Part 5
Talyn was very happy to see Aeryn again. He had always loved and respected her. It had hurt him when she ripped out the transponder that day in the Budong. That day he had learned about life and especially about love. Aeryn was pleased that Talyn's physical recovery was nearly complete. When she arrived in command she began running her hands along the ceiling. Talyn had always liked the way her touch felt. It was gentle and reassuring. "How are you feeling, Talyn?"
He chirped at her excitedly. Crais translated, "He is feeling much better now that he has been reunited with Moya. He is also very happy to see you again."
Aeryn smiled and ran her hand along the ceiling again, "I'm very happy to see you, too." If Crais had been around Aeryn over the last half cycle he would have known that this was the happiest she had been during that time. This was actually the happiest she had been since that terrible day on DamBaDa. Crais and Talyn always accepted her for who she was. They did not ask her questions she didn't want to answer. "How long will you be staying with us?" she asked Crais.
He moved closer to her, "We will be staying until Talyn is prepared to leave. Right now he needs the security of his mother's presence and access to her experience. I have done all that I can for him."
"Does Tormented Space affect him? I know Moya was bothered by it."
"No. His shielding protects him." They spent the next arn talking about Talyn's mental well-being. Aeryn answered some questions Talyn had about what had happened in his absence. He had always found that Moya did not always know the whole story. She still didn't talk much about what had happened with the renegades. She mentioned a few names that Crais found familiar. It appeared they were only loosely organized and were little more than a band of mercenaries. They had no aspirations of going up against the Peacekeepers. That was part of the reason Aeryn left. She had found her existence with them less than fulfilling. She found she could no longer tolerate senseless violence. Even though some of the things she had done with the mercenaries worthwhile, it was not the type of life she wanted. The same sense of camaraderie that she had had in the Peacekeepers was still missing.
When asked about her pregnancy she was a little more forthcoming. "I first found out onboard the command carrier. The genetic test results had not been completed before the ship was destroyed. I didn't tell John because I knew he would want to know who the father was. I had hoped to keep it from him until I could find out. The renegades didn't have sophisticated medical facilities. At this point all I can do is determine whether or not the child belonged to the other Crichton or not." She looked up at Crais, "Or to you, now. I'm not sure that I'm ready for a relationship with John. I thought I was, but he's not willing to accept that I'm not ready to talk about what happened while I was with the renegades."
They stood in silence for a few microts. Crais could tell that she had unvoiced fears about her pregnancy and the paternity of her child. He offered, "If you find your life on Moya uncomfortable, you are always welcome here."
"Thank you." She then asked him about Crichton's family. Crais related what he had picked up over the few days that he was on Earth. Crais could tell that part of her hoped the child was Crichton's. He didn't have the heart to tell her that this Crichton was very different from the other. He was almost positive she had already discovered that fact. The unlocking of the wormhole technology had radically changed him. Crais was almost positive that this Crichton would react very poorly if the child did turn out to be Crais'. After having spent nearly a weeken together in close quarters, Crais could tell that it was highly unlikely Crichton would ever trust him.
After telling his friends about what had happened while he was in the wormhole, Crichton went to go write notes on everything he had discovered. He hadn't done it on Talyn, because he knew the youngster was curious. This was information that no one should have. It took him the better part of two arns to finish. When he had finished he began looking for Aeryn. When he didn't find her in any of her usual places he decided to ask Pilot. "Hey, Pilot. Have you seen Aeryn?"
~She went over to Talyn about an arn ago.~
"Right, should have guessed that. I suppose Crais is with her?"
~Yes, Commander.~
He mumbled to himself, "Great." He stalked off to command. When he arrived he attempted to establish comms with Aeryn on Talyn. He was not having any success. "Pilot, why can't I get through to Talyn."
Pilot's image popped up on the clamshell and responded, "Talyn is not accepting any comms traffic right now."
"I figured that one out. Why?"
"He is still suffering from the effects of the starburst."
"And that affects his comms gear?"
"No, Commander. He wishes to be able to talk with Aeryn undisturbed."
"Right. Thanks, Pilot," Crichton seemed disappointed.
