Farscraps 1: A Collection of Unfinished Farscape Fan Fics
by Karolyn Gray
Rated: PG-13 or less.
Notes: Farscraps a series of unfinished fanfics that I've decided to post to the web even though they are incompletes and likely never to be continued.
Story: Farscraps #1: How Many Miles to Babylon?
Author: Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>
Rated: PG
Story Note: This fic was originally inspired by the song Babylon from Clandestine. I never got around to finishing the fic, which was outlined at some twenty chapters. The chapters provided in Farscraps #1 are those that were completed. I tried to arrange them in chronological order, but I'm afraid there is now way to avoid the somewhat disjointed feel to the chapters given that there were several chapters between each one that were never completed.
Babylon
--Babylon, copyright 1999 Clandestine
Lyrics by Jennifer Hamel
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Down on the carpet, you shall kneel,
While the green grass grows at your feet,
Stand up straight, and choose the one you love...
And choose the one you love.
If wishes were horses, beggars could ride,
I'd be over the sea with you at my side.
But if 'Ifs' and 'Ands' were pots and pans,
There'd be no work for a traveler.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Up all night and running through the town...
Upstairs and downstairs, in my nightgown,
Peering through the windows, crying through the locks,
"Where is my sweetheart, it's eight o'clock!"
Lavender green, lavender blue,
And if you love me, then I will love you.
I'd skip over ocean and dance over sea,
All the birds in the world can't catch me!
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Come out with me, and come out to play...
The moon it shines, as bright as day.
Oh, leave your supper, and leave your sleep,
Come down with your friends now,
Here in the street.
==========================================================
Present.
"What is it? You said this would work." Aeryn demanded, taking her eyes of the unconscious form of John Crichton to glare suspiciously at the alien before her.
The Taven scientist swallowed nervously at her tone. "I said this might work. It does for Sebaceans."
"And we told you he isn't Sebacean." Aeryn pointed out. She started towards him but stopped as Zhaan gently tugged her arm. Aeryn stiffened for a moment, then relaxed and returned her gaze to the human.
"What can we do to help?" Zhaan asked gently.
The scientist sighed in irritation. A sigh the others recognized instantly, having heard something similar from John Crichton when he was trying to explain human theoretical physics.
"Let me review his scans again. Perhaps there is something we missed that will help." The scientist replied with a note of doubtfulness.
Zhaan nodded her acknowledgement and turned to find Aeryn watching John Crichton's unconscious form. An unexpected look of concern and confusion warred on the former Peace Keepers face. "John will be all right." Zhaan spoke reassuringly. "The procedure will not kill him."
"No, but if it doesn't work it will be as if he suffered the Living Death." Aeryn's sounded shaky, surprising hr Delvian. "I don't want to see anyone...to see him.. that way. "
"We must trust that the Taveni know what they are doing." D'Argo put in, looking equally disturbed by recent events as Aeryn appeared.
"And if they fail?" Aeryn asked softly.
Silence greeted her in response.
-------------------
4 Days previous. Moya.
A series of soft squeaks drew Aeryn's attention from the crate she was settling into place. She shook her head upon seeing John Crichton wiggling his fingers in front of the eyes stalks of a DRD. The poor little machines eyes, flailing about wildly to keep up. "Will you stop doing that?" She complained.
"Hey, he likes it. Besides we're almost done here." John replied with a grin. Turning back to the machine he waved his hand at it, shooing it away "Go on. Go play."
Aeryn wasn't sure whether to be amused or annoyed as the DRD seemed to chirp once at him and continued on with its routines. She shook her head. It had to be her imagination that the DRD had actually tried to communicate with the human.
Aeryn had woken several arns earlier, unable to sleep. She had wandered the ship for a time only to run across Crichton in much the same state as she. Bored and restless. Their wandering soon led them to the maintenance bay, where Crichton had suggested they organize their recent acquisitions.
They had been working ever since. She was tired. That had to be it.
Rubbing her sore shoulders she headed towards the cargo bays remaining canister, "Come on. Help me with this last container."
John quickly trotted over. As before, on the count of three they lifted their respective ends.
"God! This thing weighs a ton." John ground out, groaning in relief as they quickly settled it in place next to the others.
"Well, at least we're finished." Aeryn replied, gripping her back and wincing.
Seeing her wince of pain, John rushed over with concern. "Hey. You ok?"
"Mm. Just a little sore." Aeryn replied without concern. Knowing a 'back-off' look when he saw one, John stepped away.
"Um. OK." He glanced around the bay noting there didn't seem to be anything else to be done. "Well, how bout we get cleaned up and catch an early breakfast together. The early bird catches the worm, y'know."
Aeryn looked at him oddly for a moment as trying to decide if her translator microbes had translated him correctly. Or maybe she was deciding if he was joking or not. He couldn't really tell.
She finally shrugged in acquiescence, "All right."
-----------------------
Half arn later.
Looking through the open door to her quarter he didn't see anyone "Yo, Aeryn! You in there?" John called, figuring she'd probably all ready headed towards the galley.
"In here." Came her voice from the right.
John walked in and turned only to catch an eyeful of Aeryn's naked torso. He instantly spun around in embarrassment. "Whoa! Sorry. I thought you were decent."
"Decent?" Aeryn asked holding her shirt in her hands. "Why is your back to me?"
"Um. Well your not..um...finished getting dressed. Sorry I should've just waited in the hall...I" He was babbling on, earning a puzzled look from her he couldn't see.
Pulling on the shirt she listened to him babble on for a few seconds before smiling as she realized what had embarrassed him. "John."
"Uh, yeah?"
"You can turn around now." She said unable to help but smile as he turned around uncertainly. For some reason she felt an odd irritation at that. Odd, but in a pleasant, unexplainable way.
He chuckled nervously, obviously relieved. "Uh, sorry 'bout that."
"About what?"
"Well, coming in like that unannounced and you still getting dressed."
"Why should that bother me? Or you?"
"Uh. Well back home it's.....men and woman don't...um...unless they...uh.....well, it's just not done. That's all. It's a privacy thing." John sputtered out.
"Peace Keepers have no such segregation. It disrupts unit cohesion. Physical diversions are for recreational leave." Aeryn shrugged, almost apologetically. "Sorry if I offended you."
"Actually I thought you'd kill me." John replied, seeming much relieved. "Next time I'll just wait outside though."
"If it'll make you feel more comfortable." Aeryn agreed.
-------------------------
Aeryn moaned softly in pleasure. Never had she imagined this would feel so good, especially when Crichton had suggested it some two arns ago during their early morning meal. She gasped as he touched a sensitive spot, tensing for the barest of moments before returning to a state of relaxation she could not recall experiencing before.
She sighed deeply in pleasure enjoying the warm and gentle pressure.
"You want me to stop?" He asked, his breath brushing against her neck softly, adding an unexpected thrill to the wondrous sensations she was already feeling.
"No." Aeryn mumbled in reply, immensely enjoying the rhythmic sensations, relishing his warmth in a ways she hadn't considered until recently. She shivered pleasurably as his fingers kneaded her lower back gently. This had progressed far beyond what she had expected and had no inclination to end it.
"Good." John whispered. A moment later his lips brushing once against the nape of her neck.
She inhaled deeply, forcibly calming the sudden rush of the electricity that ran through her. She couldn't help but smile, somehow knowing he would be doing the same at her reaction. She shivered involuntarily as his lips lifted a way for a moment before returning sending more pleasurable sensations through her.
"Just what the frell do you two think you're doing?"
'Damn that Hynerian slug.' Aeryn thought irritably as she felt John pull away and gently run his hands up her spine to her shoulders. She started to speak but only a nearly inaudible groan whispered its way out as Crichton squeezed her shoulders.
"What? You never seen a massage before?" John was retorting, an infectious humor in his tone that caused Aeryn to smile to herself.
"It seems humans have a most effective if a bit unusual technique. Perhaps you could demonstrate this further at a more convenient time?" Zhaan asked, causing Aeryn to wince internally at the humorous tone.
"Um...sure."
She opened her eyes in time to see the slight flush of embarrassment on John's face that she felt herself, though why she was unsure. It was just a massage after all. Right? The kiss was just.....
Not wishing to dwell on those thoughts further in such an open forum she sat up suddenly, noting Rygel and D'argo looking at the pair of them with odd unreadable expressions.
"So how's the back?" John asked in an oh so casual voice while casting her what was definitely a 'please-don't-make-me-look-like-an-idiot' silent plea with his eyes.
"Much better. It seems your massage idea worked." She replied, hopping off the table. She stretched languorously before straightening her sleeveless gray shirt into a semblance of order. The image of the perfect Peace Keeper, cool, calm, professional and collected. "Thank you."
He smiled slightly in reply. "We aim to please."
"Ugh." Rygel snorted in disgust.
"So what's up?" John asked, the innocence in his tone ending the speculative looks on Zhaan and D'argo's faces..
"We've been asked by the Taveni to attend welcoming festival today in honor of our visit." Zhaan said.
"Friendly people." John commented.
"And an important part of the negotiation process." Rygel added.
Seeing John's questioning look, Zhaan gestured to indicate all of them. "The Taveni will not negotiate with those they deem too...conflicted. The more harmonious we seem to them the likelier they are to negotiate in a favorable way."
"Zen capitalists. Cool. When do we jam on down to happyville?"
Zhaan blinked, taking a moment to be sure she understood John's sometime incomprehensible phrases. "They will be expecting us in an arn."
*****
Commerce Quarter, Taven Prime
"Whoa. Enemy Mine lives."
"What enemy?"
John shrugged apologetically. "Forget it. It was just a movie."
Aeryn shot him a patented 'you are so bizarre' look as she shook her head in disapproval and turned her attention back to their fellow companions.
A cluster of three green, hairless aliens, that were vaguely reptilian in appearance, awaited adorned in simple gray trousers and tunics. When John and Aeryn finally caught up to the others, the tallest of the trio stepped forwards, bowing deeply and placing a three fingered hand to his shoulder.
"Welcome to Taven Prime, honored travelers. May you be worth of good fortune this day." The Taveni straightened and gestured to himself. "I am Arbiter Seuma, councilor of the Commerce Quarter." He gestured to his left to two females. "This is Felicitator Arkhen, and her initiate, Peola."
Zhaan nodded respectfully to each in turn ."Thank you for the most gracious welcome. My name is Zhaan. My Companions are D'argo, his eminence Rygel the Sixteenth, Aeryn Sun and John Crichton." The others nodded in return, John flashing a quick smile to cover his curios observance of the aliens.
"I am most apologetic that I must inform you that we must verify your worthiness to barter amongst us. Some have felt we are allowing to many disharmonious aliens onto our world of late. That is why Felicitator Arkhen is present. She will determine your worthiness." Seuma seemed genuinely embarrassed by his words.
"And what if we are found unworthy?" D'Argo asked.
"You must leave our world immediately." Seuma replied. "We shall of course replace the material's you expended in your journey from your ship to our spaceport since it was our insistence that you come here."
D'Argo growled softly in displeasure but nodded. "Very well. Conduct your test."
"Most gracious of you." Seuma said nodding to Felicitator Arkhen.
The small, reptilian alien slowly each of them several time, chanting something the translator microbes were unable to translate as she waved her fingers and arms in a slow rhythmic pattern. Stopping by Seuma, she shook her entire body.
"No. Too much chaos. Disharmonious. Fractured. None are worthy." She hissed out. "Their imbalance would destabilize us."
Seuma nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, travelers. You must leave."
"So much for ying-yang approach to economics." John muttered, turning to leave.
"Ying-Yang?" Arkhen asked walking towards the human with an intrigued look.
Noting the others watching him, John shrugged. "Um. Yeah. Zen. Balance. You know...light and dark, good and evil, brain and brawn, vanilla and chocolate."
The small alien tilted her head obviously studying the human with interest. She lifted her hand towards his head. "May I?" Seeing the hesitant look on John's face, she smiled to reveal sharp teeth. "It will not harm you."
"Um. Sure." John finally said.
She touched his forehead, closing her eyes and hissing softly. After several moments she stepped away with a pleased look on her face. "Can it be that one so young understands?"
"Understands what?"
"You think we are wrong to deny your companions trade with us. Why?"
"What I think doesn't really matter."
"You think we are wrong. Why?"
"Well. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover and all that, right?"
"A book by its cover?" Arkhen considered his words carefully, nodding sagely. "You are very wise, young one."
"He is?" Rygel asked, shushed into silence by Zhaan but not before earning a bemused grin from Crichton in response.
