Crais had been amazed to find out what the contest consisted of. He wondered where he had found the nerve to get them involved in the competition, which was held every 5 solar years on this small, pleasant but unexceptional-seeming planet.
Nevertheless, it was famous among a number of neighbouring systems in the Uncharteds for the festivities, which stretched out over a number of monens. Members of various species came from near and far to compete against each other; it was rather like an Uncharteds Olympics of sorts.
Talyn was more than pleased when he realised what would be happening. He was excited, one of the very few times in his young and eventful life in which he had ever been excited in a good way.
Crais smiled. His headache lifted and he looked around the table. He shook his head in disbelief but his eyes glistened with pleasure, "And... my counterpart had the audacity to enter us? And we are winning?"
Crais' smile broadened. He drew a hand over his face and then a strange sound escaped his lips. It started off with small gasps and the others looked worriedly at him. His shoulders shook.
Aeryn was worried and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Crais, are you all right?" The shudders under her hand made her look with concern at Crais and then at Crichton. "You think he's all right?" Crichton shrugged his shoulders.
Then Crais surprised the others by throwing his head back. His deep booming laughter surprised them all. Crichton was the most shocked. He had always believed that Crais found laughter something just as unbecoming as swearing.
The sound Crais produced was even deeper than the Luxan's laughter; the tears of mirth were streaming down his face. He controlled himself with some difficulty and turned to the others. "Given the nature of the contest, I will, of course, take part."
Bialar heard Talyn's excited voice in his mind.
~Crais, we're going to all do this? Us and them? In front of a crowd? In public, in that arena?~
Talyn was excited by the prospect, not only because of the nature of the contest, but by the feeling of acceptance and inclusion, of joining with Moya's people in doing this together.
Crais was not the only one who had felt deep loneliness and a sense that he had never been accepted by others. Talyn had never quite appreciated the feelings that the Moyans had felt for him, rather like proud aunts and uncles who had just been presented their first cherished nephew. Neither had he ever realized just how often they had taken his side. He would have been astounded had he ever become aware that Crais had on a number of occasions been blamed for actions that he had been unable to prevent the little gunship from taking.
Crais smiled and said aloud so the others wouldn't blame him for having another secret talk with Talyn, "Yes, Talyn, we will all participate. Us and them, all together."
Talyn almost couldn't contain his excitement. His happiness at the prospect made Crais smile.
Crichton looked strangely at Crais, "You are going to include Talyn in this?"
Crais looked at him squarely, "Yes, I am. He is part of me and I know he is most happy to join in. As a matter of fact, if he can't join in, than neither will I." His look was unwavering.
Talyn was a bit worried ~Crais, if I can't join in, I don't...~
"You will, Talyn. I want you to join in. We are one and as one we will join in." For a moment, the others saw the Crais they hadn't seen for two cycles. Determined, set in his own way of thinking, which was so different from their own. They looked at the table.
It was Aeryn who broke the silence, "I don't see why that should be a problem. The rules of the contest state that all species can join in. They don't say that Leviathans are excluded."
Crais looked at her with a hint of gratitude. "Thank you, Aeryn. Then after we have finished our repast, it will be time for me to see if the clothes are ready."
They all finished their drinks... the tana root beverage the innkeeper had brought reminded Crichton almost of a spicy, fruity iced tea. They had picked the dishes so clean that even Rygel could find no more scraps to munch on.
Aeryn and Crichton both decided to accompany Crais back to the tailor shop. The others planned to head back to the transport pod, after a quick stop at another shop just down the street. D'Argo had spotted a rather expensive but very beautiful bauble on his last visit here that he thought would make a perfect gift for Chi, and he hoped it would begin to make her feel better about her bug, which had been very similar to what Erpers called a 'cold'. Rygel was determined to help by getting the Luxan the best bargain he could.
Aasshrecht was not only a very fast worker; he had a very capable staff that was used to the occasional rush order here in the Uncharteds. The Moyans had discovered his store on their first trip down to this planet's surface, and they had all patronised his shop to some extent, and paid very well for the clothing they had ordered. Between this, and the fact that he had actually been rooting for them since the last round of the contest, he had promised them priority service.
When they entered his shop, Aasshrecht walked up to them, beaming. "You are just on time. Aassrecht just finished garments. You will be pleased, yes?"
Aeryn smiled at him, "Yes, Aassrecht, I am sure we will be pleased. You have not disappointed us so far. Will you come to the contest?"
Aassrecht smiled, "Aassrecht will not want to miss it. Will the Captain try out his new clothes? I made some minor modifications."
