Searching for Armelia
4: Getting help
For five Cycles he persisted in his pursuit for Armelia, straying deeper into Scarran controlled territory.
He had not realised, nor would he want to admit to it, that his health was suffering. The wounds he had sustained at the beginning of his quest had never healed properly and although the wounds had closed, the muscles had knitted together in a twisted fashion and the tissue around his heart had thinned dangerously.
At times of stress it would leave him gasping for breath and would even restrict his chest painfully to the point of incapacity.
He had relented enough to have another Healer look at it who had confirmed it as Kevolek-syndrome, a condition common in older Sebaceans. Crais had put it down to his long-term link with Talyn. The medication and the painkillers eased the symptoms but Crais would not admit to himself that he had to increase the dosage regularly.
+++++
In the third Cycle of his search he encountered the Moya-crew or to be more precise. Talyn had contacted Moya. Talyn had picked up her signature and was elated to know his mother was still alive. They had lost contact for eight Cycles since Starburst from the Command Carrier and he had believed her dead. Besides he feared for Crais' well-being. He had relayed Moya's presence in the vicinity to Crais and he told him that he wished to speak to her. Crais had gladly complied, he was happy that Talyn had found his mother. They waited for her at the rendezvous point.
+++++
When Crais came down from the transport pod, the Moya-crew looked at him in surprise. His hair hung loose and his thick curls of raven black hair reached the middle of his back and framed his face. He still kept his beard neatly trimmed in a goatee but his face was drawn and pale, only his eyes burned dark like coals. His cheeks were slightly reddened with fever-spots.
Aeryn noticed he had thinned and wondered if he had been taking care of himself
Gone was the Peacekeeper uniform and was now replaced by tight fitting black clothes and clasped black thigh high boots. To Crichton he resembled a pirate of old.
When he walked up to them, they noticed his heavy limp but nothing in the way he carried himself showed that it would deter him in his movements.
He stopped two paces in front of them, "Aeryn, Crichton, Ka D'Argo, Rygel, Chiana." He nodded to each of them and silently acknowledged the presence of the others he didn't know. He greeted them as if he had only last seen them two Solar days ago.
Aeryn's first urge had been to step forward and embrace him but the Crais they saw before them seemed even more aloof then the one who had Starbursted in the Command Carrier eight Cycles ago.
"Crais, my man," Crichton greeted him in the familiar way and stepped forward, His big grin froze on his face with Crais' icy stare. "How're you doing," Crichton finished lamely.
"As well as can be expected," answered Crais in his deep, calm voice. The others almost felt sorry that Aeryn and Crichton had asked him to come on board.
Aeryn turned to Crais, "We had thought you had died."
"My demise has been overstated, I can assure you."
"But there was no word of you anywhere."
"Then nobody will look for me or Talyn."
"Where have you been all that time?"
"Around."
Finally Crichton had enough of the one-sided conversation, "I know you are not a very talkative person, Crais, but even by your standards you must admit it is very sparse and is hardly telling us anything."
Crais shifted his gaze to Crichton, "It was Talyn who was anxious to speak with his mother. I can always go back and wait until they have finished." He made to turn, making it quite clear that it hadn't been his choice to meet them.
"At least have a meal with us and tell us where you have been the last eight Cycles."
"Crichton I don't..."
"Frell, Crais, when did you last have a decent meal? You look like dren!"
Crais turned around abruptly, his eyes smouldering like fire, "I don't need your sympathy Crichton!"
"Then why come on board if you don't want to be sociable?"
Crais was silent. He couldn't bring himself to say that Talyn had shut down the environmental systems, almost literally driving him off his own ship, "Very well, I will have a meal with you."
+++++
They moved to the galley. Crais moved surprisingly fast for someone with a heavy limp. "So, when did you become Hop-a-long then," asked Crichton.
Crais looked at him in confusion, his translator microbes couldn't translate it, "Oppalung?"
"No, Hop-a... Oh, forget it. Your leg?"
Crais flinched, he didn't want to be reminded of his injury, yet it wasn't something that was easily hidden. The only answer he gave was a scowl.
Once seated in the galley, Aeryn put bowls of Tarkelian stew out for everyone. Crais, despite his earlier objections, ate quickly and was finished even before Rygel. With the last bite he noticed that everyone was staring at him and he looked over his plate at the others.
"Not hungry, huh," smirked Crichton.
Crais laid his spoon on the plate; the last bite uneaten and stood up from the table. He turned without a word and left the room.
Aeryn bristled at Crichton. "What did I do," he asked innocently.
Aeryn rolled her eyes and left the galley in search of Crais.
+++++
He had just entered his transport pod when she caught up with him and she followed him inside. He sat at the controls but made no movement to take off.
Aeryn looked at him, saw the lines of pain and tension in the corners of his mouth, noticed the pallor of his skin and the determined set of his jaw. "Your leg hurting you?"
He looked at her defiantly and then nodded.
"Can we help?"
"No, I've tried a Healer a while ago. It has been too long now."
"When was the last time you have eaten Crais?"
His mouth twitched, "Was it that obvious?"
She nodded.
He looked away, "I don't know, two, three Solar days."
She looked aghast at him, the indifference had shocked her, "If you are in need of supplies..."
"More supplies would be welcome but I have enough on board."
"Then why..."
"Lack of time. I am... searching for someone."
"Can we help you in your search?"
He was about to say 'No' when he changed his mind, "Yes, you may be able to help. I am looking for a little girl." He looked at her, "Armelia, my daughter."
Aeryn was shocked, "Your daughter? How... How old is she?"
"About thirteen Cycles old," when he saw the surprise on her face he explained, "She is my adopted daughter."
"Adopted daughter," Aeryn said haltingly, "Why, Crais, and how?"
"She came on board about six Cycles ago and became my adopted daughter four Cycles ago. For a Cycle I thought fate was finally looking kindly on me, she was a lovely little girl. Both Talyn and I... love her. We raised her, taught her everything we know. Her laughter filled the lonely corridors. Then, about three Cycles ago, the Scarrans took her. They have taken away our joy. I have been looking for her ever since."
Aeryn had noticed that his breathing had quickened while he related the story and sounded shallow. Still it was with a surprise that by the end he clutched his chest, moaned and all but keeled forward.
She stood up and laid her hand on his shoulder, "Crais, what's wrong?"
"Nothing... The anxiety..."
"You are ill!"
"I'll manage," he turned to the controls.
"Oh no, you are not leaving us until you've had a rest!" She wrestled his hands from the controls.
"Officer Sun, this is most unbecoming," he gritted through his teeth. Her strength close to his own in normal circumstances now proved to be superior.
She took the transport key away from its slot and pocketed it. She looked down at Crais who was breathing quickly and shallowly. His dark eyes were filled with anger.
"Crais, you are not well, admit it!" She glared at him with a mixture of anger and concern.
