Part 3
{6 weekens} Visha and Calla had been onboard about a weeken. Visha was surprised that they hadn't starburst yet. She had discussed it with Calla. It seemed highly unusual that someone who was in such a hurry would not use the quickest method of travel. Visha had decided to bring it up at breakfast. She and Calla entered the galley. Crais was already at the table. They sat across from Crais and ate in silence for a few microts. Visha finally decided to ask him. "Bialar, if this is a Leviathan, why don't we starburst?"
"Talyn isn't ready to starburst yet."
"I've been here a weeken now. It can't take that long for the power to build."
"That's not what we are waiting for," he answered impatiently. If she had a point he hoped she would make it soon.
"Then what are we waiting for? I thought you were in a hurry to return to Moya."
"I am." He paused not sure how to continue. He didn't know how she would respond. "Talyn's last two starbursts have.involved a significant amount of trauma. He is.reluctant to attempt starburst again."
Visha stared at him in stunned silence for a few microts. "You mean to tell me this Leviathan is afraid of his natural propulsion?" she asked incredulously before beginning to laugh, "That's too funny. Perhaps I should leave now before I get killed."
Crais clenched his jaws. He could feel his blood boiling. "Perhaps you should," he growled. "If you wish to remain on Talyn, I will expect that you behave more.appropriately."
Visha looked over at Calla, "That's the problem with Peacekeepers, no sense of humor."
Crais didn't have to take this. Not on his ship. He leapt out of his seat, sending it skittering, and slapped the table. He pointed his finger at Visha and was about to begin berating her when Talyn cautioned him not to say anything he might regret. Instead Crais stalked out of the galley.
Calla looked over at Visha and spoke in a motherly tone, "You should not be so hard on him."
Visha put her hand on Calla's, "I have to break through that tough exterior somehow."
"I don't think that is the way. Perhaps kindness would serve you better?"
Visha laughed, "Calla, he is a Peacekeeper. What could he know of kindness?"
"More than you might think. You know that I am a good judge of character. Trust me."
Crais stood in command, ignoring Talyn. He had thought that Crichton was the most annoying individual he had ever met. He was now rethinking that assumption. He had heard Visha's last comment. It hurt him that she apparently thought of him as nothing more than a Peacekeeper. He had worked hard to try to shed his Peacekeeper persona. He just didn't like opening up to strangers. Visha was definitely quite a bit more annoying than Crichton. Talyn found humor in how easy it was for her to get under Crais' skin. Once again Crais found himself wondering how Talyn had ended up with this esoteric sense of humor. He certainly hadn't designed it into the hybrid. He was blatantly ignoring Talyn. He wasn't in the mood to be cheered up.
He heard the door open behind him and silently cursed Talyn. "Come to ridicule me some more?" he growled.
"Actually, no," she sounded meek and apologetic. "I've come to apologize." Crais turned to face her. She was staring at the deck, "I have been treating you harshly. I have never liked Peacekeepers and even though you are no longer one, it is how I have been treating you. You may have left the Peacekeepers, but you still have the bearing of one."
Talyn told him she had a point. Crais got the impression that Talyn liked her. "My manners are my own. I have not treated you or Calla unfairly, yet you seem determined to insult me at every opportunity. I have tried to be respectful of your beliefs and I expected the same from you. You claim to be civilized, but I have yet to see a demonstration of this." Talyn warned him he might be pushing to far.
"That is true. I have been harsh towards you. I have insulted you and Talyn without really understanding your past. I shouldn't have laughed about Talyn being afraid to starburst. I have no idea what has caused his discomfort with starburst and I should not joke about it. I'm sure it is very serious. I would appreciate if you could tell me. Perhaps I could help?" She had slowly moved closer to him and now had her hand on his upper arm.
Crais felt his anger fading. It is possible he had misjudged her. She might only be reacting to his demeanor. Talyn encouraged him to explain the problem to her. Talyn did not like to see Crais angry. Telling her might cause her to be less antagonistic. Crais explained what had happened during the last two starbursts. It was painful for him to recall the one from the command carrier. He shuddered and could not completely explain what had happened. As he spoke he could see the look of shock cross her face. When she finished it took a few microts before she could find her voice, "By Cholak. It is a miracle the two of you are alive."
