Part 3: Val'halla
"Sooner or later, anyway," Captain Marvio said, pouring raslak from the bottle on his desk into two glasses. "You realise, of course, that I have been planning this day for over two cycles?"
He lifted the glass to his lips and took a long swallow. "The moment I heard you had defected, I knew that it was time to act, and that I must eventually bring you here. It may be a while since we have served together, but I know what an asset you will be to our operation. Perhaps more so now, with the benefit of further experience. Captain."
"Does that surprise you?" Crais asked bluntly, meeting Marvio's gaze.
"Not in the slightest," Marvio replied, taking another sip. "I never had any doubt that you would rise through the ranks. If you did not let your passion rule you and do something foolish."
"Such as disobey a direct order from High Command in order to pursue the man who caused my brother's death?" Crais suggested, betraying no signs of emotion and taking a sip of his own raslak.
"That sort of thing," Marvio agreed, as if the question were purely hypothetical. Then, directly "Do you regret it?"
The last few cycles flashed past in front of Crais' eyes. He hesitated. "No," he said finally. "I do not."
Marvio topped up his glass and raised it. "To foolish decisions," he said. "Which turn out to be the best you have ever made." Crais joined in the toast mainly out of respect.
"Besides," Marvio said, returning to his earlier point. "You know that I am no longer in need of a lieutenant to carry out my commands. All administrative duties are now on the shoulders of Lt.Hals. She is sensible, conscientious and utterly devoid of any imagination, making her ideally suited to the task. What I need," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "is someone who will work with me. Someone I can rely on to lead after I am gone. We are the only two of Captain's rank to have defected and escaped execution in a hundred cycles. Only you have the skills, experience and ability to take over. Now that you are here, I do not have to concern myself with my own mortality. At least, not if you serve with the commitment I expect."
"I will not fail you," Crais said. He had the most intense feeling of déjà vu, although he wouldn't have called it that. Many cycles ago, they'd had a very similar encounter, when Marvio had done much to cool the hot head of Lt. Bialar Crais. Had his influence continued after Crais had received his first command, things might have turned out so very differently.
"What are your plans?" Marvio asked conversationally, again speaking as one equal to another and taking another draught of raslak, not acknowledging Crais' response.
"To what plans are you referring?" Crais asked, trying to clarify the question.
"This is a whole new life for you," Marvio answered, topping up his own glass again. Then, with the air of someone picking a question completely at random. "Have you considered taking a mate, for example?"
Crais shifted uncomfortably. Lately, that was all anyone seemed to be thinking about.
"I believe that, in my new position, it will be wise to keep myself free from distraction," Crais said, hoping Marvio would leave it at that. The faces of Cymma and Jessica Crichton floated in front of his eyes. Yes, distractions were definitely best avoided.
Marvio paused, his voice becoming almost wistful. "Give it some more thought," he said. "If I were still your age… Well, I am not and there is no sense in dwelling on it, but I advise you not to discount the possibility. Marriage is in no way discouraged here, quite the opposite in fact. I greatly enjoy performing them. It would be valuable if you could set an example."
Before Crais could think of a suitable response to that, Marvio had risen, his Captain's face returning. He handed Crais an info pad that had been sitting on his desk. "A little light reading for you," he said. "New procedures and the like. Your new duties will not commence until you have established yourself here and been cleared for duty by Dr. Taan, so there is no need to devote all your time to it. Enjoy the leisure time, because I cannot predict when more will be available. Things here have a way of being either frenetic or tedious, with no way to predict which. Relax - and that is an order. Dismissed."
***
Late the next day, the door chimes of Crais' new quarters rang for the first time. He turned from the window, where he was trying to adjust himself to seeing blue sky instead of black space, and strode to the door. He activated the controls and it slid open.
Crais spent some nine cycles afterwards trying to forget the intense attraction he felt for the woman on the other side of it. He failed every bit as spectacularly as she did.
"Captain Crais," she greeted him, after a slight pause in which Crais felt her eyes take in every dench of his body. "I'm Dr. Laynie Taan."
That answered his first question. Or maybe not his first, but one of them. He knew quite well that he should have reported to medical that afternoon.
"I realise that I missed our appointment," he said, now rather wishing he hadn't despite his dislike of physical examinations.
"You did indeed," Laynie replied smoothly. "Why?"
"I felt my time would be better spent becoming acquainted with the Captain's methods…and there is no reason to be concerned about my physical condition," Crais said, trying to keep his gaze firmly on her green eyes rather than letting his own take a leisurely journey over the rest of her. He had folded his hands behind his back, on some level convinced that they needed to be kept safely occupied.
"I can see that," Laynie answered, a distinctly suggestive note in her voice.
Crais cleared his throat and bit his tongue to keep from returning the compliment.
"However," Laynie said, lightly but firmly. "That is not the only point of a physical, as you are quite aware. I need up-to-date records in order to treat you effectively if anything does happen to you, and it is quite possible for you to develop a potentially dangerous condition without displaying any obvious symptoms. So, I'll give you a choice. You can come with me now, or we'll do it tomorrow morning."
She paused, giving him a positively wicked grin that very nearly made Crais drag her into his quarters, lock the door and let her examine him more intimately than any doctor ever had before in his life.
"I should warn you however," she said, "that the level one cadets - that's the five-cycle-olds - are going to be touring the medilabs then and I may just ask them to assist me. So, unless you find the prospect of a group of small children prodding you with scanners appealing, I suggest you come now."
"I wasn't aware that there were any children here," Crais said, suddenly becoming very interested in the corridor wall behind her since he couldn't hold eye contact any longer without forgetting how to speak coherently.
"We brought quite a number with us when we left the Peacekeepers and there have been many additions since then, but don't change the subject," Laynie said, leaning on the door frame and blocking his view of said wall. She didn't seem to find eye contact a problem at all, in fact Crais had the strange feeling she could see past his eyes and straight into his soul. And, more importantly, that she was deliberately looking at it.
Crais stared at her for a few microts, trying to do the same thing and finding that he didn't have the gift. "Do you intend our entire professional relationship to be based on threats?" he asked finally, trying not to listen to all the things his body was suggesting he threaten to do to her.
"Only necessary ones," was the composed reply. "Have you made your decision?"
Crais paused while he tried to determine, based on his brief acquaintance with her, whether or not she would carry out her threat. He had a feeling that she would.
"Very well," he said, finding that the prospect of a physical was more appealing than it had ever been before. "You may conduct it now."
"Good," Laynie said, giving Crais another once-over and making his blood temperature suddenly rise several points. "I promise to be gentle."
Crais had to bite his tongue again to keep from revealing that his traitorous body wanted her to be anything but.
***
Crais stood in his quarters on Talyn, his belongings packed into a single bag which sat innocently on his bed. He could hardly believe that his time on board had come to an end.
He took a last look round, picked up the bag and slung it over his shoulder. Then he resolutely turned and walked out, not looking back.
He was halfway to the docking bay when Talyn announced that Moya had arrived, answering the distress call Crais had sent several arns earlier. Now that Crais no longer had a transponder, they had been forced to resort to more primitive methods of communication, Talyn briefly dimmed the lights in the section Crais was in.
It took Crais several hundred microts to locate a DRD. "Talyn," he said. "Inform Moya that I will come to her shortly."
The DRD blinked back at him in acknowledgement and Crais continued down the corridor, noting to himself that no trace of the green colouring remained. It was almost as if Cymma had never been there at all, except for the tiny fact that she'd turned his life upside down.
He placed his bag in the old prowler Cymma had purchased while he'd been in the restorative tank - no doubt with this day in mind - and climbed into it. It had been a long time since he had flown one, but he was confident he could get from Talyn to Moya without any raised eyebrows. He pulled the top down, stopping for one microt as he wondered whether this would be the last time he saw this sight, and started up.
And then he flew to Moya. No longer Talyn's captain.
"So, what wasn't Cymma telling us?" was Crichton's greeting, when Crais climbed out of his prowler in Moya's docking bay.
"A great deal," Crais answered. "Suffice to say, I have a proposal to put to both of you."
Crichton looked suspicious and moved closer to Aeryn.
"What kind of proposal?" Aeryn asked, as Crichton slipped a possessive arm around her waist. The fact that she didn't remove it spoke volumes.
"Were either of you aware of the existence of a Peacekeeper resistance movement?" Crais asked, setting his bag down at his feet.
Crichton looked surprised. "I kind of thought we were it," he said.
"Apparently not," Crais answered. "It has been in existence for nearly two cycles. In fact, it began shortly after I defected. It is based on the planet we are currently orbiting, although you would find no evidence of that fact if you were to scan it. Naturally this information is confidential. I reveal it to you only because I have authorisation…" Crais paused, "…to invite you to join it also."
"You intend to?" Aeryn asked. "You're leaving Talyn?!" Crichton said, at the same microt.
"I have been offered the post of second in command. And yes, I have accepted it."
Crichton looked stunned. He stared at Crais. "You're going to leave Talyn?" he repeated, obviously unable to believe it.
"Talyn has expressed interest in having a pilot," Crais said. "Cymma and I discussed it at length before she left and, since I no longer have a transponder, I consider it his best option. As to whether he will choose to return at any point, I do not know. He will be free to do as he wishes."
"And this offer…?" Aeryn said, ignoring Crichton.
"Is genuine. Made by Captain Marvio upon my recommendation. Officer Sun, you will receive a promotion to Lieutenant and a place in the flight corps. Commander Crichton," Crais said, hardly able to make himself believe he was going to say this, "you are to be assigned to intelligence."
Aeryn raised an eyebrow at Crais and the two shared a look of half-disbelief.
"So this planet," Crichton said, having apparently gathered a few of his wits. "Is it nice?"
"It is perfectly habitable," Crais answered.
