Aeryn woke suddenly and bolted from the floor into a sitting position, The sudden movement making her head spin. She stood slowly upright, leaning heavily against the wall of the cave to support her.

"John.." Aeryn croaked. She looked around the cave, panic begining to choke her.

At the sound of her voice, Wacha abruptly stood from where he had been resting. He walked over to Aeryn, who was pressing her forehead to the cold stone, attempting to stop the cave from spinning.

"Where..is..John" Every word was labored, as if moving her mouth took all the strength she had.

Wacha sighed, partly out of frustration with the peacekeeper for continually trying to get up, and with his lack of ability to answer her. "He dissapeared, I dont know where he is.."

At first he thought the woman was going to pass out, the way that she slumped to the ground. But as quikly as the thought came, it went. For Aeryn looked up then with such a fevered determination, he was almost frightened.

Aeryn shakely got back on her feet and stumbled over to where her now dried black ski clothes lay. She stripped as quikly as she was able and tried to get dressed.

Wacha was amazed that she could even stand, never the less get dressed in her condition 'She shouldnt even be alive' he thought. "What do you think you're doing?"

She looked up at him, almost swaying with fever, but more determined than he had ever seen anyone look. "Im going to find him."

aerynluv

_____

"Your going to... what?" asked Wacha doubtfully.

"I'm going to find him. And you're not stopping me," replied Aeryn, giving Wacha a glare that might have cracked stone, if not for her fever, which made it pretty ferocious nonetheless.

"Don't be a bloody fool," snorted Wacha with exasperation. "You've somehow acquired a fever despite my care. I don't care if the blizzards died down a bit, your clothing isn't going to last you, especially if it's torn like that. If you go outside alone, you'll die, and then not only will my skill as a survivalist have failed, but my purse will be devoid of needed credits.

"First, you rest, and recuperate enough so that you don't go fainting on me. Then we, yes we, go together to find your Crichton, who will have to shell out some more credits, not only for dissapearing but for causing you more stress and therefore delaying your recovery.

"I don't care if you're a peacekeeper, I wouldn't care if you're the grand ruler of the universe, because I know these parts like the back of my paw, and even the grand ruler of the universe needs help sometimes, especially if she has a fever. Now sit."

Maybe it was the fever after all, or maybe it was Wacha's undaunted orders to an obvious peacekeeper, but Aeryn sat. Not without another look that sent little tickles of ice into Wacha.

Wacha pretended not to notice and continued making a herbal tea. "And I'm not messing with that knife he left either! Obvisouly you don't have any form of credits or anything of value on you right now, and your still recoving, so I'm not going to hound you for my payment. For now.

"Believe me, I'm in need of credits and new supplies, that's the only reason why I walked up to Crichton when I saw him trying to kill himself with worry-panic, and it's the only barrier between you and the worst of Sebacian hypothermia aftermath!" declared Wacha. Again.

Aeryn vaugely wondered why he kept bringing the subject up. She smiled inwardly, and commented, "Once I recover, I can contact my ship, and get my payment from there."

Wacha didn't bother turning around, but instead shoved a cup of the warm liquid in her direction, and began making some sort of stew from dried fish and whatnot. "He's the one who made the deal, he's paying, I'm making sure he's paying by finding him. Now rest. And torture yourself on moral issues and the whereabouts of Crichton when you're able to stand without supporting yourself on the walls."

Aeryn smiled a little, and sipped the fragrant tea. But in truth, she could as much stop worrying about John and everyone else as she could make her heart stop beating. Her eyes drifted towards the blade, the one curiosly shaped, with those odd glinting... things in the handle. Even she, who was probably not even a first level Pa'u, could feel an aura pulsating from it. It was a thing of power. The peacekeepers had never said such, but she knew that use of such power more often than not ended in sorrow.

Aeryn wondered whether she should throw it outside into the snow.

AkaiHato

_____

"Finally", Dargo said as the vehicle pulled out of the resort. It was large. John would have said it looked like something out of G.I. Joe.

Chiana, having recovered, sat in the back with the doctor, still resenting being treated so roughly by Dargo. Dargo stared out into the great white wasteland.

Cali placed her hand on his shoulder. "We will find your friends.", she said reassuringly. Her scent was overwhelming. It was all Dargo could do not to throw her to the ground and have his way with her. He just kept telling himself that he was a Luxan warrior and that he had self-control. Still it seemed just barely enough.

Hal was standing in the middle of the craft muttering about something. Leaving no one to notice that Zhaan was mediating more feverishly than she ever had.



After searching five of the seven caves nearest to where they had lost Wacha's signal, they finally discovered Aeryn and Wacha sitting next to a fire, drinking tea.

"Where's Crichton?", Dargo asked, trying to sound disgusted. It didn't help hide his concern.

"Don't know", Wacha says shrugging his shoulders, "He just disappeared."

Zhaan and Chiana helped Aeryn into some new ski clothes at the back of the cave. Walking to the front of the cave, Chiana noticed a glimmer on the ground. Not being one to pass over a newfound treasure, she greedily snatched up the small dagger and tucked it in her belt.

Cali looked at Wacha saying, "Don't worry, the resort will cover your expenses.

"Come on, he couldn't have gotten far," she said to the others. She didn't know how wrong she was.

They all returned to the hovercraft. Chiana, and the doctor tended to Aeryn. Dargo returned to his post at the front of the vehicle.

Zhaan walked up to Cali. "I think I know where John is," she said, but Hul interupting, yelling, "Here it comes."

All of a sudden, a giant boulder crashes in front of the hovercraft.

Weapon0

_____



======

The guards started to push the boulder away so they could leave, not such a big feat as D'Argo started shoving with them. Cali again asked Whacha what had happened. Whacha started to bounce around "He disappeared, when am I going to get my payment?" bounding around Cali's legs "they owe me lots of credits." Cali out her hand on Whacha's head "Don't worry about credits right now my friend this?". Whacha sat down allowing Cali to scratch his ear "Don't know. One time here: the next gone. Who knows" " You are sure he is gone?" "Yup!" Whacha yupped just like a dog " no scent, no track, just gone"

Zhaan could feel something cold and dark close by, not certain what it was looking around she saw Chiani eying Calis' sword. She moved toward the girl, then froze the sensation became stronger as she neared Chiani. Cali came toward Zhaan " You feel it also?" "Y,Yes, what is it" Zhaan asked her. " I am not certain yet, but I think it has some thing to do with your friend" nodding toward Chiani. Zhaan moved to approach Chiani, but found she could not, the feeling overwhelmed her, close to making her pass out. Cali grabbed her arm, and said something Zhaan could not make out. Immediately she seemed to strengthen and could control the feeling. "Together" Cali said, Zhaan nodded. They both moved toward Chiani, she saw them and didn't like the look in their eyes. Started to run out of the cave. "Stop her" Cali shouted. A guard and Whacha moved at the same time, trying to dodge the guard Chiani fell over Whacha, the blade fell from her belt. Zhaan started to reach for the blade "Stop! No!" Cali pullled at Zhaan " don't touch it Zhaan. You cannot" Zhaan withdrew her hand quickly, puzzled at what Cali just said. She felt something bad from this blade. But not sure what.

