Chapter 4
Jess sat defeated on the floor of the maintenance bay floor, she was listening to her body with regards to exercising but today was not a good day. 18 weekens along, she was starting to feel purposeful movements. As she slowly stood stretching her lower back Crais walked in dressed like he was off out. "Going somewhere?"
Crais nodded "I believe the planet has the supplies needed for Talyn's cannon."
"Ok, just wait a microt, I'll go change." Walking to the door.
"I'm going alone."
"What? No, it's ok, I'll come. Change of scenery would be nice."
"Jess. I believe there's some Peacekeeper presence on the planet. It's not safe."
"If it's not safe then don't go, we'll find what we need somewhere else."
"I believe this is the only planet around, that has what we need."
"Then it'll be safer if we both go together."
"No, I don't want to put you at risk in your condition."
"I'm pregnant not sick Crais!" Placing her hands on her hips.
"And you cut your routine short today!"
Cocking her head, squinting her eyes, annoyed the transponder gave him the benefit of checking up on her when he wasn't there. "You're not going without me Crais."
"I am." Turning and marching out.
"Hey!" Running after him, stopping in front of him, trying desperately to hide just how out of breath that short exertion made her.
Crais frowned, "very well."
"Thank you, if you say Peacekeepers could be on the planet, it might be worth changing too." Crais looked confused. "Might be worth looking more standard Sebacean than Peacekeeper." As she reached up to release his hair from his queue running her hands through his hair, smiling.
Annoyed that was probably a good idea; he was going to leave without her while she got changed. "Mmm, yes, you're probably right."
"Aren't I always." Smirking at him. Walking off to their quarters. Crais hurried after her.
He got changed quickly silently ordering Talyn to lock the door of their quarters as soon as he exited.
"She'll be angry with both of us."
Crais sighed, knowing Talyn was right, but he'd prefer her angry with him then her and the twins at risk.
Jess struggled to do up her trousers "mmm, might need to get some bigger clothes!" Crais marched towards the door. Just as she won the fight zipping them up "right, let's go!" The smile quickly disappearing from her face as Crais stood in the corridor looking guilty as the door shut. "What the hell?"
Crais winced "I'm sorry." As he started to walk off.
"Sorry? Get back here you bastard!" Running up banging her hands on the door. "Crais, get your arse back here! Talyn, open this door now! Crais!" Groaning "Ahhh, you bastard!" As she turned to look for something to break the door open with "dammit."
Crais smiled to himself, surprised at how easy that had been.
"She's very angry."
"Yes, Talyn. I'll deal with that when I return. I don't want her or the twins in any danger."
"You'll be at risk on the planet."
"I'm hoping to gather the supplies as quickly as possible and avoid any hazardous situations, which will be easier if I don't have to worry about Jess too. You can let her out once I've left. But do not let her follow. Lock the hanger bay doors."
Jess tapped her comms "Crais? Crais?"
"Talyn will let you out once I've gone."
"Crais, you dare do this and I swear you'll be returning to more danger than you'll encounter on the planet." Crais chuckled. "Crais! Crais if you leave without me there will be no sex for a month!"
Snorting "you and I both know you won't be able to hold out for that long!" Smiling knowing the pregnancy had increased her libido.
"God dammit!"
"I won't be long."
"Bialar, honey…please…. argh you son of a bitch!" Hearing the pod leave as she looked out the window as the door opened releasing her. "You're in the bad books too Talyn!" Storming out.
Crais landed the pod tucking a knife in his boot and his pulse pistol in his belt under his jacket. "Talyn, initiate long range scans, remain on high alert. Alert me of anything that comes into range."
Scanning the marketplace, remaining on high alert himself as he exited the pod. He searched for supplies as quickly as possible. It had been quarter of an arn when Talyn singled him.
"Crais! Peacekeepers."
"Where Talyn?" Silently communicating with the youngster.
"Closing in fast. Marauder close and a Command Carrier on the edge of my sensors."
Crais taking a moment to process the information "Talyn, how did you not sense the Marauder sooner?"
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine Talyn. Talyn, keep out of their sensers."
"They're heading for the planet."
"Talyn, listen to me, I'll be fine. Stay hidden." Continuing to search for the supplies as quickly as he could.
"Crais, the command carrier. It's heading towards the planet. I'm on the edge of their sensors."
Crais sighed, closing his eyes "Talyn, listen to me. Starburst. Starburst away from here and then plot a route back."
"Come back quickly Crais."
"There's no time. You must take Jess to safety immediately." Opening his comms "Jess?"
"What?" Sounding annoyed.
"Jess, listen to me, there's a Command Carrier on it's way, you must leave now, otherwise they'll detect Talyn."