All harshness was gone from his voice, "A fact of which I am deeply aware. It appears that though I thought I was done with the Universe, it was not done with me."
"And you believe that purpose may be with Moya?"
"There is a chance."
She looked away and spoke softly, "Oh."
Crais could hear the disappointment in her voice. He gently placed his hand under her chin and turned her head so she faced him, "What?"
"Nothing," she turned away from him.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around, "Something is bothering you. What is it?" he asked gently.
"It's nothing it was a foolish thought." She shrugged off his arms and walked out of command.
He was perplexed by her behavior. ~She likes you,~ came a voice in his head.
Crais realized what Talyn was saying. Now that he thought about it he wondered how he had missed it. Previously she had alluded to recreating, but he had never thought she might be forming an emotional attachment. "You may be right. She has an unusual way of showing it though."
~What do you think of her?~
"I was ready to throw her off the ship a quarter of an arn ago. Now, I don't know what to think of her."
******
{7 weekens} Aeryn had been feeling a stabbing pain her stomach most of the day. She had hoped it would go away, but it wasn't. She began to fear that something was wrong. She got up and made her way to Scorpius' cell, careful to avoid everyone. She didn't want them to see her in a weakened state. She collapsed as she reached his cell, using one of Moya's ribs for support. Scorpius opened his door and immediately went to her side. "Officer Sun, you have a fever. I must get you to med bay." He addressed the ceiling, "Pilot, have Sikozu meet me in med bay. Officer Sun is ill."
He scooped her into his arms and rushed to med bay. She had tried to protest his notifying Pilot. By the time they arrived the others had assembled in med bay, concern showing on their faces. None of them seemed concerned that Scorpius was not in his cell. "Is she going to be all right?" D'Argo asked.
"I have not yet had an opportunity to examine her. I ask that all save Sikozu leave so that I may treat her." For the most part they complied. Crichton hung at the door until Chiana led him away.
Scorpius worked quickly to reduce her fever. It was rising quickly and he didn't want to risk her succumbing to heat delirium. He knew that would surely kill the fetus. Once her fever was under control he began looking for the cause. He wished she were conscious so he could ask her what other symptoms she had been suffering. A preliminary scan showed that she had suffered no physical injury.
"What's wrong with her?" Sikozu asked.
"Unknown. Pregnancies can be quite dangerous. There is any number of complications. The first thing to do is to scan for signs of infection. That is the most likely cause of her illness."
Crichton, D'Argo and Chiana were pacing command. D'Argo asked, "How long has it been, Pilot?"
"Five hundred microts since the last time you asked," answered a frustrated Pilot. "I will notify you as soon as I know something."
"It's been an arn. Do you think she's all right? Maybe one of us should go check?" Chiana asked.
"Scorpius will let us know when he has something to report," D'Argo stated.
"I can't believe we left her alone with him. I mean, how did he know she was sick anyway?" Crichton asked.
"Quite simple, John. She came to me because she was feeling ill. I wish she had come to me sooner. I am optimistic she will recover fully, but I will require her to remain in med bay under my care for the next several days."
"Why did she come to you?" Crichton asked.
"My knowledge is not limited to the sciences. I know much about Sebacean physiology, including pregnancy. When I examined her 2 weekens ago she was fine. She has somehow contracted an infection that caused her to become feverish. I have treated the fever and the infection. She is unconscious now and will be so for the next six arns."
"And the baby?" Chiana asked.
"I can detect no damage. I will monitor her progress. I will notify you when she regains consciousness." Scorpius turned to return to med bay.
******
Using the navigational information from Visha's ship Talyn had now crossed a good portion of the Uncharted Territories. He had made several small starbursts, but was reluctant to make a larger one. Visha had been much less harsh towards Crais since their confrontation. She still teased him, but she was much less critical about his Peacekeeper past. She had also been very supportive of Talyn's rehabilitation. Crais had heard her on several occasions speaking reassuringly to the youngster. She even sang songs to him. Visha had a beautiful voice and Talyn liked to hear her sing. Sometimes Calla would join in and sing harmony. Crais enjoyed these impromptu concerts as well.