Crais looked worried. He had approved of the drawings Aassrecht had shown him. Modifications without prior knowledge made him nervous.
Aassrecht gleamed, "Modifications are for later use, Not for contest." He took the finished garments and gave them to Crais. He showed him the fitting room where he could change and Crais disappeared behind the curtains.
Aeryn and Crichton waited impatiently for Crais to re-emerge. When the curtains opened again and Crais stepped out, Aeryn let out a gasp of delight. Crais had taken off his queue and the effect was stunning.
His ebony hair cascaded in almost a halo around him, but somehow, not in the uncontrolled, wild manner the others had once seen when Crais had years ago nearly lost everything, including his very life, to the half-breed scientist and to fate.
The cream-coloured wrap top flowed gracefully around his torso, and the richness of the material was shown to its best effect by the simple but finely tailored cut of the garment. Even the trousers were made to a very simple but elegant and tasteful design.
And on his face, he wore the most beautiful smile anyone had ever seen, at least since that terrible day that Tauvo had been taken from him... a smile that no one but Tauvo had seen since the two brothers had been torn from their family's heart so many years ago.
Aasshrecht was pleased with everyone's reactions and his face lit up in pleasure, "The Captain is pleased?"
Crais turned to Aassrecht and his smile included Aassrecht, "The Captain is very pleased, Aassrecht. The Captain is also very pleased with the modifications. Thank you for your consideration." He gave Aassrecht a small bow, which made the tailor almost squirm in pleasure.
Crichton was very curious, "What modifications, Crais?"
Crais looked at him, amusement sparkling in his eyes. It was almost as if the clothes had transformed him into a completely different man. "That would be telling, would it not, Crichton? Suffice to say that Aassrecht's modifications will also be very useful in a battle situation."
He turned to Aassrecht, "I assume you have applied the modifications to the other garments too? (Aassrecht nodded happily) Thank you again, they are appreciated."
Aeryn was amused, Crichton was flabbergasted, "Crais, why do you always have to think of combat?"
"Since I intend to wear clothes other than Peacekeeper clothes if they are as comfortable as this." The smile had not left his face.
Crichton was suspicious. He was used to their own Crais smiling now and again but never had he seen the smile Crais was displaying now. This was different. "Crais, what is making you so much happier than usual?"
Crais looked directly into Crichton's eyes.
He saw no hatred, no fear, no sarcasm, just concern for an old (or maybe new) friend.
It was a bit soon to truly credit that his world had changed so much, but it was something that he had craved, that he had needed, for so long. Should he, could he, really trust to it?
"It's no matter, Crichton. The world changes, and sometimes it is hard for us to change with it."
He turned to Aeryn and caught her gaze.
"Thank you, Officer Sun", he said softly as he bowed again slightly to her.
Aeryn's blue eyes sparkled, as she said, "You are most welcome Crais, and those clothes are really... becoming on you. You really should consider wearing other than Peacekeeper black. The smile wouldn't go amiss either."
"I will try on both counts," said Crais with a smile. His eyes were still filled with a hint of sadness but somehow this new feeling started to gain a foothold too, and Aeryn looked gently at him.
Crais caught her gaze and returned it; his eyes did not move away. Yes, maybe there was hope for him yet to start his life anew.
~I hope so too~ Talyn's voice almost grinned ~Can we stay with them for a little while, Crais? We could do with some revitalising while we are with... people who understand us. I don't want to go out there alone yet and neither do you~
~We will stay a while longer~ Crais thought to Talyn. ~You are right. I don't relish the thought of leaving them just now and facing the uncertainty of unknown space. The last monen has been exciting, but also very insightful for both of us~ Talyn was happy.
The silence had become uncomfortable. Both Aeryn and Crichton knew that Crais was talking to Talyn again, but they were happy to see that the conversation was a happy one.
Crichton coughed. "I think it is time that we were on our way or else we will be too late."
Crais refocused. "Yes, we don't want to be too late to take part in the opening ceremonies.
"We should have time to get back to the transport pod and meet up with D'Argo and Rygel. They were going to comm Moya and see if Chiana was feeling well enough to watch the semi-finals in person. There's no way she'll have recovered enough to take part... she still couldn't even speak a few arns ago, although at least she was finally able to get out of bed.
"It would be a shame if she missed seeing this, and had to depend on Pilot relaying the goings-on."
Crichton was surprised that this Crais was considerate enough to include the Nebari. He had not expected this.
