Part 4
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"John!" Her scream instantly woke him, and without bothering to dress, he ran the short distance between their quarters in his Calvins. He found her curled in bed, her hair soaked in sweat, her body shaking with chills. Her eyes were closed and she seemed incoherent as she sobbed in despair.
"John, the heat! Where are you? Come for me." Her cry tore at his heart and he went to her bed gently trying to lift her into his arms, but she began to fight.
"It's me, baby. It's John. I'm right here."
"You're not real!" she sobbed.
"I am real. It's over. The Scarrans are gone. We got you out." Finally, she let him lift her into his arms and cradle her in his lap. Rocking gently, he whispered soothing words until she began to relax. "My baby. Did they hurt the baby?"
"No, sweetheart. Both our babies are alive, healthy and beautiful. You're home. You're safe." He felt her tears as they trickled down his bare chest, and he held her tighter. Leaning back, he pulled the covers around the both of them, unwilling to let her go.
He saw a movement in the hallway and realized Aeric was leaving. He must have seen everything. John swore softly to himself. Aeryn would hate to think her son had seen her in such a vulnerable position. It must have been difficult for Aeric to have witnessed it. He'd have to talk to him later to make sure he was all right, but Aeryn needed him now, so he held tight and kissed her temple, willing himself to relax.
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Aeryn awoke to feel an arm around her waist and warmth cuddling her backside. She snuggled further into John's embrace, unwilling to break the moment. She knew he would leave when he woke, and she wanted him right where he was. She was given another piece of herself last night. It was a horrible nightmare of a memory, but it was hers and she was grateful for it.
She remembered John's arms around her, soothing her, and she remembered long ago when he had carefully placed her in bed and stayed when she asked. He'd been so tired, he'd fallen asleep on the floor propped against her bed, and she'd soothed herself with the pleasure of running her fingers through his hair. They'd been so young then.
He shifted, pulling her closer, draping his leg over hers and settling his face in her hair so that his breath tickled her neck. In his sleep he was possessive, but awake he held her at a distance.
She was tired of waiting.
Today she was going to push the issue of their relationship, whether he was ready or not. She had a right to sleep with his arms around her every night. He claimed he was her mate. Well, it was time he acted like one.
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"Hey."
Aeric lifted his head from his sulking to see Brennik standing in his doorway with a board in her hands that had small pieces piled on top. "Hey," he responded.
"Want to play some chess?"
"What is chess?"
"An earth game. Dad taught it to me when I was little."
When Aeric shrugged, Brennik interpreted that as a yes and entered, placing the board on the bed and sitting opposite him. She explained the rules and they both settled back for a long game.
"So, Aeric asked. "What was it like growing up with John Crichton?"
"I don't know. He wasn't John Crichton. He went by the name of Steven MacDuff. I always saw him as an ignorant old farmer with no ambition, frail of mind and body. He did very little to disabuse me of that perception, and being your typical kid, I ignored the small efforts he made. When I left home he was forced into contacting Chiana and D'Argo to help get me out of a bad situation. That was when I learned the truth."
"So all your life, you believed he was one thing, and then suddenly everything was a lie and he was something else. Then you wonder if that means everything you know about yourself is a lie as well."
"Basically. I understand better now why he did what he did. He was trying to protect me from having to live on the run, never knowing who was wanting to take away my life or my freedom. But, it's a hard adjustment to make. If I were honest, I'd have to say I like him better now. He doesn't seem so old, or distant." She paused for a moment before asking him the same question. "So, what was it like growing up with mom?"
His face softened with a calm smile. "She was gentle. She was loving and kind, but could be fierce when I broke her rules, although she was never harsh. She used to sing a lot." His eyes clouded over. "She was the strongest person I knew. I once watched her receive sixteen lashes across a bare back, and she barely flinched. It took weekens to heal, but you would never have guessed by the way she acted. She never spoke back to her masters and always tried to have a kind word about everyone.
"But then, out of nowhere, she pulls out a pulse pistol and starts popping those raiders right between their eyes. Do you know, she hasn't stopped wearing her pistol since that day we returned to Moya? All my life I saw my mother a certain way, and then in one day I find out it's all been a lie and she's completely something different."
"And you wonder who you are, and where you fit into her new life."
"Basically."
"We're quite the family, aren't we?"
"Excuse me, Brennik." The calm voice of pilot interrupted.
"Yes Pilot?"
"You may want to go to command. The cargo ship Shadow has appeared on our sensors."
Brennik and Aeric exchanged an excited look before the two abandoned their game and ran for command.
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"Cargo ship Shadow calling Captain D'Argo of the Leviathan Moya." Tean's face showed larger than life over the view screen. His normal jovial smile was absent and Brennik knew something was terribly wrong.
"Hey, Tean! What's up? D'Argo's out for the moment, what d'ya need?"
"I am requesting permission to dock. Seth has been wounded and needs medical attention. He refused to get help, but he finally passed out and can no longer stop me."