"Yes, but is it nice?" Crichton persisted. "Are there…trees, grass, pretty flowers, cute furry animals that don't bite your fingers off when you stroke them? Does the sun shine? And what about this resistance - are they friendly? We need a few details here."
"The…climate is optimal," Crais offered. "There is considerable vegetation and animal life, although I have not attempted to…stroke any of them. There are sufficient arns of sunshine. The personnel are almost all former Peacekeepers. The original number were brought by Captain Marvio from his command carrier when he defected and more have been added since."
"Is this going to be like the Peacekeepers?" Crichton asked, tightening his hold on Aeryn.
"No," Crais answered, trying not to look as if he'd noticed. "Captain Marvio is…progressive. It seems there are already a number of bonded mates." Crais cleared his throat. "Some of whom even have offspring."
"Sounds good," Crichton said, grinning broadly.
Crais paused. "I must stress that this is a permanent arrangement," he said. "Defectors would compromise the resistance as much as they can the Peacekeepers. If you have any doubt, I suggest you decline the offer."
"Anyone would think you didn't want us there, Crais," Crichton quipped.
"I think we need some time to consider this," Aeryn said.
Crais nodded briskly. "I intend to return to the surface," he said, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "You are cleared to land whenever you choose. Talyn will remain here until you have made your decision, as he intends to travel with Moya to the pilots' homeworld if you remain here. I will inform Captain Marvio that I have put the offer to you and we will await your response."
"Pass our thanks onto the Captain," Aeryn said, meeting Crais' eyes briefly.
"I will do so," Crais replied, pretending not to see.
***
That evening, Crais saw Laynie Taan enter the lounge and head straight for him. He had been sitting alone, quietly enjoying a glass of raslak and reading an info-pad outlining the procedures Captain Marvio had altered for use in the resistance. Or, actually, not reading it. Trying to make himself read it, although his thoughts kept straying back to quite the most enjoyable medical examination he'd ever experienced. Seeing her now, he felt another stab of longing. He had come to the conclusion that, given Marvio's very different stance on personal relationships, he should not recreate with other senior staff members. He very nearly reconsidered, but decided it was just as well that the offer would be made and declined at such an early stage. That was why he invited her so readily to join him - most uncharacteristically. However, it did not go quite as expected.
"I'm not here to propostion you," was her greeting as she sat down.
Crais studied her. "Do you usually begin conversations in this manner?" he asked, realising that she'd already proven his initial character assessment incorrect.
"No, but I thought it should be said," Laynie said, propping her elbows on the table and resting her chin on her folded hands.
"I did not imagine that that was your purpose," Crais replied, for some ridiculous reason feeling disappointed. He should have been relieved that she had made this so easy.
"Dren," Laynie responded succinctly, looking him straight in the eye. "I think you're the embodiment of pure masculinity. The moment I saw you, I wanted you and I couldn't have made it more obvious if I'd pounced on you right then and there."
Crais tried not to look as if he found the idea as appealing as he did.
"And I'm fairly sure you're not wholly indifferent to me," Laynie added, her eyes grinning at him. "Do correct me if I'm wrong."
"I will," Crais heard himself reply. He dropped his eyes and took a gulp of raslak, wondering what had come over him. He'd never had a conversation quite like this before.
"But CMO and Second is probably a bad combination," Laynie finished. "And I think you agree. So there's an end to it. Unfortunately."
"CMO?" Crais asked, forcing himself to ignore her last comment.
"Chief Medical Officer," Laynie replied. "Sorry, bad habit. That's what we used to call them where I trained, before I was conscripted."
"You were not born into service?" Crais couldn't help asking. He knew from bitter experience how difficult it was for conscripts to reach any position of power.
"It often happens in the medical corps. They let us get trained and experienced on our home planets and conscript us late. Of course we're considered second-rate, except when our skills are needed," Laynie said, removing her elbows from the table and sitting back a little in her chair.
Crais nodded, familiar with the situation. "And yet you rose to become Chief Medic?"
Laynie laughed dryly, shaking her head. "No, nowhere near. I wasn't conscripted until I was thirty-three cycles old, so I was never considered a real Peacekeeper. I was at the bottom of the chain of command, being called to observe procedures and ending up doing them. Then Captain Marvio asked me to go with him. As you can see," she said, smiling, "it was an excellent career move. Besides, I love it here."
"Did you know him well?" Crais asked, taking another sip of raslak.
"Does anybody ever know their Captain well?" Laynie asked casually, giving Crais the feeling that she was avoiding the question. "My record speaks for itself. I was always the little farm girl grown up, so I was the natural choice to start things here."
"You were raised in a farming community?" Crais asked, his interest increasing despite himself.
"Yes and, before you ask, I have seen your record. I know you were too."
"I remember little about it," Crais reluctantly admitted.
"Shame," Laynie said regretfully. "It would have been nice to talk about it, but even so I hope we can be friends."
"Friends?" Crais repeated, studying her expression closely.
"Well, naturally I'd prefer to spend this evening finding out if you taste as good as you look, but I'll just have to use my imagination," Laynie answered, dead-pan, leaving Crais aching to know if she meant that literally. "Seriously now," she continued, her tone becoming more professional. "I want us to have a good working relationship. Captain Marvio speaks highly of you and I know that you will be heavily involved in everything that goes on here. He and I are in the habit of being in each other's confidence and I'd like to extend that to you." She smiled, teasing again. "If nothing else, I have the authority to relieve you of duty, so you should try to keep on my good side."
Crais sat back in his chair and used a mouthful of raslak as an excuse not to answer, while he took a moment to observe her. She had blond hair, pulled up into an untidy ponytail, an open face and a warm smile. This was no young Lieutenant, gazing in awe at her Captain, but a grown woman who saw him as an equal. It was something he was finding increasingly that he liked.
"I will endeavour to," he said finally, having swallowed his raslak.
Laynie didn't respond immediately. She was biting her lip and Crais wasn't quite sure how to interpret her expression. In fact, he wasn't quite sure about what to do next either. He was conscious of two impulses. One to drag her back to his quarters - or hers, whichever were nearest - and find out exactly what was hidden beneath her black and silver uniform, the other to talk to her, to hear about her past, her life here, everything in fact. He couldn't recall ever having had this problem before.
"Are your friends going to be joining us?" Laynie asked, bringing Crais out of his reverie. He looked at her in surprise. She smiled. "This is what I mean about being in the Captain's confidence," she said.
"I received a message from them earlier today," Crais answered. "They intend to be here shortly."
"Good," Laynie said, smiling again, her eyes glowing in a way that made Crais feel warm inside. "I'm looking forward to meeting them."
***
Crichton looked up, down and all around, staring at the place he now proposed to call home, setting his kit bag down on the ground beside Aeryn's.
"I feel like I've been accepted into Starfleet Academy," he said as he turned to her, a look of wonder on his face. "This place is incredible! If the rest of the operation is this well put together, we might actually have a shot."
He took a breath, relishing the crisp taste of the fresh air, squinting as the bright sunlight, reflecting off the huge purple lake by the complex, momentarily blinded him. He scanned the landscape, taking in the gardens, the green forests and the mountains dominating the horizon. This place was perfect. As much as he hated to admit it, Crais had done him a great favour.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement and turned to see Crais striding across the neat lawns towards them. At his side was a petite, red-headed woman (so petite that she was obviously struggling to keep up with Crais' long strides) whom Crichton didn't know.
"Commander Crichton, Lieutenant Sun, welcome to Val'halla," she said when she and Crais arrived, sounding slightly out of breath. "I am Lt. Hals. Captain Marvio has instructed me to bring you directly to his office. Please follow me."
"Doesn't mince words, does she?" Crichton muttered to Aeryn, as they picked up their bags and strode after her. Crichton fell into step beside Crais. "They already give you the tour, Bialar?" he enquired, in a tone that was almost friendly.
Crais answered with one deliberate nod. If he was surprised at Crichton's use of his first name, he didn't show it. "I have already had time to acquaint myself with the layout."
"You'll have to take orders again," Crichton observed.
Crais' eyes remained fixed straight ahead. "Indeed," was the only comment he made.
Crichton was silent for a moment, then 'Wonder how long that'll last." He dropped back to walk beside Aeryn, receiving no answer from Crais.
They left the gardens and entered the complex through a pair of huge double doors. They marched along grey corridor after grey corridor until Crichton began to wish he'd tied a string or dropped breadcrumbs or something, because he was utterly lost. Maybe if he asked, they'd give him one of those pop-up maps. The Burger King fun map of resistance HQ. Yeah, that would be good.
They turned a corner and came to a halt outside the third door on the left. Lt. Hals knocked, a voice called 'Enter' and they filed in - Lt. Hals in front and Crichton bringing up the rear feeling like he'd been called to the Headmaster's office.
Crichton would've pegged Captain Marvio as being around sixty. He had greying hair, bluish eyes strangely reminiscent of the paintwork on Crichton's first car and the kind of face that you instinctively trust. He was not at all how Crichton had pictured the founder of the Peacekeeper resistance, but then how often were things the way he expected them to be?
He stood at attention beside Aeryn and Crais, wondering how this would turn out. Right at the edge of his field of vision, he saw Marvio exchange glances with someone - it must have been Crais. Marvio's gaze flickered past Aeryn and rested on Crichton for a few microts. Then he spoke.
"Your reputations precede you, Commander, Lieutenant," he said, eyes shifting from one to the other. "And Captain Crais has been good enough to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. Lt. Sun, I have your personnel file from the Peacekeepers, which I believe we have updated accurately. Commander Crichton, it will be necessary to assist Lt. Hals in compiling one for you. You are both scheduled for medicals in three arns and are expected to keep this appointment."
Was it Crichton's imagination, or had Marvio been looking right at Crais when he had said that?