Doc saw the blade on the ground. He looked at Cali "Will be soon" "Yes" she replies softly, looking at the Doc. This exchange puzzled Zhaan even more, D'Argo and the guards came back through the entrance. Wondering what was going on. D'Argo saying "no sign of him, the creature is right" " of course I am right" Whacha said, licking some of the wet snow off his paw. "Trust Crighton to screw it up" D'Argo growled. "It is beyond his control D'Argo" Cali said to him. D'Argo tried to read the scene before him, Chiani on the floor, Zhaan and Cali holding hands, but could not. The doc moved toward Zhaan and put his hand on her shoulder. D'Argo saw the blade and started to reach for it, "Wait!" Cali moved so quick she made D'Argo start, she grabbed his arm. " Don't touch it. Here" She turned with her back against him and took his hand. He could smell the light scent of herbs in her hair, it felt soft on his chin. His pulse raced. She squatted down pulling his arm, he relaxed allowed himself to go with her. He was enjoying the sensations she caused, when it hit him. Like an ice-cold punch to his mid section leaving his innards in turmoil. Cali had held his hand above the blade. He pulled away quickly. Not understanding what happened. Cali placed her hand on his chest, the icy turmoil he felt subsided. He looked at her. "what the frell was that?" "a fragment of what is to come" Cali told him. He saw many things in her eyes at that moment, calmness, fear he had trouble understanding, what he could not feel, see or touch. Zhaan was getting nervous at the goings on here, she understood some but not all. There was a good forces around, but a great darkness also, it make her shiver. She didn't need these mysteries. Cali motioned a guard to take the blade to the cabin, after Doc had said some words and waved his hands over it. He had placed a holding on the blade so it could not pass it's evil on to another. Thee boulder having been cleared, they all went back into the craft. Doc expressing a wish to check Aeryn out, making sure she was alright. She had protested saying "I'm fine. Leave me alone" worried about John.

"Hul, where are you?" Cali looked around for him. The old seer hobbled out of the corner still munching on dugo fruit, juice dribbling down his chin, beard and robes. "Yuk, you are so gross" said Cali distastefully, she didn't particularly care for this beings company; but his powers would be needed. "That maybe, but you know you still love me" he replied chuckling." " Come in the cabin you old fool" said Cali laughing and shaking her head "There are things that need to be tended to, Zhaan, you also please" she said turning to Zhaan. Zhaan moved towards the cabin 'Don't let Hul touch that blade either. He knows better but get a little foolish at times" Zhaan nodded and disappeared through the door. Thinking this is getting stranger by the moment.

Chiani wandered around the command area, flirting with the driver and some of the guards, thinking about the sword Cali wore on her back, it had a delicate carving with much detail on the handle. It looked to worth a good price, she was thinking of how to get it. Aggravated that they had taken the small dagger, it had been HER prize Cali walked over to her, "How is the face there" lifting Chiani's chin to look at the large bruise on her jaw. "ouch!" Cali exclaimed " You big bully" looking at D'Argo. Her look made D'Argo feel a little odd, she had a strange effect on him. " It's Ok, Doc put something on it" Chiani replied scowling at D'Argo, who scowled back. "Go stay with Aeryn please and ask Doc to come to the cabin" Cali asked Chiani. "Why should I" Chiani replied in her cocky fashion. "Because I asked, your help is need" "I don't want to" Chiani looking sideways at D'Argo. "Go child, or shall I let D'Argo deal with you?" Cali looking at D'Argo with a mischievous look in her eye. D'Argo took his cue and started to move "I'm gone" Chiani said, putting her hand on her bruise; one bruise from D'Argo was enough for one day. She did not know what had transpired about D'Argo slugging her earlier. She kicked at D'Argo as she passed 'Yeh, you big bully" and skipped out of D'Argos way before he could get her.

Cali entered the cabin, D'Argo started in behind her, there was her scent again. D'Argo was beginning to enjoy the feelings the smell of Cali induced. Cali stopped and turned, he almost crashed into her, she put her hand on his chest 'No, not you" "But Zhaan……" Cali cut him off "Zhaan is in no danger here, yet" an odd feeling of trusting her words came to D'Argo at her touch. Puzzled by the statement he asked "what do you mean yet?" "When the time is here, you will know" she replied, her hand still on his chest. "Excuse me" the doc, said from behind D'Argo, he was mystified as to what she was talking about, he moved to allow the Doc to pass. The door closed.



The craft moved back down the slopes towards the hospital, D'Argo had not been invited into the cabin. He stood outside with his arms folded like some Nubian guard, a deep leek on his face. Trying to figure out all what was going on, it had started to make his head ache. The guard who had spoken to him earlier came over to him.

"So Ka D'Argo, what do you think of our Cali now?" he said with a gleam in his eye. "Nothing" D'Argo growled.

"Bull!" the guard retorted "You are saying she doesn't interest you?' "That's none of your frelling business" D'Argo snarled at him, starting to get annoyed at the guards intrusion.

"I am Petri" holding out his hand for a handshake. D'Argo recognized the gesture; something Crighton had shown him, he ignored it. "you know most of the males here would be glad to be in your position, but are not compatible with her. You are!" D'Argo had noticed most of the population seemed to be a reptilian/humanoid mixture.

"I don't know what you are talking about." D'argo said.

"She likes you. You hadn't noticed?" Petri grinned. "Nonsense" snorted D'Argo, Petris' last statement caught his interest, but didn't want him to know.

"I know Cali well, she will never touch a male first, unless she is interested in him. But be cautious, she is not an easy prize to win." He slapped D'Argo on the shoulder and moved back to his station near the driver.

D'Argo moved to the window, looking at the snowy 'scapes flying past, his thoughts flying as fast as the scenery before him. She had touched him, several times. He wasn't sure of this thing going on, he wanted her, that he was sure. But to win her! What the frell did that mean. He didn't play at 'winning' females attentions, but Cali was different somehow. His thoughts ran to fights; and battles his second favorite thing was good fight. "Frell" he muttered to himself. Turning his thoughts back to the situation with Crighton.

Shiwa

_____

***


Malignan'Ci stared at Crichton, uneasy. He mustn't give away the game now. He was not show the human he was nervous. Still he could not deny the facts-- somehow, the human had SHIELDED his thoughts. Malignan'Ci worried. "If he manifests this power, what else might he be able to do?" And yet he dare not move against him. At the moment, Malignan'Ci was virtually powerless.
The plan had been to lure Crichton to him, not to wrench him here. Such effort expended Malignan'Ci's power levels, weakening him severely. The power would come back in time. It would come back quicker if he fed. And yet, here was the great irony. The moment of feeding, while necessary to the Mur, and Ar, was also their greatest weakness. During their feeding, and for a short period afterward, the creatures were distracted, slow, weak.
During a feeding, Zhann and Crichton had managed to disperse Maldis.
Coming upon his foe during a huge feast, Maldis had been able to seize an advantage against an opponent he could not have defeated normally. "Khay'Hoss," thought Malignan'Ci.
He caught himself. It was not good to think of this one. Khay'Hoss (ALWAYS by that name must you call him, he had been taught, never by his true one,) was among the Ar who could gain immediate entrance to a place if their true name was uttered. Another was Maldis. And another was the one streaking toward Rockne, even now...

Maggedon felt out towards the tiny sphere. A million tiny minds were there-- but what was this he felt? Did a few of these pathetic mortals think that they could stand against this evil? He laughed to himself. (the wrong term for what he did. There is no right term for what he did.) Let them try. It would be amusing...

Choas the Unavoidable (sometimes called Khay'Hoss, or even by the uneducated, Chaos,) sensed the presence of Maggedon. 'SOON. THIS DAY..."