He glared back at her, "No more than a passing weakness."
She walked away, taking the key with her, "You can sit here if you like or you can come back and rest. I don't care." She left the pod.
He sat at the controls for a moment, getting himself under control and followed her shortly. He found her waiting for him outside. She turned without a word and walked out of the Hangar Bay. He followed her.
In the eight Cycles since he had last been on board Moya, the ship had created some more rooms to accommodate for passengers. Aeryn directed him to one of the unoccupied ones. "Rest" was all she said before she left the room.
He took one of his painkillers before he undressed and slid under the covers, at least she had not dragged him to Medical. He had to admit to feeling extremely tired and was asleep very soon.
+++++
She looked in on him soon after that, armed with a medical scanner. As a precaution she had switched off the audible mode. She didn't want to wake him up and she approached the bed. She looked at his sleeping form. Even sleep could not erase the lines of pain and worry he had carefully masked earlier. She let the scanner run over him and was concerned with the readings.
She knew she hadn't made a sound but his eyes flew open. "Aeryn," he said hoarsely, "What are you doing here?" He noticed the scanner in her hand and his eyes reduced into slits.
"You are very ill, Crais, you need rest."
"Which I would have had if you would have left me alone. I have to find Armelia first."
"The scanner shows you are exhausted, readings on all your bio-signatures are low and there is evidence of diminished lung capacity, if you continue to neglect yourself and you'll find an early death."
Crais threw the covers off him, heedless that he was naked, got out of bed and dressed, "If you could give me the key back."
"Crais..."
"Then I will return to Talyn..."
"Crais..." Aeryn grew annoyed.
"...I have a daughter to find."
"Crais!"
He turned around and looked at her.
"You are in no condition to do anything. You need rest and nourishment! Maybe we can help."
"Maybe, Aeryn Sun but what would happen if Crichton saw you leave this room?"
"Frell Crichton! I want you in Medical!"
"Why? To confirm what I already know?"
"Know what?"
"That I have Kevolek syndrome," it was obvious that he had not liked voicing it. He sat down on the edge of the bed, suddenly very tired.
"But you are too young..."
"It was diagnosed two-and-a-half Cycles ago. I can live to be a hundred-and-fifty with it or it could be over tomorrow. I need to find Armelia first. I don't know how much time I have left."
She resisted the urge to embrace him, to comfort him. "Is that the reason you didn't want to come on board," she asked him softly.
"I don't need sympathy but Talyn has shut down the environmental systems for a purge."
Aeryn's face was warring between laughter and thunder, "At least one of you two is thinking clearly! It is not wrong to ask for assistance from friends, Crais! It's not wrong to ask for help!"
"Friends? I must admit I was surprised that nobody had their pulse pistols drawn when I came on board but it was not friendship I saw, only surprise. I don't think things have changed that much, only the readiness to shoot me has slowed down."
Aeryn glared at him, "You are still as stubborn and still as arrogant as ever, aren't you Bialar Crais? You haven't changed a bit!"
Her words stung. She could see an almost perceptible drop of his shoulders, "Maybe you are right Aeryn, maybe I haven't changed and I had better be on my way."
+++++
Three things happened almost at once.
Crais got up from the bed, found that his leg muscles had gone to sleep and fell forward.
Aeryn saw him fall and stepped forwards.
Crichton had been looking for them, got attracted by the loud voices and opened the door to the room.
Crais fell forward and was caught by Aeryn by his middle, Crais' hands landed on Aeryn's shoulders to find support, Crichton saw them in what looked like an embrace.
"Crais!" Crichton shouted in anger.
Crais looked over at Crichton, "This is not what it seems."
Crichton had closed the distance in three big strides, "You haven's changed, have you? You are still after Aeryn!"
"Crichton..."
"Get your filthy hands off her!"
"John..."
Crais tried to step back and gritted his teeth when he balanced on his bad leg, his left leg was still in pins and needles. He sat back on the bed.
"John, you can be such a drannit," Aeryn scowled at him, "Crais was off balance. Nothing more, nothing less. What should I have done, dropped him?"
Crichton looked in disbelief from Crais to Aeryn.
The pins and needles had finally stopped bothering Crais and he stood up from the bed. He looked at Aeryn, "Can I have my key back."
"You are staying, Crais!"
"I don't want to bother you."
"You are staying and that is final."
Crichton's eyes formed into slits, "If the man wants to leave, why can't he?" The old suspicion was back.
"Because he needs our help."
Crais looked darkly at Aeryn.
"In what way, Wonder boy," Crichton asked Crais.
Crais bristled with anger, "I am not your "boy", Crichton or anyone else's. Don't worry, I'll find her on my own."
Crais tried to get past Crichton but was stopped by a hand on his chest. "Who are you looking for Crais? Another one of your victims?"
Crais' hand shot out to Crichton's wrist. While holding Crichton's hand in an iron grip, he applied pressure to the inside of Crichton's underarm with his forefinger. Crichton's expression turned into that of pain while he tried to extricate his arm from Crais' grasp, he stopped when Crais applied more pressure.
Crais spoke low and deep, "You tell me I haven't changed, maybe you are right and maybe you are wrong. The truth is that the one person who hasn't changed is you, John Crichton. You still believe you know everything better. You still believe I have designs on Aeryn. You still believe I am your enemy and you still believe everyone likes your jokes." He had emphasized each point by applying pressure. By the time he had finished, Crichton would have thought his arm had gone dead if it wasn't for the pain. Aeryn had not intervened and had seen how Crais' face turned paler. Finally Crais let go of his arm. Crichton cradled it with his other arm. Crais turned towards the door.
"Yo! Crais! What's eating you?"
Crais turned, his brow darker than they were used to seeing.
"Nothing but your attitude," growled Crais.
"My attitude? You complain about MY attitude," Crichton shouted at him in annoyance, "What about yours? You come to us. You behave like we are nothing but dren to you. You haven't lost your frelling arrogance and you want to complain about MY attitude? That is just too much. Anything else you want to complain about? Maybe Moya's colour is too drab or the food too rich. It was quite obvious that you hadn't eaten for a while, yet when I make a remark you leave in a huff and a puff." Crichton was getting angry.
"I don't know what you told Aeryn but, boy, it must be a really good story to get her all mushy about you. What is it? A tale of "nobody understands me"? Or "everybody hates me"? Well, surprise, surprise. After an absence of eight Cycles nothing has changed. You are still the same arrogant son of a bitch. You are still the same man who believes he's an ex-Peacekeeper. My eema. You just feel sorry that you are not a Peacekeeper Captain anymore."
Crais had listened to Crichton's tirade in silence, his brow darkening.
Aeryn recognised the danger signs and feared that Crais might kill Crichton for it. She had also seen how Crais had paled. She had to put a stop to this, "Can't we talk about this like a adults instead of children screaming at each other?"
