Ripples in Time
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up through Unrealized Reality
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Many thanks to my beta gbbard
All he could see was the heavy mist that hovered over him, as he woke, rubbing his eyes. "What the frell?" He asked, trying to move, his limbs resisting the brain's command.
He felt an image appear before him, focusing on the being that loomed over him. "Where am I?" He asked, his mind in total confusion. He felt as if someone had shut the lights off plunging him into total darkness.
The being stood there watching the man struggle to sit up, knowing he lacked all understanding of what was happening. He knew he would want an explanation, but there would be none. The man had to do as he was told since he had no choice in the matter. The higher powers had decided and it was his job to carry out their orders.
"We made a mistake. It was not your time yet. There is still too much unfinished business that must be taken care of if we hope to survive," the being said, quoting the powers, word for word. "You must go back."
The man looked up at the figure, puzzled. "Go back.where? I died remember?" The man slowly rose to his feet and leaned against the rock to steady his shaking legs. He clenched his fist to help get the blood flowing again, feeling as if every limb had been asleep for ages.
"No, you didn't," the figure replied, unsure how he could explain this. "We just made it seem that way because we couldn't trust you with the knowledge."
The man pulled himself away from the rock and moved towards the form. Grabbing him he shouted, "Are you telling me I didn't die? You j.just held me p.prisoner...or something? Frell you!" He shoved the figure and stomped away, his blood pounding in he ears. Pacing back and forth, furious with the cryptic words, he stopped, the anger clear in his voice. "What the hell are you telling me? I didn't die?"
The being sighed, "Yes and no."
"Quit with the mystery, Sherlock! It's one or the other," he shouted, waving his arms around. "Which one is it?" He asked, turning his head side to side, the bitterness in his voice evident.
This was the moment the being had dreaded. No matter how he answered the man he knew his reaction would most likely be volatile. "We controlled it all. Your life was in our hands," he replied, keeping his eyes on the man. "My people allowed it to protect the rest of the universe, but you were never really dead. It was just a temporary state until we needed you again, as we do now."
The man was stunned, feeling a weakness settle over him, lowering himself to the mossy ground. The figure saw the dazed look on his face and understood; grateful he had miscalculated his reaction. He found this encouraging, hoping he wouldn't resist.
The man sat with his arms slung over his bent knees. Without looking at the figure he asked, "How long.has it been?" He needed to know, remembering what he had left behind, his friends thinking him dead.
"Only two cycles, that's all," the being replied. "It's not too late."
The man rubbed the palm of his hands over his eyes, feeling totally drained now. "Only," he said, hearing the false laughter erupt from his lips, only to mix with the tears that had started to flow. 'Two frelling cycles out of my life!' The thought kept circling through his mind, unable to stop it.
The figure saw the pain the man was in. It was amazing, he thought, that such an emotional creature could survive in the unchartereds as long as he did. He knew they had done the only thing they could at that time. "It's time to return. You will know what to do when the time comes."
He wiped the tears away before looking up. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Mind telling me how I'm gonna explain this?"
"You will know," the being replied simply.
xxxxx
"Frell, Crichton, I don't know what to tell you anymore," D'Argo said, feeling for his friend. "Aeryn is hot and cold. One day she talks to you, the next nothing. I don't know what to say."
"D, she can't be in mourning anymore. It's been too long," John replied, dropping his head into his hands. "It seems like every time I screw up, she goes distant on me."
D'Argo snorted slightly. "Then don't screw up, John. That should solve the problem."
"Funny D'Argo, very funny," John replied sarcastically, slamming his fists on the table as he rose to his feet. He walked towards the counter, leaning on it, his muscles tight, hearing the Luxan's laughter behind him.
"I'm sorry John, but you asked for that." D'Argo was still laughing as Aeryn glided into the center chamber.
The Luxan grew quiet when he saw her enter the room.
"What's so funny D'Argo?" She asked eyeing him and John, filling her plate with food cubes. Aeryn walked to the table and sat down, waiting for someone to answer. "Well?" She asked again with questioning eyes, noticing John wasn't laughing. 'What a switch,' she thought smiling to herself.
John answered, his back to them. "Nothing, Aeryn, just one of D'Argo's lousy jokes."
"I thought that was your specialty, Crichton!" Aeryn started laughing, knowing she had gotten the best of him. D'Argo joined in not able to suppress it anymore.
John turned, leaning his waist against the counter, his jaw tightly clenched. "I'm glad I could amuse both of you," he replied, knowing he was the brunt of the joke, always being in a no win situation. "I'll just leave you to your cackling and take command."
Aeryn and D'Argo stopped laughing, Aeryn grabbing John's arm as he walked by her. "No John, Chiana's there. Sit and eat with me."
