Perceptions Series: 10 A Difference of Visions

by kalinda001

The crew returns to Chandar to help the women of the planet. Jenna's dark journey continues. Avon, Argus, Vila and Sester wait on the women this time and provide comic relief. Avon learns to take care of Cally. The women kick butt.

1. Chapter 1

Description:

After the four boyz discover that they were friends in the past in the sinister Academy, the crew goes back to Chandar. The women there still need to be delivered from the dark ages.

Author's Note:

I have many people to thank for this story. It was a collaboration of efforts in many ways.

This story is for those who wanted to see more 'life on the ship' scenes and for the women having more of a focus. That is why the women are the ones who play the key role in helping the Chandarans and the men provide support and comedy. It gives the women more depth and makes them multidimensional rather than just female for the men to relate to.

I also wrote several of the women's scenes with the Bechdel test in mind.

Special thanks to Jaxomsride of LJ for suggesting the creation of a new character and for help in developing her. Also for much valuable beta help and contributing a sexy scene between Sester and Kirsten.

Chapter One

Jenna slipped quietly out of her small but luxurious cabin. The Red Raven might be a smuggler/trader ship, but she was a very successful one, and Captain Atton did not believe in scrimping on crew comforts. Of course, his cabin was twice the size of hers, but she wasn't complaining. Atton was a generous man, when he was happy. And when he wasn't…well, she had yet to discover what he was then, but from the warnings of the rest of the crew, it was best not to find out.

She was benefiting greatly from Atton's largesse. At this rate, in several months, maybe sooner, she would have enough to continue her search for Avalon. The revenge that Blake's blood cried out for would be a step closer.

Jenna crept quickly along the deserted corridors. Except for those on the flight deck, it was a sleep cycle for most. Atton and the engineer, RC, were busy dealing with an obstinate trans-cycle-regulator in the engine room. It was the first time Jenna had any chance of visiting the cargo holds alone and out of the way of watchful eyes.

She was determined to discover the contents of the containers they had been picking up intermittently from the neutral research labs in the Ciscus region and delivering to Sector Ten. This was the third run in the past two months.

They dealt with shadowy figures who didn't seem to have any names and who insisted on rendezvous in remote locations. Other than for prearranged coded signals, times and places, Captain Atton didn't seem to know them personally either. All the crew knew was that their share of the profits afterwards pointed to something very lucrative and most likely highly illegal. Nothing else would generate such high profits.

Atton deflected any crew questions with casual jokes. His people knew better than to ask questions of their leader when he didn't want to be forthcoming. They just did their jobs and reaped the rewards of being on one of the most successful smuggling crews this side of the trade lanes.

At times, Jenna was envious of the man's success and missed the old days when she had her own crew and command of her own ship. There was a time when she had even more of a reputation than Atton had. Jenna's mouth twisted into a wry smile. She had allowed too much of a reputation to develop or she wouldn't have been caught and sent on a one-way trip to Cygnus Alpha. It didn't pay to be well known in too many circles when your business required discretion.

But then she wouldn't have met Blake.

Sometimes Jenna would have wondered what it would have been like if she had never met him, had never been caught up in the aura of the man who believed in something. She had wanted to believe in that dream; but she had to admit to herself, what she really had wanted to believe in was the man behind the dream.

Now she didn't even have that. All she was left with was a consuming desire for vengeance. One that she would do anything to fulfil. Maybe then, she would finally have some peace.

Jenna scowled unpleasantly at the thought of the devious villain who was the bane of her existence. She grimaced at a twinge from an old malady. Ulcers. She'd developed them first during the Liberator days. They had become so bad that she had to ask Cally for pills to manage the pain. It only got worse after she hooked up with Blake again after Star One. The man's obsession impelled them all, beyond all reason or endurance.

Jenna had loved him and had chosen to stay, hoping to keep him alive from the passions that drove him.

Damn you, Avon! You should have kept him safe! He needed you!

Jenna's fists balled up tight in anger. No matter how hard she had tried, she couldn't escape the fact that Avon had a great deal to do with keeping Blake alive all those years they were together. And he gave Blake the success that he craved. It was for that, almost as much as the cold-blooded murder, that Jenna had grown to hate Avon. The fact that Blake couldn't seem to manage without the man who had killed him.

The groups that Blake had burned through since Star One was destroyed could be counted in the number of scars on his body; marks of his brushes with death. The one over his eye was the worst. He had refused any tissue regenerators to remove the sign of his own responsibility.

Each failure only seemed to drive him harder. She had loved Blake for that, the fact that nothing could keep him down for long. He always came back up fighting.

The cost was too expensive and was paid in the blood of the innocent and the followers, as much as the enemy. Jenna couldn't watch it happen anymore; one group after another, like lambs marching into the jaws of death.

Why couldn't Blake see that what he was doing didn't make sense? That the risks were too great? That it made no sense to continually throw lives away for very little gain? There had to be other ways of doing things. But as from the start, Blake never listened to any counsel other than his own. She had known that from the beginning.

It hadn't been as bad on the Liberator. There had been other voices to join her own, even if Blake didn't listen. There had been dissenters to speak against the recklessness. She hadn't felt as alone then.

Jenna thought that with Avon gone, she would finally have Blake all to herself. However, she soon discovered that Blake's only passion had always been his desire to rip out the heart of the Federation. He never had room for anything else.

That fire to destroy should have abated after Star One; more than enough blood had been spilled on every side. However, for Blake, it never did. It almost seemed to drive him mad.

At first, no one listened to him; everyone was caught up in surviving. With the Federation on the run in the Outer Colonies, no one could see the need for rebellion anymore. Everyone was sick of the violence and death.

When the Federation quickly re-established itself in the Inner Colonies, Blake began to find odd pockets of resistance springing up again. It was his amazing gift. His message was clear. The siren cry of the Freedom Party was relevant once again. It was only a matter of time before the enemy began extending its iron and grasping fingers towards the Outer Colonies.

That was when the deaths began.

Jevron had been a horrific disaster. Blake had almost died there. It was only by the greatest stroke of luck that he had survived. After two days, Jenna had found his lifeless form amidst the rubble. With the few remaining rebels, she had managed to carry his blood-soaked body back to the ship. She refused to leave him behind. He was to become the great martyr that the Federation had always feared. Jenna was going to make sure of it. His legacy would go on; the desire of his heart would go on.

Once they got him back on the ship, Blake's eyelids fluttered and he looked up at her with those warm eyes that always drew her into his irresistible aura. His voice was hoarse from days of exposure but still magnetic. "Jenna?"

Blake was back in the land of the living. They were all amazed until they realized that most of the blood on his clothes were not his own. There was a severe gash on his head, extending from his eye and there was a laser burn along his ribs. He made a remarkable recovery. The only sign of the Jevron massacre was the scar over his eye. Blake refused to allow them to use the tissue regenerators on it. It was to remind him of those who had fallen. Of course, it never stopped him. He started pushing himself again long before he was ready to get back into the fight again.

From Jevron to GP had been a trail of blood. At times, Jenna felt as if they were wading in it. She couldn't stomach the cries of pain anymore or the agony of defeat in Blake's eyes.

Blake always survived to scratch out another batch of recruits. Jenna knew that the established rebel groups became wary of him after awhile. Oh, they still loved him and applauded his legend. They still lifted him up as a shining example of defiance, but no one wanted to be another Kasabi or Avalon or the countless others since then. The price of following Blake was too high.

There had been whispers that there was something odd going on. Why was it that every rebel group that worked with Blake ended up being slaughtered by Federation forces? From his early days with the Freedom Party, to his journey on the Liberator, and all the way up to Gauda Prime, why did every rebel group that worked with Blake, have such incredibly bad luck?

There had to be a reason. Of course, no one dared mention it in Blake's presence. He made it difficult to see or say anything bad about him when he was there. The man was supremely gifted in that respect. However, when he was not there…Jenna had heard troubling rumours whispered in dark corners, quickly quashed when she came within earshot.

After the disaster at Jevron, all of the ex-military groups had refused to work with him. The only one still willing to was Argus but even then, Argus insisted on leading his own missions.

Blake could not stand that for long, he had to be in control of everything and Argus would not accept plans that were as risky and pointless as Blake's were. He refused to sacrifice his own men. Not for random acts of violence that did little more than be a minor thorn in the side of the rapidly-re-expanding Federation.

As a result, Blake had to go further and further afield to recruit followers. Places that were far enough that they'd only heard of his legend and not the troubling rumours. That was why Blake had ended up on a fourth-rate planet that was begging to be let back into the Federation; recruiting among murderers and thieves that had once made that planet one of the most dangerous and lawless ones in the Federation. Where most decent people had fled long ago or had been murdered by the very people he was trying to recruit. Jenna couldn't believe it when she'd heard but part of her was afraid that it was true. The fanaticism that bordered on incomprehensibility was what had driven her away from Blake.

Jenna pounded her still-clenched fist against the bulkhead. She knew that part of her hatred of Avon was caught up in hatred of herself. She had failed Blake. She should never have left him. She should have helped him; the man needed help. Blake had cared so much that it had driven him slowly into madness, making him as dangerous as the people he was trying to destroy. If she had been there on Gauda Prime, maybe she could have stopped Avon's treacherous plans.

With shock, Jenna realized she was outside the cargo hold that was her destination. How long had she been standing there locked up in her own anguish? She quickly slipped inside and let the door slide closed behind her. There were stacks of crates here, luxurious foodstuffs and delicacies that were rare commodities in this Sector, but these were not her goal.

Jenna felt along the far wall for a slight indentation. There was a hold within a hold that held the ship's greater treasures, its hidden wealth.

The electro-key she had appropriated from Atton's cabin, during his last attempt at seduction, seemed to be burning a hole in her pocket. She absently felt its flat, circular shape with her fingers, just to reassure herself that it was still there. Of course, she had to return the key before Atton discovered it was missing but she wasn't worried.

Her fingers dipped imperceptibly as she found her target. A hand span from it, she found the matching indentation. With both hands, she pressed together. Sounds of metal sliding against metal as the hidden door catches were released. The wall panel slid aside to reveal a human-sized opening at hip-height.

She activated her hand torch, bent down and went inside. Packed tightly together, clearly marked with the tri-star emblem of the research labs, were a half-dozen metal containers. Her fingers touched the circular hole on the side of one of the containers. She took the key from her pocket and slid it into place. There were several snaps as its electronic encoding was recognized and the locks were disengaged.

She lifted the lid and played the hand torch over the contents. Row upon row of clear cylindrical tubes containing reddish liquid. She carefully lifted one of the cool tubes and studied its contents. There was a chemical name on the side in gold lettering but it meant nothing to her. She committed the incomprehensible name to memory and hoped that the ship's database was as useful as the Liberator's had been.

Jenna closed up the lid, removed the key and quietly left the hold the way she had found it.

**********

The Justice was finally headed back to Chandar to help that planet lift itself from the dark ages of an oppressive society. They had delayed for two days on Tellar as they waited for Avon to receive the stem cell therapy to repair his heart. He had originally insisted on going back to Chandar with them and return for the treatments afterwards. The Tellaran medical specialists had proposed performing the majority of the treatments on the planet but that the recovery period could occur on the ship as long as two of the doctors accompanied him and he followed their directions.

As this would give him the benefit of both courses of action, Avon agreed.

The treatments were performed without incident and a recovering Avon was transported up to the ship along with a battery of equipment and the two medical specialists.

**********

The atmosphere of the Justice was ripe with excitement as the crew and the Tellaran team headed by Marlena made preparations for Chandar. Planning and strategy sessions were carried out between the key members of both groups.

Travelling at an unhurried standard by four, gave them two weeks in which to prepare. Argus instituted drills for the crew to re-sharpen their reflexes and training after weeks of holiday. He also set up coordinated exercises with Marlena's team so that they could gain experience working together.

