Part 5
~Pilot, is everyone all right?~ Crais asked.
Crichton laughed, "My boy Crais, saving the day."
"Everyone is well. Your arrival was quite.timely," D'Argo replied. He would not thank Crais. He still did not trust the ex-Peacekeeper.
Aeryn had not thought it possible, but Scorpius' face drained of all color.
~That is good to hear. We will be coming over shortly,~ Crais announced and then severed communications.
Chiana asked, "Did he say we?"
******
Visha looked at him and quipped, "Warm welcome from your friends. I would have expected them to thank you for saving them from the Scarrens."
"I never said they were my friends. You may stay here or you may come with me to Moya or you can go on your way."
"Oh, we're going over to Moya. I want to meet these people and see what it is that's so important to you on Moya that you would risk your life saving people who aren't your friends."
"As you wish. We may be staying over there for a few days." He walked out of command and went to his quarters to pack his bag.
When Crais arrived on Moya he received his typical warm welcome. "I see you still use your standard method of greeting," he said dryly.
"Just a little precaution until we know who your friends are," D'Argo stated.
He quickly glanced at Aeryn before turning his attention back to D'Argo, "Very well. This is Visha Maren and Calla. They are explorer/archaeologists. I think you will find they are peaceful." Crais then introduced the members of Moya's crew, with the exception of Scorpius, whom Crais assumed was back in his cell. He would have to talk to the half- breed later.
"How did you find us?" D'Argo asked.
"Talyn heard Moya's distress call. Fortunately we were close enough to provide assistance before the Scarrens could fire. If we could proceed to the center chamber I will explain what happened." Crais told of his adventures in a non-chronological fashion. He decided that given D'Argo's temper it was best to save his hypothesis about Scorpius' failure to notify them about the command carrier until the end.
D'Argo hissed when he heard this revelation, "I should have known Scorpius would do something underhanded. But, why?"
Aeryn answered, "He was afraid I would leave on Talyn and that the rest of you would decide to get rid of him."
"He has now proven himself untrustworthy and placed us and Moya in danger. Can we space him?" D'Argo addressed his question to Aeryn.
"I gave him my word. I will not go back on that. Besides we don't have any proof he had anything to do with it."
D'Argo hissed one last time before storming out of the chamber. Rygel had decided to pay only superficial attention to Crais' account and was eating. Sikozu wasn't there. She had probably gone to report to Scorpius. Aeryn walked out of the chamber. Crais waited a microt before following. Visha moved as if she was going to follow. Calla placed a hand on her arm and whispered, "Not now."
"Is that who he's here for?" Visha asked quietly.
"I think you know the answer to that question."
"She does not look at him like a lover. I have received no signals from him that he has a lover. In fact I think he finds me attractive."
"But he has yet to act on that in spite of your best efforts. Do not looked so shocked. I have watched you these last few weekens. I do not know that they are lovers, but you can tell he feels some sort of obligation towards her."
"I'll guess I'll have to try harder. I know he finds me desirable, I just have to get him to admit it to himself.
It didn't take Crais long to catch up with Aeryn. She had been waiting for him. A smile crossed his face as he saw her. He was relieved to see that she was well. He saw the gentle swell of her stomach and placed his hand on it, "I see our child is growing well."
She placed her hand over his, her smile matching his, "That it is." She paused the smile leaving her face, "I don't want you to hurt Scorpius."
Crais could see the pleading look in her face. He probed gently, "Why not?"
She explained what had happened a couple of weeks ago. How it was Scorpius that saved both her life and their child's life. Crais clenched his jaw to maintain his composure. He held her in his comforting arms, "Very well. I will let him live. For now." He led her off to her quarters where they could talk in private.
Visha was tired of sitting in her quarters. She decided to go out exploring. Moya was much larger than Talyn and was more spacious. She could definitely tell that Talyn was designed as a warship. Her wandering had a secondary purpose. She was looking for Crais. She was amazed at how warm and inviting Moya seemed compared to Talyn. She could see why these beings had made their home on Moya. She wondered what kind of relationship Crais and Aeryn had as she wandered aimlessly. In the distance she heard shouting. It sounded like Crais. She assumed he was arguing with Aeryn since that was the last person she had seen him with. She hung back, not wanting to be discovered eavesdropping. Visha heard the yelling stop and decided to continue on her way.
