Aeryn was the first to react and her face broke out in a smile. She closed the distance and embraced him, "Crais! Your are alive!"
"Apparently so," replied Crais in an amused tone of voice, briefly returning Aeryn's hug.
Aeryn stepped back with an embarrassed smile, "Sorry Crais... I'm just so glad to see you."
"Understandable Aeryn."
Ka D'Argo was the next to step up to him, "Didn't think you make it out alive."
"We almost didn't either," Crais said quietly.
"Yes," said Rygel moving his hover-throne closer, "We all thought you were dead. Talyn? Did he make it too?"
Crais smiled, "Yes, he's alive too. Luckily, Talyn heard Moya's cry for help, that is why we were here in time. He's talking to his mother now."
Chiana had stepped carefully closer. Crais could see that she walked with the measured steps of the blind and he stepped closer to her and touched her shoulder. Her face lit up when she smelled his familiar scent, "You are really alive!"
"Yes Chiana."
She hugged him and he allowed her to do so.
Crais looked over at Crichton. The human had held back.
Crichton looked at him suspiciously, "How did you manage to survive? I thought you said there was no chance of doing so. And where did you get that sleek black ship you came in with?"
Crais sighed, "I am glad to see you too Crichton."
Crichton realised his mistake, "Thanks for saving us by the way."
"You're welcome," replied Crais, not at all surprised by Crichton's reaction, "I had said it was highly unlikely that we would survive, Talyn's unique physique saved us."
"And the Fighter? Where did you get that?"
"John..." Aeryn held his arm. There was no need to interrogate Crais; besides it was very embarrassing after just being rescued by him.
Crais continued unperturbed and with pride in his voice, "Talyn built it."
"Talyn... built... the... ship," Crichton said doubtfully, emphasizing each word.
Crais smiled, "He did."
"But that would have taken cycles to develop!"
Crais hadn't stopped smiling.
It was then that Crichton noticed there was something subtly different about Crais; he just couldn't place it immediately. Crais still had his raven black hair, it was still tied into a queue. He still looked as he had last seen him on the Command Carrier, maybe slimmer but somehow he seemed calmer, more at ease AND amused.
"How long ago did you StarBurst in the Command Carrier, Crais?"
"Twelve cycles ago, Crichton." Everyone was shocked by his calm delivery.
When Crichton could speak again he asked, "Then how did you end up here, back in your past? And why haven't you aged?"
"I have aged, Crichton, twelve cycles to be precise. We landed in this part of space by chance about a monen ago. We've spent all the twelve cycles slowly making our way back."
"That must be awful!" exclaimed Chiana.
"Not really."
Crichton smirked, "Plakavoids after you again even that far in the future?"
Crais raised an eyebrow at him.
"Shall we all sit down while we're catching up on the good times," said Aeryn, trying to stop the stress-levels from rising between the two. All agreed.
+++++
When they got to the galley Crais took the top part of his flight-suit off. It didn't take him long. It was designed like a Peacekeeper's tunic and came off easily. He wore a sleeveless black shirt underneath it. Aeryn looked at him admiringly, his broad chest was as powerful as when they had last seen him.
Aeryn noticed the bonding tattoo on his left wrist and her face lit up, "Crais you have a mate!"
"And two children," Crais answered with a smile, "They are on Talyn."
To his surprise Aeryn embraced him heartily.
Crichton couldn't believe his ears, "You got hitched Crais? When?"
"About ten cycles ago, the twins are nine now."
Chiana grinned, "Twins! Can we meet them?
Crais sat down, "You will."
"I never saw you as a bonded man," Ka D'Argo beamed and slapped Crais on the shoulder.
"So, what are the names of the Craislings," asked Rygel.
"Tauvo and Tyrek."
"Both boys then," asked Crichton.
Crais nodded, "And identical."
"Must be a handful," said Chiana.
Before Crais could answer, Crichton asked suspiciously, "How did you manage to get here in time to save us?"