"I should have realized. The balance in not in the one, but the whole. What one lacks the others fulfill. Harmony obtained in the unity of the group. Forgive my presumptiveness, young one."
"Um, you can call me John."
""John then." Arkhen nodded. "I renounce my previous edict based on the Supercedence Act of the Whole. There is much to learn from these people."
"As you wish Arbiter."
"Welcome to Taven. I would be honored to escort you and your companions John."
John looked over at his bewildered crew mates, shrugging. "Thank you."
*****
Taven Prime. Several arns later.
They were now walking in the middle of what appeared to be some sort of small park with numerous recessed areas that appeared to be used for sitting. Despite the bright, clear sky there were few making use of the area, much to John's surprise. Only a handful of beings here and there, most reclining on the padded benches.
While Zhaan seemed to be fully fascinated by what was around them, it was obvious that D'argo was becoming annoyed at so much triviality. Aeryn and Rygel had given trying to hide their complete and utter bored two arns into the tour. While fascinated by the Taveni, even John was starting to weary of the tour.
Worse, everywhere he went the Arbiter had introduced them to every one they met as 'John and his Companions', usually followed with something about being a 'True Believer' and 'understanding the path'. It had gotten old real quick for both he and his friends.
"Arbiter, would you mind if my friends and I rested for a moment?" John asked politely. His feet were killing him from the whirlwind tour of the Commerce Sector Arbiter Arkhen had insisted on. "I'm afraid our circadian rhythms a little off fro your worlds and we're a little tired."
"Ah. Of course, John. Then you will enjoy this." The alien gestured to a padded bench situated by a nearby fountain.
John very nearly bit his tongue to stop the first thought that popped into his head to come out his mouth. He didn't exactly feel like explaining what a 'Lazy Boy Recliner' was to the Taveni or his comrades. "Uh. It looks very comfortable." He managed to get out sounding amazingly interested.
"I'm sure you'll find it quite invigorating." Arkhen replied enthusiastically. "It is our most popular entertainment."
"Entertainment?" Zhaan asked curiously.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1
It was dark bitterly cold this moonlight night on the world of Taven. Only the glow from the ritual pyre in the small square provided any illumination. What little light provided could only hold back the night a few hentas from the source.
She could have easily stood in the main thoroughfare and never even been noticed, but her training would never allow her to do something so foolish. The Taveni may have appeared to be technologically lacking compared to her own people, but Aeryn Sun knew from recent experience that looks were often deceiving.
She glanced to her left, the oculars she wore providing her a dim ghostly green image of her companion. D'Argo was watching the square intently. Like her, he wore a Taveni cloak over is clothes. The sound of voices focused her attention back on the square.
Three hooded figures now stood by the pyre, two talking animatedly about some sporting event they had apparently been to. The waving of the three fingered hands instantly removed the two from her interest. Instead she waited for the third to speak or move to confirm his or her identity.
The other two soon bid each other farewell, the largest of the pair turning and disappearing into the shadowed walkways. The smaller of the two turned to the third.
"Zon. Stay here. Understand?" He spoke slowly, carefully, as if speaking to a very young child.
The other nodded and quickly took off the hood and cloak to reveal close cropped brown hair and pale skin, something that clearly identified him as an alien on this world. The Taveni had a deep emerald green complexion and no hair what so ever.
"It's Crichton." D'Argo whispered with certainty.
Aeryn merely nodded in agreement, despite not having actually seen his face. It was more the body movements she recognized. She also knew D'argo could detect the human's odor even at this distance.
The Taveni took the cloak and disappeared into the darkness. The lone figure finally turned to look at the pyre, his face instantly confirming that it was, indeed, John Crichton. She felt an unexpected rush of relief.
That relief was quickly overwhelmed by concern when she realized he was still wearing the same clothes he had been wearing when he had disappeared two solar days ago. The gray short sleeved shirt was certainly not adequate for the optimum minus ten degrees they were now experiencing. If nothing else, she knew Crichton has a greater tolerance for heat but disliked intense cold as much as she did. A trait apparently shared by their differing species. Or perhaps just a shared preference between them..
"Let's get him and get off this rock." D'Argo stood, flicking the hood of his cloak over his head. Aeryn quickly followed suit, concealing her pulse rifle as well as possible underneath the cloak.
As their footfalls became evident, the human turned to them. He bowed his head, his right hand resting on the weapon holstered on his thigh as his left hand touched his shoulder in the traditional Taveni greeting. "Shev'al, tembrech. Denech an tev."
'May Shev protect you, travelers. Welcome to Denech.'
Aeryn frowned as she realized Crichton was speaking Taveni. The sudden tenseness from the Luxan beside her was all she needed to confirm D'argo too had noticed this anomaly.
She saw the smile on Crichton's face begin to slip ever so slightly. She quickly made the same gesture, grateful she had worn gloves to cover her hands. Her five fingers, while unusual would not be unheard of amongst Taveni from the wastelands. "Shev'al...." she paused for a moment trying to remember the proper phrase. "...asrech."
"Zhai Taveni." Crichton said warily, but did not draw his weapon. He gestured towards them pantoming that they should push back their hood.
D'Argo growled in obvious frustration and yanked back his hood. "Come on, Crichton. We're getting out of here and back to Moya."
The human instantly paled, terror sweeping across his features. He stepped back, opening and shutting his mouth as if trying to speak but unable to. Finding his voice he finally spoke. "Zabrech."
'Aliens.'
He started to scream the word over and over as he drew weapon on D'argo. Aeryn kicked out, knocking the weapon from his hand. She was surprised by a powerful punch Crichton landed ribs, staggering her back several steps.
He had turned to run, only to receive a paralyzing strike from D'argo's tongue. Aeryn managed to catch him, seeing the confusion and terror in his eyes before they glazed over as he lost consciousness.
"Let's go." D'Argo ordered, easily lifting the human onto his back.
-------------------------
Part 2
"I don't understand why he would try to attack us." D'Argo grumbled angrily to Aeryn, watching the sleeping human through the cell's doors.
"Maybe it was your crude Luxan manners." Rygel replied caustically, with a smirking grin. "The Taveni are very formal and ritualistic people."
"I may have an answer." Zhaan interrupted, sopping just outside of Crichton's quarters. The look she cast at the sleeping human was one full of sympathy and concern.
"What is it?" Aeryn prompted.
"I've gone over the scans we took of John when you first brought him back aboard. It took some time but there is evidence that he was beaten, perhaps even tortured. Whoever did this then healed his injuries with such precision that I nearly missed them entirely." Zhaan replied.
The small smirk the Hynerian had was instantly erased. "Tortured?" That one word alone conveyed all of Rygel's emotion on the subject.
"That may partially explain why he attacked you. He may be suffering a side effect of what happened to him." Zhaan added.
"Or it was done deliberately." Aeryn stated in a rime laden voice.
"Be that as it may, I also decided to check his translator microbes to see if they were malfunctioning."
"It would explain why he didn't understand us." D'Argo commented, his anger now replaced by compassion. "Once the microbes have corrected the error, we can explain to him what happened."
"He will have to be re-injected with the microbes." Zhaan stated.
"They were that badly degraded?" Aeryn asked, in surprise. Faulty translator microbes were an extreme rarity even in the Uncharted Territories.
"They were non existent. Some one removed them." Zhaan replied. "But there's more. There appears to be some unusual chemical element within his system that appears to have a psychotropic effect on his system.."
"So his memory may have been tampered with?" Aeryn asked, anger sparking in her blue eyes.
"Perhaps. I cannot be certain at this point. John maybe able to tell us more." The Delvian replied.
"Then we better get the DRDs to inject him before he wakes up." D'Argo said.
"Too late." Rygel's voice drew their attention the cell.
John Crichton sat on the edge of his sleeping pallet watching them, fear and anger freely mingling on his face. Zhaan nodded to D'argo to open the door. She stepped into the room stopping just inside, noting the human had jumped to his feet and was now edging away from her along the far wall.
She held out her hands to show she carried no weapon, and smiled in a way she hoped John would recognize as a friendly, non-threatening. "We won't harm you." She spoke slowly, in measuring tones that she knew had a calming effect on most sentients.
The confused frown on John's face was all she needed to see. As she expected he hadn't understood her, but seemed to pick up the soothing tone. Unfortunately, the human seemed little inclined towards being soothed. His clenched fists were a clear indication of his fear.
"Who are you? Where am I?" He asked, his eyes darting nervously between her and the others before seeming to settle upon Aeryn Sun with a momentary spark of recognition that faded as quickly as it was seen.
Zhaan noted a small panel near John's leg slide back slowly to reveal the two glowing eyestalks of a DRD. "John."
Instantly she had his attention again. "You...you know my n-name?"
She nodded once, forcing herself not to look at the DRD. She needed to keep him occupied, She gestured to herself. "Zhaan."
"Zhaan?" He voice was uncertain, scared. For a moment recognition seemed to flicker in his eyes, giving her hope. John's sudden grimace of pain as he grasped his own head startled her. Opening his eyes again, he saw the DRD.
Grabbing it by the eyestalks he flung it directly at her. She easily caught it but stumbled back a few steps in surprise. The others rushed not the room, but were too late to stop Crichton from squirming into the access tunnel he DRD had used.
"Pilot, Crichton is in the environmental ducts." D'Argo shouted.
"All ready on it." Pilot's voice came over the comm. "The DRDs are tracking him. He's headed for tier four."
"We better find him quickly. It took us days to find him when he was hiding from you." Aeryn said to D'argo. "And this time he isn't going to be looking for us to help him."
"Your pardon, but may I suggest that we use the DRDs to flush him out to the cargo bay on tier four before he moves to another tier?" Pilot suggested.
"Good idea, Pilot. We're on our way." Aeryn replied. Looking to Zhaan. "We need some thing to sedate him."
"I shall prepare some sleep mist and meet you there." Zhaan replied and quickly departed.
"Come on."
-----------------------------------
Cargo bay, tier four.
"Pilot? Is he in there?" Aeryn whispered into the comm.
"Yes. The DRDs are preventing his retreat through the access tunnel again. He seems to becoming quite irrational." Pilot replied.
As if to emphasize this fact a loud band against the door actually made Aeryn and D'argo jump away. Several loud bangs and thumps could be heard to be directed against the door.
"Can you keep him contained until Zhaan gets here with the sleep mist?" D'Argo asked, giving a concerned look to Aeryn.
"Easily." Pilot replied. "As long as the DRDs keep a certain distance away from him, Crichton seems little concerned by them."
"All right. When Zhaan gets here, could you use the DRDs to distract him so we can use the sleep mist."
"Of course. But I should warn you he has armed himself."
D'Argo shook his head, drawing his qualta blade. "Understood." A sudden chuckle from Aeryn caught his attention. "What is so amusing?"
Aeryn shook her head. "Not so much amusing as ironic. Here we are, outside a locked cargo bay, weapons drawn, waiting for Zhaan so that we can subdue a normally peaceful human before he can harm anyone."
"Hmm. I see your point." D'Argo sighed. "I admit Crichton can be surprising sometimes."
"That he can." Aeryn murmured with an odd look on her face.
Both winced at an unusually loud bang from within the bay.
"Where is Zhaan?" Aeryn wondered aloud.
"Right here." Zhaan approached with three small liquid filled spheres in her hands. Seeing Aeryn's questioning look, Zhaan shrugged slightly. "One should suffice but John has shown himself to be skilled at evasiveness."
Grabbing one of the spheres, D'argo resheathed his qualta blade. He nodded once to Aeryn. "Pilot, now."
The trio rushed into the room in time to see a hapless DRD skitter out of control across the room with a massive dent in its yellow hull. Crichton's back was to them, distracted by three more DRDs. Without even hesitating D'argo lobbed the sphere.
Crichton spun around, swinging the jagged edged pipe he held, only to have the sleep mist ball strike him in the chest, sending the fluid all over him. "What the hell...is...." He staggered back a few steps as the mist took hold. A DRD rushed in and injected the translator microbes into his foot, bringing forth a surprised yelp from the human.
Crichton swung wildly at the DRD, missing and tumbling to the ground as he lost consciousness.
Babylon Part B
"King me."
"What?" Rygel asked in bewilderment, glaring at the human across the able from him. John Crichton had a wide grinned plastered on his all too Sebacean looking face. "I am a Dominar."
John chuckled as he grabbed the a couple of Rygel's green food cubes that he had just won. "Never mind, Sparky. You're turn."