Sikozu was trying to find out all she could about Talyn. There was precious little in Moya's databanks. Apparently Crais had not entrusted that information to the Leviathan. She tried to get information from Talyn, but due to the Peacekeeper systems she was unable to access his databanks. They were encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. She liked a puzzle, but this one seemed to be beyond her ability to solve. The fact that Talyn did not require a Pilot and instead could choose to bond with any sentient life intrigued her. She tried to imagine what it would be like joined to a Leviathan. It must be wonderful.
Scorpius paced his cell. He was still trying to decide if he should do anything about Crais. He took it as a good sign that the renegade had not come to see him yet. Perhaps Crais felt he had already exacted revenge. Scorpius knew that Crais was not a patient man. If the Sebacean had wanted to take action he would have done so already. Perhaps Crais would honor the pledge Aeryn had given guaranteeing his safety.
Rygel, Chiana and D'Argo were together in the center chamber. Rygel asked the question that was on everyone's mind, "What are we going to do about Crais?"
D'Argo said, "I don't care what he's done for us, I still don't trust him. I think he only helped us because it allowed him to get revenge on Scorpius. I believe he knew he would survive all along and deceived us."
Chiana offered, "I don't know. I mean Talyn saw the destructive power of wormholes. I think he might have been convinced to go along with a plan to destroy the carrier even if he would have been killed."
"Are you taking his side?" D'Argo asked angrily.
"I'm just saying that Talyn may have gone along with the plan," Chiana defended.
"I don't trust him either," offered Rygel. "However, Talyn does have weapons, which is something we are lacking."
"Have you forgotten about Lo'la?" D'Argo sounded offended.
"No, I haven't. But we can use Talyn's weapons without your vomit," Rygel responded sarcastically.
"His cannon was disarmed when he was brought onboard the carrier," reminded Chiana.
Rygel chimed in, "And you believe that Crais wouldn't have rectified that by now? I know Crais and I know he doesn't like to be unprepared. I may not trust him, but he and Talyn could be useful."
Crichton walked in and caught the end of Rygel's comment. "Trying to decide what to do about Crais?"
"You spent some time around him, what do you think?" asked D'Argo.
Crichton thought about it a few microts before answering, "We keep saying we can't trust him, but how many times has he come to our rescue. If it weren't for him, I would have probably died in orbit of my homeworld. As Rygel pointed out he and Talyn can be useful. Besides, I don't think Moya is going to be too keen on leaving Talyn. That starburst really got to him."
"So you're saying we let him stay?" asked D'Argo.
"I'm saying I don't think we have a choice. I think it's up to Moya."
Pilot interrupted them, ~The transport pod is returning from Talyn, Commander.~
"Thanks, Pilot." Crichton left the other three to continue their discussion.
While they were in the transport on the way back to Moya, Crais asked, "Is Sikozu really a Leviathan expert?"
"She has a lot of book knowledge, but she doesn't have a lot of practical experience. I suppose you could consider her an expert. Why?"
"I was wondering if she might be able to help Talyn. I realize that he is not entirely Leviathan, but by combining her knowledge with mine we might be able to help him."
"It's possible. I don't suppose it would hurt to let her have a look at Talyn."
Crichton was waiting for them when they returned and asked sarcastically, "Have a nice little visit with Talyn?"
"I did. I think it helped him. I might be spending some more time with him over the next several days."
Crais had hung back and let Aeryn go first. Crichton looked over her shoulder at Crais, "Uh-huh. And I suppose Crais will be going, too?"
Crais stepped up to stand at Aeryn's side, "It is difficult to communicate with Talyn without my assistance."
"Of course."
"I don't see that it should matter too much to you. You care more about your wormholes than you do about Aeryn."
Crichton pointed his finger and prepared to argue, but he found he had no defense. He closed his mouth and stormed away.
Aeryn looked at Crais, "That was harsh."
"It was, but it was also the truth. He needed to hear it."
She gave him a sly grin as she leaned against the bulkhead, "Are you trying to help me?"
Crais leaned in close, placing one hand on the bulkhead next to her shoulder, "Your child should have a father. If you want it to be Crichton, I will not stand in your way."
"And if I decide I don't want it to be Crichton?" she asked gently.
"Then that is your choice as well." He left in search of Sikozu.