At Argus's insistence, Corinne had extra training sessions with Reya and several of the Athol soldiers while he personally familiarized her with the operation of the ship and her duties. He would not assign her a place on the regular flight deck rotation until she had completed her training.

**********

As Avon recovered in the medical unit, he became increasingly difficult to handle because of the forced inactivity. The knowledge that planning was going on while he, with a relatively functional mind, had no participation in it, was an unacceptable situation. Strident protests and attempts at persuasion were met with a wall of patient but firm refusal by both Cally and the medical specialists.

It was a good thing that old habits died hard and despite the modifications that had been made to repair his brain and hormonal imbalances, Avon was still a highly emotionally controlled person. If he hadn't been, the heart monitor he was required to wear would be set off constantly with his increasing irritability.

At times Cally would roll her eyes and listen patiently to his latest argument. Of course, each one ended with Avon brooding but still resting in the medical unit. Sometimes she thought that he seemed to take a perverse pleasure in seeing how she would deal with his latest verbal attempts at escape.

**********

As was their habit, and whenever their schedules permitted, Cally and Reya would meet for breakfast twice a week. It was a chance to share and spend time together even if the rest of the day was too busy to even speak to each other in passing. The dining area was only half-full at this hour and they were able to find a quiet corner to talk.

With a few distracted strokes, Cally spread some sim-butter on her multigrain muffin.

Reya glanced at her as she put her steaming cup of tea down. "You're worried about Avon?"

The question seemed to startle Cally as she put the knife down. "How did you guess?"

An amused smile played on Reya's lips as she said, "Your major source of worry is Avon. It was a safe guess."

A wry smile appeared on Cally's face and she sighed, "Perhaps I need another source of worry that isn't so obvious?"

Reya picked up her own muffin and broke off a piece. Its delicious apple and cinnamon aroma tickled the senses. This was her favourite and the ship's dispensers managed a fairly decent version of it. "How is he doing?"

"Physically the progress has been better than expected. He's still weak but his heart is responding well to the treatments. We will start rehabilitation therapy in a few days." She started in on her own muffin.

"That's good to hear. I imagine he can't wait for that to happen?"

"He doesn't want to wait," said Cally.

"Ah." Reya grinned with sympathy. "If you need, I'm sure I still have those cuffs we used to keep Argus in bed when he was injured."

"It's not necessary. Yet. Avon is still compliant as long as I can win against his arguments."

Reya chuckled. "It might be easier to tie him up."

"How is your source of worry?"

"He's…worrying. I still can't get him to talk about what happened in the dreams. And I'm fairly certain that he hasn't talked with the others either."

Cally said with resigned sarcasm, "Typical."

"He doesn't see the need."

"That's always Avon's excuse."

Both women sighed.

Cally mused, "You're right. We need another source of worry other than the men."

Reya broke off another piece of her muffin. "I don't think I could handle more than Argus."

"They're both quite a handful," agreed Cally.

"That they are. What we really need is something to occupy our minds that doesn't involve thinking or talking about the men."

"We should try, if only for our own sanity." Cally pondered this idea. "Something that doesn't involve fighting."

"Hmm. The only non-martial activity I do is drawing."

"I think we need something a bit more interactive."

"I know the boys play chess sometimes. Though the way they do it, would qualify it as a combat sport."

Cally grinned, "I imagine that they could make almost anything they do into a combat sport."

Reya groaned.

Cally immediately leaned forward in concern. "Are you alright?"

"I think we both have a problem."

"We do?"

"We're talking about them again."

Cally started laughing. "We do appear to have one don't we?"

Corinne entered the dining hall. Her eyes swept the tables until they rested on Cally and Reya. Cally waved and said in greeting, "Corinne, come and join us." She indicated a free chair at their table.

Corinne smiled. "Thanks. I'll get some breakfast and join you." She headed to the dispensers.

Cally said, "We should include Corinne."

"That's a good idea. Maybe she might have some ideas. I can't think of anything."

After a few minutes, Corinne returned with a bowl of chocolate ice cream, two slices of toast with some marmalade and a cup of milk tea.

As Corinne started on her food, Reya asked, "How are you finding everything, Corinne?"

"There's so much to learn but everyone's been very helpful," she said enthusiastically.

"Have you been finding the training hard?"

"Oh, no. It's not hard at all except for the sessions with you. All of the soldiers have been very nice."

A look passed between Reya and Cally. Reya asked casually, "They have?"

"Yes, very."

Reya pointed out, "The training is supposed to be challenging. Else it won't be as useful."

"I love the ones with you. You're very hard but I like that. I like the challenge," said Corinne.

"You've done well," remarked Reya.

Cally said, "You should take that as a great compliment. Reya doesn't give them out lightly."

Corinne had a thoughtful expression on her face, "I've always wondered why Vila seems so nervous around you."

Reya asked, "Is he still doing that?"

Cally had an amused tone. "I think they're all doing that, even Avon."

Reya had a bewildered exasperation on her face. "I don't understand why. There's nothing I can do that one of them can't. What's so intimidating about that?"

Cally said, "You really don't know, do you? Even after what you did on Chandar?"

Reya asked, "I don't make you nervous, do I?"

"No. But then, I'm a woman."

Reya asked incredulously, "You're not serious?"

"I'm afraid so. A woman like you is very intimidating for men. They're either afraid of you or they love you. And some of them manage both at the same time."

Corinne said, "That's silly."

Cally gave her a good-natured grin. "It is very."

Reya said with light annoyance, "I wish they would stop it." She groaned again. "Oh, no."

Corinne looked concerned even as Cally realized what the problem was and started laughing. Cally said, "We do have a problem, don't we?"

Corinne asked, "What problem?"

Reya explained, "We're trying to stop thinking or talking about the men. We're not succeeding very well."

Corinne was puzzled. "Why would we want to do that?"

Cally said jokingly, "Give it a few months, Corinne, and then you'll understand."

"There's so much to learn. You don't have training on that, do you?"

Reya asked, "Understanding men? I'm afraid that requires hands-on experience, lots of patience and the occasional hard knock on the head. Maybe we could use a support group?"

Cally said absently, "Singing."

Reya asked, "Singing?"

"Yes, it's a good group activity and it aids in releasing stress."

"I don't know…," said Reya with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

Corinne said eagerly, "I'd love to try it." She enjoyed trying out new experiences and wanted to know the two women better.

Reya took one look at the young woman's keen face and said half-heartedly, "I suppose I could try it once. But you might need ear-protectors."

Cally grinned, "I will bring a supply from the medical unit."

Reya finished the rest of her tea and stood up. "I'm due for my shift. Singing tomorrow after the training session?"

Cally said, "I will arrange the music."

Reya picked up her tray and before she headed out said, "And I'll speak to the soldiers."

Corinne was wondering if she had missed part of the conversation.

Cally glanced at Corinne before saying, "That's a good idea."

**********

Argus was walking along, headed for a well-earned shower after his workout when his sharp senses heard something mechanical sneaking up from behind. There were no weapons to hand but he wasn't concerned. In one motion, he whirled and prepared to throw himself at the intruder. It was an odd contraption, with a strange shape, reminiscent of an Earth-style domestic animal. However, this one did not have lovable fur, instead it had ominous instruments that protruded and were extending from all directions, one of which was his.

Somehow, this strange device had been able to gain access to the ship. The Tellarans had not mentioned bringing any such device aboard and Argus doubted if they would have let one roam the ship with out informing him first. He couldn't think about that now, in a split second he had reacted.

"Beep…" The thing barely got out a sound when Argus pounced on it and rendered it harmless with a few swift kicks. He went to the nearest comm panel and activated the ship alarm, "Intruder alert! Security Team One to deck two, corridor…three. Security officer coordinate a deck by deck sweep. Intruder alert! Unidentified mechanoid device found on deck two." A claxon began its ship-wide warning, waking up all to the danger that had befallen them.

Confident that Reya would take care of the rest, Argus bent down carefully to examine the machine. From the looks of it, he had thoroughly disarmed the device and there didn't seem to be any hidden explosives. The weapons protruding from it, and which were now bent in awkward angles, seemed odd. He'd never seen such ones before.

When the security team arrived, he directed them to make a thorough search of the corridors. Then he picked up the offending device and carried it to the medical unit where Avon was 'confined' during his recovery. Argus was certain that Avon would be able to identify what it was. Not to mention, he would welcome the distraction. Cally had refused to let Argus talk to Avon about anything important during his recovery, which limited the conversation somewhat. Surely, she could see the need now.

Chapter Two

Vila and Corinne were playing a board game together in the recreation room when Argus's voice came blaring over the ship's comm.

** Intruder alert! Security Team One to deck two, corridor…three. Security officer coordinate a deck-by-deck sweep. Intruder alert! Unidentified mechanoid device found on deck two. **

Vila dropped his playing piece, which resembled a tiny clown, and his mouth opened in shock.

A loud claxon began to sound the warning.

He gulped and mouthed a silent, "Oh no!"

Corinne looked worried, "Should we be doing something?"

Vila popped up out of his seat and shouted. "Yes!" Then he looked down at Corinne and his eyes widened and took on a panicked expression. "Um…I mean, I should be doing something. You stay right here…because…uh…you don't know what to do yet and…"

He headed quickly towards the exit. "You stay right here, Corinne. It might…be dangerous. That's it. Dangerous. Very dangerous…" He seemed to be babbling.

Corinne had also stood up and was about to accompany him. "I should come with you."

He held up his hand. "Nooo. You heard Argus, there are mechanoids. They could be dangerous."

"Then I should definitely come with you." Corinne came towards him.

Vila backed up against the door, as if he was trying to block her from leaving. He tried to wrack his brain for any reason to prevent her from coming with him. "You're not trained yet, Corinne. There are security teams out there. You'd get in the way."

Corinne's face fell in disappointment and she stopped advancing. "I suppose so. I wouldn't want to interfere. I'll stay here."

Now Vila felt terrible. "I mean, it's just for now. Until you're trained. You can come next time."

Corinne nodded. "Alright."

**********

Argus entered the infirmary and headed straight towards Avon's bed. Avon was sitting up with his arms crossed over his chest. He appeared to be waiting.

Cally was nearby doing something and only nodded her head in acknowledgement of Argus's entrance. The firm look in her eyes also contained a warning.

Argus noticed that the claxon sound had been turned down to a quiet suggestion of warning as he approached the bed looking for a place to put the machine down.

Avon shifted his legs aside to make room and asked, "What took you so long?"

Argus carefully put it down on the vacated area. Its weight made a huge dent in the bed. "It's heavy."

Avon immediately began examining it. He touched the various broken protuberances with a puzzled look on his face.

Vila raced in out-of-breath and skidded to a stop as he saw the machine on the bed. He exclaimed with a horrified look on his face, "Spot!"

Avon and Argus looked at each other. Argus mouthed, "Spot?"

Vila came over with halting steps and stared with dismay at the broken machine. He said accusingly, "You've killed him!"

Avon's eyes narrowed and he asked, "Are you responsible for this…contraption?"

Vila didn't seem to hear the question; he seemed to be overwhelmed with emotion as he reached out and touched the machine's head. "Spot, what did they do to you?"

Argus said, "Vila, is this…thing…yours?"

Vila looked up. "It's Spot."

Avon remarked sarcastically, "Beyond being typically uninformative as usual, you've also managed to add an unprecedented level of irrelevance."

Argus asked, "Vila, is this machine yours?"

"Well, yes. Sort of."

"You brought this machine onboard and let it roam the ship? Without informing me?"

Vila tried to explain, "It wasn't supposed to be like that. I didn't know it got loose. I was hiding it in one of the supply cupboards and the room was locked. I swear, I don't know how it got out."

