Farscape-Babylon Book Five: "A Brave New World"

by Ian K

Final story of the Farscape/Babylon 5 Crossover series. In a story that spans generations, the Human and Sebacean races come together and create "a brave new world".

2. Part Two-Preservation of a World

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Part Two: Preservation of a World

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Chapter 9: The Matriarch

Earth Year 2414. Sixty-seven years later (152 years after end of Farscape season 2)

*
It was a beautiful morning in the capital city of the republic, on its homeworld of New Babylon. During the previous night, a rainshower doused the city, and the buildings, streets, and grassy yards glistened with the moisture left by that rain. Spring time on this part of New Babylon invariably brought her to McGregor Park in the mornings to just sit and enjoy the beauty of her surroundings.

Sitting on a bench in the park, surrounded by green trees and grass and the sound of children playing in the background, Aeryn Sun-Crichton smiled as she felt the morning breeze and the warmth of the sun touch her simultaneously. The 175 year old Sebacean woman loved mornings like this. It made her feel like everything had been worth it, because her people could live in such a paradise.

It had been sixty-seven years since the SebaceaHuman colonists had first arrived on this planet. The park where Aeryn now sat marked the spot where the first colony ships had landed, depositing the first 1000 colonists on the planet. They had cristened the planet New Babylon, named after the ancient Earth city that had been the crossroads of civilization. Now, this planet served as a crossroads where the product of two races came together as one culture.

On this planet, the colonist founded the SebaceaHuman Republic. All SebaceaHumans and mixed race couples of Sebacean and Human extraction were welcomed into this republic, and were accepted as citizens. A democratically elected government was selected, and a ruling council established to serve the citizenry. The members of the Council of Seven, as it came to be called, were eventually elected from the seven provinces of the Republic. The members selected a Chief Counselor to lead their council, established and commanded and armed forces to defend the republic, established laws, promoted the general welfare, and insured general security for the people.

Aeryn Sun-Crichton was elected as the first Chief Counselor of the Republic, and she served in that position for the first fifty years of the republic's existence. However, after her 25th term of service, Aeryn decided not to make herself available for re-election. She decided it was time for a full bread SebaceaHuman to lead the council. She supported James McGregor, the great-grandson of General Robert McGregor, for the position. He was unanimously elected and still serves to this day.

In the meantime, Aeryn could look back on a fifty-year term to be proud of. In that time, the SebaceaHumans established and army and space navy, founded thirteen major cities on the planet, had established various modes of infrastructure, and had sought and received official recognition and membership in the Interstellar Alliance. The SebaceaHuman race now flourished in a homeworld of their own which was now settling two colonies in a nearby system.

Although Aeryn was no longer Chief Counselor, she was still considered to be the Republic's matriarch. She was also the head of one of three families that were known in unison as the Noble Families of the Republic. A sort of unofficial, though recognized and respected title, the Crichtons, McGregors, and Rels were the nobility of the republic because of their status as the first SebaceaHuman familes. Their ancestors had been the first to produce hybrid offspring. This title brought the families great honors, wealth and status in the republic, and responsibilites that Aeryn had to look after as head of the family.

But on that morning, Aeryn was not thinking about the republic or her family's status or her former career as a Chief Counselor or her status as a matriarch. She was thinking of the old days, the days when life may have been more dangerous, but was in many ways much more simple. It was also the time when the love of her life, her husband, John Crichton, had been with her. The happiest days of her life were the ones she spent with John and her late son, Jack, along with her other friends on Moya. Despite being chased by Scorpius and Peacekeepers and Scarrens and everything else in the universe, those had been happy times. She had been thinking more and more about those days lately, and it began to shape her thinking on the near future.

As Aeryn sat on the bench, a young woman walked up behind her in a slow, but steady stride. She did not want to disturb the old woman, but still wanted to see her. The young woman was fair skinned, and had dark hair cut to shoulder length. She had blue eyes and soft lips that accentuated her feminity, in stark contrast to the military uniform she was wearing. The woman wore the dark blue pullover shirt and pants that was the standard duty uniform of an officer in the SebaceaHuman Republic's Navy. Her rank insignia indicated a Junior Lieutenant, the winged insignia on her left breast indicated she was a member of the Navy's Flight Corps, a fighter pilot. Before she could announce her presence to the old woman she approached, Aeryn spoke to the approaching younger woman.

"I hear you back there," said Aeryn. "I may not have been a soldier for some time, but there are few who could still today sneak up on me. Approach."

The woman complied, coming forward to face the matriarch of the republic. She snapped to attention, and saluted the older woman. "Good morning, ma'm," said the young woman.

"At ease, Lieutenant," said Aeryn very formally. She then rose, and faced the young woman. Then, the two embraced each other in a warm hug.

"My dear, great, great-granddaughter," said Aeryn. "How are you, Aeryn?"

"I'm fine, Great-Grandma-ma" replied Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton. "I wanted to see you before I left."

"I'm glad you did, my dear," said the older Aeryn. She pulled back slightly, and took in the sight before her. "My, you do look good in that uniform."

"Thanks," said the younger Aeryn, pulling at the collar. "Though, you could have made the collars on these uniforms less itchy when you designed them."

"I didn't design them, remember," said Aeryn. "Michael McGregor organized the armed forces. Despite the itchy collars on the uniforms, I think he did a good job at it. And now, you are one of the Republic Navy's newest officers. I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you," said the younger Aeryn. "I hope I do the family name justice."

"Don't worry about that," said the older Aeryn. "Just do your best. Don't worry about being a Crichton as much, just be you. Remember, I come from the time when being a Crichton just meant being married to a fugitive. I think I have a different perspective on our family's nobility. So, how are you feeling? Nervous?"

"A bit," said the younger Aeryn. "I leave tonight for the Renown. The pride of the fleet. You didn't have anything to do with that, did you?"

"Of course not. You know I wouldn't. But, you are a Crichton, so the family name probably did the job without me having to lift a finger."

"That just doesn't feel right."

"I know. But it is just something you have to get used to. But, you did extremely well at the academy, and in flight training. You deserve to be there. Now, like everyone else, you are going to have to prove that."

"I will. I am going to earn my place."

"I know you will. Now, if you wouldn't mind walking me home. I'd like to spend some time with you before you have to depart for your carrier."

**
Chief Counselor James McGregor sat in his office in the capital building, pondering the latest bill that would be debated before the council that day. It was a bill to increase funding for drought relief in the southern province, one that was sure to received opposition from the provinces of the east because they wanted more funding for transportation improvement in those areas. It was days like this that McGregor often wished he was a soldier again instead of a politician.

Before being elected to the Council of Seven, McGregor had been a senior Admiral in the Navy. On the deck of a battle carrier, things seemed just more straightfoward. In politics, it seemed to McGregor that things were never straightforward. But, he had wanted to serve on the council, and he was elected both on his military record and, of course, because he was a McGregor. Then, out of the blue, seventeen cycles ago, Aeryn Sun-Crichton announces that she wishes to step down as Chief Counselor. She approaches him about running for the position. In shock, feeling he can't refuse the Matriarch of the Republic, he accepts, and wins thanks to her support. Most of the time, he was glad of his decision. Today was one of the exceptions.

A knock on the door brought his attention away from the bill. Simultaneously irritated at being interrupted and relieved for the diversion, the grey-brown haired, older man called out to the visitor. "Enter," he said.

Into the room stepped a balding, tan skinned man wearing the uniform of a Republic Navy Admiral. He was Admiral Joseph Rel, the Chairman of the Military Staff Council. "Chief Counselor," said the Admiral.

"Yes, Joe," said McGregor. "What can I do for you?"

"There is someone here I think you should speak to," said Admiral Rel in a somber tone.

"Very well," replied McGregor warily.

Rel turned, and motioned for someone to enter. Into the room stepped a Luxan, dressed in the uniform of an Interstellar Alliance Ranger. Like the other members of the alliance, Luxans were allowed to join the Rangers to ensure the force's impartiality to all member worlds. "Chief Counselor," said Admiral Rel. "This is Ranger D'Allon. He has brought us some troubling news."

"Chief Counselor," said D'Allon. "My ship has been on patrol near your territory. I have news for you, and a warning. Your republic is in great danger."

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Chapter 10: Welcome Aboard

Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton stepped off of the shuttle and into the landing bay of the SHRS (SebaceaHuman Republic Ship) Renown. Although she has been about battle carriers before, she still could not help but to feel in awe at the massive size of their landing bays. All around her were various fighters and shuttles in various states of being armed, fueled, or repaired. To the far side of the bay was the massive doors which could be opened to a huge airlock chamber. From their, ships were released into space through a hatch that opened on the other side after the airlock was depressurized.

She stood in line as each of the new arriving officers and crewmen reported in with the deck officer. After several minutes, it was her turn to report in. Aeryn saluted, and then spoke to the blonde haired deck officer. "Sir," she said, "Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton requesting permission to come aboard."

The deck officer returned the salute. "Permission granted," said the officer. "Lieutenant, you are to report to the Captain on the bridge."

"Yes, sir," replied Aeryn.

"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant," said the officer. "Dismissed."

"Sir," said Aeryn coming to attention, making a right face, and marching off towards one of the lifts.

Aeryn rode one of the lifts up to the Command and Control deck of the Renown. When she stepped off the lift, she was stopped by a security officer, and asked to state her business. After Aeryn stated her intentions, the officer cleared her to enter the bridge.

When she stepped through the door to the bridge, Aeryn entered a dimly lit room filled with higher ranking officers and crewmen manning various consoles. Looking through the group of officers, she spotted a man wearing a senior officer's uniform adorned with Captain's bars. She approached the Captain, came to attention, and saluted. The Captain turned to face her as Aeryn spoke.

"Sir," said Aeryn, "Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton, reporting as ordered."

Captain Grallic Ellis returned the salute, but was slow to respond. The tall, greyish-brown haired man with a gaunt face and stern expression, eyed the young Lieutenant like a specimen. "Well," said Ellis, "you're the Crichton who has been assigned to me, eh?"

"Yes, sir," replied Aeryn, trying to hold back her consternation about the way he addressed her.

"I wanted to make some things clear to you before sending you to your squadron," said Captain Ellis. "I've looked through your file. You are a competent pilot, high marks on test scores, and by all accounts a capable young officer. That's why I agreed to accept you aboard my ship as a pilot in one of my fighter squadrons. But get this straight. You're family name will not get you any special treatment aboard this ship. No special privileges, no special outs for screwing up. If you can't cut it, then no matter who you're Great-Grandmommy is, I'll boot you off of this ship faster than you can take a piss. But, by the same token, your family name won't get you any extra harsh treatment either. I won't tolerate that from any officer under my command. If you prove yourself, serve well, then you will be given the same chances for reward and advancement as any other officer. I wanted to make myself clear from the start. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir," replied Aeryn.

"Good," said Captain Ellis. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant. Report to your squadron commander. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir," replied Aeryn, coming to attention, saluting, and moving to leave the bridge. She quickly left the Captain and his not so nice welcome on the bridge, and headed back to the lift. After she got inside of the lift, and the door closed, Aeryn pounded her fist into the wall, relieving her pent up frustration and anger. Then, she took a deep breath, and told the computer on the lift to take her to the flight deck.

**
"You wished to see me, Chief Counselor," said Admiral Rel, stepping into James McGregor's office.

"Yes, Joe," said Counselor McGregor. "Have a seat."

Joseph Rel sat down in a seat opposite that of McGregor. "What did the Council say?" asked the Admiral.

"They've agreed that the information indicates a serious threat," said McGregor. "Of course, credibility wasn't an issue. After all, the information did come from a Ranger. Not many people would challenge a Ranger's word."

"Agreed," said Rel. "You know what this means, don't you?"

