======
After collecting some food they came back outside. Having trouble getting John out of the place,
like a kid in a toy store with all the varieties of food available. Some influenced by Cali. Some
things don't change like a lot a basic foods. Sling together in the correct fashion you can a close
proximity to Earth food. Many different species visit Rockne for RR, so the variety is pretty
extensive. Chiani had continued on her adventure with Cali's credit chip. With a warning from Cali
if she touched her sword, she would loose a finger or two after catching her eyeing again.
"Lets sit, and figure this out. As quick as we can, there's a lot of explaining to do" Cali said
motioning to a bench close by. D'Argo and Cali sat on the bench, he sat normal way. Cali sat
facing him straddling the bench. John found a crate type thing to sit on in front of them, with
Giliana next to him. They ate fruit mainly, being the easiest to grab and go. John had wanted
something that looked similar to a burger, but Cali wouldn't let him. They didn't have time to fool
around waiting. She had collected some small disks from the proprietor of the establishment.
"OK." Cali said. "Rundown the facts." She looked to John, she was trying to get the top off of a
fruit. It looked a little like a red pepper but it was a fruit.
"Boy! That a confusing issue." John said munching on a pomme fruit similar consistency of earth
apples, "Try the opposing forces." Said Cali still struggling one handed to open her fruit, starting
to get annoyed with it. "Come on John, layman terms, who's the bad guys." "You talking Erp
nonsense again." D'Argo growled again "Probably, but hang in there big D, we'll get to it." Cali
replied. D'Argo muttered to his himself
With a mouthful of fruit, John starts waving his hand around. "Peacekeepers are here. Muldis is
on his way. His sidekick up there with Crais. The dude in the cave." Cali was nodding "Yup, Also
another is in the vicinity. The Peacekeepers and company also have another captive, who is
terrified, but real cocky. You any idea who that may be.?" She asked. John shrugged "No."
"OK what do you think is your biggest problem?" Cali asked. "John, hold this please." Handing
him her fruit to hold, so she could get the top off.
John looked at D'Argo questionably. He wasn't sure he should mention their business with the
Peacekeepers. "She knows." D'Argo told him.
"Thanks" said Cali taking the fruit from John. Happy now she finally got it open.
"Biggest problem." He paused "Peacekeepers, no Muldis, no Peacekeepers" throwing his arm up.
"Huh, its about even. I guess" Cali was shaking her head. "No. Problem. yes, biggest problem
no."
"This is getting ridiculous." Cali said, tugging on the bind. D'Argo growled and yanked back..
"OUCH!, don't pull so hard. I break." Cali got annoyed with him. "Hey, you guys are stuck?"
John remarked, just realizing they were not holding hands out of choice. "What's going on." He
asked. "Don't worry about it" Cali replied.
"Remember the dude with the dagger?" Cali asked. "He's the biggest problem." "How come,
explain yourself." John asked.
"OK. The Peacekeepers were most likely used to get here, given a promise of something. Crais
being a perfect candidate for the job. Seeing how warped he is." She said. "You know Crais!"
John amazed. "Yes too well. I would like to take care of him myself. But don't worry about that
now."
"Peacekeepers can be taken care of easily. The guards will see to them. I could sell you guys out,
get off my back. But he'd be back for me later anyway." D'Argo jumped up growling, yanking on
the bind, standing over Cali. "You want trade us for your freedom!" he was yelling at Cali trying
to get at her sword. "D'ARGO!" Cali yelled back. "I SAID, I COULD. NOT THAT I WOULD.
THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE, ASK YOURSELF IF I WOULD. Don't touch me your
angry." She pulled away from him. D'Argo snarled at her inches from her face. "Ask yourself
D'Argo. Do you feel that I would?" She quit yelling and was talking normally to him. "GET THIS
FRELLING THING OFF OF ME" D'Argo was getting real mad. Cali stood up "Well here, you
know what you have to do. Take it. But I am not going hold still this time. You wanna cut my
hand off?" she turned her hip towards him, so he could take the sword on her hip. She didn't wait
for D'Argo to take it. She drew her own sword. "Make your decision D'Argo. I don't want a
lifetime commitment with this thing. Fix it NOW." D'Argo took her sword and raised it to strike,
she took a defensive position to block his blow.
"GUYS!, GUYS!, STOP, THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK" John had jumped up in between
them. "Get out of the way Crighton." D'Argo growled at him "NO WAY MAN. I am not going to
stand here and let you cut her hand off. Say come on man." He turned to D'Argo "You can't cut
up a good looking female like that." "Shut Up John. That means nothing to D'Argo. Get out of
my way." Cali said to John. "NO, No This is messed up. I thought you liked her Big guy, That
ain't no way to treat a lady" "Stop, with your Erp nonsense Crighton." D'Argo told John.
"D'Argo, What is it to be? Fight or Fix this mess?" Cali asked him. "Answer my question D'Argo.
What do you feel? Where are those warrior instincts, would I turn you in?" D'Argo glared at Cali,
then suddenly he relaxed "No!" Lowering his sword, he replaced Cali's sword in it's holder. And
sat down again. Grumbling to himself, about females facing him with no fear was nonsense. "Hey,
That should have easier that that to answer. Right know Crais would get a two for one deal." Cali
smiled at him. Holding up their hands. He rolled his eyes.
" I Calista, Do promise faithfully, to try very hard NOT to mention anything about anyone, trading
anything with the PK again. I case D'Argo gets the wrong idea. And tears my head off." Cali said
grinning. "Humph!" Replied D'Argo "Erp nonsense".
"Man, he didn't even faze you!" John was amazed. "People usually crap themselves when he does
that. Cali shrugged "He cannot touch me his hand with anger inside, works like a stun gun. If he
holds on to me he'd be out cold. A protection I put upon my self a long time ago. D'Argo is a
warrior, runs on a lot of instinct. I trust he knows what is right. He could cut me with the blade,
but with his attack I could return the favor. And we would achieve absolutely nothing. D'Argo is
nobody's fool." She had turned and was keeping D'Argo's eyes in hers. "Enough Cali!" D'Argo
said gruffly, thinking to himself she knows to much of me. He had given up trying to figure out
how. But why.
Somewhere on the planet the traitor is thinking: "Aha, you do well child, it will be soon, it will be
soon. We will rule the Cosmos forever. Without the light nothing can stop us. HA,HA,HA" A
being with the traitor was wondering why he was chuckling to himself.
"Now where were we before that little distraction?" Cali said, "Oh yeh! Peacekeepers not a
problem. The other guys are the biggest problem. The one you met in the cave is opposed to the
one in the Leviathan, and any allegiance it may have. He was correct in telling you the blade he
gave you will kill Maldis. He had charged it with his power." She had been looking at John so far,
but turned to D'Argo. "You following this? You felt that power in the cave, remember?" D'Argo
agreed. "OK, You may or may not be able to defeat Maldis. The guy in the cave is using you to
do his dirty work, for something he is unable to do. All these guys are old enemies." " MAN ,
That Leviathan was really weird, totally, like outa Halloween." He made faces at the thought of it.
