the yard where a large concrete slab was located.

Once there they were ordered to strip along with the other prisoners that had been removed. Once all clothing was removed they were quite literally hosed down while a couple of guards scrubbed the prisoners with long handled brushes. Once that was finished they were all handed simple cotton shirts and drawstring pants to replace whatever rags they had been wearing. Like everything else on this planet, the clothes were too big for the two humans. The clothes hung loosely on their trim frames, making them look smaller than they were. An older man they had never seen before drifted among them, examining those who appeared to have injuries. When he got to Jason he looked at the ribs and his knee, then produced a flat instrument which he placed over Jason's injured ribs. In moments the ribs had healed completely. He repeated the procedure on his knee with the same results.

When the man had moved on Jason turned an astonished expression toward Billy. "Any ideas on how he did that?"

"No, but I wish like heck he had done it days ago. You suffered a lot of needless pain."

"I suppose he just wants to be sure to get full price for me. It must be market day."

"I gathered as much."

Before they could say more the prisoners were loaded in the cage wagon and it headed back toward the settlement.

Unlike the first time they had been there, the settlement fairly burst with excitement. The wagon stopped in what appeared to be the town square and the prisoners were unloaded and herded to an area where what looked to be pole corrals had been set up. The group was sent into one large holding pen and guards took up positions at each corner. A large group of citizens immediately surrounded the pen and started discussing the prisoners.

Occasionally one person would approach the head guard and ask to see a specific prisoner more closely. The prisoner would be brought out and subjected to whatever examination the potential buyer wanted to do. Several prisoners had been bought when a particularly large and stern looking man approached and requested Jason.

Jason was removed from the pen and the potential buyer felt him over, paying particular attention to his arms and shoulders. After a brief negotiation, currency was handed over to the head guard and the buyer grabbed Jason and started to lead him away. Jason twisted in his grip, looking back desperately at Billy, still in the pen. What they had never spoken of, but what they had each feared the most since finding themselves on this planet had just happened.

They were being separated.

It was hours later before Billy was finally sold. By then there were only two other prisoners in the pen, and both of them were permanently damaged. One was missing a leg and moved awkwardly on a makeshift prosthesis. The other was quite insane, squatting in a corner of the pen, rocking back and forth, giggling softly.

The man who bought Billy was shabbier than the others he had seen. It certainly appeared he was sold for considerably less than the others, even Jason. When the shabby man grabbed Billy's arm and led him away, Billy offered no resistance. Shabby he may have been, but the grip on Billy's biceps was pure steel. The man had yet to speak to Billy, he simply pulled the unresisting young man through the crowds toward the outskirts of town.

They walked hours, through undeveloped forest, gradually moving to higher altitude. Billy's owner said nothing, just pulled him along roughly. For his part, Billy decided not to push his luck and start asking questions of the man. Disheartened by the day's events he was not feeling up to doing anything except what was absolutely required. With each step away from the settlement he felt more isolated and desolate.

It was well past dark when they arrived at a cabin in the center of a clearing. Livestock occupied several corrals and there was a large barn to one side. It was to the barn that Billy was taken. His companion finally spoke.

"I paid good money for you and I expect you to be worth it. I don't know, and don't care, what your old name was, to me you are 'boy', you will answer to that. You will call me 'sir' when you speak to me, and you will only speak with my permission. Come here."

Billy cautiously approached the man, not knowing what he was about to do. The man took Billy's left arm and put a metal cuff around it, securing it was a bolt and lock combination. He then took Billy back into the yard and attached the cuff by a thick chain to a post. He then turned and headed to the house, leaving Billy outside in the cold night air.

Billy sank down beside the post, drawing his knees up to his chest, trying to conserve body heat. He looked up at the night sky and wondered how Jason was faring.

He had never been so miserable, nor felt so alone.

Jason found himself the possession of one of the wealthier families on Primeria. He had been purchased as a 'training slave' for the man's younger son. The thirteen-year-old boy needed a slave to practice on, one he could command and intimidate, and his father had felt Jason would be perfect. At thirteen the lad was a couple of inches taller than Jason, and even sturdier in build.

Jason found the situation disgusting, painful, and humiliating. The boy, Merlic, was sadistic by nature. No matter what Jason did, the little fiend would find fault with it and punish Jason accordingly. The only rule the boy was subject to was to not permanently damage his new slave. So he contented himself with beating his slave with whatever happened to be handy, frequently in public, and always until Jason cried out in pain. After a time it got so Jason had forgotten what is was like to live without pain. Though the beatings rarely broke his skin, they usually caused welts that remained for days. It was a rare and wondrous occasion when Jason was not sporting several different degrees of welts.

When not doing Merlic's bidding, Jason spent his time in the slave quarters. The older slaves were accepting enough of the human, and one woman, Napie, would gently bathe Jason's back after particularly bad beatings. His actual duties were quite light, and if not for the beatings it would have been a decent enough situation, under the circumstances.

Sometimes at night Jason would go out into the secured yard and look up into the alien sky. He would think about Billy, wondering if his friend was doing okay, and when they would get to see each other again. On the rare occasions Jason was taken with Merlic to town he would scan the streets, hoping against hope to see Billy. He was always disappointed.

Billy had found his owner to be strict, demanding, and volatile. He worked from sunup to sunset, tending livestock, cleaning stalls, mending fences, building fences, digging ditches, and chopping wood. The chores were endless and exhausting. Most nights he was so tired he didn't notice the cold as he drifted into sleep. The first night on the farm had been the rule, not an exception. He slept outside in fair weather or foul. He was given a large meal in the morning and a light one at night. The food was nourishing, if tasteless. If Billy slacked off or made a mistake, retribution was immediate. The man did not believe in long debilitating beatings, but swift, intensely painful ones that left Billy capable of going back to work, if somewhat gingerly. Billy was the only slave on the place, he was expected to do everything.

It was an overcast afternoon when the windmill ceased to work properly. Billy was called over to assist his owner, who was trying to force a popped gear back into place. Billy could see that the method he was using was not going to work. He needed to retract a bar that had popped out of place first, then the gear would slip back where it belonged.