Both men looked at her. "I am not screaming," they said almost in unison.
Had the situation been less serious Aeryn would have laughed, instead her own anger and worry slipped through her voice, "We have to sit down and talk about it, rationally. No screaming, no shouting, no name calling or physical contact."
Crais nodded and after a couple of microts Crichton followed suit. Aeryn breathed a sigh of relief. She left briefly to get Crais a glass of water.
+++++
Crais sat in the chair near the desk, while Aeryn and Crichton sat opposite him on the edge of the bed. Aeryn had strategically positioned herself between the two men.
"Well," asked Crichton.
Crais looked at them, "I have an adopted daughter, Armelia Crais, she is about thirteen Cycles now. The Scarrans took her about three Cycles ago. I have been looking for her ever since, they have taken her in all probability to one of their mining colonies."
"Any distinguishing marks?"
"A small tattoo on her left shoulder, with this design," Crais drew the pattern on a sheet. Aeryn looked at it and looked at him in surprise.
"What is it," Crichton asked Aeryn in curiosity.
"It is a family tattoo, it gives the names Vantz and Crais."
"Well, why the surprise. He said she was his adopted daughter."
"Only the name Vantz would have been enough. By linking the two names he is implying a blood relationship. Did you..."
"No but the child needed a father's name," Crais' voice grew quiet, "you have no idea of the prejudices in the colonies. This way she might have a better chance in finding a Bondmate in one of the colonies."
Aeryn thought about her own tattoo, it had only been her mother's family name. In the Peacekeepers that was all that was necessary. Crais, being male, only needed the name of his father's family. "That was very thoughtful, Crais." Crais shrugged his shoulders.
Crichton looked at both of them, not fully comprehending what was going on. He turned his attention to Crais, "Have you been able to find any clues about her whereabouts yet?"
"Only that it must be in this sector. I just had not realised how many mining colonies the Scarrans had," he drew a hand over his tired face.
"How do you go about finding her? Maybe you're overlooking something."
Crais shook his head, "By freeing all slaves of the mining colonies." Crais had stated it as if it had been the most natural thing in the universe to do.
Aeryn stared at him and said in a near whisper, "You are the Dark Captain."
"Is that how they call me now," said Crais with a deep throaty chuckle.
Crichton looked at them in confusion, "Is someone going to enlighten me? The Dark Captain. I have heard about him but I thought he was just a rumour to scare kids."
Aeryn explained without taking her eyes off Crais, "For Cycles there had been rumours of a Captain and a black gunship saving people in the Uncharted Territories. Then quite suddenly he disappeared from the scene and rumours started in Scarran territory of a Dark Captain and his crew, saviour of many and the scourge of the Scarrans. The brutality with which whole Scarran villages and towns were being wiped out goes beyond belief. On the other hand, all who were enslaved were saved."
Aeryn looked in awe, fear and disgust at Crais, "Do you really have to slaughter all Scarrans?"
Crais stayed silent.
When Aeryn saw Crichton's face she explained, "Men, women and children. Killed by one man. A killer dressed in black. The few who have survived can only remember his eyes, which burn like fire. According to the stories, his guns are supercharged and his sword swats an even deadlier path. Some believe he has superhuman powers and cannot be killed. There are strange reports that he is able to call down fire from heaven and how he manages to disappear in thin air. The price on his head is tremendous. And on his crew." She looked at Crais.
Still Crais had not replied.
Aeryn continued, "The freed slaves speak of a different man. They speak of a dark giant who kills the slavers with cold precision, a man who doesn't speak much but who searches among the children. Of a black ship that descents from Heaven to bring them to a safe haven. Some people describe him with magical hair, which protects him against all assaults. Others say he has no hair at all. None can remember his face. There was mentioning of six who fought beside him for a while. Where is your crew now? Moya didn't say anything about others on your ship! No wonder we didn't make the connection that it could be you. Besides, you are presumed dead!"
Crichton looked at Crais, "You can't leave us now without an explanation, Crais."
"I can if I want to," said Crais, meeting his gaze, "It might even be better if you don't know."
"A bit late for that, Wonder boy, we have already figured out who you are. Why don't you start at the beginning?"
+++++
Crais looked down at his hands on the desk, "Talyn and I did survive Starburst but had been flung far into the Uncharted Territories. Somehow during Starburst he lost one of his propulsion fins. It took him half a Cycle to regrow the fin and to recuperate. We both needed that time."
"Is that how you got the gimp? Your leg," added Crichton when the word 'gimp' did not translate.
Crais nodded, "It was a bad break. When I was able to get to a Healer he couldn't fix it and I didn't have enough credits to find a Diagnosian. I got used to it. Talyn turned black with the enforced recuperation."
He took a sip of water and continued, "For the first Cycle we recuperated and hid, then for four Cycles Talyn and I were occupying ourselves with making the Uncharted Territories a safer place.
We found Armelia and her mother in that period. Unfortunately, her mother died shortly after she came on board. I couldn't send Armelia back to the planet, even if she had family living there."
Crais frowned, "Her mother had been raped by a Peacekeeper and her own people had branded her unclean. They were slowly starving them. Armelia would have died there and then had I left her on the planet. It is also fitting that as an ex-Peacekeeper I should take her into my care and give her a name.
When she was abducted by the Scarrans, I..." Crais frowned as if he was trying to remember something but couldn't, "I couldn't go after her immediately and the trail had gone somewhat cold. Every time we picked up another clue or encountered Scarrans, the trails seem to grow even colder."
His frown deepened and he took a deep breath, "In the beginning, the madness had overtaken me and I did kill every Scarran in sight. I am not proud of that. I had picked up a crew from the slaves I had freed and I lost some and gained some. Most left because they couldn't handle my madness. The last crew I sent away nearly half a cycle ago." He didn't look in Crichton's eyes guessing his reaction to hearing him admit to loosing his mind again.
"Sometimes I wore my hair loose and sometimes in a queue, maybe that accounts for the different reports. I don't know why nobody can recall my face. I never hid it.
The fire from Heaven is easily explained. When Talyn can sense I'm in trouble he will use my eyes to pinpoint his attacks. He has become quite skilled at that." There was pride in Crais' voice.
"It is not true that I cannot be killed, I have been wounded numerous times. I just carried on and sometimes only found out that I had been injured when I was back on board. I think that with the adrenaline of Talyn and myself flowing through my body it was hard to feel the injuries when they were sustained.
The slaves I freed, I tried to transport to safer planets in the neighbourhood. From there they were sent to Rhagnor. If there were too many of them we normally managed to secure craft for the able-bodied. The weak I took with me on Talyn until it was safe enough to drop them off. I still haven't found her yet."
The silence grew thick in the room.
+++++
"We can help you find her," said Crichton.
