Part 3
They had only been in the vehicle a few moments before Crais asked, "Doesn't this thing go any faster?"
"Yeah, Crais, it does, but there is this thing called a speed limit. If we go too fast the police will pull us over. We don't want that," replied Crichton. There were a few moments of awkward silence. "Crais, what did you do with my sister?"
"Nothing," Crais answered tersely.
Crichton probed, "What kind of nothing? You two were gone all day."
"I already told you. She showed me around and we ate dinner."
"You went out to dinner with her! You didn't tell me that."
"What difference does that make?"
Crichton was practically yelling, "Plenty. That's a big deal."
Jack decided to step in even though he could only understand half the conversation. "Calm down, John. Bialar's not from our culture. I'm sure he didn't realize what kind of implications going out to dinner could have. Besides I think that Sarah might have been trying to be polite."
"Crichton, I believe Jack is correct. I have already told you that I have no romantic intentions towards your sister. I realize she would be an inappropriate person to recreate with."
Crichton growled, "Don't *ever* use those two together again."
Jack was left wondering what Crais had said, but the tone of his son's voice told him not to bring it up right now.
Jack cut the lights as the pulled up closer to the old barn. He stopped the car a little ways down the road from the barn. The three of them quietly moved towards the barn. There was a pickup parked outside the barn. Through the cracked door they could see the beam of a flashlight. Crichton moved up next to Crais, "We shoot as a last resort only." Crais nodded that he understood. As they moved closer to the door they could hear voices inside, one male and one female.
"C'mon, Scott. It's locked let's leave it alone."
The male sounded excited, "Trish, don't you know what this is?"
"I have no idea, but we can't get in so it doesn't really matter. We didn't come here for that. I think we should get out of here. If whoever owns it comes back and catches us we'll be in a lot of trouble. If my parents knew we were out here they'd never let me see you again."
Crichton thought to himself that they had a couple of teenagers on their hands. This could work out pretty good. He could probably convince them to say nothing about the transport pod. Especially since the girl's parents didn't want her out here. He looked over at Jack and whispered, "Dad, why don't you scare them off. Crais and I will wait here." Jack walked into the barn. Crichton turned back to Crais, "You better not have done anything with my sister."
"Crichton, I believe we have more important matters at the moment."
They both listened to what was happening in the barn. The girl screamed when she saw Jack. Apparently Scott had been trying to convince Trish that this was an alien spaceship and was joking that the aliens would come back and abduct the two of them. This had only served to increase her level of anxiety. Scott recognized Jack, "M-m-mr. Crichton! What are you doing here?"
"Scott, what a surprise to see you here in Mr. Garner's barn. Your parents might be interested in knowing you were here with Trish."
"You're not going to tell them are you?" pleaded both kids.
He sounded as though he was taking that into consideration, "I don't know. The two of you know that you shouldn't be out here."
"Please, please, please don't tell my folks, Mr. Crichton. I promise we won't say anything about this," Scott pointed at the transport. "It's some sort of secret IASA project, isn't it?"
"Now Scott, you know I can't tell you anything about it." Scott started to beg. Jack broke him off, "Scott, I suggest you and Trish get on home. If you forget about this, I'll forget that I saw the two of you out here."
"Yes, sir." The two teenagers moved towards the barn doors. Crais and Crichton moved into the shadows. The two youngsters didn't look around as they left. They moved straight for their car and quickly drove off toward the main road.
The two men entered the barn. Crais asked, "Is it wise to let them leave?"
Jack saw the look Crais gave the road and guessed the meaning of his words. "I wouldn't worry about them. Neither one of them will say anything. They weren't supposed to be out here. If they start talking their parents will find out what they were doing. They would both be punished and I don't think either one of them wants to lose their privileges."
"I still don't like the idea of trusting others. Perhaps we should make preparations to leave or to move the transport pod."
"You know, Dad, moving it might not be a bad idea to move it," agreed Crichton.
"I don't know of anywhere else we could put it. This barn is large enough and remote enough. I think it will be safe here."
Crais decided someone needed to keep an eye on the pod, "I will stay here tonight. If anyone else comes by I will scare them off."
"How, Crais? You don't speak English."
"Crichton, if it is just curious teenagers looking for a place to recreate I will be able to scare them off without words."