"What about Moya, is she safe?" Asked John. "Moya is that your ships name? I was going to ask.
She feels fearful, I think from the evil. Safe? From the evil I am not sure yet, she makes a good
feed for them and transport. I cannot protect her until I get my power, not at this distance. Is she
well hidden from the Peacekeepers,. There is usually several craft in orbit, from the guests it
shouldn't be to difficult to lay low. It would be best to sneak over to one of the mining colonies.
Stay on the blind side.
She looked around at them "You two are getting close to being lost in this. But hold on please."
Motioning to D'Argo and Gillina. "Gillina, Don't be do scared. This guy here." Nodding towards
John would risk his life to protect you." John winked at Gillina, she smiled back. She was totally
confused.
"They will most likely take care of each other without our intervention. Then all we have to deal
with is your cave guy." She looked very serious. "He represents a darkness, greater than you may
think possible. I am running a risk telling you this, cause right know he does not know I exist. He
thinks I and my people are far away." "Your people?" John exclaimed "But, But Your human?"
She sighed "This is where you going to start to get confused. What I shall tell you goes against
almost makes a lie out of you believe. If you are a Christian or follow any other beliefs not like
mine. I'm not going to try on convert you that's for priests and stuff, I just need you to
understand. What you do with that is your business. "
Shifted her position a little: "The darkness is called Chaos. Lord of Darkness if you like. He brings
nothing but death and destruction. He will use you to gain his hold, for what ever he requires. He
will turn on you and your friends, and feed from you and the rest of the planet, when you have
done his deed. You cannot jump in your ship and runaway, he'll come for you. Every world in its'
path will be destroyed. All life as we know it will be gone. Nothing left bur darkness and death."
John was looking very serious, thinking.
D'Argo was getting bored.
"The darkness cannot be killed, just kept in its' place. In storage if you like. Every time he arises it
needs to be dispersed. Lesser evils are left behind doing the work to allow his release once more"
Cali continued. " Darkness has to exist, it exists everywhere, in every being. Through out the
entire Comos, Universe or whatever you want to call it. Each being handles their darker side in
various ways. What is the opposite of dark?" she asked John. "Light!" he replied thinking this is
getting weirder by the second, but also clearer."
"Yes, right on target."
D'Argo was listening but allowing his thought to wander around, John seemed to understand, and
no immediate danger seemed to be threatening. He had thought of the Hynerian at the swamp,
wondered if the Peacekeepers at caught him, but was not overly concerned of Rygels fate. He
started messing with a lock of Cali's hair that had fallen forward while she was talking. She kept
brushing his hand away.
"There must be a balance, of light and dark. One cannot exist without the other. Light is
representative of life. It is in everything, every living thing around, above, and beneath you. Life's
essence holds the power, to disperse the darkness and maintain the balance. This is where I play a
part. I am able to take that power. Leave my hair alone." Brushing away D'Argo's hand; starting
to become aggravated. "Draw on the essence of life. I can disperse the darkness back into place.
An ability that runs in my bloodline, since time itself was born. I am human, as human as you. I
hurt, I love, I breath, I bleed. See."
With this she took one of the long daggers from her boot and cut her arm, blood flowed red down
her arm. Much to D'Argo's fascination until it started getting close to his hand. "I can die. My
power comes from the light, it is all powerful, more than the dark, because it is all around.
Darkness kills to feed. I draw on the essence of life. Darkness feeds then there is nothing left.
Take a bowl of water from an ocean. The ocean is still there, but you hold part of it in your hand."
Do you get the picture?"
"Yes, I think I do, this reminds me of an old, old movie. 'Legend'." John started getting excited.
"Movie?" Gillina asked. She was getting really into the conversation. "Some other time I will tell
you," said Cali.
"So your Lily, Popeye is The Lord of Darkness. I'm so sure about Jack though." Nodding towards
D'Argo. "Huh!" D'Argo remarked coming from outer space from his thoughts for a second. Cali
laughed. "Almost, but not quit so simple. I need to channel the power, to receive it into me. So I
can protect you all and put the darkness back into place. Here take these, your Peacekeeper
weapons will do no harm to these beings. If your weapon needs any power it will be useless
against them" she gave John and Gillina her two long daggers, from her boots. And a small circle
each made of some type of metal that felt warm like wood. They had a pentagram on them, with
marking inside. "HO! SAMANTHA, You're a witch." John said. Looking at the disk; recognizing
the symbol.
Cali laughed, "Not quite that simple, but if you like; you will understand later. The circle is
nothing but a tool; it represents a point for focus. When I take my power these things you hold
will grow warm. Do not fear they will not harm you. The circle is marked with my name and a
few other things it is my circle of protection carry it always. It will help you fight them on a more
equal term. Take one for Aeryn and Zhaan. Every resident keeps one with them. Frell it, gimme
that dagger a second. D'Argo pull that tight." She cut through the piece of her hair he been poking
around with. "Now! Leave me alone, Please." D'Argo was amazed at her action, he just sat there
holding a chunk of her hair in his hand. Gillina wide eyed laughing, John laughed at Cali "Your
nuts." She laughed, "Bet your life sweetie." Said Cali.
Now I was saying, the point when I take my power is what I need D'Argo for. For a period, I
need protection. I cannot defend my self from physical attack. My protector has to be someone I
have not known before, a stranger. Someone who will trust and protect me from harm. Personally
I would have chosen a much easier subject. But Doc decided he's the one." She looked at D'Argo.
"He's big enough though; right?" She grinned back to John "Who's Doc?" John asked Cali. "One
of the healers at the hospital, you'll meet him later." She told him
"John, Let me into your mind for a moment. Please" Cali asked him. Touching his arm. "What
looking at her curiously. Ok." He read the look in her eyes, she wanted to tell him something the
others could not hear.
"There is one among my people that is against me, he is here to help to try and destroy me. He
thinks I am not ready to take my power. He feels I am an untamed spirit, he is far wrong. I may
seem a little wild. I have my moments, I can be anyone's worst nightmare. But I harm none, first. I
have my dark side, but keep well within check. I life my life fun and free. Bring the traitor and the
others to my circle. I will take care of him. You will sense who it is, until my power is here, I
cannot probe around to find out exactly. I can just feel it. He has blocked himself well from me. I
feel Zhaan has met the being, and is being guided away from us. I do have my suspicions. I have
shielded my self some cycles now so they think I am not ready. Reach out to me with your mind,
if you need me. You can talk to me that way. I will listen for you. Beware of whom you listen to,
they are able to make the sound of my voice, but you will feel it is not me, my probe is warm. The
traitor wants to be part of my circle, when I receive the power it is the only time I will be
vulnerable to him. If you find out, let me know through your mind. She smiled at him.
"You cool with that?" she asked John. "Yeh, I think so" "I wish you were a little stronger John,
you would perfect for the task I need D'Argo for" D'Argo's attention snapped back at the mention
of his name.