Mister_S

______

******

"Where did you get that bruise, Chiani?" Aeryn asked. She was worried about John, but she was still a peacekeeper, after all, and Chiani, while annoying, was a young girl.

"Not you too!" Chiani complained. "That Cali woman just asked me the same question, and then looked at Dargo like she wanted to bang him into next week."

"No one has the right to put their hands on you without your permission, Chiani," Aeryn assured her. "When we said you could stay with us on Moya, it was under the same conditions we all stay--that you would receive the protection of the crew, and not have to live in fear of senseless violence. Even if I were attracted to Dargo I wouldn't let him it you."

The incident did remind Aeryn of something she had planned to do earlier, but in the usual way of things had been putting off. "You should know better how to protect yourself if you are attacked."

That idea seemed to appeal to Chiani, so Aeryn cocked her head and said, "Come on. Who better to practice on than the big guy himself?"

Chiani grinned. This was going to be fun.

"Hey, Dargo," Aeryn said, "Could you come here a moment. I need to show Chiani something."

"If you can teach her anything useful I will be amazed," Dargo sulked. He knew he'd been a bully, but he still wasn't ready to admit he'd been wrong.

"The trick," Aeryn explained, "Is to move INSIDE his strike zone, like this--" She gestured to Dargo, and he obliged by striking out at Aeryn, who stepped closer to him instead of moving away.

"This works every time." With that she grabbed Dargo by his shoulders, as close as if they were dancing, and brought her knee up between his legs.

Dargo groaned, and his eyes rolled up in his head. As he started to keel over, she caught him again with her knee, this time on his chin.

Aeryn looked down at the unconscious Luxan. "I guess Cali will have to wait for her assignation. Did you get that?"

"I think so," Chiani grinned, touching the tender bruise on her jaw. "Do you suppose I need some practice?"

"Not until he wakes up," Aeryn cautioned. "But certainly, if he lifts a hand to you again, it would be a good idea to practice on him."

Just then Cali poked her head out of the cabin where she had been working. "Was that completely necessary?" she asked, looking down at DArgo.

"He was a prisoner on our ship for murdering a Sebacean woman and attacking the peacekeeper who came to arrest him," Aeryn explained. "He claims not to be guiltly, but I find his story less than believable when he attacks the unarmed women from his own ship."

"You have a point there," agreed Cali, who hadn't much liked abusive men on Earth and wasn't about to get involved with one a galaxy away. "Do you think he needs restraints, or will he behave himself when he comes to?"

Aeryn shrugged. "He's generally on his best behavior around the crew.

Cali nodded. It was amazing how unattractive--even repulsive--an abusive man was to her. "Get him out of my ship, then," she said, and went about her business.

DocCamille

____

****

On the dead Leviathan, John began to form a plan. It was half-assed and didn't go too far ahead, but it was a start. But first, he had to test an idea.

THE FIRST THING, thought John, WAS TO GET GILINA AWAY FROM THIS BASTARD. Malignan'Ci did nothing in response. John grinned inwardly, ALLL RIIIIIIIGHTTTT... John began to circle the both of them, and Malignan'Ci stared at him balefully.

Malignan'Ci did not move Gilina in front of him as a shield, for he wanted to look confident and unstoppable to John. He spat at the human, "You can't attack me physically, you know. Not here, and not with corporeal power."

John was as exhultant as the situation allowed him to be. HE THINKS I'M GONNA ATTACK HIM. THIS DIMWIT DOESN'T REMEMBER THAT I FOUGHT MALDIS LIKE THIS AND LEARNED MY LESSON. THAT'S FINE. AND "CORPOREAL POWER"? DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE DAGGER FROM THAT EYE FETISHIST IN THE CAVE MIGHT ACTUALLY WORK?

Nearing Malignan'Ci, John faked a right hook. Malignan'Ci became dim, and John hurriedly pushed Gilina out of his grasp. "GO! RUN OUT OF HERE!"

Gilina nodded and sprinted full-out. She turned a hard right and tore down a dark corridor. John followed her.

Gasping, Malignan'Ci raged. DAMN HIM! DAMN HIM! Then he whitened. Mageddon was nearly here. Malignan'Ci's grace period was almost up. Running at a reduced clip, he shreiked, "CRICHTONNNNNNNN!"

**********************

For the first time, John remembered his comm-badge and tapped it. He hadn't used it before, because he thought he was on Moya and it wasn't needed on Moya. It chirped into life.

"Pilot!", he whispered urgently.

"Yes, John. Where are you?"

YESSSSS!, thought John. Then he spoke again. "Pilot, you see this ghost-Leviathan near the Peacekeeper ship?"

"I noticed it, but I've hidden Moya. What...?"

John shushed him and spoke, then told Pilot what he had in mind. Pilot confirmed that it would be tight, but feasable. "It all must be done out of view of the Peacekeeper ship."

John almost cheered, "Thanks, big guy. I could kiss you now."

"Oh, I rather hope not." With that, Pilot signed off.

******************

Gilina heard footsteps behind her and tensed herself. She was ready to leap to one side when John practically flew around the corner behind her.

"John!", she cried. They hugged fiercely, like old friends long lost. They would have said something, but John grabbed her hand and began pounding down the corridor.

"I can't tell you what I have planned. He can't read my mind, but he can read yours."

She understood and concentrated on running.

****************

John and Gilina managed to make it to the dead ship's landing bay. John hated it, but he looked towards the open bay doors and saw the most wonderful sight he'd ever seen before.

One of Moya's shuttles, remote-flown by Pilot, was bearing down on the open doors like there was no tomorrow.

GOOD OL' PILOT CAME THROUGH. WONDER IF HE'D BE INTERESTED IN A JOB AT NASCAR WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER?, thought John, grinning. HE REALLY HAS THE PETAL TO THE FLOOR ON THAT BABY. I NEVER KNEW THEY COULD...

The shuttle banked sharply at the last second and practically slammed into a skid across the ghost Leviathan's floor. The floor cracked, but did not collapse.

John let out a rebel yell and he and Gilina fled up the now-unfolding entry ramp and into the cockpit. They sat down as the shuttle door closed, and the shuttle rose. John saw Malignan'Ci out of the main viewport and did something that felt damned good.

He gave his tormentor the ol' Middle Finger Salute.

As the shuttle spun, they both saw Malignan'Ci scream in impotent rage. Then the stars embraced the shuttle as Pilot flew them the hell outta there.

***************

On the dead ship, Malignan'Ci had no time to rage. Mageddon was too near. He sent himself over to Crais' ship. From there, he would be flown down to the planet. He didn't want Crais to know that he was too weak to go directly to Rockne.

His body vanished from the landing bay of his chariot.

It was a good thing for him that he'd left, too.

**************

Crais stared in shock at what his monitors told him. Since his sensors couldn't detect Malignan'Ci, or his dead ship, Crais had to rely on cameras and such. Sometimes they were unreliable. This time, he fervently hoped they were not.

The dead ship was crumpling.

*************

Malignan'Ci rose gasping in Crais' private quarters and felt terror.

The Ar Mageddon was HERE.

***************

Mageddon reached out and crushed the little skeleton ship with less than no effort.

It's outer shell cracked and splintered. The three stern propulsion tendrils broke off and floated away, dropping bits of themselves as they spun in space. The inner decks collapsed and crumpled. The dead Leviathan shreiked in it's last agonies.

