Never Quit

My motto of never quitting came after I had been forced to give up on dating Princess Mira.

I hated that I had to give up on being with her, that she had (I thought) given up on me.

So I never quit again. I didn't give up on leaving the planet, or at taking on any job that I could get, no matter how low or unsavory.

Never quiting got me a ship, weapons and learning how to make do if I couldn't use my powers.

It was a shock to find out Mira had joined the Space Rangers, and I was a little frustrated that she had managed to leave the planet but not seek me out... but I hadn't paid much attention to Tangean politics either, the Princess leaving would have been big and I would have...

Would I have gone after her? I would've had to quit a job ... and both of us had changed.

We're not two kids sneaking around anymore, we both have careers. And mine had put me against hers. It honestly hurt having to go against her, I hadn't buried that part of me that had feelings, but I had given up on being someone who was able to be by her side.

Never have I been glad or more willing to work for a lone unibuck. (And 57 has proven to be worth having as a friend, it's nice not traveling alone anymore.)

I had to give up on Princess Mira ... but I wasn't going to give up Ranger Mira. I would have to be more selective about the jobs I took, would have to pay attention to the news about the Rangers, it was difficult, but it wasn't impossible to be a good bounty hunter, bringing in criminals for a reward.

Especially when the head of Star Command rang me up with a job.

"Ever hear of Shiv Katall?" Was the opening question, before he explained about the system he and Lightyear had set up ... only for things to go pear shaped and an alternate universe Lightyear to take the mantle and use it for evil. "Obviously, you can't exactly take the mantle, but I could use a guy to help those defectors escape Zurg's bounty hunters. It's a risky job, but we can give you a steady paycheck." The amount was lower than I usually make, and I told him so. "It's to supplement the standard bounty for grubs and brain pods, not that they're worth much. It was also calculated with whatever you get from your regular jobs. I can increase it after your first successful mission." It was a very quick haggling over the raised price, he was willing to give me quite a bit for 'Hazard Pay'.

I was excited. I now had a way forward, and getting in good with Star Command meant I was closer to Ranger Mira.

I wasn't going to give up, no matter how hard it was. I would never quit trying to be the guy who was worthy of her affections and love.

That's Romac, I liked the idea that he could be the replacement for Buzz and Nebula's Shiv Katall, because that was an important job that got damaged.

Next up, Evil!Buzz Lightyear or XL.

First up for 'when Stars collide': Ozma and Ty Parsec meet, it will be published Wednesday.

I'm using The Fanfic. Net app, it's not letting me put a space in the chapter titles... but my computer is down for right now.