"You need to fix that bar first," Billy started to say. The man straightened up and swiftly pulled the riding crop he carried and began to strike Billy with considerable force.

"Don't speak to me without permission," he growled as he replaced the crop in the holder on his belt. Billy lay gasping at his feet.

The big man turned back to the machinery, still trying to force the gear. He spoke without turning. "You have my permission to speak. If you can fix this problem, tell me now. If not, remain silent."

"You need to retract that bar back there first, then the gear should slip back into place," Billy rasped out, still struggling to quiet his breathing.

The man did as Billy suggested and the problem was promptly solved.

"Get back to work on that gate," was all the man said as he closed the door to the windmill's machinery and prepared to go back to work on the tractor.

"You're welcome," Billy muttered, very softly, as he walked away.

Jason had just had a very quiet day. Merlic was sick, some sort of childhood disease like chicken pox on Earth, and Jason had been left to his own devices in the slave quarters. He had volunteered his services helping the other slaves, especially Napie, wishing to pay her back for past kindness. By his estimate he had now been there about three weeks. Later that evening he was again in the yard looking at the sky when she joined him.

"What are you looking for, Jason? Your home?"

"Not exactly. I was just remembering something my father had told me, years ago. He had to leave town for a week for his work, he had never had to be gone for so long before. I was real young, maybe six or seven. Anyway, he told me that if I missed him I only had to look at the sky, at the sun, or the moon or stars, and know that those very same ones were looking down on him. It made it seem as if he were very close, even though he was far away. I was thinking of how far away he is now, we don't share the same moor, the same sun, or even the same stars." Jason looked at her with eyes that sparkled with the tears Merlic was never able to elicit. "I miss him."

"Maybe you will be able to find a way to get back there someday," she said. Saying such things went against her natural inclination to not lend false hope, but Jason needed something to hold on to. She had grown fond of the young man, he made her wish she had had a chance to have children.

"I hope so. I also wish I could see Billy again. He is probably looking at the same night sky. I wonder if he is okay."

The night after the windmill incident, it had rained heavily. Despite the downpour, Billy had been left chained, as usual, outside. Once the rain stopped, the wind started, dropping the temperature a good twenty degrees. Billy, soaked to the skin, shivered at the base of the post he was chained to. The next morning he was so stiff he could barely rise when his owner came to unchain him. He developed a deep, bronchial cough, his appetite waned, and he found it almost impossible to do his work. The beatings became more frequent. He knew if things kept going this way that he wouldn't survive another week.

Three days later his owner simply attached a slender cable to the cuff on Billy's wrist and headed back toward town. They started out in the early morning hours with Billy pushing a cart filled with produce, pelts, and grain. This represented the last few weeks' labors.

Billy had not been off the farm since his arrival and was looking forward to seeing something other than livestock and trees. He also planned to do all he could to avoid ever having to see the farm again. Unbeknownst to his owner, Billy had finally found a way to unlock the cuff, he had carefully guarded this secret, waiting until the proper opportunity presented itself.

As they marched along Billy thought grimly to himself, 'Come hell or high water, that opportunity is going to be today.'

Merlic had recovered from his illness with no lingering after effects, except perhaps an even shorter temper. He was planning to go to town on personal errands, and was taking Jason along to assist him. All morning Jason followed his owner from place to place; taunted and tormented almost constantly. His ability to put up with such treatment was rapidly fading. It was early afternoon when Jason finally snapped and told Merlic to shut up and leave him alone.

Merlic attacked Jason as if Jason had threatened to kill him. Using a length of rope he began to beat Jason about the shoulders and back, hitting him so fast and furiously Jason had no time to react. Not feeling like he was getting the response that he wanted from the human, Merlic picked up a length of board and began to beat Jason with that. Putting up his arm to protect his head Jason took a tremendous blow on the left forearm. Both bones shattered under the impact. The next few blows hit his hips and thighs, causing deep bruising. Another blow broke two ribs and the next one damaged his kidney. Before Merlic could manage to kill his slave, he found himself under attack and was knocked aside roughly, the board slipping from his hands. A blow to the side of his head from the board he had dropped sent him falling semiconscious in the gutter. Jason looked up to thank his savior, and felt a thrill of happiness and surprise wash through him.

Billy carefully pulled him to his feet, urging him to run.

Billy had chosen his time perfectly. There was a huge commotion as an accident between two wealthy merchants started a near riot. His owner was caught up in the excitement and didn't notice his slave was able to slip from his restraints. Before the man was aware of it, Billy had freed himself and disappeared into the crowd.

Hurrying from the area, he stumbled across Merlic and Jason. Without a thought Billy attacked Merlic and got Jason to his feet, forcing him to come with him. The beginnings of a plan raced through his mind. He couldn't believe his luck in finding Jason, and he was determined not to waste the opportunity that fate had given him. He knew they would be pursued, already the young man who had been beating Jason was trying to struggle to his feet. Others had noticed what was happening and were moving toward the two humans.

Moving at a dead run, Billy headed them toward the outskirts of town. As soon as they were out of sight of their pursuers for a moment he ducked them into a narrow alley, then into a building, hoping and praying no one would see them. He found a deserted utility room and hustled Jason inside with him, locking the door behind them. Jason was barely conscious, obviously in tremendous pain. Leaving him slumped against the wall, Billy looked around desperately for some sort of clothing to help disguise them. He found a few uniforms that would do, even the hats that went with them and would help hide their faces. The only thing he really worried about was their obvious smaller stature, but there was nothing he could do about that. Working quickly, he managed to get Jason into one of the uniforms, then donned the other himself.

"Jason, I'm sorry, but you have to walk yourself. We are going to head toward the spaceports. I am going to try to sneak us on a freighter and off this godforsaken planet. But we need to not draw any attention on our way over there. Soon you can rest, but for now you have to walk. Okay?"

"I'm okay, Billy. I can make it," Jason said gamely.