*****************

Pilot and Moya felt/heard the screams and winced. Then, another, all-too-brief message came from the dead ship before it fully died.

The message sounded like a very tired "Thank you."

*****************

John sat back and sighed as the last of the disintegrating ghost ship disappeared from his sight. Tapping his comm-badge, he said, "Thanks a million, Pilot. It worked."

Pilot's voice sounded almost amused. "That was an insane idea, Crighton. You tend to have a lot of them, and then you make them work somehow."

John shrugged, "What can I say? It's part of the ol' human charm." He signed off and smiled at Gilina in relief. Then, his foot bumped a small crate. He kneeled down and reached into the crate.

"What is it?", asked Gilina, wiping sweat from her brow.

John pulled out a pair of working PK Pulse Pistols and gave one to her. "Something that we're gonna need real soon."

He leaned over and grabbed another crate. This one held various metal parts and containers of chemicals. At her quizical look, John said, "Parts to make bombs left over when the captain of the oh-so-glorious Zelbinion dropped by for a visit."

Her jaw dropped. "D-Durka? But how--"

"Shhhh. We'll discuss this later, right now we have to help my friends." He turned to the controls and said, "We're not out of the woods yet, Little red Riding Hood. And it looks like there's one hell of a wolf at Grandma's house."

They descended towards the planet.

Ooshati

____

*****

Zhaan looked nervously at the blade on the desk, what was it, why not touch it. It was troubling her greatly. The room felt very cold, she was sure she could see here breath.

"You know what this is?" she asked Hul. "Perhaps I do, Perhaps I don't" wiping fruit juice from his mouth with his sleeve.

Cali and the Doc stood over the desk looking at the blade, Hul moved to the opposite side. Zhaan came next to Cali. "Well Hull, what do you think said the Doc?"

"I think a lot of things, all the time. Of this, of that." Gesturing his arms around.

Docs' eyes glared at him, "you know what I am talking about" the Doc had said darkly.

"This could be, or maybe not" Hul chortled.

"Hul, put your brain back in gear, and stop talking back asswards" Cali said a little agitated. "Is this part of what you have been ranting about?" She heard a commotion outside in the control room, she checked outside the door what happened.

Hul, was flicking his fingers around, "Hmm, Is it, Isn't it, Is it, Isn't It"

Zhaan quietly asked Doc "What is going on? Something to with this blade?" "I,I feel like the Cosmos as we know it is in grave danger." "You perceive well, young Priestess. But there is more than one enemy in store" Zhaan gave a little smile, but shuddered at the same time.

Cali came back with a wicked grin on her face. "Your friend just got his reward, what goes around, comes around" she told Zhaan. Zhaan wasn't sure what she meant. She wasn't sure but felt the PK had been lying to her, for some part. This for now was more important.

"So Hul?" Cali asked him again, still fidgeting he looks up at Cali "Can you not feel it?" He moved closer to her " You know this power, you have been still too long child", he giggled. He knew what was coming. "I know not of what you say, old seer" she turned to Doc, he was smiling at her "You know what needs to be done". "No, No it is not for me". Fear was starting to boil within her, she looked at Zhaan. Zhaan was mystified at what was transpiring here, but she understood the fear in Calis' eyes. She reached out to comfort her. Cali stepped back "No Zhaan, I thank you. But you must not take my fear" "Draw upon your essence Cali, you know how" Hul had said to her. "We cannot give you all your power" "We can only guide you, you must take what is yours" Doc took her hand. "Calm yourself". They had told her many times over the years, taught her many things. She had her grandmothers and mothers books, but never paid much heed.
She had mental powers, given by the people that brought her to Rockne.They had told her, she was needed. She had thought at the time it was to help the people of the planet.
*******
The people were terrorized by the mining colonies, from nearby planets. She helped train the guards, passed on the fighting skills she had honed on earth. The peace-keepers had never bothered with the planet before, they were no protection. Until it became the resort, now prosperous and well visited. She had no great interest in the power she knew her ancestors possessed. She used the childish tricks her Grandmother had taught her before she had passed on, for this and that. She could feel many things, the light she followed gave her that. She loved life, and all around her. Her GM had taught that part of the way.
"If harm none, Cali. Do as ye will child" Only if absolutely necessary she would actually harm somebody, kill if need be. She was a protector. She could hear the old woman's words. "There comes times you will need your power, and you will do harm, great harm. But you will use it to protect those that cannot protect themselves." Was this what they were talking about?

Cali knew few could protect themselves of the wrath approaching them. It hit her. Like a punch, cold and dark, she felt it inside "Chaos", she whispered.

"Go Calista Kaylana" said Hul dancing around, using her given names."Daughter of Karrena Kaylana, daughter of Balthor Kaylon, son of…….." "Shut up, Hul" Cali snapped at him.
Still troubled she turned to Zhaan, "Do you know what this is?" She drew a pentagram on the table. "Yes, I am familiar with the symbol. But it is not of my way" "Yes I know, we need two more to cover point and center" Cali said "To here. Adail is coming. I feel her. We cannot do much yet. It would give us away too soon"
Zhaan was not at all sure what was going on, she knew of the symbol. The magic and powers she had seen from this. She also knew this symbol was used by the followers of the darkness.


She sensed that Cali was not one of them.

Arriving at the hospital Aeryn got into another argument with Doc about her health "Aeryn, please. We may need you" Aeryn, Zhaan and Chiani went into the examining room. D'Argo stood in the corridor, scowling at Cali, she had not told Aeryn anything about knocking him out, he was mad at Aeryn for knocking him out. Pissed off at everybody. But, still Cali's scent, it had changed a little. Still the same but different, he recognized it. Fear. What the frell was she in fear of. He thought she was the butt kicker round here, it had seemed that way.

Hul had gone to go 'clean up his act' as Cali had put it and meet with Adail, chattering to himself all the way. "Cali's here. Calis' there, no not here, she's everywhere"






======

"Doc, tell me I am wrong about this" " Sorry, Cal you are not wrong. Right on target as usual" he smiled and touched her. There are those that you need, and things to do. Go bring them into your essence." "Who!, I can't go round.." Doc cut her off, the stranger you will need him. "Oh come on Doc, no way. We don't have until doomsday. I cannot connect with the unwilling." "Show him Cali" "I can't" "Negative? This is not you" she did not want to be messing with Ka D'Argo right then. " But he is so, so…….." She sighed and stopped. She knew exactly what he was. That is what fascinated her Trying to show him how to see would be difficult. Not to mention what Aeryn had said. "You will need his strength Cali, he is the one." Doc told her.

"Cali!" a shout came from the end of the corridor, Petri came running. "PK were seen at the swamp…….couldn't call us……..storm signal broke up" catching his breath.

D'Argo left his wall and went to the were the Doc and Cali were standing. "What PK's?"

"He was there Cali, they saw him"
Cali's eyed had hardened to ice, "No way, are you sure? I need him here like a hole in the head"
D'Argo saying "Who?" getting annoyed because they were ignoring him.

Doc saw a chance "D'Argo, here next to Cali" D'Argo moved without really thinking. He was more interested in the exchange between Petri and Cali, he saw the ice in her eyes, he felt it to.

"Yes, Yes the owner is sure, remember. His wife and family were killed" Petri said.