"Watch, I'll freak you all out. Ready?" she raised her hand closed and said something they could
not hear. As she brought her hand down and opened it. There was a ball of translucent light on
here palm. "BITCHING! How did you do that?" remarked John, D'Argo and Gillina both looked
amazed. "I drew upon a life essence from one of you. Did any of you feel anything bad? Loose
anything? Consider it yourselves." She had a gentle smile on here face, and warmth in her eyes.
"Here, take it. It won't hurt you." She said to Gillina. Gillina hesitated, but took the light. It
absorbed into her hand. "You need it more than these guys." Gillina smiled, it felt weird but good,
it had a calming effect on her. "It is not good for me to play these games, the dark being may
know of my presence too soon. But these are just child's play."
At that moment Petri and the guards returned from the swamp. "Showing off again Cali, Hey
Luxan. Are you winning?" D'Argo growled at Petri. "Petrien, watch your mouth.!" Calis scolded
him. Petri just grinned, Cali using his full name she was not happy with his jest towards D'Argo.
"There was no sign of him Cal, he was gone. He kidnapped the Hynerian guest, took him off in a
Peacekeeper transport ship."
"Oh, Crap!. The Hynerian will have to wait." She replied "You mean RYGEL! John jumped up.
"Crais kidnapped Rygel!" "It will have to wait, we'll get your friend back someway or other. Crais
is not a happy man right now, he's in fear of his new acquaintance. First things first. We have a
couple of arns only left. Before the darkness becomes a real threat." Said Cali.
She smiled "We maybe able trade me for Rygel, sucker Crais into coming down here, on my turf.
Or I know somebody that can help us get up to the ship undetected. Sneak on the ship rescue
your buddy." She laughed malevolently.
"Crais swears black is white that I am renegade Peacekeeper. He has never believed of Earth
existing. It would be a blast just to see his face." "Just leave him there." D'Argo growled. "Oh,
Don't be mean." Cali nudged his arm. "I know Hynerian Dominars can be infuriating, but he has a
right to life. As much as you." D'Argo gave her one the head out the top of the eye looks,
resembling an 'are you sure' mannerism.
"Cali, Cali, Cali. Dancing with danger again." Petri scolded. " Watch your tail. Before you say it, I
know you don't have a tail." Petri laughed at her. "Let me know whatever, I'm going to eat. See
you later sweetie." Petri said as he took off towards the eating place. "OK, Pete." Cali was
laughing. "They have been hanging around me too long, they sound like me."
"Your guards show you no respect, How can you possibly be in Command with no respect?"
D'Argo was curious about the familiarity. "They show respect in many ways. I never claimed to be
their Commander, you assumed that. I only oversee a lot of the security. Respect is earned here
not given through rank or position, but how you treat each other. We have very little in the way
of Commanders and leaders here. It is a well-balanced community, very harmonious. We have a
lot of fun, and we work hard to make the planet a good place to be. I know anyone of them
would give their life to protect me, as I would them. Would you?" she questioned a look at him.
"Anyway Petri and I go a long way back; he's the closest I have ever had or ever will have to a
brother."
"Go to the hospital John, or where ever they have gotten to by know. They should be finished.
Find Zhaan and Aerynn. Give them the circles. I will show you where I will be." She started
pointing across the town towards a rise behind it, quarter of an earth mile away. "See the roof that
is different?" She asked John and D'Argo "That is my home, that's where I live. Go past the home,
through the trees where ground rises. On your left you will see a clearing. I have a friend there
now making preparations. If I am not at either of those two then I will be further along, go up and
over the rise, till you find a pool and a waterfall it is not far. I will be there. Call my name if you
come, for you will not see me"
Cali exclaimed "Oh No!" "Incoming" was the yell. "NOOOOOOO, STOPPPPP." Cali trying to
stand, in time. Whacha bounded up. He jumped and landed on Cali's shoulders very hard, with
both front limbs. She fell forward full force, crashing into D'Argo's forehead. Landing on his lap;
D'Argo drew Cali's blade and leapt up. Cali fell to the ground. She didn't move at first. D'Argo
snarled and went for Whacha, was on his way back from collecting his fees from the council, for
his rescue work. He and Cali played a game from time to time. Cali usually moved away. But she
had thought she was still bound to D'Argo. The instant D'Argo rose to protect her from Wacha's
attack the bind came away.
Whacha saw D'Argo with Cali's blade, and ran. "Shouting tell Cali I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
D'Argo chased after him. "Noooooooooo." Whacha yelled as D'Argo got too close. D'Argo was
not able to catch the flying fur ball, fleeing like the; as you may say on Erp 'the hounds from hell
were after him'
John leapt up "Oh Dren! Cali, Cali Are you OK?" Cali was out cold. John was looking around
think oh frell now what do we do. He saw the eating establishment. The guard get help he
thought. He ran over shouting to Gilina to take care of Cali. Gilina leaned over Cali, she was still
breathing, so was alive. She pulled Cali's hair away from her face. Cali was starting to stir. D'Argo
came puffing back, cursing the furred mutt, and looking a little worried. Gillina tried to help Cali
to get up.
"Oh, man my head" Cali was coming around groaning. Giliana struggled to get her up. D'Argo
scooped Cali up with ease. And sat her on the bench. "Maybe we ought to take you to the Doc."
He said to her gently. "NO! Owwww, Don't let go D'Argo. My head is spinning." He sat next to
her arm around her waist holding her up. "Dam D'Argo you have a hard head." She leaned against
him. D'Argo had been doing real good so far, but with his nose full of Cali's hair and scent. Was
not so good. "Why did that creature attack you." D'Argo asked her. "He didn't mean to hurt me,
it's a dumb game we play. He doesn't understand what is going on. Dren, this hurts." She said
holding on to D'Argo with one hand her head with the other.
Pertri and John came running out of the restaurant, "Cali are you alright?" Petri ran to her,
kneeling in front of her, lifted her head to see the damage. A large lump was starting to form
where her head had contacted D'Argo. "You better let me take you home let Adail look at that.
Come on" he started to lift her. "Your not supposed to knock her out man." Petri glared at
D'Argo. "He didn't do anything. It was an accident. Watcha jumped me. Owwwww" said Cali.
"I'll be OK. Peti. Go call all the guards, we may need them, if the PK decide to attack. Oh frell,
my head is spinning."
"No You need a Doctor to check it that out." Said John holding Cali's chin, looking at her lump.
"Ouch! That's gotta hurt." He said.
"No, No Doctor. I'll be OK. Peti go." Cali said. "OK, Take good care of her Luxan. I make you
responsible for her. I will bring the entire guard comp…………" "Petrien Go, Thanks for caring,
but there is no need to threaten D'Argo like that, it is not his fault." Cali cut in. Still very dazed,
she tried to open her eyes once but never made it. "OK, I am gone." He ran off to go call the
other guards to duty.