John grinned and nibbled on the food cube absently as he watched the small royal stare at the game board muttering something in Hynerian. John wanted to laugh but decided against it, knowing Rygel would be offended.
Besides, playing food cube checkers with Rygel was a much preferable way to pass time than to lay in his bed scratching from the allergic reaction he had to Zhaan's recent foray into cooking alien cuisine. Although, playing checkers with Aeryn had been a lot more interesting to say the least. Playing for future favors often did that.
"Ah. There." Rygel suddenly said, regaining John's drifting attention. The Hynerian sat back in his powered down throne sled, smoothing his robes around him with a satisfied smile. "Let's see how you get out of this one, human."
John looked down and raised an eyebrow. "You sure you ant to do that, Rygel?"
At that moment Aeryn came in from her self appointed 'duty shift' in Command. She started to inquire into John's question, but seeing the colored cloth and food cubes piled about she remained silent and wandered over to watch. She knew instantly the game was over, but decided to allow Crichton his moment of fun with the deposed Monarch.
"Of course, I am." Rygel sniffed arrogantly.
John shrugged. "OK Have it your way." He then promptly jumped Rygel's four remaining food cubes and scooped them up. "Thanks for the game, Sparky. You owe me one now."
Rygel just sat there with his mouth gaping. He'd lost. Again! And to a primitive, body breeding biped!
"So, how about another game?" Crichton asked, absently scratching his chin.
Noting Aeryn's presence, Rygel decided he'd had enough of the human's strange earth game. "I'm afraid I do not have time to amuse you any longer, Crichton." Rygel noted that Crichton didn't look to upset by this announcement, having turned his attention to Aeryn, and shrugged to himself.
'Body breeders!' With that thought he departed the chamber.
"So, how about a game, Aeryn?" John asked, waggling an eyebrow at her. She looked puzzled at his expression but shook her head at his invitation.
"And owe you more favors? I don't think so, Crichton." She replied, taking a seat across from him. "Four is enough."
"But I owe you two in return, so it's not that bad." John protested, not really caring if she wanted to play another game of checkers. Truth be told he was afraid she'd kill him in the game if they played any more.
"So how many favors have you won?" Aeryn asked curiously, knowing Crichton had gotten everyone on board save Pilot to play this human game, called Checkers. She had admitted to Crichton that it reminded her of simple tactical exercises she had participated in as a child.
"Two from Zhaan, three from Chiana, three from Rygel, and..."
"Are you still playing that childish Earth game? What did you call it? Chuckers?" D'argo's voice boomed as he stormed into the mess hall and headed directly for the consumables cold storage unit.
"Checkers, D'argo." Crichton corrected. "Care to try again, big guy?"
"I have spent enough time in your presence today, Crichton." D'Argo replied gruffly, withdrawing a small bottle and departing the chamber.
Aeryn didn't even bother to hide her grin at that. "How many games did you win from D'argo?"
"Seven" The human replied smugly, earning a short laugh from Aeryn. One that she quickly stifled. John shrugged. "It's not my fault he was so hell bent on playing until he won."
"And did he?" Aeryn asked. The grin on Crichton's face was enough of an answer.
She leaned back and looked Crichton over as he nibbled on another food cube. She noted he was dressed as she today: gray shirt and black trousers.
Not that they had much choice in their apparel. It seemed every commerce planet that had clothes in their size invariably wound up being reminiscent of the Peace Keeper garb she had grown up with. She had been surprised to hear Crichton comment that it reminded him of special ops units on his home world.
She continued her quick study of his features, noting she could no longer see the red spots that had broken out on his skin and that he only scratched occasionally.
He certainly looked better than he had two solar days ago. Zhaan had purchased some prorrup berries to make a beverage to share with the crew. The others, Zhaan included, hadn't particularly liked the end result but to Aeryn and John's pallet the drink was delicious and had ended up finishing off the entire pitcher.
That in of it self had proven to be a mistake as they both were well and truly drunk when they finished the pitcher off. She didn't remember much of what happened other than a vague drunken argument about the merits of fellip nectar over beer and her helping him back to his quarters before he passed out.
The next morning Crichton had awoken feeling ill and covered in itchy red splotches on his skin. He had been ordered to rest in his quarters by Zhaan up until a few arns ago, when she had deemed Crichton past the worst of his allergic reaction.
"Is this not my good side?"
Aeryn blinked, realizing she had been staring at him for sometime know and felt somewhat embarrassed at that. "I..uh..was noticing that you seemed to feel better. You certainly look better."
"Yeah, I'm fine." John replied, deciding to pass on the opening her words had given him. There were times to flirt with Aeryn Sun and times not to. Somehow this just hadn't felt like one of those times.
"So, have any ideas how I can repay my debts to you?" He asked, not really expecting an answer.
"Actually, I have." Aeryn replied, noting Crichton had suddenly perked up with an inquisitive look in his eye.
"So what is it?" John asked, truly curious to find out what Aeryn Sun might possibly want from him.
"Assist me in learning science." She stated simply.
"Science? Me?" John repeated dumbfounded. "Aeryn, I barely understand half the low tech items on this ship and you want me to help you learn about them?"
Aeryn shrugged. "You're a scientist. A tech. You understand the fundamentals of science in ways I do not, even if you are from a retro-tech world."
She sighed at his expression, wondering if this had been a bad idea. She knew he would do as she asked if she pressed the issue, but she desired him to help her because he wanted to, not because he had to. She decided to try one last tack in hoped it would convince him that she was serious. "I have been studying some of Moya's scientific databanks. While I comprehend them, I often find myself becoming frustrated at the way the solutions arrive."
She saw an ever so subtle shift in his eyes, telling her he understood and was pleased that she had trusted him enough to revealed a secret confidence with him that she had shared with no one other than Pilot.
"All right. I'll help you." He nodded. "On one condition."
"And that is?" She asked curiously.
"You tell me more about Sebacean." He replied.
"We already train..."
"I don't mean learning to fire pulse rifles and hand to hand combat maneuvers, Aeryn." John interrupted. "I mean....I'd like to know more about your people."
"Oh." Was all Aeryn could say in return. It had never occurred to her that Crichton might be interested in her people's culture outside of the realm of knowledge needed to survive against the Peace Keepers.
John got the sudden impression he had made Aeryn uncomfortable. He felt like kicking himself for not realizing he could quite possibly bring up some bad memories with his request. Like the fact that she was not likely to see her people again because of him. "Uhm. Look, if you don't want to that's ok."
"No." Aeryn said suddenly. "I will teach you about my people."
"Yeah? Really?" John asked in surprise. He had honestly thought she wouldn't want to discuss her people.
"Yes. "She replied with a small smile. "Somehow I think we're going to find our species aren't that different."
**************
Babylon Part C
The hallway they entered was much like the rest of the facility that they had seen. Plain gray, sterile walls and floor. As in their holding cell the acidic smell of antiseptics and cleaners hung in the chill air.
As they walked down the hallway they passed numerous cells with the same energy shielding they had encountered. Most of these containment areas were empty or had been set to block the view of any occupants therein. The few occupied cells they could see into invariably revealed species after species seated silently and unmoving on the floor. The conditions of these cells varied, but all had some sort of damage.
Emoran Kas stopped suddenly, nodding to his quiet assistant. The small, scruffy looking alien hesitated as his eyes met Aeryn's own. Despite his alien-ness she recognized it's conflicting fear. It's fear of Emoran Kas and it's fear of her reaction to what she and the others would see.
"Shas." Kas snapped, prompting the alien to wave his hand over the device.
The sebacean doctor smiled and gestured grandiosely as the containment shield rippled and cleared to reveal a dimly lit cell and a lone, shadowy figure huddled in the far corner concentrating on his task. The entire wall was covered in strange markings and pictographs, some childlike in their style others complex and beautiful.
"As you can see, your shipmate is quite well." Kas replied with a benevolent grin.
"What have you done to him?" D'Argo growled resting a hand gently on the barrier between the cell and the hallway. The scent from the cell confirming for him that the creature before him was indeed Crichton.
Kas chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. Your friend is quite resilient. Stronger than I had anticipated for a tech." Seeing Aeryn's frown, Kas gestured apologetically. "No offense intended towards you or your mate, Aeryn Sun."
Aeryn didn't even bother to correct Kas' incorrect assumption. She simply stared at him with a look she knew would make him uncomfortable and clearly convey a promise of a gruesome and painful death. She could do little else considering the three guards and their pulse rifles. As she expected with in moments, the Doctor shifted away from her, his eyes resting on Crichton.
"You did not answer my question." D'Argo said, his look clearly conveying his murderous thoughts for the so called scientist.
Kas smiled arrogantly. "I see no reason to explain myself to the liked of you, Luxan."
"We will not even consider cooperation if you do not." Zhaan suddenly interjected, her blue eyes coolly looking over the sebacean with a calculated look of disdain.
Kas seemed to consider that for a moment before nodding. "Very well." He gestured to Crichton who had shifted somewhat out of the shadow to reveal a criss-cross pattern of cuts and bruises on his lower back and shoulders.
"When I acquired your friend here, I had simply thought he would die battling one of my other test subjects. Imagine my surprise when he not only survived but rather handily terminated the subject in question." He glanced at Aeryn with a knowing look. "Quite a feat for a tech, wouldn't you agree? Especially one as peaceful and non-violent as he is. I'm surprised he ever made it into service with the Peace Keepers even as a tech."
Gaining no response at his words he shrugged. "I decided that this pacifism would prove to an interesting addition to my research. To take such a peaceable individual and see what it would take to make them violent."
"You want to make him into a killer? What purpose can that serve for your...research." Aeryn spat out.
"It will prove to my superiors that we can make anyone do what we wish. With the proper conditioning, of course." Kas sighed softly as Crichton shifted again, revealing a small metallic device with a red flashing light. "Crichton has proved unusually difficult, hence the behavioral motivator you see at his temple, but his addition has added immensely to my work."
"I wish to speak with him." Aeryn demanded.
Kas looked down for a moment uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that isn't possible."
"Why not?" She took a threatening step towards the Doctor, barely restraining her urge to snap his neck.
Kas clasped his hands together. "As I said, Crichton was most uncooperative. In order to get him to the level of rage I require for this experiment, I'm afraid the neutralization of his translator microbes and the hallucinogencs used have left his mental capacity somewhat...limited."
"Why remove the translator microbes?" Zhaan asked in puzzlement.
"To increase his isolation from those around him, of course. An inability to communicate often increases the likelihood of hostility between those who meet in an aggressive and stressful situation."
Seeing the concerned looks the trio shared, he smiled reassuringly. "Do not be concerned. The effect will only last as long as the drugs are injected. Should he survive the experiment, his memories shall e expunged and the microbes reintegrated as needed. For him, it will appear to be nothing more than he had been in an accident."
"And us?"
"I shall release you as well. or memories of this place expunged as well." Kas replied. "You will not be harmed unless you choose to be difficult."
"I still wish to speak with him." Aeryn stated calmly.
Kas sighed in exasperation. "Perhaps a demonstration will make my meaning more understandable for you all." He said, nodding once to Shas.
The small alien waved his hand over the shield controls again, this time dissolving them away. Instantly Crichton stiffened, muscles taunt as he stared at the group of beings gathered at the front of his cell. Aeryn's mouth thinned into a grim look at the almost black bruising on the right side of his face, his eye nearly swollen shut. No recognition lingered in the blue eyes that looked out at them. Only suspicion and a lingering hint of hostility.
"Crichton. Come." Kas ordered.
He did not move. If anything he seemed to become eerily still and unmoving, as if her were a statue. Only the shift of his eyes to fix on the Doctor indicated otherwise.
"Now." The Doctor ordered, displeasure now in his voice.
When Crichton simply sat there, Kas pulled a small device from his pocket and depressed a button. Instantly, Crichton spasmed and grabbed his head in obvious pain. After a few microts the doctor released the button, ending the pain.
The Sebacean nodded to Shas. "I believe he required your encouragement, Shas."
The small alien nodded and extended a small rod-like device in his hand as he entered the cell. Not even two steps in, Crichton suddenly launched himself at the alien with cry that made every one jump back at the rage it contained.
Shas swung and was surprised to see Crichton duck under the stun rod's wide arc allowing it to pass before snatching at his arm and tossing him easily into the far wall. Shas shrieked in pain the bones in his arm snapped with an sickening audible crack.
The rest watched in stunned horror as Crichton grabbed the rod and proceeded to beat the smaller alien mercilessly ad without showing any signs of tiring. In short order the rod was tinged in Shas yellowish blood.
