"The Beginning of the End"
Part Three
"A Secret Revealed"
Tormented Space
Sebacea-Tran.
Every member of Moya's crew stood in awe as they stared around at the beautiful, busy yet peaceful planet. Aeryn's voice interrupted everyone's reverie, voicing all thoughts. "How is it possible that this planet exist here in Tormented Space? Is it one of the break away colonies?"
Lazzar chuckled. "No, Sebacea-Tran is not a break away colony. It is the original Colony; Sebacea-Tran has existed for millions of cycles. It was here before this space was aptly named Tormented. When a large group of Sebaceans left Sebacea-Tran over four thousand cycles ago, they created what we now refer to as the Sebacean High Council, Peacekeeper High Command and of course the Peacekeepers. The majority of the Sebacea-Tran's inhabitants opted to stay. As to why it exists unscathed, well to attack Sebacea-Tran is to commit genocide. We are not a very forgiving people.
"Why does High Command allow you to stay here?" Aeryn asked.
"Because Sebacea-Tran is the home of The Premier Sebacean High Council, They are the ultimate rulers. Peacekeeper High command wouldn't dare attack; it would be like taking a very fast poison. The minute they attack, we reciprocate. The only difference is, we have been in Peacekeeper Command as long as it has existed and they have no idea who is playing which side. If we decide to attack, we will do so from within their own ranks."
Crichton muttered. "You guys are really into the whole cloak and dagger thing aren't ya?"
"Excuse me?" Lazzar questioned.
"Ignore him, we do." D'Argo announced.
Aeryn had the strangest feeling that she'd somehow been here before, nothing seemed new, yet it did and she had no idea why.
Solar Days Later.
"I know what Lazzar said but how could a planet such as this, exist in Tormented Space? I haven't seen any security since I got here." John Crichton wondered out loud. He stared in awe at his surroundings. Trees, lakes, perfect green grass, the Sun shinning brightly even a gentle fragrant breeze. 'Where those birds chirping?' "Huh.feels like home."
"Earth?" D'Argo asked, coming up behind his friend. He too was amazed that a planet as beautiful and tranquil as Sebacea-Tran could exist unmolested in Tormented Space.
"Yeah." John glanced around D'Argo. "Where are Aeryn and Chiana? I know Rygel is still napping."
"Actually, Rygel is up and filling his three bottomless pits. Chiana is off searching for trouble, I'm sure. Aeryn is walking with her aunt." D'Argo informed. He had to admit, the last two weekens had been the most peaceful and restful he'd experienced in the past thirteen cycles. He and the others had been invited to stay, had even been offered jobs and homes, very desirable!
"Figures, Rygel's been in heaven, ever since he found out that they have a variety of Hynerian Mojules down here." Crichton chuckled. "Tell me something D?" He continued. "Do you get the feeling that Lazzar and Ahni are more than just comrades? It's not so much their words as it is their actions. I mean they just seem to be a little more than buddies."
John spun around and stared into D'Argo's eyes. "And man I know I keep asking this, but is me or do Aeryn and Serrca look exactly alike. Man it's creepy!"
D'Argo rolled his eyes heavenward. "John, they've already explained that Sercca is Aeryn's aunt when you asked on the Command Carrier."
"No D'Argo, there's something more going on. Aeryn favors Xhalax, but her features positively mirror Serrca's I got another question for ya. Why did Lazzar and Ahni go through so much trouble to collect us from the Peacekeepers? Why now? I get the feeling they've known where we were for awhile." John shot questions out one at a time but in rapid succession. "We've been here for two weekens and no one has said a thing regarding our rescue and this sanctuary as a matter of fact, they've gone out of their way to make sure we find out nothing!"
"All I know John is that Lazzar says the Premier High Council will have to answer all of our questions. Until they decide to speak with us, we have no choice but to relax. So I suggest that we all take this time to enjoy the offerings of this beautiful planet." The same questions were running through his mind, but the perks far outweighed the curiosity. He glanced across the lake in time to catch the flirtatious glances of two young Sebacean women.
Noticing the women, Crichton chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. You go and enjoy yourself D. I'm going in search of my heart's desire." Turning, he just missed D'Argo's exasperated expression.
"Yeah, me too." D'Argo waggled his tentacles and set off for the other side of the lake and the two Sebacean women.
Crichton laughed and set off in the opposite direction in search of Aeryn.
AERYN AND SERRCA.
"Aeryn, I want you to stay here with us." Serrca walk along slowly next to her niece, she couldn't believe that Aeryn was finally here again where she belong. "Before you say no, think about it. Where else can you go?"
Aeryn had no answer. Every fiber of her being screamed stay, but like the like the others, she had no wish to bring Peacekeeper retaliation. Upon this planet and its people. Aeryn decided to change the subject. "How long have you known High Commander Lazzar?"
"It won't work.changing the subject but I will allow it to drop for now. As to your questions, Lazzar and I have known each other since I was fifteen cycles. However we actually met when I was seven cycles, we were then formally introduced 8 cycles later." Serrca stopped next to a bench, which faced the back of the Palace. She sat and gestured for Aeryn to do the same.
Aeryn sat and began speaking again. "You said you met him when you were seven cycles. What were you two doing? He had to be what.at least seventeen cycles."
Serrca shook her head slowly. "That my darling niece is a story for another time. Why don't you tell me about John Crichton and the baby."
Aeryn gasped. "How did you.did Chiana say something?" Aeryn jumped to her feet.
Serrca shook her head chuckling. She reached up to grab Aeryn's wrist, guiding her back to the bench. "Come now Aeryn, you know Chiana did not tell me. No one needed to tell me, I am a Seeker after all. I can feel his life force when I touch you."
"Him? It's a boy?" Aeryn whispered in awe, until that very moment, she hadn't thought of the baby in terms of reality. The child had remained a distant imprint in her mind.