John stopped in his tracks, not being able to resist the sudden change in her. This was the Aeryn he knew, not the one who had ignored him for two solar days. He looked into her eyes, hoping for sincerity.
"Really, John," Aeryn said, motioning with her head for him to sit.
John shot a warning look at D'Argo as he slowly took a seat. The Luxan acknowledged him with a nod of his head. John relaxed, getting comfortable now, sure of his friend. He knew he had brought the laughter on himself, but it still didn't help him figure out Aeryn, and that was where he needed his friends help.
John watched Aeryn, basking in her beauty. He was a sucker for it, knowing he would do anything for her, his love that deep. "Um.I thought you were angry with me Aeryn," he ventured, not sure what kind of retort he would receive back. He knew he took a chance every time he approached her.
"Now why would you think that, John?" Aeryn asked playfully, her eyes still on her plate. "I don't suppose it has anything to do with the fact you almost got us all frelling killed on that planet. Would it?"
"Aeryn, that wasn't my fault and you know it!" John snapped back. "How the hell was I supposed to know that merchant had seen a holo? The planet was supposed to be clear!" He rubbed his hands back and forth over his face in frustration. Why was everything his fault after all this time?
Aeryn had realized her mistake earlier and was just toying with John now, regretting it when she saw the anguish in him. She rose from her chair and crouched beside him, lightly resting her hand on his arm. "John, I didn't mean it, I was just making one of your jokes," she said softly, hoping he would look at her. She should have known better. John always took things too hard.
John reached for her hand. "Babe, please don't make jokes about that. I carry enough.guilt. I don't need anymore," he whispered, the pain of his past slicing through his mind, his head leaning against his palm.
"It was a bad joke, John. I'm sorry," Aeryn replied, feeling only sorrow in her heart, recognizing the look on his face. "I.I had.forgotten."
John took her hand and placed it against his cheek. He didn't want his past to ruin the moment they had together.
D'Argo watched, feeling for his friend, remembering the tortures he had endured. He knew they still needed to tread lightly with John. He tried to hide them, but the Luxan knew they were still with him. Such memories were not easily forgotten as he was reminded at this microt.
xxxxx
They were sleeping in the comfort of each others arms, as the comms startled them. Aeryn was the first to react.
"What is it D'Argo?" She asked quietly, trying to clear the sleep from her head. She was once a peacekeeper, but she had lost many of the traits the longer she was on Moya and had finally found love.
She felt John stir behind her. "Aeryn?"
"Shh, John, sleep. I'll take care of it," she replied, waiting for a response from the Luxan. No need for both of them to have their sleep disturbed.
"Aeryn, we have a pod on our scanners. Moya says it seems harmless, containing only one being. I think you should get up here now," D'Argo replied hastily, unsure of why a pod would be floating in open space. "Pilot says the inhabitant is in danger and we need to activate the docking web."
Aeryn jumped from the bed, dressing quickly. "Do as Pilot says, D'Argo, now!" The dreams Aeryn had been having were playing their hand now. 'Could this really be happening?' Aeryn asked herself, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She looked down at the sleeping figure, torn between what she hoped and the man before her, who had shown her nothing but compassion and love when she needed it the most. She turned away from him and headed towards the landing bay.
"D'Argo, meet me in the hangar," Aeryn shouted, running through the corridors, her heart light, filled with hope.
"Aeryn, where is John?" D'Argo asked, an unsettling feeling coming over him, hearing a difference in her voice.
"I left him sleeping, D'Argo, and don't wake him.please," Aeryn, stated, still feeling elated.
Opening his comms again he called Chiana. "I need you in command, Chiana. We have a visitor and I must meet Aeryn."
"Be right there, D'Argo," Chiana replied, quickly rising and donning her clothes. "Go to Aeryn now. I'll be there in a few microts."
"Very well, Chiana. Just get here as soon as you can."
"I'm on my way, D'Argo," Chiana replied, running, wondering what the frell was happening.
Aeryn and D'Argo met in the bay just as the pod landed. Aeryn started to walk towards it, as D'Argo reached out and laid his hand on her arm. "Aeryn, I sense you know about this pod. Talk to me," D'Argo said softly, the eye contact telling the story.
"It's the dreams I have been having lately, D'Argo," Aeryn replied, pulling her arm out of his grasp, running now, towards the pod.
D'Argo drew his qualta blade for insurance, not sure he would need it. His heart was sinking with Aeryn's words. It was obvious if it was him, then she had made her choice. What the frell would happen to his friend now?
Aeryn stopped, watching the pod door ease open, her heart beating frantically. 'Please let it be him,' her mind pleading, the hatch taking forever.
The figure emerged from the vessel. Aeryn gasped, her breath catching in her throat for a microt. She had hoped, but didn't think it could come true. Standing there breathless, John took her in with his eyes, savoring every part of her being.