Crais lifted his weary head and regarded Crichton. It was difficult for him to accept help, especially from his former adversary but he had been searching for so long now. At one time he had even believed her dead. "That would be appreciated," he answered calmly.
Crichton couldn't understand how he could stay so calm "Ah, well, we need to get all the information where you have already been. Or should we just follow the trail of burned out mining colonies?"
Crais' head shot up and for a microt his eyes turned dark with rage, it disappeared as fast as it appeared, "That will not be necessary. Talyn can feed the information to Moya, once they have finished communicating."
"In the mean time, you rest," said Aeryn adamantly.
"I don't need..."
"Yes you do. You can use the spare room you slept in earlier but before that, I want you in Medical."
Crais stood up briskly, "I will accept the offer of a rest, Aeryn but I don't need your medical facilities."
"Don't you, Crais?" She gave Crichton an imperceptible nod and before Crais could react, Crichton had Crais' arms pinned to the side, Aeryn had closed the distance and had opened his shirt. It was obvious from the bruises and welts that Crais was not a well man. Aeryn had already noticed them before but for Crichton's benefit choose this dramatic fashion to expose them.
"Unhand me or..."
"No need, eh Crais?" He could almost hear the smirk in Crichton's voice behind him.
Crais had stopped struggling and glared at Aeryn.
+++++
Crichton had left them alone in Medical. It surprised Crais, judging by Crichton's earlier jealous outburst.
Aeryn ran a scanner over him, "Are you sure it is Kevolek-syndrome?"
"That was diagnosed."
"It has the symptoms but..."
"You can treat me for the lesions, Aeryn and then I will take my rest."
Crais slept for close to ten arns. When he joined them in the galley he only looked marginally better but to Aeryn it looked like a huge improvement. This time he ate slowly but heartily.
Aeryn had already apprised the others of a shorter version of Crais' adventures.
Tireeku, their newest addition stared at Crais in awe and he finally became aware of this. He looked up and stared back with a questioning gaze, "Yes?"
"You are the Captain?"
"Yes, I am the Captain of the Leviathan ship outside."
"No, you are the Dark Captain!"
Crais grew uncomfortable with her scrutiny and her words.
"My family and I were taken into slavery by the Scarrans, only my mother and I survived, thanks to you and now there is only me left."
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Don't be, without you I would never have known freedom at all."
Crais said nothing. He felt uncomfortable with the gratitude shown. He didn't even attempt to recognise her, with the number of people he and Talyn had rescued he couldn't remember faces.
Aeryn looked curiously at Tireeku, "You don't recognise Crais as the Captain?"
"No. I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told us. He looks different somehow. Crais doesn't look scary or frightening. Crais looks... well, normal."
Crichton guffawed and Crais scowled at him.
"The Captain was taller, he was dressed in black from top to toe, his arms and legs were shining black, his hair short and his face scary."
It dawned on Crais and he smiled. Aeryn looked at him questioningly. Crais explained, "I wear my hair either loose or in a queue and wear protective leg-guards and gauntlets when I go into battle. The tallness seems a side effect. Apparently it seems to make me appear different."
For the first time that day a genuine smile appeared on Crais' face. He asked Tireeku, " Which planet had you been on?"
"Zara-thor."
"That was only half a Cycle ago." Crais looked hopeful, "Have you ever heard of Armelia, a Sebacean girl? She must be about twelve or thirteen."
Tireeku thought for a moment, "There was a Sebacean girl in our group by that name of about the age you mentioned, she had light reddish hair and green eyes (Aeryn noticed that Crais had turned pale) but she was moved to another mining colony about a Monen before you arrived. She seemed to be a trouble maker and she told me she had been moved several times before she came to our planet and that her father was a captain."
"Do you know to which colony," asked Crais hoarsely, he stood up.
"I've heard them mention San-thor."
Crais had left the table and stood back, his face had drained of all colour. He stared at Tireeku. Aeryn could see him shake his head in disbelief and feared another fit.
"No-o-o-o!" The scream that tore from his mouth was heartrending and he staggered to the door. The others sat in shock, looking at each other and not knowing what had brought on this reaction. He was through the door before any of them could stop him.
The only reason Aeryn and Crichton were able to catch up with him was his heavy limp; even so, he was near the Hangar Bay before they did.
On the way down there Crichton asked what had got into Crais. Aeryn looked quickly at him, "For the last seven monens he has been searching in the wrong direction."
+++++
"Crais," she called to him. He didn't even turn around but continued on. She grabbed him by the arm to make him turn and face her. Whatever semblance of sanity he had gained by his brief rest had completely disappeared.
His eyes smouldered with the passions of hatred and anger, his mouth was set in a determined line, his eyebrows had drawn together in an almost impossible arch and a barely perceptive trembling showed the amount of control he had to exercise to keep himself under control.
"Crais let us help you find her. You can't go off on your own."
In a barely controlled voice he said, "Give me back my key, Aeryn. For the last three Cycles I had to look for her on my own, I will do so again. I appreciate your help but not on my ship nor do I want Moya to go deeper into Scarran territory."
"Crais..."
"My key, Aeryn," he held out his hand. She handed it to him reluctantly.
He turned on his heel and without a further word boarded the transport pod and left for Talyn.
"Charmer, isn't he," said Crichton.
Aeryn looked sadly at him, "Let us hope that we never get into his predicament. Come, we have to talk to Tireeku."
+++++
Aeryn and Crichton went back to the galley where they had their word with Tireeku and went over her story earlier.
The Dark Captain had rescued her and her mother when he laid waste to the Scarran colony six monens ago. She had known Armelia briefly, mainly because the other girl was younger than she was and was already deemed a troublemaker by the Scarrans. While Armelia was there she had attacked her guards twice and attempted an escape once.
Tireeku was amazed that the Scarrans had not killed the young girl yet. Maybe it had amused them to see such spirit in a girl that young or maybe they waited for a way to break her. Their attempts to subdue her spirit seemed to have failed miserable so far.
Tireeku had enjoyed Armelia's brief stay and had listened in wonder to the tales Armelia had told her of her father and his amazing ship. Armelia had brightened up Tireeku's existence and she had missed Armelia when the Scarrans transported her again.
With Tireeku's help Pilot was able to make a holographic image of what Armelia should look like now. This he passed on to Talyn through the frequencies Talyn had left behind.
+++++
Before boarding Talyn, Crais told Talyn they had to leave immediately. Talyn let him dock after restoring the environmental systems. Crais headed for Command and told him they had to direct their first attention to San-thor. On Talyn's insistence they delayed long enough for Talyn to relay any information he had had over the last three cycles concerning Armelia to Moya. Talyn also left the frequency of Levarthes with the information that Crais was only known to him by the name of Captain Xercus. Finally Talyn broke away from his mother.
At a safe distance they initiated Starburst. For Talyn and Crais another period of their search had started.
