Part 4
{7 weekens}
Aeryn began to regain consciousness. She was a little groggy and at first didn't know where she was or what had happened. She began to look around as her head cleared and noticed she was in med bay. She placed her hand on her stomach and started to sit.
Scorpius gently restrained her, "You need rest."
"My baby?" she asked weakly.
"Is fine for the time being. I will require you to remain here for the next couple of solar days for observation. Pilot, notify the others that Officer Sun has regained consciousness."
"What happened?"
"I was hoping you could tell me. You collapsed outside of my cell. I brought you here and treated you for an infection. Had you not come to me when you did, I might not have been able to help you. You were running a high fever."
Aeryn thought hard for a few microts, "I woke up this morning with a pain in my stomach. I thought it would go away, but it didn't. It got worse. That's when I came to find you."
"In the future, you should not wait so long," he admonished.
D'Argo, Chiana and Crichton walked into med bay. "How are you feeling, Aeryn?" asked D'Argo.
"Much better," she smiled.
Rygel approached her. He sounded uncomfortable, "It's good to see you are well."
Chiana came to his rescue, "We're nearing a planet. You need me to pick anything up for you?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for the offer."
"You get some rest." Chiana and D'Argo walked out of med bay, leaving Crichton alone with Aeryn. Scorpius had disappeared somewhere. Crichton stood there in silence for a few microts.
He walked a little closer to Aeryn, "I'm glad you're feeling better. Scorpy says the baby's fine. I guess that's good news."
"It is." There was an uncomfortable silence.
Crichton began pacing. "Why did you go to Scorpy?"
"He came to me when we were at the last planet. He offered to help me through the pregnancy. He's the only one onboard who has any knowledge about pregnancy and medicine."
"You didn't get any information when you were on the planet?" Crichton accused.
"I didn't think to get a detailed listing of all the ailments that I might suffer. I just didn't know what to expect."
"Really planned ahead, didn't you?" he asked sarcastically.
"You can go now," she said coldly.
He tried to apologize, "Aeryn, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be harsh, I was just trying to be funny."
"Well, you weren't." She was on the verge of tears. "I could have lost the baby or died and all I get from you are jokes." She was in tears by the time she finished.
He tried to comfort her, but she shoved him away and turned her back to him, "Just leave. Go back to Chiana."
Scorpius had entered the room and escorted Crichton out of the room, "I think it best you come back later when she is feeling stronger. She is still quite upset."
"Understatement of the year," Crichton muttered.
Scorpius walked over, sat on the edge of the bed and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "He's gone. I think you should calm down and get some rest. I've brought you something to eat in case you are hungry."
Now that he mentioned it, Aeryn could feel her stomach grumbling. She sat up, wiped the tears off her face, and began eating on the meal he had brought her. When she was halfway through it she asked, "What's wrong with me? Why do I over-react to everything?"
"As I explained to you before, your body is continuously adjusting your hormone levels. That will understandably affect you emotionally."
"Will it go away?"
"I cannot say. I suggest you get some rest. I will check back on you later."
*******
Visha was yelling at Calla to give her a hand with Crais. The two of them rolled him over onto his back He had a nasty gash over his left eye and blood was oozing out of it. His left arm was also injured. It looked like his shoulder was dislocated. Talyn was chirping excitedly and the women had no idea what he was saying. Visha tried to reassure the youngster, "Talyn, I think he's going to be all right. We'll get him down to med bay and make sure. In the mean time I think we had better get out of here."
Talyn chirped again and Visha thought that this one meant he was agreeing with her. Suddenly Talyn lurched forward and there was that sickening feeling that happens when time and space are twisted as a Leviathan starbursts. When the feeling had dissipated Calla grabbed Crais' legs and Visha grabbed him around the chest, careful not to further damage his shoulder. It was hard work carrying him to med bay. He was quite a bit heavier than either of the women. Visha got a cloth and cleaned the wound on his head. It was a nasty cut, clear to the bone. Calla had some medical training and was able to stop the bleeding. She was looking for a cellular regenerator, but couldn't find it. Calla then scanned him for other wounds. Other than the head injury and the shoulder, he appeared unharmed. Calla looked over at Visha, "Why don't you stay with him first. I'll check back in a little while. Let me know if his vital signs change."