"Yes," said McGregor. "The Scarrens intend to invade us. That's the only reason that a Scarren war fleet would be massing in the Janus cluster, as the Ranger reported. We are the only inhabited world in striking distance from their."

"But why would they attack us?" asked Rel. "They've been pretty much out for the count ever since the ISA defeated them in the last Scarren War 80 years ago."

"There's something you have to remember, Joe," said McGregor. "SebaceaHumans were the one's who cost them one of their greatest defeats in that war. The 14th assault wing, a Sebacean military unit made up almost entirely of hybrids, stopped the Scarren fleet at Ralasus. Now, the Scarrens can't mount an assault on Sebacea or Earth Alliance. They don't have the power to do so anymore. But..."

"But they could invade a fledgling republic with an fleet totaling only ten battle carriers and a little over twice the number of support cruisers and other vessels," finished Rel. "My God, the damage they could do."

"Everything we've built here," said McGregor, "could be gone, unless we stop them. Unless your Navy can stop them, Admiral. Any suggestions on where to start?"

"I've been considering options," said Rel. "I think what we must first do is determine just how many Scarren warships are massing in Janus, they're capabilities, and if their intentions are indeed to invade the republic. And, if there is a definite threat, the Scarrens must be delayed, in any way possible, to rush our defenses into readiness. We could send a battle carrier. They would be the best equipped for such an op."

"Which one?" asked McGregor.

"The Renown," said Rel. "Ellis is my most experienced Captain, and his is the best ship in the fleet."

"Very well," said McGregor. "Give the order for them to depart as soon as they are ready. In the meantime, I will contact the ISA and request assistance from them and the other member worlds. But, we need time. We are so far out, away from the rest of the member worlds. We wanted it that way, to be allowed to grow into our own. Let's just hope that we can ensure that our growth wasn't for nothing, that the Scarrens don't take it from us."

***
Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton walked through the fighter maintenance bay of the Renown, looking for her squadron commander. She went to his office, and was told that he was in the maintenance bay. Still needing to report to him, Aeryn searched through the bay, but only saw a few technicians working on several Saber fighters.

Aeryn approached one of the coverall wearing technicians who was working on a fighter. "Excuse me, Crewman," said Aeryn to the tech. "I'm looking for Lt. Commander Lann. Could you point him out to me?"

The young, dark haired technician turned and faced Aeryn with a smile. He didn't say anything at first, and seemed to be sizing up this Junior Lieutenant who had approached him. "Well, I could, Lieutenant. But I'm not sure you would want me to at this moment."

"What are you talking about?" asked Aeryn with consternation.

"Well, you see, Lt. Commander Lann is..." he began, making a motion to point someone out. But then, he turned his hands to point at himself. He finished his sentence. "...right here."

Aeryn's mouth fell open, and she turned red in the face. Filled with embarrassment over her error, she began to babble. "Sir, I...I, let me explain. I'm...I apologize..."

"At ease, Lieutenant," said Lt. Commander Lann. "Its understandable. I'm sure you didn't expect to find you're squadron commander working on a fighter dressed in technician's coveralls." He held out his hand and shook Aeryn's hand. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant Crichton."

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Chapter 11: For the Species

*
"Sir," said Commander Estoni, the second in command of the Renown. "We've just received orders from fleet command."

"Let me see them," said Captain Grallic Ellis, taking a document from Estoni's outstretched hand. He read over the orders without a single hint of expression. Many of the officers who served under Ellis knew him to be a man to rarely show emotion. He was made of stone as far as they were concerned.

After he finished reading them, he looked up at Estoni. "Commander, make the ship ready for departure. We leave in one arn. Make sure we are fully loaded and that all systems are combat ready. I also want to see all senior officers and squadron leaders in my office 400 microts after we depart."

"Yes, sir," replied Estoni. "What course shall I have the navigator set?"

"The Janus cluster," replied Ellis.

**
Junior Lieutenant Aeryn Crichton followed Lt. Commander Christopher Lann into his office, and shut the door behind them. "Have a seat, Lieutenant," said Lann, now changed out of tech's overalls and into an officer's duty uniform, his insignia indicating a Lt. Commander in the Navy's Flight Corps.

Aeryn complied with the order, and sat down in a chair in front of Lann's desk. The handsome, dark haired Lann sat down, and retrieved some data on a terminal. "So, Lt. Crichton. They sent me down your flight reps and training reports. I must say, you are an above average pilot."

"Thank you, sir," replied Aeryn.

"It still remains to be seen how you will perform in field conditions, Lieutenant," said Lann. "Not to mention combat."

"You have seen combat, sir?" asked Aeryn.

"Yes," said Lann. "In that little spat we had with the Scorvians a few cycles ago. I can tell you that you may think that you are prepared to go into combat. I know I felt that way before my first combat experience. But, believe me. You're not. Nothing can prepare you except being in a fighter and being shot at by someone who truly intends to turn you into a fireball. Or are you one of those that thinks you are invincible?"

"No, sir," said Aeryn. "I know I'm not."

"Good," said Lann. "They are normally the first one's to buy it. We'll see what you can do, Lieutenant. Oh, and don't expect any special treatment...."

"Sir!" broke in Aeryn. "I apologize for being rude, but....permission to speak freely."

Lann nodded.

"I've already gotten the special treatment speech from Captain Ellis," said Aeryn. "I really don't need to hear it again. I want to be judge by who I AM! Not by who my family is! The Captain assured me that I would be, and I assume that you were about to do the same. Now, could we please leave the subject?"

"Fine," said Lann. "Since I know you are clear on it." He handed her a piece of paper. "That's your birthing assignment, and your craft assignment. Roll call is at 06:00 tomorrow morning. Dismissed."

Aeryn rose from the chair, and saluted. "Yes, sir," she replied.

Leaving Commander Lann's office, Aeryn walked to the nearby flight officer's quarters section. She walked down the corridor's until she came to her room assignment. Aeryn stepped into a small room with a bed, desk, and foot locker. It was the standard fare for officers in the field. But, at least, they were private quarters. In training, she had to share her birthing with twenty other cadets.

Aeryn threw her bags down on the floor, and plopped down on the bed with a sigh. It had been a long day. Between her anticipation upon coming aboard the Renown, her encounter with Captain Ellis, her screw up in mistaking her squadron leader for a tech...she welcomed the quiet solitude of her quarters. The solitude was short lived.

"Excuse me," said a woman's voice from the open door to Aeryn's quarters. Aeryn looked and saw a red haired, light skinned woman with blue eyes, wearing a gray tank top and blue fatigue pants. "Sorry if I'm interrupting, but your door was open."

"That's alright," said Aeryn rising from her bunk.

The woman held out her hand to Aeryn. "I'm Leslie Forbes. I'm in your squadron, and your next door neighbor. You must be Aeryn Crichton?"

"That's right," said Aeryn, shaking the hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," said Forbes. "So, you are the Crichton."

"THE Crichton?" asked Aeryn.

"Everyone's been talking about the fact that a Crichton was being assigned to our squadron," said Forbes.

"Yes, well," said Aeryn, "right now, I almost wish that my name wasn't Crichton."

"Why?" asked Forbes. "What happened?"

"Well," said Aeryn, "Captain Ellis brings me to the bridge as soon as I arrive, and makes a point to put me in my place, so I don't get any ideas about my name and all."

"Ahh," said Forbes. "You met the old man. I can see why you are uptight. Listen, darling, he is like that with everyone. He is a fair man, but a hardass for sure. Has to do with his heritage."

"What do you mean?" asked Aeryn, sitting down on the bunk and indicating that Forbes could also sit.

"His original heritage ancestors," said Forbes, using the term that SebaceaHumans give to their Human and Sebacean ancestors who were the first to intermate and produce a hybrid. "They got the shit kicked out of them on Sebacea for their interracial relationship. Now, his family has passed down this legacy as a calling to protect our people. The Captain sees himself as a crusader to protect the species, so he takes things very seriously."

"I see," said Aeryn. "Well, what about Lann? He gave me shit about my name, too."

"With Lann, I couldn't exactly tell you," said Forbes. "He is a man of mystery. Doesn't talk much about his family, anything like that. But he does seem to have a grudge against the noble families, for some reason no one knows about. He always seems to have the need to prove himself, that's why he rose through the ranks so quickly. He's only twenty-seven, you know."

"Frell," said Aeryn. "I thought he looked young. That, combined with the tech coveralls he was wearing, when I first met him, I thought he was a crewman."

Forbes laughed, and Aeryn couldn't help but laugh with her. "Don't worry," said Forbes. "He's a fair man, and has a pretty decent sense of humor. He'll let it slide. Now, I was about to break open a bottle of reslac. Want to join me?"

"Is the reslac any good?" asked Aeryn.

"Its cheap shit," said Forbes. "But it'll do the job."

"Then let's break it out," said Aeryn.

***
"Ladies and Gentlemen," said Ellis to the gathered senior officers, sitting around the large table in the Renown's briefing room. "Now that we are underway, its time to tell you our mission. The Rangers have reported sighting a large Scarren assault force massing in the Janus cluster. Fleet command wants us to scout the cluster, locate this force, and ascertain its intentions."

"And if its intentions are hostile?" asked one of the officers.

"Then we report it to fleet command," said Ellis, "and fight a delaying action to give Admiral Rel time to mass our forces, and for ISA assistance to arrive. Is that understood?"

"Sir," asked Lt. Commander Lann, sitting at the table as one of the Renown's fighter squadron leaders. "I have to ask. What is one battle carrier going to be able to do against a whole Scarren assault force?"

"We'll do what we can," said Ellis. "Look, I'm not going to paint any pretty pictures for you. We may not be coming back from this mission. But this may be a fight for the species, boys and girls! If we have to die to see that our world is preserved, then we die. But we take as many of the enemy with us as possible. Our people have worked long and hard to see our republic flourish as a haven for our race. We're not going to let a bunch of smelly, scale head Scarrens take that from us. Not while I breath. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," said the officers in unison.

"Good," said Ellis. "Now, report to your stations and survey your department's or squadron's readiness. I want your readiness reports in four arns. Dismissed."

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Chapter 12: Approaching the Fire

*
Aeryn Sun-Crichton stepped into the office of Chief Counselor James McGregor, and was greeted with a warm hug by the later. This office used to be hers when she was Chief Counselor of the Republic, but she had not occupied it for many cycles. She was glad that McGregor had done well in her place, and a fact which gave the old woman confidence that the Republic's government would experience continued success.

"Thank you for coming," said James. "Please, sit."

"Thank you," said Aeryn, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of McGregor's desk. James took the seat next to hers. "I was actually planning on coming to see you soon, anyway. Your call saved me a trip. But, tell me first what you wanted to discuss."

"Aeryn," said James. "I wanted you to hear it from me first. The Republic may be facing a Scarren invasion."

"What?!" asked Aeryn startled. "I've heard nothing of this!"

"I know," said James. "We have been keeping this quiet. Only a few in the government and military know about the possible threat. No need to alarm the public until we know for sure."

"How did you find out about this?" asked Aeryn.

"The Rangers," said James. "One of their long range recon ships detected a Scarren assault force massing in the Janus cluster. We've sent a battle carrier to try and locate this task force, verify its intentions, and delay them if they do intend to invade us."

"I see," said Aeryn. "Well, I'm glad to know about this, but why tell me? I'm not in the government any more."

"Aeryn," said James. "The ship Admiral Rel and I sent...it's the Renown."

"Re..." began Aeryn. "The Renown." She was startled by the impact of what McGregor had just told her. "That's...that's the ship Aeryn is on."

"Yes, I know," said James. "That's why I wanted to tell you. I thought you should know."