They exited the utility closet, went back into the alley and toward the spaceports as quickly as they could without exciting any attention. They tried to look as if they belonged and knew what they were doing, and where they were going. Realizing Jason could not keep going much longer, Billy chose a spaceport at random and they went inside. There they found a medium sized craft with the cargo ramp still open. Billy and Jason could not see anyone around, so they ducked up the ramp and quickly moved among the stacks of cargo, working their way back to the far wall and hiding there. Jason sank gratefully to the floor and stretched out on his uninjured side. Billy looked around for something that could be used as a weapon. All he was able to find was a rod about five feet long. It would have to do. When he looked over to check on Jason he realized that his friend was unconscious.

Billy heard sounds of movement in the cargo bay. Someone was walking around, inspecting the stacks, and hopefully readying them for takeoff. Billy tightened his hold on his weapon and prepared himself for a possible fight. He let out his breath in a deep sigh when the footsteps retreated and he heard the cargo bay door close. Then the deep sound of the engines started. With the sense of movement beneath his feet he felt a relief deeper than he had expected. For better or worse, Primeria was behind them.

He knelt down beside Jason and checked his injuries. He had not had time to really look at what was wrong with his old friend until now, and he was appalled with what he saw. He realized Jason's left arm was broken, he had more broken ribs, and possible internal injuries. How in the world had Jason managed to run off with him? Billy knew he was going to have to find some medical supplies. Jason needed treatment, and soon.

Billy was considering his options when he heard a door open, and approaching footsteps. He stood up gripping his makeshift weapon. He was not experienced fighting with a staff, but he would give it his all. He had to protect Jason, no matter the cost. Billy looked at the opening between the stacks of cargo that formed the entrance to their hiding place. When the being stepped through Billy felt his heart sink. The man was over seven feet tall, heavily muscled, moving with the inborn grace of a natural athlete. Though his features were human-like, his skin was a light olive-green color and lightly pebbled, and his eyes were an icy pale blue and very round.

Billy tightened his grip on the staff and faced the newcomer.

Modil was not surprised to find two stowaways in the cargo bay. His internal sensors had told him as much. What he was surprised to find was that they were human, as he had encountered very few humans in his years of running cargo throughout the galaxy.

Though fierce in appearance and intimidating in stature, Modil was not a violent being. Like most Nebulans he actually had a peaceful disposition, and was slow to anger. Looking at the small human who faced him he felt no aggression, but pity, humor, and considerable respect for the courage it took for someone to face a possible battle bravely when so clearly overmatched.

He looked closely at the human, it was obvious he was not well, and the one on the floor beyond was in even worse shape. He spoke quietly, knowing the translator would make it possible for the human to understand him.

"My name is Modil. I will not hurt you. Your companion needs medical attention, we should take him to my sickbay, where you can help him."

Modil watched the play of emotions across the human's face. Unfamiliar with humans, he did not recognize the emotions, but he could guess at them. He knew how the society worked on Primeria, he figured these two had been slaves. It was obvious this one in front of him was determined to protect his injured comrade. Modil leaned against the stack of crates beside him, relaxing his body to send a message of non-aggression to the human he was facing. He waited patiently for the human to make up his mind.

At long last the small human lowered his weapon and looked back at his companion. He turned back to Modil with a look that could only be hope. "You have a sickbay, and means to treat his injuries?"

Modil nodded at that, and approached his two unexpected passengers. He bent down and easily lifted the unconscious young man in his arms, taking note of the injury to his arm.

"Please be careful, his ribs are broken on the right side, and he may have internal injuries."

"I will be as careful as possible. Follow me, I will take you to the sickbay."

When they got to the sickbay Modil placed Jason on an exam table, and quickly got out the other human's way. Curious as to what the human might be able to figure out, Modil did not offer any assistance, but watched closely. He was impressed as the young man used various instruments correctly after only a quick examination of them.

"What have you found out?" he asked at last.

"Jason has broken bones in his left forearm, two broken ribs, his left kidney is damaged, and he has severe internal bruising."

"There are instruments here you can use to treat that. His name is Jason? What is your name? Or do I just call you 'boy'?" He was surprised to see the human shudder at that comment.

"I'm Billy. Please call me that. I think I need to treat his kidneys and other internal injuries first, then the arm and ribs. And I need some way to keep him warm, he is going into shock."

The next couple of hours went by quickly as Billy treated Jason's injuries, with Modil assisting. They did not speak more than necessary, and Modil wondered when Billy would settle down and trust him.

At one point Jason regained consciousness, but just barely. He was obviously unaware of his surroundings, and what was being done for him. He only recognized Billy.

"Billy, how am I?" he asked weakly.

"You are going to be fine, Jason. I'm taking care of all your injuries. You will be good as new before you know it."

"Thanks," Jason's voice was weaker still. "I still want to know something."

"What is that?"

"What does pusillanimous mean?"

"When we get home look it up in the dictionary," Billy said quietly, pushing Jason's hair back from his eyes with a gentle hand. Jason lost consciousness again, a faint smile on his face.

Modil had stayed back beyond Jason's range of vision, watching the exchange closely, curiously.

They had finally done all they could for Jason. His kidney and other internal injuries were healing rapidly, according to Modil they would be completely healed in a few hours. The broken bones would take three or four days at most. He was resting comfortably on the bed, covered by several blankets. Billy turned with a weary sigh and leaned against the side of the bed.

"Are you going to treat your own injuries now?" Modil asked.

"I am not injured. And I need to be here if Jason needs me."

"If you are not injured, then you are ill. And Jason will be asleep for hours. Use this to examine your condition, or I will," Modil held out the scanner Billy had used on Jason earlier.

With a sigh Billy did as told. He looked at the results and grinned ruefully. "Well, no wonder I feel like crap."

"You feel like what??"

"Um, I feel bad. Sorry, guess the translator doesn't recognize slang. I have pneumonia. A pretty mild case, but I could use some antibiotics."

Modil gave him what he needed, then said softly. "You need to sleep, too. Do you seriously think I am going to hurt you?"

"No. It's just hard to trust again after what has happened. If you were going to kill us, you would have already. You would have back in the cargo bay. Why didn't you simply overpower me and bring us here? You could have, easily."