Avon asked with a suspicious tone, "You were hiding it? For what purpose?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise. A gift. I would have told you. Just not yet."

They were starting to get a much clearer, if not entirely clear picture.

Argus asked, "Vila, what is this machine?"

"It's a cleaning 'bot."

Avon looked at the protuberances again; the object that looked like a cloth, was obviously meant for wiping. The duster, was not some odd weapon. A hose was most likely used for water or some other cleaning liquid and not a deadly chemical spray. He had a highly amused smile as he said to Argus, "Congratulations, you killed a cleaning appliance."

Argus had a perturbed look on his face, "Well, how was I supposed to know? It looked…"

Avon took the cloth from one of the ends and handed it to him. "Dangerous enough to clean?"

Vila asked, "Who's going to fix it?"

Avon studied the twisted metal bits. "We have an adequate cleaning system on the ship. This is redundant."

"But it's cute. It has a personality and it's nice and polite."

Argus looked at Avon. "Was that an insult? Who is he talking about?"

Vila added, "And it doesn't go around destroying things."

Argus said, "That must be me."

Avon remarked dryly, "It certainly isn't me. You broke it; you should be the one to fix it."

Argus was not enthusiastic. "But…I'm not a technician or a mechanic."

"You're not seriously proposing that I fix a cleaning appliance?" asked Avon in an insulted voice.

Cally came over and reminded them. "Avon is not going to be doing anything yet. You already have enough things for him to do."

Vila was insistent. "But it's for Corinne's birthday. She really liked the one she saw on Tellar, that's why I got it for her."

Avon, Argus and Cally exchanged looks.

Argus asked, "When is her birthday?"

"Next week."

Cally stared hard at Avon. Avon had a pained and reluctant look on his face and then he sighed and nodded. "I will fix it."

Vila said with relief, "Thanks, Avon."

For some reason, Avon found that he wasn't entirely reluctant to do this for Vila and Corinne, even if it meant repairing a cleaning robot. "You're welcome. Just keep it away from him."

Argus said, "I suppose I should turn the alarm off."

**********

Cally led Reya and Corinne deep into the bowels of the ship, commonly known as the engineering deck. "Avon suggested this place when I told him that we were singing as a form of recreation."

Reya glanced over. "Is that all he said?"

"Well, there was a raising of the eyebrows first."

Reya said jokingly, "That strong a reaction?"

Cally grinned. "I told him that it was a good way to relieve the stress of having to deal with stubborn men."

"What was his reaction to that?"

Cally remembered the affronted look on Avon's face and she had felt the instant denial in his mind. However, after a brief struggling thought, those were not the words that came out for her. "He said the harmonics room on the engineering deck would be the optimum place for this kind of activity."

Reya said, "He makes it sound like a scientific experiment."

Cally turned a corner and the women followed her. "For Avon, most things are. Sometimes I think he likes to say things just to see what effect it will produce. He's very inquisitive."

Corinne had been following the older women's discussion with interest. "But what if the words he says hurts someone?"

Cally and Reya slowed to look at her. Cally said with a pleasant smile, "That makes you a wise young woman. Wiser than Avon in some respects."

Corinne rejected this idea, "I couldn't be smarter than Avon. He's much more intelligent that I am."

Reya said, "Very few people have a brain that compares with Avon's but Cally wasn't speaking of intelligence."

Cally stopped in front of a door. "Avon has a weakness. He doesn't understand some basic things about being a human being. He does not recognize the importance of emotions or sentiment. He often sees himself more as an alien than as a human being."

Corinne's forehead wrinkled in puzzlement. "But aren't you an alien? You don't think like that."

Cally smiled, "That's true. That's why you're wiser than Avon."

"I don't understand."

"It's complicated." Cally touched the panel on the side and the door slid open, revealing a large room. She announced, "We're here."

The women looked curiously into the room. A rainbow of lights, like coloured shadows played along the crystals embedded into the walls. Their mouths fell open in astonishment at the exquisite vision.

Corinne said in a voice that was almost afraid to break the stillness, "Oh, that's beautiful!"

Cally was stunned, "All those years…I never knew this was here."

Cally heard a faint and tentative question along her mental connection to Avon. * Do you like it? *

She sent him an impression of a pleased smile along with her feelings of wonder. * Yes, I do, Avon. Thank you. It's wonderful. *

* I'm glad. The musical harmonies will interact well with the crystals. I will leave you to enjoy it. * Avon's voice became quiet.

Corinne asked, "How did Avon know this was here?"

"There is very little he doesn't know about this ship. But there is also very little that he communicates unless he feels there's a need."

Reya loved the dynamic colours that wove and intertwined with each other. "I'm glad he communicated this."

Cally said, "So am I." She crossed the threshold with soft steps, almost as an acolyte entering a sacred chamber for the first time. The others followed her.

They explored the chamber and its banks of crystals that were embedded into the walls. Light emanated from the crystals and were the source of the rainbow of colours that reflected off every surface, including their bodies.

Reya asked, "Did Avon say what this room was for?"

"Nothing other than it was a harmonics room."

Corinne was studying one of the crystals carefully. It was pulsing with brilliant energy. She said with wonder, "These crystals…almost seem alive."

Cally remarked, "I wouldn't be surprised. Avon said that there was an organic basis to some of the ship's technology."

Reya felt the hard, smooth surface of one of the crystals, it pulsed beneath her fingers. "All of this…energy…it wouldn't be radiation of some kind, would it?"

"Avon didn't mention it but it wouldn't be harmful to us or he would not have sent me here."

"I'm not worried. Just curious. I would like to know what this room is for."

Corinne said, "Me too. It has to have some other function than being beautiful."

Cally said, "I will ask him if you wish."

Reya said, "Go ahead, we're both curious."

Cally closed her eyes and concentrated on her connection to Avon. * Avon, is there anything in this room that we should not touch? *

She waited a few seconds before hearing his distracted reply, * No. You are free to touch anything in the room. You can even remove the crystals if you wish. Just return them when you're done. Each slot is individualized to the crystal so there is no concern of improper placement. *

Cally asked, * Avon what is this place? *

* Didn't I mention it? *

Cally wanted to send a sigh and a mental roll of her eyes but refrained. * You didn't. *

* The ship requires living crystals for its various systems. The room you are in is the secondary storage area for these crystals. They enable the ship to dynamically repair itself, like a living organism, and return it to its original state. A template in effect. *

* You mean, like a genetic profile for the ship. *

Cally was aware of a light wave of admiration emanating from Avon. * That is a good analogy. *

* Thank you for telling me, Avon. *

* All knowledge is useful. Sharing that knowledge with someone who understands is also useful. *

Cally sent him an amused, * I'm glad you enjoyed it sharing it with me. * She could almost imagine the reluctant smile threatening to appear on his face.

With a final, * You're welcome. * Avon's voice became silent again.

Cally refocused her eyes on the two women.

Reya asked, "Well, what did he say?"

Corinne grinned, "It must have been something very interesting."

Cally shared what Avon had told her about the room.

When she was done, Reya brushed her fingers along the crystal-embedded wall. "That's very interesting." She took hold of one and lightly tugged on it. The crystal didn't budge. She took a firmer grip on it and pulled harder. The crystal came away with a snick.

Cally and Corinne removed their own crystals and looked at them.

The energies pulsed beneath their fingers.

Reya held hers up and peered into its translucent body. "Living crystal, he said?"

Cally replied, "Yes."

Corinne had both hands around hers and was enjoying the tickling sensation that seemed to radiate from it and through into her body. "It feels alive."

Cally had a suspicion. Holding the object in both hands like Corinne, she closed her eyes and sent her consciousness towards it.

Energy. Connectedness. Wholeness. Life.

Cally's eyes sprang open. "It's alive but…not in the way we understand it."

"What does that mean?" asked Reya.

"It's hard to explain. It's aware but there is no consciousness. At least, not that I can recognize with my psi abilities. Sort of a state between inanimate object and animate. Avon would find this interesting."

Reya pursed her lips in thought, "Do you think Avon knows?"

"You mean he had a reason for sending us here?"

"Sending you here."

Cally said, "You're paranoid."

Reya said apologetically, "Sorry, it's the security officer in me. Bad habit among friends." She said thoughtfully, "As you said, Avon must know every centimetre of this ship. If he wanted to use your psi abilities to test the crystals, he would have long before now. So it must mean that he already knows the properties of the crystals. He didn't need you to test them. He just wanted you to enjoy the room."

Cally said, "Speaking of enjoying this room…"

Corinne said eagerly, "Are we singing now?"

Reya turned the crystal over in her hands, "What affect do you think the singing will have on these?"

Cally slid hers back into its slot with a click. "There's only one way to find out." She took a small rectangular device from her pocket while the others re-slotted their crystals. "The only songs I know are Auron ones. I hope you don't mind." Cally turned the device on.

A beautiful melody surrounded them on all sides, accompanied by delicate counterpoints and harmonies. The sounds bounced off the walls and crystals, like waves of energy that was felt as a vibration that reverberated in their bodies. The coloured lights of the crystals seemed to respond with an accompanying rhythm. Sights, sounds and sensations wove together to form a visceral experience of the senses. They were all stunned. It was incredible.

Cally was even more astonished. She could 'feel' a connection to the crystals, an exquisite sensation of the mind, reflecting the evocative Auronar melody. It was indescribable. There was a feeling of being filled and no longer being alone. With shock, she realized that she had felt something like this before, back on the planet with the shadow creatures. But there was something different; it was similar but not quite the same.

Cally got hold of herself and turned the music off.

Reya and Corinne gasped as the sensations dissipated without warning.

Corinne said with awe, "That was amazing!"

Reya agreed, "It was incredible. The music…I could feel it."

Cally looked around her with wonder. The crystals were pulsing around them almost as if holding onto the dying echoes of the beautiful melody. "It wasn't the music. It was the crystals. They did this. They took the music and echoed it in vibrations, sounds and light. And in my mind. It was…it almost felt...as if I was touching other minds again."

Reya asked, "You mean they really are alive?"

Cally wondered if Avon knew this would happen. "I can't describe it. They're alive but it's a different sense of being alive. Suddenly…I didn't feel so alone anymore."

There was such a sad and wistful expression on Cally's face that Reya touched her arm. "I never asked you about Auron before. About what happened to your people. It must be very lonely for you."

"It's alright."

Reya suddenly found words difficult. What could you say to someone who had lost an entire people? "I can't imagine what it must be like to be a telepath and to suddenly find yourself alone."

"It…has been difficult. The loneliness at times is overwhelming. I miss them very much."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Reya asked gently.

There was anguish and pain in Cally's eyes. Even after what she shared with Avon that night, it was not enough, the aches were still there. As with him, the healing would take a long time. She would need the support and understanding from people who cared about her.

Corinne had been watching silently. Compassion filled her heart even though she didn't know what the two women were talking about. She could see Cally's misery and sadness. She could identify with the loneliness even if she didn't understand its nature or its extent.

No one had ever told her about Cally but she wished there was something she could say to give support. Corinne also reached out and touched Cally's arm. "Cally, I don't know what happened to your people. It must have been something terrible. I can't imagine. But I'm here for you too. If you want to talk about it, I want to listen. I want to hear about the people who could create such beautiful music."

Cally had not intended to talk about herself but she realized now that she should have guessed. Something inside her wanted to hear the songs of her people being sung again. To hear the beauty of their souls being reflected in the unique harmonies.

She began quietly, not talking about herself, but her people, the Auronar.

"We are…" Cally hesitated. In her mind and heart, she still thought and spoke of them in the present tense. "We were people of peace. Maintaining a neutral position despite the violence around us."

Corinne asked, "Were you all telepaths?"

"No. Psi abilities existed in our population but it was rare until Franton. He was the greatest biogeneticist our people ever produced. His specialty was cloning technology."