Crais stormed out of Aeryn's quarters. She was being unreasonable. He tugged at his jacket as her rounded the bend and nearly took out Visha. He caught her before she could fall. "My apologies. I was distracted." He was forcing himself to be calm.
Visha decided to take advantage of his emotional distress. She began smoothing his jacket, "Anything I can help with? It appears you have very few friends here on Moya. I'd like to think you consider me a friend."
"I do. I just don't think this is something appropriate to be talking to you about." Crais found her touch both soothing and exciting.
Out of the corner of her eye, Visha saw Aeryn had come out of her quarters. Visha decided this was the perfect time to make her intentions clear. She began trailing her finger along his chest, looking longingly into his eyes, and speaking just loud enough that her voice would carry to where Aeryn stood. "I think you have discovered that I am a very good listener. I'm sure I can help you work through any.problems you might have." Her voice had very seductive qualities about it and she was being very deliberate about where she touched him.
Crais gently took her hand into his to stop her movements, "I will.consider your offer."
"Don't wait too long." She brushed his lips with hers before proceeding down the passageway. Crais watched after her, his pulse racing. He wondered why him. Wasn't his life complicated enough without Visha.
Aeryn had observed the whole scene in horror. She began thinking to herself that Crais was a big liar. Everything he had said was just an act. He wasn't interested in her. He was only interested in the child to replace his dead brother. She wondered how much of what he had said he meant. She saw the way that little tralk looked at him. She could see the sexual energy. He had always been selfish. He didn't really care about her, not now that she was pregnant. He had pushed so hard for her to leave with him because he really wanted her to stay. He had a new toy to play with. He didn't need her. She went back to her quarters and cried.
Scorpius had witnessed the interaction between Visha and Crais with interest. If Visha was interested in Crais, he could use that to drive a wedge between Crais and Aeryn. He would have to get to work on that. It looked like Visha required no encouragement to pursue Crais. All Scorpius had to do was play to Aeryn's fears. Sikozu came by with a new batch of cooling rods. "I believe these should last longer. I was able to pick up some of the things I needed before we were forced to leave the planet." She saw the self satisfied smirk on his face. "What's going on?"
"The arrival of our new guests has changed the dynamic of the equation. It appears the younger one has feelings for Crais. I want you to find out more. If I can use her to drive a wedge between Crais and Officer Sun, my safety should be assured."
Crais returned to his quarters, still a little frustrated with Aeryn. He could understand that she wanted to be somewhere she could receive medical attention. On their travels to rejoin Moya, Crais believed he had found the perfect place to wait out her pregnancy. It was a Sebacean colony that was too remote and too resource poor to be bothered by either the Peacekeepers or Scarrens. He had enough currency that they would be able to live comfortably until the birth. She was reluctant to travel even a couple of weekens away from medical help. Obviously the illness had affected her more than Crais would have imagined. ~Talk with her later. She is very upset right now.~
"I have noticed that. I will try again in a few arns. I do not intend to leave her, but I do not wish to remain here any longer than necessary."
~What about the others?~
"I believe that in a few days they will tire of being here and go on their way. I do not intend to allow them to stay."
~Not even Visha?~ Talyn was aware Crais was attracted her. Most of his views on relationships between bipedals had come from Crais and Crais' beliefs came from the Peacekeepers. Peacekeepers recreated with whomever they desired and formed no emotional attachments. Both Crais and Talyn were trying to form beliefs about family. A very foreign concept.
"Especially not Visha," Crais said defensively.
Talyn was amused by Crais' conflicting emotions. ~When you talk to Aeryn again, can you ask her to come visit? Maybe I can help.~
Crais smiled. Talyn really did respect Aeryn, "I will ask her."
As Visha continued wandering she came across Crichton. "I have a question for you?"
"Go ahead, shoot."
Visha wrinkled her brow and decided that meant she could ask. She was reminded that Crichton was not Sebacean. "I noticed Aeryn and Bialar glancing at each other. I also noticed that he followed her when she left the center chamber. What's the deal with them?"
This was a very sore subject for Crichton. "You mean you were on Talyn for nearly two monens and he didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
Crichton started laughing, "Oh this is too much. Is there something between the two of you?" His curiosity was getting the better of him. He had noticed her use of Crais' given name.
"Not as of yet. I'm working on it, though."
