Farscape Three, The Search for John Crichton

by Hetchtechmechanic

This is the original story with some editing done on it to fix several glaring errors.

FARSCAPE 3: THE SEARCH FOR JOHN CRIGHTON

Written by Allen Loyd

Disclaimer/legal

30 years after John Crichton's flight into a wormhole, and 26 years after his last communication with his father, an aging Terran pilot and his snarky but caring navigator head toward the unknown as they investigate a wormhole anomaly.
But this is no ordinary Terran, and he doesn't fly an ordinary spaceship! Adventure, rescuing a "princess," and gunfire, bathroom humor, and romance along with an ancient race of aliens and all your TV show favorites.
Our reluctant hero discovers things have changed in 26 cycles...or have they?

Sorry no wormholes...what?

Dedications: To the cast and crew, writers, directors and technical folks, and every one else involved in the past making Farscape come to life, my heartfelt thanks!

Last but not least, Traci.

FARSCAPE 3: THE SEARCH FOR JOHN CRICHTON

Prologue

Time...

Time is forever

Time is steady.

People change, Seasons change, I've changed,

but time never does.

Intelligent beings attempt to quantify time.

Time doesn't care about being quantified.

Hours, arns, minutes, microns, seconds, microts,

daytime, nighttime.

Time doesn't care.

Sadly...much my time is missing.

I'm the proverbial man without a past. It wasn't my idea. I could angry be about it, but that would waste time. I can't waste time on things I can't control.

I believe I was born in the mid 1950's. That makes me an old guy. Most people say I look young for my age. Some people wish I'd act my age. I don't have time for such nonsense.

There are no accurate records regarding my past.

Read the timeline.

I know I had a typical childhood. Parents, siblings, friends, school. I was an average guy.

No degrees, Many talents, but no special skills. No military service, but I must have been taught to respect and handle firearms.

Marriage, likely, kids, probably.

I remember working on planes and cars, I was an aircraft mechanic, and had a pilot's license. I knew how to fly and navigate. I could weld and use machinery.

Also, I remember playing guitar, and I liked to read.

History, military stuff, do it yourself magazines.

Especially Science Fiction.

I dreamed of flying in space.

These vague memories of times past, shadows and echos in the present.

That's what I remember.

Here's what I know.

As a survivor of Terra's first alien attack, my recovery on another alien world has given me an opportunity to learn how to manipulate natural energy. The practice has been around in another part of the galaxy for a very long time.

On Terra I would be called a parapyshic. Most scientists believe such powers don't exist except in entertainment, and many are still not convinced. That's ok. I'm not on Terra anymore. My home is in outer space.

People who know me best, know how handy I can be.

My friends call me Cowboy. I fly a space plane. I have a job to do, and my boss, well that's his title...has asked me to find his son. I promised him I'd do that.

His son's name is John Crichton.

Chapter one

Timeline Earth/Terra

**March 19th 1999 Astronaut/Scientist John Crichton disappears into a galactic anomaly identified later as a worm hole while in Farscape 1 vehicle.

**2003 John Crichton returns to earth on a bio mech starship with 7 alien companions. They spend several months on earth before leaving in the same wormhole they came through.

2003 The International Space Defense Force forms a new Farscape project. Jack Crichton is the Farscape Executive director. 500 scientists from around the world are brought together to relaunch a worldwide space exploration effort.

***2003. John Crichton calls father Jack from the moon on the landing site where his father once landed. John tells Jack he is sealing the wormhole to earth because an invasion force is heading through it to destroy Earth. He also tells him that a tape recorder containing plans for the Hetch drive engine along with other information were left at the base of the flag his father planted. *Jack tells me John said the Hetch module is a start but won't get us there.

May 2005. The Prowler left behind by Moya's crew is destroyed in an accident. Details are still classified. Pilot error is suspected.

**January 2008 . The first team of ISDF Astronauts reached the moon in a patched together Lunar lander, attempt to retrieve the data stored on John Crighton's tape player. While the pickup was successful, the Shuttle Unity exploded while on landing approach from a control unit failure. Pilots Sergie Konov and Richard Meyer, and lunar landing specialist and Farscape project member Dr. Betina Juarez-Michaels were killed. The tape player was placed in a crash proof armored container and survived.

The player was located 2 months after the crash in the Oklahoma panhandle. I was a member of the team who found it.

February 2008. I briefly met Jack Crighton as we were doing a news op on the recovery of the tape player. I told him my dream would be to fly into space on a mission to find his son. He smiled, and I told him I knew how it felt to lose a child. He teared up and we shook hands. I gave him my name and cell number, he smiled and took it. Never heard a word.

January 2009: First dry test of Hetch drive engine a success. Threats of US civil war slow development of further testing in U.S..

May 2010. Manned Shuttle "Konov" equipped with Hetch drive engines launches out of base in Europe. Flies from Earth to Mars in 38 minutes. Suffers minor damage on landing back on Earth. Inspections show shuttle was breaking apart from thrust of Hetch engines.

June 8th 2010. IASA is absorbed quietly into ISDF

August 2010 : Sept 2010. 3 purpose built Farscape shuttles with Hetch drive fly to moon to establish a base. Shuttle "Unity 2" equipped with extra fuel, flys from moon to Saturn and back in 1 hour without incident. Plans to colonize Mars and it's moons along with moons of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are formulated. 8 shuttles are in various states of completion around the earth.

November 2010 Botched midterm election in the United States. Voter fraud, civil insurrection,

Libertarians win in recount, re-establish constitutional republic.

***November /December 2010 ISDF establishes bases on Mars, both sides of the moon and on Ganymede, Europa, Titan and Triton. Farscape scientists plan for installing a telescope/radio wave detection antenna is scheduled for an early spring launch date to dwarf planet Eris. Four more installations are planned. These systems will also detect and identify wormholes.

First artifacts of other alien races are discovered on Mars and the Moon. Ground sonar on Mars shows foundations of what appears to be large buildings and landing strips

1

***January 3rd 2011. IDFS announces that all planetary bodies that can be landed or flown around by manned vehicles has been accomplished. Political stability returns to the US. Under ISDF and Farscape guidance, the first space vessels armed with beam weapons are being designed. There is much controversy over building such vessels but Jack Crichton and others fight to keep the project afloat. Plans also call for shield generators to be erected in every capitol city across earth

**February 10th 2011. Farscape 2, a purpose-built lifting body larger than Farscape 1, is being assembled on Mars. 250 scientists and techs are working on the project. A pilot, co plot and a science officer will crew the plane.

March 2011 The first pieces of wreckage and parts of Interstellar craft are found on our moon and Mars. Writings and electronic devices also found.

***May 18, 2011: Two nearly complete space craft are located just beneath the icy crust of Europa. The disc shaped craft are about 150 meters in diameter and 50 meters thick at the center. Sonar readings suggest a larger object about a half mile in diameter and unknown thickness slightly deeper in the ice. Farscape and ISDF personel form a joint group to excavate the craft.

***May 25th 2011. More spaceship parts, including complete engine assemblies are found on the moon and Mars. Written material suggests the aliens called themselves "Vierin' or Vieri or possibly Vierrein. Artifacts carbon date from at least 80 thousand years old, and writings and electronic media restored to operating manner suggest Mars had a thin artificially induced atmosphere about 125,000 years ago. Farscape 2 is cleared to launch in July after test flights. No destination given. More Farscape personnel are sent to Mars and Europa.

**May 21st-31st 2011. The unmanned telescope/radio antenna is successfully deployed on dwarf planet Eris. Initial reports suggest unusual radio "traffic" less than 3 light years away towards the center of the galaxy. Objects appearing to move rapidly across the cosmos are also recorded. Scientists are skeptical that these objects are spacecraft.

Two Farscape technicians volunteer to stay for six months on Eris to make sure the array is working properly. The objects appear to be heading straight for our solar system.

Earth sounds the alarm and military branches across the planet are placed on alert. Earths' first defense screens are generated above Washington D.C., Paris, Moscow, Peking, and New Deli.

****June 15th-18th 2011 Earth and its colonies are attacked from outer space. Beings now known as Sauuri or Sauuria (Consortium) attacked our major cities, airports and military facilities. Their ships were disc shaped and about 150 to 600 meters wide and looked like larger versions of the ships our explorers found.

Within 24 hours, most of the world's largest cities and ports were destroyed. Communications were out except for ham and sideband radio operators. Satellites orbiting earth and the ISDF space stations were destroyed. moon base one is all but destroyed however the dark side base was untouched. Mars base was also destroyed as well as the Farscape 2 vessel.

Colonies on other moons escaped attack.

**Morning of June 16th: the Sauuri landed on Earth, their craft disgorging snake like creatures about 20 feet long, with 2 pairs of short appendages coming out just below the head. Unlike earth serpents, these soldiers spit a firey venom from their mouths, that burned flesh, melted plastic, scored steel and heavily damage aluminum.

As soon as the Sauuri landed and we engaged their ground forces, they tried to withdraw, some of them surrendering. Through hand signs and drawings, they claimed to have attacked earth by mistake!

2

*I was also seriously injured while attacking a Sauuri fortified building. Lost both legs, my right arm, and part of my left hand, and left eye. Everything but my will to live.

**June 17th. A ferocious battle out in space signaled the arrival of more aliens. The new aggressors were from the T'goore empire.

The T'goorians or Torgans, also landed on earth but made contact with defense forces through translation devices. They informed us that the Sauuri had attacked us by mistake and had also violated a treaty signed by members of the "Interstellar Planetary Quorum" which forbid members from attacking "primitive" planets with a rating lower than six*. Earth was rated just above a four*.

The T'goorians drove off the attacking Sauuri fleet and assisted us in destroying the invasion force on the ground. Damaged space craft that crash landed had their occupants killed, but earth forces seized the ships for reparations.

June 18th. Hostilities had ceased but the damage to earth was incredible. Over 1/3 of earth's land mass was scorched to burned earth. Half the worlds' major Cities were leveled, and an estimate that over 40% of earth's population was either killed or seriously injured. Riots driven by hunger killed more of the population.

Everything on paper was gone as were all computer records. Scorched earth.

Nobody knew who I was, just initials on a chart. And those are gone too.

By July 20th the last T'goorian space vessel departed. Help was promised but days turned into weeks, then months, and nothing came. So, Earth turned inward and dug in.

*May 14th 2012. Using the recovered spacers from Europa, techs fly to Eris to rescue the two technicians left there to man the equipment. Unfortunately, both had died from dehydration and starvation. They travel to Mars base and find a couple dozen survivors who are attempting to build a disc spaceship from parts recovered on Mars. Leaving a meager number of supplies, the two spacers arrive on Earth May 22nd.

July 14th 2012. The 2 disc spacers, named Alpha 1 and 2, are dispatched on a mercy mission to the moon and Mars. On moon, parts for the Mars spacer are picked up and delivered. These parts finish the third vessel named Freedom, and it flys to earth in August.

**September 20th. 2012. Alphas 1 and 2 make a 2nd trip to the moon and back dropping off supplies and rotating personel. The whole process takes less than 8 hours. The large bowl-shaped space craft is almost free of its icy prison. The spacers and their crews work tirelessly to keep colonies supplied while new ships are built. The Spacer Freedom remains in reserve as backup and also as a model for new ships.

January 5th 2013: 1st Vierin' modified Hetch drive engine tested, explodes when overstressed. Test considered successful; 100 more engines ordered for vehicle installation.

March 2013. Four rebuilt shuttles with standard Hetch engines launch into space from India and China. They fly to Europa, drop their cargo and fly back to Earth in 8 hours.

April 5th 2013. Another 4 lift body shuttles launch into space. Alphas 1 and 2 are brought to earth for a rebuild. All 4 ships carry defense screens and are armed with pulse cannon. These have the Vierin' modded hetch modules and claim top speed of H15.

May 20th 2013. Several ships representing the Ma-arogg ask permission to land on Earth. The Ma-arogg are an ancient, peaceful, and empathetic race of humanoids who have come to see if reparations have been paid by the Saurri through the IPQ. They seem genuinely horrified and concerned that nothing has been done.

The Ma-arogg delegates negotiate a pact with Earth, providing for food and other materials and in exchange for future shipments of food back to them. They will send Surgeons and other medical personel as a relief mission. Over a thousand medical personel arrive on May 20th and more arrive daily.

**May 22nd 2013. A Ma-arogg medical team visits the rehab center where I and many other combat veterans are wasting away in. Jack Crichton is with the team. I get his attention and re-introduce myself. After a short chat, I am introduced to a Ma-arogg healer named Qun'nade. Next thing I know, myself and a lot of other injured vets are loaded onto spaceships bound for Ma-arogg system.

3

****June 10th, 2013. After 4 surgeries and 4 weeks of rehab, I am released from care. I have two new legs, a right arm, left hand and eye. Cybernetic implants suppliment my human heart and brain functions. In the process, my brain was wiped of most of my previous life. Jack Crichton and Doc Qun'nade inform me that my rehab was exceptionally short due to my mental drive to succeed and connect with my new facilities. To help deal with the nightmares and trauma of my activated brain, the Ma-arogg healers suggest I'm a good candidate for something called Ja-hi-nae, they've already had me on sleep training to fly Vierin' designed space craft. I'm to start in a week.

I ask Jack Crichton if I can still go find John and he says yes. My sleep training continues, and my "new" brain soaks up the knowledge like a sponge.

July 20th, 2013. I fly a small spacer from the Ma-arogg planet Ku'm-sitaer to a moon called Shay-qul. When I arrive, I meet my first Ja-hi-nae teacher, a practitioner named Cuanee'* .

June 21st 2013. My training in Ja-hi-nae begins on Shay-qul.

November 5th 2015 Under pressure by returning vets, victims, and survivors, the UN officially renames Earth. Terra will be it's new name.

The Ma-arogg, impressed with our progress, bring more supplies and technology. Terrans build new cities but also spaceships and space ports to launch them from. Many of of us displaced join the ISDF. Those of us take "monikers" because we no longer have names and feel detached to Terra. Written on my hospital form next to my initials was the word "Cowboy". That becomes my name.

"Arise Terra, and seize your destiny." is the "Remember the Alamo" for the remainder of the 21st century.

***March 14th 2016 A final report released by the United Nations. Out of 7.6 billion people in 2011, 1.7 billion were killed or die from injuries by June of 2012 and July of 2012.

Another 2 billion died of Starvation, from internal strife over food and supplies, and disease. With assistance from the M'arogg. and other IPQ members, the most critical situations were stabilized by 2014. Current Terra population 3.96 billion.

Most of the dead are infants, children and adults from twenty to forty years old and the very elderly. I will be sixty years old, and adults my age make up the majority of survivors.

The desire to rebuild Terra to take its place in the galaxy is as insatiable as my thirst for knowledge.

****June 27th 2017. After studying on Shay-qul for four years, I am released to go back to Earth. I am disappointed with my results, but Cuanee assures me I am on the right path and will return for more training when I am ready. I am definitely a different person and more powerful in mental and physical ways I could not concieve. My past may be gone, but so are all of my nightmares. My activated brain thirsts for knowledge!

***It has also been my first encounter with the Vierin' and the massive amount of information Shay-gul has on this space traveling ancient race. I continue my search for more information on them.

4

It is also my first flight home on a Time/Space vessel capable of punching in and out of time/space. I experience my first punch out and in without the normal queasiness or vertigo of first timers, and some gunnery officer calls me "Space Cowboy." The moniker fades. My friends call me Cowboy.

September 14th 2017. After further training on Nav point flying, I am assigned to the light cruiser Defiance. My Captain is an Englishwoman named Elaine J. Wellington, as dour and aloof as the name might suggest, but competent. 1st officer is Lieutenant Robert Coleman, a kid fresh from the academy. Confident and cocky, I like him immediately.

I'm a civilian "weapons specialist." without rank.

Lt Coleman is Jack Crichton's grandson and John's nephew, and he refers to John as "Uncle John" on occasion. He was 1st in class at the EDF space academy, Tough, smart, quick thinking and a pretty good shot, I'm the "Old man" and he's "The kid."

Despite our age differences, Lt Rob and I become good friends. We both want to find John, we like fast cars, pickup trucks, guns, and flying in space. And we both dislike our CO.

SO... at least once a week he, I or both of us are in Capt. Wellingtons office for some insignificant infraction, many, but not all, we are innocent of!

November 17th 2017. The Defiance is on Mars base fitted with the new time/space missiles and guidance systems. While there, I'm involved in a bar brawl regarding 3 dozen or more individuals. I use my E power to separate the combatants without causing serious injury, but I'm charged with several accounts of "discriminatory assault" because certain individuals were slightly injured by "rough handling". Lt. Coleman is held responsible just for being there.

November 24th 2017 I'm cleared of all charges, but I must be removed from the Defiance for "Continual Bad Behavior". While Captain Wellington insists, I should be sent back to Earth, Jack Crichton gets involved and I am removed from the Defiance and sent to the heavy Cruiser Bejing. Somehow Rob ends up on the Bejing too.

He's the new CO! Captain Robert Coleman. 1st officer is Lt. Johnny O'Malley, also a victim of the brawls' fallout on Mars. We are sent out in battle groups to keep the Sauurians at bay.

On the Bejing I am also assigned as a "weapons specialist" but I am mostly doing security and inventory. I qualify in weapons training to carry one of the Pulse pistols but prefer an old Ruger P-89...still, I never carry. When I do it's the Ruger with updated high explosive slugs!

**With Captain Coleman, I learn how to use my E not only in defensive situations but as an offensive weapon. Those episodes were classified until 2020, but somehow everybody knew what I'd done.

5

December 28th 2017. While flying in a patrol with The Defiance with Captain Wellington as Exec, the Bejing, Light Criser Milan, and 12 Freedom class disc spacers were attacked by 40 unknown elliptical shaped spaceships about the size of the Milan. We were in the Teraqq sector of Sauuri space. The attackers came right out of hyperspace firing beam weapons, and one had a beam weapon that fired a beam 5 yards wide. That weapon hit the Milan square and blew her to bits.

The largest attacker fired its heavy Beam weapon at Defiance and hit it square, but the defense screen augmented by a Lieutenant Brie using her Jae-hi-nae powers absorbed and deflected the blast. The Bejing launched a full volley of missiles and engaged another half dozen ships with it pulse cannon and lasers.

The attackers punched out into T/S and 10 seconds later punched in

The large ship fired its beam weapon again, knocking out the Defiance's' defensive screens and disabled her weapons systems and command. Then the remaining ships jumped back into hyper space. I sensed they had not retreated because I could hear something in my enhanced brain.

The Defiance finally answered the com. It was a dreck. Captain Wellington was frozen in shock in her seat. The weapons officer was knocked unconscious and most of the pilots were injured from the concussion. Fires and leaks were breaking out. Lieutenant Brie was attempting to reform her shield, but her inexperience and shock was hindering her.

I yelled on my com that I almost at the Bejing's bridge and that we should expect another attack. Capt. Coleman if I was sure, and I said yes and it will be head on at us.

I just knew...and he placed The Bejing in front of the Defiance. The surviving 8 frigates formed a battle line with 4 spacers on each side of the Defiance and when the unknown attackers popped out of TS 50 miles from us, we were ready. The largest ship again fired its beam weapon directly at the Bejing. I remember a bright white light and my eyes going black and burning like hot metal as the Jae-hi-nae took over. I don't remember much, after that, only that I woke up blind, and my body was one giant sunburn. People said my skin was smoking.

I didn't die though. It wasn't my time.

They say I saved Defiance and all the other ships, that I was the hero. But I say that Captain Rob did. The missles were already going off in their targets.

I'm as blind as a bat. No one knows if I'll recover.

6

February 4th 2018. I don't know if the salves and creams worked, or the nanobots and stem cells the Ma-arogg injected me with repaired my fried optic nerves and walls, but I can see again.

But the next time I use my eyes, the blindness may be permanent.

So, I knew I no longer want to destroy anyone or anything. Not like that. Never.

**April 20th 2018. I am summoned to Jack Crichton's' office on Mars base. I've been on Mars since the middle of March in my quarters suffering from PTSD.

I arrive at Jacks office on time but disheveled, unshaven and basically looking and smelling like crap. Captain Rob is on video. I remind them I'm not military and they agree. And then I remind them I'm NOT allowed to be a hero. Silence.

Jack Crichton's' eyes cut through me like a laser. I apologize and break down in front of them. Jack says I can't stay here any longer since I'm not assigned to any ship or unit. I ask half joking if I could be his go-fer, or his flunky. I still want to find John, I tell them. Jack leans forward and asks me if I'm serious because I sure don't look or act like it. Our eyes lock and I feel the energy building in mine and burning sensation coming back. I have to close my eyes for a moment, but Jack never blinks. I tell him I will be back in his office tomorrow when he tells me to be there, and I will prove it. We set the time for 0500.

April 20th 2018. After a long hot shower and shave, I go to the base PX and check my account. I have money, lots of it! There are only state taxes, and I am not a resident of any state.

I get another shave and very short haircut. The barber trims every hair on my head from nose to neck.

I go to the clothing store. Uniform denims in medium gray, gray shirt with dark gray collar. Black work padded low shoes with traction soles and magna -serts.

Back at my room, I change my bedding and toss the old bedding. I go to bed at 1700 hours after thoroughly scouring my teeth and mouth.

*April 21st. 2018 Alarm rings at 0330. Shower, shave, teeth and in uniform. At 0405 I meditate for 30 minutes. My head cleared; I arrive at Jacks office at 0445. At 0450 Captain Rob calls me to tell me Jack will be late.

0601 Jack Crichton arrives at his office. I stand up at attention. He walks by me without a word, unlocks his office and motions me in. I stand there while he loads a briefcase with papers. He looks up, smirks, and reminds me I'm not in the military. I tell him this is out of respect. He glares for a second, and then closes his briefcase. He tells me he needs a pilot with jumper training to fly him to earth. I volunteer. He smirks again and asks me if I'm serious.

I tell him all I have to offer is my integrity and experience.

7

On the tarmac our spacer is sandwiched between two others. Our CAC*, named Rose says they must wait for a tractor tow. Jack is fuming. I look at him and tell him i can get the spacer out of this spot, if he lets me go to the Ma-arogg for more training. I tell him I got nothing to lose, and he has everything to gain.

He agrees. Using E, I slide the spacer out of the spot without touching the other spacers and bring it to launch height. Rose is impressed and helps me fly to earth in short order.

***April 24th 2018 After 5 sessions of sleep training, I pass the oral and written exam and solo in a jump ship. For my flight test I fly from Earth to Neptune and back in 3 minutes. I get a 1/2 point deducted from my perfect score for flying too fast!

April 30th 2018. Using a small personal size lift body jump craft, I fly to directly to Shay-qul using nav points. I'm impressed by the jump jets performance and handling.

March 19th 2019. 20-year anniversary of John Crichton's flight into the unknown. I am in the most intense training I can imagine, literally fighting for my life and sanity. I hardly notice the date, although it is celebrated by many groups on Terra.

***July 20th 2020. I am still in training, but I feel I am improving and understand what and how to control myself. I reaquaint myself with Vierin' literature and descover more information about their history, science, and culture. It's also my first encounter with their star charts.

****July 20th 2020 edit I only note this date because mail from Jack informs me that all research on wormholes has been terminated. Wormholes are too unstable and the potential disruption and time destabilization from "unrealized realities" are too dangerous. All TDF ships use T/S generators which were based on Vierin' design.

April 31st 2023. 2 months from my 66th birthday, I leave Shay-qul. Though I was invited to remain and teach, I have my dream to chase.

May 2nd 2023. I meet Jack Crighton on Earth at the United States Alpha facility near Houston. He has aged a bit since I last saw him, but his eyes still can cut through a body like steel. He assures me he's in good health thanks to Ma-arogg and Terran heart and brain implants.

I'm informed that the Sauuri have accepted a peace accord with Terra and the IPQ. Apparently the Sauuri territories have been invaded a race of robotic metal beings, and other races in the IPQ have been attacked as well. Terran military commanders believe these Robots may have attacked and destroyed the Milan. I agree. That said, he changed the subject.

Jack and I discuss flying across space to find John. Jack tells me that with that the Farscape project was wiped out with most of the original 500 personel killed. But with IPQ/IADF blessing he is forming an independent nonmilitary unit and that he was inspired by my gray outfit on Mars to call the unit "Gray Pathfinders".

8

Grays are nonmilitary neutral, and their clothing will reflect that. There is no set uniform other than the color shades. Members of the gray will be pathfinders, acolytes, and messengers. They would map Nav points, identify possible allies (and enemies), open trade routes, discover worlds for colonizing, and offer basic treaties for co-existing in peace and common defense. IPQ will negotiate the details of treaties.

*I was one of the first people on his "A" list of candidates, along with Johnny O'Malley (The Breeze) and Lieutenant (Mouse) Brie. Breeze and Mouse refused the invite. The invitation was also extended to Saurrians, T'gorrians, and the M'arogg, along with Zytenians, T'rrl, and Dy'antiens. Jack also says that if I contact the Peacekeepers, Scarran, Luxons, and others, the invitation to be a gray will be accepted if they sign the IPQ accords.

I am excited at the possibility and accept the invite. The Jack gives me the bad news. While he has funding, no one is interested in building ships fitting his parameters.

The ships he wants will be unarmed except for personal weapons but have extra powerful defense screens and the biggest Hetch drive engines that can fit. Vierin' TS power generators will make travel easy throughout the Milky Way. Craft must make 25 Hetch minimal for high T/S velocities. They will also have CAC modules which will be carefully chosen for interaction with their human pilot.

I figured with my own ability to project a defense screen, anything I flew would be tough to disable.

We go to supper, and I go home. On my way to my room, I pass a picture of an SR-71 Blackbird recon craft. It's practically a spaceship as is. And I remember the spacer I flew to Shay-qul in 2018 I have an idea...so I reach out to Jack.

June 13 2023. After a series of phone calls and radio transmissions, eight complete SR-71 airframes are tractor beamed into the new Dreadnaught America and flown to Mars to start the new Farscape program. They are placed in the huge Vierin' hanger structure excavated not far from Mars base. Once the doors are closed, atmosphere is pumped in and work can be done without environmental suits. Morale is high. On Mars, I discover that some missing volumes of Vierin' history and been recovered. I devour their information, but it only increases my appetite for more! My awakened brain sees visions beyond the wording.

July 28th 2023. Upon tear down and inspection, three of the airframes are scraped due to extensive structural damage. 6 airframes are deemed space worthy, but one is held back to be used for testing mockups and structural design changes. It is nicknamed Farscape 2.5.

9

Note: Farscape 2 was a lifting body based on Farscape 1 which was similar to the X-24 A and other "lift body" space craft. Farscape 2 was 2/3 the size of a standard shuttle with 2 Hetch drive engines and Vierin' drive generator. Expected speed about 21 Hetch.

September 2nd, 2023. Modifications to the mockup are completed and structural engineers approve the changes. The standard SR-71 fuselage was lengthend 10 feet. The underside received a 24 foot long and 4-foot-deep extension on the belly to better house a living area for the human pilot, storage, and extra fuel. The "cubby" as crews nicknamed it can house and sleep up to three and carry up to eight as temporary passengers. Rubber tired landing gear are replaced with skids for VTOL. T'rrl built electronics increase crew space by sixty percent. Stub wings are added up front to improve atmospheric stability.

October 3rd, 2023. Mechanics, crew and technicians mount the four Hetch drive modules in place. Two are placed next to the fuselage attached to it and the wing and the other two are right below on the belly. Jettsonable fuel tanks rated for 1,000,000 units of fuel each are placed next to but forward of the Hetch modules. Thrust on the lower engines can be vented downwards to enable vertical takeoff. Replacing the titanium "high stress" areas with Vierin' steel saves weight and doubles the strength. Using my E as a shield further reinforces the structure!

Note: When no one is the building I practice lifting the 80,000 lb plane up to 70 feet in the air (roof girders) with "two fingers". My E strength is increasing like my thirst for knowledge. I'm reading anything I can find on the Vierin'. It's as an invisible force is driving me forward. I also take and pass basic sleep training courses in other fields like Astronomy and Cosmology, I learn to speak and read Sabacean and some Scarran. My activated brain sucks up knowledge like a sponge!

December 24th 2023. Airframe is covered with Vierin' sheet metal and storage modules are being built and mounting positions in the fuselage are being determined. The titanium structure built by Lockheed augmented with Vierin' steel, produces a lighter, more durable aircraft. I will test it to its limits soon enough.

January 2nd 2024. IASD is absorbed into IPQ. I'm on Europa sifting through more media left by the Vierin', Note: TDF is still separate, dealing directly with Terra's defense.

****March 19th 2024. On the 25th anniversary on John Crichton's flight into the unknown, Farscape 3 is lifted out onto the tarmac at Mars base and first engine tests begin. The search for a compatible *Cerebral Assisted Control Specialist, or CAC begins. After 25 years, we're still not ready yet!

April 3rd 2024. With engine tests proceeding, I fly to Earth to interview the last 3 CAC candidates. After three weeks of conversations and flight simulations I narrow it down to two.

Honestly... only one has made the best impression. Her handling of emergency protocols and coolness during simulations have impressed me, even though I can tell she doesn't like my "seat of the pants" style. Her name is "Roz", and she has more attitude all the gold in Ganymede!

10

May 15th 2024 Farscape 3 is cleared for flight. Farscape 4 through 7 are right behind. Morale is screaming high.

May 17th 2024 Farscape 3 is lifted off its pad under vertical thrust and I push the throttle back to .5 Hetch. Farscape accelerates smoothly to Hecth .6 and I'm flying her. She's a bit sluggish but I have a feeling it's more me and Roz fighting over control. Lots of electrical faults have her practically raving, not at me but the people who assembled Fa3*. I make a nice slow turn and bring up to the hanger and lower the craft without vent thrust. Roz freaks and almost lifts the plane into the hanger roof!

May 18th 2024. Jack and I converse about the incident as I file reports. The electrical problems were assembly issues from poor workmanship. I have to wait 5 months for parts! I ask the techs if they can strip out the harnesses involved and repair them, and they agree it could be done. Switches and other components can be sourced by "favors"! Everybody wants to see Fa3 fly. Everybody but Roz, or so it seems. Jack starts looking at new candidates.

May 30th 2024. After a herculean effort by Mars base personel, the faulty wiring and various switches have been replaced and tested. Engine start is perfect, and I am cleared for another test flight on April 1st.

That evening I have a heart to heart with Roz. Progress is made but at the conversation breaks down at the end. It becomes quite personal, but I realize that I treat Roz like a machine rather than a human. We're not on a battle cruiser and she may be my only link to humanity. That night, I bring a dozen roses on to Fa3, and sleep in the bed in my crew cubby. Roz hums quietly and I fall asleep, without my normal nightmares. Her voice synthesis is amazing.

June 1st 2024. Low level test flight is performed without a single issue. Roz and I start to work as a team. I suggest to Jack he shelve the search for another candidate.

I sleep now on the spacer. Fron this day on, I eat, sleep and even crap in the head of the ship and spend much of what little spare time I have after training talking with Roz. She shows me her hologram, which is the representation of the real person the CAC believes he or she would be.

Roz's holo is of a curvy Afro Brazilian woman! I am smitten and she can tell I'm impressed. It's the perfect representation of her personality!

June 28th 2024. Fa3 and it's crew are cleared for spaceflight. Fa4 through 7 are also in-flight testing. Some pilots are needing to work through clashes with their CACs, but constant drills and sims are tightening the bonds. Roz shines though. She anticipates my decisions and no longer panics when a warning sounds. I've fallen for her and knew that I must be better than I am so I can protect her and the craft. I meditate more and work on focusing my reactions. At the same time, she is learning to trust my judgment and respect my abilities.

July 15th 2024 I'm told that unofficially, I am considered the leading expert on the Vierin'. I'm asked to write several papers, and Roz helps me by being my word processor.

I also write a "lesson plan" for young children on how T/S works. It is accepted and used on Terra.

11

**November 2024 - April 2028. Over the next 4 years Roz and I travel our solar system in Fa3 as a recruitment drive plus PR mission. Fa4-7 are also involved. The 5 ships set jump time records, can outrun every Hetch drive spacer in the known galactic quorum, and I even have my E defense field tested by a couple of trigger happy Torgan patrol vessels. Together, Roz and I practice hitting nav points on the mark and leaning to cut in and out of TS with light speed. Roz observes my meditation and skill practice, moving and manipulating E, and is speechless. She soon realizes I lift the nearly 50-ton Fa3 into the air for practice with "two fingers" a measure the E needed to accomplish the task. Our mutual trust continues to grow.

***June 15th 2028 After a partial tear down and stress inspection, Fa3 is declared "mission ready". Fa4, Fa5, and Fa7 also clear, but Fa6 has main spar cracks which must be dealt with.

July 14th 2029 Saurrian Empire turns over the Teraqq sector of their territories. Roz and I are sent to map out nav points and survey several planetary systems the Saurri claim will support carbon-based life. Three of the largest and inhabitable systems are about 9 light years from Terra. But they are also in the sector where the Milan and her escorts were attacked.

August 28th 2028. After two "fly throughs" to map the systems in the Teraqq sector. Fa3, Fa4, and Fa6 are tasked with a photo mapping of 5 planets and two moons from the two systems. After spending 38 hours in space, including an in-orbit sleep sessions, we finish the task on June 29th.

On the way out of the sector, we pass near the nav point of the original battle. Fa4 and Fa6 punched out, but Roz and I were jumped by thirty robot ships. For the next two hours Roz and I perform a number of jumps and high-speed runs to dodge our pursuers. I became adept at hearing the clicks and distortion that seemed to originate from these ships and learned to anticipate when they would be punching in from TS.

But I'm forced to use my E offensively.

June 30th 2028. We arrive in the Terra sector just as a search group of 30 warships were preparing to leave to search for us. Roz is drained but hanging tough and I am exhausted. I still land Fa3 and after a long shower in the cubby, I fall asleep. On base I discover I've lost 8 lbs and I'm dehydrated. The E uses water like steam engine! I'm forced to stay at the base hospital for four days and I have a hard time sleeping. Without my E training and Roz's incredible abilities, Roz and I may have perished.

July 3rd. 2028 The mission of the search fleet was changed to a patrol sweep Teraqq sector. They too are attacked by force of 43 ships. The Dreadnaught Russia, commanded by flotilla commander Admiral Kozoff, is heavily damaged because its screens weren't up. Quick work by the three "weapons specialists" on board saved the ship. But Vice Admiral Coleman was ready.

Several spacers were lost, but the enemy force was destroyed.

August 15th 2028 I get a talking to by Jack about using my E to destroy the attackers. I submit a detailed report suggesting strategy changes and maneuvers for Farscape planes, EDF, and IPQ ships. Jack suggests I tell him first next time before I do "research". We laugh. My "seat of the pants" attitude is as well-known as my ability to stop a bar fight. But my Ja-hi-nae does not allow for boasting. I'm considered a sociopath, but tests disprove it. True friends understand the fierce loyalty and my blood oath.

12

September 2028 Fa3 is down for a complete hull inspection. Minor cracks are found in the engine mounts of the lower Hetch drive units, so all the engines were removed, and the mounts will be replaced by more improved units. Roz is not happy, but I am sleeping in the cubby again and she quickly calms down. She starts to sing again.

October 17th 2028. I fly to Terra to attend now Admiral Robert Coleman's award/promotion ceremony.

December 3rd 2028. I am awarded several commendations for my research and for my suggestions on changing tactics against the Robots. Casualties have dropped over 60%.

I explain I cannot take the awards because of my oath to Ja-hi-nae. The Ma-arogg quickly rally in support of my refusal. All is forgiven but I feel like an outcast. Only my true friends understand.

January 1 2029. The spaceport on Mars colony is officially named Harris field, after Commander Jorje' Harris, the Farscape 2 pilot who was killed in the Sauuri' "incursion". Werner plaza in the in the main colony is named after Michelle "Missy" Warner, his co-pilot. The control tower is dedicated to the entire project, and any human remains recovered were placed in containers around the Farscape 2 wreckage.

January 12th 2029. Fa3 has new engines and mounts. Further improvements to the Hetch drive module fuel manifold passages allow short term emergency power at 30 Hetch. The engineers and I agree there is more power possible.

February 20th 2029 Fa3 is deemed mission ready. But the Farscape program has been in limbo. Exploratory missions are not being approved...or denied. There are rumors our ships may have weapons installed.

EDF also gets it's first squadron of Reavers. Reavers are a new design based off the SR-71 but made for flying in space. They are T/S ships with pulse cannon and T/S missiles. Johnny O'Mailey, call sign "The Breeze" will command the first squadron of 12 Reavers.

March 1st 2029 Despite no official approval I am in constant meetings with Jack Crichton and staff planning my trip into Peacekeeper/Scarran territory. Even Jack is tight lipped about what is going on. I stay by Roz, meditate, and practice, practice, practice. And I keep reading. I am now fluid in Sabacean, Vierin', T'gorrian, and "functionally useable" in 3 others, including Scarran.

***March 15th 2029. Something is up. Jack is called away for a meeting on Terra. I get a terse 6-word text. "Be prepared, and ready to act." Everything is rechecked, reloaded and rechecked again.

March 17th 2029 Jack is back on Mars but too busy to talk. He just repeats his earlier text. ARC (Admiral Robert Coleman) is offline. The tension on base is thicker than a Martian dust storm.

At approximately 8 pm Terra time on the 17th, I swear half of the IPQ's space fleet land on Mars. I count Dreadnaught flotillas, both with a mix of T'gorrian battle ships. T'rrl gun craft, and Dy'antien Dragon ships. Groups of ships land, then take off in fleets of mixed planets.

Crews are confined to ships, so I never find out what was up. But I'm positive it's not good.

***March 18th 2029. I'm to meet with Jack and ARC at 0600 hours on the 19th. Everyone is still tight lipped. Most of the space forces have left but Admiral Robs' battle group is still on the pad. There are over forty capital ships in the IPQ/EDF force, along with 12 of the new Reavers. Roz and I check inventories and run systems checks.

13

Chapter 2

March 19th, 2029

The Time has come...

" Defiance! Defiance, Answer!" "Get those missiles ready!" It was Coleman. "Spacers and Aux ships, form a line on my flanks, NOW!" "Johnny! Move us in front of the Defiance!"

" In progress Cap'n, In 3!" A voice yelled back. It was O'Mailey

"Jorgensen!" Captain Coleman barked! "Keep trying to raise the Defiance!"

I stagger to my feet. Nothing like diving face first into a fire fight! The smell of overheated electrical connections and hot metal filled my nostrils. But the sounds in head. The clicking and ticking, pops and squeaks, I could hear it plainly. And it was moving, from my right side to my forehead... right in front of us.

"COWBOY! " It was Coleman. I shook my head and cleared my brain.

"Rob, they're in front us!" " I'm sure of it!" I screamed. "They're going to hit us at any second!"

Our eyes locked in shocked stares.

Quietly he looked at me through the smoke. "You're sure?"

"Yes"...then louder "YES!"

"Captain!" a voice called from Comm. "Defiance online!" Rob whirled around.

"Defiance!" Rob yelled. "Defiance!" "Captain Wellington!" "Status report!"

The comm crackled. I placed my hands on the nearest piece of the Bejing's structure and started building "E" The "E" began to surge through my legs, my trunk, then my arms, through my hands, and into the ships' structure. Cosmic energies beyond normal comprehension glowed with a cool blue aura, covering me, then the entire ship's structure with a thin but powerful natural shield. And then all the others. The blue glo even starts to permeate the interiors of the ships. Then it turns clear, as pure as E can be.

"Defiance here." a weak voice came through the speakers. "Ensign Shares here"

No one is surprised, I practice this every day. But this is different. I'm starting to sweat, that means I'm burning calories too quickly. I need to calm down, but I can't. The Milan is gone...

It's Shares again. "The entire Bridge team is down." "Captain Wellington is not moving." Weapons and Nav teams are on the floor."

Another pause. "Lieutenant Brie is trying refocus her shielding. "Backup Navs and weapons teams are coming in now. " "I"... Then static.

"Defiance"! ARC screamed "Defiance!" "F**K!"

I could hear people gasping. Someone yelled. I hear Rob call my name.

It's like I'm looking through the hull. Fifteen feet of carbon fiber, armor plate and Vierin' plate. Fast is slow, slow is smooth.

I can see space. Stars flicker, and then...

"THEY'RE PUNCHING IN!" I yell. "Kill shot coming!".

I start to manipulate the energy. My training takes over. A calm I've never felt rushes through my body. I can do this. No...I WILL do this!

I can't hear. Except the noise...pure white noise.

I separate a disc of energy from the main body, much like a protozoan reproducing itself. The disc expands wider, thicker. It's one thousand yards wide and three feet thick of pure E but I'm slowing the expansion. I hear people yelling. Alarms ringing.

O'Mailey "Missiles Locked on targets!"

Ron; "Light 'em up Lieutenant! Full spread!"

O'Mailey calling out coolly. "Missiles away! Full spread!"

I remember a part of my oath, "to freely sacrifice, even my life, so that others in my care may live."

I can feel the missiles going out the tubes, but can I do my job? I won't let the people in my care down!

The enemy ship fires. A beam of white light 5 yards wide shoots from the chin of its pointed front. It strikes the shield I've formed and tries to expend its raving energy into the Beijing... but it goes into me. I feel like I'm on fire, my eyes feel like a red-hot poker has been driven into them. I push the outer shield I've formed away from the Beijing and into the ships firing at us.

Rob screams...no it's...

Me.

14

An alarm goes off, in a strangely un-military like tone. I hear a woman singing.

What the...? The dream stops.

My eyes open. Roz is singing. Geebus, I love her voice!

At first, I wonder why I'm not blind. I turn my head. The alarm is my little clock radio. I can plainly read its red digital numbers. I look at my hands. They're warm, but nothing more.

4:30 am. March 19th, 2029, my cerebral augment tells me.

I think to myself..."I'll be 73 years old this year, I think." I cough, remembering Doc Ryburn telling me that I have the body of a 55-year-old man.

Shaking my head like a horse and cracking my neck, I regain my composure. I've not had this nightmare in a long time. I shiver, amd throw back the sheets. The bed rustles as I sit on the edge.

"Good morning sweetie!" a sweet feminine voice says. It's Roz.

"Good morning beautiful." I reply.

"Mmmmm", is the reply. "Gotta love a guy who calls a lady that first thing in the morning."

I sigh.

"Rough night?" she asks. I grimace.

"Yeah." "I had "the dream."

"Yes," she said." " I observed your restlessness." "Are you ok?" Her concern is real.

"Yeah, I'm good" "Today's the day."

"It is indeed." Her voice is as sweet as maple syrup. "30 years!"

I think to myself...huh? Then I remember. Farscape. John Cricton. SHHyte!

"Well," I smile. "Then perhaps, the time has come." "Let's not keep Commander Crichton waiting!"

Getting out of bed, I check the E level. It's about as good as it gets on Mars.

I quickly shower and shave, then run a trimmer through my hair. Gray denims with a medium gray pull over henely collared shirt.

I add my communicator, with the darker gray cloth patch, and an old wristwatch on CST earth time.

"Weather report Roz?"

"Typical Mars Day out there." She replied. "Sunny, windy, and cold, but breathable air is up 5 percent." A pause. "You look sharp babe." she quiped. "Gotta love a man in uniform!" She giggled. "Especially with that butt!"

Freakin Roz! I blush, catch my breath, and prepare to exit Fa3, so I push the switch to lower the ladder. I hear Roz humming in that beautiful voice of hers. The hatch pops open and the ladder sections slide down in place with a clack.

I thank her, grab my pilots' briefcase, and climb down the gantry ladder onto a cement floor many thousands of years old. The restored Vierin' air sweepers are humming as they continue their purifying tasks. The hanger is empty, save for Fa4 through Fa7. The doors' seals keep the hanger at base temp which is 78 degrees farenheight. The other plane's CACs are not out in holo form, but that's not unusual. No flights are scheduled that I know of. My stomach sinks a bit. Has the axe finally fallen?

It's after 0500.

Either way, it's a great day to be flying.

The second set of air lock doors close behind me and I look back. I can see just the nose Fa3 sitting and waiting.

Just like me.

I head quickly through the darkened white metal halls and corridors to Jack Crichton's office. Again, it's all quite except the sight echo of my shoes on the metal flooring. Jacks' office is in only one of the original colony buildings built back in 2010 to survive. I turn a corner and see Jack Crichton down the hall standing by his office door. I'm early, but the air is tinged with expediency. I quicken my step.

15

I bid him good morning and he nods and opens the door with his arm. My stomach sinks again when I see the office is empty. No pictures, photographs, awards, just bare walls. Even the brew machine for the crap they call coffee on Mars is gone. Just a table where Admiral Coleman is sitting in one of three cheesy metal folding chairs.

His face is as stone cold as I've ever seen it. He has an expandable tablet and a folder. ARC extends his arm to the chair at the tables' end, and I take a seat. Once seated, I take a breath through my teeth and let it out of the same way. The room smells of Martian dust and something I can't identify.

Jack comes up on my left and gently, but firmly claps my shoulder. I look up and he smiles.

"Son," He starts matter of factly. "I have good news and bad news." He clears his throat. "Bad news first."

I just stare at his eyes as he sits down. I glance over at ARC. Nuthin'!

I look back at Jack. He's got a slight smile on his face... What the hell, I think. I shrug.

"Cowboy," He states. " As of midnight, daylight savings time on Terra, the Farscape program will be turned over to the IPQ."

"The quorum?" I just stare, but I'm think, I'm screwed, totally screwed.

"Didn't that already happen? " I mutter.

"Not yet!" he says. ARC nods. " But it will be officially suspended as far as a Terra only project." I shake my head.

He continues. "Officially since you're not military you're not supposed to know this." "But," he continued, we're at war with the robots!"

Then He paused, then says. "So, I've made a decision to let you and Farscape 3 go on your first and last official mission!"

He waited for me to react, but I just nodded. Honestly, I didn't know how to respond.

Maybe I was too relieved to react.

"You have full fuel and fresh supplies including water, right? "Asks Jack

" Fa3 and I are One zebra zebra on all checks." I reply. "All tanks are filled and vented!"

"We're going to launch this mission, Cowboy!" He exclaims. "As soon as you clear the hanger, you go!"

I ask, "What about the other planes and pilots?"

"They'll be assigned once the changeover is completed." answers Jack. "But I want you to go now!" He looks at ARC. Rob nods. He wants this as bad as Jack and I do.

I clench my fists and smile. I slide my chair back and start to stand. Jack puts his hands up to stop me.

"Something new has come up that you'll be interested in son!"

"You need to see this first, Cowboy!" He motions to ARC and Rob starts his tablet up.

"Cowboy." Rob looks at me and his eyes soften. "You and me, we've been through some shyte, you know that." I nod and so does he. "You know it ARC." I say at almost a whisper. And I smile.

"ARC"? He asks.

"Yeah." I say with a smile. "Admiral Robert Coleman." A.R.C... like... an ARC welder." I smile. "Burns through metals with white hot fire." " A term, I might add, only known to me, and spoken in private with the greatest respect." I nod.

ARC wrinkles his face. "Good save, old man!" He gives me the three fingered salute to his chest. "I guess I should be honored". He smirks at me and smiles, then places the Tablet on its easel, and morphs it to its maximum screen. " I've been called worse!" He smiles, then looks at me. I smile back. I three finger salute him!

16

As if on cue, Jack clears his throat.

Jack remarks. "I can't, we can't, give you possession of this information." His eyes dig into mine. "So ask no questions, I'll tell you no lies!"

ARC starts tapping the screen. "What Grand...I mean Jack, and I are about to show you, is supposed to be top secret." He chuckles. "At a higher than possible level!" Then

Rob grimaces and pokes the screen. "This sequence was shot 3 weeks ago from our Telescope on Eris". He hands me the tablet.

I watch a timed photo sequence. As the photos click by, I see almost nothing out of the ordinary. I shake my head.

"That's why I'm not an astronomer," I deadpan. " I see nothing!"

"It's ok." ARC answers. "I didn't either. at first," "But" he continued, "someone did, because an anomaly alarm went off."

I chuckle. He smiles. Jack glares.

"Try this." He replied. "I maxed the magnification."

I watched the screen again. Suddenly, in the right-hand quadrant lower corner, an orange speck appeared. The next screen shows an orange ball, which continues for 2 more frames, then the last frame it was almost gone. At max the fire ball was not quite a quarter inch in diameter, but depending on the distance...

"Wow!" I couldn't say more.

ARC spoke. "It gets better." He started messing with the screen. I hand the tablet back to him so it's easier.

Jack touched the tablet. "When we were brought into peace talks with the Saurri, " he paused and sighed. " We were told they had several dozen unmanned telescopes and radio receivers disguised as asteroids and dwarf planets." He paused. "For security purposes as much as scientific research." He asked ARC if he was ready. Rob shook his head and Jack continued.

" The Sauuri science and space defense community strung these devices all along what they claimed as their furthest borders". "This included the Teraqq sector."

"Got it!" ARC exclaimed. He rotates the tablet and taps the screen.

I start watching a movie-like photo sequence. The images are blurry, but depth of field is longer.

"We asked for and were given shared access to these devices." Jack continued. "If this conflict with the bots continues badly for them, we may be the owners." "Their radio antennae are poor, but the pictures from their telescopes are superb!"

Sure enough, that same orange ball appears. It grows to about three fourths of an inch diameter. Color changes suggest the object has spiral motion in it.

" If that's a wormhole, it's what the Vierin' call a hellhole!" I exclaim. "Shyte!" "I read from translation that Vierin' could make them." I look at both men as I pressed the screen to rewind. I ask, "Do you think... do you think that's John?" I watch the sequence again and my left eye magnifies it slightly.

17

ARC snickered. "Well, he didn't autograph it, so..." he smiled and shrugged. "But based on what we know, it's certainly not out of the question!"

"We're not sure," Jack exclaimed. "But it's for certain an unusual anomaly, and it's not far away, relatively speaking."

"I agree." and nodded my head. "Then I can move on."

Jack nods. "Yes, triangulation with the Saurri and our light speed calculations put it at 25.75 light years." He put up his hand, palm out. "John had stated based on his time in the worm hole and Moya's starbursts, that he was 40 light years out." "But as we now know, wormholes are horribly inaccurate and unreliable." He paused. "We also know, via John, that Leviathan starbursts are not much better." ARC and I nodded

"It's also possible," I interjected, " that he may have originally traveled 40 light years but could have set the wormhole off at a closer distance. The Scarrans and Peacekeepers both used a pretty good hetch dive engine. They were running at close to or slightly over FTL, so while it would have taken a while. one could still move 17 light years, but then again, maybe not."

"Not possible." ARC panned.

I shrugged. I was no scientist.

"Leviathan jumps could have done it." I thought aloud.

"Either way" Jack interjected, "We need to know." He looked square at ARC. Rob nodded.

"Let's do this!" I barked, clenching my fists. "Do we have a Nav point?"

"It should have been fed to Roz by now" answered ARC. " Confirm it, if you would."

I touched my com. "Roz, did you receive a Nav point?"

"T-4 Cowboy." was the response. "What's up?"

"Farscape is go!" I replied excitedly. "Preflight check ASAP!"

"Awesome!' Was the happy response. "PF done and water exchange complete!" "PFC in progress!"

I nodded at both Jack and Admiral Rob. They were all smiles.

ARC growled with a deep warble in his voice. "I'mmmm a gonna misss ya, Cooowwwboooy."

Jack simply stuck out his hand. Our eyes meet and his were wet.

"You're like a son to me," he stammered. He gripped my hand tight. "I may never see you again." he continued. "This will be the second boy I'll lose!"

I'm surprised, I'm not that much younger than Jack. Fourteen- or fifteen-years tops?

ARC held out his hand. Jack released my hand I and offered to Rob. He grabbed it with both hands, walked around the table, released his grip, then pulled me into his arms.

We hugged like reunited long lost brothers. As we stood together, he whispered in my ear.

" Don't break my grandfathers heart." "If you can't find John, come home.". He gripped me tighter.

"That's an order!" he hisses.

"Aye aye, Capin!" I chuckled. But I crushed him against me. He groaned. And the nefarious little jacknut snickered and blew in my ear!

We released our grips, and he patted my biceps one more time.

18

I turned and looked at Jack, then back at Rob.

"I've no intention of coming back." My voice was deadpan. "Instead, you'll be coming to me!" I looked at both of them again, then I pointed at ARC. "You'll be bringing a full combined battle group of IPQ and EDF vessels, and a treaty of peace and mutual defense will be signed!"

Both of them smiled.

"I sure hope so." Jack remarked. He turned and walked over to the bare gray metal desk. "We've been worried about dealing with the Peacekeepers and Scarrans a while, before the Sauuri showed up and nearly did what the Peacekeepers and Scarrans threatened they'd do to us."

All by accident...a galactic miscalculation, I say to myself.

Jack grabs a large plastic container from under the table and places on the table.

"Don't forget this." He holds it up. I walk over and take the container from him.

"The basic treaties are in Sabaccean and Scarran, and English." he remarked " Can't forget these, or I'll be up a creek!"

I smile. Me too!

"Happy to lend a hand." Quips ARC. Then he plops the briefcase on top of the container and laughs.

Shyteball...I think it but don't say it.

Instead, I consider using E to gently, yet firmly faceplant his smartass self against the opposite wall.

But I simply smile.

"Thanks bubba!" " Appreciate the help!"

"No sweat bub!" he quips back.

I wink at ARC and nod at Jack as I pass through the office door.

"We'll walk you to the air lock." Jack says.

"Sorry dad, I got a flight to catch."

"I forgot that detail Bobby, be safe!" Jack says. "You be safe too." ARC replies.

I almost snicker out loud. Because Jack, and only Jack, can call him Bobby. I wouldn't think of it!

"It'll sure be quiet around here with you two out of my hair." Jack remarks. " I may be able to get some work done!" No one responds.

We turn the last corner leading down the hall to the hanger airlock. ARC stops.

" I have a Dreadnaught to catch." He says in a whisper. And he turns without a word and rushes away.

"Stay safe, bubba." I whisper back.

I turn and Jack and I head down the hall He says nothing, until I get to the inner air lock door.

The monitor reads our faces and tuns green. Jack tugs my sleeve.

He whispers. "Sign says no admittance without a flight suit or suitable protective gear."

Jack grabs my arms and awkwardly hugs me. I can't hug him back because my hands are full.

His steely eyes are full and as I look into them, a tear streams down his right cheek.

"Goodbye son." He chokes up

I try not to stammer "Bye pop!"

" You know, I gave John my good luck trick ring," Jack whispered " I have nothing to give to you."

I look him straight in the eyes. I feel the emotion rising inside me.

"Jack... you gave me every break I needed, every break!" I lean in. "Jack, I am about to chase my dream!" "Every tool, every obstacle, I learned to hurdle!" "And you, You and Rob, and a crap load of other people have had my back." "It's my time, to show you...show 'em all... that I got the right stuff!" I blink. "My dream is about to come true!"

I start to tear up.

19

Instead, I back away and lean the package and briefcase against the air door frame. I grab my security card from my chest pocket and swipe it.

A warning chime sounds, and the inner door begins to open. Jack steps back.

He nods, turns, and quickly walks away, wiping his eyes.

The inner air lock door closes. A voice timer starts a 10 second cycle.

At 5 seconds another chime sounds A soft voice comes though the overhead speakers.

"Hanger air quality 97.8 percent." "Dust content point zero zero two percent" "Radiation nominal." "No Apparatus required!"

I think to myself, that'll change in a moment.

Then I step through the door. The timer sounds the door closing warning again.

I use my E and float the briefcase and package up into the hatchway.

"Let's get this big girl in the air, Roz!" I exclaim.

I press the ladder button up and watch the hatch close. I set the hatches manual latch, and make sure the ladder has clicked into place.

I push the cases back into the passenger compartment and lock them in a case.

"Sorry Cowboy" " I was checking to make sure the techs had properly torqued the hatches for water and sewer to spec." she chuckled. " We don't want another dung bombing of a light cruiser, now do we?"

"NOOOOO mam'm!" I reply. "Boy they were sure mad at Ralph and Smitty weren't they!"

Heheh I'd forgotten about that one. OOPs!

I quickly head through the cubby, and through an open hatch into the bay area. At the end of the thirty-eight feet corridor, is a panel with lights', switches, guages, and a couple of manual valves. All of Roz's life functions are here. These are for emergency use. and in an emergency, it can be jettisoned from the vehicle, and parachutes will descend it to the ground. Everything is self-contained except nourishment, and the pilot takes care of that every 30-40 days.

On the way back, I check every hatch and module to make sure its locked down solid. No movement can be tolerated!

I head back into the entry way. I stamp the lower hatch to make sure it's latched, (considered good luck by pilots) grab the ladder rails and hoist myself into the pilots chair. Hydraulics lift it into the cockpit, and locks into place. It's part of the front ejection module.

I flip the four main gauge clusters on switches, then pull on my helmet and latch it to my collar retainer. I plug in the suit harness and the G-suit comes to life. Green lights appear on the panels. No red, red is bad!

I smile.

"Roz!" "Interior checks completed" "All modules secure, all latches locked."

Roz answers. "All structural and power checks one zebra zebra." "Control surfaces check starting on port side."

The control surfaces checks are perfect. Cameras all over the ship are priceless for these inspections. I always do these checks by the book.

I switch on the main comm panel.

20

"Tower this is...Foxtrot, Alpha, 3!" All flight checks and CS checks complete, Baggage is secured. CAC is one zebra zebra. RR check!

"Foxtrot Alpha 3 acknowledged." It was Tom. Tom the tower guy. All business. All monotone, all the time.

" Standby, Foxtrot Alpha 3."

The hanger doors weren't opening ...

The ground started to shake. I could feel it. My teeth even chattered. The the shake became a roar, even in Mars' atmosphere. The noise canceling ear pieces turned it down.

But still...

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!" Roz yelled.

"Just Admiral Rob, on a donut run, Roz." I muttered.

I would have liked to have seen that... 40 capitol ships, almost an entire flotilla, lifting off all at once! I could almost imagine it...

"Man, he dirtied up my ride!"

I knew that voice. Wild Johnny was on the field!

" Romeo 1 flight, you are clear for takeoff." Tom the tower guy, in his famous drone.

Then..." Foxtrot Alpha 3, Hanger doors opening." "Taxi sequence approved."

"Do you need a tow today?" Tom asks.

"Negative tower, I'm already on the move, but thanks!" I replied.

He always asks, I wonder what would happen if I said yes.

Flashing red lights and Vieren' alarms are sounding. Seconds later the doors began rolling up. It would take about ten seconds.

There's a whoosh, and I see 12 shadows go down the main runway at treetop level. The Breeze and his Reavers are off and running

And I? I was already working with E. Smoothly Fa-3 leaves the hanger floor. I start moving her forward, about 10 miles an hour. The crosswind hits, but I've ready compensated for it

There are two stakes embedded in the Martian soil, one for ignition, and one for throttle up

"Roz, starting ignition sequence on Hetch drives." "FP at one zebra zebra"

"Hetch drive sequence started" " I have go, cowboy!"

" T-4 Roz, I reply. "At the stake" "Uppers go poof!" I flip the two upper module start switches to ignite the mixture. I hear and feel a slight "poof" I flip the two lower switches up to ignite the lower modules.

"Lowers go boof" I feel the boof.

" Poof and boof!" Roz repeats with a giggle "Engines at idle."

I got nothing but green lights and gauges in the green too. We're ready!

"Tower this is Farscape 3."I'll never forget these words " We are go!".

" Fa-3, stand by." I think I hear tower Tom use a swear word! Actually, several swear words

With a roar, 12 Reavers at 1 Hetch or better come in again at treetop, down the length of runway!

They're a flash of forms as they pass by, but I know the result.

I can see tower Tom, drenched with hot, nasty tasting Martian coffee, and I laugh.

"Shyte!" I say, forgetting the com is on.

I hear more cursing in the background then tower Tom is back on comm.

"Farscape 3". he begins. "Do you think you can fly off this rock today without being a wanker?"

"Wanker?" I replied.

21

"Yes." "Please, head straight down runway 3...your cooperation is appreciated."

I hear a voice in the background say, "In this cross wind?" I'm sure it was John Crichton.

"In this crosswind?" Roz sneers "Screw him!"

Fa-3 is right at the edge of runway 3. I look left and right, nothing. Scanners are empty

"Manual control Roz" I hiss.

"Cowboy up!" she responds. Two yellow lights light up near the upper rim of the instrument panel. I'm flying now, and I laugh, like a demented mad scientist.

I bring Fa3 out to the center intersect. Slowly Fa3 rises 100, 150, 200 feet. I spin her slowly to the right. Now the wind is behind. I'm at tower glass level. I hold Fa3 against that tailwind with my E, and I can feel myself starting to perspire.

On the left quadrant, I see a mass of burnt and twisted metal against the scorched red rock. It's what's left of Farscape Two. All the remains of its team that perished that day are interned there as well.

I salute in respect. I make sure Fa3 is in spaceflight mode.

"Directional thrusters online" "Exccccceleent"

Before the tower responds, I speak.

"Tower, this IS FARSCAPE THREE. " My voice is much angrier than I really am. " Tom the tower turd, I have put up WITH your condescending little ARSE long enough." "I will not take off into this cross wind." "Good-day!"

I press in the lock knob on the fractional throttle and pop it into point 3 Hetch. Fa3 takes off like a shot into Mach 2. I shift the fractional knob into point 6 Hetch just as FA3 reaches the tower. The G absorbers leaning as she reaches into Mach 10.

I hope Tom has another coffee shower, the little prick!

"Cowboy, we green, lean and mean!" Roz yells " Take me away, Cowboy!" "YEEEEEHHHHAAAAAHHHH!" She about breaks one of my eardrums.

I grab the main throttle and ratchet it rearwards. The fractional throttle disengages. First notch is Hetch 1. I pull back on the stick and Fa3's nose starts to rise I hold her steady at 65 degrees. She starts to shudder, but I notch right up to Hetch 3, then Hetch 4. We're running clean at over 2 million miles an hour!

At this point Fa3 is no longer a plane but a rocket. Success is determined by thrust, not lift.

We leave what atmosphere Mars has and I start a gentle turn to port. We are preparing to exit the solar system, actually, space itself! Delmos is a blur as I go by. Goodbye Mars.

"Raaaahhzzzzzzz!" I snarl teasing Ish into the com. " Engine readings, so I know."

"All systems are one zebra zebra, my sweet!" she responds. " They want more!"

"T-4 babe!" "Notching into FTL, preparing for T/S transfer!

I notch up to H6, then 8 then 12. Another callout. Then H14, H16, H19.

"Jump point in 5 minutes!" Roz calls out. "Timers on auto reset!" I notch into Hetch 22

I start watching the jump timers reset. It's almost mesmerizing.

"Cowboy, it's about time old man!" A familiar voice in my ears.

"Mr. Breeze!" I respond. "What's up?"

"Coming up on your wing! " He chuckles. "You must not be watching your scans!"

"Sweetie, I've had you targeted since you came around Delmos." Roz cracked.

I added "She got my back door Mr. Breeze."

3 minutes to jump. The jump timer starts counting...

22

"Cowboy!" It's the Breeze." He whispers. "We're on OA."

I shoot past Jupiter and am about to pass Saturn... with a squadron of Reavers on my right flank!

"QX Breeze!" I smirk. The whole solar system is on orange alert. No wonder I'm covered up with war ships!

Saturn is gone, Uranus is next. I can't think of a Uranus joke and we're on radio silence.

"Foxtrot Alpha 3, this is America," It's Jorgensen. He's still with Rob.

"QX America," I reply. "Two minutes 15 to jump-point." "All systems, one zebra zebra."

This time it's ARC's voice. "Farscape 3 this is the exec." " T-Tom has finally melted down." And then he snickers. Some radio silence!

Neptune is in the distance off to starboard. We'll jump before Pluto comes into view.

"My parting shot." I reply. But I'm thinking OOPs, I done it again.

"15 seconds" Roz interjects "All systems green." Generators online." "Field check complete" "Shields down!" At 7 seconds I switch on the generators. Fa3 is about to become a time shredding machine! 6-5-4...

A blue haze surrounds the ship, 3...2...

"Punch in Roz!" I grab the third shifter handle and pull it into the rear. Roz moves it with me. The haze turns purple...1..

There's a moment that feels like you drop 3 feet and stop. Many crew members get sick. But I don't...I get a millisecond of motion and my augments take over. Roz squeals, but it's a happy squeal.

The stars and planets themselves disappear. And everything is black. The silence is deafening.

23

Chapter Three:

A Stitch in Time...

Barely a second later, the stars re-appear. But they are blurry. We'll be coming up on the closest ones in an hour or so and eventually we'll shoot by so fast they'll blur.

I raise my E up. Standard shields don't work in T/S and we've encountered occasional debris. I extend the shield around the ship a good ten takes energy to hold the E in place, but I have lots of food and water.

Roz is humming in that wonderful voice of hers, so all is good. I barely use the tip of my pinky to create the shield.

I check the timing panel on the right quadrant of the dash, where red LEDs are reading off numbers. While all are important, the top two rows matter the most. They are tracking real time vs. T/S time. It's a truly Vierin' device but it's important. When a ship "punches in" to normal space from T/S, the numbers should match. There's a variance allowed. Anything around 5 seconds is perfection.

Unlike unreliable wormholes, you come out in time exactly where you should be in the time.

You enter the time stream by breaking through the fabric of space. Time itself creates a "wave" of energy you ride on like a surfer, that's a bit simplified but it's a good description. The fun part is, once you enter time, you're a foreign body so it's trying to kick you out!

Unlike wormholes, which have solid walls to trap and destroy your ship!

And you let time kick you out, when you're ready to. Drop your field and out you go! But you have to be careful.

That means beating the bubble to keep it from smacking you in the ass. When you punch in to space the tear allows some of the "wave" to come through, but then it snaps back in. That's the "bubble".

"Time is tight." means you're right where you need to be on the wave. You won't waste speed by being too far behind of your wave or get destroyed by being right in front of it!

There are no unrealized realities to screw you over either!

Smart folks try to muddy the water with theories and complicated math, but that's not what the Vierin' did. They figured out how to make it work, and we've simply replicated the process.

The Vierin' also didn't want to collapse time, so they were very careful.

We honor them by being just as cautious.

Of course, Roz and I are flying on a wave of time, and to a "new" Nav point. Nav points are preset distances that your ship flies to. Your speed determines how long it takes to get there.

The computer determines how long it takes at a given speed, and you can either have it punch your ship out or into space or do it manually.

Plus, each established Nav point can be adjusted by a few tenths of a mile, give or take a thousand miles or so. Multiples of ships can enter or exit close together without getting destroyed!

Reciting Vierin' rules verbatim from memory, either from translated manuals or sleep training, is required of nav techs and pilots both. You have to get 100% on the final exam.

On vessels with larger crews, punching out is the only time a nav tech/pilot may override a officer's order.

"Hetch drives stable". Roz breaks my thought process. " Generators functioning at one zebra zebra.". "Whatcha thinking about?" she asks, then exclaims. "What a rush baby!"

I can tell she's thrilled to be getting out of our planetary system.

"Well, trying to appreciate this wonderful, but possibly underserving gift of travel we've taken possession of." "AND" I continued, "about to adjust for our time difference."

"10.35 seconds?" Roz noted. "I'm on it babe!"

"T-4 Roz." "You're the best!" I reply.

24

"Nothing but the best, for the best, Cowboy!" "MMMaww!" It's her way of blowing me a kiss.

"Watch your time sweetie." She says with a giggle.

The readouts start to move, then the Leds showing difference read in seconds, bounce off zero, and settle in at 5.17 seconds slow. Near perfect.

"We're about 30 hours out at this velocity, Roz." " How about I tach her up and do a reset?"

"Go for it babe!" she purrs. "Faster, faster, YES!"

I almost blush. She's so sweet. I Unlock the shifter and give it 2 more clicks, then hit the reset.

You don't really feel acceleration in T/S. But you can see it. The stars go by so fast they blur, and many pilots that don't have E training shut down the canopy glass so it doesn't mess with their senses. So it doesn't bother me as much, but I also focus on other things. Time count and keeping the Nav point in my target crosshairs.

Yup, a surplus Korean war era gunsight works perfect for holding a Nav point.

Roz is straight up as usual. Nav point is in the bullseye.

"Course correction in 10." Gotta dodge a solar system." 6-5-4-3-2-1...

I see the system off to Starboard, but only for a millisecond. An alarm starts beeping as the Nav point is off center. But Roz brings it around and the alarm stops. I glance at the time, but Roz is correcting it.

"They should have just sent you Roz!" I joke. "You don't need me!" I sniff, but in a teasing way. "You can fly this plane yourself."

"I need you, Cowboy." she said quietly.

"Roz?' I don't want to upset her. "Roz, you know I'm only kidding."

"You are silly, of course I do!" She laughs. "And I need you too." "YOU know because I've said it before, but you complete me!"

"Yes, and I love you Roz, you know I do!"

"And I love you too...Cowboy!" She laughs again.

I ask her why she laughed.

"You know," she continued, "All this time...I've never asked why you insist on being called Cowboy."

"Well, before the Saurri invasion, I had what you'd call a normal life as far as an average Terran might have."

I cleared my throat. "Even after that, while recovering from my injuries I got fighting Snakes, I was an initial, a last name and a number, with a scan code."

" Ok, and?" she asked

A chime interrupted us. Systems and time check. We're still only a bit more than five seconds off. Generators are running perfectly, and fuel consumption is a slightly lower than normal. Not enough to be of concern, but it'll be noted in our "beeper" which is a transmission in a coded beeper signal.

Part of my "job" as a pathfinder is marking a path into space.

So, Roz drops another Nav point, one of many she'll do.

Things settle down. I think about grabbing some sleep.

"Hey Cowboy, you didn't finish your story!"

"Uh huh Roz."

"Sooooooooo" then she giggles. "What's in the name big boy?"

I explain about my file clipboard at the hospital, and my conversation with Jack. Some orderly wrote Cowboy on my chart. The Ma-arogg assumed that was my name.

"So I'm on this light cruiser, an old Torgan disc type we got on Lend Lease. It's called Tarckus or something like that. The Terran crew hates the ship and the CO because he's an old salt from the Navy, when they still sailed the Terran oceans. The crew is a mix of old and new, guys who served on floating missile cruisers and NG's who have been through the old EDF academy. Flying in or out of T/S is murder on them!"

I chuckle "The spacer smells of puke and stale tobacco, the crew calls it a garbage scow with guns!"

Roz snorts, or whatever that sound is, just distortion in the voice synth.

"Anyway, I'm a "contractor", a civilian and worse yet, can't talk about where I was and what I was doing." My tag says "Cowboy" because thats what was on the clipboard.

"Got it." Roz interjects.

25

I sigh. "So, we jump into T/S, and Puke buckets are being filled and guys have to hang onto railings and anything they can. I stand there and watch the sensor boards, because we're still fighting the Sauurians."

We punch back in an hour later, and boom, the whole process starts over. Between the E, and my augments, I don't feel a thing! I'm staring at the sensor screen, and this grizzled old gunnery officer walks up, tattoos up and down both arms, even his neck. He smells like puke and stale beer, and his shirt is soaked, probably with both!

"EWWWWWW!" "Nasty" Roz sneers, and we both laughed.

"He roars at me "Look at this land lubber!' Straight as an arrow, like some space cowboy surfing on a rocket rocking horse!" He tries to spin me around and either punch me or whatever and passes out. He's dehydrated." I sigh.

"Wow!" And probably drunk too" What Happened?"

"Well, there was an investigation, and a hearing. I was cleared." They claimed I used E on the poor guy, but medical tests and security cam footage showed the truth."

"Still, I was bad juju." Someone pushed me off the cliff, and once again, I fell into Jack Crichton's arms." "He moved me forward and well, I made a name for myself." "Not exactly how I wanted it to to be, but..." i pause and take a breath.

Beings with E are the norm for most IPQ members, but on Terran vessels we're freaks or weirdos or mutants. Even with rules regarding harassment, we're usually shunned.

"Anyway, my " given name" was in my Terran initials Roz, but I'm not really a Terran anymore." "I'm Space Cowboy, or just Cowboy." " Some folks feel I fly by the seat of my pants and have no discipline." " My Jah-hi-nae mentors feel much differently."

Roz agrees, because she's seen me work out.

" I know you and Jack are pretty close, and you're close with Admiral Coleman too. "She says. " But i know why that is."

"Yeah." I left it. It's the last thing I want anybody, even Roz, to talk about.

Roz lets me sleep. I sleep about 4 hours, then get out of my chair and stretch. The three-hour chime sounded.

"We need to slow this plane down." "Notch her back Roz and I'll watch the time"

"Yes sir." "Slow and Steady." Another giggle.

"What about you Roz?" I asked. "I read your HR file and your ED and FT reports." Your personal info was vague, too vague to be intentional."

"Well Cowboy..." "Corrections complete, let the clock synchronize." "Yes, and it may have been intentional. My DNA is mostly Brazilian and West African. But there are elements of Jamaican, Cuban, believe it or not, English!"

"Well Roz," That may explain your high scores in Navigation and star charting." "Maybe the English part was a pirate."

Silence...the Roz laughed. "OMG Cowboy, you have a pirate for a navigator!" More laughter.

"Arrrgh!"

I laughed and so did she. Then things got quiet again.

I doze off.

26

A chime is sounding. My eyes jolt open! Oh, it's the one-hour alarm. Roz is pulling down the speed just a hair more. My throat is dry, so I take a drink from my water tube. Rats! I need to pee. I hate peeing in space, but I've waited too long as is.

"I gotta use the head Roz!" I exclaim and start the seat moving process. "I'll hurry!"

"One or two?" Just a one I think, why?" The seat retracts and I unbuckle everything. Unlatch my harness, man I gotta go!

"Just one dear, I'll be back in a flash!" I hit the switch to lower trhe seat.

"T-4"

I finally extract myself from the seat. Despite all the massage points and pressure point motion, I'm still a bit stiff. Even my augments have limits with human muscle tissue!

I make to the head just in time. I have to sit to sit, and the rig is freezing. It's all good though.

"Roz, I know you weren't happy at first with your assignment here at first?" I flush the toilet. " Where did you want to go?"

There's no answer for a moment then Roz finally answer.

"Did you flush the toilet while speaking to me?"

"Um yeah I did, sorry."

"Cowboy you nasty man!" She laughs. I apologize.

"I'd hoped for a cruiser assignment or Dreadnaught. There's a lot more to do and I..."

I don't hear the rest. I focus on a sound I don't want to hear. Not in T/S and not out this far.

Ticking... Robot ticking. A lot of it! It's faint, but I hear it. My augments confirm.

" ROZ!" "Prepare for something evasive!"

"What?" She yells

I realize I'm not plugged in. No comm. Shyte! I plug in and repeat what I said. The harness snaps in place as I quick time the seat into position. I snatch my helmet...

And just like that, the ticking is gone.

I fumble with my helmet. Finally I get it set

" What's up?" Roz is a bit anxious. "Something wrong with the ship? Everything is green!"

I take a deep breath

"No. I heard ticking." " Robots. It was faint but my brain confirmed it."

"I'm sorry Babe, the scanners show nothing!" "They never did!"

"It's gone now, I don't hear it.". "I nearly pissed all over when I heard it.".

Roz chuckles. "I have heard, not that I've seen, but have heard, how messy guys can be!"

I bite my lip. Then I started to laugh. Then we both laughed! It was maniacal, crazy, tension breaking laughter.

The gong sounded again. Thirty minutes to punch out.

"Thanks Roz!" I'm still laughing.

27

"You're welcome love." Shes laughing too. "Looks like time is tight and speed is right!" "Still dropping and staying in sync."

"You're a poet and don't know it, Roz".

"You bet!"

I chuckle. "With a rhyme every time!

She groans. "OMG" "You are one crazy cowboy!" "I'm glad I didn't demand that Dreadnaught job. I'd probably be posted on the America."

"With Admiral Rob?" "You'd have been great!" I laugh." He has six CACs, and I was told, they are quite happy."

"I'm sure, but again, I wouldn't be here, with you. You are one Crazy COWBOY!"

We laugh again.

I glance at the T/S panel. Everything is go yet. 25.7 light years in 22 hours. A new record! For now, I think.

But I need sleep.

I'm glued to the panels. And I'm having to blink to keep my eyes wet. So, I'm sipping water.

I'm running on pure adrenaline. Roz must be too.

15 minutes. We're almost down to Hetch drive, but Farscape three is all green and lean.

"Let's ride this train till the end of line Roz!"

"You got it cowboy!" "Yeeee haaaa!"

"Nine minutes to punch in Roz!" " Steady and ready!"

"Yes sir!" " Still in sync."

I check the sync clock. 5.18 seconds. Perfect.

My brain reminds me of a Vierin' passage.

" The last zeeva (minutes) have the greatest potential for mischief." I say it out loud.

"Manual for Navigators" Page 22" passage 12." Roz

"Notching into transfer position." Hetch drives are at H.3. I notch the throttle up with Roz. When the generators are cut the Hetch modules have to be going to miss the "bubble. "Less than 5 minutes.

The clock is ticking but slower. Still at 5.18 seconds on sync.

The stars are moving slower. Time is slowing down.

Still in sync. Speed steady.

2 minutes. Sync is steady. Stars slowing.

1 minute. A chime sounds.

"Hetch modules at point 6." " Slide starboard and drop to six low." I speak but Roz has the plane.

"Scanners show large object and many small objects to Starboard." Roz chimes, and I see it on my scanner.

"Same maneuver but to port Roz." "My bad!"

The one-minute gong sounds.

"Please fasten your seat belts, we are about to enter real time." I say in my airline pilot's voice.

Time is starting to slow, sync is steady.

"We're good!"" Being cautious"

20 seconds, 19, 18,

"Objects scan as Rock and soil..."

15, 14, 13, 12,

"Roz, Hetch point 6 please."

7,6,5,4...

"Punch in Roz!" I call out. I see the indicator lights as the generators shut off. Everything goes dark again. Right on 3 seconds. Sync 4.78 seconds. Only missed Nav point by a 500 or so miles! For a millisecond, it's dark again.

Then physical space appears.

28

The ship makes a perfect cut to the port and drops about a mile.

But I beat her to the shield switch, and Roz hisses. It's a tease though. My shield is up as well, and my head is pounding.

I take the stick and level us out. If there was a bubble, it was very small. I settle the Hetch drives to idle and tap reverse thrust to slow the plane.

"Scan?" I ask. "My screen shows nothing." "No space traffic." Too quiet!"

"Cowboy?" I hear Roz gasp. "Starboard side!" I hear her gasp again.

I rotate my head. The pounding is gone, but I feel the stiffness. I feel 72 years old.

And then I see it. My jaw drops.

Holy H***! Holy Freakin H***!

As my eyes adapt to the light from a nearby yellow dwarf sun, a massing dark shape appears.

From first glance it appears to be just an incredibly large asteroid. But if it was the asteroid appears to be ripped apart. Huge chunks of rock and earth drift in sync wth the crescent shaped mass.

"Roz?" I asked quietly. "Check the nav point please?"

I engage my left eye and brain augments. They will do a spectral analysis of the floating formations.

"4 times cowboy and we are nearly spot on. We're off by about 200 miles, according to readouts."

" I figured 500 miles but yeah." "My eye tells me the composition of debris matches the largest body." "I'm going to bring us closer."

Roz responds cautiously. "There's a lot of dust and ice particles in the aether." "This is about as close as we should get." "My sensors agree with yours on the material."

I'm glad that the plane and Roz's sensors are more sensitive than mine. Flying into that concentration of ice and dust particles might have damaged the sensors.

"I'm going to engage the prefilter screens on the convertors," Roz continued " I know it will choke power, but better safe than sorry."

"T-4 babe" I swing a bit away from the main mass.

At this point the fuel catalyst prefilters do us a favor. They bring our sped down to around Mach.1 which would cause us to crash to the ground in atmosphere. Here in space, it's a nice slow cruise by.

"Detecting high heat damage for sure Roz."

"For sure," she responds. Scanning the largest debris feature show a lot of ice and evidence of organic life. This planet was all water at one time."

I remember the photo sequences ARC showed me. I stop Fa3 and look out into the vastness, then back at the largest piece of debris. The sun is starting to light up the piece and I can see the rough and torn surface. The core is gone. It looks like giant claws just ripped and tore the planet apart.

"Roz, I forgot." "I never told you why we were sent to this Nav point."

"Well, no, but that's not unusual." She chuckled. "I was so excited I forgot to ask." "Can you, will you, tell me?"

"Jack said ask him no questions, I'll tell you no lies!"

Roz laughed.

29

"3 weeks ago, the telescope on Eris, and one in the Teragg sector, spotted an unusual anomaly in space. They sent us to investigate the area."

I look out the canopy again. And I can see it in my mind. The hell hole.

" Can I ask what the instruments saw?" " And how did you get data from the Teragg sector?"

" The answer to the 2nd question is negotiation, that's what I was told."

"T-4" she replied.

"You studied anomalies and stuff, right Roz?"

"Wormholes and that?" she replied. "Yes, of course." "They were phasing out wormhole research due to the poor results that testing was bringing." "As navigators we were taught to avoid them." "The Vierin' wrote that they used them as weapons, but even they were abhorred by the destruction they wrought!"

"Well Roz, the anomaly observed on tape was a wormhole." "More specifically, a weaponized hellhole of one."

"Wow." "Do you, errr rather they, think John Crichton had anything to with this?"

"Well, that's the speculation Roz." "That's why we were sent to this spot."

I heard a loud beep. It was the short-range sensors.

"Cowboy there's a large metallic object off to starboard at 4 low!" "No organic life, but it sure appears to be a spacecraft!" " And it's big, really, big!"

I swing Fa3 around and drop the nose slightly. Sure enough, sunlight is exposing the suspected ship to us. And it looks as torn up as the planet does.

I tap the Hetch throttles and close in on the object. It is out away from the dust field, and as we close in, I can see red flashing lights along what its flat hull must be. A circular superstructure with pulse gun turrets, or what's left of it, partially surrounds the main body. Every surface is burned, and pock marked from either blasts or meteor strikes. Twisted and a melted shards of metal just like teeth out from the wreck.

"What is it?" asks Roz.

"Standby" I respond, "I think I know but..."

"Still no signs of life. No major systems start up. Nothing. " I've got shields at full just in case!"

A row of green lights flash on. I jump! But still no hostile signs.

Roz says. "I...I think we're being videotaped." "Tight visual shows cameras." My scan screen lights up with and I can see the details.

"Give me a full spectrum RF scan Roz." "Super thorough!"

"FTC, fine tooth comb, you got it, Cowboy!"

I'm still studying the hull structure. I know what part of it is, but something is different.

The starts lighting up the derelict more. A few seconds later, the unknown part lights up. So does something else.

30

"Roz, I believe we're looking at what is left of a Peacekeeper command carrier. But someone has attached a piece of a Scarran Dreadnaught to it" I paused and sucked in a breath. "It appears both ships a joined together by a huge piece or pieces of flat plate."

"There's writing on the plate, Cowboy." We need more light."

I look again, my left eye starts to magnify the plate. I can see there's writing on the plate for sure.

"You can ease us in closer babe." Roz says quietly. "All readings are Zebra. The lights are solar powered."

I use the directional thrusters to glide in slow. Scanners are empty.

"If anything lights up, I'm going turn us left and Punch the Hetch out of here!" "This place reeks of death and suffering. I can sense it."

Then I halt the ship. My hand is on the throttle as I tap the directional thrusters to guide us in.

"Slight electrical charge, cowboy, stand by!"

My grip on the throttle and control stick tightens.

Suddenly the plate is lit up! What must be millions of watts of light reveal a plate covered with symbols. Most of them are Sebacean, but the rest are Scarran.

"WOW!" exclaims Roz. "Just WOW!"

"Have you read it Roz?" I ask. I'm almost finished with the inscription myself.

"Yes."

The plate is a plaque. At the top It gives what is likely a calendar date:

After the Scarran Imperium destroyed the original Temple at Arnessk,

killing the ancient Eidelons,

They proceeded to the Quajaga and attempted to destroy the remaining

Eidelon priests.

They were met by the Peacekeeper fleet and the largest battle in the history of

both combatants over the uncharted territories began.

Both fleets were destroyed when the human, John Crichton, of Earth,

produced a wormhole which consumed the vast bulk of the Qujaga and both

combatants' fleets,

It was closed down by John Crichton after the Scarran Emperor Staleek, and

Peacekeeper Commandant Grayza, agreed to peace talks with Eidelon emissaries.

The new Eidelon alliance, formed with both Peacekeepers and Scarrans united with

8 other Races, promotes peace and freedom through mediation rather than conflict.

This memorial is dedicated to those who sacrificed, and serves as reminder to all

who visit that:

31

"ONLY PEOPLE MAKE PEACE"

-John Crichton-

It is silent on Fa-3. I can't help it. I think of the Sauuri incursion and all my friends.

And I start to cry, my lips curl and my eyes water. Tears run like rain down my face. I cannot control the emotions. My eyes, tired too, of the death and mayhem they have seen burn from the salt.

"Cowboy?" "Babe" Roz sounds depressed.

"You ok Roz?"

" If I could cry babe, I would cry too." "My emotion status is playing hell with my digital one."

"You saw this wormhole, right?"

"Yes Roz, and it was big enough."

I sigh loudly. "John Crichton, he saved a galaxy, and he probably saved our hides."

"Did you get video of this?"

"I did." was the reply. "I've already sent a beeper that we arrived safe." "I'll send this video as well.

"Send beepers to Jack, ARC, and IPQ on direct lines. Request a receipt."

"Done." She replied

I'm still choked up with emotion. The tears have stopped, but my face is soaked. I haven't cried like that, well, in a long time. I can't even remember why right now.

My helmet visor is fogged over, and I simply remove my helmet. the I unfasten my flight suit collar. My shirt collar is soaked and I'm a bit...ripe!

I tap my chest communicator and call Roz.

"How's that RF scan going?"

"Nothing!" "I'm still searching!" was the response. "You'd think this place would be a superhighway, wouldn't you?"

"I don't know Roz; this is a memorial to something most people might not want to think about."

"It was bad enough that the Peacekeeper and Scarrans had casualties, but who are the Eidelons? John Crichton doesn't mention them." "And, people might be angry with Mr. Crichton for all their comrades being killed by a Terran!"

"I don't see that, Cowboy!" Roz replied optimistically. "I'd say he's some kind of hero." "At least, when we meet these any of these folks, let's be open minded."

I took a deep breath again and remind myself that I was blessed to have Roz as my CAC.

"Cowboy," Roz's voice was excited. "I found a distress call, on an AM frequency." Very low output!" She continues. "It's mostly a carrier wave, the audio repeater is very faint."

"From around here?"

"No silly!" " Let's get out from this place for a moment and go to where I might triangulate it."

I ease Fa3 into Hetch point .3 and bank right and level out. There's a solar system a few hours away that sensors show have several planets. Roz panics because the signal strength is fading so I turn around and take another tack towards the system. I crank up to H3.

Roz says," It would have taken years for this signal to reach from that system, based on the signal strength." "It could be dead end, or worse."

"We'll do a fly through and spend the night Roz, I'm tired."

32

The signal returns and its strength is increasing. A couple more tacks and we decide to head into the nearby system. I should've T/S jumped but I was afraid of losing the signal.

Again, the signal increases exponentially as we Hetch up on the system. Triangulation suggests the signal is coming from the 4th planet. The signal's still faint for a distress beacon. I believe someone rigged a system up.

We come in low and slow and do an orbital scan for life. It's a very green planet half covered with water. The main continent is in a warm temperate zone. We'll start with the Southern coast and work our way East to West and back. The technique is called stitching.

The scan suggests living organisms like animal life, but human type life cannot firmly be identified.

There's also a suspiciously high spike in radiation on a nearby peninsula, so we start there first.

"Hey cowboy!" "Eight o'clock on the port side." What does that look like to you?"

An artificial sea wall juts out from the flat rock terrain, certainly suggesting sentient habitation, as well as shallow man-made trenches. But there's something out of place in this peaceful setting.

I bank the plane and look down. A large diameter crater as black as night is obvious. There is a ring of smaller craters around it.

"It's a bomb crater Roz!" "Shyte!" "If I didn't know better, I'd say it's a T'gorran anti personel nuke. Those smaller craters in a ring are screen shield generators. They penetrate the ground, form a hemispheric shield about a mile high and the nuke air detonates inside it."

"That would be devastating!" Roz exclaims. "Anyone underneath would be broiled!"

"Yes." "A hideous device for sure." "However, the blast is shallow, as was this one." "Anyone in a reasonably deep bunker, tunnel or cave that could move away from the blast might survive, if they could get away quickly enough!" "The fallout That might escape from inside the screen shield would be minimal."

"How do you know this?" Roz quipped.

" I read a lot, took sleep training on Vierin' technology and spaceflight, and while recuperating from my "war wounds", they would put me headphones on me, and I'd ask for History readings." Sady," I continued, "The history of the old earth and the Quorum is the study of conflict, and the study of conflict is the study of weapons and tactics."

"Ah" was the reply. "It appears the radiation level drop is significantly lower away the blast site." "There's also strong signs of structure."

"By the way, the early Torgans were like the Peacekeepers or Scarrans, they had no problem blasting the heck out of anyone who opposed them!"

"I agree." Roz replied. " But not much up on anything, but current events." " I'm also not as old as you." "No offense, again."

"Radiation level's almost normal at 50 miles," I continue as i watch the scans. "Like an X-Ray."

"T-4' is Roz's response. "The Signal is emanating from those foot hill formations to the North somewhere."

" Swinging us around Roz,". I snicker.

"What?" Her tone is serious yet teasing.

" I don't know your birth date, and I never ask a woman her age." "It's a survival skill most men never learn."

Roz makes that sound that is probably a snort or snerk, but it's mostly static.

" You know, I don't know either." she replied. "But I'd guess early 2000's." "I was so deformed that I don't have alot of memories."

"T-4 babe," "If you're uncomfortable with the subject, I can stop."

With a laugh in her voice, she agrees. For now.

33

"Did you see the ground sonar Cowboy?" "Lots of subterranean tunnels at the blast site." Some turn into natural caverns that extend to the foothills.

"No, I didn't Roz, but that may explain this settlement I'm about to hover over."

"I'd call it an encampment and appears to be camouflaged." says Roz. "It's the source of the signal though."

"No signs of habitation...but..."

"Get your "but" out of the way buddy!" She laughs

Something catches my left eye's attention, and it switches to magnify, which I hate when it happens unexpectedly!

"A thread of smoke Roz?" "There was a fire in that pit that was extinguished and recently."

"Yes." she replied. "We should find a place to land close by and check this out in the morning." "Night is falling."

The setting sun triggers my sleepiness again.

"Absolutely babe!" And I yawn. "Sorry Roz!" "The old man is tired!"

"How about this low walled canyon we're going over?" "Plenty of room for an emergency lift and I can use the camo shield."

" Yup." I agree. " Solid Rock floor and nothing but scrub brush." "I'll put us down about in the center and there's a path out that leads to the encampment." "Boooonus!"

I swing Fa3 around and slowly drop us in. Despite my exhaustion, the E is being easy on me. While the prevalent source is in the universe itself, some planets have more of it than others, and this one is loaded with it.

Roz cuts the engines and I put us down the last 100 feet easy.

"Nice and slow babe." Roz giggles.

Fa3 touches down gently, and I unfasten my harness. I need to keep awake!

I never thought of you as young, Roz, I should watch my banter, right?

"Don't you dare sweetheart! She exclaims. "Don't you dare change a thing!" "You're a perfect gentleman! " "Most of the CAC's are envious of our banter!"

I drop the pilot seat down and make my way into the cabin area.

"Ok Roz." "I think we've both been, well, flirty, ever since I started living on board."

"Yes, because you treat me like a human, not a machine."

"Roz, I treat you like a human because you are." "In some ways you're better! "Oh and I am not a flirt!"

Roz made a sound that could not be described.

"Not a flirt?" "Honey, if you talked to other women like you talk to me, they'd be running out your fingers!" "Not flirtatious, hah!" Then she laughed.

"I'd be in HR every week if I said anything." "Jack wouldn't be able to save me!" "I simply don't have that kind of luck with women!"

Roz replies "Well, around you I feel wanted needed and loved, and appreciated."

" I'm going to take a shower Roz." I've stuffed my suit and clothing in the chamber for cleaning."

"Uh, one last thing Cowboy." She giggles in an outrageously flirtatious way.

"MMM, yea Roz?"

" Giggles." " I may be much younger than you age wise, and very mature." "I have to be."

"But it's possible, that based on my age, I may have dad issues!" She starts giggling insanely.

"EWWWWWWWWWW!" "OMG Roz!" "That's so off the star charts! I'm out of here!"

But I'm laughing and so is she. I can still hear her laughing even as I shut the accordion door to the head.

34

I relieve myself and take a shower. I need food and water. After drying off I return to the cubby and put on fresh clothes. I decide to sleep in the bed, not the hammock, because of the back support.

Roz is humming quietly and the "chamber" where clothes are washed, disinfected, and dried, is running.

I start with scrumptious Hamburger, mac and cheese in bag dinner. Just add water!

"Roz, can I ask you a real personal question?"

"You can ask me anything Cowboy, you know that!" "Except maybe in mixed company."

"Ok cuz this question could get me in trouble someday."

"Baby, you will never get a complaint from me!" She exclaims.

" But remember my dear," she continued, "Don't ask if you already know, or really don't want to know the answer!"

"Ok Roz, I need to know, have you seen me ...nekked?"

She starts to laugh. Then silence.

"Yes Cowboy, but it was an accident." "Jack was anxious because you looked like you'd be late for a briefing." "I was sure you were out of the shower and dressed." The cubby cameras were on, and the head door was open." Before I knew it, you stepped out of the shower."

I laughed. "My bad babe, it gets really humid in there sometimes and the fan doesn't work well."

"My bad too honey." She confessed. "I should have shut off the cameras, I couldn't. "I was like... Uh huh!"

She giggled again and apologized. "Remember though, you asked!"

"Not asked for or needed Roz." I chuckled.

Roz laughs. "You're not all chiseled and buff like a lot of guys." You're muscular, but with just the right amount of cuddle stuff!"

"Cuddle stuff?" "Oh dear!"

Roz laughed again. Her laugh is as musical as her singing. "Stop it!" "I'm not sure if I can describe it, but I know it when I see it."

"Well, I might end up being naked if I'm seriously injured." I reply.

Her tone became serious." Yeah, well, let's not try to have that happen." "You need to get some sleep cowboy."

I had the water I've boiled in the Microwave to re-hydrate the hamburger mac and cheese. It wasn't bad. I drank about a quart of water knowing that I'd wake up in about 6 hours to get rid of it. After cleaning my teeth, I slide into bed. The mattress is firm and while two people could sleep in it, it wouldn't be the best.

I check my watch. In Oklahoma it's 8 pm on March 20th. I smile, unlatch the band and place it on the fold down chair next to the bed that doubles as a nightstand.

"Good night, Roz."

"Goodnight, sweet dreams cowboy!" She started to hum.

"I love you Roz." MMwaaw!

" Cowboy, I love you too!' Mmmmwaw! She giggled. Then she started to hum.

"I'll leave the light off but keep the field on."

"Thanks Roz, 'night."

I closed my eyes. If Roz responded, I didn't hear it.

35

My sleep is practically dreamless.

I hear a chime that stirs me, but my bladder reminds me sharply about his needs. I open my eyes and sit up.

Four-Thirty am. I'm a bit early. Hmmmph!

I stand up, stretch, shake and proceed to the head. Everything is sit down, even in gravity!

Roz is singing and humming softly, the perfect background to awaken to.

"Can't sleep Roz?"

"Sleep?" She laughs "I got seven hours after that sensor alarm went off!" "Good morning, Cowboy!"

"What?" "What time was it?" "What happened?" I grab a pair of socks and put them on. Clean jeans from the locker. "OH, Good morning beautiful!"

"If there was a problem, I would've awakened you!" "But you were out!"" And I mean out!"

I start coffee. I'll have to ration it so I brew two cups. The auto brewer starts to gurgle.

"Well, if it was just an animal, besides Bigfoot that is, It's all good."

Roz giggles. "Yes, and good morning to you handsome!"

Just to make conversation, I mention the last time we had a heart to heart.

"MMMMhmmmm, I remember that conversation well!" She said with a smile. "I said a lot of mean things and you, you stayed calm and listened to me."

I smiled. Jack had to coach me on how to respond to complaints at first. I resented that and I have never told Roz that I didn't want a CAC and I was forced to do so.

"Yes, and I took your suggestion and started living in the cubby." "It was challenging, but worth it."

I stir some water into an oatmeal bag and stick it in the microwave. "Roz, don't change. Please?"

"I won't crazy cowboy, and I expect you not to either." Our only rule is not in mixed company, right?"

" Yeah, mostly." A pause. "No worries honey."

"Mmm, thank you so much, I do love you Cowbooooyy!"

"I love you Roz, with all my heart."

"Well, there is one more thing." she replies. "If you find a beautiful female alien and y'know, start doing the thing." "I will understand, and I will stop with the, ahem banter."

My tone gets dead serious as I get my oatmeal out of the mini nuke.

"You know what Roz, that's a crock!" "I raise my voice slightly. "If some Alien babe tries to force me to make a choice between our conversation quality, and bouts of passion, I will drop her off at the next planet and she can hitchhike home." I wag my finger. "You and only you, Roz can help me, and this ship evade thirty robot warships!" "Right now, on a alien world in a possibly hostile galaxy I need the best Cerebral Assisted Control person in the universe! " And beautiful, you're it!" "Do you dig me digbee?"

"Dig me what?" I sense the Rozatude about to fire up.

"Dig me, digbee." "Three words, slang!" I pause. " Means, do you understand?" "It's a rhyme!

36

"You are one crazy old Cowboy...dig me...sheez!"

I take a bite of oatmeal. And another.

"I need to know Roz, what did you see on the scan?"

"Well, they were for sure humanoid. Not human, maybe Sabacean." "Three that I could read, before they popped back behind the corner of the opening in the canyon." She paused. "I shouldn't assume, but they must have come up that path." "I would also say by body language, that they were not surprised."

I finish my oatmeal, pour a cup of coffee, and sit it on the counter while I grab cream and sugar packets. I'll have to ration these too, even though I have like a thousand or two of each one.

The coffee is nasty. I dump another creamer pack in it to try and kill the bitterness.

"Let me get on some shoes and I'll be ready to travel."

I get my shoes on and laced. Belt, wallet, (wallet?) keys(?)and a light vest.

While my mind debates, I walk through the head to the center compartments.

On the starboard side, under the sensor modules, is a heavy-duty locked container with locked sliding doors and a cabinet below it with locked sliding doors. There are no danger signs or other cautionary writing because I want it to look like an equipment cabinet.

Everything is painted a light yellow with patches of zinc chromate green from the original SR-71.

LED lights on the ceiling come on automatically as I unlock the top cabinet.

I slide the left door back as far as I can. This is the small arms and defense module. Most of the Fa planes would be stocked with several pulse rifles, a laser rifle which doubles as a plasma cutter, and several pulse pistols.

I don't want to intimidate skeptical eyes with modern weaponry. I have 20th century ordinance, and while I'm excellent with a pulse weapon, antique weapons may prove less threatening.

I carefully inspect everything again, although I handled and cleaned every weapon last week.

One Korean Daewoo DR-200 and two Ar-15 carbines, one in caliber 6.8 SPC, and one in .50 Beowulf. I was carrying the 6.8 caliber during the assault of the Sauuri position. I don't know how I got it back. It simply ended up on Jack Crichton's desk on Mars one day! It was considered contraband, and I had to get approval to keep it.

I don't know why... Strange, considering the huge amount of ordinance on a TDF vessel.

Twenty-gauge pump shotgun, my handguns, and two black powder Navy colt replicas all check out. There were several knives.

All ammo intact, Extra powder, some brass and slugs. An auto reloader filled the rest of top cabinet. A few going away presents from my alien buddies. Flares, a launcher and smoke bombs, along with some bottle rockets, y'know, just in case. Those items though carefully stored. would likely deteriorate first.

37

I also stuffed packs of toilet paper into every nook and cranny within the case. 'Cuz you just never know...

"Cowboy!" "BABE!" "I got BOGIES!"

I slam the cabinet doors and lock them. Through the narrow passage I skip/jog, trying not to stumble or trip. I look at everything as I pass to make sure it was secure enough for an emergency launch.

"Coming Roz!" I yell. "Are they outside?"

"Screens on in the cubby babe!"

A multi-function video screen is lit on the port wall above next to my bed. I gulp my tepid coffee as I watch the screen.

"Playback from 43 seconds ago" Rox quips. "Short range!"

The shows space out one thousand miles above the planets' surface. Suddenly 6 objects fly across the screen in a slash formation. The screen readout says Hetch two. Distance 450 miles out. I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Their scans were on but I'm not sure they saw us" Roz interjected. "They have not returned!"

"Long range scans?"

"Looks like they headed out of the system" Roz answers. "Hetch two is pretty fast for an accurate scan even by Vierin' standards."

"The Vierin system doesn't show a specific, they were identified as small scout craft." She added.

"Prowlers would be my guess."

I responded. "John Crichton's wife Aeryn was a Peacekeeper Prowler pilot."

Roz giggles. "I read her book!"

I check my outfit and then return to the supply area. I grab a day pack with a first aid kit and on my way through the cubby I get a package of energy bars and my gray boonie cap.

"Don't forget your sunglasses and comm sweetie!"

"Thanks Roz." I flip through the scanner. Weather is partly cloudy, about seventy-eight degrees F, and humidity is low. I use the hull cameras to to check the surrounding canyon.

Scrub brush, low trees, rocks and fauna, small animal life and "Avia". That's Vierin' for birds. Air is nearly like Terra; gravity point eight six or 86 % of Terra.

It'd be another great day to fly.

"Roz, I'm going out!" I open the hatch and drop the ladder.

Like a skilled sailor on a Terran navy ship, I slide down the rails. It's a good 10 feet drop which I'd never attempt as a normal human, much less one my age! But my cyber legs and lighter gravity absorb the shock with ease. I give myself a shake and start walking towards the opening in the canyon wall. A light breeze brings scents of flora and desert dirt. I think about Arizona in the spring.

38

Pathways of tan and gray rock worn smooth by millions of years of water flow, beckon me to the opening about 300 yards away.

"Sweetie, you're not armed...never mind!"

"Thank you for caring Roz, and I'll be careful. I love you!"

She chuckles, then says. "You'd better." In a more serious tone.

I continue down the smooth path. My mind starts to wander, and I think about off roading. I stop for a moment and take a deep breath.

"It's beautiful out here Roz." "This could be the Southwestern United States in March!"

"Well, you left the hatch open, so I do smell it!" I can tell she's happy, but yeah, I broke protocol. "It's intoxicating but there's a bit of pollen and some mold spores in it, so I'm shutting the hatch and venting the living areas. I will say, nothing is setting off the contaminant alarms."

I slowly walk down the path and stop every few feet. Terra hasn't smelled like this since before the Sauurian incursion.

I'm taking in the fragrance once again with my eyes closed. But now the air has a different scent. My augment sensors go off. While my sense of smell isn't that of a dog, it is far more sensitive than normal humans.

I realize I'm now standing in near the front of the opening.

My brain augment signals my left eye into action. Systems in the optics are categorizing, measuring, and targeting four figures walking at a crouch through the thicker scrub trees outside the canyon. 3 were dressed in different colored robes and the fourth had uncovered red hair and appeared to have a tight black one piece leatherish outfit on. Her face and skin have patches of brown dust but she's quite attractive! I smile.

I clear my brain and contact Roz.

"Babe, we got company! They haven't made the opening yet. I count four individuals. One female and probably three males." "They're blocked by the canyon wall and...oh shyte!

"The female has a weapon!" I can plainly make out a Peacekeeper pulse rifle!"

"Get back to the ship!" Roz calls out! "Oh, never mind, just sweet talk her out of it!" She giggles.

The female leader finally stands up, and motions for her party to do the same. My rangefinder says 25 yards. She brings the pulse rifle up to her right shoulder. Both hands are wrapped around the pistol grip. The barrel is pointed at my chest. Twenty-five yards is a pretty fair distance for a pulse rifle.

My eye augment says the weapons charge is under one percent. I didn't know my eye did that!

So, she has maybe a dozen shots or less and the weapon is useless.

The other three hooded humanoids fall in line behind her, and I notice the 1st one has a crossbow with a bolt loaded ready to fire. No one has trigger discipline. I raise my arms and wave my hands ever so slightly. The female has a scowl, but her eyes tell me she doesn't want to shoot.

39

They get about fifteen feet from me, and she turns slightly and hisses again. They stop. Crossbow guy slides to my right and raises his crossbow slightly but I can tell he doesn't want too. He looks like he has tattoo lines on his face that divide it into sections.

The Female slashes the air with the pulse rifle barrel. Then she speaks in perfect Sabacean.

"Keep your hands up, or I'll shoot! Who are you? Where are you from?"

I want to laugh at the cliche,' but I don't want to get shot. Her Sabacean is so perfect it sounds arrogant. Upper crust rich bitch like.

"Please, I'm unarmed." I smile. She relaxes just a bit, but I shuffle my foot and she raised the barrel. Her eyebrows raise and she has the most interesting green eyes I've seen! And she's all dressed in a black leather like material with metal ring fasteners like a biker woman. Well-worn knee boots...but that red hair!

I take a breath.

"I'm not going to harm you. Mam'm" I continue. "Please, put down the blaster and let's talk."

She grits her teeth and snarls, like a pissed off cat. Her trigger finger is tight on the trigger.

"My name is Cowboy. My plane is named Farscape 3." "I'm from Earth, or Terra, and Earth is part of the ...

"You're from Earth?" She hisses. "What brought you here?"

"Earth" "Yes!" "My ship!" I glance over my right shoulder, and I realize you can't really see Fa3 with the camo screen

She's still grimacing. The others look confused. Crossbow guy lowers his weapon and whispers to the female. I can't hear the exact words but I'm sure the idea was "back down".

"We... "I mean my ship, heard your distress call, so we came to investigate." "I have food and medical supplies..."

The female lowered her blaster slightly and took several steps forward. Crossbow handed off his weapon and quickly followed her. The person taking the crossbow kept it lowered.

All I'm thinking about is how beautiful she is. Oh, and I might get shot by her!

"Your Sabacean is sloppy, like a young child!" she sneered. "I think you're a pirate!" "That device you heard has been in perfect working order for twenty-five cycles, and no one has stopped." Her anger faded from her face and her eyes watered. I realized she wasn't all that young. She was likely around my age, probably younger, but oh so beautiful! I just smiled dumbly.

She growled "You even smile like an Earth male." "Charming and disarming". She lowered the pulse rifle then jerked it up again. Now it's pointed at my face.

Earth male? That's unusual!

The former crossbow shooter lowered his hood. He looked at me and smiled. I nodded.

His whiteish hair was almost shoulder length and his face showed the lines of wisdom. He was much older than the female and I realized the deeper lines on his face were cracks. Like...

"He is telling the truth Jool!" " And he is much more than he appears!" Then his face literally opened up.

40

There were five eyes on the inside of his face! One was in the center and a stem if you will, protruding from his forehead. I was surprised, but certain I'd seen this sort of being before.

I bowed. He nodded and began to speak.

"We are Eidelons, from the original Temple here on Arnessk."

"Your aura, it is neither Sabacean or other forms of Sabacean. Nor is it quite human, those whom the Sabaceans were bred from."

I raised my eyebrows as he continued in firm steady voice like a kindly professor.

"But despite the repairs to your body, you are human where it matters, which is your heart, mind and soul." The Ja-hi-nae is very strong in you!"

He pronounces Ja-hi-nae in Ma-arogg!

I lowered my head, He put his palms together and lowered his head. Then he raised his head and tilted it back. He bent his palms back and made a motion like the bottom of a heart.

"Me' nah. Hae jah se'ad, fo!"

(With (my) heart, love and blessings to all(you).

He looked at me and smiled. His Ma-arogg was perfect!

I repeated the hand gesture. As I brought my hands to form the heart, blue energy made a heart that filled the space. A big blue Valentines shaped heart.

"Me'nah. Hae jae se'ad, fo s' en!" was my reply

(With heart, love and blessings to you always)

Then the heart changed. The edges turned black, and the heart cracked and crumbled. Like it does. The symbol of my life. "Jool" gasps!

The folks behind "Jool" pulled their cowls back and and bowed their heads.

The first priests' regular eyes got wide. He smiled.

" I hope, we will talk again soon, Cowboy. "He bowed his head slightly. "My name, is T'knawl." Then he turned around and told the others to go and retrieve the rest.

"Will your vessel carry nine individuals?" He turned back and asked. "I have two who are ill, one serious, and they are bedridden."

"I can squeeze you all in, but it will be tight. I have a small space with a bed and hammock."

He looked at "Jool" but she didn't respond. "Jool" just stared at me. Her fingers were over her mouth, and she made noises like she wanted to scream but couldn't.

I wondered if she was choking.

He moved past her and spoke in her ear. With a sigh, she shouldered the pulse rifle.

When she realized she was alone with me, she turned and started to go back. The lead priest told her to stay and help me prepare my "ship."

She whirled around with her face in a pout, and I turned and headed back to Fa3.

"Wait a moment!" she barked. "I am to follow you to the plane. No tricks!"

I stop and turn around. She catches up. She looks at me closely and... smiles.

"I apologize," She whispered. "And thank you!". She grabs my arm and kisses me on the cheek.

Seriously, I could have melted.

"Tknawl says you are a man of impeccable honor" "And your heart, T'knawl says it is broken?"

"Oh my, I got dirt on your face!" "I'm a mess of dren!" She wets her finger and tries to wipe it off"

"It's ok mam'm." I reply. "T'Knawl is correct."

She smiled in an incredibly disarming manner. I felt myself blush and smiled back.

" I am Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis of Interion", she stated very properly. "I was tasked with excavating the temple at Arnessk, until the Scarrans destroyed it." "You may call me Jool."

41

"Mam'm, er Jool, the pleasure of meeting you is all mine." I started to let her hand go but she held on." I must be honest Ms. Jool, I have not seen a woman as pretty as you in a long, long time." "I apologize but I, I..." And I blush. And so does she. She smiles. Shes still holding my hand. I want to punch myself. Real Hard... In the face!

"My friends call me Cowboy," and I motion at Fa3. She finally releases my hand. I nod my head, and I still want to punch myself.

"So, Cowboy, is that your real name?" She asked.

"No mam'm, my real name disappeared into history about 18 cycles ago."

" But you're an astronaut!" "Like John Crichton." She spoke.

I stop walking and whirl around. Jool grabs her pulse weapon but doesn't raise it.

"John Crichton?" I asked. " Did you know him?"

"Why yes, he's from earth, like you, right?"

"Yes, but I only know some of what he did." I reply, "Flying through a wormhole and disappearing, y' know."

I continued "Part of my mission is trying to locate him."

"I've been stuck here for twenty-six horrific cycles," She answered. "I'm sure someone else knows, I hope you find him!"

"So, are you a scientist as well?" She continued. "I'm a multi graduate in Genetics, Neuroscience, and Xenobiology, and I have extensive knowledge of medicine, music, art, chemistry, universal cosmology, and gymnastics." She sighed. " But very little of that has helped in over the last twenty-six or so cycles!"

I nodded and made a sad frown. She's as intelligent as she is beautiful!

Jool continued. "I'm around 62 cycles old, and the life I'd prepared for was nothing like I thought it would be!"

I shook my head "Neither was mine."

"Did you go to college?" She asked?