"What? Get back here now, Crais. Hurry!"
"There's no time, you must go now! Talyn will plot a course back when it's safe."
"Bialar, no!"
"Talyn, starburst now!"
"Bialar!" Panic straining her voice as she could hear Talyn initiating starburst "Talyn, no! Stop we have to wait for Crais! Talyn STOP!" Stumbling, holding onto a bulkhead as Talyn went into Starburst. As they exited, Jess ran to command, tears streaming down her face "Talyn, start plotting a route back now!" Looking down at a DRD "hey! Do you know how to get back?" The DRD blinked once. Jess sighed "oh, god. Great. We'll be back there soon then." The smile fading when the DRD responded with two blinks. "What? It's going to take longer?"
One blink.
"Longer than a solar day?"
One blink.
"Two Solar days?"
One blink.
"Three?"
One blink.
"Bloody hell Talyn! Blink how many days it'll take." As the DRD blinked "five solar days, are you kidding me!?"
Two Blinks.
"Talyn, start our course back now and if you can reduce that time down, do it!"
Crais hurried to the nearest hotel "I need a room."
"For one?"
"Yes." Taking the key getting the directions and heading up to the room.
The next day he continued to gather the remaining supplies, entering a shop.
"Can I help you with something sir?"
"Chromextin."
"This way!" As he led him to the back of the shop pointing to the direction he needed. Another customer entered the shop the shop keeper hurried to great them.
Crais suddenly stepping behind a stand at the familiar voice, glaring in shock. Quickly looking for an escape route, realising there was no way out, as he reached for his pulse pistol.
Suddenly a tiny voice whispered "this way."
Crais turned, looking down at a small boy. Looking back towards the Peacekeeper that had entered before nodding and following the boy into a room "thank yo..."
Before he could finish the boy had run out, locking the door "Father!"
Crais glared at the door before retrieving his pulse pistol taking aim, preparing for anyone that attempted to come in. He heard a voice on the other side.
"The boy said he was trying to hide from you. Maybe a fugitive, in which case I'm sure you'll pay handsomely for our contribution in his capture?"
Crais prepared himself as the door opened, staring straight at the Peacekeeper who silently gasped, raised her hands, showing she wasn't armed. The shop keeper stepping back seeing the pistol.
Staring straight at Crais "he doesn't look familiar to me." Retrieving a scanner from her pocket pointing it towards him as she pressed a few buttons "no, he's not on our records as a fugitive. On your way." As she stepped aside, inviting him to leave.
Crais squinted his eyes, lowering his pistol as he slowly made his way out, pausing fractionally to glare at the Peacekeeper before quickly making his way out of the shop, quickly checking for other Peacekeepers, running to an opposite alleyway as he sighed loudly, turning to watch the shop door, hiding in the shadows.
The Peacekeeper exited the shop tapping her comms "no, return to the Marauder, I'll be there shortly." As she scanned the market place, hope in her eyes.
"Yes Lieutenant."
Sighing and looking despondent she scanned the marketplace once more.
Against his better judgement, Crais stepped out of the shadows. The movement caused the Peacekeeper to look up, staring at him like she had seen a ghost. Crais stared blankly back, nodding as he turned to walk further down the alleyway, causing the Peacekeeper to hurry after him. Crais paused, with his back to the entrance of the alleyway, hands on his hips as he sighed; what the hell was he thinking? As he rubbed his forehead; it might be worthwhile trying to determine if she had informed anyone about him. As he heard her get closer, he turned, raising his pulse pistol at her.
"Bialar, is that really you? How did you survive?" The emotion causing her voice to waver.
"Have you informed the others I'm here?"
"No." Shaking her head, moving cautiously towards him
"What are you doing here Larrell?" Glaring at her.
Before she could reply, a voice sounded from her comm, "Lieutenant? The Command Carrier is requesting our return." As she looked down, removing her comm dropping it on the floor, stepping on it.
Crais frowned at the broken comm. "What are you doing?"
"Take me with you!"
"What?" As he looked at her in shock, lowering his pistol.
Stepping closer once more "take me with you."
"Absolutely not!"
"Help me get away from them."
"You wish to desert the Peacekeepers?" Glaring at her with a sceptical look.
"You sound hypocritical."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Does our past mean nothing to you?" Crais clenched his jaw. "The Peacekeepers have tasked me with creating another gunship. I tried to refuse; I know it will end in disaster with the control collars in place. Take me with you, I don't want to be a part of this madness anymore."
Shaking his head "you cannot come with me."
Not accepting this Larrell stood defiantly "if you do not take me with you, I will inform High Command you are still alive. They will hunt you down again."