"Doesn't the transport have a med. kit or something we can out on there for the pain?" John
asked. "Don't know." D'Argo shrugged. "I'll check." He ran off to the transport, Giliana went to
help him.
"Help me stand up please D'Argo. I have to get up." "Are you sure?" "Yes. I have to" she replied.
D'Argo helped her stand, still holding an arm around her for support.
"Whoa, this is not good, not good at all." She opened her eyes for a few seconds, then collapsed
against D'Argo again. He scooped her up, in his arms. "Cali." D'Argo spoke to her gently. "Cali,
open your eyes. Wake up" Cali smiled. "I'm not sleeping. The planets' rotation went into
overdrive. My head is spinning." She opened her eyes, and looked up at him and closed them
again quickly. "Boy, I tell you D'Argo. Everyone thinks you're a bad ass with one head. You
should see yourself with two"
D'Argo had sat down with her by this time. "Cali I think you should see the Doctor"
"No, absolutely not I will be OK. I have to go. It will pass, anyway I am very comfortable right
now, your arms feel real good, feels safe." She was smiling, very contentedly. "It's getting colder,
haven't you noticed how much colder it is?" she shivered a little "Don't start playing with me
again." he warned, although he was enjoying the feelings her scent and holding her brought to
him. "Who's playing D'Argo. I never said I was playing. I play a lot, but I don't fool around on this
level." She let out a breath "Sometimes things get scary, I don't know everything. I don't always
feel as strong as I may portray. You want me to admit I am scared to death here. OK I admit it. I
think you can sense my fears anyway." She had opened her eyes by this time. "Don't look at me
like that Ka D'Argo. This is not the time." He looked back at her "Don't look at me like that
Calista. Can you stand yet?" he asked her.
"Not a thing, I don't believe you have no first aid kit how's she doing." Called out John as he and
Gillina come out of the transport. Neither one was paying any attention to him.
======
Don't know" she replied, he helped her up. "Ok Getting clearer. D'Argo, Don't run out on me
when we have this mess fixed. I will never forgive you." He gave a little smile with a glint in his
eye, "D'Argo Noooo," she laughed as she realized what he was going to do,he bit her neck firmly
but gently. She was crumbling "Stop!, D'Argo, Stop! That feels tooooo good. Stop!" D'Argo
laughed as he quit, "What did you say to me. Gotcha!" She laughed. "You brute. OK you got
even. But that was unfair terms." And playfully punched him. "Hey, I can see straight, still hurts
like hell, man you got a hard head" "Crazy Erp female." D'Argo said to her.
"Cgh, Cgh." John was clearing his throat, "Um is this a private party?" He was teasing them both.
"Shut Up, Crighton/John." From Cali and D'Argo.
CALISTA! ENOUGH OF YOUR MESSING AROUND, GET TO YOUR WORK CHILD,
TIME IS DRAWING NEAR. Came a booming voice, Cali jumped. "Yes father", she said
sarcastically. "I hate when he does that" giving a small shiver. Have you noticed how cold it's
getting? That's not right."
"WHAT! Your dads here to?" John started jumping around. "Is DOC your parent?" D'Argo asked
in amazement. "Yeah, can't you see the family resemblance?" Holding her hair like a couple of
horns; trying to look big. "No seriously, he watches over me I feel like he is my father at times.
I'm way to old for that."
"WHAT, WHO?" John not knowing what they were talking about. "DOC" D'Argo and Cali
replied. "Who's DOC?" John asked. "Oh yeah, you didn't meet him. Well remember the movie you
said about? Legend. Remember Tim Curry's part." John nodded. "VERY close resemblance." "
NO WAY, WEIRD!" John said.
" I got to go, Here D'Argo take my blades. Yours is still at the farm. I do believe. Ever used these
before?" she asked. D'Argo said no. "They should be major easy for you, compared to that huge
great thing you have. Built for speed, slices the air very fast, very light, and very sharp. I'll show
you."
She took the long blade out She picked up one of the blue green apple type fruits John had left.
Moved away from them; tossed the fruit real high, as it came down she was turning the blade
around herself, up, over down. Faster as she went. "Watch the blade D'Argo not the fruit.' When
the fruit came within reach the turns on her sword were very fast, she sliced at the fruit. Then
caught it just before it hit the ground. "Here." She gave D'Argo the fruit. It fell apart into 6
sections. "I knew I missed one, there should be 8 sections. My senses are still off line." D'Argo
was impressed. John said. "WHOA! Fruit salad. Remind me not to piss you off."
Cali laughed. "I'm pretty easy to get along with. You get the idea. I don't expect you to be able to
make the fruit salad yet, I had a whole lot more practice. The blades are sharp, this one the
Katana." Holding the longer blade up. "Will slice through most limbs with one swipe, with the
two hands, some only one hand needed." Demonstrating the hold. "I don't know how your
warrior code is D'Argo. But I honor you allowing you to use my blade. I trust you not to dishonor
me with it. Take it, both hands fingers down." She instructed. holding the sword in its scabbard
with one hand fingers down." D'Argo took the blade, pretty amazed. "It goes like this, for fast
draw ready to strike." She pushed it through the belt he wore on his pants, the same way the
soldiers wore theirs. "You just had a little Erp nonsense there I think. "No I understand." D'Argo
replied. "I want it back, it is very old. Promise me, If anything happens to me, please make sure
Petri gets it. He will show you what to do." She looked him directly in the eye. "It will be done."
He replied with a nod. She bowed her head to D'Argo. "I think you're supposed to return the bow
D'Argo." Said John quietly. D'Argo returned the bow.
"Decide what you guys want to do, I need you with me Ka D'Argo, but the choice must be yours.
Take my circle also, you may need it. Don't forget you and I have a date." Kissing D'Argo quickly
on his chin. She started backing away. "Meet me after all of you is won. I'll buy you dinner at the
restaurant and tell you my tale. I sure hope you all can stay and spend the other days of your RR
with us. It would be fun." She winked and D"Argo, smiling, still backing away. "If you like to
laugh, dance or like to sing, come to the Hub. We do everything" She stopped. "Hey. D'Argo!
Don't forget to bring my blade back.. I will chase you around the galaxies. I may anyway."
Laughing And teasing him blew D'Argo a kiss. Turning she started to run in the direction she had
pointed to her house. "Later Guys, Gillina. Z good to see Ya Country Boy! Blessed Be People."
Waving as she ran.
"Phew big guy, I think you have a hot date there." Said John; slapping D'Argo on the back.
D'Argo just glanced at him. "Shut Up, Crighton." He said watching Cali run up the road.
"So what's it to be? D'Argo. I go find Aeryn and Zhaan you go protect Cali. Or are you coming
with me. I'm don't know how much to believe, but she seems pretty dam serious. I do know with
out help. Muldis will eat us for breakfast. Zhaan isn't strong enough on her own. IAM STILL
MIXED UP HERE!" John was talking fast and pacing. "What about all the dark light stuff she
was talking about." Gillina asked she was shivering. John put an arm around her. "The one on the
ship gave real bad, cold, dark feelings, Cali is different she made me feel warm." She said. "Yeah,
there's tons of legends, stories and stuff about the light and dark battles. Neither can destry the
other totally, but light usually keeps the dark in check. Samantha there would have been burned
alive at the stake at one time, in Earth history. Maybe the stories have some truth in them." John
answered her.