"You might want to pick someone else. He's not exactly relationship material."
"I think I'll be the judge of that," she proclaimed defensively.
"Okay, suit yourself." She looked at him impatiently. He rubbed his lip with his thumb, trying to decide the best way to reveal the truth. "Here's the story. Aeryn's pregnant and it's Crais' child." He watched the color drain from her face. He then went on to explain Scorpius' alleged involvement in Talyn's disappearance. Crichton admitted he believed it was a sense of duty and not any emotional attachment that was tying Crais to Aeryn. Even though Crichton didn't say it, Visha got the impression he thought Aeryn would be better off without Crais. She needed time to figure out how to use this new information.
After about an arn Crais decided Aeryn had probably had enough time to calm down. He returned to her quarters, but she wasn't there. He asked Talyn if he knew where she was, but Moya wouldn't tell her son. Crais was left to search for her the old fashioned way. He began in the cargo bay, knowing that was where she liked to go when she was frustrated. After that he began wandering, systematically searching the tiers until he could come up with a better idea. On a whim he decided to check the terrace. She was there, sitting on the deck, staring at the stars. She didn't look at him. He moved closer to her and she stood and tried to leave. He caught her arms, "Aeryn, we need to discuss our course of action."
"I don't have anything I need to discuss with you," she said angrily. She tried to struggle free from his grasp, but he held tight.
He had a perplexed look on his face. He had no idea why she was so upset with him. "Aeryn, what's wrong?"
"You know perfectly well what's wrong. You don't really want me to leave with you. You have Visha now. Why would you want fat, ugly Aeryn around?"
Crais realized Aeryn must have seen he and Visha in the corridor. He proceeded cautiously, brushing her cheek, "Aeyrn, you are neither fat nor ugly. I think you are quite beautiful. And I do want you to come with us. In fact I came to ask you if you would like to come over to Talyn. He would like to see you again."
"I don't believe you. You are nothing but a manipulator. You always have been. Life always has to go according to your rules and plans. This wasn't in your plans and it's something you'd just as soon have out of sight." Tears were welling in her eyes and her voice was becoming unsteady.
There was a little bit of truth in what she said and it stung Crais. He decided to drop it for now. He loosened his grip on her a little now that he realized she would stay and listen. "Aeryn, would I have come back to Moya if I didn't care for you? I came back to make sure you and *our* baby were safe. To let you know I had found a place where our child can be born in safety." She looked away from him. He placed his fingers under her chin and tipped it so she would look at him. "Aeryn, I told you I would be here for you and our child. I have not changed my mind."
"What about *her*?"
Crais took a deep breath, "I have no emotional attachment to her. She has merely been a traveling companion."
"It didn't look that way in the corridor," she accused.
Crais had been right. Aeryn had seen them. "I believe that she would like to pursue a long term relationship with me, but I do not share that interest."
"It doesn't look like you've told her that. She seems to still be pursuing you."
"I have not told her in words, but I have done nothing to encourage her."
"You could have fooled me. I saw how she was looking at you. She wouldn't have that look if she didn't think there was chance." Aeryn was able to shrug off his grip and walked away.
"Aeryn," he called out. "Aeryn!" he called louder. She ignored him. Crais rubbed the bridge of his nose. This was turning out to be a bad day. With Aeryn in her current emotional state he was unsure he would be able reason with her.
On her way back to her quarters, Aeryn ran across Visha. "You want Crais, don't you?" she asked angrily.
"What business of yours is that?" Visha asked innocently.
Aeryn shoved her against the bulkhead, "Answer the frelling question."
Visha decided to take advantage of the situation, "Perhaps I've already had him, though having him again wouldn't be a bad idea."
Aeryn shoved her one last time and stalked down the passageway. Visha smiled. She had sown the seeds of discontent. All she had to do was wait and let it progress naturally. She decided it would be best to avoid Crais for a little while. She didn't want him to discover her plan.
The following morning, Crais decided he would try talking to Aeryn again. She had avoided him the rest of the day yesterday. From what he had been able to learn about pregnancy and what Talyn had learned from Moya, Aeryn's emotional outbursts were not unexpected. According to Moya, Aeryn had been very distraught since Crais and Talyn disappeared. Moya and Pilot had hoped their return would help stabilize Aeryn. Instead, it appeared to be having the opposite effect. He saw Aeryn leaving the center chamber when he was going to eat morning meal. "Aeryn." he began calmly.