Crichton looked at Crais appraisingly for a few moments, "You know, you could pull it off. You would make a good scary ogre; just grunt a little at any intruders. That should do it."
"Your vote of confidence is.reassuring. I will see you in the morning." Crais began looking around the barn for someplace to spend the night.
Jack and Crichton walked from the barn. Jack asked, "Is he going to be all right?"
"Crais? Yeah, he'll be fine. I've never met anyone who felt a need to experience suffering like that man. He probably prefers spending the night in a cold barn to a warm house anyway."
The next morning Crichton got up with the intention of retrieving Crais. He was only half awake when he picked the keys up off the table in the front hall and went outside to get the car. He immediately noticed Sarah's car was gone and turned back into the house. "Dammit. Dammit. Dammit."
"What's wrong, Son?"
"She's gone, Dad." Jack didn't look concerned. "I bet she went to go pick him up."
"So? I don't see anything wrong with that."
"You've got to be kidding me. My sister is infatuated with him. That's a big problem. A monumental problem."
"Son, the two of you are leaving soon. I wouldn't worry about it."
"Well, one of us had better."
Sarah tried to sneak into the barn. As soon as she opened the door, Crais woke up. He had managed to find a semi comfortable place in a bed of hay. He used an old blanket to keep warm. Sarah saw him almost right away. Crais relaxed a little when he noticed it was her. "Good morning. I brought you a little bit of breakfast. It's not much. Just a muffin and a cup of coffee."
"It wasn't necessary for you to go through all that trouble," Crais said as he stood and stretched.
"It wasn't any trouble. I figured you would want something warm to drink after spending the night in this drafty old barn." She handed him the cup of coffee and the muffin. They sat on a bale of hay and ate their simple breakfast before heading back to the house. She kept sneaking glances at him as she ate. She didn't think Crais noticed, but he did.
When they came in the house Crichton was waiting for them. He didn't look happy. "Morning, Johnny," Sarah said cheerfully. She kissed him on the cheek as she passed.
Crichton poked Crais in the chest as he tried to pass. "Don't."
Crais growled, "I didn't *do* anything."
"Keep it that way. I don't want you going out with her today."
Crais decided not to argue. It wasn't worth the effort. Besides, he was stuck with the human for the unforeseen future. He walked past Crichton and headed upstairs to wash the odor of the barn off him.
"Did you hear me?"
"Yes, Crichton. My hearing is exceptional."
The rest of the day was filled with tension. Crichton was concerned that his sister might do something foolish. Most of the parts they had ordered arrived that day. There were still a few that would not arrive until the next day. Crichton was glad to have another day with his family, but it was another night to worry about Sarah.
Crais had spent a good portion of the day outside. It was rare that he spent so much time on a planet without having to worry about his safety. He even took his shoes and socks off and walked in the grass barefoot. He had memories of doing that as a child. He and Tauvo use to romp and play in the meadows when their chores were done. If he closed his eyes he could almost hear his brother's laughter. He wiggled his toes in the cool grass, listening to the birds chirp.
*****
"Come on, Bialar! Slow down!"
A young Crais looked over his shoulder and chided, "Tauvo, you slow poke. Run faster."
"I can't. Father said you better not lose me this time," Tauvo pleaded.
Bialar slowed and waited for his brother to catch up. "I wouldn't really leave you behind."
"I know." Tauvo smiled.
Bialar grabbed his brother around the neck affectionately, "You just like to get me in trouble." The two of them broke into a spontaneous wresting match, not caring how dirty they got.
*****
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"I was just thinking about my childhood. My brother and I lived on a farm for a time. We used to run and play in the meadows. This peacefulness reminded me of it."
"It is nice isn't? I always like visiting Dad." She sat down on the grass. Crais sat across from her. "Why doesn't my brother like you?"
He smiled, "There are many reasons. I prefer not to discuss it."
She reached over and grabbed his hand. "It might make you feel better."
He sighed. He knew she would never relent until she had a satisfactory answer. "Your brother and I have been through a lot. I put him through some rough times. I believe he has come to trust me, but I doubt that he will ever.like me."
"I don't see why not. You seem likeable enough."
He chuckled softly, "I have not always been this.likeable. I have.changed quite a bit since Crichton and I first met."
"Is that why you always call him by his last name?"