"Hmm, yes it's a boy and you will need to have him released from stasis soon or he will die and you may also." Serrca answered. "What about the child's father? Is he happy about this new life he has help to create?"
Aeryn hesitated in a low voice. "Well.that's the problem .see I'm.uhh.I'm not really sure who the father is." She allowed her gaze to wonder over the rippling beauty of the lake. "I only found out half a cycle ago, while on Scorpius' Command Carrier."
"Hmm, yes well we can have the baby's DNA tested while you're here. What of John Crichton, does he know?" Serrca didn't understand how Aeryn could have found out about the baby existence but not who the father was. The surgeon should have tested her at the time; this was not the usual Sebacean embryo. This child would change everything.
"Yes he knows but he's not very happy with the idea that he may not be the father. It's such a long story." Aeryn didn't understand why she felt so comfortable speaking to Serrca, she rarely spoke to anyone other than John. Granted Serrca was her aunt but she was also High Command!
"I have all the time you need, sweet Aeryn." Serrca offered. "But if it's too hard to speak, I can always summon the memories by touch if you will let me." Serrca stared expectantly.
Aeryn hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Alright."
With a nod, Serrca cradled Aeryn's face between her hands, two fingers touching Aeryn's temples. Within seconds Serrca was linked to Aeryn's past. Her body tensed as Aeryn's life unfolded before her. Serrca almost broke the link when she witness Aeryn's death at the hands of the clone Scorpius had implanted within John Crichton's mind. She also recognized a few faces from her on past, unfriendly faces. Faces that had no business in Aeryn's life! Crais.Bialar Crais, Scorpius even Durka! Serrca paid close attention to Aeryn's relationship with both John Crichtons. not a clone but the same man, walking a separate time line within the primary line. Very interesting, she would have to inform The Council.
Once the memories ceased, Serrca released Aeryn speaking quietly; she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Oh the life you've led little one! I should have never let you apply for the Pliesar Regiment. I should have kept you close, regardless of High Command's Orders. I'm so sorry!"
Memories of her childhood flashed through Aeryn's mind. Her aunt was always around when Aeryn needed her. Serrca had always managed in some small part to make Aeryn feel wanted and loved. Aeryn remembered little things, small gifts and delicacies. She remembered Serrca coming to the nursery unit to see her. Then abruptly everything changed, Serrca stopped coming to see her and began ignoring her. She remembered the feeling of betrayal, when Serrca suddenly disappeared. "You disappeared suddenly, why?"
"Because I had the unmitigated gall to question their decision to allow you to join the Icarion unit. I knew that you'd be joining special Ops next and the thought terrified me." Serrca didn't bother to tell Aeryn the primary reason she'd been reassigned. High Command wanted Aeryn out from under her influence. They also wanted to make absolutely sure that Serrca would follow their instructions to the letter and what better way than to hold Aeryn's career and safety over her head.
"At least you cared enough to worry. For years I thought that you'd just forgotten about me and no longer cared." Aeryn allowed her head to drop to Serrca's shoulder. Besides John Crichton, Serrca had been the only person Aeryn had allowed into her emotional inner circle. It just felt so good to be able share her burdens with someone who would take them on gladly. Aeryn sighed softly as Serrca ran her fingers through her hair.
This was how John found the two women; he was loathed to interrupt them. It was rare that he had a chance to see Aeryn totally relaxed; Serrca seemed to be very adept at comforting Aeryn. "Am I interrupting?"
Aeryn jumped up and headed toward Crichton. "No, we were just going over the past. What have you been up to?"
"I was just hanging out and decided to come find my girl, for a little quality time." He kissed her loudly on the cheek. The fact that she didn't pull away said a lot about Serrca's influence. He glanced from Aeryn to Serrca. "You two actually have a past?"
"Yes we have a past but not an extensive one." Serrca's replied.
"I thought High Command didn't allow families to really stay together." John frowned.
"They aren't really; it's a practice that High Command frowns upon." Serrca glanced away for a brief moment, hiding her expression, an expression that told just how much she loathed High Command and its rules. She stood to take her leave. "How are you enjoying your stay John Crichton?"
"John.call me John. This place is paradise." John allowed his hand to slide caressingly down Aeryn's back to rest at her waist. " I still can't believe it escapes all harm. We've seen some pretty sketchy characters out here in Tormented Space."
Serrca smiled indulgently. "We survive because we are the elite."
Crichton broke in. "Yeah.yeah I know, the whole unforgiving people thing. What I'm asking you is what exactly is it that keeps the bad guys at home? What. do you guys have some massive Death Star hidden some where?"
"Crichton, what are."
"Sorry, a little earth humor there. It just means a massive weapon." Crichton grimaced, when would he ever learn.
There is no force within Tormented Space, The Uncharted or Peacekeeper territories that can defeat us. Not to say that they haven't tried, there have been a few races willing to send their soldiers to die."
"You keep saying force, what is this force you're talking about?" John asked.
Serrca glanced at Aeryn then Crichton before answering. "The Imperial Alliance, they are sometimes referred to as The Protectors. The Protectors are the best Juccari and Praetorians in this sector of the Universe. They are very diligent and will protect to the point of death!" Serrca began walking toward the palace.
"So what's the difference between these Protectors and the Peacekeepers?" Crichton and Aeryn fell instep behind her.
"Life, especially yours and Aeryn's. The Peacekeepers are more interested in destroying the peace not keeping it. Here, we are only interested in Sebacea-Tran and it's allies. The Protectors keep them safe. Here all are welcome, as long as they come in peace."
"And if they don't?"
"Then they die." Serrca's answer came in very matter of fact manner. "No Peacekeeper will come this far into Tormented Space unless they are Special Ops or defectors. Peacekeeper, like the Scarrans are usually killed upon sight of their drawn weapons." Serrca stop suddenly and turned to face the two. "Most of the inhabitants of Sebacea-Tran are Sebacean and ex- Peacekeepers but there are also other species who arrive looking for sanctuary. We keep these beings safe as well."