"What do you think D'Argo?" John asked. 'I have heard tales of such things, Legends my people
tell. But they were stories. Is she trying to tell us this dren is for real?" D'Argo looked at John
questioningly. "She gives good feelings, it is very strange how she effects me. She knows how I
am, like she has known me for many cycles. But how? I met her today, no yesterday. No I sensed
her presence yesterday. Met her this morning. It's like I have known her for a long time. FRELL,
Crazy ERP FEMALE!" D'Argo yelled.
"We call it Charisma and Sex appeal on Earth. But there is more to it than with Samantha witch.
So what now?"
They had started to walk towards the transport, D'Argo still uncertain if to go with John, or Cali,
she said she needed his protection.
****
Shiwa
______
Wacha clinked the spherical credits together, and glanced at the official payment sheet as well as
the small certificate of recognition. He considered stashing the certificate incase some official
came poking his/her nose around to how he had come around with the credits. Sphere-credits at
that!
Wacha knew he should be delighted at the payment; most of the time, the coin-credits were what
he worked with. But these sphere credits, their actual worth in terms of credits was just the
frosting; imagine, say, what a casual toying with one of these beauts could do to an uncertain
upper-class client.
But the best Wacha could come up with, he discovered, was a half-hearted smirk. He glanced at
the official certificate which had fancy red characters pronouncing the usual batch of heroism to....
to 'Wesha'...?
Wacha muttered vague curses to the officials, decided the certificate would make a good
fire-starter, and continued tromping along. At least those nigithins had gotten the character of his
name on the payment sheets right-
"Bah! I know why these credits aren't pleasing!" said Wacha outloud and looked at the official
sheet in disgust. The payment was fine, more than fine, but it was the *officials* who were paying
him, not his true clients. The officials could, and in his case did, hand out sphere credits left and
right without thought. Where was the bartering, the using of wits, the romance in THAT?
Wacha turned around, shook his paw in the general direction of civilization, and yelled, "I'm
letting you Nigithins go this time!" He felt considerably better for the childish act it was.
Then something else scurried in the back of Wacha's mind. What had Aeryn been trying to say?
Before that, she had been muttering something about someone purposely trying to kill her. Wacha
had put it to peacekeeper paranoia and sebacian hypothermia. "The general area," Wacha said
aloud, "Was a windward slope, and the ditches and gullies are much lower than where the
Peacekeeper was caught. And the artificial avalanche program [minor avalanches purpously set
off so that large unpredictable one's don't] the officials have been talking about should have been
started already. The whole avalanche assassination idea is illogical, senseless, and generally
stupid."
So naturally Wacha started heading for area where the avalanche had occurred, to track for
possible clues.
He had not gone halfway when a white-masked figure with a brown cloak equal to his height
emerged from the trees. Wacha gave a start, then scolded himself mentally for being surprised like
that.
The being gave a low chuckle, and said in a voice which might have been either male or female,
"No need, good sir, I merely stop for a few questions. Do you know of any Peacekeepers who
have passed this way? A male, and or, female. Or possibly a male Luxan, one of warrior caste?"
Wacha made a gesture of ignorance. "I have not, stranger." Wacha casually put a paw near his
credit-purse.
"Would... offer of credits do you good?" said the stranger, the white mask shifting to a vague hue
of violet.
Wacha smiled. "I wish, but I do not know where they are, so that is impossible," he replied,
thinking meanwhile, 'Augh! I just passed up on a good bartering! Dear Gods, what is wrong with
me today?'
The faint-purple mask melted to a vague maroon, and Wacha could have sworn the mouth of the
mask reflected surprise, but then it was normal again. It *was* a mask, of course, that was
obvious. Silvery-bronze eyes peered from behind it. "I... see. Then I will be off, and bother you no
longer. Good day..."
And the figure melted into the trees again, even as Wacha said, "Good day... wait-"
Wacha blinked. Had he just said farewell to a celestial being in disguise?
Had he conversed with the maker of his nightmares?
Or had he merely met a roaming oddball?
AkaiHato
____
********
As Wacha puzzled over his odd encounter, John and D'Argo stared almost uncomprehendingly at
Cali.
"Protection? WHy?", managed John.
She was about to answer when a Peackeeper Small Troop Carrier appeared and headed for them
swiftly. Cali tensed, feeling the dark force inside. It was weak, but it still pervaded a sense of evil
that made her shiver. Then, she detected another life force that had been blanketed by the darker
one. Reaching lightly with her powers, she made contact and grinned. "It's your Hynerian friend!"
"Rygel?", queried John while D'Argo muttered something under his breath.
Cali nodded. "But that's not all, sports fans! We also have a special bonus prize! The one and only
Malignan'Ci has decided to grace us with his presence! This really weak flunky was called by his
master Maldis to capture you and ZHaan for his master to feast on. His mission isn't going
extraordinarily well and he's really pissed. But, he's also running out of time."
Most of this Erp reference stuff went completely over D'Argo's head, but he understood the gist.
"Running out of time? Why?"
"Because a larger one of his race is here and watching the festivites. He's content to just observe
for now, but if things really torque him off, he's gonna get medievel on this planet. And believe
me, I know better than most what that's like."
John understood this woman's words more than D'Argo did, but that didn't make her any more
understandable to him. "So this big kahuna's sitting in the front row with his legs propped on the
seat in front of him as he munches some popcorn. But, what happens when he decides to get his
money back? And will we have time to do something about it?"
The ship interrupted them by landing, and a gantry unfolded. Malignan'Ci walked out with a
slumbering Rygel in tow. John clenched his fists, then relaxed slightly as he saw the monarch's
chest rise and fall with breath. Malignan'Ci moved his hand and Rygel landed with a mild thump
on the ground. D'Argo growled at this cavalier treatment of a defenseless shipmate, when John
silenced him with a look.
Malignan'Ci walked over to Cali, barely holding his anger in check.
Ooshati
____
======
Hul left the hospital snickering to himself. He was in a jovial mood, quite excited at the coming
events. Dancing along talking to himself.
"Cali's here, Cali's there. No she's not. She is everywhere. At last the child will come to be. Who
will she choose her power to pass……He, He, He."
Hul quieted and mused seriously to himself. The child is not ready, to wild, to free. Today she will
pass her powers to me. No not me that I can see. But who? She must have chosen by now, she is
the last of her blood. She must pass her power to another, should she die. Would be sad to see the
child to die. Her laughter and love of life to be gone. Even I would feel the loss.
Hul and Doc were Cali's protectors, they had been appointed by the Guardians after Cali had lost
her Erp protector. Their role had been to teach the child to use her power. But she was a little
rebellious; no make that a lot., she had not learned all she should. The day was upon them for her
to complete her destiny.