Crais scowled, he was tempted to call her bluff, hardly believing she'd carry out this threat, but he also didn't want to put his family at risk. As he stepped up to her, grabbing her as he forced her against the wall, frisking her quickly. He removed the scanner from her pocket, smashing it against the wall throwing the broken parts to the floor. Grabbing her and leading her back to his hotel room.
He pushed her into the room as he followed her in, locking the door as he moved placing the pulse pistol on the table as he rested his hands either side of it leaning over, sighing.
Larrell turned, reaching out to stroke his cheek "Bialar."
Crais quickly jolted back grabbing her hand, pushing it away.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing." Growling in response. "How long ago was it since the Command Carriers destruction?"
"About a half of a cycle ago." Crais sighed, they were slightly behind the correct timeframe by just over half a cycle. "What happened to you Bialar? It was assumed you and Talyn perished. Where is he?"
Crais sat down, inviting her to do the same as he gave a very brief encounter of how he survived and that he was waiting Talyn's return. Avoiding telling her about Jess and the twins she was carrying.
She leaned across the table placing her hand over his "will you take me with you when Talyn returns?"
Crais pulled his hand away "you can't come with me."
"Bialar. What are you not telling me?"
"Nothing" as he moved away pouring them both a drink.
Larrell caught sight of something on his wrist, frowning, she cautiously moved towards him, as he turned, she leaned in closer pinning him between herself and the counter. She reached up to stroke his face, looking longingly into his eyes. Crais stared blankly back. She leaned in to kiss him.
Crais turned his head, attempting to grab her wrist as she quickly counteracted his action grabbing his and pulling his sleeve up with the other hand as she gasped at the bonding tattoo. Crais quickly yanked his arm free, looking down at his wrist, sighing. "Larell, on the Command Carrier, it meant nothing to me. I needed your assistance with Talyn."
Larell looked genuinely hurt "you used me." As she sighed "have you bonded with that Aeryn Sun?"
"No, she's just a comrade. We're trying to find her and the crew of Moya."
"Will you still take me?" Crais started to shake his head opening his mouth to reply. "Drop me off on a Sebacean colony then?"
Crais smiled, the past they had shared; he owed her that. "Very well."
He still didn't trust her restraining her when he left to retrieve the remaining supplies. Watching from the shadows as the other Peacekeepers searched for Larrell. After a few days he over heard a conversation between a couple of them.
"We need to return to the Command Carrier. Lieutenant Larrell is gone, we'll just have to appoint another Leviathan specialist."
"Shame, she was the best. Captain Orn won't be happy."
Jess came running into command "hey Talyn, are we close?" As he beeped once. Scanning a on the console "the Peacekeepers about?" Beeping twice. "Great, are we in communication range yet?" Beeping twice. "Ok, let me know as soon as we are please." Talyn beeped once as Jess reached up to stroke the ceiling.
A few arns later, Crais had brought some food back to the room for Larrell when he suddenly smiled, sighing with relief as Talyn chatted away in his head.
"Bialar?"
"Talyn is back." Gathering everything up, preparing to leave.
"Crais?" Jess sounded over the comms
"Yes, I'm on my way back, lets keep comms to a minimum, I'll communicate with Talyn via the transponder. Are you ok?"
"Yes, I'll see you soon."
Crais landed the pod. Crais had put Larrell in handcuffs "wait here a microt" as he exited the pod.
Jess stood waiting for him; relief written across her face as he smiled at her walking towards her. Pointing a finger at him "don't you ev"
Crais grabbed her pulling her in, interrupting her with a long kiss. Pulling back "Jess, I need to tell you something."
Frowning at him "you ok?"
Before Crais could answer Larrell interrupted "so this is your wife?" As she stood at the top of the pod's steps, watching, her hands still cuffed.
"I told you to wait!"
Jess turned to look at him "Crais, what is she doing here?"
"You know who am I?" Questioningly eyeing up Jess as she made her way down the steps. "Do I know you?"
"No" Crais growled as he grabbed her arm "Talyn initiate a lock mechanism on the quarters on tier 3." Marching her out to the newly appointed cell, as Jess watched on with shock.
Crais caught up with Jess in the galley, she looked up as he entered, looking guilty "Jess, I'm sorry."
"What is she doing here?"
Crais proceeded to tell her of the incident in the shop, not knowing if he could trust her which caused him to agree to bringing her with them. "We'll let her off at the next Sebacean colony."
Jess smiled "did you get everything you need to restore the firing mechanism?"
"Yes."
"Right let's get to work then."
As they proceeded to work on the fixing Talyn's cannon Crais slammed his tools down in frustration.
"What's wrong?" As Jess looked up at him.
"I think I need Larrell's help."
"Do you trust her?"
"Not fully."
"What is it you need her help with?"