Crais' gaze fell on him and he gave him a smile. Crichton wondered if he had added mind reading to his repertoire. He had never gotten used to the way Crais sometimes looked at him as if he could read Crichton's mind. Even their own Crais still did that to him. Yet Crais had never got the hang of most Erp jokes.
"Well... yes... we'd better get going then." Aeryn and Crais were already out of the door when Aasshrect gave John the rest of the garments and the clothes Crais had left in the fitting room. He had a happy smile on his face. "Aasstrecht will see you all later then? I wish you luck and me too. Aasshrecht put up a great bet."
Crichton nodded. "Yes, we will see you there." He hastened after the others.
"Yo, Crais, can you carry some of your own? What's in them anyway, lead?'
"Just some re-enforcements, Crichton," Crais smiled and took the bundle from him. "Some modifications."
"Feels more like armour to me."
Crais smiled.
They joined the others in front of the tavern. "Any news from Chiana?" Crais asked Ka D'Argo.
Ka D'Argo turned to them with a big silly grin.
"Pilot just relayed a message from Chiana. She says that she isn't sick enough to miss this. She swears she's made a miraculous recovery and wants to join us. She knows she's not fully recovered but insists she can still make a contribution. Promises to 'use her good judgment'"
As he said the last, he rolled his eyes. "Furthermore, she says that if we leave her on Moya tonight, we shouldn't expect her and Moya to be waiting around for us at the end of it.
"What do you think?"
It was Crais who spoke. "We had better arrange for some means for her to come down to the planet. We do not want her to coerce Pilot into having Moya StarBurst away. I don't think Talyn is recovered enough to StarBurst yet, nor does he relish the idea at present. Besides, do you want to return to Moya later on, having incurred her wrath?"
He turned to Aeryn. "How far away from here are the practice grounds for the contest?"
Aeryn responded, "The lower levels of the arena beneath the seating areas provide rooms and staging areas for the participants to use. We're about a twenty micron leisurely stroll from the stadium. We have more than enough time to get there and prepare ourselves as long as we don't delay unnecessarily.
"Why don't I take the transport pod and retrieve Chiana? D'Argo needs more time to get ready than the rest of us do. Comm Pilot and have him make sure that Chiana is ready by the time I get back to Moya. We have enough time for me to get back with her, but we don't have any time to waste."
Aeryn prepared to leave.
As the others got ready to make their way to the arena, Crais turned to them and said, "I'll go and retrieve Chiana. Well, I do owe her for that send-off, don't I? I do try to pay my debts." He picked up his package of clothing and sauntered over to Ka D'Argo, who had picked up his own bag, and Aeryn's.
He smiled at the big man, "Don't worry, Ka D'Argo. She will enjoy your performance. I will be back shortly." He turned and made his way quickly to the spaceport and boarded the pod.
He could feel Talyn's excitement wash over him, ~Yes, Talyn, soon~
Nevertheless, it was famous among a number of neighbouring systems in the Uncharteds for the festivities, which stretched out over a number of monens. Members of various species came from near and far to compete against each other; it was rather like an Uncharteds Olympics of sorts.
Talyn was more than pleased when he realised what would be happening. He was excited, one of the very few times in his young and eventful life in which he had ever been excited in a good way.
Crais smiled. His headache lifted and he looked around the table. He shook his head in disbelief but his eyes glistened with pleasure, "And... my counterpart had the audacity to enter us? And we are winning?"
Crais' smile broadened. He drew a hand over his face and then a strange sound escaped his lips. It started off with small gasps and the others looked worriedly at him. His shoulders shook.
Aeryn was worried and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Crais, are you all right?" The shudders under her hand made her look with concern at Crais and then at Crichton. "You think he's all right?" Crichton shrugged his shoulders.
Then Crais surprised the others by throwing his head back. His deep booming laughter surprised them all. Crichton was the most shocked. He had always believed that Crais found laughter something just as unbecoming as swearing.
The sound Crais produced was even deeper than the Luxan's laughter; the tears of mirth were streaming down his face. He controlled himself with some difficulty and turned to the others. "Given the nature of the contest, I will, of course, take part."
Bialar heard Talyn's excited voice in his mind.
~Crais, we're going to all do this? Us and them? In front of a crowd? In public, in that arena?~
Talyn was excited by the prospect, not only because of the nature of the contest, but by the feeling of acceptance and inclusion, of joining with Moya's people in doing this together.