"I suggest you use this time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings," Marvio continued. "Lt. Hals will show you to your quarters. I will hopefully find time to have further discussions with each of you before you begin your duties. Do you have anything to say?"
Aeryn jabbed Crichton in the thigh with her finger.
"There is one tiny thing," he said awkwardly. "We…have a new enemy. Grayza - the love child of Dracula and Cruella De Ville. She's…interested in me. And once she finds out that I'm in the resistance…she'll probably be interested in you."
"A useful time to make alliances," Marvio remarked dryly.
"We've done alright on our own," Crichton said defensively. "And Commandant Cleavage isn't a patch on Scorpy, or Crais for that matter. She shouldn't actually cause any trouble, I just wanted to let you know that she might show up."
"I will inform reconnaissance," Marvio answered, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands across his stomach. "Report to my quarters once your medical is complete and we will discuss it further. Dismissed."
***
More grey corridors. The planet was beautiful, but they were badly in need of an interior decorator. Maybe he could talk Crais into… Yeah, right, what were the chances? He must be going nuts.
Lt. Hals stopped suddenly, like she was being remote-controlled and someone had just hit the stop button. She turned to Crichton and Aeryn.
"These are your quarters," she said.
"Whose?" Crichton asked, pointing to Aeryn and then to himself. "Hers or mine?"
Lt. Hals looked confused. Crichton could almost hear her thinking 'That does not compute'. She produced a tiny info-pad out of a pocket Crichton hadn't even realised she had and began rapidly pressing buttons. The grooves in her forehead deepened as she studied it with total concentration.
"Assignment alpha-415, quarters section 10, lurg beta-6. Lieutenant Aeryn Sun and Commander John Crichton," she stated. "Double quarters, as requested."
It was Crichton's turn to be confused. "I didn't request double quarters," he said.
Aeryn opened the door. Crichton saw spacious quarters, with a view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. And a double bed.
"Have you any objections, John?" Aeryn asked, as she moved into the room and set her kit bag down on the bed. She started to unbutton her heavy jacket as she looked back at him.
Crichton started to smile. "None whatsoever," he said. He turned to Lt. Hals. "This is perfect," he said, grinning madly. "Absolutely perfect. Thanks so much."
"Please report punctually for your medicals," was the response.
"Will do," Crichton promised cheerfully. "We'll be there. Both of us. Together."
***
"Commandant Mele-On Grayza. Currently on board the command carrier Bhas'kaar, which is under the command of Captain Alasis Braca. Unexceptional service record, appears to owe her rank entirely to a Heppel gland implant. A practice which is only not outlawed because the patients tend not to survive long enough for it to matter."
Captain Marvio glanced at Crais before continuing to read, walking slowly round his office. "However, she appears to have been around quite a while. Obviously she has another little trick concealed somewhere on her person. Nevertheless, I concur with the Commander's assessment. She is nothing to be concerned about unless she comes to us."
"Which she most likely will do," Crais said, idly looking out of the window. He still hadn't got used to grass. He looked back at Marvio. "Those who develop an interest in Crichton, of whatever nature, tend to find that it increases beyond what they can control."
Marvio paused, setting the info pad down on his desk before moving over to stand beside Crais. Crais had to raise his chin slightly to look him in the eye.
"Does that include Lt. Sun?" Marvio asked, his eyes twinkling.
Crais looked away, clearing his throat. "I believe…that would be an accurate assessment of their relationship," he replied.
"You disapprove?"
"I have no strong feelings on the subject," Crais said, moving away from the window and back towards the desk.
"I strongly suspect you of telling untruths, Captain," Marvio said, following Crais and settling himself back in his chair. "But then, on some subjects you retain that right."
Whatever answer, if any, Crais had intended to give was lost when he suddenly sneezed four times in quick succession.
Marvio raised an eyebrow and looked at Crais quizzically, folding his hands over his stomach. "For someone who has just been declared in perfect health, that is rather unusual. Particularly since Dr. Taan no doubt made a very thorough examination of you."
Crais looked back at him. Marvio's eyes were twinkling. Did the two of them tell each other everything?!
"I am quite certain that it is nothing serious," he said firmly.
"Nevertheless, maybe I should send you back to her. She consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty."
"Captain," Crais said, unable to meet Marvio's laughing gaze again. This was a side of Marvio he'd never seen as a Peacekeeper. "I would prefer it if this discussion were terminated."
"Certainly, Captain," Marvio said mildly. He opened a drawer on the left side of his desk and extracted a small, round something which he proceeded to pop into his mouth. He smiled amusedly at Crais. "I wouldn't dream of interfering between the two of you."
"There is nothing…!" Crais started to say, irritably and at a rather louder volume than he had intended. He stopped and began again, attempting a rather more composed tone. "There is nothing between us, other than the beginnings of what I hope will be an efficient working relationship."
"I am happy to hear that," Marvio said. Crais was certain that he didn't believe a word.
"I would have imagined that you would be the last person to encourage relationships between your senior staff members," Crais said, fixing Marvio in his gaze.
Marvio paused. "Perhaps you are right," he said, slowly sucking on the sweet. "Certainly passionate affairs with disastrous endings are best avoided, although I have confidence in my staff's self-discipline. I have let it be known that personal relationships are not to impact on duties anymore than is unavoidable. So far it has not caused any great difficulties. But, there is a first time for everything."
"Indeed," Crais said, nodding briskly, hoping that he had made his point and this disconcerting conversation would end.
"You may go," Marvio said, waving one hand towards the door. "Hopefully Commander Crichton will be here shortly to contribute to our knowledge of Commandant Grayza. In fact, I cannot imagine why he is not here already."
Crais managed one step towards the door before Marvio's comms came to life.
"Hi, it's me," Laynie's voice said.
Crais started. He'd never in his life heard anyone address their commanding officer so casually, regardless of their relationship with them.
"Excellent. Can you clear up the mystery of the Commander's whereabouts?" Marvio asked, not even blinking at the greeting.
"He'll report to you in an arn or two. I granted him…personal leave. I'm quite sure he'll let you know why when he comes. Indeed, you'll be lucky if you can persuade him to talk about anything else."
Marvio smiled. "Thank you for informing me," he said.
"No problem. See you later." The comms channel shut down.
Crais looked incredulously at Marvio. "When did you begin to allow other officers to address you in that manner?" he asked.
Marvio took a moment to answer. "The relationship between Commander-In-Chief and Chief Medic is different to that between other staff members, in that we operate in different spheres. In a medical capacity, her authority even exceeds mine. And our personal relationship is, as you have insisted, none of anyone's concern except ours."
The thought of what that relationship might be made Crais feel quite ill, but he nodded briskly and started towards the door. He rather hoped Marvio would make further comment before he reached it, but he was disappointed. He had no choice but to leave with his question unanswered.
***
While Crais was being probed by the man he'd agreed to serve indefinitely, Crichton was giving Aeryn a practical demonstration of centripetal and centrifugal forces. Which is to say, he had her in his arms and was spinning her around in a circle.
"John, put me down," she insisted, starting to look vaguely green.
Crichton did, only to crush her to him in a hug that nearly punctured a lung. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed for the tenth time, grinning broadly. If the rest of their new life turned out as well as everything had so far, he would be the happiest man in the universe, bar none.
"It is only a pregnancy, John. They are not uncommon."
"They are for us, baby!" Crichton replied, seizing Aeryn's hands and holding them tight. "I can't believe we're gonna be parents! John Robert Crichton III, sounds great!"
"There is an equal chance that the child will prove to be female," Aeryn pointed out.
Crichton shook his head, still smiling as wide as his face could stand. "First is always a boy, runs in the family. The next'll probably be a girl," he said happily, visions of six children - who bore a striking resemblance to the Brady Bunch, only with their colouring reversed - floating before his eyes.
"Next?" Aeryn repeated, sounding rather dazed.
"Well, you wouldn't want him to be lonely, would you?" Crichton said, not waiting for an answer. "And now we're going to be settled here, this is a great place for a kid. We can teach him to swim in the lake and there's other kids for him to play with. This is going to be great!" He was bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, feeling crazily like he might break into song, broadway-style. Damn, this was a dream come true!
"John, we are not safe here," Aeryn said firmly, extracting herself from his grip. "Destroying Scorpius' command carrier has only made the price on our heads higher and joining the resistance will give yet another reason for the Peacekeepers to target us. This planet may seem protected, but it is only a matter of time before we are found. We should think carefully if we wish to bring a child into this."
Crichton looked soberly into her eyes and hoped she wasn't implying what he thought she was. "Aeryn, I am not going to let you kill our baby," he stated flatly, folding his arms across his chest. "There's no way I can stand by and let you do that. This may not mean anything to you, but it damn well means something to me."
"I never said that it did not mean anything to me," Aeryn said, folding her own arms. "John, the fetus is in stasis. Those of us born into service can maintain one in that state for up to seven cycles. This can be delayed."
"Until when?" Crichton asked quietly, only slightly comforted by her words. "You know as well as I do that our lives are never gonna be like the frigging Waltons. You think I don't realise that we're always going to be in danger? I do. But I don't want to spend my whole life missing out on everything that really matters to me, just because there's a chance that it may not turn out okay."
He moved away from Aeryn, towards the window, seeing blue skies that shouldn't have felt like a novelty. He watched a bird, with emerald feathers that reminded him briefly of Cymma, fly from one tree to another to join its mate. Then he spoke calmly.
"I know this isn't the perfect time," he said, turning slightly to look back at her, "but it's as good as it's ever gonna get. I want to have this baby, Aeryn. I want to start our family. I want one piece of my screwy life the way it should be. Don't take that away from me."