"All we got is Noranti."
"She's better than me. He's lost a lot of blood and I don't think he'll make it much longer."
John didn't hesitate. "Bring him in. Grandma, we need you in Docking Bay One, take your kit. Brennik, could you see if there's anything she needs help with?"
Brennik never heard the request; she was already running to where Shadow was due to dock.
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Groggily, he opened his eyes to see Brennik sitting beside him, blood splashed on her blue coverall, a needle and thread in her hand. Her black hair was tied back with a leather strap, but tendrils were flying free. How many times had he seen her in the last twenty arns, in how many incarnations?
She was bending over his chest, concentrating on one of his stab wounds. Weakly he raised his hand to touch her hair. That was the great thing about delusions; you never had to watch what you said or did. His soft touch startled her and she jumped, eyes flying to his face.
"I told you to go away," he rasped. "Let me die in peace." He didn't mean it. If he were going to die, he'd prefer not to be alone, even if his company was a ghost conjured from his desires. But he was a man of self control, and that control did not allow for figments of his imagination.
Brennik looked hurt, but masked it quickly. "Unfortunately," she said acidly, "we managed to save you. But I can accommodate your solitude." She pointedly stood and stalked from the room, ripping her disposable coverall off as she left.
"Frell!" he exclaimed as forcefully as he could, which managed to sound like a wheeze. He was going to beat the dren out of Tean... as soon as he was able to stand up. He'd explicitly told him not to contact Moya. Sethya remembered John's earlier ultimatum. He was probably furious, and rightfully so. What other proof did the older man need that the brothers were dangerous for his family?
The creepy old witch's face suddenly appeared beside him. "She's quite right you know. We managed to sew all twenty seven of your stab wounds. Only three had punctured major organs. I administered a healing agent that will allow you to heal quickly. She's the one who reached inside to pull out the bit of broken knife blade, the only one with long enough fingers." As the old woman rambled on, her voice became more and more distant, her face blurry, until his eyes closed and he momentarily no longer cared about anything.
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She stormed from the room irrationally angry. Ripping off the disposable coverall, she threw it aside and nearly ran down the hall. She had no particular destination in mind. He'd told her to go away and she did. His blood was splattered on her arms, a smudge on her forehead, and she could still feel the gooey softness of his insides as she probed for the blade the scanner had revealed. She hadn't wanted to sew him up, but the nearest medical facility was arns away and he would have died before they could get there. He might still die. Everything appeared to have been mended, but she and Noranti were not healers. How could they be sure they had closed everything properly?
She realized she was lost and she didn't care. Leaning against Moya, she slid to the floor, all energy gone. How long she sat there, mind blank, she didn't know.
Eventually, Tean approached from around a corner. "Pilot said I would find you here." He sat beside her, placing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to his side. "Thank you. I'm told that because of you, I still have a business partner."
"All I did was follow directions."
He placed one hand under her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "You had strength and courage to perform a difficult task." His voice caught and Brennik saw moisture threatening to escape. "You saved my brother's life and I don't think I can ever thank you well enough." He gazed into her eyes and she realized the moment she'd been dreaming for had finally arrived.
Slowly, his head descended, the tension making her breathless with anticipation. He placed a feather soft kiss on her cheek, on the side of her mouth, and finally, he touched her lips tenderly. She waited for the sparks, for the wonder and excitement... and kept waiting. Nothing happened. Nothing. He deepened the kiss and she grew slightly uncomfortable. What was wrong with her? Here was the most handsome man she would ever lay eyes on kissing her and she wanted him to stop. When his tongue dipped into her mouth she ripped herself away, trying to hide the revulsion that engulfed her. She glanced at the blood on her arms, Sethya's blood, and suddenly felt ashamed and dirty.
"What is wrong?" Tean asked confused.
"Nothing. I need to get back to the infirmary." She turned to leave, but stopped abruptly. Looking over her shoulder, she tried to make amends. "Thank you for your kind words. You always seem to know what to say." Without waiting for a response, she retraced her steps back to the infirmary, mourning the loss of the innocent crush that had disappeared without notice or warning. She suddenly felt much, much older.
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John entered his quarters to find Aeryn sitting on his bed and Aeric standing near his door, studying his wall.
"Hello," he greeted them with curiosity.
"Hello," Aeryn returned, meeting his gaze somberly.
"Hey, dad." Aeric nodded towards the bathroom. "Nice facilities."
John finally realized what Aeric was looking for and stifled a smile. "You like that? State of the art waste conduit system there. I installed it myself. You wouldn't believe what was here before."
"Oh, I can just imagine," Aeric returned. "I'm headed to the Center Chamber. You want anything?"
"No, I'm good, thanks."
John watched Aeric leave, and turned to find Aeryn looking at him with one eyebrow raised. "Why do I have the feeling I'm missing something? Since when has my son become interested in waste conduits?"
"Since he learned never to take them for granted, I would imagine." John said with a smile.