"While I make the connections here, someone needs to make the connections on the cannon at the same time."
"Outside?"
"Yes" rubbing his forehead.
"Well can't you do the spacewalk and I'll do the connections here."
"No, I need to do the connections here, I know what areas need connecting via the transponder, I can't talk you through it."
"Ok, well, I'll do the connections outside."
"No!"
"Crais?"
"It's too dangerous."
"Don't start with that again Crais!" Assertively raising her voice. Crais glared at her. "Tell me what I need to do!"
Crais sighed, regrettably telling her the procedure. As they made their way to hammond side exit as Jess squeezing into the spacesuit. Crais looked worryingly at her "you ok?"
"Yeah, it's a bit tight over the waist but I can still move ok."
Leaning in to kiss her "be careful." Clipping a line attached to her onto a connection port.
She stroked his cheek reassuringly "I will." Pulling the helmet down.
He stepped back as the door shut, nodding at her, as he started the decompression and watched her leave. Marching back to Talyn he prepared the connections "Jess, are you ready?"
"Yep, on three?"
"One, two, three" making their appropriate connections at the same time. "You done?"
"Yep, all good."
"Good, make you way back in."
"Yeah, on my way!"
Crais waited impatiently as the bay repressurised as the door opened her rushed over "are you ok?"
Jess brushed him off "yeah I'm fine Crais. Stop worrying! Has it worked?
Crais silently ordered Talyn to test fire, walking up the viewpoint as he saw the blast disappear off into the distance, smiling as he turned back "appears so."
"Right let's locate a planet to drop your ex-girlfriend off at" smirking at him.
Jess had gathered up a change of clothes for Larrell as she stood outside her locked quarters "I thought you might want a change of clothes."
Larrell stood and walked up to the door "you are with child?"
Jess looked down at her protruding stomach "twins." Smiling back at her.
"We recreated when he returned to the Command Carrier."
Jess chuckled "yeah, I know. It's fine." As she handed her the clothes.
"I'm sorry." Suddenly regretting her outburst.
Jess nodded "thank you" before walking away.
It had been a few days before they reached the nearest colony, they'd transported Larrell down to the planet, she'd wished them both well before they returned to Talyn.
"You think we can trust her not to give you into the Peacekeepers?"
Crais sighed "I don't know. She won't gain anything from it, she'll likely be arrested for not turning me in sooner."
"Well let's hope she's true to her word."
After Talyn had picked up intelligence that the Scarrens and Peacekeepers were starting a war, they had changed course to try and locate the water planet. With the knowledge from Larrell they had concluded that they had returned through the wormhole about half a cycle ahead of time.
Jess jolted awake groaning causing Crais to suddenly be alert sitting up "are you ok?" Placing a hand on shoulder.
"Mmm." Rubbing her stomach "it appears your children are having wrestling match."
Crais chuckled placing his hand on her stomach feeling a few kicks "our children."
Groaning "mmm, no when they're being this annoying, they definitely take after their father."
Stroking her stomach, he lent down kissing it softly "are you accusing me of being annoying."
Looking down at him, smiling "absolutely." Groaning again, "mmm, excuse me" sitting up and swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, sighing "they're now using my bladder as a trampoline." As she stood and made her way to the refresher. When she returned, she sat down on the edge of the bed groaning, while rubbing her back.
Crais sat up, kissing her shoulder as he rubbed her lower back for her.
"Mmm, thank you." Closing her eyes and leaning back into him. "Bialar?"
"Yes?"
"On Earth, twins are usually delivered early. Usually from about 36 weekens."
"Ok" as he paused, reaching round to place his hands over her stomach.
"And I'm coming up to 35 weekens. We should maybe start looking for a doctor to help with the delivery."
"I'll get Talyn to locate any Diagnosan's nearby."
A few days later Jess strolled into command "anything?"
Crais turned shocked at the sight, she didn't look well "you should go rest."
"I'm fine."
"You don't look well."
"I'm just tired. You look tired too, you need to get some rest." Knowing Crais and Talyn were on high alert for any Scarren or Peacekeeper vessels.
"No, I believe we're about a solar day away from the water planet. Peacekeeper communications suggest they're soon to attack the Scarrens."
"The all-important wormhole weapon!"
"Yes, so I believe we should stay clear for now." Looking down at Jess who was grimacing. "What is it?"
"Well, maybe we can go assist."
Interrupting her "absolutely not."
"But with Talyn's main cannon..."
"Jess, it's too dangerous."
"But we might be able to rescue D'Argo?"
"Jess!"
"No, there's rumours he didn't actually die, they keep saying D'Argo lives, so maybe that's because we rescue him?"