After a few microts more observation of the beating, Kas depressed the button again eliciting a howl of pain from Crichton. While Crichton writhed around on the floor in pain, a guard retrieved the unconscious and bloody form of Shas and brought the containment shield back up.
As soon as Kas released the button, Crichton launched himself, his face twisted in unthinking rage, barely recognizable, at the shield beating it with his fists, appearing to feel none of the pain the energy of the shield inflicted on his hands.
After a few moments Crichton stepped away, his eyes seeming to clear as he looked them over. The anger was still there, but so was a spark of curiosity. His nose twitched once, giving the impression to his crewmates that he was sniffing the air, before snorting and slinking off back the darkened corner he had been when they first arrived.
"I trust that you now see why you cannot communicate with him. His behavior is barely above that of a primitive animal. Intelligent and sentient perhaps, but still an animal. More instinct than thought." Kas said levelly as he looked over at the stunned expressions on his captive's faces.
"I will kill you for what you have done." D'Argo vowed softly.
Kas smiled. "I know you believe that you will, mighty Luxan. But I can assure you, that if you leave here you will have no recollection of what happened, including such a preposterous boast."
"We shall see, Emoran Kas." D'Argo replied, seeing Aeryn and Zhaan nod their heads in an ever so subtly in agreement.
There best hope of escape now lay with Rygel and Chiana, but failing that those nods silently confirmed an oath to gain justice for what they were witnessing at this facility.
**********
Babylon Part D
In his dream, D'argo smiled, unawares that this happy memory had softened his usual fearsome demeanor in away only sleep can. A smile of pride and joy and relief.
Lo'Lann had her head lowered to avoid his gaze, a few ebony strands of air trailing across her pale forehead. He could see her smiling, unable to hide her own happiness at the small bundle of life she held out to him in her hands.
"I present you your child, Ka D'argo. A son." Lo'Lann stated solemnly, as was proper for this ceremony. Though only a few close friends were present, the ceremony filled D'argo with unexpected pride.
D'Argo had wanted to forgo the naming ceremony, but Lo'Lann had insisted his ways be honored as much as her own. In a compromise he had agreed to her demand to perform the Luxan ritual in exchange allowing her to name the child before hand.
He slowly pushed back the cowl that covered the child's head revealing typical Luxan tentacles and hair. But the face gave away much of the child's Sebacean heritage, his mixed blood. He was the most beautiful sight D'argo had ever seen.
He barely supressed the urge to smile as he wanted, instead concentrating on the solemnity of the moment. Touching the child's forehead gently, he growled softly. A moment later a small hand weakly tried to clasp at his own.
Reluctantly D'argo pulled his hand away as the priest approached and made a gesture over the child. Seeing the elder Luxan nod his head with a smile, D'argo took the child in his hands and held him out to those gathered around.
"On this day do you welcome the son of D'argo and Lo'Lann, with a fullness in my hearts. A son from this day forth to be known as Jothee." D'Argo announced, earning bellows of approval from the Luxan's in the crowd.
"D'argo."
The Luxan woke with a start, blinking in confusion for a moment as the colored tapestries of the dream sanctuary walls receded to the muted golds and tans of Moya's walls.
"D'argo. Are you there?" Zhaan's voice could be heard from his comm.
"Yes, Zhaan. What is it?" He replied gruffly, quelling the overwhelming sense of loss that threatened to overtake him at that moment.
"You are needed in Command. We are approaching the commerce planet." The Delvian replied easily, either missing his annoyance or choosing to allow it to pass unnoticed.
"Understood. I shall be there shortly." D'Argo answered as he rose from his bed. He surprised even himself by sounding almost normal.
A few moments later D'argo found himself staring at the holographic display with little interest. Zhaan had explained a strange communiqué they had received from the planet, which the rest of the crew were now discussing with varying degrees of interest.
Surprisingly it was Zhaan arguing against stopping at the planet for supplies while Rygel was the one arguing over obtaining needed consumables and other sundry supplies without his usual rancor. Aeryn had voted for going down, Chiana against it, while Crichton had shown he was still not entirely back to health by choosing to abstain from the vote.
Seeing Crichton glance at him with a questioning look for the fifth time in what seemed as many microts, D'argo sighed. He didn't particularly feel up to a bargaining session but for once the Hynerian was right. Their supplies were adequate now, but who knew how long it would be before they found another planet safe enough for them to barter at without attracting the attention of any Peace Keepers or bounty hunters.
"We go." He stated flatly, ending the growing argument between Zhaan and Rygel.
"Well, that's that, boy's and girls." John sighed in resignation as he departed the chamber. "I'll see you all in the bay in an hour...arn."
"Maybe some fresh air will do me so good."
D'Argo smiled sympathetically at the human's muttered words. He too had no real interest in going down to the planet, but the populaces only requirement seemed reasonable enough: the entire crew of the vessel had to come down together in order to be approved trading rights in the market place.
**********
Babylon Epilogue
Come out with me, and come out to play...
The moon it shines, as bright as day.
Oh, leave your supper, and leave your sleep,
Come down with your friends now,
Here in the street.
Sunlight streamed through the window adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise gloominess of the room. The cold gray granite pillars seemed softer somehow, lacking in the ominous feel they were intended to project upon anyone entering this place. Even the usual chill of this place seemed different somehow. Less oppressive.
She allowed her gaze to fall on the small courtyard below filled with colorful blooms of the planet's native fauna. Few people were about to see this beauty, only an occasional passerby, a young couple here and there. And the members of Moya's erstwhile crew.
Knowing they would not see, she smiled as her gaze settled on Zhaan. The Delvian had arranged herself into a meditative position near the courtyard central water fountain, her eyes closed, chin upraised to the warm rays of the sun. Every ounce of her being radiated a peace and contentment that Aeryn secretly envied.
She was not surprised to find Rygel a few hentas away sleeping soundly, his throne sled resting upon a shaded stone bench intended for a single occupant. Bright green vines clung to the small posts supporting the structure, their white and gold petals adding a spot of color to an otherwise ordinary vestibule. She was struck for a moment at how regal the small Hynerian appeared in that setting. She would never tell him that of course.
Her eyes drifted to the red clad warrior seated near a cluster of familiar plants, a species Aeryn recalled being of high value in Luxan controlled space. Like much of what she had witnessed here Aeryn did not question how the plants came to be on this world. She titled her head slightly, an ever so slight curling of her lips coming to her face at the first truly peaceful expression she could recall ever seeing on the gruff warrior's face as he stared at the foliage.
They all seemed too peaceful and happy here. Even Chiana, who currently lay sprawled out by the fountain watching the few clouds in the sky, seemed content.
All of them except the lone black clad figure standing alone in a small patch of green grass. She was momentarily surprised at his somber clothing. Out of all of them, he had seemed to be the one who blended in with the local population the most. They had welcomed him as f he were some long lost and much beloved cousin. Even she had admitted after a time that he seemed to belong here as much as she did.
But now the sebacean style clothing he had worn had been shed for the more utilitarian and militaristic garments both and he and she favored in their journeys on Moya. Unimaginative. Dark. Not unlike the heavy sadness she could see even at this distance. And she knew why.
They would be leaving soon. The people of Teraan Ost had invited them to stay for along as they wished. In turn, they had regretfully declined. First Zhaan, then Chiana, then Rygel and D'argo. Their homes, loved ones waiting for them out there in the unknown of space.
But John had remained silent. And she knew the reason for that as well. He was waiting for her to accept or reject the offer the people had given her: to take command of the Wardens. Simply by being a former Peace Keeper she was already considered a member of the order, as was evident by her current attire.
The gray and red uniform while pleasantly familial in cut to those of the Peace Keepers, she could not help but feel burdened. It represented regaining a portion of everything she had lost n her life as a Peace Keeper soldier, but it also brought back haunting memories of deeds that once had seemed honorable in her youth. Now they were ugly and too bitter to ponder with out feeling a rise of self recrimination and guilt.
She saw John Crichton shift his gaze towards her office window, as if sensing she was watching him through the polarized glass. He seemed so small and so very alone. An innocent who could easily fall prey to those cruel and malignant beings who reveled in destroying those like the human.
A soft knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. She turned to see ???? enter, her ever present smile firmly in place on her features. Despite Aeryn's knowledge of the sebacean woman, she still found her openness disconcerting. Peace Keepers did not, as a rule, smile simply because they felt like it.
"Ah, Commander Sun. How are you this morning?" ???? asked, nodding in approval as she looked Aeryn's uniform over with a pleased smile.
Aeryn inhaled sharply, trying to calm herself for what she knew she had to do. Seeing John's face had made the final decision for her, despite the ache it caused. She belonged here. She knew that. All of them knew it, even John had recognized hat simple fact.
"I can't stay here." She said simply. "I am leaving with the other this afternoon."
??? blinked in surprise. "But Aeryn...why? You could stay here without fear of being hunted. You could be a soldier again for the Wardens. A Commander."
Aeryn raised her hand to forestall ???'s continued recitation of the reasons she should stay. "I cannot be a simple soldier any more, ???. I have seen and experienced too many things to ever become as single minded as I was with the Peace Keepers."
"The Council does not expect you to be a Peace Keeper. We encourage our Warden's to broaden their horizons beyond their duties." ??? pointed out.
Aeryn turned back to the window, unconsciously assuming at rigid and perfectly military stance. "Yes, but I would still be a Warden. A soldier. That is what would define my role in this society. Nothing else I do would matter."
"It is an honor to be a Warden." ??? replied, looking confused at Aeryn's words. "There is nothing greater than to be one who protects the people."
"You're wrong. There are many things greater than being a soldier." Aeryn replied, her eyes coming to rest on John Crichton's still figure. A ripple of discontent in an otherwise sea of tranquil peace the tableau revealed. "A healer, a priest, an artist, a builder, a parent."
"Aeryn, I hear your words and do understand your meaning." ??? replied, coming to stand next to the younger sebacean woman. "But without the Warden's it means nothing. We create the peace."
"We create nothing. Enforcers of the law others make. We are simply soldiers, given orders to obey." Aeryn said. She slowly reached up and removed the insignia at her throat, staring at them for a moment before placing them in the older woman's hand.
??? looked down at the insignia for a moment before raising her puzzled green eyes to Aeryn's calm blue. "I don't understand."
Aeryn smiled softly at that. "Because I can not go back to what I was. I'm more than a soldier. More than what I was born and bred to be. For now, I belong with them."
??? seemed ready to say something but stopped, her eyes falling onto John Crichton. Aeryn saw understanding dawn as the older Warden turned back to face her. A small, sad smile came to her face. "I understand, Aeryn Sun. I bid you a safe journey."
"Thank you." Aeryn replied and turned to leave. She was surprised when ??? suddenly embraced her in a warm, loving hug. A hug Aeryn returned after a moment's hesitation. She unexpectedly felt a sting in her eyes, realizing she would miss ??? greatly.
"You are always welcome here, Aeryn Sun." ??? said as she pulled away. She nodded to Crichton. "Both of you."
Aeryn blinked rapidly for a moment surprised at how difficult she found it to hold back the tears. "Thank you, ???." With that Aeryn spun around and departed the room. She never saw the single tear slip down ???'s wizened face.
*******
"SO when do we leave?"
Aeryn could not help but smile as John Crichton visibly jumped at the sound of her voice. He turned with a somewhat bewildered expression that indicated he wasn't sure he had hear her words correctly. She could see the hope and fear warring in his eyes.
"We?" He asked.
She nodded as she gestured to the others nearby. "As in all of us on Moya." She clarified with a carefully calculated voice. She saw his blue eyes light up, in spite of his effort to remain calm and aloof.
"Then you've decided to stay with us?" He asked, cautiously.
Aeryn stepped closer to him, purposefully invading his personal space as he had done to her more times than she cared to think. "Yes." She replied softly.
"But you..." She shushed him wit a finger to his lips.
"But nothing. It's my decision." She said as she gently traced her finger along his lower lip. She saw him close his eyes and swallow hard, a myriad of emotions rippling across his face before settling into a smile.
"Well, Rygel's not going to be happy about that. I think he had dibs on your share of the food cubes." John replied as he opened his eyes.
Aeryn leaned in, a grin on her face. "He needs to go on a diet, anyway." She whispered. John Crichton's laughter was muffled by her kiss. When she pulled away he was still chuckling, his arms wrapped comfortably around her waist. Somehow she didn't care what the others would think.
"Let's go home, Aeryn."
Rated: PG-13 or less.