Aeryn waited a moment, but he didn't continue. "You're probably wondering why I'm here."
"You're welcome here anytime, babe."
"Good, because I moved all my belongings in."
John was momentarily speechless. "What?"
"You claim we are mates."
"You're my wife. To me, that makes you my mate."
"Do you wish to continue the union?"
"Hell yeah, but it's been twenty cycles. Honey, there's no way you are ready to move in with me, and you have no idea how hard that is for me to say. You don't remember me. Hell, until a few weekens ago, you didn't even know I existed. It's not that I don't want you with me, but it takes nearly all my self control to keep my hands off you until your ready as it is."
"I don't care about the past. Well, I do, but not to the point where it gets between us. I learned long ago you can enjoy the here and now with no yesterday, as long as you act. I know how I feel about you right now. That is what matters. Even if I didn't have a past with you, I would fight for the present. You lay claim on me, but push me aside. Make up your mind."
D'Argo's gruff voice broke over the comms, interrupting their conversation. "John, Aeryn, Chiana, Brennik, I need to see you in the Center Chamber immediately. We have a situation."
"Later Aeryn. Duty calls."
"Don't think this is over, John."
No Aeryn," he sighed as he walked beside her to meet D'Argo. "I know better than that."
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Brennik wasn't sure what was happening, but by the serious look on D'Argo's face, she knew this wasn't going to be pleasant. Chiana was already in the room, sitting beside Brennik on a stool at the long table. D'Argo had placed a device in the center and was now pacing.
When John and Aeryn entered together, he motioned for them to sit and then leaned over to push a button on the object. A hologram of a man instantly appeared, dressed in the uniform of a Peacekeeper captain, looking somber.
"I am Captain Milnot of the Command Carrier Rashul. I am offering a reward for the capture two escaped felons." The captain disappeared and a hologram of Sethya replaced him. He was younger, his scar was gone and it was the first time Brennik saw him with a smile. It was a replica of Tean's. "Officer Sethya Miskaahl, convicted of murdering the captain of his marauder crew, awaiting execution." Sethya vanished and Tean was next. Tech Major Tean Miskaahl used his knowledge and skills to aid Officer Miskaahl's escape." The captain reappeared. "They are considered armed and extremely dangerous. They have proven very adept at eluding captors for two cycles, use utmost care when apprehending."
The captain disappeared and the room fell silent. "Well," John finally spoke. "At least we know what happened to Sethya."
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She stood in the doorway of the infirmary quietly watching the two brothers. Sethya was still in bed, Tean sitting in a chair near his head. They were talking softly and she thought how innocent he looked. Escaped criminals. Her dad had reminded them all of their dubious pasts and said the Peacekeepers had a way of spinning a tale to its worst advantage. D'Argo had reminded him that not everyone the Peacekeepers hunted were innocent.
Brennik hadn't waited to hear the end of the debate. She found herself roaming the corridors until; at last, here she stood in the doorway watching two fugitives. She stepped into the room, her eyes connecting with Sethya's, trying to see a murderer hidden in their depths. "Is it true?"
He didn't pretend ignorance at her question. "Yes," was his simple answer.
"So you killed your captain."
"Yes, I waited until he was recreating, placed a pulse pistol to his head, looked him straight in the eye- just like I'm looking at you now- and I pulled the trigger. No mercy, no remorse."
"Why?" She asked, her heart feeling as if it was being ripped from her chest.
"He was a marauder captain. It was the only time I could catch him off guard. I'd never had a chance otherwise." He'd deliberately misunderstood her.
"No Seth," she stated softly. "Why did you kill him?"
"Because I could. And just to keep the record straight, I would do the same thing again, and again, and again if given the chance."
"So you're a murderer."
"Yes."
"I cannot accept that."
"It's a simple fact Brennik, whether you accept it or not."
She couldn't tear her eyes from his. He had the power and he wasn't letting her go. Her knees were weak; her lungs would not take in enough air, her head spun. Just arns ago she had painstakingly worked to save his life, and he was a murderer.
Finally, he closed his eyes, freeing her from his spell. "Don't worry about it Princess. We're leaving in a couple of arns and we probably won't make it very far before the bounty hunters catch up to us. So you don't have to feel bad about saving my life."
She choked on a sob and fled the room.
"You could have told her Seth," Tean growled from his chair.
"It doesn't change the facts."
"It clarifies them. She has a right to know."
"Why."
"Because she cares about you."
"She can't."
"Well, she does."
"She shouldn't."
"So you're doing everything you can to stop her. You're an idiot."
"Get frelled."
"I can't, you'd kick my ass. Or D'Argo would, and that would be even worse. Try letting her in Seth. She's stronger than you give her credit for."
"You are under the misapprehension that I administered justice. It was simple revenge, Tean. That makes me no better then him."
"Let her make that decision. She's on the run as much as we are. Do you know what will happen if the wrong people get their hands on her?"
"She has protection. Give it up."
