Title: New things part 1: Blowing Off Steam
Author: Marcel Bestebroer
Timeline: Right after 'Duped', AU after Promises in the Farscape universe as we know it.
Archiving: Name the place.
Disclaimer: I own the plot idea, but that's basically it.
Notes: This trilogy is part of the Duped universe, starting directly after the original story and runs parallel to the trilogy Old Things. As a consequence the first part of both trilogies will have uncanning similarities in dialogue and scenes, though written from opposing points of view (so as not to be completely boring). The same holds true for the last part of both trilogies, though there the number of similar scenes and dialogues is limited to a minimum.
Like the other trilogy, this one was beta'd by Kaz, though mistakes may linger as I made some changes here and there.
John slowly emerged from sleep, his hand searching for the woman that should be lying right beside him. Instead, his hand only found empty space and for a moment he feared he had dreamt the whole escape up until he realized the spot was still warm. He cracked one eye open to scan his quarters.
All of her clothing was still there, scattered all over the floor. Initially that had John believe she might be taking a shower, until he noticed that his shorts and shirt were not among the pieces of clothing on the floor. She probably had put those on but what for? Had Pilot commed her with a problem?
Luckily John didn't have to ponder the question long as Aeryn chose that moment to enter his quarters, carrying a tray of breakfast. At least it explained her absence, but John wasn't really interested in breakfast. He turned around to lie on his side, a smile forming. How could a woman look so desirable in men's clothing? Or maybe it was just her, regardless of clothing. "Hey."
Aeryn smiled back at him. "Hey."
John looked at the tray before looking back up to her. "I see you got me some breakfast." John's arms and sides where still a bit sore from the connection to the computer and he rolled to lie on his back. His eyes never left the beautiful woman out of his sight as he watched her walking gracefully to his bed.
"Mmm-hmm, I thought you might be hungry."
John saw her setting the tray down beside the bed momentarily, getting ready to join him in bed again. He realized that would make him the only one naked and that just didn't seem fair. Besides, he would get to watch her taking of his clothes, a much better treat than breakfast in bed, so he shook his head. "Uh-huh, you're not gettin' in here like that."
John observed her looking down, checking her appearance, before she looked back at him questioningly. Better give her a hint. "You're overdressed." The questioning gaze disappeared to make room for one of understanding, a distinct twinkle in her eyes. John could have sworn she was fighting down the urge to laugh before the look on her face changed again.
"John, we are just going to eat, take a shower and get to work."
John had no intention of letting her get off that easy. "Well, you can't take a shower with your, sorry, my clothes on anyway, so you might as well take 'em of now." Apparently she agreed with this logic, because after just a brief consideration she proceeded to take the shirt of.
The moment he saw her breast appear as she moved the shirt up to pull it over her head he sucked in a breath. Damn, that was one beautiful woman standing there. Her breasts where just asking to be touched, caressed and kissed. Before the shirt fell on the ground, John's hand had already cupped one of her breasts. He changed his position so his mouth could take over, allowing his hands to slide down her body and ultimately dispose her off his shorts, while his mouth roamed over both her breasts. John felt Aeryn's hands gripping his head, pulling it tighter against her breasts. Now that's what he called a clear message!
"John, we don't have time for this."
Huh? Mixed signals? Her hands were still pulling his head against her breasts and one hand even started to move along his back. Nope, her mouth could not be trusted in this case. Besides, they kind of deserved some quality time, didn't they? It seemed she felt the exact same way as she didn't object to being pulled on the bed.
D'Argo awoke to the sound of this door cycling open, Chiana waiting to get in and carrying a tray of food. She seemed very anxious and troubled about something and he noticed her attempt at hiding it.
"Hey, brought you some food." D'Argo observed her graceful approach to the bed and her equally graceful climbing on to it. "Thought you might be hungry after last night's exercise."
It was clear she had no intention of letting him know what was going on and D'Argo contemplated the wisdom of asking her. "Thanks, I am hungry." She moved closer to him and placed the tray on her lap.
First meal went without any form of talking while D'Argo continued to weigh the pros and cons of asking her about what was bothering her. Finally he reached a decision. "Chiana, what was bothering you when you came in?"
D'Argo observed her closely, gauging her reaction, hoping he could steer away from a potential break-up if she didn't like him asking about it. For now, she just seemed surprised...
"Nothing's bothering me. What makes you think something's bothering me?"
