Chapter 12

Aeryn Sun knocks on Kate's door and waits for a response. Kate opens the door and steps aside allowing Aeryn to enter. Kate has been unpacking the boxes of books that she had Aeryn retrieve from her grandmother's cabin, and she is holding a picture of Crichton and Caroline.
You've been busy I see.
Yes, I transcribed my notes from the encounter with the Marauder, and I wanted to get some work done, cleaning, you know.
A picture of your father and--mother I assume?
Yes, this was taken about a month before I was born, her baby shower.
You favor her.
That's what dad says.
May I have a drink? Aeryn takes a seat at a small table, pulling the chair under her.
Sorry, I wasn't thinking. Kate crosses the room and pulls a small bottle of Barkash down from a cubby. Where is my dad?
Sleeping. I wanted a chance to talk to you while he was...unavailable. I haven't had a chance to talk with you since we got back and there are some things that I wanted to say.
Aeryn, I can explain. I was going to tell him about everything, about our situation so that he wouldn't be so shocked when he arrived, but there wasn't time. Everyone was fascinated by my return. I didn't think he'd have this reaction, my dad understands about doing things because you have to-- so I just thought...
Control your emotions. Defense 4 right?
I'm in control, it's just that, well you seem so...
You're agitated. Come, sit with me and have a drink. Aeryn takes the glowing gold bottle of Barkash and fills two cups. Kate sits, but averts Aeryn's eyes.
Kate, you have no reason to fear me, I am here with good news and there are just a few things that I've always needed to say to you.
Yes, Ma'am. Kate lowers her head and Aeryn takes her hand.

When you were brought to that cell, I was in a bad state. I wanted so desperately to die that I would have gratefully gone to the Aurora chair in your place. But you had something they wanted...You reached out to me and brought me back and I've never said thank you. Thank you for caring enough to waste your time on me.
It wasn't a waste, you've been more than a friend to me.
When you told me that you had killed my Maddia, I...I hated you. I hated you because you had killed our friendship too. I didn't think we would ever be able to have a relationship. Zhaan's teachings, her desire to see us both healed; we wouldn't be here today if not for her. Now look at us. Mother and daughter. Your father coming here has made me aware that I've not been a very good mother to you. I've been punishing you for my sins...I ignored the gossip, I knew in my heart that we were in danger, but I had so much pride that I assumed we would be protected. No one in power lifted a finger to help us. I walked right into Scorpius' plan and I played along. He promised me that he would spare Maddia if I carried out my duty and I believed him. For that, I am to blame.

I know that I've told you repeatedly that I'd forgiven you but I hadn't really, because to do so, I would be betraying Maddia. My heart was so sick with hatred and sorrow, I couldn't forgive or forget. I saw you getting on with your life and I hated you for it. I did everything I could to take that away from you. I was tough on you in your lessons, I didn't praise you when you genuinely impressed me, and I saw the light in your eyes dim. The light that you had carried through what I thought was your most desperate time. Kate, I'm sorry. The Bonding Ceremony is supposed to be a joyous occasion and I ruined it. You needed a mother and I withheld that from you. I'm deeply sorry for the shameful way I've treated you.
It's all right, Aeryn. Kate whispers with her eyes on the floor.
It's not all right. Your father, Chiana, Zhaan, they're all right. You've done nothing but love and respect me, and I apologize for not upholding my end of the deal. I didn't have to accept you as my daughter, I could have left. I should have left. You and D'Argo would be married by now.
You know how sorry I am about Maddia. I was raised better than I've been. I need to accept responsibility for my part too. I'm so sorry, Aeryn.
I know. I am too. You're a lot like her, tenacious. Aeryn stands and pulls Kate up with her. I'm releasing you from your service to me, but before I do, I have one last request. Marry D'Argo and be as happy as you can be. We quit this once and for all, we leave our memories behind us at this table and we'll not discuss them again, is that understood?
Aeryn, I--I'm not ready. I have so much to learn.
I will continue your instruction if you'd like, but it will be a relationship of equals.
I don't want that.
What are you saying? I'm telling you that you are free to go, I won't stop you.
That's fine, but I don't want to be equals. You think you've been hard on me, but you haven't. I could see you trying not to smile when I performed particularly well on a training mission. I knew that you couldn't praise me because you didn't want to betray Maddia. I took what you could give, because I love you. Like it or not, you're the only mother I've ever had, I don't have anything to compare you to, and I don't want to lose my mother again.