Talyn was very happy to see Aeryn again. He had always loved and respected her. It had hurt him when she ripped out the transponder that day in the Budong. That day he had learned about life and especially about love. Aeryn was pleased that Talyn's physical recovery was nearly complete. When she arrived in command she began running her hands along the ceiling. Talyn had always liked the way her touch felt. It was gentle and reassuring. "How are you feeling, Talyn?"
He chirped at her excitedly. Crais translated, "He is feeling much better now that he has been reunited with Moya. He is also very happy to see you again."
Aeryn smiled and ran her hand along the ceiling again, "I'm very happy to see you, too." If Crais had been around Aeryn over the last half cycle he would have known that this was the happiest she had been during that time. This was actually the happiest she had been since that terrible day on DamBaDa. Crais and Talyn always accepted her for who she was. They did not ask her questions she didn't want to answer. "How long will you be staying with us?" she asked Crais.
He moved closer to her, "We will be staying until Talyn is prepared to leave. Right now he needs the security of his mother's presence and access to her experience. I have done all that I can for him."
"Does Tormented Space affect him? I know Moya was bothered by it."
"No. His shielding protects him." They spent the next arn talking about Talyn's mental well-being. Aeryn answered some questions Talyn had about what had happened in his absence. He had always found that Moya did not always know the whole story. She still didn't talk much about what had happened with the renegades. She mentioned a few names that Crais found familiar. It appeared they were only loosely organized and were little more than a band of mercenaries. They had no aspirations of going up against the Peacekeepers. That was part of the reason Aeryn left. She had found her existence with them less than fulfilling. She found she could no longer tolerate senseless violence. Even though some of the things she had done with the mercenaries worthwhile, it was not the type of life she wanted. The same sense of camaraderie that she had had in the Peacekeepers was still missing.
When asked about her pregnancy she was a little more forthcoming. "I first found out onboard the command carrier. The genetic test results had not been completed before the ship was destroyed. I didn't tell John because I knew he would want to know who the father was. I had hoped to keep it from him until I could find out. The renegades didn't have sophisticated medical facilities. At this point all I can do is determine whether or not the child belonged to the other Crichton or not." She looked up at Crais, "Or to you, now. I'm not sure that I'm ready for a relationship with John. I thought I was, but he's not willing to accept that I'm not ready to talk about what happened while I was with the renegades."
They stood in silence for a few microts. Crais could tell that she had unvoiced fears about her pregnancy and the paternity of her child. He offered, "If you find your life on Moya uncomfortable, you are always welcome here."
"Thank you." She then asked him about Crichton's family. Crais related what he had picked up over the few days that he was on Earth. Crais could tell that part of her hoped the child was Crichton's. He didn't have the heart to tell her that this Crichton was very different from the other. He was almost positive she had already discovered that fact. The unlocking of the wormhole technology had radically changed him. Crais was almost positive that this Crichton would react very poorly if the child did turn out to be Crais'. After having spent nearly a weeken together in close quarters, Crais could tell that it was highly unlikely Crichton would ever trust him.
After telling his friends about what had happened while he was in the wormhole, Crichton went to go write notes on everything he had discovered. He hadn't done it on Talyn, because he knew the youngster was curious. This was information that no one should have. It took him the better part of two arns to finish. When he had finished he began looking for Aeryn. When he didn't find her in any of her usual places he decided to ask Pilot. "Hey, Pilot. Have you seen Aeryn?"
~She went over to Talyn about an arn ago.~
"Right, should have guessed that. I suppose Crais is with her?"
~Yes, Commander.~
He mumbled to himself, "Great." He stalked off to command. When he arrived he attempted to establish comms with Aeryn on Talyn. He was not having any success. "Pilot, why can't I get through to Talyn."
Pilot's image popped up on the clamshell and responded, "Talyn is not accepting any comms traffic right now."
"I figured that one out. Why?"
"He is still suffering from the effects of the starburst."
"And that affects his comms gear?"
"No, Commander. He wishes to be able to talk with Aeryn undisturbed."
"Right. Thanks, Pilot," Crichton seemed disappointed.