"Jess, listen to me." Placing his hands on her shoulders. "It is far too dangerous for us to go. The amount of Scarren and Peacekeeper vessels present, Talyn can not fight all of them off on his own. I will not take him or you into a battle where we have no support. Not to mention the risk of the wormhole weapon. I'm sorry, there is nothing we can do to help at the moment."
Jess looked down sighing, "yeah, you're probably right. I just thought maybe we could stop D'Argo having to die."
Crais pulled her into his embrace, kissing her head "go rest. I'll let you know when I've located a Diagnosan."
"Crais! The Water Planet has disappeared."
Crais looked up "What Talyn?"
"It's not on my radar anymore."
Jess looked worried as Crais made his way to a console, scanning as he confirmed Talyn's assessment. "What is it?"
"The Water Planet has disappeared."
Jess gasped, "they've done it!"
"We need to go find Moya before she leaves."
"Yes Talyn, but remain cautious, we still need to attempt to locate a doctor for Jess too."
Talyn woke Crais in the middle of the sleep cycle "There's a planet with medical facilities."
Suddenly alert "how far?"
"An arn."
Crais nodded "Let me know when we're in communication range." Frowning when he realised Jess wasn't in the bed.
"She's been walking around for over an arn."
Tapping his comm, as he started to dress "Jess?"
"Yeah?"
"What are you doing?"
"Walking."
"Walking? Why?"
"Because long walks, spicy food and sex apparently helps to induce labour and seeing as we don't have any Jalapenos and you needed some rest, I'm walking."
Crais smiled "there's planet, Talyn believes they have medical facilities."
Jess sighed with relief.
Crais caught up with her after communicating with the planet "I'm heading down to check it out, there appears to be many wounded soldiers from the war, but they believe they'll be able to help."
Jess nodded, "be careful."
Crais kiss her cheek "I will."
As Crais made his way through the crowds, it appeared this planet had been made into a make shift aid station for the wounded, there were Luxans, Charrids, Peacekeepers and the odd Scarren. As he grabbed a clerk "excuse me."
Interrupting him "minor injuries are over there" as he tried to continue on his way.
"I communicated before; my wife is pregnant we need a Diagnosan."
"Ah yes, through there." Pointing to a building across the square.
Crais nodded "thank you."
Walking in he noticed a familiar female sat across from the entrance, a woman hurried up to him "are you injured?"
"No, my wife is pregnant."
"Ah yes, wait here, the Diagnosan has arranged something for you, wait here."
Crais smiled, "thank you."
Looking at the woman sat opposite who noticed and cocked her head glaring back "what are you looking at Peacekeeper."
Crais smirked walking up to her "the Scarren spy!"
"Frell you, you fenik." Sikozu grumbled back.
"How did you escape the water planet?"
"Why should you care?
"I'm wondering if others escaped also before the planets destruction." Before she could answer they, both looked up at the cry of pain from the other room. Crais stepped up to the door, peering through as he gasped at the figure on the bed "Ka D'Argo! He's alive."
"Barely. Who are you?"
"We were allies. Moya is my ships mother."
Sikozu suddenly looked interested "the hybrid?"
Crais glared suspiciously at her just as the woman returned. "Doctor said give her this, this will induce the labour, bring her down here within the arn and he'll be able to deliver the child."
Crais took the bottle from her "thank you." Turning back to Sikozu "I will return for Ka D'Argo." As he headed back to the transport pod.
Exiting down the steps Jess stood waiting for him "the doctor has given us this to induce labour, once you've taken it, we need to" stopping as he could see the concern on her face "Jess, what's wrong?"
"My waters broke. They're coming."
Guiding her to the transport "come on let's go now." The colour draining from his face.
Jess nodded, squeezing her eyes shut as the pain of a contraction washed over her "ahhh, yep, I think we need to be quick."
As they started to make their way into the pod Talyn started to initiate starburst. They looked at each other in a panic. "Talyn what are you doing?"
"Moya!" He excitedly responded.
"Talyn, no, you have to wait, we need a doctor now. We will find a Moya as soon as possible after."
"Bialar, ahhh." Groaning in pain. "What the hell? Stop him, please!"
"Talyn STOP!"
It was too late, Talyn went into starburst.
Tears streamed down Jess's face "Jeez, you inpatient little bastard." As she doubled over again crying out in pain.
Crais swept her up in his arms as he carried her to the medical bay, laying her down just as they came out of starburst. "You, ok?"
Jess shook her head, "no, Crais I can't do this, there's two, we need a doctor."
Crais couldn't hide the worry as he stroked her head "I know, I'm sorry, we'll make our way back immediately."
"Crais? Crais you lying son of a bitch! How the hell? You're supposed to be dead?" Crichton's shocked voice came over the comms.
"Crichton?"
"Yeah, what the hell man? How did you survive?"