Doc, Said some words, swiftly took one each of D'Argo and Cali's hands and put them together. D'Argo and Cali both realised at the same time. "What the frell" D'Argo growled." Trying to pull away, a bind tightened on his wrist, "Ow!" "Stop!" Cali said painfully" "That hurts. Doc what have you done? Release me, I have to go" D'Argo pulled some more, growling and getting mad. "I said STOP, you big ox. That frelling hurts" Cali shouted. She punched him on the shoulder. He stopped pulling. The bind loosened, they tried to pull away, it tightened.
Doc sent Petri to deal the PK.

"Wait for me, us" she corrected herself as she pulled on D'Argo " Come on lets go" "No said Doc, let Petri take care of it. You have other things to take care of"
Cali shot a look at Doc, she was mad with him. D'Argo had been carefully pulling at their hands trying to remove the bind.
She wanted to go with Petri.
"Take his frelling head Pertri, I want his head" She had yelled at Petri as he walked down the corridor. "Fried, boiled or BBQ sweetie" Pertri yelled back. "All of the above" Cali called back. "Done" he was out the door. "Cali calm your anger down" the Doc said to her. "I want to do it my self" She told him. "It will have to wait" " Wait!, Wait! I have been waiting 6 cycles to…….." Doc cut here off "Shhhh, child. I know. It will come. Be calm" he out a hand on her arm. Cali settled down.

"Doc, get this off of me. Please" Cali started trying to pull the bind herself. D'Argo growled, it into this time. "No, I will not remove it. It will come off when you can show him. The more you pull the tighter it will bind"

Blessed Be Cali. All will be well." And went in the exam room.

"Blessed Be. You old goat" Cali said scowling after Doc. She was feeling not in control of her life any longer.

"What the frell has he done?" D'Argo asked.

"Shut up, I don't want to talk to you, right now" Cali snapped back.. Trying to see if she could remove the bind with her powers.

"Hmmph, I didn't do anything to you, why are you angry with me?" He growled at her.

"Frell You" she replied. "Yeh, when" Cali stopped. Looked at D'Argo, he had the semblance of a smirk on his face.

Cali laughed "1 point in D'Argos corner, struck the one in the air. There is hope for you yet"

He didn't think it was that funny. He liked the look of laughter in her eyes. He could smell her very strongly now. This was not a good situation.

"To heck with this, we'll find Adail maybe she can get it off" she tugged on his arm. "Lets go"

"Cali, do what needs to be done. Adail can't help you, only you and I can remove it. You didn't take your power yet" they heard Docs voice , but couldn't see him.

"Oh, Crap. This is not cool, not at all cool" Cali said. "Come on"
They started to walk down the corridor together. "So take this power thing, so you can get it off" D'Argo said

"How much to you want to keep your life?" Cali asked him He just glared at her.
She stopped him, facing him. "What Aeryn told me, is that the truth?" "Please don't lie to me D'Argo" she said her hand on his chest.

He thought for a second, about just telling her yes, but she may turn him in to the PKs.

(He didn't know the half of it yet, one she would never do that. A bounty was on her head.)

He told her "No, I was framed, but I am an escaped prisoner"

"Thank you, For being truthful with me. But why did Aeryn lie?"
"To protect us" she accepted that. She was been little annoyed that Aeryn had lied. She had sensed there was something not quite right with this little group. Not bad, just not what they claimed to be.

"S'alright, you can live" she grinned at him. She was messing with him. He thought she was serious, she saw this.

"Wait, I want to leave this" Taking a small rectangular object from her pocket. (Domino size) They stopped at the reception desk. She tweaked with the little block until it made a couple of blips. "No Gambling" blip "No Intox" blip. Cali said as she fiddles around.
"Give this to Chiani when they get done" she gave the chip to the receptionist " tell her to go have fun"

There were many amusement type areas in the resort town, including a club type place, music, drinks, dance, food, called 'The Hub'. Mainly because it was where everyone hung out, off duty.

They continued walking from the hospital.


"What was that?" D'Argo asked.
"A credit chip, you use it in place of credits. That one is on my account." She paused "Why do I feel like a just gave a kid the key to the candy store?" looking at D'Argo.
D'Argo looked at her puzzled. "OK, Lets try this one. Giving the a Hynerian the key to the food store" D'Argo laughed out loud. "You probably did"


"D'Argo. I was messing with you back there. I couldn't take your life unless you were a threat to mine, or one I protect" He didn't quite understand her, but decided she wasn't a threat.

"Get this thing off" He shook their hands. "Take that power whatever it was said about"

He was not that worried about right now. Holding her hand, her scent. Were making his senses go wild. He was beginning to feel some thing weird. He thought he was getting hungry.

"I cannot, I don't want to. But will probably have to. But not tied to you." She replied to him.
"Why not" he asked her. "You would be fried alive, Ka D'Argo, Crispy fried Luxan Warrior to go. You wanna do that?" He looked at her strangely "What?"

"Talking of fried Luxan. I'm hungry. I gotta collect something also" tugging him in the direction of the town.

***

Shiwa

____

While D'Argo and company went on some mysterious errand, Malignan'Ci walked from his landed ship to where the Hynerian king had had his bath interrupted by Crais and a PK interrogation squad.

Swamp mud flowed through Malignan'Ci's feet and legs. Weakened he might be, he would NOT allow himself to be sullied by wet slime. That was for Corporeals. The PK ship he had accosted sat a short distance behind him. He was nearing the place where Rygel was being held.

He strode towards the Hynerian and stopped short. The Peacekeeper guards hadn't been briefed as to who or what Malignan'Ci was, so they tried to stop him. Crais held up his hands, and they yielded. "Return to your ship, Crais. You and your soldiers are no longer needed here."

Crais nodded. Then, he walked by his tormentor and took a long sideways look. Not as powerful as he once was, but still somewhat formidable. Such a shame, really. Crais believed that he had a chance to actually punch Malignan'Ci without his opponent becoming infernally dim. He didn't, he just ordered his men to follow and launch the ship they came in.

As soon as they'd left, Malignan'Ci focussed all his attention on the Dominar. Rygel looked upwards at Malignan'Ci, then spoke, "I'd thank you for your apparent selfless intervention on my behalf, but I don't believe in luck or people that good."

"You're right not to, Dominar. I'm here not to save you, but to use you for my own ends. How naughty of me." With that, he moved his hand in front of Rygel's face and the Hynerian's head lowered in induced slumber. Waving his hand in a Z-like shape, he caused Rygel to start floating.

Turning, he and the floating monarch under his control returned to sit in the Peacekeeper ship that Malignan'Ci had flown here.

The others would arrive soon. He had no time to wait. Manipulating controls, the ship lifted off.

Ooshati

____

******

The binding Doc put on Cali was starting to do its work. The Doc was keeping an eye on Cali and D'Argo's progress. It was important that they connected. Cali needed the strangers physical strength in her allegiance. Or she would not take her power completely. She could not fight the physical forces and use her power at the same time. It was important for her to take her powerfully. For to long she had been resisting her destiny. Finding Cali a suitable warrior had been difficult. She was able to sense the forces that drove them to well. He thought one had been found not many cycles after she arrived, her power was not as intense, but still she could sense this males inner darkness. The rage within Cali this male incited now was a danger, but she controlled it well. Perhaps too well. Cali and D'Argo's interest in each other would work to make the bond happen. She was rarely so strongly attracted to males. She was very selective of whom she would allow that close to her. He mused to himself as he worked of Cali's antics during the previous night. She loved to dice with danger. He smiled to himself, if the stranger only knew the truth of his experience he would probably want to rip her head off. He seen Cali watching D'Argo working on the farm. D'Argo had not seen her as she cast placed invisibility on herself, but he noticed her scent. The natural ability Cali also possessed caused people to warm to her, even love intensely at times. Even he had a love for Cali, she gave her caring to others with ease, they cared for her in return. She had helped to bring a lot of peace to the community. He had helped a natural course. The stranger had to understand somewhat and give his service willingly.
Cali should accept him, he had good qualities, the force that drove him was strong, but not evil. The force behind his quest that sometimes clouded the honor of the warrior should be no problem. Zhaan and Aeryn had not noticed Doc's thoughts wandering as
He worked on Aeryn, who continued to protest.