"How is it you are here but also in High Command?" Aeryn spoke up.
"I have always been a Peacekeeper, but chose to take the vows of the Imperial Juccari at sixteen cycles. It was what I was born to be. Again, that is a story for another time, soon to come. Come, I believe the afternoon meal is ready." Serrca turned and resumed walking.
**********
Crichton chose his moment carefully. He watched Serrca's daily routine and decided that the time she took to walk to her daily afternoon council meeting would be a good time to speak with her. He watched her leave the Palace and ran to catch up with her. "Hey Serrca, mind if I tag along? We can shoot the breeze."
Serrca stopped her expression one of confusion and slight irritation. Why couldn't she understand this human? Would she ever be able to understand his babble? "Why do you wish to fire upon the wind Crichton?"
"No.no I meant do care if I walk with you so we can talk." He explained. Serrca was as bad as Aeryn.
"Ahhh.I see, well that's fine. You are welcome to walk with me, but I am on my way to a Council meeting." Serrca began walking again. "What did you wish to speak to me about?"
How to start.hell were to start? He'd do it the old John Crichton way. "You.well you and Aeryn actually." Crichton long gate kept him from lagging behind Serrca's powerful stride. "Well actually your relationship."
"Uh huh, what about it?" Serrca's expression never changed.
"I get the feeling there's more to it then Aeryn knows and you're willing to tell." Crichton hedged; it was one thing to jump in the pool but a totally different thing altogether if the pool was full of flesh eating piranhas. He knew he'd hit the jackpot when Serrca answered. Her voice sliced through him and left a path of ice in his blood.
"Such as?" Serrca's voice became very quiet and her steps once again slowed to a halt. She turned to stare into John's eyes, dreading the words that would surely fall from his loose lips. Dreading yet praying for them nonetheless. John Crichton didn't let her down; with his next words he opened a door that had been sealed for almost thirty cycles.
"Such as maybe Xhalax wasn't really Aeryn's mother and you aren't Aeryn's aunt." He watched for a change of expression on Serrca's face. Man! You had to give her credit. Her expression never changed. "Such as Xhalax and Aeryn may share similar features, but I figure those may just be family traits."
Serrca continued to stare, whispering softly. "Continue, please." Drawing the words from him, she herself had been forbidden to say.
"Such as I think and this could just be me, but I think that you are Aeryn's mother.well birth mother anyway. Having come to this conclusion my next question is why? Why the secrecy?"
Serrca's released a sigh that sounded as tired as she looked in that moment. Serrca along with a small handful of others new the true circumstances behind Aeryn Sun's birth. It was a secret that had saved a number of lives and destroyed quite a few also. "The circumstances of Aeryn's birth have been kept secret for over thirty cycles, you are very observant John Crichton. "
"That still doesn't answer the why portion of today's question."
"Why?" Serrca stared at John, weighting the options.
"Yeah, why or should I ask how? How could you abandon your own child to be raised by the Peacekeepers! What kind of mother allows that? Oh! That's right, you're a Peacekeeper! What the hell did I expect?"
Serrca allowed all of the bitterness to explode with her every word. "How dare you! You know nothing about me or what I am! You know even less about the circumstances! As a matter of fact I doubt you know much about my daughter! Oh you claim you want her and I can see that in your heart you love her but do you know her? No! You've placed her in a nice little box just like you've done with me. So tell me John Crichton what happens when Aeryn steps out of that box, do you leave her? Blame her for your misery or do you simply accept her?"
"I.."
"Don't bother to answer, I already know it! I've seen it" Serrca pointed at her eye and head. "Let me help you understand this Commander. Are you ready? I'm about to step out of that neatly constructed Peacekeeper box you've got there." Serrca twisted her mouth, glanced away from John for a microt than back. "You're right, Aeryn is my daughter. She was taken from me when she was just a baby.not quite two cycles. Her father and I were betrayed, he was imprisoned and I was sent to a Peacekeeper Gammak base in the Uncharted Territories, for research.torture. By the time we were released, Aeryn was four and a half cycles and had already been assimilated into the Peacekeepers. We couldn't remove her without endangering both her life and her mind. So we watched from afar as our child grew into a beautiful robot, killing and maiming with the best of them."
"You could have tried to contacting her once she was older." Crichton was still trying to digest the story.
"No! Didn't you just hear me? Any move on my part or her father's would have ended in her death! I would die before I let that happen!" Serrca, suddenly as desperate now as she had been cycles ago, clutched John's arm.
"So what do you call this? Why did you bring her here?" John asked; there was more to this story.
"This was our one chance to get all of you, Aeryn included, before High Command had you in custody once again."
John nodded his understanding of that one fact. "You have to tell Aeryn.." Serrca's sharp answer cut into his words.
"No! No.no.not now! Serrca yelled, she allowed her voice to drop to a whisper once again. "Maybe when all of this is over, but not now."
"Oh man! You have got to be kidding me!" John snatched his arm out of Serrca's grasp. "She's been through hell and back running from a life and a mother who were trying to destroy her and you say not now, maybe when all of this is over! When will that be?"
Serrca took a step back, shaking her head in denial at John's words.
John continued on ruthlessly. "She grew up feeling unwanted.unloved. For God's sake woman, she thought she was a ranks filler."
"She was loved.we wanted her! She was taken from us not given by us!" Serrca's entire body began to shake. "They took my baby from me.from us. There was nothing I.we could do. I would have died had I been given that choice.." Serrca's voice broke into sobs.
Watching Serrca break down, John realized that Aeryn wasn't the only one who'd suffered for the past. He gathered Serrca in a tight embrace, trying to hold her steady. What kind of can of worms did he open, or was that Pandora's box? Speaking softly he tried once more to persuade her to talk to Aeryn. "Look, I'm sorry for what you went through, Lord knows I can identify with pain and trauma but you've got to tell her. Aeryn has a right to know about her true birth and her parents." A stray thought found its way into his brain. "Serrca, who is Aeryn's father?" Crichton knew the answer before the words had left his lips. He expected Serrca to verify his guess but the words came from another source altogether.