Before Crais could answer Jess cried out again.
"Is that Jess? What the hell are you doing to her!"
"Noranti." Jess groaned
"What?"
"Get Noranti, she's the closest, ahhh, thing to a doctor." Groaning through clenched teeth.
"Crichton?"
Interrupting him, "yeah man, I heard we're on our way over."
Aeryn came running into command "Talyn?" Looking out the viewpoint grinning with surprise.
"Yeah babe." Heading out of command "we gotta rally the troops. Noranti!"
"John, what's wrong?"
"No idea."
"Well shouldn't we find out before we go charging in?"
Pilot suddenly appeared on the clamshell "Talyn informed Moya, Jess is in labour."
"Labour?" Both replying together.
Jess closed her eyes breathing deeply as Crais held her hand and stroked her head "they're on the way."
Jess nodded, inhaling deeply trying to compose herself as she groaned at another contraction, as Crais quickly gathered some towels together.
Crichton rounded the corner of the medical bay "you knocked her up?"
Crais glared at him "I haven't hurt her Crichton!"
"No man, means you got her pregnant. How the hell are you here? You should be dead."
Jess groaned "let's skip the back story for now huh!"
Aeryn walked up to Crais smiling at him, placing her hand on his shoulder "good to see you!"
Crais placed a hand over hers smiling "Aeryn, and you." Looking down at D'Argo in the sling "congratulations!"
Chiana moved up to the side of Jess chuckling "so the sex is good then!"
Jess laughed "yeah, well it worked."
Noranti moved Chiana out the way "Hello my dear, my name is Utu-Noranti-Pralatong and don't you worry, we'll have this child out safely!"
"Yep, hi Noranti." As Rygel floated in. "Oh, great the whole gang here to watch" groaning through gritted teeth.
Crichton suddenly realising they were all congregating down the 'business end.' "Ah, yeah guys, lets keep back give them some room" ushering everyone back.
"Yes, keep pushing my dear that's good."
As Jess gripped Crais's hand letting out a cry as she gave one final push.
Crais looked over in shock at the crying baby Noranti was wrapping in a towel. As the others gathered in congratulating them.
Noranti handing Crais the baby "a boy."
As he looked down in wonder "boy?" as he bent down to Jess smiling as she lent in kissing her son's head.
Jess took a deep breath "Bialar, I can't" sighing, "I don't think I can do this again." The exhaustion clear in her face.
"Jess, I'm here, you can do this."
Shaking her head groaning.
"Again?" Crichton stepped up.
"It's twins." Crais looked over his shoulder.
"Twins? Dam boy, you don't do anything by halves. Here, let me take the little guy." As he took the baby from Crais "hey buddy" rocking him gently.
Jess cried out again.
Crais held her hand "come on push" encouraging her.
"Ah, I am bloody pushing!"
Noranti looked up "the cord is round the babies neck."
Jess looked up in a panic.
"It's fine my dear, I believe it is loose enough not to restrict blood flow. One more push."
Jess screamed with the exertion.
"There."
As Jess breathed deeply, suddenly opening her eyes, trying to sit up. There was no crying. "What, what's wrong."
Crais held her down, stopping her from moving as he looked on helplessly.
"Oh dam, Pip here." Crichton handed Chiana the baby before rushing over to help Noranti.
Crais and Jess looked on, both frozen in shock before, to their relief they heard a cry. Jess closed her eyes, breaking down in floods of tears, as Crais placed his forehead on her head before kissing her "you did it!" Jess smiled weakly at him.
Crais moved towards Crichton "here you go Daddy, a little girl!" Handing her over to Crais who looked down in awe. Beaming from ear to ear he turned to Jess, the smile fading from his face.
"Jess?" Panic erupting from him. "JESS!" Rushing over.
Crichton looked back at the blood on the bed "dam, Noranti!" Running over as Crais was trying to wake her.
"Jess!" As Crais shook his unresponsive wife, while cradling his daughter.
Crichton ran up, checking for a pulse before starting compressions.
Crais grabbed Crichton's arm shoving him, "what are you doing? Get off her."
Aeryn ran over placing her arm across Crais, "Crais, no, let him!"
Crais turned to look at Aeryn, unsure on what to do as she slowly nodded encouragingly at him placing a hand on his cheek as his eyes glazed over. He looked down at his daughter before stepping back as Crichton continued the CPR.
"I'm sorry Crais, this is my fault. I shouldn't have left before you'd seen the doctor."
Crais swallowed, closing his eyes trying to comprehend what was happening "Talyn, this isn't your fault."
"I shouldn't have…"
Before Talyn could finish, Crais switched to privacy mode. Turning to look at Chiana, cradling his son.