Sadness flitted briefly over Crais' features at Crichton's words. The human still didn't trust him. He answered, "We were nearby when Talyn picked up his mother's thoughts and her panic. I had been on patrol when the message came through. Luckily the Fighter is fast."
"Can I see it later," Aeryn's interest was peaked.
Crais nodded, "It would be my pleasure."
"Would you allow me to fly it?"
Crais shook his head, "Unfortunately you will not be able to..."
Crichton smirked, "She is a far better pilot than you are Crais, surely..."
Aeryn's face fell, "Well, if you don't..."
"I am not implying that her flying skills are at fault," Crais replied tersely to Crichton, he turned to Aeryn and said gently, "You can fly with me but not on your own. The reason my Fighter is fast and deadly accurate is because it is directly linked to me."
"Like you and Talyn are linked," she said in wonderment.
"Almost. The Fighter is not as sentient as Talyn, more like a... sophisticated DRD. Part of Talyn but not capable of independent thought, apart from the basic functions."
Crichton looked at him incredulously, "Why would Talyn build you a Fighter?"
"It was only logical to assume that as Talyn grew he would be capable of building flying craft too, as all Leviathans are. When I boarded Talyn the first time it was with one of Moya's pods and we left the pod on board Talyn. The pod had been left on board by the Techs and was there when we went through StarBurst in the Command Carrier. Over the cycles Talyn has created two more flying craft. Since he is a gunship and a transport pod was already on board, his designs have been Fighters."
There was pride in Crais' voice, "His first prototype is not mind-linked and although quite adequate and fast, it is not as fast or as manoeuvrable as this one."
He looked at Aeryn, "I'll let you fly the prototype if you like. It is faster than your Prowler and it seats three." Aeryn's face was aglow with excitement.
Crichton wasn't too happy with the attention Aeryn was receiving from Crais and although Crais had said that he was married, Crichton couldn't help distrusting him when it came to Aeryn.
The others didn't seem to have the same reservations and talked quite amicably with Crais who didn't seem as stern and unapproachable as a cycle ago. Married life seemed to have mellowed him.
+++++
Unaware to Crichton, Crais had observed him. He had noticed his expressions and his silences. "I have changed, Crichton," Crais said suddenly and gently.
Crichton looked up sharply, "I didn't..."
"No you didn't but I have noticed your reaction."
"How can we be sure that you are who you say you are?"
Crais sighed. "Apart from actual appearance you mean," Crais raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Yeah, something like that."
"I could tell you secrets which only Bialar Crais could have known. You could do a genetic-scan."
"You would willingly do that?"
"I have nothing to hide, Crichton," Crais was unperturbed by Crichton's questions.
It was Aeryn who had enough, "Would you ask for a genetic-sample of any other rescuer than Crais, John?"
"No but no one else would claim to be Crais' twelve cycles older twin."
The slightest sign of annoyance appeared on Crais' brow and he wondered if it had been a good move to save Crichton.
It was Ka D'Argo, of all people, who turned the conversation, "I don't care if you are a look-alike or a clone of Crais or the real man. I'm glad you turned up when you did. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't. John and Aeryn and maybe all of us captured or dead most likely."
The others muttered agreement and were milling around the table.
Crais' eyes grew "absent" briefly while he continued the conversation with the ones present, "My mate and children request permission to come on board."
The others, apart from Crichton, were excited. Crais couldn't understand the human. Maybe if he saw his mate and his children, Crichton would understand that he had nothing to fear from him, especially in consideration of Aeryn.
"Yeah, let them dock," answered Crichton.
Crais communicated with Talyn.
Everyone sat around the table in silence, twiddling fingers, looking at the table or at the ceiling, waiting for Pilot to inform them that Crais' family had arrived. What had been an animated conversation had dwindled to complete silence.
It was with relief that Crais heard her voice over his link. He got up from the table and left the galley without a word. The others looked at each other. Understanding came when Pilot announced that Talyn's transport pod was docking.