"I don't know how to be a mother," was Aeryn's only response, indirectly telling Crichton he had made his point. He said a silent thank you to whatever divine beings there might be.
"I've seen you with Talyn," he said, moving back and sliding an arm around her so he could pull her gently into his embrace. "And I know you're smart. You can figure it out. I have to learn too."
"You've always seemed comfortable with children," Aeryn said, letting her head rest against his shoulder.
"I've just been around them more," Crichton answered. He bent his head slightly to kiss the top of hers, closing his eyes as he breathed in. She'd scented her hair again. "I know you'll be fine when our baby comes."
He went to kiss her head again when a thought occurred to him. "How long does it take anyway?" he asked, realising that he had no idea. He couldn't exactly go searching on Amazon for a Sebacean version of 'What to expect when you're expecting'.
"Seven monens," Aeryn answered, turning slightly and looking up at him, but leaving her head resting on him.
"And he's frozen when?" Crichton asked, not entirely clear on the science.
"Only shortly after the moment of conception."
"So can we…defrost him?" Crichton said, excitement beginning to creep over him once again.
"I am sure Dr. Taan would be willing to remove the stasis field," Aeryn answered, moving out of his embrace again.
"Then let's go!" Crichton said.
Aeryn turned towards the door, but Crichton grabbed her hand. "I forgot something," he said. Feeling more than a little nervous, he slowly went down on one knee.
"I don't have a ring," he said shyly. "So pretty much all I've got to offer is myself. Aeryn Sun…will you marry me?"
Aeryn stood for a moment, looking at him, but without showing any reaction. Then she took a deep breath and opened her mouth.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Aeryn said quickly, just as Crichton went to tell whoever it was to go away. Their timing was unbelievable.
It was Crais. Of course it was Crais. Every frelling time he and Aeryn got something good going…
"Don't even think about it," Crichton said, still kneeling in front of Aeryn, not taking his eyes off her. "Out. Now."
"I do apologise," said a dry, distinctly sarcastic voice.
Okay, so it wasn't Crais.
Crichton got to his feet. He'd been here less than a solar day and he'd already managed to commit insubordination. "Sorry, Captain," he said, sheepishly. What did it matter? The mood was ruined anyway.
"Quite all right. I do apologise for interrupting…whatever you were doing."
Sincerity was evidently not one of Captain Kinsella's dominant traits. Crichton watched her sharp eyes take in everything in the room in an instant. He was sure she'd missed nothing. He'd met the woman for less than half an arn while he and Aeryn had been exploring and he was already scared of her. She was Head of Intelligence - a Sebacean Judi Dench, only twice as intimidating.
"I have information that may be of interest to you," she said, her dark eyes scrutinising him. "Of course, your duties have not commenced yet, so you are under no obligation to come with me now."
Except that, if I don't, you'll make sure I spend the next twenty cycles making coffee and picking up your dry-cleaning, Crichton thought. He glanced at Aeryn, who was avoiding his gaze.
"I can spare the time," he answered.
"Excellent." She said it exactly as Scorpius once had. Crichton shuddered.
He turned back to Aeryn at the door. "We can talk about this later, I guess," he said hopefully.
Aeryn nodded mutely.
***
"Wait. I've come into the cinema halfway through the film. How do we know this?" Crichton looked at Marvio behind his desk, Kinsella at his elbow and Crais at the window.
"Informers," was Crais' matter-of-fact response.
"We have informers on Grayza's ship?!" Crichton asked in disbelief.
"We do now," Kinsella replied, as if this were no great achievement.
"In the last four arns, you've managed to plant a spy?!"
Kinsella's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean to imply that I could not accomplish this?" she said coldly.
"So didn't mean that," Crichton said quickly, instinctively backing away from her.
"Good," Kinsella answered, eyeing him distrustfully. "As it happens, that was not necessary. We have had outside assistance." She sounded positively disgusted by the fact.
"From who?" Crichton asked.
Marvio folded his hands across his stomach. "Someone I believe you are acquainted with," he said. "Captain Braca."
"Braca?!" Crichton said. Crais didn't react at all, which could only mean that he already knew. Damn, he hated it when he was the one who had to be brought up to speed.
"Braca's a spy for the resistance?" he asked, looking from Crais to Marvio to Kinsella. Then, after a moment's pause in which his forehead furrowed in thought. "Braca's a Captain?"
"It is astonishing that some people obtain high rank," Kinsella said in her dry voice. A remark that was so unquestionably aimed at him that he might as well have had a bull's eye painted on his chest.
"He is not a spy," Marvio answered. "Our aims have…temporarily merged."
Crichton grabbed the back of the chair opposite Marvio's, span it towards him and sat on it, ignoring Crais' raised eyebrow and Kinsella's icy glare.
"I wouldn't be here if you didn't think I could contribute and to do that I need to know everything," Crichton said, a part of him wondering if he really was important enough here to get away with this. "So spill."
He saw Marvio's gaze flick up and across to Crais. He knew without looking what expression Crais would have on his face. He didn't dare look at Kinsella.
Marvio looked back to him, meeting his eyes without blinking.
"Commandant Grayza is attempting to make a deal with the Scarrans," he said.
"Shit! Is she crazy?!" Crichton said.
"Quite possibly," Kinsella replied. Crichton looked over at her then, just in time to see storm clouds appear out of thin air. Her lips were pinched tightly together. "Lazy is the adjective I prefer. She has made it a habit to take whatever shortcuts she can, no matter what the consequences. She never had any understanding that all things of value are only acquired through hard work, dedication and sacrifice."
Hit a nerve, Crichton thought. I wonder what…
"Braca has requested that we aid him in thwarting Grayza's plan," Crais said, interrupting Crichton's train of thought. Crais covered the distance to the desk in two strides. "Obviously with the understanding that his part in it is not mentioned." Crais' lips twisted into an ironic smile. "It appears that Braca is finding it difficult to command his own ship."
"Your old ship must have been jinxed," Crichton said, grinning despite himself. "First you, then Scorpius, now Braca. Anyone who served on that Command Carrier is doomed to have their careers screwed up."
"I might also point out," Crais said, a ghost of a smile on his face. "That the other common factor is you."
"You served with them all too," Crichton replied, his expression turning smug as he realised he had an answer this time. "And I never did anything to hurt your career, you wrecked it all on your own."
"As fascinating as this is," Kinsella broke in, her voice dripping sarcasm as she fixed Crichton with a stern stare. "Your verbal sparring can be reserved for off hours. I will not have a member of my staff wasting the Captain's time. At least attempt to act as if you are not so wholly without self-discipline."
Crichton opened his mouth to ask why she wasn't getting on Crais' back too and then closed it again. He'd only piss her off more. Geez, he hadn't even started work yet and his boss already hated him.
He forced himself not to glance at Crais. He couldn't stand seeing that smug smile. "Yes, sir," he made himself say, starting to wonder if this hadn't been a mistake after all.
Kinsella continued to give him her evil-queen glare, so Crichton settled his gaze in between the two of them. It therefore landed inevitably on Marvio.
"Commander," he said mildly, as if Kinsella had never spoken, "Captain Crais, I am sending you both on the first stage of this mission, as you are already known to Captain Braca. Your assignment is strictly reconnaissance. He is to furnish you with the details you will need concerning Grayza's plans and whereabouts. Obviously this meeting is off the record on both sides. Your ship holds a flight plan. You are expected by our contact there and she will make contact on arrival. Any questions?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Crichton saw Crais shake his head firmly. "None, sir," he said, then glanced at Crichton, who hastily looked back to Marvio.
"Commander Crichton, the Captain expects an answer," Kinsella snapped.
"None, sir," Crichton said quickly. God, any moment now she was going to pull out a whip and start lashing him with it.
"Captain Kinsella," Marvio said, acknowledging her presence for the first time. "If you would be so good as to allow me a quick word in private with your new recruit? I believe we are finished here otherwise."
"Of course, Captain," Kinsella answered, with a frankly sadistic smile that made Crichton's blood run cold. She turned smartly and marched out, head up and back ramrod straight. All three men watched her leave.
"Scary, is she not?" Marvio said, when the door was safely closed again. "She was my Second, you know, when I left the Peacekeepers. There was not a man, woman or child on that ship who did not straighten up if anyone so much as mentioned her name. Quite the most efficient Lieutenant I ever had. My only fear was that she would overthrow me." Marvio smiled. "Eleven cycles and I am still waiting."
"She hates me," Crichton said. What else could he think?
"Very much so," Marvio answered cheerfully, as Crais nodded calmly beside him. "I knew she would do."
Crichton honestly wasn't sure how to respond to that. He opened his mouth to speak several times and stopped on each occasion.
Marvio leaned forward, resting his elbows and clasped hands on the desk in front of him. "However," he said. "In time, you may find that that is to your advantage."
Was it his imagination, or had Marvio just winked at him?
"We are to depart immediately," Crais said, giving Crichton no time to debate the question.
"Immediately, immediately or immediately, in an arn would be fine?" Crichton asked, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. "When I got called here, me and Aeryn…well, we were kind of in the middle of something."
Marvio leant back in his chair again. Beside him, Crais eyed Crichton suspiciously.
"Something important enough to delay the mission for?" Marvio asked, his tone neutral.
"I just asked her to marry me," Crichton replied, silently pleading with Marvio to understand. He felt Crais' incredulous stare on his cheek.
Marvio folded his hands across his stomach again. "Half an arn," he said.
Crichton breathed a sigh of relief, just as Crais inhaled sharply.
"Thanks," he said gratefully.
Marvio smiled, ever the good guy. "Best of luck," he added. "Dismissed."
Crichton gave him a quick smile, carefully avoiding catching Crais' eye, and hurried out. Once in the corridor, he picked up his heels and ran flat out.
Time to have his most important question answered.