"It is at his request. He only permits those he considers his friends to address him as John. I do not qualify as his friend."
"Even though you saved his life, he doesn't consider you a friend?"
"No. I am a comrade. A shipmate. It doesn't bother me. I have never been the type of person who has a lot of friends."
She sidled up next to him. "That may be true, but I can tell that you are lonely. That you would like nothing more than to have at least one close friend." She paused, "I could be that friend."
He took her hand in his and smiled, "I appreciate the offer, but I cannot ask you to come with us."
"What if I volunteer?"
"Sarah, the universe is a dangerous place." He cupped her cheek in hand. "You deserve a life of safety. You would not find that out there," he gestured to the sky.
"Maybe that's not what I want," she whispered.
"Believe me, you do not want the life I have. We are fugitives. The only good thing is that everyone thinks Talyn and I are dead. As soon as we return to the others I have no doubt the Peacekeepers will learn we are alive."
"Then why do you go back?"
"In part to return to your brother. In part because Talyn wishes to return to protect his mother."
"And what are your wishes?"
"I have no plans now. I have exacted revenge on the.creature that ruined my life. I only wish to explore with Talyn. If we can provide protection for Moya that is a noble cause." He rose, recovered his shoes and socks and went into the house.
Sarah watched him leave. Jack came out and sat down next to his daughter. He put his arm around her shoulder. "What's wrong, baby girl?"
She looked away from her father, "Nothing."
"Sarah, I watched from the window. I'm the only one you have to talk to."
She considered this for a minute, "I like him. He seems like a nice guy. I asked to go with him and he told me no."
"You hardly know him. I think it's for the best you were turned down."
Her voice was filled with excitement, "But, Dad, I could go up there, be amongst the stars."
"Yes, you could. But John has told me a little about his life out there. It's not easy and very dangerous. You also have to realize that your training wouldn't do you much good."
"I guess you're right. I think part of it was just growing up around you and IASA and then Johnny get accepted. A part of me has always wanted to go up there, but I realized that math and science weren't things I was really good at. I think I saw this as a way to get into space." She paused and looked over at her father, "He is cute though."
He gave her a good hug, "I think he's a little old for you." They both laughed together. "I suggest you don't bring this up with your brother. He's already upset enough."
"Okay, Dad." Jack got up and returned to the house leaving Sarah sitting in the sun.
Crichton decided to teach Crais how to play basketball. Crichton was bored and wanted to put Crais in his place. He figured he would have no problem beating the Sebacean in an unfamiliar game. Unfortunately Crichton had forgotten to take into account the many years of Peacekeeper training that had honed Crais' hand-eye coordination to near perfection. It hadn't taken Crais long to get used to the basketball. They played for nearly an hour before Crichton decided he wasn't going to win. By that point both had stripped to the waist. Crichton exclaimed, "I cannot believe that you beat me!"
"Three times.I believe."
"But how? You've never played this game before. It takes years of practice to get good at this game."
"For this simple game? Your species truly is inferior."
"Very funny."
Crais dribbled the ball, "Do you wish to play again?"
"No. I've taken enough of a beating for one day." Crichton noticed the curtain in the window rustle, as if someone had been watching.
The sun was setting at this point and the two of them headed in to clean up for dinner. Sarah was surprisingly quiet. Apparently she didn't have anything to say. Crichton found this odd. She was rarely quiet. He also noticed that she seemed to have stopped eyeing Crais. He wondered what had happened during the day. When he tried to ask her she wouldn't talk about it. After dinner Crais moved into the study to talk to Talyn leaving Crichton to wonder what had happened between the two of them. He had the feeling it was going to be a long day tomorrow.
The following day Sarah picked up fresh produce to take onboard Talyn. Once she returned they loaded the canned and dry goods into the car. Sarah and Crais took the supplies to the transport pod. She didn't say anything until she saw the pod. "I had expected something a little more.graceful."
"This is a utility craft. Fighter craft and some private vessels are more graceful."
"Is Talyn included?"
Crais paused, "Talyn is the most beautiful ship I have seen. He defines grace and power."
"I'd like to see him." Crais activated the pod's display and called up an image of Talyn. "He's beautiful."