"I am" The words were spoken quietly, with an emotion a kin to pride.
Nodding his head Crichton turned to face Corinth. He stepped back away from Serrca, allowing Corinth to take over. He watched Serrca clutch at Corinth's arms. She reminded him so much of Aeryn. "You two are going to have to tell Aeryn the truth, at the risk of repeating myself, she has a right to know."
The three were so engrossed in each other. They never noticed the lone figure returning from the combat training arena. "Tell me what? What do I have a right to know?" Aeryn asked, staring at each of them waiting for an answer,
THE PALACE GRAND CHAMBER.
Everyone watched Aeryn's jerky movements as she paced back and forth. Crichton had tried to comfort her but she was too agitated. "Let me get this straight. You are my mother and he is my father. Yet you allowed me to believe that Xhalax Sun and Talyn Lyzack were my parents. Why?" Aeryn stop pacing, to stare at the two who now claim to be her parents.
Corinth answered. "Yes we are your true parents but it was never our idea to have you believe that Xhalax and Talyn were your parents. The choice was removed from our hands, it all actually seemed to be for the best."
Aeryn's face contorted into a mask of disgust. "Best for whom? You? Ohhh.certainly not me! You claim to have loved me, you claim that I was taken from you but in twenty-eight cycles you never once tried to tell me! You've been lying to me all my life! In fact as far as I know, you're lying to me now! Am I supposed to trust you? You still haven't told any of us why we're really here!"
"Aeryn, calm down, please. They actually have reasons for keeping all of this secret." John tried to calm Aeryn once more.
Aeryn stared at John as though he'd lost his mind. "And you frelling believe them? They would say anything to sway you." Aeryn was done with the whole situation. "I think we should all leave. Moya and Pilot are here now, we should go!" She turned to leave the room. Corinth's voice brought her up short of the door, bringing her to an instant halt.
"You will listen to us and you will not run away! You can get as angry as you want but you will not leave, Aeryn Sun!" Corinth's commanded with an ease that told of absolute obedience from all. He never once thought that Aeryn wouldn't follow his command; and she didn't.
Serrca interrupted. "Corinth, don't, she won't believe words, she is after all your daughter. We must show her. She must see the past with her own eyes."
Corinth turned, staring into Serrca's eyes he asked quietly. "And just how do you propose that we show her the past?"
Serrca's look was all the answer he needed, but the words drove ice through his heart. "There are only two ways. The first would cause a temporal disturbance, one we cannot afford at this time. So that leaves the other; the Ar." She never finished.
"No! I will not allow it!" Corinth's voice shook throughout the entire room.
"Who are you to allow or disallow anything where I am concerned? She has right to see her past.our past." Serrca's voice was just as harsh as Corinth's.
"But the pain it will cause you will be unbearable."
"I will bear it. I bore it twenty-eight cycles ago and I'll bear it now. Please Corinth, she needs to know. We're running out of time." Serrca pleaded.
"I will relent, but I do not agree with this, Ahni." Corinth turned to regard Aeryn with a look of extreme irritation. "Since you refuse to believe our words, Serrca has decided to show you the past. I believe that as an ex-Peacekeeper you are familiar with the Aurora Chair?"
Crichton's response followed on the heels of Aeryn sharp nod. "Yeah, I've spent a few days in one, courtesy of an old friend."
"Serrca spent two and a half cycles being tortured in one. The pain is unimaginable, I'm told." Corinth watched Serrca's body shudder involuntarily at the painful memory. Corinth had long since sought retribution on those who'd participated in Serrca's torture, all but one and his time would come.
"Look, tell me.show me, what difference does it make. It could all still be lie!" Aeryn snapped.
"You can not lie under the pull of the Aurora Chair. Your mother has decide that it would be more productive to have the memories of our past pulled from her mind pulled from her mind and played for you on a view screen. Perhaps then you will understand the choices that were made to save your life Aeryn Sun." Corinth spoke to the others as he led Serrca from the room. "Come, as Serrca has reminded me, we don't have much time."
Aeryn stared after them realizing what was about to take place. She turned to Crichton almost frightened. "I.I never meant for.I don't want her to.I didn't."She couldn't speak, she could only remember the affect the Aurora Chair had on John.
"I know Aeryn, so do they. This was Serrca's choice. Come on, I think we're in for a long night." Crichton led her from the room. The others followed.
Chiana whispered to D'Argo. "So let me get this straight. To prove to Aeryn that she is in fact their daughter, Serrca is willing to get in that frelling chair?"
"Yes, either she truly loves Aeryn or she's farbot." D'Argo growled in reply. These Sebaceans were a little off.
"I choose the last." Chiana shook her head in disgust. "When this is over, are we leaving?"
"I do not know but if we are, Moya and Pilot are ready to go. That's something else we can thank Corinth for. If he hadn't located them, we might have been stranded here." D'Argo was still reeling from the past recently brought to the present.
Rygel hovered near a jeweled dagger mounted on the wall beneath a portrait of an older version of Corinth. "These Sebaceans seemed to be quite wealthy. Everywhere you turn you see it! You smell it!" Rygel's eyes gleamed greedily.
"Rygel! If you so much as breath too hard on that dagger, I will personally search out a cradle mollusk and force feed half to you and leave the other half for a filima bug!" D'Argo and the others new Rygel's propensity for appropriating the belongings of others, so they'd each taken turns babysitting the little slug.
"Right! Don't put too much thought into that Luxan! You may wilt those tentacles of yours!" Rygel smiled.
Chiana interrupted D'Argo's hissing reply. "Do you actually trust these people?"
"More than most. They did save us, offer us sanctuary and allowed us to keep our weapons."
"Yes but at what price? Ask yourself that Luxan!" Rygel offered, and then sped off to join the other two couples.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Tormented Space
Sebacea-Tran.