Visha pulled up a chair and sat at his right side. He looked so peaceful. All anger and frustration was gone from his face. His hair was coming loose from its queue, a few stray tendrils framing his face. She couldn't resist brushing them off to the side. She leaned over and impulsively kissed his forehead. She sat there and held his hand, eventually falling asleep with her head against his chest.
Crais awoke and the first thing he noticed was that he couldn't hear Talyn. He tried to move his right arm only to find it pinned. He then tried to move his left arm and cried out in pain. His cry caused Visha to jump nearly out of her skin and fall out of the chair. "What happened?" he asked.
She rose to her feet, rubbing the soreness out of her rear. "In the aftermath of the explosion you hit your head and were knocked unconscious. You also dislocated your shoulder, which I'm sure you have discovered. Took a real nasty bump to your head. We couldn't find the cellular regenerator, but we did get the bleeding stopped."
Crais pointed to a drawer with his good arm, "It's over there in the top drawer." He tried to sit and was overcome with a wave of nausea.
Visha saw him slump back into the bed, "I told you it was a nasty bump on your head. It's hard, but not that hard. Calla thinks you've suffered a serious concussion." She came over and ran the regenerator over his wound. She got a damp cloth to gently clean off the dried blood, "Good as new. Well, almost."
Crais reached his right hand up and rubbed his forehead, "Almost?"
She traced the wound with her finger, "There's a thin line that should fade. Once you're stronger we can do something about your shoulder."
"Where are we?"
"I don't know. Talyn starbursted right after the battle and I've been with you ever since. You were out for about ten arns."
Crais rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Ten arns. May I have my transponder back?"
"Calla said not until you are better. Talyn sustained some minor injuries and she doesn't want you subjected to his discomfort or him to your mental fogginess."
He started to argue, "I do not." He had to continue in a quieter voice, "Perhaps she is correct. Am I permitted to return to my quarters or must I remain here?"
"You should stay here where the monitoring equipment is."
Crais slumped back resigned to his fate. He then realized Visha had said she had been there, with him, the whole time. He watched her as she returned the regenerator to its drawer. She moved with a feminine grace he was not used to seeing. She really was quite attractive when she wasn't busy insulting him.
"Do you think you could eat something?"
"I'd like that." He smiled at her.
She felt her knees go weak. This was the first time he had smiled at her. She thought he looked gorgeous when he smiled. "I'll.uh.get something to eat."
Crais chuckled to himself after she had left. It appeared she did like him. He didn't know what to do. He knew that it was unlikely there would ever be anything emotional between him and Aeryn, but he had a responsibility to his child. He should have helped them repair their ship and then insisted they leave. His life would be much simpler now if he had. He wished he could talk with Talyn.
The following morning Calla deemed him in good enough health to get up. He was feeling much stronger. She had him sit on a chair that was braced against the diagnostic bed. Calla and Visha then stood on the other side of the bed and took hold of his arm. He knew this would hurt. Calla had said on the count of three they would pull. They did it on two. He cried out in pain. "It'll be sore for a couple of days, but it should be fine. Don't put a lot of pressure on it right away."
Crais was rubbing his shoulder and testing it out. Everything seemed to work properly, "Thank you. May I have my transponder back now?" Calla handed it over. Crais inserted it and closed his eyes while he conversed with Talyn and conducted a systems check. Everything seemed to be operating properly. Talyn had sustained only minor damage, which the DRDs had been able to repair. He checked the navigational system. They were nearly to Tormented Space. It would still take a couple of weeks to reach Moya's last known location, but they were much closer. Talyn's last starburst had been a large one. Crais was proud of Talyn for overcoming his fear. Of course, it might have been that Talyn feared capture more than starburst.
Calla looked at him sternly, "I would like you to take it easy today. It will take several days for you to fully recover."
Crais was not about to argue. When he stood, he could feel his knees nearly buckle. He definitely was not at full strength. "I will go to my quarters and rest there." She nodded in approval. Crais' pride was the only thing that allowed him to walk upright out of the med bay. He managed to get around the bend in the corridor before he nearly collapsed. He used Talyn's walls for support. He had not realized how large Talyn was becoming.
He was almost half way to his quarters when Visha came down the corridor. She moved to his right side and slid his arm over her shoulders and placed her arm around his waist for support. "Why do you have to be so hard headed?"