She glared at him. "How could you?" venom was dripping from her words.
Confusion crossed his face, "How could I what?"
"How could you tell me everything you did yesterday when you had recreated with her?"
"I have not.recreated with anyone."
"Oh, no? She told me yesterday that the two of you had recreated. Why would she lie to me? You, on the other hand, have very good reasons to lie to me."
"Aeryn, I did not recreate with her. You must believe me."
She began sarcastically, "Yes, you have such a high sense of honor. You have a long history of telling us half-truths and just enough to get us on your side. I don't know why I decided you would make a good father. I must have been struck by a moment of insanity." She stormed off.
Her accusations hurt. He followed after her. It took all of his self- control to retain his composure. He reminded himself that Aeryn was under a great deal of stress and was not herself, "Aeryn, you must listen to me," he took hold of her arm.
She took a swing at him, but he was prepared and caught her other arm. "You are not my captain anymore. I don't have to take your orders anymore."
"I'm not asking you to take my orders. I am asking you to listen to reason. Go over and speak with Talyn. He will tell you the truth."
She was barely maintaining control of her emotions. She was shaking. "How can I believe that? I know that he wants to see the two of us together. He tried to kill John in order to facilitate that."
Crais noticed her distress and began stroking her hair and spoke in a soothing voice, "Aeryn, please, go over to Talyn."
"You have ruined my life, Crais. I don't want anything else to do with you," she stated as the tears began streaming down her face.
Crais was in such a state of shock that he released her. He had no response. He stood there in stunned silence as she walked away from him. As she rounded the bend he heard a thump. "Aeryn?" he called out as he began walking towards her. When he got no answer he called out louder and ran towards her, "Aeryn!"
Her limp form was twitching on the deck. For one of the few times in his life, Crais felt fear. "Pilot, Aeryn has collapsed. I am taking her to med bay." He scooped Aeryn up into his arms, afraid he would lose her, and afraid he would lose his child. He spoke to her soothingly as he walked down the corridor.
~I will notify Scorpius,~ Pilot responded.
~Pilot, is everyone all right?~ Crais asked.
Crichton laughed, "My boy Crais, saving the day."
"Everyone is well. Your arrival was quite.timely," D'Argo replied. He would not thank Crais. He still did not trust the ex-Peacekeeper.
Aeryn had not thought it possible, but Scorpius' face drained of all color.
~That is good to hear. We will be coming over shortly,~ Crais announced and then severed communications.
Chiana asked, "Did he say we?"
******
Visha looked at him and quipped, "Warm welcome from your friends. I would have expected them to thank you for saving them from the Scarrens."
"I never said they were my friends. You may stay here or you may come with me to Moya or you can go on your way."
"Oh, we're going over to Moya. I want to meet these people and see what it is that's so important to you on Moya that you would risk your life saving people who aren't your friends."
"As you wish. We may be staying over there for a few days." He walked out of command and went to his quarters to pack his bag.
When Crais arrived on Moya he received his typical warm welcome. "I see you still use your standard method of greeting," he said dryly.
"Just a little precaution until we know who your friends are," D'Argo stated.
He quickly glanced at Aeryn before turning his attention back to D'Argo, "Very well. This is Visha Maren and Calla. They are explorer/archaeologists. I think you will find they are peaceful." Crais then introduced the members of Moya's crew, with the exception of Scorpius, whom Crais assumed was back in his cell. He would have to talk to the half- breed later.
"How did you find us?" D'Argo asked.
"Talyn heard Moya's distress call. Fortunately we were close enough to provide assistance before the Scarrens could fire. If we could proceed to the center chamber I will explain what happened." Crais told of his adventures in a non-chronological fashion. He decided that given D'Argo's temper it was best to save his hypothesis about Scorpius' failure to notify them about the command carrier until the end.
D'Argo hissed when he heard this revelation, "I should have known Scorpius would do something underhanded. But, why?"
Aeryn answered, "He was afraid I would leave on Talyn and that the rest of you would decide to get rid of him."
"He has now proven himself untrustworthy and placed us and Moya in danger. Can we space him?" D'Argo addressed his question to Aeryn.
"I gave him my word. I will not go back on that. Besides we don't have any proof he had anything to do with it."