Every member of Moya's crew stood in awe as they stared around at the beautiful, busy yet peaceful planet. Aeryn's voice interrupted everyone's reverie, voicing all thoughts. "How is it possible that this planet exist here in Tormented Space? Is it one of the break away colonies?"
Lazzar chuckled. "No, Sebacea-Tran is not a break away colony. It is the original Colony; Sebacea-Tran has existed for millions of cycles. It was here before this space was aptly named Tormented. When a large group of Sebaceans left Sebacea-Tran over four thousand cycles ago, they created what we now refer to as the Sebacean High Council, Peacekeeper High Command and of course the Peacekeepers. The majority of the Sebacea-Tran's inhabitants opted to stay. As to why it exists unscathed, well to attack Sebacea-Tran is to commit genocide. We are not a very forgiving people.
"Why does High Command allow you to stay here?" Aeryn asked.
"Because Sebacea-Tran is the home of The Premier Sebacean High Council, They are the ultimate rulers. Peacekeeper High command wouldn't dare attack; it would be like taking a very fast poison. The minute they attack, we reciprocate. The only difference is, we have been in Peacekeeper Command as long as it has existed and they have no idea who is playing which side. If we decide to attack, we will do so from within their own ranks."
Crichton muttered. "You guys are really into the whole cloak and dagger thing aren't ya?"
"Excuse me?" Lazzar questioned.
"Ignore him, we do." D'Argo announced.
Aeryn had the strangest feeling that she'd somehow been here before, nothing seemed new, yet it did and she had no idea why.
Solar Days Later.
"I know what Lazzar said but how could a planet such as this, exist in Tormented Space? I haven't seen any security since I got here." John Crichton wondered out loud. He stared in awe at his surroundings. Trees, lakes, perfect green grass, the Sun shinning brightly even a gentle fragrant breeze. 'Where those birds chirping?' "Huh.feels like home."
"Earth?" D'Argo asked, coming up behind his friend. He too was amazed that a planet as beautiful and tranquil as Sebacea-Tran could exist unmolested in Tormented Space.
"Yeah." John glanced around D'Argo. "Where are Aeryn and Chiana? I know Rygel is still napping."
"Actually, Rygel is up and filling his three bottomless pits. Chiana is off searching for trouble, I'm sure. Aeryn is walking with her aunt." D'Argo informed. He had to admit, the last two weekens had been the most peaceful and restful he'd experienced in the past thirteen cycles. He and the others had been invited to stay, had even been offered jobs and homes, very desirable!
"Figures, Rygel's been in heaven, ever since he found out that they have a variety of Hynerian Mojules down here." Crichton chuckled. "Tell me something D?" He continued. "Do you get the feeling that Lazzar and Ahni are more than just comrades? It's not so much their words as it is their actions. I mean they just seem to be a little more than buddies."
John spun around and stared into D'Argo's eyes. "And man I know I keep asking this, but is me or do Aeryn and Serrca look exactly alike. Man it's creepy!"
D'Argo rolled his eyes heavenward. "John, they've already explained that Sercca is Aeryn's aunt when you asked on the Command Carrier."
"No D'Argo, there's something more going on. Aeryn favors Xhalax, but her features positively mirror Serrca's I got another question for ya. Why did Lazzar and Ahni go through so much trouble to collect us from the Peacekeepers? Why now? I get the feeling they've known where we were for awhile." John shot questions out one at a time but in rapid succession. "We've been here for two weekens and no one has said a thing regarding our rescue and this sanctuary as a matter of fact, they've gone out of their way to make sure we find out nothing!"
"All I know John is that Lazzar says the Premier High Council will have to answer all of our questions. Until they decide to speak with us, we have no choice but to relax. So I suggest that we all take this time to enjoy the offerings of this beautiful planet." The same questions were running through his mind, but the perks far outweighed the curiosity. He glanced across the lake in time to catch the flirtatious glances of two young Sebacean women.
Noticing the women, Crichton chuckled. "Yeah, I know what you mean. You go and enjoy yourself D. I'm going in search of my heart's desire." Turning, he just missed D'Argo's exasperated expression.
"Yeah, me too." D'Argo waggled his tentacles and set off for the other side of the lake and the two Sebacean women.
Crichton laughed and set off in the opposite direction in search of Aeryn.
AERYN AND SERRCA.
"Aeryn, I want you to stay here with us." Serrca walk along slowly next to her niece, she couldn't believe that Aeryn was finally here again where she belong. "Before you say no, think about it. Where else can you go?"
Aeryn had no answer. Every fiber of her being screamed stay, but like the like the others, she had no wish to bring Peacekeeper retaliation. Upon this planet and its people. Aeryn decided to change the subject. "How long have you known High Commander Lazzar?"
"It won't work.changing the subject but I will allow it to drop for now. As to your questions, Lazzar and I have known each other since I was fifteen cycles. However we actually met when I was seven cycles, we were then formally introduced 8 cycles later." Serrca stopped next to a bench, which faced the back of the Palace. She sat and gestured for Aeryn to do the same.
Aeryn sat and began speaking again. "You said you met him when you were seven cycles. What were you two doing? He had to be what.at least seventeen cycles."
Serrca shook her head slowly. "That my darling niece is a story for another time. Why don't you tell me about John Crichton and the baby."
Aeryn gasped. "How did you.did Chiana say something?" Aeryn jumped to her feet.
Serrca shook her head chuckling. She reached up to grab Aeryn's wrist, guiding her back to the bench. "Come now Aeryn, you know Chiana did not tell me. No one needed to tell me, I am a Seeker after all. I can feel his life force when I touch you."
"Him? It's a boy?" Aeryn whispered in awe, until that very moment, she hadn't thought of the baby in terms of reality. The child had remained a distant imprint in her mind.
"Hmm, yes it's a boy and you will need to have him released from stasis soon or he will die and you may also." Serrca answered. "What about the child's father? Is he happy about this new life he has help to create?"