Sikozu was trying to find out all she could about Talyn. There was precious little in Moya's databanks. Apparently Crais had not entrusted that information to the Leviathan. She tried to get information from Talyn, but due to the Peacekeeper systems she was unable to access his databanks. They were encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. She liked a puzzle, but this one seemed to be beyond her ability to solve. The fact that Talyn did not require a Pilot and instead could choose to bond with any sentient life intrigued her. She tried to imagine what it would be like joined to a Leviathan. It must be wonderful.
Scorpius paced his cell. He was still trying to decide if he should do anything about Crais. He took it as a good sign that the renegade had not come to see him yet. Perhaps Crais felt he had already exacted revenge. Scorpius knew that Crais was not a patient man. If the Sebacean had wanted to take action he would have done so already. Perhaps Crais would honor the pledge Aeryn had given guaranteeing his safety.
Rygel, Chiana and D'Argo were together in the center chamber. Rygel asked the question that was on everyone's mind, "What are we going to do about Crais?"
D'Argo said, "I don't care what he's done for us, I still don't trust him. I think he only helped us because it allowed him to get revenge on Scorpius. I believe he knew he would survive all along and deceived us."
Chiana offered, "I don't know. I mean Talyn saw the destructive power of wormholes. I think he might have been convinced to go along with a plan to destroy the carrier even if he would have been killed."
"Are you taking his side?" D'Argo asked angrily.
"I'm just saying that Talyn may have gone along with the plan," Chiana defended.
"I don't trust him either," offered Rygel. "However, Talyn does have weapons, which is something we are lacking."
"Have you forgotten about Lo'la?" D'Argo sounded offended.
"No, I haven't. But we can use Talyn's weapons without your vomit," Rygel responded sarcastically.
"His cannon was disarmed when he was brought onboard the carrier," reminded Chiana.
Rygel chimed in, "And you believe that Crais wouldn't have rectified that by now? I know Crais and I know he doesn't like to be unprepared. I may not trust him, but he and Talyn could be useful."
Crichton walked in and caught the end of Rygel's comment. "Trying to decide what to do about Crais?"
"You spent some time around him, what do you think?" asked D'Argo.
Crichton thought about it a few microts before answering, "We keep saying we can't trust him, but how many times has he come to our rescue. If it weren't for him, I would have probably died in orbit of my homeworld. As Rygel pointed out he and Talyn can be useful. Besides, I don't think Moya is going to be too keen on leaving Talyn. That starburst really got to him."
"So you're saying we let him stay?" asked D'Argo.
"I'm saying I don't think we have a choice. I think it's up to Moya."
Pilot interrupted them, ~The transport pod is returning from Talyn, Commander.~
"Thanks, Pilot." Crichton left the other three to continue their discussion.
While they were in the transport on the way back to Moya, Crais asked, "Is Sikozu really a Leviathan expert?"
"She has a lot of book knowledge, but she doesn't have a lot of practical experience. I suppose you could consider her an expert. Why?"
"I was wondering if she might be able to help Talyn. I realize that he is not entirely Leviathan, but by combining her knowledge with mine we might be able to help him."
"It's possible. I don't suppose it would hurt to let her have a look at Talyn."
Crichton was waiting for them when they returned and asked sarcastically, "Have a nice little visit with Talyn?"
"I did. I think it helped him. I might be spending some more time with him over the next several days."
Crais had hung back and let Aeryn go first. Crichton looked over her shoulder at Crais, "Uh-huh. And I suppose Crais will be going, too?"
Crais stepped up to stand at Aeryn's side, "It is difficult to communicate with Talyn without my assistance."
"Of course."
"I don't see that it should matter too much to you. You care more about your wormholes than you do about Aeryn."
Crichton pointed his finger and prepared to argue, but he found he had no defense. He closed his mouth and stormed away.
Aeryn looked at Crais, "That was harsh."
"It was, but it was also the truth. He needed to hear it."
She gave him a sly grin as she leaned against the bulkhead, "Are you trying to help me?"
Crais leaned in close, placing one hand on the bulkhead next to her shoulder, "Your child should have a father. If you want it to be Crichton, I will not stand in your way."
"And if I decide I don't want it to be Crichton?" she asked gently.
"Then that is your choice as well." He left in search of Sikozu.