"No, and if you do not tell her the rest, I will."
"I'll kill you. And you already know I am capable."
"I mean it Sethya. Either you tell her or I do."
To their astonishment, Brennik stormed into the room and headed straight for Sethya. Stopping a short distance away she pointed a finger at him and began. "Don't interrupt me; I have a lot to say. First, my name is NOT Princess, it's Brennik. Remember that! Second, you're a creep who can't let anyone near you, but... and this leads to number three, you saved my life which makes you my friend. Fourth, there's no way in hell you're a cold blooded murderer, I don't care what you say. I don't believe it, dad doesn't believe it, Tean doesn't believe it, even if you do. I don't know what happened," she leaned closer, her eyes flashing with anger. "But you're not going to scare me off. We Crichton's have very few friends in this universe, but we're loyal. So quit trying to be Mr. Tough Guy and CHILL OUT!"
She turned to storm back out, but his voice stopped her. "Brennik, wait. Sit down." He looked at her pleadingly. "Please?" She found that Tean's chair was vacant and she plopped down. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Unconditional loyalty," he whispered. So much had been left unsaid, but he had been granted a reprieve, and like a coward he was going to snatch the few microts he had been blessed with. Tean would force the issue eventually. He'd face that later.
Sethya closed his eyes and together they let silence reign, each lost in their own thoughts, grateful for the others' presence.
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Aeric sat next to Chiana, eating his food and desperately trying to think of something clever to say. He liked it when she talked with him. She treated him as an equal instead of a kid.
His mother and father were at the next table over, talking and laughing quietly together. His mother walked to the water storage and poured two drinks, but on the way back she stopped abruptly, dropping the two drinks and turning a ghostly white before her cheeks flamed red. Instantly Crichton was at her side, but his presence seemed to agitate her further. She fled from the room with a confused John following close behind.
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One microt, she had two drinks in her hand, and the next BAM!
[i] She was sitting on his lap, legs wrapped around his waist. Though he was fully dressed, she was only wearing her leather pants. His rough cheek caressed her breast and she moaned softly, lacing her fingers into his short brown hair. Her ring twinkled at her and the effect was an erotic reminder that she belonged to this one man. She could feel how excited he was through both sets of leathers and she wiggled a bit, just to hear his gasp before he claimed her mouth with his own. His hands were caressing her back, her stomach, her breasts and she caught a glimpse of his wedding band, branding him hers alone. "I love you Aeryn," he whispered huskily.
"I love you too."
She intended to get up, they were due at dinner, but her movement wiggled against him again and as he gasped he pinned her on his lap with his arms around her bare waist. "You can't do that and leave."
She didn't want to leave. "But dinner..." she said when he released her mouth again.
"It'll wait."
"John, the others..."
"Are probably jealous, wishing they'd thought of it first."
He captured her mouth once again and she found herself pinned on her back, his weight covering her, pressing her into the mattress. The effect was so consuming, all thoughts of those waiting for them fled her mind. [/i]
She heard the cups crash and looked up to see an older Crichton headed to her, worry etched on his face. This was the same man. He'd held her intimately, knew things about her she may never know again. Then she realized she was surrounded by others and her embarrassment compounded. What if they all guessed she'd been fantasizing? No, this was worse because it was an actual memory.
She had to get out of there. She needed to be alone for a few minutes, if anything, to cool off after the frustration of not having the memory follow through to the end. She bolted for their quarters, not realizing John was behind her.
If he could excite her this thoroughly in a simple memory, how much more potent was the real thing going to be? Was she ready? She suddenly understood why Crichton had been restraining himself and she fell in love with him even more.
She wasn't going to get her moment alone, it seemed. John reached their quarters at the same time she did, worry etched on his face. "Aeryn are you all right? Is it another headache?" He closed the door and she was trapped, her hormones shouting at her to finish what she'd inadvertently started earlier.
She shook her head no in answer to his question. "I had a memory flash."
"Was it bad? You looked pretty shook up."
"No, we were recreating."
At first he simply looked at her, as if he hadn't heard her and was still waiting for the answer. Slowly, though a cocky grin began to emerge. "Your first waking memory was of us making love?"
"You seem quite pleased with yourself."
"Well... yeah. I am. So which time was it?"
"We were over there," she said, pointing at the bed. "I was sitting on your lap. We were late for dinner..."
"And I said it would wait."
"Yes."
His eyes were soft as they caressed her face. "I believe that was when we created Aeric."
Her eyes grew moist. "I wish I could remember the rest of it," she said. "I can't remember anything after you pinned me to the bed."
He held out his hand, inviting her to him. She laced her fingers in his and he gently kissed them. "Do you really want to remember?" he asked softly.
She nodded and, still holding her hand, he pulled her closer to the bed. "Then let me show you how I worshipped you that night." The love in his eyes was overwhelming, consuming, and she followed him willingly to their future as they relived their past.