"Aeryn. God how I've missed you," John said tenderly, aching to embrace her, a lump forming in his throat.
The tears flowed down her cheeks as she calmed her breathing. "John!" That was all she could manage as she ran into his arms, caressing every part of him she could touch, their lips meeting, the passion consuming them.
"Um huh." D'Argo interrupted. "Would someone like to tell me what the frell is going on here?"
Aeryn and John drew apart, frustrated by the interruption. Their reunion would have to wait until later.
Chiana commed D'Argo. "Who the frell boarded Moya now?" She asked, wanting to know what was going on.
D'Argo replied simply, "John Crichton. the other one," his heart sinking deeper now for his friend.
xxxxx
Aeryn and John sat in the center chamber, fingers entwined in each others, their bodies touching.
Chiana had joined them since she wasn't needed in command anymore. She didn't want to miss this for anything.
D'Argo opened the conversation after each of them had taken a seat, noting Aeryn and John's posture. He didn't think he could pry them apart if he tried. This new situation was only causing him to feel sick to his stomach. "So. John, we were told you had died, and now you sit before us. How can that be?"
John glanced at Aeryn before he spoke. Turning back to the Luxan he replied, "D'Argo, I don't understand it any better now than I did when it was first explained. I was dead, but I wasn't. Hope you can make better sense out of it than I could."
"You are speaking of the Ancients, aren't you John?" Aeryn asked, already guessing the answer.
"Yeah, Aeryn. They told me they controlled everything," John replied, rubbing his free hand through his hair, still confused on many points. The one thing he was sure of was he had been given a second chance at life.
Aeryn reached over and pulled his face up to meet her eyes. "All that matters is you are alive, John."
Chiana watched the interaction between the two, feeling for the other John. She posed the question they all seemed to be avoiding. "And what about the other John? Did anybody even think about him?" Chiana asked, rising from the table, walking to the counter and leaning against it.
"I have Chiana," D'Argo stated, his tone flat, dreading what was to come.
Aeryn released John, a shocked expression on her face. "I.I h.had ."
"I know, Aeryn! That's the problem. You've already forgotten about him!" Chiana spoke; agitated that Aeryn could forget him so easily, the one person who had stood beside her no matter how much she dealt him. He was always there for her, in spite of his own problems from the past. They both seemed to have healed. now this.
"Pip, calm down." John rose from his seat and approached the Nebari. "You know I'm John. He'll get over it when he sees how happy we both are. It'll be ok." John said softly, reaching out to touch her cheek.
Chiana sidled along the counter, wanting to be out of his reach, slapping at his outstretched arm. "Get the frell away from me!" Her eyes were seething with intense anger, only for the tears to take over. She ran out of the center chamber wishing it only to be a nightmare she hadn't woken from yet, wanting to bury herself in bed again. 'Don't let this be true!' Her mind shouted, running back to her quarters, the sobs aching in her throat.
John looked at Aeryn and D'Argo, unsettled by Chiana's reaction. He planted his hands on his hips and dropped his head. "I would guess the other John has gotten pretty close to all of you."
D'Argo was silent, his eyes focused on the table, his mind only on his friend and what would happen when he found out. Deciding on his course, D'Argo rose from his seat. He looked at Aeryn and John, solemnly. "There was never a time he wasn't." The Luxan started toward the exit, his heart heavy, suddenly turning back. "I have one request of.both of you. It would help if you could go to one of the other levels until I can explain this to him. I don't think it would be fair to John if he ran into you without warning."
Aeryn looked at John, seeing the pain Chiana's rejection caused him. She knew what she was about to say would also dishearten him, but it was something she had to do. Turning to D'Argo she said, "I want to be with you D'Argo. I owe him that much."
"Are you sure, Aeryn?" D'Argo asked, wondering who she was doing it for. Was it to appease her own conscious, or for the John she had grown to love in the past two cycles. Either way, he knew it would be a devastating blow for his friend.
"Yes, D'Argo," she replied, looking at John for a microt, seeing no reaction. She could only see sadness in his face, her heart feeling his pain. "John?" She asked softly.
He looked up and walked towards her. John took her in his arms, whispering in her ear. "Trust me, I understand, babe. Go to him, he deserves that much from you. He took care of you when I couldn't. I'll be waiting." John knew how painful this had to be for all of them. If he were the other he knew he would need Aeryn to face him before he could accept it. John was worried about what would happen when they both finally saw each other. He kissed Aeryn lightly on the lips as she pulled away, ready to follow D'Argo.
xxxxx
They entered John's quarters, the human still sleeping soundly.
"Let me D'Argo," Aeryn said, lightly walking from the door to the bed. She looked down on his face, the innocence so profound in his sleep. She hated to wake him, dreading the confrontation, torn now as she looked upon him. This was the man who had held her when she needed the comfort. The one who had suffered by her own hand, only to be there for her when needed. Her heart was filled with happiness on one count, but it was heavy now, running her hand lightly across his cheek, remembering. She sat on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath, wanting to be done with it.