...And trying to hide there was something wrong. Still, she hadn't been angry, so he deemed it would be safe to continue the discussion. "When you came in you appeared to be …not exactly here with me. You also seem a bit anxious and you were thinking again just now." She seemed to appreciate his concern and also accept the fact that she could no longer pretend that nothing was wrong.
"D'Argo, I... I may have to leave Moya for a while. Just to-to take care of so-some personal problems. Yeah, personal problems!"
Stammering and confirming her own explanations; tell tale signs of her anxiety growing. It became obvious to D'Argo that Chiana would be dealing with a heavy burden. "I could go with you." That might have given her the impression he didn't trust her. "For support."
She seemed a little reluctant to let him come along. "No, D'Argo, this is something you shouldn't be around for. I need to do this without you."
More than a little reluctant to let him come along. D'Argo sighed. Perhaps a change in tactics could help him. "Chiana, I do not like having you alone of Moya. I know you can take care of yourself, but you could get into trouble and could use some backup." There, simple plan; let her know you trust her and that she can take care of herself, but point out the benefits of letting him come along. D'Argo could almost smell the victory as Chiana smiled and caressed his face.
"D'Argo, I won't be handling this alone. I will team up with someone I know. We both need to deal with this... problem while we have the opportunity."
Not entirely what he had hoped for. But she wouldn't team up with that someone until she arrived there. "How long will you be traveling?"
"About two solar days, a little less."
"Two solar days?" She must be joking! "You couldn't possibly expect me to let you travel on a transport pod for two solar days with no way to defend it!" She would see reason, he was sure of it. Even she knew how dumb it would be for her to travel alone for that long in a ship that had no defenses.
"I never said I would take a transport pod. I'm going to ask Aeryn to take me in her Prowler."
Good, she did understand the dangers of traveling alone. Unfortunately she had chosen Aeryn over him and he couldn't understand why. "Why can't I come with you in Lo'La, but Aeryn can in her Prowler?"
"Because you would just interfere with this thing I have to do. Aeryn might want to, but once I explain things to her, she'll let me do this."
That made him snort. Aeryn not interfering was highly unlikely. He had witnessed how Aeryn and Chiana had grown closer, especially during the whole ordeal with the bioloid John. She would protect Chiana, like she would do for John. Hmm. "You expect Aeryn to leave John?" He immediately noticed Chiana was getting tired of this discussion and he realized he had already lost.
"Look, D'Argo, you can argue all you want, but I'm going to do this without you. If I need to I will take a transport pod. It would only take me half a solar day longer."
"Alright, Chiana, I will stay here. When will you leave?"
"Right after I talked things through with Aeryn. I think we'll have some time of our own though."
D'Argo was sure they would have some time left. Both John and Aeryn would take advantage of whatever time they would get to be together. Probably Scorpius and Sikozu as well. The old witch and his lowness should already be on their way to the map seller. The additional time did provide some advantages for Chiana and him as well.
Trying desperately to slow down his breathing John reveled in the feel of Aeryn leaning against him under the shower. This was a whole new experience for John. He had made love to her once, many cycles ago on the fake Earth, and that was all about learning what she liked. Last night and this morning had been completely different, with a more open and trusting Aeryn, an Aeryn who was able to let him know what she liked or wanted. Damn, she had even taken the lead earlier this morning and she had definitely foreknowledge of his likes.
John wondered if he had his twin to thank for that. From the conversations he overheard between Stark and Rygel, the two of them had been frelling like bunnies on Talyn, so it was very likely that's where she had learned.
In a far corner of his mind he wondered if she had compared his twin and him but he already knew she probably hadn't. She had told him last night before their love making that she no longer made a distinction between the other guy and him.
He had his breathing back under control again but wasn't planning on letting the moment pass so easily and kept his mouth shut, enjoying the quiet time of having her standing against him.
"John, we really should get dressed and go to command. There are still things we need to discuss with the others."
He sighed. Why did she have to be so practical at a time like this? Of course, she did have a point. He was pretty sure it was almost time for second meal and they hadn't even made an appearance yet. They did make an appointment with Miss Britannica. "Yeah, I know. We still have to see how to get rid of Harvey."
He walked out of the refreshing chamber to get a towel, loving the fact that Aeryn's breath hitched when he bend over to grab two towels. He turned around and held one of the towels out to her. She stepped towards him and accepted it.