"I'm glad you approve." This seemed to have loosened her tongue. As they finished loading she asked many questions about Talyn. He could tell a part of her still wanted to leave with him, but she never broached the subject again.
The four of them ate an early dinner and turned in for a nap. They would leave in the early hours of the morning when the pod was less likely to be noticed. Jack woke everyone up at 2 am. They finished loading the car, grateful that there were no nearby neighbors to wonder at all the late night activity. Once they were ready to leave for Otto's farm Crichton had a tearful goodbye with Sarah. "Will I see you again, Johnny?"
"I'm going to do my best to get back. I have someone I'd like all of you to meet. Besides, I know how to get home now."
She gave him one last strong hug; afraid she would never see him again. She then went over and hugged Crais. He had no choice but to return it. She spoke softly, "I'm glad to have met you. I hope I see you again."
He replied equally as softly, "As do I."
The ride out to the farm was quiet. Jack and Crichton had already said everything they wanted to. Jack was glad that his son was alive. He knew he might not see Crichton again, but he knew that Crichton had found a good life surrounded by friends. They hugged one last time before Crichton boarded the pod. "You take care of yourself up there, son."
"I will, Dad. I'll try to get back soon. I love you."
"I love you, too, John." Crichton boarded the pod and waved one last time to his father before closing the hatch. Crais had already completed the preflight checks. Crichton sat and took over the pilot's controls. Jack watched the pod leave from the car. Even though Crichton couldn't see him, he waved. "Good luck, son."
While the two of them were unloading Crichton knew had to tell Crais. If he waited until they were on Moya Crais would probably kill Scorpius. Not an entirely bad thing, but he had promised Aeryn Scorpius could have sanctuary. "Crais, I have something important I need to tell you before we leave." Crais looked at Crichton expectantly. Crichton stopped unloading. He had been trying to determine how to tell Crais. "First I need you to promise you won't hurt me."
Crais looked confused, "What?"
"Promise me."
"Fine. I won't hurt you."
"Crais, there's a visitor on Moya that you need to know about." He took a deep breath. "Scorpius didn't die on the command carrier. He survived and has been granted asylum on Moya."
Crichton could see the fire behind Crais' eyes. He approached "You granted Scorpius what?!"
They had only been in the vehicle a few moments before Crais asked, "Doesn't this thing go any faster?"
"Yeah, Crais, it does, but there is this thing called a speed limit. If we go too fast the police will pull us over. We don't want that," replied Crichton. There were a few moments of awkward silence. "Crais, what did you do with my sister?"
"Nothing," Crais answered tersely.
Crichton probed, "What kind of nothing? You two were gone all day."
"I already told you. She showed me around and we ate dinner."
"You went out to dinner with her! You didn't tell me that."
"What difference does that make?"
Crichton was practically yelling, "Plenty. That's a big deal."
Jack decided to step in even though he could only understand half the conversation. "Calm down, John. Bialar's not from our culture. I'm sure he didn't realize what kind of implications going out to dinner could have. Besides I think that Sarah might have been trying to be polite."
"Crichton, I believe Jack is correct. I have already told you that I have no romantic intentions towards your sister. I realize she would be an inappropriate person to recreate with."
Crichton growled, "Don't *ever* use those two together again."
Jack was left wondering what Crais had said, but the tone of his son's voice told him not to bring it up right now.
Jack cut the lights as the pulled up closer to the old barn. He stopped the car a little ways down the road from the barn. The three of them quietly moved towards the barn. There was a pickup parked outside the barn. Through the cracked door they could see the beam of a flashlight. Crichton moved up next to Crais, "We shoot as a last resort only." Crais nodded that he understood. As they moved closer to the door they could hear voices inside, one male and one female.
"C'mon, Scott. It's locked let's leave it alone."
The male sounded excited, "Trish, don't you know what this is?"
"I have no idea, but we can't get in so it doesn't really matter. We didn't come here for that. I think we should get out of here. If whoever owns it comes back and catches us we'll be in a lot of trouble. If my parents knew we were out here they'd never let me see you again."
Crichton thought to himself that they had a couple of teenagers on their hands. This could work out pretty good. He could probably convince them to say nothing about the transport pod. Especially since the girl's parents didn't want her out here. He looked over at Jack and whispered, "Dad, why don't you scare them off. Crais and I will wait here." Jack walked into the barn. Crichton turned back to Crais, "You better not have done anything with my sister."