D'Argo's own hearts were breaking as he watched the scene before him, knowing Aeryn still cared for him. His initial bitterness was wavering now, knowing the torment she must be feeling. He walked silently to her side, placing his hand on her shoulder. Aeryn looked at him, her eyes questioning. D'Argo nodded in agreement, it was time.
"John." Aeryn said softly, trying not to startle the human. She leaned down and caressed his cheek, the feelings returning in her. She gently shook his shoulders, watching him stir beneath her touch.
He opened his eyes and saw her before him. He brought his arms up to bring her down to him. "How lucky can a man be, but to wake up to your beauty," he said tenderly, holding her tightly to him.
John felt her fighting him, releasing her from his arms, wondering what had angered her this time. Sitting up quickly, he exclaimed, "What the frell is wrong now?" Aeryn stepped away, seeing his confusion. It was then that John noticed D'Argo in his quarters.
"D, what are you doing here?" He asked puzzled, nothing making sense. He saw the looks on both their faces, feeling the rattlers settle in, knowing he wasn't going to like what they were about to tell him. "What.the .frell is going on? Someone want to spill the beans, cause this little old human ain't gettin it."
Aeryn couldn't find any words, feeling a lump in her throat. She looked at D'Argo, her eyes pleading for him to tell him. Being in the same room with this John was tearing her in two, realizing she loved both of them.
Aeryn dropped her head as the Luxan broached the subject. "John, we have a new ship mate on Moya. He came aboard tonight."
"Ok, D'Argo, I'll play along with you. Who is it?" John asked, chuckling nervously, almost afraid to hear the answer.
D'Argo sighed heavily before replying. "The other John Crichton."
John felt as if someone had knocked the air out of him, sitting there stunned, feeling like he was going to hyperventilate, his face turning pale. He knew the rattlers were dead on this time.
Aeryn knelt in front of him, understanding his shock. "Easy, John," she said softly, "breathe slowly." She had become concerned when she saw his face become colorless.
"H.how?" He gasped, his mind flashing back to events he wanted only to forget.
"None of us know, including him, John. All we can tell you is he's.here," D'Argo stated. "Pilot informed us a vessel was in distress and it wasn't armed. We brought it aboard." D'Argo hated the question that suddenly crowded his mind.'what if we hadn't?'
John slipped off the bed, rising to his feet wearily, sighing heavily, his eyes distant. Pulling on his shirt, he turned to them. "I guess it's time I saw him then. Where is he?" John asked half-heartedly. He felt his world had been turned upside down. He and Aeryn had finally come to a turning point in their lives where they could accept each other and love again. How was he going to affect their relationship?
Aeryn moved in front of him, putting herself between him and the door. "Now is not a good time, John. He's waiting for me. We can all talk tomorrow," Aeryn replied, the feeling of betrayal burning her soul.
John flinched at that moment, swallowing hard. "Waiting?" He asked, tilting his head, sure he had heard her wrong. "Aeryn.did you say.waiting for.you?" John asked again, his voice faltering slightly.
Aeryn dropped her head, staring at her boots, knowing John wasn't taking this well. 'What had she expected?' She knew she was hurting him, but didn't know what else to do at this microt. She was confused.
John stared at her. Aeryn's silence was stronger than any words that could have touched her lips, sucking the life out of him. He stepped away quickly as if he had just been burned in more than one sense of the word. John turned his back to her and said, his voice devoid of all emotion, "Sounds like you started the party without me.again."
Aeryn's head snapped up, the hurt showing. "It's not what you."
John spun around, the anger glaring in his eyes. "Think! Not what I think! Then what the hell is it Aeryn? Go ahead tell me!"
D'Argo started to approach the two. John saw him out of the corner of his eye and raised his hand to stop him. "No D, Aeryn's going to explain." John could see the shocked look on her face, but he couldn't help himself, his frustration rising.
"Enough John! This will do no one any good!" D'Argo shouted back at the human. "Aeryn doesn't like the situation anymore than you do." He walked over to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. Quietly he said, "Let it rest for tonight, John."
John stumbled back, hitting the bunk, placing his thumb and index finger over his eyes to stop the tears that threatened. Clearing his throat John replied, "Um.yeah your right. Let's call it a night. Just go." He was numb, his mind too fried to think clearly anymore.
"John?" Aeryn questioned softly, waiting for a reply. She turned and left with D'Argo, the silence ominous in his quarters. He had dismissed her.
John started humming to himself, breaking the quiet, not wanting to think about what would happen when she joined the other one tonight. He put new words to the music singing to himself. "He comes she goes.he comes she goes.he comes she goes."
