Part 1
It took Crais a few microts to assimilate what he had been told. "A half cycle. How could that be?"
"I could explain it, but it would make your head hurt. Wormholes for Dummies says that wormholes connect not only space, but time as well. Obviously you were not only thrown across space, but time as well."
"Are you sure we were thrown forward in time?"
"What do you mean?"
"How do you know what time it is now? Isn't it possible that you exited your wormhole at some time other than when you entered? For that matter isn't it possible that when you arrived in my sector of space it was not at the same time you left Earth?"
"Whoa, Crais, you pick up on this stuff fast. You're right we could be any time." He considered the predicament for a few microts. "Is Talyn picking up any signals from the planet?"
"He is detecting electromagnetic signals on many wavelengths. He is working on deciphering it. It seems that there are many different languages being used. Unfortunately your dating system means nothing to us. We have no point of reference."
"I'm sure I can be of some help there."
"That would be a first," Crais mumbled as he headed toward command.
Crichton followed, "Hey, I heard that!"
By the time they arrived in command Crichton had a plan on how to figure out when he was. "Talyn, I need you to access visual broadcast channels emanating from the planet, preferably ones in my language. I can read that one."
Talyn chirped at Crais. Crais replied, "Provide him the information he needs. I believe he is the only one that can help us return."
Talyn began displaying different channels at a rapid rate. "Whoa, Talyn. You have to go slower. I can't tell what they are when they go that fast."
The sheer number of channels he was seeing astounded Crais, "Do your people require this much entertainment?"
"Yeah, kinda pathetic, isn't it? A lot of it is pretty mind numbing."
"I assume you know what you are looking for."
"At some point I'll find a channel that has the date on it. Of course it was probably in commercial when we passed it."
Crais decided not to ask for an explanation. He would be patient and give Crichton more time. After 500 microts he began to wonder if Crichton was going about this the most logical way. "Crichton, are you sure this is the most efficient way to find out when we are? Surely there has to be a better method."
"Well, if I could get on the internet I could figure it out in no time. Problem is, I have no idea how to go about breaking into the internet or how to navigate it without a conventional computer. Wait, I got it."
Talyn paused on the chosen channel. Crais moved over next to Crichton and asked, "When are we?"
Crichton stared at it in disbelief. "It's about six months after I left."
"We've been thrown backwards more than two cycles?" Crais sounded skeptical.
"Yeah."
"Can you get us back to when we are supposed to be?"
"Yeah, but."
Crais realized that would probably involve Crichton giving up dream of returning home, at least for now. "Crichton, Talyn is still not fully recovered from his ordeal. This is not a decision that needs to be made immediately. In fact, I.could use your assistance." It was difficult for Crais to ask Crichton for help. He and this Crichton had never gotten along well.
"What do you need?"
"I only had supplies for the next few days. With you onboard they will not last much past tomorrow." He paused a few microts. "Since this is your planet you would be instrumental in procuring supplies."
Crichton started laughing, "You were planning on going down to Earth for supplies?"
Crais failed to see the humor in his last statement. "Yes. You find this.humorous?"
"It's priceless. Did you notice that there is no space traffic on this world? No one down there has ever seen an alien before, at least no one sane. Do you know what they would do to you if you landed down there? They would poke and prod you in places you didn't even know you had. They'd never let you leave alive."
"Crichton, I am not a fool. I have been to other primitive planets. I know how to resupply without interacting with the inhabitants."
"So, what, you're gonna go down there and steal what you need?"
"Do you have a better idea? Or perhaps currency that would be accepted?"
Crichton grabbed his head, let out a frustrated scream and spun around. Crais raised an eyebrow at this display. "Damn, I hate it when you're right. Let me think."
"I don't know that we have that long to wait."
"Real funny, Crais. Has Talyn been detected?"
"No. Your planet's tracking systems are primitive enough that he can quite easily shield his presence."
"Could he do the same for a transport pod?"
"It would be possible to modify one to evade detection."
"That's a good start. All we need now is somewhere to land. Somewhere remote, but not too remote.I need to call my dad."
"You what?"
"I need to call my dad. Can Talyn patch into a telecommunications satellite?"
"Quite easily."
"Great. I need him to do that and dial a number for me."
"What do you hope to accomplish by calling your father?"
