Chapter Seven
Crais stood at the conference room window, listening to the three men behind him argue. He rubbed his forehead, sighing, having listened to the same arguments over and over for the last monen, unable to come up with an acceptable solution. It didn't help that it was taking longer than he hoped to heal Morgan. Her insight on the matter of Scorpius' base would've have been extremely useful. As it was, he had to rely on the information Braca and Terrick had provided when they first arrived with Morgan a little over a monen ago, and even that information was now useless. "The intelligence reports we have received have given us no indication as to the size of Scorpius' garrison beyond what Braca told us," he commented quietly, his voice still loud enough to carry over the others.
Tauvo looked up at his brother. "Bialar, it's smaller than a Gammak base," he pointed out.
Crais turned at the waist to gaze at him. "When we first received those reports it was." He walked over to the huge conference table, shuffling the plastic sheets to reach the map at the bottom. He pulled it free, laying it on top, his finger pointing to a section of dwellings that looked to be under construction. "Scorpius would not begin a project with the potential to be this large if this was not going to be a Gammak base or bigger," he retorted, tapping his finger over the map in emphasis. His eyes locked with Tauvo's for a moment before returning to his place by the window, hands clenched behind his back.
Crais had sent a search party out to look for Suleah and the lack of information regarding his daughter's whereabouts only compounded the situation. If they didn't attack Scorpius' base soon, they would lose their chance. The resistance was growing, but they didn't have enough manpower to take on a Gammak base, if that's what the scientist's new base of operations was turning out to be. And it irritated Crais that he couldn't leave to find Suleah himself.
Crichton shrugged at Tauvo's unasked question as the man gazed at him. He ran his fingers through his hair, leaning his head on his hand tiredly. "We've been going around in circles for three arns. Why don't we take a break?" he suggested.
"We do not have time," Crais replied through clenched teeth.
Shantar looked at his timepiece. "I have rounds to make." He started towards the door, Tauvo beside him. He looked at Crais. "You need to do something about this. He has never been this indecisive or argumentive before," Shantar whispered. "Especially when it comes to strategic matters."
Tauvo gazed at his brother. "Oh, he's usually this argumentive." Shantar glared at him. Tauvo held up his hand, pacifying the older man. "I'll see what I can do," he answered with a sigh. "Not that I expect to do much," he whispered as Shantar exited the room. He walked back over to the table, studying his brother. "Bialar, maybe it would be a good idea to…" Tauvo gazed at Crichton for back up. The human nodded his head slightly, rubbing his chin.
Crais turned to stare at them, wondering why his brother had an apprehensive expression on his face. "To?" he prompted, one eyebrow up in question.
"Well…" Tauvo walked over to him, unsure how to broach the subject, licking his lips nervously. "Step down as leader of the resistance until this matter with Morgan and Suleah is resolved."
Crais stared at his brother, his face a perfect mask of control even though his stomach clenched at his brother's suggestion. He turned dark eyes to Crichton. "I suppose the two of you…have discussed this," he simply stated, slowly making his way back to the table.
"No. Actually, Shantar and I did. Crichton didn't know anything about this until this morning." Tauvo walked around his brother to sit back down. "Bialar, you haven't been able to concentrate for two weekens, ever since the search party came back without any news of Suleah. We thought…"
Crais' frosty glare silenced Tauvo instantly. "You thought." He nodded then swiped the sheets from the table in one swift move, grabbing his brother's tunic and pulling him across the table. "You have been doing a little too much thinking lately, brother," he hissed quietly, his eyes narrowed in threat. "I made a vow…to Tadace to lead this resistance. I do not intend on going back on that vow no matter what personal problems…I may be dealing with." He paused. "Is…that…clear?" Tauvo nodded and he pushed his brother away, stalking back to the window.
Crichton looked at Crais, standing up as Tauvo collected himself. He walked over to stand next to the extremely volatile Captain. "Crais, look, maybe it won't hurt to back off a bit." Crichton paused at the growl Crais emitted, holding up his hands. He glanced at Tauvo before continuing. Tauvo rolled his eyes slightly in defeat, motioning for Crichton to tell Crais his idea. The human had spoken with Tauvo about it and it was the only back up plan they had. "I…uh…had an idea that might help you with Morgan."
Crais slowly turned his head and looked at him. "Which is?" he asked. Morgan had finally come around enough to be comfortable in Crais' presence, but she still avoided him as much as possible, trying to steer clear of the Captain when they were alone on Talyn.
"She's talking to you, right?" Crais nodded. "Okay." Crichton let out a breath. "You're gonna have to be…romantic."
"Romantic," Crais repeated, his breath shallow. "My wife…" he paused, stroking his goatee.
"Look, she's still having problems with the whole marriage issue. I mean, even you have to admit that. And she's come a long way in two monens. But, you're going to have to win her back. You have to…woo her." Crichton backed away in response to the look on Crais' face. "She's always been fond of picnics," he blurted. "And since she prefers to stay on Talyn, the terrace would be a perfect place for it." He looked at Tauvo for encouragement.
"Crichton's right, Bialar. We can wait for you, if you're that adamant about leading the resistance. But you cannot lead effectively until you resolve this problem," Tauvo commented quietly. His eyes met Crais'.