"Sooner or later, anyway," Captain Marvio said, pouring raslak from the bottle on his desk into two glasses. "You realise, of course, that I have been planning this day for over two cycles?"
He lifted the glass to his lips and took a long swallow. "The moment I heard you had defected, I knew that it was time to act, and that I must eventually bring you here. It may be a while since we have served together, but I know what an asset you will be to our operation. Perhaps more so now, with the benefit of further experience. Captain."
"Does that surprise you?" Crais asked bluntly, meeting Marvio's gaze.
"Not in the slightest," Marvio replied, taking another sip. "I never had any doubt that you would rise through the ranks. If you did not let your passion rule you and do something foolish."
"Such as disobey a direct order from High Command in order to pursue the man who caused my brother's death?" Crais suggested, betraying no signs of emotion and taking a sip of his own raslak.
"That sort of thing," Marvio agreed, as if the question were purely hypothetical. Then, directly "Do you regret it?"
The last few cycles flashed past in front of Crais' eyes. He hesitated. "No," he said finally. "I do not."
Marvio topped up his glass and raised it. "To foolish decisions," he said. "Which turn out to be the best you have ever made." Crais joined in the toast mainly out of respect.
"Besides," Marvio said, returning to his earlier point. "You know that I am no longer in need of a lieutenant to carry out my commands. All administrative duties are now on the shoulders of Lt.Hals. She is sensible, conscientious and utterly devoid of any imagination, making her ideally suited to the task. What I need," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "is someone who will work with me. Someone I can rely on to lead after I am gone. We are the only two of Captain's rank to have defected and escaped execution in a hundred cycles. Only you have the skills, experience and ability to take over. Now that you are here, I do not have to concern myself with my own mortality. At least, not if you serve with the commitment I expect."
"I will not fail you," Crais said. He had the most intense feeling of déjà vu, although he wouldn't have called it that. Many cycles ago, they'd had a very similar encounter, when Marvio had done much to cool the hot head of Lt. Bialar Crais. Had his influence continued after Crais had received his first command, things might have turned out so very differently.
"What are your plans?" Marvio asked conversationally, again speaking as one equal to another and taking another draught of raslak, not acknowledging Crais' response.
"To what plans are you referring?" Crais asked, trying to clarify the question.
"This is a whole new life for you," Marvio answered, topping up his own glass again. Then, with the air of someone picking a question completely at random. "Have you considered taking a mate, for example?"
Crais shifted uncomfortably. Lately, that was all anyone seemed to be thinking about.
"I believe that, in my new position, it will be wise to keep myself free from distraction," Crais said, hoping Marvio would leave it at that. The faces of Cymma and Jessica Crichton floated in front of his eyes. Yes, distractions were definitely best avoided.
Marvio paused, his voice becoming almost wistful. "Give it some more thought," he said. "If I were still your age… Well, I am not and there is no sense in dwelling on it, but I advise you not to discount the possibility. Marriage is in no way discouraged here, quite the opposite in fact. I greatly enjoy performing them. It would be valuable if you could set an example."
Before Crais could think of a suitable response to that, Marvio had risen, his Captain's face returning. He handed Crais an info pad that had been sitting on his desk. "A little light reading for you," he said. "New procedures and the like. Your new duties will not commence until you have established yourself here and been cleared for duty by Dr. Taan, so there is no need to devote all your time to it. Enjoy the leisure time, because I cannot predict when more will be available. Things here have a way of being either frenetic or tedious, with no way to predict which. Relax - and that is an order. Dismissed."
***
Late the next day, the door chimes of Crais' new quarters rang for the first time. He turned from the window, where he was trying to adjust himself to seeing blue sky instead of black space, and strode to the door. He activated the controls and it slid open.
Crais spent some nine cycles afterwards trying to forget the intense attraction he felt for the woman on the other side of it. He failed every bit as spectacularly as she did.
"Captain Crais," she greeted him, after a slight pause in which Crais felt her eyes take in every dench of his body. "I'm Dr. Laynie Taan."
That answered his first question. Or maybe not his first, but one of them. He knew quite well that he should have reported to medical that afternoon.
"I realise that I missed our appointment," he said, now rather wishing he hadn't despite his dislike of physical examinations.
"You did indeed," Laynie replied smoothly. "Why?"
"I felt my time would be better spent becoming acquainted with the Captain's methods…and there is no reason to be concerned about my physical condition," Crais said, trying to keep his gaze firmly on her green eyes rather than letting his own take a leisurely journey over the rest of her. He had folded his hands behind his back, on some level convinced that they needed to be kept safely occupied.
"I can see that," Laynie answered, a distinctly suggestive note in her voice.
Crais cleared his throat and bit his tongue to keep from returning the compliment.
"However," Laynie said, lightly but firmly. "That is not the only point of a physical, as you are quite aware. I need up-to-date records in order to treat you effectively if anything does happen to you, and it is quite possible for you to develop a potentially dangerous condition without displaying any obvious symptoms. So, I'll give you a choice. You can come with me now, or we'll do it tomorrow morning."
She paused, giving him a positively wicked grin that very nearly made Crais drag her into his quarters, lock the door and let her examine him more intimately than any doctor ever had before in his life.
"I should warn you however," she said, "that the level one cadets - that's the five-cycle-olds - are going to be touring the medilabs then and I may just ask them to assist me. So, unless you find the prospect of a group of small children prodding you with scanners appealing, I suggest you come now."
"I wasn't aware that there were any children here," Crais said, suddenly becoming very interested in the corridor wall behind her since he couldn't hold eye contact any longer without forgetting how to speak coherently.
"We brought quite a number with us when we left the Peacekeepers and there have been many additions since then, but don't change the subject," Laynie said, leaning on the door frame and blocking his view of said wall. She didn't seem to find eye contact a problem at all, in fact Crais had the strange feeling she could see past his eyes and straight into his soul. And, more importantly, that she was deliberately looking at it.
Crais stared at her for a few microts, trying to do the same thing and finding that he didn't have the gift. "Do you intend our entire professional relationship to be based on threats?" he asked finally, trying not to listen to all the things his body was suggesting he threaten to do to her.
"Only necessary ones," was the composed reply. "Have you made your decision?"
Crais paused while he tried to determine, based on his brief acquaintance with her, whether or not she would carry out her threat. He had a feeling that she would.
"Very well," he said, finding that the prospect of a physical was more appealing than it had ever been before. "You may conduct it now."
"Good," Laynie said, giving Crais another once-over and making his blood temperature suddenly rise several points. "I promise to be gentle."
Crais had to bite his tongue again to keep from revealing that his traitorous body wanted her to be anything but.
***
Crais stood in his quarters on Talyn, his belongings packed into a single bag which sat innocently on his bed. He could hardly believe that his time on board had come to an end.
He took a last look round, picked up the bag and slung it over his shoulder. Then he resolutely turned and walked out, not looking back.
He was halfway to the docking bay when Talyn announced that Moya had arrived, answering the distress call Crais had sent several arns earlier. Now that Crais no longer had a transponder, they had been forced to resort to more primitive methods of communication, Talyn briefly dimmed the lights in the section Crais was in.
It took Crais several hundred microts to locate a DRD. "Talyn," he said. "Inform Moya that I will come to her shortly."
The DRD blinked back at him in acknowledgement and Crais continued down the corridor, noting to himself that no trace of the green colouring remained. It was almost as if Cymma had never been there at all, except for the tiny fact that she'd turned his life upside down.
He placed his bag in the old prowler Cymma had purchased while he'd been in the restorative tank - no doubt with this day in mind - and climbed into it. It had been a long time since he had flown one, but he was confident he could get from Talyn to Moya without any raised eyebrows. He pulled the top down, stopping for one microt as he wondered whether this would be the last time he saw this sight, and started up.
And then he flew to Moya. No longer Talyn's captain.
"So, what wasn't Cymma telling us?" was Crichton's greeting, when Crais climbed out of his prowler in Moya's docking bay.
"A great deal," Crais answered. "Suffice to say, I have a proposal to put to both of you."
Crichton looked suspicious and moved closer to Aeryn.
"What kind of proposal?" Aeryn asked, as Crichton slipped a possessive arm around her waist. The fact that she didn't remove it spoke volumes.
"Were either of you aware of the existence of a Peacekeeper resistance movement?" Crais asked, setting his bag down at his feet.
Crichton looked surprised. "I kind of thought we were it," he said.
"Apparently not," Crais answered. "It has been in existence for nearly two cycles. In fact, it began shortly after I defected. It is based on the planet we are currently orbiting, although you would find no evidence of that fact if you were to scan it. Naturally this information is confidential. I reveal it to you only because I have authorisation…" Crais paused, "…to invite you to join it also."
"You intend to?" Aeryn asked. "You're leaving Talyn?!" Crichton said, at the same microt.
"I have been offered the post of second in command. And yes, I have accepted it."
Crichton looked stunned. He stared at Crais. "You're going to leave Talyn?" he repeated, obviously unable to believe it.
"Talyn has expressed interest in having a pilot," Crais said. "Cymma and I discussed it at length before she left and, since I no longer have a transponder, I consider it his best option. As to whether he will choose to return at any point, I do not know. He will be free to do as he wishes."
"And this offer…?" Aeryn said, ignoring Crichton.
"Is genuine. Made by Captain Marvio upon my recommendation. Officer Sun, you will receive a promotion to Lieutenant and a place in the flight corps. Commander Crichton," Crais said, hardly able to make himself believe he was going to say this, "you are to be assigned to intelligence."
Aeryn raised an eyebrow at Crais and the two shared a look of half-disbelief.
"So this planet," Crichton said, having apparently gathered a few of his wits. "Is it nice?"
"It is perfectly habitable," Crais answered.