"Doc, Perhaps? No perhaps me. No No. WHY AM I WALKING?" He immediately transported
himself back to his lodging. And cleaned up and changed. Thinking and talking to himself the
whole time.
"Cali has been bound to the stranger, Ha Ha. Now there is an interesting situation." He detected
the casting Doc put on Cali and D'Argo as it was done. "OOOO She is mad. But there is more.
That rage within her. I know that. It can not be." He probed the minds of the group in the
hospital, "Cali still is shielding herself. But aha, the guard." He changed into purple robes, finer
than those he wore earlier, they had symbols decorating the edges of the sleeves and hem.
"The Peacekeepers, Bialar Crais HA, Ha, No wonder Cali is in such a rage. I must see her
confront Crais." This is becoming more fun all the time.
"Adail is arriving, I must go meet her." He transported himself over to what Cali termed the Pod
Park.
It was actually the landing area for all incoming air or space transports. All transports were
supposed to land here, other forms of transports were available to the incoming visitors to make
their way around the planet. With so much coming and going of various visitors it had become
dangerous to allow them to land where they pleased. So they had formed areas near the main
attractions for landing purposes.
A tall humanoid, with long straight white hair, her skin was a greenish pink. Her eyes were very
strange, white with large dark pupils. She wore plain simple clothing, loosely fitted pants and top
with a belt. She came from the other side of the planet, a mountainous area, with fertile grazing
lands in the valleys. Rockne traded produce from the farm for flesh products. The area was Neru,
Adail was the high priestess of the order of Gerdel. She had many followers. They followed a path
of light paying homage to the goddess Gerdel. Adail's order we sworn to practice love and peace.
They carried no weapons that fired any type of projectile or pierced the skin. The staffs they carry
were formed of a natural product. The followers were deadly with the staffs, the ends of Adails
staff acted like a stun gun if you where hit with it. Adail possessed powers of casting. Hers mainly
consisted of healing, and protection. She was unable to cast anything that could do harm. The
order had moved here 10 cycles after Cali returned to stay. Their home planet Deatrar had
succumbed to a natural disaster that rendered the planet uninhabitable for air breathers. Cali and
Adail were firm friends, they spent many hours training together and talking.
Adail had brought two others with her, High Priest an old man of similar powers named Dontain.
And a male 8th level Delvian Pa'u named Ebhaan. He was approximately 8oo cycles old. He had
asked to stay and study with Adails sect to learn more from them. He had been welcomed and
was a prominent member of their community, though still followed his path of a Pa'u. Dontain and
Ebhaan were dressed in a similar fashion to Adail.
"Greetings Adail. You are here.' Hul said hobbling over to Adail. "I seem to be. Dontain and
Ebhaan have traveled with me, we may have need of them." She replied to him. Adail didn't care
for Hul's company at all. If fact he always seemed to invoke a nasty taste in her mouth. But she
would tolerate him. To an extent.
"You are still lovely as ever, can I get you anything to refresh you. Something bad is going
happen, Cali will take he power today. Where are we going?" Hul fiddled around, and paced. "He
He, Cali is doing her childish tricks. She made a casting"
When ever any form of casting was made, others with the powers could detect them. Be they
good or evil.
"Shut up you idiot, I will not tolerate your gibberish today. You and I both know an important
event is to take place. So don't play around. Ebhaan, get up some Equinerds to transport us to the
clearing."
"Equinerds! Hul spoke, why don't you just transport over. Or take a land transport?" Hul pranced
as he spoke. " I hate Equinerds, they hate me. I always fall off." "No, no spells, If you start
popping off spells all over we are going to be detected before we are ready. If you don't want to
ride, take a land transport on your own. The Equinard is faster for now we can go cross country."
Adail replied to him.
"Equinerds. Stupid beasts. I will meet you at the circle. Did you see the chosen warrior Heh heh.
A Luxan. Doc has bound Cali to him. Ha, Ha, Ha." Hul was laughing. 'Hush, yes I know of the
Luxan, Cali showed him to me yesterday. She is interested in him. I hope that he proves to be a
better choice than others Doc has tried to push Cali to. Fool should know by now Cali will not
accept anyone close to her, with darkness inside. This planet does not need history to repeat
itself." Adail said.
Another transport was landing not to far from their position.
"He is here you know. There is going to be a war. Kay Hoss, Malignan Ci, Ar Maggedon and the
peacekeeper." Hul sneered. "Finally you tell me something I did not know, what of the
Peacekeeper?" said Adail obviously becoming impatient with Hul.
"Haha! HE is here, up there." Hul replied pointing to the sky. "Who! Not Crais." Adail exclaimed.
"Yes, Yes, Yes." Hul was wiggling all over with excitement. "A whole Command ship no less.
What fun there is to be." He fiddles around "Something bad is coming but it's not him."
"Crais would not dare to set foot on this planet any where near Cali, his actions on his last visit
has left it so that she can kill him." Adail was surprised to hear the Peacekeeper was back yet
again. "Ah! But he has got himself into a bind, with the Malignan Ci. The fool is quaking in his
boots. Such fun, such fun. Will he dare to ask Cali for help? Or will she just kill him in the spot."
Hul was very excited. "She is more opposed to the darkness than to Crais, she may allow him to
flee. But then again she may not." Hul was going on, and on.
A male came out of the transport that landed, sprinting over towards them. A Sebacean, jet black
hair and piercing green eyes. Not to old. He was smiling as he came.
"Greetings, my lovely Adail. How does this day find you?" He starts toward Adail with arms
open. "Get lost Shade, what are you doing here anyhow." Adail said to him. "Adail, why do you
shun me so. Your are so lovely." He was trying to get her hand, she pulled away from him " So is
every female you come in contact with. Shade go about your business. There is no time for your
nonsense today." Adail told him crossly. "Yes, what is going on. I saw the Peacekeeper Command
ship. Where is my beautiful Calista. I have some tech she may be interested in." he grinned.
"Not today, Entallo Shade. Cali is busy. Things are going on today you will never understand, in
your little mind. Go away. I have no time for this." Said Adail. "I will not leave until I see my
beautiful Cali, perhaps she has changed her mind. And will be mine at last." Shade was looking
romantically at the sky.
Adail busted up. "You crazy fool, how many cycles have you chased Cali for her favors? 10 or so.
Do you STILL not get the message. What was that she told you last time you cornered her, I do
believe you tried to kiss her. Didn't she tell you if you ever tried anything like that again she would
castrate you?'
Ebhaan was arriving with the Equinards. Three of them. The Equinaerds are much like Earth
horses. Sleek like an Arab, but strong like the Clydesdales. Their colors ranged from the plain
single colors Black, brown, reds to the brighter hues of yellow. Others were various mixtures of
color. One of them was a large jet black stallion. The others two were mares, one of yellow, red
and brown splashes, and one of a soft brown color. The mares were smaller than the stallion.