-End
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"John!" Her scream instantly woke him, and without bothering to dress, he ran the short distance between their quarters in his Calvins. He found her curled in bed, her hair soaked in sweat, her body shaking with chills. Her eyes were closed and she seemed incoherent as she sobbed in despair.
"John, the heat! Where are you? Come for me." Her cry tore at his heart and he went to her bed gently trying to lift her into his arms, but she began to fight.
"It's me, baby. It's John. I'm right here."
"You're not real!" she sobbed.
"I am real. It's over. The Scarrans are gone. We got you out." Finally, she let him lift her into his arms and cradle her in his lap. Rocking gently, he whispered soothing words until she began to relax. "My baby. Did they hurt the baby?"
"No, sweetheart. Both our babies are alive, healthy and beautiful. You're home. You're safe." He felt her tears as they trickled down his bare chest, and he held her tighter. Leaning back, he pulled the covers around the both of them, unwilling to let her go.
He saw a movement in the hallway and realized Aeric was leaving. He must have seen everything. John swore softly to himself. Aeryn would hate to think her son had seen her in such a vulnerable position. It must have been difficult for Aeric to have witnessed it. He'd have to talk to him later to make sure he was all right, but Aeryn needed him now, so he held tight and kissed her temple, willing himself to relax.
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Aeryn awoke to feel an arm around her waist and warmth cuddling her backside. She snuggled further into John's embrace, unwilling to break the moment. She knew he would leave when he woke, and she wanted him right where he was. She was given another piece of herself last night. It was a horrible nightmare of a memory, but it was hers and she was grateful for it.
She remembered John's arms around her, soothing her, and she remembered long ago when he had carefully placed her in bed and stayed when she asked. He'd been so tired, he'd fallen asleep on the floor propped against her bed, and she'd soothed herself with the pleasure of running her fingers through his hair. They'd been so young then.
He shifted, pulling her closer, draping his leg over hers and settling his face in her hair so that his breath tickled her neck. In his sleep he was possessive, but awake he held her at a distance.
She was tired of waiting.
Today she was going to push the issue of their relationship, whether he was ready or not. She had a right to sleep with his arms around her every night. He claimed he was her mate. Well, it was time he acted like one.
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"Hey."
Aeric lifted his head from his sulking to see Brennik standing in his doorway with a board in her hands that had small pieces piled on top. "Hey," he responded.
"Want to play some chess?"
"What is chess?"
"An earth game. Dad taught it to me when I was little."
When Aeric shrugged, Brennik interpreted that as a yes and entered, placing the board on the bed and sitting opposite him. She explained the rules and they both settled back for a long game.
"So, Aeric asked. "What was it like growing up with John Crichton?"
"I don't know. He wasn't John Crichton. He went by the name of Steven MacDuff. I always saw him as an ignorant old farmer with no ambition, frail of mind and body. He did very little to disabuse me of that perception, and being your typical kid, I ignored the small efforts he made. When I left home he was forced into contacting Chiana and D'Argo to help get me out of a bad situation. That was when I learned the truth."
"So all your life, you believed he was one thing, and then suddenly everything was a lie and he was something else. Then you wonder if that means everything you know about yourself is a lie as well."
"Basically. I understand better now why he did what he did. He was trying to protect me from having to live on the run, never knowing who was wanting to take away my life or my freedom. But, it's a hard adjustment to make. If I were honest, I'd have to say I like him better now. He doesn't seem so old, or distant." She paused for a moment before asking him the same question. "So, what was it like growing up with mom?"
His face softened with a calm smile. "She was gentle. She was loving and kind, but could be fierce when I broke her rules, although she was never harsh. She used to sing a lot." His eyes clouded over. "She was the strongest person I knew. I once watched her receive sixteen lashes across a bare back, and she barely flinched. It took weekens to heal, but you would never have guessed by the way she acted. She never spoke back to her masters and always tried to have a kind word about everyone.
"But then, out of nowhere, she pulls out a pulse pistol and starts popping those raiders right between their eyes. Do you know, she hasn't stopped wearing her pistol since that day we returned to Moya? All my life I saw my mother a certain way, and then in one day I find out it's all been a lie and she's completely something different."
"And you wonder who you are, and where you fit into her new life."
"Basically."
"We're quite the family, aren't we?"
"Excuse me, Brennik." The calm voice of pilot interrupted.
"Yes Pilot?"
"You may want to go to command. The cargo ship Shadow has appeared on our sensors."
Brennik and Aeric exchanged an excited look before the two abandoned their game and ran for command.
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"Cargo ship Shadow calling Captain D'Argo of the Leviathan Moya." Tean's face showed larger than life over the view screen. His normal jovial smile was absent and Brennik knew something was terribly wrong.
"Hey, Tean! What's up? D'Argo's out for the moment, what d'ya need?"
"I am requesting permission to dock. Seth has been wounded and needs medical attention. He refused to get help, but he finally passed out and can no longer stop me."
"All we got is Noranti."