They talked along the way. D'Argo was finding himself talking to her more easily by this time. He didn't much care for idle talk so this had surprised him. The effect she had him on was growing stronger, he was having trouble controlling himself.

She suddenly stopped on the road. "You have a big problem understanding what you cannot see or touch. Am I right?" He side glanced at her, not overly happy about this woman knowing his feelings so well. She reminded him of the blade, telling him it represents the darkness. The coldness & turmoil he had felt, she had taken his free hand and placed in on her chest near her heart.

That was it, he could take no more. He was about to grab her, she laughed, then quite seriously said, "Control it D'Argo. This is not the time. Feel me Ka D'Argo" she had kept his eyes in hers the whole time. Not faltering she had said "Close your eyes and feel my power" he had felt the warmth of her skin when he first touched her. He didn't close his eyes with her at first, he moved to kiss her she wasn't looking so tried to take the chance "Don't do it, I will you give you a nasty surprise" she had told him warningly. He had felt her breath on his lips as she spoke, he was soo close. "Close your eyes" she repeated he complied with a low growl.

He was not prepared for the sensation that swept over him, through him. He had never felt anything like it before. Her warmth turned to a heat, it had engulfed and touched his entire body. Settled in the same place he had felt the blade. But this was hot, it burned strongly but gently and felt calm, very calm. His eyes had shot open, "What the frell are you?. Cali was looking into his eyes "I can take you places you have never dreamed possible," she was speaking to him very softly. "I can take you to orbit the stars and bring you back to ground again. Sensations you have never felt before, unless you are with another like such as I." His body still reeling from the power he had felt, she kissed him. Softly at first, harder as he returned her kiss. The desires he had felt before came back to an unusual extent; it unsteadied him. But she had pulled back teasing him "Gotcha!" she had said, with a mischievous glint in her eye.
He instantly became angry with her and growled "Don't toy with me woman" grabbed for her arm, his hand recoiled back sharply, as he had touched her; he received a sharp pain, like an electrical shock. He was furious by this time and had started to snarl at her, pulling on the bind on their hands.
She had not moved when he snarled and raged at her, her eyes had softened ' I am sorry D'Argo. That was cruel." She had looked at him sadly "Please don't anger with me", she touched his arm, softly she said "I should have resisted doing that. I am a rotten tease. I get a habit from the guards. They tease the heck out of me, I give as good as I get." She sighed "But you are not them." His anger starting to subside; he listened to her. "I know what effect I can have you Ka D'Argo, don't think you don't effect me also. See?" She held up her hand she was shaking slightly "You do that to me, don't ask me to explain. I will not. But for what is meant to be, will be". He saw warmth in her eyes, she was smiling. He smiled back at her without thinking. " Come, my brave warrior. This is not our time. And most definitely not the place" Gesturing around them. "I'm not 'yours'" he a growled "Huh," he chuckled a little. He had totally forgotten were they stood. They were in the middle of the road, outside the town center. People around them eyed them with intrigue.


Shiwa

______

While D'Argo and Cali stood semi-self-consciously in the square on Rockne, another couple sat in a Leviathan shuttle that swooped low over the landscape.

John and Gilina had just fed on some food cube rations in the shuttle storage locker, and were now looking for others of the Moya crew. The shuttle's scanners had bleeped on a reading that Gilina said was Luxan. There was another reading near it that she didn't know, she just knew that it wasn't Sebacean. Her hands moved expertly over the controls and John's growing experience enabled him to guess what adjustments she'd make before she made them.

Nearing the place where D'Argo and this other reading stood, Gilina lowered the shuttle to the ground. While she'd been concentrating on the controls, John had been looking out the viewport. He felt an uncontrolled grin surface. "Well, it looks like D'Argo's found some R&R on this planet after all. Too bad things are getting freaky."

***************

D'Argo and Cali looked at the landing shuttle, but only D'Argo looked really mad. "One of Moya's shuttles. What in the name of Hezmana could one of her shuttles be doing here? Are we in danger?"

After the ramp lowered, they saw John and a female Sebacean tech run towards them. D'Argo hadn't met Gilina on the Zelbinion, so he didn't recognise her. Cali didn't either. She was too busy staring in wonder at the orange jumpsuit John was wearing.

The jumpsuit with the IASA symbol on it, as well as Crighton's name. SHe grinned and said, "Well, I haven't seen English in a long time."

John and D'Argo started when they made the same realization. "You're HUMAN??!" they both sputtered.

"Yup."

John placed his hand on his forehead and said, "Oy."

Cali nodded and said, "Vey."

John sighed and said, "Oh, I can't WAIT to hear the story behind this one."

Ooshati

_____




======

Our time will come, When it is right Ka D'Argo. Right now we have other things to tend to.
They continued to walk.

He thought about what she just said; was she telling him what he was thinking? Giving her a sideways look out of the corner off his eye. It lightened his attitude towards being bound to her, found himself actually enjoying her company. She told him about the town how it came to be as it was now. He did not listened closely to her banter about the town's history. His thoughts wandered having no real interest in the town or planet, Crighton missing, Zhaan's fears, this darkness they all kept talking about. The things Cali had said, it was all becoming very strange, to strange for his liking.

His attention snapped back to Cali when she mentioned the raid and destruction the PK had brought 6 cycles ago. He remembered Petri's words at the hospital. He angered with himself for being so distracted; too much was going on.
"What about the PK, your guard said one was here" he commanded "Who?" "Bialar Crais" she replied to him coldly.

He froze, "Crais is on this planet?" growling harshly. "Yes!" she replied turning to him, he saw the ice in her eyes. "He will die this time".

D'Argo started to get very agitated pulling on the bind, Crais here, what the frell was he supposed to do. Everyone all over the place, why hadn't pilot warned them. "D'Argo, D'Argo calm down!". Cali was shouting at him. "Petri & the other guards will take care of him. He has old score to settle with him" she started to hammer on his chest for his attention. "Do you see any PK around you?" she yelled. "Get this frelling thing off of me!" he was shouting at Cali, right in her face. "Quit, Spitting on me, I showered this morning!" she was starting to get mad. "BACK OFF! You are going to touch me with anger D'Argo, you'll be zapped again" he growled most fiercely.
She put her hand on his arm he tried to avoid her touch "Quit freaking out on me, He cannot harm you while you are with me, Zhaan and the others are under Doc's protection. He may try but cannot succeed." He stopped growling and looked at her "Tell me your problem with him. I feel a fear of something, to do with him. Not a fear off him" she pulled him to start walking again.