To be continued tomorrow
Many thanks to my beta gbbard
All he could see was the heavy mist that hovered over him, as he woke, rubbing his eyes. "What the frell?" He asked, trying to move, his limbs resisting the brain's command.
He felt an image appear before him, focusing on the being that loomed over him. "Where am I?" He asked, his mind in total confusion. He felt as if someone had shut the lights off plunging him into total darkness.
The being stood there watching the man struggle to sit up, knowing he lacked all understanding of what was happening. He knew he would want an explanation, but there would be none. The man had to do as he was told since he had no choice in the matter. The higher powers had decided and it was his job to carry out their orders.
"We made a mistake. It was not your time yet. There is still too much unfinished business that must be taken care of if we hope to survive," the being said, quoting the powers, word for word. "You must go back."
The man looked up at the figure, puzzled. "Go back.where? I died remember?" The man slowly rose to his feet and leaned against the rock to steady his shaking legs. He clenched his fist to help get the blood flowing again, feeling as if every limb had been asleep for ages.
"No, you didn't," the figure replied, unsure how he could explain this. "We just made it seem that way because we couldn't trust you with the knowledge."
The man pulled himself away from the rock and moved towards the form. Grabbing him he shouted, "Are you telling me I didn't die? You j.just held me p.prisoner...or something? Frell you!" He shoved the figure and stomped away, his blood pounding in he ears. Pacing back and forth, furious with the cryptic words, he stopped, the anger clear in his voice. "What the hell are you telling me? I didn't die?"
The being sighed, "Yes and no."
"Quit with the mystery, Sherlock! It's one or the other," he shouted, waving his arms around. "Which one is it?" He asked, turning his head side to side, the bitterness in his voice evident.
This was the moment the being had dreaded. No matter how he answered the man he knew his reaction would most likely be volatile. "We controlled it all. Your life was in our hands," he replied, keeping his eyes on the man. "My people allowed it to protect the rest of the universe, but you were never really dead. It was just a temporary state until we needed you again, as we do now."
The man was stunned, feeling a weakness settle over him, lowering himself to the mossy ground. The figure saw the dazed look on his face and understood; grateful he had miscalculated his reaction. He found this encouraging, hoping he wouldn't resist.
The man sat with his arms slung over his bent knees. Without looking at the figure he asked, "How long.has it been?" He needed to know, remembering what he had left behind, his friends thinking him dead.
"Only two cycles, that's all," the being replied. "It's not too late."
The man rubbed the palm of his hands over his eyes, feeling totally drained now. "Only," he said, hearing the false laughter erupt from his lips, only to mix with the tears that had started to flow. 'Two frelling cycles out of my life!' The thought kept circling through his mind, unable to stop it.
The figure saw the pain the man was in. It was amazing, he thought, that such an emotional creature could survive in the unchartereds as long as he did. He knew they had done the only thing they could at that time. "It's time to return. You will know what to do when the time comes."
He wiped the tears away before looking up. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Mind telling me how I'm gonna explain this?"
"You will know," the being replied simply.
xxxxx
"Frell, Crichton, I don't know what to tell you anymore," D'Argo said, feeling for his friend. "Aeryn is hot and cold. One day she talks to you, the next nothing. I don't know what to say."
"D, she can't be in mourning anymore. It's been too long," John replied, dropping his head into his hands. "It seems like every time I screw up, she goes distant on me."
D'Argo snorted slightly. "Then don't screw up, John. That should solve the problem."
"Funny D'Argo, very funny," John replied sarcastically, slamming his fists on the table as he rose to his feet. He walked towards the counter, leaning on it, his muscles tight, hearing the Luxan's laughter behind him.
"I'm sorry John, but you asked for that." D'Argo was still laughing as Aeryn glided into the center chamber.
The Luxan grew quiet when he saw her enter the room.
"What's so funny D'Argo?" She asked eyeing him and John, filling her plate with food cubes. Aeryn walked to the table and sat down, waiting for someone to answer. "Well?" She asked again with questioning eyes, noticing John wasn't laughing. 'What a switch,' she thought smiling to herself.
John answered, his back to them. "Nothing, Aeryn, just one of D'Argo's lousy jokes."
"I thought that was your specialty, Crichton!" Aeryn started laughing, knowing she had gotten the best of him. D'Argo joined in not able to suppress it anymore.
John turned, leaning his waist against the counter, his jaw tightly clenched. "I'm glad I could amuse both of you," he replied, knowing he was the brunt of the joke, always being in a no win situation. "I'll just leave you to your cackling and take command."
Aeryn and D'Argo stopped laughing, Aeryn grabbing John's arm as he walked by her. "No John, Chiana's there. Sit and eat with me."
John stopped in his tracks, not being able to resist the sudden change in her. This was the Aeryn he knew, not the one who had ignored him for two solar days. He looked into her eyes, hoping for sincerity.