We're a ship full of open wounds. Aeryn takes a sip from her cup.
Aeryn, if I marry D'Argo before my Allegiance Ceremony, does that negate our relationship?
It would if I wasn't taking the marriage rites with your father.
He asked you? Does this mean he's staying, or are you going with him?
He's staying. Aeryn sets her cup down and puts her arms around Kate I haven't said this since you told me about Maddia, but I love you.
Thank you, Aeryn.
So, evening meal, then a training session all right? Then you and D'Argo will be on your way I presume, we're very near the Reltaht system, you could take the marriage rites there.
Yes, we could. Thank you so much, Aeryn. I know how difficult it was for you to say these things, and I'm grateful.
Your father asked me to have faith, and I'm trying. Having faith that I won't be killed before I can bear a female child.
Does he understand what you're risking?
I explained it to him, about not ever seeing Maddia or Waru again, but he is very stubborn. Like you. I have to wake him before evening meal, so I will see you there.
Yes Ma'am.
You don't have to call me that you know.
I know. It's a sign of respect.

Aeryn returns to her quarters and stares at Crichton splayed out on her cot. She sits beside him and strokes his cheek, taking his hand in hers. He stirs briefly, but continues sleeping.

I've done what you asked of me Crichton. It was the most difficult conversation I've ever had. You've asked me to see Kate, really see her, and when I did, I realized how much pain she has been in. I'm sorry for that. I promise you that I will be better. I'm literally trusting you with my soul, please don't let me down. I've been so disappointed with my life thus far. Look at you sleeping there so peacefully. What is it to have peaceful sleep? She brushes the hair off his forehead and stares at his face. I love you, John Crichton. Though I'm not ready to say it to you, know that I love you. She kisses his hand and lays it back across his chest. Aeryn crosses the room to the bath and closes the door. Crichton sits up and smiles.
I love you too.


At evening meal, a new aura of peace has descended on the crew. D'Argo and Kate announce their intention to take the marriage rites on Reltaht. Crichton and Aeryn hold hands off and on throughout the meal, Chiana stands on the table to tell a story about finding Rygel stuck in a ventilation tube, retrieving a sweet Deunda bar. Rygel becomes flatulent with embarrassment, breaking everyone up. After dinner, Crichton sits through Kate's training session, and hands her a towel as she and Aeryn finish the hand to hand combat portion.
You kick ass, girl.
Thanks, Dad. She is heaving and out of breath. Aeryn approaches and Crichton kisses her gently, lifting her chin with his finger.
She has done very well. I feel confident that we have a new leader in Kate.
Aeryn, may I be excused, I have some work to finish up before I head to Reltaht.

Crichton interrupts.
What can't wait until you get back? Go, shower and meet D'Argo.
No, Dad, Pilot has been asking me to work on the scrub shift reversers for a few weeks now, I have put it off and put it off, it really needs to get done or the air around here is going to be noxious. Not to mention the Calxin fumes are making Pilot drowsy.
Can't someone else do it?
Like who? Chiana? Come on Dad, if it's not Tab A into Slot B' Chiana's clueless.
Aeryn, is this something you can fix?
Unfortunately, my knowledge of Leviathan anatomy is limited. Pilot and Kate have been establishing a working relationship and he really trusts her to improvise, so we allow her to do most of the maintenance.
Dad, it won't take long. Just long enough for the two of you to get cleaned up for the wedding.
What do you say, about an hour or two?
If that. I'm sure you'll find something to do. Kate throws her towel at them and leaves.
Count on it. He pulls Aeryn to him and kisses her. Kate wait. He catches up to her and pulls her aside. I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you, you've become an amazing woman and I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me.
Dad, enough, you're getting soft on me. Besides, you have your dreams, I have mine. Thank you.
You need help? Crichton reaches for her equipment bag to help her.
No, I've got it, but you can come keep me company if you get a chance. By the way, the comms will be down for a while, so don't be alarmed.

Kate heads off to Pilot's den and Crichton and Aeryn return to their quarters.