"I see," said Aeryn. She replaced her startled expression with that of her long practiced emotionless mask, a leftover trait from her Peacekeeper training. "Well, I thank you for informing me."

"Of course," said James in an understanding tone. "Don't worry. Ellis is the best Captain in the fleet. He'll see the crew through it. Now, there was something you wanted to discuss with me."

"Yes," said Aeryn, switching her train of thought. "There is something I wanted you to know."

**
Two v-wing shaped fighters streaked through space heading towards the SHRS (SebaceaHuman Republic Ship) Renown, with Lt. Commander Christopher Lann and Junior Lt. Aeryn Crichton in the pilot seats. They were flying Saber class fighters, the standard combat fighter-bomber of the Republic's Navy Flight Corps. The fighter was a sturdy craft with a square, central fuselage, two wings curved at 45 degree angles, and a cockpit tucked into the front center. The cockpit design of the Saber was similar to that of the Earth Force Starfury fighter, the pilot secured in a standing position to allow for better endurance of G forces in tight, banking turns. The fighters were equipped with pulse cannons similar to those found on Prowler class fighters the Sebaceans fly, and are capable of carrying four missiles on hard points under the wings.

"So, how did I do?" asked Aeryn of her squadron leader.

"Alright," said Lann. "But this was just a little joyride. Like I said, I take all my newbies out on one of these to see what they can do. You did better than some, not as good as a few others. I'd say...better than average."

"Thanks for the rining endorsement," said Aeryn with a slight bit of sarcasm.

"You want medals for good flying skills," said Lann, "I suggest you go fly stunt fighters. These are combat vessels, Lieutenant. You fly well, or you die. Now, rack up some enemy kills, then we'll talk."

"Of course, sir," replied Aeryn. She had spent three days aboard the Renown, and in that time she still didn't know what to think of Lt. Commander Christopher Lann. Most of the time, he could be extremely exasherbating. Nothing she did ever pleased him. Her new friend, Lt. Forbes, said he treats all newbies like that. But what Aeryn found more puzzling was that behind the toughness, she could just makeout a man who had deep emotions and who genuinely cared for the people he worked with. Little things demonstrated this to her.

For example, a technician was having a hard time getting a control panel out of one of the cockpits. Lann saw this, excused himself from his discussion with a senior officer, and went over to give the young crewman a hand. The crewman thanked the Commander, and Lann just gave him a big smile and a pat on the shoulder. Forbes had warned Aeryn on day one: Lt. Commander Lann was a man of mystery.

"Trap 1, this is Nova 1," she heard Lann call over the comm to the Renown's flight controller. "Requesting landing clearance."

"Clearance granted," replied the controller. "Come in on standard approach vector."

"Confirmed," said Lann. "Alright, Lieutenant," he said, addressing Aeryn. "Let's get these birds back to the barn."

"Affirmative," replied Aeryn. "Lowering landing struts."

The ship they were approaching, the SHRS Renown, was one of ten battle carriers that the SebaceaHuman Republic's Navy fielded. The ship was somewhat oval shaped, with a landing and launching platform for the ship's fighters in the central core of the ship. The Renown was bristling with armor, plasma cannons, frag guns, laser batteries, and missile batteries. It was the perfect blend of battleship and fighter carrier, its design taken from lessons learned from the ship designs of several different species. It was more agile than a command carrier, but more heavily armed than an Earth destroyer. It could also carry more fighter-bombers than most carrier class ships.

The two fighters came in for a near perfect touchdown on the landing deck of the Renown. Once they halted over the airlock hatchway, the platform beneath them lowered the two fighters into a large airlock. Once sealed, the airlock was pressurized until it was safe to open it to the fighter bay inside. The main doors opened, and the two fighters rolled into the fighter bay and came to a halt at their holding stations.

The two pilots climbed out of their ships, with Aeryn approaching Lt. Commander Lann for orders. She approached his fighter, taking note of the large number of stars on the fuselage indicating enemy kills. There were nine kills in all.

"Well," said Lann, coming up from behind her. "Looks like you'll do okay. Still remains to be seen how you do when the shit hits the fan. But we won't know that till the time comes. Still, all in all, a good performance."

"Thank you, sir," replied Aeryn.

Lann stood there looking at her for a long moment. Strangely, Aeryn noticed this and could not help but return his stare. "Um, sir," she replied, after several seconds. "If there is nothing else...."

"Oh, um," replied Lann, "No, nothing else. Dismissed."

***
"Sir," said Admiral Rel for the fourth time to the back of seated James McGregor. The Admiral had come to the Chief Counselor's office to give McGregor a report on force mobilization. But when he came in, he found the Chief Counselor seated in his chair and staring out the window behind his desk.

"Jim," said Admiral Rel, finally getting McGregor's attention.

"Oh, Joe," replied McGregor, turning around in his chair. "I'm sorry, old friend. I didn't hear you come in."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," said Rel. "Is everything...."

"Yes," interrupted McGregor. "Just...fine. I just had a very interesting meeting with Aeryn Sun-Crichton. She...well, never mind. What's the status of our force readiness?"

"The fleet is mobilizing as we speak," said Rel. "We should be up and ready in around 48 arns."

"And the Renown?" asked McGregor.

"She will be in the Janus cluster in 8 arns," replied Rel.

"Very good," said McGregor. "I'm still waiting on a reply from the ISA. Damned tachyon communications. Even with priority channels, it takes so damned long to contact Minbar. Keep me uprised on fleet readiness."

"Yes, sir," replied Rel.

************************************
Chapter 13: Sighting the Enemy

After two days in transit, the SHRS Renown arrived in the Janus cluster. As they approached the asteroid filled sector, Captain Grallic Ellis gazed intentently out of the bridge's forward viewing ports. He had been working his crew hard over the past couple of days, ever since they had departed New Babylon. Ellis wanted to make sure they were ready for what he was sure would be a fight to the death with the Scarrens.

Now that they were approaching the sector the Scarrens were last sighted in, Ellis began to feel a growing sense of dread. He had always felt that the SebaceaHuman Republic was a gift from God. Yes, it had to be built through hard times and hard work, but it was a haven, a refuge for his young race. The SebaceaHuman people had faced so much hardship, and now would face even more at the hands of the Scarrens. Some of the other officers commented on how the Scarrens could be in the Janus cluster for any number of reasons, and may not intend to invade. Ellis called that wishful thinking.

"Sir," said Commander Estoni to his Captain. "We have entered the Janus cluster."

"Very well," said Ellis. "Set the ship for silent running. Scanners to maximum."

"Aye, sir," replied Estoni. The first officer then commanded various stations to set the ship's systems to settings that reduced the output of electronic emissions and various other signals. All communications were shut down, making the Renown into a ghost coasting through space on a silent trajectory.

"Ship set for silent running, sir," replied Estoni.

"Good," said Ellis. "Order Lt. Commander Lann's squadron to make a reconaissance of the area. If the Scarrens are out here, I want us to find them before they find us. Also, tell Lann that stealth is of essential importance. We don't want to tip them off that we know of their presence, make them move more quickly."

"Yes, sir," said Estoni.

**
Lt. Commander Christopher Lann stepped off of a lift and onto the flight deck of the Renown. Donned in his grey flight suit, and carrying a flight helmet, the squadron leader saw the pilots in his squadron waiting for him in a group. As he approached them, someone called the squadron members to attention, and the pilots fell into line to be briefed by Lann.

Lann walked up to the front of the formation, and spoke to the group. "At ease," he began. "Our mission is to make a reconaissance of the area, seeking out any possible Scarren activity. We are to proceed with caution, and with stealth. No unecessary comm traffic, only passive scanning. We spot any Scarrens, we duck into the asteroids and hide. The Scarrens picked this cluster to assemble their forces in because there are plenty of places to hide, so spotting them isn't going to be easy. Under no circumstances are you to fire unless there is a clear and present threat to you or another member of the squadron. Any questions?"

When none were forthcoming, Lann nodded. "Good," he said. "Then get to your ships. Crichton, since you are the newby, I want to keep you close. You'll fly my wing."

Aeryn nodded, and moved to her fighter. As she did so, she passed Lt. Leslie Forbes. "Be seeing you," said Forbes as they passed.

"Will do," replied Aeryn.

***
Eight Saber class fighters streak through the asteroid fields of the Janus cluster in a diamond formation. Leading the squadron of Sabers was Lt. Commander Lann's fighter, taking the point of the formation. When they got to a prearranged set of coordinates, Lann signaled the members of his squadron.

"Nova 1 to Nova squadron," he said, "break into search pattern. Nova 8, with me."

"Copy," replied Aeryn, who followed Lt. Commander Lann as his wingman.

The squadron broke into pairs, each pair of fighters striking out in a different direction in search of the Scarren task force. Lann's and Aeryn's fighters stayed in tight formation and wieved through the asteroid field. The two pilots did not talk to each other, maintaing radio silence unless absolutely necessary.

Aeryn could feel herself perspire under her pressurized flight suit. She was nervous, wondering if she could handle herself if she ran into the enemy. She knew she had been well trained, and she was confident in her flight skills. It was her nerves that worried her. Would she freeze? Would she screw up? These questions intruded into her thoughts as she tried to keep them out. Aeryn desperately wished she could talk to Lann about them, but radio silence was radio silence. She wished he could reassure her that this nervousness was natural before your first time in battle.

The two fighters proceeded on for over an arn, passively scanning for any unusual signals or blimps on sensors while at the same time maintaining stealth. It was not an easy task, and it required that the two pilots maintained constant attention to their systems and the sensors. Finally, Lann picked up a signal on his sensor screen.

"Nova 1 to Nova 4," said Lann, "singal detected. Duck behind the asteroid to port, I'll go to starboard."

"I copy," replied Aeryn.

The two fighters ducked behind asteroids as the signal Lann was detecting got closer. Aeryn was detecting now on her screens as the two fighters took cover. They watched and waited for the source of the signal to pass. Several minutes went by, and still nothing.

Then, seemingly out of the blue, four Scarren fighters streaked past them. They passed close enough to Aeryn's fighter to make her think they almost collided with her. But luckily, they passed by without apparently seeing her or Lann. After several minutes of just sitting, Lann's voice came over Aeryn's comm.

"Nova 4, status?" asked Lann.

"I'm okay," said Aeryn. "Um, I mean...status nominal."

"Good," replied Lann. "Let's try and backtrack their course."

The two fighters proceeded in the direction that the Scarren fighters had come from, hoping to find part of the Scarren task force. They proceeded with more caution, moving slowly through the asteroid field while keeping their eyes on their sensors. After a few minutes of flight, they detected a large signal dead ahead.

"Getting something," said Lann. "Follow my lead."

"Copy," replied Aeryn.

Lann lead Aeryn slowly through the asteroids. They would hide behind one, checking to see if the coast was clear on the other side by slowly rounding the asteroid. The two fighters did this repeatedly until they spotted a large shape in the distance.

"Nova 4, duck and cover," said Lann.

The two fighters took cover behind and asteroid, and the pilots in their cockpits turned their sight towards the looming object in the distance. It was a Scarren dreadnought.

"How many are you detecting, Nova 4?" asked Lann.

"Just the one," replied Aeryn. "Nothing...wait, I'm getting something else. Coming from behind us. I think those Scarren fighters are returning."

"Stay still," said Lann. "With luck, they'll pass us by again."

The two SebaceaHuman fighters went quiet, as the Scarren fighters approached them once again. This time, they moved very slowly, traning sensor beams on every asteroid that they passed. Aeryn was worried, thinking that Scarrens may have suspicions that someone is there, that someone being her and Lann. The Scarrens got closer and closer, setting of Aeryn's sensor alarm as the enemy's scans loomed ever nearer.