Not quite as arrogant as earlier, I notice.

"Some college," but I'm thinking, she won't be impressed by me. "I graduated, but then got my life degree." I grinned at her." I have a JOAT degree with a MON minor."

I call Roz and tell her we're getting passengers and to "come down," we have a guest. She acknowledges but her tone sounds distracted.

"I've heard of Astrophysics and Cosmology" she said. "Those the degrees that John Crichton has." "And he was pretty smart, at times." "What is a joat?"

"Jool," I smile. "JOAT stands for Jack of all trades and MON stands for Master of none."

The hatch opens and the ladder slides down. Then Roz's holo appears.

Jool jumps, and her hand goes over her mouth. She doesn't scream and I get an uneasy feeling it would be best she didn't.

42

I interject. "Roz, this is Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis of Interion" "We can call her Jool, I think." "Jool, this is Roz, my CAC." I'm glad Roz is in "gray" motif.

"Hello "Roz", are you projecting yourself?" "Or..."

"Roz smiles, " The initials CAC mean Cerebral Assisted Control." " I help Cowboy fly this plane, even though he can fly it as well as I can."

"So, you're a person with an implant?"

"No, I'm more like brain in a metal box!" "Human cerebral tissue mated to a computer," " No arms or legs required." "I speak through the comm system."

"Btw Hon," she ignores Jools astonished face and looks over at me "We got bogies." "Four small ships and they're getting lower". "Looks like the others are coming too." Then her holo disappears. "See you inside!"

"T-4 Roz" "Lower the ramp and we'll load up." "Preflight and go!" I turn to Jool. Her eyes are wide, and her jaw is still open. I struggle for something to say.

"Jool you might as well get rid of that pulse blaster, it's a safety hazard and not allowed in the interior."

She looks at the rifle, removes what is likely a power supply and tosses the blaster into the brush, then she puts the power supply in a slot on her outfit.

"This ladder is not well designed!" "It's too short!"

Wordlessly, I kneel down, and lock my hands together for a foot stand. At first Jool tries to place her foot in the lowest ladder rung but her legs won't reach. With a sigh, she places her left foot in my hands.

"Walk your way up the handles and you won't have to use your legs." I suggest.

Silently, she climbs up by hand as I lift her foot. My augments help, but my E is standing by.

I'm impressed with her upper body strength, even though she's not what one would call buff! She straddles the hatch entrance and gracefully turns and heads into the planes' interior.

My brain reminds me she said she was a gymnast.

"Roz?" I hear Jool say. "Does this small craft have a shower?"

I shrug my shoulders and walk quickly to the ramp to assist the Eidolons.

It took another 10 minutes to get the Eidelons settled in. Of the two ill priests, the worst of the two was the bed and the other elected to use the hammock. I also discussed the "Bogie" situation with Jool and T'knawl. It was decided based on the information I got from the memorial on the water planet, we will accept contact with the Peacekeepers but not any Scarran spacecraft.

I assured them both that the craft flying over were the size of a Prowler, but we would take no chances.

"You are in my care, and my life is forfeit if I fail you." Jool, now with a wet mop of red hair, starts to roll her eyes but the priest tells me he knows my oath is bond.

I turn to head back to the cockpit area, and I hear the priest tell her. "Again, you have no idea!"

43

And he is talking to her as I prepare to get in the pilot's chair. I can hear Roz talking to them as well.

I still can't figure out why these Eidelons know about practitioners.

Roz kicks me back into reality!

"Cowboy, we got problems, right here in frontier city!" Roz grumbles. "I hear the scanner go alarm off and I wonder if we've been discovered.

"Have they hailed us Roz?"

"No." "They scanned the canyon, and they are hovering."

"Roz, don't, I repeat DO not, drop then netting!" "My screen is up!" "I'm going outside!"

"If they hail us Roz, patch it through to me."

" I will!" she exclaimed. "And Cowboy, two of them are landing!" "Cowboy?" The last "cowboy" wasn't Roz.

I slide down the ladder and hit the ground. Turning around, I see the first Prowler and, then a second one land. They look just like pictures of Ayren Suns' Prowler but with different markings.

I wait for the dust from their vertical ducts to settle. As it does, both pilots slide their canopies back. The rearmost pilot has the standard flight suit uniform of a commando, but the front pilot is different. My left eye zooms in and sure enough, he's an officer, and the markings on his jacket appear to be that of a Commandant.

My activated brain assures me they wouldn't normally send a Commandant on a combat mission much less allow him to land with only one grunt. It's not policy.

Silently, I thank Aeryn Sun for her "Peacekeepers for Dummies" book. (Not the real name!)

I take about two dozen steps forward down the port side of the hull just under the screen range. He can see me from the ground but I'm not ready to have him determine the size of Fa3

The officer takes a small rangefinder or spotting device out of a case on his belt and starts looking. He stops when he sees me standing there. I raise my hands, palms out but then lower them slightly.

If I had too, I could take out both prowlers and incapacitate both pilots instantly. My screen alone would stop the pulse cannons of the other two, much less the screen Fa3 has.

"Cowboy?" It's Roz. "I see positive signs." "I think the Peacekeeper in red has a hand scanner."

"He's a Commandant Roz." "Thats a good sign." "Stand by."

"I just make to the wing root and see he's trying to use the scanner but it's not working. So, I try the direct tack.

"I call out in Sabacean. The officer looks up and I wave him in. He lowers the scanner and in a very pronounced military gait, marches towards me. His chin is up, and he looks the epitome' of a career officer. He also has very slight limp. I stand with my palms out, hands at shoulder level. Except for ARC and a few others, I have little use for career authority. I grit my teeth.

As he reaches the plane, he stops for a minute, and realizes how big Fa3 is. Hie eyes widen, and his eyebrows arch as he looks up at the Hetch modules and then he turns and views the Vierin generators. He stands up straight, straightens his pullover shirt and walks under the plane. He's about my height and weight, with graying hair. His face has a couple of light scars on his left cheek, and I'd hazard a guess he's around my age. I remember... Peacekeepers nominally live longer than humans.

I thank my brain, and he's within about 10 feet of me, scanning Fa3s' under side.

"I'm at your service sir!" I say in Sabacean. "And I'm unarmed!"

44

"Yes," He replied. "You may lower your hands." His tone wasn't harsh, but direct. He was used to giving orders and having them followed.

He stood up again, checked his shirt and walked over to me. His stance was aloof, and his eyes were sharp and focused.

" I was searching your craft for armaments." He spoke.

"You'll find nothing but some flares and signaling devices." " I also have firearms for hunting and other survival purposes but no pulse weapons." "Would you like to inspect the inside."

"That won't necessary," he replied a bit curtly. "At this time."

I try not to think of something to say that won't be taken as a challenge.

"Commandant," I tighten up my voice. " My name is Cowboy. My space plane is named Farscape 3. "I'm from Earth, now known as Terra, and represent an organization called The Interplanetary Quorum. "This is an unarmed exploration and research vessel." " I will promise you on my life and honor this craft is unarmed!"

He stood up and walked over to me I offered my right hand to him, and I was shocked when he reached out and shook it. His grip was firm but not hard. His chin was still up slightly, and he looked down his nose at me, but I believe it wasn't just a gesture of superiority but just a habit.

I'd forgotten that Peacekeepers don't shake hands, but my mistake didn't seem to bother him.

"My manners." he says "I am Commandant Meeklo Braca of the Eidelon Alliance!" " It's been a long time since someone from Earth has come to our part of the galaxy." He released my hand and I sighed inwardly.

"We saw you ship on the video at Qujaga" He stated.

He looked up at the lower engines.

"These look like a type of Hetch drive." He turned back to me. "Did you come through a wormhole?"

"No, we do not use wormholes and Hetch drives would've take too long, Commandant. We use a different science."

His eyes widened and he was about to ask me another question when my comm crackled.

" I know him!" It was Jool. I thought, oh no, I'm frelled!

" Commandant? Commandant Braca!" More statement than question. This is Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis," I was the chief archeologist at the temple site here on Arnessk! You should remember me." " Can you hear me?"

Commandant Braca straightened up. His eyes got huge.

"Jool, yes, I remember you!" He cleared his throat. "We thought there were no survivors!"

"Well, there were!" Her voice was crisp and direct. "I and twenty of the priests escaped to the caverns behind the temple as the main temple caved in. We made our way out of the blast zone to these foothills. "We set up a distress call but apparently it wasn't powerful enough!" "I have eight remaining priests with myself, and they are in this spacecraft. We need to get to a medical facility quickly! Two of the priests are ill, and... we believe one is dying!"

"I understand!" he exclaimed.

He looks at me, "We will escort you to Tavian 3 in the L'ax system." The Eidelons reside there under alliance protection. I will radio ahead as soon as I reach my Prowler. Medical teams will be standing by!"

Braca extended his right hand and shook mine firmly. "As soon as you get into the air, we will escort you to Tavian 3.

"Tavian 3?" "That's over 2 arns!" It was Jool. "Isn't there something closer?"

"I'm sorry there isn't." he replied. He lowered his head slightly.

45

"Roz!" I shout. "Clear the comm!"

"Commandant Braca." I set my jaw firmly. "Allow me to get free of gravity and on the correct heading." "I will contact you and establish a plan."

"Excellent!" And he whirled about like the good soldier he was and strode back to his ship.

I hear him talking loudly into his comm.

"Under no circumstances, will anyone fire on that ship!" "Power down your weapons, that is a direct order!"

I ran back to the ladder and leapt halfway up it.

"Roz!" "Launch protocol orange!"

I leap backwards off the ladder into the pilot seat. I pull the handle to position the seat in flying position and hold it down to increase the speed.

I don't have a flight suit but E will protect me. I start working and feel the E flowing through me, but not in my eyes. I grab my old boonie hat off the cockpit hook and pull it on my head, The side flaps are up, and I clamp my headphones down on the hat.

"Boonie cap time?" quips Roz. "Cowboy up!"

"All systems One zebra zebra. Cowboy." " And I'm sorry".

"huuh?" Is my reply.

Jool scurries up the hull ladder and jumps in the navigator chair. She's got a fight suit on and a helmet.

"RAAAHHzzzz?"

"I can help!" Jool replies breathlessly. "Roz says you need a navigation point!"

Like a vet, she pulls the keyboard out from the back of my chair. She starts typing furiously.

"This is so ancient." She growls.

I don't have time for this. Roz better be babysitting her. Roz reminds Jool to latch her harness.

I scrunch up my nose. And I hear Jool gasp again.

The entire ship is a shade of translucent blue. That's not unusual, except maybe for ignorant aliens. I glance back as Fa3 lifts away out of the canyon. My hand is bit heavy on the E and there's a small jolt, and I bring my plane up at a more rapid than normal speed. Jool is wide eyed and speechless, but gods, is she beautiful.

I smile "Fifth floor, women's clothing, sporting goods, seasonal wear."

"Cowboy up Roz?"

"Cowboy up!" "Let it roll!".

"Hetch module ignition." I say firmly "Top mods poof!" I flip the switches and hear the "poof" of the upper hetch drive modules ignite.

"Bottoms go Boof!" I flip the switches and hear the boof.

We've cleared the canyon. I glance to port, then starboard, then the scanning screen. The Prowler group is just outside the atmosphere.

I dial up Hetch point 3 and tighten up my shield to protect the strain. "We're just about 220 lbs. overweight." I say.

"Baby you built it, she'll take it." Let's give these peacekeepers a show!"

I click the stick in and engage Hetch.

Fa3 takes off like a shot. For being heavy, but she's moving right along. Roz sets the trim and Fa3 is smooth as silk.

"Um Cowboy, you need to go that way." Jool points a glove to starboard."

"I got a back seat driver here, Roz." What's the deal?"

46

"'I'm getting you and Roz a navigation point as soon as I figure out your ancient data exchange system." Jool snarled.

"I click out of low speed, and the flip over to directional boost from atmospheric

"Going up, I hope everyone's belted in!" I Notch Fa3 into H3 and pull up the nose to 30 degrees.

Jool gets slammed backwards and she groans. The suit helps cushion the G shock but if she'd had her helmet on, it would been an easiier blow.

A second or so later we clear the atmosphere into space. I bank right as the prowlers pass me about a mile over my head. They form into a vertical box and I fly into and half through to the center. The prowlers are running at just under H10.

I can tell by markings and writing that Commandant Braca is flying below and starboard, a Lieutenant Braca is flying upper wing. The other two are unmarked so they are "officers" but have no rank. Again, I silently thank Ayren Sun Crighton for her manual "Peacekeepers for Dummies."

It's Roz. "Those prowler modules are running hot." "Really hot." "They're maxed for sure."

I hear Jool mumble, and then sigh. Then "My mom and dad said I could do anything!" " And I believe them!" "So there!" More typing.

Then I hear a familiar "ping" A white light appears on the nav board, and the destination digital counter lights up. Numbers flicker for a second, and then "ping" and a green led light.

I gasp. A red light appears in the gunsight. It's right in the crosshairs near a star.

"Raaaahhz?"

"Jool did that." " but it's a Vierin' Nav point!" "Hot damm!"

" I thinks I loves ya Jool." I say with a smile. "Please put you helmet on."

"Roz, get Commandant Braca on the comm."

"Standby." I hear Jool's helmet snap in place.

"Farscape three this is Commandant Braca, proceed."

"Commandant, this Cowboy," I reply. "My navigation unit has nav point for Tavian 3, so I can affect a time space transfer to the planet, which get me there about 55 microts." I ask you to trust me and let me do what I can to save this person."

"55 Microts!"Braca exclaims. I acknowledge.

"Roz, start generating an entry point!"

"Working on it!"

"Cowboy, Braca here!" His tone was direct. "I have approval for you!" "Contact Control tower when you come out... is this a starburst?"

"Kind of, but we're not flying blindly like Leviathans." I reply, " Apparently someone has mapped your system."

"Someone?" He asked

"Yes, I will tell you who another time." On my oath."

" And I owe you a ride in my plane, Commandant!" "Thank you!"

"I... I look forward to that sir, thank you!" I can tell I disarmed him.

"Farscape 3 out!"

47

"Going up to twenty, Roz! " Give me thirty seconds and we're out!" " I roll the speed to 15 and smack the shifter. Fa3 lunges forward and the Prowlers disappear. But I've rolled the speed to 20 and ratchet the shifter again. Another small lunge."

A row of numbers come up on the Entry nav point display. Another starts rolling off 30 seconds.

A white light centers in the gunsight.

"Roz, I have manual!"

"Cowboy up sweetie!"

" Twenty-four seconds Roz, with me at fifteen."

"Passengers, prepare for T/S transfer."

I hear Jool swear, well I think do!

"Jool, please!" this time it's Roz

"19 Roz, time is tight!"

"T-4!"

"16" I whisper. I watch the site and the countdown clock

"15, 14, One zebra zebra, 12

11 10 9 8

7 "Generators online!" I flip the generators on.

"Field strength one zebra zebra Cowboy!"

5 4,3...

Punch out! Roz yells with me

I pull the third shifter back. And space disappears.

And it's back but blurry. Like it should be.

"54 seconds, time is tight!" "Woohoo!" I shout!

"Like a starburst?" Jool whispers No, this... is amazing!"

I ask, "You ok Jool?"

"Yes." She whispers.

"45 seconds, time is still tight!"

"Prepare for punch in."

I dial back the Hetch modules to point 5, plenty to beat the bubble.

"Why are you so worried about time?" Jool asked.

"Roz, put the rear camera on Jools' screen."

"T-4" 38 seconds, time is tight."

"Time is tight, Roz.

30 seconds. Time is 4.88. Perfect!"

The seconds tick by.

"Everyone below is one zebra zebra, Vitals steady"

"Passengers stay restrained!" I reply. "Count me at 10 Roz!"

"19"

"On Target"

"You're the best Cowboy." Roz replies "15"

We count the last ten seconds and I Punch in at 4 because it takes a moment to shift out of TS.

There's the black, then the stars reappear.

48

"Sliding starboard, watch your screen Jool!"

I turn starboard and drop the nose. about 10 degrees

"Aww Cowboy, it's just a little one, I threw it back!" Roz.

"Only about 8000 metros, yeah toss it back."

Jool squeals "What the frell was that!" I chuckle.

I turn Fa3 back towards the planet.

"Peacekeeper control on Tavian3, this is, Earth Exploration ship Farscape 3." I say in the smoothest Sabacean I can muster. " Comandant Braca has requested landing permission for me as I have a medical issue on my plane."

A female voice colder than dry ice responded "Farscape 3, this is Peacekeeper control standby."

"Frelling Peacekeepers!" Jool hissed

"Shh!" It was Roz.

"Farscape 3 this is Peacekeeper control." The icy voice continued. "Our assist tug is coming up on your hamman side. He will tow you to your assigned pad. Prepare to receive tractor beam."

"Thank you control." Sheez! Hamman indeed!

Over to starboard, I see a small space craft on an intercept path. Lit up with yellow and red lights, it looks like supersized air force crash truck.

"Farscape 3 this is Ta-455 tug. Please follow me through the atmosphere." Guy has the same stiff monotone as the tower Tom.

"Acknowledged Ta-455."

"Please pull within 1/2 metro of me so I can hook up my assist."

Tom the tower turd had more personality...and I smile.

"Please idle your engines." I feel a light tug as the tractor beam locks on. "Heading into atmosphere" A pause, "Should the beam break, resume power and I will guide you in.

"Belts fastened!" I call out. And tank the tow turd Heads in.

Whoa! He is really moving, I think.

There's the heat up from the atmosphere on my E shield but I barely feel it.

"Hon, shut your shield off, we're good.

"T-4 Roz."

Now Tank the tug is really moving...too slow!

" I will be executing a 10-degree port turn for first approach." In perfect monotone.

Sure, enough we start a smooth turn and continue our descent.

I'm thinking this is like Phoenix, all these streets but they're not streets.

It's the biggest freaking space port I've seen, not that I've seen many...well the base on the M'arogg home world might be as large.

We start to descend at a 25-degree angle, and I feel Fa3 get "heavy" again! We're still about 5 miles up but our descent is steady.

"When we reach 3000 metros, I will again execute a 10 degree turn to port." Tom the mono tow drones. "Please acknowledge." So I do.

49

I watch my altimeter. We pass over the spaceport and over a glass and metal monolithic metropolis with tall skyscrapers. Everything looks black, totaly goth looking. Vehicles fly between buildings at high speeds.

"Is my back door pilot alive?" Roz?"

"Yes, but the bedridden priest isn't doing well." "I think he's got a cancer."

"That sucks!" Thanks Roz!"

We pass over the airport on its western edge according to my compass, and head over another metropolis equally as large and gothic looking.

"Is this your first time to Tavian 3?" drones Tom the mono tug.

"Yes sir."

"Well, you're doing a great job of letting me do mine."

"Aknowledged."

"Most people break off and land on their own." he continued. "That causes problems with routing and can lead to accidents."

"I understand." Ohhhhh boy I think to myself.

"I will execute another turn of 15 degrees. We are on final approach." He droned on. You have vertical landing, correct?

"Yes Ta455."

"Can you see the white and red square about 2500 metros?"

"Yes sir."

" I will release you in 15 microts."

"If you release me, I'll stall!"

"Yes" he replies, "thank you!"

"Please respond tug, I will stall at this speed!"

"Cowboy?" It was Roz.

"I'm outta here, he's gonna kill us!" "Breaking left and 10 degrees!" I start to move the stick and pedals. As I reach for the throttle the comm crackles.

"Farscape 3 this is control; we are releasing you from the tug manually. The airspace has been cleared." Circle and and land at your designated area, as you require."

"Acknowledged control."

Instantly the beam shuts off.

"Fa3 drops and starts to stall, but I notch the throttle and she lurches forward. Now it's like a controlled crash! I go under "Tom" the clueless tug turd.

" 1 mile out Roz says."

"Trim her out and continue descent." Dropping flaps."

Fa3 stops fighting and starts acting like the super plane she is. We slide up to the pad with a slight nose up attitude. I smile as I let E flow through. Roz is humming in her awesome voice.

"

I'm rotating us around Roz, There's plants on the North end of the pad with birds' nests in them." We won't destroy those trees or their residents."

"Absolutely not babe." "That's why I love you!"

I shut off the hetch modules and slowly rotate Fa3 and center her in the pad.

50

"Fascape3, this is control!" "Your engines shut down, is there an emergency?" The cold female voice has a hint of alarm in it.

"Not in the least, control. Thanks for checking."" Touch down in 30 microts."

And right at 30 microts, the landing skids gently contact Peacekeeper concrete.

"Wow Cowboy!" Roz, "That... was incredible!"

"Thanks babe, it was good for me too!"

We laugh.

Jool rips off her helmet and unlatches her harness. wordlessly she grabs the ladder rungs and half jumps to the floor. I hear T'knawl and someone else call her. I hear somebody puke. Oooh boy!

"Sweetie there's a lot of people out there." "Oh, and I'm dropping the ramp!"

I look through the side window, there is a lot of uniforms but most of them are not armed. There are about one hundred people in the same robes like the priests in my care.

"Yup!" "I hope the natives are friendly"

Roz says, "I don't detect hostility." "It appears some officer is ordering the armed security away."

I hear movement in the planes belly. The priests are disembarking. Noise and confusion. And then I hear Jool. I sigh. I remove my helmet and unbuckle my harness.

"The princess of power was pretty short, considering." I mumble.

"Coowboy!" "Watch yourself!" "I believe she likes you!"

"Well, I shouldn't have plopped her back when I notched twenty, I guess." I scratch my head.

"You're ok."" I explained to her what she did wrong, and she agreed."

"Hmm, I've never been able to figure women out, and I never will."

Roz laughs "Just buy us roses and chocolates and massage our feet. Then she howled!

"Yeah". I grumble "She sure cleared out quick."

"We talked a bit, about me, about T/S travel, but mostly about you."

"About me?" I exclaimed. "Raaaahhhz!"

"I'm going to tell you what she said before she took off her helmet." I grimace. "These were her exact words. "I've just witnessed the most amazing demonstration of skill and care I've seen in a man." "He truly respects life!" Roz will I, can I, see him again?"

I roll my eyes, But I keep my mouth shut.

"Is the latch clear Roz?"

"Yes, but she's in the cubby wanting to talk to you, and she needs to go."" Move!"

And Roz, crazy Roz, auto drops my seat. Clunk!

I leap from it and land like a cat, but the 73-year-old in me groans like an old man! It's a false fear. I turn around and theres Jool. A goddess in red hair!

I stand up and walk toward her. Both of us aren't really smiling. But she embraces me and kisses me on my right cheek.

"Thank you for rescuing us from Arnessk!" "Nirean can pass in peace with his brothers and sisters."

She smiles, I melt.

"Jool, can I be bold and tell you something?" "I notice that her hands are still on my shoulders.

"You can Cowboy."

" I hope Jool, that someday, somehow, I will earn a kiss on the lips from you." Her eyebrows raise slightly. It's not just because you're stunningly beautiful, and intelligent, but also because it's been a long time since a woman has kissed me.

She smiles. "It's been 26 cycles for me!"

"Only 20 for me, but..."

51

"Shhhh!" she whispers. Then she places her left hand on my neck. Slowly and gently, our lips meet. Her lips are a delicate as a flower. And only hint at their delicious nature.

Our lips part, then she lets me kiss her again. I let her lead, and the energy flows

She releases, then kisses me lightly on the upper lips. Her eyes are closed so I try to keep mine shut. Our tongues introduce themselves, then withdraw.

She exhales slowly, opens her eyes then, for reasons unknown, she looks at her hands. Her eyebrows arch and she inhales deeply. Then another. She moves her hand into my hair, opens her mouth, and passionately kisses me. Not roughly, but passionately!

I respond in kind. Her essence fills me as my energy surrounds us. Her lips taste like fine wine, her mouth like the finest honey!

Time stands still.

Then slowly, she releases. We are both breathing thorough our mouths. She looks at her hands again(?) Her eyes pop like saucers, her eyebrows arch higher than a bridge, and her mouth forms an o shape. She starts gasping. She pulls away, looking at her hands. Back and forth, left to right. She backs away and nearly trips over the bed! Now she's practically hyperventilating, looking at her hands, then me. Back and forth as she keeps moving away.

My hands are outstretched. My legs are wobbly, and I can't move.

"Jool?" "Jool?" I'm sound like I'm pleading. "Is something wrong?" "Have I hurt you?" "Jool?"

"I'm sorry!"

Jool looks at me, then her hands. " It's not you Cowboy!" "You're, You're wonderful!" "Frell!" I can't stay" "I want to!" "It's Nirean!" "Frelling hezmana !" She's at the hatch for the ramp, and I don't know how, but I have been able to move down the narrow passage. She starts down the ramp still breathing hard and looking at her hands.

"JJOOL!" I stammer "Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis?" She looks up at me wide eyed.

"Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis, will I ever see you again?" (Gods, I'm such frelling goo ball!)

Shes halfway through the hatch. But she stops, and smiles. A beautiful sincere smile. Her eyes are soft and almost seductive. She's still breathing hard, but through her nose.

"You will see me again, Cowboy!" "I promise you!"" And Cowboy, I hope you're ready!"

"One solar week", "Cowboy!" "One week!"

And she was gone.

52

"Cowboy?" It's Roz. Always here.

I look at my hands. They are warm, like I'd used E. But I'd landed the plane, so yeah.

"Let's run a post flight check Roz." I sigh.

I'm still warm and fuzzy in places I haven't been in many years.

"You ok babe?"

"Yeah" "Me and my big mouth."

"Big mouth?" "Come on babe!" " She's crushing on you big!" Her Pheromones almost suffocated me!"

"Yeah, ok"

"Look, babe, I can tell you what she told me, because i told her we have no secrets and she understood. She insisted I do, and hopes you'll like it." "And it's good buddy!" "Real good!"

"Ok," I reply " But right now Roz, I just need to do a post flight check."

"Well, there's a lot of people around the pad, far enough away but close enough to notice." I looked up.

"So, I'd suggest a fresh shirt, and a hair trim." Then start with the port side lower rudder. Something hit the leading edge." Your screen was up but it may have happened when we punched in."

I sit down on the bed. Put my hands on the mattress. Stretch back. My left hand is in something wet. Someone defecated in the bed. Frell!

I get up and rush to the head. I grab a towel and the smell...

"Roz...The toilet! It's full of...*************!"

53

53

Chapter 4

A time to sow.

I have toilet full of thick nasty fibrous puke. And airsick bags! I won't be upset. The Priests can't read English, or Spanish. Yeahhhh.

After Roz laughs, she suggests I use E to clean it. But I may have visitors. Dignitaries. I wash up, throw the bedding in the sanitizer, shave, put on a fresh set of clothes, and try not to think of Jool.

I realized I have committed the worst breach of my personal protocol. I've let my guard down, I could have a liability, and a leverage point. SHYTE!

"Quite a crowd out there Roz?"

"It's dropped down considerably since the Eidelons left, but I should tell you, we have a shadow." Roz snarled.

"Which means our comms may be compromised."

"I've shielded them, and they should be secure based on the information on their technology we received." She replied. "But that information is over 2 decades old!"

I think aloud "The Peacemakers, as paranoid as they at least were, should be updating constantly. But even with John and Aeryn Crichton's information, I considered them somewhat stagnant. Their most consistent enemy were the Scarran Imperium, and now, they're all a big happy family?"

"Is our "shadow" still slithering about?" I ask.

"I'm scanning, He has a unique body posture." "Skull size is not Sabacean or Scarran!"

"Good!". "And Thanks Roz!"

"T-4 babe." "Why do you think the Peacekeepers are stagnant?"

"Well, from John and Ayren's information, technology hasn't changed much over the last few hundred years. Inclemently, maybe." "Talyn the leviathan gunship was a failure."

"I mean they wanted wormholes...ancient technology that was as dangerous as a lit keg of gunpowder.

"The Scarrans, who'd only been around 12,000 cycles used the same stuff."

"No one had T/S, just hetch drives which were crude compared to Vierin'" They'd built every beam weapon they could and have not advanced." They'd become like Terra before 2006." You know, lots of consumer gadgets..."

"Hold that thought love, I believe this is him." Roz interrupts. "On screen!"

The LED screen in the cubby lights up. Sure enough, there's someone against the closest building, about 180 yards from the pad. The trees surrounding the pad obscure a good view.

Roz zooms in but that shows about as much.

"I'll try the nose camera and use thermal."

The view changes. It's still a shadow, but the shape interests my augments. Then the thermal imaging kicks in. It's plain as day this character is wearing a thermal. Roz zooms in, as soon as she does, he turns and looks right at the camera. I never flinch. I know this skittering arachnoid! Scorpius! As if on cue, he sneers, then he whirls quickly as four armed guards in peacekeeper uniforms surrounded him. Commandant Braca appears. He and Scorpius argue.

"Turn off the camera and let's hope it didn't record anything Roz."

"Recording was off." "I don't believe we have a device." "You refused to have one installed."

"Yes, so we couldn't be accused of spying." " I remember that argument well!"

"By the way, dear, I checked the situation again. The guards were taking Scorpius away! I don't believe he was in cuffs." Our Commandant went left and went through the double doors in the building across from the pad.

54

Ah, the building. Another huge sprawling monolith, but this one has more polish and a rainbow-like finish, with tall spines and spires. If it isn't a temple, It's a gothic dance club! It appears to be 10 stories tall. At our end is flat roofed single-story structure, much like the back of a luxury motel. I'd expected to see lots of freight carriers and employees going in and out the eight-foot-high glass double doors. Uniforms of all types and support staff were noticeably missing. There were armed guards in hoods beyond the doors, so the Temple" does have armed security. I hazard a guess that even after twenty-six cycles, there is still both animosities and skullduggery afoot.

Especially since Scorpius is still alive.

I sanitize the mattress and take the bedding from the sanitizer. It's clean but stained. Darn the luck! So, I shower and clean myself up in case there are evening activities.

I try to rest and clear my head. Was I really prepared for this? All the lessons, the lectures, the testing? And through it all, Jool pops in and out. That kiss! It was supernatural!

I must have dozed off because about 2 arns later, I get the alarm chime.

"Cowboy, we got company!" "Lots of company!"

The LED in the cubby lights up. Outside on the mezzanine on the there's a large crowd gathering. Many people have colored sashes, there are a couple dozen in robes like priests.

Peacekeeper officers are present with pulse rifles as are the robed security people. Also, Scarrans. All have the same uniforms. The helmeted jackbooted grunts described by the Crichton's aren't present. I'm impressed but skeptical.

I glance at my watch. It's 4 pm. Time has flown.

The crowd parts as several techs of mixed galactic races roll a portable podium out. They test a hidden sound system and I'm amused at the obligatory feedback. I vaguely remember my "rock and roll days".

I straighten my clothing and Roz does an inspection. Finally, everything is pulled, primped and straightened to her satisfaction!

"I'm putting through a transmission." Says Roz.

"Farscape 3" The comm crackles, " This command control." "I have Commandant Braca on the line." "He wishes to speak with you" It's a different female voice. Softer but just as direct.

"Farscape 3 here, patch Him through."

"Cowboy this Braca, I hope everything is ok." "You haven't left your ship."

"Well, I have a couple issues with my (ahem) toilet. "The priests, you know?" They got sick in and..."

"Say no more sir." He replied. "I understand." "Do you need assistance?"

"Commandant, the physical mess is gone but there's a a distinct odor that I haven't eliminated yet." "I would prefer not to have visitors tour the ship until this, smell, has been eliminated.

"Yes sir." His voice sounds amused. "We're not immune to that either."

"And Cowboy, please call me Braca!" "I'm at your service!"

" I understand, but out of respect for rank, when in public, I will address you by rank." I'm required to."

"I understand." Thank you!" He cleared his throat. " We wish to have a short welcome ceremony for you." "Would you willing to do that within the arn?"

55

"Certainly!" "I'm at your service Braca!"

A meet and greet! Wowzers!

"Excellent!" "We will finish setting up." I will contact you one half arn before the ceremony begins." "Will that be enough notice?"

"It will." "I've noticed your activity and already begun preparations." "I should be ready in a quarter arn."

"Yes sir, thank you!"

"Thank you, Braca!"

"One more thing Cowboy." "I'd like to personally welcome you to the Eidelon Alliance!"

" Braca, I hope to one day welcome the Eidelon Alliance to the Intergalactic Planetary Quorum!"

" I would like nothing better sir!" "Braca out."

"Cowboy out"

" You sly fox you." Roz snickers. "You jump into a suspected hostile galaxy, rescue a princess and her court, and appear to have befriended a powerful officer of a suspected enemy."

I add "And don't forget, we've likely met an equally dangerous foe."

Then I chuckle. "Yeah, all in a day's work."

Roz hums in that sweet voice of hers.

"John Crichton's book is considered a reference, but also has its critics." I state.

Roz laughs. "What do critics know? The same thing that people know who've never seen what you do!"

"Either way, I need to meditate."

"I'll let you know when he contacts us".

"T-4 Roz". I reply softly. "I love you!"

"And I will always love my cowboy"

I sit on the edge of the bed. Microbes have all but digested the soiled spot on the mattress. Then, I place my palms together and touch my chin. I shut out the outside world and focus on the E. The noises of Tavian disappear, and the gentle silence of the universe quietly flows through me.

"Cowboy?" A gentle voice, like a feather. One I have not heard in a while. It's my mentor, C'uanee.

"Mentor?" I hear myself breathe, slowly, the waves of energy wash over and through gentle waves on a calm ocean. "How are you C'uanee? It's good to hear your voice."

"It's good to hear yours." I see you have advanced." " We are pleased and my heart is happy!" She softly asks. " Are you pleased?"

"I have?" "I'm a bit nervous about things so I'm clearing my head."

"Yes." "Your thoughts have ridden the waves to my ears." " Not many do that." "You have traveled through time and space." "You continue to grow, and you remain humble, even to the point of underestimating yourself.

"Master, I have met someone...someone who seems to good to be true!"

"The elders believe in love at first sight". "What did I teach you from the first day you came through our gate?" She asked

I answer, "You can conquer worlds with violence, but true love conquers the universe."

She continued "Yes, so why are you nervous?"

"Not all people believe in it." " I...have always been skeptical." The waves still washed through me. Soothing comforting, gentle energy

"Because someone rejected you?" she asked

"Yes."

"mmmmm, but you still felt for them, right?"

"Despite your doubts, you advanced. she continued. "The waves flow unbroken to you." "You attract them now."

"Your fear will hold you back, but I remember you telling me It's ok to be scared at first." I could feel her smile warming my body.

"I will leave you now so you can continue." "You will never be truly alone cowboy." "Too many people care about you." "When I think of you, I feel their concern."

"Grasp your destiny and come back someday." Remember you can defend the ones you love any way you must."

56

"I can't kill."

"You can't murder, cowboy." When you learn the difference, you will advance again."

And she slipped out of my consciousness stream.

Up and down, round and round. The energy flows. It cleanses me, removes my fears, my anger, myself doubt. Time passes slowly. Slow is smooth. Smooth is control. A time to reap, a time to sow.

"Cowboy?" Sweetie?" "Braca is hailing us."

"Put him through Roz!"

"This is Braca, Cowboy, are you about ready?"

"Just about. Give me 300 microts."

Braca replies "If you descend from the ramp, you'll be close to our podium.

"I shall do so." "Will there be a representative from the Scarran race there?"

"No, but I should inform you that Emperor Staleek will be arriving late tonight. We will be meeting at 0900 arns and would like you to be there at 1000 arns."

"I will be there!"

"Excellent!" And I should inform you the Scarrans have something you might be very interested in." "They say they've acquired a vessel from a race called Sauuri." "The surviving crew member knows of Earth."

"Yes, I know of the Sauurians." "Question Braca, is he a crewman or a diplomat?"

"I don't know." "They didn't say"

"For your information, Commandant Braca, a crewmember will have a venom sac that can spit a deadly venom." The venom dissolves many metals, and plastics, Oh, and it's also flammable." Then I add "Diplomats have no venom"

There's a silence. I'm smiling. 170 microts.

"When you hear the music start, that will be your cue. Braca out!"

"Quite the soiree they've planned." "Roz comments"

I check the screen, 15 microts later a motorcade pulls up on the mezzanine between the pad and the temple building.

Four Six Wheeled armored vehicles with flags and armed with heavy pulse blasters are first. Each disgorges a rifle squad of jack-booted soldiers with armor and pulse rifles.

An armored limo is next and behind it are four more armored trucks, disgorging their cargo of officers.

I don't detect hostile intent but there's a lot of tension.

The officers move through the crowd and clear the area in front of the podium except for anyone with a sash, and what's likely news media. Almost everyone is in black, but officers have red lined jackets or shirts like Braca.

"Wow look at that Roz!"

Braca himself opens the rear door of the limo. Out steps a woman. By her hair and stature, she appears to be about Braca's age. She has short salt and pepper colored hair and well, she's a bit busty. She's wearing a form fitted light blue pant suit on with a top cut way low and low heel shoes. She takes Bracas' hand as she gets out of the limo, and he helps her out with great care.

"They're a couple." Roz comments. "I'd bet on it!" "But what an outfit!"

"I have a suspicion Roz." "My brain is searching."

Bingo!

"Mele-On Grayza!"

57

Roz agrees

12 microts...

I straighten up and primp my outfit. Light gray BDU slacks, Medium gray collared pullover shirt and communicator. Black belt and shoes.

The music starts, typical blaring martial music. People start singing. Maybe it's the national anthem.

I start down the ramp. Right on schedule. I have a copy of the basic treaty offer crooked in my arm.

"Got your back Cowboy!"

"I love you Roz!"

"I love you too...Cowboy?"

I walk down the ramp, onto the tarmac and over to the podium. I slow my stride, so I don't beat Braca and Ms. Graza to the podium. He's holding her arm. She's holding a vase of flowers, which look like lilies.

They make the podium 2 steps before I do. Braca is nervous, and while Ms. Grayza appears poised and calm, I sense she is nervous.

"Braca has candy." Roz says softly. A code phrase meaning he is armed.

The crowd is clapping loudly but there is no cheering, and no waving. I scan the crowd and except for several diplomats.

Two younger adults walk up the stairs. The young woman is dressed in Lieutenants attire and the boy, who's likely 12, is in a black outfit. Ms. Grayza is smiling, Braca steps around her and offers his hand. We shake firmly, which Ms. Graza notices. On cue, she turns to me.

Braca's hand is firm but he's at attention. "Cowboy, I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Chairperson Mele-On Grayza Braca." He smiles slightly. "And these are our children.""

Lieutenant Ther-es-On, and Meeklo Junior. Braca finally releases my hand.

Ms. Braca doesn't offer to shake my hand, which I expected. Lieutenant Braca nods. Meeklo jr attempts a shake, which is soft, and he grasps my fingers. I remember being twelve and I smile. His face is stone, he'd clearly like to be elsewhere. I don't blame him. I note Lieutenant Braca is carrying the vase full of lightly scented flowers.

I turn and face the crowd and smile. Chairperson Graza steps up to the podium and adjusts the microphone. she's about five feet six in shoes. She waves.

The clapping stops. She waits a moment and begins to speak.

"Members of the Eidelon alliance!" "Today, you are witnessing an extraordinary event!" "We have received a messenger from a planet that both Peacekeepers and Scarrans wanted to destroy. Their emissary is a gentleman named Cowboy. Her eyebrows raise. She looks at me.

Through an extraordinary display of unbridled power, we realized that we were only destroying ourselves. Under the guidance of the Eidelons, our moderators and mentors, we have achieved peace. Although aggressive races still exist, we believe through communication and compromise, there can be some form of lasting peace."

"And I want to tell Earth that things have changed, that we have no quarrel with Earth and its people. we look forward to mutually working together."

I think... what? The people who 26 years ago were going to destroy us.

She pauses. Polite but full applause. I scan the crowd, The more vigorous applause is from the delegates in their sashes, and the priests, who stand 'en mass at the center of the crowd.

"Cowboy... has already made quite an impression on our Eidelons. Upon entering our system near the water planet and observing our memorial at the wormhole site, his navigator picked up an automatic distress call which they determined came from the Arnessk system. Sadly, the broadcast was on a frequency we'd abandoned and at too low of volume pick up." She paused.

"I'm told that this is a common frequency on earth."

Hmmm I never said that...

58

"... the rescue of 8 of our original priests and the archeologist Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis, after twenty-six cycles."

Stronger applause.

"It is a tragedy that one of the recued Priests, named Nirean succumbed to his illness, but we will move on in his memory. And he expressed his gratitude that he could pass on with his people and that we had made peace."

Well crap. RIP Nirean.

"In gratitude for his flying abilities and courage, and to welcome him to Tavian 3, we present you with a bouquet of our native flora, and a sash identifying you as a diplomat with its privileges. Welcome to Tavian 3... Cowboy!"

Loud applause, some laughter. Ms. Braca nods and Lieutenant Braca walks over hands me the flowers. She observes I'm holding the book, so she has me touch the vase and I sniff it and nod. A very subtle fragrance.

She whispers, "Your ship is amazing Cowboy!" And she helps me with my sash.

I turn back and Ms. Braca is smiling as she claps. Commandant Braca is clapping too but I can't help noticing he's still glancing over his shoulder to observe the crowd.

Ms. Braca taps me on the arm I make eye contact and note she has solid pale blue pupils,

She motions for me to speak.

"I trust you'll be short but chatty." she says and smiles.

I walk up to the podium and the applause slowly stops

Somewhere in my mind I hear my mentor Cuanee say. "Seize your destiny, Cowboy."

I take a deep breath. The E flows through me. I decide to speak Sabacean.

"Members of the Eidelon Alliance, delegates, and friends I've not met yet."

"First I apologize if my Sabacean is poor." "I challenge myself to be a better at it daily."

"Your Sabacean is very good." Ms. Braca interjects with a smile. She touches my arm. I take a deep breath. Someone coughs.

"A wise man on our planet once said that people spend more time building weapons of destruction and refining the ways to use them, then attempting to find peace."

From the experiences of an old man like me, it's true. Maybe that's why I was sent here.

"I too, have looked down the barrel of a rifle at an invader, and killed him. " I hear a murmur.

"Yesterday, groups of people around the Terra celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of what some citizens of our planet hoped was a new beginning. It was the thirtieth anniversary of the flight of John Crichton. As you know, John Crichton came through a wormhole into your part of the galaxy."

"And yesterday, while people on Terra went about their day, I launched my plane into space, aimed at your star cluster."

"John Crichton changed the history of your cluster, and ours. But his arrival here was accidental, where mine was planned."

"John would eventually return to Earth for a time, and he and his extraterrestrial companions that accompanied him left recordings and reading material regarding life in this star cluster and it's solar systems."

59

"What the material warned us about were the Peacekeepers and Scarrans. "What he told us was not even the tip of the spear." We should have assumed if you existed then there would like be other races in what we call the Milky Way galaxy, which sparkles overhead." I look upward."

"On his last brief visit to our system he left us information that would allow us to take the first baby steps into our system and beyond."

"At first we made great strides in modernizing our space program and preparing earth to defend itself. But real progress was slow. But on the moons and planets in our system, Scientists discovered artifacts of another race of space travelers. "Enough material and information was retrieved to build ships designed by this race, who more adept at interstellar travel then what Mr. Crichton envisioned."

"However..." I pause and look over the crowd. "As our knowledge increased and we began to reach into space, another galactic entity, in a "galactic miscalculation" on a navigational system, entered our planetary system and reigned destruction down on our planet, the likes of what we've not seen in all the wars and natural disasters throughout our world's history. In less than four arms their spaceships destroyed almost half our worlds' land mass and population."

I pause. The crowd was nervous. Many gasped. The Bracas raised their eyebrows.

"Thankfully, we were rescued by the very beings the Saurians, as they call themselves, had intended to attack. "They assisted us in repelling the invaders." "But that was just was just beginning. Others from the organization I represent came to our aid. I myself am an example of such charity."

"Eventually, we forgave the Sauuri." A murmur swept through the crowd.

"Earth remained itself Terra and became a member of the organization I represent."

"The Interplanetary Quorum, which I will refer to as The Quorum, has 11 members and 5 associate members, which include Terra, we offer an alliance of peace, trade, mutual defense, and liberty to the Eidelon Alliance." I hold up the book containing the accord.

"This offer is negotiable. If there is an interest, I will contact the Quorum and a face-to-face meeting will be arranged. Representatives of the Quorum, including Terra, will meet and negotiate the language, until an accord is reached." " I cannot, by design make you promises." "It's not in my pay grade, nor does my word carry authority to do so."

"However, I will state for the record, that I invite the Eidelon Alliance to become a part of The Interplanetary Quorum." I bow my head. " Thank you."

Applause, mostly from the delegates and priests, Ms Braca steps up to the podium and frowns. The applause increases.

Following orders... I smiled.

60

I see Chairperson Braca and an elderly Eidelon priestess make eye contact. The Priestess lifts her hood slightly, and a purple energy field around her head glows.

Chairperson Braca starts to speak. I don't hear her. Behind and to the right of the Priestess is a flash of red hair sticking out of a hood. The person lifts her head, and we make eye contact.

It's Jool!

She frowns, pulls her hood down tight, and disappears into the sea of Priests and Priestesses.

"...and I will allow Cowboy, to answer your questions. Please follow security protocols."

She turns to me and touches the mike.

" If you would please." and she lightly touches my arm. "And unlike John Crichton, you're quite the charmer!" She smiles. Inwardly, I nearly choke. This is NOT what we...I expected!

I walk to the microphone. I smile. There isn't a sea of hands, but one man steps up with some kind of camera the size of an Apple 95. He's wearing the overalls of a tech, but with several id tags.

"I'm with the information service Cowboy." "Rumors tell us you ship is faster than a Prowler!" "Can you confirm?"

"May I know your first name please, I ask."

He appears shocked. "My name?" "Why?"

" Well my name is Cowboy. I hazard you have a name as well."

" No one has ever asked me!" He blurts out "My name is Mercai!"

"Mercai?"

"Yes!"

"Pleased to meet you Mercai." The answer is yes... by design. The preys' only defense against a predator is usually speed and manuverability. My ship carries no offensive weaponry, except for me."

"Except you?"

"Yes!"

"You don't look offensive to me!" Laughter.

"Well, I grinned, I am indistinguishable in a crowd!" Mild laughter.

"And Mercai, you've not been around me after I've eaten one of the Instant meals I've been issued!" I smile.

Many of the Peacekeepers laughed. Even Mercai smiled.

"Did you use Hetch drive to get here?" How long did it take?" Mercai asked.

"Sort of, and about 22 hours."

"Did you use wormhole technology?"

"No." A murmur swept through the crowd.

"

Well wormholes seem a viable way to travel through time and space." "John Crichton was obsessed with them!"

"It's your funeral." I replied deadpan. "We on Terra discontinued wormhole research over twenty cycles ago." Another murmur from the crowd.

Wormholes are unpredictable and unstable even when they seem to be, and with enough unrealized realities, time itself might implode on those who land in them."

61

"John Crichton was attempting to ricochet off a planet's atmosphere to increase his vehicles speed enough to advance inner planetary study. A baby step!" He disobeyed orders to end the experiment and was sucked into the wormhole.

I smile. "There were many on our planet that feel John Crichton was a lab animal who frelled his own experiment!" I smile. There is some laughter. Light applause. I nod.

"What did you use?" Mercai asked. He glanced over at Chairperson Braca.

" That!" I pointed back at Fa3. More laughter.

"Did you come alone?"

"Physically, yes." But I have a Cerebral Assisted Control Specialist who assists me in flying the plane. I know that CAC doesn't translate to Sabacean well, so call her Roz." "Its organic cerebral material attached to a computer."

Mercai stares open mouthed.

"Because Roz was also a human," she has made a hologram of what she believes she would look like." "Would you like to meet her Mercai?"

Before he could answer, I page Roz.

Moments later, her holo appears right by the podium. She's dressed very conservatively in a gray pantsuit. He hair is just over her shoulders and parted down the center. She has the CAC emblem on her jacket. She's gorgeous.

You could have knocked everyone in that crowd over with a feather! Even Chairperson Braca was stunned.

She looked around, waved, and disappeared.

"CCccaan I interview her? Mercai stammered.

"Another time perhaps." I reply. "It would need to be done on or near the plane. Her voice has limitations."

I see Ms. Braca getting nervous.

"One last question?" Mercai sounded like he was almost pleading. If the Alliance does not sign the accord, what will happen? Will we be at war with this Interplanetary Quorum?"

I smiled and shook my head. And I took a deep breath.

"Absolutely not!" I stared into Mercais' eyes. Then I looked a Chairwoman Braca.

"When our emissaries decide to come here to finalize an accord, enough information should have been exchanged so that the accord should be ratified." I pause.

"But if not, we'll simply wish you well, and move on to the next star system." And I step away from the podium, then wave.

Applause. I step back from the podium and Chairwoman Braca steps up and thanks me and the crowd, then she asks them to vacate the area.

Lieutenant Braca hands me the vase. She leans forward and compliments my flying skills. I thank her. I observe her eyes and aura. She turns away and heads to her mother. Braca is having a stern chat with his son.

Lieutenant Braca is only part Sabacean!

I stand there speechless for a moment, then I check out the mezzanine. It's empty, except for security. The Bracas are conferring with their children. I look away but from peripheral I see Commandant Braca take something out from his pocket and hand to his daughter. She places it in her slack pocket and escorts Meeklo jr off the pad over to the limo. As soon as they enter, armed infantry surrounds the limo.

I slowly turn myself around. Security has increased tremendously in the area, but not necessarily because of us. Something big was happening!

Roz is quiet, So I check in. She's telling me all is well. No code for that.

I start looking over Fa3. Then I notice that Commandant and Chairwoman Braca are standing near the ramp. I still have the vase in my hand.

62

"Braca" ?" I stammer slightly. "Or Commandant?"

"Braca is fine Cowboy."

"He has his right arm wrapped in her left and she's leaning on him.

"You may call me Mele-on in private." she says. "This ship is certainly more impressive than the one Crichton came through the wormhole in."

"Thank you Mele-On!" I bow slightly. "Let me give you an outside tour. I'll put this lovely bouquet in the interior if the odor has dissipated, perhaps you can see the inside."

"That'll be fine Cowboy." "But I will not be taking that tour tonight." She replied. " I have a situation that needs my time." " As you know, Emperor Staleek of the Scarrans will be arriving tomorrow." She looks me in the eye and lightly touches my arm. "The information you gave Meeklo was most informative," "The Scarrans were not aware of this either." She smiled with nearly devious grin. "Despite 25 cycles, our alliance is not perfect." But it's certainly better than it was." "Trade and other peaceful pursuits flow freely." she sighed." But I'm tired from dealing with it at the moment." "Please tell me about this space...what do you call it, a plane?"

So I spend the next 2 hours walking around Fa3, explaining its features and benefits. While the Vierin' modified Sabacean Hetch modules raise eyebrows. ( I apologized often for my profuse use of " Terran jargon") and of course, the Vierin' generators. I do my best to explain "cutting time" and while Commandant Braca was interested in military applications, I confess Chairwoman Braca was interested in the commercial aspect.

This is still NOT what I expected.

There was some small talk about families. Roz gave a quick summary of the CAC program and her duties. I was surprised Mele-On expressed concern about removing the brains from bodies of younger children was morally allowable, but Roz's extensive knowledge (and personal experience!) seem to satisfy her. She was certainly complementary. Roz used our incident in the T'erauqq sector as an example of our teamwork and they were both impressed. Of course, this brought up the robots.

I asked about my diplomat status and was given a very short verbal explanation. No obvious espionage would be tolerated, but I was free to walk around, observe, and ask questions. My diplomatic sash was my passport and limited immunity, and it also required all peacekeeper personel to answer my questions within their security protocols. Areas where diplomats were not allowed should be clearly marked, and I should ask before entering any area in question.

The landing pad we were on was listed as a "diplomatic zone" and Farscape3 was the temporary embassy of Terra. Of course, I had to correct them and make sure it was named for the IPQ, with Terra as its emissary. (I hoped Jack Crichton didn't get fired for releasing my mission).

Mele-On asked for more details on the Sauurian incursion, but Braca reminded her of her duties, and the time.

I told them I would be through the doors of the mezzanine at ten hundred arns. They asked about my evening meal, and I assured them I was more comfortable eating on Fa3. Sleeping quarters were offered but I politely declined, citing my relationship with Roz. They did not appear to be offended.

There was some small talk, and then offered a nugget I was not prepared for.

"The first person I encountered from Terra was John Crichton." " He was pointing a gun at me."

I informed him that I would make him regret that!" She paused. "In retrospect it was a desperate situation which he and his compatriots were trying to escape from and that we intended to thwart." "I'm glad I didn't make good on that threat." And she smiles...

like a cat who's eaten a canary!

I feel like a Tweety bird.

63

"Cowboy..." hmm, what an interesting name." She looked at Braca "You will have to explain that sometime." She continued to smile. "You've certainly made a positive impression on those you have met since your arrival!" "And like John Crichton you have a manner about you that causes others to underestimate you." "You're a complete flirt who understates his ability with shyness." "I sense that you have the honor of a Peacemaker, the savagery of a Luxon, and the empathetic nature of an Eidelon." " I've had a discussion with T'knawl, and he tells me that a power resides in you that can do things beyond normal comprehension."

I lower my head. "I am but a humble practitioner of an ancient art." And while those are astute observations, I'm not sure about the fliritng aspect."

I tip my imaginary hat. "I'm just a cowboy mam'm."

She grins savagely. "By your denial, you admit it!" "My Meeklo is enamored by your courage and flying skills, while Ther-es-on, she practically swooned when she described your abilities and this ship." She shakes Braca's arm, and he grins.

I laugh lightly. "At 73 cycles, I'm a bit old for your daughter." "You have no worries."

Mele-On smiles and laughs "I know that dear." "I'd also guess your parents raised a near perfect gentleman!" "But I did not realize you were that old." Humans only live to be around 80 cycles, correct?"

This woman is a complete flirt herself! says my brain. Watch her!

I nod. "Many do, but many live to be over 90 cycles and a few humans have exceeded that number." "Productive years usually end in the sixty to seventy cycle range"

"When earth was attacked, most deaths occurred from infancy and 23 to 60 cycles, and to the extreme elderly." I pause.

"I've achieved a longer productive life by having cybernetic limbs and augments installed in my body, to replace limbs, lost in battle. Terra needed able bodied men and women to rebuild our shattered planet and the ability to defend it. I had not yet become a practitioner although I am slightly stronger, quicker and have more stamina than the average human at peak cycles. My augments stimulate the cells around my vital organs to keep them from decaying and healthy, and I'm expected to be productive well into 90 cycles."

Mele- On gasps. She stammers. "Would this be available to Sabaceans?"

I nod. "Medical knowledge is a opportunity given freely in our offer."

Mel-On practically beams, then frowns, and explains. A race called the "Interion" have the abilities to treat many afflictions both Sabaceans and Scarrans suffer from." But because they revere life and feel we are war mongering savages; they refuse treat us. Their system is completely enclosed by a shield so powerful that no weapon we know of can pierce it, and had we attempted to do so, would only validate their claims."

That's completely contradictory to my belief as a human, my training in the "energy" as we call it, and the belief of the Quorum I represent.

I answer. "How interesting!"

I think of Jool.

"Jool" as she is known, is an Interion." I say out loud, which I regret

Mele-On states as if on cue. "I understand her hatred of the Scarrans who barbaricly bombed the temple on Arnessk." "It was an unforgiveable act, but the Eidelons insisted we do so." "But...she carries the same disgust for Peacekeepers." "At the time, it was our situation, but things have, and will continue to change." " Jool remains skeptical."

I shrug. "And I really need to eat and prepare my report to send." "I'm required to report daily if possible, so the folks back home know I'm alive."

"Mele-On," Braca interjected, we need to prepare for tomorrow as well." He practically grabs

my hand, shakes it the most honestly respectful way I can imagine.

"I look forward to seeing you soon Cowboy!" His smile is as genuine as his grip.

Mele-On extends her hand and I shake it as well, matching her grip carefully.

I touch my fingertips together as in prayer or meditation and bid them goodnight. I wait until they walk to the edge of the pad before heading up the ramp.

64

And I realize Commandant Braca isn't just supporting his wife, but actually holding her up. She's leaning against him. She looks like she could keel over.

I scan her aura, and I nearly gasp loudly from her pain.

Chairwoman Mele-On-Graza Braca isn't only ill, she's dying! Slowly, and painfully.

I sigh, again, one of many mysteries. I take a deep beath. What the elders is going on here?

Tavian 3 smells like a mix of floral, concrete and hetch exhaust. The air is cool but dry, and the early evening sun is sinking slowly off to the west. I hear the birds chittering as they prepare to nest. Peacekeepers armed to the teeth walk in their black battle gear walk their posts or stand in groups of two or three. I hear engines and a formation of six prowlers soar overhead, along with square of maulers. Roadblocks have been set up and I'll be hanged if one of them doesn't have a tank by it. My left eye focuses in on it for a moment. It sure looks like a K-65b Russian heavy tank, but larger and armed with a frag cannon.

Tavian 3 is preparing for nightfall. I head up the ramp into Fa3.

"Roz darling, have you gotten a receipt from our previous beepers?

"I've received that on all of them, so if they're being looked at, the alliance has hidden it well."

"I should send another one babe, what do you want it to say?"

"Hmmm..." Good progress, expect to send invite soon."

"That sounds good sweetheart." "Sent."

"I wish I could have sent that speech you made!" "You knocked that out of the park!"

"Thanks Roz."

"You did babe!" "Oops, I forgot... the RULE."

" It was pretty good Roz." I spoke. "But let's talk about Roz. Babe, you killed em!" MMMMMaah!"

"I hope I wasn't a distraction." she asked coyly

"Maybe, but the timing was perfecto!" No apology, sweetie!"

"You're so sweet,

"Cowboy, I received a receipt and a message" " It says, a time to sow."

"Yup! Move carefully but boldly." And I'm telling you Roz, this is NOT the reception we envisioned, at least what Jack and I expected!"

"I noted that in the report I sent, it's practically bizarre!"

"Roz, I also saw Jool."

"Where?" she asked "In the crowd?"

"Yes, for about two seconds. Our eyes met and she blended in with the priests. She was right behind what I'd guess was the head priestess."

"Wow!"

"

When you talked with her yesterday, what did she say?" "But not about me first"

"Meaning...?"

"Well, if she or the Priests have some sort of skullduggery brewing!" "They've had 25 years to plan it."

"Skullduggery?" Roz laughs. "That's like a Pirate word! "RRRRR maties, there's skullduggery a foot t'night! RRRRRRR!"

65

We laugh... long and hearty. Arrgg! The microwave dings. Supper is ready.

"Cowboy, I didn't hear about...skullduggery." She snickers. "But I can tell you she HATES the Scarrans and loathes the Peacekeepers. Something like, carry weapons, march in formation, and DIE."

We laugh! I take a bite of my spaghetti and meat sauce. UUUUUhhhggggg!

"Her home planet Interion has no armed services, a small, unarmed police force, and all weapons are banned. They cherish life in all forms and don't hunt or fish. Basically, they're vegans."

I look at my simulated spaghetti and rehydrated meat sauce. Some fresh pear halves or Pineapple would taste better.

"Ahh! I'm no vegan Roz" I'm a neo vegetarian. I like fish too much to be a vegan."

"And Hamburgers!" she chuckled.

"Yes, but that's kind of a joke. "I pause. "I haven't had a good cheeseburger in two decades or so!"

"And this, spaghetti or whatever it is, sucks!"

"I'm sure."

"Anyway, Roz continues, "We were talking, y'know, girl stuff after she showered." "And no, I did not see her naked." "Cam was OFF!"

We laugh again!

"You're killing me Roz!"

"Yes, ok!" laughs Roz. So, what happens next is that She starts me about her accomplishments. "She has an impressive set of degrees, but no practical experience other than lab work, her time on Moya, and some digs she was on, including Arnessk."

"I can tell you she is not a bragger Cowboy." "She's a bit socially stunted, but braggart she's not." She was shocked that I have almost the same number of degrees and the same grade point!"

"She is a bit spoiled and has siblings with multiple majors who are very successful." One of the reasons she left Interon because she wanted something more than just to work in a lab." Her parents are successful doctors, her father a neurosurgeon. Since everyone there is so healthy, most of time is spent on research but the results are simply stored."

"I understand." I shrug my shoulders.

"Obviously she did not understand your skewed sense of humor." "And because Interions are taught to respect all life and not judge others, she felt bad, that you thought she was belittling you." She said she actually dated a tradesman, but her father forbade her to join with him. So, she fell in with her two cousins and left Interion."

"She simply wasn't sure you were compatible because your job requires so much travel." " She really likes you and she was like...he seems so sweet and confident!" "I agreed and we both laughed." "She asked if we could be friends and I said sure!"

"That's cool." I sound disinterested, but I'm not.

66

"The big deal is this, when you lifted the plane off at Arnessk with E, she was astonished. I told her you do this all the time, but you were the humblest guy. You never brag, you just do it!" When you had me shut the comm off, she was a bit miffed, but then she realized the concentration that you needed to fly the plane". I said yeah, you should have heard us when 30 Robot ships were chasing us!" "And she agreed you were understatedly flirtatious!"

"Yeah, she got us the nav point." "And Roz, that proved to me that the Vierin' were here." "I don't get the flirtatious thing either."

"Also, she spent time on Moya with John Crichton and the rest. She said she'd been frozen for 22 cycles and woke up on Moya!" She also told me she was very aloof with the crew at first but got over it quickly." "She decided to stay on Arnessk to study the Temple..."

"The last thing that pulled her heart is that you cared about the trees and birds that were in the trees when you landed here." So, I explained the meaning of Ja-hi -nae and the oath you have to take, swearing the sanctity of life, to not murder, protect those under your care, and to always speak the truth even at the cost of your own life."

"Wow Roz, why?"

"Because bub, you need someone in your physical life!"

"Roz I can't believe you told her this." I chuckle. "I'm not desperate.!" This could be a liability you know!"

"Ok I would apologize, but it's too late." "But babe I need to know, what happened when you kissed her?" "Her pheromones were off the wall!" "She should have been all over you!"

"Maybe Roz, but Nirean was dying." "He wanted to see her." I finish the last of the "spaghetti.

"Honestly, it was for the best, Roz." "I don't want a fling or an affair, but I'm not sure about a relationship."

I added. "But I'm thinking with Terran logic."

"I need some sleep Roz, and just be careful." "No more biographies for alien ladies."

"T-4 sweet Cowboy." A pause. "Why did you tell me you loved me when you went outside?"

If things went south and I couldn't make it back to the plane, those were the last words I'd want you to hear."

"Oh, honey if I could cry I would, and if I could hold you..."

"I wouldn't need a girlfriend." Could you sing for me Roz?"

"Always." and that beautiful voice starts with a gentle melody. "You sure did sow some seeds today honey!"

Before I could say another word, my eyes closed.

AND I WAS OUT!

67

Chapter 5

Scarrans, Scorpius, and Snakes, Oh My!

I'm in a music store but there are only pieces of guitars, amps that don't work and no one has a cord to hook them up. I need strings. Then I'm on stage with Foghat.

And my eyes open.

It's 0730 in Mesa Arizona. I miss the old Arizona.

I roll back the sheets, and head to the shower.

"Good morning beautiful!" I call out to Roz.

"Good morning sweetheart, how are you!" She replies. I got about 6 hours of sleep. You were out!"

"

I hope you can get some rest today!" I am concerned.

Roz replies." It was busy outside for sure. Security is super tight!" "And don't panic, we had a visitor!"

"Be right out!" I quickly shower and take care of the rest of my morning tasks I pick out another neutral gray outfit but with a gray denim sleeveless shirt. Everything is cleaned and pressed, and my shoes are shiny."

"

Are you going to wear that shirt?" Roz asks.

"I tucked it in, should I wear a tie?" "I have a tux."

"No, I wished I hadn't asked."

"I get it Roz and I'm grateful for your feedback." What about this?" I put on my black leather western hat. I call it my "Texas bliues guitarist" hat. Minus the feathers.

"Howdy mam'm." I touch my brim.

Roz laughs. I put the hat back.

"So, we had a visitor?"

"Yes, someone brough what appears to be a basket of fruit to the plane. "Obviously I scanned it and knew it was a non-issue." "Happened at the crack of dawn." Whoever it was dressed like a priest, and everything was covered."

"Do you think it was Jool?" "That was a big risk!"

" I don't know, I'm sorry." "I couldn't record it."

"Lower the ramp and I'll check it out."

I hear the hydraulics working.

Adding my communicator, and head down the ramp. Sure enough, it's a small box of fruit, and some baked breads. A jar that looks like it's filled with Strawberry Jelly.

There's a lot of sky activity, lots of Hetch engines. My E is up and Fa3 covered. I walk quickly down the planes belly to the rear and peer around the port side. Wow! Four large single rotor helicopters have the airspace covered. And like everything else Peacekeeper, they're armed to the teeth.

68

Rocket tubes and gun barrels on the winglets, but the choppers are pointing away from Fa3 Like an attack is expected from the flank.

I stride over to the starboard side and about crap myself! I tap my communicator.

"Roz, Twelve thirty high!" I shout. "Check it out!"

I can't believe what I'm looking at. It's held up by six tugs. It's surrounded by about a dozen more Choppers and also several Marauders

"Babe, is that a Sauurian ship?"

"Yes!" I reply. "More specifically it's a "Devv'ta D class Frigate, or that's what the T'goorans call them." "And someone, likely Robots, used it for target practice!" "The outboards are shot away, and the whole frelling rear of the ship is missing. So, no propulsion!" "I'm amazed it's in one piece!"

"I won't even ask how you know exactly what it is, but how do you know the damage is from a robot?"

"Ok, um, if you can zoom in, you can where there's mark or hole and then the metal is looks cut, like it was cut by a torch or plasma cutter." "Robots use a plasma beam weapon, not pulse weapons." "They can manipulate them in such a way that smaller ships can be cut in pieces or cut in two. "I pause.

" I hate to ask Cowboy but isn't that how the Milan was destroyed?".

"Sort of." I feel my lips quiver and my eyes swelling with tears. "The Milans screen were not up to full power when we got jumped. The video I saw suggests that the beam pierced the screen and bored through the ship until it hit the fusion chamber." "It was a "kill shot". I turned and headed back to the ramp.

"A Pulse weapon hit even from a frag cannon or Scarran pulser would have badly damaged the outer plate." I continued. " But the shield would have been on full immediately and would've had time to absorb the next shot!"

"Cowboy you sure know your stuff about extraterrestrial spaceships."

"Thats a D class by its size. It's for transporting diplomats and high-ranking officials." I got the information from a book on IPQ ships one of the T' goorans gave me on Mars." "My bloods!"

I think about my two bloods and look at the palm of my right hand. Two brown streaks of dried T'gooran blood lie below the skin.

I've made it into the ship and washed the fruit. One is delicious, a sweet tender meat that reminds me of Terran pears. The other one is kiwi like.

One looks like an apple and tastes like it. Inconceivable! I'm not an apple fan but it'll do!

The breads fresh but crusty. The jelly spread is delicious.

I eat some powdered eggs mixed in water and choke down a cup of coffee.

There's a folded piece of parchment like paper on the bottom of the box. It was neatly folded into quarters, and I carefully unfolded it.

In it was the most beautiful Sabacean handwriting I've ever seen.

Who's it from?" Roz asked.

69

I read the note.

It's from Jool. I read it aloud for Roz.

"Cowboy"...interesting, she attempted to spell it in English.

The Priest is a trusted friend from Arnessk.

I still need to see you in seven solar days.

The fruits and bread I sent are home made

I hope you'll enjoy them

I made them for you.

There is so much to tell you Cowboy

And I hope you not be scared away

Beware, Scorpius is slithering about.

And Mele-On has asked T'knawl and I many questions.

Jool

Roz is impressed and I am terrified. How did I deserve such a woman?

"Honey it's almost ten hundred, you better scoot!"

I rise from my chair, grab my box of treaties and a large plastic bucket container holding flower seeds for a peace garden.

I carry them to the ramp.

"Wish me luck Roz." "I love you!"

"I love you, Cowboy." "Nothing better happen."

"If it does my love, follow the protocol." "All hell will come looking for me."

Carrying the boxes down on my chest, I pass through the hatch, and down the ramp.

I don't know if it's spring or fall here, but it's mild and the humidity is perfect.

I heft the box onto my right shoulder and grab the bucket by its handle. Finally, I adjust my sash and head to the door.

Security is very tight. In addition to the guards spaced every ten feet apart along the buildings outside wall, the guard inside the door has been tripled.

Commandant Braca is awaiting my arrival. He gets me passed through the gate, as the metal bones in my arm and leg set off the metal detectors. He glances in my box and bucket, and I am sent through. He does shake my hand firmly and says he's glad to see me and hopes I slept well. It is a courtesy, so my responses are short.

He leads me down a 30-foot wide, tiled, hall. It was built so that the inner wall could be made circular. There are some paintings on the wall, but noticeably absent were the Peacekeeper emblems and flags I expected to see. Pairs of guards were spaced at regular intervals down the corridor.

About seventy-five feet down the inner hall there was another set of doors with several guards including armed Eidelons.

I was ushered through the checkpoint by Braca and into a large circular auditorium. To my right were steps, almost like a choir stage in a church. There were folding tables set in front of the stage. Tables were setup, folding ones that look like they had been sent from Terra.

The stage was filled with hooded Eidelons, most sitting, but some standing at ground level.

70

Scorpius is there too, sitting on one of the wood benches. Before I pass Scorpius, he stands up and walks down to the wooded railing in front. Our eyes met for a moment. I expect a sneer, but his look is more curious than confrontive.

I also sense Jool is here, but I can't discern her in the sea of hooded figures.

My brain augment began to activate as I rounded the stage, walking towards the tables. It urged me to look around. I ignored it and walked Braca into the open area between the tables and stage. I glanced at my watch. Ten o'clock on the dot.

Chairperson Braca is having a somewhat heated discussion with...a Scarran!

It is no doubt, Emperor Staleek. He sits with is probably some kind of high-ranking minister at his right, While Chairperson Braca has a minister on her right. Staleek also has a Security person, a large burly Scarran with chains, dressed in black. Staleek is dressed in bright red finery with chains of black and gold around his neck His minister is dressed in blue with mostly black jewelry.

If my augment could be jumping up and down in my head, it would be!

It tells me to look at the floor.

So, I glance down and gasp out loud. The floor has a design in it, like multiple points of a caricatured star. Pointed mosaic designs point in various directions as decorum. But I see the Vierin' numbers at the point of each design. I know that each a purpose to point at the wall as a reference...and I look at the wall!

My mind opens up. I see clearly.

From left to right, 3 rows of murals looking like maps stacked one on top of each other. The three rows are 8 foot tall. The map covers the entire opposite wall from Left to right.

Star charts!

...Cowboy, this way, please! Braca brings me back to reality. He's touching my arm. The charted walls return to bare plastered white paint.

..." if we had our Strelitzia beds yet we would be able to evolve enough to continue our peaceful co-existence!" I fear for our cause as our warriors continue to devolve."

I guess I'm in their peripheral vision, and I'm correct.

"Emperor Staleek, the representative from earth has offered medical help, I am sure that with the current situation that Strelitzia seeds could be procured!" Chairwoman Braca exclaims. Braca clears his throat.

You could've cut the tension with a khukuri knife. Everyone stops and stares.

I turn to Braca. "Did I come at a bad time?"

Chairwoman Braca is staring at me. "Absolutely not! And on time too!" She looks at Braca.

"Thank you, Commandant, and she waves her hand as to dismiss him, but he guides me around the tables to a lightly padded chair. I sit my materials and bucket on the table and pull out the chair. Instead of sitting I stand at attention the best I can. Braca moves to the left flank of his wife.

71

Chairwoman Braca is the first to speak. "You've been the topic of our conversations since we started our session." Please, make yourself comfortable."

Rather than sit, I grab the handle of my plastic bucket and twist it off. The Crystherium/Strelitzia seed packages are right on top.

I walk over to Staleek and he looks up in a surprised manner. His guard steps forward but Staleek holds out his left arm straight out and stops him. Still sitting, he looks up at me. His face is combination of curiosity and contempt, if such a face could be imagined. The ministers face has the look of complete scorn.

I hold out my right hand.

"Emperor Staleek". "My name is Cowboy." "I am from the planet Terra, formerly called Earth. " "But I represent the Interplanetary Quorum, as you probably know."

Emperor Staleek stands up. He looks me in the eye. I smile. He's almost 7 feet tall and probably close to six hundred pounds. And i bring my E up. I already have a plan.

Again, the tension is as thick as a cement brick.

He grabs my hand with his, this nails and skin completely enveloping mine. The contempt in his face has left. He almost smiles Out of the corner of my eye I see Mouma with her veil open. And I understand.

"Welcome to our alliance, Cowboy!" He shakes my hand and withdraws it. "This is Vice Minister Zareok." he continues. He sits down.

His vice minister simply nods. He has no intention of shaking my hand.

I walk by Staleek and stand in front of what is likely the head Priestess of the Eidolon. She is an Elderly woman just under six feet, She wears a maroon robe with a white sash draped around the back of her neck. She stands up and bows. I touch fingers and palms She has the deep lines of the unique hinged face Eidolons possess. She stands up and smiles graciously.

"You are the head Priestess of the Eidolons." I am Cowboy." I pause and Bow. "I am at your service." I lower my head to my hands and hold the position.

"Your perception is correct Cowboy." I am Muoma, head Priestess and mentor of the Eidelon and it's Alliance." "You have already been a service to us.." We are indebted to you for rescuing the survivors from Arnessk."

I lift my head from my hands. " I am at peace with myself when I serve others." "I am forbidden to boast of my accomplishments." "I do appreciate your joy in being reunited with your priests." "The debt is released."

Lowering my hands, I walk past her and stand in front T'knawl, sitting on one of the benches. I touch fingers and bow. He acknowledges. Jool is one row above him. Her head is covered but I spot the hair.

I turn and walk back to where Chairwoman Braca and her minister sit. I introduce myself again. Chairwoman Braca shakes my hand, but her grip is weaker than yesterday. She's in a lot of discomfort.

72

Her Vice Chairman, Benlow Cranick, is a piece of work. He shakes my hand like a used car salesman and tries to hide his contempt. But his aura suggests something much more sinister.

Then I turn round and walk towards Scorpius.

I believe I caught everyone by surprise, including the master of skullduggery himself.

"Scorpius, I haven't forgotten you!" I extend my hand. For a moment, I sense confusion, but he can mask himself well.

Scorpius replies in a low voice. "I'm unable to discern the extent of the powers you have, but I suspect you desire to keep them that way." He shakes my hand and smiles. "Though I suspect, I may have an opportunity."

"

Good to meet you Scorpius." I smile. "I may have use for one of yours."

"Cowboy!" Chairwoman Braca calls out. "Scorpius's presence here is black stain on what we are trying to accomplish." "His vile presence leaves a stench in the air." "He knows what he has done Cowboy!"

"Why hasn't he been removed yet?" Emperor Staleek asks. He looks at Muoma.

"Scorpius?" Muoma suggests "Perhaps it would be better if you were not in attendance." "Your asylum in the temple is not without limits."

"Very well, I shall leave." He turns around to depart.

I clear my throat. "Emperor Staleek, Chairperson Braca, and High Priestess Muoma, could I request a favor?"

We are in your debt Cowboy," Muoma answers. Both Braca and Staleek aren't happy but nod.

"I ask that Scorpius be allowed to stay and listen." I walk over to where Scorpius is standing. "For one reason only."

I clasp my hands in front of me and walk towards the tables were Staleek and Chairwoman Braca sit.

"When John Chrichton, Aeryn Sun, Ka D'argo and the rest visited Terra about 26 cycles ago, give or take, my government recorded over 200 hours of interviews. Thes were turned into a print format shortly after. Most of it was classified so only military personel could view it."

Two volumes were made, detailing various species, living habits, and other details of life that the seven individuals experienced in this star cluster. John Crichtons' experiences with both Peacekeepers and Scarrans takes up most of volume two. Now I am sure, based on his experiences, he speaks with prejudice about his handling." "But..."I turn and walk back towards Scorpius. "He devotes 52 pages of printed page to his dealings with Scorpius!"

In his detailed descriptions he notes that Scorpius has a unique trait, that he can discern whether almost any being is lying or not, either from skin tone or aura change.

I look at Scorpius. "This is correct?"

73

"Correct." his eyebrows are raised.

"We Eidelons can also detect whether a person is being honest or not." Mouma adds.

"I walk over to Mouma. "True, does my blood oath and the word of an Eidelon carry merit here?"

"Yes!" Mele-On in a raised voice. "Why would you think different?"

I walk over to where she sits." Because Chairperson Braca, as we continue our conversation, and my interview, I may tell this alliance things that may seem unbelievable, even inconceivable to yourselves." "I can tell you I have a blood oath, an oath, that should I speak an untruth, may cause my instant...I turn and look right at Scorpius, my instant vaporization!"

I look at Scorpius. If Scorpius tells me I'm lying, and I don't vaporize, a painful process as I have witnessed it firsthand, then he is lying."

"He is telling the truth." Scorpius says quietly. "Even that he has witnessed it."

"Some of you may think I'm weaving a fantastic tale, I assure you, I am not!"

"Scorpius may stay," Staleek says. "And indeed, I am curious about what and how you got here. The emperor leans forward in his chair. " I listened to your speech last night, it was quite impressive." "I too, would approve an alliance with the interplanetary quorum as you call it." "But with Earth, there is tension among my people." "John Crichton's' desperate act of destroying our main Crystherium beds has led to a tenuous situation in our empire.

"Cyshterium?" I ask. That's Strelitzia, the bird of Paradise!

"Yes, our people cannot evolve and thus become less war like without eating the flowers."

"We sent a ship to Earth through the worm hole, to destroy it because of Crichton's actions."

Staleek frowned.

"This is in both our pasts, and thus there is room to rectify this issue." I state. "Bear with me please."

I grab the handle of the five-gallon bucket and hefted it to the table. Removing the lid, I dig out a sealed plastic bag full of packages.

This "bucket" as we call it, is filled with packets of seeds. The seeds were donated by the people of Terra and given to the Quorum for my mission." "This bag... contains a dozen packages, each containing a minimum of two hundred Crystherium or Strelitzia seeds."

"From the people of Terra and the quorum to the people of the Scarran empire, in peace."

I bow slightly and present the bag to Staleek." "His face is one of complete shock."

"Emperor Staleek, had you sent your ship to earth and simply asked us for, or even demanded Crystherium seeds, we'd have filled your ship with them, and offered to give you more!"

"I...I" Staleek stammered.

"I would thank him for the gift." Muoma softly spoke as she opened her hood slightly.

"Thank you!" "Thank you, Cowboy!" Staleek stammered.

"You're welcome, Emperor Staleek!"

74

I turned to Chairwoman Braca.

"Madam Chairwoman." I seal the bucket and bring it to the table. "From the people of Terra and the Interplanetary Quorum." "Perhaps a peace garden could be planted celebrating this moment, or others."

"Thank you, Cowboy!" She motions to Cranick. He looks like he'd rather pick up a live grenade, but he takes the bucket off the table and places it underneath.

Staleek speaks up. "As I said, I heard your speech last evening on my ship." "I am curious, what reason would you have to finally contact us." "John Crichton's writings certainly should have dissuaded contact.

So, I started by telling them about how the wormhole was discovered, why no one in the Quorum used worm holes for travel, the amount of time disruption unrealized realities can cause and little about T/S travel. Finally, I told them how Fa3s arrival near the water planet memorial enforced Terras' perception that things might have changed. I mentioned the Vierin' several times but got little response, except from Muoma. She explained that the information transferred from the dying Hierarch to her mentions the Vierin and the M'arogg.

At 1200 hours we broke for lunch.

A buffet table was set up and various types of fruits, vegetables, meats breads, and other items. There's a desert table appearing to have cakes and wafers, including pastries, fruit cups and other delights.

I also noted a small plate of Crystherium/Strelitzia blossoms, which Staleek and his minister stood by and consumed.

I'm handed a tray, a type of fork with two tines, and a round spoon. Mele-On accompanies me down the table and tries to describe them. She's trying to be helpful, and I'm grateful.

Mele-On picks her way through the fruits, and several look like what I'd received in the basket from Jool. So I take small helpings (I'm not really hungry) and observe Braca taking a large portion of what looks like barbeque pork. It smells similar. Braca notices my curiosity and motions me over. I excuse myself. and walk over.

"Wild Tembo" he takes a bite with his fork. "Mmmm!"

"Your manners Commandant!" Mele-Oh sneers. But she smiles afterwards. "The Commandant enjoyed hunting the Tembo when he was younger." " And he cooks it perfectly. Even I will eat it!" She grins and covers her mouth.

I ask for a portion and the server places a generous portion on my plate. There's a light au' jus which is spicy and sweet. "

"Do you mind?" I cut off a small piece with my fork. The meat is so tender it pulls apart easily.

The taste does not disappoint! It's the best wild boar I've tasted is a long time.

75

Chapter 5

A time to teach

"We hunt these with a Churna bow." Braca continues "Pulse weapons do too much damage to the meat"

I listen as he describes the hunt. Unlike our wild boars which are feral pigs, and considered pests, Temba are bred on game ranches. He asks me if we have a smiliar animal on Terra and I try to describe wild boar.

"If I were to ever get to Terra, I would like to observe them!" He is excited and Mele-On listens carefully. She carefully picks her fruit and a type of salad with a two bladed knife that reminds me of kale and vegetables similar to, but not exactly earth like.

"The food I've tasted is delicious!" I exclaim. "Quite tasty." Both Bracas glance at each other.

I'm now eating the fruits. Of course, I'm already familiar with them. Mele-On describes them, and on a couple, I give a comparable Terran description.

Shortly after, deserts are offered. I take a small slice of what looks like chocolate cake and some sweet bread. Both are as delicious as their Terran cousins.

I note that while the Scarrans eat at the same table, they sit away from their former enemies.

Mele-On attempts to engage but they are unresponsive. They eat mostly Strelitzia blossoms and some creature that looks like a cross between a prawn and a grub. They eat those live! Having read the Crichton's book and the descriptions of the foods various races ate, I was pretty prepared.

I note the Eidolons only eat the breads, fruit, and vegetables. They keep to themselves and eat in the stands. I try not to look obvious, but I glance around for Jool. Both she and Scorpius are not in attendance. Somehow, I have the feeling that Jool is ok.

...I am curious about the "Vierin" or "Viereen" that you and Mouma have mentioned." Mele-on states." "What can you tell us about them?"

Emperor Staleek straightens up. "I am as well."

"After lunch I will be prepared to give you a small amount of my knowledge." "The Vierin kept detailed history covering over one million seven hundred and fifty thousand cycles of their history, discoveries, conquests, and culture." I wait for that to sink in. All parties at the table appear to be gob-smacked.

"There are gaps in the information, I continue. So far, I have read about forty-three volumes of what we believe are nearly seventy volumes of printed material, each volume being (I use my hands) about this thick. "Significant scientific discoveries, conflicts, individuals from the military, scientific field, and literature are covered." "While the Vierin' pioneered and used electronic media devices for transferring information, they also placed most everything in a print form"

And you have read this "literature?" Mele-On asks.

"All of it I can get a hold of." I pause and she continues to look at me. "On Terra and its outlying planets and moons, about thirty-seven volumes have recovered in complete form, and fragments or parts of another half dozen have been found." " The language is more phonetically complex than the American English than I speak, and Sabaceans may have an easier time of learning it. But there are no matching words in Sabacean."

"Hatkt'ae Sat'ick nac." (I am Sabacean) is the Sabacean enunciation."

"Ganict Sabactohi" is the Vieren' version."

"Fascinating!" Mele-On exclaims.

76

Staleek asks what other languages I speak. I of course tell him I know enough Scarran to order a drink or get in a fight, and he's actually amused. I explain that's all the Scarran John Crichton's group could teach us. (I can read and write Sabacean, except for their numerical system and math).

"Is the language you and John Crichton speak common on Terra," Braca asks.

"There are actually several dialects of it." I smile. "And while "English" is still a secondary language taught in other countries to children and dignitaries, there were six thousand seven hundred languages on our Terra in 2011, before the Sauuri incursion. " Now there are around half that."

Everyone appears confused. "So, Mele-On asks " Why so many?" we thought John Crichton was the atypical type Terran!"

"Terra, before the incursion, had one hundred and ninety-six different countries with about a worldwide population of almost 7 billion individuals." I can see the obvious surprise.

"We were under the impression that Terra was a small planet with maybe a couple of billion people who looked and talked much like Crichton!" Staleek commented.

'Thankfully your interrogations of him failed to discern an accurate planet size. "Tavian three is about thirty "percent" smaller than Terra. Tavian three is about the size of Mars, the fourth planet in our system."

I hold up my hand's palms, level with my shoulders. "Fortunately, nothing occurred."

"Other than losing a Styker and its crew." Vice Minister Zareok states. "They were killed when Crichton closed the wormhole."

"You sent a Stryker?" I asked?

"Yes...Seven good men were lost." Zareok growled.

Before I could reply Staleek roars. "Enough Zareok! Is it not enough that Earth, or rather Terra has offered Peace by giving us the seeds to rebuild our Crystherium beds?" " I am tired of the bitterness that still exists after all these cycles!" "We will speak no more of this!"

I place my hands together and bow. "My apologies emperor, I met no harm."

" It is not yourself, Cowboy." Staleek's tone softens. After twenty cycles without war, some of our warriors long for the fighting and the glory of battle." " Neither is acceptable"

Zareok says nothing,

"I understand Staleek," And I raise my head. Inwardly I'm befuddled

77

"I would like to see, Scorpius interjects from the loft, "a demonstration of your powers." "I am aware of your mental lifting capabilities." It is said that you can lift your spacecraft off the ground and land it without engine power." "Is there more?" Before anyone can speak, I respond!

"Demonstration of E is reserved for special ceremonies." "It is considered "showing off" or boastful to do so." "However, Scorpius, I may satisfy your curiosity!"

I walk out to the center of the room into the pointed mosaic star.

Then I bow my head, palms up, and start to manipulate E. It flows through like water, so strong and concentrated that I know this temple is gathering point.

I start with..."Every room, every ship, every dwelling is cleaned daily. Air is filtered and purified."

"Yet even the cleanest building has microscopic and sub microscopic particles down to larger molecules. It is one of the realms that E, the very energy and essence of the universe, can be manipulated to control these very particles." I continue speaking in a steady low voice, trying not to make my speaking montone. I also realize that Jool is the room.

From every nook and cranny, from every wall window well and doorway, particles charged with energy form a cloud above my head. They swirl and rotate, turning into arms with a glowing yellow ball in the center.

"First off I should mention that I do not have a college degree or doctorate. But... I do have an insatiable appetite for knowledge about subjects I am interested in, and dozens of completion certificates to prove it. "

"When I received an offer to study the Vierin' during my first study at the M'arrog planet of Shay-gul, I realized what they offered might be the key to satisfying some of appetite for knowledge." During my second stay on the planet, I was able to open my mind to the vast wealth of knowledge about space travel and the history of this ancient race.

"The name Shay-qul comes from the memories of the Hierarch" Mouma interjected.

"And it should." I reply. "When T'knawl showed me his "face" on Arnessk, I thought I'd seen it somewhere before. During meditation, I realized there are mosaics and paintings of Eidelons on the wall of the main temple, the dimensions of which are the same as this one.

"It is similar, but not exactly like the one on Arnessk."responded Mouma.

I nodded. " I will explain why this is important in a moment."

78

"In the time when the Vierin' were traveling through the time space, or TS, as we abbreviate it, they created navigational points. Points were printed on a star chart or loaded into a computer hooked to a spatial field generator that would open a slot or hole in the T/S and allow a ship to fly through time and space. This point, delegated by the sequence of five to twelve digits was the destination where you would exit T/S." "The navigator could assign an entry point close to where his ship was, and then accelerate to a set speed which got you through the membrane of time and set the basic speed of of the ship flying through it. That's a bit oversimplified but it is the basis of the interstellar travel that Terra and the Quorum utilize."

"Can you change the speed of the ship in T/S?" Mele-On asked.

"Yes, in incremental amounts."

"So, these Vierin', did they use the Hetch drive engines?" asked Staleek.

"Absolutely sir!" I answered. "In fact, the Vierin invented the Hetch drive module".

Staleek raised his voice. "How do you know this?"

I ask. "Emperor Staleek, do you know how you got your Hetch modules?"

"Examples were found on our main planet, and we replicated them."

"As did Terra." is my response. His astonished look was priceless!

"It may also explain why your Stryker's are so much faster than Peacekeeper ships."

"We don't know how we got our engines or modules as you call them." Mouma responded. "That has been lost to us." I do know that when the Peacekeepers were formed, they were unhappy with the design we had and made changes that increased its reliability. However, the lower thrust made our craft slower."

" That's why our Strykers and Dreadnaughts are faster than comparable Peacekeeper craft." Staleek interjected. "The downside is that we must perform regular and extensive maintenance on our engines, or they will fail."

"I understand."

" Vierin were meticulous in placing accurate information in their writings and upon electronic media." I continued. "Book five of the Vierin' encyclopediana is devoted to the Hetch drive module, it's basic design, models, and even a chart matching the module or modules needed based on vessel weight."

"But I digress... "Our cloud is getting impatient!" I chuckle.

All of us here, live in a galaxy called that we on Terra call the Milky Way." I start stretching the energy cloud overhead..." This is merely a representation.

By using the cloud of charged particles, I build a model of the swirling arms of the Milky way. As I manipulate its size and shape, it's density drops until the cloudiness turns into points of light. I expand the "swirl", I pass the unneeded particles to the end of the temple, where they remain suspended

Quickly the floor of the temple except the front of the loft, and the tables immerse me. I start coloring points of interest.

"And here," I change the color of a particle to green; this is where Terra is, or rather this is it's sun." "And, about 25.7 light years away, is the nav point that was created, using Trigonometry and no doubt a couple other fancy equations. I mark the spot in red. "It was loaded in the nav computer on Farscape 3.

Once in space flight, we use the Hetch modules to determine the speed needed to "Punch out." of regular space into time/space. The faster we enter, the faster we "ride" through time space. and the quicker we arrive at our destination. Once in space time speeds can be manipulated but only to keep entry and exit clocks balanced." "That explanation is for another campfire. Sorry I used Terran slang." I smile. It means another time!"

79

I briefly mention the need for making sure you hit the nav point, and the bubble, how to control the bubble, how it slingshots you through time, and making sure it doesn't hit you on the way out!

"So, Roz and I "Punch in" to physical space. "There was a slight but acceptable error in the nav point from triangulating such a distance on a moving object."

"But I digress..."

"Does anyone on Terra or your Interplanetary Quorum have that "nav point" near Qujaga?" Cranick asked.

" I sense your fear of security, Vice Chairman." "I respond. " I don't know who created the nav point." I look over at Scorpius, and he nods. It was delivered at the highest level of secrecy, meaning only the person or persons who created it did so on one computer." "It was delivered to Roz's computer by beeper message, the highest level of secure wireless transmission we have." "Not even the Quorum had access to it yet." I pause, furrow my brow, and look him in the eye.

"If you're expecting an invasion force Vice Chairman Cranick, you'll be disappointed. Other less violent steps would be taken first."

He scowls but says nothing.

"And so, Roz and I fly by your memorial on Qujaga, is it? And Roz picks up the distress call and we head towards the Arnessk system.

Braca steps forward, "I sent our Peacekeeper navigational heading to your plane Cowboy." "After a few microns, you told me you had a nav point and asked permission to use your T/S travel.

"How did you find it?

"Good question Commandant!" I smile as I look at him and he tries not to return one.

My brain reminds me the Sabaceans don't get Terran sarcasm.

Roz and I both knew by the numbering sequence could be a Vierin' nav point. But it was incomplete. Roz entered what numbers she had, hit the "search" button, and a list of nav points containing that sequence of numbers came up. The list was quite small considering, but it was an older sequence, and Jool took it upon herself to start entering the sequences on a keyboard in the cockpit. I don't know how many sequences Roz and Jool went through, but they found the number. It popped into the destination row on our time board and, to confirm a dot appeared to mark the nav point. The distance to nav point was within the parameters of 2 light years." "I took a chance and asked if you'd trust me." At this time Braca looks at me and smiles slightly.

"More importantly, it tells me that the Vierin' have been in this cluster and traveled to or through. it"

"Because of these "nav points"? Emperor Staleek asked. I noted that Cranick nods.

"Yes, and because you likely found Vierin' Hetch modules in your system." "The Vierin' didn't simply leave their technology lying around. " A large quantity of modules should have been part of an inventory of a repair facility. "According to their literature, modules needing repair were removed and replaced, and the removed modules were repaired or scrapped on site."

80

"It makes sense." Staleek responded. "There were ruins of large hangers and machinery. We have restored some of the machinery and use it to rebuild our modules." It is extremely precise, down to several hundreds of thousandths of metros!"

"Do you have any literature or electronic media from them?" I asked.

"We found fragments, portions of writings, in a language we couldn't translate. They were likely discarded." " With your knowledge, I'd wish we'd kept them."

"Master?" It was T'knawl

"Hello T'knawl! "Um, do me favor? Call me Cowboy. " Ok?" Just Cowboy."

"Yes, I, I can do that." "But you are a master of your energy!"

"No, I'm pretty good with it. I'm a jack of all trades and a master of none!"

"T'knawl smiled. "I like how you put that, Cowboy

"The best thing anyone can do T'knawl, is themselves" "The birds that live in the trees around my landing pad, are always being the best at what they know, which is being a bird."

He touches his fingertips and bows, and I do the same.

T'knawl continued "Cowboy, several large books that you described were left behind in the caverns under the temple and over 40 scrolls wrapped in heavy cloth!" " They revered by the elders and were said to contain ancient knowledge." "We were not allowed to unravel them."

I used my hands to span measurements. " Were they approximately this tall?"

Yes, and I believe they were one and one third (4 feet approx.) milin in length.

Really! I believe I know what those are!" My eyebrows arch. "Are the handles a gold color?"

"Why yes!" "With remnants of tassel!" "Do you know what they are?" T'knawl asks excitedly.

I believe I do! T'knawl. I would need to see them first, but it sounds like you're describing a Vierin' Star Chart!"

Now I'm getting excited!

"At the peak of the Vierin' empire, some 400 thousand cycles ago,these star charts would been placed on the opposite wall of the temple and all other centers of higher learning. The points on the floor were used to align them.

"Unfortunately, this Temple has set of doors where the wall should be."

"It was done for security reasons." Chairwoman Braca says breathlessly. "Can you show us how this would look?" I walk across the floor to the point furthest out and centered in the star. The cloud of charged particles follows me like an obedient puppy.

"This is the center alignment point. A line of charged particles follows my hand down the floor and up the wall. Starting to my left I manipulate the E and it's charged particles from left to right.

"I am using the charts on the wall at the main temple on the wall at the Shay-qul Temple as a reference." Unfortunately, the ones at Shay-qul are damaged to the point that most are unreadable. "They should have kept in storage until needed."

I finish with my "painting". You could hear a pin drop. The acoustics allow me to talk while looking at the wall.

"The galaxy, which we on Terra call the Milky Way starts here. I walk over and point to the end of the top roll of particle charts." "Right now, we are here." I walk down a few feet and point. I take a couple of more steps. Terra is here." And so forth, until I reach the bottom.

What is here, unless you have explored this area, is unknown to us, but well-traveled by the Vierin'. I submit, that both the Interplanetary Quarom and the Eidolon Alliance together, can travel into the future peaceably, and write our own destiny." "I turn and walk back the tables and the loft."

"What I've shown you is a sample of a much larger picture." "If the scrolls at Arnessk could be recovered and are readable they could be mounted on the wall and be removed at will." The interior wall at the temple on Shay-qul was covered with a coating containing fine metal particles." The scrolls are made from woven metal that has been magnetized. They will adhere to the wall but are easily removed."

81

"Astounding!" Staleek gasped. Even Vice Minister Zareok agreed.

Both Bracas and Cranick are impressed smile inwardly that such a word would drop into my head. Mouma is agape.

I try to search for Jool, and she is peering out from her cowl behind T'knawl. She looks shocked. Our eyes meet, and she tries to smile. T'knawl is speaking quietly to another priest.

I guide the particles over to the cloud still hovering and carefully compact them into a nearly invisible ball, then I gently place them on the ground.

"Mas... I mean Cowboy!" "I would propose we go to Arnessk and retrieve all the materials left behind and bring them to the temple."

I note the other priest has left.

"

I concur and can have transport ready tomorrow morning!" Mele-On exclaims. " This is probably the greatest discovery of the new era!" And she turns to me. Her eyes are gentle and her smile genuine. "Once again Cowboy, we find ourselves in your debit!"

"And I find myself in yours for letting me speak about the Vierin'." "Consider your debt cancelled.

I see movement on my peripheral.

The other priest has returned and hands T'knawl a thick silver bound book. It's a volume of from the Vierin' Encyclopediana.

Jool walks in and whispers in T'knawls ear. he whispers something back. She looks up, glares past me at Chairwoman Braca and snarls loudly.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN NOT GO!"

Even I jump.

Mele-On doesn't flinch, but stares firmly back at Jool. I step back out of the firing line.

"You will stay here Jool, where you will be safe." she calmly yet firmly states.

Muoma opens her cowl and turns to Jool.

"I'm afraid I must agree Jool, for your safety." She smiles. Please understand that."

Jool shrugs and sighs. "I understand. I will prepare a place for proper storage of the scrolls. She turns and leaves. I'm releved, as Mouma.

"May I see that volume please" I ask T'knawl.

"I brought it for you to see, Cowboy!"

"Ahhh, volume twelve. Excellent!"

"I'm afraid I have T'knawl, but this book is in much better condition."

T'knawl is disappointed, but his mood is short lived.

"The Hierarch would refer to a passage in this book whenever conflicts would arise that may have required force." T'knawl tells me.

"Indeed T'knawl, I know the story well, it's one of my favorites."

I note that The Bracas, Staleek and even Scorpius have walked over and are observant. i look up and Jool is back. She looks incredible! Her outfit hugs and loves her every curve. I nearly blush.

"At the time this volume was written, I begin, the Vierin were enamored with the Ma-aroog practitioners and healers. Many Vierin' were flown to the main planet where they received treatment for serious wounds and diseases. The Ma-aroog were pioneers in limb and organ replacements and could rebuild organs through cell regeneration. People did not become immortal but lived longer through their productive years. Parents might live actively to see their great great grandchildren.

"I digress, Thats all covered from here to here. I hold a group of pages." I try to clear my throat. "Does anyone have a jug of water? I'm parched."

I flip back the group of pages to a section of the book Spanning the bottom both pages is a lavish illustration.

82

"I can see why the Hierarch would use this story." "Did he read Vierin'?" I ask.

"I don't believe so." Mouma answered calmly. " I feel from his essence he was told the story and simply repeated it."

"This is a love story, as my teacher would call it." It's about a powerful practitioner of Jah-hi-nae. His name is Shiya-nah."

" The story happens about 650 thousand cycles ago. The story itself was transcribed around nine cycles after the events occured, when all the witnesses were still living. The Vierin' did not transcribe "tall tales". When one couples that with the blood oath of the practicioners themselves, the Vierin' believed they were always telling the truth."

"Shiya-nah lived on a planet named Nogate-al, which was four-point five light years from the Ma-aroog system. The people were called T'rrlagt. They were peaceful farmers who traded their goods throughout the system."

As the story goes T'rrlagt were attacked from space by a ship of pirates, or raiders. Thieves who took what was valuble to sell elsewhere. The T'rrlagt did not have much but offered qhat they had.

The Pirates were disappointed. And so, they started torturing and murdering the T'rrlagt for sport." No one was spared.

The T'rrlagt tried to defend themselves and succeeded by sheer numbers and courage to contain the Pirates in a town called N'bori." Of course, there were hostages...and the pirates started killing them."

"Did the pirates have name?" T'knawl asked.

"Good point." Criminals, especially those who committed heinous crimes are never named. The Vierin' felt they were glorifying them by using their names."

I read a bit more.

Shiya-nah hurried to the town. He called out to the Pirates and challenged them to fight to the death. The pirates were humored by his request, they sent two of their own out with a young woman and tried to force themselves on her."

T'kwnal hands me a clear jug of water. I drink from it. Delicious!

This passage always makes me smile. I'll quote it. As two "Scqraq" attempted to force themselves on her, Shiya-nah disarms them with "vigor"." I chuckle.

I look up and scan the crowd, I must tell you, he never touched them. And he didn't kill them." And I smile. Scorpius stares at me.

The pirates are angry. Shiya-nah challenges them, which invokes the desired response. The illustration shows this... And I point to the page on my left.

"The pirates burst from the village, like a hive of threatened "Skiva" Basically a stinging insect."

83

They approach Shiya-nah, and the leader points a weapon and shoots the practiticioner several times with no effect. "Again, with little vigor Shiya-nah disarms the entire group" I'll paraphrase. After another exchange, Shiya-nah bids them good rest and they fall asleep."

"Fascinating!" Mele-On exclaims. Everyone nods.

"Then my friends, here is the lesson the Hierarch would have given."

"The T'rrlgt are blind with rage. They want to kill the pirates. Shiya-nah forbids them, but offers a challenge, that the purest man among them may do so.

Finally, one man named Yellnt steps forward. Shiya-nah tells him he may kill the pirates, but Yellnt must kill him first. Yellnt argues with Shiya-nah but rage over comes him, and he kills Shiya-nah.

"Hierarch never mentions this, Cowboy". I smile. And I turn the page.

"Shiya-nahs' dying words to Yellnt, are of love and forgiveness for him."

I look around the group.

"So, Cowboy..." T'knawl asked quietly "Does this Yellnt kill the pirates?"

"No, he does not." "Yellnt turns the crowd of mollified T'rrlagt" . "He screams...at the crowd and tells them he takes Shiya-nahs' place!" "Again, I paraphrase."

"The crowd disarms themselves, then bind the sleeping pirates and take them away." "The story does not share all of their fates but mentions some were executed.

"What happened to Yellnt?" Someone asks. maybe another priest.

I start reading the next page.

"Yellnt makes his way to Shay-qul." He prostates himself before the head instructor and pleads that he be killed for his actions." "Instead, he is invited into the practice, where under tutelage, he becomes a powerful practitioner of E himself." He never kills another living being except animals used for food."

"This is an actual photograph of Yellnt' giving blessing. As you can see heart is still broken from killing Shiya-nah, but he never stops loving those around him and in his care."

I give everyone a chance to look.

I close the book. And then explain.

"If you ask me what I as a practitioner do, this story tells you."

For a couple moments there is silence. Then Mele-on gets a comm.

"All the preparations for a trip back to Arnessk have been arranged." she states "I'll need a half dozen Eideons to go along . "We'll meet you here at the temple at 0600 hours."

Commandant Braca is in charge of security."

"I expect it will take at least a day to retrieve the scrolls and other materials." T'knawl remarks."

"Possibly yes, but you will have plenty of help" Mele-On

"With everyone's approval, I believe we should adjourn for the day." Mele-On states. "i know it has been a long day for me."

"Agreed." States Staleek. "We will meet tomorrow and go over the accord's proposals."

84

I look at my watch. "Supper time." I nod.

"What an interesting device!" Mele-On exclaims. "I see it on your wrist every day!"

"It's a Terran wristwatch." I explain. " There are more ornate and fancier ones, but this one just keeps time."

"I see!" She replies. "And what time is it?"

"It's 1700 hours on Tavian three." "By coincidence it's the same time in Tulsa Oklahoma, where I used to live." "Most Terrans use a Julian system for time instead of military time like here."

"On Terra, right?" I nod.

"Is that the country you live in?"

"No, its a state within a country." I reply. "I'm not sure how that translates."

"Someday I will have you explain this." She replies with a smile. "Same time tomorrow everyone?" "Thank you again Cowboy!"

I head back to Fa3 and Roz. I'm still thirsty, and I'm hungry. And more confused. I can't shake the feeling that this scenario is a farce.

Roz lowers the ramp, but I see someone left a box of fruit and other food items.

"We had a visitor, and it was Jool" "She looked at the camera and waved!"

"Hey Beautiful, what's up?" I reply.

"Not much sweet cowboy!" she relies with a giggle. "Lots of activity though."

"What about that Sauuri frigate Roz?" I sit on the bed and try to calm my thoughts.

I can still smell the arrangement that was given to me.

"I can't see it from here, but lots of activity! Vehicles, flyovers, those gunship copters!

As long as it isn't us, right honey?" I smile

I open the box and the aroma of fresh baked breads and fresh fruits fill the room. There's also another note.

I open it...

Cowboy,

What you did today was amazing

even if you did put yourself down

a bit

I am still speechless and cannot believe the

amazing job you are doing

For a person with my education

You impressed me with your wisdom, wit, and candor.

And you are the sweetest, kindest man I've known

There is a lot of Shiya-nah in you.

I want to know you better Cowboy!'

My heart jumps when I see you

Jool

WHOOOOAAAAAAAA my inner brain exclaims.

I read the last line again. And again.

"Well lover boy!" Roz snickers. "Seal the deal!"

85

I unlock a drawer under the bed and pull out several hand weights and sit them on the bed.

"Well, you and I discussed this right? "I asked. Y'know, the liability thing?"

I bite into one of the fruits. It's sweet and tasty and try to pick out a meal from my cache as I chew.

"Yes, we did." She replied. "How was your day?"

"Mmmmmffff one mommmmnt"

Roz laughs sweetly. "Sorry hon!" I'll wait.

"Cowboy, I think maybe Mele-On made Jool stay here because she'd be protected better."

The microwave dings and I take the measuring cup of simmering water out of it and pour it my meal bag. I take a bit out of a berry muffin and it tastes almost like blueberries.

"I'm not sure what to think, but I'm glad she's not going." I tell Roz. Anything could happen with the Peacekeepers or Scarrans!"

Between bites I tell Roz about my day. She agrees with Juul and thinks I did the cause a lot of good. The reconstituted Chicken rice teriyaki is edible, but not like home cooking.

Roz hadn't heard the story Shiya-nah so I told her. It made her sad, and again she agreed with Jool. Another cool thing about Roz is she's learned not to overpraise my accomplishments unless I'm really jazzed about them myself. That doesn't happen very often.

After supper I work with my weights. Roz is doing a a beeper message. I finish my reps and consider going outside to meditate. The air is cooler and perfect for a long sleeve flannel shirt.

I sit at one of the benches near the pad and try to meditate. I'm having a hard time focusing because of what Jool wrote. I also can't shake a paranoid like feeling I'm being watched. Roz assures me I'm not, and I'm ok for the moment. I do lift Fa3 off the ground several times.

Then I go inside, handle my bathroom stuff, and crawl into bed.

Roz hums sweetly and sings quietly in the background. I drift off to her beautiful voice.

86

Chapter 6

A time to heal

I'm driving my old Plymouth Roadrunner through a muddy field. Mud is flying everywhere, and my pace is slowing. I wonder, why I driving my two-wheel drive car where I need a four-wheel drive?

Then things shift. I am sitting in the living room of my home in Oklahoma. A dog walks through. I reach for her and call her, and she disappears.

Then nothing.

I wake up and glance my alarm clock. The red LEDs flash 1:47, in the morning. Roz is quiet so she is resting as well. I get out of bed. I am bit shaken from seeing one of my beloved dogs. I haven't thought of them in years and check to see if I remember their names. I can't.

I try to think of Oklahoma. Then I head off to the bathroom. Roz knows I'm awake but will nod off if there's not an issue.

Returning to the cubby, I sit on the edge of the bed. I close my eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, and touch my fingertips as to pray. I'm not praying, but preparing.

Smoothly about the slowly, the E begins to flow. It rolls and drifts like waves on a near calm ocean.

I see a figure in the distance coming towards me. I haven't called anyone but whoever it is seems to glide up with stern purpose.

It's an older man, about 65 cycles with a short beard and shoulder length hair. He has the long robe of an ancient practitioner. He locks eyes with me and scowls.

I try to bring up my E, but before I can, he draws a short sword from his robe and with lightning speed, drives it into my sternum! I go to scream but there is no sound, nor is there pain, no death He backs up and smiles. It's not an evil toothy grimace, more like the grin of one playing a sick joke on his best friend.

"Shiya-nah! What are you doing!?" Another practitioner appears on my right. I recognize him from the photograph in the Vierin' encyclopedia.

"Yellnt!" I say his name out loud!

"Shame on you!" Yellnt shouts at Shiya-nah. "This one does not need to be tested!"

Yellnt turns back to me. He reaches out, grabs the blade by the handle, and pulls it out of me. Technically, I only felt a bit of pain when the tip pierced me. Yellnt reaches out with his palm and places it against my sternum. I feel the warmth of his healing.

He states, "There will be a scar, to remind you."

Yellnt says softly. "He's being such a batuuk today!"

He turns and sneers at Shiya-nah , then steps aside.

"Yesterday, I heard my name, several times, I did." Shiya-nah grumbles. "It was you, correct?"

I bow my head. (Thats a nasty gash indeed!) "It was I, Sephan**!" I pause.

**teacher 87

"HMmmmph!" snorts the elder. "It has been many thousands of cycles since a practitioner of any level has said my name, or my Yellnt...We have become unknown amongst the practice!"

"Forgive me Sephana but others have read the story..."

"YES!" "But not with the reverence you'd given it!" he roared.

Yellnt screams "Enough my Lee'easah!" "He comes to you for understanding, and you stab him...with my sword!" "He reads our story with such conviction!" "AGGGGGGGHHHHH!" Yellnt screams and throws his hands about like a lunatic.

"Yellnt, please!" Shiya-nah pleads. He looks at me. "I stabbed you." "But you must believe that you have been given more than a bit of discomfort!" I stay bowed over.

"You come to me with a question practitioner," Shiya-nah says softly. " I can feel it."

"Yes Sephan..." I reply. "I... How did you make the Pirates fall asleep?"

"AHhhhhhh" Then he laughs. "I know it hasn't been taught in over one hundred thousand cycles." He snickers. "So much more theatrical to toss your opponents about like Pfizats and more impressive, plus the sleep technique requires more energy!"

"But you survived my test of will, so I will teach you." He chuckles. "Remember, you asked!"

Instantly, A wall of energy explodes in my head.

" Surrender your mind, Cowboy, and I will teach you." So, I do.

For what seems like millennia, Shiya-nah works with me in my own mind. Everything is pinched, pulled. The understood becomes jumbled, nothing makes sense, then it all does.

I feel myself in the center of a spinning galaxy of energy and that I'm getting vertigo.

"So much information, so much knowledge!" I hear Shiya-nah roar. Then he laughs.

"Seize your destiny, Cowboy!" He roars!

Yellnt squeals " He's got it!" "All of it." "YESSSSSSSSSSSS!"

And then, they're gone. Nothing. Not even a headache.

But I'm soaked to the bone with sweat. It drips from my face, my forehead, into my eyes, and it burns. Like when I used to play music in bars with no A/C in those humid midwest summers. I have a nice scar, it doesn't hurt, but my insides tingle when I touch it.

"Are you ok?" asks Roz, you look you had a virulent fever, but your vitals are all normal!"

"It's ok Roz, I just need water." I stagger to my feet. "And a shower!"

"Honey, you look like Dren!" Roz answers. "Dren? What a word!" Then she laughs!

I sniff. "I smell like it too." "I'm surprised I didn't dren myself!" We laugh!

"What happened baby?" Roz is very concerned. And I tell her, as I head to the shower. My clock reads 0449.

Shower and breakfast, along with nasty cup of coffee do little to make me feel better.

I think about flying off into the tormented space to look for John and Aeryn, if I knew where that was!

