Chapter 8: Calamity Jane?



The next morning, D'Argo was in the Command Area when he spotted Sheba walking in. Watching her more closely, D'Argo could see her hair was slightly dishevelled and her legs behaved more like two dry wood logs.

The Luxan warrior tried to hide his amusement.

Good morning.

Sheba groaned as she leaned against a console for support. There is no morning in space, D'Argo and there's nothing good about it.

My apologies, it is a Human saying that Crichton tells to us everytime when he gets up after the end of his sleep cycle.

Sheba murmured. What does a Luxan say to a fellow Luxan in the morning?



Sheba suddenly started to giggle aloud before suddenly groaning again, holding her head between her hands.

Ow! Please don't make me laugh.

Having seen enough, D'Argo went over to Sheba's side to check on her. He gently took her by the arm and turned her around to face him. He started to raise his other hand to feel her forehead but Sheba immediately started to pull away, confused by his action.

I'm not going to hurt you, D'Argo said softly.

After a moment, Sheba nodded and D'Argo raised his large hand to her forehead and felt her temperature. She was quite warm, definitely had a fever but nothing serious. Before he could remove his hand, Sheba reached up and held it in place.

Ah! Cold hand! Keep it there for a micron big guy.

D'Argo grinned. You're Human alright. You sound like a female version of Crichton.

He let Sheba to keep his hand on her forehead as he inspected her eyes. The telltale bloodshot eyes were there.

You were drinking all right.

You got me, Sheba confessed. I was with Crichton last night sharing a drink.

Let me guess, a bottle containing green alcohol. D'Argo said.

Yeah, how did you know?

I gave him a couple bottles of Luxan wine as a gift a few weekens ago and he has been in them ever since Aeryn returned.

Sheba sighed, releasing his hand from her forehead. He has it bad for Aeryn, D'Argo.

You don't have to tell me. Unfortunately, there's little we can do for them. He laid a hand on her shoulder before moving away to resume his watch on the Command area. He crossed over the deck to monitor another console station.

After a moment, Sheba followed him over and stood opposite of him from the console station. She leaned against the station for support to her shaky legs.

How long have you known, John?

Almost three cycles. D'Argo said not looking up from the console.

Good friends?

D'Argo didn't even pause before answering. He has done much to win my trust and friendship.

The Colonial Warrior hesitated but decided to tell him. He told me last night that he wished he had died instead of his clone.

The Luxan warrior finally looked up in alarm. He did?

Could you talk to him? He tells me that he's okay but I'm still worried.

I'm sure it was nothing but I will have a word with him. Crichton had endured much in his time out here. He's stronger than you think.

Did he and Aeryn had a special relationship? Sheba asked.

Their relationship was stormy but there was a unique bond between them. They risked each other's lives to help the other more times than I could count. I envied what they had. Then again, I remember all the dren he took while befriending and eventually courting Aeryn before the clone.

I take it that Sebaceans have different methods in dating?

Sebaceans, especially Peacekeepers have many emotions like love conditioned out of them while they're young. The only time that males and females get together is to make more little Peacekeepers.

That's unbelievable! Sheba said, shaking her head.

Aeryn was quite a different person then when I first met her. She had little concept of love and true friendship but John helped to change that. D'Argo said. Unfortunately, she was ill equipped to handle the death of John's clone.

I don't think anyone could be properly prepared to handle the death of a loved one. Sheba replied. Can you or anyone help her through this?

We can't help her unless Aeryn decides that she wants it and not one micron before.

You're right. Sheba said slowly rubbing her still aching head, then glanced up at D'Argo again. May I ask where we're heading?

For a commerce planet. We need to stock up with supplies and meet up with Talyn.



Another Leviathan ship, Moya's child.

Sheba's mouth dropped open. This ship gave birth to another ship??

Actually, a warship. D'Argo said. He and Crais are out on patrol for a Peacekeeper Command Carrier.

This is a weird part of the galaxy but still it's interesting. Sheba grinned as she stood up. I would like to hear more but if you don't mind, I would like to get something to eat.

Mind if I join you? D'Argo said suddenly, then looking a little embarrassed by the request. He quickly added. I haven't eaten yet.

Sheba grinned at the big Luxan warrior. Sure, you can tell me more about the... What do you call this part of the galaxy?

The Uncharted Territories.

Walking out of the Command area together, Sheba quietly asked D'Argo. By the way, who is Calamity Jane?