Crais was not the only one who had felt deep loneliness and a sense that he had never been accepted by others. Talyn had never quite appreciated the feelings that the Moyans had felt for him, rather like proud aunts and uncles who had just been presented their first cherished nephew. Neither had he ever realized just how often they had taken his side. He would have been astounded had he ever become aware that Crais had on a number of occasions been blamed for actions that he had been unable to prevent the little gunship from taking.
Crais smiled and said aloud so the others wouldn't blame him for having another secret talk with Talyn, "Yes, Talyn, we will all participate. Us and them, all together."
Talyn almost couldn't contain his excitement. His happiness at the prospect made Crais smile.
Crichton looked strangely at Crais, "You are going to include Talyn in this?"
Crais looked at him squarely, "Yes, I am. He is part of me and I know he is most happy to join in. As a matter of fact, if he can't join in, than neither will I." His look was unwavering.
Talyn was a bit worried ~Crais, if I can't join in, I don't...~
"You will, Talyn. I want you to join in. We are one and as one we will join in." For a moment, the others saw the Crais they hadn't seen for two cycles. Determined, set in his own way of thinking, which was so different from their own. They looked at the table.
It was Aeryn who broke the silence, "I don't see why that should be a problem. The rules of the contest state that all species can join in. They don't say that Leviathans are excluded."
Crais looked at her with a hint of gratitude. "Thank you, Aeryn. Then after we have finished our repast, it will be time for me to see if the clothes are ready."
They all finished their drinks... the tana root beverage the innkeeper had brought reminded Crichton almost of a spicy, fruity iced tea. They had picked the dishes so clean that even Rygel could find no more scraps to munch on.
Aeryn and Crichton both decided to accompany Crais back to the tailor shop. The others planned to head back to the transport pod, after a quick stop at another shop just down the street. D'Argo had spotted a rather expensive but very beautiful bauble on his last visit here that he thought would make a perfect gift for Chi, and he hoped it would begin to make her feel better about her bug, which had been very similar to what Erpers called a 'cold'. Rygel was determined to help by getting the Luxan the best bargain he could.
Aasshrecht was not only a very fast worker; he had a very capable staff that was used to the occasional rush order here in the Uncharteds. The Moyans had discovered his store on their first trip down to this planet's surface, and they had all patronised his shop to some extent, and paid very well for the clothing they had ordered. Between this, and the fact that he had actually been rooting for them since the last round of the contest, he had promised them priority service.
When they entered his shop, Aasshrecht walked up to them, beaming. "You are just on time. Aassrecht just finished garments. You will be pleased, yes?"
Aeryn smiled at him, "Yes, Aassrecht, I am sure we will be pleased. You have not disappointed us so far. Will you come to the contest?"
Aassrecht smiled, "Aassrecht will not want to miss it. Will the Captain try out his new clothes? I made some minor modifications."
Crais looked worried. He had approved of the drawings Aassrecht had shown him. Modifications without prior knowledge made him nervous.
Aassrecht gleamed, "Modifications are for later use, Not for contest." He took the finished garments and gave them to Crais. He showed him the fitting room where he could change and Crais disappeared behind the curtains.
Aeryn and Crichton waited impatiently for Crais to re-emerge. When the curtains opened again and Crais stepped out, Aeryn let out a gasp of delight. Crais had taken off his queue and the effect was stunning.
His ebony hair cascaded in almost a halo around him, but somehow, not in the uncontrolled, wild manner the others had once seen when Crais had years ago nearly lost everything, including his very life, to the half-breed scientist and to fate.
The cream-coloured wrap top flowed gracefully around his torso, and the richness of the material was shown to its best effect by the simple but finely tailored cut of the garment. Even the trousers were made to a very simple but elegant and tasteful design.
And on his face, he wore the most beautiful smile anyone had ever seen, at least since that terrible day that Tauvo had been taken from him... a smile that no one but Tauvo had seen since the two brothers had been torn from their family's heart so many years ago.
Aasshrecht was pleased with everyone's reactions and his face lit up in pleasure, "The Captain is pleased?"
Crais turned to Aassrecht and his smile included Aassrecht, "The Captain is very pleased, Aassrecht. The Captain is also very pleased with the modifications. Thank you for your consideration." He gave Aassrecht a small bow, which made the tailor almost squirm in pleasure.
Crichton was very curious, "What modifications, Crais?"
Crais looked at him, amusement sparkling in his eyes. It was almost as if the clothes had transformed him into a completely different man. "That would be telling, would it not, Crichton? Suffice to say that Aassrecht's modifications will also be very useful in a battle situation."