"Really, John," Aeryn said, motioning with her head for him to sit.
John shot a warning look at D'Argo as he slowly took a seat. The Luxan acknowledged him with a nod of his head. John relaxed, getting comfortable now, sure of his friend. He knew he had brought the laughter on himself, but it still didn't help him figure out Aeryn, and that was where he needed his friends help.
John watched Aeryn, basking in her beauty. He was a sucker for it, knowing he would do anything for her, his love that deep. "Um.I thought you were angry with me Aeryn," he ventured, not sure what kind of retort he would receive back. He knew he took a chance every time he approached her.
"Now why would you think that, John?" Aeryn asked playfully, her eyes still on her plate. "I don't suppose it has anything to do with the fact you almost got us all frelling killed on that planet. Would it?"
"Aeryn, that wasn't my fault and you know it!" John snapped back. "How the hell was I supposed to know that merchant had seen a holo? The planet was supposed to be clear!" He rubbed his hands back and forth over his face in frustration. Why was everything his fault after all this time?
Aeryn had realized her mistake earlier and was just toying with John now, regretting it when she saw the anguish in him. She rose from her chair and crouched beside him, lightly resting her hand on his arm. "John, I didn't mean it, I was just making one of your jokes," she said softly, hoping he would look at her. She should have known better. John always took things too hard.
John reached for her hand. "Babe, please don't make jokes about that. I carry enough.guilt. I don't need anymore," he whispered, the pain of his past slicing through his mind, his head leaning against his palm.
"It was a bad joke, John. I'm sorry," Aeryn replied, feeling only sorrow in her heart, recognizing the look on his face. "I.I had.forgotten."
John took her hand and placed it against his cheek. He didn't want his past to ruin the moment they had together.
D'Argo watched, feeling for his friend, remembering the tortures he had endured. He knew they still needed to tread lightly with John. He tried to hide them, but the Luxan knew they were still with him. Such memories were not easily forgotten as he was reminded at this microt.
xxxxx
They were sleeping in the comfort of each others arms, as the comms startled them. Aeryn was the first to react.
"What is it D'Argo?" She asked quietly, trying to clear the sleep from her head. She was once a peacekeeper, but she had lost many of the traits the longer she was on Moya and had finally found love.
She felt John stir behind her. "Aeryn?"
"Shh, John, sleep. I'll take care of it," she replied, waiting for a response from the Luxan. No need for both of them to have their sleep disturbed.
"Aeryn, we have a pod on our scanners. Moya says it seems harmless, containing only one being. I think you should get up here now," D'Argo replied hastily, unsure of why a pod would be floating in open space. "Pilot says the inhabitant is in danger and we need to activate the docking web."
Aeryn jumped from the bed, dressing quickly. "Do as Pilot says, D'Argo, now!" The dreams Aeryn had been having were playing their hand now. 'Could this really be happening?' Aeryn asked herself, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She looked down at the sleeping figure, torn between what she hoped and the man before her, who had shown her nothing but compassion and love when she needed it the most. She turned away from him and headed towards the landing bay.
"D'Argo, meet me in the hangar," Aeryn shouted, running through the corridors, her heart light, filled with hope.
"Aeryn, where is John?" D'Argo asked, an unsettling feeling coming over him, hearing a difference in her voice.
"I left him sleeping, D'Argo, and don't wake him.please," Aeryn, stated, still feeling elated.
Opening his comms again he called Chiana. "I need you in command, Chiana. We have a visitor and I must meet Aeryn."
"Be right there, D'Argo," Chiana replied, quickly rising and donning her clothes. "Go to Aeryn now. I'll be there in a few microts."
"Very well, Chiana. Just get here as soon as you can."
"I'm on my way, D'Argo," Chiana replied, running, wondering what the frell was happening.
Aeryn and D'Argo met in the bay just as the pod landed. Aeryn started to walk towards it, as D'Argo reached out and laid his hand on her arm. "Aeryn, I sense you know about this pod. Talk to me," D'Argo said softly, the eye contact telling the story.
"It's the dreams I have been having lately, D'Argo," Aeryn replied, pulling her arm out of his grasp, running now, towards the pod.
D'Argo drew his qualta blade for insurance, not sure he would need it. His heart was sinking with Aeryn's words. It was obvious if it was him, then she had made her choice. What the frell would happen to his friend now?
Aeryn stopped, watching the pod door ease open, her heart beating frantically. 'Please let it be him,' her mind pleading, the hatch taking forever.
The figure emerged from the vessel. Aeryn gasped, her breath catching in her throat for a microt. She had hoped, but didn't think it could come true. Standing there breathless, John took her in with his eyes, savoring every part of her being.
"Aeryn. God how I've missed you," John said tenderly, aching to embrace her, a lump forming in his throat.