To be continued
1
4: Getting help
For five Cycles he persisted in his pursuit for Armelia, straying deeper into Scarran controlled territory.
He had not realised, nor would he want to admit to it, that his health was suffering. The wounds he had sustained at the beginning of his quest had never healed properly and although the wounds had closed, the muscles had knitted together in a twisted fashion and the tissue around his heart had thinned dangerously.
At times of stress it would leave him gasping for breath and would even restrict his chest painfully to the point of incapacity.
He had relented enough to have another Healer look at it who had confirmed it as Kevolek-syndrome, a condition common in older Sebaceans. Crais had put it down to his long-term link with Talyn. The medication and the painkillers eased the symptoms but Crais would not admit to himself that he had to increase the dosage regularly.
+++++
In the third Cycle of his search he encountered the Moya-crew or to be more precise. Talyn had contacted Moya. Talyn had picked up her signature and was elated to know his mother was still alive. They had lost contact for eight Cycles since Starburst from the Command Carrier and he had believed her dead. Besides he feared for Crais' well-being. He had relayed Moya's presence in the vicinity to Crais and he told him that he wished to speak to her. Crais had gladly complied, he was happy that Talyn had found his mother. They waited for her at the rendezvous point.
+++++
When Crais came down from the transport pod, the Moya-crew looked at him in surprise. His hair hung loose and his thick curls of raven black hair reached the middle of his back and framed his face. He still kept his beard neatly trimmed in a goatee but his face was drawn and pale, only his eyes burned dark like coals. His cheeks were slightly reddened with fever-spots.
Aeryn noticed he had thinned and wondered if he had been taking care of himself
Gone was the Peacekeeper uniform and was now replaced by tight fitting black clothes and clasped black thigh high boots. To Crichton he resembled a pirate of old.
When he walked up to them, they noticed his heavy limp but nothing in the way he carried himself showed that it would deter him in his movements.
He stopped two paces in front of them, "Aeryn, Crichton, Ka D'Argo, Rygel, Chiana." He nodded to each of them and silently acknowledged the presence of the others he didn't know. He greeted them as if he had only last seen them two Solar days ago.
Aeryn's first urge had been to step forward and embrace him but the Crais they saw before them seemed even more aloof then the one who had Starbursted in the Command Carrier eight Cycles ago.
"Crais, my man," Crichton greeted him in the familiar way and stepped forward, His big grin froze on his face with Crais' icy stare. "How're you doing," Crichton finished lamely.
"As well as can be expected," answered Crais in his deep, calm voice. The others almost felt sorry that Aeryn and Crichton had asked him to come on board.
Aeryn turned to Crais, "We had thought you had died."
"My demise has been overstated, I can assure you."
"But there was no word of you anywhere."
"Then nobody will look for me or Talyn."
"Where have you been all that time?"
"Around."
Finally Crichton had enough of the one-sided conversation, "I know you are not a very talkative person, Crais, but even by your standards you must admit it is very sparse and is hardly telling us anything."
Crais shifted his gaze to Crichton, "It was Talyn who was anxious to speak with his mother. I can always go back and wait until they have finished." He made to turn, making it quite clear that it hadn't been his choice to meet them.
"At least have a meal with us and tell us where you have been the last eight Cycles."
"Crichton I don't..."
"Frell, Crais, when did you last have a decent meal? You look like dren!"
Crais turned around abruptly, his eyes smouldering like fire, "I don't need your sympathy Crichton!"
"Then why come on board if you don't want to be sociable?"
Crais was silent. He couldn't bring himself to say that Talyn had shut down the environmental systems, almost literally driving him off his own ship, "Very well, I will have a meal with you."
+++++
They moved to the galley. Crais moved surprisingly fast for someone with a heavy limp. "So, when did you become Hop-a-long then," asked Crichton.
Crais looked at him in confusion, his translator microbes couldn't translate it, "Oppalung?"
"No, Hop-a... Oh, forget it. Your leg?"
Crais flinched, he didn't want to be reminded of his injury, yet it wasn't something that was easily hidden. The only answer he gave was a scowl.
Once seated in the galley, Aeryn put bowls of Tarkelian stew out for everyone. Crais, despite his earlier objections, ate quickly and was finished even before Rygel. With the last bite he noticed that everyone was staring at him and he looked over his plate at the others.
"Not hungry, huh," smirked Crichton.
Crais laid his spoon on the plate; the last bite uneaten and stood up from the table. He turned without a word and left the room.
Aeryn bristled at Crichton. "What did I do," he asked innocently.
Aeryn rolled her eyes and left the galley in search of Crais.
+++++
He had just entered his transport pod when she caught up with him and she followed him inside. He sat at the controls but made no movement to take off.
Aeryn looked at him, saw the lines of pain and tension in the corners of his mouth, noticed the pallor of his skin and the determined set of his jaw. "Your leg hurting you?"
He looked at her defiantly and then nodded.
"Can we help?"
"No, I've tried a Healer a while ago. It has been too long now."
"When was the last time you have eaten Crais?"
His mouth twitched, "Was it that obvious?"
She nodded.
He looked away, "I don't know, two, three Solar days."
She looked aghast at him, the indifference had shocked her, "If you are in need of supplies..."
"More supplies would be welcome but I have enough on board."
"Then why..."
"Lack of time. I am... searching for someone."
"Can we help you in your search?"
He was about to say 'No' when he changed his mind, "Yes, you may be able to help. I am looking for a little girl." He looked at her, "Armelia, my daughter."
Aeryn was shocked, "Your daughter? How... How old is she?"
"About thirteen Cycles old," when he saw the surprise on her face he explained, "She is my adopted daughter."
"Adopted daughter," Aeryn said haltingly, "Why, Crais, and how?"
"She came on board about six Cycles ago and became my adopted daughter four Cycles ago. For a Cycle I thought fate was finally looking kindly on me, she was a lovely little girl. Both Talyn and I... love her. We raised her, taught her everything we know. Her laughter filled the lonely corridors. Then, about three Cycles ago, the Scarrans took her. They have taken away our joy. I have been looking for her ever since."
Aeryn had noticed that his breathing had quickened while he related the story and sounded shallow. Still it was with a surprise that by the end he clutched his chest, moaned and all but keeled forward.
She stood up and laid her hand on his shoulder, "Crais, what's wrong?"
"Nothing... The anxiety..."
"You are ill!"
"I'll manage," he turned to the controls.
"Oh no, you are not leaving us until you've had a rest!" She wrestled his hands from the controls.
"Officer Sun, this is most unbecoming," he gritted through his teeth. Her strength close to his own in normal circumstances now proved to be superior.
She took the transport key away from its slot and pocketed it. She looked down at Crais who was breathing quickly and shallowly. His dark eyes were filled with anger.
"Crais, you are not well, admit it!" She glared at him with a mixture of anger and concern.