I have that surreal feeling that goes with learning something and discovering it isn't quite true.

"Cowboy! Check outside!" Roz yells. She turns on the video screen.

A box truck has backed up to the double doors across from the pad. Two armored transport vehicles have pulled up and disgorged two squads of Scarran soldiers. There are several squads of Peacekeeper officers, weapons ready, beside the truck.

88

They unload something large and heavy, because the trucks suspension rises as whatever was in the box comes off the truck.

"Wow Roz!" I exclaim. "I'd better get over there!"

"T-4 Cowboy!" She replies. "Let me check your uniform sweetheart." "Your sash, if you please!"

Thirty seconds/microts (approx.) later, I'm down the ramp heading for the security entrance. Security is heavy but Braca is there and he waves me through. Scarrans are everywhere. But I already have a plan.

"Commandant."

He smiles and nods.

"This is something you'll surely want to see!" he says with a smile. He leads me down the tiled hallway to the second set of double doors.

He opens the door for me, and we pass through. I see someone has measured out a new doorway to allow for the star chart display.

As I walk in, I realize what got loaded out of the truck. A square tube double row rack on casters. Chains hanging from bars welded to rungs on top of the frame lead down to large metal restraining collars. Cuffed into them was a twenty plus foot long serpent creature with four appendages about four feet from it's head. Each appendage has a hand with six slim fingers. It's a Sauuri, and it's dying. It's back broken and the metal cuffs are suffocating it.

One of the appendages is broken. I can tell from handling Terran snakes it' back is broken.

"I have to control the boiling rage trying to overcome me. It will do me no good to lose my temper, and cost me E. I'll need it now more than ever.

Muoma has her hood open trying to talk to it.

I walk up to the table where Mele-On and Emperor Staleek are observing Mouma's repeated attempts to communicate. The Saurrian's head is hanging and it's tongue is barely out. Totally dehydrated. Jool is with Mouma, trying to help. She looks at me and sees my anger. She taps Mouma on the shoulder and points.

The priestess turns and smiles at me. "Cowboy." " Do you have some experience dealling with these beings?" "Can you help?"

"Yes Mouma, I can." "The Saurrian is dying" "It is dehydrated, and the torture device you've restrained it in is suffocating it"! Plus, it's back broken in two places that I can see."

I wait for a response but here is silence. Jool tries to scream but hyperventilates.

My face twists in mock rage. I scan the crowd and see nothing but speechless shock. Even Staleek appears astounded. Only Zareok and Cranick seem non plussed.

"Please release the Saurrian now." I say in a terse monotone. Noone moves.

"I will not ask a second time. I will, however, take action." I feel the E rising in me.

Vice minister Zareok jumps to his feet. He points at both I and the Saurrian with a long-nailed finger.

"Human!" He can't restrain the pleasure of his insult. "We found a vessel with these creatures aboard drifting near the Ran'naacjk rift at the galaxy's edge. When we boarded the vessel and tried to contact its occupants, they would not speak with us, but tried drawing on the inside walls of the craft. They refused to lower their weapons and opened fire, plus sprayed our troops with venom." We lost fifty of our finest soldiers and found this one in the wreckage, which we restrained for our safety! He points at me. What do you say to that, Coowwwbooooy?" He smacks the table for emphasis

89

"Vice minister Zareok." "I will overlook your discourtesy and forgive your obvious ignorance."

I scan the table again and continue. "When my plane and I entered this cluster, I expected to be arrested, charged with some heinous made up crime, cuffed to a rack, beaten, flogged, injected with neural devices, and then strapped in the Aurora chair! But the plaque on the destroyed warships at Qujaga suggested things have changed."

"Until a few microts ago, I believed that was true. Then I see this and wonder what is hidden within these walls." I breathe in and let it out slowly.

Everyone but me appears shocked.

"The Aurora chairs have been destroyed and are outlawed as are all mind controlling devices!" "All races in our alliance must comply and are subject to inspections!" Mele-On exclaims

"Mental cleansing is reserved for only those who are convicted of the most heinous crimes."

Mouma nods. "None of these methods or devices as you infer to are used." But I must admit that what you see unsettles me as well!' She turns and stares at Staleek.

"John Crichton does not believe you." Scorpius interjects.

Both Staleek, Mouma and Mele-On glare at him. Scorpius continues.

"Release the Sauurian into Cowboys care," he continues in his genteel voice. "If I am wrong about his honesty, I shall leave my exile and remand myself to you for trial."

Emperor Staleek snarls an order at the guards. He turns to Zareok and snarls something at him.

The guards work to release the cuff locks as I approach the dying Sauurian.

"The Sauurian soldiers on that craft are not combat soldiers but color guards who protect diplomats!" I exclaim. "They were drawing on the walls trying to tell you that they have no spoken language." Translator microbes might allow them to listen, but they cannot talk to us."

"So, they are, they are telepaths?" Jool asked.

"Yes." I say curtly." Excuse me a moment!" I immediately regret speaking to Jool like that.

I get down on one knee and cradle the Sauuri's head in my hands. The E flows through me into its body. The guards release the cuffs, which clatter to the ground, but I do not allow the Sauuri to fall. Staleek snarls and the guards roll the frame away

"Can you hear me?" I ask mentally.

"Yes, but barely!" It replies. "Listen to me!"

I press my head against the serpents.

"Is this better?"

" Yes! Such pain!" I feel it's pain through my E and it rips through like a knife. I cry out in agony, I hear Jool scream!

"T'sande'! "Cowboy!"

Then I feel the scar on my chest flare up. The E surges through me like a lightning strike. It is so concentrated it turns white.

"You must, you must kill me!" The Sauuri moans. "I know you can"

"You know what I am." I state.

90

"Yes, but I didn't know that the Ma'-arogg were training humans." Its thoughts grow quiet. "Such pain you have suffered, yet you would not die." "The Ja -hi-nae is strong in you!" "I wish I had your will"

"You have, but there is not much left." I pause. "I am Cowboy."

I felt the Sauurian breathe "You may call me Sardosh." It is much shorter than my real name but easier for most bipeds to pronounce. "I do not feel any pain now" "But my back is broken in two places." I can feel my body so my column is not severed." And I can breathe." "I am thankful for you Cowboy".

I hear Jool yelling at someone(?)

"His field is set up to keep us away! He no longer trusts you, just like me!"

I did not realize my personal shield was about three feet thick. I relax it to a few inches thick. My shield has never that thick. I feel the energy is centered around the scar where Shiya-nah

stabbed me

"Jool! I actually shout at her telepathically. "First, I am sorry!" "But do NOT scream!"

"Cowboy?" "I hear you?" She cries back. "They cannot see or hear us!"

"Listen carefully." I soften my tone "First, I need a wash bowl or something to hold a litren of water in." And some sterile but absorbent towels." "Be quick!"

"Sardosh, I'm getting you water." "Have you eaten?"

"Water would be helpful, for now." "Are you going to attempt a healing."

"I will not attempt a healing, Sardosh, I will heal you, or I will ask for a cleansing of your body, and you will pass." "I cannot, and I know you understand sir, that I cannot simply "kill" you!"

"I understand Cowboy, but you should know, I am female." I have over three hundred offspring, more than a thousand grand spring, and two hundred great grand spring!"

"So, you're a great nana!" I laugh mentally.

Sardosh says nothing. "When you heal me Cowboy, my nest will bless you and receive you as one of us." "If not, they will bless and receive you for trying."

"I am strengthened by your will Sardosh." "Be brave!"

Jool and another Priest arrive with a bucket and Towels. She introduces me to Ja'roole, who has veterinary training and has worked with reptilians.

One of the large tables is cleared off and cleaned. I gently lift Sardosh up and carry her over to it using my E. Once she has been placed gently on the table. I instruct Jool to wet the towels and carefully wipe them on the Sauurians' tongue. Sardosh starts to drink. Soon she is drinking on her own.

While Jool is helping, I carefully touch and prod the broken vertebrae. Ja'rrole links with me and helps me see the damage in my mind. His skills act like a MRI, allowing us to see the bones and the damage. The spinal cord itself is damaged along its outer shell, but I can regrow it. I wish a Ma-aroog surgeon was here.

Jool walks up and observes us working. Under Ja'rroles calm instruction, I am work the broken pieces up through the soft tissue and align them along together. with his help I am even able to take the small chips and place them together. Like a shattered piece of glass, the pieces come together. Ja'rrole checks to make sure no nerves or soft tissue is pinched in the vertebrae. Then he asks Jool to confirm. I check with Sardosh. She is in no pain and resting.

91

Jool walks around the table and stands against me. I can feel her essence and her own E. It is very strong for a non-practitioner! I turn my head and smile at her, and she smiles back. It makes my day.

"Three more days Cowboy!" She whispers. She places her right hand on top of mine and Ja'rroles,and closes her eyes. I enclose her in my shield.

Jool checks our work carefully and then both she and Ja'rrole watch while I fuse the vertebrae back together. Together we repair three broken and one cracked vertebra. The first repair is finished. Sardosh feels nothing so I slowly remove the pain block I have installed. She says she is a bit stiff in that area, but the pain is gone. I let her drink a little more and both Jool and Ja'rrole insist I rehydrate. I ask Sardosh how the injuries occured. I am surprised when she tells me they were not caused by the Scarrans but received when debris fell on her during the attack by Metal ships. Sauurians call the robot ships "Metal". Her interrogation by the Scarrans was more mentally destructive. She also tells us her life mate died in the attack and was sucked out of the ship when the turret he was manning was cut away by their disintegrators. She believes Scarran ships drove the attacking robots off.

I note that the temple is now empty. There are a few priests meditating in the loft

Then we start on the 2nd injury down near the tail. Here, the vertebrae are badly fragmented but with Jools and Ja'rrole's assistance, I am able to effectively repair the damage. I ask for more water and soap. Together the three of us bath the prostate Sauuri and her white diplomatic bands are revealed. Her skin looks leathery like an Earth snake but is soft and supple. Multiple colors emanating from her scales with an irridescent sparkle. Jool helps me set and fuse the compound fracture in her broken "arm." Then I lift the pain block.

"It is done." I collapse into one of the chairs and look at my watch. It's 1400 hours/2pm.

Jool and Ja' roole have left. I lean forward in the chair, and I break down for a couple of minutes and then I am able to collect my thoughts. I grab a towel and wipe my face. Sardosh has been sleeping.

At 1530/3:30 pm, Several Priests arrive with Ja'roole. With assistance, we lift Sardosh from the table and place her on the floor. She is able to stand upright and move across the temple floor slowly without difficulty. She hugs me tightly with her arms and thanks me profusely. The Priests escort her from the temple.

I stand there for a moment, and I daydream of the temple in Shay-qul. The magnificent wall of star charts.

Then I walk back to Fa3, fall into the cubby bed, and sleep.

"Cowboy?" "Sweetheart?" It's Roz. "Please wake up!" "We are being watched!" "I think it's Scorpius!"

With the mention of Scorpius, my brain rips my eyelids open! I stand up quickly and nearly black out from the head rush. My blood sugar is completely ganked and my stomach is roaring!

"Where at Roz?" "SHYTE!" I stagger to the fridge, open it, and grab one of the fruits Jool left for me and take a bite.

"He's back in the trees behind us Sweetie." "He's been there about an hour?" "What happened to you!"

92

"What are you talking about, Roz." "I'm hungry!"

"You need to look in the mirror baby!"

So, I trundle into the bathroom and look in the mirror. SSSHYYTE!

I'm looking at an old man...oh it's me alright, but the face is wrinkled, my hands covered with blotches and my fingers all gnarled and covered with age spots. My hair and whiskers are streaked with gray.

I look my age. And I feel it. I take several deep breaths.

Normally a practitioner can't heal themselves, but I think this is cosmetic. My vitals are fine, and my brain is clear.

"Keep an eye on him Roz, I'm gonna try a cold shower!"

And I jump in the shower.

The cold water rehydrates me. I drink from the shower head. The soap cleanses my body.

I get out and dry off, then check the mirror. Most of the wrinkles are gone, my hair is dark. The joint pain has disappeared, and my fingers no longer look like bird claws. As I dress, I can feel the last of the wrinkles Ma-arogg cell rejuvenation devices are doing what they were designed for.

"That looks much better babe!" Roz comments. "Please be careful!"

"I was Roz, but it took a lot out of me." "Honestly, I wasn't watching myself." I chuckle.

"You looked fine when you came aboard!" Roz replies. "It happened while you slept!"

"Interesting... and inconceivable!" We laugh.

I love Roz.

"He's still out there, babe."

"Maybe he wants to talk, Roz!" "Lower the ramp"

"I'll keep an eye on you!"

"That's why I love you Roz! MMMMmwaaw!

"I love you too, sweet Cowboy!" Mmmmwwaw!

And down the ramp I go!

I walk perpendicular to Scorpius's position and disappear under the tree canopy.

The I turn and look down the row and see him, trying to hide by a tree trunk.

I walk slowly in meandering manner towards him. I pretend to look at the trees and enjoy the fresh buds and leaves. The birds nesting for the evening squack their protests at my presence as they flit from branch to branch. I ignore them, slowly strolling along untill I'm within ten feet of him.

"Scorpius, Scorpius, won't you come out and play?"

Scorpius stands next to an older, thicker tree trying to blend in with his black thermal suit. He glares at me with a mix of irritation and curiosity. He looks as friendly as a used car salesman and as dangerous as a Viper. I imagine him as a villain in a Shakespeare play. He responds in a precise, yet quiet tone.

"You and I both know, I can't be found out here, Cowboy," "Relationships are on the line!"

"And yet here we are sir" I reply at equal volume "I'm at your service!"

He glares like a predator sizing up his prey. I continue.

"You know, despite your manipulative methods, your devious double dealing, and what many would consider outright butchery, you've orchestrated the very incident that brought me to this moment."

93

He appears nonplussed, but his aura gives him away. He's completely befuddled! I smile.

"And no one seems to know it but me!" I pause " Scorpius, you are Pure GENIUS!"

"I see, he says quietly. "You would believe that you have me figured out?"

"No Scorpius, because you're as slippery as a worm!" is my pointed reply.

The thermal suited "arachnious treacherous" grins...like a toothy crocodile!

"And Scorpius, I actually believe you have morals... imagine that." I smile.

In that smooth voice of his, he replies "I have my loyalties, but sometimes they need to be, shall we say, adjusted." "However, my current loyalty lies with the Peacekeeper cause."

"The new Peacekeepers, or the old?" I ask.

"The Peacekeepers were never meant to be a large military force but became one." He replied. The Eidolon would prefer to return them to their original form." He raises a finger." I desire to increase the size of the second, while retaining the intent of the original version."

"Ok." I really didn't want to know that, but I probably should.

"And what of you, Cowboy?" "A human, with one interesting name, incapable of lying, displaying fantastic powers of strength and healing. You claim to have knowledge... of an ancient civilization that spread itself across the galaxy. "He takes a breath, "You appear to have no flaws, make friends easily, but... you have liabilities." "John Crichton, you are not, and yet, you have made similar errors!"

"True Scorpius," I reply. "I have." "Do you intend to exploit them?"

"Not at this time. "he says in his precise manner. "I suspect, unlike John Crichton, that the reprisal would be most unpleasant. "He smiles. "But he and his comrades were very resourceful when required!"

"However, Cowboy, "There are others that would exploit your liabilities, without remorse!"

I cross my arms. "Do tell."

"And if I refuse?" he asks slyly.

I smirk before speaking.

"Ah... the ten-thousand-dollar question Scorpius! "You would expect me to rip it from your mind or frell you with some kind of torture device." I uncross my arms and place my hands behind me. "You'll be disappointed Scorpius. " " I would have the information, and you wouldn't even know I'd taken it." "We practitioners work on the principal of reading, not stealing!"

He stares at me, disseminating my remarks and choosing his response carefully. I wait.

"If I were to tell you, "He starts "that the Eidelon alliance is being threatened from within, would this surprise you"?

"Based on what I've read from John and Aeryn, no!"

Scorpius nods his head. "There are factions within the Peacekeeper ranks, that wish to return to the glory days of old." He pauses. "As well as within the Scarrans"

"Some are very strong with members in high-ranking places, Others... might have a dozen or two members with no ability to act."

"I see." "Continue."

94

Scorpius places his hands behind this back and turns slightly, like a commander inspecting his troops." " Our militarists, as we call them, foolishly believe that we have superiority in numbers to attack and destroy the Scarran empire." And while numerically superior, the Scarrans still have better weapons and faster ships." "The result would be a repeat of what happened twenty-six cycles ago!" he pauses, to stare at me with his narrowed eyes

"Your arrival, Cowboy, has upset their delicate timetable." He nods. "They were waiting for Council woman Mele-On to pass" He pauses. "I suspect that you know that she's gravely ill."

I nod.

Scorpius looks up at me. "As a result, the larger factions have gotten, shall we say, "messy." He glances about like he's expecting unwelcome company.

"Because of this. we have been able to place our people in positions to vigorously deal with a mutiny attempt." "The attempt, we believe, will be launched in the next two to three solar days!"

I raise my eyebrows.

"Normally," Scorpius continues, I would have delt with using my own sources and assets." But the conspirators have prepared well." I was accused of fabricating the plot myself and, because I was out of favor with Mele-On-Graza and others, the evidence against me was considered undeniable." I was forced to seek exile in the Temple with the Eidolons.".

I nod my head and raise my eyebrows.

"My question to you Cowboy...is would you be able to protect your assets along with ours, should the need arise?"

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. and then another.

"As a non-military representative of an organization not tied to your alliance, I am expected to be neutral on such matters, except for my plane and navigator."

"But!" I raise the first finger on my left hand. "If those assets were to be placed within my immediate care," I pause "my oath requires me to protect them, even with my life."

Scorpius nods (and I am shocked).

"I understand." "This is precisely why I needed to talk to you!" He grins like an evil cartoon character. "Then I could count on you to honor your oath?"

"I'll be prepared and willing to act Scorpius!"

" As I suspected"...One last question Cowboy."

"I'll trade the answer for a question of my own, Scorpius!"

"Agreed." He pauses. "Who gave the wormhole knowledge to John Crichton?"

"We"..."believe that the ancients gave him the initial knowledge about wormholes!" The Vierin' had their generators and would have no use for them." I pause.

The texts or encyclopedias that the Vierin' published indicate that they were the only ones capable of building what they called "hell holes." I raise my finger again.

"John Crichton maintains that the ancient named "Jack" who disguised himself as John's father, built a device that was mounted on a copy on Johns Farscape Module."

"Correct!" Scorpius replied. "The module was built by Furlow." then adds. "Our resources have never located her."

"The Vierin' never used such devices, and their text is explicit about it!" is my response.

This prompts Scorpius to narrow his eyes.

I continue. "It's a theory I have that a practitioner of Jah-hi-nae discovered how to do it, but there is no record of it. Using E to build a hellhole would have been considered a heinous act because it would destroy indiscriminately, therefore no practitioner would attempt it." I await his response.

95

Scorpius explains "When John Crichton made the wormhole, he had a device he sat in."

"The device used the Starburst Chamber of his Leviathan Moya to generate the initial energy charge. Obviously, it was an amplifier of sorts." Aeryn Sun had it destroyed, but John told me the ancient named "Einstein" took the knowledge from him after he collapsed the hole."

I nod. "I can only tell you what the Vierin' wrote." Again, I raise my finger. There are gaps in the knowledge, because many of the texts are missing." I shrug.

"And now your question, Cowboy."

"Scorpius..."Where is John Crichton?" He raises a finger

"Ahhhh, I presumed correctly that you would ask that!"

Scorpius pauses as an actor might to build tension.

"For a while, John Crichton was in Hyneria." He helped Rygel the 16th regain his throne, which I attempted to stop.

"He continues. "There were a couple more unpleasant situations after that as well. "At this point, I believe he is somewhere near Tormented space." There is a magnetic planet out there that interferes with navigation and tracking systems. The pull is so strong that spaceships landing on it may not be able to lift off from its surface!" He looks away, then at me again.

"He fears not for his life, but for those of his wife Aeryn and their children." "There are those about who still wish to do them harm."

"I see" I grimace. Scorpius turns and paces back a couple of steps.

"Many believed that the wormhole knowledge was hidden in the children's DNA." That has been proven to be incorrect as well!"

I listen as my brain tries to comprehend. I know Scorpius isn't lying, which makes it worse.

"I have not spoken with him in ten cycles Cowboy." But I do not believe he's left the area." He stares into my eyes. And I wonder if he really knows.

"There is a way I can contact him." Scorpius continues." When certain situations are stabilized, I will attempt to do so."

I drop my jaw. "OOOOh kay!"

"I'll be in touch, Cowboy!" He bows slightly.

Then he turned away and disappeared into the trees, his thermal suit blending into their dark trunks.

I raise my E level up, expecting to be attacked any second as I walk back to Fa3.

He's got me! Damn you Scorpius! I feel like John Crichton might've felt.

My senses assure me no one or anything is about, but I feel better once I'm inside my plane.

The next two hours are spent formulating a security and escape plan with Roz.

Its March 23rd. Three days from now is when Jool intends to spend time with me.

It's 2130 (9:30 pm). As Roz hums quietly, I lay down and fall asleep.

96

The alarm rings too soon. I stagger from my bed. 6:30. I still feel like I've been used for a punching bag. I shuffle to the head and check my face. Everything is ok, but I am sore and crampy feeling. My brain reminds me that my muscles are human and that I'm partially dehydrated.

Roz is singing now as I pull a quart water jug out of the fridge. I practically drain it in four gulps, filling my stomach, which sloshes around like a water ballon!

"Our visitor stopped in just now." You're too undressed to go out." Roz snickers.

I look down and laugh!

"Good morning beautiful!" I smile.

"Morning handsome! "Roz says with a giggle "It was Jool again." She giggles again "You have breakfast!"

"Yeah, I'm glad I didn't go outside like this!"

"What would you have said?" Roz asks.

I snicker. "Hello Jool." Oh that? "Just an old soldier and his two duffle bags waiting on a bus!"

"COOOOOWWWWBBOOOOYYYY! OMG! I can still hear her laughing as I head into the shower.

As soon as I'm "street legal" I retrieve my basket. In addition, the normal baked goods and fruits, there's a slab that appears to be cheese. and a bottle of milky liquid. I uncap the bottle and take a sip. Its consistency is that of milk, but it is lightly sweetened. Rox analyses it and says it's yogurt. As a test, I pour some in my coffee, which I refer to as moldy napalm. The liquid, labeled "Storgome" actually makes the coffee palatable.

And of course, there's the note.

"Cowboy",

In two days, I will

explain.

I hope you

will understand,

and not leave.

T'knawl has returned

with these marvelous maps

Sardosh is eating and getting

stronger.

She told us about the horrid

mistake that nearly destroyed

your planet, and the insane courage

that your people defended it

I grow in wonder of you every day,

and hope you feel the same

Jool

97

I'm confused and Roz can tell.

"Let me ask you a question, Cowboy." Do you believe in love at first sight or Soulmates?"

I sigh deeply.

"I used to Roz, but I have been deceived, and thus I became a non-believer." "My life heart is cracked and burnt." "You have seen it too!"

"I've seen it Cowboy, but I don't see the lack of belief in you!"

"Yes Roz, the Ja-hi-nae has taken that from me. "I take another breath." I consider myself a hopeless romantic."

"So, you have hope, and that's good." Roz responds softly. "Do you feel lust when you think of her?"

I take another deep breath.

"I lust for her kisses, knowing that kissing her may bring out other physical sensations, which I haven't had in a long time."

"Well, if you want my thoughts, here's what I believe, based on my conversations with her and my thoughts as a woman." "Jools fallen for you... and really wants to know you better, whether it's true love, or something in between." "Like I said", she continued, "when she kissed you, her pheromones went off the charts!" "But there were other reactions too!"

"Like when she kept looking at her arms and hands."

"Exactly!"

"Then maybe she'll explain my arms."

"How do they look now?" Roz asks

I've got a six-inch-long line running up the bottom of my arm from the wrist. It's red in color, although I am not in any pain. Roz can't figure it out either.

"Maybe I should a long-sleeved shirt Roz."

"Or you could ask Jool!" she says

I'm so frelled! And I get a long-sleeved shirt out of the closet.

Once dressed, I head out the hatch. The atmosphere outside is dry but the tension is thick. Traffic around the immediate vicinity seems normal. Security appears to be the same. Maybe it's me. Paranoia will destroy ya.

I'm surprised to find that the doors have been moved to where they should be located, like at Shay-qul. DRDs are refinishing the outer walls.

There's a lot of activity in the temple. Extra tables have been set up along the wall where star charts would be. Eidelons are moving about, bringing in scrolls with their protective heavy cloth coverings. Peacekeepers and Sabaceans in gray coats are among them.

There's a light smell of fresh paint in the air. My senses tell me the wall has been painted with a coating of metallic substance. It should allow the scrolls to adhere.

I stop and view the scene.

Jool is here, without a hooded robe. Dressed in her normal leather-ish outfit over a pastel long sleeve pullover top, she's a goddess in a monotone sea. Mele-On is present, talking and pointing, surrounded by a several ranking Peacekeepers including Braca and Cranick. I note there are no Scarrans present.

Mouma is there, surrounded by a half circle of priests talking to several scientists or scholars.

Someone shouts my name. Everyone turns and looks. I manage the most stupid parade wave you could imagine and smile.

98

T'knawl runs up to me, practically breathless.

"N'asssina'!"* he gasps, He claps his left hand on my shoulder and grabs my outstretched hand firmly. *Master/Teacher

"T'knawl!" I smile "It is good to see you as well!" I lean in. "You can call me Cowboy, ok?"

"Yes N'ass...Cowboy! Yes, I will!" He's giddy and out of breath.

"Catch your breath my T'kawl!" "With me!" And I match his gasps, slowing him down until he is breathing normally.

"Thank... thank you Cowboy!" He is almost back to normal. "I have much to show you!" "Come!" With his hand still on my shoulder, we walk over to the table. People are talking quietly and pointing. I am very self-conscious and embarrassed.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Jool weaving through the crowd She is on an intercept course but she's watching T'knawl, not me. I check T'Knawls vitals and he's ok, except for a very light heat murmur.

Jool reaches us and asks T'knawl if he's ok

"Yes, I am Jool! Thanks to your Cowboy! He growls at her then smiles. She looks at both of us with an exasperated look.

"Why do you keep him waiting?" T'knawl asks Jool. Jool blushes and looks away.

T'knawl stands up and looks at Jool then at me. "Come over to the tables when you are done, Cowboy."

Jool looks at me and her face drops.

"Jool, I only wanted to ask you what this is." I unbutton my right cuff on my shirt.

"Cowboy I've been too busy setting up things and Mouma wants me to teach a class on the artifacts found on Arnessk." She takes in a long breath "I want to spend time with you so bad, my heart...AHHhhh!

I've rolled up my sleeve about 6-8 inches. The streak is no longer purple but bright red, like a sunburn. I touch it with my thumb. There's a sensation of energy but it doesn't hurt.

Jool covers her mouth and breathes in deeply. Her eyebrows are arched, and her mouth is open yet smiling. Jools face is full of Joy!

"Oh, Oh Cowboy!" she whispers.

I smile like a complete jacknut.

Jool speaks quietly "I have several degrees, with all Ts! I am trained to think critically and logically." But I am a romantic person who dreams of something like this! It's a one in one hundred million chance."

She raises her voice slightly. " This should not have happened to you, being human!" "How do you feel cowboy?

I smile and look in those beautiful green eyes of hers.

"Well, I'm part Vierin', and you're part human..." I shrug. Then I tell her straight up.

"Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis...I take a breath. "I believe I could be falling in love with you!" There, I said it. I feel my heart pound and the scar on my sternum is warm.

99

She looks at me in complete wonder, then looks over my shoulder left to to right.

"Love lines!" She gasps, then smiles. "Here, I have them too!"

And she shows me her wrists, and explains it's an Interion thing, but can't explain why I have them. True love lines...really?

This part of the galaxy gets more amazing, and stranger by the minute!

And Jool? Her reaction is quite unexpected...

"OH Frelling hezmana!" she sneers "I no longer care what anyone thinks!"

And she kisses me. It's more like a lip head-on crash at first, and then she turns her head slightly and kisses me gently and passionatly! Our tongues touch and then she withdraws. But before I can back away, she kisses my cheek.

"That's for getting them to return to Arnessk!" She smiled and added " "I-I think I love you too, Cowboy!"

We turn to walk over to the tables, and it appears that no one saw us kiss, or that they cared.

I offer my right elbow and Jool hooks her left arm through it.

"Be at my class tomorrow at 08;15" she says.

I exclaim. "T'knawl, what have you got here...oh my!" Several priests are unrolling star maps from the scrolls and stacking them on the table. At least they are placing the protective cloths between them.

I ask them to stop because they will likely be out of order, and it will slow the process of placing them on the wall. Some snooty scientist type asks me how I know this. I ask if he can read Vierin', which he can't, and I promise to try and explain their system. Jool hands him a copy of Vierin' for Dummies (not the real title!) written in Sabacean and has him turn to the page on numbers.

T'knawl apologizes and says they were so excited that he himself forgot. "i reassure him that all is well and ask him how many they retrieved.

"Forty-seven plus these three." He points to three scrolls with gold handles and gold cloth coverings. I stare in amazement!

... 3 more books plus some other artifacts from the temple site."

I apologize to T'knawl and ask to have those scrolls brought to the table.

Two priests grab them and bring them over.

"Please be careful!" I exclaim. I'm almost shaking with excitement. Checking the handles of each scroll, I find remenants of tags, and enough writing to identify what they are of and their position on the chart.

"This is the one we want!" and I grab the handles.

We slowly unroll the chart. The others look in wonder, but I'm awestruck.

"Excellent!" I smile

It looks like all the other maps, silver wound metal threads etched by master craftsmen over One and one half million cycles ago. But this one has a slight gold tint to it!

100

Etched into the threads are outlines of planets. Dark letters, carefully and loving etched into the map, tell a story of ancient race older than everyone in the room.

"It's beautiful, absolutely perfectly!" I exclaim. "You've advanced the galaxy's knowledge many folds T'knawl!"

"I have?" "You're too kind!" He of course, is stunned. "The ancients, saved them for us to discover!'

"Yes T'knawl, and you are one of them." I gently pat the old man's back. "Can I show you where it goes?

"Yes please!" "Even at my age, I have never seen them mounted on the wall!"

I walk to my left a few feet and look back at the points of the star tiled into the floor

"We'll need to move these tables apart a few feet please."

" I had made an error yesterday, that I'd had considered this a star." But my memories reminded me that these are lay lines are called T'aokana'e Sae' which can mean tips or tip of the spear. To the Vierin' the meaning was not just to describe a part of a weapon, but it was used an adjective or even as an action!" " I pause and clear my throat.

I point my finger at the outermost tip and call my E to summon the same particles I did before. Using them I create a line from the point to, and then up the wall.

Then the E reaches out and gently lifts the star chart from the table. Like a magic carpet, it glides through the air to the wall. Gently I place it against the wall and feel the magnetic field engage the metal in the wall. It affixes itself in place and changes colors slightly. The crowd oohs and ahhs as the background becomes whitish. Hues of red, orange, green, blue and purple appear in the spheres and throughout the tapestry.

"Would you unwrap the next one please?" I ask aloud.

Mele-On walks over. I smile and say good morning and address her by title. She acknowledges the greeting and asks if this is the center of the "Milky-Way." It doesn't translate well so she tries saying it. I compliment her attempt and I believe she blushed slightly!

"Mele-On has asked an excellent question." I bow to her slightly. "She asked me if this is the center of the galaxy, we Terrans call the "Milky Way". I know the term doesn't translate well, but the answer is no." It is the geographic center of the Vierin' civilization, but they did this for a reason." "In a moment, I may be able to show you."

"We've unwrapped another gold scroll Cowboy!" It's T'knawl.

"Thanks!" "I'll take that please!" The star map lifts off the table and floats across the room. It floats into my outstretched hands, and I realized it's upside down. I rotate it 180 degrees and check the lay lines. It belongs to the left of the First map. I press it gently against the wall.

The Eidolons have already unwrapped the third cloth and lift it up so my E can take it.

I bring it to the wall and let the magnetic charge adhere it to the wall. One the map, a black vertical line with red lined borders comes to view. There's no way they can be missed.

"This is where the Vierin', based on their calculations, believe the center of the galaxy is."

"So, why did they center their sun at the center of the map?" Someone asked.

"You'll have to trust me on this!" Someone chuckled, I ignored it. " Let's ask the Vierin!"

101

"Next to the lines at the lower right of them is an explanation." I point to the written passage.

"Let our enemies, few and fleeting, expend their efforts on reaching the center, only to find their glory wasted on the nothing. Let the flames of destruction consume them!"

"Vierin' prevail!"

They sent their enemies right to the center of the galaxy!

"Do you know what this is don't you? I heard nothing but gasps. Scorpius walks up to me. His eyes were wide open he looks at me, then almost sneers. He says what everyone thinks.

"Incredible!" he gasps. "The Vierin' made wormholes!"

"Precisely!" And I point to the map. "And No, they did not!"

"I see something else Scorpius, do you? I ask quietly. And I point.

It appears to be emanating from that round shaped...is that a ship? A Vierin' Spaceship?"

"From the description Scorpius, it's a V'un class super dreadnaught." Somewhere between a command carrier and a Scarran dreadnaught, but probably five times as powerful, energy wise."

Scorpius "You're saying that the power cells on this ship, they're more efficient?"

"Vierin' spaceships use a cold fusion generation system." "While we on earth disputed that such a process is even theorectically feasable, the Vierin just started building and rebuilding reactors until they got something that worked."

"I see!" "And all earth ships use this system, correct?"

"All vessels who are Quorum members have some form of it."

"So, your plane, as you call it, has one as well?"

"It does not Scorpius." I reply, " We start our Hetch modules with storage batteries and use the modules to generate electricity." "There's plenty of power to run the T/S generators."

He appears surprised but knows I've told the truth. I don't care that he knows either.

"How about the rest of these charts Cowboy?" It's Mele-On. "Scorpius! You need to let our guest do his job!"

Scorpius grins at me in his usual toothy, devious way. He nods his head and takes leave.

The rest of the morning at least, was devoted to hanging the star charts on the wall.

Of course, the priests had stacked them out of order, not their fault, they were over excited.

By lunch, most of the charts were up. There are twenty maps missing. All agreed that lunch should be served, so a catered lunch of salads, fruits and vegetables, along with sliced deli meats and cheeses. There were also breads and other pastries.

I grab a plate and dig in. There's the fruit that Jool sent, along with jellies and jams.

I have the server slice me a couple thin slices of bread. There's a substance that seems like mustard and one like mayo or yogurt. I finish stacking everything together and head to a table.

I'm surprised and actually quite impressed, that Jool and Mele-On are sitting almost an arms length from each other! There's a open chair next to Jool, and I ask if I can sit.

Jool looks at me in astonishment!

"Of course, you can!" Jool exclaims. "I saved it for you!" She smiles, and Mele-On grins with a mouth full of salad. Braca is having lots of meat and fruit. He appears to be washing it down with the bread dipped in mustard.

102

"What is that?" Jool exclaims

I look at my plate, at Jool, at Mele -On, and Braca. Now I notice a few others are looking at my plate too.

I look down, then around the table. No one has made a sandwich. OOOOppps!

"My bad here!"

Jool just realizes she's embarrassed me.

Mele-On comes to my rescue. She daintily wipes her mouth with a napkin.

"What an interesting idea!" she exclaims, "You've stacked meats, cheeses and cervata (a type of lettuce) along with Tadse' Oil and Strimm (mustard and mayo) and sliced reevate' (like tomato) between the Loaova (bread)! How did you think of that?" She waves her finger at one of the servers and tells him she wants what I've got, then points to Braca.

"I'm sure the Commandant would like to try that!" "I don't know why we've never thought of doing such a thing!"

I slice my sandwich in two. A moment later a server brings a plate with a sandwich on it. She points to Braca and the server places it in front of him. He picks it up and takes a bite. His eyebrows pop and his eyes grow wide.

MMmmmm,mmmdfffff! He's nodding his head looking down at Mele-On and then down the table. He's smiling while chewing.

"It's called a sandwich. "I say as I take a knife and slice mine in half.

"I'd say it's the perfect way to eat a healthy meal on the go!" Mele-On says. She signals to Braca to wipe his mouth. I try not to laugh aloud.

I smile.

"Is this something people on Terra eat? Mele-On asks.

"Yes, there's a story behind it." I reply

"Please, eat your, your sandd...wic and and you can tell me when you're done!" Mele-On exclaims. So, I take a bite. It's delicious. I nod and Braca catches my eye. He's almost done with his. He nods vigorously.

A hand reaches through and places a sealed bottle of water in front of me.

"Is this something you eat on your plane?"

"Um... no" I take a breath.

Jool interjects...

"When I was flying back to Arnessk in his craft, I was trying to find something for the Eidolons to use if they got sick. I found this box full these packages that had pictures of food on them."

"Roz, his navigator said they were dried foods for Longterm storage, so you add hot water, stir, and eat. They smelled disgusting and looked terible!" Jool looked at me and grimaced.

I finished my bite of sandwich and smiled."

"Some are pretty bad, but they do have plenty of nutrition."

"I thought so," Mele-On commented. "Thats why I've offered him a home cooked meal. Mee...I mean the Commandant, and I make quite a team in the kitchen area!"

I finish my sandwich.

103

"I would love to come over, perhaps Jool here might accompany me?"

Jool looks at me in astonishment. She doesn't sneer but I sense that if she could...

"I'd be happy to accompany Cowboy!" She smiles " I feel I owe him for all he's done for myself and the ancient priests."

I wanted to say something, but Mele-On gets in first.

"I'll have Commandant Braca make the arrangements!" Mele-On exclaims. "Probably within the week." I nod...

"Then Madam Chairwoman, let me tell you about the Earl of Sandwich, and the invention that bears his name!" I say with a smile.

After lunch, most of the Peacekeepers have left. Some of the "lab coats" remain, and I am able to have a productive conversation about the Vierin and their charts. They are very intelligent, and not of Sabacean origin. Both are starting to pick up the Vierin' language.

I spend the rest of the afternoon going over how to align the charts, basic information, and some the culture.

The two historians, named Xxani Frassa and Oyhan Do'in tell me they are Trellects, a peaceful race formerly under Peacekeeper control because of the top-secret research work they did. The Eidolons released them from their coerced relationship, and they are free to do other projects.

Jool is in and out of the main temple all afternoon, but when she is present, she stays close to me. I know she loves me because she keeps me hydrayted with fresh bottles of water, on more than one occasion she has rubbed against my arm. She hangs on my every word, and watches me when I'm speaking.

I'm in my element and couldn't be happier. well, except for flying with Roz.

Roz! I haven't talked to her all day! Jool takes me to a semiprivate alcove just outside the main hall and I make contact. Roz assures me all is well. Jool says hello and she tells Jool that she hopes to see her soon, Jool promises she will.

Jool grabs me and takes me back into the alcove. We share a kiss and talk about the day. We share our love, our goodbyes, and she leaves, promising that in two days, we'll be together.

The rest of the evening is uneventful. I follow my usual routine, weight work, some Tai-chi, supper, talking with Roz, and sending the evening reports.

I am bolstered by the return beeper, "Extend the hand, arm to follow." I am to set up a communications link so that the IPQ can speak directly to the alliance and start negotiations for a treaty signing. I'm still boggled by how things are going.

Something is wrong, but I can't touch it!

At dusk, I stroll outside and sit on one of the resin benches. The E follows me like an ocean of energy, its' waves begging for my attention.

I lift Fa3 off its pad three dozen times, slowly and carefully. And I am surprised to find I am using about a pinky length of energy.

I thank the elders and my teachers and center myself. Then I meditate.

Next thing I know Shiya-nah and Yellnt are in front of me. Shiya-nah laughs uproariously and Yellnt giggles like a demented dwarf out of a fantasy novel

"Ah N'asssina'!" Shiy-nah roars. "You worry too much about your overusing your power!" "Your scar has many powers!" He laughs. "The elders, they gnash their teeth, but you will not be judged." "Soon, you will come to know the difference between killing and murder!"

And they are gone!

I walk back up the ramp into the plane. Roz is humming and scat singing a beautiful jazz melody.

Thanking her for the beautiful music, I tell her I love her and fall into bed.

104

Chapter 7

A time for love

I'm driving my old red Dodge Convertible. Someone is next to me in the passenger seat but it's a blur. I hear a sound like a jet engine. I look up but the top blocks my view. It was down a moment ago!

Then the top disappears. I try to turn the steering wheel, but it won't move. So, we just drive straight.

Then it all disappears.

My eyes open slowly, and I see the alarm clock 03:30 am. I toss and turn, then go to the head.

Thankfully Roz is resting. After I finish, I check Roz's module to make sure she has food, and all readings are good.

I drink almost a half quart of water and get back in bed. I fall asleep and although I have more weird dreams, I can't remember them.

I awake at 06:30.

"Good morning, Beautiful!"

"Good morning handsome!"

"I love you Roz" It's the perfect way to get you CAC to be her best!

"I love you too sweet Cowboy, is everything ok?"

"Yes, I need to get to Jools class on Eidelon artifacts."

"Don't keep the lady waiting, Cowboy! She laughs "You should know better!"

I'm already in the shower. The pressures low, so I know the pump is on economy mode to save water. That means the supply tank is low. The waste sump is not quite full but it's down to 150 gallons. I'll ask Braca to get me some water. Roz says she'll contact him for me.

So, I get myself dressed and Roz does an inspection. I pass!

Braca says he'll send a crew over about 09:30 to pump the waste and refill my supply tank.

So, dressed in a light gray short sleeve button denim shirt and my dark gray jeans, complete with my white sash, I head to class.

Once through security, I round the curved corridor outside the temple, until I come to a hallway. Not much foot traffic except for a couple maintenance techs. There's a list of rooms and names on a board, but I don't see anything regarding Jool or the subject of her lecture.

A couple of priests are passing so I ask them.

One of them is going to her class. It's just past 0800, and he seems in a hurry, so I follow him.

Instead of going down the hall, he opens an unmarked door and bids me to enter.

I hear voices in a spirited discussion!

Of course, Jool is there looking like the Goddess she is! Dressed in a black leather top with lace details that leaves little to the imagination, Leather pants and high heeled boots and leather elbow vambances, all in black with silver rings. She's incredible!

105

Her hair is crimson colored, not her normal red. Her green eyes and red lips with red eye shadow make her a total package. On earth I would've never met or talked to her. I pinch myself.

Dr. Frassa notices me and waves. She and Dr. Do'in, along with two other Sabaceans in smocks are debating the use of a gold object one of them holds.

I pick up similar object and look it over. It's a Pyramid, covered in gold, and has several symbols on it that I recognize from ancient civilizations found on earth. There are also Sabacean letters that spell "peace",

There is something about the item that I cannot explain. And yet, I have it seen it before...but where?

I look at the attendees, who are mostly priests, and they are bored.

Jool is stressed! Her lips are peeled back, and her red eyebrows are pointed inward.

She is pointing at one of the objects.

"Dr. Noruck" she exclaimed "With all due respect, these symbols are in languages we don't understand, except for the ones in your native language!

"Good morning Ms. Jool." I reply.

"Yes!" she stammers "Good morning!" "The head archeologists and historians were having a discussion on the origin of these items brought from Arnessk!"

"You mean this Obelisk, right?" I say as hold the golden pyramid.

"Obelisk?" Noruck asked "What is that!"

"Dr. Noruck, as you surmise, it is not of Terran origin as suggested." I take a breath. "However, several of the symbols on here are of well-known by Ancient civilizations that existed on Terra, tens of thousands of cycles ago.

I examine the object closely. There are symbols below it that appear Vierin. And I read them. Inwardly I laugh. I know where I've seen these.

I reach out to Jool telepathically "Hello my beautiful Goddess!"

"My sweet Cowboy!' You came to me!" I am a Goddess?"

"So, who made it Cowboy. Do you think these Vierin' made this item? Dr Noruck asked.

"I'm almost certain, see these symbols?"

"No Jool, you are my Goddess!"

"So, you will worship me? "

"I will place this under a magnifier, could I have it?" Noruck asks. I hand it to him. "Do you know what it is?"

"Worship? Not in the traditional sense of dieties and rituals."

106

"Good because I would not want that." she says "It places you in a subordinate position." "Interion couples are equal in every way to each other." That's how I feel about you!"

I watch Dr Noruck place the Oblesk under a device with a lens.

Yes, I agree Jool. This is more like adoration or being adored" "I don't know if the terms translate." "Let me show you Jool, come closer!"

Jool walks over to wear I am standing. Wordlessly, she nestles against me and places her hand gently on my back.

"I only hope I don't scare you away. I say gently. It's ok, to be skeered at fust!"

"You could never scare me...ohhohh ohhhmy!"

I let my love and desire flow through Jools gentle fingertips. I hold back, fearing I will overwhelm her. She shudders, and she has to control herself not to gasp.

"Fascinating!" I recognize the Vierin symbols!" Dr. Noruck Exclaims "Of course I cannot read them!" "Frassa, Do'in, come look!"

"I'm sorry Jool, are you ok?" I'm still speaking to her telepathically.

"Ok? " "I am not sure!"

I'm confused "Ok?"

"No just different, and incredible all at the same time!"

"Cowboy?" It was Dr, Frassa. "I wonder what this object is for?" They look like worship symbols?" A weight for something?"

"I believe I can show you on the star charts Dr Frassa." is my response

"I think I understand. Jool replies. Interion couples work together better than most and converse deeply, like we are."

"On the start charts?" Dr Fassa asks

"I was afraid I was overstepping Jool."

"Mmm not at all!" She replied flirtatiously!

"I can do a demonstration in the large hall." I pause. "I will show you what they are!"

"Yes, down this hallway!" Dr. Frassa exclaims "Follow me!"

I touch Jools arm and ask her to wait. The priests file out of the room and now they are excited to be here. They file through the sliding doorway and down a dimly lit hall.

Jool and I walk up to the doorway together. The others are heading down the hall.

She grabs my left hand with her right hand clumsily then tightly wraps her fingers through mine. I turn to her and places her other hand on my cheek. I know what she wants and I bend down slightly.

And we kiss. Gently, with lips together and then I kiss her upper lip and she kisses my lower one.

"That's for saving me from that frellwit Dr Noruck!" She whispers.

I smile and whisper back. "Not a problem, Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis!"

She laughs in my head! "We had better go." she says telepathically.

107

I nod and we head down the hallway. The others are stopped. There was a meeting in the main chamber and Dr. Noruck is asking that we be let in.

"So, my sweet Cowboy, I felt desire in your thoughts!" "Do you find me desirable?" she says through telepathy.

"Yes, very much so! Is that a bad thing?" I reply back

Mmm, NO! But as far as Interion women are concerned, I am no longer desirable because I can no longer bear children." "I have never thought about being a mother, even though there was a time in my past when I could have been one."

I hear someone call out. "They're taking a break; we can go in!"

"I find you extremely desirable Jool. You're intelligent, beautiful, and very...ummm, sexy!"

"Thank you, Cowboy, I have always considered myself attractive, but my intelligence and attitude irritate many people!" "John Crichton used to call me princess, and it was meant in a most demeaning manner!"

"And then was Ka' D'argo, an exceptional Luxon of honor and a good friend, whom I betrayed!

"I see, did you find John Crichton attractive?" I ask as we walk into the main hall.

"No and then Yes, but no." "I must explain that, but not in this way and this time." She grabbed my arm firmly.

"Cowboy, you may be my true love and he was not. Not even close!" "You are exactly what I want and need!"

I notice that Mele-On and a few others have followed us to the star charts. Dr. Noruck and the other scientists are looking at the charts. I know he is trying to match the Obelisk to an illustration of one on the charts. I walk down a few more steps to the right the main group. Jool walks with me and surprisingly, so does Mele-On. And out of the crowd comes Sardosh!

She makes a squealing noise and heads straight toward me, her body gently undulating back and forth. Sauuri do not move along the ground like Terran serpents but stand with their head about 6 feet off the ground, the rest of their body undulating. I am surprised but she moves up me, embracing me tightly with her four arms. Her wrists have gold bracelets which identify her sex. She tells me the Scarrans salvaged them from the wreck of her ship.

I can hear her speaking to me as I hug her back.

"Cowboy, what a joy to see you!" "My nest sings of your kindness and bravery!"

"I am glad to see you are moving about well Sardosh!" "Are you in pain?"

"Nye, (No)I feel better than I ever have!" She hugs me again.

I'm not sure if I'm happy or weirded out by all this.

108

"I think I will hug you too!" Mele -On steps up. "Your wonderful Roz has established a video com link with your Interplanetary Quorum." She smiles and I can see she's happy. "We are starting negotiations on an accord to be signed!"

And when Sardosh is finished with hugging me Mele-On does! Jool starts to scowl but changes her mind. Instead, she appears quite happy and is hugged by Sardosh as well.

Certainly, this is not what I expected, especially from Mele-On!

I look up at the star maps and find Terra, I point out the nav point and the reference passage, stating at the time of the maps printing several civilizations had risen around the Mediterranean Sea (my information) and the surrounding area, along with what is now known as Central and South America.

"I believe these are learning tools." I suggest.

Mele-On says John Crichton told her some of the symbols were from Terra.

"What do you think they will do?" Dr. Frassa asks.

I'm looking at the star map. Suddenly I see, and remember, where I have seen the symbols.

On the bottom of the map are the symbols matching one side of the Obelisk. I rotate the Obelisk until the side with the symbols will meet with the ones on the map. I match the two sides and push the Obelisk against the map.

A beam of light comes out of the Obelisk and turns into a screen about 20 feet away. Images on the screen. Ice age humans, Stonehenge, Indigenous peoples in North America tending sheep and goat like animals. The pyramids, even a Vierin engineer helping them! Some were still photos, others brief videos. I gasp in awe at the images and turning one of the tips brings up an audio track, in Vierin, of course.

What I have in my hands is a movie projector or video learning tool for children!

I explain the item's use as best I can to the scientists, who ask to try it on another symbol on the map board.

While they fumble around trying to figure out how to match the side up, I look over at Jool.

She has her arms crossed but smiles.

Mele-On watches the scientists bring up another video screen.

"The wording I can read on the Sabacean side says "peace", she explains. Do you know what that might mean?

"I had someone tell me once that knowledge and travel remove ignorance and prejudice." I reply. Perhaps as a learning tool, peace can be achieved through understanding."

Such wise words Cowboy, are you sure you did not make them up now?" Mele-On asks.

"No mam'm, I didn't. A wiser man than I did."

"I see Cowboy!" "He was indeed a wise man." and she nodded and went to where the scientists were.

I realize it's approaching 0930 and I need to be present when the water is changed, and the sump dumped on Fa3.

Since Jool is the only one hanging by me so I ask to be excused.

"I'll consider your absence excused, if you take me to lunch in the city." she says with a flirtatious smile. "It's only a short walk."

"What time? "I ask.

"1200, in front of your plane of course, don't be late!" She gives my cheek a kiss and walks over to the scientists. She turns back towards me. I wave and she smiles.

I head for the door.

On my way out, Scorpius appears at my side. I can tell he's in a black mood. Blacker than normal!

"I expect that what we discussed will play out within the next twenty-four to forty-eight arns."

"I will be ready." is my answer

109

He nods and disappears, just as I reach the door.

I reach Fa3 just as the techs arrive to do the sump dump. 0930 on the dot.

Filling the supply tank wasn't an issue. It uses a slip fitting with an external shutoff just above it. Fill was completed in less than ten microns. Roz will test the water.

The sump was a different story. It uses an externally threaded pipe with a threaded cap and a special seal. But there's an internal plug as well.

Luckily, we have several spare caps. So, I cut the top off one and weld a steel pipe into it using the welder built into the plane. The techs are quite impressed with my skills even though I have little formal training."

The techs use an actual pump that sucked the sump out. So, all the puke, the bags, boxes and whatever was used by the priests during the flight from Arnessk were removed.

Once the finished I torqued everything back in place and locked the hatches. The techs left without a word, but I sent Braca a quick thank you. They quickly did a nasty job.

"Excellent Cowboy!" "I'll see you later" was the response.

1045 my watch said. So, I take a shower and shave and make sure I'm dressed a bit more presentable. Roz gives me a bunch of static but it's cool. She's so awesome!

I ask Roz if I should give Jool a com and she agrees, just in case. We briefly discuss the pros and cons but given the severity of the possible situation, I should at least offer.

I figure if I tell Jool that Roz suggested it, it will go over better.

It's 1130 and I'm a bundle of nerves. I start to pace the length of Fa3.

"Easy Cowboy, be cool babe!" Roz reminds me.

I grab some gold coins from the security cabinet and will try to get them exchanged.

At 1155 I am down the ramp.

At 1159, Jool walks across the drive to the pad. I get up and wave. She looks cross and I think uh-oh. She still looks beautiful covered in her leather like maxi length jacket!

She walks up to me and smiles. Her unhappy demeanor is gone.

"Are you ok?" I ask. "You looked a bit unhappy crossing the street."

"Cowboy it wasn't you!" " I will never be mad at you!" "Couples should never be angry with each other!" "She reaches up and kisses me on the cheek" Disagree, yes, but not angry.

"Ok, sounds good!" I smile... "And thanks for the kiss."

"You are welcome and thank you again for saving my class.".

She wraps her arms around my left elbow.

"Before we go," "Roz sends her love!"

"Send her mine back, she is the sweetest friend, and I haven't had a female friend since Chiana on Moya." Her face saddened.

"The um, Nebari girl, correct?"

"Yes, Her and to a certain extent, Sikozu, who was more of an overrated bishku' than anything!"

"So, you didn't bond with Aeryn?" "I raise my hand. " But since she was a Peacekeeper..."

"We were not close, for that reason!" "There was also tension because of John!"

She tugs my arm and leads me across the street.

"So, tension because of John?" I ask.

110

"Yes, and I told you I would tell you." she squeezes my arm. "John and I had an interesting relationship." "At first, he, along with everyone else, treated me with the utmost disrespect!" It got worse because I treated them with equal contempt, I mean they were prisoners, deserters... and John."

We walk down the sidewalk and I feel like I'm on a cloud.

"John and his obsession with wormholes...drove us insane!" "At times nothing else seemed to matter, because he wanted to go home and warn Earth about what he had experienced."

" It was awful!" "I saw and did things I'd never dreamed I'd do." She stopped me and looked me in the eyes. "I drank piss, got shot by a flaming poison arrow, and nearly disemboweled by some alien searching for a creature he thought was inside me." " I was strangled, punched, kicked, and when I tried to shoot myself with a pulse rifle, I missed!"

"Oh my gosh Jool!" I exclaim. "Didn't really read any of that!" I smile. "I'm glad you missed!"

Jool squeezes my arm, and we start walking again

"In retrospect Cowboy, a lot of it was my fault." she paused, remembering something she'd like to forget." "John woke me up from being frozen in a Cryogenic chamber for Twenty-two cycles."

"Certainly, for a human, he was good looking." But our personalities clashed from the start!" He was self-centered, stubborn and thought he was always in charge." "Again after 26 cycles on Arnessk, I realized I was no better." "I believed I was superior in every way because of all my education, and my abilities." She sighed. "Very little of that was helpful on Moya, and more so after I got stranded on Arnessk." She stopped because we'd come up to an intersection.

"We cross here!"

I looked up realizing I'd dropped my situational awareness big time.

Across the street from me, was the largest collection of towers and spires I'd ever seen. This was the smaller of the two cities I'd noticed when we were landing at the spaceport. However, it was as big and as gothic as old downtown Chicago. Concrete and steel towers, some with mirror like surfaces, other stoic yet pock marked with age. Flying vehicles flew to and fro in some a ballet of organized anarchy. Some were for passengers, some were goods transport, like delivery trucks. There were few billboards, but most were LED animations, extolling Peacekeeper Vitriol, but also advertisements for goods and services.

"We'll cross at the signal!" Jool says. Ground vehicle traffic is light at this time of day!"

"Now!" And we quicky cross the four-lane road, which looks to be paved out of a type of gray asphalt. The lay lines for the pedestrian walkway are impregnated into the surface, not just painted on. I hear the signal chime and a warning in Sabacean. On cue, vehicles both of a hover variety and rubber tired like Terran vehicles speed by.

"So here I am, on Moya, stuck with a Broken hearted over sexed Luxan, a washed up Hynerian Royal, and John, who can't decide if he's in love with Aeryn or just wants sex from her or anyone else who'll give it to him. And Stark...A psychotic Bannick slave!" "Plus, Chiana, who loved us but had her own sex drive!" I started to have a relationship with Ka' D'argo after I made him angry when my hair got stuck in a Luxon space vessel he was trying to take control of!

"Ok..."

"You are such a good listener, Cowboy!" She squeezes my arm as we walk along. "I find that attractive in a male!"

I thank my awakened brain.

111

" After being on Arnessk for a time with these celibate Eidolons, John and the crew return in an attempt to reunite the original Eidolons with the ones found on the water world." The time on Arnessk had made me almost feral, so when I saw John, my primal instincts overrode my logical sector and I kissed him, and very passionatly, like when I kissed you after you flew us to Arnessk.'

I chuckle and smile at her.

"You, you think this is funny, Cowboy?" She asks.

"It's not ...I sigh "Humorous, just, just goofy." "It's a release of emotion!" "It's not something to cry or be angry about, so as humans, we shrug, we laugh a little, and move on!"

" I know the logical part of me doesn't understand." she lays her head on my shoulder." "Everyone had the same problem with John and his little quips of apparent earth...er Terran humor." She tugs my arm again. The two you together, hezmana!" "All the fun you would have at our expense!"

"So, you kissed John Crichton?" "I shrug my shoulders. " Did you like it?"

"At the moment, yes, and I would have frelled him had he not explained that he was with Aeryn Sun and she was pregnant, apparently with his child."

"But Cowboy, there was no reaction from his kiss or Ka' D'argos' like the one I had with you!" Not even close!"

"We need to go down here." She turns to the left, down a narrow street or wide alley.

I stop dead, slightly crouch, and scan the street. My left eye is ranging doorways. and windows, of what is just a peaceful group of restaurants and shops.

Jool is looking at me with a face marked with both curiosity and fear. I straighten up and apologize.

"It's a reaction from militia training I received on Terra, about 28 cycles ago. "I say apologetically. "My activated brain enhances it!"

"Roz said you never served in any military, was she correct?"

"Yes, a militia, is the body of the people of a country, trained in arms to defend against invasion or tyranny by its government."

"Tyranny? Jool asks "Like the Peacekeepers enforcing a government's will militarily, at the request of that planets government?"

"That might be a good example." I reply

"But the Peacekeepers have Command carriers capable of destroying a planet." Jool responded

"Yes, but until very recently Terra didn't." I replied. "If the Peacekeepers destroyed the planet, the government wouldn't have paid them, right?"

She shrugs. "They're Peacekeepers, maybe they would destroy it anyway!"

Me. "Well Terra, back in the day, militias successfully defended their country effectively against invaders. When the Sauuri attacked us, militiamen and women joined the fight.

"Really!" Jool exclaims.

112

Her eyes show suprise but I sense curiosity.

I realize that we're standing in front of a small cafe, much like you'd find in any American city or town, pre incursion.

The aromas are both intoxicating and alien at the same time.

"The food here is delicious, yet benign." Jool "It would be a good place for someone not entirely familiar with sabacean or other types of non-Terran food."

"Thank you Jool" and I draw her face to mine and kiss her tenderly." She smiles and gasps slightly.

"Every time you kiss me Cowboy, it leaves me breathless!" She whispers.

She leads me to a small table in a private corner. we sit and almost immediately we are greeted by a waiter who hands us a small, printed menu. Jool and I both order ice water for a start and the waiter hurries off.

The waiter appears to be the love child of Dr. Do'in and Dr Frassa and perhaps T'rrl, a reedy humanoid race in the Quorum. I've only seen T'rrl in passing on the main Ma-arogg planet.

Jool once again engages me on militias and firearms ownership. She is shocked to find out that most Americans, especially after the incursion, own military grade weapons including spacers, armored vehicles, Gun crime and murder is quite low."

No doubt the low population count is one answer, lack of poverty is another. Most Americans, like other nations, work in the aerospace industry or in a supporting industry.

Americans not directly involved in a military organization, train with their weapons in militias.

We got our arses handed to us once, not again!

Jool re- explains (after the waiter brings us our ice waters) that Interion prohibits weapons and has no standing armies and only a small police force. She also tells me that the main planets are protected by a defensive screen generated on several man-made planetoids, so old that Interions don't remember where it came from.

I tell her it sounds like something the Vierin' could build and she agrees it's entirely possible.

She also tells me that the Interion race is genetically pure, and that Interions are rarely join with other races, and if they did, usually leave the system because they are shunned by their own kind.

She tells me that I would not be welcomed on Interion, and she never intends to return.

I explain that while this type of racial purity is rare on Terra, there are a couple nations that do, and to an extent, certain other cultures practice it.

We look over the menu and Jool suggests some things I might like.

She orders a salad and something that sounds like chicken breasts, and I order a meat and cheese plate with bread and two dipping sauces.

113

Jool tells me, quite sadly, that suicide, and medical errors and research failures are the greatest cause of death other than old age on Interon.

She told me she never revealed that to anyone on Moya.

What seems like a sad morbid meal of death, actually is quite productive. Jool feels she's finally vented herself to someone she trusts and truly cares for her.

I ask her about Ka'Dargo, she says the two of them had a very special but nonsexual relationship. She feels that with my Ja-hi-nae, my blood oath and sense of honor, I would be good friends with him. I am thrilled because he was my other favorite person in John's group!

I'm starting to feel I can open myself up to her as well.

Our food comes and we change the subject. Jool scoots closer to me and places her crossed ankle against my leg. I say nothing but I smile.

The food itself is rather bland but the dipping sauces add a surprising amount of flavor. One is a lightly spiced sauce that reminds me of Jamaican jerk sauce. The other is a thicker almost gravy consistency that has a bold slightly salty flavor.

Jool insists I try her food, and she feeds me a bite of salad, which tasted better than it looked because of the vinaigrette style dressing. The meat was superb! Tender and juicy and perfectly seasoned, I was even more surprised that the animal it came from is a fish.

I ask her what planet it was from, but she wasn't sure. The waiter wasn't either.

We finish up and I'm plenty full, so no desert. I watch how Jool handles the transaction, and if she leaves a tip (no one tips nor is it expected).

We sit for a few more minutes, and exchange small talk. Her ankle is rubbing my leg and she makes no bones about it being intentional! We also hold hands and gaze into each other's eyes like two teenagers.

Finally, we know we need to leave. Rinadro, our waiter, is also the Restaurant owner, makes a big deal about me but I am cool and thank him. I told him I loved the food and would be back to sample more.

I ask him where I can exchange my gold discs and he says he can help. So, I give him one of my discs and he tests it. He laughs and says he has enough "credit" for a half chip. He gives me several flat metallic rectangles that look like dominos in exchange for a half chip, which he cuts on a special metal board with a very sharp blade.

We walk back towards the temple but I make her change sides, so she is not near the curb. She realizes why when a truck nearly runs up the sidewalk. She kisses me and hugs me tighter.

114

We cross the intersection and make our way back to the temple. I ask if I can take her to lunch again, and soon, and she agrees. Then I ask if she'll still go to dinner with me to the Bracas.

"I will Cowboy, but there's only one reason she wants me there."

I nod "That is?"

"She's really sick, probably dying." "She thinks I can get her medical help from the Interon if they join the alliance, but I already know the answer." " It's morally wrong, for them to refuse, but they will not help."

"The Ma-arogg will help her, and Jool?"

"Yes, my sweet Cowboy!" "

I look in her green eyes. "If she dies Jool, it may destabilize the alliance and it will collapse!" "The Peacekeepers will start another war with the Scarrans, and they will still lose!"

"Even I agree that shouldn't be allowed to happen!" Jools says sternly. "But this issue Chairwoman Braca has is of her own doing."

"I'm not sure I understand."

And Jool explains to me about the gland, and how it is used and its consequences. My mind is blown. John Crichton doesn't really mention her much in his interviews and I wonder why.

We're almost to the Temple entrance when she stops me again. Jool grabs my arms and pulls me tight against her. She looks up at me with a very serious face. Before I can say anything, she asks me the question.

"Roz says that she can teach me to fly the plane and you'll be ok with that?"

I ponder the consequences...but only for a couple of seconds. Having this intellegent and beautiful woman so much closer...

I nod, "If we're going to be a couple I feel it's a good idea. You already understand the concepts of navigation."

"Thank you Cowboy, but there is one more thing?"

"Oh Jool, the answer is yes. What's the question.

"It is a dangerous galaxy, and the one thing I was never good at was handling a pulse rifle." She looks at me with pleading eyes.

"Would you teach me to shoot?"

I had NOT thought of that, but what the hell!

"Yeah, I'll see how you do!"

Jools smiles but her face becomes serious again.

"There's one more thing I need to tell you that Interions do when entering a serious relationship."

"What is that Jool?"

"Cowboy, theres a ritual we perform for our joining. But afterwards, we're not supposed to have sex for six hours. I want to couple with you so bad, but can we wait?"

"Whatever it takes Jool, to make us work!" And I look her in the eyes again. As far as I'm concerned, it'll be worth the wait."

Then Jool does the most unexpected thing. She removes her right hand from my arm and...

grabs my crotch!

Of course, from kissing her and smelling her body I am very much...

I was not expecting that! I make the most pleasurable moan because she has not released me, instead...

I moan again. She smiles.

"Is that...for me? She asks coyly.

115

"It's either a potato JOoooool, or I'm very happy to see you!" I smile.

"YOU!" She releases her hand and slaps me gently on the chest. "You busca!" "Is that one of your Terran jokes?"

Then she smiles in a most flirtatious manner.

And I explain what a real potato is. And she laughs! She has such a sweet laugh!

"It's not a big deal!" I say.

"Really? Let me check again!" and she tries to grab me.

So what the frell. I let her.

"Frelling Hexama Cowboy!" she gasps.

"Seriously Jool, it's uh..."

She whispers " Perfect!"

Then Jool buries her head in my chest.

She gives me a gentle squeeze and releases. Then kisses me.

"Walk me to the door, and I'll let you go for the day." she says softly. "Not that I want to"

"Me either."

At the door we embrace tightly. I can feel the curves of her body.

"Cowboy, even if you weren't my true love, I would want to be with you, because you give the best hugs." "I love you so much!"

I realized I had her comm with me.o I offer it to her, and again, I'm surprised she takes it without question. She immediately contacts Roz, who is thrilled she has it, and both promise to stay in contact. "Guys I hate to tell you this, but you're putting on a bit of a show!" There's no one around now but ummm...y'know."

Both Jool and I blush.

"Sorry Roz!" we both answer.

"Why don't you come get in the plane and enjoy yourselves." She giggles. "I promise not to look."

"Roz, I don't mind if you don't!" Jool says. And she and Roz laugh!

I am so frelled.

"Seriously though!" Roz interjects. "Scorpius has been slinking about!"

"Frelling hezmana!"

"Oh Shyte" I mumble. Then to Jool "You better go!"

"I love you, Cowboy! And I love you Roz!" and she is through the doors and gone.

I sigh though my nose.

Later that afternoon I check into the main temple area. It surprisingly quiet.

A few priests are about, most are meditating, so I leave quietly.

I do note that the armed Eidelons are jostling tables around in the hall, under the guidance of Peacekeeper Commandos. It's a classic serpentine design for forcing an attacking force to choose free fire zones. There's a couple dozen all heavy metal tables stashed against the inside wall. I'll hazard they'll be used a shield. They'll slow but not stop pulse blasts.

The Shyte is about to hit the fan!

I head back to the lane. Roz is pretty excited about the whole lunch date and how it went, but not about what I observed in the temple. Of course, she had to comment the 'little "show" Jool and I put on. I ignore it.

116

"I thought weapons weren't allowed on temple grounds." she asked.

"Inside the temple proper yes." is my reply. "But in the mezzanine, although it is restricted to security personel."

"So, you can't be armed?" She asks. "Oh, wait a minute!" She laughs.

"I'll be ok. Roz!" "The temple, it's a focal point for E!" "It's so thick you could cut into squares and serve it like cake!"

"Ewwww!" and Roz laughs.

"Roz, let's go over the protocols for a Code red launch again."

I remind Roz that tomorrow is the day that Jool is supposed to come over and tell her about the ceremony. Of course, Roz thinks this is awesome and she makes some wise crack about being a bridesmaid but not a bride. So, I ask (kinda seriously) if she'll marry me and she says we're already an old married couple, and we laugh for several minutes, and act out some of our 'better moments'.

"I believe Jool should go with me." She deadpans. "It's not a request."

"I agree but, consider the violations of protocol." is my response.

"Oh really" Roz says with a laugh. "It's not like you haven't already broken any!"

"Bent...bent is the word!' I love to bend the rules!"

She chuckles. "Bent, broke and busted is what I see."

"I tell you what, why don't we talk to her by com?"

"Not a problem, I've spoken to her twice already! "She pauses. "We're besties you know! "and she laughs!

"Besties...oh no." I say it, but I'm not sure I mean it. "I'm sure there must be some kind protocol..."

"Of course, YOU, are the main topic!" Roz laughs.

"Y'know, she could just reach out to me telepathically." I reply. "Apparently it's a part of true love!"

"She would if she wanted to talk to you." Roz states "But she wants to talk to me!"

More sharply. "You find the protocol and I'll adhere to it."

"Ok Ok, will she talk to us about staying on Fa3!" I resign myself to my fate.

"She's considering it but she'll need to bring a change of clothing. "

"Yes, tell her for a three-day outing inside the ship and please, a minimal amount."

"She says she can do that, but will you meet her and take one small bag." "She doesn't want to ruin the special moment you'll have together!"

117

"Tell her that people may be watching, and it might create suspicion and problems later."

"She understands" Roz responds." It's quite the outfit too. You'll be ahem impressed."

"What, wait, outfit?" I stammer. "What's this about?"

Roz laughs, "That's our secret, sweet Cowboy!"

"There must be a protocol..."

"And meanwhile, Jool and I are planning a night you won't forget!"

"What can I do to help?"

"Shower, shave, and deodorant!" Roz laughs..."Oh and, trim your noise hair and eyelashes!"

"My what?"

Roz laughs. "You got a couple of wild ones you need to deal with." "No biggie!"

I run right to the head. I hate wild hairs!

The rest of the afternoon into evening was spent cleaning the interior. Fresh bedding, re straightening the drawers and finding space for Jools outfits.

It's about 1730/5:30pm, I walk across the street into the temple. I enter the double doors and both Braca and Scorpius are at the doorway quietly discussing something with several armed Eidelons and Peacekeepers in commando uniforms.

Both Braca and Scorpius approach me quickly and motion for me to stay. I approach them, and they huddle with me.

Scorpius sneers "Our enemies conspire to move faster than we expected!" He growls. "We are just ahead of them!"

Braca adds. "We expected the mutiny to start tomorrow!" He looks around. Our expedient defensive maneuver here may have caught them off guard." "We have had several accidents that were blatantly assassination attempts, and we expect more in the next 24 hours."

"Mele-on and your children?" I ask.

Braca lowers his voice and leans in. "She is safe but her position is tenuous so we are moving her around. Meeklo is with her. Ther-es-On can handle herself and she is with a group of our most loyal pilots." "We are trying to maintain normalcy, but the situation is fluid."

Scorpius looks around and waves the guards away.

"Even here, there are those who are disloyal to our cause." he hisses " We are trying to discern a way to separate them from our midst, but the task has proven, difficult! The Eidelons can be trusted but they lack training and experience." "Pulse rifles and bravery alone will not stop concussion grenades and frag charges."

I put my finger on my mouth and think.

"I be right back," I say, and before they acknowledge me, I'm gone. Neither follow me out the door.

I run as fast as a seventy-three-year-old man with cybernetic legs should safely do back to Fa3.

Which is a whole lot faster than a normal 73-year-old Terran male would run, maybe even a 30-year-old male in decent shape!

Roz drops the ramp and without a word I head straight to the armament module. She asks no questions as I fling open the doors and dig through the bottom. I know exactly what I need and after a moment I find what I'm looking for.

I get up and quickly get to my uniform closet. I grab my day pack and dump its contents on the bed. I also grab a pair of padded gloves from the dresser.

118

My mind is racing as I head back to the arms module. I quickly dig out what I need from the boxes and cases in the lower part of the module and shove them into the day pack. I am starting to breath hard and feel my cell regeneration device working by my heart. So I stand up and take several deep breaths and do a relaxing exercise I learned on Terra. Everything slows down and I am breathing normally in seconds.

Whatcha doin' babe? Roz asks.

"Just grabbing some...some protocol violations, sweet Roz." I reply.

"Protocol...? I was just kidding earlier!" She sounds alarmed.

"It's ok Roz." "I'll be right back." I take a breath. "I told you condition orange, right?"

"T-4."

"Watch for me Roz, I'll be back in 20 minutes or so." "Monitor the com." "I love you Roz.

"I love you too Cowboy!" "Be careful?"

"Yup!" I lock the cabinets and head down the ramp. Roz raises it as soon as my feet hit the ground.

I walk quickly across the street and into the double doors. Making immediate contact with the priests at the door (no Peacekeepers around), I was taken down the curving hall through the maze of tables to group of armed priests. T'knawl was there, and he introduced me to Th'aroe,who was the groups' commander.

Th'aroe explained how Braca and Scorpius had set up the defense and that they believed Scorpius had determined who the disloyal officers were.

So, I pulled out my devices I brought with me and described how they worked.

With Th'aroes assistance, I installed two types of T'rrl stun nets. The first type uses a series of detonators, containing a fine high tensile fiber wire net and a high voltage capacitor. We set four in a line about 30 yards out from the main blockade. When deployed remotely, the net spreads across an area like a grid, the wire stiffening from some process that works like a spider web. Anyone who touches the net takes a 250-thousand-volt shock that will incapacitate a T'goorian, actually about two dozen of them! Once drained, the net loses its stiffness but can become an entanglement trap! Truly devious!

I also have two T'goorian concussion grenades. Another interesting non-lethal device, these stun grenades are fantastic for stopping an attack without mortal injury. Slightly larger than a softball but smaller than a cantaloupe (T'organs have large hands) and made out of squeezable latex like material, stun grenades produce a concussive low frequency blast that will injure those closest to, but still incapacitate out to 20 yards. Grenades at the kutaa (high charge) level are effective to 100 yards, popping two separate charges four seconds apart. I give Th'aroe two low charge grenades and tips on who should throw them and when. Leaving the gloves, I have will facilitate more accurate throwing. I stress the fuse time and that anyone standing within range will be knocked down because the area is so compressed.

After discussing other strategies, and my role in the temples defense, I take my leave.

I spend the rest of the evening making daily reports for Roz to send. I also tell her about what I took from the arms module. She laughs but wonders if I'm in too deep. I tell her I can't help but wonder if that's why I'm here. I remind her that Shiya-nah and the others tell me to seize my destiny, and I'm going with the flow.

She lets me know she supports me, and if it brings stability to the Alliance so much the better. If it doesn't, we'll be on the run and Jool will be with us.

Nothing in the universe would make me happier.

119

My reports are marked received and I decide to turn in. Tomorrow will be busy and possibly dangerous. Roz says it's too quiet out and sings me to sleep.

All I remember is somewhere in my sleep, I hear Shiya-nah laughing.

My eyes pop open at 0530. I lay on my side for a minute and then I remember, today's the day!

I won't be able to sleep so I get up.

So, I clean the cubby and the head again. I check all the cameras outside before Roz says anything. It's a bit busier than yesterday. Almost normal. So I wonder if this is some kind of ruse.

I decide to eat one of my powdered meals plus some of the fruit Jool gave me. I notice it's about over ripe, so I chop it up and add it to my oatmeal. It improves the taste enough to choke down most of it. I use the last of the "Storgome" in my disgusting coffee.

Afterwards I sweep and vacuum the cockpit. It's very dusty so I'm glad I did it. I wipe down the seats and even the seat frames. I swoosh everything with a duster and the nano repair bots start helping with the rest.

Roz awakes about 0700. She apologies and I assure her she needed the rest and ask if she'd like to sleep in. She loves my cleaning and agrees the plane looks and smells better!

I continue to clean the plane, then run a check on Roz's module.

Roz tells me things look pretty good outside, and I wonder if I should walk over to the alley that Jool and I ate lunch at and see if I can find some flowers. Roz likes the idea but thinks I should stay close because Jool could call at any time.

It's now about 0830.

"Do you think I should reach out to her, Roz?

"Well do you think she'll mind?" Roz asks.

I reach to her by com.

"My Cowboy!" today is the day!"

"Good morning beautiful", I'm checking to see if I should come get your stuff."

"Oh, yes please! " She answers. "And Good morning to you!"

"Cowboy, do you remember where the small door was, we used to get from the lecture hall to the main room is?

"Yes, I do Jool!"

"The place is crawling with guards and Scorpius and Commandant Braca are here as well." "Right now, they are in a meeting with Mouma and T'knawl." "So come through the main and into the lecture space." "I probably have too much stuff, I'm so sorry!" "I wanted to dress nice for you!" Her voice is apologetic.

"It's ok Jool, I'll be there when you're ready."

She giggles. "I'm here now." "Please hurry Cowboy', I am nervous!"

"Roz, I'm meeting her now!" We're on code red!"

T-4 babe!

"I love you Roz!"

"I love you too sweet cowboy!" she laughs "Go get my bestie!"

120

I quick time it over to the main gate. There's about a dozen Peacekeeper Commandoes standing around, but the gate is manned by priests. They wave me through the gate.

I cut through the main hall and easily find what I call the "secret entrance." I head down the main hall and enter the lecture area.

Jool is sitting her stack of luggage. Her hair is pulled back and she is wearing her maxi coat.

The coat is laying off her crossed hips, which reveal the leather-ish pants and knee boots. Her hemlines have silver rings. I guess they hold everything on.

Her neck piece has a red stripe and she the silver rings in her hair sparkle in the lighting. I can smell the light scent of her from where I'm standing. Oh goodness!

She's looking down at her feet when I walk in and jumps slightly when the door shuts. She smiles so beautifully with her perfect teeth. I am speechless. I walk over to her,

Jool raises her arms to embrace me and she's wearing a short leather-sh bodice top with extra trim to keep it from being just a bra.

She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me toward her. I place my hands on each side of her in the small of her back. I swear if she moves wrong... I pull her close anyway and she looks me in the eye...and smiles.

"I've seen that face before Cowboy' but not with such intensity!" she tells me softly. "Tell me what you're thinking." And she strokes the back of my neck.

"I'm thinking that I'm the luckiest guy in the galaxy to be with someone as smart and as beautiful as you!" "I am just a cowboy y'know!" My eyes soften.

"But you're my cowboy, Cowboy!" She whispers softly. "You're my one and only true love, my soul match, every Interion womans dream come true. The red stripe on my neck piece tells any Interion who sees it that you are my soul match' and no male will take me from you! "I promise on my honor, that while we may disagree, I will never bring my disagreements to our bed!" I will never strike you in anger and should suffer your pain if I hurt you with words. I promise this forever, even here after, if you'll want me!

She smiles and strokes my neck some more. Her eyes soften and become moist

I whisper back. "Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis, you are my one and only true love! I breath in. "The stripes to my heart tell me that you are my soul mate, and my dream come true! All will know not by my words, but my actions, how much you mean to me. My blood oath demands my honesty. "May I burn if I am ever cruel to you!" My words may sound angry, but my pain will be tripled over yours if my words hurt you. I promise this till the end of days, to the end of time!"

"OOOOOHHH Coowwwboy!" She whispers, and we embrace, then kiss.

Galaxies are born and burn away. Stars glow and fade. Time swirls like waves. And the E, rolls through us like waves embracing us and surrounding us, protecting and nurturing us.

We release our lips from each other. I feel the wet sweet warmth of her essence as much as her lips.

She sighs with pleasure.

"So, Cowboy?" she whispers with coy eyes and the sexiest flirtatious smile. "Is that a potato? Or are you glad to see me?"

"Mmmmm yeah, I'm VERY glad to see you sweet Jool, but we should go, because I can't finish what you started!"

She laughs sweetly and flirtatiously "Not by coupling, but there are other ways of releasing your tension...!" Then she smiled.

121

"Although Roz has suggested we use Farscape 3 for our rendezvous, and I think we should!" she whispers.

She kisses me again, and I let her go. She looks down. again, her eyes widen, and her eyebrows raise. But she does not attempt to touch me.

I smile at her and she smiles back, her eyes soft and loving.

"You Terran males and your smiles..."her voice trails off.

"We'd better get your bags here," and be off!" I speak. (I know how to ruin a moment)

"Yes! Yes, we should Cowboy!" I will carry these; can you grab the larger one?" "These have food for us!"

I heft the bag. It's heavy but I can do it.

"It has rollers on it." "I just bought these from a Peacekeeper supply outlet."

"Excellent! A good choice Jool!" "I've made room so you can store clothing."

"So, I could move in maybe in the future? she asked. I could sense excitement in her voice.

"Of course, Jool!" I exclaim. "Or am I mistaken?" She looks at me confused.

I say to her."We're having a joining ritual, and wait six hours to make love," I guess, I should not have assumed, that we'd want to be together." "Is it too soon?" "I know the plane is really small..."

She opens the door to the hallway to let me through and stops me as I start to pass.

"Sweet Cowboy, I would live in the plane with you." "The room I have here in temple is even smaller than your "cubby", as Roz says you call it." "So I will keep my room for when you are gone."

"Well ..."I touch her cheek. "Keep your room, but also live with me and Roz...l." "As a pilot and a navigator, I'd want you to go with me." "Your education, knowledge and candor will assist me with my missions."

She practically swoons "But what about your "boss" Jack?"

"He'll have to approve, there's no set rules on being in the grays!" "And if there are now, I will have to bend them!" "You will have to pass tests on piloting and nav skills, but Roz and I will make sure you can!"

She smiles. "Somehow I see "bending the rules" in you, Cowboy!"

" Flying a Rocket powered rocking horse through space, by the seat of my pants." I tip my imaginary hat. "At your service mam'm!"

"That did not translate well." she snickered. "I need to learn your language, and all these weird bits of Terran humor you and John Crichton use." She smiles " I admit, the "potato" one is quite funny!"

We quickly walk down the hall to the main room. Like a secret agent, Jool opens the door to the main hall and looks around. She waves me by and we move quickly down through the main hall to the double doors and out the entrance to the Temple. The guards do little except hold the doors. Th'aroe holds one of the doors and we exchange nods as we pass.

We cross the road to the pad and Roz lowers the ramp. The rollers on the bag are built well and I easily pull up the ramp it into Fa3.

122

Roz lifts the ramp up and we start stowing Jools clothes. Jool is totally floored that I cleaned and reorganized the entire cubby to fit her stuff in. She even comments that FA3 even smells better and Roz cracks that she trained me well! Jool understands the jibb and they both have a laugh at my expense.

I'm the happiest I've been in a long time, or at least it feels like a long time.

After getting everything stowed, Jool and I have a light snack. We definitely need a table, and Roz reminds me I have one in deep storage.

So, I go dig it out, while Jool and Roz talk. I hear things like "That's beautiful honey!" and "Oh he'll like that a lot!" and then laughter. Lots of giggly noise.

I finally locate the table and four crude 20th century folding chairs. It must have come with the plane when we got it from Arizona! The table is scratched and marked with crude graffiti. I use my E to reform the painted finish and remove the words.

I bring the table and chairs up to the cubby and nearly trip on one of the chair legs. Jool is thrilled and I apologize for the crude furniture, and she tells me she has a tray to eat on in her "room" and usually she eats with the priests, which after 26 cycles on Arnessk, she is not thrilled to do.

"I hung my clothes on your Terran devices like Roz instructed." Jool said as we sit down to eat. " "A very simple and effective method!" She adds."

I chuckled

"What!" Jool growled in a teasing fashion.

"I find it humorous that someone from a highly advanced race would be impressed by a Terran coat hanger"

"You are such a brat!" Jool teased. Roz laughs.

I spoon some jelly on a piece of bread and say nothing.

"After breakfast Jool, I think you should start working with Roz on flying the plane." I will help familiarize you with the basic control functions, and how to adjust the pilots seat and the foot pedals."

"I have some other long overdue maintenance schedules to check." I walk by Jool and can't help but gently touch her arm. She smells like springtime in the desert.

Jool grabs the tips of my fingers and gives them a gentle squeeze.

"Sweetheart, I have some basic sleep training aids you can use when you're ready. You plug these buds in and put them in your ears and plug them the main body. The device itself is small...I shuffle through a drawer and pull out a small bag. The modules are about the size of a thumb drive.

"Wow! Jool says. "Another impressive Terran invention!" And she laughs. "I am joking!"

"It's all good darlin'" Roz says. "The devices are copies of a Vierin' device used for training people to fly larger spaceships!"

"Have you used one?" Jool asked.

"Yes, when he was in basic navigation and cosmology." Roz giggles. "Cowboy has used so many of them he's on the module of the month club!"

123

Jool smiles and laughs too. "I really need one to understand English!" The saying you used didn't translate well." "It literally said you bought a space craft on special last month!"

Roz and I laughed. Jool shrugged.

"Ok, you use this one." I spoke. "This is an older module but works the same." "It converts Sabacean to English." I place it on the counter. "Once you've went through the whole course, you'll be ready to read and write English and it will help you with what we call "slang."

"That's wonderful! Exclaims Jool. "Cowboy, I promise you and Roz I will learn your language!"

We finish our breakfast and clean up. Jool slips her beautiful body into a pressure suit and the education begins.

"Jool", "You're in the front seat!"

"I am?"

"Yes, yes, you are." I answer. "Put on your helmet first and I'll show you how to strap in, hook up your link and operate the seat."

I have to say Jool is a quick learner, although I realized that she had a suit on during the flight from Arnessk. Jool moves the seat up to flight position and Roz explains how to adjust everything and save the settings. I pop the front hatch and head down the ladder. The I come back up and get my noise cancelling earphones (oops)!

"Roz, have Jool fire the right top module so we can run the generators please." Once again, I head down the ladder.

My feet touch the pad and head to the rear.

"Fuel pressure one zebra zebra and tap is 97.8 Cowboy! Good mileage!" A second later I hear the Poof of one module igniting.

I look at my watch. 1030. Plenty of time.

"When Jool is ready, have her do a control surface test and make sure the directional jets are off please."

"Give us about two minutes and I'll notify you when we're ready Cowboy! Mmmmmaww!

"T-4 Roz I'm going to do a landing gear inspection." Mmmmmaw back.

"That was from Jool too, baby."

For the next one- and one-half hours, Roz is teaching Jool the very basics of flying. Apparently Jool is doing well because Roz isn't saying anything and i know she won't cut Jool any slack.

We break for lunch and Jool is worried, but Roz assures her she's fine and reminds me of the mistakes she thought I made, when we hooked up the first time. (RHHAAAAZZZZZZ!)

I already know with a bit of patience and a lot of love, Jool will be a fine pilot. I can tell by how Roz talks.

Man,I can't wait to teach Jool to shoot.

At 1700 we quit for the day. Jool is tired and I fear I may have ruined our joining ritual, but a shower and an hour nap perk her back up. Plus, she's very excited to unite with me!

I take a shower and shave as well and check my ear and nose hair. Fresh clothes, and I'm ready.

Jool is wearing her normal leather outfit, so I dress casual as well.

Supper is very light, and I know we both are too excited to eat. I can tell Roz is excited as well, and she's singing a wonderful uplifting melody! I am nervous, but I shouldn't be! Just two beautiful women, a starlit night, on concrete pad, on an alien world about 27 light years away from earth. A world that might explode into a civil war at any moment.

What could possibly go wrong?

124

"Sweetheart?" It was Jool. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah Jool. I was just thinking."

"You're still ok with this, right?"

"I've never felt better about joining with you, Jool." I look into those beautiful green eyes. "I was thinking about the outside world, and how different it is inside these walls."

She smiles. "I need to change into something different." she says. Her eyes change frm serious to gentle. "You look so handsome and perfect just as you are." "I'll be right back!" She touches me with her hand on the way by and I touch her arm, she looks over her shoulder to see if I'm still watching, (I am!) smiles at me, and closes the door to the head.

I start to move the table and chairs. Roz tells me Jool needs the chairs for part of the joining ritual.

Several minutes later, Jool reappears.

Jool opens the door to the head and walks out. To save she was ravishing, to call her beautiful, to describe her in such terms would be inconceivable.

Jool was covered in a full length deep cut sheer gown that left nothing to the imagination. She had just a dab of extra blush high on her cheeks. "I told you he'd like it!" Roz giggled. "He's completely speechless!" "You look beautiful Jool."

And so did Roz, who had morphed her holo into a matching ensemble!

"You look as beautiful too Roz!" is Jools answer.

Jool bends her head slightly. Her eyes are soft and seductive. She grins so flirtatiously, and sadly I am becoming quite...surprised

"So, Cowboy, do you like what you see?"

"Ummmm uhhh, yeah..."

"I must say, Jool, I've rarely seen Cowboy at a loss for words."

I'm sure my mouth must have hit the floor. I just kept looking at Jool, then Roz, who walks over to Jool...

"I'm not sure..."and I continue "But I love both of you so much..."

Jool smiled. "You're not sure you're worthy, or not sure how to describe what you see. "We love you too."

"Ah I wasn't expecting..."I stammer.

"Is this what your goddesses look like?" Jool asks seductively.

"Um no, my goddesses can't compare. "Words in English cannot describe what my eyes try to comprehend." "I can only stare!"

125

"Can you compare it to something?" Jool asks.

"Yes, Roz has seen Shay-qul." "That is very close to what I see now!"

"Wow" Roz says. The entire planet is a beautiful garden filled with magnificent flowers and fauna." It' an incredible sight and smells equally as incredible. So, we are more beautiful than Shay-qul?"

"The gardens surrounding the main court should bow to you!" I exclaim.

Roz's holo nudges Jool and says, "That is so sweet Cowboy, thank you!"

Jool smiles. "Sit with me Cowboy." She sits across from me. "Roz wants you to get the neuro analyzer and hook it up for her. will you do that first?"

Roz can partially scan me through my augments, so this must be serious.

The neuro analyzer sends brain and other body function patterns to Roz so if I or someone is injured Roz can help diagnose the issues and even apply stimuli and a mental anesthetic to assist with surgery. She can also talk to the patient through a telepathic hookup.

When my limbs were replaced by the Ma-arogg, they used this device on me. I was awake through the operations and didn't feel a thing!

Roz can talk to me now without the comm, and she can hear and Jool can also see in her mind.

"It looks good on my end she says. I can see your brainwaves and may be able to see anything you will share."

Jool lays her forearms down on the table and places her hands palm up.

"This is the first and hardest part of the joining" she says, and I hear her in my mind. "The reason I wear the garments I did is too remind you every time you open your eyes, how much I love you and desire you." Please Cowboy, place your elbow in my hands and hold my arms."

"What we are doing now is sharing and bearing our souls. You will see images in my mind of things I have done that might make you angry, or jealous. You will see me doing things I will later regret doing."

"Like when you drank piss?"

"Oh, frelling hezmana, yes you will!" "You will see me kiss John, spend time with Ka' D'argo, although nothing happened," and other things.

"Well, you've told me about them, and they were in your past, so we cannot change that." I send back. " You don't want to kiss John now, do you?"

"No." she smiled. Nor Dargo, none of them. Fe'Tor, that pile of fizza dren...aaugh!" she cried.

"So, you want me to show you the things I have done that are bad too, correct." She nods her head.

"But I want to see the good things too! You have not been in a Cryo chamber for twenty-two cycles or marooned on a planet for twenty-six!" she moaned. I have so little to show and I know so little about you." "Can you open your mind to me as well as your heart?"

I narrow my eyes. I feel the Ja-ni-nae rise inside me, inside her. I know she will not judge the truth.

126

" I will show you everything and will understand if we do not join when I do."

"Cowboy!" she cries in a pleading voice, This is not to judge you!" That is not what soul love' is!"

She pleads, "I love you forever. Releasing yourself to me will make me love you more! I promise you!" She takes a deep breath.

"I know you have done a lot more things, and I expect some memories may be hard for you to share. But Cowboy, I know you are a good man!"

"There will be gaps, Jool. "Not because I don't want to show you but because those bits were damaged when the Ma-arogg activated my entire brain. I was their test human. "

"It's true," Roz interjects "My memories from birth to 5 cycles old, when I went into training were cleansed from me." I wouldn't want to remember them anyway."

"I will go first then, because what little I have done is horrific when I look back." Jool says."If what you see and hear bothers you, open your eyes, Cowboy and look at me." "Look into my eyes, and you will see the love I have for you."She pauses and whispers. "I hope when I look in your eyes, I will see the love you have for me!"

So, I close my eyes and reach let Jool show me.

There are her parents, strict folks who mentally bereated her to get good grades, her friends, I'd guess I'd call them geeks...cute geeks and pretty snobby. But I'm judging by earth standards. Terrans are a bit less smug. Eh, not really.

The first bad memory is finding four of her friends dead. They failed a class in secondary school and opened a bottle of formaldehyde in a closet and died from the fumes.

The apathy of those around it was surprising and repulsive to me. After a few more deaths scrolled by, Jool started to break down. I did too and Roz was aghast. I opened my eyes and cried with her.

When she left Interion, she and her nephews got involved stealing artifacts from dig sites. They also borrowed some for their own "research."

She doesn't remember why she got stuck in the Cryo chamber, but I'm sure that she was "iced" because all of them got caught. She's regretted that ever since.

Yes, there were the kisses. I just kept my eyes closed. I mean all this stuff happened 2 decades ago. Even her time with Ka'D'argo...I mean he's a hero of mine. Such honor! I hope to meet him some day. Her betrayal of him to was painful to watch for me. I remember supposed "friends" treating me like that.

"I hope Ka' D'argo is with John and when we find them, I will again ask his forgiveness for betraying him." Hopefully with the passing of time his heart will soften a bit more."

The Freslin dealer, Fe'tor was a trip. She looked at me and I smiled. I'd have been justified killing him. John, Chiana, and Ka'D'argo did him a favor.

"You were very lucky honey." I smiled at her. "I'll tell them all thanks!

Roz agrees. She was pretty horrified.

"Thank you, Cowboy!" Jool sniffs" "My eye shadow is running!"

"Do you want a hug?" I ask. Jool says not yet.

There was Talyn destroying the hospital ship. I kept my eyes open as soon as Talyn came up.

I believe the worst thing I saw was the destruction at Arnessk. The fight to survive the blast and the twenty-six cycles of isolation and pain of watching the ancients pass. That bothered me a lot. But not to stop loving Jool!

127

"Now, let me show you some of my happiest moments." Jool whispered.

Of course, there were birthday parties, a dour graduation ceremony, the "boyfriend" her parents rejected, and leaving Interon.

Her release from the cryo chamber and then one I recognized.

The rescue at Arnessk.

"You came walking down the path Cowboy, looking around like you'd been here before, with your hands in the air. Not a weapon on your person, and that silly disarming smile."

"And that awful Sabacean!" Jool laughed as sweetly as Roz. And Roz is practically hysterical!

I

know you thought I'd shoot you, but the weapon was almost out of charge. At least you looked a bit frightened. Like John Crichton, you were handsome and diarmngly charming."

"I hate to tell you this Jool, but that morning I discovered my left eye can read weapons charge levels." You were threatening me but your eyes were starting to twinkle, and I kept smiling."

"You are such a bishna'!" Jool laughed.

"And there was this!" she laughed again. I'm walking up the path back to Fa3. And Jool is checking out my arms, and then...

"MY butt? You're looking at my butt!" I feel my face getting red.

Roz howls and I blush. Jool has this big grin on her face and her eyebrows up!

I promised myself right there I would not shoot a man with that tight of a bottom! You may be seventy-three cycles, but that's the smootzva of a man half your age!

"Somehow I knew I had to get to know you." "Roz was a big help and then, you got me to kiss you!" My life hasn't been the same since then!" I love you, Cowboy!" Her eyes were watery, and she looked fearful. I removed my right arm from hers and cupped her face with it.

" I love you Jool. Its ok, alright?"

She shook her head yes.

I need a drink of water. So went to the refrigerator and got a quart jug. I offered some to Jool first and she drank a healthy portion. I drank a bunch and set the jug between us on the table.

It's only 1900 hours.

I lay my arm back on Jools and gently grasp her bicep. It is firm and my brain reminds me she studied gymnastics. I took three deep breaths to center myself. When in doubt, center out!

I close my eyes, and I feel Jool and Roz right with me.

"Roz, there are things in me that we have not talked about. "I say quietly. "Things ARC and Jack know nothing of." And Jool... "So much was lost after 2011 and more was taken by the Ma-arogg to rework my brain." Shiya-nah even tried to fix the tangles a few days ago."

Jool and Roz, I love you both so much, but I can't change what happened fifty, sixty years or arns ago. I can only effect tomorrow. "Forgive me!

"Nothing to forgive!" Jool says and Roz agrees. So, I take them in as gently as I can.

T

he first one cry out is Jool.

"I'm being punished by my dad, Jool. " I was shocked I could bring that up!

128

"That's so wrong!" Jool cried painfully. "He should reason with you!"

"I wasn't one to listen to reason." I whispered

"Yes, let's move on." It's one of the few memories I have." I open my eyes and smile. Jool is totally in pain, but I feel her love.

There are other memories, things I shouldn't be seeing..., School friends long passed. Backyard barbeques with family. Fishing with dad. My first electric guitar...

"He loved your mother fiercely and with passion!" Jool exclaims. Roz agrees.

So do I. and I tell them about their love.

"I see he liked to kiss her a lot and she liked to kiss him too." I am glad you got from him."

Jool smiles. "I want to kiss and be kissed by you the same way!"

You will Jool, your lips are like sweet wine and your mouth is like honey."

When I kissed you the first time, it was wonderful." Jool says

We are moving into my teen years. Again, there isn't much. Some reference to bullying, my first band, fights with my parents and brother all mental bytes, literally a couple of snapshots, of things that brewed for years.

"

The Ma-arogg really did a number on you babe! says Roz. They barely left enough to use, if at all!

It's hard to tell if you had a childhood at all, much less a happy one Cowboy! Jool exclaimed.

I opened my eyes and looked over at her...her love for me was strong, maybe stronger!

"Jool and Roz, it was pretty decent up to then."

"So get ready, we're getting to a rough patch..." I say.

Both Jool and Roz gasp.

It's somewhere in the late 1970's. I'm at a party at a county park somewhere in the midwest. Some of my friends are there. Theres a few "girls", "babes", "chicks" what ever we called them back them. It was a warm humid midwest night.

I tell Roz and Jool. " I'm not proud of this moment, but it' was left for a reason."

"OMG...!"I think it was Jool

"What the frell...?" "It was Roz."

There was an impromptu "target shoot" between me and another friend. We were stoned and drunk. Baked, Broasted, roasted and toasted.

Somewhere in the mayhem, while we were popping beer cans, some other guy in a disco outfit, tries to pick a fight with me.

129

I take another long hit almost to end of the joint.

Then,I let the smoke out of my lungs, through my mouth and nose. I cough slightly. I hand the nub to a friend.

I look over to my left and see my face in the window tint of someones car. So I lean over and look at my face. My face, covered with pockmarks and bloody scabs, a nose covered in blackheads so it looks like it was covered with black pepper. Small pustuels complete the picture.. I've got aviator glasses and my light hair is in a type of 70's shag. I weigh 135 lbs soaking wet.

"Omg you have acne. Couldn't they cure that?" Jool asks. "You get a shot at five cycles old and never have it!"

"No, that tech didn't exist." I answer quietly "I had to outgrow it."

My friend hands me the half bottle of wine. I chug it in about four gulps.

And I belch...LOUDLY!

I flip the empty bottle around so its neck is in my right hand. Then I lob it out in front of me.

The empty bottle spins, expelling the last few drops of goodness. It spins over and over and over...

I reach under my jean jacket, flip off the leather hammer strap. I draw my weapon. with my thumb I pull the hammer back and bring my left hand to to meet the right. My left bicep crooks against my chest. I look down down the sights and see the bottle, its green color flickering in the moonlight. I can feel the trigger taking releasing the hammer...

The pistol fires. The bottle explodes. I return the pistol to it's shoulder holster.

"Yeah, nice shot crater face!" a voice behind me says. I whirl around and whithout thinking reach under my jacket. A few people laugh, then gasp.

It's some guy in disco regalia. Wide collar shirt open at the front, chains, leisure suit. He grabs his lady and pulls her in front of him. The perfect 70's girlfriend.

My friend grabs my shoulder with his right arm and places his left hand on my right hand. I look at him and he shakes his head. I relax.

"Who are you, disco boy?" My friend snarls.

130

"I'm Bob, Jerrys friend, I heard about the party... His eyes are as white as his face. He's trying to hold his lady in front of him and she's trying to get away!

"Did you call my friend a crater face?" My friend asks. "I have craters too!" His right hand slides off my shoulder and makes a fist the size of a house.

"Not you man!" disco boy stammers..."You're cool!"

"But you're not!" my friend growls, "And I HATE disco!"

"My friend here is a gentleman." my friend roars. "He would never shield himself behind a woman!" He looks at disco Bob, then yells out.

"Parties over everyone!" He roars again "Go home" Everyone runs. cars start, engines roar, tires spin.

He turns to me and smiles "It's not much of a mess, and now we got more beer!

"Cool man, thanks!" And I pass out.

"Cowboy!" Jool screams.

I feel the sun burning my eyes. But they're shut. But I can feel the sun burning me. I turn my head and cover my face. Im laying on a hard suface. I can hear flys buzzing and there's a radio playing. My head is ringing and pounding.

I roll to my left...

...and drop two feet off a truck tailgate, face first, into a puddle of wet mucky back dirt. With a splat! Face plant!

Coughing and cursing, I lift myself up and my hands sink into the muck. My shirt and pants are brown. My jacket's off.

"Where's my gun!" Where's my F**king pistol!"

"Easy son...Oh man!" He laughs, and his Southern drawl says. "You're a mess."

"Yeah...oh no!" I'm still on my hands and knees, and I puke. And puke. And puke! I put my left hand in it getting up I stand up and the world spins. I grab the edge of the tailgate and dry heave.

"Go down to the river and wash up." He says quietly in his Alabama drawl. "I have your glasses and pistol in the truck cab."

"He puts his hand on my right shoulder to steady me." You're too mellow of a guy to be partying this hard." He says in his Southern drawl. "Don't worry brother, you'll find a good woman someday who appreciates your kindness, loyalty, and humor." He claps my shoulder gently. "And your marksmanship!"

Everything fades to black.

Next is my time in tech school, my poor math scores, my tutoring, my stress and graduation. My counselor tests me for ADHD, and I have a severe case. He helps me get counseling and I get my aircraft mechanics certificate.

131

Next, shadows and distorted figures float through. A woman, two young girls, and dogs

"Who were they?" Jool says, and Roz agrees. "Where are they?" "And what are those little animals?"

I explain I don't know, but they are gone along with the animals. I may have had a family, but the memory is a ghost.

I open my eyes and look at Jool. she's holding my elbows tightly and I still see love, not sympathy, in her eyes. Her cheeks are moist from crying.

Next is Phoenix.

I remember seeing John Crichton returning to Earth in 2003. I was working two jobs and trying to recertify my aircraft mechanics license.

I also joined a militia. Shooting drills, exercises, training in explosives. I was studying and reading the writings of Jefferson, Monroe, Washington, and Ben Franklin.

There was a brief memory of another woman. There was Oklahoma, two dogs, magazines on Hetch drives, and meeting Jack Crichton.

"That's where you met Jack?"Roz asks.

"He looks like John". Jool says. I nod.

Then 2010. The election, the riots. The violence.

My brainwaves are going crazy as I struggle to reconcile my memories with my beliefs.

There's politcal uphevel, but in the middle of it all, information is being diseminated on the discoveries of alien techniology on other planets. Space craft are flying everywhere!

My thirst for knowledge on the mysterious V'ierin' begins.

Then my mind cruises into 2011...

Thats where the dren hits the fan!

The first memory is a Sauuri ship flying overhead and explosions in the distance.

The electrical dying, no water pressure, panic. The smell in the air from the fires. Then the air turned dark. I hook up the generator to run our appliances.

Then the call to arms. Every able bodied man with a rifle.

There's me in the mirror. Short dark hair, smoother face. But for a 55 year old guy, I am pretty buff. Not much tummy, pumped arms, skinny legs. Got my armor on and the carbine I built.

"Wow baby, you look great for 55."Roz says.

"You look like a Peacekeeper, but I understand that you're fighting for you planet." Jool says. "I can't imagine what that would be like." I agree with Roz!"

I remember telling someone I loved her and leaving the house.

My neighbors take me north. We are blocked by fleeing residents. A uniformed sheriff sends us up a two-lane road to a rendezvous point. There's no military transport because a lot of it is destroyed.

We see Sauuri craft and their pulse weapons shooting, but our jets are also hitting them with missiles and enough hits knock them down. But we're losing too many aircraft. I see pilots with suicidal bravery try to take the enemy out.

Sitting with Jool and Roz, I'm starting to freak out!

132

We are pushed through a series of roads and get within 3 miles of the airport. I remember walking through fields and hitting the ground every time a ship flew over.

We were sitting ducks, but they didn't fire on us.

Eventually, we get closer to the airport. Burned buildings were everywhere. We rested and ate, then got the call by radio to keep moving. My knees were killing me as I walk through the tall summer grass.

It was getting dark when we get to the airport fence line. I still haven't seen a Sauurian. Some guys wondered if the whole thing was made up. But then more transports arrived, and I saw them slithering out of their craft, pulse rifles at the ready. I checked my carbine, and a National Guard sergeant comes through asking if anyone is usng 6.8 SPC

I say yes and he says follow me. So, I do, trying to keep up with a man about 30 years younger than me.

"Babe, oh my gosh, I love you so much!" It's Jool, who's been pretty quiet.

"I love you Jool, thanks for staying with me."

"I love you Cowboy! Thank you for sharing! I can tell she's been crying.

It's 2015 pm here on Tavian three.

Anyway, the sarge gives me my first boxes of Sabot ammo, and some red tip exploding rounds. Says they're experimental.

I swap out the sabots with the ammo I'm carrying and as I finish, we move forward. Now I'm not with my militia guys but a guard unit pieced together with other militia and some law enforcement personel.

We move into position to assault a series of buildings with concrete barricades around the footings. The snakes have set up a headquarters in there.

The Sauuri transports start to leave, and all hell breaks loose. Two AA rockets hit the last transport. It loses an engine and slides back into the tarmac and blows up.

At that point several heavy Tanks break from cover and charge the fence firing their main cannon. The chain link fence disintegrates, and I get a nice shower of hot links for my trouble.

The tanks blow holes in the concrete barriers and knock holes in the walls of the building, and out come the Sauuri. Spitting fiery venom and shooting pulse weapons, they take out two of the tanks. But they can be killed too! Fifty caliber machine gun fire cuts them to shreds, and so do the M-60's. 5.56 NATO seems to have little effect.

Tracers and pulse rounds are flying everywhere as the sky turns dark.

I see two snakes firing from behind a barrier. Noone seems to be around, it's the fog of war!

Fast is slow,

Slow is smooth,

exhale, lead, squeeze.

I aim my carbine at one of the snakes. Its head fills my sight picture. I feel the rifle jerk twice.

The Sauuri gets both rounds just under its yellow eye. It drops, flipping about in a death spasm. I double tap the second one in the same place with the same results.

Noone is outside. Several men are trying to get through the holes in the wall. Pulse blasts are cutting them apart. I jump to my feet, trip over some debris, and hit the ground. A tank round or rocket flies just above me and blows a hole in the building wall about 10 yards from where I lay. Some guardsman grabs me and hauls me to my feet. We stumble up to the barrier in front of the wall. He runs off and is trying to get the pulse weapon from one of the dead Sauuri. I turn and look inside the building.

133

There must be a fire, I can see movement inside

I can see Sauuri firing out through the first hole.

I prop my carbine up on the barrier as a rest and open fire...I hit a sauurian in the head with one round and it goes down. And another. And another. I keep firing until I don't see any more targets.

Roz yells "Cowboy! Jool, his brain is stroking out!"

"No Cowboy! Stop!" It's Jool.

But I can't. I'm trying not to squeeze Jools arms, so I'm shaking.

There's a movement to my right, I whirl and there are more snakes, trying to descern who's killing their comrades.

I slide right and open fire. Five rounds and the magazine empties. I curse and drop behind the barrier. I change mags and charge the chamber. I rise up as the guardsman on my left opens fire with the Sauuri pulse weapon he grabs.

I see 5 or 6 snakes firing back. The one comes out from the smoldering hole in the metal building and opens its mouth.

A fiery yellow ball the size of a softball shoots from its mouth. It hits the guardsman square in the chest and bursts into flame! The poor guy screams and falls.

I turn back and the snake is facing me. I see a yellow ball of goo in its open mouth. The carbines' sights line up with it. Everything is in slow motion.

Slow is smooth.

I feel nothing but my peripheral sees hot brass coming out of the ejection port. 3.4.5

The last round hits the goo ball, and it explodes along with the snake's head. The burning body falls way. I see more snakes inside, firing at the hole to my left. Guys are going through it and into the building.

I open fire on the snakes, and they drop. The sabots are cutting through their leathery skin.

I change the mag before it runs dry and start shooting again. I kill at least 5 more snakes.

A gun crew comes up on my left with an M-60 and starts firing choppy short bursts.

One of the belt carriers waves me forward. I stand up, bring up my right arm and go to wave it...

and my world changes forever.

I don't really see or hear the explosion, but I see the result. In slow motion, a chunk of concrete hits my right arm just above the elbow and tears off my arm. Something burning hits my left cheek.

Both Jool and Roz scream, well they try to. More like choked cries.

I'm falling or flying backwards, then get whipped forward as pieces of concrete barrier take my legs out from under me. Literally take my legs. My carbine flys away and and I see my left hand. My pinky is missing and its neighbor is too.

I'm still flying, tumbling like a sock monkey tossed by a toddler. Round and round, round and round, round and round.

Then I hit the ground. Left eye first.

134

I hear voices. I hear Jool and Roz calling my name. Jool is crying.

Then I hear the medics. Some guy says, he's a hero, they are not going to let me die! He tapes a white label on my plate carrier, and someone puts my carbine on my chest. The white label tells them to save me at all costs. The guy calls out. "This guy shot twenty-five of those snakes! He's a bonafide hero!"

I black out as they place me on a stretcher.

Next,I'm lying there and the ceiling is gray. I can't move. I lift my left arm and see two fingers and a thumb. I hear a voice I recognize. It's Jack Crichton's! I start screaming his name, but it sounds like a frog. But he hears me and comes over. Someone sticks a water tube in me, and I drink. I say his full name. I tell him we met in Oklahoma and he kind of remembers. I tell him I'm sorry but if i could, I'd still go find his son. His eyes water up, and he turns and talks to...

some guy with red skin and silver hair! Another Alien!

It's a Ma-arogg doctor. They look at my chart.

"Unknown" for name." states Jack. He sighs. "We got a lot of these like you son!" I just moan and try to shake my head. My left side is bandaged up.

"Oklahoma?" Jack says. "Are you a Cowboy or a Sooner?"

"Ehhhhh Cowboy." "I guess." "Thats ok son, he says." He pats my thigh. "Write that on his clipboard, "Cowboy fan!" and he spells it.

"The doctor leans over and checks me. I have feeling in my legs, arms and hand. He lifts up my facial bandage and looks at my face.