While toweling, his mind wandered back to her explanation about the fetus. He wondered how the stasis should be released but wasn't sure if she had even thought about having a baby. Still, they had to talk about it sometime. "Aer, can I ask you something?"
She looked back up at him, slightly startled. "Sure."
"How..." Fuck, how do you ask something like that if you're afraid she doesn't want to talk about it? "Where would you have to go to... you know, get junior growing?" She seemed to debate the question internally but John couldn't figure out why. It seemed a simple question, no consequences in answering this truthfully.
"The only ones that would be able to release a stasis are Peacekeeper med techs."
Peacekeeper med techs? The kind of med techs you can only find on a Command Carrier? "So, we would have to pay a visit to the good doctor of a Command Carrier?"
She nodded.
Well, isn't that just fabulous? If they wanted to have a baby they would have to go ask the Peacekeepers if they could pretty please release the stasis. John shook his head mentally. 'One problem at a time, Johnny boy' he told himself. "Are you..." No, better not ask if she is going to. "Would you like the stasis to be released?" He hoped she would want to, but he knew she wasn't prepared to become a mother, still needing much to learn on the subject of child birth and raising children.
"I do."
She did? He realized his face lit up just hearing her say that. Maybe they should look into it later, after Sputnik had performed her impression of the Exorcist. "Then maybe we should see what we can do about that after we've dealt with Harv." He took a small step towards her and gave her gentle kiss. "Let's get dressed and go see how the kids are doin'."
John proceeded to put on his clothes and was surprised by a question from Aeryn. "John, what do we say to the others when we go away to release the stasis?"
He shrugged. "Just that you got a bun in the oven and we need a tech to make the oven burn I s'pose." He heard her sigh and noticed the exasperated look on her face. "We tell 'em you have a child in stasis and we're going to get a med tech to release the stasis so the baby can grow."
John noticed Aeryn seemed reluctant to inform the others about her being preggers. "Unless you don't want them to know." But he should let her know that at one point it would become obvious anyway. "Of course once the stasis is released, they'll find out soon afterwards."
She seemed to accept that. "You're probably right."
John strapped on Winona and heard Aeryn strap on her pulse pistol at the same moment. He looked at her, grinning. "Ready, Sundance?"
She nodded and led the way to Command.
John and Aeryn were on their way to Command, walking close together, their arms or hands regularly brushing each other. Rounding a corner, John caught a glimpse of Chiana and D'Argo entering Command, followed microts later by the sound of Chiana's voice. "Told you we'd still have time." By that time they reached the door to Command.
"Not much, Pip." John smiled as Chiana turned around and made her way towards him.
She hugged him tight, accompanied by her usual greeting. "Hey, old man."
"Mornin' Pip" He kissed the top of her head. "Do I need to ask what you were planning to do with the extra time you thought you had?"
Chiana grinned. "Nah, you know me; just wanting to have some more fun."
John smiled and looked to D'Argo, knowing full well the Luxan would have been part of that fun. "Yeah, that's what I thought. But sometimes we have to do something serious." He noticed that beside the four of them, nobody was there. "Speaking of which, I though we had made an appointment for me with the Exorcist?" He looked at D'Argo. "Have you seen Sputnik?"
"No, Chiana and I came to Command directly from my quarters." D'Argo palmed his comms. "Sikozu, could you meet us in Command?"
"I will be there in half an arn. I have almost finished my survey of the neural interface."
"Alright, join us in Command when you have finished."
Well, at least she had made a head start with the attempt to get rid of Harvey. John wondered what to do in the mean time. Half an arn was hardly enough time for some maintenance.
"Aeryn, could I talk to you in private?"
That was an unusual request from Chiana. Usually she talked about anything with anyone, definitely not a person to keep things secret. John did notice D'Argo's change in demeanor. The big guy knew something about this.
"We could go to my quarters?"
Chiana nodded. "That would be alright."
John watched Aeryn and Chiana leaving Command and turned to D'Argo as soon as the two disappeared from sight. "Any idea what Pip wants from Aeryn?"
D'Argo sighed. He couldn't and wouldn't keep this from John. "Chiana has some problem she needs to deal with, away from Moya. She does not want me to go with her, but she does want Aeryn to go with her."
"You know what I think? I think we all should go. These past three cycles and change we have always stuck together and helped each other. This is not the time to break that bond."