"It is an integral part of my nature," he panted. He was out of breath from trying to make his way to his quarters. He collapsed on his bed when they got to his quarters. "Thank you for your assistance, Visha."
"You're quite welcome. I think I'll stay a little while to make sure that you are going to be all right."
"I assure you I do not need to be watched. I am a little weakened by my experience, that is all."
"All the same, I'm staying."
"Suit yourself." He took his boots off and lay back on his bed. He felt a little self-conscious that she was still there. He tried to ignore her and get some rest, but couldn't. He was all too aware of her presence. He had resolved that he would not break.
******
{9 weekens} They were approaching another planet. It seemed this area of Tormented Space was more populated than some of the other areas. Aeryn was feeling up to visiting the planet. She looked at herself in the mirror and ran her hand over her stomach. It was beginning to swell as the child within grew. She pulled her trousers on, barely able to fasten them. She was in desperate need of new clothes. She was beginning to rethink her decision to release the baby from stasis. Unfortunately a decision that could not be reversed.
She met the others in the maintenance bay. In spite of his better judgment, D'Argo had decided to let Crichton and Chiana accompany them to the planet. This one seemed to have less restrictive rules of behavior. He didn't think it likely they would get in trouble here.
The crew had been gone for not quite an arn when Scorpius entered Pilot's Den. "What are you doing here?" Pilot asked disdainfully.
"I have come to warn you that a Scarren bounty hunter ship is approaching," Scorpius stated matter-of-factly.
"And how would you know that?" Pilot asked skeptically.
"One of the vessels that just entered orbit is a scout ship. That means the main ship is not far behind. I suggest you notify the others to return to Moya immediately."
"Why should I believe you, Scorpius?"
"Pilot, I have not lied to you or any member of this.crew. If you prefer to wait until the Scarren vessel arrives and fires a dampening net at us, that is your decision."
Pilot creased his brow and studied Scorpius. He didn't like the half-breed, but Scorpius had saved their lives on several occasions. He reached over and hit a button on the control panel, "Ka D'Argo, a Scarren scout ship is headed for the surface. I suggest that you and the others return to Moya immediately."
'We're on our way, Pilot,' he responded.
"As soon as they return I suggest we depart the planet."
"I am already making preparations. I suggest that you return to your cell."
"I believe I can be of assistance if the Scarren vessel closes on us. I will wait for them in command."
"As you wish," Pilot said to his retreating back. He didn't care if Scorpius had done nothing to harm anyone. He still didn't trust Scorpius.
Everyone ran straight to command from the maintenance bay. D'Argo was just beginning to ask what Scorpius was doing there when Pilot interrupted, "Moya has detected a Scarren ship. It has seen us and is on a pursuit vector."
"Can we starburst, Pilot?" D'Argo asked.
Crichton spoke up, "No. There are too many wormholes around here."
"We cannot outrun the Scarren vessel," stated Pilot.
"We need to head back to the planet, use its gravity to give us a boost."
"Too late, Commander. The vessel is between us and the planet."
Crichton and Chiana ran over to try to get the defense screen somewhat operational. D'Argo asked, "What is their armament?"
"They have three pulse cannons and a dampening net," Pilot replied.
"At least they don't have a frag cannon," Aeryn stated.
"If I may suggest." Scorpius began.
"No!" growled D'Argo.
"They will be within weapons range in 50 microts," Pilot stated.
Crichton threw his hands up in frustration, "This thing's fried. I can't get it up in 50 microts."
"Surely there must be something we can do?" asked Rygel.
"We're gonna die," stated Chiana.
"I doubt it. They want me alive," observed Crichton.
"Fine, you get to live, the rest of us are going to die, though."
"Thirty microts," Pilot continued his countdown.
Sikozu moved over to Crichton, "Are you telling me starburst in a wormhole infested area is a worse fate than being captured by the Scarrens?"
"Yes. It is."
"Fifteen microts."
Rygel began giving himself some sort of last rights. Chiana and John hugged each other. Aeryn and D'Argo pulled on their warrior faces. It was past the time when Scorpius' advice would have done them any good.
"Five, four, three, two, one."
"There was an explosion, but it was not on Moya. It was the Scarren ship."