"She's better than me. He's lost a lot of blood and I don't think he'll make it much longer."
John didn't hesitate. "Bring him in. Grandma, we need you in Docking Bay One, take your kit. Brennik, could you see if there's anything she needs help with?"
Brennik never heard the request; she was already running to where Shadow was due to dock.
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Groggily, he opened his eyes to see Brennik sitting beside him, blood splashed on her blue coverall, a needle and thread in her hand. Her black hair was tied back with a leather strap, but tendrils were flying free. How many times had he seen her in the last twenty arns, in how many incarnations?
She was bending over his chest, concentrating on one of his stab wounds. Weakly he raised his hand to touch her hair. That was the great thing about delusions; you never had to watch what you said or did. His soft touch startled her and she jumped, eyes flying to his face.
"I told you to go away," he rasped. "Let me die in peace." He didn't mean it. If he were going to die, he'd prefer not to be alone, even if his company was a ghost conjured from his desires. But he was a man of self control, and that control did not allow for figments of his imagination.
Brennik looked hurt, but masked it quickly. "Unfortunately," she said acidly, "we managed to save you. But I can accommodate your solitude." She pointedly stood and stalked from the room, ripping her disposable coverall off as she left.
"Frell!" he exclaimed as forcefully as he could, which managed to sound like a wheeze. He was going to beat the dren out of Tean... as soon as he was able to stand up. He'd explicitly told him not to contact Moya. Sethya remembered John's earlier ultimatum. He was probably furious, and rightfully so. What other proof did the older man need that the brothers were dangerous for his family?
The creepy old witch's face suddenly appeared beside him. "She's quite right you know. We managed to sew all twenty seven of your stab wounds. Only three had punctured major organs. I administered a healing agent that will allow you to heal quickly. She's the one who reached inside to pull out the bit of broken knife blade, the only one with long enough fingers." As the old woman rambled on, her voice became more and more distant, her face blurry, until his eyes closed and he momentarily no longer cared about anything.
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She stormed from the room irrationally angry. Ripping off the disposable coverall, she threw it aside and nearly ran down the hall. She had no particular destination in mind. He'd told her to go away and she did. His blood was splattered on her arms, a smudge on her forehead, and she could still feel the gooey softness of his insides as she probed for the blade the scanner had revealed. She hadn't wanted to sew him up, but the nearest medical facility was arns away and he would have died before they could get there. He might still die. Everything appeared to have been mended, but she and Noranti were not healers. How could they be sure they had closed everything properly?
She realized she was lost and she didn't care. Leaning against Moya, she slid to the floor, all energy gone. How long she sat there, mind blank, she didn't know.
Eventually, Tean approached from around a corner. "Pilot said I would find you here." He sat beside her, placing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to his side. "Thank you. I'm told that because of you, I still have a business partner."
"All I did was follow directions."
He placed one hand under her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "You had strength and courage to perform a difficult task." His voice caught and Brennik saw moisture threatening to escape. "You saved my brother's life and I don't think I can ever thank you well enough." He gazed into her eyes and she realized the moment she'd been dreaming for had finally arrived.
Slowly, his head descended, the tension making her breathless with anticipation. He placed a feather soft kiss on her cheek, on the side of her mouth, and finally, he touched her lips tenderly. She waited for the sparks, for the wonder and excitement... and kept waiting. Nothing happened. Nothing. He deepened the kiss and she grew slightly uncomfortable. What was wrong with her? Here was the most handsome man she would ever lay eyes on kissing her and she wanted him to stop. When his tongue dipped into her mouth she ripped herself away, trying to hide the revulsion that engulfed her. She glanced at the blood on her arms, Sethya's blood, and suddenly felt ashamed and dirty.
"What is wrong?" Tean asked confused.
"Nothing. I need to get back to the infirmary." She turned to leave, but stopped abruptly. Looking over her shoulder, she tried to make amends. "Thank you for your kind words. You always seem to know what to say." Without waiting for a response, she retraced her steps back to the infirmary, mourning the loss of the innocent crush that had disappeared without notice or warning. She suddenly felt much, much older.
--------------------------------
John entered his quarters to find Aeryn sitting on his bed and Aeric standing near his door, studying his wall.
"Hello," he greeted them with curiosity.
"Hello," Aeryn returned, meeting his gaze somberly.
"Hey, dad." Aeric nodded towards the bathroom. "Nice facilities."
John finally realized what Aeric was looking for and stifled a smile. "You like that? State of the art waste conduit system there. I installed it myself. You wouldn't believe what was here before."
"Oh, I can just imagine," Aeric returned. "I'm headed to the Center Chamber. You want anything?"
"No, I'm good, thanks."
John watched Aeric leave, and turned to find Aeryn looking at him with one eyebrow raised. "Why do I have the feeling I'm missing something? Since when has my son become interested in waste conduits?"
"Since he learned never to take them for granted, I would imagine." John said with a smile.