"I'm doctor L'senon." he says in perfect English. "You'll be taking a flight to a surgical facility."

"You'll be like new." He looks up and nods. "I see two fingers come up to my forehead.

I hear someone say. "Ja-hi-nae power strong!" The fingers touch my head, and everything goes black.

"Cowboy! Please drink some water!" it's Jool. Shes holding a water jug to my lips.

I drink slowly and she's trying to hold my chin up and not slosh. Finally, I get enough in me that I can focus on whats going on.

Jool has moved the table and other chair back so she can stand by me and help me drink. I take another slow drink and try to get up.

Roz hasn't said a word. The neural analyser is still hooked up.

"Is Roz ok?" "Roz?"

"Hey baby, how are you feeling?"

"I'm ok, are you and Jool alright?"

"We'd thought we'd lost you Cowboy! " Jool whispered" I didn't want you to die, so I broke the contact. But we could still see what was happening!"

"Yeah... my Ja-hi-nae couldn't deal with the killing!" " I look Jool in the eyes and all I see is love, and concern."

"I am a mess!" She mumbles.

"To me my Jool, you've never looked more beautiful." I smile as lovingly as possible. I gently touch her cheek.

135

She smiles and wipes my face with a damp towel.

"You're a mess, but a handsome one." she says softly. She smiles as she looks at me. "Let me wipe my face off and we can join." Ok?"

"Yes, please!"

Jool smiles again, then bends in and give me quick kiss. Then she walks into the head. I hear the water running.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Roz asks. "Your functions are normal."

"Never felt better Roz." And I drain the rest of the water jug.

I go sit on the bed. My implants have helped me recover quickly.

A couple microns later, Jool steps out of the head, and she's fixed her face and eyes. She's still as radiant as ever. She also gets a jug of water out of the refrigerator and drinks.

I pack up the tables and chairs and stow them for a quick retrieval. Jool watches me work while standing in the middle of the cubby.

Roz is humming happily in that beautiful voice of hers.

I walk into to the cubby and Jool is standing there, hands clasped in front of her. I walk up to her and stand in front with my hands clasped.

"Do you still want to join with me, Cowboy?" She whispers, and her eyes look coyly at mine.

"More than ever Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis!" I whisper back. Do you still want to join with me?"

"Yes, my Cowboy more than ever!" She whispers excitedly!

She walks up and places her arms around me as I put mine around her waist. We kiss tenderly and she runs her fingers through my hair.

"Join with me then, Cowboy." She says quietly. Let the lines of love turn dark with passion, are encircle our heats with true love' forever!"

She turns around and backs against me. then smiles seductively.

We undress each other as lovers should, but I suggest something.

"Why don't we remain partially dressed?" i ask quietly.

"

Yes please!" she sighs "Thank you Cowboy!"

Jool slips off her slippers. and pushes them under the bed. Shes so beautiful I can hardly speak. Jool turns and faces me.

Roz is singing a love melody quietly in the background. It's perfect for the moment!

Doesn't Roz sound beautiful tonight? I ask.

Jool nods. "She told me to pretend she isn't here." She'll only interupt if there's an emergency." I nod.

136

We snuggle together for several minutes this way. I'm holding her hands but letting her lead.

She releases me, then comes back around to face me.

"You know Cowboy," Jool whispered. "The night before was designed to prevent conception, not just abstinence." And we both laughed again.

"My time has passed as I told you." Jool says quietly.

I pull her tightly to me and kiss her gently.

"My time has passed as well Joolushko." "I wish to spend my nights touching, holding, and kissing you, not just coupling like animals.

"I used to think coupling should be rough and wild." Jool says quietly " But I prefer your gentle caress and touching to wrestling and pseudo violence to achieve some sort of weird pleasure!"

I lay down in the bed and hold up the light blanket. I nod and look at the bed. The sheets are fresh and smell light and soft.

"Are you ok with sleeping next to the wall?" Jool asks.

"Yes Jool, in case a shot or some object pierces the wall, it will strike my screen or me first."

Wordlessly, Jool slides into bed and faces me, I feel her left arm wrap around me and I pull the blanket over us. She snuggles up to me and kisses my chin and mouth.

"I always feel safe around you." She whispers. "Ever since I watched you and Roz get myself and the others off Arnessk."

We spend the next couple of hours holding each other, getting comfortable sleeping together, touching and kissing each other in a non sexual way. I see why the six hour celibacy is so important.

As we touch, we talk about the future. It will not be easy for two independent older people like us, but T'sande' helps because it opens communication lines normal beings don't have,

We both find each other's favorite kissing spots and having our back and chests rubbed.

Finally, around 2200, Jool spoons against me. She's put her amazing hair up and I can lay against her back without having a face full of hair. She apologises for any "hair mouth" and says she should be ok because she's not stressed. I nuzzle into her neck, and she spoons against me as I wrap my arms around her. Roz is still singing quietly, and we tell each other good night.

137

And Jool, Roz, and I fall asleep.

Jool is the first up. It's 0630. Very quiet out. I am awake moments later and wait for Jool to finish in the bathroom. I pass her in the "hall" and we share a quick kiss and our good mornings.

I clean myself a little more and use a bit of deodorant.

I come back to bed and Jool is sitting and waiting, The blanket is folded back. I slide into bed and she joins me.

"I've been waiting Cowboy." She whispers as she nuzzles me. "Waiting for you and wanting you since the day I kissed you next to this very bed." She kisses my cheek. All my life I could not imagine I'd find you, especially the last twenty six cycles, and here you are! She whispers in my ear., "I love you so much, Cowboy!" She breathes in and out slowly. "Give me your love!"She lays down and looks up at me.

I bend over with my mouth just inches from her beautiful red lips.

"I will be gentle Jool." I whisper back. " I started loving you the moment you stuck that pulse rifle in my face on Arnessk." She giggles and I grin. " I hoped, with a bit of luck, and kindness I might be able to be with you." "And now my wildest dreams have come true.' "I love you Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis, and will until till time ends."

And our lips meet, and our tongues reintroduce themselves.

Our foreplay is gentle, Jool is a wonderland and so responsive.

My face and mouth have never been kissed so much, or so well. She touches me in all the right spots, especially my soul.

Finally, she pushes me back and gets up on her right elbow." I lay on my back, and she leans over and kisses me, then climbs on top.

"Oh, sweet Cowboy! You're amazing!" She gasps and breaths heavily.

Jool undoes her hair and shakes it out. She bends over. Her crimson curls fall about our heads and faces as she bends in and kisses me. I try to run my fingers through her beauutiful hair but its tangled so I slowly remove my hands. She is still kissing me and her stomach flattens against mine. My hands find the small of her back. Her head jerks up and she looks at me with her loving green eyes...

There's an explosion alright... but it's not us!

138

Chapter 8

A time for hate

The explosion rocks Fa-3 so hard I thought we'd taken a direct hit! The reverberation and shock wave move the plane on the pad. Jool is practically knocked out of bed, but I hang on to her and steady us. The lights dim and the red battle lights come on, and my defense screen goes blue with full power.

"Frelling Peacekeepers!" Jool Screams!

"Frelling F***ing hezmana, that was close!" Roz yells, "The commerce city, or where ever you and Jool went for lunch, exploded!"

I hear the pounding of rubble hitting the planes' shielding like large hail stones. I add my shield to the planes for more protection. Other explosions start to go off.

"We're in condition red, Roz! Prepare for code red lift off!

"Structural damage?" I call out as Jool jumps off me. She pulls me up to my feet and kisses me.

"That's for the best moment so far." And she bends down and hands me my underwear.

I'm grabbing socks and pants.

"Just put your panties and bra on Jool!" I hobble over and grab a flight suit.

"Here...!" I try to hand her the suit

Jool has pulled my shirt over her chest. Oh yeah!

"Mmmmm, it smells like you Cowboy!"

Jool grabs the suit and pulls her legs in. I help get it over her arms.

She looks at me and whispers. " Are you sure you should go?

"I have too, Jool, I promised on my oath!" Another explosion...then another!

"Structural integrity one zebra zebra! Just some debris, it'll blow off." Roz says.

"Roz start the bottom modules so you can run the shields.

I'm pulling on a T-shirt. I hear the boof...modules on!

"

Dog fight over head!" Roz shouts "On screen!"

A marauder shoots by overhead followed by two prowlers firing their pulse cannons.

"Strafing run Cowboy!" I see pulse rounds hitting something near the starboard side.

Jool is still standing there half-dressed and twice as beautiful. She's watching me finish dressing. I grab my Ja-hi-nae tunic from the closet and put it over my T-shirt. I leave my sash.

"They're not your people, Cowboy!" She blurts out pleadingly.

I walk over to her and cup her face in my hands gently. I look into her watering eyes.

"Jool, sweetheart, I made a promise to protect the Temple and anyone in it." I say quietly "And I promised you I would always protect you." "If you go with Roz, you have the best protection in the galaxy." "When Roz leaves here with you, I promise you'll be safe." Find us a place, and I'll go there with you, and we will spend a few days away from here." Please Jool, trust me.!"

"But what if...?" she stammers.

"I die?" My brows furrow. "I've no intention of doing that!" "I've been in worst places."

I kiss her tenderly. "Think of me often Jool, so I can reach out to you when this is over." "I love you Joolushko!"

"I love you too, Cowboy!"

"Roz, Jool's in front seat!"

"Kind of quiet now but..." Roz quips

B-B-Boom! Three explosions almost as one.

139

"Drop the ramp if it's clear Roz!"

"Ramp down, I love you, Cowboy!" Roz cries. "Please be careful!"

"I love you too Roz, take care of Jool for us, k?"

"I'll clear the debris! Roz be ready!" and I head down the ramp.

I walk out on the pad and down the Fa-3's underbelly. Using my E, I clear the debris from the wings. Roz shows me the upper modules on the elevon cams and I E pull some concrete from the module housings. Pieces of broken glass litter the pad.

Dark plumes of smoke pour out of the commerce city and the other. Some spires seem to be down. Sirens add to the noise.

"Strafing run! 7:30 low!" Shouts Roz through the comm.

Sure enough 4 prowlers are making a strafing attack on something to my left, and someone on the ground is firing back. One prowler takes a round and flies off trailing smoke over Fa-3. The lead prowler flies right down the center of the dtree btween the tremple and our pad and I see Lt. Braca's name on it.

I crouch low to the ground and peer out to my left., There's a group of Peacekeepers in the lot trying to reorganize. I head across the mezzamine on a crouch run and I swear someone takes a shot at me! The rounds drop way short. Pulse weapons have no accuracy at ranges over 50 yards. I get to the entrance and Th'aroe lets me in. I tell him about the shots fired and he yells out a warning.

Th'aroe shows me the grenades I gave him. and I remind him he needs to be behind the back barrier, not at the doorway. He pats me on the shoulder and we head back to the entrance to the inner chamber.

I pass through the doors into the main hall.

The place is pure Anarchy! The hall is filled with women and children, diplomats and priests, talking and yelling. Children are clinging to mothers and care workers. The priests are trying to calm everyone.

Someone has taken down the star maps. The hall reverberates with the confusion.

But energy is energy. I take a breath and center myself. The energy flows through me like waves.

Another explosion, farther away. People scream. The lights flicker.

It's 2011 again and I'm in Oklahoma. A Sauuri ship flies over. I blink. No, it's a Vigilante!

I shake my head and crack my neck to relieve my stress. It works.

"Cowboy!" It's Mele-On, with Meeklo jr. in tow. The din abides somewhat.

Mele-On stares at me. I furrow my brow.

"Madam Chairwoman, I want you and these folks to do exactly what I ask you to do!"

Mele-On starts to open her mouth. But I raise my left index finger. She stares at me. There is fire in her eyes, but it's not directed at me.

"Alright Cowboy, we have been placed in your care." She folds her arms "I assume you will be worthy of our trust."

"Then you will follow my directions." I need everyone to sit down either in the stands or take their chairs and place them over here." I point to the area next to the stands where the door to the lecture hall is. Please relax and try not to be afraid. If you have deities, pray to them!"

140

I walk over to where Mouma is standing. I see the worry in her eyes. T'knawl is there as well. I great them in the traditional Ma-arogg manner and ask them to relax.

The E is so powerful at this moment it overwhelms me. I literally feel my tunic and pants legs moving like being caught in a breeze. It summons me like a lover would, like Jool does. I smile as it washes through me.

Like any Ma-arogg temple, the center of the main hall is where the spear points come out of.

It is almost in front of where Mouma is sitting, as it should be. The head Priest or Priestess can step into it so that their power can be increased for instruction. Practitioners can amplify their functions for attainment demonstrations. I knew I had walked by it before.

And now, I walk into it.

The energy swirls around me in a defined circle. It rises up, like a shaft. The shaft of a spear.

"Hello practitioner." a voice says softly. " You have sought me out, and now you have found me."

"Yes." I answer. "It has been a long time."

"For you, perhaps." The soft voice continued. "For me, it is a moment passing." "How can I be of service."

" I need to protect this holy place." I speak. " It and the people in it are in danger."

"All you need is to will it so, and it will be done."

"Then I will it so."

The light flows past me and up into the roof, through the spires and into the walls. It flows across the floor and back to me. It covers the bleachers and the doors. The entire temple is covered with a shield of E.

I hear gasps and Mouna and T'knawl bow their heads

"I have done as you asked, humble practitioner." The voice whispers. " You may manipulate it to your needs."

I bless the E,and step out of the energy beam. The temple flickers and sparkles with energy.

"Roz?" I touch the com. "What's up?"

"Funny you should ask that babe!" "We've been surrounded by Peacekeepers, and they've asked us to surrender and power down!"

"Or they'll shoot, right?" I ask

Roz laughs. "How did you know?"

"What's the situation in the air Roz."

"Fluid, but no one's shot at us!"

"Well, if you were to power up the T/S field generators..."I mean, I can't order you to, but...

"Ouch that would be so mean, I mean if Jool accidently bumped the switch..."

I can see the blue haze through the upper row of windows, and I can imagine the mayhem it created.

I hear the clash of arms outside the walls Pulse weapons are shooting. I can see the flashes in the door glass.

"Code Red launch, Roz!" Count it at 10!"

" We're ready babe!" Cowboy up!"

"High G launch! 10...9"

141

I was going to lift with my hand. But I have so much E from the Temple, and combined with what I already have, I use my mind and will it. 3...2...1!

Fa3 doesn't lift off slow. It shoots up like a cannon ball! My head aches a little from the intensity of the E!

OOps! I can almost hear Jool groan and Roz curse!

But the Hetch modules shoot her forward with a sonic boom that shakes the ground! A second later I see the modules flash up to Hetch twenty. Someone pulls the stick back about 60 degrees. There's a brief glow from the shields going through the atmosphere. Fa3 is gone!

I drop my shield on Fa3.

Scorpius is standing at the front of the railing to my left. I start to wave. At that moment the doors crash.

Glass splinters and the twisted and bent steel frames go flying across the floor. I walk over to a table and grab my water jug. I'm getting hungry.

That's bad. I need fuel.

Mele-On is standing near Mouma, who is praying with her head bowed. Out of my peripheral I see armed men pouring into the room, with an officer in a Captains uniform in their lead.

The women, children and others are hiding behind chairs and tables. I don't see Meeklo jr.

The captain is yelling into his com. He's trying to raise someone.

And then I hear the muffled sound of a concussion grenade. A second later the second one goes off.

The Officers, all in Commando uniform, form a V formation as they walk forward behind the good Captain. They've got the room covered.

I take another drink of water. Then I raise a shield from the opposite wall, in front of the Priests and curve it around so it flows in front of me and goes over to the other wall. The Peacekeepers are trapped!

Sardosh is there, in front of the people behind the chairs. She is curled like a snake ready to strike. Her tongue is flicking out and I can see she's agitated.

Scorpius walks in and places his hands on the banister. He realizes there's a shield up and looks at me. The captain stops talking to his officers and looks at Scorpius.

"Thariss Tarento, Traitor!" Mele-On calls out. "The name suits you well!"

"Chairman Thariss Tarento, Madam Chairwhore!" The title suits you well!" "Your life wil end like all the other Peace mongers, along with those too weak to join our cause.

People like Cranick, too cowardly to attempt to act!" Tarento sneers. "He and his family paid for his cowardice."

"His children?" Mele-On gasps "You killed his children?"

"

First of course, so their parents could watch, just like the old days!" He sneers, then laughs.

Mele-On snarls at him. "You will pay for your crimes Tarento!" "I..."

Scorpius coughs. Both turn and stare.

"Captain Tarento." Scorpius looks aside, then back. "Former Captain Tarento."

Tarento grimaces. He wants to retort but Scorpius cuts him off.

142

"Your position at this moment, Tarento, is rather tenuous. " Scorpius, the master of drama, pauses. "Your mutiny attempt has failed to gain the upper hand... despite you, and your fellow conspirators desperate attempts! Speeding up the process because of the arrival of the Terran emissary, left your plot porous enough that our people could deal with your fellow conspirators effectively!' He paused. Tarento was silent but boiling over. His face was bright red

"Finally, and at the very gates of the temple, your attack has failed utterly. Commandant Braca's men and the priests were able to incapacitate your fellow mutineers in a most thorough manner, while taking only a few minor casualties."

WHAT! Tarento roared. "The plan was perfect! "The council believed our lies about you, and based on your incompetence and double dealings, especially your time spent allied with the Kkore! Your disloyalty was easy to prove. "You sir, are a coward!" He points his pulse pistol at Scorpius and snarls.

"End your cowardly exile Scorpius and come forward so I may kill you first!"

Scorpius smiles as only he can, before he cuts someone down!

"I shall do no such thing Tarento." You will have to remove the shield that protects me yourself!"

"Shield? Bah! Commandos, Fire!" Tarento himself shoots at Scorpius

Tarento and his troopers open fire on Scorpius, who stands there and lets them.

The fahrbot captain and his men fire for several seconds, then one by one they stop, Tarento being the last.

"Who sets this screen?" Tarento bellows! "Who is the drannit that has done this?"

"That'd be me." I drawl. "The name's Cowboy." "I'm your drannit!"

"The human from Earth?" Tarento literaly chokes, his face is crimson!

"Inconceivable!" He screams as his voice cracked. "Nothing bbbbut backwards barbarians!"

He points his pistol at me. "Remove your screen, COWBOY!"

I take a drink of water. "Why don't you boys drop your weapons instead?" I reply.

"Are you a frellwit?" Tarento starts to lose his voice. Peacekeepers never relinquish their weapons!" "Frell...His voice cracks He turns to his men and screams in a hoarse whisper "Shoot him! Shoot him now!"

143

And so, they try. And try... and try. Until most of weapons run out of power.

I hear someone behind me scream.

And they stop shooting. Tarento is out of charge in his pistol. So, he's ripping out his "battery" or whatever they call the power source and is searching his jacket pocket for a new one.

I crack my neck and my shoulders again. Lousy shots, all of them. I got hit ten times.

"Please, relinquish your weapons!" I will NOT ask nicely again!"

I think, how cliche'!

Tarento can't find a charged battery. He looks at me, his face twisted in rage.

And some fool, with bad trigger discipline, discharges his pulse rifle.

The pulse hits my water jug and destroys it!

I lift what's left of the plastic Terran jug of milk and look at it. The whole bottom is blown off. Melted plastic drips harden in the cool air of the temple.

My eyes narrow as I look at Tarento. He's either trying to form a sentence...or stroke out. A few of the Peacekeeper officers raise their weapons.

"You shot my water jug!" I snarl. It's all an act. On second thought, I am peeved!

"You farging jacknuts can't hit the side of farging barn!" I scream it in English. It sounds worse when it is spoken that way!

I lift the jug up to my head and throw it on the ground. I bend my left elbow to my chest and drive my right fist into my flattened hand.

"Since you won't relinquish your weapons, I will take them!" I narrow my eyes. "I will take them now!

I mentally rip their blasters from their hands. The officers that try to hold on are nearly pulled off their feet. Many grab their hands in pain, and some are bleeding.

Tarento has his pistol yanked away and a couple of fingers are partially dislocated. He winces and moans.

The weapons fly into the screen behind me. Melted pieces of sparking, smoking or burning weapons fall to the ground.

I stare into Tarento's eyes. The rage is quickly disappearing, to be replaced by a hint of fear.

I stare over my tinted glasses and speak in a low voice.

" Thariss Tarento... For murdering defenseless women, and especially children, you should be vaporized. But it is not my jurisdiction, even though you have DESCECRATED this temple with your weapons, and your attempted murder of those within."

"But I am merciful." I say quietly "There will be no more violence with these walls!"

My voice raises.

"Instead, you shall fall asleep, and when you awaken, you will be somewhere ELSE, awaiting your trial and punishment. May both be swift so your victims will rest in peace!"

I look over at Mele-On, and she nods.

144

Scorpius is in the background directing his troops to leave their weapons outside.

I walk up to within 10 feet of Tarento. He's frozen in fear, and I also am holding him lightly with E.

"Now sleep, little peacekeepers."

And I drop them, just like Shiya-nah taught me. It was so easy. So easy, I almost choke up with emotion.

Except Tarento. He falls on his knees, then forward. The sound his face makes when it hits the floor is like an egg breaking against a kitchen counter.

"And just like that," I whisper. "The mutiny ends!" My eyes water.

"Cowboy!" It's Mele-On. She's about two feet from me.

I come out of my trance with a start! Mele-On jumps back and stumbles. I catch her with my E.

Mele-On straightens up and stares at me. I apologize.

"Sorry about the mess!" I murmur.

"I guess that rescuing ladies in distress is something we should get used to around here." She quips with a smile. I bow.

I see Commandant Braca marching straight at us. He is military straight, but his eyes are happy.

He makes his way to his wife.

"Madam Chairwoman, I am pleased to report that the attempted mutiny is all but over!"

"Oh, stop it Meeklo, we're with Cowboy!"

Braca looks at me and quickly smiles. He returns to his military scowl, but his eyes smile at me.

"There is one more detail Mele-On, that must be attended to." Braca says. He turns and looks at Scorpius.

"Scorpius!" Mele-On commands. "A word with you!"

Scorpius walks over to where the Bracas are standing. I step back. His narrow eyes...he's expecting redemption for his past crimes.

145

Mele-On looks at Braca and Scorpius

"It appears we've, rather I, made a grave misstep regarding your actions, Scorpius! What has happened cannot be reversed, but as of today, your charges will be dropped! You are free to go! The threat to the alliance by the militarists has been crushed, and true peace is closer!" She catches her breath. "I have you Scorpious, and you, Cowboy, to thank for that."

Scorpius nods to Mele-On. Braca claps Scorpius on the back.

"Good to have you back sir!" Braca says. Mele-On clears her throat, then smiles.

"I know all about you two and you're behind my back activities!" She whispers. "Don't think I didn't, Meeklo!" Then to Scorpius. "You are cleared, but only of your current transgressions!"

Scorpius stares and then looks at me. I shrug. Braca stands at attention. His eyes are wide!

Mele-On looks at me.

"And you Cowboy, what are we to do with you? Or rather, what would we do without you?"

I blush.

"Madam Chair..."

"I have discussed the matter with Mouma, and have a better understanding of your practice and why you cannot ask for or take rewards." "There is a gray area regarding the offer of supplies or donations of such that you may accept." "Allow us to compensate you in such a matter."

"Yes Mele-On."

"Soon Cowboy, delegates will be arriving from your Quorum." Mele-On continues. "We are working out the details!"

She continues. "Your amazing actions today have made the ratification process easier."

"And Cowboy, we are planning on having your "sandwiches" for lunch, would you join us."

"Sandwiches?"

"Absolutely!" Mele-On smiles. "It's the latest food trend." "To think, Terra and it's quorum has conquered the alliance, with food!"

"I'd be delighted." And I blush again. And I'm suspicious.

"Ever the reluctant hero, Cowboy." She touches my tunic sleeve. "Although I understand why."

I excuse myself.

Then I walk over and greet Mouma and T'knawl. No priests were seriously injured in the gun battle.

146

The only real casualty is Th'aroe, who got knocked silly when he stood up to watch the last percussion grenade detonate. While talking to them, my left arm starts to burn, as does the left sleeve of my tunic.

Both Priestess and Priest stare in wonder as hash marks burn into my tunic sleeve. There are five.

I am now marked as an experienced practitioner, marked as such, much to my chagrin. I'm sure Shiya-nah had something to with it.

If that's true, he is now my mentor. And that.. yeah, that makes me smile.

After a quick lunch of delicious meats cheeses fruits and vegetables, and breads to make sandwiches with, and deserts. I pack a bag for Jool, along with lots of the sweet fruit we enjoy.

Once satiated and assured that things are stable, I head to the park near the empty parking pad where Fa3 sat. For a moment, I feel alone.

I reach out to Jool.

She and Roz aren't too far away, galactically speaking. They've found an asteroid belt full of iron ore rock to hide in.

Jool was thinking a lot about me, and all the things she was thinking about doing with and to me. Oh my! I blush again!

Roz and Jool land the plane about a half arn later. Roz has Jool use the VTOL ducts on the lower modules. I get a dusting for my troubles, and she lands the plane a little crooked, yet almost perfect for her first time. Not one bounce.

I get to the plane just as Jool comes down the ladder. Jool cries out and nearly jumps on me! She covers my face and lips with her sweet kisses. She takes my sack of goodies and I follow her up the ladder. Once i the plane, Jool tells me all about her time flying and how wonderful and patient Roz is. Roz of course, tells me she's a natural.

An arn later, after eating lunch, we leave for the asteroid belts. Jool flies me to them and does her third T/S jump with Roz. I'm positive with sleep training and practice she'll make a good pilot.

With Roz's help, Jool slides us into a large opening in the belt and tucks us in. We bump an asteroid, but the shield absorbs the blow, and no damage is done. I can't help but tell her how impressed I am, and Roz agrees. It will still take another two to three hundred hours of flight time before she can test out, but constant practice and some sleep training will help.

That night, Jool comes to me covered in her gown. She drops it by the bed and slides under the covers with me. We touch and kiss a while, then we couple.

147

The time after that is beyond pleasure, beyond ecstasy, beyond description. It is complete love, complete passion, complete pleasure. Jool was right. It was together. So much more than simple release, the intensity lasted until we were completely spent.

The last thing i remember, Jool is lying on my chest, her right ear against my heart. My left hand is on her right shoulder blade and my right hand is holding her left hand gently. She is breathing rhythmically with me. Roz is there too. I see her holo covering us like a blanket, and I fall asleep.

About five hours later, I awake. Jool is in the bathroom My lips glisten from her recent kiss.

She comes out in her night gown and i take her place.

When I come back, she's in bed and well, unclothed. I join her and she embraces me tightly and after several minutes snuggling and other things, Jool asks me to lead. So, I do.

When my brain and body finally fall into the afterglow, I find myself on her tummy just under her breasts. My left hand is gently laying on her right arm at the elbow. Her left hand is stroking my hair and it feels wonderful. My right hand is against left her shoulder. I feel her diaphragm slowly going up and down.

"Cowboy, did any females find you as enjoyable as I do?"

"Please Joolushko, I'd guess nothing with them was this intense."

"I felt inexperienced at first." she said. "But you were so amazing!"

"Well, I wondered if I'd be adequate, so there!" I whisper. I take her left hand and kiss each fingertip.

"Oh Cowboy' you couldn't tell how much I enjoyed you?"

"You were very helpful! "I reply.

I lay perfectly still while she strokes my hair. Her body smells wonderful. I can hear her heart beating. Even her digestive system gurgle.

"Mmmm, I can't wait until you and Roz teach me to fly, and you teach me to shoot." "I look forward to being with you every day I can. At least every night!" She sighs. "My love!"

"We'll see if we can't find a place in the morning." I add. You can fly us there and I'll set up some targets after we land."

"I love you, Cowboy!"

"I love you too, Jool, Good night!"

And we both nod off.

148

Chapter 9

A time to train

The next three days have to be the happiest in recent memory. After several hours of sleep, Jool, Roz and I head to Arnessk. I won't let her shoot there because it is a sacred place to me, and Jool agrees. However, we sit on the rocks by an alcove and watch the sun rise up out of the ocean. Jool and I sit close together and just snuggle. We eat breakfast and take a long walk inland and back to the ship.

That afternoon, we decide to head out and search some nearby star systems for a place we can stay and not be bothered.

Roz sets the jump points, and as Roz and I surmise, she's a fast learner. A little unsure of the controls, but she gets it. On longer jumps she's already a good backup. I trust her and so does Roz. Of course, Roz and she get along like sisters, at my expense! I blush but couldn't be happier.

Jool and I also talk more about Interion, her time on Moya, and my time at Shay-qul.

On the subject of Moya, Jool reveals a far more detailed account of daily life and the challenges of being with so many diverse individuals with different agendas. Despite the friction, they all spring to action to defend each other and especially Moya. She reveals some details I had no idea about, including Mele-On Braca and of course, Scorpious.

There were also Insights on Aeryn Sun and John's relationship they'd never discussed with anyone when they were back on earth. I really wasn't a prepared as I thought I was!

I talk to Jool and Roz about my second trip to Shay-qul and my training. They gasp at the apparent brutality of my teacher, Hoy-lin Nat'chiena, an amazon with lion fangs and deer antlers, built like a tree. She would throw me around with E all day and hold me against her naked body all night to heal me, only to start all over after breakfast! I told Jool I was attracted to her even though nothing sexual happened.

Eventually I would use my E and stop her from hurting me, and nearly kill her in a savage rage. That's when I used Kae-hi-nae to try and revive her. I saved her long enough so that other masters finished the job, but the exercise almost killed me.

I spent several days in rehab, and Hoy-lin was accused of abusing a student. In her defense, she realized my attraction to her, and knew if I couldn't defend myself because I was attracted to someone who was abusing me, I wouldn't survive.

She was expelled from the temple for a time, but I brought suit for her reinstatement.

Hoy-Lin went back to training, but slightly less rough. Before I departed, she came to me and offered herself if I would stay, but I'd learned her lessons too well. I told her i loved her in a way she'd never understand, and I left.

"Do you still love her?" Jool asked.

"Yes, for teaching me a valuable survival lesson, and for teaching me to keep my cool." "I also learned the Kae-ni-hae, and its consequences!"

Jool went on "I was told Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan saved Aeryn Suns' life when she was killed by Crichton on the ice planet. It's the same planet I and my cousins were frozen on! The transfer of love was fatal to Zhaan."

Of course, this started a whole new conversation!

149

After a couple of jumps, we find a commerce planet and stop in.

Bartering for a fair return on my gold chips is a bit of a challenge, but I finally find a merchant willing to give me a fair amount for a half coin and we Jool and I head to the market.

There are a few Peacekeepers around, but I notice they now wear a looser fitting long tunic in a neutral color, instead of their harsh black metal and leather uniforms. A conspicuous detail was the lack of a visored helmet! They looked more like squires or acolytes than jack booted thugs. They were still armed with Pulse rifles!

I am able to procure some better food and preserved meat for myself. Jool picks up some clothing items and finds some of that delicious fruit we love.

I buy Jool a small flowering plant in a globe, some custom leather vambrances for her arms and she picks out some makeup and eye shadow dyes.

Jool stays very close to me, always holding my arm. She has a keen eye for the unique and spots cool stuff before I do. At a booth for scented products, we get some scent sticks for Roz.

We head back to the Fa-3 after picking the locals brains about finding a quiet green planet. They direct us to the fourth planet in the system, a place called Qwerevk.

Qwerevk would be best described as a national park planet in Terran terms. It's a green planet that the locals have turned into a planet sized campground. Three thousand cycles before the alliance, the Peacekeepers had a training base here for their mountain commandos and much of the planet was covered with hiking trails. As the Peacekeepers became more militaristic and increased their reliance on larger spaceships, the base was slowly downsized, then abandoned. After the alliance, the base was returned to the planet's residents.

One of the installations is a huge shooting range. It is maintained, but even the locals rarely use it.

I'm impressed. Apparently at one time, marksmanship was a priority for them. Ranges vary from 25 to 600 yards, far beyond the accurate range of a pulse rifle! Individual dirt walls separate the smaller ranges, but there are concrete abutments and heavy steel tables for bench shooting.

The range master, a swarthy Sabacean named Mar'arlin. He gave us a brief history of the area, and I learned something about the Peacekeepers and their transition from acolytes to being mercenaries. Most of the base buildings are heavily weather damaged or mounds of rubble, except for the range office.

That said, we were able to park near a private range and camp. So Jool and I off loaded some ordinance and set up a shooting area.

As Jool is a fast learner. She instantly gets the concepts of safety and trigger discipline, often explaining that Peacekeepers should have taught them as well. We laugh. I remember John Crichton's comments on the subject. And I never have to remind her to keep her booger flicker off the trigger.

150

There are metallic targets set at 25 and 50 yards, and gongs at 100 and 200 yards

I let Jool pick out what she wanted to try. She liked the AR carbine and the Daewoo. I let her shoot the 'Woo first.

Jool...she's like Annie Oakley, little Mz. sure shot. After getting used to the sight picture, dominate eye and the 'Woo's creepy trigger, shes center popping targets like a pro at 25 and 50 yards.

She also does well at 100 yards, hitting the gong eight for ten with two nicks.

I strap on my old plate carrier and let her shoot a couple of more magazines through the Daewoo.

Then I have her shoot the carbine.

The AR Carbine is something I picked back on Terra on my supply trip. It's got a polymer receiver with a metal subframe so it's light. I've also installed a binary trigger, which emulates full auto fire but isn't. It doesn't blow through ammo like full auto. It does allow for a skilled user to double tap or fire two rounds quickly in succession.

Jool takes to the Carbine like it's melded to her. I bypass the red dot optical sight and have her shoot with Iron sights first. The trigger breaks perfectly and the Carbine's gas system is set for optimal recoil reduction. She's wrecking the target at 50 yards and hitting the gong consistently at 100 yards so well I have her go from bench rest to standing.

I show her how to turn on the red dot and lower the iron sights. It takes her a moment to find the dot and figure out how to keep it centered. All this while learning to keep her left eye open to watch her left side.

Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis is a target destroying machine! Like women shooters I've encountered on Terra after the incursion, she listens carefully to instruction and correction, is keenly aware of her surroundings, exercises safety protocols better than most men, and her hand to eye coordination is supreme.

She wants to know if she can shoot some of the other firearms I have, of course she can!

But it's time for lunch.

Both Jool and I sit in Fa3 with Roz as we eat sandwiches and fruit. Jool has found the hot plate and pans I brought from earth and wants to make soup for supper with some of the foods she's got.

Roz can't see us at the range very well but wants to know who's ringing the bell. We laugh and Jool tells Roz she's doing it.

I take out some handguns from the armament module and pick out a shoulder rig for Jool that I've had. It's black and goes with her 'ensemble! I help her fit into it and and adjust the comfort and placement. I have a single stack S&W 9mm that will work in this rig with extra mags.

After lunch we head back to the range. I have Jool shoot the carbine again and after a bit, switched over to handgun training.

151

Again, after teaching her how to draw and properly hold the weapon, I let her shoot without quickly drawing. Again, her female intuition and concentration makes her a natural.

I tell Jool she can keep the handgun with her when we are together exploring off world, as well as the carbine in dangerous places. They are hers to use and maintain. She's quite happy and I get a nice long, yummy kiss for my troubles.

She's not an expert yet, nor combat trained, but she can hit a target and is the least likely to shoot anyone by accident.

It's midafternoon and I ask if she'd like to cuddle.

"Yes please, after we shower." she says

"Um together maybe?" I ask.

Her eyes get very seductive. " Oh Yes, please!" she says quietly. We pick up the ordinance, all the brass, haul it to Fa3, and I toss the spent brass into the reloader.

The afternoon to say the least, is extremely enjoyable.

After cleaning up, Jool believes should make supper together. So, I start cleaning the vegetables while she browns some meat and makes the broth. Soon enough, a delicious fragrance fills the air.

The soup is easy enough. Vegetables, a whiteish meat, some herbs and seasonings, and cook until tender, reduce slightly. Everything is fresh.

We set at the table with the plant in the bowl as the center piece.

The soup is delicious even if I don't know what's in it! We wash it down with some fruit flavored drink Jool picked out at the market. After cleaning up from supper, I take the carbine outside and give it a quick clean without stripping it. I show Jool the moving parts and how they work. She marvels at how quickly I can break the weapon down, and frankly, I'm a bit rusty!

Finally, we take an evening walk. Away from the plane we stop, I look up at the stars. I really dont recognize anything, but there are new constellations I point out to Jool. I'm surprised that she has never noticed them, even with her degrees. I remind her that I'm a savage barbarian...

"Yes, but you're my savage barbarian, Cowboy! She snuggles next to me. "And I'm keeping you forever!"

We watch the twin suns set in the distance and return home before dark.

I have to admit, I'm pretty sore from walking around and flying. But Jool is too. Like a couple of old people, we get into bed, and I suggest Jool try the sleep tape on English. Then I help her set things up and rub her back and hips until she falls asleep. I wrap my left arm around her and drift off while Roz hums quietly in the background. Her holo covers us like a blanket.

152

I wake up about 0400, Jool is in the head. I guess I'll pee too, so we pass in the hall and exchange kisses. She still has her earphones in but just moans in pleasure when we kiss.

I return from my duties and she's sitting on the bed. I sit down next her she looks at me and grins.

"Good morning, handsome...Cowboy!" she says softly...in English!

"Good morning, Beautiful!" and I hug her.

"Did I hear someone say good morning cowboy in a female voice?" It's Roz.

"Good mor...ning Roz! Jool stammers.

"You're so sweet, girlfriend! Roz cries.

Jool blushes. "Thank you!"

To me: Can we go back to sleep, sssso I cann learn more?"

I hug Jool and kiss her and slide into bed.

"I...I love you! Cowboy!" she whispers, and she adjusts the earpieces and lays down.

'I love you Jool...later babe!" And I wrap my arms around her and fall back asleep.

About 0800, my eyes open. I taste Jools essence on my lips again. She's in her robe, with her neck piece on, making breakfast.

" Good morning, Cowboy how are you?" she asks, in English

"Good morning, Beautiful, I'm fine, yourself?"

"Roz, good morning beautiful to you!"

"Don't you just love being called beautiful in the morning Jool? "Roz asks

"Yes, I do! Very much so!"

"And by such a handsome man"...Roz says

"With a great butt!" Both of them say...then they laugh!

I blush hard and trot off to the head.

Today I try to finish up Jools basic firearms knowledge. I start by introducing her to Sabot and exploding rounds. The concept of exploding rounds is simple. An inert compound called drythelliun or "drythl" is induced to the lead center as it is cast into the slug. When the gunpowder is lit, the compressed flame charge destabilizes the slug, and when it strikes an object, it explodes into it. All slugs are copper jacketed for protection, and while a drthl slug is flammable, they wil not explode unless shot from a barrel.

Exploders come in two power ranges marked blue or red.

They were developed right before the Sauurian incursion using drythl mined from Mars and Neptunes moons.

Explosive rounds are serious dren. So, I have the "talk" with Jool about using deadly force. I want to make sure she understands that while murder is morally wrong, defending yourself with deadly force isn't. And while a last resort, if you decide to use a firearm, use it and don't try to shoot to wound.

Especially in this part of the galaxy.

153

In explaining the power levels to Jool, I use a Scarran as an example. Scarrans have a very tough hide. Based on John and Aeryn's information, a single blue tipped nine millimeter round of 115 grains would seriously injure a Scarran.

Red tips carve a channel a balloon shaped wound channel almost a foot wide at its apex and a foot deep. Humans and Sabaceans wouldn't survive the trauma of a red tip. And that's just a 9 mm handgun round. A 45 ACP round is more potent and something like a .357 or .44 magnum higher velocity round would drive the explosive charge deeper into the body.

The same rounds are available for most standard Terran Rifles. The exception is the 5.56 Nato 55 gr round, which is only available in a blue tip. It's too small to fill with a decent amount of drythl, and I carry mostly 55 grains because that's what my Daewoo shoots (1/12 twist barrel)

The 6,8 SPC and .50 Beowulf are different, and I have tungsten sabot rounds with blue tips, but only one hundred red tipped rounds for both.

After explaining all this, to Jool I have her load one magazine for the 9mm with blue tips and one magazine with reds I have her shoot each one. Of course, the results are explosive with both, and she jumps the first time she shoots each one, especially the red tips.

Jools not sure if she could morally use such firepower, except with Scarrans, so I suggest she only load one pistol magazine with blue tips and use as a last resort. She agrees.

I have her shoot a few exploders out of the carbine as well.

Then I let her shoot the shotgun, which she hates because of the recoil, but at least she can use it. I only have buck shot rounds for it, not exploding slugs.

Finally, I get to unlimber the 6.8 Spc and .50 Beowulf Ar's. Jool finds the 6.8 carbine comfortable to shoot but shoots two rounds of the Beowulf and is ok. The round does have a punch to it and the sound, with the muzzle brake, is pretty spicey. She still hits the targets from a bench rest and I'm satisfied. Mar'alin also stops by and shoots the .50 Beowulf. We chat about weapons that the peacekeepers used to use, and I'm surpprised to find out that Peackeepers used gunpowder based weapondry until almost 10,000 cycles ago.

I use the E to build a scenario simulating a leviathan's interior. I even teach her how to secure a dwelling space, and also a tunnel system like what Arnessk would have had. Jool actually likes the physical workout and she does very well for a beginner.

Jool thinks we should practice at least once a week until she gets good at it. I love her! I don't know if we have enough ammunition.

She's also conversing with me in English. All the time...and she's picking up the slang!

The scenario practice is good for me too. I'm a bit rusty and I start to feel old. Luckily my augments help me recover quicky.

We break for lunch and Jool and I make sandwiches while Roz sings for us. Roz loves the scent sticks we got for the plane.

The same schedule goes for the next two days, practice, practice, and nights of love and cuddling and Jool mastering English.

The last day we leave, but head to the commerce planet, to restock on a few things.

As Jool and I are picking through the market, there's a holo board up where Mercai from information services is broadcasting.

The news isn't good, according to his broadcast, a large fleet of unknown enemy ships have attacked and cause serious damage to a Scarran fleet. The public is warned not to panic as the attack occurred near the rim, but to keep an eye out for cylindrical vessels with pointed ends.

I look at Jool and she looks at me. I grimace.

"Robots!" "Frell!"

154

We hurry back to Fa3.

When we get there, I have Roz reach out to Tavian 3. Roz and Jool run a preflight on Fa3 while I converse with Mele-On on the situation.

Unfortunately there hasn't been a lot forth coming from the Scarran empire. Mele-On interprets this as a bad sign, and that the Scarrans have suffered a crippling blow. I'm surprised, yet not surprised, that the Peacekeepers still have agents in the Scarran government! Perhaps even the Eidelons do not totally trust thier old enemies either.

Before we leave, I have Roz send a beeper to Jack letting him know what had transpired.

We're just about to launch when Roz gets a response.

I'm to contact Jack personally as soon as I know more.

With that, we launch and head back to Tavian 3. Jool is happy to fly us there, and she does a great job. While on the move I listen carefully for the tell tail ticking sounds of robots. I'm relieved not to hear anything. This is an easy run for Jool, and both Roz and I are pleased with her progress. I suggest to Jool she start hypno training as soon as tonight, and she asks if we can do that after we couple.

"Absolutely yes, please!" And all three of us have a good laugh.

When we "punch in" at the Tavian 3 nav point, it's obvious that something is up. There's four Command carriers and dozens of Vigilantes in orbit around the planet.! Maulers flitting about with prowlers.

There's a terse moment with a Vigilante officer demands that we power down for boarding, which is broken up by Lieutenant Braca and a flight of Prowlers.

"Officer Renal," You will stand down under orders from myself and Commandant Braca, do you understand!"

"Commandant Braca? Is he in your squadron, officer?"

"This is Lieutenant Ther-es-On Braca! Officer Renal, if I have him contact you, it could be most unpleasant!"

"Then it is your problem Lieutenant Braca!" "Aknowledged."

"Cowboy I'm sorry about that!" Ther-es says, "We're a bit nervous out here!"

"Understood Lieutenant," I respond. "Can you tell me anything at all before I land?"

"I've heard nothing substantial, just that a large number of Scarran warships were attacked by a larger number of ...you call them robots, right?"

"Yes Lieutenant, they are robots." "There's nothing organic on them." I reply.

"Thank you, cowboy, that squelches one rumor, that they were Terran or Quorum ships."

"That's good, we don't use robotic controlled ships, we have people like Roz!" I respond.

"I was worried about you and Roz, did you go on a mission?"

"No, I took Jool out to a commerce planet while things were being stabilized here."

"Oh, well I hope that was a good trip." I could sense disappointment.

"My squadron will be escorting you through the atmosphere, Cowboy!" "Please land at your normal pad."

"Thank you Lieutenant!" I reply, "And thanks for keeping us from getting shot at!"

"I didn't want this to be the first time." she replied.

"It wouldn't have been but those are stories for another time lieutenant, good hunting!"

"Aknowledged!"

"Good hunting?" "As in hunting and killing food?" Jool asks.

"Destroying robots... hunting anything trying to kill you first."

Jool doesn't respond.

155

Without further incident, I let Jool land with the VTOL ducts. She puts Fa3 down with no incident.

"This plane likes you Jool, I can tell!"

"Thank you, sweetheart," she says.

"I agree!" says Roz

"I love you Roz, thank you for being a patient teacher!"

"You're welcome Jool!"

"Roz and I need to do a post flight inspection, right?" Jool ask

"Yes please, Jool Thank you for your help! "says Roz.

I grab my diplomatic sash, slide down the ladder and head to the Temple to find Mele-On, or someone who can answer questions.

"Hey, Cowboy!" It's Roz via comm.

"What's up Roz?"

"You better keep that woman happy!"

"You heard me, sweet Cowboy!" "You better keep her happy!" MMMMhmmm!"

"Did I make her mad?" Rozz..."

"No, you didn't!" "Not yet!"

"RRhhhazzzz! "Whats this about"

"That woman can fly, and she can shoot!"

"I got it, Roz! I need to go, and thanks."

"And I love you too sweet Cowboy." I walk through the temple doors.

Inside the temple there's mass confusion. I'm told Mele-On is not in the main hall and no one knows where she is. Not unusual considering the circumstances. This is not Peacekeeper command.

I ask Roz to try and contact the good Commandant, but she gets a staff officer who says he's out. The officer will put a message through.

So, I head back to Fa3. Once there, I engage Jool in helping to clean all the weapons we use, then we sort the used brass cartridges and place them in the reloader. I can't reload sabot or exploders, but they can be used with regular slugs. I need practice rounds anyway.

After the reloader spits out the reloaded cartridges, I show Jool how I weigh them for quality and inspect for defects. That way we don't get squib or defective loads. Then we reload them in magazines or storage boxes.

Jool suggests we take a shower, and I'm like "Yes, please!"

We sit around and she works on her English with me and Roz. An hour later I escort Jool into the temple and there, we find out the retaurant we ate at was damaged in the mutiny attempt. The city is all but closed down from bomb damage.

Afterwards, we go to her flat and she gets the rest of her clothes, and her notebooks. She has a class tomorrow, so I help her prepare.

We all agree if there's a mass attack by the 'bots, that we should be close to Fa3, so we can bolt quickly. Roz says she's ready, so we go back on red launch protocol.

Then we bed down for the evening and Jool apparently wants to make good on her seductive shower behavior. Again, the sensations are incredible!

156

I fall asleep with Jools head on my chest. I remember gently rubbing her scalp with my fingertips as I dose off. And the sleep training headphones are working.

In the morning, Jool is up making us breakfast and packing a lunch. I clean up and dress hurriedly and ask Roz to check in with Braca. She's told he's in but in a meeting and will call me shortly.

I escort Jool to class and stay for an arn while she discusses what she has found on Arnessk from her conversations with the original priests when they were released. I find myself asking questions about things I haven't thought of. Of course, someone asks me about the Ma-arogg and I defer to Jool, because she's giving the lecture.

Rather than be offended, Jool asks me to talk about our beliefs, and what differs between practitioners and Eidolon. The biggest difference is the gland which emits empathetic waves that influence individuals to talk freely and openly about what they wish for when negotiating. This allows disagreeing parties to be honest and ease the pain of bargaining and compromise.

Practitioners usually read another persons feelings by their auras, but also can influence by reading thoughts. It's a difficult process so as to not be invasive, so training and recognizing speech patterns and body language enables the practitioner to alleviate the anger and hostility.

Of course, the invetable question comes up about E. About its used and our desire to end all conflicts quickly without loss of life.

I explain they have seen me use it, but some want to know more. Especially how I put Tarento and his men to sleep.

That conversation is interrupted by a comm from Braca, who wants me to come to command. While part of me is reluctant to go into the Lion's den, I agree to do so.

I advise Jool and she says she'll head to Fa3 as soon as class is over and wait. I get a kiss goodbye and then I go to the main doorway and wait.

An armored car is waiting for me as I arrive. Peacekeepers dressed in tunics escort me to command about four miles away.

From the entrance, I am escorted into the building by the tunic covered officers and down through the building's lower levels by large elevators. More traditional peacekeeper uniforms dominate the building personel. Cameras are everywhere!

With military precision, I am marched down a serious of hallways to an office door, a high security clearence metal piece with two armed commandos. I note that the old red into white emblems is being removed from the buildings walls as if they were being replaced.

One of the commandos scans my sash(?) and then uses a metal card key to open the door.

Inside is a large conference table of dark wood and black tones. Red and metallic tile covers the floor while the walls have dark wood panelling .

The ceiling is dark but there are rows of led bulbs lighting the table. the chairs are comfortable with black padding and chrome frames.

157

Chairwoman Braca is reading or punching a touch screen type computer board. Braca is standing over her shoulder. Scorpius is conspicuous by his absence.

As a diplomat, I wait to be recognized. If it were Jack and/or ARC, I'd go pour myself into one of the chairs. But I stand at ease.

Braca is the first to realize I'm in the room. He jerks and causes Mele-On to jump.

"Cowboy!" Braca starts. "Please, sit down." His voice is a mixture of calm and concern.

"You're aware of the incident that occurred yesterday in the Scarran empire.

I nod.

He continues. "The Scarrans haven't been forthcoming with much information." "We believe it's because they took heavy casualties in the attack and don't want anyone to know about it."

"Here's what we do know." Mele-On presses the console and a holo screen comes to life in the center of the table. It's a three- dimensional drawing of a robot ship. Some of the details are missing, but overall, it's an excellent representation. I walk over and study the drawing.

"We've been told, Mele-On continues, that there may be another ship about half again as large."

"Correct." I inspect the rendering more thoroughly. Pointed ends, like two water drops have collided, Hetch modules, built in drive generators on the curved body.

"An accurate representation of the vessel for sure;" I reply. "The irony is almost amusing!"

"Amusing?" Mele-On raises her eyebrows angrily. "What is so amusing about it!"

The rendering is starting to rotate slowly, giving the ship a three-dimensional look.

"My apologies to you Madam Chairwoman, it's Terran sarcasm." "These vessels are a classic mid period Vierin' design. They were originally built as mass transportation vessels or commercial vessels." They were never designed to be warships."

"Really!" Mele-On expresses surprise. Braca's eyebrows raise, but he says nothing.

"I would guess you know this because it's in the literature you often speak of, like the book you read from the other day."

"Correct." I believe there's an illustration of one of these vessels on the star charts." I respond. "They used to have windows and hatch doors." Now they have one lower entrance that could be a ramp."

"Why would they convert transports to warships?" Mele-On asks.

"

Expediency, Madam Chairwoman, and simplicity." These ships don't need a living crew." Even as transports they might have only one or two crew members." "They could be produced rapidly, around two to three hundred ships a day, and their mission was simple."

"They left either a ground or orbiting terminal, quickly jumped into time/space, exited time space and landed or docked, unloaded and reloaded their cargo, then proceeded onto the next destination." I pause and take a deep breath.

158

Thusly, Robot ships are relatively slow and not able to do evasive maneuvers. They fly in slash or V formations, or simply come at you like a wall of hell fire." They also don't have very strong screens but with their tactics they don't need them!"

"I see!" Mele-On nodded. "But let's hypothesize their effectiveness in war." And you can dispense with the titles Cowboy." Braca smiles and nods.

"Not a problem Mele-On." My experience in combat with robots is limited but has also been quite violent."

First off robots are like ambush predators. You won't find them flying through space so you can attack in a classic space opera type battle. Instead, they find you while they're flying through time space, and punch in shooting." There's almost no time to react. "If your screens aren't on full power, their plasma beam disintegrators will literally cut you to pieces!"

I sense Scorpius in the room and move so he isn't behind me. He acknowledges me with stare as I continue. "If your screens are on, they may retreat." "But here's the catch." I take a deep breath.

"If they attack you with 20 ships and wipe out your force, they will use 20 ships the next time.

If they aren't successful and/or get destroyed in the attack, they will exponentially increase their numbers until they overwhelm you." "Peacekeepers use a type of powercell for their shields. Under concentrated plasma fire your screens will eventually collapse." So, if they fail in their efforts with 20 ships, they'll send around 50, then over 100, and so on." I pause.

"Until they win."

"What about Scarran ships?" Scorpius asks.

"It would be my hypothesis, that the Scarrans did not have their shields fully activated. Scarrans tend to see themselves as superior in thier technology, and it appears they use Vierin' tech. But even the best screens will break down against a plasma beam."

"Now so?" Scorpius asks.

A plasma beam is a super concentrated form of sunlight." "Although sunlight is produced from hydrogen, the concept is similar enough." Your plasma cannons pound the screens with pulsed energy, like someone punching a wall." Plasma beamed weapons attempt to slice or pirece though it like a knife..."

"Or a spear!" Scorpius interjects.

I look at him and smile.

"Precisely Scorpius!" (I almost call him Scorpi!)

"We've attempted to harness this plasma technology ourselves but without the success because we do not have adequate power sources!" Scorpius states "That's why I started to research wormholes!"

"Apparently the Scarrans don't have adequate power either, or their scientists aren't doing proper research." I say out loud

For a moment the statement doesn't elicit a reaction. But good old Scorpi! (Dang, that's John's name for him!)

"Precisely what do you mean?" He asks.

"If they had things working right or were observing what they have, they may have discovered the time space continuum and... be on their way to figuring out how to travel through it." I look at Scorpius. "That would be far worse than having a wormhole weapon."

159

Mele-On gasps. Braca and Scorpius Stare with eyebrows raised.

"Precisely how would this discovery have occurred?"Scorpious asks.

I explain the "accident of advancement" that befell a poor Vierin' technician named Pewfawl, who fell on a plasma generator and lost his left hand and his clipboard in the surrounding field generated by it.

A week later, the severed hand and parts of the clipboard were found on a Vierin' vessels' plasma generator field several million miles away.

It took scientists almost 130 cycles to replicate the incident. What they discovered is that a certain frequency ocillation opened the T/S portal. Poor Pewfawl lost his life from shock and the trauma. He wouldn't be the first."

I stopped but was asked what happened. I explained that 33 more "volunteers" died trying to stand next to the generators when they were started. It was descovered that shielding the person or objects with the correct negative charge at the same frequency allowed them to survive, until they got to the other side. Then more research, making a protective suit, etc.

Soon models of ships were built as larger fields were generated. Another 1000 individuals died hoping to be the first to fly through T/S. When the shielding was adjusted and speeds of entry and exit were found, the process was perfected.

"What brave men and women!" Mele-On remarked. "Such courageous sacrifice to achieve success!"

I nod. "There are many throughout recent history who question the methodology, but one must remember, these individuals gave their lives voluntarily to benefit the greater good of all Vierin'. The Vierin had a motto...Build, test, destroy, repeat! And they did this until they achieved their goal. It took another 100 cycles for them to successfully and consistently fly through T/S." I pause.

"And you've read all this?" Mel-On asks.

"Yes or heard it on an audio device."

"Incredible!" she gasps.

I look at the illustration of the robot vessel.

"If I were back on Terra, I'd likely be asked to go out to this area of space and see if I can find more robots."

"You wouldn't volunteer?"

"No because I'd be the first to be asked. I could never turn Jack down"

"Jack Crichton?"

"Correct!"

"One would think you wouldn't go looking for trouble!" States Scorpius with a toothy grin.

Scorpius my friend, trouble has been chasing me all my life! So, when it catches me, I need to pick the time and place!"

160

"Besides," I continue, "I promised Braca a ride in my plane!"

Braca stiffens up at attention. His eyes pop and his eyebrows raise. He glances at Mele-On.

"I suppose I might let my Meeklo go" she says teasingly. He seems to think quite highly of you!" She pauses and smiles at me like a tiger about to strike.

"As do I!" she says

There's a buzz at the door. Mele-On presses a button the console and the door opens.

A Peacekeeper dressed in a tunic comes in and stands at attention. He still has the black pants and boots.

"Yes officer?" Mele-On enquires

"Message for Scorpius Mam'm." he says. He hands Scorpius a metal hard drive chip.

Scorpius nods, the officer turns, and Mele-On lets him out.

"I do believe...that this will be informative." Scorpius steps up to the table and opens a slot.

He inserts the drive, and the illustration of the robot ship disappears.

The screen full of snow illuminates the room

"Scorpius." an obviously filtered voice speaks in a slow drone.

"I must be quick"

"The main fleet was attacked during exercises on the rim near Jacthos' third moon"

2 dreadnaughts lost, 2 severely damaged

10 Stryker's lost at least 2 dozen damaged

Attacking force of 60 ships came from nowhere, and disappeared

Came at us in a line.

Third time ships were ready and drove them off,

destroying 10 of the enemy

Screens were not on, or ineffective.

damaged enemy ships exploded

with poisonous gas clouds

Ro...

And the screen goes dark.

"Sounds like a typical Robot ship attack." I murmur.

Mele-On stares at me. "Are the Peacemakers in danger yet!"

"Yes...and no.." I answer.

"I'll explain."

"Somewhere in that region, and close by, there's a Vierin' nav point. The Robot ships flew to that point and were there when the Scarrans approached. You can hover in Time space but not for long. It could have been coincidence, or they were point hopping, and again, the Scarrans were there!" I walk over to where Mel-On stands.

Whomever is programming or controlling these vessels, and they are under some kind of program... or someone controls them to advance cautiously. My hypothesis is that their controller is near the center of the galaxy, maybe even on one of the main planets of the Vierin' republic."

161

"So how long do we have!" Mele-On asks

I'll check the star charts, but if some are not in a planetary chart system, the program may avoid them. At the most around a quarter cycle, at the least, 30 solar days." If they find the Nebari or Hynerians, or another race with a powerful space force, maybe longer. The maps will tell us."

"Let me contact the Temple and see if the maps have been put up." Mele On starts tapping on her panel "Cowboy, thank you for attending, as always you have been most helpful!"

"I have other business as well," Scorpius says. Then he looks at me.

"There's an opportunity I would like to discuss with you soon." He nods and he is out the door.

Braca speaks "I'll escort you to the temple, if you don't mind, Cowboy." He looks at Mele-On and she smiles without looking up.

"Commandant Braca, you're dismissed, you have a flight to prepare for!"

So, Braca and I leave the building and head back to the temple in the armored limo. I have to admit it's pretty cool. As big as an old Caddy, just about as low. With an anti-gravity air cushion ride it...its' riding on air! Of course, it's got thick projectile resistant glass, gangster tint, and two Peacekeeper special comandos up front! Braca isn't carrying a pulse pistol, but my senses pick up the scent of a weapon in the back of the front seat behind a cabinet door.

I sit back in the comfy charcoal colored leather covered seat and relax.

Braca doesn't say anything for most of the trip, but finally he leans over. and looks at me.

"What day had you planned on leaving?" he asks.

"In about 4 days, I need to do an inspection on my plane." I reply.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, but I expect some spirited flying if we encounter robots!" I reply.

"I see!" he replied.

"You can come watch if you want." I smile. "I know you're curious!"

"I'll see if I can get away!" he responds.

"Wear some old clothes." I grin. "You might get dirty!"

"I see!" he kind of smirks "And for the flight?"

"I have a flight suit that will fit you." Again, I recommend it if we need to make invasive maneuvers." "Wear something light because the suits get warm!"

"4 days?"

"Right!" I answer.

"Right then, here we are!" He speaks

I start to get out, but he holds out his hand and we shake firmly. Then I exit the vehicle.

"Looking forward to the flight!" He speaks. I nod and the Peacekeeper guard shuts the door.

I'm right on the street across from Fa3.

162

Chapter 10

A time for understanding, PT.1

I head across the pavement and call Roz and tell her to get Jack or someone in IPQ on the line.

Roz tells me Jool is in the plane and drops the ramp. Her voice is deadpan and that's a bad thing.

I'll be happy to see her and Roz.

Until I get aboard the plane. Jool is crying, sobbing into a towel. Her eyeshadow is all over her cheeks.

I run over and sit on the bed next to her. She looks at me and sobs and then falls against me. I just hold her while she sobs. I have to admit, I'm not good at this. Finally, she sniffs and her snobs reside a bit. When women cry, I feel like my soul erodes.

"I just got, the most horrible news today!" she says and starts to sob again. She's talking in English.

"It's ok, Jool." I squeeze her shoulder. "Tell me when you're ready."

She sobs quietly while I hold her and lightly brush her hair. Finally, she looks up at me. She wipes her face and sniffs.

"It's Ka'D'argo!" she sniffs and presses herself against me. "He's, he's... He's dead!"

She wraps her arms around me tightly. She starts to sob again.

I whisper frell, but frell isn't strong enough for a human. Instead, I drop a B-17 load of F bombs under my breath.

Finally, Jool starts to get her self control back. When she's calmer so I ask if she can tell me what happened.

Jool tells me she brought up his name in conversation in class and the priests told her.

He was killed on Qujaga, shortly after Arnessk was attacked. He took a Scarran spear in the chest in order to save Chiana and was killed drawing fire while shooting at more attacking Scarrans with recovered Pulse weapons.

"The priests believe his son Jothee received the Qualta Blade weapon." Jool said with a sniff.

"I also heard that Chiana, Rygel, and Jothee were captured on one of Hynerias moons when they tried to restore Rygel to the throne." She started to sob again. "I don't know what's happened to them, but I was told Rygel was restored to his throne."

"Well, Shyte!" But in my mind, F bombs are dropping like a squadron of B-52s making a carpet-bombing run!

"...He would have been one of your friends for sure! Jool sniffed. You have the same honor and courage, the same kindness and generosity, and the same good heart."

"I would have loved to have met him Jool!" I feel my eyes start to water. My lip starts to quiver, and I have to fight back the emotion too.

Jool embraces me tightly, and I hold her as we sit on the bed together and cry.

"I didn't try to raise Jack, Cowboy." Roz says quietly. "And I'm so very sorry Jool!"

"It's ok!" Jool sniffs. "Thank you again, Roz! I love you!"

"I love you too, sweet Jool!"

I hold Jool even tighter. I have to.

Because the anger starts to creep in. Frelling Scarrans! I was warned about them by John and Aeryn.

I will talk to Scorpius soon about the Imperium or rip it out of him!

But first there will be a fire. A mourning ember ceremony.

"Roz, could you reach out to Jack?" "I know it's 2 am on Mars, so he's probably sleeping, but I need to tell him the news I got from Braca."

Of course, I give Jool the information on the Robot attack.

163

About two arns/hours later Roz hears from Jack.

"Cowboy, I've got Jack on the line."

"Good, patch him through to the tablet, I'll talk to him here." "Thanks Roz!"

Jool excuses herself and goes to wash up while I get the tablet to work.

As soon as I hit the Icon, Jacks face appears.

"Cowboy!" he exclaims, "Are you safe?"

"Hey Pop! everything's T-4!" You look stressed!" I can see the lines on his face.

"Well, " He smiles, "You can't take all the credit this time son." Then his eyes narrow. "Normally I'd patch you through to IPQ, but I know there's no one there to take this transmission." " However, the undersecretary thinks you're doing an awesome job." He paused. "We're on the verge of a breakthrough and should send a ratification group within the month!

He pauses to catch his breath then his eye get cold."Now tell me what you know!"

So I tell him... then he tells me what's going on.

"We're hanging on here Cowboy!" Every attack, more and more Robot ships come at us." We can't run small scouting missions because of the 'en masse attacks. two, three, even four hundred ship attacks jump out of T/S at our fleets. If it weren't for the T/S miissles, our on board practitioners, and our CAC's, we'd be losing!

I ask how Rob is doing.

"He's ok, son , but he's exhausted. The attacks come almost 24/7! Gunners are starting to shoot at ghosts and meteors!

The good news is, our new missle dreadnaughts are going into service. Cowboy, each dreadnaught carries five thousand missles and can fire at a target from any tube on the ship!

"The new auto loading systems take mere seconds to load." But it maybe too little too late!"

I'm not liking what I hear. Too little too late, or Jack being excited about weapons.

"I know Cowboy, that Bobbie will be glad to know you're still ok, although the Torgans remind him daily."

I nod and whisper "T'or'ooshe', Blood!" A Torgan greeting.

Them I tell him what I'm taking a flight out to scout the area.

"You know I can't authorize that Cowboy, but since we're off the record, and...he smiles...you'll somehow interpret my refusal as permission, I wish you the best. If the

Scarrans got hit with sixty ships you may face one hundred! He stares at me with a confused look.

He stares into the screen and asks."Whats that on your arms?"

"Those are hash masks denoting achievements through Ja-hi-nae, Jack."

"You never had those before, right?"

"No I wouldn't let them mark me, but I have a new mentor!" And I explain Shiya-nah to him.

I surprised Jack doen't want me commited, even though he has a son with interesting alien friends! Instead, he is very complimentary!

164

"The things I've seen Cowboy, pale in comparison to what we knew even twenty five years ago!" "Even things our human practitioners have accomplished is amazing!" "If the IPQ had a thousand practitioners like you, we'd be winning!"

"Glad you're on our side pop, and I have one more piece of good and bad news for you!"

I wave Jool over to sit next to me on the bed. She's cleaned up and put her makeup on and of course, she looks incredible. So she sits down next to me and with a coy smile, turns her head and kisses my cheek!

Jacks eyes about pop his head. I'm just glad ARC isn't here. I'd never live this moment down!

"Before you stroke out Jack, let me explain..." I start

His eyes cut through both of us. "I'm sure it will good, right son?" Jool figets and telepathicaly says sorry

"No different than John and Aeryn, sir." I reply. Jack doesn't flinch, but his glare turns a lot less steely.

"Jack, this is Joolushko Tunai Fenta Hovalis, of Interion...shes my wife."

He blinks. "Ok, I don't have a problem with that son, in view of things going on." Then he looks at Jool and smiles

"Congratulations!" He looks at Jool again. "It's Jool right?" John very briefly mentioned you."

And Jack smiles. Jool nods and smiles.

"I know it's kind of sudden and all." I say.

"Does this have anything to do with "the rescue" Roz mentioned in one of her first reports?"

"Yes it does Jack, and if there's any issues I will accept full responsibility..."

"I don't doubt that for a moment you will, but the less anyone knows..." his voice trailed off.

"Yes sir."

"So Jool, you were not with Jack and Aeryn when they came to Terra. Chiana and... Sikozu. Was that her name?"

Jool explains where she was and what happened. She also tells Jack about the last information she has on Rygel and Chiana. And then she tells Jack what she found out about Ka'D'argo, I see his eyes get a little wet. He too, respected the gentle warrior of honor and courage.

Jack also realizes Jool is speaking english, and very fluently, prompting Jool to list her education.

Then, Jack interupts because he heard jool mention finding the nav point to Tavian 3. So I have to tell him that Roz and I are teaching her to run nav points and fly Fa3.

"Cowboy, I don't know how many protocols you might be breaking!" he says teresly. Jool gets up to leave but I insist she stay.

"Well Jack, how many Farscape pilots related to the TDF are there?" I ask.

"Technically none."

"Precisely!"

"And How many protocols pertaining to crew members do we have?"

"Well they have to be a member of the grays."

"Which no longer exists as well right?"

"Yes!" Jack says.

"I point and whisper to Jool. She gets up from the bed and goes off camera."

" You're the first and the last "gray" we had and the only one in the TDF." Jack says.

Jool comes back wearing one of my gray shirts. It fits her very well and makes her look great!

Jack looks at her, then at me. Hes awaiting my explaination.

165

"I deputized her." and I shrug.

Jack shakes his head. And he laughs. Jool and I laugh. And Roz, who's been as quiet as a mouse, laughs.

"Just like John," Jack says, "bend the rules as you see fit."

"Son, since the undersecretary never heard a word of this conversation, and may she never, I'm going to consider this issue null." He pauses and wipes his eyes. "Oh, and Congratulations son!"

Jool and I nod and she squeezes me.

"I want you to call me as soon as you return from your recon mission." Jack says "Try not to not to be a one man space force, although I've heard rumors."

"I have people in my care Jack, I must defend them."

Jack nods "One last thing!" he says. His eyes twinkle.

"Bobby...has a D'yantien for his personal body guard. But I'm positive there's a bit more going on than he thinks I know." And Jack, Jack of all people winks. He freakin winks!

"Oh my!" do you have to be stripped searched to see Rob?"

"I almost did the first time, but now I don't."Jack smiles. "Gave me the rattlers!"

And we both laugh.

"Take care son!"

"T-4 pops, good flying!" And the screen goes black.

"What kind of being is a D'yantien?" Jool asks.

Roz practiacaly howls with laughter. "Should I tell her, or do you want to?"

"All D'yantien warriors are female." I start. Over eight thousand cycles ago, A plague wiped out 90 percent of the D'yantien male population. So the females took over the planetary systems defense.

"So the males raise the children?"

"Yes, the females still bear and give birth. For whatever reason, males only occur in one out of three births. So there is still a shortage of males. The ratio is slowly reducing to almost one to one.

"So how does the family unit work?"

"A D'yantien male would normally mate with two or three females. although with the changing ratio it is becoming more monogamous. Couples or threesomes are very equal in terms of child raising and household issues.

"So the men no longer fight?"

"The women fiercely defend their men, but the men are not weak, Together, a couple or triad is a courageous, cunning unit. I've heard tales though of women going berserk, like a Luxons' hyper rage when their men are in danger!"

"D'yantien women are about six and one half to seven feet tall. They are slender but muscular and are quick with thier four arms and feet. With Admiral Coleman, I see the connection. He's a bit taller than John, well built and is no slouch. Plus he has a comand rank and a D'yantien woman would find that attractive.

"Ok!" Jool says. " I'm curious, did amy D'yantien females every show an interest in you, Cowboy?

"No Jool." I didn't talk to many women at all when I was in space." In the TDF, I was considered a loner and borderline sociopath, although that has been proven untrue. My E power isn't a normal thing to them and I'm not military. " So no!"

166

Roz "He spent most of his time on Mars and even on other planets sleeping with me in the plane!"

"Oh really!" Jool says with a giggle. "Did you like that Roz?"

"Hell yeah I did!" And they laugh.

Jool decides she's ok for the moment and wants to make some food. She makes another delicious round of sandwiches and some dip sauces from scratch.I ask where she can get some Storgome.

She says the priests have plenty and she will request some in the morning. She's happy that it makes my coffee palatable!

I set up the table and we have a delicious early supper together. I know Jool is upset because I can sense her broken aura but I am upset too.

Since its early in the evening, I ask Jool if we can meditate together. She suggests we go into the main hall as Mouma and several of the ancients mediate and that might be helpful. I remember what Shiya-nah told me about letting go and I agree.

So we walk hand in hand to the temple.
Mouma is there with T'knawl. Both immediatly sense our grief and offer to help. Rather than refuse because their empathy gland has no effect, I surrender myself to their ministrations and meditate into a deep trance.

I'm in dark place, and I sense that Jool is with me. I think to myself she should leave, and then I realize.

I'm in her dark place too. We have merged together!

"Jool?" She answers but she's far away. I start walking toward the voice and call again, and again, untill her voice is closer. I can see her essence but I sense fear. Finally I find her. she is on the ground but partially off it, supporting her upper body with one hand, looking up.

"Whats happened to you Cowboy, why won't you listen to me? I love you!" she cries

I follow her vision path and it's...

me.

I can't seem to talk to her,even though I call her name, even her whole name.

Then things get ugly. John Crichton and Ka'D'argo walk in. They both stand and watch me with hands on hips. We're in a stare contest and then John leaves.

"I wanted her for myself, D'argo says." But I left her on Arnessk, which I should not have!"

"She betrayed me, but I forgave her!" He roars. "And now you have her!"

He unsheathes his Qualta Blade and roars again."Prepare to defend yourself, Cowboy!"

"Don't hurt him Cowboy!" Jool cries.

"Can't we talk about it D'argo?" I extend my hand."I mean, you're dead!"

"I've always wanted to meet you!"

167

"D'argo steps forward a swings his blade at my mid section. I jump back and feel the rush of the Qualta blade as it sweeps past me."

"D'argo stop, I love him!" Jool screams!

D'argo looks at her. "I loved you too Jool."

"You love me or you loved me, D'argo!"

He looks at me. "Jool...Help me, help me please, Cooowwboy!"

And with a scream his image distorts and he is gone.

Jool and I come out of our trances with a start! Jool cries out, and T'knawl and Mouma hurry over asking what's wrong.

"We've seen a vision," I tell them. "It involves D'argo!"

Ka'D'argo? Mouma says. "The Luxon?"

"His soul is not at rest." I say.

"I never thought he would be jealous of you!" Jool cries. She starts to tear up and I embrace her gently.

"Believe it or not Joolushko, I think he simply wanted our atention."

We meditate a few more hours and I achive centering. Jool is undecided.

But I know Ka'D'argo will need attention. I'm not sure what to do.

Later that evening, Jool and I hold each other tightly in bed. Jools' still upset but the meditation session has helped both us.

I hold her and massage her back and stroke her hair and Roz sings a quietly as we dose off.

The next day, I get more bad news. Apparently robot ships struck en masse' in the Nebari system and hit Nebari prime directly. Details were sketchy because the Nebari are not in the favor of the Peacekeepers or Scarrans. That's because the Nebari were preparing to destroy both the remaining Peackeeper and Scarran forces and force their mind cleansing on the rest of the galaxy.

The low amount of radio traffic suggests the Nebari suffered a crippling blow.

Mouma asked that a small contingent of priests be sent to the Nebari cluster the next day to investigate and offer help.

A squadron of Vigilantes was sent to investigate first. Their last radio transmission indicated they were attacked by Nebari vessels and Robots both.

After checking the Nebari galaxys' position on the Vierin' star maps, I confrirm that the the Nebari system is before Peacekeeper space. The robots are slowly inching towards Peacekeeper territory.

I spend the day inspecting Fa3's control surfaces and Hydraulic systems. Jool's in class but says it's winding down and she's not sure what to do next. So I ask if she'll help inspect the plane.

At first Jool isn't sure because she doesn't want to mess something up.

Next thing I know shes out with a clipboard, helping me check off inspection points and communicating with Roz. She and Roz had a talk and all is cool. Roz also warns me to be patient with the new girl!

I find some cracked pipe mounting clamps on one of the hydraulic cylinders, apprently someone reused the original clamps instead on new Vierin' design ones. These planes were pretty much tore apart after each flight, so someone working on Fa3 screwed up. I have new clamps so not a big deal, but it could have been. It kinda puts me in a bad mood and I gripe at my crew and then have to apologize. But both Jool and Roz understand how critical things can be.

After the end of a long day I am hot and sore and so is Jool from chasing me around the plane.

At first Jool doesn't want to buddy shower, but a moment later she asks me to get the soap that fell out of the shower. While giving it back, she somehow "convinces" me to join her.

The shower is nice, but the foot massage we give each other later is much better.

Finally after two days of crawling,reaching, and some cursing, I'm satisfied that Fa3 has at least a couple of good flights left.

168

The alarm wakes us at 0500.

Today is April 6th of on Terra. It's a great day for flying...

and a good day to fight!

After a kiss, some bread and jam, and coffee with Storgome', Roz and Jool get started on a pre flight check. I notice that Jool has a gray sheer top on over her normal leather brassire. I have her sit in the seat behind me and Braca can sit in the third chair. I need Jool behind me, although I'd prefer her next to me.

Braca shows up as I step out to run one last control surface check. He's wearing a prowler flight suit which may be a bit much, but it's light compared to the usual uniform. Of course I have to ask if he's carrying weapons. I thought that may offend him but it doesn't. Roz assures me he's free of "candy". Not so much as a knife.

He watches with intense focus while I do my pre flight check. Despite not being here, he was aware of my critical systems inspection, proving that we're under surveilence 24/7.

I explain that when Fa3 was a high speed reconnaissance aircraft, the plane was stripped and inspected after each mission. He asks about the mission and I try to explain the "cold war", which leads to him asking if Terra is an ice planet!

I try re-explaining and Braca comments that for a small planet we sure have a lot of conflict.

I agree that at one time, we did.

With the controls, module mounts and engines visually inspected, we head inside.

I had Jool help me fold the bed against the inner fuselage and secure it. I check all the modules to make sure they are secure and also check any last minute details.

That being done, Roz informs me that she's ran the fuel and hydrulic system checks and we should be ready.

Jool gets Braca fastened in while I run the last minute checks with Roz on the T/S panel.

With everyone belted in we run a com check and I brief my "crew" on our mission.

"With the help of the star charts on the temple, Roz has Identified 6 possible areas wher Robot ships migh be active." " I expect to find robots, and they will attack and give chase." There will be high speed manuvers, and quick jumps in and out of time/space. So this is not just a recon mission, but a fact finding mission for Comandant Braca and myself!"

If you get sick, use the cup to the left on you helmet." My navigator is monitoring your vitals and will let me know if there are more serious issues.

"Lastly, I want to again assure you that on my honor and oath, I will let no harm come to you, and I will defend you with my life, but in the case of robots, destruction is allowed, so all my E is availible." I pause and I feel Jools love pouring into me.

"If I decide to fight, I will."

"I got your back Cowboy"

"I as well." Jool says

"I trust you with my life, or I wouldn't be here!" Braca adds.

"Prepare for lift off then." "Roz, advise control and obtain permission."

"Your takeoff has been approved." Braca states. "Advise control you are ready to leave and they'll clear airspace."

I use my E and cover Fa3 with my personal shield.

169

Startup sequence is pretty normal. after the tower clears us, I lift Farscape 3 into the air. I tap the Hetch modules into point one and Roz trims out the flaps and we are off.

seconds later we're at Hetch point seven and forty-five degrees. When we hit near the Ionosphere, I pop the plane into Hetch five and start notching up.

Jool sets the Nav point and the entry point as Fa3 reaches Hetch 25. Everything works as it should and about a minute later, we're flying through T/S

It's a 2+ arn minute trip that would take normally take seven arns at the maximum speed a prowler would fly.

Braca doesn't say much until we punch out of normal space. He kind of erps a bit but isn't in any difficulty.

"Congratulations Commandant Braca!" I exclaim. "The first Peacekeeper to take a T/S jump!"

"Thanks Cowboy,". " I have one question, what is the purpose of the device on top of your front panel."

I then explain what a surplus gunsight is doing on my plane. Of course, Braca seems amused.

"Necessity is the mother of invention." I tell him. And so he knows, I show him how it works. He seems impressed with its simplicity. I also spend a bit more time explaining the navboard, probably more than I should. The Peacekeepers aren't our allies yet.

Jool had left her seat when Braca and I started talking. She hops back in and isn't wearing a flight suit. She pops in a set of headphones. As soon as she latches her harness, she sends me a telepathic conversation.

"Do not be upset Cowboy." "Your Power and your love protect me!" "I am not afraid."She strains forward and touches the back of my seat. I let my E flow through and around her and tell her that I love her. I can see her face in my rear mirror and that gorgeous hair!

I smile.

"Halfway mark everyone!" Roz calls out. She's being very professional, and I thank her for it!

"Time is tight!"

"Time is tight!" Jool says.

"Got it!" Roz answers.

"5.18 ladies, great job"

"Why is this time so important?" asks Braca.

So, I re-explain as best I can how flying through T/S works.

"Three- and one-half minutes to exit!" Jool says.

"Time is tight!" it's Jool

"Time is tight, ladies, at 4 seconds flat!"

"I'm gonna notch it back to over 5 seconds Roz"

"I got it!" says Roz.

"

We're down to three minutes." it's Jool. "Time is tight at 5.21!"

"Yup, perfect Roz!"

"Cowboy is Roz flying the plane?" Braca asks.

" About a minute before we punched out of space, Braca!"

"Amazing, simply amazing!"

"I hope you won't be offended Cowboy but what are you doing?"

"Drinking some water...and listening."

"For what?"

"Robots."

"They...they talk?" He asks.

"Yes, it's a series of ticks and clicks I hear, it's in a type of cadence so maybe it's a code. "I pause. "Also white noise."

170

"2 minutes!" The gong rings.

"No chatter yet."

"How do you hear it?"

"I don't know Braca, but I know what can happen when I do." Silence on the comms.

Me. "We start getting shot at!"

"Sweet Jool," I send her telepathically. "I need to concentrate on listening."

I actually feel her mind pull out.

"You, ok?" I as on the com.

"Yes I am." She says. "Always, with you!"

"One minute to go. Time is tight!"

"Time is tight!"

30 degrees port and down Roz, I'll take it from there.

"T-4."

"It's quiet!" (Too quiet)

"Count at 15 Ladies, Roz take us out."

"T-4 Cowboy!"

"30 seconds, time is tight!"

"Time is tight ladies!"

"All systems one zebra zebra, shield on auto!"

At 15 seconds Jool and I start counting.

At 3 seconds Roz shuts off the T/S generators

And we punch into space, Roz takes us out away from the bubble and Braca gets his first look at a one. Needless to say, he's pretty impressed.

I don't hear any ticking.

We do a a stitch pattern for about 15 minutes and make another jump to the second point Roz has chosen. It's a short jump of 4 minutes.

"Braca, was the Imperium advised that we would be out here?"

"Emperor Staleek was notified, he has his fleet stationed around the main planetary clusters as a precaution." "There will be no incidents with Scarran vessels!"

"It's too quiet folks!" I state. "We'll head towards our next point."

"Nothing on the screens either," Roz says "Nothing for 100k."

The next two jump points yield nothing as well. However the next one is a bit different.

The nave point is a small solar sytem with two suns and has a class one planet. That means it's inhabited, but the natives don't have space travel.

Unfortunately, the Robots got here before we did.

The fires on the planet's surface can be seen from space. I shove Fa3 into hetch 22, and run us up quickly.

"The people on this planet were called Gru'ten, a race of Sabacean or human like beings." Braca tells us. "But they were likely related to the Kalish."

He tells me. "The Scarrans governed the planet and used them for maintaining their ships."

Sadly, there is nothing alive on the planet's surface. Nothing but scorched earth and burning ground.

I fly Fa3 down into the smoke laden atmosphere within two thousand feet of the surface. Even the rivers and lakes are choked with ash and soot. Any aquatic life within will die in days.

The air is so charged with particles it's starting to affect the sensors. So, I take Fa3 back up out of the swirling blackness.

"Does this look like Terra after the Sauuri incursion Cowboy?" Roz asks.

"No, the Sauuri hit military bases and large cities the hardest." Localized damage in those areas looked similar but much of the United States was untouched.

"This looks like pictures I saw of the Florida Peninsula, which was burned down to Ocean level." "Actually, it looks like the area around Washington DC as well." I add

"Because of Cape Canaveral?" Roz asks.

"Yes, also Pensecola naval air station and several military facilities."

171

"Is this a tactic of the Robots?" Braca asks

"Yes, they are programed to destroy all organic life."

"You seem to have a fair grasp of their tactics!" says Braca. "Have you read this in their encyclopediana, as you call them?"

"That, and after being chased and shot at for several arns!"

Braca asks. "These Viereen, as you call them, weren't they peaceful? "Or did they make war on other races?"

Me. "Absolutely!" There were many bloody campaigns against at least a couple dozen evenly matched adversaries!" A war with a race of clorine breathing insectoids lasted almost one hundred thousand cycles!" I hear Jool gasp.

"Goodness, are they still around?" Braca gasps. "The insects?"

"They were on an arm of our galaxy opposite of us. It would take may cycles, maybe a one hundred or more, to reach that region. The Vierin' say in one of their later volumes that none have been sighted in one hundred cycles." "I'm translating, because the time difference isn't exact."

"Remember Braca, that I showed Scorpius on the map where the Vierin claimed to have ships capable of making wormholes much bigger than the one John Crichton made."

"So yes, the Vierin' could be quite warlike!"

At that moment, something went "click" in my head. It was not a robot sound, just a circuit in my expanded brain making a connection. And the thought it loosened would drive me from this moment on.

"There's nothing we can do here anymore." I say quietly. "Roz, what would be the next nav point closest to being between here and the Scarrans or Peackekeeper space?"

"

I'm popping it up right now." Roz says. "It's about a five-minute run at Hetch 22."

"Set me punch out point 30 seconds out!"

"On sight!" Jool says. and there's a ping on the board.

I bring Fa3 to a dead stop.

"Roz, Sling shot us out of here!"

"What?" Jool asks.

"Hang on sweetie!" Hands on your stomach." I send to her brain.

I watch the throttle click to 12 Hetch

"Cowboy up, counts with me at 10!" Roz says!

Roz drops the screen and I raise mine

"Hard launch," I state

Jool sends back. "Cowboy up!"

"10...and Roz, Jool, and I count it."

At the count of seven, Fa3 shoots up to 12 Hetch and two seconds later, hits Hetch 22, the T/S fields come up, and we are gone! I hear Jool grunt and Braca gasps.

"Roz how's Braca." I ask.

"Vitals are one zebra zebra but he's on the high end of human blood pressure."

"That was incredible!" Braca gasps.

"T-4 Braca,"

"Guys, I got a bad feeling about the next stop!" " Remember not to panic when the shooting starts!"

172

"Two minutes!"

"T-4, and I got ticking folks!" I call out. "Shytes about to get real!"

We punch into Space and 5 seconds later the stars are blocked out with Robots, dozens of them! Our shields are up but we still take beams as I twist Fa3 in a snap roll!

"Need a jump point Roz!"

Flip right and go in! Shields down fields up!

I slam the stick and pedals hard right and the directional thrusters start to throw us into a skid. Straightening the stick, Fa-3 shoots forward at 25 hetch as we blow past the slower robots!

Disintegration beams fly off into space!

Roz pops into t/s and we take a 30 second run, then punch into space.

The robots pop out on the port side a few microts later!

I slide Fa-3 around to the left in a sharp drift, turning back on the robot vessels as they try to turn and fire.

"Did you see that!" I yell in the com as exploding robot ships drift about behind us.

"Hezmana!" Jool cries.

"They F'n shot themselves!" Roz roars. "That's insane!"

I pull back the stick and Fa3 shoots straight "up" like an arrow. I shut the power and start applying reverse to slow the plane down, The I throw the stick left and Fa3 turns on a dime.

Braca swears or gasps, not sure which!

I light the Hetch modules and dive back at the 'bots. They seem confused and haven't moved! Then I throw Fa3 into another sharp Starboard drift turn bring us around. The g absorbers strain as does my screen keeping the plane and crew in one piece. The g alarm goes off! I smack the dash lamp and it turns from red to green. We head back at the 'bot ships at 20 hetch.

"Stop and go Roz, let's do it!" I throw Fa3 around and head straight back at the line of robot ships.

"Crazy cowboy!' She laughs "Cowboy up"

"Tighten your belts folks "I yell "This may sting a little!"

The robots are forming up like a slash line about four robots tall. Ther must be at least fifty or more! I squeeze Fa3 right towards a gap near the center of the slash and hit the rear thrust button.

Fa'3 "skids" to a stop in the middle of the slash formation of the bots, so close that we can make out the plate lines on their hulls. Slowly the nearest ships turn and fire their disintegrators!

I hear Jool cry out and Braca gasp as I have put Fa3 in the crossfire.

One of the ravening beans of white, blue light barely hits the starboard rudder, easily absorbed by our screens. But we are already shooting out of the firing path! Unfortunatly for the bots, who are about 5 seconds too late from shutting down their beams!

I spin around about 5 miles out and stop Fa3 to enjoy the carnage I half expected.

It exceeds my expectations!

Exploding bots, with burning green plumes of phosgene sulfur gas drift about.

The bot formation turns and changes to a huge rectangle of robots in a single layer.

It's a stare down.

"Everyone ok?"

173

Braca makes a gurgling noise.

"Commandant Braca may be having a concussion!" Roz says. Vitals are off and he's puked in his helmet."

"Cowboy?" Jool asks.

"Stay belted Jool."

I bring up my shield, feeding off the E in space, and there's a lot of it. I take a zip of water, pop my shoulder and crack my neck. Then I crack my knuckles.

"Uh oh!" says Roz. I know what that means!"

"Roz?" Jool asks

"We're gonna fight!" Roz says, "Cowboy up!"

I hear Braca groan. What are they waiting for? Are they gonna shoot, or whistle dixie?

Suddenly the robots change formation. One bot pulls forward and three, then five bots make two layers behind the lead bot, which acts as a point. Then seven, then ten, and the rest fall behind.

"What the hell?" Roz cries out "Cowboy?"

"T'okanae' Sae'!" I whisper.

"Toka what? "Roz asks.

"Quiet guys, I got this!" I whisper. "Jool stay with me, please?"

I don't know how she did it, but Jools hands come around the headrest and gently hold my cheeks. I smell her scent and relax into her hands.

"Like that Cowboy?"

"Yes, my love'"

"They're going to shoot at us in seconds, don't panic. My screen, our screen, will hold them."

"I may jump but I won't panic. "She says

And the robots fire, and Jool jumps. But she holds on.

The burning beams of white-hot energy hit my screen. And stop. The screen absorbs it Like a hungry protozoa absorbs food. The beams spread out like waves over the screen, filling it with layers of charged energy." But despite my efforts, I cannot make my own T'ookanae Sae'!" I am not powerful enough!

"See how the energy hits my screen and ripples around." I say to Jool." It can't hurt us unless we let it." "When we take it in we can work with it, move and manipulate it."

"What will you do with it?"

"I'm going to give it back to them, watch!"

"How, when?"

"Watch Jool, I love you!"

"I love you too, Cowboy!"

Ten seconds or so later, the robots stop shooting.

"Roz, you ok?"

"You bet I am!" "Hey, the robots shut down!" "What the...?"

"They overheated."

"That's crazy!" Roz says. "Are we gonna leave!"

"Yup!"

174

And I release the screen and push it towards the bots. I click the hetch into point 3 and tap the throttle in and out.

Farscape 3 moves with a jerk and drifts towards the bots. In five or six seconds, the screen touches the front robot, the "tip" of the spear. It disintegrates into a plethora of dust as the screen breaks down its molecular structure. The screen keeps moving forward, through the next layer of robots and so on, until every last one is destroyed. About one-minute is left. No wreckage, burning gas clouds, nothing.

"Holy Shyte Cowboy!" Roz gasps

"Frelling hezmana." Jool exclaims She still has her hands on my face.

"You did good Jool!" I say quietly. "And Roz, thanks for keeping your cool!"

"Braca!" "Are you with me sir?"

"Where did you learn to fly like that?" He gasps.

"You tell me how you're feeling first."

"I probably have a concussion." "I hit my head against the helmet, hard." he says.

"It was my fault; I should've been sitting back like you said!"

"There's an injection cartridge that treats concussions in the planes' medical kit." Jool says. "Let me get it!"

"I'm going to swing the plane around as slowly as I can, Jool. "Please be careful!"

"Braca, do you want to lay on the bed?"

"Absolutely not Cowboy, I've been hurt worse!" he cracks. "But I will take that injection!"

I start to turn Fa3 around as Jool climbs down to get the injection.

When she returns, I have her sit until I get the plane moving again.

I turn Fa3 around and head her back to Tavian 3 at Hetch 14. We covered a good distance in our jumps and are a bit farther out.

About 5 minutes after his injection Braca is stable enough for an easy jump. It takes us about two hours/arns to get back to Tavian 3 airspace.

We'd been gone about six and one half arns.

An armored limo picks up Braca at the pad. He's still a bit woozy but assures me he'll get to a physician quickly and spend time in the healing spa.

Jool recommends we do the same, and there's a small one in the temple we can use.

I have to admit, I'm a bit worn and torn. I think Jool found out that flying without a suit and no E is rougher than she thought.

Lastly, I ask Roz to skip the post flight check if she's tired. She's already done the check but says she needs rest.

Jool lets me massage her back and feet.

"I should be doing your back at the least, Cowboy!" She moans.

"You're fine darling, just relax and enjoy." I whisper.

"It's like we're love making," she says, "but I am getting all the pleasure!"

"Touch my mind, sweet Jool, and feel how much I'm enjoying you!"

"Oh Cowboy, oh yes, indeed you are!"

I squirt a bit more oil on my hands and warm it with my E. "Put your arms out darling and let me do those too."

When I finish, she's completely relaxed. And we head off to the relaxing spa.

After returning from the spa an arn later, Jool and I are ready for sleep.

I crawl in be with her, she rolls over to spoon against me, we kiss tenderly, and I wrap my arm around her. That's all I remember.

175

The next morning, I wake up on my back and she's partially on top of me, her arms wrapped around me. It's 0800 hours.

"Good morning little lovebirds, I have messages!" Roz chimes sweetly.

"Morning Beautiful!" I respond.

"Mmmmmm good morning sweet Roz..." Jool murmurs. "Tell them to go away, we're busy!" And she kisses my chest.

"I'm sorry bestie, but this one won't wait. Madam Chairwoman wants to see the two of you in the temple immediately!"

I groan.

"Frelling Peacekeepers and their demands!" Jool snarls as she carefully removes herself.

"I guess I need to shower!" "Shyte!" And I smile.

Jool looks at me with soft coy eyes. " Well Cowboy, I had plans for us, but they'll have to wait, unless you want me to wash you." And she saunters off the the head.

"I didn't see a thing!" Roz says, with a laugh. And she laughs as I stagger off to the head.

About an arn or hour later, Jool and I walk hand in hand across the streey to the Temple entrance. Jool is dressed a bit conservatively, one of my gray Henely collared shirts unbuttoned. She has on her knee boots and black pants with her black laced skirt. I comment on the look, because I like it, and get a thank you and nice kiss for my trouble.

I have my tunic and sash with black jeans. I'm indistinguishable in a crowd!

The security now is just a couple of tunic wearing Peacekeepers with side arms only. They see my sash and they wave us through.

I note that all the damage from the mutiny has been cleaned up and any repairs completed.

Jool and I walk about another ten yards over the now glossy floor, and I see Scorpius.

He waves over and greets us cordially, which of course makes me suspicious.

"Follow me!" he says. And I place myself between Jool and him. Jool notices because she gives my hand a squeeze.

Most people hardly notice us, but we receive a few curious glances, mostly from Peacekeeper officers and other diplomats. Sardosh is there and sees us as well. I wave and she nods, as she is talking to a Hynerian official through a translator.

"Was that Rygel the 16th?", I send a thought to Jool.

"No, it wasn't."

Jool is now holding my arm instead. We come up to the set of glass doors opposite from the entrance to the lecture hall.

The black framed doors slide open as we approach, and we walk into a white walled corridor with a medium gray tiled floor. This floor wasn't as shiny as the floor of the main hall is.

About thirty feet down, there were a series of doorways on both sides about twenty feet apart. Lettered in Sabacean, I realize these are diplomatic offices, as they are marked for different species or races. I see the Hynerian door has a light on. Most are dark.

Scorpius puts out his arm to stop us. The door reads "Alliance Relations." Again. it opens automatically and Scorpious bids us entry. I send Jool through first, and Scorpius touches my arm before I go through.

"It is not what you think!" he whispers.

So that makes me think elsewise.

176

Chapter 11

A Time to Learn.

I follow Jool into an office where several clerks were working at computer terminals and checking what appears to be photographs.

Another door opens and an officer comes out of it. He sees Scorpius and nods, then holds the door open and Jool and I walk in.

The room itself is about twenty feet long by fifteen feet wide. The walls and ceiling are a semi-gloss white, and the floor carpet is neutral gray with red flecks. A stark contrast to the decor at Command.

Mele-On is sitting on one side of a fifteen-foot-long table near the center. She is glancing at what appears to be a lap top sized device. Scorpius shuts the door gently. Mele-On looks up and Scorpius bids us to take chairs on the opposite wall.

There are four chairs across from Mele-On. I have Jool go down first, and I follow. Scorpius follows me.

When we get to where Mele-On is sitting, she stands up. I note that while shes wearing her normal pastel pants suit, her top is buttoned halfway up instead of her normal split front.

I know Jool noticed it too.

Mele-On reaches down and shuts off her device. Then she looks at the three of us. I spread my legs and place my arms behind my back. I note that Scorpius sits in the last chair, leaving the chair between he and I vacant.

"Cowboy, and Jool, thank you for coming. "Mele-On says and bids us to sit down.

So, we do. The chairs are padded and reasonably comfortable, but nothing like the ones at command.

Mele-On looks at Jool and I. Her face is blank, and her eyes reveal nothing. The perfect poker dace of someone quite capable of doing something evil!

"I want to assure both of you, that this is an informal fact-finding interview, NOT an inquest or accusatory investigation!" "I simply want to know what happned out in the Gru'ten system yesterday." And she looks at me.

I explain what I told Braca and the crew about what we'd be doing. Then how we discovered the destroyed planet. How we made contact with the Robots, and the evasive maneuvers I tried. However due to Braca's medical condition, I decided to make a stand

"Do you know how many Robot ships you destroyed yesterday?" Mele-On asks

"Roz told me fifty-five ships excluding the ones who destroyed themselves!" Jool answered.

"Destroyed themselves?" Mele-Ons eyebrows raise. Even Scorpius's eyebrows raise.

I explain. "Yes, there's a flaw in their programming, and/ or controlling that causes them to react poorly to certain actions initiated by an adversary." I answer, "Commands from a source far from the actual unit may not delay or not override an installed program quickly enough due to distance."

"The basic command," I continue. "Is to shoot until the target is destroyed without overheating the craft." If I placed my ship in a crossfire situation, The commanders of the opposing ships wouldn't normally fire lest they hit their own." The robots are programmed to shoot if the target is in range."

177

Scorpius states. "So, when you placed your plane in between two groups of ships, they turned and fired on you, but you had moved out of their sights to quicky, thus they shot themselves!"

"Precisely!" is my answer.

"Did you feel at any time, your crew was in danger by your actions?" Mele-On asked.

"No, but I was concerned that I had injured Commandant Braca by our evasive maneuvering."

"Yes, he explained that to me as well!" Mele-On says. Then she touched her communicator.

"Commandant Braca?" "Please come in!"

Braca walks in through the door and walks over to empty chair. Before sitting down, he insists on shaking my hand, so I get up and do so. He smiles and I grin.

"How are you doing Braca?"

"Just fine Cowboy!" "A good night's sleep certainly did the trick."

"Cowboy doesn't even know How many Robot ships he destroyed in combat yesterday! "Mele-On says

"I suspect he doesn't care either." Scorpius answers.

"I don't!" and I shrug.

Mele-On narrows her eyes but says nothing for a moment. We sit in silence for about ten seconds.

"I'm wondering Cowboy, says Mele-On. "What would it take for you to work for us?"

"Is this a trick question?" is my response

Mele-On furrows her brows. "It is not a "trick" question. Braca wants you to train Prowler pilots to fly like you can."

"Well, if you sign the accord with the IPQ, I will technically work for you." "If you can show a need, the IPQ would assign me to the job."

"The problems I see, is that Prowlers aren't designed for flying like me. It takes a different control system." I look at Mele-On. "It also takes a different mentality."

"I see!" Mele-On says somewhat slyly. "I'll take that as a maybe." As far as the Prowlers go, I agree. The design is obsolete." She pauses, then says. "There is something else!"

"You all should know that the Nebari have survived a total of three robot attacks, with as many as one thousand robot ships destroyed. However, the resistance has also made headway and secured much of the outlying moons around Nebari prime."

"Good news?" Braca asks.

"Unfortunately we do not have the resources to assist them." Mele-On says.

"I'm sorry to hear that." I comment.

"Does the quorum?" She asks. (Ah the ten thousand dollar question)

Jool starts to speak. But I interrupt.

"That's a question for Madam Undersecretary, Madam Chairwoman. Sorry Jool!"

"It's certainly worth asking, I'll be speaking to her today!" Mele-On says with that sly smile.

"Cowboy, you and Jool are excused. Can the Commandant and I count on your company tonight?"

"I have Tembo slow cooking at home," Braca says.

From the Lion's den to the spider's nest, what next?

178

" And I will be assembling a mixed salad I'm sure you both will enjoy. "Mele-On adds.

"Pick us up around 1630 then." I speak. Jool and I get up to leave. Mele-On tells us that the Commerce city is open again except for a couple of larger buildings.

So Jool and I take our leave.

Once out of the office area and into the main mezzanine, Jool asks me why I interrupted her.

I apologized again and asked her what she was going to say.

"Jack told you that the IPQ was strained to the limit, and they had no resources!"

"He said that yes, but I'm not sure it was true, Jool." "Either way it's not my call, so I didn't lie."

"Ahhh I could have made things difficult!" I am sorry Cowboy. "I should have known better; these people can be absolute drannits!"

"All good my sweet Jool, perhaps we could walk over to that alley you took me to the other day and see if anything is open."

"Really?""Mmmmmm, ok!" And Jool wraps her arms around my neck and rewards me with very long passionate kiss, right there, in public!

And that, causes a lot of interesting and ugly stares.

Jool and I take the hint and leave the area by the closest exit going outside!

It's a quick walk to the side street despite there still being some barricades standing about. There are still tiny glass fragments in the cracks and pinholes in the concrete sidewalk, and the noises and sounds of demolition can be heard. Several of the spires I saw on our first visit are gone. Of course, I insist that Jool not walk curbside and she hugs my left arm tightly as we head towards are destination.

"I really wish we could walk more," I tell her. "It's a great cardio workout for people my age."

She laughs. "Yes, and it helps with the love making too!" "I like the Terran term "making love", theres no real translation for it in most of the languages in this region of space."

I nod. "Yes, I've noticed that it doesn't translate."

"I do enjoy speaking English with you Cowboy, even though I still don't understand your slang."

"And you speak it quite well, Jool." I point down the alley. "I guess we're here"?

Jool squeezes my arm and turns me left into the alley. She slows to see if I hesitate, but I don't. I scanned everything in the first two steps, so I don't ruin the moment.

We stop in at the restaurant first. The owner isn't in but his wife is. It's then I realize this is not just a place to eat but it's a neighborhood market/delicatessen as well!

I ask what the custom is for being invited to dinner...as do the guests bring a bottle of wine or other libations, but unfortunately she doesn't know. Jool has never heard of the custom either but thinks it's a neat idea.

So, we buy a bottle of firitja, which is a sparkling water with a fruity taste. It's wrapped and we take it back to Fa3

179

It's 1100 hours but I'm tired. I do some work out forms with Jool and we're both still sore from yesterday. So, I make a suggestion...we lay down and Jool try some sleep training on flying.

She can't seem to wait to get in bed with me, but I have her spoon up with me while the lesson runs. It's only a minute or two and we're out. Roz's sweet background singing sets the mood.

I wake up just as Jool finishes kissing me. I want to pull her back, but she needs to use the head.

When she does return, I ask some questions about flying. I can tell the sleep training is working because she knows the answers and the flying techniques.

"Are you quizzing me Cowboy?" she asks.

"Yes, do you mind?"

She says no but Roz asks her a good question on how to do a slow barrel roll.

And she answers Roz correctly and tells me she passed the simulation.

Wow. My Sweetheart is going to be a real fly girl!

"Ask me some more questions!" She speaks.

"I think you should finish the tapes and the sleeping sims." "Then Roz and I will take you into space and fly the maneuvers."

"And then you start atmospheric training. That's a bit harder!"

"I will finish it if you lay down with me, darling." she whispers "Would you?"

"Yes, please."

"Hes such a pushover for a cuddle!" Roz says. And we all laugh and tell Roz we love her.

I lay quietly while Jool sleeps next to me. My mind is too busy to sleep, but I love how she smells and breathes. And Roz, sweet Roz has her holo blanket covering us.

I finally catnap while laying here. The outside space port sounds remind me of a busy day on Mars.

Jool is restless so I'm guessing she's running a simulation. My only hope i she doesn't freak and get discouraged if she fails. The simulations dont allow you to actually crash (older ones did!) but simply stop and there's coaching given. Then it asks if you want to rerun the sim or sleep.

Roz speaks quietly. "I'll bet she's trying to land with tires instead of skids."

Should I wake her? I ask. "I don't think I should."

"Let her learn."

"I wonder if I could do that, land on rolling tires!"

An hour later, I hear the soft beep of the lesson plan ending. Another 15 minutes passes before Jool wakes up. She's upset because she couldn't land the plane and Roz and I have to explain that tires are a different technique and to be patient.

"My parents said I could do anything, and I believed them!" She whispers.

"And you will Joolushko, you will!" I whisper back. "Roz and I believe you can as well!"

"Let's go for a walk! "she says.

"Good idea, honey!"

180

And we take a nice long walk in the garden behind the pad, watching the birds and noting that the seeds I gave Mele-On have been planted in a garden, and they have sprouted and are almost ready to bloom. There are many different species, including Poppys, Echinacea, Primrose, and Four o'clocks, and Peonies, among others.

Jool marvels at the beauty and asks if we can go to Terra someday. I can't tell her no, but she sees my unsettled state and says we can wait.

"It's my place of birth", I tell her. "But it's yesterday, not today, or tomorrow." "I can only show you what it is, not what I remember."

"If this is anything close to what Terra looks like." she says as she wraps her arms around my waist, "It is many times more beautiful."

We return to Fa3 about 1515/3:15pm and prepare to go to the Bracas.

Both of us shower and I ask Jool to pick out something nice. So, she helps me get a casual, yet nice look.

But Jool, beautiful Jool looks like a million bucks, with her formal shoulder cover, fine lace black top, and lace skirt over her pants and boots. It takes her an hour, with Roz watching to set her hair with her pierced rings to hold it. While it's hard for me to watch, the results are incredible!

There is not much small talk, except me asking questions on etiquette and table manners. I don't want to be a savage; however, I'm surprised to find most sebaceans eat with fingers or knives. Liquids are drunk from bowls or glasses, if a two-pronged knife isn't used, a cracker or stiff piece of bread called M'ana' is utilized. Jool tells me M'ana' is surprisingly low in carbohydrates and is likely made from processed vegetables. I have to say Jool has adapted to human utensils rather quickly, she thought at first it would unsanitary until she realized I wash everything, just like my mom taught me!

The armored limo arrived on time and a tunic uniformed officer let us in the door. The dark tint made it difficult to see as I counted stop lights and turns. Jool also was making note of certain buildings and signs, unconsciously helping me without being asked.

We drove about 20 minutes and were clear across the base from the temple, west of the larger city where Peacekeeper command was. Traffic was light except for flying vehicles.

The limo drove up to a building which I guess would be a condominium or large apartment complex. Next to the complex is a large grassy plain with brush and low trees. It's the most "natural" scenery I've seen on the planet. I thought Peacekeepers lived on Command Carriers, so once again I'm skeptical.

The guard lets us out and Braca is there to meet us. Again, he shakes my hand, and bids us to follow. Jool locks her hand in my arm, and we head across another tiled hallway with glossy black tile. Security is tight but we are waved through. I note that the guards here wear the black commando uniforms and covered face shields.

181

The Braca family lives on the ground floor. Through a glass sliding door to a carpeted corridor with two more guards and down a hall, where there is a station with four guards who snap to attention. Two doors past the station and Braca stops at a door. He releases the lock with a pass key and opens it.

"Come in, make yourself at home." He speaks.

Jool and I walk in to a clean well-lit and very perfect home. The living room and dining area are spacious, and the large kitchen with an Island. It looks just like a pre-Incursion luxury condo in the United States. The walls are a light neutral color along with a white ceiling, and the floor is a light hardwood tile.

It's a great looking place you have!" I comment. "I really like the hardwood floor."

"Meeklo and I wanted a break from the look of command carriers and offices." Mele-ON said "This is our getaway place to escape our duties." "One of the perks of command."

And she smiled. "Here, we don't discuss work or politics unless it's an emergency!"

"It's a lot different than I expected." as I look at the landscape paintings.

Twenty-five cycles ago Cowboy, Peacekeepers were born, lived and died on Carriers." Peace... has brought on different, and more enjoyable opportunities. " Mele -On noted.

"Ah, this is very nice!" Is her next comment "And unexpected!"

Jool has given her the bottle of firitja.

"In my country on Terra, it is a "custom" that guests bring a bottle to share with their hosts." I bow. "Jool picked this out, I hope it's enjoyable as what I sampled."

"Let's find out!" remarks Mele-On. And she reaches into a open shelf and brings down a couple of glasses. She pours a small amount of the light orange liquid from the bottle into the the first two glasses as Braca gets down two more. When all the glasses were filled they were handed out to everyone.

Mele-On raises her glass.

"To Peace!" she exclaimed. and we toasted.

"To Friendship!" Exclaims Braca.

"To love!" I say. Jool smiles at me as she takes another drink.

The firitja is sweet and fruity, with just a hint of alcohol. It won't hurt my E if I'm careful.

Braca shows me the Tembo he's cooking in a slow cooker. While it may be hard to imagine Braca in an apron, he's wearing a dark leather one!

He pokes the meat and says it's ready. So, I watch him pull the roast from the oven and it smells awesome.

182

"Do you serve it like this?" I ask, "Or add something."

"Either way, Cowboy!" "How do you like yours?"

"I used to use barbeque sauce...that may not translate!' I laugh.

"How does one make this bob e ka sauce?" He asks.

"Jool, can you translate? "..."I'm sorry sweetie!"

Mele-On and Jool were looking at the art on the wall.

"I can do that Cowboy!" And she excuses herself but Mele-On follows.

I start listing ingredients and Braca starts grabbing them form various locations.

The kitchen in here is huge, and well stocked. Soon the various ingredients are being cut, diced then liquified.

"I need sugar..."

"They won't have that, Jool says. "Its considered and ingredient for making a potent poison.

I shrug "On Terra large quantities are also dangerous to the body." I smile "What's that sweet fruit that tastes so good?"

"K'evia?" Jool says

"We have lots of that!" It helps me get through my day!" Mele-On exclaims.

I slice off a small chunk and toss it in the blender, which looks every bit as industrial as one might expect from a peacekeeper appliance!

Braca runs the blender for a few seconds and then stops it.

I'm looking for something to taste with, besides my finger.

"Use a piece of meat!" Braca suggests. He hands me a two-pronged fork. I spear a chunk of Tembo, noting how tender it is.

I carefully dip it in the processor while everyone looks on. The Tembo is melt in your mouth seasoned good. The sauce lacks sugar.

So, I throw another slice of k'evia into blender and cut up the rest evenly and add it to the four glasses of firitja.

The sauce isn't perfect, but useable. The K'evia slice in the firitja is a hit.

Braca strains the sauce and tries it on a piece of Tembo. His eyes bulge slightly, and he starts nodding. He spears another and hands it to Mele-On. Jool even takes a small piece.

All agree that my "ok" Barbeque sauce is tasty. So Mele-On suggests we eat.

Mele-On opens the doors on a peacekeeper industrial refrigeration unit and pulls out to large bowls of different salad. I offer to help her, and she allows me to take one to the table.

One is a vegetable salad that looks like a pile of weeds, but smells enticing. The other is a fruit salad made with lots of K'evia fruit.

Moments later we are enjoying a delicious meal. Jool has me try the "weed salad", and it's good with the vinaigrette style dressing. Of course, the fruit salad is addictive.