"Apparently so," replied Crais in an amused tone of voice, briefly returning Aeryn's hug.
Aeryn stepped back with an embarrassed smile, "Sorry Crais... I'm just so glad to see you."
"Understandable Aeryn."
Ka D'Argo was the next to step up to him, "Didn't think you make it out alive."
"We almost didn't either," Crais said quietly.
"Yes," said Rygel moving his hover-throne closer, "We all thought you were dead. Talyn? Did he make it too?"
Crais smiled, "Yes, he's alive too. Luckily, Talyn heard Moya's cry for help, that is why we were here in time. He's talking to his mother now."
Chiana had stepped carefully closer. Crais could see that she walked with the measured steps of the blind and he stepped closer to her and touched her shoulder. Her face lit up when she smelled his familiar scent, "You are really alive!"
"Yes Chiana."
She hugged him and he allowed her to do so.
Crais looked over at Crichton. The human had held back.
Crichton looked at him suspiciously, "How did you manage to survive? I thought you said there was no chance of doing so. And where did you get that sleek black ship you came in with?"
Crais sighed, "I am glad to see you too Crichton."
Crichton realised his mistake, "Thanks for saving us by the way."
"You're welcome," replied Crais, not at all surprised by Crichton's reaction, "I had said it was highly unlikely that we would survive, Talyn's unique physique saved us."
"And the Fighter? Where did you get that?"
"John..." Aeryn held his arm. There was no need to interrogate Crais; besides it was very embarrassing after just being rescued by him.
Crais continued unperturbed and with pride in his voice, "Talyn built it."
"Talyn... built... the... ship," Crichton said doubtfully, emphasizing each word.
Crais smiled, "He did."
"But that would have taken cycles to develop!"
Crais hadn't stopped smiling.
It was then that Crichton noticed there was something subtly different about Crais; he just couldn't place it immediately. Crais still had his raven black hair, it was still tied into a queue. He still looked as he had last seen him on the Command Carrier, maybe slimmer but somehow he seemed calmer, more at ease AND amused.
"How long ago did you StarBurst in the Command Carrier, Crais?"
"Twelve cycles ago, Crichton." Everyone was shocked by his calm delivery.
When Crichton could speak again he asked, "Then how did you end up here, back in your past? And why haven't you aged?"
"I have aged, Crichton, twelve cycles to be precise. We landed in this part of space by chance about a monen ago. We've spent all the twelve cycles slowly making our way back."
"That must be awful!" exclaimed Chiana.
"Not really."
Crichton smirked, "Plakavoids after you again even that far in the future?"
Crais raised an eyebrow at him.
"Shall we all sit down while we're catching up on the good times," said Aeryn, trying to stop the stress-levels from rising between the two. All agreed.
+++++
When they got to the galley Crais took the top part of his flight-suit off. It didn't take him long. It was designed like a Peacekeeper's tunic and came off easily. He wore a sleeveless black shirt underneath it. Aeryn looked at him admiringly, his broad chest was as powerful as when they had last seen him.
Aeryn noticed the bonding tattoo on his left wrist and her face lit up, "Crais you have a mate!"
"And two children," Crais answered with a smile, "They are on Talyn."
To his surprise Aeryn embraced him heartily.
Crichton couldn't believe his ears, "You got hitched Crais? When?"
"About ten cycles ago, the twins are nine now."
Chiana grinned, "Twins! Can we meet them?
Crais sat down, "You will."
"I never saw you as a bonded man," Ka D'Argo beamed and slapped Crais on the shoulder.
"So, what are the names of the Craislings," asked Rygel.
"Tauvo and Tyrek."
"Both boys then," asked Crichton.
Crais nodded, "And identical."
"Must be a handful," said Chiana.
Before Crais could answer, Crichton asked suspiciously, "How did you manage to get here in time to save us?"