"Yes, but is it nice?" Crichton persisted. "Are there…trees, grass, pretty flowers, cute furry animals that don't bite your fingers off when you stroke them? Does the sun shine? And what about this resistance - are they friendly? We need a few details here."
"The…climate is optimal," Crais offered. "There is considerable vegetation and animal life, although I have not attempted to…stroke any of them. There are sufficient arns of sunshine. The personnel are almost all former Peacekeepers. The original number were brought by Captain Marvio from his command carrier when he defected and more have been added since."
"Is this going to be like the Peacekeepers?" Crichton asked, tightening his hold on Aeryn.
"No," Crais answered, trying not to look as if he'd noticed. "Captain Marvio is…progressive. It seems there are already a number of bonded mates." Crais cleared his throat. "Some of whom even have offspring."
"Sounds good," Crichton said, grinning broadly.
Crais paused. "I must stress that this is a permanent arrangement," he said. "Defectors would compromise the resistance as much as they can the Peacekeepers. If you have any doubt, I suggest you decline the offer."
"Anyone would think you didn't want us there, Crais," Crichton quipped.
"I think we need some time to consider this," Aeryn said.
Crais nodded briskly. "I intend to return to the surface," he said, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "You are cleared to land whenever you choose. Talyn will remain here until you have made your decision, as he intends to travel with Moya to the pilots' homeworld if you remain here. I will inform Captain Marvio that I have put the offer to you and we will await your response."
"Pass our thanks onto the Captain," Aeryn said, meeting Crais' eyes briefly.
"I will do so," Crais replied, pretending not to see.
***
That evening, Crais saw Laynie Taan enter the lounge and head straight for him. He had been sitting alone, quietly enjoying a glass of raslak and reading an info-pad outlining the procedures Captain Marvio had altered for use in the resistance. Or, actually, not reading it. Trying to make himself read it, although his thoughts kept straying back to quite the most enjoyable medical examination he'd ever experienced. Seeing her now, he felt another stab of longing. He had come to the conclusion that, given Marvio's very different stance on personal relationships, he should not recreate with other senior staff members. He very nearly reconsidered, but decided it was just as well that the offer would be made and declined at such an early stage. That was why he invited her so readily to join him - most uncharacteristically. However, it did not go quite as expected.
"I'm not here to propostion you," was her greeting as she sat down.
Crais studied her. "Do you usually begin conversations in this manner?" he asked, realising that she'd already proven his initial character assessment incorrect.
"No, but I thought it should be said," Laynie said, propping her elbows on the table and resting her chin on her folded hands.
"I did not imagine that that was your purpose," Crais replied, for some ridiculous reason feeling disappointed. He should have been relieved that she had made this so easy.
"Dren," Laynie responded succinctly, looking him straight in the eye. "I think you're the embodiment of pure masculinity. The moment I saw you, I wanted you and I couldn't have made it more obvious if I'd pounced on you right then and there."
Crais tried not to look as if he found the idea as appealing as he did.
"And I'm fairly sure you're not wholly indifferent to me," Laynie added, her eyes grinning at him. "Do correct me if I'm wrong."
"I will," Crais heard himself reply. He dropped his eyes and took a gulp of raslak, wondering what had come over him. He'd never had a conversation quite like this before.
"But CMO and Second is probably a bad combination," Laynie finished. "And I think you agree. So there's an end to it. Unfortunately."
"CMO?" Crais asked, forcing himself to ignore her last comment.
"Chief Medical Officer," Laynie replied. "Sorry, bad habit. That's what we used to call them where I trained, before I was conscripted."
"You were not born into service?" Crais couldn't help asking. He knew from bitter experience how difficult it was for conscripts to reach any position of power.
"It often happens in the medical corps. They let us get trained and experienced on our home planets and conscript us late. Of course we're considered second-rate, except when our skills are needed," Laynie said, removing her elbows from the table and sitting back a little in her chair.
Crais nodded, familiar with the situation. "And yet you rose to become Chief Medic?"
Laynie laughed dryly, shaking her head. "No, nowhere near. I wasn't conscripted until I was thirty-three cycles old, so I was never considered a real Peacekeeper. I was at the bottom of the chain of command, being called to observe procedures and ending up doing them. Then Captain Marvio asked me to go with him. As you can see," she said, smiling, "it was an excellent career move. Besides, I love it here."
"Did you know him well?" Crais asked, taking another sip of raslak.
"Does anybody ever know their Captain well?" Laynie asked casually, giving Crais the feeling that she was avoiding the question. "My record speaks for itself. I was always the little farm girl grown up, so I was the natural choice to start things here."
"You were raised in a farming community?" Crais asked, his interest increasing despite himself.
"Yes and, before you ask, I have seen your record. I know you were too."
"I remember little about it," Crais reluctantly admitted.
"Shame," Laynie said regretfully. "It would have been nice to talk about it, but even so I hope we can be friends."
"Friends?" Crais repeated, studying her expression closely.
"Well, naturally I'd prefer to spend this evening finding out if you taste as good as you look, but I'll just have to use my imagination," Laynie answered, dead-pan, leaving Crais aching to know if she meant that literally. "Seriously now," she continued, her tone becoming more professional. "I want us to have a good working relationship. Captain Marvio speaks highly of you and I know that you will be heavily involved in everything that goes on here. He and I are in the habit of being in each other's confidence and I'd like to extend that to you." She smiled, teasing again. "If nothing else, I have the authority to relieve you of duty, so you should try to keep on my good side."
Crais sat back in his chair and used a mouthful of raslak as an excuse not to answer, while he took a moment to observe her. She had blond hair, pulled up into an untidy ponytail, an open face and a warm smile. This was no young Lieutenant, gazing in awe at her Captain, but a grown woman who saw him as an equal. It was something he was finding increasingly that he liked.
"I will endeavour to," he said finally, having swallowed his raslak.
Laynie didn't respond immediately. She was biting her lip and Crais wasn't quite sure how to interpret her expression. In fact, he wasn't quite sure about what to do next either. He was conscious of two impulses. One to drag her back to his quarters - or hers, whichever were nearest - and find out exactly what was hidden beneath her black and silver uniform, the other to talk to her, to hear about her past, her life here, everything in fact. He couldn't recall ever having had this problem before.
"Are your friends going to be joining us?" Laynie asked, bringing Crais out of his reverie. He looked at her in surprise. She smiled. "This is what I mean about being in the Captain's confidence," she said.
"I received a message from them earlier today," Crais answered. "They intend to be here shortly."
"Good," Laynie said, smiling again, her eyes glowing in a way that made Crais feel warm inside. "I'm looking forward to meeting them."
***
Crichton looked up, down and all around, staring at the place he now proposed to call home, setting his kit bag down on the ground beside Aeryn's.
"I feel like I've been accepted into Starfleet Academy," he said as he turned to her, a look of wonder on his face. "This place is incredible! If the rest of the operation is this well put together, we might actually have a shot."
He took a breath, relishing the crisp taste of the fresh air, squinting as the bright sunlight, reflecting off the huge purple lake by the complex, momentarily blinded him. He scanned the landscape, taking in the gardens, the green forests and the mountains dominating the horizon. This place was perfect. As much as he hated to admit it, Crais had done him a great favour.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement and turned to see Crais striding across the neat lawns towards them. At his side was a petite, red-headed woman (so petite that she was obviously struggling to keep up with Crais' long strides) whom Crichton didn't know.
"Commander Crichton, Lieutenant Sun, welcome to Val'halla," she said when she and Crais arrived, sounding slightly out of breath. "I am Lt. Hals. Captain Marvio has instructed me to bring you directly to his office. Please follow me."
"Doesn't mince words, does she?" Crichton muttered to Aeryn, as they picked up their bags and strode after her. Crichton fell into step beside Crais. "They already give you the tour, Bialar?" he enquired, in a tone that was almost friendly.
Crais answered with one deliberate nod. If he was surprised at Crichton's use of his first name, he didn't show it. "I have already had time to acquaint myself with the layout."
"You'll have to take orders again," Crichton observed.
Crais' eyes remained fixed straight ahead. "Indeed," was the only comment he made.
Crichton was silent for a moment, then 'Wonder how long that'll last." He dropped back to walk beside Aeryn, receiving no answer from Crais.
They left the gardens and entered the complex through a pair of huge double doors. They marched along grey corridor after grey corridor until Crichton began to wish he'd tied a string or dropped breadcrumbs or something, because he was utterly lost. Maybe if he asked, they'd give him one of those pop-up maps. The Burger King fun map of resistance HQ. Yeah, that would be good.
They turned a corner and came to a halt outside the third door on the left. Lt. Hals knocked, a voice called 'Enter' and they filed in - Lt. Hals in front and Crichton bringing up the rear feeling like he'd been called to the Headmaster's office.
Crichton would've pegged Captain Marvio as being around sixty. He had greying hair, bluish eyes strangely reminiscent of the paintwork on Crichton's first car and the kind of face that you instinctively trust. He was not at all how Crichton had pictured the founder of the Peacekeeper resistance, but then how often were things the way he expected them to be?
He stood at attention beside Aeryn and Crais, wondering how this would turn out. Right at the edge of his field of vision, he saw Marvio exchange glances with someone - it must have been Crais. Marvio's gaze flickered past Aeryn and rested on Crichton for a few microts. Then he spoke.
"Your reputations precede you, Commander, Lieutenant," he said, eyes shifting from one to the other. "And Captain Crais has been good enough to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. Lt. Sun, I have your personnel file from the Peacekeepers, which I believe we have updated accurately. Commander Crichton, it will be necessary to assist Lt. Hals in compiling one for you. You are both scheduled for medicals in three arns and are expected to keep this appointment."
Was it Crichton's imagination, or had Marvio been looking right at Crais when he had said that?