"I don't know if it would have been that easy. You and Jason are the first humans I have ever spoken to, or spent any time around. But in the cargo bay it was not necessary to know anything about humans to know you were dangerous. You were scared, cornered, and protecting someone you care for. If I had tried force, yes, I probably would have been the victor, but I would have paid for it. And you would have, too. I would have had to knock you out some way to get past you. Ultimately, it was easier to convince you to come along quietly. No one gets hurt that way," Modil explained.

"Very logical. I guess I will try to sleep now," Billy said. Modil went to a corner of the sick bay and found a cot he kept there. He set it up for Billy, then left the two humans alone.

"Hang in there, Jason. I think we are in a much better place this time. Maybe in time we can convince him to send us on our way home. At any rate, I don't think he will hurt us. Rest well, heal. I'm here if you need me." So saying he settled down on his cot and was asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

Jason woke up with no idea where he was or how he got there. He sat up carefully, looking around for something familiar, noticing as he did so he felt much better than he last remembered. Not great, but much better. He looked down and realized it was Billy lying on the cot beside his bed. He looked at his friend, wondering how Billy had managed to get them where they were, and what was going on. He didn't really want to wake Billy up, he looked so peaceful and Jason had no doubt he needed the sleep. He had just decided to lay back down and sleep some more when the door opened and a giant walked in. At least it looked like a giant to Jason, who leapt from the bed, knocking roughly into Billy's cot and waking him up.

"What? What's happening?" Billy gasped, startled and disoriented.

"Get back! Stay away from us!" Jason yelled at the thoroughly startled Modil, while Billy struggled awkwardly to his feet. Jason's leap from bed awakened the pain in his arm and ribs, making Jason feel dizzy and nauseated. He staggered a bit while looking for something to use for a weapon.

Chaos reigned supreme for a few moments, then Billy grabbed Jason's uninjured arm.

"Whoa! Jason, settle down. Modil is a friend, he has helped us. He's okay, and we are off Primeria. Take it easy." Billy was finally able to reassure Jason that they were in no danger from the very large man at the door.

Modil had remained motionless during Jason's outburst. Once he saw the humans were calm again, he approached slowly.

"You humans certainly are excitable. You must be feeling better to jump around like that," he said with some humor.

"Sorry," Jason mumbled. "You startled me."

"I gathered as much. I thought if you were awake you might want some food," he offered, holding out the two containers he had brought with him.

"Thank you, Modil. Jason, this is Modil, of the planet Nebulas. Modil, this is Jason," Billy formally introduced the two.

Jason reached out with his right hand; "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Modil took the proffered hand and shook it gently. "Same here."

Billy noticed Jason was quite pale. "Here, sit back down, Jason. You didn't do yourself any favors getting excited like that."

"I know. I woke up the pain from my arm and ribs. However, they feel much better than I last remember. How long have I been out of it?"

"Only a few hours. Modil here has some really neat toys in this sickbay. I should be able to get your ribs and arm completely healed in three or four days. Your internal injuries are already healed," Billy reported.

"Great. How about you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Jase. No problems."

"Just the pneumonia," Modil noted with an innocent look.

"'Just the pneumonia'? And you call that 'okay'? Billy, pneumonia is not okay."

"It's a very mild case, and I suspect it is already cleared up. Let me get the scanner and I will check us both over, will that make you happy?"

"Yes."

Using the scanner Billy quickly checked their condition. "As I expected, my lungs are almost completely clear. Your internal injuries have healed, and your broken bones are knitting together nicely. Modil, you are a lifesaver, literally."

"I am glad to have been of help. Perhaps you can repay me by working as my crew," he offered.

"I think we are okay doing that, right Jason?"

"Sure. Do you think you will ever be going near Earth?" Jason asked hopefully.

"I never go near Earth, there is nothing there for a cargo transport ship."

"Oh. Well, at least we have a job," Jason sighed. He was thankful to be off Primeria, and grateful for the treatment of his injuries. He was not about to complain to the being that had made that possible.

He and Billy opened the containers of food Modil had brought and found they contained what appeared to be soup. They both tasted it and exchanged a wry look. It tasted awful, but something about Modil's expression told them he had made it and was pleased with the outcome.

"Delicious. Thank you Modil," Billy said with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, it's great. Thanks," Jason added with a wide smile.

"You should probably both rest some more. There is plenty of time before you need to start working. Get your strength back," with that the big man left the two teenagers alone again.

"Ugh, this is worse than anything your dad made!" Jason whispered.

"Hey! My dad isn't that bad a cook. But, I agree it is pretty bad. But it is warm, nourishing, and, um, warm," Billy whispered back. They both forced themselves to finish the soup.

Billy got out a couple of the instruments he had used earlier on Jason's injuries and treated the broken bones again. Then both settled back down on their beds and drifted back to sleep.

Three days later Billy declared the last of Jason's injuries healed. They were growing used to life on the ship, and fond of Modil, who treated them quite well. Their duties were fairly light; maintenance, minor repairs, moving cargo in preparation of delivery. Having discovered Billy was very good with numbers, Modil gave the job of inventory tracking and invoicing to him, with Jason assisting.

Whenever they came into a port the two humans were hidden in a far cargo area, safe from prying eyes. Modil was not worried about them escaping, or doing any damage, just about others finding out he had two humans on board. He was doing his best to protect his crew.

One thing Modil noticed was that the two of them did not like being separated. Though the ship was fairly spacious, the two shared one room. When they were hidden they insisted on being together. If working in different areas of the ship, he knew they contacted each other often. He figured it had to be because of what had happened to them on Primeria, but they seldom spoke of their time there. They seldom spoke of their pasts at all, and Modil figured they simply found it too painful.

Modil called the two of them to the bridge of the ship, as they approached a planet that was almost Earth-like in appearance.

"We are approaching Guenwilli, a peaceful planet, sparsely populated. The atmosphere is close to that of Earth. I think the two of you should debark here and spend a few hours on a planet surface. You need to be off the ship for a while, and this is one of the safest planets I know of." Though obviously worried, they agreed to the plan.