Notes: Farscraps a series of unfinished fanfics that I've decided to post to the web even though they are incompletes and likely never to be continued.
Story: Farscraps #1: How Many Miles to Babylon?
Author: Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>
Rated: PG
Story Note: This fic was originally inspired by the song Babylon from Clandestine. I never got around to finishing the fic, which was outlined at some twenty chapters. The chapters provided in Farscraps #1 are those that were completed. I tried to arrange them in chronological order, but I'm afraid there is now way to avoid the somewhat disjointed feel to the chapters given that there were several chapters between each one that were never completed.
Babylon
--Babylon, copyright 1999 Clandestine
Lyrics by Jennifer Hamel
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Down on the carpet, you shall kneel,
While the green grass grows at your feet,
Stand up straight, and choose the one you love...
And choose the one you love.
If wishes were horses, beggars could ride,
I'd be over the sea with you at my side.
But if 'Ifs' and 'Ands' were pots and pans,
There'd be no work for a traveler.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Up all night and running through the town...
Upstairs and downstairs, in my nightgown,
Peering through the windows, crying through the locks,
"Where is my sweetheart, it's eight o'clock!"
Lavender green, lavender blue,
And if you love me, then I will love you.
I'd skip over ocean and dance over sea,
All the birds in the world can't catch me!
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Can I get there by candlelight?
-- Yes, and back again.
How many miles to Babylon?
-- Threescore and ten.
Come out with me, and come out to play...
The moon it shines, as bright as day.
Oh, leave your supper, and leave your sleep,
Come down with your friends now,
Here in the street.
==========================================================
Present.
"What is it? You said this would work." Aeryn demanded, taking her eyes of the unconscious form of John Crichton to glare suspiciously at the alien before her.
The Taven scientist swallowed nervously at her tone. "I said this might work. It does for Sebaceans."
"And we told you he isn't Sebacean." Aeryn pointed out. She started towards him but stopped as Zhaan gently tugged her arm. Aeryn stiffened for a moment, then relaxed and returned her gaze to the human.
"What can we do to help?" Zhaan asked gently.
The scientist sighed in irritation. A sigh the others recognized instantly, having heard something similar from John Crichton when he was trying to explain human theoretical physics.
"Let me review his scans again. Perhaps there is something we missed that will help." The scientist replied with a note of doubtfulness.
Zhaan nodded her acknowledgement and turned to find Aeryn watching John Crichton's unconscious form. An unexpected look of concern and confusion warred on the former Peace Keepers face. "John will be all right." Zhaan spoke reassuringly. "The procedure will not kill him."
"No, but if it doesn't work it will be as if he suffered the Living Death." Aeryn's sounded shaky, surprising hr Delvian. "I don't want to see anyone...to see him.. that way. "
"We must trust that the Taveni know what they are doing." D'Argo put in, looking equally disturbed by recent events as Aeryn appeared.
"And if they fail?" Aeryn asked softly.
Silence greeted her in response.
-------------------
4 Days previous. Moya.
A series of soft squeaks drew Aeryn's attention from the crate she was settling into place. She shook her head upon seeing John Crichton wiggling his fingers in front of the eyes stalks of a DRD. The poor little machines eyes, flailing about wildly to keep up. "Will you stop doing that?" She complained.
"Hey, he likes it. Besides we're almost done here." John replied with a grin. Turning back to the machine he waved his hand at it, shooing it away "Go on. Go play."
Aeryn wasn't sure whether to be amused or annoyed as the DRD seemed to chirp once at him and continued on with its routines. She shook her head. It had to be her imagination that the DRD had actually tried to communicate with the human.
Aeryn had woken several arns earlier, unable to sleep. She had wandered the ship for a time only to run across Crichton in much the same state as she. Bored and restless. Their wandering soon led them to the maintenance bay, where Crichton had suggested they organize their recent acquisitions.
They had been working ever since. She was tired. That had to be it.
Rubbing her sore shoulders she headed towards the cargo bays remaining canister, "Come on. Help me with this last container."
John quickly trotted over. As before, on the count of three they lifted their respective ends.
"God! This thing weighs a ton." John ground out, groaning in relief as they quickly settled it in place next to the others.
"Well, at least we're finished." Aeryn replied, gripping her back and wincing.
Seeing her wince of pain, John rushed over with concern. "Hey. You ok?"
"Mm. Just a little sore." Aeryn replied without concern. Knowing a 'back-off' look when he saw one, John stepped away.
"Um. OK." He glanced around the bay noting there didn't seem to be anything else to be done. "Well, how bout we get cleaned up and catch an early breakfast together. The early bird catches the worm, y'know."
Aeryn looked at him oddly for a moment as trying to decide if her translator microbes had translated him correctly. Or maybe she was deciding if he was joking or not. He couldn't really tell.
She finally shrugged in acquiescence, "All right."
-----------------------
Half arn later.
Looking through the open door to her quarter he didn't see anyone "Yo, Aeryn! You in there?" John called, figuring she'd probably all ready headed towards the galley.
"In here." Came her voice from the right.
John walked in and turned only to catch an eyeful of Aeryn's naked torso. He instantly spun around in embarrassment. "Whoa! Sorry. I thought you were decent."
"Decent?" Aeryn asked holding her shirt in her hands. "Why is your back to me?"
"Um. Well your not..um...finished getting dressed. Sorry I should've just waited in the hall...I" He was babbling on, earning a puzzled look from her he couldn't see.
Pulling on the shirt she listened to him babble on for a few seconds before smiling as she realized what had embarrassed him. "John."
"Uh, yeah?"
"You can turn around now." She said unable to help but smile as he turned around uncertainly. For some reason she felt an odd irritation at that. Odd, but in a pleasant, unexplainable way.
He chuckled nervously, obviously relieved. "Uh, sorry 'bout that."
"About what?"
"Well, coming in like that unannounced and you still getting dressed."
"Why should that bother me? Or you?"
"Uh. Well back home it's.....men and woman don't...um...unless they...uh.....well, it's just not done. That's all. It's a privacy thing." John sputtered out.
"Peace Keepers have no such segregation. It disrupts unit cohesion. Physical diversions are for recreational leave." Aeryn shrugged, almost apologetically. "Sorry if I offended you."
"Actually I thought you'd kill me." John replied, seeming much relieved. "Next time I'll just wait outside though."
"If it'll make you feel more comfortable." Aeryn agreed.
-------------------------
Aeryn moaned softly in pleasure. Never had she imagined this would feel so good, especially when Crichton had suggested it some two arns ago during their early morning meal. She gasped as he touched a sensitive spot, tensing for the barest of moments before returning to a state of relaxation she could not recall experiencing before.
She sighed deeply in pleasure enjoying the warm and gentle pressure.
"You want me to stop?" He asked, his breath brushing against her neck softly, adding an unexpected thrill to the wondrous sensations she was already feeling.
"No." Aeryn mumbled in reply, immensely enjoying the rhythmic sensations, relishing his warmth in a ways she hadn't considered until recently. She shivered pleasurably as his fingers kneaded her lower back gently. This had progressed far beyond what she had expected and had no inclination to end it.
"Good." John whispered. A moment later his lips brushing once against the nape of her neck.
She inhaled deeply, forcibly calming the sudden rush of the electricity that ran through her. She couldn't help but smile, somehow knowing he would be doing the same at her reaction. She shivered involuntarily as his lips lifted a way for a moment before returning sending more pleasurable sensations through her.
"Just what the frell do you two think you're doing?"
'Damn that Hynerian slug.' Aeryn thought irritably as she felt John pull away and gently run his hands up her spine to her shoulders. She started to speak but only a nearly inaudible groan whispered its way out as Crichton squeezed her shoulders.
"What? You never seen a massage before?" John was retorting, an infectious humor in his tone that caused Aeryn to smile to herself.
"It seems humans have a most effective if a bit unusual technique. Perhaps you could demonstrate this further at a more convenient time?" Zhaan asked, causing Aeryn to wince internally at the humorous tone.
"Um...sure."
She opened her eyes in time to see the slight flush of embarrassment on John's face that she felt herself, though why she was unsure. It was just a massage after all. Right? The kiss was just.....
Not wishing to dwell on those thoughts further in such an open forum she sat up suddenly, noting Rygel and D'argo looking at the pair of them with odd unreadable expressions.
"So how's the back?" John asked in an oh so casual voice while casting her what was definitely a 'please-don't-make-me-look-like-an-idiot' silent plea with his eyes.
"Much better. It seems your massage idea worked." She replied, hopping off the table. She stretched languorously before straightening her sleeveless gray shirt into a semblance of order. The image of the perfect Peace Keeper, cool, calm, professional and collected. "Thank you."
He smiled slightly in reply. "We aim to please."
"Ugh." Rygel snorted in disgust.
"So what's up?" John asked, the innocence in his tone ending the speculative looks on Zhaan and D'argo's faces..
"We've been asked by the Taveni to attend welcoming festival today in honor of our visit." Zhaan said.
"Friendly people." John commented.
"And an important part of the negotiation process." Rygel added.
Seeing John's questioning look, Zhaan gestured to indicate all of them. "The Taveni will not negotiate with those they deem too...conflicted. The more harmonious we seem to them the likelier they are to negotiate in a favorable way."
"Zen capitalists. Cool. When do we jam on down to happyville?"
Zhaan blinked, taking a moment to be sure she understood John's sometime incomprehensible phrases. "They will be expecting us in an arn."
*****
Commerce Quarter, Taven Prime
"Whoa. Enemy Mine lives."
"What enemy?"
John shrugged apologetically. "Forget it. It was just a movie."
Aeryn shot him a patented 'you are so bizarre' look as she shook her head in disapproval and turned her attention back to their fellow companions.
A cluster of three green, hairless aliens, that were vaguely reptilian in appearance, awaited adorned in simple gray trousers and tunics. When John and Aeryn finally caught up to the others, the tallest of the trio stepped forwards, bowing deeply and placing a three fingered hand to his shoulder.
"Welcome to Taven Prime, honored travelers. May you be worth of good fortune this day." The Taveni straightened and gestured to himself. "I am Arbiter Seuma, councilor of the Commerce Quarter." He gestured to his left to two females. "This is Felicitator Arkhen, and her initiate, Peola."
Zhaan nodded respectfully to each in turn ."Thank you for the most gracious welcome. My name is Zhaan. My Companions are D'argo, his eminence Rygel the Sixteenth, Aeryn Sun and John Crichton." The others nodded in return, John flashing a quick smile to cover his curios observance of the aliens.
"I am most apologetic that I must inform you that we must verify your worthiness to barter amongst us. Some have felt we are allowing to many disharmonious aliens onto our world of late. That is why Felicitator Arkhen is present. She will determine your worthiness." Seuma seemed genuinely embarrassed by his words.
"And what if we are found unworthy?" D'Argo asked.
"You must leave our world immediately." Seuma replied. "We shall of course replace the material's you expended in your journey from your ship to our spaceport since it was our insistence that you come here."
D'Argo growled softly in displeasure but nodded. "Very well. Conduct your test."
"Most gracious of you." Seuma said nodding to Felicitator Arkhen.
The small, reptilian alien slowly each of them several time, chanting something the translator microbes were unable to translate as she waved her fingers and arms in a slow rhythmic pattern. Stopping by Seuma, she shook her entire body.
"No. Too much chaos. Disharmonious. Fractured. None are worthy." She hissed out. "Their imbalance would destabilize us."
Seuma nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, travelers. You must leave."
"So much for ying-yang approach to economics." John muttered, turning to leave.
"Ying-Yang?" Arkhen asked walking towards the human with an intrigued look.
Noting the others watching him, John shrugged. "Um. Yeah. Zen. Balance. You know...light and dark, good and evil, brain and brawn, vanilla and chocolate."
The small alien tilted her head obviously studying the human with interest. She lifted her hand towards his head. "May I?" Seeing the hesitant look on John's face, she smiled to reveal sharp teeth. "It will not harm you."
"Um. Sure." John finally said.
She touched his forehead, closing her eyes and hissing softly. After several moments she stepped away with a pleased look on her face. "Can it be that one so young understands?"
"Understands what?"
"You think we are wrong to deny your companions trade with us. Why?"
"What I think doesn't really matter."
"You think we are wrong. Why?"
"Well. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover and all that, right?"
"A book by its cover?" Arkhen considered his words carefully, nodding sagely. "You are very wise, young one."
"He is?" Rygel asked, shushed into silence by Zhaan but not before earning a bemused grin from Crichton in response.