The tears flowed down her cheeks as she calmed her breathing. "John!" That was all she could manage as she ran into his arms, caressing every part of him she could touch, their lips meeting, the passion consuming them.
"Um huh." D'Argo interrupted. "Would someone like to tell me what the frell is going on here?"
Aeryn and John drew apart, frustrated by the interruption. Their reunion would have to wait until later.
Chiana commed D'Argo. "Who the frell boarded Moya now?" She asked, wanting to know what was going on.
D'Argo replied simply, "John Crichton. the other one," his heart sinking deeper now for his friend.
xxxxx
Aeryn and John sat in the center chamber, fingers entwined in each others, their bodies touching.
Chiana had joined them since she wasn't needed in command anymore. She didn't want to miss this for anything.
D'Argo opened the conversation after each of them had taken a seat, noting Aeryn and John's posture. He didn't think he could pry them apart if he tried. This new situation was only causing him to feel sick to his stomach. "So. John, we were told you had died, and now you sit before us. How can that be?"
John glanced at Aeryn before he spoke. Turning back to the Luxan he replied, "D'Argo, I don't understand it any better now than I did when it was first explained. I was dead, but I wasn't. Hope you can make better sense out of it than I could."
"You are speaking of the Ancients, aren't you John?" Aeryn asked, already guessing the answer.
"Yeah, Aeryn. They told me they controlled everything," John replied, rubbing his free hand through his hair, still confused on many points. The one thing he was sure of was he had been given a second chance at life.
Aeryn reached over and pulled his face up to meet her eyes. "All that matters is you are alive, John."
Chiana watched the interaction between the two, feeling for the other John. She posed the question they all seemed to be avoiding. "And what about the other John? Did anybody even think about him?" Chiana asked, rising from the table, walking to the counter and leaning against it.
"I have Chiana," D'Argo stated, his tone flat, dreading what was to come.
Aeryn released John, a shocked expression on her face. "I.I h.had ."
"I know, Aeryn! That's the problem. You've already forgotten about him!" Chiana spoke; agitated that Aeryn could forget him so easily, the one person who had stood beside her no matter how much she dealt him. He was always there for her, in spite of his own problems from the past. They both seemed to have healed. now this.
"Pip, calm down." John rose from his seat and approached the Nebari. "You know I'm John. He'll get over it when he sees how happy we both are. It'll be ok." John said softly, reaching out to touch her cheek.
Chiana sidled along the counter, wanting to be out of his reach, slapping at his outstretched arm. "Get the frell away from me!" Her eyes were seething with intense anger, only for the tears to take over. She ran out of the center chamber wishing it only to be a nightmare she hadn't woken from yet, wanting to bury herself in bed again. 'Don't let this be true!' Her mind shouted, running back to her quarters, the sobs aching in her throat.
John looked at Aeryn and D'Argo, unsettled by Chiana's reaction. He planted his hands on his hips and dropped his head. "I would guess the other John has gotten pretty close to all of you."
D'Argo was silent, his eyes focused on the table, his mind only on his friend and what would happen when he found out. Deciding on his course, D'Argo rose from his seat. He looked at Aeryn and John, solemnly. "There was never a time he wasn't." The Luxan started toward the exit, his heart heavy, suddenly turning back. "I have one request of.both of you. It would help if you could go to one of the other levels until I can explain this to him. I don't think it would be fair to John if he ran into you without warning."
Aeryn looked at John, seeing the pain Chiana's rejection caused him. She knew what she was about to say would also dishearten him, but it was something she had to do. Turning to D'Argo she said, "I want to be with you D'Argo. I owe him that much."
"Are you sure, Aeryn?" D'Argo asked, wondering who she was doing it for. Was it to appease her own conscious, or for the John she had grown to love in the past two cycles. Either way, he knew it would be a devastating blow for his friend.
"Yes, D'Argo," she replied, looking at John for a microt, seeing no reaction. She could only see sadness in his face, her heart feeling his pain. "John?" She asked softly.
He looked up and walked towards her. John took her in his arms, whispering in her ear. "Trust me, I understand, babe. Go to him, he deserves that much from you. He took care of you when I couldn't. I'll be waiting." John knew how painful this had to be for all of them. If he were the other he knew he would need Aeryn to face him before he could accept it. John was worried about what would happen when they both finally saw each other. He kissed Aeryn lightly on the lips as she pulled away, ready to follow D'Argo.
xxxxx
They entered John's quarters, the human still sleeping soundly.
"Let me D'Argo," Aeryn said, lightly walking from the door to the bed. She looked down on his face, the innocence so profound in his sleep. She hated to wake him, dreading the confrontation, torn now as she looked upon him. This was the man who had held her when she needed the comfort. The one who had suffered by her own hand, only to be there for her when needed. Her heart was filled with happiness on one count, but it was heavy now, running her hand lightly across his cheek, remembering. She sat on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath, wanting to be done with it.