Guenwilli turned out to be an extremely pleasant experience for both. The settlement where the spaceport was located was small, and the people living there paid little or no attention to those who got off the ships. Billy and Jason walked around the settlement in their stolen uniforms >from Primeria, reveling in the freedom of being on a planet surface and not pursued by anyone.

Following directions they had been given in the settlement, they found a pond in a large field. Given permission to swim there, they took the opportunity to bathe, and clean their clothing as well as possible. Though the results were less than perfect they boarded the ship much cleaner and happier than they had been in a long time.

Modil derived great pleasure in the two humans' enjoyment of the experience. For the first time he saw a glimpse of what the two young men must have been like before the events of their recent past. Their eyes sparkled, they laughed and joked about their encounter with what they called a turtle, which they had found in the pond.

"I take it you enjoyed yourselves?"

"Yes, thank you," Jason said with a smile. "It was nice to see the sky, the sun, to feel the open air."

"Tired of being on board the ship, are you?"

"We are not complaining. We are very grateful for all you do for us," Billy said in his quiet way.

"I am grateful you took the opportunity to bathe. You were starting to smell so bad I feared port authorities would be able to find you just using their noses."

Both young men looked very embarrassed and Modil chuckled at them. "I am just kidding. Well, mostly kidding."

Time passed quickly on board the ship. Kept busy, Billy and Jason had no time to reflect on their situation, they had decided to simply live each day the best they could and hope that someday they could find a way home. They did not question Modil about it, not wishing to appear ungrateful.

They had just left a port in what Modil described as a pretty unsavory area of the galaxy when they found themselves under attack. The first Billy and Jason knew of it was when the ship shuddered violently and tilted to the side. They hurried onto the bridge, wondering what had happened.

"We are under attack! They managed to sneak up on me. I don't believe it! We are losing our shields," Modil was frantically trying to do three things at once.

"Where are the shield controls?" Billy asked tersely.

Modil didn't ask questions, just pointed the controls out to Billy while trying evasive maneuvers. Billy set to work on the shields.

A few tense minutes later Billy said quietly. "Shields are back up to 93%, it was the best I could do."

Modil checked his readings to confirm it and shot an incredulous look at Billy. "How did you manage that?"

"Re-routed some of the power from systems we don't need right now. After the attack is over we can fix the problem permanently. What else can I do to help?"

"If I had more power in the thrusters I could maneuver better, and if I could add about 25% to my speed I could outrun these pirates. I can't outshoot them."

"Got it, thrusters and speed. I'll go back to the engine area and see what I can do. Keep the intercom open, okay?"

Modil indicated he would as Billy, followed by Jason, headed to the engine compartment. Billy lowered himself into the cramped area that housed the engines, bidding Jason stay at the entrance in case he needed anything. Moving quickly he found the control panel and set to work. He called up to Jason to send down several instruments, then called to Modil on the bridge asking for some readings. Modil gave him the information he needed then made an ominous announcement.

"There are two of them now! We need more speed! They are approaching >from both sides, how are the thrusters looking?"

"Give me just another second," Billy muttered to himself, making another connection. "Try it now!" he called out loudly.

On the bridge Modil wasted no time in hitting the thrusters as the two ships approached from opposite sides pinning him in a deadly cross fire. Unexpectedly the ship bolted forward as if shot from a cannon. The attacking ships ended up hitting each other with their laser blasts, destroying one and crippling the other. Modil was thrown back in his seat by the sudden acceleration, while Jason was pitched across the room by the motion. He heard a thud and Billy's mumbled curses from the engine area.

"WooHoo! That did the trick! Good job, boys. We are out of here," Modil called to them as he set a course to their next destination. "Billy, Jason, you alright?"

"I think so," was Jason's response as he went to check on Billy. He gave his friend a hand up out of the engine compartment and noticed blood in Billy's light hair.

"You okay, man?" he asked worriedly as he helped Billy to his feet.

"Yeah, it's not that bad," Billy replied. "I take it that worked?"

"Guess so. Let's get to the bridge and find out what happened."

They made their way to the bridge to find Modil happily settling back after setting the course.

"Thanks, Billy. You did a great job, saved our lives, really. I didn't know you knew so much about engines and such," he commented.

"I have an aptitude for mechanical devices," Billy replied with a slight smile. "I like to work with my hands."

"Well, anytime you want to work on my engines you go right ahead. I want you to show me what you did and how you did it so I will know for future reference," Modil requested, looking up at the two humans for the first time. "Oh, feces, you are injured!" he cried seeing the blood now running slowly down the side of Billy's face from a scalp wound.

"It isn't bad, on humans head wounds bleed a lot. And what did you just say?"

Modil looked a bit abashed. "Isn't that what you both sometimes say when upset-'Oh, feces'?"

"Well, sort of. Actually the term is 'Oh, shit', but I think the translator is making a mess of that."

"That's what I said, 'Oh, feces'."

"Guess that's right, then," Billy conceded, wanting to end the conversation, realizing Jason was struggling to maintain his composure and not wanting to hurt or embarrass Modil. "I should head to sickbay and take care of this cut. No sense in letting it get infected."

"I'll help," Jason volunteered, following Billy out and managing to make it a good ways from the bridge before almost collapsing in laughter.

"Oh, feces! He cusses like you would have in your 'big words' phase."

"Oh, shut up."

The next few days Billy spent helping Modil repair and upgrade the engines. Now that Modil knew Billy's talents he was determined to take full advantage of them. Billy found Modil to be a quick learner, with more practical knowledge than Billy had. They made a good team and worked well together, Billy knowing more theory, Modil more reality. Jason found himself feeling a little left out as his two companions discussed technological theories beyond his scope of knowledge.

They continued to make the scheduled stops, dropping off cargo on one planet, picking some up on the next one. Billy and Jason were on a sleep period when Modil called them up to the bridge.

He had turned off the view port and greeted the two teens with an odd smile.

"You have both long since repaid any kindness I could have done for you. I think it is time you debark again, this time here," he said, activating the view port. Both young men turned to him with tears in their eyes. The view port showed they were fast approaching Earth.