Crais looked back and forth between the two of them, his eyes finally settling on Crichton, begrudgingly admitting that his suggestion had merit. He hated the haunted look that was still in Morgan's eyes and he abhorred the way she backed away from him whenever he touched her. Even a simple caress on the arm sent the human woman skittering away. "And what exactly is a picnic?"
Crichton breathed a sigh of relief. At least Crais was curious. He leaned back on the table. "You gather a blanket and a bunch of food and drink and, under normal circumstances, go outside, lay the blanket down, sit on it and eat." He rubbed his chin with the back of his hand. "It's a way to break the ice and get to know each other again."
Tauvo looked at the human. "Sounds like fun," he remarked, his eyes twinkling.
"It sounds…ridiculous," Crais commented, bending down to pick up the sheets he swiped off the floor, trying to return his mind to the strategy session as Crichton continued on.
"No, man, it really is a good idea." Crichton watched as Crais laid the sheets back on the table, one still in his hand, his eyes scanning it. "Aw, come on, Crais, hear me out. What do you have to lose?" he asked softly.
Crais looked up, dropping the sheet on the table with an exasperated sigh. "You have made your point Crichton." He walked to the head of the table and poured himself a glass of water.
Crichton looked hopefully at Tauvo. "So then you're willing to give it a go?" he asked, his mouth open as he gazed at Crais, his head canted to one side.
"Yes," Crais snapped.
Crichton clapped his hands together, rubbing them in anticipation. He held up one finger. "I have the perfect compact disc of music, too. Nice slow love songs that Morgan adores," Crichton added, watching the Captain. He couldn't resist. He had to do it. "The type of music you slow dance to."
Water spewed from Crais mouth. "I do not dance, Crichton! That is totally out of the question!"
Tauvo began to laugh as he stood up, grabbing Crichton's arm and swinging him around, teasing his brother. He leaned Crichton back in a dip. "My brother…the ex-Peacekeeper…dancing? He didn't even dance when we were children!" he laughed. "I would pay good money to see that!" He twirled Crichton, letting the human go as he fell against the table in hysterical fits of laughter.
"You are both fahrbot! Completely and utterly fahrbot!" Crais yelled in annoyance, storming from the conference room. He stalked down the corridor, his brother and Crichton's laughter fading behind him as he walked out. He hated to admit it, but they were right. He couldn't think. He couldn't concentrate. Not as long as Morgan was still so distant. It finally occurred to him how much he really did rely on her. Crais walked through the corridors mindlessly until he found himself standing inside the door to their quarters on Zorosa 3, the rooms silent except the soft creaking of the rocking chair in the bedroom, a rocking chair Crichton and D'Argo had built for Morgan shortly after they arrived on the planet. "Zhaan?" he called softly, walking into the bedroom.
The Delvian priestess looked up at him and knew something was troubling him. "Are you alright?"
Crais gazed at her, his son in her arms, sleeping quietly. "I…need to hold my son," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Morgan came to see him today," she commented quietly, a soft smile on her face.
Crais gazed at her as Allan stirred, shifting in Zhaan's arms. "And?" he asked hopefully.
"She held him for quite some time. It's a good sign." Zhaan stood up, handing Allan to Crais. "I will be in the other room if you need me," she commented. She had appointed herself part-time guardian of the little boy until Morgan could resume her motherly duties. She smiled as she exited the room. In a way, they all had done something to help.
Crais sat down in the chair, gazing down at the little boy. He was growing quickly, and was robust with a sweet disposition. A small smile crept across Crais' face. "I hope your sister…is giving Scorpius hezmana," he whispered. Allan smiled at him in his sleep, nestling closer to his father, and Crais knew what he had to do.
It was arns later when Crichton and Aeryn walked into the maintenance bay on Moya to find Crais standing there waiting, answering the ex- Peacekeeper's summons. "What's up?" Crichton asked.
Crais looked down, then to Aeryn, his head cocked to the right slightly. "You…know I would do anything…for Morgan."
Crichton enjoyed the look of sheer discomfort on Crais' face. "Yeah."
Crais nodded once sharply. "Then…" he sighed, looking up. "…teach me how to dance."
Morgan paced her quarters, her mind still in turmoil. She looked out the viewport, her feet bare on Talyn's deck. She knew she had hurt Crais' feelings by leaving their shared quarters, but she wasn't ready to fully accept the fact that they were married. She shivered at the thought, rubbing her bare arms. It was going to take time for her to learn to trust anyone. And to feel safe. There were only two places she felt safe: on Talyn and in Pilot's chamber and she found that her daily conversations with Moya were helping. The female Leviathan understood the maternal rage Morgan had felt when Suleah had been kidnapped and she shared those feelings willingly with the human woman, working with her son as much as she could to reorganize Morgan's memories.
~ Morgan, Crais would like you to meet him on the terrace, ~ Talyn whispered softly, shaking her from her reverie.
"Not now Talyn. I…" She shook her head, not wanting to face Crais. "Just tell him I'm asleep."