"I brought Jet for you Adail. The keepers want him out of the stalls. Cali left him here this
morning when she came from the farm. He is causing problems." Ebhaan told her. Jet belonged to
Cali, only Cali and Adail could control this beast. He was huge. Adail took the harness from him
and stroked the beast, talking gently to him. "I'll take you home Jet."
With the arrival of the Equinards Hul took off real fast, he had been quiet for a few minutes, but
wasn't going to allow the beasts near him. They hated him and would stamp and rear if he was too
close.
"I'm leaving. I will take a land transport. See you at the circle. I will start to make preparations if I
arrive first." He said nervously. "Don't go in Cali's home. You wait for me. I will get the things we
need. Make the marks. I will arrive soon." Adail said she was mounting Jet.
'Leave Shade, or go to the town keep out of the way. Don't try to mess with Cali. She has a male
with her that will surely tear your sorry self apart. If you approach her in your usual manner. He is
not a male to trifle with." Adail told him, leaning forward on the Equinard looking at him very
seriously.
"Are you telling me that MY Cali has betrayed me. She has found another? I am stricken with
grief." Shade looked devastated.
Adail laughed at him "You know full well Cali has no interest in you, she tolerates your presence
because of the tech you trade. She has use for it. Go to the town and find your self another, as
you always do. Enough of this I have work to do. Go in peace Entallo Shade." As she and the rest
of her party rode away.
She was making her way to the circle, to lay it out and prepare for the coming event. And wait for
the arrival of the other key people. Doc, Cali, the Delvian Priestess Zhaan and the Luxan. Herself
and her two companions had important rolls to play.
Entallo Shade was a trader of almost anything if he could make money. A Sebacean civilian he
had many contacts all over the place. He traded mainly in Tech. Especially Peacekeeper Tech. The
Peacekeepers have a warrant out for his arrest for theft and sale of their technology. Rockne
residents allowed shade to trade on the planet frequently. He liked to trade on Rockne with so
many visitors it was usually easy for him to make deals there. He had brought to them much tech
from the galaxies, trading tech. For free board and paying his fines. He was made to promise them
to do no weapons dealing on the planet. He honored his promise. The townsfolk used the tech in
many ways. Converting the power sources making everything work together.
He was a womanizer, any slightly attractive female was his target. He had chased Cali for many
cycles. She had always rejected him. She tolerated him because of the trade. She did not dislike
him, and referred to him as a lovable rogue and a pain in her butt. Providing he wasn't trying to
keep putting his hands on her would talk to him at length. He loved to party, and would join the
group at the club often. They would dance and sing at the Hub together when he was behaving
himself. Entallo affectionately called Rockne his home. Although he had landed himself in the
town's detention center on several occasions. Never started a fight, but would always join in. He
was a good street fighter but no match for the guards. He had never fought with Cali, but had
been on the receiving end of her kick on more occasions than he could remember. Many of his
fights were due to his attentions to somebody else's wife.
****
Upon seeing the troop carrier, Cali had stopped and returned to the group.
She stood between them and Malignan. Ci. She looked at Malignan with a blank stare. No
emotion on her face at all.
John heard Cali's voice in his head. 'Catch Gillina.' "Huh!" John looked at Cali then Gillina. To see
Cali making a gesture with her hand towards Gillina. Gillina's eyes rolled a little then she crumpled
towards the ground. Her caught and lowered her down. "It's OK, a sleep, She will be OK.' He
heard Cali in his head.
Malignan's rage grew when he felt and saw Cali's actions. "What being are you?" he bellowed at
her. Cali still looked at him with no expression. "You know not of me Malignan Ci? I am sure you
do." Cali said to him. Malignan fumed as he tried to probe Cali's mind, all he felt was her warmth.
It made him feel nauseous. There was something familiar about this female. "Come now Malignan
Ci. Think now, you should know of me." Cali was toying with him. Which made him rage even
further.
D'Argo had drawn the sword, John readied with the dagger. 'Wait for the cue guys.' Cali said to
John softly in his head. He and D'Argo were both a little puzzled at Cali's expression, they could
read her eyes so easily before. John whispered to D'Argo. "Wait for the cue big guy."
Cali had put one hand behind her back. Malignan Ci started to walk around her, Cali turned as he
walked so he could not get behind her. Like warriors stalking waiting for one to attack they
turned.
Malignan's fury grew, he probed John and D'Argo, same result. His nausea grew.
"You shield them and yourself well. But you are no match for my master. He will enjoy feasting
on a sweet treat like you." Malignan said maliciously. "Ha, only in his dreams." Cali laughed.
"You still do not know me? Don't you hate it when you can't steal another's knowledge. Think
Malignan Ci, Think. I want you to know."
Malignan Ci thought I know this being from where? How did I not detect this presence, it seems
strong.
"Shall I give you a little clue, as your little mind seems to have failed you?" Cali toyed with Ci,
infuriating him further.
"Oohh, this is getting good, Samantha's got some nerve." John said. "What?" D'argo said. "This is
the creep off of the dead ship." John told him.
"I am of earth." Cali said to him. "Erp!" Malignan paused. Connection made. "No~ Your kind was
destroyed. It cannot be." He said to her. "Wrong, I am here. What is my name? Speak my name
creep." Malignan's realization struck fear into him. "You, You cannot be. You were killed, and
your heir." He was rigid on the spot.
John and D'Argo watched with amazement, they had seen Cali's hand behind her back. It seemed
to have a red aura around it, like the light she had given to Gillina.
"Yes, I almost died. My son's life was taken, But I survived."
"You are Calista Kaylana." He said. My master must hear of this, he will be so enjoy destroying
you after what your ancestors did to his blood-mate. Malignan thought. He turned to leave, he
could feel nauseous power emanating from Cali. He also knew he was no match for a Guardian of
any strength. Muldis will take her, she has not fully taken her power yet.
"10 out of 10 bogie man. But wait, I have something for you." As he turned back towards her, she
brought her hand from behind her back and threw it at Malignan Ci. It hit him full force, he
screamed in agony "NNOoooooooo." And staggered. Cali yelled, "Get him boys."
John and D'Argo both went for Malignan Ci, who was tying to get away. John sank the full length
of the dagger into his side. "His head D'Argo." Cali yelled. In one swift move D'Argo decapitated
Malignan Ci, whose body immediately dispersed into millions of pieces and disappeared.
John let out a whoop "Whoop! One down." D'Argo was stunned. Cali smiled, she turned and
went to Gillina. "You did it Sam. WTG." John shouted. "No, John WE did it." Cali replied as she
waved her hand over Gillina removing the sleep she put on her. Rygel started to stir at the same
time. Gillina's eyes fluttered open. "What, what happened?" puzzled at why she was on the ground
feeling a little light headed. "I'm sorry. But it was the quickest way to protect you from Malignan
Ci; he had already been in your head too much. And you are not strong enough to resist him."
John was helped Gillina up. Cali moved to Rygel.
John was excited. "We kicked the creeps butt. That was nothing, let's go get the others."