Reya leaned forward with interest. "You mean like the Clonemasters?"

"Yes, outside of the Clonemasters, my people were the masters of cloning technology."

A thought passed across Reya's face. "And now they're both gone."

"Yes, Servalan destroyed them both."

"If I were the suspicious kind…that would seem odd. Did she have something against people who had cloning technology? Or was it a coincidence?"

Cally also reflected on this. "I never made a connection."

Reya shrugged. "Perhaps because there is none. I am naturally suspicious."

Cally continued, "Franton found that his new cloning technology produced consistent psi abilities in the offspring. My people had been trying to do that for centuries. Some of us thought that it might become a peaceful form of defence."

Reya was interested in this, "You mean using psi abilities rather than military force?"

"That was the idea. That is why some of our scientists worked on mind interceptors."

Reya remembered with a shock of guilt, "Vanora."

Cally said sadly, "Yes. She was one of the scientists."

Corinne realized that there was a lot to be caught up on in the lives of her new shipmates but there would be time for that. She asked curiously, "Cally, what is it like being telepathic? How is it to be able to feel all those minds?" After she said it, she realized that it might not be a good time to ask this question considering the sadness Cally was feeling. "I'm sorry, ignore my question. I shouldn't be asking it now."

Cally gave her brief reassuring smile. "It's alright. I want to speak of them. I need to." She stood up and went to one of the walls. Her fingers lightly, almost lovingly, touched the pulsing crystals. "When the music played, you could feel the vibrations all around you. Touching you, reaching inside of you. Filling your senses. That is what it is like for an Auronar when we are joined. We are part of each other. Feeling each other's presence, like something tangible but inside our hearts and minds. Knowing each other's love. Understanding each other on a deep level."

Corinne said wistfully, "That must be wonderful."

Reya asked, "But how do you get anything done? How do you operate and think independently? Or is it more like a group mind?"

"No. Nothing like that. We are all independent, even though we are joined. From childhood, we are taught to build up mental walls that quiet the voices in our minds to a dull murmuring just at the edge; an awareness of each other without losing ourselves. We are not all joined with the same strength. Those in the same sibling groupings have the strongest connection. With some, I am only aware of them just a little more than a non-Auronar. When we have group meetings, we open ourselves up to each other's voices. And in intimate moments…we share the essence of who we are." Her voice trailed off in remembrance. With Avon, she was beginning to share a shade of what was possible with a fully psi-developed Auronar. Only time would tell if more was achievable.

Corinne said with awe. "That's a very special thing."

They were touching an area that was intensely personal for Cally. "It is. But now…I don't want to talk anymore. I want to sing. Of Auron."

Reya said, "It will be one way we can help keep your people alive."

The women sat down while Cally turned on the music again. Projected in front of them were the words so they could follow along. They let the sensations of the crystals wash over them, enjoying the harmonies together as Cally began singing, her voice a melancholy soprano. She sang of the joys of never being alone, of harmony and peace.

Soon Corinne's voice joined hers as she picked up the melody. Hesitantly, and with a scratchy voice, Reya tried following along. Cally and Corinne both smiled encouragingly. Soon a low alto emerged from her throat and the three of them enjoyed the gift of music from a people they were determined not to forget.

Chapter Three

"Authorization marker," demanded a humourless and arrogant Federation Customs official. The man had a severe face with thin lips and ears that seemed large enough to catch any whisper.

Captain Atton slowly reached into his vest pocket, mindful that any unexpected or suspicious moves could result in a few unfortunately placed shots by the unfriendly looking troopers who had rifles pointed in his direction. He pulled out the official verification marker that showed which sectors of space the Raven was allowed to operate in and the types of cargo she was allowed to carry and handed it to the humourless officer.

The Red Raven had run into a Federation customs trap. The Customs pursuit ships were hidden in orbit around a nearby moon and the crew didn't see them until it was too late. Running would have made them look suspicious. So Captain Atton cheerfully accepted the orders to be boarded, and acted the successful and compliant free trader while silently signalling the crew off-screen to make sure that everything was secured.

Customs Officer Fuller slid the marker into the verification scanner and read the details of the Raven's charter and her current registered flight plan. "This expires next month."

Atton said cheerfully, and like a man without a worry, "But we're fine for now?"

The man read the charter again, as if he was determined to find something to charge them with. With ill humour, he said, "For now. Get it renewed."

"We'll definitely do that, officer. Was there anything else?"

The thin-lipped man said to his men, "Search the ship." Most of the black clad troopers headed off to follow the orders while some stayed behind. The official demanded, "Show me your cargo hold. I want to see what you're carrying."

Atton caught Jenna's eyes briefly. She joined the group as Atton said, "Right this way, Officer."

**********

In the packed-to-the-ceiling cargo hold, as the black clad Federation Customs troopers conducted a search, opening several of the containers and examining their contents, Captain Atton kept up animated chatter while Jenna stood out of the way, near one of the walls.

Jenna watched Atton's performance with reluctant admiration. The man was very good at inane, friendly conversation that presented a picture of a harmless but successful trader; wearing down his audience with mindless and irrelevant details. She had her own techniques but she appreciated the effectiveness of Atton's. The man was obviously good at what he did. He had the charm of the successful merchant, able to find and tap a person's weaknesses, the ones that made them buy things they didn't want or take things they shouldn't.

Atton said, "We're only carrying luxury foodstuffs. Some fine wines. Vintage. Very vintage. From the vineyards of the Otalia Preserve on Zaskar Major."

The Customs officer's sizeable ears twitched slightly at that news.

Jenna knew that Atton wouldn't have missed the movement, even though he didn't seem to be paying attention. She knew every one of Atton's senses was on high alert. There was nothing casual about what he was doing, even though his manner was laid-back.

Atton continued his friendly Captain routine. "We have some caviar too, straight from Earth. The real thing, not the syntha-garbage they foist off on the lower grades. You must know the stuff, a civilized man like you."

Laying it on a bit thick this time, thought Jenna.

Officer Fuller's ears twitched quite noticeably. It was just the right amount of thickness.

Atton turned his head towards Jenna a bit. They both knew this kind of official. The man was typical of his kind, a Beta, like most Customs officers. A Beta with access and power over some highly valuable commodities.

In their experiences, not many people could resist. It was an age where everyone looked out for his or her own interests and no one could be trusted. The age of the dishonest man, which made it very convenient for people who knew how to take advantage of such qualities.

Jenna knew there were two ways that this could go. It all depended on how greedy the Customs official was and how devious and unscrupulous.

Atton continued listing other choice items as some of the troopers began tapping along the walls and using a hand scanner. Each rap was rewarded with a solid metallic response. Jenna knew they would be hearing that regardless of where they rapped and the scanners would not find anything.

The Red Raven was a specially customized bird with some unusual properties in its cargo hold that extended beyond a secret compartment. If she gained another free trader ship again, Jenna was determined to have these 'special' qualities built into her own.

Fuller was responding so well that Atton said amiably, "Why don't we make ourselves comfortable and break open a bottle…" He moved towards one of the open containers. Immediately, the troopers turned in his direction, their weapons pointed at him.

Here we go, thought Jenna, as she prepared for the next stage.

Atton froze with his hands up. "Wait…" There was the proper amount of fear on his face.

Fuller dropped his greedy Beta-official demeanour and became the severe, too-deadly-to-be-crossed Federation functionary. "What are you doing?"

Atton had a nervous smile on his face, "I was going to be hospitable and offer you some wine."

Fuller sneered, "Do you think I'm a fool?" The previous, simply arrogant and humourless bureaucrat had also been a façade, just like Atton's friendly Captain routine. Fuller had dropped his act and just shown his true colours.

Jenna wasn't surprised at all. She hadn't liked the look of the official since he had boarded the ship. Now it was only a matter of finding out how unpleasant the man really was and how much they would have to do to distract him from finding their secrets.

Atton cautiously put his hands down and said in a placating voice, "Of course not. I don't think you're a fool."

Jenna thought to herself, He just knows you are. Or at least, he hopes. She came forward with a smile and said in a smooth, seductive voice, "No one thinks you're a fool, Officer Fuller. We wouldn't dare. You're obviously smart and…"

Fuller backed up as if she was someone carrying a concealed weapon. Either that or women made him nervous. "Don't come any closer."

Jenna looked at him with interest. The man seemed to be overreacting. Was he expecting something? Or was it simply a case of being wary of women?

A little test was in order. Plus it would add a little more distraction. Jenna did not go any closer but she had her best, suggestive smile on her face. "I'm not going to hurt you, I promise."

Fuller remarked coldly to Atton, "You're pathetic, both of you. How could you possibly think I could be fooled by such an act? And as for you…" He eyed Jenna slowly from top to bottom, in a very insulting way. "…it's obvious he didn't hire you for your brains…or your looks."

Jenna's smile was only maintained by gritting teeth now. Inside, she was fuming at the affront and already had ten ways of making this man beg for mercy. Fuller was obviously after something and he enjoyed the power he yielded; far too much.

Everything was still working perfectly. The Customs official didn't realize that he was the only one who was being obvious. Atton and Jenna were ready for this kind of challenge.

Atton's eyes widened, just a touch, not enough to be noticed by the Federation official but it spoke loudly to Jenna. The soldiers were not only tapping on the walls now, they were carefully feeling their way along several panels. They had never done that before. Tapping and scans were their normal procedure. They were boringly and reliably predictable in their lack of creativity. Until now. Had someone tipped them off?

Jenna had her first feelings of apprehension. They had not anticipated this. If the troopers discovered the minute indentations along the wall that activated the secret panel…if they were just a little too curious…

She had to do something. Deflect their attention somehow.

Jenna took a step towards Fuller and said, "The Captain was only trying to be hospitable…"

Fuller drew his gun and pointed it at her. "I said, don't come near me. Step back."

Jenna sighed. "I was only trying to explain. No harm done." She backed away, walked over to the far wall and leaned back against it; just a tad too nonchalantly but not too obvious. Just enough to draw attention to herself but not point out why, unless you had some intelligence and the Customs official did. Jenna was counting on it.

Fuller looked at her suspiciously. "What are you doing?"

Jenna asked, "What do you mean? You said to get as far away from you as possible. That's what I'm doing. If it's not far enough…I can't help you there. I could leave the room…"

Fuller said forcefully, "Step away from the wall."

"Why? I can't do anything to you. I can't even smell you from here."

"Step away or I will have my people make you step away."

Jenna did as directed.

Fuller felt along the wall where Jenna had stood. He ordered the troopers, "Check this wall. Every centimetre of it."

All of the troopers stopped what they were doing and concentrated on the wall Jenna had been leaning against. There were excited sounds of anticipation as they ripped open several panels, but they soon became disappointed. After every panel had been removed and nothing found, the lead trooper reported, "There's nothing, sir. It's clear."

Fuller said with frustration, "It can't be…there's got to be something. I was sure…"

"Unless it's invisible, we can't find it, sir. Should we check the rest of the walls?"

Jenna unconsciously held her breath. Would this work?

Atton said, "I told you that you wouldn't find anything. We're a harmless, if very rich trading ship. All we have are some fine comestibles, nothing more. But by all means, please check them. You must be a thorough man, Officer Fuller. You wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't check everything."

Fuller said angrily, "Don't tell me what my job is."

Atton said in a mollified voice, "I wouldn't dare to presume, but as your men are going to check, why don't we follow my earlier suggestion and make ourselves comfortable. Break open a bottle of wine. It looks like very thirsty work."

The trooper who made the report asked, "Sir, what do you want us to do?"

Fuller's angry face took on a crafty look. He addressed Atton, "As you're being so hospitable, you wouldn't mind benefiting a poor Customs official with a few containers of wine and caviar, would you? Say five of each?"

Jenna let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. They were back on track.