He was smiling to himself, humming along when Talyn notified him there was a ship on the edge of their sensor range. Crais pulled up the tactical display and analyzed the data. It was a Marauder. He wondered what a Marauder was doing this far in the Uncharteds. "Talyn block it's transmissions," he ordered. Calla and Visha entered command. They had felt the change in Talyn's posture.
"What's going on?" Visha asked.
"Talyn has detected a Marauder. I have ordered him to block its transmissions. I believe they may have detected us. They have changed course. Talyn, pursue."
"What are you going to do?"
"We are going to destroy it," Crais stated matter-of-factly.
"What! You can't do that!"
"Yes, I can.and I must. I cannot let them report back to High Command that Talyn and I are alive."
She grabbed his coat and pleaded, "You claim you are not one of them anymore. Prove it and do not destroy them."
Talyn was closing fast. He grasped her wrists in his hands, "Visha, I am finally free of them. They think Talyn and I are dead. With that belief comes my freedom. If that Marauder is allowed to report back, High Command will recommence their search for me. I do not want to live the rest of my life on the run. You of all people should understand that. High Command wants Talyn and they want me to tell them how to make more gunships. I cannot let that happen." He gently removed her hands.
As Talyn closed on the Marauder, another ship entered sensor range. It was a frigate. "Talyn, scan for other ships." There was nothing else and Talyn's jamming was still in effect. Finally the Marauder was within weapon's range. "Fire!" Two shots and the Marauder was no more. Talyn continued closing on the frigate.
A look of horror crossed the two women's faces. "You aren't going to.You wouldn't?" Visha asked weakly.
Sorrow crossed Crais' face and he closed his eyes. He hated what he was about to do, but knew he had no choice. "I must," he replied quietly. He concentrated on helping Talyn avoid the fire coming from the frigate. Talyn was hit with several glancing blows. Finally the fire from Talyn's cannon struck the power core. The shock wave from the explosion threw everyone around command. Crais' head hit one of the consoles and he was knocked unconscious.
{6 weekens} Visha and Calla had been onboard about a weeken. Visha was surprised that they hadn't starburst yet. She had discussed it with Calla. It seemed highly unusual that someone who was in such a hurry would not use the quickest method of travel. Visha had decided to bring it up at breakfast. She and Calla entered the galley. Crais was already at the table. They sat across from Crais and ate in silence for a few microts. Visha finally decided to ask him. "Bialar, if this is a Leviathan, why don't we starburst?"
"Talyn isn't ready to starburst yet."
"I've been here a weeken now. It can't take that long for the power to build."
"That's not what we are waiting for," he answered impatiently. If she had a point he hoped she would make it soon.
"Then what are we waiting for? I thought you were in a hurry to return to Moya."
"I am." He paused not sure how to continue. He didn't know how she would respond. "Talyn's last two starbursts have.involved a significant amount of trauma. He is.reluctant to attempt starburst again."
Visha stared at him in stunned silence for a few microts. "You mean to tell me this Leviathan is afraid of his natural propulsion?" she asked incredulously before beginning to laugh, "That's too funny. Perhaps I should leave now before I get killed."
Crais clenched his jaws. He could feel his blood boiling. "Perhaps you should," he growled. "If you wish to remain on Talyn, I will expect that you behave more.appropriately."
Visha looked over at Calla, "That's the problem with Peacekeepers, no sense of humor."
Crais didn't have to take this. Not on his ship. He leapt out of his seat, sending it skittering, and slapped the table. He pointed his finger at Visha and was about to begin berating her when Talyn cautioned him not to say anything he might regret. Instead Crais stalked out of the galley.
Calla looked over at Visha and spoke in a motherly tone, "You should not be so hard on him."
Visha put her hand on Calla's, "I have to break through that tough exterior somehow."
"I don't think that is the way. Perhaps kindness would serve you better?"
Visha laughed, "Calla, he is a Peacekeeper. What could he know of kindness?"
"More than you might think. You know that I am a good judge of character. Trust me."