~ He knows you're not asleep. Morgan, you must do this. We've talked about this and you can't keep putting this off. ~
Morgan sighed. Talyn knew she was still unsure about everything, but he was persistent, and she couldn't fight him. Even through all the work they had done together dispelling Scorpius' incorrect memories, Morgan found that when she was quiet, her mind still, she had flashes, images of things that the scientist implanted that left her shaken to the core. She didn't want the flashes to continue and knew that Talyn was right. "All right," she conceded softly, padding out of her quarters.
Crais heard the doors slide open and he stayed at the terrace viewport. He watched her through Talyn, the scared expression on her face clenching his heart. It was in this room that he had told her she was carrying his child, the child that turned out to be two wonderful beings that they both loved more than life. It would be in this same room that he would prove to her that he was not the monster Scorpius wanted her to think he was. He turned and looked at her, a soft smile on his face. He had one hand in his pocket, her wedding band in his fingers. He hoped Braca was right. He hoped the sight of it would help dispel Scorpius' meddling, triggering a chain reaction in her mind to right itself.
Morgan looked around the terrace, her arms still crossed over her chest as she rubbed them in apprehension. She saw Crais' silhouette at the viewport. A blanket was laid on the steelskin deck, a small meal of fruit, grains and cheeses laid out neatly upon it, a bottle of Fellip nectar and two glasses waiting. Her boom box softly played Earth love songs and Morgan recognized the CD. It was the one she had given her cousin to play for Aeryn, Phil Collins singing softly about rain falling down. Morgan bit her lip. "What…is all this?" she asked, her voice quavering.
Crais approached her, Talyn's natural light softening his face as he held his hand out to her. "I believe you call it…a picnic," he answered, taking her hand in his and drawing her into his arms. "I thought it would make you feel better," he whispered. He looked down at Morgan. Her hair was loose, flowing over her bare shoulders, contrasting nicely with the satin red tank top and pants she was wearing.
"Thank you," she answered, her eyes downcast.
Crais' eyes narrowed slightly as he took her chin in his hand, tilting her face towards him. "Morgan, look at me," he quietly commanded. She looked up at Crais, their eyes locking as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Crais stroked his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the single tear that slipped down it. "I do not…know what Scorpius showed you…or tried to make you believe. But they were lies. I have never hurt you…" he paused. "…and I never will. You must try to believe that." He took her face between both palms. "I love you, Morgan." His lips lowered gently to hers in a tender kiss. Slowly, concentrating on what Crichton had taught him with Aeryn's help, Crais began to move, his arm wrapped around her waist. He gazed down at her, her face lit up with surprise by the fact that was leading her in a slow dance, their bodies pressed close together, their eyes locked as the music played. He kissed her again, softly, lovingly.
Morgan licked her lips when he pulled away, her hands planted firmly on his chest. She realized that he was out of uniform and her fingers gently ran down the soft green and gold striping on his tunic. "You…I thought…" She turned away, her mind confused and roiling as she rubbed both sides of her temple with her fingers. The memory of the first time she had seen him wearing that tunic in his parents barn took hold in her mind. "He said we had never been there! Scorpius told me that you never took me to your home planet and what I remembered was a lie!" she screamed, sinking to her knees. Tears flowed down her face and she gripped her hair in her fists, bits and pieces of scattered memories converging on her in a torrent of emotion. "I don't know what the frell is real and what isn't!"
Crais knelt before her, grasping her upper arms. "Morgan, what Talyn showed you is the truth. What Pilot and Moya and everyone else have shared with you is the truth. They have helped you sort out the reality from the lies. You have to trust us." He dug in his pocket for the ring. "I need you Morgan. We all do." He held up his left hand. "Do you know what this is?" he snapped, pointing to her father's wedding band that encircled his finger.
Morgan's hands slid from her hair, tilting her head as she studied his hand. "That's my father's wedding ring." She looked at Crais in confusion. "What are doing with it?"
"You…" Crais turned away from her for a moment, regaining his composure. "You explained to me that humans wear them when they marry. You asked me to wear it as a token of our love." He held up her band, taking her left hand and sliding it on her finger. He gazed at her, his breath labored in his chest with fury at what Scorpius had done as he studied her face, looking for even the slightest spark he hoped would be there.
Morgan stared at the simple gold band, her vision blurring slightly. The images flashed back, the reality finally separating from the nightmare. She felt like she was watching a disjointed movie as the images Scorpius implanted scattered, leaving her feeling empty and alone. She looked up at Crais, and then hung her head, her shoulder shaking with quiet sobs. She leaned forward, resting her head on his lap as she laid down on the deck, tears still streaming down her face.
Crais stroked her hair gently, brushing the hair from her face, her blue eyes staring almost vacantly straight ahead. He didn't know how long they stayed like that, when she finally spoke, her voice rough.
"Crais?"
"Yes Morgan?"
She didn't answer. Instead, Morgan rolled onto her back, taking his hand in hers and guiding it to her cheek. She looked up at him, her eyes still filled with fear. Or was it apprehension? "How…how did I get back here? No one has told me."