Atton smiled. "May I?"

Fuller nodded and Atton walked over to one of the opened containers. He reached in slowly, drew out a stack of interconnected caviar boxes, and came back with them. Atton handed them to Fuller with a flourish, "It's the best."

Fuller looked down at the boxes, "What's this?"

"You asked for five…"

"Are you dense? I said five containers. Of each."

Atton looked outraged. "You're not serious?"

Fuller said with a dangerous snarl, "I could always confiscate your entire cargo and still have my men continue with the search. I will have them rip open every panel in this hold. Plus a few choice ones on your flight deck. And perhaps your engineering room as well. I can't guarantee that my men won't do any damage. They do tend to be clumsy. Of course, it isn't my ship."

Atton became panicked, "Wait a minute…let's be reasonable here. I'm barely breaking even if you take five of each. What if you take two of the wine and three of the caviar?"

Fuller mused, "Two and three? I might be willing to if you…" He glanced over at Jenna. "…include her in the deal."

Jenna took a step forward, "Wait just a minute…" A trooper held her back.

Atton stared at her, as if he was considering the offer. "She is new…and…" He seemed to take a long time to deliberate. Far too long for Jenna's taste. Atton's jaw tightened. "Alright, five of each. And leave Jen out of it."

Fuller smiled cruelly. "Done. Six of each."

Atton said angrily, "You said five!"

"I lied. But you get to keep the woman." Fuller directed his men to take the containers and return to the ship.

Before Fuller entered the airlock back to his craft, he said, "Your ship has passed inspection, Captain Atton. It's been a pleasure and don't forget to renew your charter."

The hatch clanged shut and the bolts slid into place.

Jenna said angrily, "If I see that man again…"

Atton chuckled, "I'm sure you'll do something suitably painful to him before you kill him, and I'd like to watch."

"Don't worry," she said fiercely. "You'll have front-row seats."

Atton said appreciatively, "Very well done by the way."

"We've had a lot of practice, haven't we? Two old hands."

"The trick with the wall?"

Jenna grinned, "Why try to protect a wall that has nothing worth protecting?"

"I knew there was a reason why I brought you with me."

"You wanted to see how good I was?"

"You've lived up to your reputation, Jenna Stannis."

Jenna nodded. "You have too."

"We make a good team."

"What was that comment about 'she is new…'?"

Atton grinned, "I had to give it a little drama, or it wouldn't have been convincing. I am supposed to be a greedy free trader, after all and a very successful one. "

"You were very convincing." Jenna wondered how convincing he would have had to be if she was of no use to him. It was a good thing that she didn't have to find out. She hoped she would be long gone before she did. There were already too many Avons in her life. She didn't want to spend the rest of her life chasing after them and making them all pay.

"Some wine?" Atton offered as he went to one of the containers and picked out a bottle.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Chapter Four

Cally checked in on Avon in the medical unit after the singing session. She found him engrossed with a computer that he had insisted be installed in the medical unit. He was so preoccupied that he didn't notice Cally until she was right next to him.

He raised a startled head and automatically lifted up an arm as if to ward off an attack but relaxed when he saw her. "Cally. I didn't see you come in."

It was an old defensive habit that he hadn't been able to break. Sometimes he woke up that way when he was startled, almost as if he expected to be murdered in his sleep. Cally wondered what kind of life he had led that would make him like this. She imagined that it had been a very nervous one.

She wanted to tell him that he didn't have to be nervous anymore, he didn't have to be afraid for his life, not with her. He loved and trusted her, more than anyone else he had ever known. He had told her that, and she believed him. But old habits die hard; habits that had kept him alive when no one else cared. It would take time.

"You were busy." Out of habit, Cally checked the life monitors by his bed. "I see that you had them install the computer."

"I'm analyzing the schematics for the cleaning appliance."

Cally continued assessing the readings and said absently, "Spot."

"Yes…the cleaning appliance." Avon said decisively as he swung the computer away from him and with just the barest twitch of a smile at the corner of his lips, leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest.

Cally looked over at him curiously, aware of a light mischievous impression from their mental connection. "It has a name, Avon."

"It's a machine, Cally."

She was prepared to defend all named computers everywhere and pointed out, "Zen and ORAC have names."

"They are also machines, albeit sophisticated ones. They have designations that are acronyms indicating their function. Would you like to know what the acronyms stand for?"

"Then it's a name with a meaning, like all names."

"I have never understood why people insist on associating living characteristics with inanimate objects."

"It helps us to understand them and feel more comfortable interacting with them." From the monitor chart, Cally saw that the specialists had determined that Avon would be able to start rehabilitation therapy tomorrow.

"A schematic and instruction manual would serve the same purpose and be infinitely more useful."

Cally finished her reading of the monitors. "ORAC and Zen are members of the crew."

"They are useful instruments used by the crew. There is a difference."

"We consider them part of the crew."

"You do." Avon said in his most impassive voice.

"Avon, after interacting with ORAC, can you seriously say that he isn't alive? He has his own personality. He wants to survive. He's too curious for his own good, or ours."

"ORAC was programmed with an interface that simulates Ensor's personality. It was programmed to protect itself. It was programmed to gather information. That does not make it alive."

"Then he's a virtual life form."

"There is no such thing unless you wish to debate the definition of life." Avon's eyes seemed to twinkle with bemused interest.

Cally was curious about something. "Avon, when is ORAC going to be fixed?"

Avon gave her a light grin at her desire to change the topic. "When we stumble across the parts for it. Unfortunately Professor Ensor didn't see fit to use components that we could buy, borrow or steal."

"Then how do you plan to find them?"

"Now, that's an interesting question."

"Avon, were you bored with what you were doing?"

"What makes you ask that?"

Cally sighed. "I only came in to see how you were and to thank you for directing us to the harmonics room."

"Was it adequate for your purposes?"

"Yes, it was perfect. I've never experienced anything like it. Thank you." She bent down and kissed him lightly. A startled Avon put his arms around her and drew her down further so that she was sitting on the edge of his bed. Cally's intention of a light expression of gratitude become something more intense. All other thoughts seemed to have been forgotten, any boredom vanished. The curative properties of a kiss were not to be dismissed.

Cally drew back after awhile and asked, "Did you know?"

"Can you be specific?"

"About the effect the crystals would have on my mind?"

"Ah." Avon let go of her and studied her face, as if he was trying to gauge her reaction.

Cally asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I suspected. I wasn't certain. I knew the crystals would react to the music on a senses level. It was meant as a surprise."

Avon had taken the idea from Vila's surprise gift for Corinne. It had seemed a good idea. It was obviously something that Vila thought Corinne would like. Avon had considered building a personal cleaning appliance for Cally but decided that imitation was for less creative minds than his own was. "I had hoped that it would help you."

"You mean with the singing?"

"Of course," he said just a little too quickly.

Cally looked at him but he did not meet her eyes. There was a hint of something in her awareness of Avon but it passed too quickly for her to be sure. "The crystals are living."

"Yes. A semblance of life. How did your mind perceive it?"

Cally's eyes seemed to focus on something distance as she recalled the memory of the room and sense impressions. "It's…hard to describe. It's living but not living at the same time."

Avon was watching her with keen attention. "Did you recognize the impressions?"

Cally eyes levelled back on him. "It reminded me of the shadow creature."

"Interesting. Nothing else?"

Cally saw that he had something specific in mind. Her mind went back to all the alien life forms they had encountered. She thought wryly that far too many of them seemed to have an interest in the psi abilities of her mind. But there was another… "The Sopron rock?"

"Yes."

Cally's brow knitted. "I'm not sure. When my mind touched the Sopron, it only reflected back a mind similar to my own."

"That is similar to what the crystals do. Except that embedded within them is a reflection of the ship. It was because of my research into the nature of the technology of the Liberator that I discovered the abilities of the Sopron."

"That's why you were so interested in it?"

"Yes."

"You know, Avon, you surprised me. It wasn't until then that I realized that you weren't really interested in wealth."

"That's preposterous. Of course I am."

"But not as an object of greed."

Avon hesitated before he answered. "No. Wealth represents safety. Once I had the Liberator, the pursuit of wealth was no longer relevant."

"But Tarrant and Vila wanted to hijack the Kairopan."

"For Tarrant it was an object of greed."

Cally cocked her head in surprise. "And for Vila?"

Avon's lips curled into a smile. "Yes. But for him it is also a challenge."

"Vila enjoys a challenge?"

"Of course. Doesn't everyone? That is why you put up with me, isn't it? Because of the challenge?"

"I often ask myself that."

"Have you come to any conclusions?" Avon asked with a light teasing tone.

"Speaking of challenges, have you talked to the others about your dreams?"

Avon's eyes widened at the sudden change in topic. Cally was one of the few people who was able to catch him off-guard. "No."

"It might be a good idea."

"There's no need. We have all listened to the recordings. Further discussions will not reveal anymore than we already know."

Cally wondered if it was a basic difference between men and women that one had a tendency to discuss everything and the other hardly at all. Or was it a characteristic peculiar to the men on the Justice. "It's not just about knowledge, Avon."

Avon had a suspicion that he knew where this conversation was headed. "It should be."

"Doesn't it change the nature of the relationship between the four of you?"

"Knowing the past does not change the circumstances of the present."

"It has for some of them."

Avon stared at her. Cally stared back unflinchingly.

Avon asked, "You want me to ask which ones?"

"I think you already know which ones. It might be a good opportunity for you to work on improving your relationship and communication skills."

There was an automatic reluctance in Avon's eyes but he said, "I will consider it."

**********

Reya and Argus were in their cabin getting ready for the day.

Reya was adjusting her sleeves and checking herself in the mirror. "Argus, I have a concern about our plans for Chandar."

Argus tightened his belt and fastened it. "What kind of concerns?"

"It's a good plan but…"

"But?" He turned to face her.

"I think we can do better."

"You didn't mention this before."

"I know. I wasn't sure how you would take it."

Argus looked at her speculatively. "You know that I respect your ideas, Reya. What's really going on?"

Reya's eyes searched his, trying to determine how receptive he would be. "How are you getting along with Sester these days?"

Argus stiffened. "I see."

Reya found herself becoming tense. "Now you know why I didn't say anything before. I had hoped that after what happened with the dreams, you would see each other differently. I know he does."

Argus bristled. "What is that supposed to mean? Did he talk to you?"

Reya placed her hand on his muscular chest; she could feel the hardness he adopted whenever his nemesis was mentioned. "Doesn't the fact that you were childhood friends mean anything to you? They all tried to save you."

"I know that." Reya could feel the increased tension in his body before he turned away.

"That means Sester too. Argus, you should talk to him."

There was a reluctant look on Argus's face but Reya saw something else. There was a struggle in his eyes. He was a good man; he knew what was right even though he didn't want to do it.

Argus said, "I don't feel like talking to him. You know what I think about him. I might say something…opposite… "

"Yes, I know. If you could resolve it by fighting him instead of speaking to him, you would be knocking down his door right now. Can you at least try? You know he's not going anywhere now. He's committed to us, to what we're doing. It might be good if you could at least get along. He might be a valuable resource even if you don't want to renew your friendship."

Argus said unenthusiastically, "I'll try."

"Argus, have the four of you talked about what happened with the dreams?"

"No." He wondered what was causing Reya to bring up all of this serious talk. It was so much simpler just living together, working, playing…this talking about things, things that made him feel uncomfortable, made him feel…very uncomfortable. He knew that she wanted to talk sometimes and he didn't mind it. Sometimes. But couldn't she give him some advance notice?

"Why not?"

Because…we don't want to. Argus doubted if that would be an answer that would satisfy her, but it was the truth. "It's not necessary. If it was, we would have talked about it."

Reya took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. "Men."

Argus gave her a sliver of a smile. "I am that."

"That was not meant as a compliment."