Sadness flitted briefly over Crais' features at Crichton's words. The human still didn't trust him. He answered, "We were nearby when Talyn picked up his mother's thoughts and her panic. I had been on patrol when the message came through. Luckily the Fighter is fast."
"Can I see it later," Aeryn's interest was peaked.
Crais nodded, "It would be my pleasure."
"Would you allow me to fly it?"
Crais shook his head, "Unfortunately you will not be able to..."
Crichton smirked, "She is a far better pilot than you are Crais, surely..."
Aeryn's face fell, "Well, if you don't..."
"I am not implying that her flying skills are at fault," Crais replied tersely to Crichton, he turned to Aeryn and said gently, "You can fly with me but not on your own. The reason my Fighter is fast and deadly accurate is because it is directly linked to me."
"Like you and Talyn are linked," she said in wonderment.
"Almost. The Fighter is not as sentient as Talyn, more like a... sophisticated DRD. Part of Talyn but not capable of independent thought, apart from the basic functions."
Crichton looked at him incredulously, "Why would Talyn build you a Fighter?"
"It was only logical to assume that as Talyn grew he would be capable of building flying craft too, as all Leviathans are. When I boarded Talyn the first time it was with one of Moya's pods and we left the pod on board Talyn. The pod had been left on board by the Techs and was there when we went through StarBurst in the Command Carrier. Over the cycles Talyn has created two more flying craft. Since he is a gunship and a transport pod was already on board, his designs have been Fighters."
There was pride in Crais' voice, "His first prototype is not mind-linked and although quite adequate and fast, it is not as fast or as manoeuvrable as this one."
He looked at Aeryn, "I'll let you fly the prototype if you like. It is faster than your Prowler and it seats three." Aeryn's face was aglow with excitement.
Crichton wasn't too happy with the attention Aeryn was receiving from Crais and although Crais had said that he was married, Crichton couldn't help distrusting him when it came to Aeryn.
The others didn't seem to have the same reservations and talked quite amicably with Crais who didn't seem as stern and unapproachable as a cycle ago. Married life seemed to have mellowed him.
+++++
Unaware to Crichton, Crais had observed him. He had noticed his expressions and his silences. "I have changed, Crichton," Crais said suddenly and gently.
Crichton looked up sharply, "I didn't..."
"No you didn't but I have noticed your reaction."
"How can we be sure that you are who you say you are?"
Crais sighed. "Apart from actual appearance you mean," Crais raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Yeah, something like that."
"I could tell you secrets which only Bialar Crais could have known. You could do a genetic-scan."
"You would willingly do that?"
"I have nothing to hide, Crichton," Crais was unperturbed by Crichton's questions.
It was Aeryn who had enough, "Would you ask for a genetic-sample of any other rescuer than Crais, John?"
"No but no one else would claim to be Crais' twelve cycles older twin."
The slightest sign of annoyance appeared on Crais' brow and he wondered if it had been a good move to save Crichton.
It was Ka D'Argo, of all people, who turned the conversation, "I don't care if you are a look-alike or a clone of Crais or the real man. I'm glad you turned up when you did. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't. John and Aeryn and maybe all of us captured or dead most likely."
The others muttered agreement and were milling around the table.
Crais' eyes grew "absent" briefly while he continued the conversation with the ones present, "My mate and children request permission to come on board."
The others, apart from Crichton, were excited. Crais couldn't understand the human. Maybe if he saw his mate and his children, Crichton would understand that he had nothing to fear from him, especially in consideration of Aeryn.
"Yeah, let them dock," answered Crichton.
Crais communicated with Talyn.
Everyone sat around the table in silence, twiddling fingers, looking at the table or at the ceiling, waiting for Pilot to inform them that Crais' family had arrived. What had been an animated conversation had dwindled to complete silence.
It was with relief that Crais heard her voice over his link. He got up from the table and left the galley without a word. The others looked at each other. Understanding came when Pilot announced that Talyn's transport pod was docking.