"I should have realized. The balance in not in the one, but the whole. What one lacks the others fulfill. Harmony obtained in the unity of the group. Forgive my presumptiveness, young one."
"Um, you can call me John."
""John then." Arkhen nodded. "I renounce my previous edict based on the Supercedence Act of the Whole. There is much to learn from these people."
"As you wish Arbiter."
"Welcome to Taven. I would be honored to escort you and your companions John."
John looked over at his bewildered crew mates, shrugging. "Thank you."
*****
Taven Prime. Several arns later.
They were now walking in the middle of what appeared to be some sort of small park with numerous recessed areas that appeared to be used for sitting. Despite the bright, clear sky there were few making use of the area, much to John's surprise. Only a handful of beings here and there, most reclining on the padded benches.
While Zhaan seemed to be fully fascinated by what was around them, it was obvious that D'argo was becoming annoyed at so much triviality. Aeryn and Rygel had given trying to hide their complete and utter bored two arns into the tour. While fascinated by the Taveni, even John was starting to weary of the tour.
Worse, everywhere he went the Arbiter had introduced them to every one they met as 'John and his Companions', usually followed with something about being a 'True Believer' and 'understanding the path'. It had gotten old real quick for both he and his friends.
"Arbiter, would you mind if my friends and I rested for a moment?" John asked politely. His feet were killing him from the whirlwind tour of the Commerce Sector Arbiter Arkhen had insisted on. "I'm afraid our circadian rhythms a little off fro your worlds and we're a little tired."
"Ah. Of course, John. Then you will enjoy this." The alien gestured to a padded bench situated by a nearby fountain.
John very nearly bit his tongue to stop the first thought that popped into his head to come out his mouth. He didn't exactly feel like explaining what a 'Lazy Boy Recliner' was to the Taveni or his comrades. "Uh. It looks very comfortable." He managed to get out sounding amazingly interested.
"I'm sure you'll find it quite invigorating." Arkhen replied enthusiastically. "It is our most popular entertainment."
"Entertainment?" Zhaan asked curiously.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1
It was dark bitterly cold this moonlight night on the world of Taven. Only the glow from the ritual pyre in the small square provided any illumination. What little light provided could only hold back the night a few hentas from the source.
She could have easily stood in the main thoroughfare and never even been noticed, but her training would never allow her to do something so foolish. The Taveni may have appeared to be technologically lacking compared to her own people, but Aeryn Sun knew from recent experience that looks were often deceiving.
She glanced to her left, the oculars she wore providing her a dim ghostly green image of her companion. D'Argo was watching the square intently. Like her, he wore a Taveni cloak over is clothes. The sound of voices focused her attention back on the square.
Three hooded figures now stood by the pyre, two talking animatedly about some sporting event they had apparently been to. The waving of the three fingered hands instantly removed the two from her interest. Instead she waited for the third to speak or move to confirm his or her identity.
The other two soon bid each other farewell, the largest of the pair turning and disappearing into the shadowed walkways. The smaller of the two turned to the third.
"Zon. Stay here. Understand?" He spoke slowly, carefully, as if speaking to a very young child.
The other nodded and quickly took off the hood and cloak to reveal close cropped brown hair and pale skin, something that clearly identified him as an alien on this world. The Taveni had a deep emerald green complexion and no hair what so ever.
"It's Crichton." D'Argo whispered with certainty.
Aeryn merely nodded in agreement, despite not having actually seen his face. It was more the body movements she recognized. She also knew D'argo could detect the human's odor even at this distance.
The Taveni took the cloak and disappeared into the darkness. The lone figure finally turned to look at the pyre, his face instantly confirming that it was, indeed, John Crichton. She felt an unexpected rush of relief.
That relief was quickly overwhelmed by concern when she realized he was still wearing the same clothes he had been wearing when he had disappeared two solar days ago. The gray short sleeved shirt was certainly not adequate for the optimum minus ten degrees they were now experiencing. If nothing else, she knew Crichton has a greater tolerance for heat but disliked intense cold as much as she did. A trait apparently shared by their differing species. Or perhaps just a shared preference between them..
"Let's get him and get off this rock." D'Argo stood, flicking the hood of his cloak over his head. Aeryn quickly followed suit, concealing her pulse rifle as well as possible underneath the cloak.
As their footfalls became evident, the human turned to them. He bowed his head, his right hand resting on the weapon holstered on his thigh as his left hand touched his shoulder in the traditional Taveni greeting. "Shev'al, tembrech. Denech an tev."
'May Shev protect you, travelers. Welcome to Denech.'
Aeryn frowned as she realized Crichton was speaking Taveni. The sudden tenseness from the Luxan beside her was all she needed to confirm D'argo too had noticed this anomaly.
She saw the smile on Crichton's face begin to slip ever so slightly. She quickly made the same gesture, grateful she had worn gloves to cover her hands. Her five fingers, while unusual would not be unheard of amongst Taveni from the wastelands. "Shev'al...." she paused for a moment trying to remember the proper phrase. "...asrech."
"Zhai Taveni." Crichton said warily, but did not draw his weapon. He gestured towards them pantoming that they should push back their hood.
D'Argo growled in obvious frustration and yanked back his hood. "Come on, Crichton. We're getting out of here and back to Moya."
The human instantly paled, terror sweeping across his features. He stepped back, opening and shutting his mouth as if trying to speak but unable to. Finding his voice he finally spoke. "Zabrech."
'Aliens.'
He started to scream the word over and over as he drew weapon on D'argo. Aeryn kicked out, knocking the weapon from his hand. She was surprised by a powerful punch Crichton landed ribs, staggering her back several steps.
He had turned to run, only to receive a paralyzing strike from D'argo's tongue. Aeryn managed to catch him, seeing the confusion and terror in his eyes before they glazed over as he lost consciousness.
"Let's go." D'Argo ordered, easily lifting the human onto his back.
-------------------------
Part 2
"I don't understand why he would try to attack us." D'Argo grumbled angrily to Aeryn, watching the sleeping human through the cell's doors.
"Maybe it was your crude Luxan manners." Rygel replied caustically, with a smirking grin. "The Taveni are very formal and ritualistic people."
"I may have an answer." Zhaan interrupted, sopping just outside of Crichton's quarters. The look she cast at the sleeping human was one full of sympathy and concern.
"What is it?" Aeryn prompted.
"I've gone over the scans we took of John when you first brought him back aboard. It took some time but there is evidence that he was beaten, perhaps even tortured. Whoever did this then healed his injuries with such precision that I nearly missed them entirely." Zhaan replied.
The small smirk the Hynerian had was instantly erased. "Tortured?" That one word alone conveyed all of Rygel's emotion on the subject.
"That may partially explain why he attacked you. He may be suffering a side effect of what happened to him." Zhaan added.
"Or it was done deliberately." Aeryn stated in a rime laden voice.
"Be that as it may, I also decided to check his translator microbes to see if they were malfunctioning."
"It would explain why he didn't understand us." D'Argo commented, his anger now replaced by compassion. "Once the microbes have corrected the error, we can explain to him what happened."
"He will have to be re-injected with the microbes." Zhaan stated.
"They were that badly degraded?" Aeryn asked, in surprise. Faulty translator microbes were an extreme rarity even in the Uncharted Territories.
"They were non existent. Some one removed them." Zhaan replied. "But there's more. There appears to be some unusual chemical element within his system that appears to have a psychotropic effect on his system.."
"So his memory may have been tampered with?" Aeryn asked, anger sparking in her blue eyes.
"Perhaps. I cannot be certain at this point. John maybe able to tell us more." The Delvian replied.
"Then we better get the DRDs to inject him before he wakes up." D'Argo said.
"Too late." Rygel's voice drew their attention the cell.
John Crichton sat on the edge of his sleeping pallet watching them, fear and anger freely mingling on his face. Zhaan nodded to D'argo to open the door. She stepped into the room stopping just inside, noting the human had jumped to his feet and was now edging away from her along the far wall.
She held out her hands to show she carried no weapon, and smiled in a way she hoped John would recognize as a friendly, non-threatening. "We won't harm you." She spoke slowly, in measuring tones that she knew had a calming effect on most sentients.
The confused frown on John's face was all she needed to see. As she expected he hadn't understood her, but seemed to pick up the soothing tone. Unfortunately, the human seemed little inclined towards being soothed. His clenched fists were a clear indication of his fear.
"Who are you? Where am I?" He asked, his eyes darting nervously between her and the others before seeming to settle upon Aeryn Sun with a momentary spark of recognition that faded as quickly as it was seen.
Zhaan noted a small panel near John's leg slide back slowly to reveal the two glowing eyestalks of a DRD. "John."
Instantly she had his attention again. "You...you know my n-name?"
She nodded once, forcing herself not to look at the DRD. She needed to keep him occupied, She gestured to herself. "Zhaan."
"Zhaan?" He voice was uncertain, scared. For a moment recognition seemed to flicker in his eyes, giving her hope. John's sudden grimace of pain as he grasped his own head startled her. Opening his eyes again, he saw the DRD.
Grabbing it by the eyestalks he flung it directly at her. She easily caught it but stumbled back a few steps in surprise. The others rushed not the room, but were too late to stop Crichton from squirming into the access tunnel he DRD had used.
"Pilot, Crichton is in the environmental ducts." D'Argo shouted.
"All ready on it." Pilot's voice came over the comm. "The DRDs are tracking him. He's headed for tier four."
"We better find him quickly. It took us days to find him when he was hiding from you." Aeryn said to D'argo. "And this time he isn't going to be looking for us to help him."
"Your pardon, but may I suggest that we use the DRDs to flush him out to the cargo bay on tier four before he moves to another tier?" Pilot suggested.
"Good idea, Pilot. We're on our way." Aeryn replied. Looking to Zhaan. "We need some thing to sedate him."
"I shall prepare some sleep mist and meet you there." Zhaan replied and quickly departed.
"Come on."
-----------------------------------
Cargo bay, tier four.
"Pilot? Is he in there?" Aeryn whispered into the comm.
"Yes. The DRDs are preventing his retreat through the access tunnel again. He seems to becoming quite irrational." Pilot replied.
As if to emphasize this fact a loud band against the door actually made Aeryn and D'argo jump away. Several loud bangs and thumps could be heard to be directed against the door.
"Can you keep him contained until Zhaan gets here with the sleep mist?" D'Argo asked, giving a concerned look to Aeryn.
"Easily." Pilot replied. "As long as the DRDs keep a certain distance away from him, Crichton seems little concerned by them."
"All right. When Zhaan gets here, could you use the DRDs to distract him so we can use the sleep mist."
"Of course. But I should warn you he has armed himself."
D'Argo shook his head, drawing his qualta blade. "Understood." A sudden chuckle from Aeryn caught his attention. "What is so amusing?"
Aeryn shook her head. "Not so much amusing as ironic. Here we are, outside a locked cargo bay, weapons drawn, waiting for Zhaan so that we can subdue a normally peaceful human before he can harm anyone."
"Hmm. I see your point." D'Argo sighed. "I admit Crichton can be surprising sometimes."
"That he can." Aeryn murmured with an odd look on her face.
Both winced at an unusually loud bang from within the bay.
"Where is Zhaan?" Aeryn wondered aloud.
"Right here." Zhaan approached with three small liquid filled spheres in her hands. Seeing Aeryn's questioning look, Zhaan shrugged slightly. "One should suffice but John has shown himself to be skilled at evasiveness."
Grabbing one of the spheres, D'argo resheathed his qualta blade. He nodded once to Aeryn. "Pilot, now."
The trio rushed into the room in time to see a hapless DRD skitter out of control across the room with a massive dent in its yellow hull. Crichton's back was to them, distracted by three more DRDs. Without even hesitating D'argo lobbed the sphere.
Crichton spun around, swinging the jagged edged pipe he held, only to have the sleep mist ball strike him in the chest, sending the fluid all over him. "What the hell...is...." He staggered back a few steps as the mist took hold. A DRD rushed in and injected the translator microbes into his foot, bringing forth a surprised yelp from the human.
Crichton swung wildly at the DRD, missing and tumbling to the ground as he lost consciousness.
Babylon Part B
"King me."
"What?" Rygel asked in bewilderment, glaring at the human across the able from him. John Crichton had a wide grinned plastered on his all too Sebacean looking face. "I am a Dominar."
John chuckled as he grabbed the a couple of Rygel's green food cubes that he had just won. "Never mind, Sparky. You're turn."