Crais shifted his weight, sliding along the deck to lie next to her, her head cradled on his arm. "Braca and…Terrick brought you back here in the gunship we developed for Scorpius." She flinched at the scientists name and he pulled her against him. "I will not let him hurt you again," he whispered. He kissed her face, his lips soothing, soft and gentle as he slid his hand down her side, resting it at the small of her back. He felt her hesitantly wrap her arms around him, her own face buried in his neck as he softly kissed her bare shoulder. "I need you," he whispered. "And I know you are in there somewhere."
Morgan closed her eyes, holding on to him tightly. "Suleah?" she whispered.
"We'll find her," he answered, stroking her hair as they lay there.
Morgan hiccupped. "Where is Allan right now?" she asked unsure, wanting to be certain that he was safe. She remembered seeing him, holding him, but Morgan truly didn't know if it actually happened or if it was one of Scorpius' tricks. Her breath was warm on Crais' neck as she waited for his answer.
"With my parents." He leaned back and gazed at her, a gentle smile on his face. He entwined his fingers with hers.
Morgan stared at him silently, still struggling with the lies that Scorpius had fed her even though deep down she knew the truth. "I need help," she finally admitted.
"Then you shall have it," he whispered, finding the spark of hope in her eyes that he had been looking for.
Crais walked onto the bridge of the stolen gunship, finding it very similar to Talyn's, his brother behind him. He went straight to the system's console, entering the commands to disable the self-destruct as his brother leaned against the communications console quietly watching him. Tauvo noticed that the apprehension and worry had faded somewhat from Crais' face, knowing that the picnic had been a success. "So," Tauvo started, "what are you planning on doing with this ship?"
Crais looked up at him. "The first thing we need to do is find a pilot for her." He moved to the weapons panel, verifying that everything was in order and making sure Scorpius had not modified any of the added systems. "After the problems I initially had with Talyn, I felt that she would be better without a neural link."
Tauvo gazed around. "It's a female?"
Crais simply nodded, satisfied that the gunship was in perfect order. She chirped softly at him and he waited as Talyn relayed her message. "She claims she would still prefer a single Captain." He chuckled softly. "It seems she has been conversing with Talyn and Moya quite extensively."
Tauvo stood up, pacing around the bridge. It was only a quarter of the size of Talyn's bridge. "Oh, that's a comfort. All we need is two headstrong hybrid gunships running around."
Crais stepped away from the consoles, staring at his brother. "She's yours if you want her."
Tauvo turned and looked at Crais, a smile lighting up his face. "Really?"
Crais nodded once. "Yes." He headed off the bridge. "Moya and Pilot are currently searching for a suitable symbiotic match. And you get the honor of naming her."
Tauvo rubbed his hands together as he followed Crais, feeling like a little kid with a new toy. His expression faded slightly as they stepped aboard the transport pod. "Have you…told Morgan that were leaving in two days to attack Scorpius' base?" he finally asked. Tauvo was hesitant about destroying his brother's good mood.
Crais piloted the transport pod in silence before answering his younger sibling. "Yes. She asked to remain here…with Talyn."
Tauvo stared at his brother. "You're not bringing Talyn?"
"No. We will take the command carriers. I do not…want to…hinder the progress she is making and Talyn requested to stay with her."
"I take it she not happy with you leaving?" Tauvo suggested, his dark eyebrows raised. "Considering the…" Tauvo paused momentarily, "…progress the two of you have been making." He hoped he was reading his brother right, the ex-Captain sitting stiffly beside him.
"No. But she also understands that it is…necessary." Crais looked at his brother. "She confirmed what we expected. Scorpius is building more than a gammak base."
"How does she know this?" Tauvo's curiosity was peaked. "How do we know Scorpius didn't stick that in her mind to throw us off?"
Crais smiled sardonically. "It seems that Scorpius treated my wife like a…queen while she there, gaining her trust," he snarled, "before placing her in the chair. He outlined everything he was doing to her in full. Talyn has been able to verify he validity of her memory."
Tauvo nodded, exhaling as he watched Zorosa 3 grow larger in the viewport. "Who is going with us?"
Crais stroked his goatee. "Sr. Officer Sun, Commander Crichton…"
Tauvo's head whipped around to stare at Crais. "Crichton is going with us?"
"Yes." He adjusted the controls before him. "Morgan asked him to."
"Why?"
Crais smiled slightly. "I believe he said something about keeping an eye on me for her." He sighed. "Ka D'argo and some of the others. Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan and the Bannik slave Stark are remaining here to help Morgan."
Tauvo nodded silently, licking his lips before voicing his next concern. "And what about Terrick and Braca?"
Crais bristled slightly at the mention of Braca and his son. He had spoken at length with Terrick, surprised at how the teen had opened up to him after Morgan's rescue. The resentment was still there and Crais wondered if the animosity between them would ever dissipate. "Terrick and Braca will be remaining on Zorosa 3 under protective custody. They will be allowed to move freely about the city with an escort."
Terrick studied Crais. "Is that a wise idea?"
"No. But we can't keep them imprisoned." Crais guided the transport pod to the ground. "They are now as irreversibly contaminated as the rest of us."
Tauvo stood up and stared at his brother in seriousness. "Well, isn't that just a shame for them."