D'Argo hissed one last time before storming out of the chamber. Rygel had decided to pay only superficial attention to Crais' account and was eating. Sikozu wasn't there. She had probably gone to report to Scorpius. Aeryn walked out of the chamber. Crais waited a microt before following. Visha moved as if she was going to follow. Calla placed a hand on her arm and whispered, "Not now."
"Is that who he's here for?" Visha asked quietly.
"I think you know the answer to that question."
"She does not look at him like a lover. I have received no signals from him that he has a lover. In fact I think he finds me attractive."
"But he has yet to act on that in spite of your best efforts. Do not looked so shocked. I have watched you these last few weekens. I do not know that they are lovers, but you can tell he feels some sort of obligation towards her."
"I'll guess I'll have to try harder. I know he finds me desirable, I just have to get him to admit it to himself.
It didn't take Crais long to catch up with Aeryn. She had been waiting for him. A smile crossed his face as he saw her. He was relieved to see that she was well. He saw the gentle swell of her stomach and placed his hand on it, "I see our child is growing well."
She placed her hand over his, her smile matching his, "That it is." She paused the smile leaving her face, "I don't want you to hurt Scorpius."
Crais could see the pleading look in her face. He probed gently, "Why not?"
She explained what had happened a couple of weeks ago. How it was Scorpius that saved both her life and their child's life. Crais clenched his jaw to maintain his composure. He held her in his comforting arms, "Very well. I will let him live. For now." He led her off to her quarters where they could talk in private.
Visha was tired of sitting in her quarters. She decided to go out exploring. Moya was much larger than Talyn and was more spacious. She could definitely tell that Talyn was designed as a warship. Her wandering had a secondary purpose. She was looking for Crais. She was amazed at how warm and inviting Moya seemed compared to Talyn. She could see why these beings had made their home on Moya. She wondered what kind of relationship Crais and Aeryn had as she wandered aimlessly. In the distance she heard shouting. It sounded like Crais. She assumed he was arguing with Aeryn since that was the last person she had seen him with. She hung back, not wanting to be discovered eavesdropping. Visha heard the yelling stop and decided to continue on her way.
Crais stormed out of Aeryn's quarters. She was being unreasonable. He tugged at his jacket as her rounded the bend and nearly took out Visha. He caught her before she could fall. "My apologies. I was distracted." He was forcing himself to be calm.
Visha decided to take advantage of his emotional distress. She began smoothing his jacket, "Anything I can help with? It appears you have very few friends here on Moya. I'd like to think you consider me a friend."
"I do. I just don't think this is something appropriate to be talking to you about." Crais found her touch both soothing and exciting.
Out of the corner of her eye, Visha saw Aeryn had come out of her quarters. Visha decided this was the perfect time to make her intentions clear. She began trailing her finger along his chest, looking longingly into his eyes, and speaking just loud enough that her voice would carry to where Aeryn stood. "I think you have discovered that I am a very good listener. I'm sure I can help you work through any.problems you might have." Her voice had very seductive qualities about it and she was being very deliberate about where she touched him.
Crais gently took her hand into his to stop her movements, "I will.consider your offer."
"Don't wait too long." She brushed his lips with hers before proceeding down the passageway. Crais watched after her, his pulse racing. He wondered why him. Wasn't his life complicated enough without Visha.
Aeryn had observed the whole scene in horror. She began thinking to herself that Crais was a big liar. Everything he had said was just an act. He wasn't interested in her. He was only interested in the child to replace his dead brother. She wondered how much of what he had said he meant. She saw the way that little tralk looked at him. She could see the sexual energy. He had always been selfish. He didn't really care about her, not now that she was pregnant. He had pushed so hard for her to leave with him because he really wanted her to stay. He had a new toy to play with. He didn't need her. She went back to her quarters and cried.
Scorpius had witnessed the interaction between Visha and Crais with interest. If Visha was interested in Crais, he could use that to drive a wedge between Crais and Aeryn. He would have to get to work on that. It looked like Visha required no encouragement to pursue Crais. All Scorpius had to do was play to Aeryn's fears. Sikozu came by with a new batch of cooling rods. "I believe these should last longer. I was able to pick up some of the things I needed before we were forced to leave the planet." She saw the self satisfied smirk on his face. "What's going on?"