John grinned and nibbled on the food cube absently as he watched the small royal stare at the game board muttering something in Hynerian. John wanted to laugh but decided against it, knowing Rygel would be offended.
Besides, playing food cube checkers with Rygel was a much preferable way to pass time than to lay in his bed scratching from the allergic reaction he had to Zhaan's recent foray into cooking alien cuisine. Although, playing checkers with Aeryn had been a lot more interesting to say the least. Playing for future favors often did that.
"Ah. There." Rygel suddenly said, regaining John's drifting attention. The Hynerian sat back in his powered down throne sled, smoothing his robes around him with a satisfied smile. "Let's see how you get out of this one, human."
John looked down and raised an eyebrow. "You sure you ant to do that, Rygel?"
At that moment Aeryn came in from her self appointed 'duty shift' in Command. She started to inquire into John's question, but seeing the colored cloth and food cubes piled about she remained silent and wandered over to watch. She knew instantly the game was over, but decided to allow Crichton his moment of fun with the deposed Monarch.
"Of course, I am." Rygel sniffed arrogantly.
John shrugged. "OK Have it your way." He then promptly jumped Rygel's four remaining food cubes and scooped them up. "Thanks for the game, Sparky. You owe me one now."
Rygel just sat there with his mouth gaping. He'd lost. Again! And to a primitive, body breeding biped!
"So, how about another game?" Crichton asked, absently scratching his chin.
Noting Aeryn's presence, Rygel decided he'd had enough of the human's strange earth game. "I'm afraid I do not have time to amuse you any longer, Crichton." Rygel noted that Crichton didn't look to upset by this announcement, having turned his attention to Aeryn, and shrugged to himself.
'Body breeders!' With that thought he departed the chamber.
"So, how about a game, Aeryn?" John asked, waggling an eyebrow at her. She looked puzzled at his expression but shook her head at his invitation.
"And owe you more favors? I don't think so, Crichton." She replied, taking a seat across from him. "Four is enough."
"But I owe you two in return, so it's not that bad." John protested, not really caring if she wanted to play another game of checkers. Truth be told he was afraid she'd kill him in the game if they played any more.
"So how many favors have you won?" Aeryn asked curiously, knowing Crichton had gotten everyone on board save Pilot to play this human game, called Checkers. She had admitted to Crichton that it reminded her of simple tactical exercises she had participated in as a child.
"Two from Zhaan, three from Chiana, three from Rygel, and..."
"Are you still playing that childish Earth game? What did you call it? Chuckers?" D'argo's voice boomed as he stormed into the mess hall and headed directly for the consumables cold storage unit.
"Checkers, D'argo." Crichton corrected. "Care to try again, big guy?"
"I have spent enough time in your presence today, Crichton." D'Argo replied gruffly, withdrawing a small bottle and departing the chamber.
Aeryn didn't even bother to hide her grin at that. "How many games did you win from D'argo?"
"Seven" The human replied smugly, earning a short laugh from Aeryn. One that she quickly stifled. John shrugged. "It's not my fault he was so hell bent on playing until he won."
"And did he?" Aeryn asked. The grin on Crichton's face was enough of an answer.
She leaned back and looked Crichton over as he nibbled on another food cube. She noted he was dressed as she today: gray shirt and black trousers.
Not that they had much choice in their apparel. It seemed every commerce planet that had clothes in their size invariably wound up being reminiscent of the Peace Keeper garb she had grown up with. She had been surprised to hear Crichton comment that it reminded him of special ops units on his home world.
She continued her quick study of his features, noting she could no longer see the red spots that had broken out on his skin and that he only scratched occasionally.
He certainly looked better than he had two solar days ago. Zhaan had purchased some prorrup berries to make a beverage to share with the crew. The others, Zhaan included, hadn't particularly liked the end result but to Aeryn and John's pallet the drink was delicious and had ended up finishing off the entire pitcher.
That in of it self had proven to be a mistake as they both were well and truly drunk when they finished the pitcher off. She didn't remember much of what happened other than a vague drunken argument about the merits of fellip nectar over beer and her helping him back to his quarters before he passed out.
The next morning Crichton had awoken feeling ill and covered in itchy red splotches on his skin. He had been ordered to rest in his quarters by Zhaan up until a few arns ago, when she had deemed Crichton past the worst of his allergic reaction.
"Is this not my good side?"
Aeryn blinked, realizing she had been staring at him for sometime know and felt somewhat embarrassed at that. "I..uh..was noticing that you seemed to feel better. You certainly look better."
"Yeah, I'm fine." John replied, deciding to pass on the opening her words had given him. There were times to flirt with Aeryn Sun and times not to. Somehow this just hadn't felt like one of those times.
"So, have any ideas how I can repay my debts to you?" He asked, not really expecting an answer.
"Actually, I have." Aeryn replied, noting Crichton had suddenly perked up with an inquisitive look in his eye.
"So what is it?" John asked, truly curious to find out what Aeryn Sun might possibly want from him.
"Assist me in learning science." She stated simply.
"Science? Me?" John repeated dumbfounded. "Aeryn, I barely understand half the low tech items on this ship and you want me to help you learn about them?"
Aeryn shrugged. "You're a scientist. A tech. You understand the fundamentals of science in ways I do not, even if you are from a retro-tech world."
She sighed at his expression, wondering if this had been a bad idea. She knew he would do as she asked if she pressed the issue, but she desired him to help her because he wanted to, not because he had to. She decided to try one last tack in hoped it would convince him that she was serious. "I have been studying some of Moya's scientific databanks. While I comprehend them, I often find myself becoming frustrated at the way the solutions arrive."
She saw an ever so subtle shift in his eyes, telling her he understood and was pleased that she had trusted him enough to revealed a secret confidence with him that she had shared with no one other than Pilot.
"All right. I'll help you." He nodded. "On one condition."
"And that is?" She asked curiously.
"You tell me more about Sebacean." He replied.
"We already train..."
"I don't mean learning to fire pulse rifles and hand to hand combat maneuvers, Aeryn." John interrupted. "I mean....I'd like to know more about your people."
"Oh." Was all Aeryn could say in return. It had never occurred to her that Crichton might be interested in her people's culture outside of the realm of knowledge needed to survive against the Peace Keepers.
John got the sudden impression he had made Aeryn uncomfortable. He felt like kicking himself for not realizing he could quite possibly bring up some bad memories with his request. Like the fact that she was not likely to see her people again because of him. "Uhm. Look, if you don't want to that's ok."
"No." Aeryn said suddenly. "I will teach you about my people."
"Yeah? Really?" John asked in surprise. He had honestly thought she wouldn't want to discuss her people.
"Yes. "She replied with a small smile. "Somehow I think we're going to find our species aren't that different."
**************
Babylon Part C
The hallway they entered was much like the rest of the facility that they had seen. Plain gray, sterile walls and floor. As in their holding cell the acidic smell of antiseptics and cleaners hung in the chill air.
As they walked down the hallway they passed numerous cells with the same energy shielding they had encountered. Most of these containment areas were empty or had been set to block the view of any occupants therein. The few occupied cells they could see into invariably revealed species after species seated silently and unmoving on the floor. The conditions of these cells varied, but all had some sort of damage.
Emoran Kas stopped suddenly, nodding to his quiet assistant. The small, scruffy looking alien hesitated as his eyes met Aeryn's own. Despite his alien-ness she recognized it's conflicting fear. It's fear of Emoran Kas and it's fear of her reaction to what she and the others would see.
"Shas." Kas snapped, prompting the alien to wave his hand over the device.
The sebacean doctor smiled and gestured grandiosely as the containment shield rippled and cleared to reveal a dimly lit cell and a lone, shadowy figure huddled in the far corner concentrating on his task. The entire wall was covered in strange markings and pictographs, some childlike in their style others complex and beautiful.
"As you can see, your shipmate is quite well." Kas replied with a benevolent grin.
"What have you done to him?" D'Argo growled resting a hand gently on the barrier between the cell and the hallway. The scent from the cell confirming for him that the creature before him was indeed Crichton.
Kas chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. Your friend is quite resilient. Stronger than I had anticipated for a tech." Seeing Aeryn's frown, Kas gestured apologetically. "No offense intended towards you or your mate, Aeryn Sun."
Aeryn didn't even bother to correct Kas' incorrect assumption. She simply stared at him with a look she knew would make him uncomfortable and clearly convey a promise of a gruesome and painful death. She could do little else considering the three guards and their pulse rifles. As she expected with in moments, the Doctor shifted away from her, his eyes resting on Crichton.
"You did not answer my question." D'Argo said, his look clearly conveying his murderous thoughts for the so called scientist.
Kas smiled arrogantly. "I see no reason to explain myself to the liked of you, Luxan."
"We will not even consider cooperation if you do not." Zhaan suddenly interjected, her blue eyes coolly looking over the sebacean with a calculated look of disdain.
Kas seemed to consider that for a moment before nodding. "Very well." He gestured to Crichton who had shifted somewhat out of the shadow to reveal a criss-cross pattern of cuts and bruises on his lower back and shoulders.
"When I acquired your friend here, I had simply thought he would die battling one of my other test subjects. Imagine my surprise when he not only survived but rather handily terminated the subject in question." He glanced at Aeryn with a knowing look. "Quite a feat for a tech, wouldn't you agree? Especially one as peaceful and non-violent as he is. I'm surprised he ever made it into service with the Peace Keepers even as a tech."
Gaining no response at his words he shrugged. "I decided that this pacifism would prove to an interesting addition to my research. To take such a peaceable individual and see what it would take to make them violent."
"You want to make him into a killer? What purpose can that serve for your...research." Aeryn spat out.
"It will prove to my superiors that we can make anyone do what we wish. With the proper conditioning, of course." Kas sighed softly as Crichton shifted again, revealing a small metallic device with a red flashing light. "Crichton has proved unusually difficult, hence the behavioral motivator you see at his temple, but his addition has added immensely to my work."
"I wish to speak with him." Aeryn demanded.
Kas looked down for a moment uncomfortably. "I'm afraid that isn't possible."
"Why not?" She took a threatening step towards the Doctor, barely restraining her urge to snap his neck.
Kas clasped his hands together. "As I said, Crichton was most uncooperative. In order to get him to the level of rage I require for this experiment, I'm afraid the neutralization of his translator microbes and the hallucinogencs used have left his mental capacity somewhat...limited."
"Why remove the translator microbes?" Zhaan asked in puzzlement.
"To increase his isolation from those around him, of course. An inability to communicate often increases the likelihood of hostility between those who meet in an aggressive and stressful situation."
Seeing the concerned looks the trio shared, he smiled reassuringly. "Do not be concerned. The effect will only last as long as the drugs are injected. Should he survive the experiment, his memories shall e expunged and the microbes reintegrated as needed. For him, it will appear to be nothing more than he had been in an accident."
"And us?"
"I shall release you as well. or memories of this place expunged as well." Kas replied. "You will not be harmed unless you choose to be difficult."
"I still wish to speak with him." Aeryn stated calmly.
Kas sighed in exasperation. "Perhaps a demonstration will make my meaning more understandable for you all." He said, nodding once to Shas.
The small alien waved his hand over the shield controls again, this time dissolving them away. Instantly Crichton stiffened, muscles taunt as he stared at the group of beings gathered at the front of his cell. Aeryn's mouth thinned into a grim look at the almost black bruising on the right side of his face, his eye nearly swollen shut. No recognition lingered in the blue eyes that looked out at them. Only suspicion and a lingering hint of hostility.
"Crichton. Come." Kas ordered.
He did not move. If anything he seemed to become eerily still and unmoving, as if her were a statue. Only the shift of his eyes to fix on the Doctor indicated otherwise.
"Now." The Doctor ordered, displeasure now in his voice.
When Crichton simply sat there, Kas pulled a small device from his pocket and depressed a button. Instantly, Crichton spasmed and grabbed his head in obvious pain. After a few microts the doctor released the button, ending the pain.
The Sebacean nodded to Shas. "I believe he required your encouragement, Shas."
The small alien nodded and extended a small rod-like device in his hand as he entered the cell. Not even two steps in, Crichton suddenly launched himself at the alien with cry that made every one jump back at the rage it contained.
Shas swung and was surprised to see Crichton duck under the stun rod's wide arc allowing it to pass before snatching at his arm and tossing him easily into the far wall. Shas shrieked in pain the bones in his arm snapped with an sickening audible crack.
The rest watched in stunned horror as Crichton grabbed the rod and proceeded to beat the smaller alien mercilessly ad without showing any signs of tiring. In short order the rod was tinged in Shas yellowish blood.