Crais stood at the conference room window, listening to the three men behind him argue. He rubbed his forehead, sighing, having listened to the same arguments over and over for the last monen, unable to come up with an acceptable solution. It didn't help that it was taking longer than he hoped to heal Morgan. Her insight on the matter of Scorpius' base would've have been extremely useful. As it was, he had to rely on the information Braca and Terrick had provided when they first arrived with Morgan a little over a monen ago, and even that information was now useless. "The intelligence reports we have received have given us no indication as to the size of Scorpius' garrison beyond what Braca told us," he commented quietly, his voice still loud enough to carry over the others.
Tauvo looked up at his brother. "Bialar, it's smaller than a Gammak base," he pointed out.
Crais turned at the waist to gaze at him. "When we first received those reports it was." He walked over to the huge conference table, shuffling the plastic sheets to reach the map at the bottom. He pulled it free, laying it on top, his finger pointing to a section of dwellings that looked to be under construction. "Scorpius would not begin a project with the potential to be this large if this was not going to be a Gammak base or bigger," he retorted, tapping his finger over the map in emphasis. His eyes locked with Tauvo's for a moment before returning to his place by the window, hands clenched behind his back.
Crais had sent a search party out to look for Suleah and the lack of information regarding his daughter's whereabouts only compounded the situation. If they didn't attack Scorpius' base soon, they would lose their chance. The resistance was growing, but they didn't have enough manpower to take on a Gammak base, if that's what the scientist's new base of operations was turning out to be. And it irritated Crais that he couldn't leave to find Suleah himself.
Crichton shrugged at Tauvo's unasked question as the man gazed at him. He ran his fingers through his hair, leaning his head on his hand tiredly. "We've been going around in circles for three arns. Why don't we take a break?" he suggested.
"We do not have time," Crais replied through clenched teeth.
Shantar looked at his timepiece. "I have rounds to make." He started towards the door, Tauvo beside him. He looked at Crais. "You need to do something about this. He has never been this indecisive or argumentive before," Shantar whispered. "Especially when it comes to strategic matters."
Tauvo gazed at his brother. "Oh, he's usually this argumentive." Shantar glared at him. Tauvo held up his hand, pacifying the older man. "I'll see what I can do," he answered with a sigh. "Not that I expect to do much," he whispered as Shantar exited the room. He walked back over to the table, studying his brother. "Bialar, maybe it would be a good idea to…" Tauvo gazed at Crichton for back up. The human nodded his head slightly, rubbing his chin.
Crais turned to stare at them, wondering why his brother had an apprehensive expression on his face. "To?" he prompted, one eyebrow up in question.
"Well…" Tauvo walked over to him, unsure how to broach the subject, licking his lips nervously. "Step down as leader of the resistance until this matter with Morgan and Suleah is resolved."
Crais stared at his brother, his face a perfect mask of control even though his stomach clenched at his brother's suggestion. He turned dark eyes to Crichton. "I suppose the two of you…have discussed this," he simply stated, slowly making his way back to the table.
"No. Actually, Shantar and I did. Crichton didn't know anything about this until this morning." Tauvo walked around his brother to sit back down. "Bialar, you haven't been able to concentrate for two weekens, ever since the search party came back without any news of Suleah. We thought…"
Crais' frosty glare silenced Tauvo instantly. "You thought." He nodded then swiped the sheets from the table in one swift move, grabbing his brother's tunic and pulling him across the table. "You have been doing a little too much thinking lately, brother," he hissed quietly, his eyes narrowed in threat. "I made a vow…to Tadace to lead this resistance. I do not intend on going back on that vow no matter what personal problems…I may be dealing with." He paused. "Is…that…clear?" Tauvo nodded and he pushed his brother away, stalking back to the window.
Crichton looked at Crais, standing up as Tauvo collected himself. He walked over to stand next to the extremely volatile Captain. "Crais, look, maybe it won't hurt to back off a bit." Crichton paused at the growl Crais emitted, holding up his hands. He glanced at Tauvo before continuing. Tauvo rolled his eyes slightly in defeat, motioning for Crichton to tell Crais his idea. The human had spoken with Tauvo about it and it was the only back up plan they had. "I…uh…had an idea that might help you with Morgan."
Crais slowly turned his head and looked at him. "Which is?" he asked. Morgan had finally come around enough to be comfortable in Crais' presence, but she still avoided him as much as possible, trying to steer clear of the Captain when they were alone on Talyn.
"She's talking to you, right?" Crais nodded. "Okay." Crichton let out a breath. "You're gonna have to be…romantic."
"Romantic," Crais repeated, his breath shallow. "My wife…" he paused, stroking his goatee.
"Look, she's still having problems with the whole marriage issue. I mean, even you have to admit that. And she's come a long way in two monens. But, you're going to have to win her back. You have to…woo her." Crichton backed away in response to the look on Crais' face. "She's always been fond of picnics," he blurted. "And since she prefers to stay on Talyn, the terrace would be a perfect place for it." He looked at Tauvo for encouragement.
"Crichton's right, Bialar. We can wait for you, if you're that adamant about leading the resistance. But you cannot lead effectively until you resolve this problem," Tauvo commented quietly. His eyes met Crais'.
