Rigel eyed the slim, shiny, cylindrical object John Crichton was using to make notes

on the pulpy leaf tablet he had found in on of Moya's cargo areas.

Crichton stopped writing and looked at Rigel out of the corner of his eye.

"Sparky, this in one pen out of three for light years all around, that I know of. It

disappears, I know who to talk to," he warned.

"I don't see why maintaining such useless devices would be of any concern to you,

Crichton," Rigel whined. "You can just take a portable display terminal, or just ask

Pilot what you need to know. Such rare artifacts from Earth could fetch a good

price at the next commerce planet. Why waste them on a function for which you

don't need?"

"Because, Fluffy, I brought them from Earth with me. They're mine. Dad gave them

to me as a graduation present. Machines can fail. And besides, Pilot can only tell me

what Moya knows. And he admits there are some things she hasn't kept track of, as

far asPeacekeeper activities go."

Chrichton gestured expansively, "She didn't know about that alarm, she didn't know

about the sperm in a sack that produced Talyn. A whole bunch of stuff, surprises

we've had. What else doesn't she know about? We're

gonna find out, and make a permanent record. Then, I'm gonna find a Xerox around

here someplace, make a few copies, give them to those who need to know, and

stash a copy away, all safe-like."

Chianna's dark eyes shined, "I've been around this ship, I could show you some

interesting stuff!"

"That's why I want you along, Pip," he nodded. "You and Spanky here have done

some of the most prowling, you'll be able to point out some stuff. Between the

three of us, we'll map Moya in no time."

"My price for my assistance is first claim on anything of value," Rigel announced

imperiously.

Chrichton rolled his eyes, "Ya gotta ruin everything with this 'me first' attitude, Rigel.

Look, we're buddies, going on an adventure. We're looking for One-Eyed Willy's gold,

just like the Goonies!"

Both Rigel and Chianna's eyes lit up at the mention of gold, and a smile spread

across the face of John Chrichton. He had 'em. Rigel couldn't resist the idea of

shineys, and neither could Chianna. That and the poor blue girl was hopelessly

bored. This was going to be fun. And both of them were entertaining company. Now,

if he could keep Rigel from stealing his pens, and the two of them from fighting if

they came across something valuable...

"Let's go, Chunk," he gestured to Rigel, as they set off. "And stay away from my

pens, or I'll make you do the Truffle Shuffle."

Chianna loped along behind them, looking all about.

In the Pilot Chamber, Pilot was communing with Moya. The latest close escape from

Scorpius' Command Carrier had sent Moya into an emergency Starburst toward a

region of space that looked like it could provide

cover.

It was black, indistinct. As Moya had emerged from the starburst, it seemed to

dampen, even block at distances, electromagnetic energy. It seemed to be

generated by a singularity, but there was no gravity to indicate thus. She didn't read

any danger, and wanted to hide.

Pilot had an uneasy feeling, but agreed. Moya made headway into the Dark Zone.

Pilot felt he needed another opinion, though. "Officer Sun, could you come see this?"

"I'll be right there, Pilot."