"A lot. If I can get him to meet me somewhere remote, he can drive me to a populated area where I can get supplies. He has money so we wouldn't have to steal anything."
"Crichton, I don't think I can let you go alone."
"What, don't trust me?"
"It would be a good idea to have someone to protect your back. It would also allow you the opportunity to remain on Earth if that is your desire."
"Crais, I don't think you realize how dangerous it will be for you down there. If they find out you're an alien."
"Crichton, it will be equally dangerous for you. If someone recognizes you and remembers that you have.disappeared that would draw undo attention. I can always accompany your father and pretend I can't speak."
"I dunno, Crais. It's still pretty risky."
"You can have your choice. We do it that way or I sneak down in the middle of the night."
"That's your final offer."
"That's my final offer. I can always procure supplies my way without your assistance."
"Okay, okay, we'll do it your way. Now can Talyn make the call for me?"
It took several microts for Talyn to figure out enough about the telecommunications satellite to place the call. Crais listened to some odd ringing noise that Crichton seemed to think was normal. After the fourth ring a recorded message played. "Damn! He's not home. Let me think. Nope can't call the cell phone, someone might intercept it. We'll have to try back later. You wanna get something to eat?"
Crais was feeling a little hungry and he followed Crichton to the galley. Crichton filled Crais in on what had happened in the six monens since Talyn's starburst. Everything except Aeryn's pregnancy. He thought that was best left unsaid for now. Crais was shocked and dismayed to find that not only had Scorpius survived, but was now onboard Moya. He decided not to dwell on that fact. Perhaps he could do something to change that. "Crichton, if wormholes connect time and space couldn't you return me to a time shortly after I left?"
"If I did that I would be messing with my past. You weren't there to muck with things. Besides if I return you to then, how will I get back to my now?"
"From what you've said, it sounds like your now isn't.enjoyable."
"Not particularly, but it's where I belong. You don't want to muck around with time. It can cause all sorts of problems." Crichton didn't want to get into that explanation. Some of those unrealized realities were things he didn't want to remember.
"And my.disappearing for six monens won't?"
"Crais, from everything you told me, you should be dead. The fact that you're around at all is an improvement from your standpoint."
"And from yours?"
"It's no secret you don't like me and I don't like you, but every time I'm staring at certain death you seem to be there to rescue me. It's almost like our fates are linked. I just can't get rid of you."
"I assure you the feeling is mutual," Crais retorted dryly.
"Since we're talking about going down to Earth we need to talk about your clothes."
"My clothes?"
"Yeah. No one on Earth dresses like you do. First off, no one tucks their pants into their boots. And that jacket has to go. Actually, it's probably best if I have my dad just pick up some clothes for us. Speaking of my dad, let's try phoning him again."
They returned to command. Crais using the journey to wonder what kind of clothing Crichton was talking about. He had seen some of the images from television. He did not think he would like to wear some of that clothing. This time someone answered the phone. ~Hello?~ came a voice very familiar to John.
"Dad, its good to hear your voice again."
~Who is this?~ Jack asked suspiciously.
"Dad, its John."
Jack sounded annoyed, ~Listen here, if this is meant to be a joke it's not funny.~ The next thing they heard was a dial tone. Crais arched an eyebrow at Crichton.
Crichton requested, "Talyn, please try again." Crais told the Leviathan to comply with Crichton's request.
~Hello?~
"Dad, don't hang up the phone. It really is John. You took me fishing at Sawyer's Mill on my tenth birthday." He spoke quickly trying to get it out before Jack could hang up again.
~Son, where are you?~ Jack sounded concerned.
"It's kinda hard to explain, Dad. Does Otis still have that ranch?"
~Yes, he does.~
"Can you meet me there about three a.m. by the old barn? I'll need you to bring some clothes for me and a friend."
~Son, what's going on?~
"I need you to trust me, Dad. Just be there and don't tell anyone. I need you to keep this secret."
~All right, son. I'll meet you there at oh-three hundred.~ Jack hung up the phone.
Crais asked, "How long is it until our rendezvous?"
"About six arns."
"Then I suggest we get some rest."
"Great idea." They retired to their separate quarters. Crais fell asleep almost immediately. As a soldier he was used to getting rest when he could. Crichton couldn't sleep. He was going home. He would see his dad again. Its too bad Aeryn wasn't here.