Crais looked back and forth between the two of them, his eyes finally settling on Crichton, begrudgingly admitting that his suggestion had merit. He hated the haunted look that was still in Morgan's eyes and he abhorred the way she backed away from him whenever he touched her. Even a simple caress on the arm sent the human woman skittering away. "And what exactly is a picnic?"
Crichton breathed a sigh of relief. At least Crais was curious. He leaned back on the table. "You gather a blanket and a bunch of food and drink and, under normal circumstances, go outside, lay the blanket down, sit on it and eat." He rubbed his chin with the back of his hand. "It's a way to break the ice and get to know each other again."
Tauvo looked at the human. "Sounds like fun," he remarked, his eyes twinkling.
"It sounds…ridiculous," Crais commented, bending down to pick up the sheets he swiped off the floor, trying to return his mind to the strategy session as Crichton continued on.
"No, man, it really is a good idea." Crichton watched as Crais laid the sheets back on the table, one still in his hand, his eyes scanning it. "Aw, come on, Crais, hear me out. What do you have to lose?" he asked softly.
Crais looked up, dropping the sheet on the table with an exasperated sigh. "You have made your point Crichton." He walked to the head of the table and poured himself a glass of water.
Crichton looked hopefully at Tauvo. "So then you're willing to give it a go?" he asked, his mouth open as he gazed at Crais, his head canted to one side.
"Yes," Crais snapped.
Crichton clapped his hands together, rubbing them in anticipation. He held up one finger. "I have the perfect compact disc of music, too. Nice slow love songs that Morgan adores," Crichton added, watching the Captain. He couldn't resist. He had to do it. "The type of music you slow dance to."
Water spewed from Crais mouth. "I do not dance, Crichton! That is totally out of the question!"
Tauvo began to laugh as he stood up, grabbing Crichton's arm and swinging him around, teasing his brother. He leaned Crichton back in a dip. "My brother…the ex-Peacekeeper…dancing? He didn't even dance when we were children!" he laughed. "I would pay good money to see that!" He twirled Crichton, letting the human go as he fell against the table in hysterical fits of laughter.
"You are both fahrbot! Completely and utterly fahrbot!" Crais yelled in annoyance, storming from the conference room. He stalked down the corridor, his brother and Crichton's laughter fading behind him as he walked out. He hated to admit it, but they were right. He couldn't think. He couldn't concentrate. Not as long as Morgan was still so distant. It finally occurred to him how much he really did rely on her. Crais walked through the corridors mindlessly until he found himself standing inside the door to their quarters on Zorosa 3, the rooms silent except the soft creaking of the rocking chair in the bedroom, a rocking chair Crichton and D'Argo had built for Morgan shortly after they arrived on the planet. "Zhaan?" he called softly, walking into the bedroom.
The Delvian priestess looked up at him and knew something was troubling him. "Are you alright?"
Crais gazed at her, his son in her arms, sleeping quietly. "I…need to hold my son," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Morgan came to see him today," she commented quietly, a soft smile on her face.
Crais gazed at her as Allan stirred, shifting in Zhaan's arms. "And?" he asked hopefully.
"She held him for quite some time. It's a good sign." Zhaan stood up, handing Allan to Crais. "I will be in the other room if you need me," she commented. She had appointed herself part-time guardian of the little boy until Morgan could resume her motherly duties. She smiled as she exited the room. In a way, they all had done something to help.
Crais sat down in the chair, gazing down at the little boy. He was growing quickly, and was robust with a sweet disposition. A small smile crept across Crais' face. "I hope your sister…is giving Scorpius hezmana," he whispered. Allan smiled at him in his sleep, nestling closer to his father, and Crais knew what he had to do.
It was arns later when Crichton and Aeryn walked into the maintenance bay on Moya to find Crais standing there waiting, answering the ex- Peacekeeper's summons. "What's up?" Crichton asked.
Crais looked down, then to Aeryn, his head cocked to the right slightly. "You…know I would do anything…for Morgan."
Crichton enjoyed the look of sheer discomfort on Crais' face. "Yeah."
Crais nodded once sharply. "Then…" he sighed, looking up. "…teach me how to dance."
Morgan paced her quarters, her mind still in turmoil. She looked out the viewport, her feet bare on Talyn's deck. She knew she had hurt Crais' feelings by leaving their shared quarters, but she wasn't ready to fully accept the fact that they were married. She shivered at the thought, rubbing her bare arms. It was going to take time for her to learn to trust anyone. And to feel safe. There were only two places she felt safe: on Talyn and in Pilot's chamber and she found that her daily conversations with Moya were helping. The female Leviathan understood the maternal rage Morgan had felt when Suleah had been kidnapped and she shared those feelings willingly with the human woman, working with her son as much as she could to reorganize Morgan's memories.
~ Morgan, Crais would like you to meet him on the terrace, ~ Talyn whispered softly, shaking her from her reverie.
"Not now Talyn. I…" She shook her head, not wanting to face Crais. "Just tell him I'm asleep."