Then, as the Scarrens came in close, Aeryn could swear her sensors indicated that Lann was being scanned. The enemy had spotted him, she was sure of it. Her instincts told her to act, and act she did.

"Nova 1," she said into her comm, "you are being targeted! Break! NOW!"

Lann instinctively followed his wingman's advice. He broke from his position behind the asteroid, with Aeryn following suit. The Scarrens accelerated and headed for the two Saber fighters. When they came into range, the Scarrens opened fire on the Lann and Aeryn.

The two SebaceaHuman pilots expertly dodged the enemy's fire. They broke into a tight turn, and returned fire on the Scarrens. A battle ensued between the SebaceaHuman and Scarren fighters. Aeryn targeted one of the enemy fighters, and opened fire with her pulse cannons. Her firing reduced the Scarren fighter to ashes. Gone were her worries or doubts about performing in battle. In place of those worries were her warrior instinct which took over and ruled her action. Using her training as a guide, Aeryn duked it out with her opponents, dodging their fire as she blasted away with her pulse cannons.

Lt. Commander Lann also took out a Scarren fighter. He was about to move to take on another, but his sensor screen came alive with signals. Lann looked at the screen, and exclaimed.

"Oh, shit!" he said. "Nova 4, twenty enemies are inbound from that Dreadnought. Break and retreat. I repeat, break and retreat."

"Very well," replied Aeryn.

The two SebaceaHuman figthers broke from the engagement, and accelerated to full speed. The Scarrens pursued them for several minutes before Lann and Aeryn were able to loose them in the asteroids. After the enemy had been shaken, Lann got over the comm channel and ordered all of the fighters to return to the Renown.

************************************
Chapter 14: Assumptions

*
"Lieutenant Crichton, is there any way that you may have misunderstood your orders?!" asked Captain Ellis in a very angry tone. As soon as Lann and Aeryn had returned to the Renown, Ellis ordered them both to report to the bridge. The Captain was not happy that his recon fighters had been spotted. It was obvious by his tone and direction of inquiry who he blamed for that.

"No, sir," said Aeryn. "I did not misunderstand the order. But the enemy had spotted Commander Lann's fighter. If I did not act...."

"Your orders were not to reveal your position to the enemy!" interrupted Captain Ellis. "Now, how did you know that the enemy had Commander Lann in their sights?"

"Sir, they were directing scans in the direction of Commander Lann's fighter," replied Aeryn.

"You mean you did not have definite confirmation they had scanned him!" said Ellis. "They did not have him targeted?"

"Well, sir, no...not exactly," replied Aeryn.

"You didn't have confirmation they had scanned me, Lieutenant?" asked Lann in a startled expression. "You told me they had me targeted."

"Sir, if I had waited, you would have been targeted and in the next moment, dead," said Aeryn. "We were powered down, sitting motionless. You needed the time to get out of their line of fire."

"So YOU say, Lieutenant," said Ellis. He turned to Lt. Commander Lann. "Commander, I want to speak with you alone. We'll decide together what to do about this. Lt. Crichton, you are dismissed."

"But, sir..." began Aeryn.

"DISMISSED!" repeated Ellis.

Aeryn saluted. "Aye, sir," she replied, before turning and leaving the bridge. She felt like running, but kept her cool and maintained a dignified pace as she left.

When she got back down to the landing bay, Lt. Forbes ran up to her. "Aeryn," she said. "What happened?"

"The Captain said I violated orders," said Aeryn. "He and Lann are up there now discussing it. I...dammit, Leslie, they had Lann in their sights! Every instinct tells me they did.! If I hadn't acted, Lann would have been dead. What was I supposed to do, wait till they had him targeted, and...and warn him in enough time to let himself know he was going to die?!"

"Aeryn," said Forbes. "You did the right thing. Lann will support you."

"Are you sure?" asked Aeryn. "I'm not. Remember what you said about Lann's feelings about the noble families, including mine. He and Ellis have been on my ass since I arrived! How do I know Lann won't sell me out?"

"Because he isn't that kind of man," said Forbes. "If I know anything about him, I know that."

A moment later, Lt. Commander Lann approached the two pilots. "Crichton, with me," he said.

"Yes, sir," said Aeryn, following Lann in the direction of his office.

**
"This is the position where Lann and Crichton spotted that dreadnought," said Ellis, pointing to a set of coordinates on a holographic chart of the Janus cluster.

"That is close to the center of the cluster," said Estoni. "And in a hard spot for us to get at."

"I don't want to try to," said Ellis. "At least...not yet. Now, Commander, since we know where one of their dreadnoughts are, where do you think the rest are?"

"Well, sir," said Estoni, "I would surmise that they are massing further towards the center of the cluster, roughly parallel to the position of that dreadnought."

"In other words, you think the other Scarren ships were just beyond that dreadnought when our fighters spotted it," said Ellis.

"Don't you sir?" asked Estoni.

"I'm not so sure," said Ellis. "One ship does not a fleet make, nor does the position of one ship necessarily indicate the position of other ships. That dreadnought could be a decoy to throw reconnaissance of the track. The Scarrens could be massing in another part of the cluster. But, there may be a way to flush them out, now that we know where the one ship is. Order all fighters to make ready for a sortie. We'll launch them and send them directly at that dreadnought."

"Sir," said Estoni, "our fighters can't take that ship alone."

"I don't intend that they should," said Ellis. "The dreadnought will, however, report back to their fleet that they are under attack. If we can track the direction of that signal..."

"We will have located the enemy fleet," finished Estoni. "Brilliant, sir. But, why not have the Renown join the fighters in the assault. Make a real show of it, and maybe take down that dreadnought in the process."

"I'm not as concerned with getting one dreadnought at this point, Commander," said Ellis. "At the same time, I don't want the Scarrens to know where the Renown is, yet. It will allow us to maintain an element of surprise. We will order the fighters to break off their attack after we have tracked the Scarren's signal back to their fleet. They must make sure they are not followed upon their return."

"And after we have located them?" asked Estoni.

"We inform the fleet," said Ellis. "Then, we strike at them at every opportunity and in every way possible to delay them."

***
"Have a seat, Lieutenant," said Lann, closing the door to his office behind them.

Aeryn sat down in a chair. Lann followed suit, sitting down behind his desk with a sigh. "Well, Lieutenant, you managed to get the Captain pretty riled at you."

"Sir," said Aeryn, "you....you and the Captain want me out, don't you?"

"Excuse me," said Lann.

"You and the Captain....," said Aeryn. "You left me out cold, didn't you?"

"You're assuming quite a bit, Lieutenant," said Lann. "Care to tell me why?"

"Sir," said Aeryn. "You have been hard on me since the first day I arrived. On my ass at every step. Plus, I've heard about your views of the noble families. My family included. You don't like them very much, for some reason."

"That's not a great basis for forming assumptions," said Lann. "For one thing, I am hard on every newby that comes into my unit. Your life, and the lives of everyone in the squadron depends on it. As for you being a Crichton...I told you from the beginning that your family name would have no bearing on my evaluation of your performance. Are you calling me a liar?"

"No, sir," said Aeryn.

"Good," said Lann, "because if you were, I wouldn't hesitate to knock you on your ass! I do have certain...resentments for the nobility of the republic. For my own reasons. But they do not apply to you. I don't see you as a Crichton, I see you as a member of my squadron." Then, after a few moments hesitation, he added. "...And I also see you as the pilot that saved my ass today."

"Sir?" said Aeryn in a startled tone.

"I went to bat for you with the Captain," said Lann. "I stood up for you. He'll let the matter drop. He is satisfied that we now have some idea as to where the enemy is. He also accepted my judgment that you acted correctly and saved my life."

"Sir, I...I don't know what to say," said Aeryn. "I'm sorry, sir, for misjudging you."

"Apology accepted," said Lann. "And I owe you thanks."

Lann approached Aeryn and held out his hand. Aeryn rose, and took his hand in hers. "I'm glad you're serving with us, Lieutenant," said Lann.

"Thank you, sir," replied Aeryn.

*************************************
Chapter 15: Decisions

*
"Sir!" said Lt. Forbes into the comm system of her fighter. "How much longer do we have to keep this up?"

"Till we get the recall order from the Renown!" replied Lann from his fighter. "We don't break off before then."

The fighter squadrons of the SHRS Renown were making their pre-planned assault on the Scarren dreadnought that had been discovered by Lann and Aeryn. Of course, the whole attack was just a ruse to get the dreadnought to contact their fleet, so the Renown could zero in on the location of the enemy's main force.

The fighters of the Renown had been engaged with the dreadnought and her full compliment of fighters for the past twenty minutes. The SebaceaHuman pilots were making a valiant effort of it, picking off as many enemy fighters as they can and landing a few missile strikes against the massive Scarren dreadnought. However, they were also beginning to take a beating, and would not be able to hold out much longer.

Lann was zeroing in on another Scarren fighter, and ready to blast it out of the sky. However, before he could fire, he caught sight of one of his squadron's fighters making a dive bombing run on the dreadnought. Apparently, the pilot was going to make a missile strike against the dreadnought. It wouldn't do much damage, but such strikes did make it look like the SebaceaHuman pilots were indeed trying to bring down the dreadnought.

But what worried Lann was that there were two Scarren fighters coming at the attacking SebaceaHuman fighter from the superstructure of the dreadnought. Moreover, it looked to Lann like his fellow pilot did not see the enemy coming.

"Frell!" said Lann into his comm. He broke off from his pursuit of the Scarren fighter he was about to destroy, and moved to intercept the Scarrens who were jumping one of his pilots. In the meantime, he called to the endangered pilot on his comm.

"Nova pilot bearing 056," said Lann. "You are about to be ambushed. Break hard right, now!"

The SebaceaHuman pilot did as instructed by Lann, breaking off the attack and moving to evade the Scarren fighters. The Scarrens pursued the fighter, firing their cannons in the hopes of bringing it down.

"No way, scale heads!" said Lann. He targeted the two enemy fighters, and opened fire. His pulse cannons annihilated one of the enemy fighters, while the other one broke off the pursuit to avoid Lann's fire.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Lann spoke into his comm. "Nova pilot, identify yourself," said Lann.

"Nova 8," said the voice of Lt. Aeryn Crichton over the comm. "Thanks for saving my ass, boss."

"Looks like we're even, Lieutenant," said Lann. "Next time, watch your ass before you go do something flashy!"

"Yes, sir," said Aeryn.

Just then, a signal came through on Lann's comm frequency. It was a message from the Renown, one word in length. "Tango."

That was the signal the SebaceaHuman pilots had been waiting for. "All fighters," said Lann. "Break and retreat!"

**
"We've got them, sir!" said Commander Estoni to Captain Ellis. He activated the holographic chart of the Janus Cluster. He used a holographic marking pen to indicate a location on the chart. "That dreadnought sent the signal we were hoping they would, and it was received right there! On the opposite end of the cluster, bearing 101, distance 100 million kilometers from the center of the cluster."

"So they weren't in the center of the cluster," said Ellis. "I had a feeling they wouldn't be. Looks like our gamble paid off."

"Sir," said a bridge officer to the Captain. "Our fighters are returning on an evasive course to elude pursuit by the enemy now. Initial reports indicate a 10% loss of fighters and pilots, sir."

Ellis and Estoni were quiet for several moments, their enthusiasm of a moment ago now dissipated. "Well," said Estoni, "the gamble did come with a price, didn't it?"

"Yes," said Ellis quietly. He walked over to one of the viewing ports of the Renown's bridge before speaking again. "But we'll just have to make sure those men and women didn't die for nothing. Contact fleet command, scrambled frequencies. Inform them we have located the Scarren main force, indicate their position. Fill them in on our plans to delay them, and request estimates on when we may be reinforced."

"Aye, sir," replied Estoni.