D'Argo nodded. "I agree, John, but Chiana was very clear on this. She does not want me to come with her. Apparently she is afraid I would intervene or try to stop her from whatever she is going to do. She claims Aeryn is the only one who would not intervene."
"She didn't tell you what kind of problem she has to deal with?"
"No, just some personal problem." D'Argo shook his head. "I do not think Aeryn will go with her though. She wouldn't want to leave you to deal with the dren of the neural clone by yourself."
John sighed. "I dunno, D. Pip and Aer seem to have become real close, almost like sisters. I don't think Aeryn would want anything to happen to Chi either and if she thinks Pip will be in more danger than me, she may very well leave. Besides, it's not like I'm all alone; I still got you guys to look after me."
"Perhaps you're right." D'Argo slapped his friend on the shoulder. "I believe it is better to just wait and hear what Aeryn has decided, instead of thinking about all kinds of danger they or we may encounter if separated."
John gave a short laugh. "I doubt it will matter if we all stay together or not. Trouble and danger will always find us. But, yeah, you're right. No sense in worrying about something that may not happen. So, where we're going?"
"Tormented Space. Neither Peacekeepers nor Scarrans dare travel that region of space, providing us some kind of safety."
John looked doubtful to his larger friend. "Yeah, I would associate 'tormented' with safety too. Wha' do we know 'bout that region? Personally, I'm very interested in the reason for calling it 'Tormented Space'."
"Very little is known of that region of space. Of the ships that dared travel there, rarely any have returned and the area is filled with anomalies."
That attracted John's attention. "Anomalies? Like wormholes?"
D'Argo shrugged. "Possibly, but most are just gravity wells."
"Uh-huh. And we know where those are? Do we have maps? I'm not looking forward in getting trapped in a gravity well."
"Rygel and Noranti are acquiring some maps at the edge of Tormented Space. They should return by the end of the day."
"Why the hell did you send those two?"
"We know Rygel is very good at bartering and Noranti claimed to have good negotiation skills as well. Both agreed we need to traverse Tormented Space and for that we need good, reliable maps."
John had to agree that in this case the little guy would do his best for the crew, since wouldn't want to get in trouble anymore than the rest of them. "Yeah, you're probably right. Listen D, I wanna check on Pilot, see how he and Moya are doing. Haven't talked to him in a long time."
"Alright John. Sikozu should be here in a quarter arn though."
"Don't worry, I'll be here." John waved goodbye to D'Argo and left Command.
D'Argo shook his head. He hadn't missed the fact that John was having a tough time dealing with the neural clone. He really hoped Sikozu would be able to remove the clone from his friend's mind.
John walked into Pilot's Den. "Pilote. Como estas, Hombre?"
"Commander, Moya is pleased you have returned, as am I."
John climbed on the console and patted the big creature's carapace. "Tell her I'm glad to be back too, Pilot. How are you and Moya doing? I understand that with Scorpius' meddling and the damage to the starburst chamber, you guys have had a real rough time."
Pilot's claws kept on moving over the console, continuously monitoring and regulating the Leviathan's many functions. "Indeed Commander, but from what we learned you were not in a better situation. And I understand you are still suffering from the neural clone as well."
John sighed. He really wanted to talk with Pilot and Moya, but this was one subject he'd rather not talk about at all. Ever. "Yeah, Harv, is still trying to coax me in returning to Scorpy. He's convinced Scorpy didn't die and is probably heeling as we speak."
He turned his head to gaze at the floor, trying to find another subject to talk about. "So, you and Moya okay with our little excursion to Tormented Space?"
"Certainly Commander. Both Moya and I are aware of the hazards Tormented Space harbor, but staying in the Uncharted Territories is much more dangerous at present. We have sensed increased activities from Scarran vessels in the area and the Peacekeepers will most certainly want to capture you now."
John wanted to respond but was interrupted by the comms. "John, Sikozu is at Command now. I suggest you return as well."
"On my way, D." He deactivated his comms and jumped of the console. "I'm sorry, Pilot. I'm sorry for causing all these problems and forcing you and Moya to go to a place you don't really wanna go."
Pilot extended one of his claws and laid it on the human's shoulder. "Moya and I do not blame you for anything, Commander. You have done nothing wrong."
John sighed before making his way out of the Den. "Thanks Pilot."