Aeryn began to regain consciousness. She was a little groggy and at first didn't know where she was or what had happened. She began to look around as her head cleared and noticed she was in med bay. She placed her hand on her stomach and started to sit.
Scorpius gently restrained her, "You need rest."
"My baby?" she asked weakly.
"Is fine for the time being. I will require you to remain here for the next couple of solar days for observation. Pilot, notify the others that Officer Sun has regained consciousness."
"What happened?"
"I was hoping you could tell me. You collapsed outside of my cell. I brought you here and treated you for an infection. Had you not come to me when you did, I might not have been able to help you. You were running a high fever."
Aeryn thought hard for a few microts, "I woke up this morning with a pain in my stomach. I thought it would go away, but it didn't. It got worse. That's when I came to find you."
"In the future, you should not wait so long," he admonished.
D'Argo, Chiana and Crichton walked into med bay. "How are you feeling, Aeryn?" asked D'Argo.
"Much better," she smiled.
Rygel approached her. He sounded uncomfortable, "It's good to see you are well."
Chiana came to his rescue, "We're nearing a planet. You need me to pick anything up for you?"
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for the offer."
"You get some rest." Chiana and D'Argo walked out of med bay, leaving Crichton alone with Aeryn. Scorpius had disappeared somewhere. Crichton stood there in silence for a few microts.
He walked a little closer to Aeryn, "I'm glad you're feeling better. Scorpy says the baby's fine. I guess that's good news."
"It is." There was an uncomfortable silence.
Crichton began pacing. "Why did you go to Scorpy?"
"He came to me when we were at the last planet. He offered to help me through the pregnancy. He's the only one onboard who has any knowledge about pregnancy and medicine."
"You didn't get any information when you were on the planet?" Crichton accused.
"I didn't think to get a detailed listing of all the ailments that I might suffer. I just didn't know what to expect."
"Really planned ahead, didn't you?" he asked sarcastically.
"You can go now," she said coldly.
He tried to apologize, "Aeryn, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be harsh, I was just trying to be funny."
"Well, you weren't." She was on the verge of tears. "I could have lost the baby or died and all I get from you are jokes." She was in tears by the time she finished.
He tried to comfort her, but she shoved him away and turned her back to him, "Just leave. Go back to Chiana."
Scorpius had entered the room and escorted Crichton out of the room, "I think it best you come back later when she is feeling stronger. She is still quite upset."
"Understatement of the year," Crichton muttered.
Scorpius walked over, sat on the edge of the bed and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "He's gone. I think you should calm down and get some rest. I've brought you something to eat in case you are hungry."
Now that he mentioned it, Aeryn could feel her stomach grumbling. She sat up, wiped the tears off her face, and began eating on the meal he had brought her. When she was halfway through it she asked, "What's wrong with me? Why do I over-react to everything?"
"As I explained to you before, your body is continuously adjusting your hormone levels. That will understandably affect you emotionally."
"Will it go away?"
"I cannot say. I suggest you get some rest. I will check back on you later."
*******
Visha was yelling at Calla to give her a hand with Crais. The two of them rolled him over onto his back He had a nasty gash over his left eye and blood was oozing out of it. His left arm was also injured. It looked like his shoulder was dislocated. Talyn was chirping excitedly and the women had no idea what he was saying. Visha tried to reassure the youngster, "Talyn, I think he's going to be all right. We'll get him down to med bay and make sure. In the mean time I think we had better get out of here."
Talyn chirped again and Visha thought that this one meant he was agreeing with her. Suddenly Talyn lurched forward and there was that sickening feeling that happens when time and space are twisted as a Leviathan starbursts. When the feeling had dissipated Calla grabbed Crais' legs and Visha grabbed him around the chest, careful not to further damage his shoulder. It was hard work carrying him to med bay. He was quite a bit heavier than either of the women. Visha got a cloth and cleaned the wound on his head. It was a nasty cut, clear to the bone. Calla had some medical training and was able to stop the bleeding. She was looking for a cellular regenerator, but couldn't find it. Calla then scanned him for other wounds. Other than the head injury and the shoulder, he appeared unharmed. Calla looked over at Visha, "Why don't you stay with him first. I'll check back in a little while. Let me know if his vital signs change."