Aeryn hesitated in a low voice. "Well.that's the problem .see I'm.uhh.I'm not really sure who the father is." She allowed her gaze to wonder over the rippling beauty of the lake. "I only found out half a cycle ago, while on Scorpius' Command Carrier."
"Hmm, yes well we can have the baby's DNA tested while you're here. What of John Crichton, does he know?" Serrca didn't understand how Aeryn could have found out about the baby existence but not who the father was. The surgeon should have tested her at the time; this was not the usual Sebacean embryo. This child would change everything.
"Yes he knows but he's not very happy with the idea that he may not be the father. It's such a long story." Aeryn didn't understand why she felt so comfortable speaking to Serrca, she rarely spoke to anyone other than John. Granted Serrca was her aunt but she was also High Command!
"I have all the time you need, sweet Aeryn." Serrca offered. "But if it's too hard to speak, I can always summon the memories by touch if you will let me." Serrca stared expectantly.
Aeryn hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Alright."
With a nod, Serrca cradled Aeryn's face between her hands, two fingers touching Aeryn's temples. Within seconds Serrca was linked to Aeryn's past. Her body tensed as Aeryn's life unfolded before her. Serrca almost broke the link when she witness Aeryn's death at the hands of the clone Scorpius had implanted within John Crichton's mind. She also recognized a few faces from her on past, unfriendly faces. Faces that had no business in Aeryn's life! Crais.Bialar Crais, Scorpius even Durka! Serrca paid close attention to Aeryn's relationship with both John Crichtons. not a clone but the same man, walking a separate time line within the primary line. Very interesting, she would have to inform The Council.
Once the memories ceased, Serrca released Aeryn speaking quietly; she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Oh the life you've led little one! I should have never let you apply for the Pliesar Regiment. I should have kept you close, regardless of High Command's Orders. I'm so sorry!"
Memories of her childhood flashed through Aeryn's mind. Her aunt was always around when Aeryn needed her. Serrca had always managed in some small part to make Aeryn feel wanted and loved. Aeryn remembered little things, small gifts and delicacies. She remembered Serrca coming to the nursery unit to see her. Then abruptly everything changed, Serrca stopped coming to see her and began ignoring her. She remembered the feeling of betrayal, when Serrca suddenly disappeared. "You disappeared suddenly, why?"
"Because I had the unmitigated gall to question their decision to allow you to join the Icarion unit. I knew that you'd be joining special Ops next and the thought terrified me." Serrca didn't bother to tell Aeryn the primary reason she'd been reassigned. High Command wanted Aeryn out from under her influence. They also wanted to make absolutely sure that Serrca would follow their instructions to the letter and what better way than to hold Aeryn's career and safety over her head.
"At least you cared enough to worry. For years I thought that you'd just forgotten about me and no longer cared." Aeryn allowed her head to drop to Serrca's shoulder. Besides John Crichton, Serrca had been the only person Aeryn had allowed into her emotional inner circle. It just felt so good to be able share her burdens with someone who would take them on gladly. Aeryn sighed softly as Serrca ran her fingers through her hair.
This was how John found the two women; he was loathed to interrupt them. It was rare that he had a chance to see Aeryn totally relaxed; Serrca seemed to be very adept at comforting Aeryn. "Am I interrupting?"
Aeryn jumped up and headed toward Crichton. "No, we were just going over the past. What have you been up to?"
"I was just hanging out and decided to come find my girl, for a little quality time." He kissed her loudly on the cheek. The fact that she didn't pull away said a lot about Serrca's influence. He glanced from Aeryn to Serrca. "You two actually have a past?"
"Yes we have a past but not an extensive one." Serrca's replied.
"I thought High Command didn't allow families to really stay together." John frowned.
"They aren't really; it's a practice that High Command frowns upon." Serrca glanced away for a brief moment, hiding her expression, an expression that told just how much she loathed High Command and its rules. She stood to take her leave. "How are you enjoying your stay John Crichton?"
"John.call me John. This place is paradise." John allowed his hand to slide caressingly down Aeryn's back to rest at her waist. " I still can't believe it escapes all harm. We've seen some pretty sketchy characters out here in Tormented Space."
Serrca smiled indulgently. "We survive because we are the elite."
Crichton broke in. "Yeah.yeah I know, the whole unforgiving people thing. What I'm asking you is what exactly is it that keeps the bad guys at home? What. do you guys have some massive Death Star hidden some where?"
"Crichton, what are."
"Sorry, a little earth humor there. It just means a massive weapon." Crichton grimaced, when would he ever learn.
There is no force within Tormented Space, The Uncharted or Peacekeeper territories that can defeat us. Not to say that they haven't tried, there have been a few races willing to send their soldiers to die."
"You keep saying force, what is this force you're talking about?" John asked.
Serrca glanced at Aeryn then Crichton before answering. "The Imperial Alliance, they are sometimes referred to as The Protectors. The Protectors are the best Juccari and Praetorians in this sector of the Universe. They are very diligent and will protect to the point of death!" Serrca began walking toward the palace.
"So what's the difference between these Protectors and the Peacekeepers?" Crichton and Aeryn fell instep behind her.
"Life, especially yours and Aeryn's. The Peacekeepers are more interested in destroying the peace not keeping it. Here, we are only interested in Sebacea-Tran and it's allies. The Protectors keep them safe. Here all are welcome, as long as they come in peace."
"And if they don't?"
"Then they die." Serrca's answer came in very matter of fact manner. "No Peacekeeper will come this far into Tormented Space unless they are Special Ops or defectors. Peacekeeper, like the Scarrans are usually killed upon sight of their drawn weapons." Serrca stop suddenly and turned to face the two. "Most of the inhabitants of Sebacea-Tran are Sebacean and ex- Peacekeepers but there are also other species who arrive looking for sanctuary. We keep these beings safe as well."