Aeryn waited a moment, but he didn't continue. "You're probably wondering why I'm here."
"You're welcome here anytime, babe."
"Good, because I moved all my belongings in."
John was momentarily speechless. "What?"
"You claim we are mates."
"You're my wife. To me, that makes you my mate."
"Do you wish to continue the union?"
"Hell yeah, but it's been twenty cycles. Honey, there's no way you are ready to move in with me, and you have no idea how hard that is for me to say. You don't remember me. Hell, until a few weekens ago, you didn't even know I existed. It's not that I don't want you with me, but it takes nearly all my self control to keep my hands off you until your ready as it is."
"I don't care about the past. Well, I do, but not to the point where it gets between us. I learned long ago you can enjoy the here and now with no yesterday, as long as you act. I know how I feel about you right now. That is what matters. Even if I didn't have a past with you, I would fight for the present. You lay claim on me, but push me aside. Make up your mind."
D'Argo's gruff voice broke over the comms, interrupting their conversation. "John, Aeryn, Chiana, Brennik, I need to see you in the Center Chamber immediately. We have a situation."
"Later Aeryn. Duty calls."
"Don't think this is over, John."
No Aeryn," he sighed as he walked beside her to meet D'Argo. "I know better than that."
-----------------------------
Brennik wasn't sure what was happening, but by the serious look on D'Argo's face, she knew this wasn't going to be pleasant. Chiana was already in the room, sitting beside Brennik on a stool at the long table. D'Argo had placed a device in the center and was now pacing.
When John and Aeryn entered together, he motioned for them to sit and then leaned over to push a button on the object. A hologram of a man instantly appeared, dressed in the uniform of a Peacekeeper captain, looking somber.
"I am Captain Milnot of the Command Carrier Rashul. I am offering a reward for the capture two escaped felons." The captain disappeared and a hologram of Sethya replaced him. He was younger, his scar was gone and it was the first time Brennik saw him with a smile. It was a replica of Tean's. "Officer Sethya Miskaahl, convicted of murdering the captain of his marauder crew, awaiting execution." Sethya vanished and Tean was next. Tech Major Tean Miskaahl used his knowledge and skills to aid Officer Miskaahl's escape." The captain reappeared. "They are considered armed and extremely dangerous. They have proven very adept at eluding captors for two cycles, use utmost care when apprehending."
The captain disappeared and the room fell silent. "Well," John finally spoke. "At least we know what happened to Sethya."
---------------------------------
She stood in the doorway of the infirmary quietly watching the two brothers. Sethya was still in bed, Tean sitting in a chair near his head. They were talking softly and she thought how innocent he looked. Escaped criminals. Her dad had reminded them all of their dubious pasts and said the Peacekeepers had a way of spinning a tale to its worst advantage. D'Argo had reminded him that not everyone the Peacekeepers hunted were innocent.
Brennik hadn't waited to hear the end of the debate. She found herself roaming the corridors until; at last, here she stood in the doorway watching two fugitives. She stepped into the room, her eyes connecting with Sethya's, trying to see a murderer hidden in their depths. "Is it true?"
He didn't pretend ignorance at her question. "Yes," was his simple answer.
"So you killed your captain."
"Yes, I waited until he was recreating, placed a pulse pistol to his head, looked him straight in the eye- just like I'm looking at you now- and I pulled the trigger. No mercy, no remorse."
"Why?" She asked, her heart feeling as if it was being ripped from her chest.
"He was a marauder captain. It was the only time I could catch him off guard. I'd never had a chance otherwise." He'd deliberately misunderstood her.
"No Seth," she stated softly. "Why did you kill him?"
"Because I could. And just to keep the record straight, I would do the same thing again, and again, and again if given the chance."
"So you're a murderer."
"Yes."
"I cannot accept that."
"It's a simple fact Brennik, whether you accept it or not."
She couldn't tear her eyes from his. He had the power and he wasn't letting her go. Her knees were weak; her lungs would not take in enough air, her head spun. Just arns ago she had painstakingly worked to save his life, and he was a murderer.
Finally, he closed his eyes, freeing her from his spell. "Don't worry about it Princess. We're leaving in a couple of arns and we probably won't make it very far before the bounty hunters catch up to us. So you don't have to feel bad about saving my life."
She choked on a sob and fled the room.
"You could have told her Seth," Tean growled from his chair.
"It doesn't change the facts."
"It clarifies them. She has a right to know."
"Why."
"Because she cares about you."
"She can't."
"Well, she does."
"She shouldn't."
"So you're doing everything you can to stop her. You're an idiot."
"Get frelled."
"I can't, you'd kick my ass. Or D'Argo would, and that would be even worse. Try letting her in Seth. She's stronger than you give her credit for."
"You are under the misapprehension that I administered justice. It was simple revenge, Tean. That makes me no better then him."
"Let her make that decision. She's on the run as much as we are. Do you know what will happen if the wrong people get their hands on her?"