"Let me understand. D'Argo. Come on guy, I am not your enemy". He sneered. "Maybe I can help" she told him "We don't need your help" he snapped back at her. "Wrong answer Honey, You and your friends need my help more than you think. You guys have little to no protection of what is coming." She stopped and turned to him again. "You may not understand what is going on yet, that is what I am to try and show you. If you cannot, you and your friends will die. Do you think you can jump in your ship and run, it will follow you till the end of the stars.I know you have no fear of death. You are a good man, a brave warrior Ka D'Argo. But it is not just your death that is at stake here, it is everything, everything you care about, life itself. All over D'Argo not just here on Rockne. All around you, everywhere. I know there is something you hold close to you. You have a quest to fulfill; a force drives this quest. It is a good force, pure. Something you hold very close to you. I can feel these things." She took hold of both his braids on his mustache and pulled down, D'Argo growled as she pulled, that was painful. "Are you hearing me, or are you going to continue to be a butthead until we are all gone. Because right now bound to you I can do little about it. Like this if I die you die, if you die I die. OK!" She kept hold of him by his braids, he was getting annoyed. He tried to remove her hand but got zapped again. "You can touch me D'Argo at anytime, but you cannot touch me with any anger" she was glaring at him eye to eye, he glared back just as hard. "There is nothing for you to fear from me D'Argo, I Can take nothing from you that will not freely give." She sighed "If we continue to fight like this, we will accomplish nothing" he started to calm down, her scent got to him as he did. She was so, so close. He had thought about knocking her out with his tongue, but wasn't sure about the power of that charge he felt. "You are much to close to me D'Argo." Pushing him back from her with a smile and a sigh "Get away from me" "I didn't do it, you did." He told her. They walked on "You are correct in your observations. Just remind me next time." She skipped to try and get in stride with him. "I know, I have and idea" as she walked sideways. "No, Not crazy Erp ideas. I get enough of that from Crighton" "No fair D'Argo. Don't put me in the same box as your human friend. Just because I am human as well" she had straightened back up. "I do not assume you are the same as every other Luxan. I am different than him" he nodded at her looking at her with a gleam in his eye saying. "Agreed, very different" she punched him playfully in the chest. They both laughed.

They walked without words for a moment. Cali stopped again. "D'Argo if you want release from me so bad, take my sword." His was still at the farm. She drew the shorter of her blades from her right hip. Rotated the blade by her side and held the handle towards D'Argo on her palm the blade laying on the front of her arm.

** Her swords are set to be drawn ready to defend/strike as they are drawn. The shorter on her right hip, drawn by the left hand. The longer she wears a harness that holds the blades scabbard in the center of her back. It can be drawn left or right handed. A personal preference of her own. Instead of the usual Samurai way, the longer sword on the left hip. Cali and D'Argo are bound, her right hand to his left****

"Here, take my arm off" he was amazed that she was handing him her sword. She was looking at him very seriously. "Take the sword D'Argo. Take it!" pushing her hand towards him. He picked up the sword, not certain if it was the right thing to do. The blade felt light in his hand. As soon as his hand closed on the handle, she moved her arm in a fast move and drew the long sword, held it in a defensive position, turning it slowly. He stepped back from her, raising his blade in a defensive move. "I cannot attack you first. Take my arm off if you want to, I have two" he looked at her, she was deadly serious. "Make your choice, which is the way to go? I do not fear you Ka D'Argo, you may be a very strong man, with a bitchin' temper. You could probably snap my bones like dead sticks. But I do not fear you." He turned the sword, it turned so easily, it felt very comfortable. "Do it I will not stop you, but be prepared to defend yourself when you are done." She gave an odd smile "You must attack me first. Then I will give you a haircut you will never forget. Noodles inclusive" She raised her sword. 'I am very fast with this, don't doubt my ability. You have brute strength, I have speed and agility. Take my arm Ka D'Argo" he was tempted. "What are you waiting for, get it done. Then we can go and lay together while we wait for the darkness to take our lives, and die in each other's arms. For I will go no further with out you" he looked at her eyes, and looked at her hand. Looked in her eyes again, she was totally still, staring at him waiting. He could thought he could feel her heart racing, but decided it was his imagination. He straightened up. "No" and put the sword in her sheath. "That's no good". She visibly relaxed, and put her sword away. "Thank you. Phew, that was scary D'Argo." He looked puzzled "You said you didn't fear me, you showed no fear" She smiled and stepped closer, "I don't fear you, D'Argo. I just wasn't sure if you would or would not cut my arm off. I am no rock, I feel like any other. Just have help in hiding or controlling it." She was getting to close again. "Come on, We not getting very far like this. We have preparations to do"

Walking through the small clusters of townsfolk that had gathered to watch Cali and D'Argo's argument. They continued their journey. "You didn't finish telling me of your problem with Crais." Cali said to him.

He gave her a quick run down of their escape, Crighton and Aerynn's story. "So you have a bounty on your heads?" she grinned "And Crais made Captain".
She was highly amused, D'Argo could not understand.
"What is the reason for your bounty?" he had asked her. "It's a lie of Crais's doing" her eyes saddened " He came as a guest not long after the resort started, many Sebaceans came, PK and civilian. I came here 15 cycles ago, we started the resort to give you a time line, three cycles after that." She sighed "I am not even sure how old I am any more, time cycles differently here than Earth, I was brought for visits each Earth cycle, the day of my birth. I would be here for a quarter of a cycle, but returning to Earth I was only gone for I day. It was pretty weird. I know little of the beings that brought me, but it had something to do with who I am." She gestured around her "I played on these streets as a child, with many of the adults you see here today."

They heard the shuttle at the same time.



D'Argo growled PK when he realized what Gillina was, went to grab Cali's sword, but she caught his hand. "Wait D'Argo, I feel nothing bad here" John at the same time was saying "Whoa big guy, it's OK"
Holding his hand up towards D'Argo. "She's cool"

"Greetings, Crighton. I am Calista." John eyed Cali warily "So your human, don't tell me your from Earth, that not possible" he asked her. She just smiled and said, "You're here" "Yup, but that was a frelling freak accident. You don't look like any one from any space program. I would have remembered you." He was checking her figure out.

"Who cares, you're here, I'm here. We have a major problem coming. I was never in a space program. Computer programming was my specialty. If you really must know, We'll all go to 'The Hub' when this is all over and tell you my complete story. It's as long as the Mississippi River. And, I see the space program still sucks with their wardrobe. Orange! Yuk!" Cali said, almost in one breath.

D'Argo and Gillina were totally lost. Frelling Erp nonsense, mippippi is about the only thing he caught there.

"The Hub, A club?" john repeated, highly amused. She nodded "Cool." John said. He hadn't heard English, English in years recognizing her accent. "You're a Brit?" he asked. "Yeh, and you're a yank. I am BRITISH" she snapped back at him. "Oooo excuse me, British. I'm not a yank" "Redneck then" she retorted back. "I'm not a frelling redneck" John starts getting agitated. "Who frell cares Country Boy that's not the issue here." Cali retorted. "Well I guess you are from Earth. I am John Crighton, I am an AMERICAN" he shouted at Cali, holding his hand out in a gesture of a handshake. "Whatever." Cali replied ignoring the hand. John realized she and D'Argo were holding hands. They had twisted around in the bind, ended up holding hands. Found it was the most comfortable position for their situation. John had laughed and cocked a look at D'Argo who scowled back.

D'Argo although amused at her spatting at Crighton said, "Shut up, with your Erp nonsense. What's going on Crighton?"