"How is it you are here but also in High Command?" Aeryn spoke up.
"I have always been a Peacekeeper, but chose to take the vows of the Imperial Juccari at sixteen cycles. It was what I was born to be. Again, that is a story for another time, soon to come. Come, I believe the afternoon meal is ready." Serrca turned and resumed walking.
**********
Crichton chose his moment carefully. He watched Serrca's daily routine and decided that the time she took to walk to her daily afternoon council meeting would be a good time to speak with her. He watched her leave the Palace and ran to catch up with her. "Hey Serrca, mind if I tag along? We can shoot the breeze."
Serrca stopped her expression one of confusion and slight irritation. Why couldn't she understand this human? Would she ever be able to understand his babble? "Why do you wish to fire upon the wind Crichton?"
"No.no I meant do care if I walk with you so we can talk." He explained. Serrca was as bad as Aeryn.
"Ahhh.I see, well that's fine. You are welcome to walk with me, but I am on my way to a Council meeting." Serrca began walking again. "What did you wish to speak to me about?"
How to start.hell were to start? He'd do it the old John Crichton way. "You.well you and Aeryn actually." Crichton long gate kept him from lagging behind Serrca's powerful stride. "Well actually your relationship."
"Uh huh, what about it?" Serrca's expression never changed.
"I get the feeling there's more to it then Aeryn knows and you're willing to tell." Crichton hedged; it was one thing to jump in the pool but a totally different thing altogether if the pool was full of flesh eating piranhas. He knew he'd hit the jackpot when Serrca answered. Her voice sliced through him and left a path of ice in his blood.
"Such as?" Serrca's voice became very quiet and her steps once again slowed to a halt. She turned to stare into John's eyes, dreading the words that would surely fall from his loose lips. Dreading yet praying for them nonetheless. John Crichton didn't let her down; with his next words he opened a door that had been sealed for almost thirty cycles.
"Such as maybe Xhalax wasn't really Aeryn's mother and you aren't Aeryn's aunt." He watched for a change of expression on Serrca's face. Man! You had to give her credit. Her expression never changed. "Such as Xhalax and Aeryn may share similar features, but I figure those may just be family traits."
Serrca continued to stare, whispering softly. "Continue, please." Drawing the words from him, she herself had been forbidden to say.
"Such as I think and this could just be me, but I think that you are Aeryn's mother.well birth mother anyway. Having come to this conclusion my next question is why? Why the secrecy?"
Serrca's released a sigh that sounded as tired as she looked in that moment. Serrca along with a small handful of others new the true circumstances behind Aeryn Sun's birth. It was a secret that had saved a number of lives and destroyed quite a few also. "The circumstances of Aeryn's birth have been kept secret for over thirty cycles, you are very observant John Crichton. "
"That still doesn't answer the why portion of today's question."
"Why?" Serrca stared at John, weighting the options.
"Yeah, why or should I ask how? How could you abandon your own child to be raised by the Peacekeepers! What kind of mother allows that? Oh! That's right, you're a Peacekeeper! What the hell did I expect?"
Serrca allowed all of the bitterness to explode with her every word. "How dare you! You know nothing about me or what I am! You know even less about the circumstances! As a matter of fact I doubt you know much about my daughter! Oh you claim you want her and I can see that in your heart you love her but do you know her? No! You've placed her in a nice little box just like you've done with me. So tell me John Crichton what happens when Aeryn steps out of that box, do you leave her? Blame her for your misery or do you simply accept her?"
"I.."
"Don't bother to answer, I already know it! I've seen it" Serrca pointed at her eye and head. "Let me help you understand this Commander. Are you ready? I'm about to step out of that neatly constructed Peacekeeper box you've got there." Serrca twisted her mouth, glanced away from John for a microt than back. "You're right, Aeryn is my daughter. She was taken from me when she was just a baby.not quite two cycles. Her father and I were betrayed, he was imprisoned and I was sent to a Peacekeeper Gammak base in the Uncharted Territories, for research.torture. By the time we were released, Aeryn was four and a half cycles and had already been assimilated into the Peacekeepers. We couldn't remove her without endangering both her life and her mind. So we watched from afar as our child grew into a beautiful robot, killing and maiming with the best of them."
"You could have tried to contacting her once she was older." Crichton was still trying to digest the story.
"No! Didn't you just hear me? Any move on my part or her father's would have ended in her death! I would die before I let that happen!" Serrca, suddenly as desperate now as she had been cycles ago, clutched John's arm.
"So what do you call this? Why did you bring her here?" John asked; there was more to this story.
"This was our one chance to get all of you, Aeryn included, before High Command had you in custody once again."
John nodded his understanding of that one fact. "You have to tell Aeryn.." Serrca's sharp answer cut into his words.
"No! No.no.not now! Serrca yelled, she allowed her voice to drop to a whisper once again. "Maybe when all of this is over, but not now."
"Oh man! You have got to be kidding me!" John snatched his arm out of Serrca's grasp. "She's been through hell and back running from a life and a mother who were trying to destroy her and you say not now, maybe when all of this is over! When will that be?"
Serrca took a step back, shaking her head in denial at John's words.
John continued on ruthlessly. "She grew up feeling unwanted.unloved. For God's sake woman, she thought she was a ranks filler."
"She was loved.we wanted her! She was taken from us not given by us!" Serrca's entire body began to shake. "They took my baby from me.from us. There was nothing I.we could do. I would have died had I been given that choice.." Serrca's voice broke into sobs.
Watching Serrca break down, John realized that Aeryn wasn't the only one who'd suffered for the past. He gathered Serrca in a tight embrace, trying to hold her steady. What kind of can of worms did he open, or was that Pandora's box? Speaking softly he tried once more to persuade her to talk to Aeryn. "Look, I'm sorry for what you went through, Lord knows I can identify with pain and trauma but you've got to tell her. Aeryn has a right to know about her true birth and her parents." A stray thought found its way into his brain. "Serrca, who is Aeryn's father?" Crichton knew the answer before the words had left his lips. He expected Serrca to verify his guess but the words came from another source altogether.