It took Crais a few microts to assimilate what he had been told. "A half cycle. How could that be?"
"I could explain it, but it would make your head hurt. Wormholes for Dummies says that wormholes connect not only space, but time as well. Obviously you were not only thrown across space, but time as well."
"Are you sure we were thrown forward in time?"
"What do you mean?"
"How do you know what time it is now? Isn't it possible that you exited your wormhole at some time other than when you entered? For that matter isn't it possible that when you arrived in my sector of space it was not at the same time you left Earth?"
"Whoa, Crais, you pick up on this stuff fast. You're right we could be any time." He considered the predicament for a few microts. "Is Talyn picking up any signals from the planet?"
"He is detecting electromagnetic signals on many wavelengths. He is working on deciphering it. It seems that there are many different languages being used. Unfortunately your dating system means nothing to us. We have no point of reference."
"I'm sure I can be of some help there."
"That would be a first," Crais mumbled as he headed toward command.
Crichton followed, "Hey, I heard that!"
By the time they arrived in command Crichton had a plan on how to figure out when he was. "Talyn, I need you to access visual broadcast channels emanating from the planet, preferably ones in my language. I can read that one."
Talyn chirped at Crais. Crais replied, "Provide him the information he needs. I believe he is the only one that can help us return."
Talyn began displaying different channels at a rapid rate. "Whoa, Talyn. You have to go slower. I can't tell what they are when they go that fast."
The sheer number of channels he was seeing astounded Crais, "Do your people require this much entertainment?"
"Yeah, kinda pathetic, isn't it? A lot of it is pretty mind numbing."
"I assume you know what you are looking for."
"At some point I'll find a channel that has the date on it. Of course it was probably in commercial when we passed it."
Crais decided not to ask for an explanation. He would be patient and give Crichton more time. After 500 microts he began to wonder if Crichton was going about this the most logical way. "Crichton, are you sure this is the most efficient way to find out when we are? Surely there has to be a better method."
"Well, if I could get on the internet I could figure it out in no time. Problem is, I have no idea how to go about breaking into the internet or how to navigate it without a conventional computer. Wait, I got it."
Talyn paused on the chosen channel. Crais moved over next to Crichton and asked, "When are we?"
Crichton stared at it in disbelief. "It's about six months after I left."
"We've been thrown backwards more than two cycles?" Crais sounded skeptical.
"Yeah."
"Can you get us back to when we are supposed to be?"
"Yeah, but."
Crais realized that would probably involve Crichton giving up dream of returning home, at least for now. "Crichton, Talyn is still not fully recovered from his ordeal. This is not a decision that needs to be made immediately. In fact, I.could use your assistance." It was difficult for Crais to ask Crichton for help. He and this Crichton had never gotten along well.
"What do you need?"
"I only had supplies for the next few days. With you onboard they will not last much past tomorrow." He paused a few microts. "Since this is your planet you would be instrumental in procuring supplies."
Crichton started laughing, "You were planning on going down to Earth for supplies?"
Crais failed to see the humor in his last statement. "Yes. You find this.humorous?"
"It's priceless. Did you notice that there is no space traffic on this world? No one down there has ever seen an alien before, at least no one sane. Do you know what they would do to you if you landed down there? They would poke and prod you in places you didn't even know you had. They'd never let you leave alive."
"Crichton, I am not a fool. I have been to other primitive planets. I know how to resupply without interacting with the inhabitants."
"So, what, you're gonna go down there and steal what you need?"
"Do you have a better idea? Or perhaps currency that would be accepted?"
Crichton grabbed his head, let out a frustrated scream and spun around. Crais raised an eyebrow at this display. "Damn, I hate it when you're right. Let me think."
"I don't know that we have that long to wait."
"Real funny, Crais. Has Talyn been detected?"
"No. Your planet's tracking systems are primitive enough that he can quite easily shield his presence."
"Could he do the same for a transport pod?"
"It would be possible to modify one to evade detection."
"That's a good start. All we need now is somewhere to land. Somewhere remote, but not too remote.I need to call my dad."
"You what?"
"I need to call my dad. Can Talyn patch into a telecommunications satellite?"
"Quite easily."
"Great. I need him to do that and dial a number for me."
"What do you hope to accomplish by calling your father?"