"I suggest you use this time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings," Marvio continued. "Lt. Hals will show you to your quarters. I will hopefully find time to have further discussions with each of you before you begin your duties. Do you have anything to say?"
Aeryn jabbed Crichton in the thigh with her finger.
"There is one tiny thing," he said awkwardly. "We…have a new enemy. Grayza - the love child of Dracula and Cruella De Ville. She's…interested in me. And once she finds out that I'm in the resistance…she'll probably be interested in you."
"A useful time to make alliances," Marvio remarked dryly.
"We've done alright on our own," Crichton said defensively. "And Commandant Cleavage isn't a patch on Scorpy, or Crais for that matter. She shouldn't actually cause any trouble, I just wanted to let you know that she might show up."
"I will inform reconnaissance," Marvio answered, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands across his stomach. "Report to my quarters once your medical is complete and we will discuss it further. Dismissed."
***
More grey corridors. The planet was beautiful, but they were badly in need of an interior decorator. Maybe he could talk Crais into… Yeah, right, what were the chances? He must be going nuts.
Lt. Hals stopped suddenly, like she was being remote-controlled and someone had just hit the stop button. She turned to Crichton and Aeryn.
"These are your quarters," she said.
"Whose?" Crichton asked, pointing to Aeryn and then to himself. "Hers or mine?"
Lt. Hals looked confused. Crichton could almost hear her thinking 'That does not compute'. She produced a tiny info-pad out of a pocket Crichton hadn't even realised she had and began rapidly pressing buttons. The grooves in her forehead deepened as she studied it with total concentration.
"Assignment alpha-415, quarters section 10, lurg beta-6. Lieutenant Aeryn Sun and Commander John Crichton," she stated. "Double quarters, as requested."
It was Crichton's turn to be confused. "I didn't request double quarters," he said.
Aeryn opened the door. Crichton saw spacious quarters, with a view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. And a double bed.
"Have you any objections, John?" Aeryn asked, as she moved into the room and set her kit bag down on the bed. She started to unbutton her heavy jacket as she looked back at him.
Crichton started to smile. "None whatsoever," he said. He turned to Lt. Hals. "This is perfect," he said, grinning madly. "Absolutely perfect. Thanks so much."
"Please report punctually for your medicals," was the response.
"Will do," Crichton promised cheerfully. "We'll be there. Both of us. Together."
***
"Commandant Mele-On Grayza. Currently on board the command carrier Bhas'kaar, which is under the command of Captain Alasis Braca. Unexceptional service record, appears to owe her rank entirely to a Heppel gland implant. A practice which is only not outlawed because the patients tend not to survive long enough for it to matter."
Captain Marvio glanced at Crais before continuing to read, walking slowly round his office. "However, she appears to have been around quite a while. Obviously she has another little trick concealed somewhere on her person. Nevertheless, I concur with the Commander's assessment. She is nothing to be concerned about unless she comes to us."
"Which she most likely will do," Crais said, idly looking out of the window. He still hadn't got used to grass. He looked back at Marvio. "Those who develop an interest in Crichton, of whatever nature, tend to find that it increases beyond what they can control."
Marvio paused, setting the info pad down on his desk before moving over to stand beside Crais. Crais had to raise his chin slightly to look him in the eye.
"Does that include Lt. Sun?" Marvio asked, his eyes twinkling.
Crais looked away, clearing his throat. "I believe…that would be an accurate assessment of their relationship," he replied.
"You disapprove?"
"I have no strong feelings on the subject," Crais said, moving away from the window and back towards the desk.
"I strongly suspect you of telling untruths, Captain," Marvio said, following Crais and settling himself back in his chair. "But then, on some subjects you retain that right."
Whatever answer, if any, Crais had intended to give was lost when he suddenly sneezed four times in quick succession.
Marvio raised an eyebrow and looked at Crais quizzically, folding his hands over his stomach. "For someone who has just been declared in perfect health, that is rather unusual. Particularly since Dr. Taan no doubt made a very thorough examination of you."
Crais looked back at him. Marvio's eyes were twinkling. Did the two of them tell each other everything?!
"I am quite certain that it is nothing serious," he said firmly.
"Nevertheless, maybe I should send you back to her. She consistently performs above and beyond the call of duty."
"Captain," Crais said, unable to meet Marvio's laughing gaze again. This was a side of Marvio he'd never seen as a Peacekeeper. "I would prefer it if this discussion were terminated."
"Certainly, Captain," Marvio said mildly. He opened a drawer on the left side of his desk and extracted a small, round something which he proceeded to pop into his mouth. He smiled amusedly at Crais. "I wouldn't dream of interfering between the two of you."
"There is nothing…!" Crais started to say, irritably and at a rather louder volume than he had intended. He stopped and began again, attempting a rather more composed tone. "There is nothing between us, other than the beginnings of what I hope will be an efficient working relationship."
"I am happy to hear that," Marvio said. Crais was certain that he didn't believe a word.
"I would have imagined that you would be the last person to encourage relationships between your senior staff members," Crais said, fixing Marvio in his gaze.
Marvio paused. "Perhaps you are right," he said, slowly sucking on the sweet. "Certainly passionate affairs with disastrous endings are best avoided, although I have confidence in my staff's self-discipline. I have let it be known that personal relationships are not to impact on duties anymore than is unavoidable. So far it has not caused any great difficulties. But, there is a first time for everything."
"Indeed," Crais said, nodding briskly, hoping that he had made his point and this disconcerting conversation would end.
"You may go," Marvio said, waving one hand towards the door. "Hopefully Commander Crichton will be here shortly to contribute to our knowledge of Commandant Grayza. In fact, I cannot imagine why he is not here already."
Crais managed one step towards the door before Marvio's comms came to life.
"Hi, it's me," Laynie's voice said.
Crais started. He'd never in his life heard anyone address their commanding officer so casually, regardless of their relationship with them.
"Excellent. Can you clear up the mystery of the Commander's whereabouts?" Marvio asked, not even blinking at the greeting.
"He'll report to you in an arn or two. I granted him…personal leave. I'm quite sure he'll let you know why when he comes. Indeed, you'll be lucky if you can persuade him to talk about anything else."
Marvio smiled. "Thank you for informing me," he said.
"No problem. See you later." The comms channel shut down.
Crais looked incredulously at Marvio. "When did you begin to allow other officers to address you in that manner?" he asked.
Marvio took a moment to answer. "The relationship between Commander-In-Chief and Chief Medic is different to that between other staff members, in that we operate in different spheres. In a medical capacity, her authority even exceeds mine. And our personal relationship is, as you have insisted, none of anyone's concern except ours."
The thought of what that relationship might be made Crais feel quite ill, but he nodded briskly and started towards the door. He rather hoped Marvio would make further comment before he reached it, but he was disappointed. He had no choice but to leave with his question unanswered.
***
While Crais was being probed by the man he'd agreed to serve indefinitely, Crichton was giving Aeryn a practical demonstration of centripetal and centrifugal forces. Which is to say, he had her in his arms and was spinning her around in a circle.
"John, put me down," she insisted, starting to look vaguely green.
Crichton did, only to crush her to him in a hug that nearly punctured a lung. "I can't believe it!" he exclaimed for the tenth time, grinning broadly. If the rest of their new life turned out as well as everything had so far, he would be the happiest man in the universe, bar none.
"It is only a pregnancy, John. They are not uncommon."
"They are for us, baby!" Crichton replied, seizing Aeryn's hands and holding them tight. "I can't believe we're gonna be parents! John Robert Crichton III, sounds great!"
"There is an equal chance that the child will prove to be female," Aeryn pointed out.
Crichton shook his head, still smiling as wide as his face could stand. "First is always a boy, runs in the family. The next'll probably be a girl," he said happily, visions of six children - who bore a striking resemblance to the Brady Bunch, only with their colouring reversed - floating before his eyes.
"Next?" Aeryn repeated, sounding rather dazed.
"Well, you wouldn't want him to be lonely, would you?" Crichton said, not waiting for an answer. "And now we're going to be settled here, this is a great place for a kid. We can teach him to swim in the lake and there's other kids for him to play with. This is going to be great!" He was bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, feeling crazily like he might break into song, broadway-style. Damn, this was a dream come true!
"John, we are not safe here," Aeryn said firmly, extracting herself from his grip. "Destroying Scorpius' command carrier has only made the price on our heads higher and joining the resistance will give yet another reason for the Peacekeepers to target us. This planet may seem protected, but it is only a matter of time before we are found. We should think carefully if we wish to bring a child into this."
Crichton looked soberly into her eyes and hoped she wasn't implying what he thought she was. "Aeryn, I am not going to let you kill our baby," he stated flatly, folding his arms across his chest. "There's no way I can stand by and let you do that. This may not mean anything to you, but it damn well means something to me."
"I never said that it did not mean anything to me," Aeryn said, folding her own arms. "John, the fetus is in stasis. Those of us born into service can maintain one in that state for up to seven cycles. This can be delayed."
"Until when?" Crichton asked quietly, only slightly comforted by her words. "You know as well as I do that our lives are never gonna be like the frigging Waltons. You think I don't realise that we're always going to be in danger? I do. But I don't want to spend my whole life missing out on everything that really matters to me, just because there's a chance that it may not turn out okay."
He moved away from Aeryn, towards the window, seeing blue skies that shouldn't have felt like a novelty. He watched a bird, with emerald feathers that reminded him briefly of Cymma, fly from one tree to another to join its mate. Then he spoke calmly.
"I know this isn't the perfect time," he said, turning slightly to look back at her, "but it's as good as it's ever gonna get. I want to have this baby, Aeryn. I want to start our family. I want one piece of my screwy life the way it should be. Don't take that away from me."