"Don't celebrate to soon, John." We have not won yet. I think we prevented them from finding
out exactly who I am. But after popping that off they will know something is not well here." She
stroked Rygel's brow. "Come on wake up little man."
Rygel opened his eyes a little, then wide eyed. "AARRGGGGGGHHHH. Peacekeeper, get away
from me." Cali laughed. "Calm yourself little Dominar, I am not your enemy."
"You're not?" he said spotting John and D'Argo. " Crighton, D'Argo what the frell is going on
here. I was enjoying my …….." he had started to spurt off. "Silence Dominar Rygel. You caused
enough nonsense at the swamp today." She held his mouth closed, he was grumbling. "Here take
this keep it, don't eat it." She gave him one of the disks. 'What?" "Shut Up Rygel." D'Argo barked
at him.
Cali stood back up. " Well John, Popeye spilt his popcorn. When I pulled that one off. And will be
realizing there is no refunds. And he's not liking this movie one bit. He won't run, but he's no more
ready than we are as yet. He will come to war with us."
She went to the corner of the road that led to her home. "I had enough of walking. Hold your
ears." She let out a very loud, high pitched whistle.
Damn, what did you do that for?" John asked shaking his head. "My preferred mode of transport."
She replied. "What?" John asked. "You'll see. Do you understand better now?"
John was understanding. "You just did to him what Zhaan and her friend did to Mouldy. Right?"
He said.
"By George I think you've got it." Cali smiled. John laughed. D'Argo and the other were
completely lost.
"I cannot fight on both planes at the same time, neither can they it's not possible. That's why I
need a protector. AKA D'Argo. I can bring them to you, but in doing so makes me vulnerable."
John nodded his head. "Some of this corporeal stuff right." He said. "Yes." Cali replied.
A jet black Equinerd came galloping down the road from the direction of Cali's home at that
moment.
"What about the Peacekeepers?" said John checking out the beast with interest that was now at
Cali's side. "Don't sweat the Peacekeepers. The guards are more than ready for them. The
Peacekeepers are no match for the boys." She replied taking the beasts reins and stroking his
neck.
"When I take my power I can give Crais a long range ticket to the destination unknown, It will
take him years to find you or us again.' She mounted the Equinerd with ease.
"Heh, Heh I like that idea." John laughed "Hi Ho Silver" john teased as he petted the beast.
"Jet actually, beaut isn't he?" D'Argo was very interested in the Equinerd and was walking around
it. Gillina and Rygel were a bit scared of the big creature.
"We need the rest of our deck John. So we can play with a full hand. We got an Ace in the hole,
but not the right time to show our full hand." John nodded. "I got you."
"We have maybe one and half arns left. Go quickly to the hospital, take the girl and the Hynerian.
Bring the rest of our players. My friend is ready and is waiting for us now. When we are together
it will not take long to complete our task. You should take just over an arn to complete your
task." She looked around for D'Argo. "Come on D'Argo get up here. You're coming with me."
D'Argo's eyes widened "Me up there?"
"Come on John, help me out here show him how it's done." John mounted behind Cali, D'Argo
was not at all sure about this. "I thought witches rode broomsticks." John said to Cali. "Funny,
Ha, Ha Country Boy." Cali said as she pushed John off the back, he jumped down easily.
"Come on D'Argo, show your stuff." D'Argo struggled to get up. John shoved him from behind.
Jet shifted his position around to balance D'Argo's weight.
"Frogs legs and broomsticks are for fairy tales John. We are in no fairy tale. Go now." Cali said to
John quite seriously.
"Right, Catch you on the flip side." He, Gillina and Rygel went into the transport. Cali walked Jet
around to allow D'Argo to get the feel of being up there.
'Your not to sure of this are you?" She asked him. "No." "Relax, this is really cool."
He was starting to get the feel of it.
"You ready to run?" Cali asked turning her head to him smiling. He gave her an unsure glance.
"Gimme a hug and keep hanging on." "What?" D'Argo was lost. "Put your arms around me and
hold on, or you will fall off on your ass." She was grinning at him teasingly." She pulled her hair
to the front so he wouldn't have a face full of it. "Cali!" D'Argo said warningly. "What?" she said
giggling. "You want to fall on your ass? It's a long way down." She said to him. "Oh Dren!" he
muttered as he put his arms around her. "Relax enjoy the moment, but don't let those hands start
wandering or we'll both be in trouble."
The shuttle took off, Jet stirred a little at the crafts movement Cali settled him quickly and they
started to move off slowly, working to a good run towards Cali's home. It took but just a few
minutes to reach it.
D'Argo stared at the dwelling, puzzled at it's appearance. It was very different from the other
buildings in the town. They went up the little rise behind the house they could see Adail and
company sitting on the ground talking. They had finished their work and were waiting for the
others to arrive. Cali called out to her friend. Adail waved back. Seeing D'Argo laughing, she
waved harder. "WE'LL BE BACK." Cali yelled. "K" Adail replied. Cali turned Jet back toward
the dwelling. Took them to an area behind the building. They dismounted and Cali released Jet
into a grass area. The structure intrigued D'Argo he had never seen anything like it. "You ain't
seen nothing yet." Cali said as she led him inside. She pushed the door closed behind them. "This
whole area is surrounded, nothing can pass with the protection it has. Right now about the safest
place on Rockne. But I will still lock the door." She told him.
Cali sat down and pulled her boots off. "I'll explain some of this stuff later. I have to get changed.
Stay right here." She disappeared into another room. D'Argo wandered around looking at the
strange stuff before his eyes. He stopped at an image, he recognized Cali's eyes. He was curious
as to what this image was. "I see you found Derian." Cali said as she came back in the room.
Tying a belt, she had changed her clothes to a long flowing gown of a simple fabric with a belt
resting on her hips, hanging almost to the gowns hem. D'Argo was amazed she looked so
different.
"W,What is this." He asked trying not to look at her. "On Earth we call it a photograph, an image
of someone or something. Not as complex as a holo-disk. But the same idea. This is Derian, my
son. He and his father are both gone." A shadow passed over Cali, D'Argo felt it, and thought of
Lolann and Jothee. He knew that shadow. Cali smiled gently at him and put her hand on his arm.
Maybe we'll trade shadows sometime. But not now. He just looked at her with a soft expression
on his face. She changed the subject quickly.
"Right now there is nothing we can do until John returns. Do you want to come outside and talk
with Adail?" she asked moving toward the door. 'No." He caught her hand. "How long before
John gets back." She shrugged. "Three quarters of and arn or so. I hate waiting, it's boring" she
sighed. "So do I." D'Argo said. She looked at him, then smiled "D'Argo your bad." "You got it.'
He smiled and pulled her close to him. This Erp nonsense is catching as he thought as he kissed
her.
Meanwhile as Cali and D'Argo were busy. John approached the hospital, he landed the transport.
He left Rygel and Gillina inside while he went to check with the hospital receptionist where
Zhaan, Aeryn and the Doc went.
********
Shiwa
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