"The arrival of our new guests has changed the dynamic of the equation. It appears the younger one has feelings for Crais. I want you to find out more. If I can use her to drive a wedge between Crais and Officer Sun, my safety should be assured."
Crais returned to his quarters, still a little frustrated with Aeryn. He could understand that she wanted to be somewhere she could receive medical attention. On their travels to rejoin Moya, Crais believed he had found the perfect place to wait out her pregnancy. It was a Sebacean colony that was too remote and too resource poor to be bothered by either the Peacekeepers or Scarrens. He had enough currency that they would be able to live comfortably until the birth. She was reluctant to travel even a couple of weekens away from medical help. Obviously the illness had affected her more than Crais would have imagined. ~Talk with her later. She is very upset right now.~
"I have noticed that. I will try again in a few arns. I do not intend to leave her, but I do not wish to remain here any longer than necessary."
~What about the others?~
"I believe that in a few days they will tire of being here and go on their way. I do not intend to allow them to stay."
~Not even Visha?~ Talyn was aware Crais was attracted her. Most of his views on relationships between bipedals had come from Crais and Crais' beliefs came from the Peacekeepers. Peacekeepers recreated with whomever they desired and formed no emotional attachments. Both Crais and Talyn were trying to form beliefs about family. A very foreign concept.
"Especially not Visha," Crais said defensively.
Talyn was amused by Crais' conflicting emotions. ~When you talk to Aeryn again, can you ask her to come visit? Maybe I can help.~
Crais smiled. Talyn really did respect Aeryn, "I will ask her."
As Visha continued wandering she came across Crichton. "I have a question for you?"
"Go ahead, shoot."
Visha wrinkled her brow and decided that meant she could ask. She was reminded that Crichton was not Sebacean. "I noticed Aeryn and Bialar glancing at each other. I also noticed that he followed her when she left the center chamber. What's the deal with them?"
This was a very sore subject for Crichton. "You mean you were on Talyn for nearly two monens and he didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
Crichton started laughing, "Oh this is too much. Is there something between the two of you?" His curiosity was getting the better of him. He had noticed her use of Crais' given name.
"Not as of yet. I'm working on it, though."
"You might want to pick someone else. He's not exactly relationship material."
"I think I'll be the judge of that," she proclaimed defensively.
"Okay, suit yourself." She looked at him impatiently. He rubbed his lip with his thumb, trying to decide the best way to reveal the truth. "Here's the story. Aeryn's pregnant and it's Crais' child." He watched the color drain from her face. He then went on to explain Scorpius' alleged involvement in Talyn's disappearance. Crichton admitted he believed it was a sense of duty and not any emotional attachment that was tying Crais to Aeryn. Even though Crichton didn't say it, Visha got the impression he thought Aeryn would be better off without Crais. She needed time to figure out how to use this new information.
After about an arn Crais decided Aeryn had probably had enough time to calm down. He returned to her quarters, but she wasn't there. He asked Talyn if he knew where she was, but Moya wouldn't tell her son. Crais was left to search for her the old fashioned way. He began in the cargo bay, knowing that was where she liked to go when she was frustrated. After that he began wandering, systematically searching the tiers until he could come up with a better idea. On a whim he decided to check the terrace. She was there, sitting on the deck, staring at the stars. She didn't look at him. He moved closer to her and she stood and tried to leave. He caught her arms, "Aeryn, we need to discuss our course of action."
"I don't have anything I need to discuss with you," she said angrily. She tried to struggle free from his grasp, but he held tight.
He had a perplexed look on his face. He had no idea why she was so upset with him. "Aeryn, what's wrong?"
"You know perfectly well what's wrong. You don't really want me to leave with you. You have Visha now. Why would you want fat, ugly Aeryn around?"
Crais realized Aeryn must have seen he and Visha in the corridor. He proceeded cautiously, brushing her cheek, "Aeyrn, you are neither fat nor ugly. I think you are quite beautiful. And I do want you to come with us. In fact I came to ask you if you would like to come over to Talyn. He would like to see you again."
"I don't believe you. You are nothing but a manipulator. You always have been. Life always has to go according to your rules and plans. This wasn't in your plans and it's something you'd just as soon have out of sight." Tears were welling in her eyes and her voice was becoming unsteady.