Visha pulled up a chair and sat at his right side. He looked so peaceful. All anger and frustration was gone from his face. His hair was coming loose from its queue, a few stray tendrils framing his face. She couldn't resist brushing them off to the side. She leaned over and impulsively kissed his forehead. She sat there and held his hand, eventually falling asleep with her head against his chest.
Crais awoke and the first thing he noticed was that he couldn't hear Talyn. He tried to move his right arm only to find it pinned. He then tried to move his left arm and cried out in pain. His cry caused Visha to jump nearly out of her skin and fall out of the chair. "What happened?" he asked.
She rose to her feet, rubbing the soreness out of her rear. "In the aftermath of the explosion you hit your head and were knocked unconscious. You also dislocated your shoulder, which I'm sure you have discovered. Took a real nasty bump to your head. We couldn't find the cellular regenerator, but we did get the bleeding stopped."
Crais pointed to a drawer with his good arm, "It's over there in the top drawer." He tried to sit and was overcome with a wave of nausea.
Visha saw him slump back into the bed, "I told you it was a nasty bump on your head. It's hard, but not that hard. Calla thinks you've suffered a serious concussion." She came over and ran the regenerator over his wound. She got a damp cloth to gently clean off the dried blood, "Good as new. Well, almost."
Crais reached his right hand up and rubbed his forehead, "Almost?"
She traced the wound with her finger, "There's a thin line that should fade. Once you're stronger we can do something about your shoulder."
"Where are we?"
"I don't know. Talyn starbursted right after the battle and I've been with you ever since. You were out for about ten arns."
Crais rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Ten arns. May I have my transponder back?"
"Calla said not until you are better. Talyn sustained some minor injuries and she doesn't want you subjected to his discomfort or him to your mental fogginess."
He started to argue, "I do not." He had to continue in a quieter voice, "Perhaps she is correct. Am I permitted to return to my quarters or must I remain here?"
"You should stay here where the monitoring equipment is."
Crais slumped back resigned to his fate. He then realized Visha had said she had been there, with him, the whole time. He watched her as she returned the regenerator to its drawer. She moved with a feminine grace he was not used to seeing. She really was quite attractive when she wasn't busy insulting him.
"Do you think you could eat something?"
"I'd like that." He smiled at her.
She felt her knees go weak. This was the first time he had smiled at her. She thought he looked gorgeous when he smiled. "I'll.uh.get something to eat."
Crais chuckled to himself after she had left. It appeared she did like him. He didn't know what to do. He knew that it was unlikely there would ever be anything emotional between him and Aeryn, but he had a responsibility to his child. He should have helped them repair their ship and then insisted they leave. His life would be much simpler now if he had. He wished he could talk with Talyn.
The following morning Calla deemed him in good enough health to get up. He was feeling much stronger. She had him sit on a chair that was braced against the diagnostic bed. Calla and Visha then stood on the other side of the bed and took hold of his arm. He knew this would hurt. Calla had said on the count of three they would pull. They did it on two. He cried out in pain. "It'll be sore for a couple of days, but it should be fine. Don't put a lot of pressure on it right away."
Crais was rubbing his shoulder and testing it out. Everything seemed to work properly, "Thank you. May I have my transponder back now?" Calla handed it over. Crais inserted it and closed his eyes while he conversed with Talyn and conducted a systems check. Everything seemed to be operating properly. Talyn had sustained only minor damage, which the DRDs had been able to repair. He checked the navigational system. They were nearly to Tormented Space. It would still take a couple of weeks to reach Moya's last known location, but they were much closer. Talyn's last starburst had been a large one. Crais was proud of Talyn for overcoming his fear. Of course, it might have been that Talyn feared capture more than starburst.
Calla looked at him sternly, "I would like you to take it easy today. It will take several days for you to fully recover."
Crais was not about to argue. When he stood, he could feel his knees nearly buckle. He definitely was not at full strength. "I will go to my quarters and rest there." She nodded in approval. Crais' pride was the only thing that allowed him to walk upright out of the med bay. He managed to get around the bend in the corridor before he nearly collapsed. He used Talyn's walls for support. He had not realized how large Talyn was becoming.
He was almost half way to his quarters when Visha came down the corridor. She moved to his right side and slid his arm over her shoulders and placed her arm around his waist for support. "Why do you have to be so hard headed?"