"Shut up, Harv. I'm not goin'." On his way back to Command the neural clone had seen fit to up his protesting. John didn't want to risk anyone overhearing the struggle and had intended to just ignore him, but the clone was very persistent and increasingly more annoying, so much even that John had seen fit to voice his complaint, albeit in a muttered form.
He had shoved the neural clone in the dumpster on several occasions, but Harvey always got out pretty quick after John returned to reality. He hoped Sputnik had found a way to eliminate the annoying clone once and for all. Getting closer to Command he could hear Aeryn say something, but he was to far away to hear the exact words.
Getting closer, he heard D'Argo's voice. "...let him know Sikozu is ready. He should be here soon." At least it was clear what Aeryn had said, or rather asked.
"I'm here." As he entered Command, his gaze immediately went towards Aeryn, with the rest of his body following as he walked towards her to wrap his arm around her waist. As she leaned into his embrace, the neural clone seemed to fade away automatically.
John turned his gaze toward the Kalish, who still had her attention firmly fixed on RoboScorp. "So, Sputnik, you got everything we need?"
"The device has been altered to link to your mind, but I can not guarantee I will be strong enough to expel the neural clone." Sikozu had alternated her gaze between him and Aeryn during the explanation, from which John concluded that she intended to have Aeryn use the device. Well, that wasn't going to happen; he would not expose her to the neural clone.
"Could I use the device to link with John?" John couldn't help the hitch in his breathing. She actually wanted to do this? Didn't she understand the danger she could be in?
He noticed Sikozu nodded in response to Aeryn's question. "It is probably better if it would be you. Your bond with Crichton is much stronger than anyone of us."
John knew she was right, but Harvey had tried to kill Aeryn once and John was certain he would try again if he ever got the chance. Better torpedo that idea quickly. "Wait, wait. I'm not going to let Aeryn jeopardize her life."
Aeryn had turned around in his embrace and looked at him. "John, what's wrong? Don't you want this?"
It was obvious she wanted to get involved in this. She probably hadn't thought about things at all. John had to remind her she had to think of the baby as well. He turned his attention to the rest of the crew. "Sorry guys, but I'd like to have a word with Aeryn in private, if you don't mind." Not really waiting for a reply, and knowing they wouldn't mind anyway, he turned around and pulled Aeryn with him.
They hadn't even gone halfway through the corridor before she halted their progress. "John, why are you resisting this? Are you uncomfortable with me invading your mind?"
Huh? Why would she think that? "God, no Aeryn, you can come into my mind any time, just as long as Harvey's not there."
She seemed to contemplate that. "John, Harvey will not be able to harm me in any way."
How could she say that? Anything could happen to her. They didn't even know how safe the device is! "We don't know that for certain!" Oops, that angered her a little, although John couldn't imagine why.
"No, we don't, because you haven't allowed Sikozu to explain the device to us. We don't even know how we are supposed to remove the clone because you had to interrupt her."
Perhaps now would be a good time to remind her of her pregnancy...
"No, John, this is not about the baby, or me. This is about releasing you from that frelling clone and if Sikozu says I'm the best choice to help you, I will do whatever she says I need to do."
...or not. John couldn't help the sigh escaping him. "Alright, if Sikozu can assure us the clone won't be able to harm you or defect to your head, you can come trot around my brain." John watched as Aeryn seemed to zone out, worrying him a little. Was this a side effect of her being in the virtual room? "Aer, you OK?"
"Yes John, I'm fine. I was thinking about being linked to your mind. Perhaps you could show me things from your past after we have removed the clone."
Hmm, that was a benefit he hadn't considered before. But it would be a great way to bond. "Now, that could be fun. I think it's time we head back to Sputnik."
"Alright Sputnik, tell us more 'bout the device and what Aer should do to get rid of the clone."
"The device is created as a one-way link between a biological subject and a computer core. I only adapted the computer output to provide another neural link, leaving the security implementations intact. Neural bleed back from your mind to mine or Aeryn's is impossible."
John realized Aeryn would point out to him she had been right. He wasn't disappointed.
"You see, John? It is safe."
"Yeah, well, you can never be to sure."
"Aer, you absolutely sure you wanna do this?" John knew he was being the irritating, stubborn human in her eyes now, again, but he didn't care. All he cared about was that she and the baby would be alright and despite Sikozu's repeated assurances, he still didn't have a good feeling about it. Instead of the exasperated look he had expected, he only saw one of understanding and love.
"John, I told you I would do this and I will not back down now."