After a few microts more observation of the beating, Kas depressed the button again eliciting a howl of pain from Crichton. While Crichton writhed around on the floor in pain, a guard retrieved the unconscious and bloody form of Shas and brought the containment shield back up.
As soon as Kas released the button, Crichton launched himself, his face twisted in unthinking rage, barely recognizable, at the shield beating it with his fists, appearing to feel none of the pain the energy of the shield inflicted on his hands.
After a few moments Crichton stepped away, his eyes seeming to clear as he looked them over. The anger was still there, but so was a spark of curiosity. His nose twitched once, giving the impression to his crewmates that he was sniffing the air, before snorting and slinking off back the darkened corner he had been when they first arrived.
"I trust that you now see why you cannot communicate with him. His behavior is barely above that of a primitive animal. Intelligent and sentient perhaps, but still an animal. More instinct than thought." Kas said levelly as he looked over at the stunned expressions on his captive's faces.
"I will kill you for what you have done." D'Argo vowed softly.
Kas smiled. "I know you believe that you will, mighty Luxan. But I can assure you, that if you leave here you will have no recollection of what happened, including such a preposterous boast."
"We shall see, Emoran Kas." D'Argo replied, seeing Aeryn and Zhaan nod their heads in an ever so subtly in agreement.
There best hope of escape now lay with Rygel and Chiana, but failing that those nods silently confirmed an oath to gain justice for what they were witnessing at this facility.
**********
Babylon Part D
In his dream, D'argo smiled, unawares that this happy memory had softened his usual fearsome demeanor in away only sleep can. A smile of pride and joy and relief.
Lo'Lann had her head lowered to avoid his gaze, a few ebony strands of air trailing across her pale forehead. He could see her smiling, unable to hide her own happiness at the small bundle of life she held out to him in her hands.
"I present you your child, Ka D'argo. A son." Lo'Lann stated solemnly, as was proper for this ceremony. Though only a few close friends were present, the ceremony filled D'argo with unexpected pride.
D'Argo had wanted to forgo the naming ceremony, but Lo'Lann had insisted his ways be honored as much as her own. In a compromise he had agreed to her demand to perform the Luxan ritual in exchange allowing her to name the child before hand.
He slowly pushed back the cowl that covered the child's head revealing typical Luxan tentacles and hair. But the face gave away much of the child's Sebacean heritage, his mixed blood. He was the most beautiful sight D'argo had ever seen.
He barely supressed the urge to smile as he wanted, instead concentrating on the solemnity of the moment. Touching the child's forehead gently, he growled softly. A moment later a small hand weakly tried to clasp at his own.
Reluctantly D'argo pulled his hand away as the priest approached and made a gesture over the child. Seeing the elder Luxan nod his head with a smile, D'argo took the child in his hands and held him out to those gathered around.
"On this day do you welcome the son of D'argo and Lo'Lann, with a fullness in my hearts. A son from this day forth to be known as Jothee." D'Argo announced, earning bellows of approval from the Luxan's in the crowd.
"D'argo."
The Luxan woke with a start, blinking in confusion for a moment as the colored tapestries of the dream sanctuary walls receded to the muted golds and tans of Moya's walls.
"D'argo. Are you there?" Zhaan's voice could be heard from his comm.
"Yes, Zhaan. What is it?" He replied gruffly, quelling the overwhelming sense of loss that threatened to overtake him at that moment.
"You are needed in Command. We are approaching the commerce planet." The Delvian replied easily, either missing his annoyance or choosing to allow it to pass unnoticed.
"Understood. I shall be there shortly." D'Argo answered as he rose from his bed. He surprised even himself by sounding almost normal.
A few moments later D'argo found himself staring at the holographic display with little interest. Zhaan had explained a strange communiqué they had received from the planet, which the rest of the crew were now discussing with varying degrees of interest.
Surprisingly it was Zhaan arguing against stopping at the planet for supplies while Rygel was the one arguing over obtaining needed consumables and other sundry supplies without his usual rancor. Aeryn had voted for going down, Chiana against it, while Crichton had shown he was still not entirely back to health by choosing to abstain from the vote.
Seeing Crichton glance at him with a questioning look for the fifth time in what seemed as many microts, D'argo sighed. He didn't particularly feel up to a bargaining session but for once the Hynerian was right. Their supplies were adequate now, but who knew how long it would be before they found another planet safe enough for them to barter at without attracting the attention of any Peace Keepers or bounty hunters.
"We go." He stated flatly, ending the growing argument between Zhaan and Rygel.
"Well, that's that, boy's and girls." John sighed in resignation as he departed the chamber. "I'll see you all in the bay in an hour...arn."
"Maybe some fresh air will do me so good."
D'Argo smiled sympathetically at the human's muttered words. He too had no real interest in going down to the planet, but the populaces only requirement seemed reasonable enough: the entire crew of the vessel had to come down together in order to be approved trading rights in the market place.
**********
Babylon Epilogue
Come out with me, and come out to play...
The moon it shines, as bright as day.
Oh, leave your supper, and leave your sleep,
Come down with your friends now,
Here in the street.
Sunlight streamed through the window adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise gloominess of the room. The cold gray granite pillars seemed softer somehow, lacking in the ominous feel they were intended to project upon anyone entering this place. Even the usual chill of this place seemed different somehow. Less oppressive.
She allowed her gaze to fall on the small courtyard below filled with colorful blooms of the planet's native fauna. Few people were about to see this beauty, only an occasional passerby, a young couple here and there. And the members of Moya's erstwhile crew.
Knowing they would not see, she smiled as her gaze settled on Zhaan. The Delvian had arranged herself into a meditative position near the courtyard central water fountain, her eyes closed, chin upraised to the warm rays of the sun. Every ounce of her being radiated a peace and contentment that Aeryn secretly envied.
She was not surprised to find Rygel a few hentas away sleeping soundly, his throne sled resting upon a shaded stone bench intended for a single occupant. Bright green vines clung to the small posts supporting the structure, their white and gold petals adding a spot of color to an otherwise ordinary vestibule. She was struck for a moment at how regal the small Hynerian appeared in that setting. She would never tell him that of course.
Her eyes drifted to the red clad warrior seated near a cluster of familiar plants, a species Aeryn recalled being of high value in Luxan controlled space. Like much of what she had witnessed here Aeryn did not question how the plants came to be on this world. She titled her head slightly, an ever so slight curling of her lips coming to her face at the first truly peaceful expression she could recall ever seeing on the gruff warrior's face as he stared at the foliage.
They all seemed too peaceful and happy here. Even Chiana, who currently lay sprawled out by the fountain watching the few clouds in the sky, seemed content.
All of them except the lone black clad figure standing alone in a small patch of green grass. She was momentarily surprised at his somber clothing. Out of all of them, he had seemed to be the one who blended in with the local population the most. They had welcomed him as f he were some long lost and much beloved cousin. Even she had admitted after a time that he seemed to belong here as much as she did.
But now the sebacean style clothing he had worn had been shed for the more utilitarian and militaristic garments both and he and she favored in their journeys on Moya. Unimaginative. Dark. Not unlike the heavy sadness she could see even at this distance. And she knew why.
They would be leaving soon. The people of Teraan Ost had invited them to stay for along as they wished. In turn, they had regretfully declined. First Zhaan, then Chiana, then Rygel and D'argo. Their homes, loved ones waiting for them out there in the unknown of space.
But John had remained silent. And she knew the reason for that as well. He was waiting for her to accept or reject the offer the people had given her: to take command of the Wardens. Simply by being a former Peace Keeper she was already considered a member of the order, as was evident by her current attire.
The gray and red uniform while pleasantly familial in cut to those of the Peace Keepers, she could not help but feel burdened. It represented regaining a portion of everything she had lost n her life as a Peace Keeper soldier, but it also brought back haunting memories of deeds that once had seemed honorable in her youth. Now they were ugly and too bitter to ponder with out feeling a rise of self recrimination and guilt.
She saw John Crichton shift his gaze towards her office window, as if sensing she was watching him through the polarized glass. He seemed so small and so very alone. An innocent who could easily fall prey to those cruel and malignant beings who reveled in destroying those like the human.
A soft knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. She turned to see ???? enter, her ever present smile firmly in place on her features. Despite Aeryn's knowledge of the sebacean woman, she still found her openness disconcerting. Peace Keepers did not, as a rule, smile simply because they felt like it.
"Ah, Commander Sun. How are you this morning?" ???? asked, nodding in approval as she looked Aeryn's uniform over with a pleased smile.
Aeryn inhaled sharply, trying to calm herself for what she knew she had to do. Seeing John's face had made the final decision for her, despite the ache it caused. She belonged here. She knew that. All of them knew it, even John had recognized hat simple fact.
"I can't stay here." She said simply. "I am leaving with the other this afternoon."
??? blinked in surprise. "But Aeryn...why? You could stay here without fear of being hunted. You could be a soldier again for the Wardens. A Commander."
Aeryn raised her hand to forestall ???'s continued recitation of the reasons she should stay. "I cannot be a simple soldier any more, ???. I have seen and experienced too many things to ever become as single minded as I was with the Peace Keepers."
"The Council does not expect you to be a Peace Keeper. We encourage our Warden's to broaden their horizons beyond their duties." ??? pointed out.
Aeryn turned back to the window, unconsciously assuming at rigid and perfectly military stance. "Yes, but I would still be a Warden. A soldier. That is what would define my role in this society. Nothing else I do would matter."
"It is an honor to be a Warden." ??? replied, looking confused at Aeryn's words. "There is nothing greater than to be one who protects the people."
"You're wrong. There are many things greater than being a soldier." Aeryn replied, her eyes coming to rest on John Crichton's still figure. A ripple of discontent in an otherwise sea of tranquil peace the tableau revealed. "A healer, a priest, an artist, a builder, a parent."
"Aeryn, I hear your words and do understand your meaning." ??? replied, coming to stand next to the younger sebacean woman. "But without the Warden's it means nothing. We create the peace."
"We create nothing. Enforcers of the law others make. We are simply soldiers, given orders to obey." Aeryn said. She slowly reached up and removed the insignia at her throat, staring at them for a moment before placing them in the older woman's hand.
??? looked down at the insignia for a moment before raising her puzzled green eyes to Aeryn's calm blue. "I don't understand."
Aeryn smiled softly at that. "Because I can not go back to what I was. I'm more than a soldier. More than what I was born and bred to be. For now, I belong with them."
??? seemed ready to say something but stopped, her eyes falling onto John Crichton. Aeryn saw understanding dawn as the older Warden turned back to face her. A small, sad smile came to her face. "I understand, Aeryn Sun. I bid you a safe journey."
"Thank you." Aeryn replied and turned to leave. She was surprised when ??? suddenly embraced her in a warm, loving hug. A hug Aeryn returned after a moment's hesitation. She unexpectedly felt a sting in her eyes, realizing she would miss ??? greatly.
"You are always welcome here, Aeryn Sun." ??? said as she pulled away. She nodded to Crichton. "Both of you."
Aeryn blinked rapidly for a moment surprised at how difficult she found it to hold back the tears. "Thank you, ???." With that Aeryn spun around and departed the room. She never saw the single tear slip down ???'s wizened face.
*******
"SO when do we leave?"
Aeryn could not help but smile as John Crichton visibly jumped at the sound of her voice. He turned with a somewhat bewildered expression that indicated he wasn't sure he had hear her words correctly. She could see the hope and fear warring in his eyes.
"We?" He asked.
She nodded as she gestured to the others nearby. "As in all of us on Moya." She clarified with a carefully calculated voice. She saw his blue eyes light up, in spite of his effort to remain calm and aloof.
"Then you've decided to stay with us?" He asked, cautiously.
Aeryn stepped closer to him, purposefully invading his personal space as he had done to her more times than she cared to think. "Yes." She replied softly.
"But you..." She shushed him wit a finger to his lips.
"But nothing. It's my decision." She said as she gently traced her finger along his lower lip. She saw him close his eyes and swallow hard, a myriad of emotions rippling across his face before settling into a smile.
"Well, Rygel's not going to be happy about that. I think he had dibs on your share of the food cubes." John replied as he opened his eyes.
Aeryn leaned in, a grin on her face. "He needs to go on a diet, anyway." She whispered. John Crichton's laughter was muffled by her kiss. When she pulled away he was still chuckling, his arms wrapped comfortably around her waist. Somehow she didn't care what the others would think.
"Let's go home, Aeryn."