Aeryn, thank you. Crichton lifts the errant wisp of hair from her cheek and tucks it into her braid.
The mood on the ship has definitely improved don't you think?
Happiness can be infectious.
Where'd you hear that dren?
Coffee mug at the Centers for Disease Control. I did an infectious illness class, long story. He hands her an orange and she peels it. Let me hear you say it. Or-an-ge.
She smirks at him.
Is that English or Translator Microbe?
It's whatever you want it to be. She sits on his lap and kisses him.
I'm gonna go down and help Kate, give her the Dad spiel about getting married, how proud I am of her. You'll wait here for me?
Of course. I have to plan her next lesson. Give her my love will you, I have a lot of preparations before the ceremony. She sits on a bench in front of a mirror and begins applying make-up. He puts his hands on her shoulders and speaks to her reflection.
You ready to marry me?
Too late to turn back now.
Great attitude to have about it.
I'm being practical.
What's practical about being in love?
Who said I'm in love with you? She looks over her shoulder at him and he grins at her.
You did. I heard you. Don't look so surprised. I was just lying there, you kept talking. I didn't want to interrupt.
You son of a tralk.
I hope that's a good thing. The ship lurches sideways and Aeryn is thrown across the room into John's arms, they fall together against the door of their quarters, Aeryn's bureau slides toward them and pins them against the door.
What the Frell was that? Aeryn stands brushing debris and makeup from her clothing. Crichton has a deep gash across his forehead and blood is pouring into his eyes.
It felt like we hit something. He raises up on one knee, clutching his head.
That's impossible, D'Argo is at the helm. Besides, there aren't any asteroids reported in this part of space.
Maybe we were shot at.
Pilot would have alerted us. Something's not right. She pushes her comms badge.
Pilot? Pilot? D'Argo? Everyone report.

Crichton swoons from the blood loss and Aeryn tears a strip from her bed sheet and ties it around his gushing head. Crichton tries to stand and passes out, sliding to the floor in a heap.
Probably better, this. She pushes the bureau away from the door and steps over him, racing to Pilot's den where she meets D'Argo.

D'Argo, what was that? Have we collided with something?
No, we had a clear field, I think we're under attack. I've been trying to get Pilot, but he's not answering.
Neither is Kate for that matter. The comms must still be down.
Aeryn and D'Argo attempt to get into Pilot's den, but the door is wedged shut. Pilot does not answer their calls, and the ship rocks to the left side. Moya moans as if in great pain. They feel Moya attempting starburst, but she is unable to muster the energy. Aeryn turns to Chiana.
Chiana, get up on deck, then back down here. Tell us how many and what we're dealing with. D'Argo, you come with me. They run to the docking bay and D'Argo points to the pad. Aeryn's Prowler is missing.
We'll have to take your ship D'Argo.
If we're under attack, we're going to need more than one ship. What's the condition of that Renegade you've been rebuilding? Does it have weapons?
Yes, it has weapons, but it's basically a training ship, it's not very effective against newer Peacekeeper technology. If that's who we're being attacked by.
We need it. Suit up, I'll get Lo La started.
D'Argo wait. She points to a set of 7 inch gold rings piled on a table next to the Prowler pad.
What am I looking at?
The capacitors for my Prowler. Rygel must have returned them. Kate's flying in a ship with no reverse thrust. We've got to get her back here. Aeryn zips herself into a flight suit, grabs gloves and a helmet and climbs the side of the Renegade. Chiana rushes into the bay and yells up to D'Argo.
s a Command Carrier, there are four Prowlers, two Marauders, and more approaching. We're Frelled guys. Why aren't the comms working?
D'Argo yells down to her.
Don't worry about that right now, get to Pilot's den and try to get the comms back on line. Find out why Pilot's not responding.

Aeryn leans out and asks Chiana to keep Crichton off the bridge should he regain consciousness. Chiana nods and leaves before they open the hangar doors.