"Crichton, I believe we have more important matters at the moment."
They both listened to what was happening in the barn. The girl screamed when she saw Jack. Apparently Scott had been trying to convince Trish that this was an alien spaceship and was joking that the aliens would come back and abduct the two of them. This had only served to increase her level of anxiety. Scott recognized Jack, "M-m-mr. Crichton! What are you doing here?"
"Scott, what a surprise to see you here in Mr. Garner's barn. Your parents might be interested in knowing you were here with Trish."
"You're not going to tell them are you?" pleaded both kids.
He sounded as though he was taking that into consideration, "I don't know. The two of you know that you shouldn't be out here."
"Please, please, please don't tell my folks, Mr. Crichton. I promise we won't say anything about this," Scott pointed at the transport. "It's some sort of secret IASA project, isn't it?"
"Now Scott, you know I can't tell you anything about it." Scott started to beg. Jack broke him off, "Scott, I suggest you and Trish get on home. If you forget about this, I'll forget that I saw the two of you out here."
"Yes, sir." The two teenagers moved towards the barn doors. Crais and Crichton moved into the shadows. The two youngsters didn't look around as they left. They moved straight for their car and quickly drove off toward the main road.
The two men entered the barn. Crais asked, "Is it wise to let them leave?"
Jack saw the look Crais gave the road and guessed the meaning of his words. "I wouldn't worry about them. Neither one of them will say anything. They weren't supposed to be out here. If they start talking their parents will find out what they were doing. They would both be punished and I don't think either one of them wants to lose their privileges."
"I still don't like the idea of trusting others. Perhaps we should make preparations to leave or to move the transport pod."
"You know, Dad, moving it might not be a bad idea to move it," agreed Crichton.
"I don't know of anywhere else we could put it. This barn is large enough and remote enough. I think it will be safe here."
Crais decided someone needed to keep an eye on the pod, "I will stay here tonight. If anyone else comes by I will scare them off."
"How, Crais? You don't speak English."
"Crichton, if it is just curious teenagers looking for a place to recreate I will be able to scare them off without words."
Crichton looked at Crais appraisingly for a few moments, "You know, you could pull it off. You would make a good scary ogre; just grunt a little at any intruders. That should do it."
"Your vote of confidence is.reassuring. I will see you in the morning." Crais began looking around the barn for someplace to spend the night.
Jack and Crichton walked from the barn. Jack asked, "Is he going to be all right?"
"Crais? Yeah, he'll be fine. I've never met anyone who felt a need to experience suffering like that man. He probably prefers spending the night in a cold barn to a warm house anyway."
The next morning Crichton got up with the intention of retrieving Crais. He was only half awake when he picked the keys up off the table in the front hall and went outside to get the car. He immediately noticed Sarah's car was gone and turned back into the house. "Dammit. Dammit. Dammit."
"What's wrong, Son?"
"She's gone, Dad." Jack didn't look concerned. "I bet she went to go pick him up."
"So? I don't see anything wrong with that."
"You've got to be kidding me. My sister is infatuated with him. That's a big problem. A monumental problem."
"Son, the two of you are leaving soon. I wouldn't worry about it."
"Well, one of us had better."
Sarah tried to sneak into the barn. As soon as she opened the door, Crais woke up. He had managed to find a semi comfortable place in a bed of hay. He used an old blanket to keep warm. Sarah saw him almost right away. Crais relaxed a little when he noticed it was her. "Good morning. I brought you a little bit of breakfast. It's not much. Just a muffin and a cup of coffee."
"It wasn't necessary for you to go through all that trouble," Crais said as he stood and stretched.
"It wasn't any trouble. I figured you would want something warm to drink after spending the night in this drafty old barn." She handed him the cup of coffee and the muffin. They sat on a bale of hay and ate their simple breakfast before heading back to the house. She kept sneaking glances at him as she ate. She didn't think Crais noticed, but he did.
When they came in the house Crichton was waiting for them. He didn't look happy. "Morning, Johnny," Sarah said cheerfully. She kissed him on the cheek as she passed.
Crichton poked Crais in the chest as he tried to pass. "Don't."
Crais growled, "I didn't *do* anything."
"Keep it that way. I don't want you going out with her today."