He glared back at her, "No more than a passing weakness."
She walked away, taking the key with her, "You can sit here if you like or you can come back and rest. I don't care." She left the pod.
He sat at the controls for a moment, getting himself under control and followed her shortly. He found her waiting for him outside. She turned without a word and walked out of the Hangar Bay. He followed her.
In the eight Cycles since he had last been on board Moya, the ship had created some more rooms to accommodate for passengers. Aeryn directed him to one of the unoccupied ones. "Rest" was all she said before she left the room.
He took one of his painkillers before he undressed and slid under the covers, at least she had not dragged him to Medical. He had to admit to feeling extremely tired and was asleep very soon.
+++++
She looked in on him soon after that, armed with a medical scanner. As a precaution she had switched off the audible mode. She didn't want to wake him up and she approached the bed. She looked at his sleeping form. Even sleep could not erase the lines of pain and worry he had carefully masked earlier. She let the scanner run over him and was concerned with the readings.
She knew she hadn't made a sound but his eyes flew open. "Aeryn," he said hoarsely, "What are you doing here?" He noticed the scanner in her hand and his eyes reduced into slits.
"You are very ill, Crais, you need rest."
"Which I would have had if you would have left me alone. I have to find Armelia first."
"The scanner shows you are exhausted, readings on all your bio-signatures are low and there is evidence of diminished lung capacity, if you continue to neglect yourself and you'll find an early death."
Crais threw the covers off him, heedless that he was naked, got out of bed and dressed, "If you could give me the key back."
"Crais..."
"Then I will return to Talyn..."
"Crais..." Aeryn grew annoyed.
"...I have a daughter to find."
"Crais!"
He turned around and looked at her.
"You are in no condition to do anything. You need rest and nourishment! Maybe we can help."
"Maybe, Aeryn Sun but what would happen if Crichton saw you leave this room?"
"Frell Crichton! I want you in Medical!"
"Why? To confirm what I already know?"
"Know what?"
"That I have Kevolek syndrome," it was obvious that he had not liked voicing it. He sat down on the edge of the bed, suddenly very tired.
"But you are too young..."
"It was diagnosed two-and-a-half Cycles ago. I can live to be a hundred-and-fifty with it or it could be over tomorrow. I need to find Armelia first. I don't know how much time I have left."
She resisted the urge to embrace him, to comfort him. "Is that the reason you didn't want to come on board," she asked him softly.
"I don't need sympathy but Talyn has shut down the environmental systems for a purge."
Aeryn's face was warring between laughter and thunder, "At least one of you two is thinking clearly! It is not wrong to ask for assistance from friends, Crais! It's not wrong to ask for help!"
"Friends? I must admit I was surprised that nobody had their pulse pistols drawn when I came on board but it was not friendship I saw, only surprise. I don't think things have changed that much, only the readiness to shoot me has slowed down."
Aeryn glared at him, "You are still as stubborn and still as arrogant as ever, aren't you Bialar Crais? You haven't changed a bit!"
Her words stung. She could see an almost perceptible drop of his shoulders, "Maybe you are right Aeryn, maybe I haven't changed and I had better be on my way."
+++++
Three things happened almost at once.
Crais got up from the bed, found that his leg muscles had gone to sleep and fell forward.
Aeryn saw him fall and stepped forwards.
Crichton had been looking for them, got attracted by the loud voices and opened the door to the room.
Crais fell forward and was caught by Aeryn by his middle, Crais' hands landed on Aeryn's shoulders to find support, Crichton saw them in what looked like an embrace.
"Crais!" Crichton shouted in anger.
Crais looked over at Crichton, "This is not what it seems."
Crichton had closed the distance in three big strides, "You haven's changed, have you? You are still after Aeryn!"
"Crichton..."
"Get your filthy hands off her!"
"John..."
Crais tried to step back and gritted his teeth when he balanced on his bad leg, his left leg was still in pins and needles. He sat back on the bed.
"John, you can be such a drannit," Aeryn scowled at him, "Crais was off balance. Nothing more, nothing less. What should I have done, dropped him?"
Crichton looked in disbelief from Crais to Aeryn.
The pins and needles had finally stopped bothering Crais and he stood up from the bed. He looked at Aeryn, "Can I have my key back."
"You are staying, Crais!"
"I don't want to bother you."
"You are staying and that is final."
Crichton's eyes formed into slits, "If the man wants to leave, why can't he?" The old suspicion was back.
"Because he needs our help."
Crais looked darkly at Aeryn.
"In what way, Wonder boy," Crichton asked Crais.
Crais bristled with anger, "I am not your "boy", Crichton or anyone else's. Don't worry, I'll find her on my own."
Crais tried to get past Crichton but was stopped by a hand on his chest. "Who are you looking for Crais? Another one of your victims?"
Crais' hand shot out to Crichton's wrist. While holding Crichton's hand in an iron grip, he applied pressure to the inside of Crichton's underarm with his forefinger. Crichton's expression turned into that of pain while he tried to extricate his arm from Crais' grasp, he stopped when Crais applied more pressure.
Crais spoke low and deep, "You tell me I haven't changed, maybe you are right and maybe you are wrong. The truth is that the one person who hasn't changed is you, John Crichton. You still believe you know everything better. You still believe I have designs on Aeryn. You still believe I am your enemy and you still believe everyone likes your jokes." He had emphasized each point by applying pressure. By the time he had finished, Crichton would have thought his arm had gone dead if it wasn't for the pain. Aeryn had not intervened and had seen how Crais' face turned paler. Finally Crais let go of his arm. Crichton cradled it with his other arm. Crais turned towards the door.
"Yo! Crais! What's eating you?"
Crais turned, his brow darker than they were used to seeing.
"Nothing but your attitude," growled Crais.
"My attitude? You complain about MY attitude," Crichton shouted at him in annoyance, "What about yours? You come to us. You behave like we are nothing but dren to you. You haven't lost your frelling arrogance and you want to complain about MY attitude? That is just too much. Anything else you want to complain about? Maybe Moya's colour is too drab or the food too rich. It was quite obvious that you hadn't eaten for a while, yet when I make a remark you leave in a huff and a puff." Crichton was getting angry.
"I don't know what you told Aeryn but, boy, it must be a really good story to get her all mushy about you. What is it? A tale of "nobody understands me"? Or "everybody hates me"? Well, surprise, surprise. After an absence of eight Cycles nothing has changed. You are still the same arrogant son of a bitch. You are still the same man who believes he's an ex-Peacekeeper. My eema. You just feel sorry that you are not a Peacekeeper Captain anymore."
Crais had listened to Crichton's tirade in silence, his brow darkening.
Aeryn recognised the danger signs and feared that Crais might kill Crichton for it. She had also seen how Crais had paled. She had to put a stop to this, "Can't we talk about this like a adults instead of children screaming at each other?"