"It is an integral part of my nature," he panted. He was out of breath from trying to make his way to his quarters. He collapsed on his bed when they got to his quarters. "Thank you for your assistance, Visha."
"You're quite welcome. I think I'll stay a little while to make sure that you are going to be all right."
"I assure you I do not need to be watched. I am a little weakened by my experience, that is all."
"All the same, I'm staying."
"Suit yourself." He took his boots off and lay back on his bed. He felt a little self-conscious that she was still there. He tried to ignore her and get some rest, but couldn't. He was all too aware of her presence. He had resolved that he would not break.
******
{9 weekens} They were approaching another planet. It seemed this area of Tormented Space was more populated than some of the other areas. Aeryn was feeling up to visiting the planet. She looked at herself in the mirror and ran her hand over her stomach. It was beginning to swell as the child within grew. She pulled her trousers on, barely able to fasten them. She was in desperate need of new clothes. She was beginning to rethink her decision to release the baby from stasis. Unfortunately a decision that could not be reversed.
She met the others in the maintenance bay. In spite of his better judgment, D'Argo had decided to let Crichton and Chiana accompany them to the planet. This one seemed to have less restrictive rules of behavior. He didn't think it likely they would get in trouble here.
The crew had been gone for not quite an arn when Scorpius entered Pilot's Den. "What are you doing here?" Pilot asked disdainfully.
"I have come to warn you that a Scarren bounty hunter ship is approaching," Scorpius stated matter-of-factly.
"And how would you know that?" Pilot asked skeptically.
"One of the vessels that just entered orbit is a scout ship. That means the main ship is not far behind. I suggest you notify the others to return to Moya immediately."
"Why should I believe you, Scorpius?"
"Pilot, I have not lied to you or any member of this.crew. If you prefer to wait until the Scarren vessel arrives and fires a dampening net at us, that is your decision."
Pilot creased his brow and studied Scorpius. He didn't like the half-breed, but Scorpius had saved their lives on several occasions. He reached over and hit a button on the control panel, "Ka D'Argo, a Scarren scout ship is headed for the surface. I suggest that you and the others return to Moya immediately."
'We're on our way, Pilot,' he responded.
"As soon as they return I suggest we depart the planet."
"I am already making preparations. I suggest that you return to your cell."
"I believe I can be of assistance if the Scarren vessel closes on us. I will wait for them in command."
"As you wish," Pilot said to his retreating back. He didn't care if Scorpius had done nothing to harm anyone. He still didn't trust Scorpius.
Everyone ran straight to command from the maintenance bay. D'Argo was just beginning to ask what Scorpius was doing there when Pilot interrupted, "Moya has detected a Scarren ship. It has seen us and is on a pursuit vector."
"Can we starburst, Pilot?" D'Argo asked.
Crichton spoke up, "No. There are too many wormholes around here."
"We cannot outrun the Scarren vessel," stated Pilot.
"We need to head back to the planet, use its gravity to give us a boost."
"Too late, Commander. The vessel is between us and the planet."
Crichton and Chiana ran over to try to get the defense screen somewhat operational. D'Argo asked, "What is their armament?"
"They have three pulse cannons and a dampening net," Pilot replied.
"At least they don't have a frag cannon," Aeryn stated.
"If I may suggest." Scorpius began.
"No!" growled D'Argo.
"They will be within weapons range in 50 microts," Pilot stated.
Crichton threw his hands up in frustration, "This thing's fried. I can't get it up in 50 microts."
"Surely there must be something we can do?" asked Rygel.
"We're gonna die," stated Chiana.
"I doubt it. They want me alive," observed Crichton.
"Fine, you get to live, the rest of us are going to die, though."
"Thirty microts," Pilot continued his countdown.
Sikozu moved over to Crichton, "Are you telling me starburst in a wormhole infested area is a worse fate than being captured by the Scarrens?"
"Yes. It is."
"Fifteen microts."
Rygel began giving himself some sort of last rights. Chiana and John hugged each other. Aeryn and D'Argo pulled on their warrior faces. It was past the time when Scorpius' advice would have done them any good.
"Five, four, three, two, one."
"There was an explosion, but it was not on Moya. It was the Scarren ship."