D'Argo's own hearts were breaking as he watched the scene before him, knowing Aeryn still cared for him. His initial bitterness was wavering now, knowing the torment she must be feeling. He walked silently to her side, placing his hand on her shoulder. Aeryn looked at him, her eyes questioning. D'Argo nodded in agreement, it was time.
"John." Aeryn said softly, trying not to startle the human. She leaned down and caressed his cheek, the feelings returning in her. She gently shook his shoulders, watching him stir beneath her touch.
He opened his eyes and saw her before him. He brought his arms up to bring her down to him. "How lucky can a man be, but to wake up to your beauty," he said tenderly, holding her tightly to him.
John felt her fighting him, releasing her from his arms, wondering what had angered her this time. Sitting up quickly, he exclaimed, "What the frell is wrong now?" Aeryn stepped away, seeing his confusion. It was then that John noticed D'Argo in his quarters.
"D, what are you doing here?" He asked puzzled, nothing making sense. He saw the looks on both their faces, feeling the rattlers settle in, knowing he wasn't going to like what they were about to tell him. "What.the .frell is going on? Someone want to spill the beans, cause this little old human ain't gettin it."
Aeryn couldn't find any words, feeling a lump in her throat. She looked at D'Argo, her eyes pleading for him to tell him. Being in the same room with this John was tearing her in two, realizing she loved both of them.
Aeryn dropped her head as the Luxan broached the subject. "John, we have a new ship mate on Moya. He came aboard tonight."
"Ok, D'Argo, I'll play along with you. Who is it?" John asked, chuckling nervously, almost afraid to hear the answer.
D'Argo sighed heavily before replying. "The other John Crichton."
John felt as if someone had knocked the air out of him, sitting there stunned, feeling like he was going to hyperventilate, his face turning pale. He knew the rattlers were dead on this time.
Aeryn knelt in front of him, understanding his shock. "Easy, John," she said softly, "breathe slowly." She had become concerned when she saw his face become colorless.
"H.how?" He gasped, his mind flashing back to events he wanted only to forget.
"None of us know, including him, John. All we can tell you is he's.here," D'Argo stated. "Pilot informed us a vessel was in distress and it wasn't armed. We brought it aboard." D'Argo hated the question that suddenly crowded his mind.'what if we hadn't?'
John slipped off the bed, rising to his feet wearily, sighing heavily, his eyes distant. Pulling on his shirt, he turned to them. "I guess it's time I saw him then. Where is he?" John asked half-heartedly. He felt his world had been turned upside down. He and Aeryn had finally come to a turning point in their lives where they could accept each other and love again. How was he going to affect their relationship?
Aeryn moved in front of him, putting herself between him and the door. "Now is not a good time, John. He's waiting for me. We can all talk tomorrow," Aeryn replied, the feeling of betrayal burning her soul.
John flinched at that moment, swallowing hard. "Waiting?" He asked, tilting his head, sure he had heard her wrong. "Aeryn.did you say.waiting for.you?" John asked again, his voice faltering slightly.
Aeryn dropped her head, staring at her boots, knowing John wasn't taking this well. 'What had she expected?' She knew she was hurting him, but didn't know what else to do at this microt. She was confused.
John stared at her. Aeryn's silence was stronger than any words that could have touched her lips, sucking the life out of him. He stepped away quickly as if he had just been burned in more than one sense of the word. John turned his back to her and said, his voice devoid of all emotion, "Sounds like you started the party without me.again."
Aeryn's head snapped up, the hurt showing. "It's not what you."
John spun around, the anger glaring in his eyes. "Think! Not what I think! Then what the hell is it Aeryn? Go ahead tell me!"
D'Argo started to approach the two. John saw him out of the corner of his eye and raised his hand to stop him. "No D, Aeryn's going to explain." John could see the shocked look on her face, but he couldn't help himself, his frustration rising.
"Enough John! This will do no one any good!" D'Argo shouted back at the human. "Aeryn doesn't like the situation anymore than you do." He walked over to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. Quietly he said, "Let it rest for tonight, John."
John stumbled back, hitting the bunk, placing his thumb and index finger over his eyes to stop the tears that threatened. Clearing his throat John replied, "Um.yeah your right. Let's call it a night. Just go." He was numb, his mind too fried to think clearly anymore.
"John?" Aeryn questioned softly, waiting for a reply. She turned and left with D'Argo, the silence ominous in his quarters. He had dismissed her.
John started humming to himself, breaking the quiet, not wanting to think about what would happen when she joined the other one tonight. He put new words to the music singing to himself. "He comes she goes.he comes she goes.he comes she goes."
To be continued tomorrow