Crais stood in command, ignoring Talyn. He had thought that Crichton was the most annoying individual he had ever met. He was now rethinking that assumption. He had heard Visha's last comment. It hurt him that she apparently thought of him as nothing more than a Peacekeeper. He had worked hard to try to shed his Peacekeeper persona. He just didn't like opening up to strangers. Visha was definitely quite a bit more annoying than Crichton. Talyn found humor in how easy it was for her to get under Crais' skin. Once again Crais found himself wondering how Talyn had ended up with this esoteric sense of humor. He certainly hadn't designed it into the hybrid. He was blatantly ignoring Talyn. He wasn't in the mood to be cheered up.
He heard the door open behind him and silently cursed Talyn. "Come to ridicule me some more?" he growled.
"Actually, no," she sounded meek and apologetic. "I've come to apologize." Crais turned to face her. She was staring at the deck, "I have been treating you harshly. I have never liked Peacekeepers and even though you are no longer one, it is how I have been treating you. You may have left the Peacekeepers, but you still have the bearing of one."
Talyn told him she had a point. Crais got the impression that Talyn liked her. "My manners are my own. I have not treated you or Calla unfairly, yet you seem determined to insult me at every opportunity. I have tried to be respectful of your beliefs and I expected the same from you. You claim to be civilized, but I have yet to see a demonstration of this." Talyn warned him he might be pushing to far.
"That is true. I have been harsh towards you. I have insulted you and Talyn without really understanding your past. I shouldn't have laughed about Talyn being afraid to starburst. I have no idea what has caused his discomfort with starburst and I should not joke about it. I'm sure it is very serious. I would appreciate if you could tell me. Perhaps I could help?" She had slowly moved closer to him and now had her hand on his upper arm.
Crais felt his anger fading. It is possible he had misjudged her. She might only be reacting to his demeanor. Talyn encouraged him to explain the problem to her. Talyn did not like to see Crais angry. Telling her might cause her to be less antagonistic. Crais explained what had happened during the last two starbursts. It was painful for him to recall the one from the command carrier. He shuddered and could not completely explain what had happened. As he spoke he could see the look of shock cross her face. When she finished it took a few microts before she could find her voice, "By Cholak. It is a miracle the two of you are alive."
All harshness was gone from his voice, "A fact of which I am deeply aware. It appears that though I thought I was done with the Universe, it was not done with me."
"And you believe that purpose may be with Moya?"
"There is a chance."
She looked away and spoke softly, "Oh."
Crais could hear the disappointment in her voice. He gently placed his hand under her chin and turned her head so she faced him, "What?"
"Nothing," she turned away from him.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around, "Something is bothering you. What is it?" he asked gently.
"It's nothing it was a foolish thought." She shrugged off his arms and walked out of command.
He was perplexed by her behavior. ~She likes you,~ came a voice in his head.
Crais realized what Talyn was saying. Now that he thought about it he wondered how he had missed it. Previously she had alluded to recreating, but he had never thought she might be forming an emotional attachment. "You may be right. She has an unusual way of showing it though."
~What do you think of her?~
"I was ready to throw her off the ship a quarter of an arn ago. Now, I don't know what to think of her."
******
{7 weekens} Aeryn had been feeling a stabbing pain her stomach most of the day. She had hoped it would go away, but it wasn't. She began to fear that something was wrong. She got up and made her way to Scorpius' cell, careful to avoid everyone. She didn't want them to see her in a weakened state. She collapsed as she reached his cell, using one of Moya's ribs for support. Scorpius opened his door and immediately went to her side. "Officer Sun, you have a fever. I must get you to med bay." He addressed the ceiling, "Pilot, have Sikozu meet me in med bay. Officer Sun is ill."
He scooped her into his arms and rushed to med bay. She had tried to protest his notifying Pilot. By the time they arrived the others had assembled in med bay, concern showing on their faces. None of them seemed concerned that Scorpius was not in his cell. "Is she going to be all right?" D'Argo asked.
"I have not yet had an opportunity to examine her. I ask that all save Sikozu leave so that I may treat her." For the most part they complied. Crichton hung at the door until Chiana led him away.