Crais stood looking out at the view point of his quarters, the twins nestled together in their cot as they whimpered softly. He could see the planet ahead; he'd given the others the coordinates of the planet where D'Argo was and they were all heading back. He'd given an account of how they had survived and the last half a cycle. Crichton confirming there could be time discrepancies in wormhole travel. Chiana had been fascinated by the pictures of Gigi. Crais sighed closing his eyes, he'd experienced so many battle campaigns but he had never felt as frightened as he was now. Turning his head to look over his shoulder hearing the door open.
Aeryn walked in looking concerned "have you managed to get any rest?"
"No" muttering in response.
As she placed a hand on his shoulder "why don't you go get some rest, I'll watch over them all."
Crais shook his head "no, we're nearly at the planet." Smiling down at her, his eyes red with exhaustion.
Aeryn moved over to the cot smiling down at the twins "who'd have thought, the two of us, ex-soldiers with families. I could never imagine how wonderful this would be."
Crais sighed, smiling as he walked up to join her "it is amazing how much love you can feel for them straight away. They have her nose."
"Have you thought of names for them?"
Crais smiled, "we had thought of two of each. We'll have to decide when she's…" his voice trailing off as he squeezed his eyes shut, clenching his jaw.
Aeryn place her hand over his as he squeezed back tightly. Crichton sounded over the comms "Aeryn, we're heading down now."
"On my way." As she squeezed Crais's hand back, pulling away "we'll bring a Diagnosan back, have faith, she'll be ok."
As Crais watched her leave he looked over at Jess's unresponsive form in the bed. A despondent smile crossed his lips at how peaceful she looked, like she was sleeping. As he walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed "we're here Jess. We'll get a Diagnosan to look you over." He turned to look at her feathering a kiss on her forehead "please Jess, we need you." Exhaustion finally taking over as he slowly drifted off to sleep next to her.
Noranti and Rygel stayed onboard Talyn with the babies. Crichton, Aeryn and Chiana headed down to the planet making enquires as soon as they landed. They were directed to a building which was housing soldiers after surgery. As they entered a room with about fifty beds in. A clerk pointed them to the back corner "the Luxans are over there."
Chiana hurried over "he's there!" Crouching down beside the bed as she stroked his head. Whispering softy "D'Argo?"
D'Argo groaned and slowly opened his eyes, struggling to speak "Chia" as he coughed.
"Hey, hey, shhs. Just rest." As she held his hand up to her cheek.
"Hey man! God it's good to see you alive!"
D'Argo nodded slowly.
Aeryn located a Diagnosan, the clerk translated, D'Argo was stable but still critical but should be ok to travel after a few solar days. Chiana wanted to stay with D'Argo as Crichton and Aeryn took the Diagnosan and clerk back to Talyn.
As the Diagnosan went to check on the twins, Crichton and Aeryn watched "so you really think Captain Crunch has changed?"
"Yes." Frowning back at him.
Shrugging "just, weather changes and we keep making the same mistake."
"John, I don't know what it's going to take for you to trust him. He's saved our lives on numerous occasions. He destroyed the Command Carrier."
"Yeah, I know, but he said he wouldn't survive."
"I believe he thought that to be true."
"They're well matched if Jess lied about it too."
"John, she didn't lie, apparently as far as she knew Crais and Talyn had perished, there was only theories they didn't die." Picking up the magazine Crais had shown her before and shoving it at him.
Crichton frowned as he skimmed through it. "Fine. He didn't lie this time, but he has a habit of not telling us the truth."
"Well maybe marriage and fatherhood will make him more sincere."
"Marriage? What?"
"Did you not see the bonding tattoo?"
"What the thing on her wrist? I thought that was just a normal tattoo of hers." Aeryn rolled her eyes at him. "They got hitched?"
"Crais has the same tattoo on his wrist."
"Dam that boy moves quick!" Both looking over as the Diagnosan moved over to examine Jess. "They ok?"
Crais looked up and smiled "yes."
"He looks like crap." Whispering to Aeryn with genuine concern.
"Wouldn't you. He's refusing to rest. Maybe Noranti can make him something."
"Yeah, there's plenty of us to help look after the twins." As he kissed her on the cheek walking up to Crais. "Yo Bialar, maybe you should go get some rest. We can keep an eye on the little ones."
"Thank you, Crichton, but I don't need to rest."
"You sure about that? You look like dren!"
Crais glared at him as the clerk came over to them "she's lost a lot of blood. The Diagnosan has taken a sample to take back to his lab so he can duplicate and transfuse back into her."
Crais smiled "thank you."
"He's giving her some medication to help stabilise her. We'll return tomorrow for the blood transfusion."