~ He knows you're not asleep. Morgan, you must do this. We've talked about this and you can't keep putting this off. ~
Morgan sighed. Talyn knew she was still unsure about everything, but he was persistent, and she couldn't fight him. Even through all the work they had done together dispelling Scorpius' incorrect memories, Morgan found that when she was quiet, her mind still, she had flashes, images of things that the scientist implanted that left her shaken to the core. She didn't want the flashes to continue and knew that Talyn was right. "All right," she conceded softly, padding out of her quarters.
Crais heard the doors slide open and he stayed at the terrace viewport. He watched her through Talyn, the scared expression on her face clenching his heart. It was in this room that he had told her she was carrying his child, the child that turned out to be two wonderful beings that they both loved more than life. It would be in this same room that he would prove to her that he was not the monster Scorpius wanted her to think he was. He turned and looked at her, a soft smile on his face. He had one hand in his pocket, her wedding band in his fingers. He hoped Braca was right. He hoped the sight of it would help dispel Scorpius' meddling, triggering a chain reaction in her mind to right itself.
Morgan looked around the terrace, her arms still crossed over her chest as she rubbed them in apprehension. She saw Crais' silhouette at the viewport. A blanket was laid on the steelskin deck, a small meal of fruit, grains and cheeses laid out neatly upon it, a bottle of Fellip nectar and two glasses waiting. Her boom box softly played Earth love songs and Morgan recognized the CD. It was the one she had given her cousin to play for Aeryn, Phil Collins singing softly about rain falling down. Morgan bit her lip. "What…is all this?" she asked, her voice quavering.
Crais approached her, Talyn's natural light softening his face as he held his hand out to her. "I believe you call it…a picnic," he answered, taking her hand in his and drawing her into his arms. "I thought it would make you feel better," he whispered. He looked down at Morgan. Her hair was loose, flowing over her bare shoulders, contrasting nicely with the satin red tank top and pants she was wearing.
"Thank you," she answered, her eyes downcast.
Crais' eyes narrowed slightly as he took her chin in his hand, tilting her face towards him. "Morgan, look at me," he quietly commanded. She looked up at Crais, their eyes locking as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Crais stroked his thumb across her cheek, wiping away the single tear that slipped down it. "I do not…know what Scorpius showed you…or tried to make you believe. But they were lies. I have never hurt you…" he paused. "…and I never will. You must try to believe that." He took her face between both palms. "I love you, Morgan." His lips lowered gently to hers in a tender kiss. Slowly, concentrating on what Crichton had taught him with Aeryn's help, Crais began to move, his arm wrapped around her waist. He gazed down at her, her face lit up with surprise by the fact that was leading her in a slow dance, their bodies pressed close together, their eyes locked as the music played. He kissed her again, softly, lovingly.
Morgan licked her lips when he pulled away, her hands planted firmly on his chest. She realized that he was out of uniform and her fingers gently ran down the soft green and gold striping on his tunic. "You…I thought…" She turned away, her mind confused and roiling as she rubbed both sides of her temple with her fingers. The memory of the first time she had seen him wearing that tunic in his parents barn took hold in her mind. "He said we had never been there! Scorpius told me that you never took me to your home planet and what I remembered was a lie!" she screamed, sinking to her knees. Tears flowed down her face and she gripped her hair in her fists, bits and pieces of scattered memories converging on her in a torrent of emotion. "I don't know what the frell is real and what isn't!"
Crais knelt before her, grasping her upper arms. "Morgan, what Talyn showed you is the truth. What Pilot and Moya and everyone else have shared with you is the truth. They have helped you sort out the reality from the lies. You have to trust us." He dug in his pocket for the ring. "I need you Morgan. We all do." He held up his left hand. "Do you know what this is?" he snapped, pointing to her father's wedding band that encircled his finger.
Morgan's hands slid from her hair, tilting her head as she studied his hand. "That's my father's wedding ring." She looked at Crais in confusion. "What are doing with it?"
"You…" Crais turned away from her for a moment, regaining his composure. "You explained to me that humans wear them when they marry. You asked me to wear it as a token of our love." He held up her band, taking her left hand and sliding it on her finger. He gazed at her, his breath labored in his chest with fury at what Scorpius had done as he studied her face, looking for even the slightest spark he hoped would be there.
Morgan stared at the simple gold band, her vision blurring slightly. The images flashed back, the reality finally separating from the nightmare. She felt like she was watching a disjointed movie as the images Scorpius implanted scattered, leaving her feeling empty and alone. She looked up at Crais, and then hung her head, her shoulder shaking with quiet sobs. She leaned forward, resting her head on his lap as she laid down on the deck, tears still streaming down her face.
Crais stroked her hair gently, brushing the hair from her face, her blue eyes staring almost vacantly straight ahead. He didn't know how long they stayed like that, when she finally spoke, her voice rough.
"Crais?"
"Yes Morgan?"
She didn't answer. Instead, Morgan rolled onto her back, taking his hand in hers and guiding it to her cheek. She looked up at him, her eyes still filled with fear. Or was it apprehension? "How…how did I get back here? No one has told me."