Aeryn, are you hearing me okay?
Yeah D'Argo, I've got your signal loud and clear. Who do you want first?
First things first, which Prowler is yours?
The one not flying backward, I don't know. Kate, can you hear us?
Aeryn, D'Argo, they came out of nowhere, the comms were down. But I've taken out a Prowler already. They are trying to draw me in closer to the Command Carrier so they can surround me, but I've been using the Grelfik evasion tactic.
Kate, you need to get back to Moya, my Prowler is under repair, the capacitors are sitting in a pile in the docking bay.
We need every weapon we can get our hands on. It's not a big deal, I can handle it.
I don't know that I could handle it and I'm a seasoned pilot. Kate, I'm telling you NOW, get back to Moya.
You'll thank me for this after this is over. She switches the channel and begins a short burst pattern to let D'Argo and Aeryn know which Prowler she's in. D'Argo hails Aeryn.
I'm going after the two Marauders, I can use a pulse burst to knock them both out.
No D'Argo, go after the pulse cannons on the Command Carrier, I'll take care of the Marauders. It looks as if Kate's dealing with the Prowlers.
I thought you said you didn't have the fire power to take out those Marauders?
I don't, they're going to do it for me.

Aeryn banks right as D'Argo banks left, heading for the Command Carrier. The pulse cannon fires and D'Argo's ship cavitates. Aeryn slips the Renegade between the two Marauders, dipping to the right, making sure they follow. The Marauders give chase, each trying to pin the tiny Renegade between them. Kate swirls in above a Prowler and lands a direct hit on the canopy shattering the thick glass like substance. The Prowler shakes and breaks apart as it drops out of sight with a trailing streak of black.
D'Argo fires upon the Command Carrier and takes out a small cannon, suffering a hit. Aeryn leads the two Marauders to a steep climb as the two ships narrow the distance trying to get close enough for a hit. She hits the reversers and the two Marauders collide in a cloud of flame and debris. A chunk of metal spins toward Kate, and she evades it, but loses her lead with a Prowler chasing her. The Prowler takes aim and fires upon Kate, glancing a burst of flame off the left side of the ship. D'Argo pulls back from the Command Carrier and sees 5 more Marauders and 5 additional Prowlers.
Aeryn, more Peacekeepers.
Don't get discouraged. We have a lot more to lose than they do. They consider this a training exercise, we're fighting for our lives. Aeryn broadcasts on all channels trying to convince Kate to return to Moya. She ignores her warning, and another Prowler explodes from Kate's shots.
You have to admit Aeryn, she's a better shot than either of us.
But she's stubborn and that doesn't serve a warrior well. I've got a Marauder on my tail, be careful.
Fly safe, Aeryn.
Aeryn rolls the Renegade left and the Marauder follows, D'Argo blasts the Marauder from behind, sending debris showering into the mists.
Thanks, he was particularly good. A voice comes over the radio, and Aeryn freezes.
Officer Aeryn Sun. How good of you to still be alive. I have been dreaming of the day when I would capture you again. I have made some improvements to the Aurora chair, would you like to come and take a peek?
Scorpius. I didn't think you could pass up the opportunity to torture and maim innocent people.
On the contrary, you have only survived this long on my graces. But I need Crichton again, she has one symbol that I need to make worm hole travel possible.
I'll never give it to you Scorpius.
Don't be so hasty, girl, you just might find me irresistible.

Kate, I am not Frelling with you anymore, get back to Moya or I will shoot you down myself. We can't risk the entire universe...
Aeryn, I'm going, I'm going.

On Moya:
Crichton stumbles to the deck and sees Chiana and Rygel staring out of the portal.
All right, I have like a million questions. First of all, what's with this bandana? Second, where is everyone and third, what the Hell are you two staring at?
Uh, nothing Crichton, let me get you something to drink. You-you hit your head in the uh, --the collision, yeah that's right.
Rygel interrupts Chiana as she tries to steer Crichton away from the portal.
Yes, the collision with a blast from that Command Carrier. Why are you protecting him? He can figure it out. We are under attack. Now, unless you can fly any of the rotting ships in Moya's belly, then sit down and wait with the rest of us. Why the Yotz must I explain these things to you? Chiana thumps him on the head.
Aeryn didn't want him to worry, you slijnot. Now look what you've done.

Crichton goes to the portal and stares out, wishing he could make out what he is seeing. An ant like vehicle zooms toward the portal and then over Moya's head.
Was that Aeryn?
Chiana shakes her head.
No, that would be Kate, she stole Aeryn's Prowler. Aeryn's in that thing there.
That bucket? We are so very screwed.
Rygel floats up to the screen.
Glad I'm not the only one who feels so. We would do them a dishonor to be captured after their valiant effort fails, we should starburst immediately.
Crichton, remind me to shove this Frellnik out the blast doors the first opportunity we get.