"I am" The words were spoken quietly, with an emotion a kin to pride.
Nodding his head Crichton turned to face Corinth. He stepped back away from Serrca, allowing Corinth to take over. He watched Serrca clutch at Corinth's arms. She reminded him so much of Aeryn. "You two are going to have to tell Aeryn the truth, at the risk of repeating myself, she has a right to know."
The three were so engrossed in each other. They never noticed the lone figure returning from the combat training arena. "Tell me what? What do I have a right to know?" Aeryn asked, staring at each of them waiting for an answer,
THE PALACE GRAND CHAMBER.
Everyone watched Aeryn's jerky movements as she paced back and forth. Crichton had tried to comfort her but she was too agitated. "Let me get this straight. You are my mother and he is my father. Yet you allowed me to believe that Xhalax Sun and Talyn Lyzack were my parents. Why?" Aeryn stop pacing, to stare at the two who now claim to be her parents.
Corinth answered. "Yes we are your true parents but it was never our idea to have you believe that Xhalax and Talyn were your parents. The choice was removed from our hands, it all actually seemed to be for the best."
Aeryn's face contorted into a mask of disgust. "Best for whom? You? Ohhh.certainly not me! You claim to have loved me, you claim that I was taken from you but in twenty-eight cycles you never once tried to tell me! You've been lying to me all my life! In fact as far as I know, you're lying to me now! Am I supposed to trust you? You still haven't told any of us why we're really here!"
"Aeryn, calm down, please. They actually have reasons for keeping all of this secret." John tried to calm Aeryn once more.
Aeryn stared at John as though he'd lost his mind. "And you frelling believe them? They would say anything to sway you." Aeryn was done with the whole situation. "I think we should all leave. Moya and Pilot are here now, we should go!" She turned to leave the room. Corinth's voice brought her up short of the door, bringing her to an instant halt.
"You will listen to us and you will not run away! You can get as angry as you want but you will not leave, Aeryn Sun!" Corinth's commanded with an ease that told of absolute obedience from all. He never once thought that Aeryn wouldn't follow his command; and she didn't.
Serrca interrupted. "Corinth, don't, she won't believe words, she is after all your daughter. We must show her. She must see the past with her own eyes."
Corinth turned, staring into Serrca's eyes he asked quietly. "And just how do you propose that we show her the past?"
Serrca's look was all the answer he needed, but the words drove ice through his heart. "There are only two ways. The first would cause a temporal disturbance, one we cannot afford at this time. So that leaves the other; the Ar." She never finished.
"No! I will not allow it!" Corinth's voice shook throughout the entire room.
"Who are you to allow or disallow anything where I am concerned? She has right to see her past.our past." Serrca's voice was just as harsh as Corinth's.
"But the pain it will cause you will be unbearable."
"I will bear it. I bore it twenty-eight cycles ago and I'll bear it now. Please Corinth, she needs to know. We're running out of time." Serrca pleaded.
"I will relent, but I do not agree with this, Ahni." Corinth turned to regard Aeryn with a look of extreme irritation. "Since you refuse to believe our words, Serrca has decided to show you the past. I believe that as an ex-Peacekeeper you are familiar with the Aurora Chair?"
Crichton's response followed on the heels of Aeryn sharp nod. "Yeah, I've spent a few days in one, courtesy of an old friend."
"Serrca spent two and a half cycles being tortured in one. The pain is unimaginable, I'm told." Corinth watched Serrca's body shudder involuntarily at the painful memory. Corinth had long since sought retribution on those who'd participated in Serrca's torture, all but one and his time would come.
"Look, tell me.show me, what difference does it make. It could all still be lie!" Aeryn snapped.
"You can not lie under the pull of the Aurora Chair. Your mother has decide that it would be more productive to have the memories of our past pulled from her mind pulled from her mind and played for you on a view screen. Perhaps then you will understand the choices that were made to save your life Aeryn Sun." Corinth spoke to the others as he led Serrca from the room. "Come, as Serrca has reminded me, we don't have much time."
Aeryn stared after them realizing what was about to take place. She turned to Crichton almost frightened. "I.I never meant for.I don't want her to.I didn't."She couldn't speak, she could only remember the affect the Aurora Chair had on John.
"I know Aeryn, so do they. This was Serrca's choice. Come on, I think we're in for a long night." Crichton led her from the room. The others followed.
Chiana whispered to D'Argo. "So let me get this straight. To prove to Aeryn that she is in fact their daughter, Serrca is willing to get in that frelling chair?"
"Yes, either she truly loves Aeryn or she's farbot." D'Argo growled in reply. These Sebaceans were a little off.
"I choose the last." Chiana shook her head in disgust. "When this is over, are we leaving?"
"I do not know but if we are, Moya and Pilot are ready to go. That's something else we can thank Corinth for. If he hadn't located them, we might have been stranded here." D'Argo was still reeling from the past recently brought to the present.
Rygel hovered near a jeweled dagger mounted on the wall beneath a portrait of an older version of Corinth. "These Sebaceans seemed to be quite wealthy. Everywhere you turn you see it! You smell it!" Rygel's eyes gleamed greedily.
"Rygel! If you so much as breath too hard on that dagger, I will personally search out a cradle mollusk and force feed half to you and leave the other half for a filima bug!" D'Argo and the others new Rygel's propensity for appropriating the belongings of others, so they'd each taken turns babysitting the little slug.
"Right! Don't put too much thought into that Luxan! You may wilt those tentacles of yours!" Rygel smiled.
Chiana interrupted D'Argo's hissing reply. "Do you actually trust these people?"
"More than most. They did save us, offer us sanctuary and allowed us to keep our weapons."
"Yes but at what price? Ask yourself that Luxan!" Rygel offered, and then sped off to join the other two couples.
TO BE CONTINUED.