Crais decided not to argue. It wasn't worth the effort. Besides, he was stuck with the human for the unforeseen future. He walked past Crichton and headed upstairs to wash the odor of the barn off him.
"Did you hear me?"
"Yes, Crichton. My hearing is exceptional."
The rest of the day was filled with tension. Crichton was concerned that his sister might do something foolish. Most of the parts they had ordered arrived that day. There were still a few that would not arrive until the next day. Crichton was glad to have another day with his family, but it was another night to worry about Sarah.
Crais had spent a good portion of the day outside. It was rare that he spent so much time on a planet without having to worry about his safety. He even took his shoes and socks off and walked in the grass barefoot. He had memories of doing that as a child. He and Tauvo use to romp and play in the meadows when their chores were done. If he closed his eyes he could almost hear his brother's laughter. He wiggled his toes in the cool grass, listening to the birds chirp.
*****
"Come on, Bialar! Slow down!"
A young Crais looked over his shoulder and chided, "Tauvo, you slow poke. Run faster."
"I can't. Father said you better not lose me this time," Tauvo pleaded.
Bialar slowed and waited for his brother to catch up. "I wouldn't really leave you behind."
"I know." Tauvo smiled.
Bialar grabbed his brother around the neck affectionately, "You just like to get me in trouble." The two of them broke into a spontaneous wresting match, not caring how dirty they got.
*****
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"I was just thinking about my childhood. My brother and I lived on a farm for a time. We used to run and play in the meadows. This peacefulness reminded me of it."
"It is nice isn't? I always like visiting Dad." She sat down on the grass. Crais sat across from her. "Why doesn't my brother like you?"
He smiled, "There are many reasons. I prefer not to discuss it."
She reached over and grabbed his hand. "It might make you feel better."
He sighed. He knew she would never relent until she had a satisfactory answer. "Your brother and I have been through a lot. I put him through some rough times. I believe he has come to trust me, but I doubt that he will ever.like me."
"I don't see why not. You seem likeable enough."
He chuckled softly, "I have not always been this.likeable. I have.changed quite a bit since Crichton and I first met."
"Is that why you always call him by his last name?"
"It is at his request. He only permits those he considers his friends to address him as John. I do not qualify as his friend."
"Even though you saved his life, he doesn't consider you a friend?"
"No. I am a comrade. A shipmate. It doesn't bother me. I have never been the type of person who has a lot of friends."
She sidled up next to him. "That may be true, but I can tell that you are lonely. That you would like nothing more than to have at least one close friend." She paused, "I could be that friend."
He took her hand in his and smiled, "I appreciate the offer, but I cannot ask you to come with us."
"What if I volunteer?"
"Sarah, the universe is a dangerous place." He cupped her cheek in hand. "You deserve a life of safety. You would not find that out there," he gestured to the sky.
"Maybe that's not what I want," she whispered.
"Believe me, you do not want the life I have. We are fugitives. The only good thing is that everyone thinks Talyn and I are dead. As soon as we return to the others I have no doubt the Peacekeepers will learn we are alive."
"Then why do you go back?"
"In part to return to your brother. In part because Talyn wishes to return to protect his mother."
"And what are your wishes?"
"I have no plans now. I have exacted revenge on the.creature that ruined my life. I only wish to explore with Talyn. If we can provide protection for Moya that is a noble cause." He rose, recovered his shoes and socks and went into the house.
Sarah watched him leave. Jack came out and sat down next to his daughter. He put his arm around her shoulder. "What's wrong, baby girl?"
She looked away from her father, "Nothing."
"Sarah, I watched from the window. I'm the only one you have to talk to."
She considered this for a minute, "I like him. He seems like a nice guy. I asked to go with him and he told me no."
"You hardly know him. I think it's for the best you were turned down."
Her voice was filled with excitement, "But, Dad, I could go up there, be amongst the stars."
"Yes, you could. But John has told me a little about his life out there. It's not easy and very dangerous. You also have to realize that your training wouldn't do you much good."
"I guess you're right. I think part of it was just growing up around you and IASA and then Johnny get accepted. A part of me has always wanted to go up there, but I realized that math and science weren't things I was really good at. I think I saw this as a way to get into space." She paused and looked over at her father, "He is cute though."