"Are you ready?" Argus headed towards the door and Reya followed him out.

There was another topic that Reya had been trying to broach with him, the revelation that the Federation had been responsible for turning him into a killer against his will. He had been very resistant to talking about it, brushing it off as something that could not be changed. But that was a deeper issue.

Reya wondered if it would be a good idea to encourage the men to talk together. As they parted for their separate duties, Reya realized with irritation that she hadn't been able to communicate what her concern was with the plan.

**********

The three women met for breakfast. It was a little more crowded this time in the dining hall but it seemed that their regular table by the corner was still available for them. Corinne brought over a bowl of vanilla ice cream along with a big thick waffle lightly dripping in syrup and a cup of milk tea.

Cally raised her eyebrows. "You must like ice cream."

"Oh yes, it's wonderful. We don't have anything like this on Chandar. The Tellarans have something similar but…it's not quite. I like this version the best." She dug in and scooped out a generous spoonful. "Don't you like ice cream?"

"I prefer it as a dessert," said Cally as she scraped off some of the icing on her slice of coffee-tasting cake. She was trying a new item from the ship's menu and hadn't realized there would be so much of the sweet topping.

"I'm not much into sweet things," said Reya. "Except chocolate. Almost anything with chocolate will do for me."

"Oooh." Corinne's eyes lit up. "I love chocolate."

Cally said with speculative amusement, "Don't tell me, Vila has been playing tour guide through the ship's dispensers?"

"How did you know?"

"He would be the best one. There are things he's tried that I haven't dared yet."

Reya nursed a cup of coffee as they talked.

Three soldiers walked by on their way out. They acknowledged the women.

"Commander."

"Doc."

"Miss."

Reya said with amusement, "They call you 'Doc' now?"

Cally shrugged. "Yes. I'm not sure when they started."

"It's fitting since you've treated most of them."

"I still have a long way to go in my studies."

"It's the actions which count. That's what matters to them," said Reya. She took another drink of her coffee and then put it down on the table. "Can I ask you something, Cally?"

"What about?"

"Has Avon talked to the others about the dreams they had?"

"No."

Reya asked, "Corinne?"

"I don't think Vila has."

Reya sighed. "Argus said that it wasn't necessary."

Cally replied, "That's Avon's position."

Corinne was puzzled, "Why won't they talk about it?"

Cally and Reya replied simultaneously, "They're men."

"Why would that make a difference?" Corinne still didn't understand. The only men she knew much about were her father and her brother. She knew that her mother and father had lengthy discussions about many things. Corinne had assumed that it was normal.

Cally explained, "Men don't feel comfortable talking about personal issues. When given a choice, they would avoid it."

"My father talks about many things with my mother."

Cally said, "My guess would be that it is your mother who initiates the conversations."

Reya added, "And your father reluctantly agrees to talk."

"I…don't know."

From the mission briefings by Marlena, Reya and Cally knew many of the conditions of women on Chandar. Women were mainly kept at home. There were times when they were allowed to go outside to visit other women, but the occasions were not often and it always had to be in the accompaniment of a man. The isolation was part of the control.

Reya was curious about this young woman. She seemed confident and intelligent but given the place she grew up, it was surprising. "Corinne, I know that you led a sheltered life on Chandar. Did you find it lonely?"

There was sadness in Corinne's eyes. "Yes. It was very. I always wished that I had a sister to talk to. My brother talked to me but he wasn't home that much after he grew older. He was able to go out and do things. He would tell me about it…but it made me wish that I could go out with him. I miss him."

Reya said, "I'm sorry we weren't able to find out who killed him."

Cally said speculatively, "It had to be part of the alien plot."

"Yes…" Reya studied the dark surface of her coffee. "Maybe this time we can find out. If we have time."

"I would like that," said Corinne.

Cally asked another question. "You seem very strong and self-assured for someone who was isolated and grew up in the atmosphere of Chandar."

"My parents helped me a lot. Especially my mother. She's very strong and she taught me to be too. We talked about everything. She taught me all the things that they teach children on Tellar. How to deal with things like anger and fear. She said that not everywhere was like Chandar."

Cally said, "Not everywhere."

Reya said cynically, "Just enough places. What else was it like for you? Were your parents and your brother the only people you talked to?"

"There was the staff at the house but they didn't talk to me much, not until much later. My parents were very careful in case I talked to the wrong people. They didn't want anyone to find out that I wasn't like the other women on Chandar."

Cally said, "It must have been nerve-wracking."

"I mainly kept to myself. Where I lived was in a separated part of the residence. It was big. My father set up an exercise area and a lab for my mother. And there was a large beautiful garden. I wasn't able to go out much but my parents made sure that I had access to all kinds of information. I could read and explore anything that I wanted to."

Cally asked, "On the computer?"

"Yes. I would look up information on all kinds of places and imagine myself there. And there were many interactive programs I could talk to."

"That's not the same as talking to people."

"No. That's true. When I was older, my parents would let me have access to the outside networks. I could talk to lots of people then but I had to be careful to pretend that I was a man. I was careful not to say too much. Sometimes I would play online games but they usually all involved killing of some kind. I didn't like those very much. I liked the building and puzzle games." Corinne felt relaxed and comfortable sharing about her life on Chandar. She liked talking to Cally and Reya. They were like the sisters she always wished she had. She found it very easy to talk with them.

Corinne had a thought. "I have an idea."

Reya asked, "What's the idea?"

"I thought that since we're having such a good time talking to each other…maybe Vila, Avon, Argus and Sester could do it too."

Cally said, "That's what we're hoping will happen eventually."

"But why not now?"

Reya and Cally saw that Corinne was excited about something. Reya asked, "How do you mean?"

"I know you said that if given a choice, they would avoid talking about it."

Cally said cautiously, "Yes…we shouldn't force them."

Reya warned, "It would only backfire if we try to force it."

"I wasn't thinking about forcing them..." Corinne thought for a bit.

Reya said jokingly, "Well, apart from putting them all in the same room and throwing away the key until they resolve it, I doubt if they'll do it willingly."

Cally remarked, "And maybe not even then."

"The same room…hmm," Corinne said thoughtfully.

A look passed between Cally and Reya. This youngster had many ideas and far too little experience. Reya asked warily, "What are you thinking?"

"Well…what if we put them in the same room and not throw away the key? And not tell them anything. Just put them together in a non-threatening situation. Like…eating breakfast?"

Cally said sceptically, "You mean put them together and expect them to talk? About something significant?"

"It doesn't have to be something important," said Corinne. "It can be about anything. They have to get used to talking and relating to each other before they'll be comfortable talking about more serious things."

Reya asked, "Did you read that from a training text?"

"No. But it makes sense, doesn't it?"

Cally said, "Logically, yes. However, as Avon would say, human beings are not logical creatures. And that applies particularly to men. They will act on instinct and that instinct means that they will not talk to each other about anything personal."

Corinne looked disappointed. "I thought…it might work. It was a very important thing they found out about each other. Wouldn't they need to talk about it?"

Reya said, "There's a difference between need and want. Argus knows that he needs to talk about it. He just doesn't want to."

"Avon as well, though he refuses to admit it, even to himself."

Corinne looked thoughtful again, "So they all must have this need. Have they been alone together since the dreams happened?"

Reya said, "No."

Cally remarked, "I think they've been avoiding it."

Corinne asked, "Why?"

It was Cally's turn to look thoughtful, "I'm not sure."

Reya was pondering this as well. "Do you think…they're afraid to face each other?"

Corinne grasped on this idea. "Could it be that they know that once they're together, they will have to talk about it?"

Reya said to Corinne, "You want to try, don't you?"

Corinne said, "The worse they could do is not talk about it."

Reya turned to Cally, "What do you think?"

"I don't know. I don't think that not talking about the issue is the worse they can do to each other."

'Then we shouldn't do it," said Reya.

"On the other hand…we know they have a need to talk. There is a slim chance that that need might push the issue. Avon and Argus couldn't have any worse a relationship with Sester than they had before, barring throwing him off the ship. I doubt if they would do that now."

Reya said, "So that part of it has changed."

"Yes. It might be worth a try," said Cally.

"And we should be there just in case things get too out of hand. Now we just need to arrange to get them together."

**********

Over the next few days, as Avon became stronger and was allowed a few hours of freedom from the medical unit, he began to repair the damage done to the cleaning appliance. He steadfastly refused to call it Spot. Cally insisted that one of the military engineers help him.

The rest of the ship was still busy preparing for their Chandar mission while Argus and the leaders talked over strategy.

**********

Sester and Vila sat companionably together over breakfast. At this hour, there was hardly anyone else here. Most people had already eaten and were about their business.

Argus appeared at the entrance and hesitated as he saw Sester. His lips had an odd quiver, as he seemed to be deciding whether a frown or sneer would be appropriate, especially in the light of their newly revealed childhood memories; though he was obstinately sceptical of Sester's part in them. Reya had called it being unreasonably stubborn.

Argus decided against an unpleasant expression and just favoured him with a glare before a nod of greeting to Vila. Vila smiled and said, "Morning."

Argus walked briskly past them towards the food dispensers and quickly punched up his regular breakfast. Picking a table that was as far from Sester as possible without exiting the room, he sat down with his back towards Sester and proceeded to eat as if it was a race.

Sester picked up his mug of coffee and sipped it unhurriedly as he regarded Argus's very loud back. He remarked casually, "I'm sure it's not personal, Vila."

Vila paused in mid-toast, "Eh? What's not personal?" It was hard not to miss the message of the back and he was sure that Sester was up to some light mischief.

"I'm sure that all signs of hostility are being directed towards me. I notice that he gave you a nice smile."

"That was a smile?" Vila asked curiously. He hadn't noticed one.

"I believe that in the morning, and before his first jolt of coffee, what you witnessed was the equivalent of a very warm greeting."

"Oh. I suppose but I thought…"

"Ah…you thought that something might have changed after what happened?"

"Well, yeah." Vila bit into his piece of toast and chewed thoughtfully, wondering what the roguish psychostrategist was up to.

"Oh, something has. Hasn't it, Jack?"

Argus whirled around with a mug in his hand; both he and the coffee appeared to be steaming. On the other hand, maybe it was just an illusion of the hot liquid. He said with a tightly controlled voice that punctuated each word, "Do not call me that."

Sester grinned. "Alright."

Argus's eyes were cold. "Or I'll call you Chuck."

"My name was never Chuck," protested Sester. "It was Charles."

A half, not entirely friendly or unfriendly smile appeared on Argus's lips, "That can easily be fixed."

At that opportune moment, Avon appeared in the doorway, and like Argus, he also paused when he saw the occupants. He entered warily and asked, "What are all of you doing here?" This was the first morning that Cally had let him have a normal breakfast in the dining area rather than on a tray delivered to him in the medical unit. The last thing he wanted was for unwanted company on his first foray.

Vila said, "Morning, Avon. We're all having breakfast."

Avon's eyes narrowed and he said dryly. "Someday you might manage to tell me something less obvious, but I wouldn't hold my breath."

Vila said, "I was just trying to be friendly."

Avon said, "Some people manage to be friendly and relevant. You might try it sometime."

Vila complained, "Well, that's the last time I try to be nice."

Avon stared at him impassively, and then a grin touched his lips. "I doubt it."

Vila's eyes narrowed, "I don't believe it. Did you just pull my leg, Avon?"

"Why would I do something that distasteful?"

Sester's eyes widened and then he started laughing.

Vila turned to his breakfast partner, "What's so funny?"

Avon and Argus looked at Sester with distinctly irritated frowns. Argus said, "You know, Avon, are you sure it was really necessary to remove the tracer bracelet? It did have other uses."

Sester held his formerly bracelet-adorned wrist against his chest protectively and tried to stop laughing. "Oh, no you don't."