Both men looked at her. "I am not screaming," they said almost in unison.
Had the situation been less serious Aeryn would have laughed, instead her own anger and worry slipped through her voice, "We have to sit down and talk about it, rationally. No screaming, no shouting, no name calling or physical contact."
Crais nodded and after a couple of microts Crichton followed suit. Aeryn breathed a sigh of relief. She left briefly to get Crais a glass of water.
+++++
Crais sat in the chair near the desk, while Aeryn and Crichton sat opposite him on the edge of the bed. Aeryn had strategically positioned herself between the two men.
"Well," asked Crichton.
Crais looked at them, "I have an adopted daughter, Armelia Crais, she is about thirteen Cycles now. The Scarrans took her about three Cycles ago. I have been looking for her ever since, they have taken her in all probability to one of their mining colonies."
"Any distinguishing marks?"
"A small tattoo on her left shoulder, with this design," Crais drew the pattern on a sheet. Aeryn looked at it and looked at him in surprise.
"What is it," Crichton asked Aeryn in curiosity.
"It is a family tattoo, it gives the names Vantz and Crais."
"Well, why the surprise. He said she was his adopted daughter."
"Only the name Vantz would have been enough. By linking the two names he is implying a blood relationship. Did you..."
"No but the child needed a father's name," Crais' voice grew quiet, "you have no idea of the prejudices in the colonies. This way she might have a better chance in finding a Bondmate in one of the colonies."
Aeryn thought about her own tattoo, it had only been her mother's family name. In the Peacekeepers that was all that was necessary. Crais, being male, only needed the name of his father's family. "That was very thoughtful, Crais." Crais shrugged his shoulders.
Crichton looked at both of them, not fully comprehending what was going on. He turned his attention to Crais, "Have you been able to find any clues about her whereabouts yet?"
"Only that it must be in this sector. I just had not realised how many mining colonies the Scarrans had," he drew a hand over his tired face.
"How do you go about finding her? Maybe you're overlooking something."
Crais shook his head, "By freeing all slaves of the mining colonies." Crais had stated it as if it had been the most natural thing in the universe to do.
Aeryn stared at him and said in a near whisper, "You are the Dark Captain."
"Is that how they call me now," said Crais with a deep throaty chuckle.
Crichton looked at them in confusion, "Is someone going to enlighten me? The Dark Captain. I have heard about him but I thought he was just a rumour to scare kids."
Aeryn explained without taking her eyes off Crais, "For Cycles there had been rumours of a Captain and a black gunship saving people in the Uncharted Territories. Then quite suddenly he disappeared from the scene and rumours started in Scarran territory of a Dark Captain and his crew, saviour of many and the scourge of the Scarrans. The brutality with which whole Scarran villages and towns were being wiped out goes beyond belief. On the other hand, all who were enslaved were saved."
Aeryn looked in awe, fear and disgust at Crais, "Do you really have to slaughter all Scarrans?"
Crais stayed silent.
When Aeryn saw Crichton's face she explained, "Men, women and children. Killed by one man. A killer dressed in black. The few who have survived can only remember his eyes, which burn like fire. According to the stories, his guns are supercharged and his sword swats an even deadlier path. Some believe he has superhuman powers and cannot be killed. There are strange reports that he is able to call down fire from heaven and how he manages to disappear in thin air. The price on his head is tremendous. And on his crew." She looked at Crais.
Still Crais had not replied.
Aeryn continued, "The freed slaves speak of a different man. They speak of a dark giant who kills the slavers with cold precision, a man who doesn't speak much but who searches among the children. Of a black ship that descents from Heaven to bring them to a safe haven. Some people describe him with magical hair, which protects him against all assaults. Others say he has no hair at all. None can remember his face. There was mentioning of six who fought beside him for a while. Where is your crew now? Moya didn't say anything about others on your ship! No wonder we didn't make the connection that it could be you. Besides, you are presumed dead!"
Crichton looked at Crais, "You can't leave us now without an explanation, Crais."
"I can if I want to," said Crais, meeting his gaze, "It might even be better if you don't know."
"A bit late for that, Wonder boy, we have already figured out who you are. Why don't you start at the beginning?"
+++++
Crais looked down at his hands on the desk, "Talyn and I did survive Starburst but had been flung far into the Uncharted Territories. Somehow during Starburst he lost one of his propulsion fins. It took him half a Cycle to regrow the fin and to recuperate. We both needed that time."
"Is that how you got the gimp? Your leg," added Crichton when the word 'gimp' did not translate.
Crais nodded, "It was a bad break. When I was able to get to a Healer he couldn't fix it and I didn't have enough credits to find a Diagnosian. I got used to it. Talyn turned black with the enforced recuperation."
He took a sip of water and continued, "For the first Cycle we recuperated and hid, then for four Cycles Talyn and I were occupying ourselves with making the Uncharted Territories a safer place.
We found Armelia and her mother in that period. Unfortunately, her mother died shortly after she came on board. I couldn't send Armelia back to the planet, even if she had family living there."
Crais frowned, "Her mother had been raped by a Peacekeeper and her own people had branded her unclean. They were slowly starving them. Armelia would have died there and then had I left her on the planet. It is also fitting that as an ex-Peacekeeper I should take her into my care and give her a name.
When she was abducted by the Scarrans, I..." Crais frowned as if he was trying to remember something but couldn't, "I couldn't go after her immediately and the trail had gone somewhat cold. Every time we picked up another clue or encountered Scarrans, the trails seem to grow even colder."
His frown deepened and he took a deep breath, "In the beginning, the madness had overtaken me and I did kill every Scarran in sight. I am not proud of that. I had picked up a crew from the slaves I had freed and I lost some and gained some. Most left because they couldn't handle my madness. The last crew I sent away nearly half a cycle ago." He didn't look in Crichton's eyes guessing his reaction to hearing him admit to loosing his mind again.
"Sometimes I wore my hair loose and sometimes in a queue, maybe that accounts for the different reports. I don't know why nobody can recall my face. I never hid it.
The fire from Heaven is easily explained. When Talyn can sense I'm in trouble he will use my eyes to pinpoint his attacks. He has become quite skilled at that." There was pride in Crais' voice.
"It is not true that I cannot be killed, I have been wounded numerous times. I just carried on and sometimes only found out that I had been injured when I was back on board. I think that with the adrenaline of Talyn and myself flowing through my body it was hard to feel the injuries when they were sustained.
The slaves I freed, I tried to transport to safer planets in the neighbourhood. From there they were sent to Rhagnor. If there were too many of them we normally managed to secure craft for the able-bodied. The weak I took with me on Talyn until it was safe enough to drop them off. I still haven't found her yet."
The silence grew thick in the room.
+++++
"We can help you find her," said Crichton.