Scorpius worked quickly to reduce her fever. It was rising quickly and he didn't want to risk her succumbing to heat delirium. He knew that would surely kill the fetus. Once her fever was under control he began looking for the cause. He wished she were conscious so he could ask her what other symptoms she had been suffering. A preliminary scan showed that she had suffered no physical injury.
"What's wrong with her?" Sikozu asked.
"Unknown. Pregnancies can be quite dangerous. There is any number of complications. The first thing to do is to scan for signs of infection. That is the most likely cause of her illness."
Crichton, D'Argo and Chiana were pacing command. D'Argo asked, "How long has it been, Pilot?"
"Five hundred microts since the last time you asked," answered a frustrated Pilot. "I will notify you as soon as I know something."
"It's been an arn. Do you think she's all right? Maybe one of us should go check?" Chiana asked.
"Scorpius will let us know when he has something to report," D'Argo stated.
"I can't believe we left her alone with him. I mean, how did he know she was sick anyway?" Crichton asked.
"Quite simple, John. She came to me because she was feeling ill. I wish she had come to me sooner. I am optimistic she will recover fully, but I will require her to remain in med bay under my care for the next several days."
"Why did she come to you?" Crichton asked.
"My knowledge is not limited to the sciences. I know much about Sebacean physiology, including pregnancy. When I examined her 2 weekens ago she was fine. She has somehow contracted an infection that caused her to become feverish. I have treated the fever and the infection. She is unconscious now and will be so for the next six arns."
"And the baby?" Chiana asked.
"I can detect no damage. I will monitor her progress. I will notify you when she regains consciousness." Scorpius turned to return to med bay.
******
Using the navigational information from Visha's ship Talyn had now crossed a good portion of the Uncharted Territories. He had made several small starbursts, but was reluctant to make a larger one. Visha had been much less harsh towards Crais since their confrontation. She still teased him, but she was much less critical about his Peacekeeper past. She had also been very supportive of Talyn's rehabilitation. Crais had heard her on several occasions speaking reassuringly to the youngster. She even sang songs to him. Visha had a beautiful voice and Talyn liked to hear her sing. Sometimes Calla would join in and sing harmony. Crais enjoyed these impromptu concerts as well.
He was smiling to himself, humming along when Talyn notified him there was a ship on the edge of their sensor range. Crais pulled up the tactical display and analyzed the data. It was a Marauder. He wondered what a Marauder was doing this far in the Uncharteds. "Talyn block it's transmissions," he ordered. Calla and Visha entered command. They had felt the change in Talyn's posture.
"What's going on?" Visha asked.
"Talyn has detected a Marauder. I have ordered him to block its transmissions. I believe they may have detected us. They have changed course. Talyn, pursue."
"What are you going to do?"
"We are going to destroy it," Crais stated matter-of-factly.
"What! You can't do that!"
"Yes, I can.and I must. I cannot let them report back to High Command that Talyn and I are alive."
She grabbed his coat and pleaded, "You claim you are not one of them anymore. Prove it and do not destroy them."
Talyn was closing fast. He grasped her wrists in his hands, "Visha, I am finally free of them. They think Talyn and I are dead. With that belief comes my freedom. If that Marauder is allowed to report back, High Command will recommence their search for me. I do not want to live the rest of my life on the run. You of all people should understand that. High Command wants Talyn and they want me to tell them how to make more gunships. I cannot let that happen." He gently removed her hands.
As Talyn closed on the Marauder, another ship entered sensor range. It was a frigate. "Talyn, scan for other ships." There was nothing else and Talyn's jamming was still in effect. Finally the Marauder was within weapon's range. "Fire!" Two shots and the Marauder was no more. Talyn continued closing on the frigate.
A look of horror crossed the two women's faces. "You aren't going to.You wouldn't?" Visha asked weakly.
Sorrow crossed Crais' face and he closed his eyes. He hated what he was about to do, but knew he had no choice. "I must," he replied quietly. He concentrated on helping Talyn avoid the fire coming from the frigate. Talyn was hit with several glancing blows. Finally the fire from Talyn's cannon struck the power core. The shock wave from the explosion threw everyone around command. Crais' head hit one of the consoles and he was knocked unconscious.