Avon said with a tone that invited no further nonsense, "Answer Vila's question."

Sester suppressed a chuckle. "Why are you all having breakfast at this hour? Don't you all normally eat at different times? Three guesses if you really need them."

Avon, Argus and Vila all looked at each other.

"Cally."

"Reya."

"Corinne."

Sester punctuated the names. "Exactly."

Argus looked at him, "Did they really have to include you?"

Sester grinned impishly, "This is my normal meal time."

Vila said, "He is one of the four." He had his own grin. "Even if hardly anyone likes him."

Sester said, "Thank you all for the vote of confidence. I feel very welcome now."

Argus tilted his head slightly towards Avon and said in a mock-whisper. "I wasn't trying to make him feel welcome. Did I do something wrong?"

Avon said in a deadpan tone, "Surprisingly enough…no." He asked, "Why would they do this?"

"It's obvious," said Vila.

Argus sighed and tried not to glare at the pleasantly grinning Sester. He picked up his tray and reluctantly joined the two men.

Avon watched this action with a perplexed knit of his brow. He asked Vila caustically, "Do you plan to enlighten me? Or have you picked up his unsavoury habits?" Sester grinned.

Vila said, "Come on, Avon. Don't you get it? We're friends. Friends eat together sometimes. We share things and learn to get along."

Avon had a dubious look on his face. He finally came away from the door and went to the dispensers to order up some breakfast.

Sester said, "Reya, Cally and Corinne want us to spend time together so we can work out the new dynamics."

Vila asked, "Didn't I just say that?"

Argus expelled an irritated breath. "This sounds very familiar. Reya is always trying to get me to work on my relationship." He tried not to snarl as he aimed his next words at Sester. "With him."

There was an irritated frown on Avon's face as he waited for his food. "Cally as well."

Argus turned to him with surprise and suspicion, "Cally wants you to work on your relationship with him too?"

"No." Avon paused and almost seemed embarrassed but the look passed so quickly that no one could swear to seeing it. "With everyone."

Sester said with a highly amused face, "You know gentlemen, I'm sure that working on your relationship with me, includes not using the term, 'him' with such regularity and vigour. Did they also include some directives about communication skills?"

Avon and Argus stared at him as they both wondered worriedly if Cally and Reya had been speaking to Sester.

Avon asked suspiciously, "What do you know about that?"

If Sester looked any more amused, he would start to come off as superior, or at the very least, extremely smug. "Relationships and communication." He raised one hand and then the other as if he was holding one word in each hand. "They do have a correlation."

Avon asked abrasively as he came over with his tray of food and sat down. "Is that meant to be funny?"

Sester said, "I do believe that humour is an aspect of communication. We've all been doing quite admirably, though I'm not sure this is what Cally, Reya or Corinne had in mind."

Argus asked, "Avon, do you have that bracelet handy?"

"It's not far."

Sester said pleasantly and without a bit of concern, "It would be a fascinating exercise in communication to try to explain that move to Reya, don't you think?"

Argus's voice almost sounded like a disgruntled growl, "He was always this annoying, wasn't he?"

Sester grinned, "Only to you, Jack."

The growl sounded annoyed. "I told you not to call me that, Chuck."

Sester laughed. "Alright."

With raised eyebrows, Avon asked, "Chuck?"

Argus said, "You should try it."

Sester said, "It's not as much of a threat as you think it is."

Avon said with comprehension, "Just enough of one?"

Sester raised his hands in mock-surrender. "Alright. Alright. What are we going to do?"

Argus asked, "About what?"

"About this fascinating coincidence arranged by the women of this ship. They want us to talk to each other."

Avon remarked factually, "We are."

Vila said, "We're not really. You're just sniping at each other. It's more like…fighting than talking."

Avon and Argus looked at each other. Argus asked perplexed, "That's a form of communication, isn't it?"

Vila asked, "But would you talk that way to the Commander?"

Argus remembered his early contentious relationship with Reya. His face turned slightly red, "Well…we did at the very beginning."

Vila's ears pricked up with interest, "You did? That's hard to believe, considering…"

Argus said quickly, "I don't do that now."

Sester smirked. "You wouldn't dare."

Argus said with warning. "Watch it."

A female voice said from the open doorway, "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

Argus winced before he slowly stood up and turned around to see Reya leaning against the doorway and Cally and Corinne standing next to her.

The other three men also looked with alarm at their previously unnoticed audience. For some reason, they hurriedly stood up as well.

Avon's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Cally, what are the three of you doing here?"

"Can we join the four of you for breakfast?"

Cally heard Avon's mental voice asking, * Cally, are you going to answer my question? *

Cally sighed and looked at her two companions. "We were hoping that putting the four of you together would promote dialogue."

Sester smiled pleasantly at the three beautiful women. There was a roguish glint in his eyes as he asked, "Any dialogue in particular?"

All three women stared at him. For some reason that made him cough uncomfortably. "Of course. What else could it be?"

Avon asked, "Our supposition was correct then?"

"Partially."

Argus growled, "No one likes when you do that."

Sester grinned at him.

Cally said, "We were hoping that putting the four of you together might encourage you to talk about what happened in the dreams."

Avon remarked flatly, "One does not necessarily lead to the other."

"Or ever if they had their way," said Vila.

Avon favoured him with a glare. "I didn't see you helping matters."

"Well, I would have if someone had listened to me."

Avon stared at him. He said, "Perhaps…"

Sester added, "Or me."

Avon glared at the source of the interruption.

Argus said to Sester in a cynical tone, "You just ruined it."

Sester glanced at the three women. Then his control over his temper seemed to slip. With rising anger, he said to Argus, "I'm tired of you treating me as if I'm the enemy all the time. I was. I AM NOT NOW! We were friends once. I tried to save your miserable life." His voice became bitter, "Not that it means anything to you." The bitterness gave way to guilt. "I know I've done some things since then that…many things that I regret. I'm very sorry for what I did to Avon. I'm sorry about what happened with Reya. Neither one of us meant to hurt you. We thought you were dead and we didn't have a choice. I've done my best to make it up to you. To both of you. I don't know what else you want from me." The pleasant and casual rogue had completely disappeared from his face and was replaced by guilt and weariness.

They all stared at him in shock and then everyone's eyes turned slowly to Argus.

Argus felt as if the collar around his neck was suddenly several sizes too small. The last place he wanted to be was here. "Do we have to talk about this now?"

A quiet voice said, "Yes, you do, Jack." With astonished expressions, everyone turned to look at Avon.

Argus had a rebellious look on his face.

Avon said, "You know you have to. You cannot lead effectively until you resolve this."

There was stubborn rebelliousness in Argus's eyes but there was also a fierce struggle going on inside of him. He had an intense dislike and mistrust of Sester, but another side of him knew that Avon was right. Reya had been trying to say this to him for days. Argus wished that these decisions didn't have to be so hard. It was much easier planning complex battle strategies than to do this. He knew what he had to do.

With reluctant resignation, Argus nodded. He turned to face the still angry Sester. "You're right. It's unfair of me to continue to treat you like this. Not entirely unfair but…not all the time. I'm not sure if I can ever forget what you did but we were once friends. That…does mean something. Part of what happened…was because of what they did to us. That is something I will not forget. If you're willing to work with us against our enemies, then…I would welcome your help." Argus offered his hand.

Sester looked down at the gesture. "This is not friendship."

"No." Argus waited with extended hand.

"Will it ever be possible again?"

"That depends on you."

"I suppose I deserve that. Alright." Sester grasped the offer and they shook hands. They were no longer enemies, but they were not friends yet either. Neither one of them knew what they were but for now, it didn't matter. It was a first step.

Chapter Five

When Cally arrived at the steps leading down to the flight deck, Vila was showing Corinne how to operate the force wall controls. Not wanting to intrude, she asked from the doorway, "Vila, do you know where Sester is? He's not in his cabin."

Vila looked up distractedly. "Try his observer craft. It's in inner hold number five. He likes to go there when he wants to be alone."

Cally's eyes became hard. "Or when he's contacting Servalan." The timing seemed suspicious to her.

Vila hesitated. The tone in Cally's voice was one of distrust. Despite what had happened at breakfast, it was clear that Sester was still not universally liked or accepted, least of all trusted. "Yes. I don't think he's doing that though, he's working with us now." He asked tentatively, "Cally, what are you going to do?"

"Yes, so he says. I have some questions for him. I don't expect any satisfactory answers." Cally turned on her heel and left without a word.

Vila looked after her unhappily.

Corinne asked curiously, "What was that about?"

"It's complicated."

Corinne said with mild frustration. "Why does everyone say that? It doesn't tell me anything."

"Sorry. It's…well…it's complicated."

"Can you explain it to me? Please? Why does Cally not like Sester? Is it because of Avon?"

"It has a lot to do with Avon." They both sat down on the couches. Vila felt a sense of melancholy as he recalled past events and old crewmates who were no longer with them.

"This was way back when we still had the Liberator. We were on a place called Terminal. Servalan had lured Avon there to rescue Blake. Except…Blake was never there. It was all a trap because Servalan wanted the Liberator. She left us stranded on Terminal with a broken ship. But that wasn't good enough for her." Vila's voice became angry. "She rigged explosives on the ship and the underground complex. Avon is always careful so he checked first before entering the ship. Unfortunately, the rest of us weren't as careful. Cally was in the complex when it blew. We thought she'd died. Avon went in after her but he found her dead. Her heart had stopped."

Corinne said, "But, Cally's alive now."

"Yes. I'm not sure how it all works but it has something to do with Auron physiology. Cally's body went into a coma to protect itself. It looked like she was dead unless you knew what to look for."

"So all of you thought she was dead?"

"Yes." Vila wished many things had happened differently. "When we escaped, we left Cally on Terminal. I don't know much about what happened to her after but when she woke up, we were all gone."

"That must have been very scary for her."

"Yes, it must have been. Cally was stranded for a long time. Then the Federation sent people to Terminal and found her. They took her prisoner because she was on a secret base that no one was supposed to know about. Then they dumped her on a penal colony. I think Servalan must have known she was there because she sent Sester there. He pretended to be a prisoner and got Cally to trust him. Enough to tell him things about life on the Liberator and about Avon. She must have been very lonely. She'd lost her people and all her friends. And she was in a maximum-security penal colony. People don't get released from those. You stay there forever."

"How terrible." Corinne looked appalled. "Why did Servalan want information about Avon?"

Vila frowned. This was one thing about his tricky friend that was hard to forget. "She used the information…to torture Avon."

Corinne's voice rose in dismay. "Oh no!"

"Yes," Vila said unhappily. "She had Sester create dreams from the things he learned. The most terrible things. The ones that would hurt him the most. Nightmarish things. Then he would feed them into Avon's mind. Twisting them until they became tens, hundreds of times worse."

Corinne said with shock, "How could he do that to Avon? How could anyone? I thought…the Chandarans were bad. But that's…"

Vila shivered at the thought of what had been done to Avon. "Evil."

"I understand now why Avon and Cally don't like him."

"It's hard to forgive your torturer. Or someone who tricked you."

"But Sester's sorry now?"

"That's what he says."

"Don't you believe him?"

Vila turned to look at her. "It's hard to tell with him sometimes. He's very good at making people believe him."

"But do you?" Corinne asked him earnestly. Vila's opinion was important to her.

"I don't think Sester is that bad. I know he's done some horrible things. But torturing Avon was just a job for him. Servalan ordered him to do it and he did. But…I don't think he liked it much. He liked Avon and respected him. Maybe part of him recognized Avon but he didn't know it at the time. Whatever the reason, Sester couldn't hurt Avon anymore and he risked his life to rescue him. He contacted us and told us where Avon was and how to rescue him. Servalan nearly killed Sester when she found out what he did."

"Did she threaten him, do you think? Is that why he continued working for her?"