Crichton nodded "thanks, I'll take you guys back." Pointing at Crais "and you! Get some rest man, your family needs you." Patting him on the back as he turned to Aeryn "make sure he rests." Walking out with the clerk and Diagnosan.
Noranti walked in with D'Argo, Aeryn took him from her "thank you" looking over her shoulder to ensure Crais wasn't looking, whispering "can you make him something to help him rest."
"Certainly" as she hurried out.
Aeryn had slipped Noranti's concoction into a drink, handing it to Crais, settling him in a chair next to Jess. Crichton had returned and the three of them took the twins and D'Argo back to Moya to ensure Crais rested. Talyn would alert him to their location should he wake early.
The next morning when they returned to Talyn, Crais, although annoyed they had drugged him, looked better. Eventually he thanked Aeryn.
As the Diagnosan returned for the blood transfusion he stated it still could be some time before Jess awoke from her coma.
Crais checked on the twins who were sleeping soundly as he made his way back to Jess, sitting down beside her "Jess, I need you. We need to decide on names for the twins. They're perfect, they're so perfect and I can't wait for you to meet them. They need you." As he lent down kissing her hand "I love you."
Jess inhaled deeply, frowning with her eyes still closed, she slowly blinked her eyes open, grimacing, her throat was dry. Trying to lick her lips, she felt dizzy. Her head was heavy as she tried to lift it, before giving up and just turned her head on the pillow smiling at Crais who was asleep. His head laid on an arm which rested on the bed as he gripped her hand with the other hand. She stroked her thumb across his fingers as she reached over with the other hand to stroke his head.
Crais stirred, gripping her hand tighter as he sighed. His eyes slowly opened realising someone was stroking his head, suddenly focusing on where he was, he looked up to see Jess smiling fondly at him. He opened his mouth to speak but the words choked in his throat as he stared at her.
"Hey, you!" As a tear fell down her face.
"Jess!" Reaching up to stroke her cheek, not quite believing she was back as tears of relief filled his eyes "you're back."
Feeling groggy still she sighed "what happened?"
"Shhs, don't worry."
"Our son?" Panicking suddenly.
Smiling "he's fine. The Diagnosan has checked him out. He's healthy, as is his sister."
Looking into his eyes with shock "sister?"
Grinning "we have a daughter too."
Suddenly panicking further too remembering trying to sit up "the cord?"
Crais held her gently as he pushed her back down onto the bed "shhs, she's fine. She's healthy too."
Sighing with relief "oh thank god." Closing her eyes as more tears escaped "where? Where are they?" Looking around.
Wiping the tears off her face Crais leaned down kissing her before standing walking over to the cot, picking the whole thing up carrying it and setting it down next to the bed as he scooped his son up, placing him in his mother's arms, returning to pick up his daughter.
Jess looked down adoringly at the baby in her arms as she kissed the top of his head "hey there little one!" Looking up and smiling tenderly at Crais holding their daughter, the joy washing through her, as if she couldn't love her husband enough, she felt an increased level of devotion as he smiled down at the infant. "God, I love you" chuckling.
Leaning in to kiss her once more "I love you too."
Jess looked down at her daughter "hey, you caused us quite a scare missy" leaning down to kiss the top of her head.
Crais shifted to sit alongside Jess wrapping an arm around her as he smiled at his family.
"You two been looking after Daddy for me?"
"They've been keeping me and the others busy yes." Leaning down to kiss her again.
Crichton rounded the corner "how's she" pausing at the site before him. Crais and Jess looked up "sorry, I'll leave you guys alone…Glad you're awake."
"Hey, no it's fine Crichton." Jess smiling at him "it's good to see you. Thank you for your help" motioning her head towards her son.
"You're welcome" as he walked closer to the bed "how you doing?"
Nodding "I'm good. How's your little one?"
Grinning "yeah, he's good." Placing a hand on her shoulder "congratulations" kissing her cheek.
"Thank you."
"Hey um, we're going to get D'Argo. Doc says he's stable enough to be moved now."
"D'Argo?" Jess looking hopeful.
"Yeah, he survived."
Jess smiled with relief.
A few days passed Jess and D'Argo were both gathering strength, recovering well. D'Argo still not very mobile but Chiana stayed by his side at all times.
The crew of Moya and Talyn agreed to meet up in half a cycle. As they all gathered on Moya, Noranti had prepared a meal for them all to celebrate. Jess and Crais walked in carrying the twins.
Aeryn smiled "have you given them names yet?"
Jess nodded "meet Ryker and Isla Crais."
As they all sat down Crichton kissed Aeryn who was holding Deke turning to raise a glass "welcome to the universe little Deke, Ryker and Isla!" Smiling around the table "to family!"
The rest raised their glasses "to family" in unison.