"She has protection. Give it up."
"No, and if you do not tell her the rest, I will."
"I'll kill you. And you already know I am capable."
"I mean it Sethya. Either you tell her or I do."
To their astonishment, Brennik stormed into the room and headed straight for Sethya. Stopping a short distance away she pointed a finger at him and began. "Don't interrupt me; I have a lot to say. First, my name is NOT Princess, it's Brennik. Remember that! Second, you're a creep who can't let anyone near you, but... and this leads to number three, you saved my life which makes you my friend. Fourth, there's no way in hell you're a cold blooded murderer, I don't care what you say. I don't believe it, dad doesn't believe it, Tean doesn't believe it, even if you do. I don't know what happened," she leaned closer, her eyes flashing with anger. "But you're not going to scare me off. We Crichton's have very few friends in this universe, but we're loyal. So quit trying to be Mr. Tough Guy and CHILL OUT!"
She turned to storm back out, but his voice stopped her. "Brennik, wait. Sit down." He looked at her pleadingly. "Please?" She found that Tean's chair was vacant and she plopped down. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Unconditional loyalty," he whispered. So much had been left unsaid, but he had been granted a reprieve, and like a coward he was going to snatch the few microts he had been blessed with. Tean would force the issue eventually. He'd face that later.
Sethya closed his eyes and together they let silence reign, each lost in their own thoughts, grateful for the others' presence.
--------------------------
Aeric sat next to Chiana, eating his food and desperately trying to think of something clever to say. He liked it when she talked with him. She treated him as an equal instead of a kid.
His mother and father were at the next table over, talking and laughing quietly together. His mother walked to the water storage and poured two drinks, but on the way back she stopped abruptly, dropping the two drinks and turning a ghostly white before her cheeks flamed red. Instantly Crichton was at her side, but his presence seemed to agitate her further. She fled from the room with a confused John following close behind.
----------------------------
One microt, she had two drinks in her hand, and the next BAM!
[i] She was sitting on his lap, legs wrapped around his waist. Though he was fully dressed, she was only wearing her leather pants. His rough cheek caressed her breast and she moaned softly, lacing her fingers into his short brown hair. Her ring twinkled at her and the effect was an erotic reminder that she belonged to this one man. She could feel how excited he was through both sets of leathers and she wiggled a bit, just to hear his gasp before he claimed her mouth with his own. His hands were caressing her back, her stomach, her breasts and she caught a glimpse of his wedding band, branding him hers alone. "I love you Aeryn," he whispered huskily.
"I love you too."
She intended to get up, they were due at dinner, but her movement wiggled against him again and as he gasped he pinned her on his lap with his arms around her bare waist. "You can't do that and leave."
She didn't want to leave. "But dinner..." she said when he released her mouth again.
"It'll wait."
"John, the others..."
"Are probably jealous, wishing they'd thought of it first."
He captured her mouth once again and she found herself pinned on her back, his weight covering her, pressing her into the mattress. The effect was so consuming, all thoughts of those waiting for them fled her mind. [/i]
She heard the cups crash and looked up to see an older Crichton headed to her, worry etched on his face. This was the same man. He'd held her intimately, knew things about her she may never know again. Then she realized she was surrounded by others and her embarrassment compounded. What if they all guessed she'd been fantasizing? No, this was worse because it was an actual memory.
She had to get out of there. She needed to be alone for a few minutes, if anything, to cool off after the frustration of not having the memory follow through to the end. She bolted for their quarters, not realizing John was behind her.
If he could excite her this thoroughly in a simple memory, how much more potent was the real thing going to be? Was she ready? She suddenly understood why Crichton had been restraining himself and she fell in love with him even more.
She wasn't going to get her moment alone, it seemed. John reached their quarters at the same time she did, worry etched on his face. "Aeryn are you all right? Is it another headache?" He closed the door and she was trapped, her hormones shouting at her to finish what she'd inadvertently started earlier.
She shook her head no in answer to his question. "I had a memory flash."
"Was it bad? You looked pretty shook up."
"No, we were recreating."
At first he simply looked at her, as if he hadn't heard her and was still waiting for the answer. Slowly, though a cocky grin began to emerge. "Your first waking memory was of us making love?"
"You seem quite pleased with yourself."
"Well... yeah. I am. So which time was it?"
"We were over there," she said, pointing at the bed. "I was sitting on your lap. We were late for dinner..."
"And I said it would wait."
"Yes."
His eyes were soft as they caressed her face. "I believe that was when we created Aeric."
Her eyes grew moist. "I wish I could remember the rest of it," she said. "I can't remember anything after you pinned me to the bed."
He held out his hand, inviting her to him. She laced her fingers in his and he gently kissed them. "Do you really want to remember?" he asked softly.
She nodded and, still holding her hand, he pulled her closer to the bed. "Then let me show you how I worshipped you that night." The love in his eyes was overwhelming, consuming, and she followed him willingly to their future as they relived their past.
-End