"You are sending us home?" Jason asked, scarcely daring to believe it was true.

"Yes, unless you didn't want to be returned here," Modil replied.

"Oh, we want to be here!" Billy exclaimed, smiling widely.

"Good, it's settled then. Zordon, they are yours. Please do not let them go astray again, they find much too much trouble to get into," Modil called out.

"Modil, thank you," Billy said.

"Yes, thank you so much for everything you have done for us," Jason added as the familiar feeling of teleportation overcame him.

Tommy was wondering why they had been called to the Power Chamber. There were no alarms sounding, nothing showed on the viewing globe. He heard an unfamiliar voice say something about something being Zordon's, and not letting them go astray again, then Alpha announced he had a teleportation lock.

Two beams of pure white appeared, fading to reveal friends the Power Rangers had believed lost forever. Jason and Billy looked around with happy, dazed expressions while the assembled Zeo Rangers looked at them with confusion. For a moment neither group spoke or moved. Then the paralysis broke and the two former Rangers found themselves enveloped in a group hug. Tears shone in everyone's eyes as Zordon looked down on his 'children' with delight in the return of the two missing ones. Alpha kept exclaiming "Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi" to no one in particular.

Tommy backed off from Jason and Billy, looking at them with undisguised delight. "Good God, you two look awful. Don't smell too great, either. And I have never been happier to see anyone in my life," he laughed.

"Geez, the greetings we get," Jason grumbled good-naturedly. "Can we go home now?"

"First we need to give you a quick exam. Then you can go home, I know you must be anxious to see your families," Zordon said.

"Yeah, we are. Are they okay?" Billy asked worriedly.

"They are fine. Except, your dad is out of town again. Sorry, Billy," Adam said gently, seeing the expression on his friend's face.

"I guess I should have figured that," he said, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Hey, my parents will be delighted to see you. And you know your dad will be home as quickly as he can," Jason said comfortingly.

"Yeah, I know. How long were we gone, anyway?" Billy asked.

"Forty-eight days, three hours, and about seventeen minutes," Tommy told them.

"Whoa. We were gone longer than I thought," Jason started, then noticed an odd expression on the Rangers' faces. "What is wrong?" he asked with some trepidation.

"We were sent a copy of a transmission between the Briardian ship and Briard. It indicated you two had been killed in some sort of crash. We gave that information to your parents," Tommy admitted.

Jason and Billy exchanged an unhappy look. "I was right. We were afraid that would happen."

"Sorry, but we felt they should know. We have been in frequent contact with them as Rangers. As civilians your parents told us you were suddenly called out of the country, back to the peace conference, and that Billy went with you," Tommy explained.

"We didn't question it, obviously." Katherine added.

"All the more reason we need to get home. Please get the exams over with and let us go home. Please," Jason asked with an anxious look.

Katherine led them to the Med Room, where she made quick work of a full scan of both. Billy could have told her what she would find, but knew nothing would stop her from doing her own scan. He had been the 'team nurse' until he was kidnapped, he knew the rules as well as anyone. It would be easier and quicker to simply go with the flow and let her do the scan.

Once that was done Tommy, Katherine and Adam prepared to teleport with Jason and Billy to the Scott residence. If necessary they would ask the Scotts to take Billy as well, to give his father time to get home. They had considered teleporting Billy directly to his father's location, but that was not feasible, as the company he was auditing was strict with their security measures. It would be best to let Wallace come home to his son.

When they arrived on the Scott's large front porch they saw no neighbors were out and about. That was best, as they wanted to keep this quiet. Tommy knocked on the front door, stepping back so they would be able to see Jason immediately.

Marjorie Scott answered the door and saw the Red Ranger standing to the side. She started to ask him what was going on as she stepped out on the porch. The words never made it all the way out as she saw Jason standing there. She let out a cry of joy, then grabbed her son in a tight embrace, holding on as if she would never let go. Hearing his wife's cry, Jack Scott came out on the porch and saw his wife and son. He added himself to the embrace as all three let the tears flow freely.

Tommy stepped over beside Adam and Kat, who flanked Billy. Katherine had her hand on Billy's arm, offering silent comfort as they watched the Scotts. She could only guess at his feelings as he watched Jason's happy reunion with his family, knowing it would be hours before he finally got to see his own father. After several minutes Jack and Marjorie looked over to thank the Rangers and saw Billy standing there with them. Marjorie immediately hurried over to hug her 'second son'; joined by Jack and Jason, all offering Billy the welcome his father wasn't there to offer.

"Billy's father is out of town at work. I can get ahold of him later and let him know Billy is back. If it is okay with you we will keep him here until then," Jack said, wiping unashamedly at his streaming eyes.

"If it is okay with Billy, it's okay with us," the Green Ranger said. At Billy's nod of acceptance, the Rangers prepared to leave.

"Thank you for bringing our sons back," Jack said.

"We didn't do anything, they did it themselves," the Red Ranger replied as they teleported away.

Marjorie Scott listened to the water running in the two bathrooms. Before anything else the boys had requested a chance to shower and put on clean clothes. Marjorie certainly didn't have any objections to that-they were quite fragrant. She also had noticed they were thinner than before, obviously they had not been eating well. As soon as she felt reassured they were physically okay she would feed them anything they wanted. She heard the upstairs shower shut off, so she set off to that one first to check Jason over for injuries. Despite his protests that he was okay, she insisted on examining him. He submitted despite his embarrassment, he knew how determined his mother could be. Her only concern seemed to be his loss of weight, since thanks to Billy's work on Modil's ship he bore no other physical reminders of his time on Primeria.

Reassured about Jason's condition, she headed to the downstairs bath to examine Billy, who turned out to be in the same condition as Jason. She found it remarkable the two teens had escaped with no injuries. She wondered how they had done that.

Marjorie and Jack had agreed to ask no questions at this point. They definitely got the impression that the boys were having enough to deal with just being home, without a lot of questions being asked. There would be time for that later, once they felt more settled.