There was a little bit of truth in what she said and it stung Crais. He decided to drop it for now. He loosened his grip on her a little now that he realized she would stay and listen. "Aeryn, would I have come back to Moya if I didn't care for you? I came back to make sure you and *our* baby were safe. To let you know I had found a place where our child can be born in safety." She looked away from him. He placed his fingers under her chin and tipped it so she would look at him. "Aeryn, I told you I would be here for you and our child. I have not changed my mind."
"What about *her*?"
Crais took a deep breath, "I have no emotional attachment to her. She has merely been a traveling companion."
"It didn't look that way in the corridor," she accused.
Crais had been right. Aeryn had seen them. "I believe that she would like to pursue a long term relationship with me, but I do not share that interest."
"It doesn't look like you've told her that. She seems to still be pursuing you."
"I have not told her in words, but I have done nothing to encourage her."
"You could have fooled me. I saw how she was looking at you. She wouldn't have that look if she didn't think there was chance." Aeryn was able to shrug off his grip and walked away.
"Aeryn," he called out. "Aeryn!" he called louder. She ignored him. Crais rubbed the bridge of his nose. This was turning out to be a bad day. With Aeryn in her current emotional state he was unsure he would be able reason with her.
On her way back to her quarters, Aeryn ran across Visha. "You want Crais, don't you?" she asked angrily.
"What business of yours is that?" Visha asked innocently.
Aeryn shoved her against the bulkhead, "Answer the frelling question."
Visha decided to take advantage of the situation, "Perhaps I've already had him, though having him again wouldn't be a bad idea."
Aeryn shoved her one last time and stalked down the passageway. Visha smiled. She had sown the seeds of discontent. All she had to do was wait and let it progress naturally. She decided it would be best to avoid Crais for a little while. She didn't want him to discover her plan.
The following morning, Crais decided he would try talking to Aeryn again. She had avoided him the rest of the day yesterday. From what he had been able to learn about pregnancy and what Talyn had learned from Moya, Aeryn's emotional outbursts were not unexpected. According to Moya, Aeryn had been very distraught since Crais and Talyn disappeared. Moya and Pilot had hoped their return would help stabilize Aeryn. Instead, it appeared to be having the opposite effect. He saw Aeryn leaving the center chamber when he was going to eat morning meal. "Aeryn." he began calmly.
She glared at him. "How could you?" venom was dripping from her words.
Confusion crossed his face, "How could I what?"
"How could you tell me everything you did yesterday when you had recreated with her?"
"I have not.recreated with anyone."
"Oh, no? She told me yesterday that the two of you had recreated. Why would she lie to me? You, on the other hand, have very good reasons to lie to me."
"Aeryn, I did not recreate with her. You must believe me."
She began sarcastically, "Yes, you have such a high sense of honor. You have a long history of telling us half-truths and just enough to get us on your side. I don't know why I decided you would make a good father. I must have been struck by a moment of insanity." She stormed off.
Her accusations hurt. He followed after her. It took all of his self- control to retain his composure. He reminded himself that Aeryn was under a great deal of stress and was not herself, "Aeryn, you must listen to me," he took hold of her arm.
She took a swing at him, but he was prepared and caught her other arm. "You are not my captain anymore. I don't have to take your orders anymore."
"I'm not asking you to take my orders. I am asking you to listen to reason. Go over and speak with Talyn. He will tell you the truth."
She was barely maintaining control of her emotions. She was shaking. "How can I believe that? I know that he wants to see the two of us together. He tried to kill John in order to facilitate that."
Crais noticed her distress and began stroking her hair and spoke in a soothing voice, "Aeryn, please, go over to Talyn."
"You have ruined my life, Crais. I don't want anything else to do with you," she stated as the tears began streaming down her face.
Crais was in such a state of shock that he released her. He had no response. He stood there in stunned silence as she walked away from him. As she rounded the bend he heard a thump. "Aeryn?" he called out as he began walking towards her. When he got no answer he called out louder and ran towards her, "Aeryn!"
Her limp form was twitching on the deck. For one of the few times in his life, Crais felt fear. "Pilot, Aeryn has collapsed. I am taking her to med bay." He scooped Aeryn up into his arms, afraid he would lose her, and afraid he would lose his child. He spoke to her soothingly as he walked down the corridor.
~I will notify Scorpius,~ Pilot responded.