183

The Tembo...that's my kind of meat! Tender and perfectly seasoned, it melts in the mouth. Either the gravy or sauce works for adding flavor but Braca can't over the sauce. I explain how you can add chili powder or tabasco to make it spicier.

For the most part, the conversation is light. Ther-es-On is on station of course, and Meeklo jr is at a friends. Jool is discussing art and her gymnastic endevars with Mele-On and Braca and i are discussing food.

"On Terra, did you have pursuits outside of work?" "Things that you enjoyed to decompress?"

I nod yes.( I can't believe Braca asked me that!)

"After we clean up, take Cowboy out and show him your work place!" Mele exclaims.

"Jool I'll put the salad in the cold storage stabilization unit." "Everthing else goes in the auto cleaner"

Of course the "auto cleaner " is a peacekeeper style dishwasher!

Cleanup takes just a couple of minutes. More firitja is poured in the glasses and Braca takes us through a metal entrance to his "work area."

"I rarely get out here anymore!" he says. "So pardon the clutter!" and he turns on the lights.

LED like flourescent bulbs flicker on.

I knew the space was huge, and it is. The "work area" is probably 100 meters wide and over half that deep.

On the side closest to the door under a soft tarp, is a shape that looks like an automobile. Next to it is a small two engined private single or 2 seat jet powered airplane.

"When I was moving up in the ranks, " Braca remarked, "these were stored all over, but now they're in one spot." And he pulls the cover off the first vehicle.

It's an automobile all right. A four sedan, but the baddest one I've ever seen! Dark blood red with heavy tinted glass, and low with fat tires and black mag type wheels! It's combination of a 1950's Buick, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler designs.

A Peacekeeper cruiser!

I'm not a four door guy, but this thing rocks! F'n Comandant Braca...a hot rodder!?

Inconcievable! The whole scenario gets stranger by the solar day!

184

"My great grand sire owned this, of course I never really knew him." " I was concieved in a birth chamberon a carrier but his dna was used." "But it has been passed down through family for over two hundred and fifty cycles!" He grabs a set of keys off the wall, walks over and unlocks the drivers door.

The interior lights up as he opens the door and reveals a beautiful plush leather interior in the same dark red with black and chrome trim.

The transmission is a pushbutton automatic with over drive and park levers. The cluster is pure 1950's American opulance, a back lit tunnel of speedometer and guages. Theres also a tachometer.

"This is Factory built?" I practically stammer. I notice Jool and Mele-On looking somewhat non plussed by the trunk.

"Yes, except for the engine!" Braca says as he fumbles for the hood latch.

The hood opens and reveals a gasoline or fossil fueled engine. But what an engine! On each side of what appears to be a V-8, theres two roots style superchargers appear to be gear driven off the crank shaft with auxillary cog belts for power accessories. Fuel delivery is ported at the intake, but there's an injection unit on top each supercharger. The engine itself looks like the bastard child of a big block Chevy and a Chrysler Hemi, two similar engines to begin with!

Of course Braca is trying to tell me this while I'm immersed in thought. I'm trying to figure all this out!

...and it has the optional quad exhaust so it's very quiet." "Dignitaries and officers prefered this for conversation purposes.

I see what no doubt is an A/C compressor and even a cruise control.

"So how fast does this baby go?" I ask and apologise for the jargon.

Braca doesn't blink. "With the 5th speed OD, straightline top end is (translated) 160 miles per hour." Two door models were slightly faster, but only two survive and they are in our history museum!"

The Peacekeepers have a Museum? I'll be frelled!

Braca presses a button on the key and a second or so later the engine turns over and the car starts. Except for a slight whine from the supercharger, the car is whisper quiet.

"Meeklo! You'll gas us out back here!" Mele-On exclaims as she and Jool walk around to the front of the vehicle.

Braca lets the car idle for about ten seconds longer and shuts it off.

Mele-On opens a garage door and I see a rather large round shape further down in the moon light, security. It's big, really big!

Braca is heading for the private jet (It's an old Prowler trainer.) when I ask about whats under the tarps.

He laughs. "I'd guess you'd want to see that, it's right up your alley." "A real museum piece!"

Braca and I start pulling off the tarps to reveal what's underneath. For sure its a disc shaped craft about eighty feet in diameter. But it's what kind of craft that shocks me.

"We found this one in a sealed structure here on Tavian 3." Braca remarks. There were also two others that were badly damaged." He chuckles.

"I don't know how old they are..."

185

I scrape some of the dust off the hull. This one is about thirty to forty thousand cycles old." I don't know when the Vierin' started to use Beryl'ium t-on for the outer hull!"

Braca looks at me in shock.

"It's beautiful Braca!"I gasp. "You found it here?"

"

"Yes, about 100 kilos south (translation) near those mountains."

Jool and Mele-On join us. Jool is wide eyed. She comes over and touches my back.

"Thanks to you darling, I can read some of the writing!" Is it "Hetch?"

"Heaaethk?" Mele-On asks.

"Yes thats very close Mele-On, in some regional dialects that would correct!"

"When this vessel was found, it was wrapped in a thick type of layered plastic film." It took almmost a year to remove it because we didn't want to damage the finish.

"Beryl'ium t-on turns black in the vacum of space" I explain "It's a type of hardening process."

I continue to feel the surface "So it's a Hetch kit spacer, L class." Who ever owned this was pretty well off!"

"Kit" spacer." Braca says. "What is a kit?"

"It was built from a kit." I reply. "Imagine, if you will, Meeklo Jr. turning 13 cycles old. He's starting his beginning technical education. One of his requirements before he turns 16 cycles, is to build something of value aligned with his schooling. There were many different opportunities, but one of them was to build an innerplanetary space ship." Something junior could drive around the closer planetary systems in!"

So you Braca, order a kit. Maybe you purchase one like this, or you build a smaller one version, for there are three sizes. It arrives in several days in several boxes, and you and Meeklo jr. start by reading the directions.

The hull itself comes pre assembled, but you must install all the internals. The wiring, hydraulics, electronics, seating, even the modules. But Meeklo jr has probably built a half dozen modules in class already, along with some flying models using minuature modules!"

Everyone is speechless. I can't shut up,and I should!

"You and junior build the spacer, he learns to fly with sleep tapes, and soon, at least in this disc, the family is jetting around Vierin' space. Junior learns the basics of flying as he heads into Hetch Tech or Hetch University. Of course , if he ends up at he university, he'll take navigation and star charting courses and start taking short T/S jumps."

I walk around the hull, my hand on a nine inch wide gap betwen the top and bottom disc halves.

"The sensor arrays, basic as they are, and the radio system antenna run along here."

And I point out other features.

Right in this box, inside the hull, is the mounting for four storage cells. That turns the starter motors in the module fast enough to start them." The the motors turn into an alternating current generation sysytem to run the electronics and lighting.

There's a few directional jets, not enough to be a prowler, but enough to perform basic manuevers.

"When did they stop building these?" Braca asks.

"I can't tell you but probably around the time this one was assembled." This spacer still exists in the quorum. I flew one from the main planet in the Ma-arogg assembly to Shay -qul when I started my Jah-ni-nae training."

"Is it easy to fly?" Jool wonders.

"I took four sleep tape lessons and soloed that solar week, Jool!" "If you can fly a prowler you can probably this."

"The configuration is similar." Braca remarks. "i wonder if it's conicidental?"

I shrug.

"I can tell you..." as I wipe nmy hand across three plates riveted onto the center section at the rear part of the hull. "that the ships name translates to "Moon Dream." and that a T.S. "G'ichatat and a S.R G'ichatat built her. The asteresk denotes that a female was the student!

"This is the inspection plate...and this is interesting, theres an exception plate on it!"

"What dose the exception mean? asks Mele-On. "Because it was female student?"

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"No, not at all." I smile at her. "It means that the modules were modified to produce more power and or decrease fuel consumption, and that the modifications worked and were approved for use!" "That would be an extra good grade!" I smile.

"The person who built this craft had exceptional propulsion knowledge and design skills!" "I'd guess who ever it was did well in her adult life, and may have advanced the Vierin' race. She was very intelligent!" I look at Jool and Mele-On and smile.

"Can it fly?" Braca asks.

"If you haven't done so, I'd inspect the modules for end play on the main shaft and buildup in the intake feeders." "It can be done with the modules in place." I tap on a hatch over the front of the module.

"I screw open a cap and sniff. There hasn't been any fuel in the tanks in a while, so they'd need to be pressure tested. I can help with that."

"And you'd need at least 48 volts direct current and 1800 amps (translations) to run the starters."

With the layered wrap they used, the spacer must be in exceptional condition, and other than some galactic dust and whatever is on it from the garage, its in great shape!"

"These came out of a storage box in the interior." Braca says as he shows me two books.

"Ah, perfect!" I look at the covers. "One is the assembly manual, and the other a flight log.

"That explains a lot, one is full of pictures and illustrations and wiring diagrams!", the other is drawings and writing, possibly dates."

"And I'm afraid Meeklo, that must wait another time." Mele-On remarks. "It is getting late and we have meetings with Vice Minister Zareok is meeting with us about the quorum accord."

I realize 2.5 arns have passed, and I apologise. Mele-On won't hear of it!

"Once again Cowboy, you have advanced our knowledge of the Vierin'." she says with a smile

"Maybe I'll get to check out your museum some time.".

"I'm sure that can be arranged." She looks at Braca. "Would you escort our guests to the limo please?"

Braca stands at attention and nods. He smiles at Jool and I.

"An excellent dinner!" He exclaims.

"We'll be inviting you both back once the accord is finalized" Mele-On says.

"Thank you Madam Chairperson." Jool replies.

"Please Jool, call me Mele-On when we're in informal environments, like this!"

Jool nods and looks at me with a smile.

"Shall we?" She hooks her hand in my left arm

We say our good byes and Braca escorts us through the halls to the main entrance, where the limo whisks us back to Fa3.

I've been in the spiders web, and lived. But it still doesn't make sense!

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"Reporting in Roz!"

"Things are T-4 Cowboy!"

"All is well here!" I reply

"

Is Roz ok?" Jool asks me telepathicaly

I nod.

And I think to myself, this is going too well.

"Btw, you were wonderfull tonight Jool!"

She smiles and leans against me.

"So were you, you little charmer you!" she whispers.

Roz is happy to see us and kinda overdoes the whole disc spacer thing. But she could be right.

We stay up another hour just talking, then head to bed.

My sweet, intelligent, and beautiful Jool does NOT disappoint. I fall asleep with Jools head on my chest again. Roz is there too, covering us with her holo

I believe I'm the luckiest human in the galaxy, so why do I have a bad feeling that shytes about hit the proverbial fan!

I finally nod off about 0100. It's imposible to have bad dreams when two of the most wonderful women in the universe are sleeping with you!

I wake up at 0800. Jools sweet essence is on my lips. She's in the head getting her day started and Roz is humming sweetly in the speakers.

"We say our good mornings and love yous, then get breakfast started.

"Whats the weather report Roz?"

"Upper 70's now, low humidity, mostly sunny and Vice Minister Zareoks transport has arrived. Lots of security! On...The Hynerian ambassador sends greetings from Rygel the XVI and would like to speak to you at your earliest convenience!"

Another great day for flying, but I'm stuck here!

"I have the morning free today or tomorrow if he or she is availible."

"It's a she, Natrwoa, I believe is the spelling."

"We have an additional accord in Sabbacean if you need one for her." Roz adds.

"Unfortunatly I can't use translator microbes, Jool could you translate?"I ask

Jool walks out of the head wrapped in a towel and another around her body. "I can do that!" "Oh!" I must look horrible!" and she runs back into the head!

Roz laughs, and my brows furrow.

"Jool, No you don't look horrible and you never will to me!" I call out as I walk into the head and knock on the door.

She peeks out with a coy look on her face.

"I'm sorry I didn't wait for you this morning." she says

"Honey, you're fine...it's good, really!"

"Ok Cowboy, I will be done in a moment."

Meanwhile my stomach growls. I'm hungry!

188

Chapter 12

Call her the Skreeth

We have k'evia fruit, and bread with some cheeses from the fridge for breakfast. They're good with dipping gravy.

The nasty coffee with the Storgome is so good, even Jool has a cup.

Next the three of us discuss our day. Jool needs to talk to Mouma or another priestess named Souna about her living quarters, since she's not using them. I ask her to see of there's a spot I can store all the excess toilet paper I brought to give to John Crichton as a joke gift from ARC. Jool tells me there's a storage area that the cases could be placed in.

I can set up an area for my clothes to hang and Jool can use my entire closet space for her wardrobe.

Roz pulls up the cubby monitor and I see that Vice minister Zareock is entering the temple with four armored guards. But the worst part is that her sensors are picking up movement around the plane, but she can't see any solid mass. She's run several tests, and everything is working and calibrated correctly. Jool and I agree that all the sensors should be checked physically.

My brain warns me visual distortion of backgrounds could mean someone is wearing or using a cloaking device, but to my knowledge, niether the Scarrans nor Peackeepers posess such tech.

So the first thing Jool and I do after finishing breakfast is check all the cameras and clean all the sensor screens. A few have dust accumulations but nothing that should seriously hamper their effectiveess. This task takes about an arn to accomplish.

I have to admit, I have an uneasy feeling I'm being watched while doing this. I scan the area with my E, hoping to pick up something, and get nothing.

So...I ask Roz to watch the cameras for signs of an individual or individuals wearing a cloaking device.

Ambassador Natrwoa contacts Roz back and sets an appointment for tomorrow at 0930. I'm expected to be there at least an arn. I note its 0930 now.

At 0945, I walk Jool across the Mezzimine. She asks me to escort her to Moumas office, and I agree. She's pretty nervous, so I inquire and she senses my uneasyness and is concerned.

We talk quietly for moment, but the main hall is busy and I'm not comfortable with explaining what's on my mind. However, I point out to her that Scorpius is greeting Ambasador Natrwoa and they are walking towards the hallway containing the outworld offices. Jool and I try to blend in and follow at a safe distance, trying not to think about him so he doesn't get suspicious.

Right before they walk through the glass doors to the offices, T'knawl spots and greets me. I'm not sure if my cover is compromised. I was never trained to be a spy!

T'knawl asks about our Robot encounter and catches the attention of other Peacekeeper officers in the area.

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I can't deflect the questions but I ask if Mouma is in so Jool can see her, and he takes us to her office. T'knawl must sense my concerns because he doesn't say anything untill we get to Moumas office area, and then he apologises. I ask him how he knows about it, and apparentlyit's been leaked through the Peacekeeper hierarchy.

So I suspect Braca, Mele-On, or Scorpius. I probably can't blame them, as they have their own agenda. Again, my brain reminds me that things are going way too smoothly.

Am I caught in a dream, or a manufactured nightmare? If so, where did it go sideways?

John Crichton mentions a couple of times when he was lulled into believing he was home on Terra. They turned out to manufactured realities by a Scarran agent and the Ancients.

I'm trying to remember how John determined this...

Jool is in talking to Mouma now, and I ask T'knawl if the Peacekeepers have printed newpapers or news magazines. I know they have an informational system because of my interview with Mercai.

T'knawl says they have several types of media publications and there is a broadcast information service. I knew that but am still curious.

So he takes me to a room where several priests are watching a television!

It is indeed a news channel and the individuals on it are speaking Sabacean and giving out news on current events. Mercai isn't one of the "anchor people" but as I watch, he comes on as a correspondent. Nothing is mentioned about the robot attrack on my ship.

T'knawl has Th'aroe come over to answer my questions.

Th'aroe tells me that most information is on a need to know basis, and most Peacekeepers, until five or so cycles ago, had no knowledge about what was going on outside their unit. All missions were in secrecy, and while this occasionally caused issues and even gunfire, the command hierarchy prefered it, and officers were trained to accept it.

The new"openess" and information exchange, while limited, was better than the hearsay and misinformation that would occasionally arise, although many old school officers dislike it.

Th'roe also takes me an office across the room form where Jool is speaking with Mouma. It doesn't have a door, but there are several magazines on his desk that he shows me. I can sort of read the dates and he informs me one of them comes out every quarter arn. From what I'm reading , it's mostly fluff and hoorah militarism stuff.

I ask about my interview 14 solar days ago when I arrived here from Terra.

He said it was broadcast several times the next day after I arrived and has disappeared. Everything else has been on the negotiations surrounding the accord, and the "sound bytes" (terran term) was only a few microts long. Even my role in the mutiny wasn't mentioned, only that Tarento and his men were captured. He has heard officers talking than Tarento was executed but he isn't sure if it's true.

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I'm not sure if I should be satisfied with what Th'aroe tells me. Sometimes you simply have to run with what you have and hope for the best.

Mouma and Jool are still talking, so I check to see whats going on in the main hall. Someone has put the star charts up again. I sit down on one of the benches in the stage area and meditate.

I go into a trance and as I'm about to reach out, something flits across in front of me, and I sense hostile intent. I jerk myself out of my trance and jump to my feet in a defensive stance. I see nothing and my E can't descern it. But I do remember Cuanee' telling me that a few species are resistant to ja-hi-nae, and E has little effect.

I try to meditate again, but I'm too paranoid. So I touch minds with Jool and she's almost done with her meeting.

She also tells me that Mouma and two other priests have sensed a presence in the temple but can't identify it.

Now I am concerned! I ask Jool to wait for me so we can travel together. She couldn't be happier, which lifts my spirit.

On the way back around the hallway, I see Scorpius. He's standing in the middle of the hallway with Th'aroe, sniffing the air. Th'aroe waves me over.

Scorpius looks at me while sniffing. His eyes narrow as he whispers.

"We have an uninvited guest." He snarls. A most hideous and unsavory creature!"

I nod in agreement.

"Tell me Cowboy," Scopius asks "have you ever heard of a Skreeth?"

"I haven't."

"The perfect assassin or spy, capable of becoming invisible. Strong, silent, and quick!" Scorpius stops sniffing. "Green in color with exposed teeth and insectoid apendages."

"So, you've used one?" I ask.

"No, but I do know of another instance?" He says

Me. "On John Crichton, perhaps?"

Scorpius looks at me and his eyes narrow a bit more.

"It was a long time ago, Cowboy." He narrows his eyes more.

"However, I did not aquire her services, someone else did!" Scorpius states.

"Do you know the current target?"

"Well, certainly you seem high on the list, or the Hynerian ambassador." But there could be others, depending on who hired her."

"Her?" I ask.

"Yes, Skreeth are asexual females."

I ask. "So they could have the ability to cloak themselves?"

"No Cowboy, they are capable of becoming completely invisble."

Me. "I'll be very cautious." I reply. "Do you think the vist of Zareok has anything to do with the Skreeth?"

"Perhaps." He says in his usual demeanor. "Extra caution would be an excellent idea!"

And I thank him, bow to Th'aroe, and take my leave. I immediately call Jool on the com, and she is waiting in the office. I apologise and quick step to her location.

191

After hearing about the Skreeth, I'm thrilled Jool stayed put. Moumas office is now full of armed priests...just what I want to see. A bunch of nervous well armed people in a small room looking for someone who's invisible!

I hustle Jool out of there as fast as possible. On the way down the main hallway, I explain whats going on and why we need to get to Fa3. So we walk a bit faster without trying to be obvious.

I notice that the hallway is almost devoid of people except armed priests and Peacekeepers

It's so quiet you can hear our foot falls on the tile floor!

Scorpius is also afoot, and I suggest he run checks on the garden outside as well.

Crossing the Mezzimine to Fa3, I get that feeling I'm being watched again, but the watcher isn't as close as he or she originally was.

Roz has also gotten hits on the heat sensors, but nothing definite. Our unwanted visitor is indeed elusive, and therefore quite dangerous!

Jool and I sit on the bed and discuss our options with Roz.

I suggest to Roz and Jool about being armed while inside the plane, but common sense dictates a more prudent course. Both agree that's unnessesary for now.

We eat a quiet dinner, and Roz has found the Peacekeeper information channel. After about 30 minutes, all of us have had enough of the miltary hoorah!

It's only noon, and Jool and I are starting to get cabin fever. I reinventory the ammunition and

Jool considers how best to eliminate the excess toilet paper! We are allowed to temporarly store it where Jool suggested.

"I think I'll call ARC and give him some crap about this, literally!" I say out loud, baiting Roz, who takes the bait and laughs! Even Jool gets it and she laughs too.

"I can try Admiral Coleman, Cowboy, but he may be busy!" Roz says.

"Possibly, so we'll leave it." "Did You get a receipt on the Nebari beeper Roz?"

"Yes but no response!"

"Maybe we could fly somewhere and hang out?" Jool suggests. Roz agrees.

"See if Braca can get clearance Roz, and we'll fly to that commerce planet!"

"Cowboy you're so awesome!" Jool squeals. I get a big hug.

"I got bad news lovebirds," Roz says. "Braca isn't in and airspace is restricted because of our guest, I mean Minister Zareok!" Frell!

"We could walk up to that alley and grab lunch?" I ask.

"Not if there's that Skreeth thing about!" Roz says and Jool agrees.

"I know if Chiana were here we'd be out checking on the scene." Jool comments. "But I'm not so young, or wild anymore!"

" And I know I'm no Chiana." I comment sadly. (knowing what was on Roberts video tapes) but I can offer my fingers for a foot massage."

Jools eyebrows arch up and her eyes open wide. She grins in a goofy fashion and places her feet, still in her knee high black boots on my thighs.

"If you'll remove my boots and massage my feet I'll make it worth your time." She says.

192

I slowly unsnap the fasteners on her left foot and carefully and slowly remove the boot. Then repeat for the right.

Within moments, Jool is breathing gently and moaning lightly as I work the stress out her feet. And she has beautiful feet who have been worked just a bit to hard on Arnessk.

When I finish, Jool is quite relaxed, and de- stressed. Seeing Jool so content de-stresses me.

I put the oil away and store Jools' boots in the closet.

Jool's almost asleep or at least her eyes are closed and she's breathing softly.

About 30 microns later Roz pages Jool.

"What's up Roz?"

"I'm sorry I had to disturb you sweetie, but you have a call!"

"I do?" She says and swings her feet off the bed.

"Yes it's being patched through command, probably an open channel."

"Ok, who is it?"

"Rygel the sixteenth." Roz deadpans.

I get off the bed and head to the rear of Fa3.

Jool. "Oh! Put him through!" she appears shocked.

I turn to watch and the monitor screen flickers. I watch Jools face... her mouth drops and her eyebrows raise.

"Rygel? Rygel, is it you?" She cries.

A deep gravelly voice responds.

"Jool! Dear Jool! We thought, I thought... you were dead! But you're alive!"

'Yes Rygel, I am very much alive!" Jool cries out. "And I'm so happy to see you!"

"And I am happy to see you as well!" "There will be a great celebration in your honor here, today!"He belches loudly!

"Much eating and feasting!" "And laughter!"

I hear chewing sounds

" Rygel, you are always eating!" Jool laughs "You haven't changed a bit!"

"Nor have you my dear, your hair is as red as ever! Rygel laughs. And you appear to be quite happy!" "I'm told you're on a "plane"?" "What is that? "How did you escape Arnessk?"

"So many questions Rygel!" Jool laughs. "But the answer to the first one is yes!" "I'm in love!"

"You are!"Rygel exclaims" Well congratulations!" "Sadly it's not D'argo and certainly not Crichton." as his voice trails off.

"No, I found out about Ka'D'argo the other day." Jool's mood sours. "It was so painful, I, I, I'd cared for him much more than I let on." But if I'd gotten him to stay..."

I reach out to her mentally.

I'm ok but I'd like to be held later! she says back

"I understand, sweet Jool. Rygel says quiety "We all miss him. Poor Chiana may still blame herself." "It's been a long time since Moya's crew has been together."

Theres a long moment of silence. I'm fumbling with a fresh pair of jeans. I look over to make sure Jool isn't having a bad moment but Rygel is still involved.

"So, who is this special someone in your life, is he male, what race?"

"He's a human male from Terra like John Crichton, Rygel, but he's not exactly like John either.

193

He wants to meet you but he's getting dressed. You call caught us by surprise...OHH! OH no!"

Rygel chuckles most salaciously. "I didn't realize I was interrupting something, heh, heheh"

Jool blushes as red as her hair. Never seen that coming!

"Oh no Rygel, he just wants to look presentable!" Jool is still red faced. "Oh dear!" she looks at me.

"I'm sorry honey!" Jool says in English

"I'm sure he does mmmhhhmmhhhhmmm." I've heard some interesting things about him for sure." "Am I hearing you speak his language?"

"Yes, I've learned English." She looks at me and says to Rygel. "He's about finished."

I hear Rygel call for more food. I don't know how to speak Hynerian, but as long as I'm touching Jool I can understand what her microbes translate.

I hope Rygel can't see my feet because I have an old pair of slippers on.

My Ja-hi-nae tunic is straight, so I step into the camera view.

Rygel stops mid bite and stares. His eyebrows arch slighty.

I touch Jools arm so I can understand Rygel. I will speak Sabacean.

"Your Emminence, my name is Cowboy." "I am but a humble practitioner of ja-hi-nae, therefore I am at your service!" Then I bow.

"Ah, but you speak Sabacean!" he states. "Like a Peacekeeper!"

"I can speak english like John does, will that work?" I ask in english.

"And I can vouch that he is not a peacekeeper Rygel, you have my word!" Jool says.

"Aeryn Sun tried to learn english and it was a disaster!" Rygel states. "Cowboy...that's certainly an earth term." He looks at me and shoves another handful of something alive into his mouth. " I watched some Cowboy movies on earth when we visited twenty seven cycles ago."

'You don't look like a Cowboy, but your tunic, that looks very familiar!"

So you've had practitioners in the Hynerian empire?

"Back around Rygel the fourth there were stories told of the first Eidelons who brought their friends from another part of the galaxy with them to visit. There are paintings on the great temple wall of Sabacean or human like beings with that style of tunic. " He swallowed, then belched. "Descriptions suggest these people had the power to change dust into useful objects, lift heavy objects off the ground without touching them, and other feats of mental wizardry, using the energy found throughout the universe."

He took another bite of food. "Is that what you are?"

"Yes your eminence."

"Call me Rygel!" he barked. "Just don't call me Buckwheat... or Sparky!" " I hated that!" Then he lowered his head.

"But I miss it now."

"I understand Rygel" i say quietly.

"Wellll, that was then and this is now, I always say." Rygel smiles. "So tell me Cowboy, how did you come to Tavian 3, and when did you rescue my friend Jool?" He pauses. "I mean we saw the Temple get obliterated by the Scarrans' bomb!"

Jool answers first.

194

"Yes Rygel, those frelling scarrans destroyed the temple, but I took John Crichtons advice and had moved to a subterranian chamber before the bomb exploded. It was where the equipment doing the broadcast was located". "I'd been supervising the excavation into the under chambers and was in the right place when the bomb detonated."

"I mean we saw a flash and your com went dead!" Rygel exclaimed. We were sure you were done for!"

" Sweet Rygel," Jool continued. "The transmitter equipment blew and everything went dead! It was pandemonium as we fought our way through the dark tunnels with filled with smoke and debris falling everywhere. Through the chaos, one priest named T'knawl pulled and pushed me along until we got to a series of natural caverns away from the blast. For 26 cycles we lived like animals as the older and weaker priests succumbed to time." Jool takes a deep breath and exhales.

"Rygel, John asked me to go with him but I stayed." She said quietly. His last words to me were "You always make the best mistakes." She continued" For 26 cycles, I felt I had."

And then, this brave and honorable man came from Earth, or Terra as it is now called, heard our distress signal and flew to Arnessk! After twenty six cycles, I was rescued along with nine other priests." "Unfortunatly, one died after the rescue."

I'm agast and can only sit and listen.

"Thats wonderful Jool, I'm thrilled that you're among the living and still as attractive, I guess, as an Interon female should be!" And eight original Eidelons, that's inconceivable!

"Thank you Rygel!" Jool said with a smile "You're such a flatterer!"

"So this brave human is now your special one?"

"Yes Rygel it was literally love at first kiss!"

Following Jools explanation, I describe my mission, how we came here, and how "we" meaning myself and Roz, located Jool and the priests. Of course he has to meet Roz, which causes an eyebrow raising moment for Rygel.

"I've been around this part of the galaxy long enough to know that I must accept some of the most incredible things, and not question or debate their existence!" It's nice to meet you...Roz!"

Rygel also asks about earth, which I explain is no longer called earth, and then tell him why. This of course takes some time but Rygel is an attentive listener and asks good questions. He chuckles at a couple of my Terran jokes, and of course, since the Vierin' had likely visited the Hynerian empire, I need to explain the Vierin'.

Well, if there are any artifacts from these Viereen, as you call them, they would be in deep storage in our history museum." Rygel says in his gravely voice. "I will ask the

head curators about this!" I thank him and so does Jool

"I met the Sauuri ambasador by vidcom...Sardosh is her name?" he says. "Nice enough female, but I couldn't be sure if she was being cordial or considering me for dinner!"

Jool gasps and I chuckle.

I told Rygel that Sauurians, to my knowledge, don't eat aquatic organisms.

He exclaims."Well thats a relief!" We laugh.

195

Jool then asks about Chiana and Sukozu, and gets both good and the bad news. I've excused myself for a moment.

When I get back, Rygel is telling Jool the story of how Ka D'argo was killed. It starts to break me up again, the sacrifice he made for his friends. But I can't let it affect me, or it might affect Jool.

Jool mentions something about me being an honorable warrior and my blood oath, and that I never try to kill anyone.

As soon as she is done, Rygel clears his throat. and he looks at me and squints.

"I was told Cowboy, that you destroyed two hundred enemy ships the other day." He says with a growl. "What about the crews?"

I correct the amount and explain what robot ships are, and how they function, and correct the amount that was destroyed. His face softens and he agrees that the destruction was just. Jool also tells him how I protect him and Roz, and he tells me about what my role in the mutiny. I can't deny it but refuse to boast about what happened.

"We haven't had any robots attack Hyneria yet , but we'll have to be ready." he says. "Hyneria isn't a member of the Eidelon alliance" Rygel pauses to wipe his lips "I'm impressed with the accords' langauge and that's why I am considering an alliance with this Interplanetary Quorum." "The accord is fair enough but the technology, especially this time space travel is the key to increased commercial traffic and improved commerce." The he chuckles. " Then.. I can get all the sugar I want!" And he laughs, and so do we. Rygel explains his addiction to Terran sugar, hopes they still grow it on Terra. I assure him Terra does.

So I ask Roz to get a tranmission frequency for the Hynerians from the under Secretarys' office and they can start separate negotiations.

I ask Rygel about Scorpious' talking with Natrwoa. He deflects the question by being vague, so it's none of my business, and I move on.

There's some small talk and then Rygel invites us to visit Hyneria as honored guests and special friends.

"Stay as long as you like, theres plenty of room and of plenty of food!" He boasts.

I assure him that I will bring Jool out to see him, and he says. "If I don't see her first. There's a big peace celebration in one solar month for the anniversary of the original peace pact between the Scarrans and Peacekeepers." "I'm considering a trip there because I understand the proper people from your quorum will be attending as well." "It would be a perfect time to get an accord in place."

"Rygel, I've put in a request to have the quorums undersecretary contact Natrwoa and set up a videocom link."

"Excellent Idea Cowboy!" Rygel remarks as his eyebrows raise. "This will expediate the process!"

"I have to ask, Rygel." "Do you know where John and Aeryn might be?"

Rygels' brows furrow and his eyes narrow slightly. "No, and I wouldn't tell you anyway if I did, because I still habor reservations about Peacekeepers and their ideals." He raises his brows and his eyes soften. "When you've seen that things that the Peacekeepers have done that I have, you might forgive, but you never forget!" "And the Scarrans, they're even worse!" He pauses.

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"Before the peace treaty was signed those frelling Scarrans,They killed millions of our citizens and took control of our outlining colonies. We've just recently got most of those back!"

Rygel belches, then wipes his throat. If the robots are as bad as I've heard and wiped out the Peacekeepers and Scarrans, I couldn't give a garanta's brax." "If John and Aeryn think it's safe enough to bring their children, then things are better." "But there's a reason, actually a number of them, that they never have attended, even though the invitation is open."

Jool clears her throat.

"Rygel, as I recall, when you were on Arnessk, you said you were having Aeryns' baby?"

"Yes...hehehehheheheh, I almost forgot, and how could I!" "Yes, I was carrying Aeryn's baby!

"OOoooookay..." is my response.

Heh! He points at me. "You haven't lived, Cowboy, until you've carried a child in your belly!"

I couldn't imagine.

"My dear Jool, shortly after they destroyed the Temple, the Scarrans took us prisoners! They tortured us, and then tried to gas us, but thanks to Sukozu and D'argo and his son Jothee, we were able to escape from Staleek and that evil bitch, War Minister Akhna. Unfortunatly the Hierarch was murdered by her, but Stark, that crazy fossith, manged to retrieve his spirit with the Hierarchs essence to instill it Into Mouana." "Somewhere in those crazy moments, the baby was transfered back to Aeryn from myself!"

"Yes Rygel, I was informed about the battle on Qujaga from the priests!"

"That bitch Akhna met her death there...Aeryn shot her before she could kill John!" And he chuckled.

Then Rygels' face saddened and he lowered his head. He continued on a low voice.

"The whole incident, and the unspeakable violence, along with the indescriminate destruction of the wormhole itself, damaged John." "He was in a coma for days, and only when they brought D'argo, his and Aeryns son, to him did he regain conciousness!"

"So if I could ask one last question Rygel?"

"Certainly Cowboy, it's the least I can do for you!"

"It sounds like John and Aeryn have more children after D'argo, is that true?"

Rygel closes his eyes. There's a long silence, but finally he speaks, again in a low voice.

"I have a source." he nearly whispers "I'm told that Aeryn has given birth to non matching twins, a boy and a girl." "But thats all I'm going to say."

"That's ok Rygel." I reply softly "Thank you for that." I make a blessing sign.

There's another moment of awkward silence. Jool seems stunned and possibly overwhelmed by all the information. Hungry for more knowledge, I feel unfullfilled.

Rygel finally speaks, with his normal commanding voice.

"Tomorrow, when you meet with Natrwoa, I will contact her on a very secure com and talk to you a bit more about this." Rygel sighs. But the affairs of state call...and I must be going."

"Oh Rygel, I hope to talk to you again!" Jool says sweetly.

"You will Jool, I promise." And he looks at me.

"I can see by your eyes and how you look at Jool, that you love her and care for her. I also know that as a practitioner with a blood oath you are an honorable man bound to protect her." "So I won't ask you to do anymore than that!"

"And Jool, dear friend, You are probably the luckiest woman in this part of the galaxy."

197

"Best wishes then, to both of you!" And Rygel turns and tells someone off camera to "have him wait!"

I bow silently and Jool wraps her arm around my shoulder.

"So I will talk to you in Natrwoas' office tomorrow. Take care!" He says

I make bow and make a blessing sign, and the screen goes blank.

Jool looks at the screen a moment longer, and then I see her eyes watering. I pull her to me and hold her as she starts to sob. My eyes are wet as well.

In a few moments her tears subside and she goes to the head to clean up.

I realize we've been chatting with Rygel for a long time. Roz has been silent on the com so I touch base with her.

The sensors have been quiet. I feel like a rat in trap. I will NOT be trapped in my plane by a Skreeth! I'll be the bait and pull it from hiding myself!

Before supper, I get a com from Braca. Minister Zareok has left the planet and flight restrictions have been lifted. He wants me to come and to their living quarters and talk to him more about the Vierin' spacer. Because of security concerns, I politely refuse. I won't leave Roz and the plane unguarded. He offers to have a detail of guards placed around the plane, but even he admits a Skreeth wouldn't be detered.

"Well, I could park Fa3 in that field by your garage." I say jokingly.

He puts me on hold, and one moment or so later, has permission to have me land in the lot, plus a detail of commandos to watch the plane.

"Cowboy this is history in the making!" "Our techs have built power cells to the specifications you've suggested and the fitment required. Even now, we are running checks to make sure our storage cells safely meet the requirements." Your knowledge and experience would be invaluble!" He pauses.

"Plus, I have left over Tembo, and Mele -On has fresh salad for you and Jool." He chuckles and says. "I also tried making that Bab ay qe sauce too." "I'd like your opinion on it's taste."

It's too good to be true. But I accept his offer. I must be going insane!

I agree to fly over shortly after meeting with Natrwoa.

Jool is in a dark mood and we eat silently. I have to stifle my negative thoughts, but clearly they're somewhere else.

I'm sure it's about D'argo, and maybe Sikozu, but I'm sure how to help. I can't "fix" it.

When in doubt, center. I ask Roz to drop the ramp, and I go out to meditate. Frell the Skreeth!

My sense don't detect anything, and once I'm on the ground, I have Roz run another intense scan. It's clear.

Roz lifts the ramp and I go sit on a nearby bench. There are guards walking about in the garden which is a small measure of security.

I immedietly go to trance and leave the world behind.

198

Man this really dark! I'm standing in front of a wall of grainy fabric that's devoid of light and life. It's like looking at a bathtowel. Nothing moves.

It's a wall all right. All the things I can't remember are behind it. I didn't put this here, I'd guess the Ma-arogg did. It needs to stay there!

I sense someone on my right, so I turn. It's me...a younger version, with long hair and a ripped t shirt. It's from my band days, when I was a wanna be rock star.

"What are you doing here, old man?" He asks

"Just looking."

"Looking for what, advice? F' it, man, you won't get anything good here." He makes a gesture, then tells me most of my life has been moments of genius, wedged between the expanses of mediocrity."

He cracks. "You're a late bloomer, for sure!"

I smile, "We oughta know!"

"So you went through hell and made it this far, just so you can 'f' us all again!"

I shrug. "I'm not trying to."

He laughs. "B.S." He continues.

"You should have never kissed her." "You know how we are, right?"

"Yeah I guess, like I shoulda known better, huh?"

"Heres the deal man!" Rock star leans against the wall. "Jool really loves you, and always will." "But you can't fall through here..." and rock star pushes his hand through the blackness, because this is where the 'f'ery is." He points at me. "And yet, you keep trying, to 'f' yourself while everyone around you sees the good you're capable of."

I say nothing.

"And now you feel sorry for yourself because she's grieving over a dead guy?" "This is your time to shine, sunshine." "You wanna seal the deal, you need to be the shoulder, not the jerk."

"I get that."

"You need to sing her a love song and play guitar." Give her a reason every day to be yours, and nature will do the rest."

"Yeah I used to believe that."

"DUH!" Rock star rolls his eyes. Then he taps his head. "That's changed since when? "He taps his head again. We both chuckle. He points out into the area that is my current mind.

"You got a lotta stuff up in here now, but you sure aren't any smarter." "Try some flowers!"

Rock star walks halfway into the wall.

"I gotta go jam with the boys." he says, then with laugh, "You need to go save the galaxy and get the girl!"

And into the blackness he slides.

"I'm counting on you, man!" are his last words.

199

And out of the trance I come. Jool is next to me on the bench. Her eyes are full of worry.

"Roz said you left and didn't say anything else." "I was concerned."

"I'm worried about you Jool." "So would you like to be held yet." and I give her my dumbest smile.

"Well yes, but..."

"I'd like to be held too." "Would you like to hold me?"

"Oh yes, please!" "Oh, Cowboy!" and we embrace.

I spend the evening with my arms around Jool and her arms around me. I fall asleep in her embrace, and she in mine. Best night ever!

The alarm goes off at 0600. we have our meeting with Natrwoa today.

For some reason, Jool insists we shower together. She cleaned me gently, and checked me over very carefully, like a doctor examining a patient.

"You're losing weight darling, a lot of it!" she says. She speaks English all the time on the plane.

"Well, I look good."

"No, I don't like it, and neither does Roz!" She says firmly.

"Well, you have a healthy look, why can't I."

"Yes, but by your own admission, you burn caloric content at a rate much faster than normal humans, even other races." "And you're eating like me!" She looks at me and her eyes widen.

"Cowboy! I'm starving you!" "Hezmana!"

"No, I don't think so. I like how I look."

"Well, I think you need some back up for those moments when you need to use a lot of E, as you call it."

She pushes my gut, well it's pretty flat. Actually, it's concave.

"Roz and I both agree your "cuddle stuff" as she so sweetly puts it, is gone, and frankly, I miss it."

"I'm sleeping on ribs not fat, or meat, and it is not comfortable!"

"You're trying to be this buff warrior type...like, like D'argo!" Her mouth flies open. "I'm sorry! She gasps, then grabs my shoulders. Her eyes soften like shes going to cry!

"I don't want you to be like...like him!" "I want you to be, to be you!" She buries her wet head in my chest as I wrap my arms around her. I can see shes stressed because she's losing hair.

"I want my snuggly cuddly teddy bear Cowboy!" She says softly

"I'm curious how you know the term 'teddy bear'!" I say with a laugh.

"The instructional device you gave me has a lot of terms and phrases, and there's a 'dictionary' in the back. It's a fasinating trove of knowledge about your langauge."

"I've found you don't have to be sleeping to use it either. It works almost as well when one is in the bathroom. Jool says with a smile.

"Really?"

200

"Our subliminal hearing is superior to humans Cowboy, it's genetics." She pauses and I hand her a towel. "So, I can listen to these sound devices almost anywhere!"

"Thank you!" She takes the towel. "When you were being interviewed about the robot attack on Mars, I dismissed the class. There was nothing more to discuss really." So, I sat in the lecture hall for three arns in a meditative state and listened to the device." She smiles at me and touches my chest. "Did you know there's a section defining sex terms."

"Yes, I did, never listened."

"Ok, I have to ask." She blushes slightly. "Do you know what this means?" And Jool whispers in my ear.

I smile. "Yes, I do Jool." I hand her another towel.

Jool puts her hair up in a towel with and smiles at me. Then she looks at the towel.

"Frelling hezmana, I'm losing hair again!" She cries. "I'm so sorry!"

"The nanobots will clean it up." I say with a chuckle. "And you're forgiven!"

"Since we're likely early for our appointment, I am going to have you and I run by the infirmary in the temple, and I am going to draw blood to run several checks."

"So, we're playing doctor?" I ask coyly.

Jool looks at me seriously but then her eyes twinkle. She smiles so slightly.

"No, and yes, I know the other meaning!" She walks away, but I know she's smiling.

I follow her out into the dressing area by the bed. After dressing and throwing things in the sanitizer, I talk to Roz a bit more on security. I know Roz is doing all she can, and also notes there are about a dozen armed guards around the garden and in front of the temple doors.

Of course, Jool and I let Roz know how much we love and appreciate her. Roz asks Jool if we can get some more scent sticks when we go off world. (Strange question?)

I figure in another day we will head out and go to the commerce planet, of course Jool and Roz are thrilled.

I wish we wouldn't have to come back.

Before we leave, Jool insists I eat, and she tries stuffing me full like a Thanksgiving turkey! I am hungry, and manage to eat not only a sandwich, but Jool makes powdered eggs then mixes in some spices and cheeses. I wash the whole thing down with water and chase it with a coffee mixed with Storgome. I feel bloated but Jool is satisfied I've eaten a decent meal.

As we walk across the street, Jool hooks her arm in my elbow. I ask if I can hold her hand and she grabs it tightly, smiles, and lays her head on my shoulder a moment.

When we get to the entrance, Th'aroe greets us and escorts us down the main circular hallway. Jool requests that we go to the infirmary and politely deflects the usual questions about mine or her health.

Upon getting into the small one room infirmary, Jool has me remove my shirt and does a complete exam on my upper body. Ears, nose, throat (she's surprised to see tonsils!) and even checks my right eye. I'm totally impressed with her skills, even if she's a bit pushy. But it's almost 0830, and she's not done. She also has me step on a scale.

201

Heavens to hamburgers, I'm less than 85 kilos! To me that's like high school weight. Jool is alarmed.

She picks a skin sample off my lower back, and then draws blood through a needle the size of stir straw (OUCH).

Finally, a urine sample.

"She has a priest run the tests over to a larger Peacekeeper facility nearby and they should be back in an arn.

"If the tests are negative, I'd guess you need to be on a three thousand to three thousand five hundred caloric unit diet." She playfully pokes my tummy. "I'm consuming around half that, and I'd guess you burn that a day simply protecting Roz and I! Then she kisses me sweetly two times. "The second kiss is a thank you from Roz!" she says.

It's 0845 and before we head to the other offices, Jool shows me where the extra toilet paper Admiral Coleman sent for John can be stored.

Around 0930, we find ourselves at the Hynerian ambassadors office. Ambassador Natrwoa is starting on her second breakfast, but she ushers us in while consuming crackers and cheese.

I present her with the accord, explaining that I'm just the messenger and that the undersecretary will contact her. Rygel hasn't called yet but Roz beeps me and tells me Jack is on the line for me.

I have Roz transfer it to the device in the office, reminding her that the line is likely bugged.

Jacks face appears on the com, and he looks...happy!

"Cowboy, Jool! I'm glad you were able to take this call."

"The lines unsecured jack, but yes. How are you?"

"Well, the good news is that we scored a huge victory over those pesky bots!"

"Ohh kay Jack!"

I note Natrwoas' ears perk up.

"The info on the Robot maneuvers...Awesome! Maddog's squadron took on two hundred bots and wiped them out, using manuevers, they took out all two hundred of em. Wild Jack, can't be outdone, kills another two hundred out of five hundred hitting a flotilla!"

"All Torgan and T'rrl ships now have missiles and practitioners."

"We're not there yet Cowboy, but we're close."

Jool and I are watching the screen...I'm like ...what?

Jack. "You two doing, ok? Cowboy?"

"Jack, we're in Natrwoas' office dropping off the accord."

Jack. "Excellent, how did you achieve that? "

"Thanks to Jool being here, she talked to Rygel and..."

Jack exclaims. "Jool set this up?"

I look at Jool and she tells Jack.

"Rygel called me and told us he wants a separate accord with the quorum and so here we are!" She says cooly

Jack. "Wait... he wants a separate accord for Hyneria?"

"Yes, Jack but not here, ok?"

Jack; "I understand." He looks at Jool. "So, you're a diplomat too? "

Jool. "Rygel and I were friends on Moya. He'd pretty much wanted to sign because someone had shown him the documents."

Natrwoa rose up in her hover chair and floated over to where Jool and I were watching Jack

I stood up and bowed.

Jack. "Madam ambassador, my apologies!"

Natrwoa says "Nonsense! I'm aware of Jools relationship with the Dominar, and you are correct." We are more than ready to accept the offer. The information on who showed me the documents is classified at this time." She pauses, then continues.

"But...the document must be in Hynerian. Therefore, I will be sending you a coded message back with the reprinted document. No changes will be made as your offers for trade and technology are more than adequate, for now."

202

Jack is genuinely pleased. "I'm sure the undersecretary will approve Ambassador Natrwoa, I'll let her know to expect the transfer."

Very good...is this, Jack Crichton?

Jack answers "It is Ambassador Natrwoa."

"Very nice to meet you sir, your son John, he's a good man."

'Have you met him Ambassador?'

"Briefly, before I became a diplomat. The Dominar thinks highly of him, of course he helped Rygel the sixteenth regain his throne."

Jacks' eyebrows arch. I hear a familiar voice in the background.

It's ARC...hangin' in the cheap seats!

"Thank you for the kind words, Ambassador."

I pull Jool aside while Jack converses with Natrwoa.

"We're supposed to head over to the Bracas...not that i mind being here." I whisper.

"Can we wait?" Jool asks. "I'd like to see Rygel one more time."

"Absolutely!" I blow her a kiss.

"...Thank you, madam ambassador!"

Natrwoa. "Cowboy? Yes, he's here!"

Jool and I sit down again

"I'll talk to you soon Cowboy and thank you Jool!"

And the screen went black.

About ten microns later Rygel called Natrwoa, and we talked to him until almost 1100 hours, although it was mostly Jool.

Rygel talked to me as well, but it was mostly about Jack and Rob. He could not believe Bobby had become an Admiral! He also told me some other interesting things about Rob as a boy, things that may prove useful to me. Heheheheheh!

I promised him I would bring Jool to Hyneria as soon as I could get away.

Jool checks with the temple infirmary and the tests are not back.

It's about noon, and I figure we should head back to Fa3. Hand in hand we walk back to the plane.

Roz is glad to see us, even though she saw nothing she heard pulse rifle fire about a mile away from the pad.

I had Roz call control for clearance, which was immediately granted. Roz asks for help getting to our destination.

"Do you need a tow or guide?"

"Yes, but something faster than the last one we had!"

"Sorry, nothing available, stand by!"

"We have someone at your position that can guide you to your landing point."

Roz looks outside through the cameras. It's female Peacekeeper.

Some female Peacekeeper, It's Lieutenant Braca!

I tell Roz. "Drop the ramp and I'll meet her outside."

Lieutenant Braca is coming up the steps to the pad as I clear the ramp. She greets me with a smile and can't wait to get in the plane. I sensed a moment of jealousy when she met Jool, which I immediately doused by having her sit in the second seat while Jool pilots the plane.

We lift off the pad using my E without incident and head around the larger city where command is located. As usual low speed is tough for Fa3, but Roz has the big plane trimmed out and it's not a handful for Jool to fly. Her sleep training is working!

I knew the complex was big, but oh no, it's a huge goth looking metro area, a combination of New York and Chicago both, before the Sauuris flattened most of them. And it's goth to the max! Huge antennae, spires, radar nets, it's got it all.

203

Lt. Braca guides Jool and Roz around the cities western edge. Unlike old earth cities there are no suburbs full of tract housing and strip malls. Only rolling plains with shrubbery and small trees stretch off into a low mountain range about one hundred miles away. I do note there are spots where farming land is tilled and something is being grown in rows. About fifty miles out, Lt Braca has Jool, and Roz turn to port and we follow the western edge of "goth world" as I now call it, another 50 miles and turn to port again. For whatever reason, Fa3 was flown around the entire city. Just short of another port turn, Brie shows us where we're to land. I suggest to Jool she make a circle to starboard and eat off some altitude, and Roz helps her bring it around. I see that Lt. Braca is gently holding the stick. I touch base with Roz and everything's ok. So, I tell her she's the best

It's a choppy bumpy circle but Roz keeps things sorted and drops Fa3 to around five hundred feet. I have them partially set the VTOL ducts but help guide Fa3 down nice and straight using E.

The ground is hard packed dirt and pebble rock, so the dusting is minimal and Fa3 sits down

level.

The lower side of the thirty-story building is all large garage doors. When I step out It dawns on me that this is a grass landing strip, and the entire area could be utilized as and airport or even a space port.

LT. Braca guides us to one of the doors and it opens as we walk across the asphalt paved strip of tarmac. As the door opens there are about a half dozen individuals milling about looking over the spacer.

The disc spacer has been turned around so that the Hetch modules' exhaust is facing outside. There are two techs inspecting the fuel cells and two more looking at the modules. Thier access plates are off and there's conversation about what to do next.

The entrance hatch ramp is open on top, and an electrical cord has been run inside, probably to provide lighting.

The three of us walk up to the spacer and Ther-es-on greets several of the individuals by name, and they return the greeting without using her rank. Even the techs call her Ther-es or Ther-e.

And of course, everyone wants to hear about the plane ride. They point at the plane and are quite excited. Ther-es asks Jool to come over and everyone introduces themselves.

Apparently Braca is inside the disc. So, I climb up the ladder onto the and down into the disc.

Braca and a tech or scientists are discussing the power cell installation. Braca greets me with a smile and a firm grip. His eyes can hardly contain his excitement. The tech introduces himself as Relsine. He's from the museum and has been working on the disc for almost five cycles. He's excited as well for the possibilities.

The first thing I ask is why they haven't hooked up the electrical system to an outside source.

Wide eyed, they ask how, so I look in the onboard storage compartments and along with tools, literature, and other miscellaneous items, I find a auxiliary power cord. The outer shield is a bit stiff but it's functional.

I find the electrical receptacle jack on the outside on the spacer for the female plug but wall outlets aren't the same.

204

Two of the techs break away from the engines and quickly build an adapter. After confirming voltage, I plug it in. Someone shouts from the inside, and we have internal lighting!

Soon after, I am checking the nav point indication board. I explain to Braca and Relsine that the spacer isn't a time jump ship but the nav point computer still functions as a basic guidance tool for flying through the galaxy. I have Roz read off the nav point for Tavian 3, which I type on the abbreviated keyboard, and it pops up.

"Are these nav points too?" Braca asks as he hands me a Vieren' notebook.

Sure enough, the book is full of nav points, with notes on times and dates. A couple are marked, and several have a line through them but are still readable. There are two interesting nav points together that are marked as a "storage site." I ask if I can borrow it to check the points with the star charts at the temple and it is ok'd.

All gauges are in working order and only a couple of interior bulbs have failed. Resline finds a box with spare bulbs and soon the appropriate lights are functioning again.

Next everyone inside tests the new storage cells. Built to my suggested specifications, they are easily hooked in and a current test is satisfactory.

With basic electrical restored, I head up and out the hatch. Jool meets me at the bottom and playfully shoves part of a BBQ Tembo sandwich in my mouth, which is delicious.

Mele -On is in conference with IPQ's undersecretary, ironing out final details on the accord. With Jool and the other techs and peacekeepers, including Ther-es, I start pulling apart the top intake plenum on the right side hetch module. Despite its age, the clips are not hard to remove, and the gasket may be reuseable. Soon the top of the manifold off and the reuseable gasket is carefully set aside.

Someone gets Braca and Relsine out of the spacer and they are looking on.

The manifold is filthy inside, likely the result of poor or bad fuel sitting in it. But it's easily cleaned. I also see the modifications and realize the modules have the sme added passages and slats. these further dates the modules and I ramble off useless and informative information on the modules, while everyone looks on.

I remove eight more fasteners from the main manifold body, and it won't pop off like it should. I send Braca inside the spacer to get the toolbox it should have, and where to find it

He brings it out as I apply E to see if i can pop a seam. It's starts to loosen but won't release.

Someone asks how I know about the modules construction and I answer, telling them I've taken the ones on Fa3 apart three or four times, and all the modules are built in a similar fashion for ease of maintenance,except the modules on fa3 have two manifolds per module.

205

Jool looks somewhat bored, so I ask if she'd mind running these nav points with Roz and she's thrilled. The techs and what I find out later are junior cadets are several classes behind. Ther-es-On asks if they can at least look at the outside. I agree and Braca tells the security team that the cadets cannot touch anything!

Using a little E, and one of the tools in the kit, I am finally able to pop the upper manifold off without damage. Good thing too...there was a pile of guck in there that surely would've caused an issue on start up. We remove the mess, wipe everything down with cleaner and put everything back. All the ports are open and plenums spotless. I also check the turbine bearing play and vanes for damage and fuel corrosion.

We repeat the same procedure with the other module.

I check lubricant levels and whomever stored the ship took great care to ensure everything was perfect and ready to go...thousands of years after it was stored.

The fuel system is pressurized and is also leak free. So, the decision is made to fill up the tanks with one thousand units of fuel, enough for a few arns of run time.

I get back in the interior and double check all the gauges. Braca and Resline decide it's worth a try to see if the modules will fire.

The the spacer is rolled out on its homemade roller dolly. No one knows how to get the landing skids down!

It's a pretty complex system for such a simple vehicle. The skids come down sideways and extend slightly. It's like the outboard pontoons on an old PBY Catalina. (Showing my age).

I guess they wanted something tough in case junior or missy had a few hard touchdowns.

Everybody decides to eat, so I head back into the interior and check a few more things out.

Jool returns a few minutes later and wants me to eat. Roz is running the nav points and trying to compare them to the star charts she has on file. Everyone seems busy and very excited.

"Do you really think this vehicle will fly?" Jool asks

"If all the systems are functioning well, yes!"

"I mean it is pretty old, right?"

"Of course, Jool, but I've seen older ones fly!" "The ones that were built from parts on Mars after the Sauuri incursion were thousands of cycles older. The spacers we dug out of the ice in Europa were older still and not as well preserved!" "I'm optimistic at this point!"

"I still need you to eat, sweetheart."

"I will and I love how you say that!"

" Say what? "She looks at me quizzically

"Sweetheart."

"Ok, you're welcome!"

"I'll be back with a plate of food for us to share. "and she giggles and gives me a delicious kiss.

I'm the luckiest guy I know. My alien lady soul mate speaks English!

The spacer is so quiet, it's easy to deflect the outside world and daydream. And for a moment I can do that.

206

And I see them, the Vierin'. A family of 4 individuals, including some kind of small animal that's a pet...like a cat, sitting in thier g-shock chairs. The eldest daughter is driving, an older male sits at the co-pilot navigator seat. he's pointing at the nav board. He has a space militia/reserve uniform shirt on. The parents, older with lighter shock top hair, sit in two of the three back seats. The father...hes holding the nav notebook and studying it. The mother is holdng the family pet and stroking it. She's quite nervous.

Their faces...that's a clue. There's a look of determination, but also worry, in thier eyes. Before I can see more, Jool reenters the spacer balancing two large shallow bowls filled with food.

The vision disappears.

"I know we shouldn't eat in here, but it's quiet and I want some alone time with my soul nate...that's the Terran term, right?" She hands me a bowl with more food than I could eat in it.

"Soul mate, yes." I smile. "Thats very good Jool!" I look at the bowl stacked high with greens, cheese slices, vegitable sticks and a BBQ tembo sandwich in the center.

"I brought you more than I know you can eat. Please, eat what you can." When I talked to Roz and told her you were 85 kilos, she was quite shocked." " I guess we were all to busy trying to get other things done to notice."

I think , Roz never said a word to me about it... too busy teaching Jool, or well, she wouldn't say unless my vitals started messing up.

"My women are going to fatten me up!" Then I smiled and took a bite of the sandwich.

"Yes, but in all the right places!" Jool says with a giggle.

"You need something to drink Cowboy!" I'll be right back." and she diappeared before I could finish my bite.

The sandwhich is quite good and the sauce is sweet, yet with a subtle burn at the end. I take two more bites and then start on some veggies.

Everything's...delicious!

Jool must have ran to the plane and back. she arrives a bit breathless, with two big jugs of water. I find a flat area next to the seat, and sit my plate down and take the jug, thanking Jool and giving her a kiss.

After a good drink, Jool asks me what I was thinking about. So I explain that I sometimes see visions of Vierin', like the star charts in the temple, and the one I just have now.

Rather than dismiss it, Jool isn't surprised. She figures with my E and my augments, these visions would not be unusual, and encourages me to share them so we can discuss them.

"Do you think they might have been fleeing the Robot ships?" She asks

"I can't answer that, I don't have enough information." But it might be possible, or the family was out exploring." "These spacers run at 13 hetch and have plenty of fuel capacity for moderate length trips."

"13 hetch, thats impressive!" Jool exclaims.

207

I eat my last bite of the sandwich, Jool offers me half of hers. I hold up my hands.

"This one here Jool, might be faster." I eat some more veggies, and I'm quite full.

I have to assure Jool I've had enough, and she takes the bowls and prepares to leave. Before going, we check for crumbs and all is well.

Jool leaves the waters and I take another drink from mine. For a couple of minutes I have solitude.

"Cowboy?" It's Roz via com.

"Yeah babe, whats going on?"

"I'm running these nav points by the charts...and there's some interesting ones in Scarran space, based on our little robot blasting mission the other day!"

"Robot blasting...RRaaahhhhzzzz!"

Roz laughs. "Yes, you badazz man...but listen, theres a base, a big one somewhere in the Kae'tt'ona region. It's a planetoid, and it's listed as a major repair base." she gets a bit more excited. "What is now the Scarran Imperium was populated by the Vierin' about forty thousand cycles ago!"

"Ok, that explains the modules and other devices Emperor Staleek states that they found in their system, among other things."

"Yes it does, but I'm telling you, this base, named Katrallian Two is a big deal."

"Katrallian two?" I ask. "Is there a Katrallian One?"

Yes there is...and I've been in touch with Peacekeeper control...um you're not going to believe this, Cowboy, but I believe that Katrallian Two is the largest planet in the main Imperium!"

"I'd believe it...and it's probably not coincedental."

"Ok babe, I'll keep working on this on my end."

"Do you think asking Peacekeeper control about these nave points is a security issue?"

"For our benefit, I need to know where things are at, and my Charts are somewhat limited." "So as a diplomatic assistant, I asked them for a listing of Peacekeeper nav points and started comparing them." When I fixed the number sequence, boom! I got a Vierin' number!"

Jool slides into the seat next to me.

"Were there any duplicates Roz". I ask

"No, there simply isn't a lot of points out here!"

"Hey Roz!"

"Hey sister Jool!" I'm discussing those nav points with Cowboy." This is some interesting stuff!"

"What did you find Sweetie!"

"A bunch of points in Scarran space!" "Like Two bases called Katrallian One and Two!"

"Interesting!" Jool says quietly "I heard that the Scarrans had a secret base called Katratski someplace out there."

"How did you hear that?" I asked

"I heard some Peacekeeper officers talking about it. It was a big deal before the war 26 cycles ago." "They were sure Sardosh was taken there and intrerogated before being brought here to Tavian 3."

"I hate to ask anyone and arouse suspicion ladies, and this may not be the place to talk more about it!"

Jool nods.

"T-4 Cowboy" "I will try to work with the tower so we have updated nav points."

"T-4 Roz, love ya babe!"

"Love you too Cowboy!" "Love you too sister Jool"

"Love you sister Roz!"

I think to myself...good lord now they're sisters? I'm so frelled.

Roz pages Jool and asks how I'm eating. And Jool gets up and leaves the spacer before I can comment. Phooey!

So I decide to leave my comfy chair.

208

When I exit the spacer, Braca, Resline and a couple other techs are discussing how to proceed.

I'm asked for my opinion and I suggest a preflight which is all but done and se if the old modules will start.

And that's what happens next.

Ther-es is asked to do the start sequence and Jool agrees to assist her. I let Jool know telepathicaly that I need to stay outside and monitor the modules when they fire.

"Are you sure they will?" she asks.

"Fuel and spark, boom!" I say with a laugh

"The boom, that is what worries me!" I assure her I've checked everything.

A fuel pressure check, primed to psi and hit flip the switches.

The first start up doesn't happen. Corrosion on the storage cell terminals causes a poor connection and sparks in the cabin. No fire, but the ladies are nervous. The terminals are recleaned and installed.

The second time is successful After thirty plus thousand cycles of deep storage, both modules fire with a healthy Baawoomph! Blue flame indeed!

And they are healthy modules indeed! The flame plume is almost perfect and I have Ther-es adjust the idle mix on the right side (no auto adjust) and both are smooth. No bearing howls and no oil in the exhaust.

Charging system is working and after charging, the directional jets are doing what they should, even moving the roller cart around!

I get under the spacer and check the VTOL ducts, One is stuck but easily knocked loose. I get a shower of dried carbon dust for my trouble.

With the cadets and everyone holding on, I ask Ther-es through Jool to open the ducts about 20 percent. The spacer lifts about a foot from the dolly and hovers and the helpers get a bit dusted so we settle it back on the dolly.

No everyone is real excited. Braca climbs in and replaces Jool. A com check is completed and the dolly is rolled out further on the tarmac.

"They're going to try and fly it, aren't they!" Jool yells over the noise.

I shrug. "It's their toy!" I yell back.

Sure enough, and aparently with Braca at the controls. Ther-es climbs out, shuts the access hatch and folds in the ladder.

Moon dream rises off the dolly and up to about 100 feet off the tarmac. It hovers for about ten seconds, then with the modules increasing in power it slowly accelerates away.

I'm told the control configuration is similar to a Prowler, so why not.

It's about a minute later when Moon Dreams comes screaming by, I guess just under hetch 1. So it's a blowby, so you don't see much.

209

Resline runs over and grabs my shoulder. He is flushed with excitement! a set of headphones in his hand.

"Comandant Braca says it flys like a dream" he cries! "It's, it's incredible!" He's practically shaking.

"Way to go babe!" Jool grabs my arm. And we kiss, a really wonderful kiss.

"I really didn't do anything this time. Not a dam thing!

"Roz!" I shout on the com, "What do you think?"

"Are you flying it Cowboy?" she asks.

Silly Roz! "No sweetheart" "The Bracas' are flying her."

"i'd have to yell at you if you were!" Roz says.

The next pass is from the opposite direction. The spacer is being escorted by a flight of prowlers. Again another pass at under a Hetch.

"Cowboy!" It's Relsine, in the process of trying to get his headset off. "It's Braca, he wants to speak to you!"

"Hello Braca this is Cowboy, what's up?"

"Whats...? Yes, yes, This craft is incredible! It is so fast I can hardly hold it still! I could easily out run our Prowlers.

"Yes it should as long as you don't run out of fuel!"I respond.

"Well, I took the liberty of having the techs fill both tanks." He says. I can feel him smile through the phones.

"Cowboy, would mind joining us for a drive off world please?" Madam Chairwoman is with us and would like you to help with the escort."

"On my way, Braca!" I look at Jool and she smiles and nods.

That sly fox, he snuck his wife on board! Did I miss something?

We jog across the tarmac where Roz is getting a quick pre flight in. Within minutes Fa3 is air borne and heading into space, with the spacer and Prowler escort.

Shortly after, Fa3 clears the screen of vessels guarding the Tavian 3 and head out of the planetary group. Moon Dreams immediatly outpaces the Prowlers at 13 hetch and I'm following on starboard wing.

"Braca this is Cowboy, got your ears on?"

"Uh yes my ears, my ears are...uh... on?"

I hear Jool gasp and Roz laugh!

"Sorry sir, Terran jargon" "I'm gonna slide across and make sure your modules are not overheating, do you hear any howling or roaring noise out of the ordinary?"

"I do not Cowboy!"

I slide around from starboard to port and observe the exhaust color.

"Very good Braca, modules are running with good exhaust color."

"Aknowledged!" "Is our speed, aproximately 13 hetch"

"Yes, I would limit your speed to around 13 until we do a complete inspection and perhaps a lubricant change."

"Very good, turning to hamman and returning to base." And we start a very slow starboard turn and head back toward Tavian 3.

Cowboy, madam Chairwoman has asked if you would provide a flyby for her, knowing that you aren't supposed to demonstrate you unique abilities!"

Jool says almost sedutively, "I've got a suit on sweetheart, Cowboy up?"

"Cowboy up!" Roz yells "HELL YEAH!"

"Cowboy up, hang on ladies!" And I notch the throttle to Hetch 22 and slap the stick.

210

After a quick display of speed and agility, I point Fa3 to Tavian 3, through the screen of warships, and back to our pad by the temple.

As I lower Fa3 gently on to the tarmac, I have that bad feeling again, that we're being watched. Jool has removed and stored her pressure suit and is in the head, and Roz is getting some heat readings but they're all over the grounds.

Just to be sure I have Roz call Braca, who will send a security team to the ship.

"Roz, I got a silly question. Do we have any cans of paint on inventory?"

"Let me check, meanwhile try the bottom right cabinet in the small arms module!"

I head to the cabinet and open it and start digging in the bottom right corner.

"Is there any?" Roz asks

"Hang on, there's a can...!"

"Spray paint?" she asks

"Nope its a..a can of zinc chromate brush paint!" I pull it out. It's been opened but it's still good.

"Cowboy there's someone under the plane, by the rear ramp!"

"Call Braca again!" I yell, "Jool! Jool! We have got an intruder outside!"

The shower shuts off.

"Where?" She yells.

"It's trying to pry the ramp open, or feeling around the openings, but I...i can't see anything!" Roz cries. "I'm sorry!"

"Roz, it's all good, I'm sure it's that Skreeth thing." We'll get it!"

I open the other end of the arms cabinet and grab Jools shoulder rig. I unholster her pistol and drop the mag. It has hollow points. I grab the mag filled with blue tips from the holder and I snap the full mag in place.

Jool is out and has a towel around her. I check the pistols safety and hand it to her.

"Remember the first rule I taught you Jool?"

"The weapon is always loaded, even if it isn't!"

"Good..and it's loaded with Blue tips, so be extra careful." And I hand it to her barrel down.

"Roz where is it now?"

"Still at the ramp!" she yells

"Keep it calm everyone, it can't get in."

"But we can't get out!" Jool exclaims. Shes got a pair of pants on and is throwing on a shirt.

I grab the can of paint and check my E. I'm primed. I grab a jug of water from the refrigerator and drink about half of it.

Have your weapon and be ready!"

I...I don't know Cowboy!" She stammers.

I walk over and touch her face. "It's ok, to be skeered at fust, soul mate!" "Just do it the way I taught you!" " Fast is slow, slow is smooth, smooth is quick!

"Its..." I kiss her tenderly. she gasps and I smile.

"Be prepared, and ready to act!" I say "And shoot for the head!

"Why?" she asks.

"Because it may be wearing armor. Never assume it isn't!"

"Is it still at the ramp Roz?" Jool inquires.

"Yes!"

"Ok, here's the plan, Roz, you drop the front hatch and ladder, I'm going down and draw it away from the ramp." When I do, Jool, you're gonna come down the ramp and don't hesitate. Shoot when you have a target! I start shaking the can of paint as fast as I I get to the hatch, I ask Roz if the Skreeth is still at the rear of the plane. It is

And I have Roz drop the hatch and ladder. Down the ladder I slide!

I hit the ground with a groan and Roz yanks the ladder up and the hatch slams shut.

Now it's just me, and the Skreeth. One of us is not leaving alive!

211

I can't see the Skreeth, but it's heading towards me because Roz can see its image. I t comes around the front landing skid and is on me before I am ready! But it must become visible to be physical.

And she's a strong woman! She strikes me with an open claw and rips my arm open! My repair functions take over and the E jumps up in me, I try to repel her by E but it doesn't work...however it grabs me in a strangle hold and I easily break the hold using E.

So direct engagement doesn't work. The Skreeth disappears but Roz is tracking it. It's trying to circle around me, and I am turning with it.

Then it leaps at me with an inhuman screech, like a hawk, but three times louder! I dodge but it's left claw rips open my side.

Now I'm peeved! It's still in solid form and comes at me again. But this time I'm ready.

I heave the quart can of paint into its chest and follow that with a bolt of E! The quart can explode when it hits the Skreeth's chest and covers the creature with zinc chromate green paint! It tries to disappear and run, but the paint doesn't...so there's this partially paint covered Skreeth speeding about.

I think...it works just like the in the cartoons!

"I can see you!" I yell and point. "No hiding now!

And then she's on me again, trying to grapple with me! I slip on a puddle of paint and down we go! We are rolling around and She's got my neck in a vice grip. I can feel myself starting to black out...

So, I remove my right hand from her neck. This needs to end. Time to fight dirty!

And crook it.

Then with all the E I can muster, drive my index and naughty finger into her left eye.

EWWW!

It's like showing two fingers into a jar of jelled mayo. But it produces the desired results!

The Skreeth screams in pain and releases me, actually it throws me!

I hit the ground on my back but keep my head from striking the tarmac. But my 73 cycle body cracks and crinkles. The E and my augments force me to stagger to my feet.

My shirt is covered with paint, and my blood, and Skreeth blood. I'm dizzy, and I crack my neck and shoulders. The brain augment forces the dizziness out. I'm breathing hard, but the Skreeth...it's having the same issues.

Its eye hole is leaking whitish green goo. With a snarl, it advances towards me, it's claw like appendages up and ready to rip or strangle its target.

ME.

212

Suddenly the ramp drops! Just as it touches Jool is halfway down it and then on the ground.

The Skreeth turns with a snarl as the ramp hits the ground!

Jool is in a perfect stance as the snarling Skreeth turns and sizes her up. But Jool's adrenaline has taken over!

Fast is slow,

Slow is smooth,

Smooth is quick.

Jool fires as I move to my left. The first round hits the Skreeth right in sternum where it should but bounces off.

I yell. "Shoot the head Jool! The head!'

The Skreeth turns toward my voice as I consider ripping the nearby park bench from the ground and dropping it on the green bitch from hell.

Jool fires again. Everything is in slow motion.

From the corner of my left eye, I see the slide recoil and the blue tips' brass cartridge eject.

This time the round enters the Skreeth's head just a couple of inches above and behind the right eye socket.

There wasn't much penetration, but there was enough.

Whitish gunk and blue flame squirt from the entry hole. The Skreeth's head snaps over and back again from the blast's trauma. Its' mouth gasps open but no noise is heard. It crumples to the ground on its right side. But it's still alive.

I look at Jool and smile. She looks at me for just a moment, closes her eyes and a deafening scream starts to come out her mouth!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Then she covers her mouth and stops it, which might be a good thing.

At his moment Scorpius arrives, pulse pistol in hand. I stagger over to the dying Skreeth and Jool and Scorpius meet me.

Jool touches my arm, and I look at her and smile as dumbly as I can. Her eyes show complete horror. She's holstered her pistol and set the safety.

"You're hurt!" "You need attention!" she gasps.

"Yup!"

Scropius bends down and examines the Skreeth, who's starting to writhe as she fights to stay alive.

"This vile creature has a larnaspe, that allows it to communicate with its employer through a third party." Scorpius states unemotionally. "Using that link may determine who that employer is by joining with it!"

"Then let's see who's behind door number three!" I snarl.

213

I drop on one knee and stick the other knee into the Skreeths' chest. It gasps but can't resist. I link telepathically with Jool and Scorpius. Before either can react, I take my right index and naughty finger, and drive both of them through the Skreeth's blown out eye into its brain!

The Skreeth makes a gagging, gurgling sound, as its head raises up. I drive my E through the Skreeth's brain into the link. I hear screaming and someone yelling, then I see through the eyes of the being the link is attached to, looking up at... a Scarran!

But it's not any Scarran, and it's not Emperor Staleek! I am surprised but Scorpius isn't.

It's Vice Minister Zareok!

Jool is freaking out, so I break the connection with her.

Scorpius, however, seems to be trying to get into my brain! No surprise! "Send Zareok a message yourself then, but do it quickly, before the connection is lost!" He growls.

"Zareok!" I begin and I can hear the voice coming out of the mouth of the person the link is on. "You have failed in your attempt, and I can see you perfectly!" "You will not get away with your act of terror, I swear it on my oath...!"

At that moment, Zareok reaches over and removes the link. I send a blast of E through it before he can. While it shouldn't kill whoever was wearing the link, it will leave them incapacitated for several days! And that includes Zareok, who touched the link just as I sent the surge of E!

Everything goes black when the link is lost.

The Skreeth stops shaking and gagging. Its head falls back into the tarmac.

I force myself up to a standing position. Drool is running from the corner of the Skreeths' mouth. It's not breathing.

But Scorpius takes his pulse pistol and fires it twice into the Skreeths' chest.

" Jool killed it!" he says softly, "I simply made sure!"

The security team has arrived and as we stand there looking at the Skreeth's body, Braca shows up.

Jool grabs my arm and I look at her, I try to give her the softest loving eyes I can make.

"You're hurt!" She says softly, yet firmly. You need medical attention, and food!

"Some water would be nice too!" I respond.

"You did everything right Jool!" I whisper telepathically. "Textbook perfect!"

Braca looks at me, the aloofness is gone from his composure as he looks at me.

"Are you ok Cowboy?"

"I've been worse, but uh, my doctor here, (I pat Jools hand in my arm) needs to examine me for serious injury."

Braca smiles and takes a deep breath. "Any ideas who may have sent this Skreeth?"

Scorpius sneers and in a snarling voice says

"Zareok!" Then he hisses "Vice Minister Zareock, as I'd suspected!"

"There will be a challenge to Staleek soon, I'm sure!" Braca states. "This can not go unanswered!"

214

Scorpius waves the security team over.

"Take the body and dispose of it!" And two men grab the feet of the Skreeth, and drag it off.

"Yes, an eye for an eye!" I said. I look at Scorpius and Braca and narrow my eyes.

"Gentlemen...let me know if I can be of service!" Then I look at Jool and pat her hand.

"Lets go!" and I turn and Jool assists me up the ramp. When we get to the top, Roz shuts the ramp.

And I stagger and nearly fall over. But Jool has me.

Without a word, Jool sits me on the bed and pulls off my shirt.

"Roz I'm throwing these clothes away!" Jool states factually.

"You bet Jool, those are ruined! Roz says.

"You're a mess!" she glares at me.

"I love you?" I raise my eyebrows.

Jool places her hands on my shoulders and stares at me. Then her eyes soften.

"You scared the dren out of me, Cowboy!"

"Scared the frell out of me too ! Roz snarls. "Crazy Cowboy!"

"Had to be done ladies!" I mumble. "No regrets... Ouch!"

"You have cracked and/or, severly bruised ribs Jool says. "And you need a good cleaning. You smell horrible. What is that awful stench?"

"Paint solvent"

"It's disgusting." "Can you stand up?" "Good!" and Jool finishes undressing me.

"Not now Cowboy! You'll have to wait!" and she smiles.

"I need water and..."

"Yes, one moment!" and Jool grabs a water jug from the refrigerator.

"Drink "she says.

And then Jool starts to strip...!

"Um, Jool!"

Cowboy look at yourself, your arm is slashed half to shreds, you're covered with bruises and scrapes, and you can barely stand!" She finishes removing her clothes. "I'm not letting you fall in the shower." "Your neck is severely bruised, so I need to check for a crushed larynx!"

"My larynx is fine..." And my brain says, yes, so far.

"Not if it gets too swollen!"

"Now come with me!" she reaches out and grabs my arm. For a moment she's very firm and irritated looking, and then, she melts into my arms.

"I thought you were going to be killed!" she whispered. "Roz and I felt so helpless!"

"Darn right we did, tell him off sister!" Roz says, then she giggles.

"But Jool you weren't. You followed your training, and you did the right thing." "You saved my life." and I kiss her on the forehead.

"And Roz, you did everything tight too! "I exclaim. "We make a great team!"

"He's tryng to butter us up! Roz says happily, but I'll run with it."

"Thank you," I say softly "I love you so much Joolushko!"

215

"I love you too Cowboy!" She carefully squeezes my shoulders, then makes a coughing sound.

"How can you be in so much pain and do that?" she asks

"Your body has a wonderful effect on my body Joolushko'!" I speak. "Now why don't you clean me and dress these nasty gashes." "I don't want to catch a cold and speaking of cold."

"I'm not cold!" Jool says with a smile. and she walks me arm in arm to the shower.

After a very refreshing (ahem) shower, I realize I need to check Roz's food supply and vitals. So, I show Jool what to do and then I head to bed.

Jool's right, I'm sore as hell, and twice as pissed off. Frelling Scarrans!

When she's done taking care of Roz's module, Jool has to deep clean my arms and hands with liquid antiseptic. she wants to stitch them but that ain't happening!

Using my E, I'm able to heal my right shoulder. But Jool ends up bandaging my hands. and one deep gash on my left arm. She makes me sit up because she's worried about my neck.

Once inspections and reports are done, Jool has me sit forward so she can get behind me and rub a liniment oil she got from the infirmary on my back and neck. And all day long she's been watching me. I'm not used to all the attention, but I'm not going to complain.

Braca has also checked in at least twice. He tells me they've found a compatible oil for the spacer module shaft bearings and have changed the oil. I'm told that several of the scientists and techs have immersed themselves in learning the Vierin' language. They've begun to disseminate the build manual for the spacer.

He and Scorpius want to talk to me. I sense Skullduggery...involving the Scarrans!

Lastly, I receive a message from IPQ. A security team is arriving in a week to prepare for the signing of the accord. That should take place shortly after the team arrives.

I need to have a talk with Shiya-nah. This kind of crap can't go unanswered!

Jool runs to the deli in the alley before supper and gets some fresh food for supper. Before leaving she straps on her shoulder rig and puts her maxi coat over it.

I tell her how beautiful she is and get another delicious kiss for my trouble. I convince her to take my creds to spend for food and ask her to buy some flowers for her and Roz to enjoy.

About an arn later, Jool returns with two bags of groceries and a few microns later flowering plants are delivered.

Jool places the plants throughout the ship but mostly in the rear around the head and such. The vases are magnetic, so they stick to walls and floors.

I'm so whupped, but I'm digging the benefits. Happy crew members make a happy plane.

That night, stuffed with food, loved to life, and almost cleared for duty, I fall asleep with Jool next to me, and Roz covering us with her holo blanket.

216

Chapter 13

A Time to prepare

The next morning, I get a wake up from Roz. The spacer and Fa3 are on Peacekeeper news traveling past the city. The footage is slowed so you can actually see us fly by in formation with the prowlers.

Of course, the reporters are acting excited that the ancient space craft has been brought back to life by a "dedicated team of officers and technicians" with no mention of me. Braca and are interviewed, but no mention is made...and despite Roz's and Jool's protestations, I'm happy about it.

After my shower morning, I'm cleared by Jool for light duty. I'm allowed to walk and sit as needed. My wounds have all but healed and she's impressed with my augments and their abilities.

Next, Jool makes me a huge breakfast combining my powdered meals with fresh ingredients and I have to say it's tasty. She cooked a lot for the Eidelons and hunted meat for them with a crossbow until it broke. Roz is singing so I know she's happy and she loves the plants we bought.

I have Roz contact Braca and we arrange to meet at the garage, he also asks Jool to attend but she'd rather not, so I agree to meet alone.

However,... at the designated meeting time, the spacer flies in and lands by Fa3. It lands on its skids like a Prowler should.

Of course, Jool exits Fa3 and is surprised that Braca and Scorpius exit the disc. Both ask us to speak with them, and sensing my anxiety, Jool agrees. I also realize she's got her shoulder rig on.

I'm not taking you anywhere." Braca says once we've entered the spacer. "But we've been in touch with contacts in the imperium and we need your help!"

"Not mine!" Jool says. "You want Cowboy, not me!"

"Hear us out, Jool." Scorpius replies "We need a navigator to assist our pilot, who has very little practical experience in long range navigation." "You're in-plane navigation specialist isn't practical."

"All right then, I will listen." Jool says quietly. But she glares at me for a moment.

"As I mentioned to Cowboy recently, there exists within the Scarran hierarchy, certain individuals who believe the Scarrans were robbed of their glory at Quijaga." The master of drama pauses. "Like the militarists who once polluted our ranks, these Scarrans believe the time is right to regain control and attack us."

"Makes sense." I reply, "Continue Scorpius!" I look at Jool, who says nothing.

217

"Their intent is to wait until the date of the signing of the accord to attack, thus destroying us, and crippling your Quorum as well.

I think to myself. That won't happen. But I nod silently.

"I suspect they underestimate the true strength of the Quorum, because they only see your plane as the vanguard of its strength." Scorpius states. "But none the less, those among them have the will to win." "Also, the lack of Strelitzia plants has caused many of them to de -evolve into a primal, more irrational state!"

"What does this have to do with Jool and myself?" I ask, while looking at both Braca and Scorpius.

"The situation has escalated." Scorpius looks at Jool. "The nuclear warheads that was used to destroy the temple at Arnessk were outlawed by the alliance and the Eidelons brokered their destruction."

"However, three of the devices were carefully hidden by the Scarrans on Katratzi, in case such an occasion might arise to use them." He continues to stare at Jool as he talks.

I consider this veiled coercion, but I keep quiet.

"My source discovered this information recently. "Scorpius continues. "He is certain that they will be attached to rockets to be launched from a ship in the accord signing flotilla."

"I get that." I answer.

"What do you propose, Scorpius?"

Braca clears his throat. "Working with your navigation specialist Roz, we have uncovered the navigation point for Katratzi! The Vierin' have it listed as Katrallian One."

I raise an eyebrow.

"We matched it to the star charts in the temple." Braca continues. Quite a facility in its day!"

Scorpius continues. "We propose to use this craft to infiltrate Scarran space undetected." "The metal covering on this craft can't be read well by Scarran or Peacekeeper scanners. "It shows up as a small piece of debris."

"Interesting." I reply. (I didn't know that!)

Scorpius continues.

"Katratzi's status as a base has been downgraded to almost nothing since John Crichton set off a nuclear device in it twenty-six cycles ago." " However, it was a low yield device, and the radiation is down to an acceptable level."

He takes in a breath. "Braca and I believe a small force of highly trained individuals can enter the outer perimeter near the area where the warheds are stored. Once inside, explosives can be utilized to destroy the warheads, rendering them useless."

"Why not send in commandos, instead of involving Jool and I?" I ask

Braca answers. "This is strictly off the books." "No one but myself and Scorpius know about the warheads." "Imagine the repercussions that might happen if this was revealed!"

Scorpius speaks. "Your powers, Cowboy, would allow us to overpower the few Scarrans and Charrids on the planet and destroy the warheads.

I think about it a moment.

"Get in, get done, and get out." I answer. "I need to consider it at least one solar day!"

Jool touches my hand.

"Jool is under no duty to accept this.!" I state.

She gives my hand a squeeze.

"Unless I decide to." She says quietly. "I know personally, how deadly those devices can be!"

Scorpius looks at Jool. "You'll be in this craft the whole time, and Lieutenant Ther-es-On will be the first pilot."

218

"If Cowboy goes, and I think he might, I will go!" Jool says and she gives my hand another squeeze.

"We need to make preparations first." I reply.

"Precisely!" Scorpius interjects.

"I will require intelligence on Katratzi's layout, terrain, and possible defenses."

"I have limited access to current information, but I will gather as much as I can." Scorpius

I look at both Braca and Scorpius "Based on my intel, the Scarrans are unpredictable except in one area...they are incredibly savage beings who kill with little regard to life, and that Charrids are equally as cruel."

"Thus, I must confer with my elders and will need a quiet place to meditate."

Braca and Scorpius both nod.

"Therefore, I'll be off planet for a few days to recuperate and train."

"We need to do this within the next seven to ten solar days, before your security team arrives." Braca states. Scorpious nods

"I agree!" and I nod my head.

"You have a place off planet for your training?" Braca asks.

The locals in a nearby system sent us to a place called Qwerevlk." "It's an old Peacekeeper complex."

"I know it well." Scorpius says. "Is Mar'arlin still there?"

"Yes, that was his name." I reply. It also makes me nervous, is there anyone Scropius doesn't know?

"Contact us when you arrive." Scorpius again " We will arrange for some training ourselves."

"Okay..."

"There's an area at the base of one of the mountain ranges, that approximates the terrain on Katratzi." "I suggest we train there."

And I agree.

I stick out my hand and ask. "We have an accord then?"

"Indeed!" Scorpius answers, and he and Braca shake my hand.

At that point we exit the disc spacer.

Moments later it's a spec flying off around the city.

I watch it disappear as Roz drops the ramp.

"So sweetheart, I guess we won't be going to the commerce planet?"

I look at her and smile.

"Frell that, we're leaving now!" "But...I need to stop at Arnessk first."

Jool wraps her arms around me and kisses me!

"Roz will be thrilled!"

I tap my com. "Roz, drop the ramp please, contact control, and run preflight."

"Yes, yes and DONE!' Roz says with a laugh. And the ramp lowers.

"Jool, you're in the front seat!" but She's already donning a flight suit.

Minutes later we are heading to Arnessk!

We arrive at Arnessk just as the sun is falling. At Jools request, we fly to and hover over the bomb crater where the Temple used to be. Radiation levels are almost to a level safe enough for thirty microns of time in the hot zone, but it will be another twenty to thirty cycles before the levels would be low enough for humans to visit.

There won't be much worth retrieving anyway. Nothing would have survived the heat of a field restrained nuke. All the rock is melted like lava, Nothing defining a structure is left!

"It was like a wormhole inside that blast zone." I speak somberly.

"We must not let those devices be used again Cowboy!" Jool whispers.

I answer, "Not on my watch sweetheart."

"Cowboy up. Roz whispers"

I say to myself...By my oath, I will do whatever it takes, even if it costs me my life.

We land just beyond a beach near where we landed the first time. It's the perfect spot for me to prepare mentally.

219

Jool and I go for a walk down the beach. We stop several times to share and embrace and kiss very passionately. We've packed food, so we set on some rocks and eat. After watching the ocean waves lapping against the beach and some nearby wall stuctures, Jool asks me a question that has been on her mind for a while.

"Cowboy, did you ever expect things to end up like they did?"

"Not really Jool, how about you?"

"I...I had all but given up hope of getting out of here alive." She pauses and bows her head. " I didn't realize, until I talked with Rygel, that everyone assumed I was dead and worse, no one would come looking for us."

"Well perhaps it was sheer coincidence." "It would have taken many cycles for that signal to reach Qujaga." "The equipment we have on the plane is many times more sensitive than normal." "And Roz, she's an expert on using it!"

Jool leans against me. "Then thank goodness for Roz!"

"She looks at me and kisses my cheek." " And then there's you Cowboy."

"I'm just a cowboy Miss Jool, riding in my space plane." I drawl.

"Well, let me tell something Mr. Cowboy!" She touches my left cheek and turns my head to look into her beautiful green eyes.

"You have done so much more for me than any man I've had feelings for." "You gave yourself completely to me and even without true love, I would've surrendered my heart as well.

I smile." Joolushko, I started falling for you the day you pointed that pulse rifle at me." "Yes, I'll admit that at first there was some lust, it's got to be a guy thing, but your incredible mind...! I take in a breath. "I could only hope, only dream, that somehow you would find something in me you could take hold of and build from."

"Oh Cowboy, I did!" From the moment you stood there facing Braca, and how you took control of the situation and asked to get us to Tavian 3 by a time jump!" I knew you were a man who can take care of himself and yet put others first!"

Jool continued "I could've cared less if you were covered with fur and had three eyes...well maybe three eyes!" (And she giggled). When you had me walk on the other side away from the curb, sleeping against the outer wall...all these little things. You've even let me draw blood and change your diet! "And that cute little bottom of yours! "

We laugh, but I still don't understand the butt thing.

"You know what else I noticed...you even put yourself between Scorpius and me! John would try do that with Aeryn! Scorpius was not afraid of John, and he might not be afraid of you, but he respects your power and your will to use it."

I agree that's true.

Jool exclaims "Look... I know you find all this hard to believe Cowboy! It has only been about a solar month since we've been together." "I know none what has happened had been considered by your bosses or you." I can tell you Cowboy that it is the same for me!" she tries to hold me closer and hug me, but it's awkward because of how we're sitting.

We talk for a long time, and I listen...really good. But there's not much to hear. Jool wants to be with me. I don't need to anything but be me.

How frelling hard can that be?

220

As darkness falls, we head back to Fa3. There are animal noises, and I swear I hear Coyotes howling. Jool tells me it's some kind of small carnivore...so it sure sounds like a Coyote, but what she describes is a Racoon. A howling Racoon, I'll be frelled.

We eat a nice quiet dinner at the old card table I found while Roz sings beautifully in the background.

Then we shower together and make wonderful, passionate love afterwards. I show Jool what she whispered in my ear about. It works awesome for her, and even better for me!

I fall asleep against her back with Roz covering us with her holo.

About 0600, I wake up. For once, Jool is sleeping, but she stirs as soon as I move.

"Hey handsome! she rolls over and we kiss tenderly.

"Good morning beautiful Joolushko!"

"mmmmmmm... oooooohhh Cowboy that was so good last night!

"Yeah, I could tell you liked that." I groan.

"Ohhh, oh honey, are you in pain?" "Cowboy?"

"I actually had a cramp..."

"Oh hezmana, no!" And we laugh!

"Good morning love birds!" Roz says musically.

"Good morning beautiful!" Jool and I say together.

Roz says sternly "I don't know what you two were doing last night but I thought sure you could hear it outside the plane! Lord have mercy!"

"RHHHAAAAZZZZ" I exclaim! She and Jool laugh

"Sorry Roz." Jool says sheepishly

Rox continues "And Cowboy, you were just as bad, and just as noisy!" Are you both ok?"

"We're...well, I'm a bit sore." And Jool agrees.

"Well, you should be, caterwauling like that!"

"Caterwauling? Did you really say that?"

"HELL, YEAH I DID!"

There was a moment of silence.

Then Jool giggles.

Roz giggles.

"Well..." I say in a low voice. Did you ladies enjoy it!

"I sure did!" Jool says quietly. "I love you Roz."

"I love you too girlfriend!" And there's that awkward moment of silence

And then I pass gas...just a little poot.

"I love you both"...ooops"

221

"Oh, FRELL NO, you did NOT Do that!" Jool playfully swats me and runs to the head.

"Wow! Did I do that? OOoohh, I did!

"I'm turning on the vent fans, nasty cowboy!" and Roz does, while she's laughing.

I head for the head. The door is shut so I knock.

"You can't come in here yet!" Jool growls

"I need to go."

"I'm almost done."

"Ok, ok!"

And she finishes and I rush in.

When I come out, the only smell is Jool cooking breakfast, wearing the bed sheet.

Roz and Jool are laughing. I give Jool the "huh?" look.

"I was telling Roz about Rygels gas, honey."

I sniff the skillet, MMMM omelets with meat, veggies and cheese.

"I was telling Roz that Rygels' intestinal gas was ten times worse than yours, and when he gets nervous or frightened, he passes helium. Everyone around him sounds like this!" She makes a nasally sound which is pretty accurate!

"Oh frell no!" I start laughing.

"I pass gas as well Cowboy, but again, Genetics." She smiles. "It rarely smells and if it does, it's a sign of something serious!"

I say, "I'll commit that to memory." but I can't stop thinking of Rygel and his helium farts.

Jool growls "Hate to tell you this Jool, but I think it's those nasty MRE powdered meals that cause his gastrol disgust."

"Distress!" I correct her.

"No, disgust. I've been living with you longer!" Roz says with a laugh.

And Jool and Roz have another laugh fest at my expense.

Jool drops the contents of the skillet on a plate and hands it to me.

"I'm going to eat all of this?"

"You need to eat most of it, as much as you can." Jool says flatly. "I'm fixing another skillet for myself."

"That stuff you drink...Coffee?" it's about ready.

"That stuff is bad for him too, sister Jool."

"It causes me to pee, if I drink too much. I only drink a cup in the morning!" I reply. I t has caffeine. It gives me just a little kick!"

"Please eat sweetheart."

"Ok, it really is tasty." I look at Jool and pat her butt. "Thank you!" Jool smiles and blows me a kiss.

"So, what's our plan for today?" Roz asks.

"I need to do an exercise, Jool so I'll be right out front of the plane, by the beach."

"Exercises?"

"Actually, an exercise. I want to show both of you something. Something I did back on Shay -qul."

Jool smiles as she takes a bite of omelet. "Really? I would like to watch."

"I've seen some of this on Mars," remarks Roz." but I wouldn't mind watching again."

"What I did on Mars was similar, but different, Roz." And I stuff another bite in my mouth.

"After that, we'll head to the commerce planet."

"I am not sure i should yet, but I wonder if we can fly by the memorial at Qujaga?" "I, I think I should see it, just once."

Roz and I will honor her wish.

222

We finish with our morning routine, and I drink my coffee with Storgome, and wash it down with lots of water.

Jool dresses in her leather corset and black pants with boots. She's wearing the vambrances I bought her last time we visited. Her hair appears to have turned a bit more natural red, not the brilliant crimson it was. She tells me she's finally de-stressing after twenty-six cycles, and her age may be another reason.

I dress in my tunic, gray jeans and my walking shoes. I find my audio player and make sure it works. Modern batteries really do last for several years.

Jool's disappointed I did not eat all my breakfast, but I assure her I will after I am done with my exercise.

About an hour later, I feel I can work. I walk down the ramp and place my audio player, so I am in the outer hull cameras field of view, at the halfway point of the fuselage. I am on the bluff, facing the beach. The water is calm with almost no surf.

For about 10 minutes I do warmups. My kicks are slow, but my hands and body motion are good. I stretch my back and crack my neck.

I don't use kicks anyway. That's Kung Fu and Karate stuff. The energy is in the mind. Hands are for drama! Jool is standing about 10 feet to my right, water jug in hand.

I turn and make the prayer to heart sign. My heart is now solid blue and jaw drops and her eyes pop. Then I do the same for Roz.

I find the song on the player, take a breath, and hit play.

The first notes, a wah-wah pedal lick on an electric guitar start my hands in motion.

And the ground and sky come to life!

The ground becomes motion as waves of sand turn into waves of water, and birds made of sand and pebbles flap their wings and soar overhead. As the song kicks into the main riff and chords

Dolphins and other fish made of sand jump out of their sandy waves and cavort.

Two female dancers arise from the beach, one with curly red hair and dressed in leathers, the other a bit taller and curvy with dark hair in long tight coils that go down to her waist. Their faces aren't detailed but you can see their smiling lips and eyes. They start to dance as they rise from the sand, moving their hips and arms to the songs beat.

223

Following the what the vocals are singing, a mountain rises from the sand behind the waves of moving sand and jumping dolphins. My hands are moving too, moving all this and guiding everything like a conductor of a symphony but with graceful and quick movements, almost like jazz hands.

I cut the mountain down, with a hand chop across my body as everything else keeps mountain rises, and is cut down with a hand chop, just like ths first.

I wave my hands to and fro, and an island pops up with palm trees and native huts.

Raising my left hand up, and with the vocals, sand rises up and falls in front of the tropical island.

Children run and play, as Roz and Jool dance and the fish jump through the sandy waves undulating across the beach.

The guitar solo starts. Dust in the air becomes the milky way, then fountains of sand shoot from the round fifty feet in the air and burst, blowing away in the breeze.

Round bars of sand and pebbles turn into coils and bounce while the sand children on the island play ball.

And all the while, the Roz and Jool dance, their sand hair waving to and fro. The dolphins dive, and the waves undulate.

My hands appear to be directing the earth to do my bidding as they wave to and fro while my feet and body move, but my mind is doing the work.

As the last verse starts, A heart rises out of the sand behind the dancers, pulsating like a beating heart.

For 5 long minutes I hold everything in motion, and then I feel my mental strength draining as I burn off energy.

The galaxy overhead disappears, only to reform as a planet, A model of Farscape, made from sand and pebbles, circles the planet and lands, and is absorbed into it. The fountains shoot up into the air, the planet sets into the ground, and as the last licks of the song cry out, the island falls back into the beach, the birds dissipate, the fish disappear into the ground and the waves die away.

The last to go are the dancers made of sand and pebbles. They turn, place their hands on the beating heart, and kiss it. Then it all dissipates back into the beach. The sand swirls until it looks like it did before the music started.

And I stop moving. I turn my head slowly and look at Jool.

Her eyes are soft but wide, and her mouth is partially open. She has a five-mile stare and so I walk over and softly call her name. On the third try, she turns her head and looks at tries to smile, then her eyes roll back into her head. She sighs as her legs give out, and I clumsily catch her before she falls.

"Roz?""Roz?"

RHHAAZZZ?

Roz. "Cowboy!"

Me. "Jools fainted!"

"I think I may have fainted too!" Just a minute!" Woooo!

I half drag, half carry Jool to the ramp and sit her down on it, while craddling her head in my arm.

224

A few moments later Jool regains her senses. She recovers quickly and I'm sure that's genetics.

For a while she says nothing as she regains her facilities.

Was that, for Roz and myself? she nearly whispers.

"I was working with my E, thought I'd try something for exercise."

"Will you promise me something? Please?" Her eyes plead with me.

"They are no promises in life Jool." I suck in a breath. "Tell me what you want me to promise."

"I will!" and she sighed and looked at me with those incredible green eyes, a combination of love and ferocity.

"Never tell me you aren't awesome; please promise me you'll accept a little praise! Just a little?" And she touches my face and cups my cheek. I turn and kiss her fingers.

"What do you think, Cowboy?" She whispers gently "Could you?"

"Well...ok, I will, from you, or Roz." I grin for a moment "But I'm going to need that food I didn't eat! (With a big grin)

Jool smiles and shakes her head.

"If i didn't love you so much...well i do, so there." She gently taps my cheek. Now follow me up the ramp and I'll warm up your plate." And she gets up and I follow her like an obedient puppy.

My reward is I get to watch her move. She's as graceful as a dancer and twice as beautiful.

I wolf down the rest of my breakfast, and drink a quart of water. Jool and Roz gush over my "performance". I'm glad that they enjoyed it, but I know what the issue is and why I couldn't make the T'okanae' Sae'.

I can't find a large enough and pure enough power source. Yup, I need more E. I know the source but need to find it.

We stay on Arnessk about an arn so we can clean up, and then Jool flys to the commerce planet. I son't even know it's name, but it seems to be one large open air market. It's like the largest swap met on old earth, but its open ten arns a day six days a week.

I think of the Mesa Marketplace in Arizona, but this is one hundred times bigger.

There's signage in Sabacean you can read from the air. "If it's made or grown on this end of the galaxy, you'll find it here."

They have a control tower open now, and we're directed where to land.

I'm surprised they allow weapons but it's obvious that everyone is armed. There's also a large Peacekeeper contingent, but all of them are in tunics, not armor. I can tell you that the attitude I sense is buy and sell, and courtesies and coinage, not insults are exchanged. I only sense happiness.

Jool lands Fa3 perfectly with my E, and after getting a short list from Roz on some necessities, we head to the entrance.

I take my diplomat sash, but Jool and I decide to pack. She's got her shoulder rig and I wear mine. My old Ruger nestles into my right side like a dear friend. I also take along my long knife. It's a longer, nasty looking version of a Nepali khukuri. I strap that to my right hip. The weather is temperant but dry, but Jool wears her black maxi coat and I wear a light jacket to hide our firearms.

Theres an entry gate, and there's a small fee you pay to enter, and an extra charge if you're armed. No problem.

225

Right next to it is an exchange, where you can exchange Jewels, precious metals, even Scarran or Peacekeeper credits for whatever you wish to spend

I turn a couple of gold coins and am given a black metal card, designating my cred limit. Jool tells me it's like two million units, which is very high. We could buy a plane full of food.

I also learn the planets name. It's called Raallan.

Jool and I purchase some bags made from a woven fabric so we can pack items in them.

Then we head into the colorful mass of people.

It's sensory overload for sure, a people watching paradise. Most of the booths require some sort of bargaining skills, and some discussions get pretty heated, but no one pulls a weapon.

It's simply part of the process.

We bump, jostle and excuse our way through to a leather boutique, or that's what I'll call it.

Jool purchases several items of clothing and tries a couple on for me. All I can say is wow!

I find a black leather wrist piece with celtic love symbols and a couple blessing a bowl of meal. The season is Luughnasadh, the beginning of harvest and blessing of it. It's not quite the length of a vambrance but about half as long, with a short fringe and ring fasteners. It fits my right arm perfectly, supportive but not too tight.

Jool thinks its beautiful and the curly haired female in the leather etching reminds her of herself. The shop keeper calls it a unity brace and says couples usually buy two.

Jool prefers her vambrances but the shop owner would be happy to engrave the markings on her vambrance, and she agees. So she has my name engraved on hers and I have "Jooloshko" put on mine. I Since it's on of the vambrances I bought for her, she considers it my true love symbol. and she insists on buying mine.

The engraving and alteration process talks about a half arn, and we're encouraged to look around. Of course we have to bargain for the price, but Jool is a master bargainer. He gives her a deal becaus she's bought so much and he throws in the alterations on her outfits.

Down the way, Jool finds a "Shoesmith" who makes custom boots. I buy her two pairs of hip huggers and pair of very comfortable shoes for me. This time, I bargain down the price.

We end up renting a cart to hold our puchases. Then we head to the food court at the center of the market.

It's freakin huge! People are walking about sampling, smelling, haggling! It's a people watching paradise!

And you can buy any kind of food you want. Any kind.

Jool starts grabbing fruits, veggies, and some bread rolls, paying for them as she goes. There's not a lot of haggling as most are fresh grown or baked and likely by the people selling them!

She has me sampling things left and right. After filling a couple of bags, Jool heads to the meats. I ask her how she knows about these things and she tells me she shopped for supplies with Chiana and Noranti a couple of times while being on Moya.

226

She gets several pieces of dried, seasoned meats and fish which will keep at room temprature, and a few bottles of seasoning. She explains most foods are designed to be stored fresh or dried because a refrigeration device like on Fa3 is non existent on most planets.

Jool also buys two tins of crackers and some food bars, which have a chocolate taste.

We head back to the leather goods booth and pick up our merchandise, and then roll the cart back to Fa3. On the way, some Sabaceans ask me if I will sell Jool! I explain we are life mates and my lifemate is not for sale! One gets insistent and I end up putting all of them to sleep.

They collapse in a heap and we keep walking.

"I am never worried when I'm with you, Cowboy!" She grabs my arm tightly. You make me feel comfortable and secure!"

We unload the cart at the ramp and haul everything up into the plane.

There's a vehicle that comes along and picks up the carts, and the driver tells us we can stay overnight, if we pay a fee. Someone will be along before dusk to collect the 'fee" which is quite reasonable.

Jool decides to make a lunch so I help peeling vegitables and the K'evia fruit. The rest of the day is spent just hanging out under Fa3 and chilling. Roz is monitoring the Information channel and Jool and I are just chilling with some ice water filled with fruit slices.

Fa3 is attracting attention though. Folks are going out of their way to check out the plane.

But other than that, every one is cool. Children are playing tag and a game similar to soccer or dancing while adults play music on strange but wonderful sounding instruments. It's a synphony of sight and sound, a mix of medivial faire and world bazzar.

" You are mesmerized by this aren't you Cowboy!" Jool exclaims happily.

"Yeah its uh, terran like, in a bizzare non terran way." I say.

Jool laughs , but later as the adults start to dance a slow tune, I get Jool out of her chair and teach her to slow dance. Our arms wrapped round each other, staring into each others eyes, we slowly turn and sway with the gentle melody. Even Roz has found her voice and sings quietly with the melody.

We dance and sway for several minutes intil the music ends. Then we kiss, and I feel the universe moving through time again.

As dusk sets we go in, and have supper with Roz. I'm hungry, and the food is delicious.

The three of us sit outside as the sun sets, Jool and I in our folding chairs, and Roz sits on the ramp. I'm sucking down water and Jool is having a drink.

I mention. "You know, tomorrow we have to go to Qwerevlk and I have to train with Braca and Scorpious."

"Had to ruin the moment, didn't you!" Roz quips.

Jool smiles. "Well as there is another day like this one coming along, what the heck?" Isn't that how you say it?"

"Yes mam'm, I can see you and me sittting at a dig site, watching the sun set."

"You mean archeological site, correct?"

"Correct."

"Way to cover that one, Cowboy!" Roz says with a laugh.

"To you Roz, with love!" And Jool and I raise our drinking containers.

Later that evening after making long gentle love, Jool and I fall asleep in each others arms.

227

Next morning we wake up about 0700. After the normal routine, I cook breakfast for Jool while she sets her hair. With her new clothes and boots, I can tell she feels better and Roz and make no bone about how beautiful she is. And of course I get hugs and kisses.

I adjust my Leather unity band. I've vowed to myself to never remove it. I can already tell it will steady my aim.

About 0830, we inform security we're leaving. At 0845, we lift off the ground and head for Qwerevlk.

It's a short ride at Hetch twenty two. Jool and Roz work together as well as Roz and I do. I relax in the second chair while they fly and talk about girl stuff.

Geebus weebus they're a good team.

"Ladies, I hate to interrupt, but has anyone seen the nav point journal I got from Braca?"

"Honey it's in the drawers with your office supplies, I think that's what you call them!"

"Ah, thank you sweetie!"

I leave my chair and head to the cubby.

"Punch out in 2 minutes Cowboy."

"I found it, thank you again!"

Ok! Gotta concentrate!" Roz says.

Jool punches back in and time is four seconds on the dot. That'll pass

I immediatly get a call from IPQ.

It's ARC.

"Open or closed line brother!"

"Hey old man!" (Closed line)

"Hey Kid, good to hear your voice!"

"Yeah thanks, why are you being so nice to me?"

"I can't be nice to you? Ok jack nut, is that better?"

"Well, I called to let you know Grand...Jack's in the hospital." (FRELLL)

"He's ok and good for another ten or twenty years". "Pause. "That's what they told me!"

We laugh

"Well good, Tell him to get well, How's the war?"

"I'd like to say we're winning." ARC says

"Hang on 'the planes landing."

"Oh, are you landing it?"

"Ah no. Uhhh never mind, I'm here!"

"Ok, humor me old man, are you personally landing the plane?"

"No, Rob!"

228

A long pause.

ARC."Are you going to tell me who is, and are you ok?"

"Sure, I'm ok!"

ARC. "You're dancing with me old man, and I know something you think I don't know!"

Me 'And guess what kid, I know something you don't think I know!"

ARC."Da**! Uncle Jack told you didn't he?"

Me. "I won't tell you if you don't tell me!"

ARC "Fair enough!"

Me "Indeed."

Me. "So if you're not winning..."

ARC "No we're stalemated. We're destroying their ships but the numbers are niether decreasing or increasing. Maybe you can tell me why?"

Me "Do I have a few days to think about it and do some reading?"

ARC "Yes, but try to give me an idea by the time the security team gets there."

Me. "For now, keep building ships! Pops seems to think the missle cruisers are the answer."

ARC "They work great Cowboy, when the loaders work. We got QC problems!"

Me "Ok, well let me think about it and get with you ASAP."

ARC "Cool! What's your plans?"

Me "I'm gonna violate a few more protocols, and sieze my destiny."

ARC rolls his eyes, then he points at me.

"Last warning...do not, I repeat do not get yourself killed. You'll break Grandpa Jacks heart! His face sours. I say nothing but nod agreement.

ARC. "I need him Cowboy, and so do you." He frowns. "Be damm careful, old man."

"Qx Arc welder, go burn some robots!"

"Qx, later. And the screen goes blank."

"What the frell was that about!" Roz exclaims!

"Just me and ARC having a chat."

"Much ado about nothing!" Roz quips.

"That was Johns Nephew?" Jool asks

"Cousin, technically speaking."

"How old is he?"

"He'll be 39 cycles this year, Jool."

"Isn't that rather young?"

I respond. "No, Top of his class at the academy, warrior instinct, master strategist, and knows how to get the best out of those in his command. And he's fearless under fire!"

Roz breaks up the conversation. "That small Vierin' space craft is on the tarmac with us. No one is around." Roz observes.

Me "Lets head to the office and see what's going on."

229

Jool has her maxi jacket on and I grab mine. We're both wearing our shoulder rigs.

Off to the office we head.

I open the door to the office, and Scorpius and Braca are inside, talking with Mar'arlin.

They greet us and Mar'arlin asks us if we want to get closer to the scenario area. It's about a 5-mile hike.

Jool says she's good for the walk and I need to test my limits.

Mar'arlin laves the room and Scorpius tells me he was able to get some good intel from his "source". He also lets me know Katratzi has a thin atomospher and we will be landing on the surface. He offers us peacekeeper breathing masks, but I already have those. John and Aeryn left those behind along with space suits, all of which TDF utilizes.

That settled, Braca pulls out a computing device and shows us the target.

"As you can see, the warheads are 15 motras down in this sealed shaft. We're told that the shaft will be unsealed in the next two solar days so the warheads can be removed and mounted on missile units.

The easiest way to get to the shaft is to land here. There are no troops on the surface and use your energy to disolve or whatever you call it, the opening. we can use rocket packs to descend into the tunnel, dispatch any guards, and set explosives to destroy the warheads. We'll then use the jet packs to ascend out of the tunnel and back to the spacer, as you call it.

"It's a nice plan, simple and effective Braca."

Braca raises his eyebrows. "Excellent Cowboy!"

"Now just for the halibut, let's say that things go all wrong. First problem is the place might be crawling with guards...if it was, where would they be?

Scorpius and Braca look at me.

"I don't have a lot of combat experience gentlemen, but I've been trained by the best at similar situations." And first rule is "Trust your intel until the first shot is fired, then adapt and overcome."

Braca clears his throat.

"The second part is, with a low gravity and based on the terrain in these prints, there's not a lot of E on this planet. In space yes, but not underground.

"So, you're saying you would not be able to help?"

"No Scorpius, I'm saying we may have to adapt, have a plan B!"

"There is a ruin site right here, about 85 motras away." Scorpius points to the image. "There is an entrance to the surface here, behind it."