Crais lifted his weary head and regarded Crichton. It was difficult for him to accept help, especially from his former adversary but he had been searching for so long now. At one time he had even believed her dead. "That would be appreciated," he answered calmly.
Crichton couldn't understand how he could stay so calm "Ah, well, we need to get all the information where you have already been. Or should we just follow the trail of burned out mining colonies?"
Crais' head shot up and for a microt his eyes turned dark with rage, it disappeared as fast as it appeared, "That will not be necessary. Talyn can feed the information to Moya, once they have finished communicating."
"In the mean time, you rest," said Aeryn adamantly.
"I don't need..."
"Yes you do. You can use the spare room you slept in earlier but before that, I want you in Medical."
Crais stood up briskly, "I will accept the offer of a rest, Aeryn but I don't need your medical facilities."
"Don't you, Crais?" She gave Crichton an imperceptible nod and before Crais could react, Crichton had Crais' arms pinned to the side, Aeryn had closed the distance and had opened his shirt. It was obvious from the bruises and welts that Crais was not a well man. Aeryn had already noticed them before but for Crichton's benefit choose this dramatic fashion to expose them.
"Unhand me or..."
"No need, eh Crais?" He could almost hear the smirk in Crichton's voice behind him.
Crais had stopped struggling and glared at Aeryn.
+++++
Crichton had left them alone in Medical. It surprised Crais, judging by Crichton's earlier jealous outburst.
Aeryn ran a scanner over him, "Are you sure it is Kevolek-syndrome?"
"That was diagnosed."
"It has the symptoms but..."
"You can treat me for the lesions, Aeryn and then I will take my rest."
Crais slept for close to ten arns. When he joined them in the galley he only looked marginally better but to Aeryn it looked like a huge improvement. This time he ate slowly but heartily.
Aeryn had already apprised the others of a shorter version of Crais' adventures.
Tireeku, their newest addition stared at Crais in awe and he finally became aware of this. He looked up and stared back with a questioning gaze, "Yes?"
"You are the Captain?"
"Yes, I am the Captain of the Leviathan ship outside."
"No, you are the Dark Captain!"
Crais grew uncomfortable with her scrutiny and her words.
"My family and I were taken into slavery by the Scarrans, only my mother and I survived, thanks to you and now there is only me left."
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Don't be, without you I would never have known freedom at all."
Crais said nothing. He felt uncomfortable with the gratitude shown. He didn't even attempt to recognise her, with the number of people he and Talyn had rescued he couldn't remember faces.
Aeryn looked curiously at Tireeku, "You don't recognise Crais as the Captain?"
"No. I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told us. He looks different somehow. Crais doesn't look scary or frightening. Crais looks... well, normal."
Crichton guffawed and Crais scowled at him.
"The Captain was taller, he was dressed in black from top to toe, his arms and legs were shining black, his hair short and his face scary."
It dawned on Crais and he smiled. Aeryn looked at him questioningly. Crais explained, "I wear my hair either loose or in a queue and wear protective leg-guards and gauntlets when I go into battle. The tallness seems a side effect. Apparently it seems to make me appear different."
For the first time that day a genuine smile appeared on Crais' face. He asked Tireeku, " Which planet had you been on?"
"Zara-thor."
"That was only half a Cycle ago." Crais looked hopeful, "Have you ever heard of Armelia, a Sebacean girl? She must be about twelve or thirteen."
Tireeku thought for a moment, "There was a Sebacean girl in our group by that name of about the age you mentioned, she had light reddish hair and green eyes (Aeryn noticed that Crais had turned pale) but she was moved to another mining colony about a Monen before you arrived. She seemed to be a trouble maker and she told me she had been moved several times before she came to our planet and that her father was a captain."
"Do you know to which colony," asked Crais hoarsely, he stood up.
"I've heard them mention San-thor."
Crais had left the table and stood back, his face had drained of all colour. He stared at Tireeku. Aeryn could see him shake his head in disbelief and feared another fit.
"No-o-o-o!" The scream that tore from his mouth was heartrending and he staggered to the door. The others sat in shock, looking at each other and not knowing what had brought on this reaction. He was through the door before any of them could stop him.
The only reason Aeryn and Crichton were able to catch up with him was his heavy limp; even so, he was near the Hangar Bay before they did.
On the way down there Crichton asked what had got into Crais. Aeryn looked quickly at him, "For the last seven monens he has been searching in the wrong direction."
+++++
"Crais," she called to him. He didn't even turn around but continued on. She grabbed him by the arm to make him turn and face her. Whatever semblance of sanity he had gained by his brief rest had completely disappeared.
His eyes smouldered with the passions of hatred and anger, his mouth was set in a determined line, his eyebrows had drawn together in an almost impossible arch and a barely perceptive trembling showed the amount of control he had to exercise to keep himself under control.
"Crais let us help you find her. You can't go off on your own."
In a barely controlled voice he said, "Give me back my key, Aeryn. For the last three Cycles I had to look for her on my own, I will do so again. I appreciate your help but not on my ship nor do I want Moya to go deeper into Scarran territory."
"Crais..."
"My key, Aeryn," he held out his hand. She handed it to him reluctantly.
He turned on his heel and without a further word boarded the transport pod and left for Talyn.
"Charmer, isn't he," said Crichton.
Aeryn looked sadly at him, "Let us hope that we never get into his predicament. Come, we have to talk to Tireeku."
+++++
Aeryn and Crichton went back to the galley where they had their word with Tireeku and went over her story earlier.
The Dark Captain had rescued her and her mother when he laid waste to the Scarran colony six monens ago. She had known Armelia briefly, mainly because the other girl was younger than she was and was already deemed a troublemaker by the Scarrans. While Armelia was there she had attacked her guards twice and attempted an escape once.
Tireeku was amazed that the Scarrans had not killed the young girl yet. Maybe it had amused them to see such spirit in a girl that young or maybe they waited for a way to break her. Their attempts to subdue her spirit seemed to have failed miserable so far.
Tireeku had enjoyed Armelia's brief stay and had listened in wonder to the tales Armelia had told her of her father and his amazing ship. Armelia had brightened up Tireeku's existence and she had missed Armelia when the Scarrans transported her again.
With Tireeku's help Pilot was able to make a holographic image of what Armelia should look like now. This he passed on to Talyn through the frequencies Talyn had left behind.
+++++
Before boarding Talyn, Crais told Talyn they had to leave immediately. Talyn let him dock after restoring the environmental systems. Crais headed for Command and told him they had to direct their first attention to San-thor. On Talyn's insistence they delayed long enough for Talyn to relay any information he had had over the last three cycles concerning Armelia to Moya. Talyn also left the frequency of Levarthes with the information that Crais was only known to him by the name of Captain Xercus. Finally Talyn broke away from his mother.
At a safe distance they initiated Starburst. For Talyn and Crais another period of their search had started.
To be continued
1