***
"Chief Counselor," said Admiral Rel, coming into James McGregor's office. "We've received word from the Renown. They've located the Scarren main force."

"Excellent," said McGregor. "Did they indicate how they intend to delay the Scarrens?"

"Yes, sir," said Rel. "They are going to use their hyperspace jump engines to ambush the enemy ships. Ellis' plan is to make hit and run assaults at the enemy for as long as his resources will hold out."

"Good," said McGregor. "Let's hope they can keep the enemy bottled up in the Janus cluster until we can meet the enemy with force enough to stop them. How goes fleet preparations?"

"The fleet is ready to go at anytime, Chief Counselor," said Rel. "I just received word before coming to see you, sir. Give me the word, I'll take the fleet their myself."

"No," said McGregor. "Now, we wait."

"Sir?" asked Rel.

"The ISA and some of the member worlds are sending warships to assist us," said McGregor. "The first will arrive here in four weeks. Until then, Ellis and the Renown will have to delay the enemy on his own."

"Four weeks!" said Rel. "Sir, its...its not possible. They can't do it alone. Why can't we move in on the enemy with our forces, and let the ISA reinforce us when they arrive?"

"Can you guarantee me that our forces alone can stop the Scarrens?" asked McGregor.

"Well...no, sir. No guarantee," replied Rel.

"I can't risk sending our fleet to the Janus Cluster," said McGregor. "Not without the support of the ISA fleet. If we go in with our forces, and they are destroyed or crippled, then what is to stand between the Scarrens and our Republic. No, the fleet must be held in reserve, just in case the Scarrens come out of the cluster."

"I...I understand, sir," said Rel. "Sir, you...you do realize that you are practically sentencing the officers and crew of the Renown to death? Don't you, sir?"

"I know," said McGregor. "God help me, I know."

**************************************
Chapter 16: Passions Ignited

*
Three weeks later, four Saber class fighters of the Nova squadron touched down on the landing bay deck of the SHRS Renown. The ships were beaten up, patched up, and overall looked like they had been through hell. Of course, the word "hell" was as good a word as any to describe the past few weeks for the officers and crew of the Renown.

Captain Ellis had been pursuing a tireless campaign to delay the Scarren fleet and bottle them up in the Janus Cluster. Using their advantage of hyperspace jumps, the Renown had single handedly managed to delay the consolidation of the Scarren fleet. Every time the Scarrens looked to be about ready to move, the Renown would pop out of hyperspace at random and strike.

In the process, the Renown had destroyed three Scarren dreadnoughts, seven support vessels, and nearly one hundred Scarren fighters. However, in that process, the Renown had been taking a beating. The ships defense screens were being held together by a thread, and could collapse at any time. The Renown's armor plating was filled with damaged sections. A third of the battle carrier's primary weapons systems were destroyed. Nearly 200 officers and crewmen had been killed.

Perhaps the most egregious losses had been felt by the Renown's fighter squadrons. Of the 8 squadrons of fighters on the Renown, three no longer existed. The others had suffered anywhere from 40% to 80% losses of craft and/or pilots. Lt. Commander Lann's Nova squadron started out with eight fighters. They were now down to four. The other four ships had been destroyed, and two of the pilots lost. The other two bailed out and were rescued, one of them being Lt. Leslie Forbes.

After the fighters were secured, the cockpit canopies on the Nova squadron fighters began to open. Lt. Commander Christopher Lann hopped out of his fighter and marched towards another fighter with a look of fury written on his face. He approached Lt. Aeryn Crichton's fighter, and found her climbing down from the craft's cockpit.

"Lieutenant," said Lann. "In my office. NOW!"

Without another word, Lann marched in the direction of his office and a sighing Aeryn followed close behind him. They were silent until they arrived at Lann's office, and the door to the office closed. At that moment, Lann let loose.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" yelled Lann. "That stunt almost got your ass fried!"

"It worked, didn't it?!" yelled Aeryn. "I got their defense screen! The Renown was able to take out that Scarren transport!"

"Oh, yeah!" yelled Lann. "It worked! By sheer LUCK! Aeryn, you dived straight through a flight of enemy fighters to get to that generator! You were lucky you didn't collide with one of them, or that they were so slow and stupid that they didn't react fast enough to blow you out of the sky!"

"I thought it was worth the risk!" yelled Aeryn. "And I war right!"

"No, you were LUCKY! Lucky, Aeryn!" said Lann. "Dammit, you are constantly doing this. Aeryn, you are probably one of the most gifted pilots I have ever met! But, you...you take so many chances! I have already lost half of my squadron! I don't want to loose you, too! Even though, right now, I want to bounce you off of every wall in this office, knock some sense into you!"

"I'm sorry you hate me so much!" said Aeryn.

"I could never hate you," said Lann. He said the words before he could catch himself.

"What?" asked Aeryn. "What...what did you mean by that?"

"Nothing," said Lann quickly. He hesitated for a moment, then turned away from Aeryn with a sigh. "Let's just...forget it."

Aeryn knew there was something Lann wasn't telling her. Being the stubborn, determined woman she was, Aeryn wanted to know what that was. She stepped closer to Lann, and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Sir," she said. Then, she softened her voice. "Chris. Tell me, what did you mean?"

Christopher Lann turned to face Aeryn. He reached up and touched Aeryn's cheek with the palm of his hand. "I said," he began. "I said that I...could never hate you."

Slowly, hesitantly, Chris and Aeryn closed the distance between them. Leaning into each other, the two slowly but surely brought their lips closer to one another. Finally, their lips touched, and it was if the walls between them collapsed.

Chris took Aeryn into his arms, and she wrapped herself around him. They began to exchanged kisses of desperate passion. He ran his hands through her shoulder length, dark hair, while Aeryn tightened her grip into Chris' back. But then, just as suddenly as the passion began, it ended when Chris pulled himself abruptly away from Aeryn.

"No!" he said. "No, this...this can't happen. This is...out of the question."

"What...I...Chris..." babbled Aeryn.

"Aeryn," he interrupted, "this can't happen. You are a member of my squadron. I can't get involved with you."

"Chris," said Aeryn, "we are more than likely going to die out here. Why not go with what we feel about each other?"

"What do we feel about each other, Aeryn?" asked Chris. "Tell me that. Tell me...what do you feel for me?"

"Well, I..." began Aeryn. She was silent for a few moments, trying to put her feelings into words. Finally, she decided to just say what came to mind. "Sometimes, I want to...I want to grab you and throw you out the nearest airlock. Other times....other times, when I see that warm side of you, that side you are afraid to show, but that you can't help but exuberate...other times I just want to grab you and throw you into my bed. I guess the reasons we fight all the time are about....passion." She smiled, then let her expression go blank again. "Your turn. What do you feel for me?"

Chris ran his hand through his dark hair, and let out a sigh. "Aeryn, you...you are, certainly...pretty. I just..." Slowly, he let down his walls and let her see his feelings and hear them. "I have never met any woman like you before. You are so...beautiful and strong and brave and...you pack a full head of steam. You don't...walk into a room, you blaze in with the beauty of determined grace. And then, when you blaze back out again, you just...take my breath away."

The two of them stood their silently, just staring at one another with blank expressions. Their defenses were down, but both was unwilling to make the first move on the other. Finally, breaking the silence, Aeryn spoke softly. "So what do you want to do?" she asked.

"I don't know, exactly," said Chris. "My...my head is telling me to send you out of here before something happens."

"What about your heart?" asked Aeryn. "What does your heart tell you to do?"

"My heart," said Chris, with a smile, "is telling me to sneak you into my quarters and make passionate love to you. Yours?"

Aeryn approached Chris, and put her arms around him. He placed his hands on Aeryn's hips as she spoke to him. "My heart is telling me to go with your heart, wherever it leads."

The two of them began to kiss once again. This time, they mutually broke the kiss, knowing it would only be temporary. They both knew that they would do more than kiss as soon as they could get to Chris' quarters.

**
A weary Captain Grallic Ellis sat at his desk in his private office near the bridge. His head was resting on his desk, his uniform rumpled and his face unshaved for at least several days. Ellis' eyes were filled with fatigue, nay exhaustion, the result of three weeks of constant warfare in which the Renown had been fighting against incredible odds.

He heard a knock at the door. Ellis quickly straightened himself, not willing to show weakness to any member of the crew. "Come in," said Ellis in a firm tone.

Commander Estoni stepped into the room. "Sir," said Estoni. "I have the latest damage assessments and casualty reports from the last engagement."

"Thank you," said Ellis, reaching to take them from Estoni's outstretched hand. Ellis looked at the paper, and let out a moan. "Doesn't look good, does it?"

"No, sir," said Estoni. "Sir, estimates are that our defense screen will give in permanently in the next engagement. The armor won't last long beyond that. We don't have the fighters to protect us, not with the casualties the squadrons have been suffering."

"Any word from fleet command?" asked Ellis.

"None, sir," said Estoni. "Not since that last message 72 arns ago. The ISA fleet is still six days away."

"We won't last two days," said Ellis. "We can't hold them...they will move out of this cluster any day now and strike at the Republic. Send a message to Admiral Rel, tell him...tell him that we...that I can not maintain effective resistance. Tell him...that unless he comes with our fleet now, the Renown is lost."

"Aye, sir," replied Estoni.

***
An exhausted Christopher Lann lay on his back in his bed. He was used to being exhausted after all of these weeks of almost constant combat. However, the kind of fatigue he was feeling now was the good kind. It was the kind that resulted from passion.

Laying naked in his arms was Aeryn Crichton, her head resting on Chris' bare chest, her hand gently caressing his left arm. She too felt the good kind of exhaustion from the experience of making love with Chris Lann.

Chris, his arms wrapped around Aeryn, kissed her forehead. Aeryn giggled slightly with contentment. She looked up into the eyes of this gorgeous, wonderful man who now held her in his strong, protective embrace.

"Penny for your thoughts," said Aeryn.

"Um," said Chris. "I was just thinking...how crazy this is. How is this going to work?"

"You mean your being my squadron leader," said Aeryn. "Well, I could...I could always transfer to one of the other squadrons on the Renown. That way...we could be together without the conflict of interest."

"It would raise too many questions," said Chris. "We would still need to be discreet. Besides, I don't want to loose such a gifted pilot just so I can have her in my bed. And...that's not the only factor weighing against us."

"What do you mean?" asked Aeryn.

"Aeryn, you..." said Chris. "You are a Crichton, a member of the first family of SebaceaHumans. Your great-great grandfather was John Crichton. Your great-great grandmother is Aeryn Sun-Crichton, the Matriarch of the Republic. The woman who started it, who made the speech in Constitution Park on Sebacea..."

"I know, my family history, Chris," interrupted Aeryn. "I've had it engrained in me since I was a child. So...you are concerned that my family won't think you are good enough?"

"Yes," said Lann. "I know the noble families, they are...exclusive."

"Chris," said Aeryn, "let me set you straight about something. Those...famous, noble great-great grandparents of mine you mentioned. They began as fugitives from the Peacekeepers. John Crichton was a scientist, great-grandmama was a former Peacekeeper soldier, a grunt. They only became noble by their actions, by their strength of heart. I never even knew John Crichton. He died long before the Republic was ever conceived. You are a noble man, Chris, and...you would be accepted in my family. Believe me. Besides, you are not sleeping with my great-great grandmother. You are sleeping with me!" She said the last part with a giggle.

"I know that," said Chris, exchanging a quick kiss with Aeryn.

"Chris," said Aeryn. "Since we're on the subject...why have you got a grudge against the noble families anyway?"

"It has to do with...my original heritage ancestors," said Chris. "The ones who were the first to interbreed. I don't know too much about them. I know that the male was a Human, the woman a Sebacean. I have tried getting information on them, but...but my parents didn't have it, for some reason. And they said that the Republic wouldn't help me find it, because the truth would change the shape of the noble houses of Sebacea."