He gave her a good hug, "I think he's a little old for you." They both laughed together. "I suggest you don't bring this up with your brother. He's already upset enough."
"Okay, Dad." Jack got up and returned to the house leaving Sarah sitting in the sun.
Crichton decided to teach Crais how to play basketball. Crichton was bored and wanted to put Crais in his place. He figured he would have no problem beating the Sebacean in an unfamiliar game. Unfortunately Crichton had forgotten to take into account the many years of Peacekeeper training that had honed Crais' hand-eye coordination to near perfection. It hadn't taken Crais long to get used to the basketball. They played for nearly an hour before Crichton decided he wasn't going to win. By that point both had stripped to the waist. Crichton exclaimed, "I cannot believe that you beat me!"
"Three times.I believe."
"But how? You've never played this game before. It takes years of practice to get good at this game."
"For this simple game? Your species truly is inferior."
"Very funny."
Crais dribbled the ball, "Do you wish to play again?"
"No. I've taken enough of a beating for one day." Crichton noticed the curtain in the window rustle, as if someone had been watching.
The sun was setting at this point and the two of them headed in to clean up for dinner. Sarah was surprisingly quiet. Apparently she didn't have anything to say. Crichton found this odd. She was rarely quiet. He also noticed that she seemed to have stopped eyeing Crais. He wondered what had happened during the day. When he tried to ask her she wouldn't talk about it. After dinner Crais moved into the study to talk to Talyn leaving Crichton to wonder what had happened between the two of them. He had the feeling it was going to be a long day tomorrow.
The following day Sarah picked up fresh produce to take onboard Talyn. Once she returned they loaded the canned and dry goods into the car. Sarah and Crais took the supplies to the transport pod. She didn't say anything until she saw the pod. "I had expected something a little more.graceful."
"This is a utility craft. Fighter craft and some private vessels are more graceful."
"Is Talyn included?"
Crais paused, "Talyn is the most beautiful ship I have seen. He defines grace and power."
"I'd like to see him." Crais activated the pod's display and called up an image of Talyn. "He's beautiful."
"I'm glad you approve." This seemed to have loosened her tongue. As they finished loading she asked many questions about Talyn. He could tell a part of her still wanted to leave with him, but she never broached the subject again.
The four of them ate an early dinner and turned in for a nap. They would leave in the early hours of the morning when the pod was less likely to be noticed. Jack woke everyone up at 2 am. They finished loading the car, grateful that there were no nearby neighbors to wonder at all the late night activity. Once they were ready to leave for Otto's farm Crichton had a tearful goodbye with Sarah. "Will I see you again, Johnny?"
"I'm going to do my best to get back. I have someone I'd like all of you to meet. Besides, I know how to get home now."
She gave him one last strong hug; afraid she would never see him again. She then went over and hugged Crais. He had no choice but to return it. She spoke softly, "I'm glad to have met you. I hope I see you again."
He replied equally as softly, "As do I."
The ride out to the farm was quiet. Jack and Crichton had already said everything they wanted to. Jack was glad that his son was alive. He knew he might not see Crichton again, but he knew that Crichton had found a good life surrounded by friends. They hugged one last time before Crichton boarded the pod. "You take care of yourself up there, son."
"I will, Dad. I'll try to get back soon. I love you."
"I love you, too, John." Crichton boarded the pod and waved one last time to his father before closing the hatch. Crais had already completed the preflight checks. Crichton sat and took over the pilot's controls. Jack watched the pod leave from the car. Even though Crichton couldn't see him, he waved. "Good luck, son."
While the two of them were unloading Crichton knew had to tell Crais. If he waited until they were on Moya Crais would probably kill Scorpius. Not an entirely bad thing, but he had promised Aeryn Scorpius could have sanctuary. "Crais, I have something important I need to tell you before we leave." Crais looked at Crichton expectantly. Crichton stopped unloading. He had been trying to determine how to tell Crais. "First I need you to promise you won't hurt me."
Crais looked confused, "What?"
"Promise me."
"Fine. I won't hurt you."
"Crais, there's a visitor on Moya that you need to know about." He took a deep breath. "Scorpius didn't die on the command carrier. He survived and has been granted asylum on Moya."
Crichton could see the fire behind Crais' eyes. He approached "You granted Scorpius what?!"