I look at the terrain shot.

I comment. "There's two raised areas here, and you have other depressions here, near the shaft opening. All these areas could be used as defensive cover. We're in a kill zone if the shaft can't be breached.

"Your concerns are noted, Cowboy." Braca and I will be wearing body armor, and I would offer you a device if you wanted it."

"Bring one along and I'll see if it will work."

"Also," Scorpius continues "There is artificial gravity so you can walk on the surface. Surface temperature is about 10-14 c

"That would be approximately fifty degrees in Terran temperature." Jool interjects.

"We'll be using the spacer to get there. Won't that take about a solar day? The interior is pretty cramped and there's no facilities!"

"Yes!" Scorpius answers, "Which is precisely why we will be utilizing a Vigilante. The crew does not know the mission and will not be told until we depart Tavian 3." We will link up with the Vigilante at the drop off point once we complete the mission.

"We will also have a pass code beeper to circumvent the security checkpoint."

"So, all I have to do is help you get in and you and Braca do the rest!"

230

"Precisely!"

"And Jool will assist Lieutenant Braca with the piloting." Braca states.

"I'm still in." Jool answers.

"Very well folks, 0600 tomorrow?" I ask

"Make it 0700, after the sun rises." Braca says.

"Meet us in the building here and be ready to hike in."

"Tomorrow gentlemen, good night!"

Braca and Scorpius nod and Jool and I take our leave.

Once out of earshot, Jool tugs my sleeve.

"You have a bad feeling, don't you Cowboy!"

"A milk run into the middle of Scarran world? No way!" I shake my head

"What do you suggest?" Jool asks "We can't back out!"

"We'll hope for the best but prepare for the worst, sweetheart. "And your job is to have my back, and not let them leave without me!"

"I'll be sure of it!" and Jool pats her side.

We get back inside and secure the plane. Jool makes supper and discusses the plan with Roz while I start prepping for tomorrow.

I set Jool up with a day pack of Rations, a water bladder and canteen. I ask her to take the carbine, and stack two mag pouches on the over strap of the pack. That's four mags with one hundred twenty rounds of blue tip ammo.

I have her put the pack on to be sure it's comfortable and add some food bars and crackers to the pack along with paracord and fifty feet of hemp rope. I also add two detonator packs.

The last item is a personal trauma pack, and Jool grabs some items from the planes' aid kit as well.

I also think she should have a blade, and she slips a six-inch Tanto knife into a slot on her brassier.

At this point we're good!

I set up my gear and weapons, swapping the shoulder rig for a hip holster and moving my Kukuhri knife to the back of my plate carrier. Other than that, the loadout is pretty close, except for six extra mags and I'm carrying 6.8 ammo. Just a water bladder for me.

Jool and I go to bed around twenty hundred hours. I have to admit we're both stressed and restless, and love making isn't on our minds. But Roz senses our anxiety and hums quietly in the background. I stroke Jools back gently and she snuggles with me. Sleep comes shortly after, and then my mind shuts me down as I wrap my arms around her.

231

Roz wakes us up at 0500 and we stagger out of sleep. After greeting Roz, I start some eggs and meat while Jool showers and then we trade. We don't talk much, but we do exchange good morning kisses and Jool is smiling while she finishes cooking what I started.

"Your fingers really worked their magic on me." Jool says quietly. "You sensed my stress and helped relax me." She turns and kisses me. "I should've been a bit more helpful in getting you to sleep."

Jool, you helped me relax when you let me massage you." "Older Terran males tend to enjoy that as much as love making." " I shouldn't generalize, but I do."

"MMmm,I shall keep that in mind...and speaking of mind, mind you eat most of this. "I'll take a portion for myself.

"I made a double batch of powdered eggs... sorry about the mess!" I add apologetically

"Hey lovers, your two compadres are up and around as well."

"Thanks Roz!" I am blessed to have her.

Once we've eaten and I've finished my morning tasks, I help Jool "suit up". Shes wearing a gray Henley over her corset and her new boots with the tops rolled down. I make sure the pack and water bladder are balanced for her and she's comfortable with the carbine sling and how it hangs on her chest. She watches me with a combination of curiosity and wonder.

I have her walk the length of the plane a couple of times and make adjustments. Her legs are lean and muscular from walking on Arnessk, and I believe she'll be ok.

Finally, I pull on my plate carrier, and Jool steps in without being asked, to help. The new flexible "dragon skin" plates are so much lighter and stronger than the old, hardened metal plates that we used to use and have the benefit of being both pulse and bullet resistant. Even the sabot slugs won't completely penetrate! I wished I had two sets so I could give Jool one, but I'll shield her with my E for now.

I sling my carbine and check Jools' rig one more time.

Then Roz lowers the ramp, and we head to the main building.

The morning air is cool and crisp, and as we follow the worn path between the knee-high grasses and wildflowers, I marvel at the beauty of the area, scarred only by the rubble of collapsed buildings and partially standing walls.

The rising sun hints at the heat that will come as the day progresses.

I realize as we approach the "office" that a faded Peacekeeper Eagle still watches over the entrance. At the peak of the facilities, this place would have full of commando trainees marching lockstep, standing in formation, or preparing for exercises.

Scorpius and Braca are sitting at the table with Mar'arlin as we come through the door. Scorpius is looking at the images he showed us last night.

They look up as we walk in and Scorpius is the first to comment.

"That is a lot of gear for a day trip." he smirks. Braca doesn't say a thing, he looks up and nods.

"There's less here than you think." I reply

"Yes, well, we should be getting along if you're ready."

I nod and say "Indeed."

Mar'arlin will be our guide, and the first place he takes us to is a range. Set up on the backstop are various chunks of scrap metal, probably cut from space vessels or heavy vehicles.

There are industrial grade steel tables set up and Braca and Scorpius both place Peacekeeper heavy pulse weapons on them. They aren't the multi barreled design with limited capacity. They also aren't really set up for shoulder firing but have a shovel handle on a "stock" and a pistol grip.

Lots of power for a pulse weapon but no accuracy unless you're on top of your target.

232

Scorpius asks me to try one, and I politely refuse. So, he picks up the weapon, and fires at the closest targets about thirty feet out. These targets would be for pistol, on a Terran range. They're about one Terran foot in diameter.

After about six shots, Scorpius manages to hit one, blasting it to pieces and nick another, sending it spinning. The blaster has quite a kick to it, and I'm almost tempted to try one.

Scorpius drops the weapon on the table and fires his pulse pistol, striking the other targets, doing major damage to the remaining five. Jool and I stand there quietly watching along with Mar'arlin.

Braca's attempt isn't much different. He pretty much misses his six rings, with the pulser, but hits each one pretty solid with his pistol.

Normally I'd be amused by this display of poor marksmanship, but we're going up against Scarrans.

I reach out to Jool telepathically and remind her there's a cross wind and to compensate slightly and roll the rounds into the target.

If the 10-yard course is bad, the 50- and 100-yard course is a disaster. Neither Braca nor Scorpius hit much and when they do it takes several shots and I believe some of it is luck.

Most rounds actually drop a bit, so a lot of compensation is needed.

The other problem is Mar'arlin seems to think this is acceptable. He comments that most combat takes place at 25 feet or less (translation). I almost squinch my face up when I hear that.

Scorpius asks firmly "Are you sure you won't attempt using the weapon, it's certainly better than the ancient pieces you are carrying." I shake my head and tell him no.

Meanwhile Mar'alin is setting up new targets.

Jool is nervous, but I smile at her and send a love message,

"Do it just like I showed you Jool" "Lead, breathe, focus, fire." "Think of the lives we'll save when we pull this mission off!"

Her jaw sets firm and her eyelids narrow. She's going into the zone.

"Cowboy, I hope you understand, we need to make sure we have the fire power needed if things do go wrong!" It's Braca.

"I understand!" I smirk and look at Braca, then Scorpius, then Mar'arlin.

"If I fail, to destroy any target before I run out of ammunition, in my weapon, or hand, I will try your pulse weapons!"

Scorpius nods."Proceed!"

I crack my neck and shoulders, and I go into the zone. I put my hearing protectors in and allow them to adjust. A memory from the past slips into my Psyche'.

233

Now I'm in training with my guys, running a two-gun timed exercise. i hear my instructor, a three tour Iraqi/ Afgan war vet telling me to get ready.

I pull back the charging handle on my AR... blue tips. No problem. I check the paracord I've tied on the lower end of my other carbine magazines. I set the safety then drop the carbine and let the sling hold it chest high.

I face the pistol targets and let my left eye set range. I hear the beeps of the start clock.

The last beep is longest... and when it stops

I draw the Ruger, flicking off the thumb safety as it clears the hip holster.

Seconds later, all twelve targets at roughly ten motras is turned into exploding pieces of debris as the red tips do their job. I have 3 rounds left in the fifteen-round magazine.

But I'm already walking down the table, bring the carbine up to my shoulder.

I drop to a kneeling level and use the table as cover and a left-hand rest. I sight down the fifty-yard range at the five steel targets and left eye locks in instantly.

It takes three blue tips per target, but the result is the same. I blow them apart! The last one takes an off center shot and starts to spin. My left eye and brain touch off a round at the exact moment and it blows of an entire corner! I stand up, turn take two steps and stick my left thumb into the paracord of the magazine in the carbine and hit the release.

The magazine drops out and I slam the red tipped dilled mag into the well and hear it lock. It took me several seconds but I'm out of practice.

The blue tip in the chamber hits the 3-inch piece of plate first. It blows a chunk out of the center but fails to penetrate. The red tip arrives and hits just above the crater.

The Plate explodes like a bomb! Pieces of burning smoking metal fly several yards in all directions! I hear someone curse, probably Mar'alin since I destroyed his targets.

But I'm already blowing the third one to pieces with one round.

Two seconds later, all the targets are reduced to flying pieces of glowing steel. I even reshoot the last one I knocked the corner out of, utterly destroying it.

It was then I realized I'd forgotten to bring my suppressor.

"Ooops!"

I clear the carbine and then put a new magazine in the pistol as I walk back to the line. I can hear my instructor squawking about my slow magazine change. then the memory fades.

I stop in front of Scorpius and Braca, for a moment and observe their faces. Despite Scorpius's attempt to hide it, both men are completely cowed.

Mar'arlin is the only one to say anything.

234

"Executed like a true Peacekeeper yeah, good show!"

"Jool would like her chance." I tell him.

"I'll reset some targets, once I snuff out the fires." And he smiles and strides off.

I spend the next half hour stomping and spraying the smoldering grass with the three men while Jool sits on a table and waits.

Eventually, we get everything set up, and while Mar'arlin finishes setting up targets, I give Jool some last-minute advice.

I suggest to her not to worry about going quickly but hit the targets. She asks about the magazine change and I tell her to just let the magazines drop (for now) and worry more about changing out. The best thing is to count rounds as you shoot, and change magazines when you feel it's close, but don't worry about locking the bolt back on the last round if you miss count.

"Just go out and have fun!" I tell her. "Hitting the targets is your only priority!"

I also remind her that it will take two or three rounds to punch through the heavy steel plates at the end and to move to the next target as soon as she sees that happen.

So once things are in place, I have Jool run the drill.

Jool strategizes well. Without prompting, she shoots the first four targets with the carbine and then the last eight with her pistol. the blue tips do their job, and she holsters her pistol and grabs her carbine. The next five targets are blasted to bits and she swaps mags as a precaution, dropping the mag and reloading on the fly.

She hits the next five heavy targets, shooting through the first three, then Mar'arlin stops her, because as far as he's concerned, she's qualified.

Jool immediately clears the carbine and walks back and stands next to me.

"You're a good shooter my love!" I send her telepathically.

"I have a good teacher, she sends back...in more ways than one." And she gently pats my butt!

Scorpi (oops) and Braca say nothing.

Mar'arlin then explains our hike up to the scenario area and the terrain we'll encounter.

He's also had helpers setting up targets in the tunnel area to practice with made of pressboard (translation). I ask to use practice ammunition instead of our exploders and they give me about 20 microns to exchange. So Jool and I quick time back to Fa3 and I do a mag flip, exchanging exploders for regular full metal jacket rounds.

We give Roz our love, use the head and jog back to the others, who were about to leave.

The morning coolness has given way to a hotter mid-morning sun. Scorpius is starting to feel the effects of the yellow giant overhead. It's another humid June day on the Oklahoma plains to me.

We make our way up the trail, walking slowly until we get into the shadow of the nearby mountains. A little over an arn later, we reach a "rock garden" where large boulders will all but reduce our progress to a crawl.

Mar'arlin shows us a narrow path through the rocks. It makes the rest of the hike swiftly pass.

As she expected, Jool is unfazed by the hike. Spending 26 cycles on Arnessk exploring the planet away from the blast site has conditioned her for the terrain.

235

I am breathy but doing well. Braca seems to be taking it the worst, and Scorpius is likely burning up his cooling rods keeping up with Mar'arlin, who's basically a large two-legged mountain goat.

It's his playground.

We take a break for water and Jool peels off her pack. She's hardly winded, just hungry and so am I. I catch my breath and look down where I can see Fa3 easily from this vantage point.

Just a half arn left, mates! Mar'arlin exclaims. "All right, pick it up then!"

As get ready to go, Mar'arlin points at Jool.

"Aye there Jool, up at point if you please!" And he waves her up. Then he waves at me.

"You there, crack shot, cover the rear!" He exclaims again. Good lad!"

"He's an old trainer from back when the Peacekeepers trained here. He came back here when the planet was decommissioned." Scorpius informs me.

"It's his playground for sure, Scorpius."

"Indeed!" He knows the mountains and trails as well as he knows himself." Scorpius remarks. "I came here many times as a younger man, trying to rid myself of this cooling suit." Scorpius shrugs

"Ah, but no luck."

"This is still one of my favorite places to visit."

I simply nod. The sun is coming over the mountain and the heat is picking up.

"You'll find the caves a bit cooler than the outside." Scorpius pants. "Not much longer now!"

Sure enough, we arrive at the cave entrance as the sun peeks over the mountain.

The cool but somewhat stale air beckons us inside.

Here the rock garden has given away to a pock marked and rough version of limestone or coquina. It appears similar to the surface of Katratzi. Mar'arlin and Jool are waiting for us, and Jool hurries over to check on me. Satisfied I'm ok, she checks on the others.

Again, Braca is the worst off. Apparently, the years in service haven't been good to him. But he's a consummate Peacekeeper and will keep moving until he drops.

"Now that we're all in here, Mar'arlin starts. "I've decided you shouldn't be shooting anything in the caves, so we don't scare the Loa'an or possible Skiva." "The main thing is to get comfortable with the surface.". He pauses. "Any questions?" He flips a switch, and the cave becomes dimly lit.

"Right!" Let's be off then! Scorpius, if you please!" and Ma'arlin waves Scorpius forward.

We spend the next three arns hiking through the cave system. I see no Skiva but a few Loa'an, which are simply large bats. Mar'alin tells me they eat fruit, berries, and insects, and are no bother to us. We keep our distance, and they barely stir as we pass by.

I'm surprised to observe there are no stalagmites or stalactites, just a crater white floor with and dark rock walls and ceilings.

I let Jool pass me and take up rear guard.

236

We walk about the cave formation for about three arns, then stop to eat. Scorpius , Braca and Mar'arlin sit together and Jool and I sit across from them. It's pretty much small talk until

Braca brings up the spacer.

He asks me to explain to Mar'arlin the Vierin' and a brief history of the race. So, I speak about a half arn on their history, the robots, and time/space travel.

Mar'arlin is considerate and listens, but when I talk specifically about Braca's spacer, he gets very excited."Round disc craft, you say?"

"Yes sir."

"Oye yah, I've seen something like that, maybe two or three, about a solar day's ride from here!"

Everyone perks up. Scorpius asks precisely where they are.

Oye, you haven't hiked there! Mar'arlin states. The sites in a box canyon, solar days ride, and the entrance is solid brush!" "Take you a day minimum, aye to cut through that mess." He pauses.

But I seen em good after I got here Thirty-three cycles ago! Brush fire cleared the canyon and poof! Right there, yeah, fire didn't burn them, no!"

Right there, yeah. Really spooky, gave me the cracles, it did!"

I explain the size of Bracas craft, Mar'arlin interrupts.

"No crack shot, these three they were twice that big, yeah. Two of them on gear, one tipped over and lots of damage. I didn't get close, you know, the cracles, like I was being watched!"

He promises to draw me a map so I can go, but also offers to drive me there.

Scorpius asks why Mar'arlin never brought it up before. Mar'arlin shrugs and says he never thought about it. He thought it was an old training exercise.

Scorpius states that it will be dark soon, and we should head back.

So we head out and arrive about two arns later, just before sunset.

We agree to hike back up tomorrow, despite Bracas' obvious difficulty.

However, Scorpius asks me to attend another planning session tonight after dinner. We'll meet in the range office.

On the back to Fa3, Jool admits her feet are sore because her boots haven't broken in yet. I offer to massage her feet and she agrees, if she can massage mine.

We get back and I pull all the weapons out for a quick clean and Jool and I make sandwiches for the evening.

Jool and Roz make sure I'm well fed, and Jool gets a foot massage that darn near puts her to sleep.

I take a rain check on my massage because I want to know what Scorpius has in mind for me.

So off I head into the setting sun.

237

The door is propped open to the range office, and I slip through the opening without a sound.

I hear low voices talking and wish I had ears that could hear the conversation. Quietly, I follow the conversation to another doorless opening giving way an open room with no ceiling. In the center of what looks like a concrete floor is a fire pit and a crackling fire is going, taking the chill off the night air.

Mar'arlin is doing the talking. I hear the sounds of people drinking, and I smell alcohol.

"...I tell you this, that Cowboy guy, he's a shooter that, Got a real glint in his eye too."

"We have made good use of his abilities so far." says Scorpius. He has been an asset, despite his hesitance to become involved."

"Like your John Crichton?"

"No Mar'arlin, John Crichton was brought here by a cosmic accident."

"But he is still out in Tormented space, yeah?"

"Precisely, but he is not our problem. Commandant Aeryn Sun is!"

I tiptoe back to the entry door like cat, and walk over to the door a bit noisier. As I reach the opening to the fire pit area, the conversation stops. But I hear a couple more words that bother me.

"Cowboy!" Scorpius almost sounds like he's greeting a long lost friend. I smile, walk over to the fire, and take a seat on a rough wooden bench.

"Nice fire!" I say. "Nothing like good campfire and a good story."

Silence for a moment. The Mar'arlin speaks. "And good drink!"

Braca takes a drink then informs me. "We were considering cutting the training short. I have an old injury that needs treatment."

"War injury?"

"Yes, I injured my right knee." Braca replies, "We've had some incidents over the years, small flare ups that needed to be dealt with."

And the more he talks, the longer I probe his mind.

Mind probing, something I'm not good at. But poor Braca, he's an open book.

"I thought you wanted to go over the plans again." "I look at Scorpius, then Braca."

Ma'arlin gets up and stretches.

"Long walk got me sore, yeah." He yawns. "0700 tomorrow." "One more walk."

He looks at me and smiles. "You great marksman Cowboy!" Jool is too!"

I thank him and he waves.

Mar'arlin sniffs his nose, turns and walks off into the shadows. I hear a door close, and my nose says he's left the room.

Scorpius gets up as well. He looks at me and asks me about my exploding rounds. I have to explain that I have two power levels, and plenty of them. That seems to satisfy him and he takes his leave.

That leaves me and Braca. That's too easy.

But I have almost enough info that I can work with.

Then Braca tells me about the P class Vigilante they've modified to accept the spacer for transport. I ask a couple of more questions and he gives me all the information I need.

We're there an arn or so and finally Braca starts putting out the fire. So I take my leave as well.

It's nearly dark and I ask Roz to turn on the landing lights so I can see. OUCH! I'm nearly blinded, but I get up the ramp and into the plane. Roz assures me I wasn't followed and that everyone in the building is either asleep ior laying down.

I am officially the man who knows too much.

238

Jool is asleep when I get back to the plane, so I slip by and go up in the cockpit and have Roz try and reach out to Admiral Coleman.

His assistant answers but says he can call me back. I tell Roz it's priority triple red.

I grab my tablet and head to the back. I check Jool one more time. She has a sleep tape in on the Vierin' language.

I no sooner get to the back of the plane when ARC calls me back. So I set up chair and the card table and put the tablet on.

ARC's face appears instantly, and I'll be hanged. Jack is there too. He looks great.

"Old man, this better be good!" ARC says.

"It is , How are you feeling Jack?"

"Much better son, clean bill of health". I smile.

"Closed line, right?"

"Yeah, code red!" Then he and Jack look at me. "What's triple red?"

"Cowboy?"

"This is serious shyte gentlemen, you might even want to record it." This is an unrealized reality that could be a problem!"

"Ok..." Tell us." ARC says

"I overheard a conversation so I did a probe. Here's what I know."

I tell them what I heard about the Grennij, and about the Kkore.

Then I told them about Scorpius's treachery, and Aeryn Suns role in defeating the Grennij and the Kkore.

Then I tell them about Admiral Tav Josbek, who had Aeryn installed as Commandant...

"WHAT!" Both Jack and Rob exclaim.

"Oh it's gets better boys...pay attention."

"About 2010 on Earth, Mele-on Grayza was tried for collusion and treason and expelled from the Peacekeepers!"

"Son...we flew into this blind." Jack says." Sorry Cowboy!"

"Don't be sorry Jack. It happens when you fly into the unknown, right? Our intel is simply way out of date!" Aeryn went on a trip in Moya in late 2014 Terran to see Rygel the 16th. and stayed almost three months. Shes been practicing something called Yemahl, a belief system of pacifism. I don't have details." Braca seems to dismiss it as a pile of dren."

"Anyway...Mele-on Grayza began assembling factions behind Aeryn's back since her expulsion. In the Terran year of 2015, Mele-On Braca overthrew Aeryn Suns Council with a force of commandos and disillusioned militarists and took back the Peacekeeper Council.

She promoted then Admiral Braca to Commandant."

239

"Disillusioned?"

"I think most of it had to with this Yemahl religious ideal. I need to find out more!"

"I can't give you guys intel on how this happened, but coercion isn't out of the question!"

ARC asks "Geebus weebus son, you got this intel from who?"

"BRACA! I..I probed him!"

ARC Looks shocked

He asks. "You can do that?" "Do the elders approve?"

"The original practitioners used it as a negotiating tool."

"However...I'm not that good, but he was almost too easy. I think it was what they were drinking."

They laugh!

I continue.

"Aeryn barely escaped capture although many of her closest allies did not." Sometime after that, Mele-On started rebuilding the Peacekers into an elite unit of acolytes and commandos.

The commandos handle the dirty work. They actually have acolytes which are armed but wear tunics. They act in more of a policing and security role."

"The bad part is, I don't know where the Eidelons figure in this, if at all! Mele-On consults with them, but they seem to be underused!"

Jack asks if I have any more information on John's location.

"Scorpius told me John and Aeryn were in Tormented space. They're not. He only knows their last reported position. Thats what I got from Braca."

"So Scorpius lied to you?" ARC asks.

I shrug. "It's Scorpius, fifty two pages of information!"

Jack asks "The reports say the Braca's have children?"

Yeah, a daughter about twenty six cycles old, and a son, about twelve or thirteen cycles old.

"The key here, is the daughter." "She and Aeryn's oldest son are the same age within a few weeks."

"What's the coincidence?"

"I'm not sure, all the answers lead to more questions!"

"However Jack, I'd bet my life on it, that Ther-es-On and D'argo are the keys!"

"And it gets better again!" So I tell them about Scorpius telling Braca that Aeryn Sun is the problem, not John Crichton. "That's what prompted the probing!"

"Why does he think that?"

"Let's hypothesize...Aeryn Sun and Mel-On Braca have two somewhat skewed visions of "peace" "These two women are arch enemies fighting for the same goal!"

"They believe Aeryn's gathering her forces for another attempt at regaining control of the Peacekeepers, but if she and John are unaware about me and the IPQ, that could be a problem!"

"Mele-On will then use our tech to out maneuver and destroy Aeryn and any followers she has."

"We shouldn't sign the accord then!" Jack says

"I disagree, but, perhaps the tech she wants should be ahem delayed."

"Think about this Jack. Our goal should be to arrange a meeting where Mele-On and Aeryn can reach an accord!"

"Don't you think that should happen before something is signed?"

"Yes, I say ... the problem is arranging it!"

"Can you arrange it?"

"That will take timing and persuasion Gents, let me try something."

"Do you think Rygel knows their location?"

"He's a Dominar, a politician, what do you think?"

Rob rolls his eyes. Jack just stares.

240

I shake my head. "I believe, this is skullduggery at its finest and I've been played."

Both men shake their heads. ARC Mumbles "skullduggery?"

"Yeah, the whole thing, the cool car, Vierin' spacer, the dinner, the whole nicey nice thing." Either I'm in a great sim, or I've been played!" Damm! "So if it's a sim...?"

Both men assure me it's not. As a practitioner I know it isn't.

ARC looks at me."Y'know Cowboy I've got an idea."

"And lets talk about it."

He asks "First of all, how does Terra figure into this?"

"Terra? Hmmmmm. Well a couple times they've mistaken the accord or myself as representing Terra only." "I have tried to correct that."

"Besides, Terra doesn't have enough war ships."

"Well old man, here's the deal, we actually have more ships than crews. A whole bunch more ships! It's like World War Two now." "We've outproduced our allies and our former enemy the Sauuri, but not the Robot ships".

"Impressive. ARC, You know that I've read dozens of books on WW2!"

"I thought you were old enough to have fought in it!" ARC quips.

"That was my dad, right after my grandpa invented the wheel!"

ARC laughs and Jack rolls his eyes, and smacks the table.

"I won't give you a number over the comm, ARC continues, Even a private one, but its big, real big!" ARC says.

"Ok a thousand ships would be impressive!" Is my response "Right now both the Scarrans and Peacekeepers couldn't manage a couple of decent flotillas."

Jack asks "Not counting Reavers, right?"

"Capitol ships."

"Jack actually laughs. He laughs!

ARC looks in the camera at me, and he pulls up close."

"I can field a thousand Reavers, including the newest model." They are literally sitting in fields awaiting crews!"

"Then old man, there's the triple Supercharged TS-100, that should roll out very soon!"

My jaw hits the floor.

"What if we used skeleton crews, enough to fly the ships into space as a show of strength?"

ARC. "Ahhhhh, I could possibly arrange that, Pizza delivery with no meat!"

"Ok, Pizza it is!" I smile.

"Yeah, and you know what?"

"What?"

"Chicken Butt!" ARC smiles. "I got a Reaver coming with your name on it." "An armed recon model."

ARC also exclaims. "They've also field modified Reavers with wing racks for extra missiles!" "So you got the wing mounts instead of internal drops!"

"Ok, I need that Reaver, because I'm going on a run here that requires it. And there's another problem."

"Cowboy?" It's Jool."Are you talking to someone?"

"Admiral Coleman, it's private."

"I'm sorry, you were getting loud."

I apologize

"Jool who?" ARC asks.

"Ok, kid, remember the thing you know you know but don't, like the thing I know but don't"

"QX, Cowboy but now I know right?"

"And so I know too."

"We know nothing!" We smile and point at the screen. Jack rolls his eyes.

"I'm sorry dear, I'm almost done." but she doesn't answer.

I check Jool telepathically. She's gone back to sleep.

241

I point at Rob "We're cool!"

"Ok...what's the problem?"

"My plane, I believe I'm about to break it."

"That's why we need to get you a new one, son." Jack deadpans "All the other planes have been retired for stress cracks!"

Frell.

"Let me call you back tomorrow." Rob says "I'll expedite this."

"Use your credit card, pops!" I say with a smile.

"I can tell you", ARC starts typing..."hang on."

Robs eyebrows raise, then he squints at the screen. He looks at me. He squints again!

"I'll be danked," he says. They have a plane for you on the tarmac! TS-100 equipped, four cannon, four outboards, all loaded, and the interior...it's all there. Needs Roz and your armament module."

"Four hours of test flying."

"Yeah...?" is my response

"Dawson flew it himself, says you owe him volume seventy, whatever that is. He owes you for the TS100 idea."

I think...Tennis Dawson...yeah, engineer extraordinaire, build, test, destroy, repeat. Hot rodder, crack shot, personal friend. We're even. I don't know where a volume seventy is.

"He's the CEO now. Rob says, "He's marked it an experimental test bed." No serial, doesn't exist." "I'll be double danked!"

I answer "Yup!"

"I'll send it with the security team, Cowboy." We'll swap Roz and your module and have you out the door in 2 arns. It'll be cool because the security arrival means you're done."

"Ok, there's a place out here, called gray space. I'm gonna check that out. I think it's on the edge."

Right, so...

"That's where John is, and something else."

"Yeah?"

I yawn. "Yeah...the name of who programs these robot ships...and I need some sleep."

Rob says "QX bud, tomorrow?"

"Yup QX"

The screen goes blank.

I take a shower to help relax, then crawl into bed.

"Hey Cowboy, is everything ok?" Jool asks, about half asleep

"Couldn't be better Joolushko." I'll tell you in the morning."

"Mmmmmm I've had 3 hours of good sleep. The sleep tape was very helpful."

"Mmmmhmmmm, Jool...oh my!

Yeah, I've been thinking about you too, mmmmmmmm...and you're nice and fresh and clean

She's practically on top of me, her hair just a big ball of curl.

And she kisses me, and Ohhhh boy.

Many minutes later, Jool is laying half on me like she always does. I'm stroking her hair

"Just so you know, Vierin' has a lot of medical terms that interchange with Interion." So the language will be easy to learn."

"Thats good to know Jool." and it sparks my curiosity.

"Good night Cowboy mmmmmm, and thanks!"

"I love you Jool!"

"I love you too, Cowboy"!

And we're out.

242

0500 comes too early.

I make breakfast while Jool showers and dresses. Then I dress. I drink two cups of coffee.

We're ready to go out the door at six, I'm carrying my sidearm, but I see no reason to take a long gun.

Since we have some time, I sit down with Jool and Roz, and tell them some of what I learned from Braca.

Jool isn't surprised. She reminds me of her distrust of Peacekeepers, and I apologize.

"None is needed Cowboy, it was a learning experience for both of us." "I tried to trust them too."

"We're going to have to be extremely careful ladies." I say. "There's a lot of things in flux right now and until the security team arrives, we're vulnerable!"

"What about the mission to Katratzi?" Roz asks

"It's an issue, no doubt." "But I believe that the nukes exist." "Braca is commited to the mission and believes it to be a nessesity,"

"My problem is Scorpius, he can turn on someone in a moment." "We must be not arrouse suspicion by changing our behavior, but be very cautious."

"Roz, you know the nav point, if somehing goes wrong, we'll reach out to you."

"I'll come like the calvary Cowboy!"

"That's my Roz!"

Jool, I'm still trying to figure out why the Eidelons are still around. They don't seem to be in play!"

"I've noticed that as well." Although Mele-On still seeks their counsel!"

"Well the Eidelons are super pacifists, and this Yemahl, I need to know what that's about."

"We got our work cut out for us," Jool says, "but Cowboy, "But I'm willing to help!"

Jool darling, "We're stuck in the muck like Chuck."

Roz roars with laughter.

"Terran jargon, UUUUGGGHHHHH!" Jool exclaims loudly "My sweet barbarian!"

"I will talk with Mouma Cowboy! Jool says, I'll be careful, but try to determine what the role of the Eidelons are!"

Roz jumps in "Cowboy...the Spacer just left!"

"I've got a Vigilante on the scanner!" "It's out of firing range, and the spacer is heading for it!" She exclaims

"Screen up Roz, prepare to launch!" I bring up my screen and cover Fa3

"I'd say the Vigilante has picked up the spacer...they're heading out of the system!"

Hmmmmm...Jool,come with me to the Range masters office.

Moments later we head down the ramp.

Mar'arlin is waiting for us. He tells us that Braca was called back to Tavian3 on an emergency. Scorpius has gone with him.

Since Mar'arlin is by himself, I decide to play hardball. He won't remember and Scorpius isn't here to check.

I give the old range masters' mind a thorough scanning. I decide to let him sleep. He'll wake up tomorrow and be ok.

Unfortunately, I am not surprised to find he doesn't know a lot more than I do. But I know more about Scorpius, maybe more than John Crichton knew.

And worse...the unscrupulous bastage won't hesitate to use Jool or Roz for leverage, although he's not ready to yet. I've been a team player.

I hate being played!

243

Jool and I head back to Fa3 and I talk to her and Roz about what I find out.

Now Jool is nervous, but not sorry we're together.

We have to stay cool for a week, meanwhile, I have a couple ideas.

The first thing we do is take off. Following Mar'arlins' directions we fly to the spot where he says he found the spacers. My directions from memory are bit off ( it figures) but using the planes sensors we soon get a hit.

And yes, there are three of the larger disc spacers down in a large box canyon. One has crashed or it's landing struts collapsed and the other two are intact.

No energy signal so likely the power cells are drained.

I hover us as close as we dare, so Roz can scan them. i have to say I got a few "cracles" looking down at the abandoned craft. They also appear to be later model ships and I can see the drive generator housings on them as well. I have Roz geo mark the spot and we head off planet.

I consider going to the commerce planet, but even Jool overules that because there are too many Peacekeepers. So we have to go back and complete the mission to Katratzi.

I suggest we go back to Arnessk. Everyone agrees!

The three of us set down about a half arn later.

I have Jool try and contact Rygel by com. It's a long signal, but she gets through. Rygel is unavailible but will call back.

Next I try ARC.

He calls me back a minute later and has good news. My new plane is in transit. Jool, Roz, and I have a conference with him, and finalize our plan.

The next call is Braca. Of course he wants to know if we're on Qwerevlk. I tell him no, and I expect to be back tomorrow.

He tells me that things have changed. The Scarrans are going to start the process of digging out the warheads, and we need to go quickly.

With regrets and trepidation, we head back to Tavian 3

We land at dusk and spend the early evening cleaning our weapons.

Once thats done and we're prepped, so we wait. I do add a few goodies to my rig.

About 1800 hours Jool hears from Rygel

"Jool," what a surprise!" He says. Dressed in Royal finery, he looks every bit the Dominar of 600 billion subjects. He's also stuffing his mouth...with crackers?

"Hello Rygel!"

"Ah Cowboy!" "Good to see you!" He smiles.

"Rygel, I know you told us the other day you did not know where John Crichton was."

"That's correct."

"Well, we descovered why John and Aeryn are hiding." jool says "Apparently there was some kind of friction between her and Mele-On Braca." "Can you shed some light on that?"

Rygel narrowed his brows and looked into the screen.

"What do you know about this?" He growls. then he belches.

Dear Rygel, I was on Arnessk at that time. I only know now, that there was an issue. "Could you help us understand the situation?" And she briefly mentions the Kkore invasion.

Rygel tells us, mostly what we already know. But Jool isn't done.

Well, Cowboy, Roz, and I were going to try and find John and Aeryn. We want to try and broker peace between Aeryn and Mele-On because a United Peacekeeper force would likely do better against the Robots."

Well that certainly makes sense to me. Rygel says. "One moment!" And the screen goes to snow.

We still have a connection! Roz states

The screen comes back in a couple of microns and Rygel is on it.

"Tomorrow morning, meet Ambassador Natrwoa in the main assembly. Be there before 0900!"

And the screen goes black.

244

Jool looks at me. "I tried Cowboy!"

"You succeeded darling!"

"I did?" Jool smiles. "What happens next?"

"Supper, my dear. Im hungry!"

So we eat a decent supper. Just to be sure, Jool and I prep our rigs again. I expect to be called up to go to Katratzi at any moment.

"I just got a message from Admiral Coleman, lovebirds! Roz says with a snicker. "I've been given a rendevous nav point to pick up the new wings."

"They're going to transfer you Roz, are you ok with that.

"Yes, no CAC likes to be knocked out, but I'm ok with it."

"Knocked out?" jool asks in alarm

"Yes, I'm put under anesthesia during the transfer process." "They have to transfer me to a new life support unit."

Jool looks horrified. "Anesthesia?" "Thats so...Barbaric!" "Can't they do something more humane?"

"Not that I know off." I reply.

"I'm going to be there for this aren't I?" Jool asks

"Yes Jool, and I'll be there as well." I say

"Jool asks "Sandwiches for supper, is that ok? We have fruit salad ingredients as well."

"Lovebirds?" It's Roz. "I have another call from Rygel, it's urgent!"

"Put him through Roz"

Rygel pops on our screen. He looks completely disheveled.

"Cowboy! Jool! It's horrible!"

"Rygel, are you ok?"

"NO! no I'm not! Those Frelling robots! They attacked our outlying colonies! Millions have been killed! Entire cities leveled!

The Rygel made a most disgusting noise, like air being let out of a balloon!

It was a helium fart!

"Oh frell!" He starts talking in a high nasilly voice. "I sound like a complete frellwit!"

"It's ok Rygel!" As I try not to laugh!

"I'm so upset, he continues!" "Utterly senseless destruction!" "Will Earth or Terra, whatever it is, be able to help!"

"Gather your Forces Rygel and prepare to meet them head on...help is on the way!"

"Millions lost their lives in suicide charges againt the Charrids, I hope we have the will to do it again!"

"Millions? Geebus Rygel!" I exclaim.

"Sadly, out of six hundred billion subjects, a few million really won't matter."

"Rygel!" Jool exclaims.

"As a Dominar, sometimes sacrifices have to be made, hoping that a small sacrifice allows a better outcome. I hope the Quorum will come through, dear Jool."

"I'll put a call in to the commanding Admiral and let him know what happened." I respond.

"Admiral Coleman, right? Crichtons cousin."

"Yes sir!"

Rygel chuckles "I can't get over the kid shooting video of us is now an admiral...but I can tell Cowboy, that you think very highly of him!"

"We've been under fire together a couple of times Rygel, and I'd follow him into hezmana with a pocket knife and a toothpick!"

Rygel chuckled a bit. "I understand, even though I don't understand. No doubt an earth saying!"

"l'll have Admiral Coleman reach out to you as soon as possible Rygel."

245

"Good, and make sure you talk to Ambassador Natrwoa, because you'll be closer than you think, when you do."

"I will sir!"

"I feel better just taking to you two." I see confidence in your eyes."

"Thank you Rygel!" Jool says.

And the screen goes black.

"Put in a call to ARC Roz, tell him what Rygel told us please, and have him contact the Dominar."

"You got it Cowboy"

"And Roz? I love you!"

"I love you too sister!"Jool says

"And I love my two lovebirds!" MMMMMMHUA!

I get up and go to the the armament module and start sorting my ammunition as Roz tries to reach ARC.

I also discover ARC has left me a birthday present. Back under the rolls of toilet paper are boxes. Small containers full of red tip rounds.

There's a note in one of the boxes.

"Hey old man,

In case you have to kill a T-Rex (Ha)

Use in good health

ARC. That little bugger!

Yeah, the kid that shoots the videos of a bikini clad Nebari has a dirty mind and a foul mouth at times...but that's why he's my best friend.

Even if he's probably the age my kids were. I wish I could remember their names.

So I reload all my magazines. 115 grain red tip...hell I could blow though rock walls with these!

I make sure my side pouch still contains two stun grenades and two T'rrl shock nets. I also grab two oxygen masks, check them, and give one to Jool.

It's another arn before ARC calls.

He's very concerned about the amount of Robot ships Rygel claims has attacked his colonies.

I too, doubt it was in the ten's of thousands. But a thousand or two ships, yeah, I could see that.

Thinking about what he'd asked me earlier, he wonders if this is a feint manuver.

It's certainly probable, but I need more information, and sadly, that involves more attacks.

I tell Rob as soon as I get my new plane, I'm going on a long drive "across town."

Speaking of Rygel, I tell him about my meeting with Natrwoa. We agree that it's a possible scam, but be open.

And I thank him for the extra ammo, and the note. We both laugh.

"Earth will be in orbit..."he says, and we end the conversation.

Jeebis...a thousand Reavers. That's like five thousand Strykers. Holy frell!

"Cowboy"! It's Roz. "You won't believe this!" "On screen!"

"Roz I'd believe anything in this cacaphony of a circus!"

246

Chapter 14

Milk Run to Katratzi!

I skip my way ( as much as an old man can skip!) out to the cubby, and On screen the spacer has landed. It's about one hundred yards away. Someone climbs out...I recognize Braca by his body shape.

He doesn't come to the plane though, or page us. Roz watches him walk away, and then an armored transport picks him up and drives off.

"What time of day of you think it is on Katratzi?" I ask no one in particular.

Roz answers. "About the same as now." Why?"

"It's about an eight hour or under nine arn flight by Vigilante, so We'll be leaving around 0800."

Jool and I head to bed about an arn later. We're both restless and love making seems out of the question, so we give each other a gentle back rub.

And I fall asleep spooned against her.

About 0400, Roz gets the call I'm dreading. They, meaning Braca and Scorpious, want to leave.

Jool stumbles to the head while I make coffee and fix sandwiches. There's no time for cooking. No C-store run, no donut shop stop.

0600 and no Braca... so I don my diplonatic sash and head over to the Temple.

Natrwoa is there, and I walk over to where she is, We greet and she motions for me to follow her in her hover chair to the starcharts.

We walk down the row of charts.

Near the end of the one of the arms, she points out a planet. A mere spot of a planet, but it has a navpoint close by. I point to it in a very exaggerated manner, which makes her a bit nervous. Nervous enough that she cautions me on making a scene.

But I make sure the Peackeepers in the main hall can see me do it.

Natrowa tells me she is leaving to see Rygel and bids me farewell. She takes her leave quicky. I bless her and watch her go. Then I call Roz with the navpoint. I repeat it loudly.

At least three of the officers watch me go. I see one get up and go and stare at the starchart. I don't really have to read his mind, but I do.

He took the bait, hook line and sinker!

About a half hour after I return from the Temple, Braca and Scorpious show up and I get a page at the plane. So Jool and I prepare to leave.

Jool has on her normal high boots and tight leatherish pants, but she's wearing one of my long sleeved knit Henleys over her brassire. I have dark gray uniform pants and a matching Henely shirt. My plate carrier is Coyote tan, but I'm not worried about fashion sense.

I suggest she carry her pack and offer to do so for her. She politely refuses and I applaud her for being tough. We kiss and she leans against me while we stand wordlessly for a moment.

We place our carbines in cloth gun socks and with good byes to Roz, we start down the ramp.

I remind Roz of protocol and not hesitate to leave without us.

And I head down the ramp where Jool is waiting for me.

I hand her a body armor device, because she forgot.

We walk to the spacer in silence, but we reach out to each other telepathicaly. Jools' nervous and I tell her its ok to be skeered at fust.

She smiles outardly and asks if thats supposed to be funny, and I say it is in some circles, and Jool smiles again but narrows her eyes.

Scorpius is waiting by the ladder, He greets us with a nod, and I have Jool climb in first, while moving around behind her to go before Scorpi (oops!) does.

Scorpius doesn't seem to notice and being able to hide my aura helps. So everyone climbs into the spacer, where Braca and Ther-es are waiting.

247

The mood is subdued and the red night lighting is on.

As soon as Scorpius, Jool and I are seated, Ther-es starts the modules and within two microns, we lift off and head into the sky. Dawn is just starting to break or Tavian 3 as we head back into darkness and through the atmosphere.

If it weren't for the mission, it'd be a good day to fly.

To break the silence I comment on how good the modues sound, which prompts Braca to give me a good breakdown on what was done to the spacer after the first flight. I sense he too is nervous but very confident in the mission's success. Scorpius as usual is hard to read, but he does have his armored shoulder covers on. I'm surprised to find that Braca has a Tarkan shield belt on. It's not standard Peacekeeper fair! So I query him, and he tells me that he acquired it several arns ago, which puts him in a timeline with what's been happening.

"We're making these ourselves now and issuing them to our acolyte guardians." Braca tells me.

I play ignorant. "Guardians?"

"You may have noticed them in their tan and red tunics, similar to yours."

I nod.

"They wear them under the Tunic so as to not attract attention!" Braca states. "And while the acolytes may look less formidable, they receive much of the same training!"

(Except in marksmanship, I think to myself.)

"Ship on screen." Ther-es says. "It's our transport!"

A few minutes later, Ther-es expertly docks the spacer under the Vigilante. An improvised airlock tube allows us access to the larger vessel, and Scorpius is the first to exit through the lock.

I'm next and Braca follows. About 400 microts later, Jool and Ther-es enter.

Scorpius and Braca have gone to the front of the vigilante to talk to the crew. I note the size of the vessel, but the apparent lack of crew. I don't want to assume anything, but I'd hazard that the less crew, the less issues.

Ther-es on and Jool are talking quietly several feet away.

Seeing me sitting alone, they join me.

Jool asks "Do you need to meditate?"

"I'm good, I felt no need to enter your conversation."

"I was talking to Jool about the navigational board the disc craft uses." Ther-es-On said. It's a fascinating yet simple device!" She pauses. Despite our technology, we use homing beacons in Prowlers and although the larger ships use a similar navigational system, the circuitry itself is more complex."

"Well, I have no knowledge of your technology in that regard." I reply. "Please continue!"

Ther-es nods. "We have method of going to most of the star clusters on this end of the galaxy. The points we use are similar to "Vierin", but we just scroll through a list of systems and known planets and touch a button to start travel.

"Ther-es-On I appreciate you telling me."

She blushes slightly. "I told Jool you can call me There-es or "Theri". It's what my friends call me.

But don't let my mother hear you call me Theri, for some reason she doesn't like that!"

"I'll make careful note of it." And I smile at her.

"It will be about six more arns before we get into Scarran space." Ther-es continues. I'm going to use a crew bunk and get some sleep." There are about 15 bunks in the crew quarters and they are divided between male and female.

"I'll stay here with Cowboy, thanks Ther-es." Jool replies.

"I would too, if I were you!" And Ther-es smiles, gets up and heads through the forward hatch.

Jool pokes my arm with her elbow. "Someone has a "crucsh" is that the word?"

"Crush". "Close enough!"

"I think it's your flying skills she's crushing on. Jool laughs. She called you an "old man" while we were in the spacer talking."

I smile, not the reaction Jool expected.

"You're being very quiet." Jool says quietly. "Are you sure somethings not wrong?"

I reach out to her telepathically. "Follow my lead."

I slowly drop my head, and then, I fall off the bench and hit the floor, laying on my side.

Jool jumps off the bench and gets on her knees to check me out. Sure enough, a few microts later both Scorpius and Braca hurry into the room. I laugh and explain I fell asleep and rolled off the bench, and that I'm ok.

248

Then Braca and Scorpius tell me they were not able to get jet packs.

"Great!" is my comment. And I wave them off. I wouldn't know how to work one anyway.

Once they've gone, Jool and I lay back on the pads and take naps. We talk telepathically while awake.

Frelling Peacekeepers!

I don't what Jool dreams of, but I dream of my new plane. I know it has side by side Pilot copilot seating so it's like a B-52 or commercial air liner. Roz's module should be in the cockpit with us so the whole module can be ejected with the entire flight crew in the same place.

We're flying through T/S and Jool is next to me holding my hand. She's so beautiful...

And then I hear footsteps and my senses jolt me awake. Braca has just come through the crew hatch with Scorpius behind him. I notice the Vigilante is motionless.

Jool has her hand on mine. A microt or two later she awakes after I drop her hand. I've sat up and am getting to my feet.

The three of us wait for Ther-es to join us. Scorpius has opened the floor hatch and then opens the spacers roof hatch. Ther-es climbs in and he follows, then Jool and I climb down in, followed by Braca. He shuts and seals the hatch

Once seated and belted, someone on the Vigilante releases latches and the spacer slides back and off to starboard by the directional jets. Ther-es has started the modules and we smoothly accelerate away. A smooth starboard turnabout on hundred and ten degrees and we pick up speed as Ther-es brings up the modules speed. Everything sounds good.

"We are on schedule, actually we are a bit ahead of it!" Scorpius comments. Then the master of skullduggery clears his throat.

"It would appear that you were correct in your assessment, Cowboy." He comments "In anticipation of moving these warheads to a Stryker or dreadnaught, the amount of personel on Katratzi has increased significantly."

"How significantly?"

"We know of a Taglan (platoon approx.) of 50 Chariids are now on site, and a dozen Kalish technicians too." I was told there would be be less than twenty Scarrans and techs. At this point the Chariids are stationed on the far side of the planetoid."

I wanted to mind frell Scorpius. But either he's covering his aura, or he is telling the truth.

"Well, if we can move fast enough, we may be ok." I shrug.

"Jool, hand me your pack there if you would please." She passes it to Ther-es, who hands it back to me.

I grab a couple of Torgan black skull detonation devices and shove them in my left side pouch that I'd saved as a magazine dump bag. Then I hand it back.

"One arn and we'll be there." Ther-es mentions. "Oh, and we're in Scarran space. I activated the pass code device as a precaution."

"A new device we're testing." Braca comments.

(Great, I'm riding into the bowels of hell in antique kit spacer with two other soldiers just past their prime, a greenhorn, and we're all lab rats!) What could possibly go wrong!

At least Jool can shoot.

249

The next arn is spent mostly in silence. I retrieve my Carbine from the bag and check it over. Jool does the same and I show her how to set the red dot for low light vision, something I'd neglected to do at the range. Finally, I apply my shadow paint to hide my face.

At approximately 300 microts, Braca dons a night vision device. He offers me one and I take it.

It's not all that great, on a par with average civilian grade stuff on terra, but it's better than nothing.

Ther-es flicks the scanner to video and I get my look at Katrallian1, or Katratzi.

If this was a Vierin' base, someone used it for target practice. There's an outcropping with an observatory on it that could be Vierin', but the planet's surface is trashed.

"Has it always looked like that?" I inquire.

"Yes, it has." Answers Scorpius .

Me. "And it was a prison base?"

Scorpius dead pans. "Many have went there and not left alive."

"Should I do a fly by Commandant?" Ther-es asks.

"That won't be necessary Lieutenant." Braca replies. "Proceed to the landing point and set down."

I think, Geebus dad! But I say nothing.

With barely a bump, Ther-es lands the craft behind some small lumps of solid rock. It will be a short walk to the objective area over some rough pock marked terrain.

Scorpius is up and out the hatch first. Braca goes around me and exits next. I stand slightly hunched and Jool hands me a comm device to put on my shirt. She blows me a kiss and I head out the hatch.

The cool air stings my face as I exit the spacer and I immediately notice the low oxygen, so I put on my breather. I can see over the rocks about three hundred yards and my left eye switches to thermal. I instruct my brain to focus on incapacitating hits rather than kill shots.

My body tells me that E is pretty poor and advises me to stay topside or risk losing it.

So, I figured. I put in my hearing protectors.

I climb down the ladder and head over to a rock where Scorpius and Braca are crouched down.

"There's a hole above ground to the shaft where the warheads are!" Scorpius whispers.

"Three Charrids are standing guard around it." Can you take them out?"

I peer over the rock and Scorpius is correct. My left eye picks them out and their armor. They are carrying issue pulse weapons.

"Samauri warriors, what next, mutant turtles?" I mutter as I see the armor two Charrids are wearing.

Scorpius looks at me and his eyes narrow.

"What is a Samauri?" He asks.

I shrug. "Fierce warriors from another place." I reach into my side pack and dig a long tube out of the bottom without emptying the it's entire contents on the ground." I need to get closer." I say as I draw the Ruger from its holster. And while I scout the terrain, I'm threading the suppressor onto the Ruger's barrel extension.

"Why not use your other weapon?" Scorpius hisses. But I'm already gone.

250

I curse the idea the idea of not having a suppressor for the carbine. But I don't, so this will have to do. At least it's dark out. Sometimes, the night is your friend.

I reach next chunk of rock and fold into it as best I can. The Charrids are still about twenty-five yards away. They seem to be looking in the hole rather than looking about for intruders.

Perhaps I can change that. I lift my breather off my face, and whistle.

"What was that?" One of Chariids barks. He points in my direction. "You two!" Take the right, I'll go left!

I flick the thumb safety off the Ruger. And take a deep breath...

Fast is slow,

Slow is smooth,

Smooth is quick

The two Charrids walk around the rock, and I'm already standing and going into position. I can't see their faces, and like true warriors, their reaction time is quick. Their pulse weapons come into firing position.

But not quick enough.

The Ruger fires twice, I feel the recoil but don't think about it. Each Charrid takes a red tip through the right shoulder. I see the the hit, and both go down but are not dead, third Charrid points his weapon at me and I turn and fire twice, out of training. At least I don't double tap him in the chest. Instead, I blow his left arm completely off.

Frell! Too late. I may pay for that later.

I check the other two Chariids, They're alive, but unconscious. Before I can look up, I hear a pulse weapon. It's Scorpius. He's just shot the first Charrid with his pulse pistol. I stare in shock as he walks around me and shoots the other two, who curse him before they die. Scorpius looks at me coldly as he holsters his sidearm, and walks around me again and heads to the hole

As I struggle with my emotions Braca appears at the hole as well. He waves me over.

I take one step past the rock...

And all hell breaks loose!

I don't know why or how, but every inch of the planets thin atmosphere suddenly seems to have a pulse blast in it! Braca and Scorpius tear off in two directions, Scorpius firing his heavy pulser from the hip. I duck behind the rock and unscrew the suppressor from the Ruger

I can feel the pulse blasts hitting the Rock.

Instinct and training are taking over. Find the source, nullify it. Adapt, and overcome.

Scorpius seems to be firing blindly with his blaster, but I don't hear or see Braca at all.

I crouch down and waddle around to the side of the rock. Braca is prone but moving slowly.

Braca! I shout into the comm

"I tripped and broke my leg!" is all he says.

"Cowboy, your assistance would be helpful at this moment." Scorpius says dryly.

Frell him.

There's a momentary lull in the shooting. I take advantage and scoot across the pock marked ground. It's not easy either. Every step is a possible ankle twister. I make it to another lower rock outcropping. Scorpius starts shooting again.

And I take in the scenario. Sure enough, the old ruin is full of shooters, and worse, a squad of Charrids and two Scarrans are trying to out flank us.

251

I charge the carbine and flick the safety off.

The Scarrans are huge compared to the Charrids. They stride through the rocks like they're invincible, and they are. Lumbering along like huge beasts swaying to and fro, head swaying with every step. The T-rexes of the galaxy!

The Scarrans stop to cajole the Charrids into advancing behind them. One fills my sight picture. I aim for the left chest where the heat gland resides.

Hunting T-rex...thanks ARC!

I don't feel the carbine kick, nor hear the recoil spring in the stock. But the Scarran, that's another story.

The left side of its chest explodes! A ham sized chunk of flesh, bone and guts disappears in a flash.

I sight up the second Scarran. It turns to watch the first fall. The carbine pushes against my shoulder

That round enters the base of its neck. The damage is instantly fatal. The Scarran falls, its head connected to its' body by a few threads on flesh and skin.

The Charrids scream and charge. I hook a second magazine in my index finger and resume firing.

Red tipped rounds are overkill, so as soon as I empty the mag I switch to blue tips.

Charrids are suicidal, I guess. Once the shooting starts, I guess it's ok to run into direct fire.

I kill the last charging Charrid at point blank range with my Ruger. His shot hits the rock I'm trying to stay behind, and I get a shower of hot fragments in the face. Ony my night vision rig protects the eyes.

Then the goggles go dead. I rip them off and toss them away!

The fire on my left is starting to drift my way. I glance over at Scorpius, and he's covered up with suppressive fire. The whole ruin is spouting pulse rounds like a Christmas tree.

I hear a voice...and then Jool reaches out to me.

"Cowboy? Thank the goodness!"

"Jool, keep calm, we're ok."

"Braca has a broken leg...!"

"Yes, stay calm sweetheart, I got this."

"I love you, Cowboy!"

"I love you Jool!"

Seize my destiny? Hezmana! It's got me by the cajones!

There's another lull. I take the moment and scoot across the next gap to another low lump of rock. For once, I wish I had a Javelin rocket on the plane!

Now I can see the whole ruin. There's movement above and on the ground in front of the wall. My left eye starts ranging as I slam a magazine of red tips back into the lower receiver.

Relax, breathe, lead, squeeze. I peer through the sights as my left eye finds the range.

"Click" My left eye locks in and tells my brain where my left hand and right arm should be pointing.

252

It's sad...for a moment my humanity has been taken over by technology. Then time slows.

I open fire.

The rampart walls, if you can call them that, explode into showers, sparks and flying chunks of whatever they were made of. Since I don't have full auto or a fancy trigger, each round is walked across the wall horizontally by my trigger finger.

Chunks of debris falls on those below, pinning them to the ground. I count twelve rounds

I fire another ten rounds into the wall and cause a partial collapse. Chariids fall into the debris with it. I see no more Scarrans.

Now it's quiet except for the sounds of the wounded.

I sling the carbine behind me and run over to where Braca is. He's trying to hold his left leg.

"Braca!" I shout. "Lay back, or I'll knock you out!" He looks at me and his eyebrows raise.

Scorpius appears to my left. I've got Braca's leg cradled in my hands. I feel it, and with the E, I see it!

You may feel a slight twinge, Commandant! And before he can wince, I set it and fuse it.

"Cowboy!" Braca gasps!

Scorpius says quietly, "Our position here is exposed. I suggest...

I reach up and grab Scorpius by his arm and drag him down to my level. He looks at me and sneers.

"You lied to me!" I snarl. "I suggest, you get over to the hole and stay low! See if anyone is down there that can shoot at us!"

And I push him backwards. He stumbles, then turns and heads to the hole.

I pull my Kukhuri knife from its sheath and grimace at Braca. He looks at the knife, then me.

"And you lied to me too, Commandant Braca!" Then I slit his pant leg up to the knee.

I stuff the Kuri back in its sheath and using my E, build a cast out of tightly wrapped pant leg, and fuse sand around it, as a precaution.

"Give me your hand!" And he does. I pull him to his feet, then pick up his blaster and hand it to him and point towards Scorpius. He gimps away but movement in the ruins has caught my attention.

I scan the ruins. A particular figure catches my eye.

It's Zareok! He's directing several Scarrans and a squad of Chariids to attack!

I could kill Zareok right now with one round, as I swing my carbine up to my shoulder.

My left eye sights him in for a head shot, but I don't take the shot. It would be murder.

Instead, I decide to wreck him. I sling the carbine around over my left shoulder, barrel down.

I get up and walk over to where Scorpius and Braca stand. Braca is watching the activity at the ruins, blaster in hand.

"We have no way of getting down there!" Scorpius snarls at me. "And I do not lose!"

I reach into my right-hand pouch and wrap my hand around my favorite non-lethal

device. It's a kutaa double charge Torgan stun grenade. I check Scorpius's position and Bracas. the I turn and face the ruins.

Zareok and I see each other at the same time and our eyes lock. He turns and orders his unit to fire. At that moment my left eye locks on him and my right arm cocks. My thumb pulls out the arming lanyard. and the grenade is armed. Seven seconds to punishing concussions!

253

I fling that grenade right at Zareoks chest, but we can't stand here because of the blast.

As I turn and head towards Braca, the first pulse blast flies by and just misses Scorpius.

I'm moving now. Before Braca can react, I catch him with my right shoulder at the belt line. He bends over my shoulder and grunts as I pick him up in a firemans carry.

There's more pulse fire, but my back is turned. I have other priorities!

With my left arm, I grab Scorpius and wrap it around him, twisting him about. He drops his blaster in the hole, and we follow. I grab the E and drag it down with me as well!

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Down the rabbit hole we go!

We pass two tunnels on the way down. One appears to have some Kalish standing or sitting as we go by in flash.

The second hole has several Charrids and another Scarran.

The third tunnel is the bottom and we're right there!

Luckily, the E is helpful. It slows us just enough, so we don't get seriously hurt. But Scorpius and I hit pretty hard. I take most of it in my knees and back. Braca slides off my shoulder and lands on his side. Scorpius lands on his feet but stumbles back and ends up on his rear.

The first charge goes off and about three seconds later, the second! I see the pulse wave roll past the hole.

I try to stagger to my feet and protect my carbine. Cursing and stumbling, I stagger into the darkened tunnel, where I take a piece of machinery right in the groin! Someone in one of the upper stories starts shooting.

Scorpius picks up his blaster. It's broken, so he tosses it angerly on the floor.

So, Scorpius draws his pulse pistol and fires back.

Braca is a bit better. Holding his ribs, he picks up his blaster and staggers out of the line of fire trying to catch his breath.

He stares at me in a mixture of confusion and anger.

"Any crash you can walk away from is a good one, Commandant!" I say with a snicker. He manages a smile.

Scorpius is still trying to shoot the works. but he sees me getting Braca squared away and ducks under the tunnel looks at both of us and points down the tunnel and snarls.

"The warheads are down this way!" Follow me! He strides into the darkness, and We follow behind.

254

The machinery ends about ten yards in, but we have a way to go.

Suddenly the lights come on and Scorpius pauses for a second, then keeps walking. I swap the carbine for my Ruger and re thread the suppressor on the barrel. I also swap magazines.

We walk about three hundred yards. and an opening on my left appears. Scorpius approaches cautiously and quickly steps across the opening.

Braca and I aren't so lucky. I start through first and a Charrid jumps out at the top of the stairs!

He and I fire at the same time but I'm backing up and he just misses me. I miss the Charrid as well but the explosion from the red tip showers the stair well with rocks and debris. MY E is nonfunctional. No problem

The Charrid stops shooting, but Scorpius peers around the other side of the stairwell opening and fires. There's a scream and a blaster weapon comes bouncing down the stairs. Scorpius picks it up and waves us through. As we sprint/gimp through the doorway Scorpius is firing both weapons into the upper level.

After we pass, he stops shooting and rejoins us.

"Scorpius, are there anymore stairwells?" I ask as we hurry along the wall.

"No! he says with a scowl. We are almost there!" "Hurry!

Several hundred feet later, we reach a wall. A small hole dug through to the outside marks the dead end. But on the floor are the warheads.

All four of them! Four!

I stare at Scorpius and growl "I thought there were only three!" I look at Braca. He seems as surprised as I do.

Scorpius sneers. "Does one more make a difference?

"No!" And I run back down the tunnel.

I figure we're going to have company. So, I set both T'rrl stun net devices down the tunnel and deploy them. I return to where Scorpius and Braca are witth the warheads. It's then I notice dingy and corroded they are.

Scorpius says they're on the verge of leaking.

No problem, just a milk run.

I grab my last two pieces of non-Terran ordinance and place them on the wall. Black skull detonators!

The perfect thing for removing unwanted walls or boarding a metal walled spaceship, without a big boom or mess!

Scorpius and Braca watch in horror as I pull the detonator cords. They start to run but I bid them to stay.

"They're not going to explode." And they don't. What's best described as a controlled field disintegration takes effect. The areas surrounding the devices begin to glow red hot, and then the rock starts to flow like lava. Soon pools of molten rock flow onto the floor and outer wall. There's some heat but not enough to be concerned about. The detonator housings tumble away with the melted rock.

255

The hole made is plenty big enough for us to walk through, but better yet, allows E to enter into the tunnel. I can "breathe" again!

I walk over and look out the hole. It's about a one-hundred-foot drop to a ledge. But Braca gets it and radios Ther-es-On to fly over down and pick us up.

Meanwhile Scorpius is looking at the warheads. I ask him to step aside and as I do I hear the screams of someone who probably contacted the stun net. Scorpius and Braca run to the side and try to find squeeze against the walls They start looking for targets as the spacer flies up to the opening. It hits the wall but that won't damage it. The hatch opens and Jools head pops out.

I yell at her to get down, and I turn to see a squad of Charrids and two more large Scarrans coming at us. Pulse beams are flying by and striking the spacer, but the Vierin' steel easily deflects them. Braca and Scorpius open fire.

"I've got several Scarran ships on the scanners!" Ther-es calls out on the comm. "We need to go!"

I shoulder the carbine off hand and feel the E bring my screen up. As soon as I do, I hear gunfire behind me.

It's Jool! She's prone on top of the spacer and firing the carbine using the binary trigger.

I turn and open fire, but I'm not firing at the enemy. My rounds hit the ceiling in front of them.

I yell at Jool to get her attention. She stops firing and I point at the ceiling. Then we open fire again!

Huge chunks of rock begin to fall as the ceiling gives way. It falls on the enemy and blocks the tunnel. The tunnel is full of dust and smoke, but I grab what I can with my E and settle it to the floor.

There's a possibility I'll need it.

I hear Jool yell...and think. Cowboy up? Seriously?

Then it's over. I wave Braca by to get in the space craft. Scorpius stops and looks at me.

I bring my E up and when it's saturated the warheads, I start manipulating their mass. Slowly they start to shrink. Ther-es on says something on the comm but Scorpius tells her to wait.

I shrink them down to about the size of a dinner plate which is good for the moment. Then I stack them and shrink them down to under the size of a saucer. I encase them in E and harden it using the dust and sand from the cave in debris.

I have a cylinder of solid black E about the size of a tomato juice can!

Catching my breath, I walk over, pick up the stasis container up, and drop it in my right-side bag. Scorpius stares but doesn't say a word.

Then I step through the wall up onto the spacer, and for a moment I lose my balance. I fall to my knees and and crawl to the hatch and half climb, half tumble, into the spacer's interior. A moment later, Scorpius climbs down into Moon Dreams.

He shuts and locks the hatch and sits down. His face is pained, yet the master of skullduggery has a satisfied smile on his face.

"You may depart, Lieutenant Braca." he says flatly.

"Strap in everyone it's going be rough!" Yells Ther-es! She pushes the throttles forward and everyone gets slammed into the shock chairs. Then she slams the stick hard right, and Moon Dreams is trying to be a prowler!

Braca's watching the screen. I glance over Jool's shoulder and see the scanner full of ships.

256

The Scarrans are shooting it out with each other and bombarding the planet.

"On rear view." and Ther-es point at a ceiling screen. It's Katratzi, taking more fire.

Holy crap...what's that?

Scorpius leans forward. His eyes widen slightly, and he sneers.

"It's the Decimator!" He growls..."Staleek has decided to fight, as he should have all along!"

As the Decimator flies by the treblin side of the spacer, it unleashes all its firepower at a target.

I look up at the rear screen. The pulse beams strike Katratzi After several dozen hits from the Decimator, plus dozens of strikes from other Scarran craft, Katratzi explodes.

Moments later, Moon Dreams is shaken by the shock wave. I look in the screen as the fireball subsides

I lower my head and pray for those who perished. Jool gasps and Braca looks back at Scorpius, who says nothing.

Katrallian 1 is no more

Succeed or fail, Vierin' prevail.

The journey back to the Vigilante is silent. I clear my carbine and put it back in the gun sock, as does Jool.

Braca asks to sit next to Ther-es, and he and Jool trades places. He and Ther-es have a couple of subdued conversations, mostly about the spacer and his leg. Jool sits next to me with her arms crossed, but somehow her fingers reach out and touch my arm. I smile so she can see me, but we say nothing.

Scorpius seems lost in thought, a man of confidence, balanced with inner turmoil.

It's the aftermath of battle. I've seen it but only experienced it a couple of times. I feel lucky last time was in the Teraqq sector. I shudder so hard Jool jumps.

Nine arns later, Ther-es is dropping us off at the pad. It's not quite daylight yet. Clocks say 0330

Jool and I slept most of the time we were in the Vigilante, and for some reason, Ther-es slept next to us.

I couldn't help but notice that Ther-es was keeping a derringer sized pulse pistol under her hands while she was on the bench next to us. I was too tired to ask about it when we disembarked. Maybe Jool will know.

As soon as we get on Fa3, Jool notices my face. It took a good beating. She starts picking the larger pieces of rock and gosh knows what out of my skin. I can see she's upset and apologize. She doesn't say anything bad, but she removes my shirt and I've got rock shards on my arms and neck. the front armor protected my chest.

In the most tender and loving matter I've ever experienced, she carefully removes my clothing and tosses it in the cleaner. She undresses and then puts me in the shower.

The Greeks have a word for love as an action. Agape. What I experienced with Jool in those moments was agape. Like a mother washing a sick and bedridden child, she carefully and lovingly washed my aching, bruised and cut body. There was nothing sexual, just the passionate care of someone who truly loved me.

Afterwards she helped dry me off with the same gentle touch. The she carefully checked me over and removed whatever crap was still under my skin. It hurt at times but I tried not to complain. She rubbed me down with liniment, and placed band aids on my deepest cuts.

All the time her eyes were soft, loving, and worried, and I felt horrible.

I just kept telling her how much I loved her, and how it hurt to see her in such pain.

S

he told me not to worry, and that she loved me too. She had me roll on my stomach and she rubbed my back and shoulders, at that point I asked her to come to bed.

257

She did and I held her until 0800 when the alarm rang.

When Jool gets up I stagger out of the bed. My wounds are healing quickly but I'm hungry and thirsty.

I grab a jug of water and walk to the weapons module. After unlocking it, I retrieve the stasis container with the warheads in it and set it on the counter of the cubby.

I call out "Good morning beautiful!"

Both Roz and Jool answer

"Good morning handsome!"

(Geebiz!)

"Roz, any word from the IPQ security team?"

"Comms are quiet."

I pull out two packets of Oatmeal and start water in the microwave.

"Oh, thank you babe!" It's Jool. She's so beautful.

We kiss...mmmm!

"How do you feel?"

"Better, thanks. And thanks for taking care of me."

"You had me worried!" Jool says "How did you get so messed up?"

I explain.

"Cowboy looks like he cut himself shaving!" Roz quips.

I murmur, "Yeah, it was pretty intense Roz."

Jool tells us "Ther-es told me that her dad thinks you saved him, and Scorpius's lives."

"Well, maybe, but in the end, you helped, Ms. sure shot!"

With a worried look Jool asks. "Ther-es says I have a warrior's heart, but I'm not a warrior, am I?"

"No Jool, you have a kind heart and a beautiful soul." But you have the training you need to defend yourself and others." So, you can be a guardian."

"Guardians can be more dangerous than warriors because no one expects them to fight."

And Jool, you have something even more important!" And I explain "agape" and how she made me feel.

Jool blushes slightly and then hugs me.

"Thank you, Cowboy, I believe you are a guardian too, and you agape me all the time."

"Jool, that's exactly what Ja-hi-nae teaches."

"Ahh...well I'm going to make you more food, this, whatever it is, is not enough for you!" "I was going to dice some K'evia fruit up and put in it."

"Yes, then I'm going to make you a sandwich. Ah what's this?"

Jool picks up the stasis container.

"Uh that's the warheads. No big..."

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" Jool screams and tosses the container on the counter.

I wince...That was teeth gritting loud! I grab the container.

Jool glares at me. "Thats not funny!"

"It wasn't meant to be, and I didn't mean to scare you."

Roz adds "No radiation Jool." " And Cowboy," she quips, "You shouldn't have brought them out here."

Roz is right. I apologize to both of them. I take the stasis container back to the module, but before securing it, I hold it in my hands. I remember something I read.

257

In the Hindu scripture, Vishnu takes on his multi-armed form and says, 'Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.'

I hold Vishnu in my hand a moment longer, then put him in the module.

Breakfast is eaten in near silence. I feel like dren for doing that.

What in the name of the Elders was I thinking?

Between bites, I open the drawer in cubby that has the nav points written in it from Bracas' spacer. I grab the folding notebook containing the nav points and flip through it while eating.

In the back are other handwritten notes. These are different.

It's a journal, written by one of the family members. My brain starts scanning the pages and my heart starts to pound.

"Hey sweetheart, you need to eat." Jool says softly. Then her eyes narrow. Her voice becomes concerned.

"Are you ok?"

I ask her "You can read Vierin' right?"

"I took the sleep training."

I sit the journal on the bed and grab my sandwich.

"Could you read this and tell me what you think. I smile. "After breakfast, of course."

So, we finish breakfast, and Jool tasks herself to read the journal. Meanwhile, I have Roz contact the temple about meeting with Mouma. The priest who takes Roz's calls sets an appointment around 1000 hours. That's after meditation. Perfect.

Jool exclaims,"Cowboy, this is incredible! This family was alive right at the beginning when the robots started to destroy the Vierin'!"

I'm about to start cleaning our firearms. But I need to see what she's found.

Read this passage. Who is this?

"T'okanae' Sae'... he's the key to all this."

"They describe him as traitor." Jool says "A butcher of everything sacred.

She adds. "They're searching for something. she continued. Maybe a planet, no I don't think thats what they're looking for."

I answer, "The Vierin' respected all living creatures Jool, everything living is everything sacred."

"So, this guy killed everything living using the robots?

"Yes." Just like the planet we saw in Scarran space and like what Rygel described.

Jool gasps. "Why would this T'okanae' Sae' do this."

"That the question I can't answer, but I have ideas." "I need more information."

Jool replies "They mention Volume seventy of those books that the priests saved."

"The Eidolons here don't have volume seventy. Strange, Shay-qul doesn't either."

"There's more names with Nav points here in the back."

"Tell you what Jool, you can punch them in to Roz or clean your carbine, or I'll punch them in."

"I'll clean the carbine, I mean, it's technically mine, right?

"No problem Jool, use the gloves in the module and it will keep your hands from smelling."

There are six nav points. The first one says Star Horizon. Then the nav point.

The second one is Sun Shadow, then the Nav point. And so on.

I feed them to Roz hoping they're listed. But They're not. That's strange, and yet...

"One time use?" Roz asks.

"Maybe Roz but they are named." I answer

"Could they be programmed to a particular nav board?"

"Y'know Roz, that's a possibility I haven't considered."

258

"So since these came from the spacer, do you think that nav computer has them?"

"Maybe Roz...you're a genius sweetheart!"

Then "What time is it?" 0945?

"It sure is, sweet Cowboy!"

"I love you Roz, and thanks!"

"I love you too Cowboy!"

Me. "Jool, I think I got something!"

"I'm almost finished Cowboy, what is it?"

Me. "We need to go see Mouma, would you come with me?"

"Don't you need to make an appointment?" asks Roz.

"I'm going to try and get one when I'm there, or I'll wait."

Jool says. "I need to reassemble my carbine."

That takes about two minutes.

Shortly after Jool and I walk briskly across the street. I think to myself, one time closer to the last.

I check my sash and walk through the entry. The stasis container is in my tunic pocket.

The top sticks out of my pocket and the weight, even in stasis, pulls my tunic down.

We're let through quicky, and I head to the Mouma's office. Everything appears normal.

Once we get to the Priestesses' office, things change. There are two tunic wearing peacekeeper guards outside her door.

We're let in, and when I walk through the door, first thing I think of...

we're trapped!

Mouma is sitting at her desk, but she's flanked by Braca and Mele-On, who are standing next to her. Scorpious is in the far corner, but when the door shuts, he starts towards us and before I can react, he reaches for Jool. But I grab her and pull her away from his grasp

"Scorpius...I raise my hand." "Don't!"

The E builds up in me.

"Scorpius!" Mele-On snarls. Then she looks at me. Scorpius retreats to his corner with a horrible grimace and hisses.

"You have something, Cowboy." she stares at me. " Give them to us, and all will be well."

"Strong arm tactics?" I wince. "Really?"

No one says a thing. I reach in my pocket and pull out the stasis container. I grimace and look at each one of them.

Then I bend over and put the stasis chamber on the floor near the center of the room.

"One question." I look Mouma in the eye. "What is the purpose of the Eidelons in the alliance, and I will not accept an answer from anyone but the Priestess."

Mouma stands up slowly. and she speaks with conviction."Our purpose is to find common ground to negotiate an agreement, that benefits all parties."

"Do you agree that the Peacekeepers should take possession of these devices?"

Mouma looks around at the group.

"The devices like the one that deployed at Arnessk?" Her brows furrow. "Absolutely not!"

Mele-On growls "Why didn't you tell me that beforehand, Mouma?"

"Because you never asked my council." the Priestess responds. "This behavior in my office is deplorable and unacceptable!"

Another uncomfortable silence.

259

I break it...by slowly raising my hand and covering myself, Mouma, and Jool with an E shield.

The back outer wraps of the stasis chamber dissolve. A glowing blue mass takes its place and starts to glow. Soon the contents of the contents in the stasis field can be seen.

The four warheads stacked on top of each other appear. No radiation escapes the field, but I can tell they are starting to leak the deadly power within.

Mele-On stares at me in horror.

"Enough! Put them back! Destroy them!"

Scorpius hisses..."Please!"

"Now you see them"...and I feel the E concentrated in the temple flowing through me. The warheads and the stasis field shrink down, smaller and smaller...

"And now, you never will!" and with a whisp of blue energy, they disappear.

A small amount of dust remains on the floor. Without a movement on my part, it rises from the tiles, floats over to a trash receptacle, and drops in.

The screens drop on Mouma and Jool

I look at Mouma and I drop my screen.

It's so quiet, I can hear everyone breathing.

Then Mouma speaks in a firm voice."Scorpius, Commandant, Mele-On..."ALL of you, leave at once!"And..."Do not invade my office in such a manner again!"

I stand aside as they slip by. The last one to leave is Scorpius. He narrows his eyes and clenches his teeth as he walks by, and I narrow my eyes and growl.

The guards leave, and I shut door, and lock it.

Mouma takes a deep breath, and she looks at me with apologetic eyes. Jool grabs my arm.

"I've not seen a situation like this in fifteen cycles!" Mouma says softly.

I hold my hand tips together and respond quietly "I apologize Priestess, that my presence has created such a problem."

"No Cowboy," she responded. It's not you. "Rumors that Aeryn Sun may be planning another attempted coup are surfacing." "It may disrupt the process you have sought these last weeks!"

Jool and I look at each other.

"Perhaps there could be solution to this situation Mouma, that's why I've come to you."

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. The previous moments have unsettled my thought process."Priestess I've come to your office seeking information on Yemahl." Can you help me understand it better."

Mouma takes another deep breath. "The Hierarch has some knowledge on the practice." And she took another breath.

260

Chapter 15

One out of three ain't bad.

"Most religions start with grandiose ideals of peace, love, and forgiveness. But sometimes along the path, things become subverted by greed, power and self-serving desires."

"Yes, Priestess." I bow.

She continued. "Somewhere along the path of truth in Yemahl, it became an accepted practice to take vengeance on others by indirect confrontation, instead of forgiveness and honest work.

As time passed, the Peacekeepers could justify violence as a means to the end, asking Yemahl for forgiveness. Obviously, this is not the true teachings." Sometime after the Priests at Arnessk went into hibernation, the entire practice was suppressed by the Peacekeepers as they slipped into militarism."

I think...it's all too familiar to me.

"Unlike followers of Yemahl, we have never ascribed to a belief. We are pacifists, who hold no figure or being as a power."

So, I ask, "Is Yemahl an actual person or just a name for words."

Mouma pauses for a moment. She closes her eyes."Yemahl was an actual Sabacean who lived thousands of cycles ago!"

"The religion itself sprang from the farming communities on the planet Prybella."

"Even though we were the ones who bred Sabaceans from human stock, not all were acolytes."

She adds, "The ancients, those called Vierin' assisted us as well as the Ma-arogg in doing the genetic selection process."

I ask. "So, what happened after the war between the Peacekeepers and Scarrans, the one which destroyed the temple at Arnessk and Quijaga?"

She answered. "We assisted in the process, which all parties agreed to."" We were useful afterwards with the Luxons and a few others, and we kept busy behind the scenes to keep peace intact."

"But then the Kkore and the Grennij invaded The Uncharted Territories...they wrought destruction on a scale no one could imagine!"

My jaw drops. I ask Who the Grennij and The Kkore are.

Mouma tells me what she knows, and how Aeryn Sun took over the Peacekeepers, and the expulsion of Commandant Mele-On Grayza.

I swear, that if my brain could explode it would! Jool is equally shocked.

Mouma also mentions Scorpius's involvement. Now I understood what Tarento was inferring to. Even Scorpius all but admitted it!

261

"And so, during the takeover of the Peacekeepers by Commandant Sun, what were the duties of the Eidelons?"

"When the Kkore and Grennij attacked, we went into hiding. Most of us wanted to try to hibernate again, but we did not have the ability to do so." When Aeryn Sun Crichton assumed command of the Peacekeepers, we were ignored." "The teachings of Yemahl seemed sufficient for her needs." Unfortunately, many tired of the constant rituals and conflicting Ideals." After a time, Mele-On Grayza was able to regain power.

Mouma nods. "We don't have a deity like Yemahl. The Hierarch attained a level of leadership by experience, and although I call upon his knowledge, we do not worship him."

She looks at me and smiles. "The appeal to the Eidelon to the practitioners of the Ja-hi nae was the lack of a deity or central figure to "worship".

"It's true," I bow. "Although it would appear that we are religious, practitioners aren't beholden to a deity or deities."

I look at Jool, and look back at Mouma. "Although I ask for advice and education from the elders, I only bow in respect for their experience. I certainly don't worship them and am free to disagree with them."

"Amazing! Mouma exclaims. " I had no idea, nor did the Hierarch!"

"You must know who your founder was, right?" She asks

"Actually, I don't, new practitioners are told the practice was founded by a priest, who's "religion" is unknown. He tossed out all the religious parts of his teachings and focused on the practice of manipulating the essence or energy of the universe itself."

I catch my breath.

"We take a blood oath pledging to freely sacrifice our lives, so that others may live, and to respect all living creatures." "There is more, but Honor, love, and sacrifice is the meaning of Ja-hi-nae."

Mouma. "Thank you for sharing that, Cowboy."

"You're welcome, Priestess." "And I'm sorry too Mouma, because I am leaving here tomorrow after the security team arrives for the signing of the accord between the Quorum and your alliance."

I bow and speak softly. "I am needed elsewhere."

"I'm sorry too Cowboy, we were glad you were here, especially in those few but precious moments when we needed someone to defend us." Mouma's face soured. "I hope our paths will cross again."

I nod. "There are few truths Priestess Mouma, but many paths. I believe our paths will cross again."

She bows. "May your path lead you to the truth, blessings and love to you." And Jool to you as well!"

"With heart, love and blessings to you Mouma. I make the heart, and it is unbroken and unburned." I make the heart symbol.

Mouma smiles at Jool. "i see your heart is no longer broken Cowboy." T'knawl will be pleased."

"Our paths will cross, Mouma, tell him for me. But tell him after tomorrow, if you will."

Mouma nods. "No one need know, for now."

"Goodbye Mouma, and thank you for everything!" Jool says as her eyes water.

"Thank you Jool, for all you have tried to teach us. We will see you again."

I open the door and let Jool out, and I shut the door behind me I couldn't bear to look because Mouma had tears running down her face.

I can't stand to see a woman cry. It erodes my soul, especially if I cause it.

We hurried wordlessly back to Fa3, and when Jool gets into the plane, she breaks down. Her tears are from the pain of leaving, but her words are in anger about what happened.

Scorpius thinks he is resistant or immune to my E... soon he will learn the truth, and a harsh lesson!

262

Or I'll put him to sleep and let him drop like a rock.

We spend the rest of the day cleaning weapons and the plane. We also decide what to do with all this dang toilet paper ARC gave me!

Slowly, Jool returns to her normal self. She spends the rest of the day flirting with me silently by bumping into or touching me. Roz thinks it's hilarious.

Jool helps me rework the bagged spaghetti, so it tastes good. I put some lights on the card table and we have a "flashlight dinner".

I'm sitting on the bed looking at nav points and Jool walks up to. She gently takes the journal from my hands and slips into the drawer in the cubby. She drops her night gown... and before I can collect my thoughts, she removes my shirt with one tug. It flies...somewhere, and then her lips press into mine, and she pushes me back into the mattress!

"Have I told you, how much I appreciate you protecting me?" She whispers between kisses.

"Every day you do!" I whisper back.

"mmmmmm" she whispers back. "Well, let me show you again!"

And she proceeds to do that.

I fall asleep with her head on my chest.

It's about 0800 when I awake to the rumble of large Hetch modules overhead.

The security detail is arriving. Jool, Roz, and I are free! I get a new plane!

We run our morning routines with vigor and smiles. I get dressed in my best outfit and put my sash on. It's the last time I'll have to wear it.

I walk down the ramp about 0845 with Jool. She looks beautiful as always. A red-haired goddess in black. I check my watch and wait.

There's a small podium on the street. About 0855, Chairwoman Braca and Commandant Braca walk out of the temple entrance.

Martial music starts to play to my left, and shortly after, the security team marches into view.

The first unit is the Torgans, one hundred men and women, chosen for their strength, courage and diplomacy. I recognize several.

Torgans...Four hundred pounds of muscle and bone pressed around 7 feet tall. This is caused by the gravity on their planet, which is twice that of earths. Bred as warriors, they were the fighting backbone, the "Peacekeepers" on the IPQ. But there are big differences, Torgans marry for life and Torgan females may bear over two dozen children, who are revered by their parents.

Torgans carry a beam weapon that weighs about eighty pounds, and the rule is, if you can carry a Torgans blaster, you can disarm him.

I recognize the commanding officer. It's General T'ang. He is related to my blood T'orrith.

He halts his troops and glances my way.

Next are the D'yantien. The amazons of IPQ. In their gold armored dress brassieres, their four arms covered with campaign bracelets, they are a welcome sight, Two sonic cutlasses and two blast weapons make them dangerous. ARC definitely has a type!

T'rrl security commandos are next. Reedy and quick, they are the specialists of handling crowds and security. You don't frell with T'rrl.

There are Incaan military police and a detachment of Earth marines, in traditional dress blue. I see they are carrying devistators, a combination of pulse rifle and powder weapon. You can shoot either or both. The elders help you if you take a red tip and a pulse blast at the same time!

I walk over to the edge of the pad with Jool and watch.

263

Chairwoman Braca gives a welcome speech in Sabacean, all the usual rhetoric about peace and economic growth, a new era, etc.

Commandant Braca gives about a three-minute talk about military cooperation and stability. He glances my way a couple of times, but I stand at ease, like I'm geting a dress down by captain Wellington. I watch T'ang instead.

There's polite applause from the assembled priests, diplomats and other peacekeepers present.

General T'ang is not impressed. He turns to his troops, then glances my way and winks.

He barks an order, and all troops turn left to face me. He barks another order to present arms and the Peacekeepers and Jool jump when the Dy'antien draw their weapons and give a blood curdling scream. He barks an order to shoulder arms, parade front. They are dismissed. The troops march off in units either back to thier ships or to their assignments.

General T'ang greets the Bracas and couple of other officers, then waves me over, which is out of protocol. I should have left already, but I wanted Jool and I to witness the ceremony.

I walk over to T'ang who is standing with the Bracas.

He walks up to me and grabs my hand.

"Thor'roosh!" "Blood!" He grins with a mouth full of teeth, his four eyes full of happiness.

I forgot the four eyes...

"Thor'roosh!" General, I apologize for my prescense...

"Bah!" he shouts. "It is good to see Cowboy! Your bloods worry!" He releases my hand.

I raise my hand up so he can see my palm and the two blood lines in it.

"My bloods live, as do I!" And T'ang nods.

He turns and smiles at the Bracas then turns to me.

"Your hosts they treat you well, yes?

"Very well!" I respond.

"mmmmmmmfff" he says, and he nods. So, I know he knows what's going on.

"Then it is for time you to go Cowboy" He growls.

I take off my diplomatic sash and offer it to Chairwoman Braca, but she refuses to take it.

"You'll be coming back, won't you?" She asks worriedly.

"We will meet again Chairwoman Braca, but I am no longer the messenger, or anything else.

I am simply Cowboy, and I'm out of time."

And I bow, and she takes the sash.

Me... I know it's a facade'.

I immediately turn and face T'ang and nod, as does he.

And I walk away, meet Jool at the pad, and up the ramp we go.

160 microts later, Fa3 rises off the pad and blasts through the atmosphere into space. A micron later we punch into T/S at Hetch 25. Fa3 seems creaky but is holding together.

And five microns later we punch out of space.

264

When we arrive at the nav point, there are three IPQ/EDF vessels waiting. The light cruisers Hawaii and Indiana, and the IPQ Dreadnaught America.

ARC and Jack are here.

"Those ships are big!" Jool gasps.

"Yes." I respond.

The Light Cruiser Hawaii is a missile cruiser! I've never seen one, I was mistaken.

There's a few disintegrator tubes and multi barrel machine cannon, but the middle two rings above and below the ship's equator are rocket launch tubes. It carries twelve Reavers.

The Indiana is a standard design Vierin' class P vessel. Pulse guns and thermo beam tubes with added rocket launching stations, and twelve Reavers.

I'm surprised I wasn't met with a full complement of Reavers. I'm sure ARC has his reasons.

Jorgenson hits us up on the comm and sends us to dock with the America. I guide FA3 into the open hanger. and set her down as gently as I can. That's when things happen.

Seconds after I touch down, I hear a "Bang! and Fa3 lurches to the port. I know instantly what happened.

A main spar broke in the left wing. I broke my plane. FRELLIN' HEZMANA!

We have to wait in Fa3 until the ceiling crane is brought in and lifts the fuselage. Even then the big girl groans, so I have Jool exit by the ladder. I can see the kinked outer metal in the left wing as I jog to the safe zone. I keep my shield on the plane to try and hold her together.

Fire teams are rushed in even though there's no fuel leakage.

The emergency team extracts Roz's module in ten minutes and my armament module as quickly.

Because Roz is very upset, and the Hazmat teams are going to pump the fuel out of the plane's tanks, Jool and I head to the on-board medical facility. Elevators and well lighted corridors get us there quickly.

I think about how upset Jack might get that I broke my plane. But I'm more worried about Roz.

Thirty minutes later, Sterilized, sanitized and covered in surgery garb, we're sitting with Roz in the procedure room where they transfer her brain to a new box. Her brain is in a sealed globe, but the transfer can be nerve racking because of loss of sensory perception. But the surgeon is a Ma-arogg and immediately knows who I am. So Jool and I hold her mind in E suspension while they move her. The procedure is done in one arn/hour and Roz talks to us the whole time. She is so relieved and so are we.

Roz's new "home" is smaller but more powerful. It's also in the cockpit area so the whole crew ejects as a module, should the need arise. T'rrl miniature circuitry reduces Roz's weight and footprint down to a desk sized module. Her holo is so crisp she looks real. And the voice synth makes her singing even more amazing!

The install techs move her to the plane, and we follow, shedding our medical garb.

Down and through well-lit corridors with neutral-colored walls and Berber carpet we walk, to the final journey in an elevator to the hanger deck.

265

The rest of the Reavers are in a guarded and cordoned off area, into another bay. In this bay are three new Reavers

One is painted and lettered for the Breeze, (O'Malley) and the other for Mad dog Mendez.

They have TS-100 Hetch modules and the new in wing T/S drive generation units too.

I see the four large pulse weapon barrels, but these birds are covered with missiles.

Jack and ARC are standing by the ramp of the third one. They wave and we trot over.

I'm...I'm speechless. My jaw hits the ground. Jool is pretty impressed too.

The new Farscape has the round upper fuselage of a B-52, molded into a B-1 Lancer, and slightly enlarged.

I simply can't believe what I'm looking at. Tennis...you genius...you really did it this time!

Jack walks over and hugs me. I apologize for the broken plane, but he won't hear it.

He states, "It was going to break anyway, but it did its job."

"Hello Jool!" says Jack!

She gushes. It's nice to meet you Jack, and I'm sorry about the hair!

Jack just smiles.

And ARC, he's speechless...

Jool sticks out her hand. I'm Joolushko Tuna Fenta Hovalis, Cowboy's ...well we're joined, so we're married, right? She smiles "You can call me Jool!"

"Ummm yeah, works for me Jool. Nice to meet you! Admiral Robert Coleman, mam'm."

"You're John Crichton's cousin."

"Yes I am."

"Hey kid, where's your lady love at?" I ask.

"You better watch yourself old man, I will have you strip searched!" He snickers

"Yeah, good to see you too!"

"Likewise." He snaps with a smile.

Jool looks at us wide eyed, then shakes her head. She heads up the ramp and into the plane.

She calls from the hatch opening. "Cowboy, you should see the inside, its beautiful!"

"Speaking of beautiful," ARC pats my shoulder. "Where'd you find her?"

"On a planet."

He shakes his head. "You sly old fox you!"

Jack clears his throat. "We're using time here, let's keep moving!"

We apologize and head up the ramp.

Yeah, the interior of the plane is beautiful.

Not Mercedes beautiful, but better than the original by far.

There's twice as much interior room, and it's finished in neutral light gray. There's a kitchenette with a real stove and full-size refrigerator, plenty of storage. Lots of secure dry storage, room for clothes, a nice sanitizer system, even a medical area with fold up surgical table! Biolab and tool area...everything neatly packed and organized.

The bathroom has a walk-in tub/jacuzzi with shower and large sink

There's actually two bedrooms with fold away queen beds and hooks for a dozen hammocks, and a small office area.

The larger small arms module is right by the master and across from the main bathroom. There's a "mud room" where flight gear is stored. The mud room leads to another small bathroom and then to the flight control navigation area. The communications gear is top notch IPQ stuff, and Roz's module is in with it. Screens for weapon sighting and tracking, man it's awesome!

266

Tennis Dawson himself is in the pilot's seat with Roz standing behind him in her hologram. After greeting us he takes me and Jool through the instrument panel. and flight controls. There are steering wheels instead of sticks but the light aircraft I've flown had those. He knows the plane by heart. He built it and flew it to the America!

Nav controls are Vierin' design so no changes, but they are center cockpit. Engine monitoring is simplified but Roz watches that too, so redundancy isn't necessary.

I have my windshield gunsight and so does Jool. Hehheh!

Tennis tells us he has sleep modules for training so we could be trained in a week, but he knows we can fly back to where we came from.

T/S dumps work the same, but the modules are in the wings. The fields come up faster so punching out and in is nearly instantaneous. Roz likes that.

He takes us outside one more time, explaining that the lettering on the plane will become visible once the plane sees more free space and turns the Berylium T-3 skin black.

The plane is lettered Farscape 3 like the original but is an SR-73b1 model. He goes over the pulse gun tracking and it's features and how the missiles are aimed and launched...stuff I know but will need to brush up on.

He also tells me the plane is packed and ready to leave, but I have ordinance change out the fuselage mounted TS9 missiles for two racks of TS5s. TS5 misslies will destroy robots but only disable larger ships with surgical strikes.

Tennis reminds Jack and ARC that this plane is not being billed because it's experimental. So Hetch engineering is picking up the tab in exchange for data on performance, including maintenance and missiles.

With that, Tennis bids me good hunting and gets a peck on the cheek from Jool. All our old stuff and food has been moved in so we can go.

3.5 arns...

I'd love to say goodbye to my old plane but maybe I'll see it again. It'll be in the Wright Patterson air Museum, next to a replica of Farsape One and Farscape Two.

I also know I'll be seeing Jack and ARC again too. Tennis tells me to do my worst.

So, using my E I lift Fa3 off the floor with a little extra effort. She's just a bit heavier!

The hetch modules fire BOMF once for the inners and once for the outers. The modules are under slung like a B-1 Lancer, thus the sound difference. Outer modules have VTOL ducts.

I can hear the superchargers whining. They're about to scream!

We pull out of America and do a nice banking turn around her starboard side...I roll the throttle up to H22 and hit the stick...

And we are gone!

Thirty seconds later we slide into T/S and H55. It'll be about an hour back to Peacekeeper space.

Roz is the first to speak.

"Wow! Hetch 22 was a ride, this is incredible! "She exclaims "COOWWBOOY UP!"

"Time is tight, it holds five seconds like a mother holding her baby.!"

Jool asks "Totally different than what you're used to right?"

"Yeah, its beyond nice... I can't find the words...almost like the first time I saw you, Jool.

"Thats so sweet Cowboy!"

"Hell, yeah it is!" Roz exclaimed.

"Man, we are eating up space here! I comment. "I'm not used to this!"

Roz asks "You didn't ask Rob about those nav points, did you?

"No, but it won't do any good. Did you try them on the new board?"

"Yes, no luck. "

I respond, "They're not on any program, but I bet I know where they might be."

"Oh yeah, where?"

"Probably the kit spacer Moon Dreams, for a start!"

267

"Out of the question sweetheart!" Jool exclaims. "We're not going back to Tavian 3!"

"We don't have to Jool." "There's three of them at Qwerevlk!"

"Do you me to drop out of T/S and go there now?" Jool asks

"We're over halfway to our nav point Jool, but you can bump up and reset."

Roz giggles "This plane holds time so tight it squeaks!"

"Oh, Roz that's... that's awesome...Squeaky time!"

Jool and Roz bump the plane up to H70... and 15 minutes later we drop out at the nav point. The bad thing about going so fast through T/S is slowing down when you come out!

We'll have to slow down a little bit more before punching in.

Jool comes out at a screaming H47, and we roll to port and shoot across two goods freighters, probably scaring the dren out of them!

I have her drop to idle and Tap reverse down to H15.

Jool also comments, I love these new flight suits!" I'm going to have you thank Tennis for these. "They're form fitting, look great, and work many times better than those bulky suits in the old plane!"

"I have to admit you're right Jool!" "I smile "You look awesome in one!"

Jool gets out of her seat and plants a big, sweet kiss on me.

"Thank you, sweetheart, I going to get you something to eat."

"Yeah, they fit Cowboy well in all the right places!" Roz says.

"Ladies...!"

"He's blushing Roz!" Jool says even though she's almost to the galley.

"You bet girlfriend, just like I planned it!"

"We will have to keep an eye on him, with the other species around!" Roz exclaims

"Yes, I will have to watch him closely Roz."

"Uh come on!" I exclaim, a bit annoyed.

Jool laughs "Chiana would be all over him, if I let her!"

'The Nebari?" I ask. "Not really my type." " I saw her on Admiral Roberts video that he took when he was 13." "She was too wild, Sworn to fun, loyal to none."

Both women laugh!

"How old were you then Cowboy?"

"Too old for her!" I chuckle.

268

Jool returns a plate of food and a jug of water and hands the plate to me.

Jool adds "Yeah I'm pretty sure she's a bit younger than I."

"Sometimes I wonder where she is, and who she's with. "Jool reflects. I just hope she's happy."

I agree,

"I'll be right back... I need to use the head." Jool says.

About ten seconds later...

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Roz, you got the plane!

"Go Cowboy...JOOOL?"

I make to the head in record time

Jool is standing and pointing at the seat. Her suit is about off and shes holding it around her. Her eyes are big as saucers and her lips are pressed shut.

"What IS THAT?" She yells and points!

Sure enough, in the bowl is a rubber snake.

I start to laugh but I can see Jool isn't happy. This would be compliments of the good Admiral, Robert Coleman. I snicker.

"That is not funny Cowboy! I mean it!"

"Ok, let me handle it. It was meant for me Jool. I'm sorry."

Roz asks if everythings ok.

I ask Roz, "Check this out!"

"What? OH HELLLLL NO! And she laughs!"

"It's not funny Roz, it nearly scared the dren out me!"

Jool starts to laugh. "Would it be funny if Cowboy found it?"

"He'd have screamed like a baby!" Roz says and she laughs

So Jool laughs, a little.

"Roz, send a note to ARC and uh, tell him his prank backfired and got Jool. Ask him if I have to look in all the cupboards and storage compartments next."

"No way!" Jool exclaims.

I still have to go through the cupboards as Jool watches. I hate finding those too, but so does Rob. He hates rubber rats! HEHEHEHEHHEHEH!

269

We hetch up on the backside of Qwerevlk on the other side of the planet from Mar'arlins' compound. It's almost sunset, and I bring the new plane in at treetop level and land it outside the box canyon. Sensors detect nothing. So we spend the night, and Jool and I hold each other close.

In the morning, after breakfast and that, We decide to try and cut through the brush and search the spacers.

I have Jool take her shoulder rig and I strap on my Ruger. I also grab my Kukuri knife. I have a bad feeling, or the "cracles" as Mar'alin called them.

It's a short walk in the cool fall sun. There's a few clouds and I see birds flying. It appears nothing is out of the ordinary.

When Jool and I reach the bushes blocking the entrance, we notice two things. The thick leafy bushes block the path completely, and they have 2 inch log needle sharp thorns that are dripping a clear liquid.

"This isn't good!" i say.

"At the worst, it is a neurotoxin or poison." Jool states. "I could try to analyse it in the biolab."

"How long will that take?"

"About an arn, maybe longer."

"Let me try something different."

There's plenty of E here on Qwerevlk, and it works for me immediatly. I work the E into the plants and slowly unravel the twisted vines and their thorny branches.

As I work the E, I get the strangest feeling the bushes are working with me. Strange, I don't perceive intelligence, but once I started, they seemed to have finished.

Within minutes, a path is cleared and Jool and I cautiously walk through them into the the canyon. While I use my E to the path open, the plants also seem cooperative.

Shortly after, I climb upon the first spacer. I undo the latch and swing the access hatch open.

The dank smell of stale air and old dust push us back for a moment, so we wait for the air to clear.

I pull a flashlight from my flight suit jacket and unsnap the safety strap on my hip holster.

Then I climb down in.

The lighting doesn't work. Jool shines a more powerful flashlight into the interior.

"You don't need to come down here Jool."

Jool shines the powerful light around the main interior. It reveals twisted and bent conduit and pieces of cut and shredded strip of wiring.

Someone has been in here first and gutted the entire interior!

I swear under my breath.

Using my penlight I scan behind me, it's narrow beam cuts through the darkened hall. I don't have to walk down there because someone has rifled the crew quarters as well.

I turn back and head into the flight deck area. On the way, my penlight shows complete devastation. Everything useful is gone.

270

The cockpit or flight crew area has been gutted too, by jacknuts! Everything including the seating is gone. The nav computer number board has been taken, even the instrument panel gauges have been removed!

There is one consolation. A stack of paper-thin metal etchings attached to a single ring is laying on the floor. I pick it up and shine the light on it.

It's a stack of star charts, for this region of the galaxy! I grab that and look around one more time, then I head back to the hatch.

I notice that the Hetch module tubes are intact, but the drive generator is missing. Even the twin disintegrators are in the hull, but the targeting and firing mechanisms are gone from the interior.

After re-sealing the spacer, Jool and I head toward the other intact looking one. We open it and find the same thing.

The other spacer has been ransacked and gutted just as thoroughly. There isn't even a star chart.

I seal up the spacer and we walk over to the last one. The front left quadrant is mangled from the impact against a huge half submerged boulder. The spacer itself is at an angle but it looks like someone piled rocks underneath it to keep from tipping back on its bottom.

Jool scrambles up the topside like a rock wall climber and undoes the latch. She pops the hatch open with some effort.

With a bit more care, I reach the hatch and hold it while Jool climbs in. I remember Jool saying she'd been in gymnastics, and they're being put to use.

EWWWW! I hear Jool squeal and then noises of her swatting at something. I hold the hatch with my E and tumble my way into the spacer.

I land on my side in a most embarrassing matter. It hurts but I'm not seriously injured.

Jool is standing spread legged to keep her balance. In her left hand is her flashlight, in the other a seat armrest.

She looks at me with wide open eyes and mouth.

"It was a huge insect or something... with huge fangs. I missed it, and it ran to the back."

I shine my light down the hall. I see nothing.

"Ok, well let's check the flight crew area.

This spacer, unlike the others, is intact. Other than debris thrown about from impact, everything is here. Theres a hint of smoke and burnt metal as we make our way to the flight deck.

The nav panel is there. I shine my penlight over it while Jool nervously shines the light behind her.

Everything is there. It looks a bit burnt but if the mother board is salvageable we may be ok.

So, I grab some hand drivers from a pouch of tools I brought and start taking the board apart.

It takes about ten minutes for me to remove the back panel. I crack it open, and that wonderful electrical panel is intact!

With a bit more work and cursing, I get the mother board loose. Normally I wouldn't cut the wires but we may need some leads, so I slice through them with my KuKhuri.

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Once done, we head back to the hatch. Jool gets out first, and I hand her the board. The I work my way out, cursing and wriggling. Jool is already on the ground as I gingerly make my way down.

" Not a climber, I see!" she quips

"No, I'm not." but I smile and so does she.

Roz comes over the comm. "There's vehicle coming up the trail at a high speed!" she exclaims.

"Roz how many people are in it.?"

"I can't tell but I'll let you know, should be here in a minute, maybe less." It's coming very fast!"

I shook my head. "Mar'arlin said it was a 24-hour trip!"

"He lied to us, just like the rest!" Jool hissed.

"Not at the speed this guy is driving!" Roz relied. "Maybe they figured out you figured it out!" And Roz laughed.

About the time Roz finishes the sound of an approaching vehicle is heard. By the whooshing noise it must have some kind of jet engine propulsion.

The engine shuts off and I hear scraping sounds as the vehicle slides to a stop. Right in front of the path.

"I think it's the range master...Mar'arlin?" Roz whispers.

Jool and I run behind the rock pile holding the crashed spacer up.

"Heeelllllloooooohhhh! Helllooooh? You in there crack shot cowboy?" You come out, okay?"

"I answer "Mar'arlin, so good to hear your voice! Come on in!"

"Mar'arlin laughs. You crazy? You come out, or I burn you out, yeah!"

Jool grimaces, then hisses and draws her handgun.

"I don't have my long gun Mar'arlin!"

The range master laughs "Too bad, yeah! Got my big blaster! Scorpius says to not be scared...HAH! Not scared of exploding bullets."

I tell Jool "I can't see him babe."

"He's just outside the entrance, I can see a foot!" She says angrily.

"Mar'arlin!" I call out. "You got the cracles?" Big bad Peacekeeper scared? We've been in all three spacers and found nothing!" So you Mar'arlin, are a coward!"

For a moment there is silence, then Mar'arlin snarls.

"You pay for that Cowboy; I kill you NOW!"

I look at Jool and shrug.

All of sudden, heavy disintegrator bolts start coming through the opening! Mar'arlin starts shooting into the bushes. He roars out an oath!

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STUPID THORNS! He bellows. "I burn you once, I burn you NOW!"

He runs into the bushes shooting into them. But before I can release the E holding them up, they release themselves!

Jool screams for a second then puts her hand over her mouth.

Mar'arlin screams in agony as the bushes fold around him. The pulse weapon fires two more times...

then silence.

Jool and I walk out from the rocks. The bushes have covered the path. Jool looks around and touches my shoulder.

My eyes follow hers.

Behind us, about ten yards away are ten mounds rising from the ground. Wordlessly I walk over to them.

At the head of each mound is a small rock with something carved into them. The language is Vierin'.

I take in a deep breath and exhale slowly. Then I ask my brain to commit the carved words to memory so I can read them later. Jool touches my right arm with her left hand but says nothing. The silence in the canyon is nearly deafening, except for a slight breeze.

"How do you think they died?" Jool asks.

I shrug and whisper. Let's go."

And we turn and head back, but before I go, I look at the back of the spacer.

I whisper to Jool and point up.

There's' a trench burnt through the top and bottom of the spacer, like steel cut by a torch or plasma cutter. I walk up and look at the ten-foot-long gash. It hit the T/S generator and all the wiring and conduit is burned away.

Only one weapon I know of makes that kind of damage. It's a disintegrator beam.

The two other ships appear to be unharmed.

We make are way to where the bushes have choked of the path out of the cavern.

I start to work my E to push them up, but before I do, the bushes raise themselves up.

Thier waving branches seem to bid us to pass.

We walk through and carefully step over Mar'arlin, or what's left of him. Whatever the toxins the thorns carry is dissolving his body. As the flesh and bone turn to liquid it is being absorbed into the ground, into the plants root structure. Even his clothes are turning to liquid!

Jool and I gingerly step over what's left. I pick up his blaster and take it. Jools' face makes a horrid grimace and I almost retch from the putrid smell.

As soon as we clear the entrance, the plants collapse into it, blocking the path again.

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"That was awful! " Jool comments. "I almost feel sorry for him!"

"Really?"

Jool grabbed my arm and laid her head on my shoulder. "NO"... "I couldn't imagine being his woman!"

"Nor I, Jool."

"Are you lovebirds, ok?" Roz asks. "And wheres that Mar'arlin guy?"

"Plant food." I quip.

"

What? Plant...ewwww!" "Never mind!"

I carry the blaster over to the vehicle and consider destroying both, but Roz has a suggestion.

While we were flying, I was going through the plane's features." she says

The rear bomb bay doors open, and there's a vehicle deployment ramp that retracts and extends to the ground.

"Really? Is there a vehicle in it? I ask

Roz says "No, but I'm pretty sure that vehicle will fit!"

I check the old transport over. It's about the size of a Terran ORV or utility vehicle used in agriculture on Terra. It seats four, has a small dump bed, and the engine is a small but heavily built propane or butane powered diesel. No leaks or seeps, and it's air cooled.

The controls are simple, and the transmission is a CVT with a transfer case for all wheel drive.

The tires are decent, and despite dents and dings the vehicle appears to be well maintained.

About a half hour later we've raising it into the bomb bay. Secured with tie downs to the heavy steel bed, a hydraulic system similar to a four-post mechanics lift raises it back into the plane without so much as a whimper. The bomb bay doors latch shut, and minutes later, Fa3 departs Qwerevlk for the last time. I know we won't be back.

We hole up in some asteroid belt out in the remnants of the uncharted territories.

Jool and I fix a nice late lunch/early dinner on the stove in the kitchenette. Tennis has thought of everything for making a healthy meal! Jool and work together like a team. Everything gets tossed in the auto wash, and 20 minutes later it's done. The recycle system reduces waste in all but the toilet water. No one's going to drink recycled piss.

The Dinnerware has magnets in them for metal holders, and the shelves and drawers all latch. A big improvement over the original Fa3.

This gives all three us time to go over the Journal and nav points. Roz is telling me how to hook the old mother board to her console...something I'm a bit trepidatious about.

I don't need to put Roz out of commission, so I do the next best thing. I leave Tennis Dawson a brief message explaining my problem.

Meanwhile, Jool is working over the journal. Together we've determined there's a series of Nav points that can be reached from the journal. But the six mystery ones aren't in any system.

Most of the valid points are close to the edge of the galaxy arm that most IPQ members including Terra, the Peacekeepers and Scarran Imperium, and Hyneria are in. But one isn't.

We'll need to jump the gap between clusters.

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It's a 14-hour trip at H70. But therein is a temple containing all 70 volumes of Encyclopediana Vierin'.

But there's old business first. I suggest we make a run out to the Nav point Natrwoa gave me.

It's about five arns away...or quicker!

Roz suggests we go to sleep and start our sleep training. I agree.

The new bed feels huge compared to the old one on Fa3. But's so comfortable! Jool and I spoon and fall asleep. The last thing I hear is the device turning on.

Ten arns/hours later I wake up with Jool still in my arms. We have a nice snuggle time but want to get up and see what we've learned. We do our morning routine together because we have the room to and make breakfast.

Roz has also rested and has had her training. After we don our flight suits, we sit for a few moments and compare notes.

Jool loves the form fitting flight suits, and they make her look, well, like she always does.

Mine looks and feels good too. Internal circuitry monitors bios, regulates temperature and pressure for High G maneuvers, and has built in communication! The suits reduce cramping and the risk of clotting and can even be exposed to vacum for short periods. Finally, the suits have MOLLE attachment points. We set up our comms with Roz and then eat a hearty breakfast.

With everything stowed, Roz sets the points with Jool, and we head to the Nav point. It's a planet listed as Trolesk on the star charts.

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Chapter 16

A hot time in Trolesk

Jool and I immediately notice that the new instrument panel is very user friendly. For me, it's friendly but still informative. Just the right amount of monitoring, buttons, and switches.

Jools' panel is almost the same but has a few more navigation system additions.

The windshield has the sighting system for the main guns and missiles. Roz also has a targeting system for precision attacks. It's perfect for disabling larger vessels. Jool and I have the same touch screen that pops down from an overhead console.

I can't wait to take the next course!