"What? How?" asked Aeryn.

"I don't know who they were," said Chris, "but I do know when my original heritage ancestors interbred. It was during the Peacekeeper Wars. The Human was an Earth Force officer, the Sebacean woman a Peacekeeper. Other than that, I don't know who they were. But I do know when they conceived their hybrid child. During the war between the Interstellar Alliance and her allies against the Peacekeepers."

"Chris, that...that would mean your original heritage ancestors would be among the first to interbreed," said Aeryn. "That would mean your family would be at least as old as the Rels. Which would mean..."

"There should be four noble houses instead of three," said Chris. "That's why I have always believed, as did my parents, that the noble families want to keep this quiet. That's the source of my resentment."

"Have you tried to find out anything, Chris?" asked Aeryn.

"Tried and failed," said Chris. "The Republic said that there was no records available to help us. It could be a deliberate cover up."

"I won't believe that," said Aeryn. "Chris, I know my family, and I grew up knowing Chief Counselor McGregor and Admiral Rel and the members of the other two families. They wouldn't deliberately try to cover this up. Chris, I promise you...when this is over, we are going to search for some answers."

*************************************
Chapter 17: The Last Hope

*
"Chief Counselor," said Admiral Rel, coming into James McGregor's office at a dead run. "Sir, we just received this message from the Renown."

James McGregor took the message from Rel's outstretched hand. He read it quietly, and ran his hand through his hair. His face betrayed an emotion of utter shock.

"My God," said McGregor. "Joe....would you ever think Grallic Ellis would send a message like this? With so much...forthrightness about the desperateness of their situation?"

"There's only one way he would allow himself to do so, James," replied Rel. "If he knew that the Scarrens would be coming, and that he could do nothing to delay them any further. Absolutely nothing he could do. Sir, let me take the fleet to the cluster."

"Joe, you know what happens if our fleet falls, before the ISA fleet can get here," replied McGregor.

"Sir, I know our being a member of the ISA makes us stronger," said Rel. "But, with all due respect, we have to try and stand on our own two feet! That Scarren fleet is going to strike at us at any time. Ellis' message confirms it. Let me take the fleet and make a fight of it!"

McGregor stood up from his desk and walked over the window. It looked upon the central courtyard of the Republic's capital building. The tranquility outside belayed the turmoil, the danger the Republic was now in. He stood their silently for several moments, coming to a desperate but necessary question.

"Admiral Rel," he said. "Can you stop the Scarrens?"

"Sir," said Rel. "You can tell the ISA fleet when it gets here that they can clean up the broken pieces of the Scarren fleet we leave behind! Its either us or them, and I make damned sure its THEM, or I won't come back alive!"

McGregor turned from the window and walked over to Rel. He gave the order with one word. "Go."

**
Lt. Commander Christopher Lann stepped onto the bridge of the Renown. He looked around the bridge until he spotted Captain Ellis and Commander Estoni standing over a console in quiet conference. Lann marched over to the two senior officers and came to attention.

"Sir," said Lann, "Nova leader reporting back from reconnaissance."

The Renown had released Lann and his half-sized squadron into normal space for one arn to locate the latest position of the Scarren fleet. After that arn, the Renown opened at hyperspace jump point at prearranged coordinates, and retrieved her fighters from normal space.

"At ease," said Ellis. "What did you find out, Commander?"

"Sir," said Lann. "The Scarren fleet is coming out of the cluster. They are massed and moving on course for the Republic. Estimate has them exiting the cluster in 3 arns."

"Frell!" said Ellis. "The time has finally come. They are on the move. Well, looks like the time has come for us to fall on our swords. We'll place ourselves between them and the Republic, delay them as long we can before they...destroy us. Commander..."

"Sir," interrupted the communications officer. "We are receiving tachyon signal from fleet command. Admiral Rel reports that our fleet is in route to intercept and engage the Scarrens"

"The Admiral came through, sir," said Estoni with a smile.

"Did they say whether or not the ISA fleet had arrived?" asked Ellis of the comm officer.

"No, sir," replied the young woman. "There was nothing about the ISA fleet mentioned."

"That must mean Rel is coming with just our forces," said Ellis. "That's ten battle carriers and twenty support cruisers vs. a Scarren fleet of twenty-four dreadnoughts and thirty-six smaller warships. Those odds are not good at all."

Captain Ellis was tapping the console beneath him with his fingers, his thoughts racing through his mind. It all came to him at once, the results of cycles of experience as a soldier. He drew on his experience and knowledge and conceived an idea, and idea fast hatching into a plan.

"Commander Estoni," said Ellis, "do you remember studying the engagements of the Peacekeeper Wars, taught in military history at the academy?"

"I stayed up nights studying for the exams in that course," said Estoni. "I remember. Why?"

"Do you recall the engagement between the Minbari and the Peacekeepers during the Peacekeeper invasion of the Earth Alliance? The one where Admiral Lakhat's Minbari cruisers annihilated the Peacekeeper task force under Fleet Captain Yusanan?" asked Ellis.

"Yes," replied Estoni. "I remember. The Humans referred to it as the Minbari gang-bang. They lured the Peacekeeper force into a trap. When they got the fleet of Peacekeeper command carriers into an exact location, the Minbari fleet jumped in on top of them. They're hyperspace jump points ripped into the command carriers, destroying many of them before they could even respond. From then on out, the Minbari had a heyday wiping out Yusanan's fleet."

"Good memory, Commander," said Ellis. "My compliments to your History professor. The Minbari were able to do it because they had extremely accurate jump plotting technology. I believe our scanners are based on...Earth designs, correct?"

"Yes, sir," replied Estoni.

"Earth designs originally inspired by Minbari designs," said Ellis. "We have jump plotting technology that is just as accurate, if not more so."

"Aye, sir," replied Estoni. "That we do. If Rel's fleet can do the same...."

"Then they could even up the odds," said Ellis. "Communications, did Rel say whether they would be using hyperspace transit?"

"Yes, sir," said the comm officer. "They are coming via hyperspace."

"Good," said Ellis. "Get me Admiral Rel on tachyon channel."

***
"It's a bold plan," said Admiral Rel, speaking to Captain Ellis on the main view screen on the bridge of his command ship, the battle carrier SHRS Indefatigable. "But the problem is, Captain, that we would need a lure of some kind to get the Scarrens into position."

"I know," said Ellis. "I already have a proposition for that lure. My ship, the Renown."

"Out of the question," said Rel. "Grallic, your ship is on its last legs. We would have to get the Scarrens damned close to you before we could jump them. Your ship might not take the pounding if they open fire en masse on your ship before they reach the coordinates. I won't risk your officers and crew, not after the service they have given to the Republic in the last few weeks."

"Sir," said Ellis. "You can't ask any other ship to do it. The Scarrens recognize the Renown, know we have been engaging them all along. We could make it look like we are making on last desperate stand to stop them. I was about to give just such an order before we got your message. It would make sense to the enemy. If any ship does it, the Scarrens might get suspicious. Sir, it must be the Renown to ensure success."

Rel was silent for a moment, before closing his eyes and giving a nod. "You're correct, Captain, in your assessment. The lure must be the Renown. We should rendezvous with you in six arns. We will finalize our plans then. Meanwhile, prepare your crew. Tell them....tell them the Republic will never forget the service they have rendered and will render to defend our people. I will make sure of it."

*********************************
Chapter 18: The Last Stand

*
Lt. Aeryn Crichton finished gathering together what she would need before heading to her fighter. She had zipped up her flight suit, retrieved her flight helmet, and was now holstering her sidearm. Just before she was about to leave, she heard a knock at her hatch.

"Come in," she said.

Lt. Commander Christopher Lann stepped into the room, donned in his flight suit and carrying his helmet. As soon as he had closed the door, Aeryn flung herself into her lovers arms. The couple exchange passionate kisses for several moments, before simply settling into each others arms.

"Chris," said Aeryn, "I had hoped you would come to see me before we launched."

"I had to," he said. "Aeryn, I....we may not...come back from this operation. We've only known each other for a little over a month, but...I just can't imagine what my life was like before I met you. Not anymore. And before we went, I just had to tell you....that I love you."

Aeryn smiled, as tears began to fall from her eyes. She looked into the face of this beautiful, wonderful man who held her in his strong, protective embrace. When she had first met him, Lt. Commander Christopher Lann made her nervous. She didn't realize it fully at the time that the reason was because she was attracted to him. Although sometimes he made her furious, most of the time the thought of him made her smile. It reminded her, in a way, of what her great-great-grandmother used to describe her love affair with her great-great-grandfather, John Crichton. This helped Aeryn to come to the realization of what her true feelings were.

"I love you, too," she said.

"Aeryn," said Chris, "I know this might be a bit sudden, but...if we get back from this mission, will you....will you marry me?"

Aeryn nodded. "Yes," she said. "I will marry you."

**
The SHRS Renown held its position in space, surrounded by the remaining complement of her fighters. The battered war horse, her armor pummeled and many of her weapons gone, still presented the image of a bastion of strength, however hollow that image might be.

Captain Grallic Ellis stood on the bridge of his ship, waiting for word that the Scarren fleet would be approaching. He had led this ship and crew through a month of battles and a campaign that would make them all heroes to the Republic. Yet, this one last duty might cost them all their lives. The Scarrens could very well pulverize the Renown before coming to the coordinates upon which Admiral Rel's fleet will jump them. Considering this, Ellis thought it a shame that his crew would not live to receive the honors and thanks of the Republic they fought so hard to save.

"Sir," said Commander Estoni approaching the Captain. "Long range scanners just picked up the Scarren fleet. They should arrive in ten minutes."

"Very good," said Ellis. "Raise the defense screen. Order all fighters to form up and prepare to attack. Arm all weapons."

"Aye, sir," said Estoni.

As his first officer called out the orders to the bridge crew, Ellis said a silent prayer. "Blessed be the Lord my strength, that teaches my fingers to fight, and my hands to war."

The Scarren fleet came within visual range of the Renown and her fighters. If the Scarrens were at all frightened by the stand that the Renown was making, they didn't show it. The dreadnoughts and smaller ships of the enemy fleet launched their fighters and increased speed to close on the Renown.

Sitting in her fighter, Aeryn Crichton watched the enemy ships approach. They came closer, closer, closer, seeming to blot out the stars as they came within range. Her hands trembled over the thruster controls, waiting for the order to attack. Anticipation filled her, like an arrow waiting to be fired, Aeryn was ready to be unleashed upon her enemy.

"All fighters," said the voice of Commander Estoni over the comms, "break and attack."

"Nova squadron," said Lann's voice, "with me!"

The Saber class fighters accelerated and closed distance with the enemy fighters. The Scarren fighters were the first to fire, the gesture returned soon after by the Renown's fighters. The two formations of fighters collided in a wave, and the small ships began to do their deadly dance of combat.

Meanwhile, the large Scarren warships closed distance on the Renown. Ellis watched them approach from the bridge's forward view ports. He watched as the leading ships in the line of enemy warships began to open fire on his carrier. The enemy's fire crashed into the weak defense screens of the Renown, screens that would not last long. The Renown returned fire on her enemy, sending missiles, plasma fire, and laser blasts at her attackers.

The defense screen on the Renown collapsed twenty seconds into the battle. Ellis had anticipated this, knowing the mechanism was on its last legs. Now, the enemy fire began to crash into the battered armored hull of the Renown. The ship shook violently under the punishment. The bridge officers rushed to get a handle on the reports coming in from the various ships departments.