When Marjorie asked them what they wanted to eat, neither Jason nor Billy could come up with a response at first. Having subsisted on bland, alien food, then on the nasty tasting stuff Modil ate, they had forgotten what it was like to actually look forward to a meal. For far too long they had simply viewed eating as a necessity, an ordeal they had to go through in order to survive. They went into the pantry to see if anything sounded good to them and were overwhelmed with the choices. They found themselves unable to choose. Fortunately, Marjorie realized what was happening and chased the boys out of the pantry, then prepared them a soup and sandwich lunch. The two wolfed the food down, and looked for more. After a desert of milk and cookies, they began to look more obviously tired, yawning and glassy eyed.

"Not to treat you two like children, but you both obviously need a nap. Why don't you lie down for a while and rest. Wallace will be back this evening, then maybe you could tell us a little about where you have been, and what happened to you," Marjorie suggested.

"I hate to admit it, but that's a good idea. I could use some sleep. What do you say, Billy, ready to take a nap?" Jason laughed.

"It does sound like a good idea. You will come get me if my dad calls?"

"Of course. I don't expect him to call until this afternoon, I tried all I coulddo to get them to bring him to the phone earlier, but they are a weird group. I will come get you as soon as he calls, I promise," Marjorie reassured him.

The two were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows, Jason on his bed, Billy on the rollaway they kept there for his use. Marjorie came up later and stood looking at their peaceful faces. She had always had a habit of peeking in on Jason when he was sleeping, checking to be sure he was okay, or simply standing there watching him, feeling the love she had for him overwhelm her. Never had she looked at her sleeping son with the feeling of gratitude she felt at that moment. She had dreamed of having a big family when she was younger. But a medical condition had made it so she could only have one child-Jason. She loved her son with all her soul, his disappearance had caused her such pain she had wondered how she survived. Now standing over his sleeping form she felt the wonder and love return in all its primal force. If she could have, she would have been content to watch her sleeping child forever. However, she finally backed out and went downstairs to let the boys sleep as long as they needed.

An hour later the phone rang. Jack answered it, and from his words Marjorie realized it was Wallace. She made a gesture to Jack that she was going to get Billy and headed upstairs to Jason's room. Kneeling by the bed she gently woke Billy.

"Your dad's on the phone," she said softly. Billy quickly rose and went downstairs. Jack handed him the phone and they quietly went into the kitchen, leaving the young man to talk to his father. A few minutes later he joined them.

"He will be here about seven tonight. Thanks for coming and getting me," Billy said quietly.

Marjorie gave him a hug. "I know it had to be hard for you, coming back, and him not being here. He didn't leave town for weeks after we heard from the Power Rangers that you and Jason had probably died. This was his first out of town assignment since you disappeared."

"That's what he said. It's okay, I just hope he'll be careful coming home, he promised he would be," Billy sighed. "I should probably try to get some more sleep, if you don't mind."

"Of course not. Go on, if you need anything we will be right here."

Billy gave her a spontaneous hug. "Thank you."

By late afternoon both boys had awakened and wandered into the kitchen in search of more food. Marjorie laughed at their odd requests. It seemed that having normal food again had awakened some rather bizarre cravings. Between them they had a desire for pickles, wheat bread, maple syrup, jack cheese, oranges, bacon, and chocolate. She fed them sandwiches with chips and cookies, even though dinner was in a couple of hours. Something told her they would have plenty of room for more.

Seeing them more relaxed and comfortable, Jack asked a couple of questions about what had happened to them. Jason and Billy exchanged a look, then Jason turned to his dad.

"If you don't mind, can we just tell you guys the story tonight when Billy's dad gets here? We really would prefer to only tell it once. We would also like to have our friends come over to hear it. I don't know what you told them, but we want them to know the truth. We can trust them to keep it quiet. We kind of figured you made up some sort of story to explain our absence, as you haven't taken an official statement >from us, Dad. That tells me there was no report filed with the police or FBI or whatever."

"You are correct about that, Jason. We thought about it, but the FBI really doesn't provide much help in alien abductions, X-Files notwithstanding. We were afraid we would just end up with tabloid type coverage, and we just didn't need that. Are you sure about telling your friends?"

"Yeah. They are cool, they won't spread weird stories about us. And, really, it would just be a lot of work to maintain some sort of lie long-term when we are all so close. No, it would bebest they know the truth from the start. But only them. No one else," Jason said.

"Okay. Why don't you give them a call and ask them to come over about 6:30. That will give us time to have dinner, and they can catch you both up on what's been happening in their lives while we wait for Wallace to get here," Marjorie suggested.

Jason and Billy hurried to make the calls.

Six-thirty found Jack and Marjorie Scott, Jason, Billy, Tommy, Tanya, Adam, Rocky, and Katherine all in the Scotts' spacious family room. The comfortable room boasted large, sturdy furniture that favored comfort over beauty. The walls were lined with bookcases, and shelves housing various games and magazines. One wall was dominated by an entertainment center, currently sitting dark and silent, while the opposite wall featured a fireplace that was seldom used. It was the perfect room for three boys to spend rainy afternoons in, plotting all sorts of dubious activities to engage in once the weather permitted. The furniture had done duty over the years as forts, horses, and other unlikely things as only children can imagine.

Jason and Billy, along with the now absent Zack, had spent some of the best times in their childhood in that room. It was the perfect place for telling the story of what had happened over the last month and a half. This room represented comfort, happiness, and safety to the two young men. Here they would feel secure enough to speak of their recent travails.

At the moment Rocky was regaling the assembled group with the story of Bulk and Skull's most recent 'case'. The two aspiring detectives had been hired to find a missing tortoise, of all things. The animal had wandered from its yard and disappeared. Bulk and Skull and labored mightily, putting up flyers, questioning neighbors, following 'clues'. Eventually they found it completely by accident. Skull had tried to hide his house key under a convenient big rock, and was quite surprised to find the 'rock' had a head and feet.

Everyone was chuckling over the story when Billy suddenly looked up, an expectant look on his face.

"Excuse me," he said as he hurried toward the front of the house.

"What was that all about?" Katherine wondered, looking after him.

"I think his dad is here," Jason said with a smile.

"How in the world could you tell?" Adam wondered.