"I don't know how to be a mother," was Aeryn's only response, indirectly telling Crichton he had made his point. He said a silent thank you to whatever divine beings there might be.
"I've seen you with Talyn," he said, moving back and sliding an arm around her so he could pull her gently into his embrace. "And I know you're smart. You can figure it out. I have to learn too."
"You've always seemed comfortable with children," Aeryn said, letting her head rest against his shoulder.
"I've just been around them more," Crichton answered. He bent his head slightly to kiss the top of hers, closing his eyes as he breathed in. She'd scented her hair again. "I know you'll be fine when our baby comes."
He went to kiss her head again when a thought occurred to him. "How long does it take anyway?" he asked, realising that he had no idea. He couldn't exactly go searching on Amazon for a Sebacean version of 'What to expect when you're expecting'.
"Seven monens," Aeryn answered, turning slightly and looking up at him, but leaving her head resting on him.
"And he's frozen when?" Crichton asked, not entirely clear on the science.
"Only shortly after the moment of conception."
"So can we…defrost him?" Crichton said, excitement beginning to creep over him once again.
"I am sure Dr. Taan would be willing to remove the stasis field," Aeryn answered, moving out of his embrace again.
"Then let's go!" Crichton said.
Aeryn turned towards the door, but Crichton grabbed her hand. "I forgot something," he said. Feeling more than a little nervous, he slowly went down on one knee.
"I don't have a ring," he said shyly. "So pretty much all I've got to offer is myself. Aeryn Sun…will you marry me?"
Aeryn stood for a moment, looking at him, but without showing any reaction. Then she took a deep breath and opened her mouth.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Aeryn said quickly, just as Crichton went to tell whoever it was to go away. Their timing was unbelievable.
It was Crais. Of course it was Crais. Every frelling time he and Aeryn got something good going…
"Don't even think about it," Crichton said, still kneeling in front of Aeryn, not taking his eyes off her. "Out. Now."
"I do apologise," said a dry, distinctly sarcastic voice.
Okay, so it wasn't Crais.
Crichton got to his feet. He'd been here less than a solar day and he'd already managed to commit insubordination. "Sorry, Captain," he said, sheepishly. What did it matter? The mood was ruined anyway.
"Quite all right. I do apologise for interrupting…whatever you were doing."
Sincerity was evidently not one of Captain Kinsella's dominant traits. Crichton watched her sharp eyes take in everything in the room in an instant. He was sure she'd missed nothing. He'd met the woman for less than half an arn while he and Aeryn had been exploring and he was already scared of her. She was Head of Intelligence - a Sebacean Judi Dench, only twice as intimidating.
"I have information that may be of interest to you," she said, her dark eyes scrutinising him. "Of course, your duties have not commenced yet, so you are under no obligation to come with me now."
Except that, if I don't, you'll make sure I spend the next twenty cycles making coffee and picking up your dry-cleaning, Crichton thought. He glanced at Aeryn, who was avoiding his gaze.
"I can spare the time," he answered.
"Excellent." She said it exactly as Scorpius once had. Crichton shuddered.
He turned back to Aeryn at the door. "We can talk about this later, I guess," he said hopefully.
Aeryn nodded mutely.
***
"Wait. I've come into the cinema halfway through the film. How do we know this?" Crichton looked at Marvio behind his desk, Kinsella at his elbow and Crais at the window.
"Informers," was Crais' matter-of-fact response.
"We have informers on Grayza's ship?!" Crichton asked in disbelief.
"We do now," Kinsella replied, as if this were no great achievement.
"In the last four arns, you've managed to plant a spy?!"
Kinsella's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean to imply that I could not accomplish this?" she said coldly.
"So didn't mean that," Crichton said quickly, instinctively backing away from her.
"Good," Kinsella answered, eyeing him distrustfully. "As it happens, that was not necessary. We have had outside assistance." She sounded positively disgusted by the fact.
"From who?" Crichton asked.
Marvio folded his hands across his stomach. "Someone I believe you are acquainted with," he said. "Captain Braca."
"Braca?!" Crichton said. Crais didn't react at all, which could only mean that he already knew. Damn, he hated it when he was the one who had to be brought up to speed.
"Braca's a spy for the resistance?" he asked, looking from Crais to Marvio to Kinsella. Then, after a moment's pause in which his forehead furrowed in thought. "Braca's a Captain?"
"It is astonishing that some people obtain high rank," Kinsella said in her dry voice. A remark that was so unquestionably aimed at him that he might as well have had a bull's eye painted on his chest.
"He is not a spy," Marvio answered. "Our aims have…temporarily merged."
Crichton grabbed the back of the chair opposite Marvio's, span it towards him and sat on it, ignoring Crais' raised eyebrow and Kinsella's icy glare.
"I wouldn't be here if you didn't think I could contribute and to do that I need to know everything," Crichton said, a part of him wondering if he really was important enough here to get away with this. "So spill."
He saw Marvio's gaze flick up and across to Crais. He knew without looking what expression Crais would have on his face. He didn't dare look at Kinsella.
Marvio looked back to him, meeting his eyes without blinking.
"Commandant Grayza is attempting to make a deal with the Scarrans," he said.
"Shit! Is she crazy?!" Crichton said.
"Quite possibly," Kinsella replied. Crichton looked over at her then, just in time to see storm clouds appear out of thin air. Her lips were pinched tightly together. "Lazy is the adjective I prefer. She has made it a habit to take whatever shortcuts she can, no matter what the consequences. She never had any understanding that all things of value are only acquired through hard work, dedication and sacrifice."
Hit a nerve, Crichton thought. I wonder what…
"Braca has requested that we aid him in thwarting Grayza's plan," Crais said, interrupting Crichton's train of thought. Crais covered the distance to the desk in two strides. "Obviously with the understanding that his part in it is not mentioned." Crais' lips twisted into an ironic smile. "It appears that Braca is finding it difficult to command his own ship."
"Your old ship must have been jinxed," Crichton said, grinning despite himself. "First you, then Scorpius, now Braca. Anyone who served on that Command Carrier is doomed to have their careers screwed up."
"I might also point out," Crais said, a ghost of a smile on his face. "That the other common factor is you."
"You served with them all too," Crichton replied, his expression turning smug as he realised he had an answer this time. "And I never did anything to hurt your career, you wrecked it all on your own."
"As fascinating as this is," Kinsella broke in, her voice dripping sarcasm as she fixed Crichton with a stern stare. "Your verbal sparring can be reserved for off hours. I will not have a member of my staff wasting the Captain's time. At least attempt to act as if you are not so wholly without self-discipline."
Crichton opened his mouth to ask why she wasn't getting on Crais' back too and then closed it again. He'd only piss her off more. Geez, he hadn't even started work yet and his boss already hated him.
He forced himself not to glance at Crais. He couldn't stand seeing that smug smile. "Yes, sir," he made himself say, starting to wonder if this hadn't been a mistake after all.
Kinsella continued to give him her evil-queen glare, so Crichton settled his gaze in between the two of them. It therefore landed inevitably on Marvio.
"Commander," he said mildly, as if Kinsella had never spoken, "Captain Crais, I am sending you both on the first stage of this mission, as you are already known to Captain Braca. Your assignment is strictly reconnaissance. He is to furnish you with the details you will need concerning Grayza's plans and whereabouts. Obviously this meeting is off the record on both sides. Your ship holds a flight plan. You are expected by our contact there and she will make contact on arrival. Any questions?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Crichton saw Crais shake his head firmly. "None, sir," he said, then glanced at Crichton, who hastily looked back to Marvio.
"Commander Crichton, the Captain expects an answer," Kinsella snapped.
"None, sir," Crichton said quickly. God, any moment now she was going to pull out a whip and start lashing him with it.
"Captain Kinsella," Marvio said, acknowledging her presence for the first time. "If you would be so good as to allow me a quick word in private with your new recruit? I believe we are finished here otherwise."
"Of course, Captain," Kinsella answered, with a frankly sadistic smile that made Crichton's blood run cold. She turned smartly and marched out, head up and back ramrod straight. All three men watched her leave.
"Scary, is she not?" Marvio said, when the door was safely closed again. "She was my Second, you know, when I left the Peacekeepers. There was not a man, woman or child on that ship who did not straighten up if anyone so much as mentioned her name. Quite the most efficient Lieutenant I ever had. My only fear was that she would overthrow me." Marvio smiled. "Eleven cycles and I am still waiting."
"She hates me," Crichton said. What else could he think?
"Very much so," Marvio answered cheerfully, as Crais nodded calmly beside him. "I knew she would do."
Crichton honestly wasn't sure how to respond to that. He opened his mouth to speak several times and stopped on each occasion.
Marvio leaned forward, resting his elbows and clasped hands on the desk in front of him. "However," he said. "In time, you may find that that is to your advantage."
Was it his imagination, or had Marvio just winked at him?
"We are to depart immediately," Crais said, giving Crichton no time to debate the question.
"Immediately, immediately or immediately, in an arn would be fine?" Crichton asked, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. "When I got called here, me and Aeryn…well, we were kind of in the middle of something."
Marvio leant back in his chair again. Beside him, Crais eyed Crichton suspiciously.
"Something important enough to delay the mission for?" Marvio asked, his tone neutral.
"I just asked her to marry me," Crichton replied, silently pleading with Marvio to understand. He felt Crais' incredulous stare on his cheek.
Marvio folded his hands across his stomach again. "Half an arn," he said.
Crichton breathed a sigh of relief, just as Crais inhaled sharply.
"Thanks," he said gratefully.
Marvio smiled, ever the good guy. "Best of luck," he added. "Dismissed."
Crichton gave him a quick smile, carefully avoiding catching Crais' eye, and hurried out. Once in the corridor, he picked up his heels and ran flat out.
Time to have his most important question answered.