Ellis stood calmly, waiting for the enemy fleet to come to the ambush coordinates. It seemed that an eternity passed while Ellis waited, his beloved ship being pummeled around him. Reports were coming in that there were hull breaches all over the ship. A section of the bottom of the ship had been blasted away by the enemy fire. All but one of the forward missile batteries were destroyed. Still, Ellis waited.

Finally, the Scarrens ships at the head of the fleet came to the ambush coordinates. Still, Ellis waited. He wanted Admiral Rel to be able to jump right into the center of the enemy fleet, to cause the maximum amount of chaos. An explosion ripped through the bridge, as a bulkhead gave way to a blast in a neighboring compartment. Several officers were crushed under falling debris. Seeming not to notice what was going on around him, Ellis still continued to stand stark still even though the explosion occurred right behind him.

In the midst of a world gone mad, Commander Estoni heard his Captain say the only words that seemed clear to him. "Signal Rel," said Ellis. "NOW!"

The center of the Scarren fleet formation passed through the ambush coordinates. Just as they did so, several of the vessels were annihilated in a matter of seconds as dozens of hyperspace jump points opened up right in the middle of them. More of the Scarren warships were ripped apart as the jump points expanded. In a matter of moments, the menacing Scarren fleet formation was being ripped to shreds by blue hyperspace jump points that turned their ships into ashes.

Out of these destructive jump points came the battle carriers and support cruisers of the SebaceaHuman Republic's fleet. They came out of hyperspace shooting, their fire ripping several more Scarren vessels to shreds before the enemy could even get a chance to return fire. Swarms of Saber class SebaceaHuman fighters swooped in on the Scarren vessels, sending multiple barrages of missiles into the enemy ships.

The Scarren fleet was sent into a status of utter confusion. Their ships attempted to put up resistance, but it was unorganized and uncoordinated. Rather, the enemy vessels adopted a stance of fending for themselves and not even attempting to cooperate with one another. The SebaceaHuman warships took full advantage of this, and began to one by one pick off the hapless Scarren vessels. History repeated itself, as the Scarren fleet met the same fate that the Peacekeepers had at the hands of the Minbari a hundred cycles ago.

In a battle that lasted for just over an arn, the Scarren fleet had been reduced to seven warships from the original total of over fifty. The SebaceaHumans had lost two carriers and three cruisers in the engagement, but found themselves more than a match for the enemy that was left to them. The Scarrens attempted to retreat, but Admiral Rel had made his orders explicit. Under no circumstances was one Scarren vessel to escape. He wanted to make it clear to the Scarrens that any further aggression against the Republic would be met with annihilation.

The SebaceaHuman fleet moved to pursue and destroy the now fleeing remnants of the Scarren assault force. Meanwhile, the Renown drifted in space, fires and explosions ripping through her hull. The once proud and mighty warship was beginning to buckle under, and it became clear she would not survive.

On the bridge, Commander Estoni approached Captain Ellis. The Captain was still standing in the exact same spot, had not moved for the whole battle. "Sir," said Commander Estoni. "Its no good, sir. We'll have to abandon ship."

Ellis nodded. "Very well," he said. "Give the...give the..." Captain Ellis then collapsed to the deck, blood pouring out of the back of his uniform. Apparently, the bulkhead explosion behind him had sent shrapnel flying into his back. But the proud Captain absorbed the blow, and stood his ground using pure force of will. Yet, loss of blood now took its toll, and Captain Ellis' body gave in and fell to the floor.

"CAPTAIN!" yelled Estoni. He came to his knees beside the prone form of Captain Grallic Ellis. Ellis looked up at his first officer, his eyes glazing over.

"Take command," said Ellis. "Get the crew off..." His last words trailed off, as Captain Ellis' passed into unconsciousness.

Estoni struggled to hold back his tears. He looked up, and saw dozens of officers and crewmen gathered around them. They're faces were filled with shock and tears as their Captain loose his battle with death. Estoni stood up, and faced them.

"I need some volunteers," said Estoni. "We're taking the Captain's body with us. We're taking him home for a hero's burial."

Several officers bent down, and picked up the body of their Captain. Estoni went over to a console, and activated the ship wide comm system. "All hands," said Commander Estoni. "Abandon ship. I repeat, all hands, abandon ship."

Then, he walked over to the group of officers carrying the Captain's body. He lead them off of the bridge and to the nearest escape pods. Thirty minutes later, as shuttles and escape pods scurried away, the SHRS Renown exploded into a fireball. The great ship was lost, but the battle was won, and the Republic that the officers and crew had fought so hard to defend had been saved.

*******************************
Chapter 19: Legacy

*
Two weeks had passed since the battle between the Scarren assault force and the SebaceaHuman Republic's fleet. In that time, the last remnants of danger to the Republic were removed. The ISA fleet arrived, only to find that the SebaceaHumans had mostly taken care of their problem on their own. The only assistance they provided was aid in hunting down and destroying the remaining ships of the Scarren assault force.

In the meantime, the ISA contacted the Scarrens through third parties. They demanded that the Scarrens agree to a conditional peace agreement, or face the full wrath and fury of the Interstellar Alliance. To give weight to the threat, the ISA and the SebaceaHuman Republic offered to send them back the wreckage of their fleet of 50 warships they had sent to seize the home world of the SebaceaHumans. Also backing up the threat was the ISA fleet, which included ships from the Earth Alliance, the Sebacean Republic, the SebaceaHuman Republic, the Minbari, the Centauri, the Narns, the Luxans, the Illonics, the Hynerian Empire, and even the Sebacean Royal Colonies.

Facing such overwhelming odds, and being that the Scarrens were not as powerful as they once were, the Scarrens agreed to a peace. The conditions imposed upon them by the ISA included that they were to destroy all but ten of their warships, which was just enough to defend their home worlds. Second, they were to make restitutions to the SebaceaHuman Republic for the damage done to their forces in the Scarren assault. Finally, the Scarrens would agree to allow the Rangers to patrol their borders to see to it that they never again adopted and aggressive posture.

While the whirlwind of Interstellar politics swirled through those two weeks, they also marked a time for celebration and reflection for the SebaceaHumans. They had faced the greatest danger yet to their existence, and had defeated it on their own terms. The SebaceaHumans had proven to the galaxy that they and their Republic would endure. It was also a time for mourning, as the men and women of the Republic's military who gave their lives were remembered with memorials and honors. Most honored among them was Captain Grallic Ellis, who was laid to rest in the Capital's cemetery, where many of the Republic's heroes were buried. He would lay alongside people such as General Michael McGregor and his wife, Counselor Trayvor Rel and his wife, Kumiko Takagi-Rel.

Two days after arriving back on New Babylon, Lt. Aeryn Crichton and her fiancee, newly promoted Commander Christopher Lann, stepped into the main foyer of the Crichton family mansion. To Aeryn, it was coming home to the house she grew up in. To Chris, he felt like a Connecticut Yankee entering King Arthur's court. Aeryn saw her lovers nervousness, and knew the reason for it.

"Chris," said Aeryn, "I have seen you mad, passionate, frustrated, and comical, but this is the first time I have ever seen you nervous. Scarrens don't scare you, but my great-great-grandmother does?"

"Aeryn," said Chris, "the Scarrens did not bear the first SebaceaHuman child, or fight in the Peacekeeper Wars, and are not the Matriarch of the Republic."

"Chris," said Aeryn, "don't look on her as any of those things. See her instead as my great-great-grandmother. That's who she is to me."

Aeryn kissed Chris on the cheek. "Now," she said, "I have the honor of presenting my wonderful man to her. Let's go."

Aeryn led Chris to a doorway behind the stairs in the main foyer. She knocked, and heard a woman's voice from the other side invited her to enter. The couple entered into a small, sparsely decorated room with simple furnishings, a shelf filled with books, and family pictures on the wall. Aeryn had told Chris that her great-great-grandmother would be meeting them in her favorite room, the family room. Chris was expecting a room that was more ornate than the simple one which lay before him.

Standing in the room was an old woman with a wrinkled face, long gray hair, and a bearing of confidence that had not dimmed with the cycles. Chris recognized the woman immediately as Aeryn Sun-Crichton, and he could feel his knees straining not to buckle.

"Great-grandmama," said the younger Aeryn, wrapping her arms around her great-great-grandmother.

"Aeryn, my dear," replied the older woman, embracing the former in a firm hug. "Thank whatever god or gods exist that you are alright. Stand back, now, let me look at you." The old woman smiled as she looked into the beaming eyes of the lovely young woman. "My goodness, you look good for someone who has been through quite and experience, one which I wish to hear all about. But first," she turned her eyes on the handsome young Commander who had followed Aeryn into the room. The older Aeryn walked over to him. "You must be Commander Christopher Lann."

"Ma'm," said Lann, coming to attention and saluting.

The older Aeryn waved her hand. "Oh, at ease, dear boy," she said. "No need for all of that formality. When you get to be my age, you have a bit more perspective on the importance of things. Formality is one of those things that is only important in certain circumstances. Being introduced to the young man my great-great-grandaughter wants to marry is not one of them."

Aeryn held out her hand to Chris, who slowly took her hand in his. The old woman gave him a surprisingly firm handshake. "Its an honor...to meet you, Madame Crichton," said Lann.

"Please, call me Aeryn," she replied, releasing his hand. "I've heard so much about you from Aeryn...my great-great-grandaughter. I must say, you two have moved very fast. Only knowing each other a monen, and you want to get married."

"Yes," said the younger Aeryn, "Dad made a point to remind of us that when we had dinner with him last night."

"Oh, don't worry," said the older Aeryn, "he'll come around. Your Father is a bit stuffy about romance. But I've been there. I'm just glad you two were able to figure out that you loved each other so fast. It took me a cycle to figure out I loved John, then another cycle and a half before I could act on it. Then, fate kept throwing more obstacles at us, but our love would not be deterred. Fate will probably do the same to you two, but if your love is strong, it will endure. In any even, Chris Lann, I very much approve of my Aeryn's choice in a husband."

"Thank you," said Chris.

"Great-grandmama," said the younger Aeryn, "I was wondering if we could ask you about something. Its rather a difficult subject."

"Of course," said the older Aeryn. "Please, sit down."

Chris and the younger Aeryn sat on a couch, while the older Aeryn sat on an adjacent chair. "Now," said the older woman, "what's on your mind?"

"It has to do with Chris' original heritage ancestors," said the younger Aeryn. "He has been trying to get information about them, but has failed. The Republic seems to have no record on them."

"Well, young man, you have my sympathies," said the older Aeryn, "but I don't see how I can help."

"Madame Cri....Aeryn, I mean," said Chris, still a little nervous, "according to what my family knows about them, they mated during the time of the Peacekeeper Wars."

"The Peacekeeper Wars," said the older Aeryn in shock. "During the war, not after?"

Chris nodded. "From the stories my family has told me, the male was a Human and the female a Sebacean. All we know about them is that the man was in Earth Force, the woman was a Peacekeeper."

"No, that can't be...."began the older Aeryn. But she cut herself short before she finished. Then, she whispered. "Wait." Then, at a normal voice level, she spoke. "I seem to remember something that I think Jenavia McGregor once told me about. There was an Earth Force officer and a Peacekeeper...but, it was so long ago. I just can't remember."

"Please, try to remember, great-grandmama," pleaded the younger Aeryn.

"Darling, I could probably keep on trying for the rest of the day, and not remember a passing conversation with someone over a hundred cycles ago," said the older woman. "But, I do think there may be someone who can help us. James McGregor."

"Of course!" said the younger Aeryn, knowing what her great-great-grandmother was thinking about. "Robert McGregor's personal memoirs."

"Wait, ladies," said Chris, "if you are referring the General Robert McGregor's Memoir of the Peacekeeper Wars, I can tell you I have read it. It was required reading at the Academy. There is nothing..."