It will take us about four arns/hours to get to Trolesk. It would be quicker, but we're spending time setting and adjusting the bubble and syncing time.

It's time well spent.

We punch in to Trolesk in under four arns with a 5 second bubble. Trolesk is a half arn away, so we hetch in slowly while watching the sensors.

Dusk is settling over the planet. It's a green planet, but there's lots of open grayish soil around, with only a couple of oceans and low hills. It screams "I'm a depressing place to live!"

"Cowboy darling, there isn't even a rocket sled on the screens, much less a Leviathan!" Roz says in frustration.

I ask her "Anything on Trolesk itself?"

"Scans show minimum activity as far as intel." She answers."

"We'll land and drive in." "Find the largest city or settlement and we'll put down".

"Jool, would you mind opening the arms cabinet?" "Trolesk has a low E content." "Thank you, babe!"

Jool unsnaps her harness and heads to the rear of the plane, but not without giving me a kiss and blowing one to Roz.

At the site of the largest settlement, there appears to be a crude area set up to land the plane.

There appears to be several other space faring vessels as well, and all of them are armed with pulse weapons, but none have defense screens.

Roz quips" We've been scanned, so they know we're armed." "I could've blocked that, I'm sorry!"

"No need to be...these vessels aren't from any known military. At the least, they're armed merchants, at the worst..."

"Scum and villainy" Roz answers with a chuckle.

I was going to say "target practice" Roz.

Roz reminds me. "Sleep practice, Cowboy!"

Jool calls over the comm. "Cowboy please come here! "What are these...guns?"

"I'll be back in a moment honey once I land the plane!"

Once I've set Fa3 down on the crude tarmac, I head back to the arms module.

Jools right, there's some new and deadly editions to the cabinet, and a dren load of ammo to boot.

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"A "grease gun"? I say, pulling it from the rack. "Right out of World War two!"

That's cute! Roz snaps. "I'd shoot that!"

I picture Roz in a Beret and camos, blasting away from the hip at some target...and I shiver.

"What?" Roz quips

"I love you Roz!" and I place the submachine gun back in the rack.

"You better, crazy cowboy!"

"What is this weapon? Jool points."

"

Uh, It's a bloop gun?"

Jool looks at me like I farted helium.

"Sorry it's a flare launcher, and it shoots explosive rounds too. It's called an M-79."

"Ugh, ok." She speaks

"I'll show how it works some time."

"Ok," then Jool asks "Well tell me what this is, another rifle maybe?"

"Uh no that isn't... It's a M-60 A-1 machine gun." I look again. "It really is...what the frell?"

Jool frowns and asks, "What does it do?"

"Slices, dices, puree's, it shoots full auto!" I've only fired one of these once, so we'll see if it gets used. "It's not my kind of weapon"

Jool asks "I thought you didn't like full auto shooting?"

"Well, if you got a lot of ammunition..."is my response. What was Tennis thinking?

Roz interjects..."There's a ton of ammo in storage compartments under your feet...inventory says some it is "belt fed" 7.62x51 red." "There's blue tipped rounds as well."

"Looks like Tennis thought we needed to start a revolution or something!"

I look at Jool. "We'll figure it out later sweetheart." Let's get our usual hardware and go into town."

While loading up, I notice something else on a charging station inside the cabinet. I read it's label.

I grab one of the devices and look it over as Jool is putting on her harness.

"Jool...Put this on your belt, its a body armor device."

"Oh? ok."

I tell her. "In case my E is low or isn't working, like here!"

She puts it on. It beeps and a green dot shows. I put one on my belt and clip it on place.

Then I put my Ruger in it's hip holster and grab another rig from the module.

Jool comments "That's different."

I slip the shoulder rig over my neck.

Yeah I used one of these a long time ago. .357 magnum revolver. A six shooter.

"It's in a shoulder rig like mine?"

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"Yeah." I grab Jools carbine and hand it to her, then grab mine.

"Is the ramp clear Roz?"

"Just a few people milling about in the distance." She says "Maybe Looky loos?"

She adds "They aren't armed."

"Roz, drop the ramp please and we'll leave. Love you Roz."

Jool calls out "I love you too Roz!"

"You love birds be very careful!" she answers. "I think this place is bad juju!"

"Juju?"

"You heard me Cowboy!"

"T-4 Roz!"

And down the ramp we go, into the dark, dank world of Trolesk.

While the atmosphere is breathable and the temperature is comfortable, the most interesting first impression about Trolesk is it's smell. It's like dirty socks, old shoes and dead fish all mixed into the unique sulfur charged bouquet of axle grease. It's not toxic but quite noticeable. The locals seem to be used to it.

As soon as we clear the ramp, it lifts up and seals. I can only imagine what Roz will say when she gets a "nose" full.

I make sure my weapons are charged and set the safeties. Jool does the same.

We've walked about three hundred yards through a cornucopia of space vessels that vary in size and shape, most looking like a jumble of parts glued together by a plastic modeler after an all night session of pot laced brownies, cheap wine and anchovy pizza!

The problem is, the pulse cannon and other beam weapons protruding from their hulls are for real. Despite some of the John Crichtons alien friends comments about Terra and it's penchant for tribal violence, there appears to be no shortage of it in this part of the galaxy either.

Once we get to the towns' outer walls, or whats left of them, I ask Roz to target the vital areas of all the parked vessels.

Just before we walk through the gate, a rather large woman accosts us. She walks out of a large bay door where a bunch of beings in mechanic overalls are milling about.

Shes dressed in dirty khaki overalls, and has a helmet on her head which is crooked, even thought the chin strap is tight. Shes got a spanner or tool in her right hand.

She introduces herself as Furlow, and says shes the best spaceship mechanic in this part of the galaxy.

Dirty light blond hair, distinctive light blue eyes... and she's smoking a huge blunt...or something that resembles one. If there was dope in it, the stench, and I don't want to insult anyone, but the stench of either her, the cigar/blunt or just the whole area burns my eyes like pepper spray! I have a hard time not making a face.

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"Hey there handsome, saw your ship land a moment ago, wonderin' if it needs some work!"

I shake my head. "No thanks...mam'm. "I just bought it!

She gives her head a shake. "Well... I guess that rules out the idea of you selling it!

I smile at her and say yes. She looks at me quizzicly and takes a tug off her cigar.

Haven't seen a smile like that in a while...She grins at me. "Thought he was a Peacekeeper, but he wasn't."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah, did some work on his antique spacer a long time ago." "Tried to buy it for junk." "Said he was using it for research." "Didn't fool me though." She tips her head and takes another short puff.

I wave my hand. "Well thanks, but I don't need any work done nor am I interested in selling"

Furlow takes another hit off her cigar. "I only asked because, well, you have his disarming smile, not that it did him any good!"She grins. "I got paid, that's what matters."

"I'm looking for information on someone else I'd guess."

"Oh, because you kind of remind me of him."

"Really?" (I guess I'll nibble the bait) "Did he have a name?"

"Now see here, that's the part that's gonna cost you something." She smiles coyly. "Something besides that smile and easy charm you got going for yourself!" " Maybe that fancy ship you got!" "I'd ask for the weapons but they look antiquated, certainly something you couldn't use for anything serious."

I look at Jool and we shrug.

"Lets not waste any more time here, someone in town will know where to find him!" I quip

"Find who, not that it's any of my business." she says

I say nothing, because I nod at Jool and prompt her telepathecaly.

She takes a step towards Furlow. and her eyes narrow and her lips become firm with just a hint of a frown. She raises the barrel of the carbine so it's about waist high.

'Furlow' looks at Jool and her eyebrows raise.

She says a bit nervously. " Now missy, don't go pointing that...whatvever it is, weapon my direction!" If you blotching shoot me, you get nothing, right?"

Jool looks at me and the carbine never moves. "That's all right, I am sure this bishka knows nothing about John Crichton anyway!" she hisses "She just wants our creds!"

Calmly I tell Jool "Honey, you really don't really want to shoot her in the gut anyway." Start with the feet, or the toes, if you get close enough!"

Jool assumes a rather coy look herself. The carbine barrel lowers, then the busines end of it starts towards Furlows feet.

"You mean here, right? She hisses. "The big one first?"

"On humans it's the little one, but like I say, if you're not sure..." my voice trails off

Furlow raises her hands and cries out!

"Okay, Okay, don't shoot me! "i don't know where he is, and I haven't seen him in a while!" She continues..."Maybe he'll come by, maybe he won't! Just don't shoot my toes!

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Jool lowers her carbine down and takes her finger off the trigger and sets the safety

I ask Furlow. "So, do you think anyone else in town might know? "

She replies. You might check at the restaurant in the center of town. Can't miss it, its the only one. Okay?" She points to to her right.

I smile "Thanks for the help Furlow!"

"No problem flyboy". She looks at Jool and hmmmphs. Jool looks at her and snaps the safety off again with a noticable click. Furlows eyes bulge a little.

"Think I'd better be gettin' back to the office." Furlow says and she turns and walks quickly back through the packed dirt towards an open garage door.

I nod my head at Jool and we head off in the direction Furlow pointed.

Before we get about ten yards I hear Furlow yell.

"Hey flyboy, I never did get your name!"

We keep walking.

Another few yards and there a sign pointing to a place to eat. We turn and head down that narrow street. I scan the buildings. Jool grabs my arm and pulls me to a stop

"How did I do? She asks excitedly. "I thought I did great because I didn't have to shoot!"

"You did great honey "I say rather deadpan. I kiss her forehead.

"Did I do something wrong?" she asks as her face saddened. "You're not thrilled."

I touch her cheek tenderly. "No, in fact I was very impressed with your improvisational skill."

"But..." I stumble for words. "Look, I always underplay myself for a reason. It bothers you, but if you portray yourself as something more than you are, someone better will test you too quickly and that could be fatal."

Her brows furrow for a moment.

"You know, I never thought of it that way." The she smiles." All I want you to do from now on is not underplay yourself to me." Is that fair."

"I can work with that Joolushko." Then I nod to a lighted doorway that seems to have a lot of noise coming from it.

The dimly lit red flashing light says "The Mussel House"

Eww.

Below the name flashes "Best Mussels on Trolesk!" in blue.

Oh, the irony! I snicker to myself.

While watching from across the street, I explain to Jool we can do this two ways. One , we can kick the door open, shoot into the ceiling and walls and yell incoherently a lot. In the confusion everyone will probably surrender and I can mind scan the most knowledgeable ones using a lot of E. Or 2, we can look for an open table, preferably along a wall and facing the door. I'll listen for the appropriate conversation(s) and I can mind scan at my leisure. Either way, if things go awry, I can try to use E to put them to sleep or, we can shoot our way out the back. I mean, every place has got a back door, right?

Jool tells me that the first plan is likely something John, Aeryn and Ka'D'argo might use.

We'll try the second plan.

So I lower my head, push my tinted glasses up, and Jool and I walk in.

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If there's a place where the nastiest, grimiest, foul smelling, immoral, incouragable, alien scum would go to eat raw or cooked mussels and drink cheap beer, this would be the place!

Hardly any one notices as we weave and bob our way through the low light to a dark colored wooden booth, midway down a plastered wall covered with yellow paint and faded wall paper.

We slide into rough hewn benches and I take the one opposite of Jool where I can see the door.

The noise level is so loud I can hardly hear myself think and Jool is quite uncomfortable and glancing around nervously.

"Keep cool honey, everything will be fine," I whisper telepathicaly.

Glasses are clinking and several people are slapping tables and laughing insanely, as others talk and smoke from long tubes leading who knows where.

And of course everybody is eating Mussels, or some kind of soup. There's also a couple wooly looking characters eating ...jerky? Ok, I get it.

I lay my elbow on the table and instantly regret it. Something slimy has stuck to my sleeve. Geebus weebus!

A very stressed looking woman walks up to out booth and produces a tablet. Her once blond shoulder length hair is mostly gray and she's still quite attractive. She's got the atypical yellow and white trimmed waitress uniform on, and except for makeup and other details, would look like a server at a greasy spoon diner on old earth.

She bends over and trys to speak as loud as possible without yelling.

"Hello! I'm Essk, I'll be your server and if you have any questions, I'm also the owner here!"

We nod and she asks us how we want our mussels. Jool and I look at each other and grimace, so I ask for a menu. She can't hear me, so she stands up and bellers.

"HEEEYYYYYY, QUIET DOWN A MINUTE!"

"SIlence...someone chuckles...then the din starts to increase.

"Its a charb tonight!" she tells us, and she brushes back her hair.

"Do you have a menu?"

"Menu? No Honey...we have raw or cooked Marjool Mussels and Shakloom Jerky. And 10 different types of chilled or warm Raslak." She shrugs.

"Best Mussles in town!" Yells someone in the booth behind Jool.

Someone else calls out."Rygel the sixteeth would eat here...if he dared!"

And everyone starts laughing.

We order a large plate of Jerky and two locally brewed Raslaks and she has to get Raslak for another table, so she excuses herself and hurries off.

At least she has two bartenders, a tall gangly looking fellow with a black tie and collar, but little else, and a female(?) with whitish skin and protrusions out of her head.

The female seems to be watchng us, but trying not to be conspicuous.

My first hint that things could go sour is the sign over the doors to the kitchen. It says the rear entrance is closed and all deliverys come through the front doorway.

One of the walls has a framed picture of the Dominar that someone has drawn a mustache and beard on.

But there's writting on it in english. It clearly says "Sparky"! Theres a clue!

I have to say the service is quick. A serving tray appears with...a generous portion of jerky on it!

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Also two large clear glasses filled with a frothy amber liquid.

I sniff the glass. It's beer...just like you'd get on Terra, or Mars, even on an TDF vessel.

Jool takes a taste as do I. She tries hard not to wince but does.

It's cheap swill, like what you'd buy in a store or the two for one happy hour. But it's cold and goes down easy. I have to watch my consumption.

So I take a strip of Jerky and take a bite. It's delicious! It's thick and a little salty, but also has a sweetness to it that gives it balance.

I ask Jool. "What is this made from?"

What she describes to me is esentially a crab. It's dried and pressed carb meat!

Jool thinks it's ok, and compared to raw mussels, it's a delight!

We're about halfway through our food, and I have yet to descern any conversations specifically concerning John Crichton.

But one things for certain, they're all here for him and Aeryn! The lack of E makes it nearly impossible to do anything. At best, and with some effort, their alcohol consumnption will allow me to put them to sleep.

I'm not versed on all forms of alien spieces in the real, but there's acouple I do recognize and should be wary of. I silently thank Areyn Sun for the information.

The first is a trio of three Vorcarian Blood Trackers in the opposite corner about 30 feet from me. An older white haired female, who spends most of her time sniffing the air, and two young adult kits, who are ripping through a large bowl of raw mussels. The female is the most dangerous due to her sensitive nose. I realize that the female bartender keeps looking over at us, especially Jool. There's four Relgarians and as many Tregan merceinaries as there are...Peacekeepers?

"Peacekeepers!" I say aloud, almost too loud ! So loud the guy sitting at the bar across from almost turns his head. I realize he's wearing a partial uniform.

Jool stares at me in astonishment and leans forward.

"Great job Sherlock!" She whispers "You didn't notice before?"

"Sherlock?"

"Terran slang, right?"

I nod agreement, then roll my eyes. I've created a monster!

I take another drink of the now warming Raslak. It's starting to get bitter, just like warm cheap beer.

"Don't you think we should figure out how to get out of here?" Jool asks me telepathically. "The rear entrance is not working!" She notes.

Wait a couple of of minutes and by the way, can I ask you a question?

"Yes." she whispers in my mind.

"Do you know the female bartender, the one with the white skin?"

She glances over then ducks her head down

"Hezmana! It looks like, like Raxil! she says telepathecally "The little kaznick from the pleasure planet! Fe'tor, remember Cowboy? I showed you this... when we shared memories!"

"What is she doing here? FRELL!"

I unsnap the safety straps on the shoulder rig and my hip holster. First I slide the Ruger across my lap to my left hand. Then i slowly slide the magnum out of my shoulder rig and place it next to my right hip. Jool watches as I do this. My carbine is propped against the wall, I won't have time to grab it.

I ask Jool to slowly slip her carbine on her lap, and to follow my lead.

Honestly I have no idea what I'm going to do...but it's gonna be loud and really stupid!

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I take one last bite of jerky and chew it slow. I check my E and there might be enough to put everyone down if I do them in groups. I estimate about forty people in the room. So I decide to not take down the staff unless I have too.

Sometimes life hands you lemons...and when it does, find someone with a bottle of Vodka and make a new friend.

I don't know it yet, but someone's about to deliver me a bottle of my favorite brand.

Except he or she won't likely be my friend!

So...I'm sitting here trying to concentrate enough E to deliver a knockout punch to about three dozen hard core incorrigibles. Thank the elders, some are starting to become pretty inebriated.

Jool is becoming agitated, and I encourage her to keep calm and think happy thoughts, like making love. I doesn't help and she sneers at me but says shes joking about the look.

Like I said, I'm about to get a bottle of Vodka.

The door flies open and some blue skinned guy about six feet tall carrying a crude looking blaster steps in. He looks around the room with crazy eyes and opens his mouth full of missing and rotted teeth. Even his tongue is blue! He lifts his head up and starts making loud animal sounds!

"AIAIAIIAIAIIAIIAIAIIAIAIAIAIAIAIIAIAIYIPYIYIPIPIPIPIYIPYIPYIPYIPYIYPIPYIP!"

Silence.

Someone yells "FLA!" "Stop with the racket already!"

"OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWWWWOOOOOOOO!" "WOOFWOWOFOOFWOOFWF!" " Furlow!" "AIIAIAIAI!, Furlow's been roughed up!" "Looking for John Crichtion!" "AIAIIAIAIIARARRARRARAARRRROOOOOOOO!" "Peacekeepers maybe? She not sure!"

One of the guys in a peacekeeper uniform laughs from his table.

"Most of of us here are peacekeepers you farhbot!" He exclaims.

Everyone laughs loudly. Big mouthed blue face starts yapping like a deranged Chihuahua!

"ARRARARARRARRRARARRRARA!" "No peacekeeper, no! Human! Human like Crichton!"

"AIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAI!"" Red haired female! Red Hair! Crazy hair trigger! "YIPYIPYIPYIP...Furlow sent here... sent here!"

A nasty murmur drifts through the crowd. I see blaster muzzles rising up. The blood tracker female stands up and sniffs the air.

She hisses and snarls...There are different scents, I smell them! she sniffs again. Too much bad air." She sniffs again. "But they are here!"

Jool looks like she could crawl under the table! My face tightens up in anger and I wrap my hands around my pistol butts. Then it gets worse.

They're right here in the booth! Right here, right here!

It's the bartender Jool called Raxil...pointing right at us!

Jool points back at her hisses. "Raxil, you kaznick, you frelling little fa-pu-ta!"

You, you are Jool! You dead! right, right, right!

Jool shouts angerly. "DO I look dead to you, kaznick! DO I? "

Before she can answer, the big blue loudmouthed jack nut strides across the dirty floor and stands in front of the table. He howls like a banshee and points his crude blaster at Jool then me.

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"ARARRARRARRAR!" "Got ya now! HAHHAHAHAHA" He places his blaster flat against his stomach and glares at us. The he bends over and laughs at my face

"Big mistake!" my brain says. "Let's go!"

"AHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! gagging AGGAGGAGAGAGAGAG!"

He's gagging because I manage to shove the barrel of my .357 down his big mouth into his throat! I scoot out of the booth at lightning speed and raise the Ruger with my left hand. I don't even know how I did that. It's like GTA or something!

My heart is in overdrive as I drive loudmouth back against the bar, my magnum still stuck in his wide-open jaws, I press myself against him so tight he can't move the blaster...it's literally imbedded in our stomachs. All blue guy can do is gargle.

The guy on the stool next to me with short salt and pepper hair tries to reach for his pulse pistol. I hear the retention latch snap. Too bad he's downed three glasses of Raslak since we got our food, slowing his reaction time just a bit too much.

I press the muzzle of the semi auto into the back of his skull.

"Wrong move, bubba..."Put your hands on the counter and stretch out your arms. "NOW!" "NOW!" I scream.

He complies, but not willingly. The crowd is getting ugly.

I stuff the Ruger into my pants pocket and grab the pulse pistol from its holster, then toss it under the booth where I was sitting. Jool is out of her bench and standing behind me. But she realizes I'm in her line of fire and climbs onto the bench seat. She points the carbine at the people in the next booth and tells them to raise their hands. They comply.

Big mouth is still gagging, and he's getting antsy. Jool fans the room and tells everyone to keep their hands up.

I put blue guy to sleep. His back slides down the bar with the magnum still in his mouth, and I use it to push him to the side. On the floor he falls with a thud, his blaster clattering on the floor.

"Hey buddy, what's your name?" the guy sitting with his hands stretched over the bar asks.

I lean over and whisper in his ear, "I'm Ricky, and that's Lucy." He starts to say something, but I put him to bed. His forehead falls against the bar. Wait, did he speak English?

Too late to ask. He looks like another Peacekeeper to me.

"Keep your hands up!" Jool yells! I mean it! Now my attention can be focused on the rest of the group. Everyone is trying to get to some kind of weapon.

"Place your weapons on the bar or the floor!" Jool yells "All of you!"

"You heard the lady"! I add.

The blood tracker female snarls and hisses. "There's only two of them!" She points. "Those are not pulse weapons but children's toys!"

One of the Tregan's mutters an oath.

"Tank! get off your lazy head and help us!" he shouts.

"Y'know, everybody"...It's Jool. I turn and she has one of her thigh high booted legs on the table. I almost forget where I am.

"I always wait..." she continues. "I try to see both sides!" The Vorcarian female snarls!

"I've been taught to respect life...especially by the guy who taught me to use this!" She waves the carbine. Then Jool snarls through her teeth, like a cat.

"But now, you've left me no choice!"

She opens her mouth...tilts back her head and closes her eyes...

And screams!

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"EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

By the council of elders, I've never heard such a sound, It's piercing. Its deafening! It's painful!

My metal bones even start to hurt.

I cry out mentally. "Jool, please stop! You're hurting me!"

And thank the elders, she stops!

"I'm sorry sweetheart!" She whispers back into my anguished mind. I love you and did not intend to hurt you!"

Even the guy sleeping at the bar next to me cringes in his sleep. He mutters something incomprehensible and goes back to lightly snoring. Big mouth stirs too but falls off.

"My weapon!"...someone yells. "It's ruined!"

"So's mine! "..."Mine too!"

"Mine isn't"! And one of the Tregan's starts to stand up.

Jool doesn't flinch. She's in warrior goddess mode...! With a snarl she opens fire!

I duck. I can feel the concussions from the barrel against my head. But I'm already half deaf from the scream.

"Plan number one." she tells me mentally.

Jool doesn't shoot the pirate. Instead, she aims for the wall above everyone.

The blue tipped rounds blast chunks of plaster, wood metal and other building materials sending debris throughout the side of the bar. Lighting explodes is showers of sparks, and everyone in bar heads for the floor.

For just a couple of seconds, Jool screams again! I realize with the confusion, that everyone's mind is wide open. So I slip in and start my own "attack."

It takes about three tries, but soon everyone is asleep.

All but one guy. He rises up from the smoke and ash like a huge gorilla coming out of the mist. But this muscle-bound bear of a man is something out of comic book. Hes at least 8 feet tall, and squats slightly to clear the ceiling and broken light fixtures Jool's destroyed. He's got a device strapped to his chest. I hope it's a control harness!

He's smooth skinned and has only a loin cloth for clothes. A rainbow of green. red, orange, and brown skin with blond shaggy hair and a deep voice. His brows furrow, and he looks at me and smirks.

"You make a big mess little Peacekeeper." "But now, I will squish you like a drak!"

"Hello sir! You must be Tank!" I smile. "My names..."

"NO time for names!" I'm going to kill you, but your pretty redhead...I like her! She can be my other lover!"

"EWWW, really?" Jool smirks and raises the carbine to her shoulder.

I step around the sleeping guy at the bar and point both pistols at Tank's head. He looks at us and laughs. "I have Tarkan body armor, and he points to the large round device on his sternum."

He smirks. "Your pulse weapons are useless." "You also aim at wrong head!"

I smile. "These aren't pulse weapons friend, these are..."

284

The carbine cracks and I try to cover my ear but it's too late! My nanos and augments rush to repair my damaged eardrum.

The slug hits Tank right in the forehead just above the bridge of the nose, making a nice round hole. But the big guy is too close, and slug exits his skull and hits the wall behind him, blowing more chunks out and covering the sleeping Vorcarians with more debris.

Tank stops...He grabs his head with both hands and moans.

"Oh, that hurt! My legs...OHHHHHHHHH!"

And down he goes with a massive thud.

"Oh no... I killed him!" Jool looks at me in horror and then over where the giant has fallen. She looks at the carbine.

Raxil gets up and walks over to the end of the bar where Tanks body lays, and she laughs.

"Didn't kill Tank, didn't kill, no,no,no! He's ok you'll see!" Its Raxil! She's annoying!

"I didn't? Jool asks. What do you mean?"

"You shot the wrong brain, fahzbot Jool!" 'He's hurt but will be better soon, good thing, right."

I ask, "Where's his other brain?"

Raxil laughs.

Essk comments "Lower...much lower, I'm afraid." And she looks down.

"Sure, it's a male thing." I mutter.

Raxil laughs again. "You're not so bright either are you? Tank has both, but male is dominant, hahahahah!"

"I'll shoot her for both of us!" Jool snarls. She points her carbine at Raxil.

"NO shoot, I don't do Freslin anymore! No milking! Done with that! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" and she runs into the back of the restaurant.

I put Raxil to sleep. She hits the floor with a thud and slides into a shelf. I hear table ware and pans crashing.

Essk sighs. "Now I have another messed up place." She looks at me with tears in her eyes.

I reach into my pocket and grab a handful of gold disks and lay them on the counter.

"Sorry about the mess," I murmur "I hope this will cover it."

She hefts a disk and her eyebrows arch. "Almost pure!" she cries! Essk looks at me. "I could buy a new place with this!"

"Then take them, and we'll be off." I grab another piece of Jerky and stick it in my mouth.

"I'll get you a container for those...and is there a message I can give John when he shows up?"

"When? Excuse me?" I holster the revolver but swing the Ruger around.

Essk raises her hands. Her eyes are wide with fear.

"He got scared off by rumors of a robot ship attack!" Essk says. "But he should be back in nine solar days!"

285

I can't tell if she's lying or not. Drat the lack of E! But I holster my Ruger

Essk hands me a bag and her order pad and pen.

"Is there a message I can give him?" Essk asks "Your name?"

I write something on both sides of an order sheet and give it back to her. She looks at it and at me with a puzzled look.

"It's written in the language he spoke and wrote in on Ter...I mean Earth." I tell her. "Our names are on there too!"

She nods and I motion to Jool. She hands me my carbine and before anyone not sleeping can say anything else, we leave.

I'm practically jogging back to Fa3 with Jool next to me. We pass Furlows garage. The bay door is shut, and there's no lights.

No one seems to be in the vessels parked around the packed dirt tarmac. I debate as we get to the plane on if i should turn these haphazardly appearing heaps of metal into smoldering piles of junk.

But something tells me I shouldn't. Not yet.

Roz drops the ramp and we hurry up it. She's in a great mood and everything seems hilarious, so much we can't talk with her. But she says prefight is done and we strap in, with our rigs still in place.

Two minutes later, I lift FA3 quickly off the packed dirt and into the air. We jump out of space less than a minute later. Destination unknown, just a point on a star map.

Anywhere but Trolesk, for now. But in nine solar days, I'll be back, and Terra will coming right behind me.

Nobody is going to frell with that!

We go out toward the rim and hole up by a dead moon. Fa3 is completely black now, and blends in very well.

Roz is very feisty as Jool and I shower and prep a meal. Afterwards, I clean the barrel of my revolver of the nasty blue guys saliva and goodness knows what else.

Jool asks me why the slug that she shot Tank with didn't explode. Apparently she was too close and the slug hadn't reached correct velocity. I know that soft point rounds can do the same thing.

As we get our meal ready, we tell Roz what happened with Furlow, and at the Mussel house.

Since Roz seems to be so elated, we finally ask what's up. What she tells us is so off the track...but I know it's the truth.

286

Ok lovebirds! and she starts laughing insanely!

"I'm sorry, I've never done anything like this!"

I look at Jool, who's snuggled up next to me on the small couch in our "living room."

"Take a breath Roz!" Jool says as she starts to giggle.

"Ok, Ok!" Roz says...and she starts laughing again!

"RRRHHHAAAZZZZ!"

"Ok Cowboy...I did a crazy cowboy thing on Trolesk! Cowboy up!"

Jool says between giggles "I cant wait for you to tell us, honey!"

"OK, ok. Roz collects herself..."Its just noise but it's an attempt." Then her holo apprears and she stands in front of us sitting on the couch.

"So You two lovebirds, here's what happened.."

"You went and talked to this Furlow, rather she talked to you, correct?"

Roz giggles. "Well about 5 minutes later, she shows up at the plane." "Bless her heart and all, but she walks up to the plane and she's got tools, and a long, loooong prybar!"

"Really?" I ask." Why didn't you contact us Roz?"

"If I couldn't have handled it I would have sweetie, I promise you!" "But this woman was all bark and no bite!" "Her cigar was stronger that she'd ever be!"

All three of us laugh!

"So anyway, I decide I'm gonna scare the dren right out of her! I mean you know how it is, I make people jump under normal circumstances, so I figure If I really try..."

"I can't wait to hear this!" I'm already breaking up inside.

"Darn right you can't!"

Jool stats to laugh. "Oh Roz!"

So I get dressed in my camos, the program is "Combat girl," right"? Roz changes her holo outfit to

a green camoflage outfit...

"I have two thousand outfits to choose from, and I can create objects too!" she says with a giggle. "So I created these!"

"First is a pistol belt with two nickel plated pistols like yours cowboy!" They appear against her hips. I see two six shooters, not quite like mine, but yeah.

"Then that cute little, what'd you call that ...a grease gun?" And one appears in her hands!

"It's a perfect resemblance!" I exclaim.

"OK..."

"So I jump out behind her right." "Because she's at the plane, trying to pry the hatch open." "I'm like, are you kidding me?"

Jool starts to laugh. "Oh Roz, you scared her, right."

287

"Jool, I wrecked her good! I yelled at her..."What are you doing to my plane!" "She turned and about jumped out of those coveralls." "Roz starts to laugh and I'm starting to laugh as well.

I said. "You foolish bitch!" "Dance your ass out of here." "I pointed the gun at the ground and..."

Roz has sound system a bit high... and the machine gun firing is about as real and loud as you can get! the muzzle flashes, even spent ammo casings flying about!

It was so real. I flinched!

"OK Roz..CEASE FIRE!" But I'm not mad, I'm laughing hysterically! So is Jool!

"I had to stop Cowboy, Do you know why?"

"Why Roz?"

She has a sheepish grin. "I ran out of ammo."

Tears are running down my face from laughing as is Jools

Roz the gun less Grease gun gunner...I don't know, if the universe is ready.

"I didn't think that woman could run that fast! and Roz just roars. I mean I'm no sprinter myself...but I tell you what, she was steppin' out!"

"Oh Roz," Jool exclaims. "You're beautiful! I just love your attitude and you've been so helpful! You accepted me here and.. I love you Roz!" "Don't change a thing!"

"Well I won't and you know why sister Jool?"

"No honey, why."

Roz puts her hands on her hips then points at me. "Hmmph. "Cowboy here, he's got issues! You see, he loves two types of women. He loves the Roz type and he loves the Jool type." "And there's only one Roz and one Jool!" "So that's the only two women he loves." "And look Jool...he's blushing as red as a dozen fresh roses!"

Both of them laugh and I see another look on Jools face. My favorite look!

Jool Jumps on me and pushes me into the couch. She kisses me deeply.

"I wasn't in the mood earlier...but I sure am now!" she giggles.

"You can have me if you tell Roz and I about your screaming."

"Come snuggle and I will. "You too Roz!

"I can't wait to hear about this!" Roz says with a laugh.

I tell Roz "I don't think you want to hear her scream Roz...But like your "combat girl" holo, it has its uses."

Then Jool whispers to me. "Don't worry Cowboy I will tell you everything."

A wonderful several minutes later, Jool tells us about her scream. It's pretty cool.

Most Interion females can scream very long and loud up to about forty five cycles of age. It was something that Internons believe dates back to their pre history. Jool tells us she never really developed any control like most Interon females do, and it used to go crazy when she screamed. She tells us she could melt metal with it, and when she was on Moya it was both a blessing and a curse. Jool helped Chinana and the others get out of at least one set of handcuffs! Of course, Roz has a snerky comment about handcuffs, which sets off the laughter again!

I am... the luckiest man in the universe.

288

The alarm goes off at 0700. Jool and Roz are both in bed. Roz in her "holo blanket" and Jool, well...

I slip out of bed without disturbing them and check the scanners. Nothing out to max range. I kiss Jool good morning, and she moans and rolls over and continues sleeping. Roz is out too, so I let them sleep. I put on a fresh flight suit and my shoes and start breakfast. It takes a while for the smell of fresh cooked food. to hit the sleeping beauties, but soon both of them are awake and Jool is hungry. I have a plate of fruit and light meat for Jool with an egg, something Jool hasn't tried.

I explain the process behind eggs because I respect Jool and her respect for life. She's cool with the process explaining eggs like this are used for food on Interon and research purposes. While we eat, she's quite conversive about Interion.

At first, I'm kinda eh, and then it hits me. She's offering me knowledge! Now I've become a rapt listener, maybe too much. I don't always understand the math, but she doesn't mind. She also switches gears and explains it in a more "hands on" manner.

I apologize for dragging her into my world (again) but she won't hear it. She's loved every minute of it, even the danger.

"You've taught me so much Cowboy, about life, love, real love...the "agape "love." "How to do things." "Firearms, flying, navigation, just your natural ability to figure things out, and the E that you harness and manipulate." "And I've told you and I'll always tell you...because of the time you spent with me on Tavian 3, I fell in love with you even without the love lines!"

She continued "I don't worry about the lines, only what my heart tells me." And every day, i so many ways, Cowboy, you show me. I'm going to tell you this from my heart Cowboy. She grabs my hands and squeezes them. "You're worth more than a hundred Ka D'argos!" She exclaims.

As much as we should probably head somewhere, I can't. We spend the rest of the day talking and cuddling, even loving. And Roz is with us and loves us too. We cook, clean, laugh, and hug.

Roz puts on a fashion show for us, and we pick the best looks for her.

We'll talk about jumping the gap tomorrow. But today...Today is for love. Our love.

After dinner we sit in the cockpit and watch the stars. There's a meteor shower and I think I see what a comet.

There's a small telescope on inventory and we'll get it out when we get to a green planet.

Soon after, Jool and I are spooned together in our bed with Roz covering us. The rest of the universe may be fighting a war, but on a dead moon near the edge of the Perseus arm, the universe is at peace.

I plug in my sleep learning device and fall asleep.

289

Chapter 17
Temple from another time

The alarm rings at its usual time. Everyone is up and ready to meet at 8 am. We discuss our options and Roz shows me that we're actually not jumping between arms but between star clusters.

Like true explorers, we decide to go for it.

The sleep training, I listened to last night discussed high entry speed T/S travel. It can be dangerous to humans due to the high g's of acceleration, but he latest safety features from Hetch are designed to negate the damage. It also takes a practitioner to do it.

Tennis you sly fox, you got me again!

I explain the features to Jool and she's pretty sure that she'll be ok with a trial run. So, We decide to give a go.

The faster you enter T/S the faster you exponentially fly through it. That's well known but when you start hitting above H50, you really cut time! I can handle about H55 but it's painful.

Jool probably can probably take H60...genetics.

We're taking about entering around H100. I'm not sure my E could shield my guts from liquifying from the g shock. But I guess if I routed all my E into my body, I might be able to do it!

Hell... I'll try anything once!

Roz sets the entry point and I bring up my screen. When you set the plane for High G entry the seats also change their structure, supporting your body weight and head/neck firmly. It centers your head and restricts movement but releases once you enter T/S

Armed with that knowledge, and with crew approval, we prepare to do a high G launch.

"Modules coming up to one zebra zebra Cowboy!" It's Roz

I can feel my brows start to sweat as I try to hold the plane still. The speed stick is at H80, and I can hear the Superchargers starting to scream

"Field up, 2nd field ready! "Jool says as calmly as she can. "I'm ready honey!"

"Roz? How is our Cowboy?"

"Vitals are starting to rise, module heat normal!"

Roz. "Cowboy up! Modules go!"

Jool "Cowboy up! I love you!"

I'm starting to grind my teeth...

"EHHHHHHHH...Cowboy UP!" I feel like I get slammed in the gut for a second and then the G absorbers and my E holds my internals in place. Jool exhales and Roz squeals with delight!

The plane doesn't just move, it disappears! For one millisecond we're in space, then we're in T/S...and we are really moving!

I'm trying to catch my breath. I'd say I'm out of shape.

Between breaths...I ask Jool. " Are you ok Sweetheart?"

Wow! She exclaims "It felt like a punch in my gut, but you stopped it from being worse! But I heard you groan honey...are you ok?"

290

"Yeah, I wasn't sure what to expect."

"You were trying to protect me and Roz weren't you?

"Yeah, the whole plane."

"See Roz, I told you!"

"Crazy cowboy!" grumbles Roz. "I don't need to be protected! My module's designed for it!"

Jool comments "I should not have to be either, I have that armor device that I use."

I respond a bit sternly. "I have to hold the plane still ladies, or it doesn't work! "

The bubble is at 5.26 seconds and we're on target.

Roz. "Ok babe!" "Nothing but black out except in front and scans are empty."

"My sweet Cowboy, do you need something to eat or drink?

"In a moment Jool...but check out the windshield!"

"Oh...oh It's... Its incredible! You actually see the system we're flying to!"

"You're the first Interion to jump a to another galaxy Joolushko. How do you feel?"

"How do I feel? Amazed at the beauty and in awe of the wonder. How about you and Roz?"

"I feel the same Jool!"

"So do I sister!"

"I'll be back babe." And Jool takes off her helmet.

"Hey Sweetie, is that a streak of blonde I see?"

Jool answers apologetically "Oh, yeah I'm sorry, I'll cut it off. I've been doing that so you wouldn't see it."

"I haven't seen it." I reply. "Is it natural?"

"I'm a redhead darling but on Arnessk it started to grow, so I left it. It''s probably...a mutation?"

I smile at her. "Well I like it, makes you look wild."

"Yes... its how I became after Moya left." "If you like it, I'll let it grow!

Roz says "Heck yeah! It will look great with your Crimson hair, a cool contrast." Oh and Cowboy, he loves it when your hair is wild looking!" She giggles "Blush in 3-2-1"

"RHHAAAAAZZZZZZZ!"

I remove my helmet off and Jool gives me a kiss. "Wild woman hair it is!" she says.

I try to cover up my embarrassment."We got what 14 hours...no 10."

Then..."The captain has turned off the seatbelt signs, please feel free to get up and move about the plane!"

"Time is tight and we're on target!" Roz says.

"Time is tight at five point five. Doing H82...nice." is my response

So I head back to the galley.

291

Jool is fluffing her hair, so I softly wolf whistle at her.

"What was that?"

"I whistled...its kind of like saying hello!"

"So Terran males do this to attract females?"

"Sort of...a long time ago."

She askes a bit more coyly, "How would you get my attention now?"

"Like this, probably!" I use a different whistle call.

"AH!...maybe you should use that as our secret call." Jool suggests

"I think the telepathic thing works better."

"Well yes, it's quite direct..." and she gives me a flirtatious smirk.

"You want some help with breakfast."

"Yes please!...you're so sweet!"

"I do try..."

"

You do..."and Jool snickers.

"What?"

Jool; "I have a question."

"Maybe I have an answer?"

"In the spirit of research, do you think we could make love...I'm not saying right now!" "But sometime before we punch back in?"

"In the spirit of research?"

"Yes..,!" She gushes! "Of course! Do you object?"

"Are you going to wear just your lab coat and only your hip boots?"

Jool blushes.

She whispers "Well...I could, if would move the spirit along!"

Despite her neck piece I kiss her shoulder gently, and she shudders.

I murmur "I'm sure the spirit, and everything else, will be moving along just fine!"

"I'd better start cooking here, or the spirit may arrive quicker!"

"I need some energy anyway Jool"...the spirit will have to wait a little longer!"

She smiles coyly and hands me a plate of what can be described as an omelet. "Lots of protien for you!" "Here, eat!"

It was a delicious breakfast!

After four arns/hours, Jool and I have a research session that proved love making isn't effected by T/S travel at all!

We'll probably have a couple more just to be sure.

Meanwhile Roz has been conducting her own research, running radiation readings, particle contamination, and checking for radio waves that might be made by extraterrestrial life.

Except out here, we're the aliens

About eight hours in, she picks up a carrier wave with a bit of indistinguishable background noise. Her smaller system can't break it down enough so we'll try again when we get closer.

I have her record it anyway, because someone on Terra may be able to hear something.

The rest of the trip is, well...boring. But no emergencies make for a happy cowboy.

292

"Hey babe, what are you watching?" It's Jool checking on me while I'm sitting in the cockpit.

"Com'on in, look at how the stars have changed." I answer.

For a couple of minutes, we study the cluster of stars now filing the windscreen.

She sits down and I show her how the seats rotate. So she rotates her seat around and faces me.

Jool offers me a quart of water, a plate of fruit slices, and some sliced cheese. She holds the plate out to offer it's contents.

"K'eiva?" Jool asks "There's some Cohann (cheese) as well."

I take a couple of slices of each and start eating.

"I see that we're almost there." "Two point five arns?"

Glancing at the T/S board, I nod.

I ask "Could I have the water please?"

Jool takes a drink and hands it over.

"Roz is quiet, I think she's resting." She says.

"Yeah" I reply quietly. "I suggested she nap." I glance at the instrument panel. " I'll wake her at the half hour mark so she can help us punch in."

Jool asks "Do you think there's life currently out here? I know you talk about the Vierin being here."

"I believe this area has been visited, other wise we wouldn't have a nav point and a notation about the Encyclopediana Vierin'." "But currently occupied?" I shrug.

"Why would the Vierin' store these books here?"

"I wish I knew Jool...perhaps our destination planet will give us clues."

Jool states "It's the eighth planet in a system which only the sun is named."

We watch the cluster coming closer. The stars on the edge become large enough to discern their true colors. If there are planets orbiting them, we may be able to observe them as well.

About an arn later Roz greets us with her beautiful voice.

"Hey lovebirds!"

"How was your nap Roz?"

"Very nice! Thank you Jool!"

Roz tells us "Dropping your overhead screen." I'm going to show you our destination!"

The screen drops and at first it's just a wall of stars. But Roz magnifies it and then uses filters to clear out the clutter.

I'll circle it!" She says.

A circle appears around a dim light...Roz magnifies it as much she can.

"It's a red giant." I exclaim. "Wow!" The rest of the solar system must have burnt up when the original Sun expanded.

That's right Cowboy! Jool exclaims. "That's basic cosmology, but I thought you didn't go to a higher learning facility."

"I took courses and got certificates of completion, but not enough credits to graduate."

"Oh! I remember...the module of the month club!" She replied. "Did you attend classes?

"Mostly sleep training, but I still had to pass exams just like anyone else!"

"Hmmmmm...the English word is sandbagging, is that what you call that?

Roz laughs "So you think Cowboy was holding out on you?"

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"I believe he knows much more than he lets on." Jool says with a tease in her voice. "He's extremely coy! And I thought it was just his flirting!"

I roll my eyes. "I have never been that coy." Both Jool and Roz laugh.

"What?" I'm changing the subject.

"Just under two arms..."

Yes...Jool says and smiles. "Then we can crawl into bed."

I add. "And get some sleep!"

Jool says coyly "I didn't say anything about sleep, sweetheart." Not right away!"

"Geebius weebus...and that's not being coy?"

"It's only coy when you do it." Jool kisses me and takes the plate back to the galley. I watch her walk back.

Roz exclaims "He's watching you Jool!"

"RRHHHAAAZZZZ!"

Jool laughs "He'd better be!"

I sure am! And I turn the plane over to Roz and head to the back.

Soon enough, we drop out of T/S at the nav point. The system on the new plane takes us out with a perfect five second bubble and the auto pilot drops us out and off to port at H2. I'm standing by just in case but the bubble is small and a non issue.

We've got slight error which Roz and Jool theorize could be the galaxy expanding through time. But the planet itself is visible and I have Jool orbit it while Roz scans it for structures.

It's slightly larger than Mars. and almost the same color. But unlike Mars, it has an atmosphere. Two very small ice patches mark its North and South poles.

Life scans are negative.

After a couple of orbits, I have Jool drop in to the atmosphere. I have to say the new plane is super stable without the jostling and near stalling, even with it's fixed swept wing design.

Someone has been here in time past. There's a large compound on one of the land masses. The lack of life is probably due to the lack of moisture. I would call it a brown planet.

The atmosphere is breathable but cool on the dark side but very warm and dry on on the daylight side. Roz caculates it has about a 38 arn/hour day, and our target structure has about 12 hours of darkness to go before daylight arrives.

So I have Jool land a few hundred yards from the "temple". Even in the blackness of night it's an imposing structure. Jool says it reminds her of the temple at Arnessk because of it's height.

Perhaps there's a coincidence, but the journal notes don't discern.

Roz collects more data on the surrounding area. She's like a child with a new toy at Christmas!

Honestly, this plane makes the old Fa3 look and feel like the Wright Brothers' flyer!

Meanwhile, I prepare for tomorrows expedition. There's a few small tools we'll take and I think we'll take sidearms, just in case.

But I'll know more in the daylight.

Jool and I are too excited to sleep, but a spirited session of passion finally wears the edge off and we fall asleep with Roz covering us.

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About 9 arns/hours later, Jool and I can't sleep. Despite our ages, we're as giddy as kids the first day after school is out. I guess I should speak for myself.

The sun isn't up yet but it's course puts it rising into the front of the structure. We go through our morning routine and sit in the cockpit while Roz runs more data. I'm sipping delicious coffee and Jool is drinking some herbal tea.

Tennis thinks of every detail.

The first orange rays of sunlight start to brighten the horizon. Roz suggests we go out and greet the sun. She tells me to grab the portable video device in her cabinet, so I take it and it's stand out, and follow Jool down the ramp.

I set the video stand up and start filming.

Hand in hand, sipping our drinks we watch the edge some over the horizon. I make sure we both wear our sun glasses. I make sure this moment is captured on film.

It takes about two arns/hours for enough light to call it dusk. Long shadows pointing to the North by north east slice shards of darkness through the huge structure.

And what a structure it is! It's probably twenty stories tall and was likely made from granite and alabaster, although the structure has changes color from mostly white to a brownish wash.

There's a staircase leading up to a patio to an open entrance. On both sides of the stairs, five foot tall walls built up from the stairs extend either side out in front. walling in the open air patio that encompasses the first floor of the building. Perched on the front walls are four spheres about ten feet in diameter, place an equal distance form each other. Both walls have four spheres each. Jool and I are stunned at the beauty and design.

Below each set of spheres should be lettering cut expertly into the walls. Although time and wind has worn away some of the figures, they should be readable.

The next thing I do is start shooting video of Jool. A bit camera shy at first, she's soon posing and flirting through the lens at me, even blowing me kisses. I use the building as the background.

She even does a couple of cartwheels to show me she still has some gymnastic skill!

As the sun clears the horizon, the heat starts to become comfortable. We head back into Fa3 and prepare to get to work.

Roz tells us the scanners are quiet and the radio carrier wave hasn't change much. So, no hordes of angry aliens are expected to charge into the system!

I pull up the floor hatches to the bomb bay and have Jool hand down flashlights, work lights and some excavating tools I also have her grab our carbines and handguns. I'm surprised she didn't question me because E is pretty high with the sun's energy, even if it's dying. We load everything into the bed of the vehicle we took from Mar'arlin.

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Roz tells us the sun probably has couple hundred thousand more years before it goes boom.

Once finished, Roz lowers the vehicle onto the ground while Jool comes down the ramp.

We check weapons and start the vehicle. It sounds good and after a few moments of warm up, I put it into gear and off we go. The "donkey" as I silently named it, has a ton of power and handles pretty well. Rather than terrorize Jool with some "spirited driving" I head over to the entrance of the building.

I pull donkey right in front of the stairwell and Jool and I get out to survey the building. It's a monster, a monolithic testamet to a race of space dwellers extinct for thousands of cycles.

The writing below the left set of spheres has the motto of the Vierin.

Build, Test, Destroy, Repeat. Success or fail, Vierin' prevail. Jool reads it too.

I grab my carbine from the back seat and walk over to the other side to see the globes.

The writing on the right side under the globes is different. It reads.

All efforts we avail, let peace prevail. It's a loose translation but correct in its rhyme.

The globes on either side depict those efforts by the actions of the hands carved upon them.

It's hard for me to understand the magnitude of this moment.

Jool is using the video camera and recording the structure and me. I smile, and using E, make four small globes the same color of the larger ones.

Jool stops recording and smiles.

"This is so wonderous! I wish I could have recorded the temple at Arnessk with this device!

Then she looks up.

"It's breathtaking."

Jool walks over and makes a point to kiss me on the lips tenderly.

"I would have never seen such a wonder, such a magnificent structure, without you Cowboy! Thank you!"

"You're welcome Jool." I look over at the entrance. "Shall we go in?"

We grab our lanterns and walk up the steps, through the entrance and into a large hall.

The building has elevators and stairs, but the elevators aren't working. I expected that.

There's almost no reason to explore other than curiosity. What we're seeking is on the lower level.

As the sun rises slowly in the sky, Jool and I realize the sun provides natural lighting for the building in the daytime. There are light fixtures in the ceiling, but few bulbs. If the elevators won't work, then the electricity is probably out.

The natural light slowly walks down a wall about halfway back in the square interior, I not a glass case against it with a large table or shelf under neath. There also several dusty chairs scattered about.

I shut off my light and stride over to the wall. Jool is shining the light on the stairs heading to the next story.

On the smooth marble the sunlight illuminates the words of the peace slogan out front, repeating themselves in bold silver letters. I can't decern how they were attached.

And attached to the wall below are two bookcases, each about 10 yards long. I can't see what's in there, but I'm pretty sure I know.

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I walk over and grab one of the stools standing by the table. It seems sturdy enough, so I brush off the dust, then slide it up to the table and sit down.

The table is about seven inches thick and a bit over two feet wide. It runs the length of the glass cases and extends another six feet on either side of it, just short enough of the wall.

I peer into the glass cases and see my reflection.

But's not me. It's someone else. An olive skinned individual with large hands and short muscular arms, reaches under the case to grab or touch something. I can't see his face other than two eyes, a nose and mouth, but the one thing I do notice...is he's wearing a practitioner's tunic!

He scrunches his face, reaches into the case and the vison disappears.

I try the same thing. I reach under the case, and after several seconds, my fingers touch a handle or knob. It won't turn, but right before I get frustrated, I pull it forward.

There's a loud crack or clack that echoes through the empty interior. Jool jumps and she almost screams, but thankfully she doesn't.

A six-foot section of the glass opens with a whish of air, and in front of me are the very objects I dream of finding.

Vierin' encyclopediana! I make an unintelligible noise from my mouth.

Jool quick runs over and sees what I see. She smiles and places the light on the table.

She asks "Honey, is this all of them?"

I look at her and grin. "I think so Jool, let's find out!"

A moment later all the doors to the shelves are open for inspection. And the books I'm looking for, the trifecta of knowledge on the fate of the Vierin', are somehow intact! In fact, they appear to be almost new!

I suggested we start loading the volumes into the donkey and take them back to the ship.

Jool wants to look around and I concede, after all there may be other artifacts to collect.

On the other side of the center wall is a deep pool of clear water about twenty feet square. On the wall is a large plaque saying that this pool is the well of healing, that all who partake of its spring fed water will be healed. There is a ladder going down into the water for those wanting to be immersed, theres a small wall around the pool for apparent decorum.

Jool comments "This must be the only water on the planet. She grabs a vial from one of her pouches and takes a sample of the water.

"Good...now I have something to test in the biolab."

After that we look around the rest of the lower floor. There are polished benches covered in dust, and a set of square ones around an open square full of soil. A few stinted plants grow.

"Probably a meditation garden." is my comment.

Jool asks, "can we go up at least a couple of stories and check the center areas?"

"Just a couple for now Jool, then I think we should gather up these books and take them to the plane."

"That's perfect Cowboy! Thank you! And I get a kiss for my trouble."

I grab my light and carbine and follow Jool up the stairs.

The entry doors on the first floor are unlocked and open easy with a light shove. The rooms are designed for natural lighting, and I can't discern what their use is.

But what unnerves me is the writing and paintings on one of the walls.

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Painted in some kind of order by an unknown artist, is the story of something that happened almost four hundred thousand cycles ago.

Some of the colors and numbers have faded but not enough to be illegible.

I know Jool is reading this too. Her face is a mixture of wonder, and occasional shock, just like mine.

The paintings and text are of a turning point in the history of the Vierin'. While everything was likely done fifty through one hundred thousand cycles ago, the artwork was of a time farther back.

It depicted the Vierin's struggle against their worst adversary, the race of chlorine breathing insects the Vierin' called Skivv'.

Pictures of Skivv' are nonexistent, but on this wall they look like ants. Human sized ants with larger heads and breathing gear covering their thorax. While Terran ants' breath through a specialized system of openings along their bodies called spiracles, Skivv have them on their thorax only.

The horror of the Skivv is finally revealed. They eat their victims! Imagine, human sized ants with space vessels, shooting victims with pulse weapons or pulse spears, then eating their body parts! It sounds like a nineteen fifties drive in movie theatre B movie gone sideways!

The worst series of illustrations shows Ma-arogg practitioners attempting to negotiate with the Skivv and suffering the same fate. It appears the Skivv might have been resistant to E!

There won't be enough ammo and missiles around if I'm alive and the Skivv return. The Vierin' were never sure if they truly exterminated them.

"I'm guessing the Skivv couldn't or wouldn't talk to their adversaries." Jool said with sadness.

"Yeah...the pictures show that here." I pointed to an illustration.

"I suspect you want to go." Jool said quietly.

"Let's go up one more story...then we will."

The next floor was better. The Vierin' in celebratory mood with Torgans, T'rrl and the Ma-arogg...and something I didn't expect.

"Say Jool, you'll like this." I point to a series of illustrations and text.

Jool stares at the writing and pictures and looks at me wide eyed.

"It says those are early Interion!" She exclaims "But Interions are also related to humans!"

"Yes, but I believe that our species, Homo Sapiens, have existed. We've been around Two hundred thousand cycles, and I would hypothesize that this display is half that age or less.

That would put my ancestors in a continent on Terra called Eastern Europe."

Jool asks, "Do you think Internons bred with humans somehow?"

"No, I don't, it would be more like "genetic grafting"? "I'm not versed in how all that works."

Jool studies the writings a bit longer. "It doesn't illustrate it, but read this passsage with me."

So, we read it.

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"Pretty much explains how we're related Jool. The Interion were also looking for hardy adventurers, and the Vierin' felt early humans were the key."

And with that, I briefly explained the history of early man.

"Incredible!" "Your ancestors walked over an entire planet in one hundred thousand cycles!"

"Correct darling." I chuckle "We're not too smart, but pretty tough!"

Jool looks at me and frowns..."You're not dumb!" "I mean, I used to believe that!" "Perhaps these perceptions are based on prejudice and first impressions." The she smiles.

Stubborn, yes. "Able to adapt and absorb, definitely!"

Jool hugs me tightly and I hold her to me. Quietly she tells me. "In two hundred and fifty cycles on Terra you went from walking and animals pulling carts to flying in space and through time." "That's incredibly remarkable, and certainly not dumb." "Yes, you had assistance, but you quickly adapted." " That's high intelligence."

Then she holds my head and kisses me deeply. "Maybe your DNA allowed me to become a warrior when I needed to be." she whispered.

"Could be." I kiss her gently and tell her I love her.

"And I love you, Cowboy!" She whispers tenderly. "Why don't we get some books hauled back to the plane and check on Roz."

So, we head back downstairs.

Loading the books in donkey, hauling them to Fa3 and unloading them takes most of what I'd call the morning. While it's not back breaking work, it's tedious. Transferring them from donkey to the plane is the rough part because we have to walk the narrower path between the main landing skids. But we do get them transferred. Using E, I shrink sets of volumes down and place them in stasis, just like I did the warheads on Katratzi. They're easier to store in the floor compartments.

Jool and I decide to take a long lunch before heading back to the structure. Of course, Roz is excited about what we've discovered because she's watching the video as we film.

We also take a quick nap and cuddle, waking up again about 1500 hours. We have another nine hours of daylight, so we decide to head back and climb into the next two stories.

It seems to me this building isn't temple but a school. Since the Vierin' have no set religion, not really any religion, perhaps the translation means temple of learning.

I have a lot to learn about the Vierin' yet.

I wait for Jool at the ramp as she grabs a bag of food and water jug. I have to remember water, although I see no reason for it.

The afternoon is perfect. The sun makes it warmer than actually is. While it's high noon in the sky, its 1530 pm. Sunset won't start until 0200.

Carefully we make are way back up the stairs. I have that feeling again, and I carry my carbine slung over my right shoulder. Jool has her shoulder rig. She left her long gun in donkey.

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We check out the next four stories and give up. Other than torn fragments of paper and one damaged gold obelisk like one recovered on Arnessk, there's very little left.

Perhaps we'll come back another time with a few more people and cover the entire building.

So, we head back down the marbled staircases to the ground floor.

Jool hands me my water when we get to the first floor. I'll never forget the moment.

I take a long drink and savor the last bit. swishing it around in my mouth. Jool is looking at the center wall, probably studying the writting.

That's I hear the thing I dread the most. Ticking.

Tick...tick..tick tick..tick and so on. It's a pattern. Like a code. It's Vierin' code...like Morse code only in Vierin'. After all this time...I finally get it.

I never memorized the code. So, I can't interpret it.

I spit out the water and Jool jumps. Thank goodness I missed her!

Roz! I tap the comm. "Anything on the scanners?"

"Nothing for a half-light year! Why?"

"I can hear ticking!" Jools eyes and eyebrows arch.

"Nothing sweetie!" Roz says, "I'm checking again!"

I point to the entrance then at Jool. "Get to the donkey!" Then I poke her arm and shout. "Comon! Go!"

Finally, Jool responds. and she quickly heads for the entrance. The she stops, turns to look at me and asks.

"What if they're outside?" It's a good question.

But the ticking isn't outside. It's in here. In the freaking temple!

What the frell? I realize there are two tall doors on either side of the open floor. I thought they were utility closets for the elevators. The signs on the door say Danger, do not enter, and something else that is too faded to read.

And the door on the right is the one that ticking is coming from.

I charge my carbine and locate Jool. She's still standing there looking at me. I wave at her and point at the entrance, and she finally heads through the entry way.

What's behind door number one? I ask myself. With carbine on shoulder and safety off, I approach the door.

You can't hide a robot in here, I think.

There's no knob or handle on the door, but there is a square keyhole.

The ticking loud enough now I have to turn my internal volume down. I'm about ten feet from the door and my brain strongly urges me to back away or my slugs won't work.

That would be a waste, even though I'm considering not to shoot.

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A few seconds later I change my mind, or rather what's behind the door changes my mind.

I've put almost twenty feet between myself and the door when the ticking stops, and the banging begins. Something inside the door is trying to get out. Something with big feet!

I keep backing up, hoping Jool won't come back in the entrance.

After a dozen or so strikes against the door it starts to bulge, the bulge tears open!

A shiny square piece of metal with a pointed end crashes its way through the lower portion of the door! It's visible for a second, and then retracts into the closet. The the noise starts again. Whatever is in there is trying to kick the door open!

For a second, it's quiet. Then I hear some rattling around. There are several strikes on the door that cause more dents, but they are higher up.

But suddenly things escalate! What ever's behind the door starts shooting a pulse weapon!

The blasts start blowing holes in the door. More banging and clanging, then a few more shots!

I assume now this is a robot, well duh! One final kick and the door gets knocked off it's hinges and flys several feet away!

And out it comes!

I've seen pictures of robots in the Vierin' Encyclopediana'. Most were servants, designed for everything from cooking, cleaning, driving, even teaching and rocking babies.

This one is a psycopaths twisted version. Six arms that used to dice, slice, drive, and cuddle are weapons of war. Covered with corrosion, the once shiny robot is now a death bot.

Two arms with foot long blades, two arms with clamping claws and two arms with pulse barrels.

Pyschobot stands around seven feet tall. Like servant bots, he has two sections. The lower square contins four legs and the fusion power source. The upper part is a tall narrower rectangle of sensors and also the arm attatchments. There's an antenna on top. Vishnu the pyscho bot is in the building!

The 'bot leaps out it's storage closet and it's legs skitter it around clockwise, turning almost a full circle...until I come into it's view.

I'm now backing towards the entrance. Thankfully Jool hasn't re-entered the building, and I am trying to tell her telepathicaly to get to the plane. Either she's ignoring me or is too panic stricken...or I'm the one who's screwing up!

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For a second, pyschobot hesitates as if it can't decide what to do. But my left eye is targeting those arms with the blasters.

I hear ticks, and then the robot turns and points both blasters in my direction.

So I open fire!

A red tip hits one of the blasters and it explodes with yellow flash. Considering I wasn't aiming for that...or the 'bot moved...but the other blaster opens up on me.

My screen stops what would have been two fatal shots and several more close calls .. I fire a few more rounds into the main body. The red tips blow large chunks out of it and one round knocks off a claw arm.

Then I use my E and push the 'bot backwards, it's legs skidding and skittering on the foor as it keeps trying to charge me.

It colides with the back wall with crunching sound, and pieces of marble fall to the floor from the impact.

I turn and head for the entrance, zigging over so the center section blocks it's field of fire.

Nearly breathless and cursing, I run out the entrance and hurry down the entry steps. I can hear the robot ticking and it's feet clattering on the floor.

Jool is crouched behind donkeys' bed, carbine resting on the upper rail. I ask her to get in and drive off, but it's too late.

As I crouch down behind donkey and change magazines, pyschobot comes clattering out of building. His pointed legs knock pieces out the stone as he skitters about searching for a target.

Jool gasps in shock, her eyes wide. I jump up and yell at the bot and open fire. I need to draw it away from Jool and the plane. The bot turns and as if to pursue me, and then Jool starts shooting.

Both red and blue tip rounds blow chunks out of the it's body but it's not moving. Perhaps we've done enough damage. I'll never know. It's out in the open now and I have lots of E.

So I use it.

The bot flies through the air like a super hero. I throw it about seventy five feet and release. It drops like a stone and hits the ground with a satisfing crash. A few pieces fly off. Jool stands up and looks at it. Like a good shooter she checks her magazine and changes it.

I'm not worried about rounds.

I ask Jool not to shoot.

The robot staggers to its feet and a leg falls off, only to be replaced by another. What the frell?

Squeaking and ticking slowly it turns and staggers towards us.

All it's limbs are missing or useless.

And even if it doesn't have any offensive capability, I can't take a chance. I grab the pyschobot with my E and fling it backwards away from us! It lands hard and more pieces fly off, then it stands up again!

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I forgot that Jool can scream...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

She forgot about my bones...or remembered just in time. My body is wobbly, and I struggle to move!

The robot starts to shudder and shake...it's starts smoking and sparking.

I turn and try to throw myself on Jool...

And the frelling Robot, blows up! It blows the frell up! IT BLOWS THE FRELL UP!

Sharpnel and burning bits of bot fly everywhere,

I land on Jool but she cries out in pain. At least my screen covered us...except for the part it didn't.

Quickly I try to get to my feet. Jool is clutching her shoulder and her face is contorted. I see blood and and I crawl over to her.

Theres a piece of robot stuck in her shoulder right below the collar bone. That shouldn't have happened.

"It's ok," Jool moans. "I didn't think I needed a screen."

I shake my head and answer softly. "No excuses darling." I screwed up!"

Jool shakes her head but doesn't debate it because it won't do any good.

I'm gonna take it out because there's corrosion on it." You could get tetanus!"

Tet...tetinis?"

"Close enough..also know as Lockjaw, its a virus."

She frowns..."I've been inncoculated, will not happen!"

I point "Yeah...Oh! whats that? and when Jool looks over, I grab the steel piece and a pull it out.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! Sorry!" Then she gives me a dirty look.

"Huh?" I smile. "I'm ok."

"You brat...now look, it's bleeding."

"Yes it is, I'll fix that."

I grab the first aid kit and get a towlette an have Jool cover it. I open a pack of blood stop and clear the wound. It's cut through some muscle layers, but it should heal. I pour in the clot stop and let it setup, and then fill the wound with nano heal.

I check Jools heart rate which is good, and then apply a fresh guaze and plenty of tape.

"Honey, my arm did not get amputated, and that is not a poisoned arrow, so that's plenty."

I don't say anything but kiss the dressing.

She looks at me quizzically.

"What was that for."

"It's a Terran thing...a kiss to make it better."

She smiles coyly.

'If you kissed me on the lips...!"

And I do, slowly, tenderly, lovingly, and sweetly.

"Better?"

She nods and smiles. "For now."

I get Jool back to the ship and into bed...even though she protests. Even Roz agrees she should.

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Then I head back down the ramp. and over to the temple.

I check whats left of the bot. I'd guess it had a self destruct circuit, but there's not enough left to tell. Some of material is still burning.

I walk into the Temple and investigate the mess.

On the other side across for the first door there's a matching door.

I take no chances. I use E to make a spinning blade and saw cut the door from the frame and pull it out of the way.

There's another pyschobot inside, but it's non functional. I shoot some video, pull the derelict bot out with E, and remove a small explosive charge hidden under a cover in the back of the top part. i shoot a bit more video for ARC and Jack to watch.

Then I "deactivate" the bot. A small pile of inert dust marks the spot of it's passing.

If Jool is ok, we'll leave in the morning.

I spend the rest of the day caring for Jool, and analysing the piece of metal I pulled out of her shoulder.

Using a medical guide , I test it for bacteria. It's crusty but I can't find anything harmful.

Jool continualy watches me, half the time with a bemused smile. I check her wound for the fith or sixth time, and it is about healed. So I give up and she tells me it's ok and she loved the attention.

Roz has been working with what charts she has against the rendition of the milky way. She says with if we had more time, we could jump from the cluster to another nav point about seven arns/hours from our original entry.

The Verin' charts show several populated planets.

We could do a quick fly through and scan them. If there's traffic we'll make a note of it and head to our original entry point.

I think it's a good idea. We have lots of time.

So I sleep next to Jool and the new bed allows her to sleep on her back while I hold her.

The next morning finds Fa3 lifting off and winging it's way towards it's jump point a few hundred miles out. We do an E brake and go.

I hold Jool firmly in my E as we hit H80 and punch in. No discomfort. It's eleven and one half arns to the nav point.

I take a nap on the pilots seat and listen to the training tape on the pulse desintegrator setup. Jool listens to the pilot training tape.

Afterwards I get up and clean firearms.

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Chapter 18

The Baron and the Baby

It's a quiet trip and I spend the last two arns reading one of the encyclopediana...volume 37.

I read up on the original design and function of Vierin robots. Jool is surprised to see them in a civilian capacity. I suggest we check in the later volumes and find where they became weaponized.

At the half arn/hour mark Roz starts checking for radio traffic. There isn't any. Another dead area in the galaxy.

Disappointed but undaunted, we punch in on the mark and head for the nearest planetary system.

About six planetary systems and 30 planets later we get a hit on the sensors. A small green planet shows primitive humanoids living in a bronze age type setting. We pass and hope no one bothers them.

Hetching our way back into Peacekeeper influence, we come across another post primitive setting. This one shows up as being visited several times by the Vierin' but not in over thirty thousand cycles. It also shows a temple. We do two high altitude orbits and decide to land near the temple on a low plateau.

It's about two hours before any of the locals make contact, meanwhile Jool and I walk to the temple. It's pretty much a loss. Everything appears to have been razzed already...even the robots are gone.

We're contacted by a local person of rank...I'd consider him a Baron or Governor, named Dralik. He has a couple of ministers and a dozen men armed with blasters that are based on a Vierin design. I greet him in Vierin' and one minister nearly faints. His name is Otharam.

He tells me in broken Vierin' I speak the language of the ancients, and they have wondered why they've not returned. He also notes my practitioner's tunic and explains that individuals such as I traveled with the ancients.

There's some confusion as I try to explain that the ancients no longer exist as they remember them, but that we as practitioners carry on with their legacy.

Baron Dralik invites us into their city so we can talk. I can't read any hostile intentions just curiosity and some skepticism. We are not asked to leave our weapons.

On the walk back to the Barons residence, he queries me as to our intent. I'm offer myself as an acolyte of a new breed of various species who've acclimated themselves with Vierin' technology. I explain the absence of the ancients and our allies in the quorum.

He tells me they have little to offer because they are not invested in space flight other than acknowledging it exists. They had been happy to trade hand made goods with the Veirin' for certain necessities, including weaponry, but most of the household and durable goods they traded for have long vanished...they simply wore out!

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The barons' home was a surprise! Rather than a large opulent building of grandiose nature it was a two-story wooden structure of rather simple means. Wealth is spread throughout the citizenry with everyone who contributes receives what they need. I note that elderly is cared for by family or friends and children appear happy but curious.

Once inside the Baron Dralik's residence, the topics become more serious. The planets name is Danmour, and the Baron is one of twenty of his kind who rule from a council with elected citizenry as a hall of commoners' type of government. Firearms and weapons are allowed because of something call "N'nnatt". Through questioning, I determine that they're talking about Skivv.

Skivv haven't been seen for several thousand cycles, but the Danmourians take no chances. Millions have been killed and others simply carried off. Our prescense had given them hope that the Skivv were defeated, and I go back to Fa3 and bring back the volume that shows the lack of sightings after several hundred cycles.

I promise Dralik that he will be contacted by IPQ. Technically Danmour is a level 3-4 technology planet, but they have had level 5 tech when the Vierin' were active.

I'm also happy to see that the robots have not discovered the Danmour system. That in itself is worthy of protection.

We spend a solar day on Danmour, and leave only to go get them assistance.

We continue to make short jumps into other systems, but other searches prove nonproductive.

As we approach Peacekeeper influenced space, radio traffic starts to pick up. The three of us are quite surprised when we reach out to America and Jorgensen receives our signal!

"We wondered what happened to you!" He speaks. And he patches us through to ARC.

"Old man where in the devil have been?!" ARC looks like he's seeing a ghost.

"Admiral, good to see you, how's Jack?"

"Uh... worried about you too!"

"Well, I went on a little pathfinding trip. Roz is compiling a file now, to send shortly."

"Ohhhhkay...is everything QX?"

"Yeah, we're good, Jools flying the plane and Roz loves all the new toys." ARC nods.

"How far did this "pathfinding " trip take you?"

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"We jumped the gap at what the Vierin' list as Krenhji'm and hit a point around Thoh."

Let me look at that...he starts tapping. I know when he sees Thoh...his eyes pop!

"You jumped?" He exclaims. Geebus weebus...why?"

"I needed to pick up some beer at the mini mart there." I smile. "It's in the report."

"The files' been sent." Roz says

"Roz tells me the file is gone." "There is some video on it you should watch."

ARC shakes his head. "You know you've gone farther than anyone I know at this moment."

I quip. "Boldly, yes, just like the guy says."

"Yeah, and you're being too nice about it."

I shrug.

"Tell Jack I'm ok and we'll be at the cookout on time."

"I'll be waiting with the pizza just in case."

"Plan on making a delivery."

"QX bud."

"Call me after you watch the video, QX?

"QX, later."

Jool is swinging the plane around to starboard, at Roz's request. Shes had a sensor hit.

"It's some kind of vessel in stationary orbit." Roz says. "No life readings."

She adds "The Vierin list it as colony ship and say it's a Skivv vessel."

Sure enough, there it is. Roz hits the landing lights as Jool notches up on it. She's becoming an excellent pilot.

"Nice job sweetheart"..."I know, I ask all the time." "How's the shoulder?"

"You're welcome and thanks for caring." she says.

Roz states. "I'd say the Robots got this one, and time has done the rest."

"Can you date it Roz?"

"Not without a sample, want to take a spacewalk?"

I answer "Ahhhh, no thanks!"

Roz adds "There's quite a bit of radioactive dust on it. That suggests it's over twenty thousand cycles." But it's probably older.

"Yup, shoot some video for ARC and send it."

"The propulsion is gone. It may have drifted here by solar wind."

We slide around the ship and then move on. Roz shoots another file to ARC. The we head out of the system.

Four days later we enter space on the border of the uncharted territories just out of Peacekeeper space.

307

After 8 arns of flying, we hole up on a primitive green planet for away from its inhabitants. I need to read some more of the Vierin' volumes, particularly the last three. Jool needs to get out and explore.

Unfortunately, Jool isn't back by nightfall. I decide to go find her.

"Don't wait up for me Roz."

"I have her comm located. She's about seven miles from here."

I ask Roz if she'd tried the com and she tells me no response. Now I'm worried.

T-4 is she moving?"

"Not at the moment." If you wait until morning, I can launch a drone."

I've just finished applying black out to my face.

"Too long..." I answer. "But you can send it in the morning."

"Ok, well, I'll keep in touch." "I love you Roz"

"Love you too...find my sister!"

I pick up my rifle. This time I'm taking my Daewoo. Down the ramp I go into the fast-approaching darkness.

Following Roz's trail and topography suggestions, I pick up a narrow foot or animal trail through the brush. The natives here aren't prehistoric, they raise domesticated animals. The trail winds through scrub brush and rock, much like parts of Arizona, but there is no cactus and I sense low animal life and no insects. Keeping quiet is tough but the Daewoo is quieter than an AR.

I cover the first two miles easily but find nothing of value. It's also farther than I expected her to venture out.

I hope I find her alive and untouched, because if I don't...and I have to suppress that.

I'm tiring but I keep moving. I stop for a moment and drink. Past the three-mile mark, the path forks. I curse under my breath and try to reach out to Jool. I sense shes alive but possibly unconscious, and I don't want to wake her.

Jool helps me though. In the last bit of darkness, I find one of her vambrances on one of the paths. I advise Roz and switch my left eye to night vision.

I keep moving silently but quickly. I can't sleep even though I want to. My E should be helping me more, so I stop and center.

At that moment I realize how beautiful this planet is. The E seems to guide me now, and I follow it through the brush and rock silently.

About the six-mile mark, I start seeing signs of sentient beings. The natives are bipeds and appear to be related to humans or sabaceans. About where Roz says I should find the comm I find it next to the trail undamaged. I keep moving, but slower.

Soon I smell a fire. I also smell people. And some kind of animal.

When I get within a few hundred yards of the fire, I duck into the brush to get up wind. The ground becomes difficult with loose rock and cinder.

Once I can see the encampment I relax. The tents are made of commercial fabric and the two guards have pulse weapons. These people have had contact with extraterrestrials.

I'll sleep better now, knowing that Jool is there. She,s likely ok...because I check, and she's dreaming of me...Oh my!

308

I grab a heavy blanket from my pack and cover up. It will mask my smell.

Despite the ultra-primitive conditions, I get some sleep.

The noise in the camp below wakes me. Quietly I fold my blanket up and store it.

I eat a cold sandwich and drink tepid water from my canteen. I also wipe the blackout off my face.

Then I carefully peer around my rock.

It's a busy place. Several individuals are cooking food in pots and distributing food. I realize even though it's a patriarchal society, men assist the women with food distribution and with the younger children.

Then I spot the "animal smell" from last night. One of the tribesmen has a thick leash attached to the large creature that could be the hound from hell. It's sniffing the air but seems gentle enough because little children come up and pet it. it seems indifferent to the attention, but it and its handler are treated with a higher kind of respect.

"Master of the Hund" I whisper. An old Celtic reference, I think.

But something else catches my attention. There's no mistaking that splash of red hair with a blond streak walking over to the campfire, and no one wears leather like she does! It's Jool! She grabs a kettle of hot water from one of the spits and walks back towards the tent, holding it in a towel or cloth.

Just before she walks into it, she looks up at me and smiles, then ducks through the entrance.

"I thought you were here...why didn't you say something?" she asks me telepathically.

"Well, you were in a dream." "Are you ok?"

"Yes, I was." she says coyly. "I am alright, and they have not harmed me. I still have my firearms!"

She continued. "They think I'm a healer, and I have special powers because of my hair." But the patient in my care is not sick."

"Ok...What should I do?"

"Come down sweetheart, they are expecting you!"

"I will come down...that's a mighty big...I'd call it a dog, they have."

"Booff? He won't hurt you, he's for tracking. He barks but he's friendly." Nardov is his handler." "He's very nice. Everyone has been nice." "They also speak a crude form of Sabacean."

"Thanks, Jool, I'll be down in a moment!" and I head back down the rough path.

I approach the settlement carefully but with the 'Woo slung over my shoulder. Several men notice me, and of course "Booff." He stands up on all fours and sniffs as I approach. His tail is wagging slowly so he is suspicious but not aggressive. His handler watches me closely.

309

I raise my palms in a peaceful gesture and take care not to touch the rifle or the Ruger in my hip holster.

Several men gather as I walk into the area. One is obviously in charge; his crossed arms and headgear are different than the rest. He's also the oldest with a white beard and matching hair, wrinkled skin and multiple scars on his face and arms. There's a middle-aged shaman who regards me with curiosity, and the rest who seem both ambivalent yet suspicious.

All but the Chief are dressed in loose clothing and pantaloons in shades of beige and tan. Belt or chest sashes contain a large knife with l a slight curve to the blade.

I walk in with my hands raised and greet them in sabacean.

The headman or chief introduces himself as C'aan Tulom, the leader. He introduces his younger brother Chosae. The Shaman is Wuulth, and the Master of the hund is Nardov.

"Are you the practitioner the healer spoke of?" C'aan asks.

"I am the practitioner. I bow my head slightly, my name is Cowboy."

The reaction isn't what I expected. C'aan smirks, Chosaes' eyebrows raise and at least one of the men chuckles.

I smile back. "So, you have heard of me?"

The Shaman's brow furrows and his eyes narrow.

"If that is his name, what of it? He growls. "If he is with the healer, then we should be honored! Perhaps the ancient ones test us, therefore he will be our guest!"

C'aan, Chosae, and the men turn to the Shaman and bow slightly.

The leader C'aan faces me and says quietly " We are honored with your prescense Cow-boy!" "We were told you would be coming."

The Booff barks, but not loudly. I look at him and smile. Booff woofs quietly, whines, and sits.

"Beautiful animal." I say looking at Nardov.

I'm surprised he did not bark when you were coming." the handler says. "He must know you are not a threat." Nardov looks at C'aan and nods. Then Nardov lightly jostles the leash and he and Booff leave at heel.

Chasae speaks "The ancients gave us the Booff to help us hunt and detect our enemies!" They have done so for many generations." Chasae waves and the other men leave except for Wuulth.

"My wife is ill, and your healer has agreed to help if she can." says C'aan.

"I will tell her you have arrived." Wuulth states. "She and the crazy one need your assistance." Wuulth heads for the tent where Jool entered earlier and peers in. Someone inside yells and says, "get out!" The priest shuts the flap and starts back toward us, and a couple microts later Jool comes out behind him. She sees me and smiles, calls my name, and runs over to me, giving me a quick hug and kiss. C'aan and Chasae look surprised but say nothing.

"I need your help! she exclaims! "Come quicky!"

I excuse myself and follow her into the tent.

As soon as I get through the flap, Jool grabs me and whispers in English.

"Things are not as they seem! Listen to me carefully!"

310

I ask. "Ok why not by telepathy."

She hisses "Because...of her!" Jool releases me, and I look over where she's staring.

The first thing I think of...Noranti Pralatong!

Five foot nothing, longer gray hair, wrinkled skin, kind smile, unkept looking and a green third eye in her forehead.

"Who?" The old woman who's now standing next to me asks.

"I'm sorry!" I exclaim... "Who are you?" Did I say that out loud?

I am Carrotia Purgologe, that's my name! She smiles at me. I don't know who the other person was you spoke of!"

I look at Jool and grimace. Then I look at the old woman.

"Mam'm, uh, I didn't say a word."

She smiles coyly "Sure you did, but that's not my name!" She grabs a handful of powder from a bag and spits in it. "I'm Car-rot- tia...but you can call me the Carrotia." "If that's easier!"

Jool explains "She says she's the mid wife." and shrugs.

Carrotia, adds some more powder to her palm. She looks at me again.

"This so should help you rest so you won't be so stressed!"

She tries to blow some powder into my face, but I remember John Crichton's warning... so just as she attempts to blow it in my face, I blow back, and the powder and whatever she spat in it blows back on her.

"Oh my!" she says gleefully. "It works!" And her eyes close and she falls arrow straight to the floor!

I silently thank Mr. Crichton.

Jool squeezes my arm. "Thank you!" She sighs. We have plenty of mid wives, but I need to see this!

She takes me to a thick curtain and holds it back so I can walk in. On the floor, laying on blankets and pillows is a middle aged Sabacean woman. She looks at me and Jool and shouts at Jool.

"No men!" Get him out of here!"

"Printriek, this is Cowboy." "He's my partner and a practitioner."

The woman rudely shouts "I don't want him near me or touching me! Only you and my midwives! Don't you understand?"

"I only want him to look at your stomach. He will not touch you! I promise!"

"Alright Jool!" She sighs "But just my stomach and nothing else. Is that clear?"

Jool bows. "Yes Printriek. Now lay still."

Then Jool kneels and slowly pulls back the sheet and a smock covering the woman's belly. Geebus Weebus... I even see the baby move!"

Jool replaces the smock and bed sheet.

Telepathically she says..."What do you think?"

"She looks ready to pop"! Jool nearly laughs out loud.

"I've never delivered a baby!" She exclaims in my head, making me wince a little.

311

"There's a first time for everything, but you know the process, right."

"Right! Well, I'd like the medical kit in the plane, and I may need a DNA test kit too!"

Printriek yells, WHy is heee, still here!"

Jool says to her brusquely "Just a moment!" "Do you want this baby out of you?"

"YES!"

"Then I need to get things set up!" Jool snaps, then turns to me. "I am trying to be reasonable here!"

I help Jool up and we head to the opening. She stops me and turns me to face her.

She starts with. "Here's the problem. She says the baby's not C'aans'! Printriek doesn't know who the father is, and no one seems to know either. Her and C'aan have not coupled in 10 cycles!

"I need a DNA kit to find out!" "Printriek seems to think C'aan will kill the infant if it's not his!"

Oh boy!

"I'll get the supplies; you do know it's a fourteen-mile round trip!"

"You've got time."

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! its Printriek. AHHHH!...I'm all wet!"

Ohhhh...frell!

I run outside...and yell..."We're having a baby!"

C'aan glares at me in disbelief. Chasae looks like he swallowed a live frog. Everybody appears surprised or horrified but Wuulth.

"Impossible!" It's C'aan. "Who has defiled my wife!" He turns to Chasae, his face contorted in rage. "Who will confess to this abomination!" he snarls

You... brother!" C'aan grabs the handle of his knife. WHY!

Chasae backs up but he returns C'aans cold stare. He starts to draw his blade.

"I did know such thing C'aan." "I swear it on our mothers' ashes!" "But if you insist..."

"You have desired my position and my woman for many cycles!" C'aan snarls "You may have them, only if you can kill me!"

Chasae regards C'aan coldly. "No brother!" "I have my own family! I would never, but I will defend myself against you!"

"Nobody's doing squat until the baby is born." Did I say that? Yeah, I did.

And I freeze C'aan, Chasae and several of the armed men. Everyone but Wuulth. He smiles and takes a step forward.

"You could try harder and likely succeed, but don't bother. You have nothing to fear from me." He says kindly "We've been hoping for an hier, and the old witch and I may have finally succeeded."

I'm befuddled, but I hear Printriek scream!

So, I get on the com with Roz.

"I need the plane down here?"

"Where?"

"Down here...RHHaaaz!"

"Ok I'm teasing. Whats up?"

"We're having a baby!"

312

"NOOOO WAAY! Are you sure?"

"Not us RHHHAAAZ, just bring the plane over here and I'll find you a place to land."

I ask Wuulth where we can land Fa3. He's not sure but Nardov shows up (without Booff) and says there is a spot on the other side of the village.

He asks Wuulth why the men are frozen in place and the Shaman tells him about the baby and says it's for the best. Nardov shrugs and waves for me to follow.

We hurry out of the village and Booff joins us. it jogs up with Nardov and pays me no mind.

We only jog down a couple hundred yards and there's a field just big enough for Fa3.

There's some brush scattered about that could be a fire hazard, so I advise Roz to come down to about two hundred feet on VTOL and I will bring the plane in.

It's a couple moments later, then the roar of Hetch modules soon fills the sky. I shove my hearing protectors in place as Roz brings Fa3 in.

It is that moment that I realize I have never landed the new plane like this. I mean it should be the same, but the new plane is probably heavier.

So, I ask Roz to keep the modules idling in case I need help!

I "catch" the plane, but by the elders, she's a heavy lady! I'm sweating like a waterfall as I bring Fa3 down.

But I get it done. I'm going to need to exercise again!

Roz drops the ramp and a few microts later I'm grabbing the medical bag and a DNA test kit.

I also grab a jug of water. I'm parched!

I head down the ramp, and just a few yards away are Nardov and Booff. Nardov tells me Booff will take the bag to Jool quickly if I will allow him to do so.

So, I tighten up the handle and offer it.

Booff takes the bag gently in his huge jowls and with a snort, trots away. He will get there three times faster than a human will.

I walk back to the village with Nardov. He asks if I froze the combatants and I tell him yes so there is no violence. He is quite supportive, saying that C'aan is strong but lacks the vigor of youth. Chasae is stronger but lacks the will to kill his older brother that he has adored since he was born.

He also tells me that he doesn't know who the father is, but he knows Chasae is not the one.

We arrive in the village shortly after, and there is a bustle as people prepare for the arrival of the child.

Booff is sitting by the tent, and when he sees Nardov he trots over wagging his tail. Nardov praises him and gives him a chest scratch, then Boof walks over and nuzzles me. I praise him and give him a vigorous chest scratch too.

"He must really like you." Nardov says with a smile. "He's usually not this friendly with strangers."

313

I explain that on Terra we have similar types of animals, and they also help us in a similar fashion.

Nardov asks if I have had my own Booffs

I tell him I can't remember, but it's likely I did. For a moment he is confused, but he shrugs, and he and Booff leave.

C'aan and Chasae are still froze with the other men. Wuulth asks me to release the others, so I do. He orders them to leave or be refroze, and they hurry off, rubbing their stiff and sore limbs.

"Are you gentlemen calm enough now, or must you remain stuck in place?" I ask.

"Wuulth, this is your trickery!" C'aan snarls. "Release us at once!"

"I am not holding you." Wuulth says with a smile. "The practitioner is." And he smiles at me.

"He is a healer, and a powerful user of energy!" Wuulth says kindly, "They used to come with the ancients."

"Thats been thousands of cycles ago!"

I look at C'aan. "Time doesn't matter, nor does it care." "Fortunately for you and the baby, we arrived at the right moment in time." I ask C'aan to become reasonable and I will release him

C'aan snorts. Chasae releases the grip on his knives' handle, and I release him. He walks over to Wuulth, rubbing his arms and legs.

One of the midwives comes out of the tent and tells us that the baby is coming and will be arriving in a few microns.

It's another thirty microns before C'aan concedes and I release him. He nearly falls but Chasae catches him and helps him to bench where he can sit. Chasae's adoration for his older brother is evident as he assists him.

C'aan apologizes but is still skeptical that the baby is his. Wuulth says nothing but I suspect the shrewd shaman is keeping his cards close to the table,

Another forty-five microns pass, and a midwife comes out and says the baby is about to arrive.

Sure enough, a few microns later there's a small cry from the tent. The midwife rushes out to tell us the baby is out and it's a boy! Of course, everyone is thrilled but C'aan, and rightly so.

The midwife grabs another bucket of hot water and heads back in.

Moments pass and then Jool appears, washing her arms. I hurry over, mindful of C'aan, and she hugs me and says everything's ok.

"However,", she grimaces, "I never want to do that again!" I escort her to C'aan and she asks me for the DNA kit. I produce it and while C'aan is skeptical of off world tech, he allows Jool to do a swab test.

She heads back into the tent with the kit.

Several more microns pass, and the midwife comes out and wants to know if C'aan would like to see the baby. Printriek insists he should, and Wuulth insists I accompany him, even though C'aan assures us he will not harm the child.

314

Once in the tent, I see that Carrotia is awake and doing her best to be helpful, which has mixed results and much to Jools insistence she not.

"Oh hello! Did you have a nice nap?" Carrotia asks. I nod.

"Funny, so did I!" and she laughs. I look at Jool and roll my eyes.

Jool holds the baby and C'aan looks at it for the first time, He has to admit there's a close resemblance. Jool tells me shes still waiting on the DNA test results.

"The child is his." Carrotia states. "Don't you remember C'aan?"

"I know nothing!" C'aan snarls. He looks at Carrotia. "The old woman is mad!"

Wuulth sighs. "I'm afraid you are correct C'aan." "But the child is yours." Before C'aan can retort, the shaman cautions him and speaks. "I will explain."

"You are wise Wuulth, and have been so for many cycles." C'aan responds. "Continue."

Carrotia interrupts. "It was last year's harvest festival in the third quadrant."

"Quiet old woman!" Wuulth pulls something out of his tunic and poofs it in Carrotia's face. Her eyes close and she falls backwards, sound asleep!

I snicker and everyone smiles. Even C'aan finds it amusing.

"It was the festival of the harvest." Wuulth continues. "Printriek came to us begging for a child so you would have an heir." She was desperate and felt you didn't love her anymore."

"Not true though I may have been lax due to other circumstances." C'aan confesses. He turns to Printriek. "I have always loved you but have never thought of your feelings." and he lowers his head.

Wuulth continues. "The old woman felt she had something to offer, so she mixed a powder of Jinka root and Taroon flower, and gave it to Printriek, who placed it in your Hermoth (drink).

"But i don't remember!" C'aan says.

"I...I used too much." Printriek says. "It worked wonderfully!" and she smiles. "But you passed out, and I was so worried because Carrotia told me you wouldn't remember, so I tried to hide my mistake by saying it was a tumor (trans)!

"Why would you deceive me in such a way?" C'aan asks.

"I don't know...but you didn't believe me, or the old woman, or Wuulth, or Chasae, who knew nothing about what happened.

C'aan sighs "So... I have wronged my brother, who I love as much as anyone."

Wuulth tells him "Chasae has a gentile heart, C'aan, and if you come to him with an open heart, he will forgive you." And when you pass, he will lead until the child is old enough or he passes." Thus, the lineage is continued." C'aan struggles with his thoughts for a few tense moments, then he shrugs.

C'aan looks at Jool "I am satisfied, and I would like to hold my son." And Jool allows him to. He kneels down next to Printriek and the baby coos as they share the moment.

315

Inwardly, I'm a wreck, but that's ok.

I say quietly to Wuulth "A lie, like a pebble thrown into water, ripples in many directions, ever increasing in its size, until truth, like the water, ovewhelms and reveals them."

And he nods. "Wisdom from the wise." And the two of us exit the tent.

"Wuulth, may I ask a question?" The shaman nods.

"When I introduced myself, why were C'aan and the others seemed amused." "I have noticed that others seem to think my name is unusual as well."

"Is that mostly those who speak our type of dialect?"

"Yes, Wuulth, I believe so."

"Ahhh well let me explain. "He furrows his brow in thought. "The translation may vary, but the word loosely translates as herdsman, or herder of "Shanse'". Wuulth describes a "Shanse'" as basically a goat... with four or five eyes!

I tell Wuulth "Ahhh, it translates well, although I had no idea. On the planet of my birth, it has other meanings although herder would be part of the orginal definition."

Wuulth explains "Sadly, herders do not garner much respect, but for you, it may be the perfect camouflage."

(I'm surprised camouflage translates!)

Wuulth smiles "By the time your opponent's underestimate your unintentional ruse, they have been overcome."

I thank the Shaman for the information and his wisdom, and he asks me if we will stay for the celebration tonight.

That will depend on Jool.

It's about an arn before Jool decides the situation is stable enough for her to leave and go eat.

She accepts food and drink from the residents but wants to get a shower on Fa3. So, we walk back to the plane. i drag the med kit back as well but wish Booff was here to help. So does Jool.

"What an amazing animal!" she tells me. "Very intelligent and caring!"

She asks me if this is like the dogs that I shared with her in my memories of earth.

"Yeah...mine were smaller, I think."

After Jool and I shower and nap, we head back to the village.

It's quite the celebration. Singing, dancing, illusionists, and much drinking and food. Lots of food, and most of it is very good! I think of Rygel and his legendary eating habit, and smile.

Jool and I get talked into dancing. Obviously, we don't know the steps. But Jool is light on her feet and even does a couple of cartwheels, much to the delight of everyone. I move with the groove and generally look out of time, but it's part of the fun.

316

As dusk settles and the party winds down a little, Jool and I bid goodbye to our gracious hosts and new friends. C'aan is a happy and proud father who loves his wife and son, even if the crazy woman and a Shaman put one over on him.

We walk back in the growing darkness, and I smell familiar scent. It's Booff. We call him and he tags along until he gets to the ramp. Jool heads up the ramp and I stay behind.

"You're a good...good Booff!" I speak. I turn to go up the ramp.

A voice says, "Thank you!" In Vierin'!

I turn around and check the surroundings. Nothing. Nothing but Booff!

"Hello?" I ask in Vierin'.

"It is I." I...is Booff.

"You...talk?"

"Booff can talk yes. When we want to."

"I see...why now?"

"You know of our creators, you call Vierin'"

"So, they made you?"

"They modify us to warn and protect others from the Skivv. But no Skivv for now. We wait and help elsewhere."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Many lifetimes and partners go by after Skivv. Nardov good partner. Booff not live as long, so when Booff leave, new partner gets new Booff. Nardov will be too sad."

"I understand."

"Did you have Booff?"

I answer. "I had Booff, not quite the same. Different size."

"You were good partner, Booff can tell."

"Thanks, Booff. I won't forget you."

"Booff won't either. You come back."

"I will Booff." and I smile and tell him "I give good scratches." Booff agrees!

I hear a whistle. Booff turns his head and barks.

"Booff must go Nardov call. Goodbye Cowboy."

"Bye Booff!"

I walk up the ramp. Jool greets me at the top.

"You were talking to someone in Vierin."

"Yes Jool, you probably won't believe this...Booff talks!"

"Yes darling, in his own way. He thinks you're special."

"Yeah."

"Are you ok? You seem upset."

317

"I remember having dogs, they're kind of like Booff but can't talk, just bark and stuff."

"I see, did you love them?"

"Yes, and they loved me Jool. Many cycles of joy, then one of the worst days of your life.

"Oh?...Oh no!...Oh honey!"

"I wish I could remember them Jool, but I remember the feelings." I touch her chin gently. "I love you Jool!"

"And I love you too Cowboy!"

I go to bed and Jool joins me. I am restless, trying to remember, but I can't.

Jool rubs my back and neck and I eventually fall asleep. This time, it is Jool who spoons with me.

By 0800 we are lifting off from the planet. I never did get its name, but I have a nav point. I have Roz mark it Booff. At least I'm in a better mood.

We have two point five solar days to get back to Trolesk.

"My name is goat herder. Hah!"

..."That's why I call you Cowboy in English", Jool says. "It messes up the translator molecules."

"I get it now, why Mele-On and the rest were saying I have an interesting or unusual name."

There's silence for a half arn. Everyone is watching screens or out the windshield.

I send a report off to ARC and Tennis, cautioning them on making H100 jumps, and explaining my theory why.

Tennis acknowledges me immediately, and also hopes I haven't torn his mother board apart in the nav computer! He wants to study the board I got from the spacer on Qwerevlk first and see if the components are usable.

Tennis also tells me he will be at Tavian 3 for the accord signing to talk about building a new type of Prowler for the peacekeepers. He asks me if I'd give him some ideas, and I talk to him about sketching one out, but it will depend on much tech we share with them, especially T/S missiles.

After talking to Tennis, I grab a note pad and make a couple of sketches. Jool is impressed with my drawing skills, so I attempt to draw her...and it comes out better than I imagined. Jool takes it and I get a kiss for my effort. She takes it some place back in the plane.

She returns with a plate of food and water, because I have screens up.

Halfway through the ten arn trip, I get a call from Rob.

"Hey old man!"

"Kid, how are ya?"

"I got your note on T/S jumps." "And your videos...wow!" "I was speechless!"

"Ok...And your thoughts on T/S?"

318

"I don't think anyone's attempted a H100, so I'm limiting punch out to H65 until we can research this. Thanks for your concerns, I've wondered about that!"

"I re-explain we've done some H80 jumps, but always to new nav points. So, there may be fluctuations in T/S, but I wouldn't know it."

"He says "The policy is in effect as of a minute ago."

I nod agreement

ARC asks "Is Jool flying right now?"

"She and Roz are." is my response

"Wow, you must be enjoying the ride!" The nefarious bugger makes an obvious wink.

I give him the three fingered salute.

We discuss the plane, Jack, and then hit on what we hope will happen in a Solar day.

"Pizzas in the oven!" He speaks. Then he chuckles

"Booff...what is that? "

"Just a planet...we'll bring them on board with the Quorum. "So, I'll be heading out with an accord."

"No need, both planets will be visited by a delegation from IPQ. We'll be wanting you to go out there anyway, but farther out."

"We're ready."" Rob doesn't seem surprised

"I expected that." he says. "It would stretch us a bit thin right now to send warships, but if you can more contacts, or discover if these Skivv are still around..."

"I got it. Just be ready to meet me at Trolesk!" First things first you know. And we might meet John!""

"QX my friend." More meetings. I hear an alarm, so he's lying...or is he?

"Take care kid, tell Jack I'm...we're all ok."

"QX, I'm out."

Maybe he's arranging a meeting with some robots and a scrap dealer.

I write some more notes and Jool watches me.

"Hey sweetheart, can I ask what you're doing?"

I'm thinking about practitioners and jotting down my thoughts."

"Is it ok to ask what they are?"

"Sure! You and Roz may be able to help!"

"Well, I don't always understand how you do what you do, but I never question the results."

Roz pops in. "Same here, whatever he does is nothing that can physically be explained or understood." But I've seen the results and I don't question them, until he gets all crazy!"

319

Me. "Well...I came into the practice with an open heart and opened mind. "Medically it was supposed to help with issues I was having from the repairs and augments they did to my brain."

Jool, you'd agree that the brain is a form a muscle tissue, correct?

She answers. "It's technically an organ, not muscle tissue. "

I ask. "But the brain responds to certain mental exercises like a muscle, it becomes stronger and healthier the more you work with it, correct?"

"Absolutely Cowboy! That's why I always tell you how smart you are. You know many things, may useful things that I don't!"

Roz exclaims "I agree with that, I used to think he was just crazy, but he's crazy smart!"

I try not to laugh or blush. I'm surprised Jool or Roz don't laugh.

I add. "Manipulating E is simply attuning and exercising the brain on a different plane of thought. I don't have to force E to do anything but focusing my brain on working with it takes a strong brain."

Roz says, "Like when you had a hard time landing the plane yesterday?" And yes, I noticed."

Jool stares at me. "You did?"

"Yes!"

"I wasn't used to the physical size and weight, yes. So, I need to focus and retrain my brain."

Jool asks "So what you do...is exercise the brain to move energy around in the physical realm."

"Yes, a screen is concentrated energy, so that's one form. Turning dust into a rendition of the milky way or a solid object is another. Doing both requires even more exercise. At the same time, it's rather easy."

"What?"

"It is...once you learn to do it." is my answer.

"How so?"

I apologize to Jool.

I restart. "We're off the original question. "What I'm doing is wondering why individual practitioners can't work together to make larger concentrations of E, and make a bigger contribution to the defending the vessels were assigned when in a battle group."

"I'd never thought about that." Jool says. "They can't do that?"

"We would practice it at Shay-qul." I respond. "But everyone leaves and most follow their own path." Most do not serve in the military for obvious reasons."

"As to your other question Jool," "Most people believe if their told something by an "expert" they believe it to be true. even if they're skeptical."

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"A child is told not to jump off a high ledge, because they'll get hurt. Some try it and get hurt, so then the thought is reinforced. But what if you believed you wouldn't get hurt, and you were shown a way that allowed you to land without injury, would you try it then?"

Jool nods in agreement "Well yes if I were sure that it would work."

"And that's my point. If you're shown a way and you believed you could not fail, most beings would do it." "But the path to that point is not easy!"

"What about people who jump because they think they can land safely but fail?"

"They believe but never learned the how to. Usually, they believe some spirit or deity will save them. We don't believe because we know that the E must be used. So, once you know how to use it, you know how."

Jool asks "So everyone, rather everything has the E, right?"

"Yes, even you, Roz, all living things, but even rocks have a small amount of E. Stars produce it, dead moons have very little."

"I can show you Jool, haven't I done this?" Jool shakes her head.

"Well, you say you use my E, so I believe that. I feel something when you do but I can't grasp it."

I nod in agreement "Sometime I will test you. But you're right, you do, and I have used some of it."

The three arn light flashes. Roz asks me a question.

"This planet you're having us drop out on Cowboy...it's a mining planet?"

"I thought it had commerce to sell." is my answer.

"Yes sweetie...but that's not its main source of income!"

I apologize "Oh Geebus, I'm sorry Roz." We'll punch out of space and set another point."

"I'm for stopping in, unless there's a real issue." Jool says. "Unless that will take too long."

"We'll do fly by and if it's not really bad, we'll at least stop and stretch our legs."

"That'd be great Cowboy, thank you!"

"Jool wants to walk, I don't blame her!" Roz says in agreement.

"And I'm going to grab a snack, Jool, would you like anything?"

"Yes, please, fruit, veggies, and some bread or a roll, thank you sweetheart."

We share a short kiss and I head to the galley area.

Three arns and some snuggle time later, Fa3 punches out of T/S into normal space. The mining planet Gre'ayown-Tra looks in the distance.

Gre' Ore and something called Hulomin is taken form it's mines. They are products used in the construction of Peacekeeper ships.

I'm surprised we are allowed to land without being shot at or arrested, but apparently no one is looking for us, at least in this part the realm.

Jool is also anxious and rather than walk about in the market, she stays close to the plane.

I do as well, wearing my Ruger. The E is good on the planet but also a dead giveaway should trouble arise.

321

We watch ore transport freighters leave with ore, then after about an arn, I am approached by two Peacekeeper officers in tunics. They ask about our business with the atypical Peacekeeper brusqueness, and while cooperative, I will not be taken in for more questioning. Shortly after arriving, the officers leave, knowing nothing.

I make sure that they won't remember that we were even here. Frell them!

Jool is sufficiently stretched and doesn't want to go to the small market. The Peacekeepers unnerved her quite a bit. I can't say I blame her.

We lift off about an arn after landing. About fifteen microts later we clear the atmosphere of Gre'ayown-Tra and jump. We will reach a nav point four arns away from Trolesk at H40 and punch in. There's a clump of debris from either a moon or some unfortunate galactic situation that we slde up to and set the camo net.

There's some traffic but nothing out of the ordinary. Restless yet tired we try to sleep. I end up giving Jool a foot massage and we exchange a back rub, which relaxes us enough to fall asleep together while Roz sings sweetly.

322

Chapter 19

A time for Peace Part 1

"Good morning lovebirds!" Roz exclaims "I have the daily traffic report!"

I answer her. "Good morning beautiful!" It's a great day to fly!"

"And good morning beautiful to you sweetheart!" I say to Jool.

Good morning, Roz, Jool says...and she kisses me. "Good morning to you, sweet man!"

I ask Jool "Did you sleep alright?"

"After one of your massages...heck yes!" "Mmmmm, I wish we did not have to get up!"

Roz laughs.

"Traffic report Roz?"

"Oh yeah Cowboy...I saw my first Leviathan on the ultra-long-range scan! I knew they were big, but wow!"

"Awesome Roz, I can't wait to see one myself."

"It was on course for Trolesk!"

Jool and I scampered about like two crazed squirrels to get ready and eat a good breakfast.

After cleanup, Roz runs another check, and we prepare for the end run to Trolesk.

I almost can't believe it. After nearly sixteen cycles of training, not counting my initial operations, and around six terran weeks of searching. the very thing I dreamed might happen actually might happen!

I will find John Crichton.

So with that amazing moment almost staring me in the face...why do I have my doubts?

Jool picks up on it immediately and sits me down for a chat. Roz backs her and even sends her holo down to make hand movements to emphasize her points.

They don't have to ask because I'm the one who initiates the conversation.

"I know why we're here so let me explain. I, errr, we, expect to meet John Crichton today or tomorrow, and I've been wanting to do this for twenty cycles. I pause and look over my crew.

"I love you both so much!" I gush. Their eyebrows raise, even Roz's.

"We have been trying to find John, but honestly, he hasn't been trying to find us. He last contacted Terra twenty-six cycles ago, and for all he knows and cares, Terrans are still trying to get out of planetary orbit." I pause.

"So, the surprise of oseeing Fa3, seeing Terran ships, and...I look at Jool, seeing Jool after all this time might lead to a meltdown at worst, and a lot of doubt in the very least."

Jool asks "So you think John won't believe I'm alive?"

I counter. "Can you put yourself in his shoes Jool! The last time he saw you was inside the Temple, and he believe that's where he last saw you...everybody that was there did! The flash of the equipment blowing your escape through the caverns...even Rygel wasn't sure at first!"

Jool counters. "True but I believe Rygel believes that it's me. Wouldn't he have told John if he's seen him?"

I counter. "Yes, but did John believe him?"

"It's the absolute smallest of percentages, that you escaped a device similar to a Torgan Tactical nuke. But if you were several yards closer to the blast it may have been different."

"I can see your point Sweetheart, but what can I do?"

"First, be yourself, second be prepared to answer a lot of pointed questions! You could be a bio mech, or worse, some mirage the ancients made up! Both are inconcievable, but be prepared!" Lastly, others you know may doubt you...like Chiana."

"Chiana will know it's me!" Jool says seriously.

Roz snickers "Actually, you're the Bio Mech Cowboy!"

I exclaim "Yeah...I actually am!" and then quietly. "Wait until they get a load of me!"

Everyone laughs!

Jool says she'll dress in her leathers since she no longer has her "feral" outfit. But she'll keep the hair beacuse the style looks like what she had at Arnessk She has some silver streaks in it, that will make it look honest...after all, she's over sixty cycles old.

With that off my heart and mind, Farscape 3 sheds its virtual camo net and starts for Trolesk.

323

The flight to Trolesk starts out like a milk run to the local mini mart.

Roz runs a stress test of the planes structure while Jool flies, and I do a weapon inventory. It's the same program I used on the Defiance. What a pain!

We punch into space about two arns out, so we can Hetch in. H40 is almost as fast.

Everything's one zebra zebra until just about the one arn mark. Then things go South quickly!

Roz exclaims! "Cowboy! I'm picking up multiple distress signals from a position not far from Trolesk!"

"Can you pinpoint Roz!"

"Working on it! The communications ...are gone!"

Roz "Send a com to Admiral Coleman in RED, we need our Pizza now.! Just... just do it!"

"Then try to affix a point close to the calls and we'll jump!" I start notching up the throttle.

"T-4 babe!... almost there." There's a pause. "Ok I got it!" "The green light pops on the board. Entry point in 15, count at 10. Another green light.

12...

At the count of four the defense screen cuts and T/S field generators kick in. Three seconds later, Fa3 slips into the timestream at H55.

"Quick ride ladies! Weapons online ALL WEAPONS!" I shout. "Helmets on, it could be rough!"

"I'm going straight down when we punch in!"

And the thing I dread the most...ticking. Vierin code. I need to learn it.

"Robots ladies, lots of 'bots!"

"30 seconds Cowboy!" Jool calls out!

"Thanks sweetheart I look at the sensor screen I'm gonna roll out starboard and go underneath to port, just like we practiced Roz."

"You got the plane babe; I got the fields! Eighteen seconds!"

Jool. "Heads back, Time is tight!"

"Time is tight at six..."

"Fourteen to punch in count at ten..."

On the dot, Fa3 slides out of time...and I roll right and down and then hard left with a snap roll.

"GEEBUS WEEBUS!"

Frelling Robots! The botches are everywhere!

It's a fight alright. And it isn't going well for the "good guys". Off at one o'clock low are three shot up Leviathans. One of the Leviathans "arms" is shot off!

Several prowlers are trying to take on forty or so robots but their lack of experience fighting them is showing. I start by doing a slow turn and pulling down Fa3 to H10

"We gotta break up that square, but first things first. Roz, try to reach somebody so we don't get shot by friendlies, Jool, help me with the guns!"

I head straight for the Leviathans, where a slash of robots is heading at them on a perpendicular plane.

I throw Fa3 into a barrel roll, then straighten up.

We're going through ladies, hang on!

324

Roz and Jool; "Cowboy up!"

Fa3 and my screen go right through those bots like a plasma cutter through sheet steel.

I skid Fa3 around like a sports car. The g absorbers scream and my head hurts! Roz squeals and Jool groans.

My second target is coming into view. Another line of robots.

"I got a lock!" Jool yells

"SHOOT Honey!" And Jool does just that.

The pulse disintegrator cannons fire. Pulses of white hot blue light streak into the robot's screens, then through them.

The first robot in line...disintegrates... then the next...on down. We go through the debris field through the whole formation.

Don't those Prowler Pilots know better? That square is a kill zone!

I fling fa3 through the prowlers to break them of the square, but two more Prowlers are hit and explode.

"This is different...!" I call out. "They haven't jumped! I slide Fa3 to a stop."

I order. "Get a missile lock on the square...any ship!"

"Got two!" Roz calls out.

"Two Ts-9s Roz"...DO IT!

Roz does exactly what I ask There are four flashes. two are missile exhaust and two are the missiles going into T/S

3-2-1...boom!

Two huge explosions occur in the middle of the square of bots. But it's the collateral damage the larger missiles do that really cause the carnage!

The concussions and burning debris take out three or more ships and bust up the square.

"I have multiple locks cowboy!" cries Jool!

"Ts-5s...! Let 'em rip!"

I actually feel the Ts-5s fire off because of the fuselage mounts, but it doesn't matter. The missiles are locked.

A few seconds after another six bots explode. And the rest...jump into T/S. I swing Fa3 around to starboard. There's only one Prowler left. D++M!

"Jool, sweetheart, are you ok?"

"Yes Cowboy, I'm fine...I took a breath at the wrong time."

Roz exclaims. "Her vitals are good! But we may have another problem!"

Oh great...and I still hear ticking, just not very close.

Roz tells us. 'There's a command carrier on the screen, with a dozen Vigilantes...um no Vigilantes, that were attacked by Robots. Looks like one Prowler survived, and it and the command carrier are headed this way!"

325

"There was one prowler that landed back in the Leviathan," Jool says.

The ticking and clicking has stopped.

"The one prowler that survived flies by us and heads toward the Leviathan." It's Ther-es-On.

"Her weapons are powered down; I think she's going to try and land in a Leviathan!" says Roz

Roz calls out "Cowboy, the Command Carriers main weapons are tracking us!"

"Pull me up a Command Carrier grid Roz!"

"On your screen!"

I drop our screen from overhead and tap the grid.

"How many Ts5's and 6's do we have?"

"Four Ts-5s and four Ts-9's." All six Ts-6's on the racks!"

"T-4 Roz...Arm four of the Ts-6s for the gun ring attachment points here, and two Ts-5's here to damage the propulsion system. That should take the fight out of them."