John looked to Sikozu, who just gave a curt nod.
"I will remain here and monitor your progress. Should... something go wrong, I will disconnect Aeryn."
John had insisted Sikozu would stay here and was glad she had agreed to that precaution. He moved to his bed and lay back on it, one end of the neural interface connected to his head. He felt how Aeryn moved in a comfortable position next to him, glad she made an effort to keep a physical link to him as well. It was also the last thought he had before he found himself and Aeryn in his mind's representation of Sawyers Mill.
"It looks beautiful here."
John smiled, realizing this was the first time Aeryn was getting a peek at his past and immediately taking a liking to the place.
"It sure is a beautiful view."
"Harv, no eying my girlfriend." John felt sick, just seeing the neural clone look appreciatively and with lust at Aeryn. Sure, she was a beautiful woman, but the mental picture of Harvey or Scorpius making out with Aeryn was one he quickly needed to shake of.
"Don't worry, John. I would never allow either of them to do that to me."
"You lack imagination, John. Any... intimacy with Officer Sun would be much more... interesting than that."
Damn, he forgot the both of them could actually see his inner thoughts, as well as hear them. "Can it, Harv. This isn't why we're here."
"Ah, yes, you are here to remove me. I am looking forward to this... doomed endeavor."
Aeryn shook her head. "The only thing that is doomed is your existence."
Harvey snorted. "I think, Officer Sun, you are underestimating my control over both John's mind as well as his body."
He demonstrated his control by changing the environment they were in a number of times in rapid succession, before he changed it into one inside a dwelling Aeryn didn't recognize.
"My apartment, the one I had before I went up in the Farscape."
For a moment Aeryn was afraid he had heard her thoughts, until she realized he had just wanted to inform her of their surroundings. Aeryn's eye fell on the knife-set in his kitchen. One of those could come in handy in this task. "Well, that's all very impressive, Harvey, but I doubt it will safe your eema." She started a systematic circuit of the apartment, trying to find anything that could help her.
John scanned the apartment from where he was standing. "Man, I'd forgotten how ugly that couch actually was." He turned to Harvey again. "Listen, Harv, I've had enough of you roaming around in my brain and ordering me to go fetch your boss."
Harvey looked back at him with a mock shocked expression on his face. "I do not order you John. I merely give you suggestions as to which course of action would be most wise to take."
John glared at him. "Yeah, repeatedly, I might add."
Harvey now looked annoyed. "It is not my fault you do not listen to my suggestions the first few times I make them."
John shook his head. "Whatever. It'll stop today."
"Very well, John, I will not make any suggestions to you from now on, unless you ask me too. Is that what you want?"
"No, that's not what I want! I want you gone as in 'hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.'"
Aeryn had taken the proffered diversion to obtain a big knife and was approaching the duo nonchalantly. She was sure John hadn't seen her take it, and as long as John didn't know what she was going to do, neither would the neural clone.
"Really, John, your musical taste leaves room for improvement. Besides, I would think this situation more closely resembles that of 'Hotel California', don't you agree."
As Aeryn maneuvered around Harvey, seemingly to take her place next to John, she reeled her arm with the knife back.
"Nah, you never even tried to check out."
Just before the knife would have been implanted in his head, Harvey exerted his control of the environment to turn the knife into a pen. Taking it from the surprised Sebacean, he produced a checkout ledger and turned back to John. "I will check out now, if that is what you want." He placed a signature and gave the ledger to John. "I have checked out now, but I am still unable to leave. As you may remember, I am part of you and can not live outside of you at all."
John threw the ledger away. "I don't care about whether you live or die, Harv. One way or another you'll be removed from by brain, period."
Harvey snorted. "As long as Officer Sun will make these pathetic attempts, I will be here for a long time." He changed the environment to a beach, adapting the clothing the threesome was wearing to the new surroundings. "This seems a much nicer place to spend some time."
"Aw, God, Harv. Did you have to pick out a Hawaiian shirt?" John turned his head to make sure Aeryn was still there. Damn, she looked good in a bikini.
"John, is it normal for Earth women to walk around in their underwear in locations like this?" Aeryn was fighting the urge to cover parts of her body with her arms, not wanting to give the clone the satisfaction of a win, as they walked along an, admittedly, beautiful beach.
"In some of the locations like this, even that is not mandatory." John grinned, while trying to keep the mental picture of Aeryn at a nude beach away.