"A lot. If I can get him to meet me somewhere remote, he can drive me to a populated area where I can get supplies. He has money so we wouldn't have to steal anything."
"Crichton, I don't think I can let you go alone."
"What, don't trust me?"
"It would be a good idea to have someone to protect your back. It would also allow you the opportunity to remain on Earth if that is your desire."
"Crais, I don't think you realize how dangerous it will be for you down there. If they find out you're an alien."
"Crichton, it will be equally dangerous for you. If someone recognizes you and remembers that you have.disappeared that would draw undo attention. I can always accompany your father and pretend I can't speak."
"I dunno, Crais. It's still pretty risky."
"You can have your choice. We do it that way or I sneak down in the middle of the night."
"That's your final offer."
"That's my final offer. I can always procure supplies my way without your assistance."
"Okay, okay, we'll do it your way. Now can Talyn make the call for me?"
It took several microts for Talyn to figure out enough about the telecommunications satellite to place the call. Crais listened to some odd ringing noise that Crichton seemed to think was normal. After the fourth ring a recorded message played. "Damn! He's not home. Let me think. Nope can't call the cell phone, someone might intercept it. We'll have to try back later. You wanna get something to eat?"
Crais was feeling a little hungry and he followed Crichton to the galley. Crichton filled Crais in on what had happened in the six monens since Talyn's starburst. Everything except Aeryn's pregnancy. He thought that was best left unsaid for now. Crais was shocked and dismayed to find that not only had Scorpius survived, but was now onboard Moya. He decided not to dwell on that fact. Perhaps he could do something to change that. "Crichton, if wormholes connect time and space couldn't you return me to a time shortly after I left?"
"If I did that I would be messing with my past. You weren't there to muck with things. Besides if I return you to then, how will I get back to my now?"
"From what you've said, it sounds like your now isn't.enjoyable."
"Not particularly, but it's where I belong. You don't want to muck around with time. It can cause all sorts of problems." Crichton didn't want to get into that explanation. Some of those unrealized realities were things he didn't want to remember.
"And my.disappearing for six monens won't?"
"Crais, from everything you told me, you should be dead. The fact that you're around at all is an improvement from your standpoint."
"And from yours?"
"It's no secret you don't like me and I don't like you, but every time I'm staring at certain death you seem to be there to rescue me. It's almost like our fates are linked. I just can't get rid of you."
"I assure you the feeling is mutual," Crais retorted dryly.
"Since we're talking about going down to Earth we need to talk about your clothes."
"My clothes?"
"Yeah. No one on Earth dresses like you do. First off, no one tucks their pants into their boots. And that jacket has to go. Actually, it's probably best if I have my dad just pick up some clothes for us. Speaking of my dad, let's try phoning him again."
They returned to command. Crais using the journey to wonder what kind of clothing Crichton was talking about. He had seen some of the images from television. He did not think he would like to wear some of that clothing. This time someone answered the phone. ~Hello?~ came a voice very familiar to John.
"Dad, its good to hear your voice again."
~Who is this?~ Jack asked suspiciously.
"Dad, its John."
Jack sounded annoyed, ~Listen here, if this is meant to be a joke it's not funny.~ The next thing they heard was a dial tone. Crais arched an eyebrow at Crichton.
Crichton requested, "Talyn, please try again." Crais told the Leviathan to comply with Crichton's request.
~Hello?~
"Dad, don't hang up the phone. It really is John. You took me fishing at Sawyer's Mill on my tenth birthday." He spoke quickly trying to get it out before Jack could hang up again.
~Son, where are you?~ Jack sounded concerned.
"It's kinda hard to explain, Dad. Does Otis still have that ranch?"
~Yes, he does.~
"Can you meet me there about three a.m. by the old barn? I'll need you to bring some clothes for me and a friend."
~Son, what's going on?~
"I need you to trust me, Dad. Just be there and don't tell anyone. I need you to keep this secret."
~All right, son. I'll meet you there at oh-three hundred.~ Jack hung up the phone.
Crais asked, "How long is it until our rendezvous?"
"About six arns."
"Then I suggest we get some rest."
"Great idea." They retired to their separate quarters. Crais fell asleep almost immediately. As a soldier he was used to getting rest when he could. Crichton couldn't sleep. He was going home. He would see his dad again. Its too bad Aeryn wasn't here.