"I don't know. It would be like Servalan. But…it's hard to tell with Sester. He's always mysterious about why he does things."

"He didn't sound mysterious at breakfast."

"No he didn't, did he. Which is…mysterious in a way. For him that is. But he can be very straightforward and honest sometimes. That's how he gets people to trust him."

Corinne's brow creased again. "You mean he was trying to make us trust him before?"

"No…I mean, I don't think so. I mean, I think he was being sincere and that's how he sounds when he's being genuine. But…"

Corinne's eyes widened a bit, "Oh. He also sounds like that when he just wants to sound sincere but isn't being it?"

"Yes. That's it."

"Wow. That's…very complicated. How does anyone know if he is being sincere?"

"I don't think anyone's figured that out yet."

**********

Sester leaned back in his flight chair, his eyes half-lidded in thought. A lot had happened. Childhoods revisited. Relationships revealed. The crew was coming to trust him more and more each day. Exactly as Servalan had ordered him to do. Get them to trust him and then he could more effectively betray them when the time was right.

His jaw tightened at the thought. The work of a psychostrategist was not supposed to be like this.

Unfortunately, for him, he was far more than just a psychostrategist. He didn't just understand the mechanisms of human interaction; he was very good at using them. Only a few like him were allowed in the Guild. It was far too dangerous to give a deep understanding of human behaviour to someone who could so effectively use it. Not unless you could control him. Sester had been groomed from childhood; very carefully controlled and monitored. His mentor had been a hard taskmaster.

However, everything had been turned upside down. He had betrayed the trust of the Guild. He had disobeyed Servalan's orders. He was actively working against the interests of his employer.

Slowly but surely, ever since he made the decision to risk his life and his career to save Avon, his course had been set. He recognized it now. All the disparate threads coming together, and now culminating in the revelations of childhood dreams. Sester didn't believe in fate but what was happening had been inevitable.

They were all decisions based on feelings that he had not understood until now. Sester wasn't like Avon; he did attach great important to sentiment. They were his stock and trade after all.

Without emotions, humanity was not as easily manipulated. Nevertheless, he was supposed to view them with detached consideration. To see them as important, but more as a tool, a weakness to be used or a strength to be exploited. His own emotions were supposed to be a minor luxury, something to be put aside when he was doing his job.

But what happens when it was no longer a luxury?

Sester was under no illusions that being accepted by the crew would solve anything for him. In fact, things were infinitely more complex now. He could not simply cut ties to Servalan. It would not be a wise move for any of them. Servalan was too useful and far too vindictive for that kind of step to be taken.

The thought of dealing with Servalan made him ill. The things he had done to Avon, the things he had forced him to do, had been on her behalf.

Did Servalan know? Had she been aware that she was setting one friend on another? Had she watched with delight at his cruelty? Did it make her feel good to see Avon mindlessly recoil in terror from him after the treatments had stripped his mind beyond all reason?

Sester's fist clenched tightly, digging his nails into his palms at the memories. He would never be able to forget. The images were forever burned into his mind, making him ill every time he closed his eyes, condemning him.

There were other details that were calling out to him. Odd occurrences. Inconsistencies. Coincidences. His psychostrategist's instinct was telling him that this was not over. There were some things that…

"What did you tell Servalan?" a harsh female voice asked from behind him.

Sester eased the tight grip of his fist. A pleasant mask fell over his features again by the time he twisted around in his flight chair to say, "Cally, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Don't waste your act on me." Cally stood behind his chair, forcing him to continue to turn awkwardly in order to look up at her. She said, "I know your tricks. They won't work on me, not anymore."

Sester sighed. "I wasn't trying to trick you, Cally. What would my purpose be?"

"I'm sure you have one," said Cally sarcastically. "Just like you had a purpose with that little act in the dining hall."

"It wasn't an act."

"With you everything is an act."

Sester reflected that it was even harder to reach Cally at times than the two men were. "I admit that my actions were deliberate, but what I did wasn't an act. It is how I feel."

He could see the sceptical reaction in her eyes. His back was feeling the strain of having to twist around to talk to her.

Cally said, "I knew it. How deliberate?"

"I saw what the three of you were trying to do. You, Reya and Corinne. It wasn't the best way to do it and it wasn't working, so I decided to help you. I gave you what you wanted."

"At great benefit to yourself. Argus is open to trusting you. I know Vila already does. How can I not believe that you had an ulterior motive?"

"I can't deny that my own position improved because of what happened, though obviously not with you. But just because my actions caused them to trust me, doesn't mean that I wasn't being sincere."

"That remains to be seen," said Cally. She gave him a last warning before she left, "Don't make a mistake. I will be watching you."

**********

Sester sent out his personal contact signal to Servalan's private channel and waited. His fingers idly traced the edge of the panel in front of him. The slightly bumpy texture beneath his fingers helped to focus his mind on the present. An old trick he used. There were far too many personal distractions these days. He needed something to centre his mind.

The others had not asked him to do anything about Servalan yet. They were most likely too preoccupied to think of the possibilities. None of them had his well-honed instincts.

It was just as well. He was used to acting independently.

The female computer voice reported, "Channel established."

Sester sat up. "Put it onscreen, computer."

From a dark nothingness, the screen changed to the superior face of Servalan. She asked impatiently, "You have something to report?"

Sester had many questions to ask of this woman but now was not the time. Too much would be revealed in those questions.

Sester assumed his normal pleasant manner. "Madame President. How do you know that this isn't a social call and I just missed the sound of your voice?"

Servalan said imperiously, "You wouldn't dare contact me unless you could make it worth my while. I do not like people who waste my time."

"Have I ever wasted your time, Madame President?"

Servalan said with a chill, "I do not recommend making this a first time."

Sester gave her a disarming grin. "I wouldn't dream of it. I thought you might want to know that the Tellarans are able to repair the damage that was done to Avon's heart."

"How?" Servalan could barely contain the excitement in her voice.

"I wasn't apprised of all the technical details but he should have a fully functional heart by the time they're finished."

"That's excellent news. Are they able to do anything else for him."

"They might but at the moment we're on our way back to Chandar."

"That distasteful place? Why? I thought they had already taken care of the alien threat there."

Sester said with deliberate casualness, "They're about to change Chandar society."

"What? Those were not my instructions. Explain."

Sester's fingers lightly traced the edge of the flight panel. "Apparently they seem to think that you're not the one giving the orders. Rather short-sighted of them."

Servalan did not look pleased.

Sester said quickly, "They are about to set about changes that will improve the status of women on Chandar."

Servalan's eyes indicated her interest. "In what way?"

Sester smiled inwardly. He was well aware of Servalan's experiences with the Fifth Legion on Sardos. She would not have forgotten easily. "I imagine any change would be considered an improvement."

"Yes…" Servalan said speculatively. "The right kind of changes. Perhaps I can provide some assistance."

"Madame President, the women of Chandar have lived in slavery for hundreds of years. Do you think that an application of force will change the situation on anything other than a superficial level? What Argus and the others are proposing to do is to change their society. To change how the men view the women. Even if you arm all the women on the planet, all that would do is make the men consider the women even more of a threat to their male-dominated culture. What the Justice crew is after is change on a more fundamental level."

Servalan's eyes narrowed. "You're helping them."

Sester was not about to let Servalan know that the Tellaran's had their own psychostrategists. He pointed out, "You did want them to trust me. I didn't think this would be against your personal interests. That is what you pay me for."

Servalan said, "Sometimes I wonder if you need a reminder. Very well. Continue what you're doing, but keep me informed."

Sester grinned. "Your wish is my command."

Servalan cut the comm link. As the screen went black, Sester continued thinking. That would take care of Servalan for a while. And he had ensured that she would leave Chandar alone. At least for now. He had kept her attentions away from the Tellar Union, except on a positive level. In her mind their function was to help Avon. She would not interfere with that. And…

A slow delighted smile spread across Sester's face. One of accomplishment. He had introduced some ideas that might be useful and in a way that Servalan had a vested interested in. Only time would tell how useful it might be.

Sester got up from his flight chair and left his ship.

**********

After his shift, Vila went to visit Avon in the medical unit. He knew that Avon couldn't stand having his movements restricted and not being part of the important activities on the ship. Cally steadfastly refused to have any stresses put on him until the Tellaran doctors had cleared him for active duty. The only thing she had allowed him to work on was fixing Spot.

When Vila arrived, it was to the sound of arguing voices, Avon and Cally having a disagreement.

Cally said, "Avon, you can wait two more days."

The ill-tempered look on Avon's face said that he didn't think it was necessary.

Vila didn't want to intrude. "I…should come back later. You look busy."

Cally waved him in. "You have perfect timing, Vila. You can look after Avon. I have something else to do."

After she left, Vila said, "She cares about you, you know. You should give her a break."

Avon was still staring at the doorway that Cally had exited from. "If I was looking for advice…it would not be from you."

Vila realized Avon was about to transfer his ill humour onto him. "Maybe you should. I bet Cally would be much happier."

"I doubt it." Avon swung the computer unit back over his bed. He asked brusquely, "What do you want?"

Watching Avon with the computer, Vila asked, "I thought you weren't supposed to be working yet?"

Avon gave him a steely glare. "I'm not. It's a complete waste of my time."

Vila grinned with understanding. "Oh, you're working on Spot."

"The cleaning appliance."

Vila leaned over to look at what Avon was doing. "Those are the schematics for the 'bot?"

Avon went back to working on the computer. "Don't you have something less annoying to do?"

Vila looked more carefully at the screen. "What are you doing?"

"I'm improving the design."

Vila asked suspiciously, "How?"

Avon gave him a mischievous, lop-sided grin. "It's a surprise."

Vila wondered if it had been a good idea to have Avon anywhere near Spot. "Uh…it's not going to suddenly blow up, is it? I don't think Corinne would like that."

Avon turned his head to give him a long stare before saying, "No." He went back to what he was doing.

That didn't give Vila any more confidence. "Avon…"

"Relax, Vila. I promise you that it will not harm Corinne in any way."

"Alright," Vila said waveringly. He watched Avon work for a few minutes, trying to understand what he was doing. Avon seemed to be working on the programming for the 'bot now. It was like an alien language of symbols for Vila. He gave up and asked, "Avon, what do you think of Sester now? I mean, after everything that's happened? Did you believe what he said?"

Avon's fingers paused for a moment and then he continued working. "You obviously do."

"Well…more than before. But I want to know what you think."

"He has always been a trouble-maker."

"So you do believe that he was our friend when we were children?"

"It's a fact that cannot be dismissed. As much as I would like to."

"But do you believe that he's working for us now?"

"For his own reasons."

"Does that mean that you still don't trust him?"

"I didn't say that."

Vila looked puzzled. "You mean, you do trust him?"

"I trust that he has personal reasons for cooperating. Within those reasons, I trust him. But don't be fooled, Vila, Sester has always had his own agenda for doing anything."

"So you trust him, but only as far as you can throw him? Which at the moment isn't very far. "

"Crude but accurate."

"Avon, is that what you think of all of us? Even me?"

This time, Avon stopped what he was doing, pushed the computer away from him and turned to look at Vila. "Everyone has an agenda. It's part of being alive. None of us can avoid it, but I trust you much more than I trust him."

"I suppose that's something. What about Cally?"

The way Avon stared at him, Vila wondered if he had gone too far. Avon seemed a bit more open to sharing but Vila knew that the windows of opportunity were usually very small. Had he asked something too personal? Did Avon consider it too much of an invasion of his need for privacy?

Avon said, "We know each other." He looked at the empty doorway. "Perhaps you're right. I should…stop giving her a hard time."

"Well, anytime you need more brilliant advice, you know where to look."

Avon fixed him with a glare, but not too seriously. "Don't let it get to your head."

Vila grinned.