"Do not bother on my account, John. I have seen Officer Sun in the nude already, last night. And this morning."
John glared at the neural nuisance. "I didn't do that for you, but for me." He stole a glance to Aeryn. "I want to keep a clear mind." He looked back at the clone. "No pun intended. And that's another reason for you to go. I don't like the idea of you ogling Aeryn."
"Oh, John, I am a man. I have needs too."
"Yeah, but not with Aer! Pick someone else."
"Like your younger sister, perhaps?" Harvey had already conjured up the most recent memory John had of Olivia, but his fun was short-lived.
"You stay the hell away from her!" John had this time exerted his control, overriding that of Harvey, and transported the threesome to another place from his past.
Harvey looked around. "The gym? Are you trying to tell me I am out of shape?"
Aeryn walked around, analyzing the various devices used by humans for exercising. Her eye fell on a door with a mark on it, in English. She concentrated, trying to remember back to her time on Talyn when John had tried to teach her English. 'Hazardous area' she realized after a few microts. Would that be the neural cleanser? Noticing the two men were once again bickering and not looking in her direction, she tried to remove the sign. It was a simple sliding mechanism, so the sign was quickly removed.
She moved further to another door, again trying to read the sign. 'Steam room'. What the frell was that? Well, it didn't really matter now. She removed the sign and replaced it with the 'Hazardous area' sign. The two men still hadn't taken notice of her, and Aeryn moved back to the first door, sliding the 'Steam room' sign in place. She then moved back to the two men. "John, what is a steam room?"
Both men turned their head to them. "It's hot, wet place, so hot, the water turns into steam. It's very good to relax, but way to hot for you."
Aeryn snorted. "Not just for me. Harvey wouldn't last long in there either."
The neural clone eyed her. "I am sure I can last there quite some time, Officer Sun." He looked around. "Where is this steam room?"
Aeryn turned around and pointed. "Over there. But I trust John's judgment and will not go near there. Actually, I am not sure why you would jeopardize yourself." She knew she was taking a risk here by pointing it out, bust most likely the clone would let down his guard even more.
Harvey already moved towards the indicated door. "I assure you, Officer Sun, this will not endanger my life. I can always transport myself out of there before anything happens." Taking the doorknob in his hand, he turned towards the duo, conjuring up a timer in John's hand. "Time me, John." He opened the door, still turned towards the duo. "I bet I will last at least five minutes."
Aeryn smiled as she saw the opened door. "I bet you can last a lifetime in there." Before the clone could react, he was grabbed by gigantic tentacles and pulled into the room.
From their vantage point, John and Aeryn observed how the clone was pulled apart and devoured by a big black beast that seemed to consist of only a mouth and lots of tentacles.
Aeryn turned to John. "John, you need to close the door. That... thing will see me as the enemy as well and will devour me. It will not and can not harm you." She noticed his doubtful look. "Trust me, John, I will explain later, but please close the door now, or you will lose me as well."
John didn't have to be told again, and sprinted to the door. Just as he closed it, a small transparent blue orb rolled out of the room. John just looked at it, before he turned his head questioningly to Aeryn.
Aeryn moved closer, never taking her eyes of the orb, not trusting it at all. "I am not sure John. I do not know if this is what's left of Harvey or if it's part of you. I also don't know if you should smash it, keep it or just leave it where it is."
"What the hell was that thing?" John pointed to the now closed door, as he moved closer to Aeryn.
"Neural cleansers. Sikozu told me everyone has neural cleansers that take care of neural irregularities in the brain. She suggested that luring the neural clone into one, should take care of him."
"Right, everyone has a thing like that?"
Aeryn nodded. "Multiple, according to the Kalish."
John eyed the orb again. "So, I guess we need to talk to our resident nerd to find out what to do about the orb?"
"That seems to be the most appropriate course of action. Ready to return to the outside world?"
John grinned. "I go wherever you go." He observed her disappearing, and left his memories.
John lay awake on his bed. Their bed. He smiled, remembering how Aeryn moved all her stuff into his quarters, declaring these were now their quarters. He kissed the top of her head. She had learned much about him today about his past, mostly family related, and she had liked it all. He knew she would be gone for a weeken, but she would come back. She wasn't leaving him for someone else, nor to grieve the death of his other self. Sure, there could be danger involved in whatever she and Chiana were going into, she may die, but she was a fighter and a warrior. She would come back, he was sure of it.