Crais shifted his weight, sliding along the deck to lie next to her, her head cradled on his arm. "Braca and…Terrick brought you back here in the gunship we developed for Scorpius." She flinched at the scientists name and he pulled her against him. "I will not let him hurt you again," he whispered. He kissed her face, his lips soothing, soft and gentle as he slid his hand down her side, resting it at the small of her back. He felt her hesitantly wrap her arms around him, her own face buried in his neck as he softly kissed her bare shoulder. "I need you," he whispered. "And I know you are in there somewhere."
Morgan closed her eyes, holding on to him tightly. "Suleah?" she whispered.
"We'll find her," he answered, stroking her hair as they lay there.
Morgan hiccupped. "Where is Allan right now?" she asked unsure, wanting to be certain that he was safe. She remembered seeing him, holding him, but Morgan truly didn't know if it actually happened or if it was one of Scorpius' tricks. Her breath was warm on Crais' neck as she waited for his answer.
"With my parents." He leaned back and gazed at her, a gentle smile on his face. He entwined his fingers with hers.
Morgan stared at him silently, still struggling with the lies that Scorpius had fed her even though deep down she knew the truth. "I need help," she finally admitted.
"Then you shall have it," he whispered, finding the spark of hope in her eyes that he had been looking for.
Crais walked onto the bridge of the stolen gunship, finding it very similar to Talyn's, his brother behind him. He went straight to the system's console, entering the commands to disable the self-destruct as his brother leaned against the communications console quietly watching him. Tauvo noticed that the apprehension and worry had faded somewhat from Crais' face, knowing that the picnic had been a success. "So," Tauvo started, "what are you planning on doing with this ship?"
Crais looked up at him. "The first thing we need to do is find a pilot for her." He moved to the weapons panel, verifying that everything was in order and making sure Scorpius had not modified any of the added systems. "After the problems I initially had with Talyn, I felt that she would be better without a neural link."
Tauvo gazed around. "It's a female?"
Crais simply nodded, satisfied that the gunship was in perfect order. She chirped softly at him and he waited as Talyn relayed her message. "She claims she would still prefer a single Captain." He chuckled softly. "It seems she has been conversing with Talyn and Moya quite extensively."
Tauvo stood up, pacing around the bridge. It was only a quarter of the size of Talyn's bridge. "Oh, that's a comfort. All we need is two headstrong hybrid gunships running around."
Crais stepped away from the consoles, staring at his brother. "She's yours if you want her."
Tauvo turned and looked at Crais, a smile lighting up his face. "Really?"
Crais nodded once. "Yes." He headed off the bridge. "Moya and Pilot are currently searching for a suitable symbiotic match. And you get the honor of naming her."
Tauvo rubbed his hands together as he followed Crais, feeling like a little kid with a new toy. His expression faded slightly as they stepped aboard the transport pod. "Have you…told Morgan that were leaving in two days to attack Scorpius' base?" he finally asked. Tauvo was hesitant about destroying his brother's good mood.
Crais piloted the transport pod in silence before answering his younger sibling. "Yes. She asked to remain here…with Talyn."
Tauvo stared at his brother. "You're not bringing Talyn?"
"No. We will take the command carriers. I do not…want to…hinder the progress she is making and Talyn requested to stay with her."
"I take it she not happy with you leaving?" Tauvo suggested, his dark eyebrows raised. "Considering the…" Tauvo paused momentarily, "…progress the two of you have been making." He hoped he was reading his brother right, the ex-Captain sitting stiffly beside him.
"No. But she also understands that it is…necessary." Crais looked at his brother. "She confirmed what we expected. Scorpius is building more than a gammak base."
"How does she know this?" Tauvo's curiosity was peaked. "How do we know Scorpius didn't stick that in her mind to throw us off?"
Crais smiled sardonically. "It seems that Scorpius treated my wife like a…queen while she there, gaining her trust," he snarled, "before placing her in the chair. He outlined everything he was doing to her in full. Talyn has been able to verify he validity of her memory."
Tauvo nodded, exhaling as he watched Zorosa 3 grow larger in the viewport. "Who is going with us?"
Crais stroked his goatee. "Sr. Officer Sun, Commander Crichton…"
Tauvo's head whipped around to stare at Crais. "Crichton is going with us?"
"Yes." He adjusted the controls before him. "Morgan asked him to."
"Why?"
Crais smiled slightly. "I believe he said something about keeping an eye on me for her." He sighed. "Ka D'argo and some of the others. Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan and the Bannik slave Stark are remaining here to help Morgan."
Tauvo nodded silently, licking his lips before voicing his next concern. "And what about Terrick and Braca?"
Crais bristled slightly at the mention of Braca and his son. He had spoken at length with Terrick, surprised at how the teen had opened up to him after Morgan's rescue. The resentment was still there and Crais wondered if the animosity between them would ever dissipate. "Terrick and Braca will be remaining on Zorosa 3 under protective custody. They will be allowed to move freely about the city with an escort."
Terrick studied Crais. "Is that a wise idea?"
"No. But we can't keep them imprisoned." Crais guided the transport pod to the ground. "They are now as irreversibly contaminated as the rest of us."
Tauvo stood up and stared at his brother in seriousness. "Well, isn't that just a shame for them."