"...And I'm still trying the leviathans Cowboy, No response!"

"They got the draz shot out of them!" Jool says...I look at her quizzically.

Jool smiles. "It's a Nebari word, means the same thing as dren."

Draz...go figure.

"I have Multiple locks on the Command Carrier." Roz states. "Launch missiles when you're ready."

"Let's see is they notice first." is my answer.

Sure enough, about ten microts later the command carrier gives us a ring.

"Chairwoman Braca would like a word with you!" Roz tells me

The front screen changes over to Mele-Ons face. I speak first!

"Chairwoman Braca...nice to see you!"

"I wish I could say the same, Cowboy!" "Power down your weapons and move away from the Leviathans!"

"And if I don't?"

"You will leave me no choice...I will be forced to attack your plane!" Then Mele-On sighs. "I do not want to do that, because I thought we had an understanding, an accord of our own."

"It appears that we did Madam Chairwoman, as long as I play the game and you make the rules."

She responds. "That is not true!"

"I have it from two different sources Madam Chairwoman!"

Mele-On looks away and then back into the screen Her face never changes but her tone sure does.

"I have never, never strayed from my one desire for peace! That is all I have ever wanted!" She continued sternly. "And yet we have had no true peace, except for the last 14 cycles!" "Our economy booms compared to the cycles before, because of my leadership!"

"So, you blame Aeryn Sun Crichton for this?" is my response.

326

"Commandant Sun-Crichton is an excellent officer, and courageous fighter. She repelled invaders who would have destroyed our young alliance. But her belief in Yemahl perverts the cause. It had been previously banned for a reason!"

"The Peacekeepers under her grew tired of her pacifist banter, because with every threat was met with force, not negotiation as I would have done!"

I respond, "Based on my intel Madam, your peace strategy is to give away the farm and surrender most of what has been built up, while Comandant Sun-Crichton forced peace by hoping to break the enemies will in battle, then negotiating a settlement."

Silence. Mele -On stares at the screen. So, I ask her.

"Neither way is totally acceptable, yet both have merit depending on the situation, don't you agree?"

"I concede your point, however Commandant Sun Crichton will not listen to this type of logic." "When I die, and I will, even with the serum I've been given by Jool, she intends to seize power, and that could void the accord with Terra!"

Me. "It's not just Terra, surely you know and understand this? and the accord will be nullified when the division among the Peacekeepers is made known!"

"Of course, I know of your allies, and they are indeed equal or better than the alliance. It is hard to believe that Terra has the ability to front a viable threat or become an equal. While your plane is certainly impressive compared to John Crichton's, for all we know it is the only one!" She pauses, then continues.

"And you wouldn't dare reveal the division, or your failure, surely that will bring repercussions on you!"

Me. "First, yes there will be repercussions, which I don't care about because the truth will be known about you and the Peacekeepers."

"Second and most importantly, you're making a huge misjudgment Mele-On! Earth is on its way here to protect its interests, mainly John and Aeryn Sun Crichton and their family.

Mele-On becomes smug. "Well then Cow-boy, show me your herd, and I'll believe you!"

"You know what Mele-On, we have a saying on Terra, fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice...FRELL YOU!'

I flick off the screen and stab the missile launch button.

Instantly I feel the Ts-5s and see the Ts-6's leave and vanish.

3 2 1...

BBBBBBOOM! The five missiles hit almost simultaneously. Again, there's no real noise in space, but the damage is real!

"Direct hits Roz...beautiful!"

327

Roz reads off. "Main weapons down... main propulsion down, secondary weapons offline, shields almost gone, life support stable. For the moment they're dead in the water! And thanks, sweetie!"

Jool is speechless. Then she looks at me.

"You planned all of this didn't you? And you didn't tell me, because you didn't trust me?"

Roz laughs "He did, but it was in code, and you had to listen to get it. Not that it makes you feel better Jool, but I didn't know either."

"Really?"

"Not a word of it...you and I are liabilities Jool, and Cowboy couldn't put us at risk! "I wouldn't lie to you Jool, you're my sister, and I love you!"

Jool snickers..."I know you wouldn't, and I love you too! "

"Yes ladies, but it's not over yet..."

"Hey, I got through to a Leviathan"! Roz cries. "Listen!"

"Farscape 3, can you hear me?" "This is Pilot from the Leviathan Moya! Please respond!"

"Pilot! This is Cowboy, with Farscape 3!" "It's good to hear your voice!" Finally...I seem to be getting closer.

Finally, I see his face on my screen...Pilot. THE Pilot.

"It is good to hear yours as well!" Pilot says with a bit of confusion. "Moya and I are pleased and thankful that you routed those strange ships and disabled the Command Carrier!"

"Yes pilot, these strange ships are robots."

"I see! You have come across them before?"

Earth, or rather Terra has been fighting them for twelve cycles now, and our allies, for much longer!"

I see movement on my right...Jool has left her seat and went to the back.

"...would like to have you come aboard!" it was pilot.

"We'll be happy to... give us a moment."

"I'm sorry Cowboy!" Pilot patiently repeats, "Our docking web is damaged. It wll be at least an arm before we can have it ready."

"Well, I really don't need the docking web, I never use one. Just tell me where you want me to land."

"The lower level would be easiest..."

"Perfect pilot, we'll see you shortly." And thank you again!"

"You're quite welcome Cowboy! I look forward to meeting you!"

"T-4 Pilot, the feeling is mutual!"

"You got another call Sweetie...it's Commandant Braca!"

"Braca!"

His face appears, but Braca looks a bit dejected.

"I'm sorry I had to disable your ship Commandant."

"Well, I'm sure reparations can made. But that's not why I'm contacting you." he takes a breath.

"Mele...Chairwoman Braca has taken ill and has relinquished command but wishes to meet you on the Leviathan Moya." "Can you arrange this?" "She wants to talk to you." "It appears that Ther-es has landed there as well."

"Yes...I will." He seems shocked.

328

"Be there in one arn." We'll be waiting."

"Thank you, Cowboy."

"I have another dose of the serum ready," Jool says over the comm. "I hope it's not too late!"

"Ok...I didn't know you were doing that Jool!" I tap the throttle and gently ease Fa3 towards Moya.

"Cowboy, when you told me Mele-On was needed to stabilize the Peacekeepers I had a change of heart." "What I have made will not save her but has extended her life..but she needs an injection at least once a solar month. I guess I had a secret too, and I'm sorry!"

"I can live with it...you did the right thing!"

Jool walks out with a small bag...but Jool is wearing the most incredible black leather outfit I have ever seen. Everything is...perfect! The pants, the multi slit leather long skirt, the brassiere!

She notices my stare and gives me the most flirtatious smile...and if I were an ice cube, I'd have boiling away!

Roz gushes! "Jool...Sweet sister! You look amazing!"

"Thank you, Roz...is it too much?"

"Depends...if you were wanting Cowboys' attention, you certainly have it!"

"I see that! Do you like it honey?"

"Uhuhuhuhuh yeah!"

"Mmmm, I will wear it for you, but I wore it because that's how the others will remember me." She walks up and brushes my hair. Then, just for you, Cowboy!"

I almost, almost miss the hanger door on Moya!

Jool sits down and primps her hair while I bring Farscape 3 in.

I tell her "I hope they're thrilled to see you, honey!"

Then, "I knew these Leviathans were huge but wow, look at the room!" You could park a dozen Reavers in here easy!"

Jool points "Looks like we have a welcoming committee."

"And I got a com from Rob, Pizza in one hour!" Roz says.

"Or it's free, right?" is my quip

Jool looks at me and shakes her head. Roz chuckles.

"Indeed, we do Jool darling... lots of celebrities. That must be Chiana...and GEEbus...is that Ther-es? Who's the guy next to her? That's gotta be John, and the other one must be Aeryn!"

"John is talking to Ther-es and the young man. He points at the shield, then Fa-3. The hanger doors must be closed because the shield drops. But I see something else.

WOW!"

Now the puzzle starts to come together for me! But there are pieces missing.

There are two younger children...better turn the plane around!

Jool shuts the power and I grab the plane. Someone had a shield up... that young man?

As I turn the plane around. I realized the shield was weak and thin. Someone needs to eat and drink more!

Pilot calls us in a panic because our modules are off, but I tell him it's ok, and he's not the first person to be surprised.

I drop Farscape 3 from about sixty feet nice and gentle, and land her on the lightly pitching deck really easy.

For a few moments, I have to collect my thoughts. Everything I've trained for, all my dreams, have been for this moment. How will it go? Will John Crichton be cool, aloof, or...hostile?

I have to check myself. At least I dressed casual under my flight suit. I shed it and toss it in the sanitizer.

Jool tells Roz she's ready and the ramp doors slide in and the ramp drops. She looks at me and smiles.

For a moment there is silence. And it's shattered by a warrior goddess cry!

"BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! JOOOOLLL!"

"CHIANA!"

"You're alive, just like Rygel told us you were!"

"Of course, Chiana!"

"Jool! Is it really you?"

"Yes Aeryn."

"I'm sure there's an interesting story..."

"And I'll be happy to tell you!"

329

"Jool, this is a surprise!"

"Yes John, because I always make the best mistakes?" "I took that to heart and headed underground with a few priests who then helped me make it out through the cavern system under the temple."

"I see. I didn't know about the caverns, where were they?"

"We'd finished digging down to them a solar week before you came back John...Eight priests and I survived, and they are living on Tavian 3 with the Eidelons. "

"That's enough John! I can tell its Jool. Give it rest, k?" (Chiana)

"Well, if Chiana and Rygel are sure, I'm ok with it too." (Aeryn)

Jool says, "Well my guy was right, you'd be skeptical John!"

"John remarks "Your Guy, the pilot. Not you, right?"

"Yes, he's probably gauging the reaction, if you don't believe me, you might not believe him!"

"No Jool we're ok, but I have to admit, this is quite a shock!"

I don my "boonie" hat and head down the ramp. I recognize all the players, except for the young man talking to Ther-es and the two younger ones, who are twins but not matching. The girl keeps staring at Jool, probably because she has the same curly red hair.

Chiana bends over and whispers to Jool "Wow honey!" I have to try and not blush.

I stroll over casually, Like I'm meeting old friends, except I want melt. I lock eyes with John.

He reminds me of Jack when I've done something out of protocol. His gray hair and whiskers, and a few lines on his face make him look older than the photos I've seen. But he's still good looking. He's John Crichton.

Aeryn is still tall and arrow straight, ike her Peacekeeper heritage. Her hair has a few gray streaks and there are a few age lines as well. At least her hand is not on her pulse pistol.

I smile at John and stretch out my hand.

"Commander John Crichton, I presume?" I say it in English. His eyes open slightly

"John, John Crichton."

"John Crichton, I presume?"

"Yes..."and he takes my hand firmly.

"Nice to meet you John, you can call me Cowboy!"

John smiles, then says with a chuckle, "I thought your name was Ricky."

Oh Geebus! I smile like a complete moron. So, I answer "Yes...or...

John responds "Donnie and Marie? That's a bit of a stretch! And then he laughs!"

Jool looks appropriately confused as do Aeryn and the rest.

John smiles. "I didn't realize what was going on until Raxil started squawking, but next thing I knew, I woke up face down on the counter." "Essk had to tell me!"

I apologize, but he laughs and waves it off, much to my relief!

330

"Aeryn Sun Crichton...the legend?" I offer my hand.

"Legend?" She shakes my hand firmly. "Ahhh, Ok."

"Your book on Prowlers and your exploits...it's required reading by all TDF personel, especially those who fly. Some can repeat it word for word."

I gush myself. "I'm the first TDF/IPQ person to shake your hand, Aeryn. It's an honor!"

She looks past me and releases my hand.

"That's quite a craft you have there." she says. "Quite an improvement as well!" She looks at John, who nods agreement.

"Farscape 3? He speaks. "What happened to Farscape 2?"

"The wreckage is at Harris field on Mars, John."

John shakes his head. "Wait ...let me get this straight? You're from Earth..."

My brow furrows. "Yes, I'm from Earth, we call it Terra now.

"Terra...why?"

"Well after the Sauuri attacked Earth and destroyed over half the planet..."

"WHOA! Whoa whoa Whoa! Who's the Sauuri, and what happened?"

John looks at Aeryn and they look at me like I've grown a third eye.

"I think Jack and Rob would do a better job explaining it. I mean, I was there, but..."

"Jack? My dad? John squints. He's alive?"

I respond "And doing quite well for a man his age! He should be here in about ummm 25 minutes, or however many microns that is." I check my watch.

Johns' eyes finally pop as does Aeryn's.

"I can't believe this!" John turns and calls out "Deke!" The he looks at me.

"All this happened since I've been gone, right?"

"A lot has happened in twenty-six cycles John...please, one day at a time, ok?"

John looks at Aeryn. "Has it been that long?"

The thin young man with dark hair finally walks up. Now it's my turn to stare.

This guy is Loaded with E! I'm staring at a natural...rarer than hens' teeth and with inconceivable potential.

John says "This is the guy from Trolesk..."

"Oh! Hi!" He shakes my hand. "I'm Deke, my real names D'argo but my parents and all call me Deke."

"Nice to meet you, do you prefer Deke? Because I'd rather call you D'argo."

Deke asks, "Do you know who D'argo is?"

"Yes, the Luxon warrior, honorable, courageous, and kindhearted." "I watched the tapes and read the papers your dad and mom left on Terra before you were born." "The classified stuff, not the dribble they put on TV." Both John and Aeryn look at each other.

"Really, so you've seen my namesake?"

"Yes, I'd hoped to meet him, neither Jool or I knew that he'd passed. It's a disappointment, especially the story I heard."

Deke replies sadly. "I was born a few microns after he died."

There's that awkward silence when unrealized realities become true.

331

Jool tells me I need to eat and invites Chiana into the plane to meet Roz. I'm sure she doesn't want to hear about Ka'D'argo.

"Do you eat a lot?" Deke asks me. "He looks down and up at me."

"I mean you're not fat, but ...built!" Aeryn looks at him and frowns.

"It's ok D'argo, but seriously, you should be eating more." " You messed with me at Trolesk, didn't you?" And I smile. "It's not a bad thing, I was sure the planet had low E!"

"I was trying to stutter time, but you kept deflecting it. I'm not very good!" He laughs meekly, "When you put my dad to sleep, I tried to stop you because I was linked to him mentally. But you popped in and put both of us down!"

I shake my head. "I'm sorry about that! Usually, we're on the same side...except for training."

"Training? Where do you train?"

"Well, I started at a place called Shay -qul...a long way from here." "But I could help you now and you could help me!"

"Really?" he exclaims. "That'd be great! What do I need to do?"

At that moment Jool shows up with a big plate of food and a big jug of water. Good timing!

I grab a huge sandwich and offer the plate to Dargo.

"You need to start eating Dargo...3500 caloric units a day and at least 2 gallons of water!"

"I'd explode!" he gushes. But he takes the plate.

"... you burn it off as fast as you take it in! Especially water...at least a gallon a day!"

"Okay and you could show me how to do that?"

"Sure...you're a natural." Aeryn and John continue to stare so I smile at them.

"I am...?" D'argo appears confused, and I'm not sure why.

"More than you know son!" I have to shake my head. He reminds me of a younger me. but with so much more potential!

Ther-es-On walks up and talks to D'argo, and Pilot interrupts us.

"Captain Crichton! Commandant Braca requests permission to come aboard and talk.

Aeryn snarls. "Commandant? With Mele-On? Tell him to fre..."

"Excuse me..." I interrupt. "Could we reconsider? There's a lot at stake here Plus I said you'd at least listen."

"You did? Very bold of you!" She stares at me, but I stare right back

"Commandant Sun Crichton!" "I can be extremely bold if I need to be!" Now I'm arguing with the legend. Not cool!

There-es-On interjects "My mother needs to talk to you! She...she...She hasn't in good health!"

Aeryn counters " So I've heard, but so what? You do know what she did right?"

"Well, I'm the same age as as D'argo, so not really!"

332

Aeryn looks confused yet her eyes flash.

I step between Aeryn and Ther-es.

"Commandant Sun Crichton...In the next (I glance at my watch again) 20 microns more or less, half the Terran Defense force is going to enter this area of space! Shortly thereafter, the command squadron of the Interplanetary Quorum is going to arrive!"

"Now Commandant, this display of force is to support a peace accord which is to be signed...Frelling Hezmana...signed tomorrow!" I get closer to Areyns face.

"This accord Commandant...assures economic growth through fair trade, technology exchange including devices for time space travel since we ahem don't use wormholes, ANDDDD to possibly provide the weapons you need to defeat the robots...and quite frankly, your weapons SUCK! "

Both Aeryn and John jump, even Jool does. Chana cocks her head from side to side.

"Finally, I will NOT have this frelled up because two peacekeeper factions can't get along!"

"In my defense..."Aeryn states loudly. "Mele-On and her followers would have destroyed us with your "tech.""

"NO...the Quorum would nullify the accord. Everybody gets frelled!"

"She won't do it!"

"Oh, I think you might be surprised." is my response. I think...I've already disabled her command carrier. Sheesh!

John says it can't hurt to talk and Aeryn relents..a little.

Sure enough, about 3 microns later, Mele-On arrives with Braca and her group of commandos on my right, while Aeryns militia of misfits and disgruntled Peacekeepers from Trolesk take cover on my left. Jool and Chiana hustle the little ones out of the way.

I wave D'argo and Ther-es behind me. D'argo is eating another sandwich and drinking his water. His E is starting to return.

Almost like I'd planned it. But where's my pizza?

"Roz! Tell the pizza guy he needs to be here now!"

"Five minutes..." she says "and you owe him a big tip!"

"Yeah? I'll give him a tip alright!"

"Pizza?" John enquires. "I HATE pizza!"

I shake my head. Meanwhile Mele-On, Braca, and their unit discover my screen.

Mele-On opens the dialogue.

"Cowboy...I thought we had an understanding! I worked hard to negotiate a fair agreement with your Quorum. You would ruin all this effort? Why?"

333

"Mele-On, As I told you, The Quorum would have discovered your deception, and when they did, the accord would be tossed. You lied to me! When I helped you deal with Captain Tarento and his mutineers, you told me that things would be stable. Obviously, I was wrong!"

Mele-On points at Aeryn "Tarento was working for Commandant Sun...!"

Aeryn shakes her head. "This Tarento must have had his own agenda. I've never heard of him!"

"Lies!" Mele-On shouts.

A soft voice speaks from my right. "Actually, Madam Chairwoman, Commandant Sun Crichton speaks the truth". "Tarento indeed devised his own plan, in truth, he would have killed Commandant Sun Crichton as well!"

"Scorpi"! John shouts..."Nice of you to drop in!"

I nearly laugh...

"Ah John! I presume you have met Cowboy. Scorpius says as he walks up next to me. "A man of impeccable honor, possessing unimaginable power and unknown abilities, who speaks the truth, and expects to hear it in return." Scopious' eyes narrow. "And he has figured out our little deception, by using a bit of his own abilities that I have underestimated!"

John's eyes get wider. "We've been introduced."

I look at Scorpius "How did you get here and when?"

About two solar days ago, by transport. "I have been waiting to see when you would arrive!"

Scorpius pulls out a pulse pistol and looks at me.

"I suppose I won't be needing this!"

"May your dreams of Sikozu be pleasant Scorpius. "Good night!"

Scorpius's eyes roll back, and he drops like a sack of potatoes. But I catch him and lay him down.

"Now... where was I?" ignoring the obvious stares.

Five minutes are about up. At least Mele-on has sent her troops back to the transport and Aeryn has John dismiss the irregulars. Now it's just the four of them.

At least we got this far.

I drop my screen.

And Mele-on does the unexpected. She draws a mini pulse weapon from her jacket pocket.

This moronic move catches me by surprise, but she never fires. Nor do John, Aeryn or Braca, who also draw their weapons. Braca's the most shocked of all...he never expected this.

Nobody shoots...well they can't.

I won't let them.

334

Apparently, the trigger point was Yemahl. Which I don't understand. So, all of them stand like statues, weapons pointed at each other...until we reach an understanding.

Standing in front of Mele-On, I am the first to speak.

"Mele-On, such a disappointment...why!"

She snaps at me! "Yemahl pollutes the mind and makes the warrior weak willed and unable to be an effective fighter." It is the religion of farmers, and herders, who still use indirect violence to destroy thier competitors or anyone they decide they don't like."

"Herders...like me, right? I know everyone who speaks Sabacean thinks my name means herder of "goats". I look over at Crichton, but he doesn't move.

"You are not like the followers of Yemahl!"

"I rather think I am, but we have no central diety or prophet. Ja-hi-nae is not a religion, but a practice of using the natural energy." "That's all. "We are pacifists BUT we will directly confront evil and use whatever we can to subvert its abilities and contain it's spread."

Aeryn interjects."That's what I was doing before I was overthrown." "We defeated our enemies and forced them to conceed, not becoming their slaves!"

"But Aeryn, when I retook the Peacekeepers, they were bankrupt. We couldn't even buy food wafers to feed our officers, much less the children. We could have never financed another viable defense!"

"Now, I have billions of credits in our depository. With the accord I should sign tomorrow, maybe trillions of credits will fill it. Think of the good we could do, the equipment we could buy...even the ability to travel through time, cutting costs of goods! That is peace!"

I look at my watch. 5...4...3...2...1...

Boom...well there's no sound outside but Moya's hull starts to vibrate. Large ships, especially IPQ and TDF dreadnaughts come in from time with some temporal disruption.

Pilot calls for John and tells him that dozens, no, hundreds of unidentified ships, came out of nowhere and have surrounded the damaged Leviathans.

The ships identify themselves as a flotilla of the Terran defense force. Admiral Chiang, commanding exec.

Pilot puts the ships on a view screen, and I thought Mele-on and John were going to dren themselves! By the Elders, ARC kept his word!

I'm so happy I have turn away and collect myself.

Of course, Pilot adds that they come in Peace and will not harm him or the others, but rather offer assistance in repairing the damaged vessels. But they want to send over a "security force" to ensure the safety of IPQ and TDF personel on Moya.

That means me, Roz, and Jool.

335

The four frozen players look as astonished as being frozen in time allows them.

A few minutes later ARC arrives with an IPQ battle flotilla...and tells an exasperated Pilot the same thing!

I throw a screen over the back of the hanger, and minutes later a transport arrives. When pilot shuts the outer door, the personel disembark.

First its Jack, ARC, Mouma, and T'knawl. And a squad of very elite and very large Torgans, with thier huge pulse weapons. I see my bloods are in attendance. General Kasang is in charge of the small squad... he must have volunteered. ARC must have stopped at Tavian 3 to get the Eidelons, that's why it took so long.

The Torgans shout Tor'orosh! and I display my hand, we shout "BLOOD!" My bloods live.

That explanation is another campfire.

For now, I need to focus on my four problem children.

Mouma and T'knawl have already availed themselves to them. Both Mele-on and Aeryn agree there is common ground. I converse with Dargo and Ther-es and then walk over, along with Jack and ARC.

Now things are going to get interesting!

John. "Dad? Is that really you?

"Yes John, it's not Jack the ancient."

"It can't be, he's dead you know."

"You're in an interesting situation John."

"Yeah, who's in charge Dad?"

"Well, I'm afraid Cowboy is."

"Uncle John! How are you?"

"Huh?"

"It's me!"

"Son that's Bobby, your cousin."

"No... Wait, No... Bobby?"

"Robert."

"Bobby."

"Robert."

"John...this is your cousin, Admiral Robert Coleman, joint IPQ/TDF exec. He's in charge of the flotilla outside."

Chiana walks over and looks..."Helloooo Bobby!" ARC looks at her and frowns.

John's face scrunches. "Well...What the hell is going on?"

Jack pats John on his frozen shoulder. "We'll have a long talk John, as soon as you drop your weapon."

Aeryn. "John my arms are getting tired, but I can't drop them!"

"Isn't someone his boss?" John asks as he tries to not look at me.

Mele-On agrees "Cowboy, cease this, this childish nonsense and release us, please!"

Mouma and T'knawl agree too. I shrug my shoulders.

"I would folks, but I've transferred ownership. I no longer hold you." I nod and Ther-es and D'argo step forward.

"Your "children" would like a word with you first." and I step back

Ther-es-On steps in front on Mele-On. She places her hands on her hips. D'argo does the same thing in front on Aeryn. If no one can't see their related they're as blind as bats!

Aeryn gets it immediately. Her eyes almost pop out of her head!. But it's Ther-es that asks the first question.

336

"Mother...Is there something you should tell me? Why do I look like him?"

"Mom...Why do Ther-es and I have the same eyes, nose and auras?"

Mele-On Sighs deeply. "I can explain this." And she does.

Aeryn gets mad at John, although John told her about what happened on Arnessk...and Mele-On assures Aeryn that John knew nothing. Aeryn admits she observed Mele-On's condition at the original accord signing but didn't link it to John's time on Arnessk.

Ther-es On Grayza was born one solar week and one day after the signing of the peace and D'argo are half siblings.

Jool is shocked too, because she was on Arnessk looking for the Darnez probes when the conception occurred. Even Chiana is surprised!

John asks Braca how many times they've pointed Pulse pistols at each other without shooting each other. Neither one can remember because it's been so long, but they decide not to ruin a good record and agree to drop their weapons, then grimace in pain from their numb bodies. I wipe them with a healing charge and relieve their pain.

We're all not that young anymore!

Aeryn and Mele-On concede there are common ground to unite the Peacekeepers and will sit down and work out the details.

And thus ends the standoff. Ther-es and Braca catch Mele-On when she releases her mother and Jool administers the life prolonging injection.

I help Dargo do a pain wipe of Aeryn, who is very grateful.

"Sorry about the mess, everyone." I say with a sheepish smile.

Of course, the new half siblings can greet all their parents...Ther-es tells Braca he will always be her dad, because he trained her to be the best pilot in the service. Braca almost chokes up.

It's not all campfires and Kum by yah yet. Many details will need to be worked out.

There's a long meeting that "night" on Moya.

After a long negotiating session with Mouma and T'knawl, Braca, Mele-On and Aeryn will both sign the agreement with IPQ

Everyone agrees the robots are a menace, and must be dealt with.

John is told about Terra, and practically melts down. I didn't know his sister Olivia died in the incursion. He has to get used to calling Robert Rob, not Bobby. It's tough for him to handle that thirteen-year-old Bobby is now one of the top admirals in one of the largest space fleets in the galaxy.

...and I'm sure i got mentioned as well. John seems to understand, given the situation after the Sauurian incursion. He is still skeptical but likes what I've done for D'argo.

I will tell John about using ARC another time. He's pretty messed up from the culture shock. I feel for him.

I seem to spend a lot of time floating through groups smiling, nodding and laughing. I realize Jool is missing, and I get lost on Moya looking for her.

When I wake up in the morning, I realize Jool didn't sleep with me. She spent the night with Chiana. She boards the plane in the morning and gives me a kiss and doesn't say much.

337

We have to go back to Tavian 3 in the morning.

A herculean effort by multi species repair crew gets the three leviathans and command carrier back to at least a form of Hetch drive.

So, with hours or arns to spare, everyone is heading back to Tavian 3.

ARC wants the delegates to get there first. I pull out the jump seats and John, Aeryn, Mele-On and Braca, D'argo and somehow Chiana, who wants to spend time with sister

Jool and her new sister Roz. Jack and ARC will take the America.

Mele-On isn't talking to me yet, but I get it.

Again, Jool helps but doesn't say much. I start to worry.

We start off in formation, but Roz eggs me on to open her up. Not with passengers!

Aeryn is in the copilot seat and learning to fly. Dargo's in the navigator's seat since I show him how I set a screen over the plane.

Then ARC comms me and asks if I'm driving my daddy's car to the prom. What The Frell?

I hear John laugh.

ARC pops America up to H35 max speed and I know he's going to make a jump

"Hang on to your necks people, this could be rough." I push Aeryn and Dargo back into their respective chairs with E along with the passengers, roll H55 and tell Roz to set an entry point. A few microts later she gives it to me and then... I smack the shifter. The fields come up...

"Punch out Roz!"

And we're gone.

We get to Tavian 3 about 10 microns before the America. I blow through the picket force of Reavers and Vigilantes at H60, past the battle rectangle of capitol ships in stationary orbit and have to go around the planet once to slow down enough to affect a landing.

I'm glad nobody puked!

I squeeze into the old pad next to the temple and show D'argo how I land without power, explaining to him that the only difference between he and I is practice, experience,

and most importantly, belief.

338

Chapter 20

A Time For Peace Pt 2

I spend the rest of the day on Tavian 3 reading Volume 70 of the Encyclopediana Vierin' Within its covers is a detailed biography of the traitor General T'okanae' Sae It covers his childhood in a miliary family, schooling, academy, his assignments, campaigns, every detail meticulously laid out as only the Vierin' can.

There's a lot of activity though, and it seems everyone wants to talk to me. I'm not happy that I'm considered a hero. I only did what I needed to do.

And so did T'okanae' Sae', or so he decided.

One of his greatest accomplishments is the building of the shield around the Interion planetary system. I suspected he did something like this as the shields Earth tried to build are the same design. The Vierin' system was supposed to get them as well.

It especially notes his clashes with superiors and government/politicians over budgets, strategies and veteran treatment.

He editorializes about the average Vierin' becoming fat and lazy with their comforts and luxuries spread at their feet. They cared about nothing but themselves, their brain numbing pursuits of luxury and cheap entertainment.

After a hearing, He is considered unstable and moved to a quieter posting where he can get rest and treatment.

The general considers this an insult and a form of punishment. So, it is here on this quiet planetary system he hatches his insidious plot.

Most importantly, it details his plans to utilize commercial robot vehicles as fighting ships, a move that would have serious implications in the future. The republics' representatives enthusiastically endorse his plan, as it will save lives and reduce the need for citizens to be embroiled in "draining and costly expeditions." Several planets built for ship and robot production are repurposed to build these vessels and war robots.

The robots do a great job, too good actually, of enforcing Vierin' extra terrain policies. The government authorizes him to build more ships and auto program them to destroy their enemies. T'okanae' Sae' does not mis-program them. In fact, he specifically programs the robots to annihilate and extinguish all organic life, and shortly after has his brain and life essence incorporated into a computer, much like a CAC!

In a matter of days, the weaponized robots turn on their former masters, starting with the few Vierin' star mariners and combat soldiers left. He also targets practitioners and government representatives, killing without mercy all life even down to plants and animals. Nothing living is spared.

For many cycles the Vierin' fight back. Surviving scientists go back in time and try to assassinate him but only end up planting bombs in the factory planets, which explode ten thousand cycles later! It slows production of the ships up significantly but doesn't stop it.

At that time the surviving Vierin' set off to find six ships that the Ma-arogg practitioners can use to destroy robots in mass amounts. It says specifically that while the ships were designed to make wormholes, they were more effective when practitioners used E instead. These were the V'un super dreadnaughts.

Unfortunately for all, their efforts failed.

339

The specs on the V'un Super dreadnaughts are impressive. But they were a power plant capable of producing power a practitioner could manipulate into large pieces of concentrated energy.

The ships were originally hidden to keep T'okanae' Sae' from finding them and destroying them, and they are still out there... all six of them!

I know where those six ships are. I have their nav points!

The last thing the Vierin' write about T'okanae' Sae' mentions is how he intends to deal with other far-flung races and their destruction, but he particularly mentions the Interion, "sitting arrogant behind their energy shield while the galaxy suffers needlessly without the cures and remedies they so impressively retain!" *

Jool seems to be more herself today, she notices my intense study and is curious about it, so I ask if she'll read the passages and draw the same conclusions. She's surprised and horrified and feels this should be made common knowledge.

She's so concerned that she does something I don't expect. She asks for and receives speaking time at the evening's event, so she quickly disseminates the information into speech form.

I query her about her behavior the day before and she says that nothing's wrong and we're ok.

Ohhhhhkay...

The accord is signed by all the proper people, including the Scarrans and becomes reality which provokes quite the celebration. I'm impressed with the undersecretary and her staff; unlike most bureaucrats I meet.

Fa3 is a focal point of the festivities, even though it shouldn't be. Finally, the street out by the pad is is cordoned off and the crowds moved back.

I am glad I wasn't asked to make a presentation. John Crichton is, and he will speak after Jool.

Either way, Jack expects me to show up for the formal dinner. So, at the appropriate time, I don a tuxedo and Jool a long black formal with leather trim and we make are taken to Peacekeeper HQ.

I feel like I'm on an alien world, of course I am but this is the worst! I shake many hands and meet many old acquaintances, many that I've not seen in months. All the big players are there, politicians, industrialists, even Terran celebrities...why I don't know. Thankfully none of the real fat cats, as I call them, know who I am. Jool gets pulled from me by some TV star and drug off to meet his agent. I thought there were going to be fists thrown, but by Jool, not me.

Finally, Tennis Dawson sees us and rescues us from these folks.

340

Thank goodness there's a buffet, and plenty of tasty food! It seems many Terrans are put off by the small amount of live food offered for some of our new allies. These fools should eat my bag meals! Jool gets to try Terran food for the first time. She hates some of it but loves things like the salads and seafood. The dishes with chicken speak to her, and she gets a kick out of spaghetti and meat balls. She also likes Chinese food with all its vegetables.

T'rrl food is awesome, lots of lean meat in exquisite tasting sauces. I also eat a bunch of things that I don't want to know the ingredients of.

Apparently, they must have given everyone translator microbes!

The speeches start, and the entertainment ones, well they bomb...apparently no one told the Hollywood types no one gets Terran humor. Thankfully no one is shot!

Eventually the topics turn more serious. There are references about the robot ships.

I note that Interion are here, sitting stone faced through the whole proceedings. They were invited to read and sign an accord, but politely refused.

Now, they're about to listen to one of their own talks about the man who sold the galaxy.

I thought Jool would give an informative speech about T'okanae' Sae'. Instead, she started off the cuff.

She talked started by listing her accomplishments and grades, then briefly mentioned her leaving Interion and being frozen. She mentioned her time on Moya, Arnessk and the destruction of the temple by "former enemies" the Scarrans. But people can change, and if Scarrans and Peacekeepers can bring peace to our galaxy, so could anyone. Applause.

Then she talked about me...crap.

It wasn't a long dissertation, just what she knew and observed, and how fortunate she was to know me and be a part of my life.

Then she talked about T'okanae' Sae' and mentioned his plans for the future, particularly for the Interion.

You could have heard a pin drop.

In finishing, she told them what we'd done to find these volumes and didn't mince words.

There was applause...and Mele-on and Braca stood up, as did Staleek and a few others.

The Interion delegates talk among themselves, but neither clap nor say anything. Pricks!

John Crichton doesn't speak. I can understand why.

Rygel isn't there as well. He has his reasons. I was told he signed the accord specifically for Hyneria.

Instead, Jack walks up to the microphone to much applause and starts to speak. He talks about sacrifice, courage, integrity, and hard work. He tells the crowd that he told John to be his own kind of hero, and from he knows, John has done exactly that, just in another part of the galaxy.

Then he looks across the crowd. I'd moved up to where I could see Jool and frell, he spots me.

"There's one guy in the crowd tonight who I know at this moment, would crawl under the carpet and out of this room when I mention his name."(laughter) So I won't mention it! (Some laughter). At times he drove me crazy! At times he made me angry! And at times he scared me to death!"

341

He paused and looked right at me again. If I could dig a hole through the floor, I would.

"When John called me in 2003 from the moon, I knew it might be the last time I'd see him. But the first time I met this guy in 2009, he told me how he dreamed of finding my son..."He paused. "I would meet him again in 2011, laying in a convalescent home... a broken body but with his dream intact...and he still wanted me to strap his broken body in a space vessel and go find (he points at John) my son."

"He paid a price to chase that dream, but he has made his dream, and my wildest dream come true. "I gave him his name, because he didn't have one, like so many others who suffered through our first hostile alien invasion."

"Would you please come up son, so I can thank you?" And those eyes slice me up like a chunk of salami.

CRAP! DOUBLE Crap with extra dren...

I saunter up to the stage. On the way, John walks over and hugs me.

"Thanks man...I mean Cowboy, for bringing my dad here, and Bob...I mean Robert, and Jool...Thanks!"

He also says we need to hang out together sometime. That makes my day!

ARC is sitting with his lovely fiancé Kam-non. He three fingers me. I scrunch up my face.

On stage...Jack Grabs me and hugs me tight, I bear hug the old man. And I hear cheers. Now everyone is standing. I hear the Torgans chanting "Blood!" and someone, probably Jorgensen, starts "Cowboy up!"

I stand at the podium and remove the microphone. I scan the crowd until I find Jool. She looks so beautiful! She smiles and once again, I try to sieze my destiny.

"Howdy..." " And Thanks Pop!" I look at ARC who three finger chest thumps me and I shake my head.

"While I was rotting away in a convalescent home in 2011, Jack asked me If I was a Sooner or Cowboy fan. I said Cowboy. I wasn't a fan of either team, but I liked the orange and black." The orderly wrote Cowboy where my name went, replacing any initials.""I guess Cowboy means goat herder in Sabacean, I'm glad he didn't write Sooner."

Some laughter. I know the Peacekeepers and others don't get it.

"There's a saying that practitioners like myself learn when they start their training...

"Violence may conquer worlds, but love conquers the universe."

"I'm just a cowboy, flying into the galaxy looking for peaceful solutions, instead of solutions by force...but knowing that sometimes force is the only option." I pause and shake my head. "It sucks!"

Some applause and murmurs.

So, I offer this. "I challenge the Quorum and the Alliance to continue on the path to peace, and to find new friends, and even enemies...so our children and grandchildren can sleep peacefully tomorrow."

"I'm only a small part of a bigger team, and tomorrow, if life, and Jack allow it, I'll fly off into the unknown again, doing what I love and was trained to do, with the two best crew members in the universe!" I point up. "That's where I love to be!" I put the mike back on the podium and walk off.

342

I wish I could leave out a back door, but Jool appears out of nowhere, grabs my arm and hustles me to a table with John, Aeryn and the rest.

After the crowd calms down, Jack gets on stage, tells everyone that's one of a few times he's ever heard me say more than two sentences about myself. He's exaggerating but it's close.

There's a couple more speakers, Tennis talks about economic growth, and Mele-On talks about the new Peacekeepers and their new mission. She also Introduces Aeryn, who stands and nods. Like me, she's a little uncomfortable with this part of her duties, and like me, she'd rather be in space.

Jool never seems to take her eyes off me nor misses an opportunity to touch me.

After the hoopla ends, we find ourselves at the little cafe' where Jool and I had our first lunch date.

Everyone is there. Well, there's no Scorpius, nor do I sense his presence. But the Crichton's and ARC are, with Kam-non standing guard. And Jool, my beautiful Jool, more luminate than a galaxy of stars.

Rob toasts for peace and family, we hoist our firitja's with fruit slices.

Aeryn finally asks me the question she's been most curious about, how did I learn to fly like that? I jokingly crack I got my pilots license from a mall department store, which prompts John to nearly snark his firitja out his nose and ARC to slap the table. Jool giggles and accuses me of using too much Terran slang again.

I apologize to Aeryn, who looks at me like I grew a third eye on my nose, and she replies that it's ok, she'd almost gotten John to stop spewing earth humor, which prompts John to invite me to spend time on the Leviathan. Aeryn glares at him, but it's a joke on her part.

Seriously, I tell Aeryn I don't know, but I think it was from my younger days, I have memories of working on light aircraft and flying them. I have to explain what the Ma-arogg did to my brain when they rebuilt me.

She Asks if that includes ramming through robots, and I say no, that's Ja-hi-nae.

Which brings up D'argo, and There-es.

Both John and Aeryn ask if I can train him. I hesitate, and yet, I know we need people to defend and fight now. His natural ability will make him a quick learner. So, I agree, and somewhere in the after verse, I imagine Shiya-nah is laughing uproariously!

There-es is not a natural, but she has more Jah-hi-nae then most others. Aeryn says Mele-On will allow her to be trained...which makes me very happy.

They will be the first human/sabacean practitioners.

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John asks why I believe everyone has a little Ja-hi-nae in them, and I tell him I will test him tomorrow once the alcohol wears off, and Aeryn too if she's willing to see.

"Even Admiral Rob has a little, much to my chagrin!" I comment...causing ARC to three finger chest thump me, invoking the appropriate three fingered response from me.

John laughs, because he kinda gets it, Aeryn looks typically confused and Kam-non grimaces.

But Jool...sweet, beautiful Jool, slides over and looks at ARC and me.

"I have seen you two do this before!" she states bemusedly. "Is it some kind of Terran male sexual thing?"

And before I can answer, she reaches across me with her right hand and gently squeezes the tips of my index and third finger over my middle one.

Jool says salaciously. "That's about right darling, no need to exaggerate!" and she kisses my cheek.

All three Terran males turn beet red. John starts pounding the table, ARC roars and almost falls backwards. Even Aeryn smiles and I can see she's quite amused.

Jool's on a roll. She asks Aeryn if she's wrong and Aeryn says no, Jool's correct. Prompting more male embarrassment.

But the best part...Kam-non. The Dy'anten amazon turns, smiles at us and holds up her three fingers squeezed slightly together.

"My Robert, he just like you all. Kam-non, No complaints...very good, yes?" "Females happy?"

I fall off the chair. Both ARC and John are face down on on the table pounding their fists. Jool is red faced but giggling and Aeryn is as well.

I see Kam-non's reflection in the window, and she has a big toothy smile on her face.

Who'd have thought?

We're there about another arm, and it's agreed that Jool, Roz and I are honored guests on Moya. Jack will be there as well, and John insists that we still stay, or Jack might be upset.

Johns' love for his father and cousin is readily apparent to me.

Jool and I ask John and Aeryn to stay the night and they accept. Thank the elders for privacy curtains!

Roz welcomes our first guests with open holo arms and Jool and I cook breakfast in the morning.

So far, it's a happy ending, but I know it ain't over until T'okanae'-Sae' sings.

344

The next morning, Fa3 wings its way off of Tavian 3. I always hope it's the last time, but this time, things worked out for the better.

I stop on the America first to get the plane serviced. I see Tennis Dawson's personal Reaver on the flight deck as I set the plane down, and almost before the modules stop spinning, his techs are all over the plane with test meters and handheld devices.

Tennis is waiting by the ramp as we step out. He and his partner Daniel greet all of us and he of course wants to know about the plane and its performance. He also asks Jool for her flight log, which Jool retrieves, and Tennis looks it over and signs it, making Jool a certified pilot.

He explains he doubled her credited hours because an hour with me is two for a normal pilot.

Jerk...I'm kidding.

Jool gives him a kiss on the cheek, and me a kiss. Aeryn agrees with Tennis...Two hours with me is probably one hour for anyone, invoking the proper humor and embarrassing me.

Tennis pulls out the sketch of the Prowler design I sent him and shows it to Aeryn, who is impressed. Tennis informs us he is going to Tavian to talk about it with Mele-on and other Peacekeeper offices about rebuilding the military arm of the Peacekeepers.

I head into the infirmary for my physical with Jool. Doc Ryburn checks me over and looks at the charts Roz has sent him. He says I'm in better shape than most fifty year olds and I credit Jool for that, prompting her to list her achievements.

Doc says "I'm just an old country doctor, mam'm, but I know a healthy man when I see one. Keep up the good work!"

And he signs off on my physical and mental exams. He tells me "Crazy" is not a condition, but a state of mind.

My personal business taken care of, Jool and I head back to the plane. We're interrupted by a call from ARC.

I'm to come to his office ASAP, please. Please is the nice way of him saying now.

When we get there, I'm escorted by Kam-non to a secure meeting room were the Crichton's and Jack are sitting with Rob. A metal table, carpeted floors and no windows, with light gray walls and led lighting in the ceiling.

There's a coffee carafe, a bottle of Storgome, and a pitcher of water with cups and glasses on the table.

I pour a cup of coffee, add some Storgome and offer Jool refreshment, she takes a glass of ice water and stares at the ice.

So, I sit down with the family.

345

Chapter 21

Children of the V'un'

ARC starts. "Old man, once again..." I think I know something you think I don't know."

"Kid, look, if you know something I don't think you know but you know, why don't you ask me what I know that you know so that I know you know?

Jool rolls her eyes, Aeryn looks at ARC and I like we both swallowed a dentic. John is trying not to laugh.

Jack facepalms himself. " I thought we'd left this back on Mars!" he growls in a frustrated tone.

I reply "This isn't Mars, Jack. For one, the coffee on Mars sucks, and two, they don't have (I tap the Storgome bottle) this stuff, whatever it is.

Jack shakes his head but concedes my point.

"Just tell me what I know you know!" ARC demands.

John says quietly. "Who's on first?"

ARC and I look at John and both of us reply. "Wrong sketch!" Now John rolls his eyes.

"What do you want to know kid?"

"Old man...I know you asked Tennis about an ancient nav computer board."

"Correct, now you know what I know."

John looks like he's about to pee himself..."

"And what was on the nav board?"

"Circuitry sir. Old circuitry, sir." I'm starting to enjoy this.

ARC grouses."I'm not Captain Wellington, why do I have to cross examine you?"

I flat hand salute him. "Sir, simply ask me what you want to know!" Now ARC tries not to laugh!

"Ok...you leave me no choice. You told Tennis you needed to pull some nav points off of it."

I ask, "Why does that matter to you?"

ARC. "Because you are looking for something I... rather IPQ should know about."

My response. "And if I don't find anything there, you'll know that, then what."

ARC, "Ok...what about off the record?

Me. "Are we off the record?"

ARC "Pretty sure it's broken, along with the player."

John starts to shake, but doesn't laugh

I look around the room...no cameras, no microphones, no windows. I pound my index finger on the table.

Me. "Ok, here's what I know. So that you know, and I know that you know what I know!"

John falls to the floor laughing, Aeryn stifles a smile, Jool looks away, and Jack snickers...he really snickers.

ARC gets back up and sits down. He shrugs and I shrug.

I grab some dust from the corners of the room, and with it, and start making a 3d model of a large cereal bowl vessel.

"Ok my friend, since you asked, here's what I know."

"That's a Dreadnaught, Nation class." "And we're not changing the room filters enough!"

"Correct Rob." "But that's not the big fish. This ...is the catch of the day!"

The dust and particles form another shape, almost four times bigger. It's a bit rounder, like two old style coffee cups placed on top of each other, both ends having rings as to sit in a saucer.

"Geebus weebus, Cowboy, that's...that's a V'un class?" Robs eyes pop "That's a planetoid!"

John says, "You could fit a leviathan in there!"

Jack. "This is in those encyclopediana books, right?"

346

Me "Volume 70 has detailed description, among others."

Jool adds "I did not mention it in my speech because I knew I shouldn't." We exchange smiles.

"Yes," I add. "I don't need amateurs poking around and trying to get into one."

Rob. "And those Nav points, they tell us where? "

"Correct."

Rob looks at me intently and asks. "Why were you with holding this information from us...from me?"

"One, I wasn't sure. "Two I didn't want the Peacekeepers or Scarrans to go looking, because I didn't trust them."

Aeryn says flatly. "Good plan, I wouldn't have either!"

Three, "I'd only gotten all the pieces about two solar weeks ago and Four...I didn't have proper crew."

ARC "I have all kinds of qualified people here now."

Me "You do now, I have the specialists I need for the initial recovery team."

ARC "Name them and I'll assign them immediately!"

I smile and ARC immediately knows I've hooked him. "Glad you said that Rob...Aeryn, John, D'argo, Ther-es- On and for the moment, plus me and Jool..."

I ignore the stunned looks.

ARC "Wait a minute, that's..."

"What you said. I named them." " The crew you're speaking of will be added once the ship is secured and prepared. "You'll need to find a mixed crew of medical, Leviathan, veterinarian, and lab people, along with the usual propulsion techs, weapons handlers and the rest.

I look at Jack. "About 500 people to start." Jack looks shocked, then he smiles. I restarted his original Farscape project!

ARC "You sly old fox you!"

"That's why I'm the old man, and you're the kid!"

ARC smirks...but he knows he can trust me, even if he doesn't know.

Tennis Dawson...he loaded the closest Nav point in Fa3 per Roz. I'm going to owe him.

I continue. "And speaking of Leviathans...did you know the Vierin' revered Leviathans and labeled them a protected species?" I pause and watch the faces, then add "So, How's Moya feeling?"

Later that morning, Farscape 3 carefully lands on Moya's lower hanger deck.

It takes longer to leave the America than normal because of all the people stopping John and Aeryn to meet them. They are ever gracious, although Aeryn can't quite wrap her mind around her legend status.

I can't believe what I'm experiencing. My brain and emotions are overloaded.

Once on Moya, Jool seems to be spending her time with Pilot, who seems overjoyed to have her back from the dead. I meet Pilot and get to spend time with him as well. But the best part is Pilot meeting Roz.

Tennis as extended Roz's holo range to almost a mile with some transmitter device. All I have to do is leave a com open and she can talk. Roz and Pilot really hit it off, probably because they have so much in common, and Moya is pretty impressed as well.

347

I ask John if I can hang around and try to help with anything, and he and D'argo take me into Moya's nexus chambers, environmental system, and workshop where I assist, he and D'argo with some small repair projects. The craftsmanship of the builders is beyond belief. I'd love to take Tennis on a tour, and I hope he goes through one of the other Leviathans on Tavian 3. He'll probably want to hire his own.

D'argo is constantly eating now, show I challenge him to put a screen on Moya. He notices I've already done so, and with a little encouragement, he is able to cover Moya with a decent screen. Next, he'll have to walk around and work while leaving it on.

At lunch, Jool shows up with the two younger children in tow. I finally get to meet them.

They are twins indeed but not identical, Ei'rick, proud and tall with dark hair like his mother and the soul piercing eyes of his great-grandfather, and K'elta-Ra', a beautiful princess with curly red hair that rivals her new girlfriend Joolushko...not Jool!

Ei'rick shakes my hand with a crushing grasp for a twelve-year-old and tells me with complete conviction he'll be the first to fly around the galaxy...In my plane. Or Moya!

I believe him!

K'elta-Ra... Poor Crichton... she has him wrapped around her little finger, and she knows it!

"Joolushko says you and her are married, is that so?"

I bend down and look into her soft blue eyes. "Yes, we are, I'm madly in love with her!"

"That's too bad!" she says with flirtatious eyes and innocent smile. "Because your kind of cute for an older guy." You'd be my boyfriend!"

I look at Crichton and shrug.

John says. "Well, he is a boy, kind of, and you can be his friend, so you could be his girl...friend."

"Joolushko says he can't sleep over with me, and I can't kiss him, so no!"

John looks at me and shrugs. I whisper in his ear. "My advice, keep this one tied up on Moya and lock the door until she's thirty cycles!"

And he laughs and asks if I had kids.

"Probably..."

He nods.

"Well, Joolushko is my new best friend, and she can stay overnight, right?"

"That's up to her." is my answer.

Jools eyes about pop out of her head and she telepathically tells me NO!

"She can stay with Aunt Chiana and me!"

Jool has to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. I excuse myself and head to the eating area, where I laugh like a demented mad scientist.

348

All the irregulars eating there are from Trolesk. They can't place me there but seem to remember me from somewhere. Even the Vorcarians can't place Jool or I for sure. But they're pretty sure the "other guy" from Terra is Barkken dren crazy.

It's the Deja' Vu' that happens after you put someone to sleep.

Even Tank isn't sure, although he has two small hole shaped scars on his upper head. He thinks he knows Jool from somewhere...

Jool and I also find out he's Chiana's boyfriend.

Over lunch, John and Aeryn qiuiz me over the Vierin' Ship, and the Vierin' love of Leviathans.

I explain that when the V'ierin' descovered them, they were enthalled by their grace, intelligence and gentle demeanor. Ships were built to care for and study them, and an entire scientific branch was funded to study them. It was a poaching crime to harm or kill them or their pilot with the death penalty as the only punishment. Stripping Leviathan carcasses was also considered poaching. Jool goes to Fa3 and grabs issue thirty six, which goes over Leviathans in great detail.

I suggest asking pilot and Moya if they would allow us to use them to approach the V'un ship, because the holo crew will not fire on a Leviathan.

Pilot and Moya are thrilled to assist, especially when Jool shows them the volume.

We will make plans to leave the next solar day.

I spend the rest of the morning with Jool and John finalizing details, including modifying our flight suits as replicas of Vierin' militia uniforms.

Jool, Roz, and I enjoy a wonderful afternoon "nap". I feel like we don't spend a lot of time together now but Jool assures me she understands. She's trying to reconnect but feels like she's an outsider because so much has happened that she knew nothing about. Also Chiana still isn't comfortable talking about Ka'D'argo or his son Jothee, who was killed fighting the Kkore. I remind Jool that Roz and I are here for her and she can always reach out to me telpathicaly. So we cuddle together for another arn or so.

I find that in space on Leviathans, there is no sense of time. There are no clocks, and it's always night out. It's like Vegas without the casinos! The crew sleeps when they're tired.

I realize that I've lived like this since I've left Mars, except by an alarm clock or my wrist watch, and wonder keeping time is worth the trouble.

Later,I spend the "evening" with Jool sitting with the militia, drinking coffee and listening to thier stories. While all are fierce fighters, many have families and wish there were real peace so they could be with them. John has introduced me to many of them and I feel a kinship to these brave men, particularly the Luxons, who garner my greatest respect.

349

I quietly rededicate myself to finding them more family time.

Jool and I fall asleep in each others embrace, while Roz sings sweetly in the background.

In the morning, Roz, Jool and I eat with John, Aeryn and D'argo and we finalize our plans.

I will take Fa3 out and jump to the nav point while Moya starbursts and I guide them to the point.

I can hardly contain myself, even at my age. I'm going with the peace maker John Crichton, the legend Aeryn Sun, and my love Jool to a Vierin' ship. A BIG Vierin' Ship!

John soberly reminds me that people do get killed on his "adventures" and I let him know the chances our pretty low...this time!

Ther-es-On arrives by Prowler a half arn later. She's confused as to why I'd want her along, and I explain that she'll know as soon as she gets on the Vierin' vessel.

When everyone is ready, I lift Fa3 off the pad and out of Moya. Moments later we jump at H65. It will take about 3 arns to get there. I spend my time studying the notes in the journal left in Braca's spacer. Apparently in all the hoopla he'd forgotten it. Or, there will be a command carrier waiting at the nav point. I doubt it, because I know how to disable one.

I memorize the access codes and protocol greetings while Jool pilots. I find myself watching her, and she finally catches me and talks to me telepathicly. I go over her part, and she tells me she'll do her best.

Roz scat sings a jazz melody while we fly. Happy plane, happy Cowboy!

Three arns later we punch in from time with a six second bubble. Jool turns off to port and slows Fa3 down to about H5, and we cruise over to the planetary group where our quarry is hiding.

Roz gets an immediate hit on the fith planet, third moon, and the inner sphere under it's thin crust of space debris and meteor fragments is pure Beyrilium T-3. Bingo!

Moya should be in the area in about an Arn. Meanwhile, we wait. Most of the planets under a yellow giant sun are uninhabited but some show signs of basic life. The translated Vierin' star charts I got from the temple at T'hoh show the system as Chuor-33, listed as a possible future colony site.

There are no signs of sentient life anywhere.

We sit in the "living room" area glancing occasionally at the screen for Moya. Nearest traffic is almost a light year out.

Moya pops in about an arn away, which is pretty good for a starbursting Leviathan. Crichton warns us to keep radio traffic to a minimum because we're in Plokavian territory.

I'm not sure who they are, but John wasn't happy. I park Fa3 into some moon orbit and put the "net" over us.

I can't find anything in the index of the material I have from John and Aeryn's interviews, so we'll have to wait fro them to arrive. One thing's for certain, once we start recovering the V'un Dreadnaught we must prevail, lest we be descovered.

350

Almost to the micron, Moya makes it to our position, and we scare the dren out of pilot when we materalize out of no where. Pilot makes quick work of the pickup, and we creep our way over to the planetoid sized ship.

I apologise to John and Aeryn, about being in a bad possible hositle situation and they tell me they had no idea either, Pilot told them.

Either way, we need to act quickly.

Before we can act, the ship we are attempting to board scans us! It's a microscan...probably confirming Moya is a Leviathan.

We've got to get that crusty mess off that ship so we can get to the entrance. I have Moya and Roz scan from the hanger for radiation. There's plenty of it but it sems to be concetrated on the surface.

So I use my E and start removing the crusty dusty chunks of debris. Soon a dark metal surface is revealed. Berylium T-3! Really old Berylium.

"Based on the diagram, there should be an airlock right around here."

John asks, is that it?"

Me "Yes that's it. I hope the keyboard still works. If it doesn't that's a bad sign."

John. "Meaning a posible pile of scrap, like the Zelbinion?"

"Like the wha...?"

"Sorry Cowboy, another time and place. I'll have Moya dock and the DRDs will make an airlock!"

While Moya docks and sets up a lock, I ask John about the Plokavians. I have to say, these beings are pieces of work for sure.

Plokavians build the most deadly and destructive weapons in this corner of the galaxy. It's ordinance so vile, only the Scarrans might use it, but I'd guess the Peacekeepers have too. In the case of E, using it to destroy a ship would be justified. He and Aeryn me how the Plokavians grabbed their shuttle and their interrogation of themselves, Stark, Zahn and Ka'D'argo regarding an incident with Moya's offspring Talyn. He and Aeryn explain that Stark was dispersed, a form of death similar being vaporized.

Part of me wants the Plovacians to show up and try that, I will be happy to show them our version of dispersing someone!

I've only read minimal information on Talyn and his brief but violent life.

By this time we reach the airlock. Before going through, I review everyone's part. I am a practitioner, Jool, John, and D'argo are members of a Vierin' militia. Ther-es, and Aeryn are original Peacekeepers, and I have them wear the modern tunics. I ask them not to carry weapons and all but Jool and I have lanterns which we shouldn't need.

They shouldn't have to speak until I have spoken to the virtual captain. They will be scanned to determine their species. John makes a crack about our of white uniforms and sashes and I gently remind him that the Vierin' had been traveling through space for thousands of cycles while we humans were walking across the land bridge to Alaska.

With that, John requests Moya open the airlock door.

The door pivots open and the airlock to the V'un ship is revealed. The metal sliding lock door is eight feet tall and wide enough for all us to walk through. It's a personel lock as the faded amd scratched writting states on the brown and blackish background.

351

Pilot states suface radiation levels are safe for a short term, so I advance to the key pad and work the stiff cover open.

It's a fairly simple item, much like a security key pad on Terra. I press the appropriate keys with the correct code I memorized from the journal. At first I get no response, so I reset and try again.

"Do you have the correct code?" asks Jool.

"Yes, but perhaps there's an issue with the keyboard!"

"I'm about to try again, when John knocks the old seven tap door knock.

A second later, we hear relays tripping and clacking

With a small cloud of dust and short squeal, the door slowly opens, and clunks to a stop.

"Well... I guess that's not bad for forty five thousand cycles.

John and Aeryn switch on their powerful lanterns. They reveal a hallway about one hundred yards long with the same demensions as the doorway. The walls are a bare stainless color and the floor is covered with a gray rubber like matting. I step onto the flooring and while it doesn't feel padded, it muffles the sound of my shoes. My fingers search the wall until I find the switch and I press it.

The lighting in the ceiling flickers to life. Roz and Pilot immediatly inform us that and an energy spike has been observed. They're assured that all is well. I proceed down the hall with a measured gait, while the others follow.

At the end of the hallway is another set of doors, metal framed with two thick pressure glass windows. Another keypad is accessed and I punch in the code. Just like Mars.

This time the result is nearly instantainious. An alarm sounds, amber lights lights flash, and the outer lock hatch grinds to a close. When it does, the doors open and another hallway to a series of corridors lights up.

I step through and wave the others to follow. I feel like I'm on Mars.

Aeryn quips. "It's big, really big!"

A narrow vertical line of soft blue light flows over us from the wall.

Jool asks "What was that?"

They scanned us for weapons or other contamninants, like explosives or illicit drugs.

I wait a moment, but nothing happens. I hear a "ding" in the distance.

"Circ, tadtic nice trosh bugobt cru!" a voice says Trans "State your reason for entry now!"

Hiuyt nactha jcki mon hsug, codomnt!" is my answer. Trans "Business with the virtual Captain

"Eshrdit t' coueee." is the response Trans "Proceed to bridge."

"We're in! I speak softly. "Follow me!" I place my hands behind my back and stride forward with a military like step.

We walk for about a quarter of a mile, where a set of quad sliding doors greet us. They open and I urge everyone to come in. The room is square... about fifteen by fifteen

feet. Theres a hinged panel next to the doorway. The other walls are just sliding doors too.

A female voice asks in business like tone." Vaucy ou dackte'!" What is your desiitnation?

"T' coueee,!" The bridge.

And with a gentle push the device starts to move...sideways.

"Just like the America !"John says. I nod. Except America has language choices!

352

"Remember everyone, don't talk unless asked, and answer just what is asked for, no more!"

After two microns of vertical and horizontal movement, the the trans pod stops, Air hisses, and another set of doors opens.

I whisper "Showtime people!" and I add," It's ok to be skeered at fust."

John chuckles and Aeryn nudges him and gives him with a serous look.

And as a group, we step onto the neutral carpeting of the bridge.

I send Jool my love telepathicaly and tell her it's ok. She looks at me and smiles. She's nearly terrified.

The bridge is fairly small for such a huge vessel, no larger than a dreadnaught. Dreadnaughts have two tiers, a lower one for enginnering/weapons/defense, and an upper one for navigation/piloting/ command. There are three large screens in the front

This ship has a third tier, for the practitioner(s). But thast's not part of the situation for the moment.

For a moment everyone stands in the doorway and looks around. I urge them to come in and wait.

"So, where's the virtual captain?"

Give it a moment or two."

About ten microts later, an image forms on stage left. The holo captain will make his appearance!

He introduces himself as Captain Sasane' Dair'ek, and gives his unit and record. Of course this is in Vierin'. He than asks the purpose for us being here.

I step forward and advise him we're here to recover the ship and move it to a safer location, as this now a hostile sector of space.

As expected, he is surprised to be answered by a practioner, although he recognises my tunic markings and knows I have many trainng marks.

I explain that the recovery crew is made up of various factions of non Vierin' personel because T'okanane' Sae' has rendered the Vierin' extinct. This invokes a strong reaction, so I ask him how long the ship has been mothballed.

Forty two thousand three hundred and forty seven cycles is his reply. He also says the ship is not one hundred percent fuctional and time space travel is off line, but can be repaired

At this point, I remove a translator device and ask him if he will consent to use it. He agrees.

It will translate Vierin' to english or Sabacean. I chose Sabacean.

The captains image flickers for several moments, then reappears.

The speakers in on the bridge intone "Is this the langauge you would prefer?"

"Yes Captain Dari'ek, we prevail to understand each other!" His image disappears and reappears

in front of me.

" Does the Practitoner have a captain?"

"I have a candidate for captain and sub-captain sir."

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"The practitioners' marks tell me of his wisdom, does your wisdom allow me to decide?"

"It does Captain, if your questions allow them to prevail, you will advance my decision."

"For a non-Ma-arogg, you know our processes well. I will proceed. Who are you candidates?"

"The candidate for Captain is Peacekeeper Commandant Aeryn Sun Crichton. The candidate for Sub-Captain is Lieutenant Ther-es On Braca."

I ignore the stunned looks...

"And they are present on this bridge?"

"Yes, Captain."

"I may speak with them?"

"They are prepared to answer your questions truthfully, on my oath."

"Who is Commandant Aeryn Sun Crichton?" I look at Aeryn, hoping she won't try to kill me later!

"I am." she answered.

At that point the captain asks her several pointed questions about her experience. Aeryn answers them to the best of her knowledge. The accomplishments and failures, make for an extensive list.

The same with Ther-es-On...then Jool for navigation. He is surprised that an Interion would be helping as he remembers the Interion isolating themselves behind the shields T'okanae' Sae' built.

D'argo is asked about his experience, then John for his for engineering, and Leviathans

Finally, the Captain returns to me.

"Practitioner, while you have gathered an impressive list of candidates, none have much experience, although all appear willing to learn. Tell me why I should turn my ship over to them?"

"Because Captain Dari'ek, if you do not, you will doom all the sentient races in this galaxy to a slow and painful death at the hands of the traitor." "I ask you, is that what the Vierin' would have wanted?" "When you reach our repair facility, you will see that we have many Vierin' designed ships that we have built and maintain to your high standards" "We honor the Vierin' who pioneered the travel through time/space by using their training and techniques they devised carefully."

"I implore you to make your decision carefully, for if the traitor prevails only robots will fly through this galaxy, and beyond."

The captains image disappeared.

Aeryn asks. "What's going to happen?"

I answer, "He's debating the fate of all of us, as in all sentient life...and that's a good thing."

354

A moment later other holo figures appear on the bridge. I recognize them as sub-Captains for the various functions, engineering, weapons, etc. I nod, because again, this is a good thing.

Finally, Captain Dari'eks' holo reappears in front of Aeryn. He asks her if she will accept sleep training and his direct instruction until he is satisfied with her abilities.

She glances over at me, and I nod, so she accepts. He does the same with Ther-es-On and D'argo, and tells Jool she is satisfactory until another navigator can be found. He cannot permit an Interion on the crew.

That's ok, I need her much worse than he does.

Finally, he insists I stay on until we reach the facility for repairs. John will be needed on our leviathan, which can be docked on the ship in specialized hanger. Moya will be suspended in a vacuum chamber like she's in space.

He then orders the holo weapons specialist to remove the planetary debris in sections, starting with the hanger deck first. Moya will be docked while the forward debris is removed.

Sensors online, navigation online...Captain Dari'eks voice booms out as holo crew members point to various functions for us to press.

"I'm not sure if I should thank you or not!" Aeryn growls as she struggles to keep up.

"I owed you a Command Carrier...But I didn't want Mele-On to have this.

Ther-es yells "Weapons controls...targeting systems are nonfunctional!" "Do I need to go to engineering?"

"Stay at your post Sub Captain, transferring power from central core...sorry practitioner, your station will be offline!"

"Whatever it takes to prevail Captain, proceed!"

"Hmmm...spoken like a true Vierin'!"

"Do I have a nav point? "

"Online sir!"

The screens flicker to life in the corner of the leftmost screen, a nav point shows in green.

"I will have propulsion momentarily and time /space in 15 of your microns, and I apologize for our problems. "It has been a long time, nearly too long.

"Take all the generating power you need, Captain!"

I have an unidentified craft at sensors edge...I believe it to be a Plokavian ship...one moment, on center screen.

"The Lieutenant works quickly!" remarks Aeryn. " I used to be that quick!"

You're doing fine Aeryn; can I help you?

I will learn it...its...so new!

"Well done Captain Crichton." injects Captain Dari'ek " We will be moving shortly."

"Propulsion online at ninety five percent! a voice booms.

"Propulsion, ease us into H30, no need for concussions with a new crew!"

Ther-es -On. "The Plokavian ship is hailing us and powering up their weapons."

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Dari'ek orders "Transfer all power from the main core into the shields...propulsion begin power transfer to main modules." Move out immediately, course heading zero three five degrees, hold at zero and apply full power."

Slowly the big Vun' dreadnaught turns and starts to accelerate. The stars start to move by.

There's a slight rumble inside the ship.

There-es."The Plokavian ship is in pursuit, maintaining speed but they're at maximum sir!"

Dari'ek asks "Gunnery report, do we have available weaponry."

"One medium disintegrator operational without a serious drain Captain!" says a voice over the comm.

"Sub captain, man gunnery, disable their main weapon, scans show that will disable their propulsion." "Be quick." orders Dari'ek

"Targeting online, I have a lock!"

"Don't be so surprised, sub captain, these are Vierin' vessels. Fire at will!"

The lights dim for a microt.

"Excellent shot!" Dari'ek exclaims "Scan shows ship disabled and motionless. That will keep them busy a while."

"Transfer power to generating stations, all hands stand by! We will affect a time/space transfer!"

John and Aeryn look over at me as I stand there. It's just like I pictured it!

"Navigation I need a point if you will in thirty of your seconds."

"Entry point on screen, count at fifteen."

"Splendid, quick response, excellent!"

The left most board provides a countdown...I move over to the nav board with Jool.

"The vessel jumps on auto...see the green light? Make sure it stays green."

"Fields on auto at four seconds, go at three!

Pilot controls on right, manual jump lever on center.

Green lights across, all go!

"Propulsion go, screens dropping. Punching out!"

I bring up my screen an D'argo helps me cover the entire vessel.

"Well done practitioner or is it practitioners!" exclaims Dari'ek

I smile and state. "Both...well done D'argo!"

D'argo smiles like he won the lottery.

About 2 arns later, Sun Shadow, the name of the Dreadnaught, punches into space out beyond Tavian 3. Obviously, a good trip but there are issues. Defense screens collapse, an electrical fire shuts down the mains, and auxiliary power creeps us in at H3. Elevator system is compromised and there's no food or water aboard. No main power and weaponry.

Luckily, we can get into Moya by a tunnel connection.

Still, I am happy, but exhausted. Ther-es-On is ecstatic, as is D'argo. Young Ei'rick has a new favorite toy, and Jool...I don't know.

356

We sleep in Fa3 that night but Jool...doesn't want to. She's up most of the night sitting on the sofa. I finally get her to tell me what is bothering her, and she tells me straight up.

She's not happy. My worst fears have come true. She tells Roz and I it's not us. It's not getting told by Captian Dari'ek she can't serve on the ship. It's not John or Aeryn or Chiana or anyone else. She simply doesn't feel she should be here.

She wants to go back to Interion. She'll let me know when.

The next day, Moya is able to leave The Sun Shadow and I get Fa3 out of Moya. Jool is still with us and she wants to fly the plane, which I don't get. I don't want to land on Tavian 3 but Jool asks to. Roz is quiet which I know is the calm before the storm

We're not allowed to land on the pad, so I have to land with the Quorum vessels. I walk over to talk with my Torgan bloods and Jool was on the plane.

Roz calls me on the comm, and she's upset, and when I get back to Fa3, Jool is gone. My Jool, my true love, my T'sande'...gone. She left with the Interion delegation.

I told her she could go, and she did. Why would I want her to stay and be unhappy?

A wise man once said, if you truly love someone, set them free. If they come back, they're yours to love, if not, they never were.

That guy never had love.

Here I am a week later, standing on the bridge of Sun Dreams, now centered in the fleet formation per a talk I had with ARC. In attendance on the bridge are the practitioners imbedded in the fleet. Aeryn, John, D'argo and Ther-es -On are here as well. All want to see what the third tier on the bridge all is about.

On the Captains panel is a blue switch. On Captain Dari'eks signal, Aeryn rotates the switch. The floor on the third tier drops and a device raises from the floor. There's a chair with arm rests and a face guard, and on either side are two serrated flat panels that look like sonic amplifiers.

They are, and John's face says it all. He almost collapses, and Aeryn and ARC have to grab him.

The look on his face is sheer horror.

He stutters, and cries out. "Ththththth that's a wormhole machine!" He looks at me and shakes his head. He screams "No WORMHOLES!" He starts to become uncontrollable as others restrain him.

I shake my head and look him in the eyes as he composes himself.

"No wormholes John, I promise on my blood oath!" "I swear to you I never or anyone else wil build a wormhole with that device."

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"Einstein...?" He stammers He...! "He said they were too uncontrollable!"

"And he was right John, whoever Einstein was, he was right!" "The Vierin' never used them for wormholes because they couldn't control them. But they could make something infinitely more controllable."

"I made a wormhole with a machine just like that! as he points at the machine."

"It's a tool John, only as dangerous as the heart of the person controlling it."

Captain Dari'eks hologram faces John Crichton. He speaks boldy. "This ship has never constructed a wormhole. It would not be allowed. No practitioner would ever attempt it!"

"Whatever you did, was an abomination, and you should've been punished for it!"

John replies "I was...Einstein nearly killed me removing the knowledge!"

I wonder who Enstien was?

"There are stories..."Captain Dari'ek explains that many Vierin' sought refuge in a wormhole maze built by a race called the Uinfetians." Insect like creatures that could shape shift into other forms. They occasionally spied on us and stole technologies for their own use. The Uinetians claimed they were millions of cycles old." We sent our best agents and others into the wormhole structure to locate them, but they failed. Perhaps your Einstein was a Vierin' agent!"

Captain Dari'ek turns to me and asks, "Would you like to test the amplifier?"

"Somebody's got to do it." I look at the group and smile. "So I guess I'm the guinea pig!"

Minutes later, I'm strapped into the chair as Propulsion slowly brings up the main core.

John is watching me and the outside screen closely.

At first, I feel nothing, just the normal flow of energy, the waves, washing around and through me gently as it always does.

Then things start to change.

It isn't that there's more energy being crammed through me, but more energy availible to use. The more I can process, the more energy becomes avalible. It's like a buffet line, I have more choices, and I can take as much as I want or as little.

So, I take it into me. And then I start to release it. At first, a small round blue sphere appears outside the ship. But it starts to more I work the E into it, the bigger it gets.

Someone asks if I'm ok. I say yes. Because I am. I've never felt better. i feel free.

The E needs to expand, so I let it. The sphere flattenens out, it becomes a disc, a shield, The field expands. It shields Sun Shadow, then starts to cover the rest of the assembled fleet.

I feel everyone's prescense in the room. But I focus on my fellow practitioners, asking them to join me. I promise them it won't hurt. It's just E, and it's your friend. Slowly they join in, even D'argo, much to his parents' chagrin.

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John Crichton fears I'll make a wormhole. He couldn't be more mistaken. Wormholes suck.

This is much better, and so much more controlable.

I'm in the ether now, the very essence of the E. Now I can work with it.

The screen covers over half the fleet and it's growing. It's thin, but It's strong. As more practitioners join, it becames larger, and thicker. When the robots add their energy from their weapons...

And then it stops, and dissipates. I hear sirens, so something is wrong. My head hurts and I feel weak. Jool would be here with water but she's not. I am bathed in sweat. I see spots but I eyes are not damaged, and they quickly disappear.

D'argo...finally hands me a gallon jug of water. I drink from it, and ask for food. and then I drink more

Apparently a main breaker tripped and shut down the whole unit. Captain Dari'ek apologises to me, and John Crichton, who looks like he sweated as much as I did, asks me how I feel.

I really can't tell him, other than I'm ok. It's true, I feel fine. But I'll never feel the same. The worst/best thing about it, is that I'm not afraid anymore.

Once I'm sufficiently recovered, the practitioners begin to ask me questions. I ask them to wait, and we will meet as a group to discuss it. I do tell them, that it was so easy, so easy, and to believe in themselves.

I suggest we work as a group again, and they agree.

Once fed and hydrated, I walk back to Fa3 to collect my thoughts. It's hard to do when your heart is broken, but I carry on.

I spend the rest of the day watching video of Jool I shot at the temple in the Thoh system.

Roz wants to delete it, and we get into a verbal altercation over it. In the end we agree, that if that's all we have of her, we'll keep it. There's so much more though. She's left some of her outfits. I leave them where I found them. This confuses Roz and I even more.

"She's left them like she's coming back!" quips Roz. "What the frell?"

I'm preparing to supper that evening when John shows up. He's got two cheesburgers from the mess hall and fries, and a six pack of imported Terran beer he "borrowed " from ARC's private stash.

359

He tells me he found out my favorite toppings are plain with tomato and lettuce. He gets his cheeseburger with everything.

I tell him he's my new best friend. He laughs, then he gets a bit more serious.

He's worried about D'argo trying the amplifier. I assure again him no worm holes will be made, but agree he's a bit too inexperienced to be in the chair.

At the same time, he and Aeryn will allow D'argo to go to Shay-qul and take classes. Between bites, he explains that since I've been helping D'argo, he and Aeryn noticed he's no longer shy and clumsy feeling. He's putting on weight and working out, and practicing his time stopping and shield generating skills. John laughs...much to the chagrin of the crew on Moya at times!

"Shy-qul will be a more intense but structured learning environment." "He'll be with all kinds of species just like him...trying to find their path." is what I tell him.

He also tells me that Aeryn loves the Sun Shadow, but she wants a new Prowler. I understand how she feels. He wants to build a home on some high desert planet. I can understand that too.

I tell him how much I miss the old Arizona.

We finish off the six pack, and I have a righteous buzz, because I'm a light weight.

In the end, I feel we have a stronger bond. He assures me that I should keep in touch, and he's d*** sorry about Jool. He feels some of the things he said didn't help with her staying.

I shrug, because now I understand. She spent twenty six cycles on Arnessk and time passed her by.

He leaves, and for the first time, I cry. But not for me. I cry for Jool.

Because now I know why she left.

360

Chapter 22

The Battle for Tavian 3

The next morning I wake up, I make a good breakfast and watch the video of Jool and I. I fight back tears, but swear I will change this negativity into a positive, and challenge myself to rise above this. To prevail.

After breakfast, I walk the flightline which is about two miles, then go to a weight room and work out. I eat a high protein snack and walk again.

Then I meditate. And I lift Fa3 several times

Mid-morning I fly over to several Quorum ships and pick up the paractitioners, the rest find their own way to the Sun Shadow.

We meet in a bare room with chairs and no tables. All total there are fifty practitioners with varying degrees of experience. Most are Ma-arogg, some are T'rrl. There are a half dozen Terrans, including Lt Brie (Mouse) and myself, then D'argo and Ther-es.

I make sure I introduce Mouse to Theri, as she prefers to be called. They make an immediate connection, as I thought they might.

Thusly introduce and confused, I suggest we meditate and open our minds to each other. Sometimes that's easier than talking. One only needs to share what they are comfortable with.

We meditate for about an arn. Some find that floating is good, and an exercise, I ask those who can rise help the others do so. I praise the virtues of positive reinforcement and remind everyone this is not a competition.

After meditation I recommend a small meal and water. Everyone must have water or whatever they need as a drink. I explain caloric intake vs caloric usage and discover, not to my surprise, that most practitioners had no idea they burned so much energy. It's no wonder they can't maintain a defensive screen for more than a few minutes, much less all day as a protective measure.

But again, most practitioners work alone in small settings.

So, after a question-and-answer session, we agree as a group to become more aware of what it takes to be an effective unit. Thus, the groundwork is laid.

Everyone really wants to be as good as me...well then, you're going to have to do what I do.

After a brief rest, we walk down to the hanger deck. There's not much here to pick from, but Mouse's Reaver is here and Fa3 is so...

The group pretty much freaks when I lift both planes in the air. I mean, they've all heard rumors...

I remind them of what we did at Shay-qul...most had not done mental exercising like this since training. So, I suggest things like toolboxes, shipping crates, anything that isn't dangerous.

Start out small and work up, I tell them.

And soon things are rising off the ground. The officer on deck freaks on his rounds, but Captain Dari'ek shows up and laughs! Apparently, such episodes were common on Vierin' ships, with crews encouraging practitioners many times. Practitioners saved lives and cut down on serious injuries by assisting crews with problems or catching someone in the middle of falling. Instead of being a booker, he encourages us to prevail and discover our limits!

So, until supper, things get lifted and lowered, A couple Ma-arogg manage to get Fa3 a few inches off the ground. Baby steps...yet so important.

We eat supper as a unit, as the cafe is up to full speed. Water is drunk by the pitcher, except the T'rrl. They drink a high sugar liquid that their bodies require.

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We will start at 0800 with a brisk walk down the flight line. Be sharp and be in Tunics!

At 0800, everyone has made the second class. I also notice people are arriving to be interviewed by Jack, Aeryn and Captain Dari'ek. The flight deck is alive with transports in air locks.

Already items are starting to float. Theri has flown her Prowler over and it's several feet off the ground. There's a few water jugs as well, so some people are getting serious about improvement! I let them free lance for a moment and then we start our day.

Within a week I walk out of Fa3, which immediatly comes off the ground, and the deck officer former Peacekeeper Sub Captain Cylass is about to blow a fuse!

Captain Dari'ek suggests we table some of our exercises to a minimum, and also suggests I have the practitioners do thier serious exercising on their own space craft.

So...I have to meet with Admiral Rob on the America.

"Old man I've been meaning to talk you about your practicing practitioners.

"Sorry sir, just some morale building exercieses, ahem...getting everyone to work as team."

"Oh, and great illiteration kid!"

ARC"Ok, you're being serious, aside from the ah...shock and awe factor."

"Shock and awe?"

"Yes." states ARC." Half the ships in this group didn't even know they have a practitioner on board..."as he scrolls through his computer.

"Well, technically we're not supposed to be out showing off, I can pull it back, reel it in."

"Nah...man I'm joking with you again!"

I squint at him. He looks confused but keeps scrolling."Slips, trips and falls...you know about that? "

"Most work place accidents." is my answer.

"Egzacily...ST and F accidents down twelve percent across the board." "People get caught in mid fall and get placed on their feet. Spills down twenty percent. Stuff stops in mid air, goes back in the container, and even gets resealed. The medical staff actually has time to treat serious patients!"

"People think we have ghosts on these ships...but you and I know better, old man!"

"So I'm drafting an order, unless absolutely nessesary, no one will intefere with practitoners, nor harass them about their work".

"I know what you know sir!"

"He narrows his eyes and stares at me "No, now stop that.! I don't know but I have bad feeling you do!"

"I'm preparing my people to defend the flotilla Rob." "You and I know the robots will be back!"

"Yes, but when?"

"Soon kid...real soon."

"You let me know as soon as you hear ticking, understood?"

"ARC, You'll be the second to know."

He leans in and whispers.

"Keep up the good work!" He flat palm salutes me. "That'll be all!"

I "salute" him open palmed. He snickers, I leave.

362

The second week in, we meet, walk, and meditate. After that, we work on making objects with E, and telepathic skills. Most of my unit can recieve but not transmit, so we focus on the weaker areas. It pays off, by the end of the first solar week most of us can chat without being in seeing range.

The third week, we are down to two hours in the morning. I confer with the doctors about allowing practitioners to observe them working. Of course the Ma-doctors are really enthused, and soom cuts, tears, minor breaks, and other injuries are being treated quicker.

The practitioners are noticing a difference too. Crew members treat them better, and not like wierd people or freaks. I remind them about not being boastful or showing off, but an occasional "favor" is not out of the question.A few still adhere to the old ways, but at least they no longer get treated with indifference.

Before the third week passes, another test of the energy amplifier system is arranged. Once again I strap myself into the chair and the power is brought up. I join with the other practitioners throughout the formation, and together, we form a huge screen at least thre feet thick.

But it doesn't stop there, With their support, I begin to manipulate the screen. Together woth my fellow practitioners, I begin to form the energy into spheres, squares, corkscrews and shafts, while holding the screen. The whole exercise lasts about ten minutes, before I feel myself dehydrating. Others are feeling the strain as well, so we collapse the screen and disipate the E.

I am far from dissapointed. We are very close to attaining what must be done. Once again, I ignore the astonished stares from my friends and onlookers, simply telling them when the robots come, we'll be ready.

There hasn't been an attack in over a month, and some think the robots are through. But that's the case. I've read T'okanae Saes' biography in the encyclopediana four times, and I know what he's doing.

He's waiting us out, believing we'll falter by luring us into a false sense of security.

Admiral Rob knows better too. But hes fighting another battle, wth IPQ, They want to pull out half the ships here at Tavian 3 and send them to other fronts or put their crews on home leave.

I ask my fellow practitioners to be patient and keep working. Most are thrilled by their new or renewed power levels and all are happy with the respect they've garnered.

I need to figure out a way to stay hydrated, or train myself to work without drinking.

Time for a change of tactics!

363

I begin to eat more water based food, and drink twice the water. I am literally sloshing when I walk!

Much to my chagrin, I am forced to eat foods that retain water. All the crap food I avoided like the plague now gets shoved into my body! Breads, donuts, cookies, more breads..

I continue to walk and use the weight room, but I'm getting a belly.

I start taking salt pills...holy crap, I'd rather eat dren. I eat crackers...lots and lots of crackers, John thinks its hilarious, and I have to agree. He tells me Chiana brought a whole shipment of crackers on board Moya one time.

But there's one consolation.

I can work hard with E for thirty minutes at a time and not feel bad. No wonder Buddha had a belly!

By the fourth week, I can watch the video of Jool I took, and barely feel pain. Roz is calmer as well, and no longer curses when I mention Jool. Roz really likes my look and says I look like a big teddy bear. Half of me is body builder and half of me is Santa Claus.

I'm up to forty minutes of lifting with E and even then, I drink water only out of habit. I level out, then start to drop my carb intake.

Time passes all too quickly, and at six weeks, ARC is ordered to send half his battle group out of the sector.

The first lend/lease ships will be handed over to the Peacekeepers to bolster their space fleet.

This is the moment that T'okanae' Sae' is waiting for. Even Captain Dari'ek agrees.

In a few days I will have to start over, if the replacement vessels even have practitioners.

Or perhaps, I can do something crazy.

Four days before the force reduction takes place, Farscape3 quietly slips out of its hanger/air lock and heads into space. I shut off the radio, and Roz and I punch out at the Tavian 3 nav point.

I hate to do this, but the patrols we send out don't go as far as they should for safety reasons.

We take a jump to just outside the uncharted territories and start a sweep.

There's nothing out here, but it dawns on me. If I wanted to stage a huge fleet of ships, I'd want to place them someplace where they wouldn't be detected. Someplace only a fool would fly into and sane pilot would normally avoid.

Roz and I head for tormented space, to find the magnetic planet John Crichton supposedly was hiding by.

The jump to tormented space took six arns. Passing by Pulsars, scooting by cloudy masses of cosmic material, even avoiding a horde of Draks, Roz and I twist and turn our way to a nav point the star charts have marked in red. Roz gets a headache from the fouled sensors.

But suddenly the magnometers go berserk! We've found our destination.

There's no planet like it. A huge brown planet devoid of life and trying it's best to draw us into its lifeless suface. The size is probably closest to Jupiter, with several dozen moons that are basically asteroids and meteors caught in it's tenacious grip.

364

Roz and I carefully follow its massive radius, darting between asteroids and drifting around them as stealthily as we can. Even if we find our quarry, then what? Well, we have to find something first.

As we round the dark side of the planet, there's a different sensor reading. I'm not sure if it's trustable, but Roz has lost her usual tenaciousness and says we keep moving. So, I tap the thrusters and we keep going.

As slow as January molasses in a cryo chamber, we creep around the horizon.

Then the sensors go crazy!

They stand out in space like a school of pointy ended herring. Robot ships, hundreds, probably several thousand of them. Instruments of death and destruction awaiting their electronic orders to kill.

Suspended in space, they hover. No clicks, but there's the barest hint of white noise. It's probably a carrier wave.

I whisper, "Roz, can you get video of this?"

"Already rolling Cowboy! is the whispered return."

"I'll try to hold our position, and you get a couple more minutes' worth, and we'll scoot."

2 minutes later. "I've got it sweetie, let's get out of here before we get spotted."

"I believe they're in some kind of suspension, I don't hear a thing."

"Let's not take any chances."

"Y'kow Roz, you're right. I'm gonna duck under these floating rocks and pick our way back."

"I'll help you as always, sweetie!"

"As always babe...guess we really don't need Jool, do we?" I immediately regret it.

A long Silence.

"I...I miss my sister, Cowboy."

"Yeah, I miss her too."

I pick my way along the backside of the meteor field as Roz helps me keep the plane from sliding into the planet.

Cursing and bumping along, we find a hole in the debris field and slide out, and as soon as we're clear of the planets influence, we jump out of space and head toward Tavian 3.

Six and one half arns later, I pop into the Tavian 3, and get met with three squadrons of Reavers wondering where the frell I've been.

Admiral Rob wants to see me NOW on the Sun Shadow.

I stride into his temporary office on the Sun Shadow just as Roz sends the video file.

ARC, Jack, Aeryn and Dari'ek are sitting or standing in the office next to him at his desk

I sit down, put my hands together and wait!

"Cowboy...you'd better have a good reason for this! growls ARC"

Jacks' eyes cut into me. "Son, I know you're having a tough time, but you need to talk to us!"

Dari'ek asks "Do you actually fly that vessel, or did you get someone to pilot you?"

Aeryn glares... and Dari'ek sits with crossed arms. His hologram is quite realistic!

"Yes, no, Yes, and no..."I look at Aeryn..."Why the glare?

Rob turns beet red. He is mad.

...At me!

I raise my right index finger. "Before you yell at me, watch the video." is all I say.

"Watch...?"

"Yes, please."

He growls and starts tapping. " Alright...this had...! then quietly...better...be..good...geebuss!" His jaw drops and his eyes widen.

365

"Where did you shoot this video?" Jack leans over and looks at the screen and his eyes pop.

Aeryn looks and her eyebrows shoot up. Dari'ek puts his index finger against his lips.

"Behind the magnetic planet, in tormented space."

"What possessed you?"

"Scorpius, he told me John and Aeryn were hiding out there. It wasn't true."

"At one time we were but it was too dangerous for Moya." states Aeryn.

"You disobeyed a direct order not to fly..."

"Did you send it to me...remember, I'm not military per se'."

"Let me see...no, it, wasn't." Rob grimaces.

"Good thing huh? I've got a job to do. Find the path, mark the way, you know!"

Dari'ek looks up." Practitioners are not above insubordination sir."

"Ask Jack." " I really don't work for any of you!"

Dari'ek asks Jack who says Technically I'm not, I'm a civilian attached to no ship or force.

"I see, is this standard procedure here in your Quorum?"

Jack. "No, but he's the only one."

"Sorry Captain Dari'ek, I meant no disrespect." "I read how Vierin' officers can be without just cause."

Jack says, "We don't own his vessel, it's a private prototype research."

Dari'ek shrugs but looks at the video and furls his brows.

"So, you're a mercenary?"

"A peace mercenary with an armed scout vessel, Paradox, yes. Necessary, sometimes."

He says nothing. I know it doesn't "compute" for him.

Dari'ek states. "The traitor is planning a major strike to overwhelm us."

"Ok," says Rob...that's a problem "There's over a thousand ships in this fleet!"

"Can we send Reavers to deal with this." asks Aeryn. "A bold strike might turn them back."

"There's not enough planes, we could do a hit and run and get many of them but enough of them, and we can't afford to lose anyone if we don't do significant damage."

Isn't the Terran term "sitting ducks"? asks Aeryn

"We're not sitting ducks..."I say

"Ahhhh!" Dari'ek snaps. "The practitioner is a military strategist? "

" You'd be surprised what this guy knows." offers ARC

"If you'll pardon my indulgence Captain Dari'ek, I could at least offer a suggestion.

"I will listen to your counsel, practitioner." he says. "I am impressed with your boldness!"

"Thank you, Captain, I learned it from your encyclopediana and a few dozen Terran books."

"Everyone fights best when we fight together..."and here's my plan."

And I explain it.

At the end of it, even Captain Dari'ek is impressed.

"The battle of C'ansne' was won with such a defense, but we had twice the ships." he tells us.

ARC responds, "We have ten times the missiles, and also the practitioners...if they can hold."

I excuse myself and go use the restroom. I need to get away.

Just as I finish, I hear something.

It is that moment that an emergency comm comes through, and I hear a noise I used to dread. A white noise of ticks so loud it pains me. Robots. Lots of Robots!

The comm... it's Ther-es and several other ships. Their practitioners hear it too!

I realize at this moment; my destiny is at hand. I remember my oath, but don't remember leaving the bathroom. Everything is a blur...and I'm in slow motion.

Fast is slow...

Slow is smooth...

Smooth is quick.

366

I'm calling telepathically on my practitioners! In a calm voice I remind them, that this is what we trained for, to protect those with in our care, those we love. To freely sacrifice, for surely if we do not, many others will die and needlessly! My voice is calm, and for some reason it echos...

"We are the points of the spears, my friends and today, we will speak to our foe with them!"

Things are still in slow motion when I reach the bridge

Be calm

Relax... touch your fingers... Breath in... release... It's so easy. Ther-es and Dargo, Mouse and Poichin, Cylass, Steven, Hanne' and Tresh, Tulor, By'chn, Reisha, Dominic, all my friends, do not be afraid. Together we will prevail.

"My friends, feel the energy about you." "Call it to you... let it wash over and through you like the waves... bring it up into your heart."

"Today our hearts will speak, and our minds will deliver the message."

I hear the call to launch Reavers, they will hold their positions and fill the gaps between the ships. Every spot that can be filled with pulse weapons and missile launchers will have them in it. Roz is allowed to take Fa3 into the line!

Even the Peacekeepers join the fray. Mele-On's Command Carrier is back in the fight along three more, with every Vigilante and Prowler they have. They join the rest ot IPQ ships, filling in the gaps and holes. Emperor Staleek slides the Decimator in too!

When the Vierin' based disintegrators and Ts missiles break down the robot defense screens, their pulse and frag cannons will obliterate the enemy!

It's a fight for survival, sentient beings against the traitor and his robotic ships.

"When the E has filled your heart, walk over and touch your ship...remember...it is your shelter...your friends and family may be on it. Remember your oath...that's it, let the screen flow out over your friends...and then, let the shield cover them all...it's so easy...just like I showed you...

I sit down in the chair and strap myself in. I nod to the weapons officer. He rotates the switch.

I feel the shields from very practitioner join as one. Every one of them is calm, yet focused. This is the easy part.

ARC walks up on my right, headphones on. The coolest cat under fire is in his element.

I hear his voice say...geebus weebus there are thousands of them!"

Rob turns and looks at me, and I nod. He cracks. "Leave me a few, old man!" Then he turns back to command.

"No ship will fire until I give the order!" "Missile trackers, begin locking down the back of the pack! We'll trap them in their own debris!"

I can't say a word. All the E is building up in me, I let the practitioners have the outside E...

John Crichton walks up on my left. He looks at the screen, then me.

"No wormholes John, I promise!" He nods, and he understands. He was here once.

He smiles and looks away, focusing on Aeryn, who is working with Dari'ek, commanding the ship.

I've been holding the E back and it's starting to hurt.

So, I let it go...not in my eyes, but through my mind. And goes out, from the ship, which is now the transfer point.

My shield joins the shield built by my fellow practitioners It turns light blue and the snow white, clouding the eyes but not the sensors...and then it turns a shimmering clear.

You can see the square of robots, hundreds thick, from one hundred miles out. They block out the stars like a big rectangular blob of metal.

367

But we are ready, the screen expands and easily covers the same robot square.

I hear someone at the sensor board cry out.

"There's...three of them! Points...what is that!"

The formation changes as Robots stack together in three long points extending from the square.

The ships who make up the very tips of the three spears coming at us are larger, like the one we encountered in Teraqq sector.

So T'okanae Sae' wants to tri tip us! I hadn't expected that, but it doesn't matter.

"My friends... he shall fail...He hasn't fired yet, so relax... breath... drink water... hold your screen. Remember... his ships can't see the screen. He thnk's only the ships have screens...so let him waste his beams on our screen..."

And about five miles out, they do!

Hundreds of ravening beams of white-hot energy strike our screen, not the ones on the ships

The beams burn into our screen with incredible intensity. But I am calm and cool as I receive my share.

I hear Captain Dari'ek say, "Well done!" He's seen this before, other than ARC! Let them fire... the beams are just concentrated energy... let that energy feed our own...see it ripple...it's easy...just let it collect.

Four miles and closing. Rob is cool, reminding no one shoots until he orders it. He knows though, that we will let our ships fire through it.

The front robots stop firing as they overheat, but they are replaced by the next in layer in line, so microts latter, the beams begin anew.

But it's my turn. I need to seize my destiny. Everything I've trained for, every pain, every surgery, every training tape, every lesson learned. For John, Jack Rob, Roz, Chiana, the children, Jool...

Jool...I somehow sense her prescense...it cannot ...be. But I think of the love, the passion and the adventures we shared. I can almost smell her sweetness...

...and I let ALL the E come through me.

Rob screams "ALL FIRE!"...and I remind us to let their weapons pass. The missiles T/S before the screen, and everything else goes through.

Now the sensor screens are covered up with colored pulse blasts and white hot beams, like a classic rock laser show. I know the missiles are going to hit their targets, exploding inside the ships.

I don't remember my body changing, becoming one with the E or that I became a blue human shape from it, then sailed over the bridge, through the ship. But I believe what John tells me, because he was watching.

Because that's when I vanished from the chair, leaving my body behind.

368

Now I'm outside the Sun Shadow, facing the robots. I'm in the Aether of the screen. I am the energy...and it feels intoxicating.

Not like being with Jool...but really good.

And the E asks me. "Practitioner, I see you have arrived." in its calm, quiet voice. "What do you wish of me?"

"To allow my will to be done."

"Will it so and it will be."

"I so will it." And the E does

Three spires of energy rise from the screen They come out of the screen diamond tipped and twice as hot, made from the very energies the robots have given to us.

They rise almost a mile out...and only two miles separate them from their attackers.

The robots overheat, others take their place, and they start firing. The missiles and pulse blasts start to destroy them. But missiles have to be reloaded...and that takes seconds.

So, it is our turn to speak.

"My friends...you have done well...but to prevail, we must do one last exercise."

Take your hands, place them palms out like you are going to push against the back of the screen and count to five with me, but use your minds. Ready...?

"Yes"...is the echoed answer, and I start the count.

Five, four, three, two, one...push...and together as one, we do!

And that screen moves, faster and faster...like a freight train as it picks up speed.

Nothing can stop the pure bluish energy rippling and surging!

In seconds or microts, it reaches the spear tips of T'okanae Sae's robots, as they start to discharge their disintegrators again.

But that only fuels the tips...and they do not crash into the bots

They vaporize them!

There's no noise in space...never is. The bots simply turn into microscopic dust. Dust that dissipates in the solar wind.

The energy moves into the main body of the bot vessels, never slowing. Vaporizing all in its path of perfect annihilation. The fury of a thousand suns, yet as cool as a fall breeze

I feel myself, my essence, my reality slipping away into the energy.

If this is what death is, I accept my fate. I have finally made a difference, found love, freedom and my dream. I am free of the nightmares, the memories, the pain, and anger.

Suddenly the screen stops. Someone has noticed there are no more robot ships.

And I speak quietly. "Well done...and now my friends, we will return the energy to us...bring it home."

Everything moves in reverse...slowly but 'En masse' it returns to the ships where those who formed its shape and size slowly release it back to the universe.

And the E...it releases me, back through the walls of the Sun Shadow. Like a ball of lightning, I am hurled through the air over everyone on the bridge and unceremoniously shoved into my body still in the chair. The seat belt still holds my slumped over body tightly, and I slowly regain my senses through the shock and fog of the experience.

John Crichton screams "Turn it OFF!" "TURN...IT... OFF!"

369

I hear the power drive shut down and the energy drain away.

Trying to lift my body up. I raise up my head and crack the back of it on the clear guard where my forehead would be.

Holding the back of my head, I release the belt so I can move forward. It's probably the worst pain I felt through the whole power transfer.

There's a smell like something cooking or burning in the air, and I feel warm, but not feverish. I'm thirsty, and lightheaded.

John Crichton is the first to grab me. His concern is real, and his eyes are wide. I think he swallowed the dentic! He simply stares at me in shock.

I try to crack my neck, and it pops so loud he jumps!

"Are, are you ok Cowboy? he asks. All your hair is scorched!"

I smile at him, realizing I'm the guy that smells like he's smoldering. I don't why I survived.

ARC grabs my other arm, steadying me.

He looks like he's seen a zombie, or a rubber rat.

"Whoa old man, that was some trip you took!" He says softly. "How do you feel?"

I whisper. "Did we get 'em all, Arc Welder?" Rob turns and asks in English.

Someone yells in Sabacean. "The screens are clear! No enemy ships on scans!" I think it was Lt. Braca.

I hear muffled cheers. Rob has tears in his eyes, he looks at me and he's nodding.

I ask him "Water?" "And stop blubbering kid!"

D'argo shoves a huge container in my face and apologizes for drinking first. I take a good long pull and hand it back. I hear Aeryn calling out "Remain at your stations!"

"You did great D'argo...your namesake would be proud of you! Then I look at John, and he looks at D'argo.

"Good job D'argo, I'm proud of you!"

D'argo looks at me..."You were right, Cowboy...it was, it was so easy!" I feel my head nod, and now it hurts.

Captain Dari'ek is the last person I really see. His hand touches my face next to and under my left eye with his fingers."You have the spirit of the Vierin inside you, practitioner. You are one of us!" We have prevailed! And his holo disappears.

"Ok amigos, let me go" And I take one step, and my knees buckle, and I fall, twisting as I go down. John and Rob try to grab me. But I slip through.

But someone does. I see green eyes, and red hair, and hear my name, along with a two second scream.

Things go black.

370

Chapter 23

The things You learn.

Here I am, suspended in the black. I'm alive...but darn it, I wouldn't mind being dead.

I hear my name. My real name?

Then I see him. It's rockstar me. Long hair, with guitar in hand. Flying V shape...nice.

"You tried to kill us again!" He makes a gesture.

"Um nah...I need to wake up though."

"Yeah, Jool's cooking breakfast. he smiles. She's looking good, we're hungry!"

"Ok, where's up."

"Rockstar shakes his head and he point with his right index finger. "That way my man!" "Oh...and good job, not killing us yet!" He makes another gesture!

I ignore him and look up...and my eyes pop open.

Sure enough, someone's cooking something delicious on the plane. Still blurry eyed, I find my sunglasses on the dresser across the walkway from the bed. I put them on and stumble out to the galley

It's Jool. My soul mate has returned! Dressed in her leathers but without the skirt, she quietly and efficiently has been cooking breakfast.

Jools' making an omelet on the stove. She has a slight frown on her face, but her eyes are soft and happy. She's totally immersed in what she's doing, and I hate to startle her, lest she scream.

She says "Hi handsome" without even looking up. Then she glances over at me.

"You are not supposed to out of bed yet." a bit direct as she flips the omelet over.

"I was hungry, and that smells delicious." "And hello to you sweetheart!"

"Do you think you can make it to the table?

"Well, I think so..."

She shuts off the burner." I'll help you." She puts down the spatula and grabs my elbow.

I place my arm around her waist, and firmly, but also a bit clumsily, I pull her to me.

I close my eyes and say..."I can't help it, I.. I missed you Jool."

She pulls herself tightly to me, puts her arms around my back and shoulders and lays her head against my chest. My arms envelop her shoulder and upper waist. I feel her curves as I envelop her.

I...I missed you too Cowboy! Please forgive me.

"Already have." " I forgave you when you left, I mean I wish you would have said something to Roz or me!"

"I could not, or I might have stayed." she says with a sniff. "Looking back, I should have."

"Really? What happened?" Her eyes are sad and wet, I don't want her to cry.

"I...Can we talk about it another time? It's really horrible, and embarrassing!"

"Wow...ok?"

"I was only gone for two weeks but it took a lot longer to get back to the Sun Shadow, I had been aboard only for a couple of minutes when the alarm sounded." She sniffed again. I promise I will tell you someday!"

"Whenever you're ready Jool. I love you!"

371

She looks at me with fierce determination. Then she smiles gently, and her eyes soften.

"I love you too Cowboy!" And we embrace for several wonderful minutes, while our E flows and swirls around us.

We share a tender kiss, and then I let her go, she helps me to the table and then finishes preparing breakfast.

Soon I am gobbling down the meat filled omelet she made me. She eats slowly and carefully and is watching me like a hawk, which makes me feel uncomfortable. So I ask if I'm ok.

"Well, you've been out for two days, and you weren't comatose, just sleeping. Doc Ryland released you to my care." "The unity band you were wearing was burned pretty bad, so I'm having a new one made."

I nod and I realized I haven't shaven in that long. My wrist is extra dark where the brace was, probably from the dye.

You haven't seen your face, so you don't know." She smiles. "Stay right there...keep eating!"

Jool gets up and heads to the bathroom. A moment later, she returns with a hand mirror.

She hands it to me, and I look.

Oh, boy, I have a face tattoo! A face tattoo? I feel disfigured.

"I don't know how this happened. as I scrunch my face up. "I look... weird!"

"Maybe you do, but I don't, I think it's attractive! "She smiles. "Do you know what it is, because I looked it up."

"They look like three triangles..."

"Mr. Vierin' expert doesn't know?" and Jool giggles. "It is the three tips of the spears." It's been a symbol of bravery among the Vierin' since the first campaign against the Skivv." It's the same as the first three spear points pointing to the center of the Vierin' republic. There's new markings on your tunic as well, but those can wait." "You need to recover!"

I look at the mark, and my skin. My skin a bronzish tan and the three tips are black. I can tell it's permanent. Also, my body hair is gone. The hair on my head looks silver, what little has grown back.

"Well, I guess I'll get used to it." I look at the tips and touch them.

"Your skin color probably won't go away either." she rubs my bronzed arm. "But Roz and I agree, that's very ahem sexy"...and Jool giggles.

"Roz!...Hey Roz, good morning, Beautiful!"

"I'm not sure I want to talk to you yet Cowboy!"

372

Rhhhhaazzz...wants wrong?

"You...you crazy Cowboy!" cries Roz..."Trying to get yourself killed again! Leave me and Jool, what is WRONG with you!"

"Roz honey, I'm sorry!" in my most honest tone. "I didn't think what happened would happen, but it did, and I didn't die!"

Roz says, "Good thing too...because if you had, Jool and I would track you down and find you, bring you back to life, kill you again, and then never speak to you! Isn't that

Jool narrows her eyes. "You know sister, that might be a good idea!"

"Your darn right it is!"

Ok! I raise my hands... I'll try harder not to get killed, ok? Deal Roz? Jool?"

You better! snarls Roz. Jool just nods.

"Uh... can I ask why the floor is heaving ladies...the plane is still in Moya, right?

"Well yes," quips Jool, "but Moya is moving."

I'm drinking my coffee...and nearly spit it out!

"We are on a trip, we're going to Hyneria." exclaims Jool, who then asks. "That's ok right?

"Yeah, since none of us have been there."

"Yesssss!" And Jool gets up and comes over to where I'm sitting, she grabs me and hugs me.

What the heck...I've never been there!

About five arns later, after a long nap followed by a nice snuggle session involving "research" while flying in Starburst, I finally make my way up to the command deck of Moya.

It's pretty quiet, and with no one around, I can relax and let my mind go free. I sip my water from an old plastic IPQ milk jug and ponder the stars and a nearby planetary system Moya is slipping past. Space is pretty quiet, nothing flying about, and Pilot says the scans are clear as far as they can search. So it's just myself, a jug of water, and three or four DRDs. They pay me no mind as I stand, feet spread, arms behind my back, holding my jug.

I don't hurt anymore, nor do I feel afraid. Something happened...the fear of death no longer bothers me.

Some of my memories escaped the wall. I remember music, lots of music, and how much I loved to play it.

373

My feet start tapping to an old song and the words slide quietly from my lips as the universe unfolds in all its starlit glory.

Time slides by because time doesn't care.

I think about Jool, and Roz, John, Aeryn, Jack, Rob, Chiana, and all the other beings I've met. My bloods, the Bracas, even Scorpius. How lucky I am.

I think of K'a D'argo too. I wonder about Zhaan and Stark.

The energy calls to me softly. But it can wait.

The Vierin'? Perhaps I think too much about them. But there are things I want to know.

I sip my water and consider my options. Jool...

I hear footfalls behind me on the marbled looking floors, but they're not Jools. Too heavy, like combat boots.

It's John. In a black T-shirt and pants, holding a drink bottle. His graying hair and gray whiskers make him look older but distinguished.

He walks up next to me and stands, and for a few moments, we say nothing. Then he speaks.

"Hey."

"Hey John, how's life treating you?"

John crosses his arms. "Pretty good Cowboy. He hmpfs "I have to get used to calling you that." I like "Space Cowboy though!"

I don't mind as long as it's not "goat herder"!

John snickers loudly. "Wouldn't think of it!"

"Jack gave me the name. Everyone else ran with it."

"Yeah, dad and Rob told me that, among a lot of other things."

"I suppose so John, they tend to do that." "It's a bit embarrassing to me."

"Yeah, they explained that too."

I take a drink of water. He stares out into space.

John states "If I hadn't lived out here as long as I have, everything would be impossible to believe, but having been out here for so long, none of what transpired surprised me."

I answer. "Thats good John...you need a real open mind for a lot of it." He pauses.

"I never believed it would come from Terra either, maybe that's the hardest part!"

"That's what happens when you get your butt kicked John, you know how we work."

"Yeah, I guess so!" He takes another drink.

"Well," he says quietly. "Everyone has to be their own kind of hero." He glances over at me.

"Yeah, and I like to be the quiet type." I shake my head. "It never works out!"

John looks out into space. His eyes have seen so much, even more than mine.

374

He speaks. "Dads on Moya too. "He's tryng to retire, but the Quorum wants him to stay on as an advisor, and he wants to be with his grandkids."

"I don't blame him; I would feel the same way." is my response. "Other than me having to train a new boss!"

John shakes his head and smiles, as he tries not to laugh. He tells me that D'argo and Ther-es have taken off for Shay-qul.

We stand quietly for a few more moments.

John suddenly turns and asks..."Do you really do Three Stooges stuff and cartoon voices?" IHe smiles again. "Besides the crazy stuff you and Rob do?"

I chuckle quietly. "Not as much as I used to John." is my answer. "But I used to crack Rob up at the worst possible times."

"

Yeah, he told me all about his time on The Defiance with you. he snickers. "I about peed myself." "Rubber rats and spiders?" He smiles and shakes his head.

"I promise John, I will never do that here!"

John chuckles. "I could get used to it." "No one here has that skewed of a sense of humor!"

"Well, I'll be be hanging around here for a while, so who knows?"

We stand quietly for a few moments longer.

Then John sticks out his right hand. I take it and we shake, firmly. We look at each other and John smiles. I see nothing but sincerity in his aura.

"It'll be great to have a friend who gets earth...rather Terran humor!" he says with a smile.

"Friend?" I smile. "You probably could've done better!"

John looks at me serious for just a second, he lowers his head. I must have said something wrong, but before I can speak...

"You know, a long, long time ago, I had someone tell me that. He smirks. "I told him not in the whole damn Universe!" John squeezes my hand. "So, try not to get killed, ok!" and he releases my hand.

"I'll do my best!" and I shrug.

A few more minutes pass by, and we watch a comet streak past.

"I can promise you one thing for sure John, no matter what happens, when I wake up tomorrow..."

He looks at me.

.

.."It'll be a great day to fly!"

375

THE END

?

Epilogue

I'm sitting at the galley table on Moya sketching out a picture. We're about arn out from Hyneria.

Jool walks by and looks over. "What are you drawing?" She sits down.

I spin it around for her to look at. With an astonished look, she picks it up and looks closer.

She exclaims. "Thats wonderful, I still of have the picture of me you drew!" "I love it!"

"I not as good as I used to be, but thanks." is my response

Jool exclaims "It's all of us! John, Aeryn, Jack, Me, Chiana, and Rygel...and Pilot! Everyone on Moya, who's still alive!"

"Yes, I'm glad it looks realistic."

"It's amazing, can I keep it?"

"I'll have Roz make copies on heavier stock. All of you can have one!"

"That is so sweet and thoughtful of you!" She smiles and says, "They will love it!"

She hands it back to me and gets up. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek and asks.

"But why aren't you in it sweetheart? "

"I am...at the bottom."

Jool smirks a little. "Those little marks?"

"Yeah Jool, that's my signature, with my sunglasses. So, I'm always there, even if you don't notice me."

"Once again Cowboy, you understate yourself!"

"Other than Loving you and Roz, it's what I do best!"

She places her cheek against my head and gently massages my scalp. My hair is now a bristle brush of silver gray and black

"Ohhh Cowboy, what am I going to do with you?"

I chuckle. "Oh, I can think of a couple of things..."