Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past

The flickering candles cast eerie shadows on Billy Bones' weathered face as Jim guided him to a worn wooden chair by the fire. The old alien's piercing blue eyes darted around the room, his gaze lingering on Sol before settling on Sarah, who was hurrying over with a steaming bowl of soup and a concerned expression. "What seems to be the matter, Billy?" Sarah asked, her voice warm with concern. Billy Bones glanced nervously at Jim and Sol before leaning in close to Sarah. "They're after me, Sarah. I can feel it. I've been sailin' from planet to planet, tryin' to lay low, but I know it's only a matter of time before they find me." Sol's ears perked up at the mention of "they," her curiosity piqued. She exchanged a skeptical glance with Jim, who raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the old alien's cryptic warning. Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Billy's shoulder. "You're safe here, Billy. The Welcome Arms is a neutral ground. No one will bother you." Billy Bones' gaze drifted around the room once more, his eyes lingering on Jim and Sol. "You don't understand, Sarah. They're not just anyone. They're the ones who...who..." He trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper. The air in the room seemed to thicken, as if the shadows themselves were listening in on the conversation. Jim felt a shiver run down his spine, his instincts on high alert. Sol, sensing the tension, leaned in closer. "What are you hiding, Billy?" she asked, her voice low and gentle. Billy Bones' eyes locked onto Sol's, and for a moment, Jim thought he saw a glimmer of fear. "I've got somethin' that belongs to them," he whispered, his voice laced with desperation. "Somethin' they want more than anything in the galaxy." The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Jim's mind was racing with questions, but before he could ask any of them, Billy Bones slumped forward, his head in his hands. "I think I need a room, Sarah," he muttered, his voice muffled. "A room with a secure lock and a view of the surrounding area. I don't feel safe here." Sarah nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I'll get you set up, Billy. Jim, help him to his room and make sure he's comfortable." As Jim assisted Billy Bones to his room, Sol lingered by the fire, her eyes fixed on the old alien's retreating back. She couldn't shake the feeling that Billy's presence had stirred up something, something that would soon engulf them all.