"No, Chris," said the older Aeryn, "you don't understand. What you read is the public memoirs of Robert McGregor. There is another set of Memoirs. They are a much more private account of his life and career that he did not want published. No one but the McGregor family has access to them. I have seen them because Robert McGregor once showed them to John and I. The person who is the expert on those memoirs is James McGregor. If such a mating between an Earth Force officer and a Peacekeeper took place during the war, Robert McGregor might have known about it. I'm even more convinced he did since it was Jenavia, his wife, that once mentioned something like that to me. I'll contact him, see what he can find out."

**
The next morning, Aeryn Sun-Crichton, Aeryn Crichton, and Christopher Lann were seated in James McGregor's office. The older Aeryn had contacted him the previous day, and explained to him what they were looking for and why. The Chief Counselor was more than happy to search the memoirs for the information, seeing that it was for the younger Aeryn's fiancee. James McGregor and young Aeryn Crichton had been close ever since the latter was a little girl. Since then, she had always called him "Uncle Jim". McGregor had called them to his office the next morning to discuss what he had found out.

"Commander Lann," said McGregor, "are you familiar with the McGregor Raid?"

"Of course, sir," replied Chris Lann. "It was one of the most remarkable use of fighter-bombers in the history of warfare. General Robert McGregor led a squadron of Starfuries, launched from White Stars in low orbit around Sebacea, to attack and destroy the Peacekeeper High Command headquarters. They succeeded, and turned the tide of the ISA invasion of the Peacekeeper territories. But, what does this have to do with my original heritage ancestors, sir?"

"General McGregor's second in command," said McGregor, "was an Earth Force officer by the name of Lt. Commander Joseph Taylor. Robert McGregor hand picked him. Among the officers who flew in the raid was a Peacekeeper defector named Yalon Marst, who was commissioned as an Earth Force Junior Lieutenant."

"I remember that," said the younger Aeryn. "I always found it fascinating that a Peacekeeper would agree to help McGregor in his plan. The history books aren't clear as to why."

"Well, Robert McGregor's memoirs are clear about it," said McGregor. "The history books have her listed as Yalon Marst. However, according to the memoirs, her married name was Yalon Marst-Taylor. She was Lt. Commander Joseph Taylor's wife."

"I remember now," said the older Aeryn. "That's right. A former Peacekeeper was married to an Earth Force officer, and they flew in the raid. The husband did not come back, though. Am I right, James?"

"Correct, Aeryn," replied McGregor. "Lt. Commander Taylor was killed in the raid. However, according to Robert McGregor, he left Yalon Marst-Taylor not only as a widow, but as a PREGNANT widow. She would give birth to a daughter, Allison Taylor."

"Are you saying," said Chris, "that Joseph and Yalon Taylor were...my original heritage ancestors?"

"It looks to be likely," said McGregor. "To be sure, I have contacted the Earth Alliance government, and asked for genetic information they may have on file on Lt. Commander Taylor. They keep genetic records for identification. We can do a DNA comparison to yours. If there is any match, then your heritage will have been established."

"Why was there no record of them in the Republic's records?" asked Lann.

"Apparently, they were married en route to the raid," said McGregor. "On one of the White Stars. Its possible that the ship was later destroyed, along with any records of the marriage. We're not sure. Our family lost track of Yalon and her child. After Joseph Taylor's parents died, Yalon took her daughter and went to Sebacea. Nothing else is known about them after that."

"How did they meet?" asked the younger Aeryn.

"Well," said McGregor, "apparently, they shot each other down during the Peacekeeper invasion of the Earth Alliance. They survived together on an uninhabited planet, learned to work together. Their working agreement turned to mutual respect, from their to friendship, from their to love. She defected from the Peacekeepers to be with him."

"Wow," said Lann. "I never...I never would have thought I would have found the answer. My family has been trying for three generations."

"Well," said McGregor, "if the DNA tests prove you are the descendant of the Taylors, that means that your family is one of the first SebaceaHuman families, contemporaries with the Rels. That means you have the right to claim peerage, and a noble household status. Your original heritage ancestors will have their portraits hung in the Gallery of the Founders. Finally, Commander Lann, your family will receive the recognition it deserves."

***************************************
Chapter 20: Passing the Torch

*
It had been a monen since the war with the Scarrens ended with victory for the SebaceaHuman Republic. In that time, the lives of Aeryn Crichton and her love, Christopher Lann, had undergone massive changes. Chris was able to prove that he was indeed the descendant of Joseph and Yalon Taylor, and thus a member of one of the first SebaceaHuman families. In a ceremony held in the gardens of the capital, he was granted noble status in the Republic, and the House of Taylor-Lann was established as one of the now Four Noble Houses of the Republic.

But for Chris, that was not the most spectacular event of the last monen. That had to be marrying Aeryn. They're wedding was held in McGregor Park on a bright, sunny day. Being a noble wedding, thousands of guests attended to watch the youngest member of the Republic's oldest family wed the sole member of the newest noble house. The SebaceaHuman wedding ceremony was a mixture of Sebacean and Human wedding customs. After the wedding, Chris Lann and Aeryn Crichton-Lann took two weekens for a honeymoon before they were returned to their duties.

Chris took a post at the academy training new fighter pilots. Aeryn, in the meantime, secured a promotion to full Lieutenant and was serving in one of the home defense fighter squadrons. Today, the two of them were flying a very important passenger in a shuttle to the orbit of New Babylon. In the seat behind them was Aeryn Sun-Crichton, who was being ferried by her great-great-granddaughter and her husband to a waiting ship in orbit.

"We're within visual range now, great-grandmama," said the younger Aeryn. The older Aeryn un-strapped herself from her seat and came forward to see out the shuttle's viewing ports. Looming larger and larger in view was a Leviathan ship, sitting in wait for the shuttle to arrive on board.

"I can't believe it," said Chris. "I am really going to stand on board Moya. I have heard so much about this ship since I was a boy, about the adventures her crew experienced fighting Peacekeepers, Scarrens, Nebari, Scorvians, Sheyangs...."

"Please," said the older Aeryn, "I lived those fights, and I don't need to relive them, Chris. You almost mentioned old cadaver face."

"Old cadaver face?" ask Chris.

"She means Scorpius," said the younger Aeryn. "That was my great-great-grandfather's nickname for him, among others."

"Oh," said Chris. "We should be docking in a few microts."

The shuttle came into Moya's docking bay, and was captured by the Leviathan's docking web. Being guided by the Leviathan, the shuttle was brought in for a gentle landing on the deck of Moya's docking bay. After the bay was pressurized, the three shuttle passengers stepped out onto the deck of the living ship.

For cycles, Moya had acted as the Crichton family's personal transport. The younger Aeryn had been aboard many times over the cycles, ever since she was a little girl. She had fond memories of her great-grandmama playing hide-and-seek with her in the corridors of this ship. The older Aeryn always won, of course, since she knew Moya like the back of her hand.

All Chris Lann could do was stare in wonder as they made their way through Moya's corridors. The two women with him just smiled at the young man's amazement over this seemingly ordinary Leviathan ship. But for Chris, like all SebaceaHumans, the name Moya was identified with a legend.

The trio came to Pilot's chamber. The loyal symbiot of Moya still worked the controls of his station as he had always done for nearly 150 cycles. When the older Aeryn beheld the sight, it was as if time had not passed at all. She almost expected to turn and see her husband, John, step into the room right behind them and say "hey, baby."

"Aeryn," said Pilot to Aeryn Sun-Crichton. "It is so good to see you again."

The older Aeryn walked over, and placed her hand on Pilot's shoulder. "And you, Pilot," she said. "I've missed you."

"Hello, Pilot," said the younger Aeryn, approaching the symbiot's console.

"Hello, young Aeryn Crichton," said Pilot. "Moya and I were very worried about you when we heard you were fighting the Scarrens. We are glad you are safe, and congratulate you on your recent marriage."

"Thank you," said the younger Aeryn. "Allow me to introduce my husband, Commander Christopher Lann. Chris, this is Pilot."

Lann approached them. "Its an honor to meet you, Pilot. You and Moya both."

"I have rarely heard anyone say they were....honored, to meet ME," said Pilot. "Believe me, Commander, the honor is mine. Both Moya and I welcome you."

"Thank you, Pilot," said Chris.

"I'll come back and see you later, Pilot," said the older Aeryn. "I need to speak with them alone. Come, Aeryn, Chris...we'll go to the terrace."

Several minutes later, the trio found themselves on Moya's amazing terrace. The scene that lay before their wondering eyes was a view of the space around the ship, and the large blue and green form of New Babylon. Standing amidst the splendor around them, the older Aeryn turned to face the young couple.

"Well," she said, "thank you for bringing me."

"Of course," said the younger Aeryn. "We'll come back for you when you decide to come home..."

"Aeryn," said the old woman. "I won't be coming back."

"What?" asked the younger Aeryn with a whisper. "Why? I don't understand."

"Aeryn," replied the older Aeryn, "I'm...not coming back to New Babylon. I wish to spend my remaining lifetime here on Moya. This ship was my home, the home I shared with my husband. This is the place I wish to depart this life from."

"But great-grandmama," said the younger Aeryn, "what about you're family? You'll miss...so much. Why can't you spend you're remaining cycles with us?"

"Because I don't have long left to me, dear," said the old woman. "I can...feel it, in my blood and in my bones. I grow...slightly weaker every day. I don't want to die in front of my family. I wish to be here when I die, to pass in the bed I shared with John. Until then, I want to walk these decks and corridors that I once walked with my Moya family...with John, D'Argo, Zhaan, Chiana, Jool, Stark, Rygel, Jack, Elana. It is time for me to go. And it will be time for me to be with them...soon."

"How long?" asked Chris.

"Who's to say?" replied the older Aeryn. "Whatever it is, I will spend the time in happiness, in anticipation of seeing them all again. Robert and Jenavia McGregor, Susan Ivanova, my family here on Moya. My son, and of course, the only love of my life....John Crichton. We spent our time here. I am proud of all that we achieved, all that we built, so much of that work done from this ship. But our time has past. It is your time now. It is for you to build the future."

The two Aeryns embraced each other in a tearful goodbye. After several minutes, the younger Aeryn withdrew herself from her great-grandmama's embrace as her body was wracked with tears. Chris took her in his arms. "What shall we tell your family, Aeryn?" asked Chris. "The Republic?"

"The family already knows," replied the old woman. "I said my goodbyes to them on the planet. But I wanted to say goodbye to the two of you here. James McGregor will make a public statement tomorrow about my leaving. He knows what to do. Chris, I would ask you to...take good care of my Aeryn, but...I know I don't have to. Live together, love each other, and make each day special. Because they will never come again. Now, go...both of you. I think we've made our goodbyes."

"Goodbye, Aeryn," said Chris.

"Goodbye, great-grandmama," said the younger Aeryn.

"Goodbye, my dears," said the old woman.

Chris and Aeryn turned and left the older Aeryn standing on the terrace. Their last view of her was of the old woman's silhouette against the stars, and against the planet she helped to build.

Later, after the shuttle departed from Moya and headed back down to New Babylon, Aeryn came onto Moya's command deck. It was as if time had stood still. She looked around, and saw the other members of Moya's crew working the consoles, debating whether or not to go down to some planet. She saw a moment in the first cycle she knew John, just after they were rescued from the flax. John was asking if she was indeed the female of her species. Her reply convinced him she was.

"Not long now, John," she said. "We will be together again."

Now, the flood of memories was interrupted by Pilot's voice over the clamshell viewer. "Aeryn," said Pilot. "We can leave anytime you are ready."

Aeryn smiled. "I am ready, Pilot," said Aeryn. "Take me home to the stars."

The End