"Heard his car pull up. If you know what to listen for, it is easy to tell when someone pulls up," Jason explained.

"So that explains why whenever we came back from an evening out we would find three perfectly angelic children sitting on the couch watching TV?" Jack asked with a grin.

"Yep," Jason admitted with a sparkle in his eyes.

"And I just thought you and your friends were well behaved," Marjorie laughed.

"Me and Billy and Zack? Well behaved? Um, sometimes."

Everyone chuckled at that, knowing full well how they would behave when their parents left them alone. They could all imagine the mischief Jason, Billy and Zack would have found to get into when left alone together.

They all chatted idly, waiting for Billy and his dad to join them. It was a good half hour before they returned, both a bit damp eyed, but very happy looking.

"Jason, come here," Wallace said, reaching for the teen. He gave Jason a firm hug, holding him for a few moments. "I'm so glad to see you."

Jason returned the embrace, gladly. Wallace had often seemed like a second dad to Jason. Indeed, he had once joked to Billy that it was almost like they were brothers with three parents. Billy had laughed at the idea, but he hadn't disagreed.

Wallace settled down on a recliner, Billy sitting near his feet. Marjorie and Jack shared a loveseat with Jason perched on the arm. The other teens were scattered around the room on the couch or on the floor.

For a moment an awkward silence fell over the room. Then Jason spoke quietly.

"I guess the only thing to do is start at the beginning, when Billy and I were messing around in the back yard," he started. Taking turns they told the story of their abduction, their time on the Briardian ship, and their escape on the small spacecraft.

Billy had just described how they had taken the craft when he was interrupted by Rocky.

"Wait a minute, you hot-wired a spaceship? Isn't that a felony, grand theft spaceship, or something?" he asked with a laugh.

Jason chuckled into his hand as Billy blushed. Jack Scott looked from one to the other with a stern expression.

"Didn't we deal with this sort of thing about eight years ago? Have you forgotten already what happens when you steal things?" he asked seriously, trying to hide the smile in his eyes.

"Yes, sir. But it was an emergency," Billy said. "Under the circumstances we really didn't have a choice."

"Did you return the ship?"

"Um, not exactly. I sort of crashed it," Billy mumbled.

"'Sort of crashed it'?"

"Okay, I crashed it. Then I blew it up. Guess I'm in trouble now. Thanks a heap, Rocky."

That did it, the room erupted in laughter as Billy fixed Rocky with a mock glare. It was exactly what was needed, cutting the tension in the room. After they all settled down Jason again took up the narrative.

They spoke of their being arrested, and their time in the prison, omitting the torture Billy went through. They told of their being sold as slaves. When they told of being separated a sense of their anguish came through, and the others realized how frightened the two of them must have been. On an alien planet, under duress, and not knowing if they would ever see each other again. They touched only lightly on the treatment they received from their "owners". The story of how they reunited and escaped Primeria was told without revealing how severely Jason had been injured. They told of their time on Modil's ship, and their return to Earth.

Their parents and friends all knew Jason and Billy had glossed over, or completely omitted, some details. They had seen the two exchange glances, communicating without words. But for now they were content to let the story stand as told. They knew in time they would have more details, but only when the two of them felt secure and safe enough.

However, there were a few questions.

"Why did they come after you in the first place," was Marjorie's question. The one that had haunted her the most.

"They were after me," Billy explained, looking ashamed. "When I left for a few weeks a while back, it wasn't to go to Europe. I went to a planet called Aquitar. I helped them defeat some devices sent down from a Briardian ship, then I helped destroy the ship. They came to take me to Briard to be executed for those actions. Jason should never have been taken. I'm sorry."

Wallace had been resting his hand on his son's shoulder, now he gave it a reassuring squeeze as Jack spoke.

"It wasn't your fault, Billy. You couldn't have known that was going to happen."

"I tried to tell him that, but you know how stubborn he is," Jason added, generating more laughter.

Marjorie glanced at the clock. "It is almost eleven, we have been talking for hours! We should all get some rest now. Not to be rude, but you all should be heading home, your parents will be worried."

As the teens all prepared to leave, Billy and Jason walked them to their cars.

"I'm sure relieved you guys are back and okay. When you feel ready, let me know and we'll get you back to the Power Chamber, and give you back the Gold Powers, Jason. And you both left your communicators behind. But take your time, get used to being home," Tommy said.

"We will. I'm sure we will see you tomorrow, thanks for coming over."

"Sure thing, and maybe someday you two will tell us the parts of the story you left out this time," Adam said.

Jason and Billy both looked a bit guilty, but neither one disagreed with his statement.

"When you are ready," Tanya added gently.

"Or when Billy gets a concussion, whichever comes first," Rocky couldn't resist adding, remembering how they finally got the whole story of Billy's time on Aquitar.

Chuckling at Rocky the five teens headed home, and Jason and Billy went back into the Scotts' house. Their parents were chatting quietly when they returned.

"I guess it's time we headed home Billy," Wallace said, clapping his son on the back. "Thanks as always for taking care of him. I'm glad you were here," he said to Marjorie and Jack.

"You know he is always welcome, as are you. I don't think I have ever been happier to see two people in my life as I was to see these two this morning," Marjorie replied.

"Yes, I couldn't quite believe it when I heard Billy's voice on the phone. I still find it hard to believe," Wallace agreed. "Well, we'd best be going. Good night." Wallace and Billy headed out toward Wallace's car.

"Hey, Billy!" Billy turned to see Jason coming down the front steps toward him. "I forgot to tell you: good word."

"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

"Pusillanimous. Good word."

Billy chuckled. "I thought you'd like it. See you tomorrow, Jason."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

Jason watched Billy and his father get into the car and drive away. He watched until the taillights disappeared around a corner, then he headed back toward the house.

To his home.

End

Author's note: I swore when I started writing fan fiction I would never do a series. I don't have the self-discipline for it. But this sequel just came about naturally, and I hope it has been enjoyed. Special thanks to Lori, who introduced me to 'pusillanimous' a couple of years ago, and shares my fondness for a 'good word'.

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