"Maldis is behind this dren. But what about Aeryn, did you all find her, is she OK?"
"Aeryn is fine, she at the hospital arguing about Doc checking her out. What about your friend here, You guys collect PK's or something?" Cali asked nodding towards Gillina.
"This is Gillina, I rescued her from Maldis's crony. She from the Zelbinion D'Argo" D'Argo nodded, he had heard about the PK john had found on the Zelbinion. "Enough of these petty things" "Yes, D'Argo is right." Cali agreed.

"Tell me what you think you saw. John." Cali asked him.
"Man it was totally weird, a dead Leviathan. Muldis's crony. Weird guy with a dagger." John started pacing up and around. "Muldis is after me and Zhaan. It's all frelled up, so frelling weird. Weirdo with the dagger wants me to kill Muldis. Says he'll help. But I ain't so sure that he's ……..Man there's a frelling race of these monsters, like Muldis"
"Yes, you know of Muldis. You have felt his power. Did the others tell you their names?"

"No, did that guy tell you?" John asked Gillina. She said "No."

"You said you knew of these things, why don't you know?" D'Argo asked Cali. "I don't mind probe, I can, but don't unless necessary. The mind is a private place. I can feel, sense it all. Other details will be clear to me later." Humph! was D'Argo's comment.

"What the frell is going on!" John dumped towards D'Argo. "Why are you frelling around with her?" Thinking that's a dumb question. "Everything is so frelled up.."

While he was saying that John felt a warmth in his mind, and heard Cali's voice.
Calm down, John Crighton, all will be well. Block me. Block my voice from your mind"
"What!" he looked at Cali, she was just smiling at him, her lips were not moving. "Block Me" he heard her again. "Get out of my frelling head you just said you don't do it" he was annoyed. "Only when necessary. Block my voice. I need to know can you?" John's thoughts shifted and he blocked Cali's voice. "Alright, now were cooking," said Cali. D'Argo was totally mystified as to what just transpired. "Cooking?" he questioned.

"Don't worry about it now D'Argo" Cali said to him. She spoke to John. "I felt you must be able to, otherwise you could never have got away him. But they are not our biggest problem."

John started to freak a little. "You may be from Earth, but your not frelling human. Let go of her D'Argo. She's frelling with your head. She can do probing dren, The bitch is messing with your mind." Cali laughed. "Did I mess with your mind Ka D'Argo, I messed with you some but did I mess with your mind?" she looked D'Argo straight in the eye saying that, then shat a dagger look at John. "I am not a DOG." D'Argo gave the semblance of a shoulder shrug, dog again? He thought, this frelled up. "I don't understand half of what you two are saying, frelling ERP nonsense" "Well do you trust her?" John asked D'Argo. Cali looked at D'Argo "Know your warrior instinct Ka D'Argo. What does it tell you, tell him the truth." He looked back at her and thought about it. "Yes!" he said.

This was part of what the bind was helping Cali to do. Gaining D'Argo's trust, allowing him to sense things a little more than usual.

"Your controlling him with your mind" John was shouting. Cali laughed "No, that I can't do. I can do nothing to force or harm you, unless you are a threat to me or someone I protect." "NO FRELLING WAY..This is totally frelling weird" John ranted.

"Shut the frell up Crighton. She seems to be the only one who knows what the frell is going on. Zhaan's been talking of some darkness, she of some power" nodding towards Cali. "She's the cat's mother. I have a name," Cali said. "What!" D'Argo snapped. "My name D'Argo. You know you have not used my name once. Can't say it. Huh!" taunting D'Argo. "Cali,Cali, Cali" he threw back at her. "Oooooo, you are getting good. Use it don't abuse it, Hun" D'Argo looked at her curiously. John was amused.

"John!" said Cali, holding her hand our to him. "Give me your hand" D'Argo grinned a little, as knew what was coming. But wasn't certain if wanted John touching Cali, yet she was his target. He would have to wait. He watched closely.

Gillina was mystified, scared to death all rolled together, but felt that John would take care of her. "Don't worry Gillina, all will be well." Cali said to Gillina, smiling and touching her arm. "Gillina looked at Cali's eyes, she had kind eyes. She nervously smiled back. She felt a little better, and decided these Erp beings were alright. Even with their strange Erp ways.

John gave Cali his hand, wondering what she wanted. She placed his hand on her chest. "Oh yeah!" said John, smiling and winking at D'Argo. Thinking great eyes, and everything else. Lucky SOB getting your hands on this one. D'Argo scowled at him. "Get out of the gutter, John" Cali laughed a little. Puzzled looks from Gillina and D'Argo.

"Feel my power, Feel me." She said quite seriously. John grinned even more "You want me to feel you, Where?" "Shut up, I'll kick you in a minute." She warned him. D'Argo was aggravated. "Close your baby blues, and I will let feel my power." John closed his eyes; he felt the same flow of warmth flow through him as D'Argo had. It felt pretty weird but felt dam good "Whoa, Hot stuff. Baby!" John remarked, opening his eyes his hand still on Cali's chest. "Yeah! Baby! It get hotter, but I'm not your baby" She laughed at him.

D'Argo was looking puzzled "Understand anything yet, John?" Cali asked. "Why didn't……" D'Argo started then whispered in Cali's ear. "Didn't he fall?" not wanting Crighton to know he almost fell when Cali did that to him. He knew the weak human should have fallen with he had felt! "I'll tell you later. Please don't blow in my ear. Not now." She whispered and grinned back at him.

"What are you two whispering about?" John asked, still standing with his hand on Cali's chest. "You can take your hand off now, thanks." Cali said. "Sorry!" John grinned. "Hey, what's that?" noticing the top of a tattoo, He could see the top of it just over the neckline of her tank top, putting his hand back up towards Cali's chest. Near her left breast. "A Dragon" both Cali and D'Argo said at the same time. D'Argo wondering how he knew that wasn't sure what a Dragon was. 'Don't even." Cali said grabbing John's hand. "Hu Ya, big guy!" John grinned. "Shut Up! John/Crighton" said D'argo and Cali simultaneously.

"In that gutter again John?" Cali glared at him. "Man, I am still hungry." Cali said.

At that moment, Chiani came bounding down the road, clutching the credit chip. She had run the entire way from the hospital when the receptionist explained to her what the chip was. She couldn't believe her luck. She was variably bouncing. Saw the group and stopped. Coming over laughing and giggling.

"Your back?" she said to John. "Looks like" he replied. "What have you got there?" he asked her. "A credit chip, it's mine. Cali gave it to me." Hugging it close, grinning. "A what?" John asked. "Key to the candy store/food storage!" D'Argo and Cali said.
"Huh! You guys sound like Curly and Mo" John laughed a them. Cali busted up. "Yes, well. Come over here. You to Chiani." Snagging the credit chip from Chiani. She squealed "That's mine. You gave it to me!" "You'll get it back in a bit." Cali said.

"Come on lets grab some food." She towards them to an eating establishment close by.
John realizing he was very hungry said. "I could eat a horse." "Don't serve horse round here. And this isn't Burger King." Cali said. "Horse?" D'Argo asked "And who is the Burger King?" thinking it was some Dominar he didn't know.

"MACDONALDS" Cali and John both yelled. At the same time. They both busted up.
Cali put her hand up. John slapped her hand. "Yeh!' They both said. "You're alright. I guess you are from back home," John said. "Yes, raised in England, lived in the US for a while"

D'Argo and Giliana both totally confused at this strange human behavior. They went inside the building.



Meanwhile, other things were going on around and above Rockne…………..