He turned to Aassrecht, "I assume you have applied the modifications to the other garments too? (Aassrecht nodded happily) Thank you again, they are appreciated."
Aeryn was amused, Crichton was flabbergasted, "Crais, why do you always have to think of combat?"
"Since I intend to wear clothes other than Peacekeeper clothes if they are as comfortable as this." The smile had not left his face.
Crichton was suspicious. He was used to their own Crais smiling now and again but never had he seen the smile Crais was displaying now. This was different. "Crais, what is making you so much happier than usual?"
Crais looked directly into Crichton's eyes.
He saw no hatred, no fear, no sarcasm, just concern for an old (or maybe new) friend.
It was a bit soon to truly credit that his world had changed so much, but it was something that he had craved, that he had needed, for so long. Should he, could he, really trust to it?
"It's no matter, Crichton. The world changes, and sometimes it is hard for us to change with it."
He turned to Aeryn and caught her gaze.
"Thank you, Officer Sun", he said softly as he bowed again slightly to her.
Aeryn's blue eyes sparkled, as she said, "You are most welcome Crais, and those clothes are really... becoming on you. You really should consider wearing other than Peacekeeper black. The smile wouldn't go amiss either."
"I will try on both counts," said Crais with a smile. His eyes were still filled with a hint of sadness but somehow this new feeling started to gain a foothold too, and Aeryn looked gently at him.
Crais caught her gaze and returned it; his eyes did not move away. Yes, maybe there was hope for him yet to start his life anew.
~I hope so too~ Talyn's voice almost grinned ~Can we stay with them for a little while, Crais? We could do with some revitalising while we are with... people who understand us. I don't want to go out there alone yet and neither do you~
~We will stay a while longer~ Crais thought to Talyn. ~You are right. I don't relish the thought of leaving them just now and facing the uncertainty of unknown space. The last monen has been exciting, but also very insightful for both of us~ Talyn was happy.
The silence had become uncomfortable. Both Aeryn and Crichton knew that Crais was talking to Talyn again, but they were happy to see that the conversation was a happy one.
Crichton coughed. "I think it is time that we were on our way or else we will be too late."
Crais refocused. "Yes, we don't want to be too late to take part in the opening ceremonies.
"We should have time to get back to the transport pod and meet up with D'Argo and Rygel. They were going to comm Moya and see if Chiana was feeling well enough to watch the semi-finals in person. There's no way she'll have recovered enough to take part... she still couldn't even speak a few arns ago, although at least she was finally able to get out of bed.
"It would be a shame if she missed seeing this, and had to depend on Pilot relaying the goings-on."
Crichton was surprised that this Crais was considerate enough to include the Nebari. He had not expected this.
Crais' gaze fell on him and he gave him a smile. Crichton wondered if he had added mind reading to his repertoire. He had never gotten used to the way Crais sometimes looked at him as if he could read Crichton's mind. Even their own Crais still did that to him. Yet Crais had never got the hang of most Erp jokes.
"Well... yes... we'd better get going then." Aeryn and Crais were already out of the door when Aasshrect gave John the rest of the garments and the clothes Crais had left in the fitting room. He had a happy smile on his face. "Aasstrecht will see you all later then? I wish you luck and me too. Aasshrecht put up a great bet."
Crichton nodded. "Yes, we will see you there." He hastened after the others.
"Yo, Crais, can you carry some of your own? What's in them anyway, lead?'
"Just some re-enforcements, Crichton," Crais smiled and took the bundle from him. "Some modifications."
"Feels more like armour to me."
Crais smiled.
They joined the others in front of the tavern. "Any news from Chiana?" Crais asked Ka D'Argo.
Ka D'Argo turned to them with a big silly grin.
"Pilot just relayed a message from Chiana. She says that she isn't sick enough to miss this. She swears she's made a miraculous recovery and wants to join us. She knows she's not fully recovered but insists she can still make a contribution. Promises to 'use her good judgment'"
As he said the last, he rolled his eyes. "Furthermore, she says that if we leave her on Moya tonight, we shouldn't expect her and Moya to be waiting around for us at the end of it.
"What do you think?"
It was Crais who spoke. "We had better arrange for some means for her to come down to the planet. We do not want her to coerce Pilot into having Moya StarBurst away. I don't think Talyn is recovered enough to StarBurst yet, nor does he relish the idea at present. Besides, do you want to return to Moya later on, having incurred her wrath?"
He turned to Aeryn. "How far away from here are the practice grounds for the contest?"
Aeryn responded, "The lower levels of the arena beneath the seating areas provide rooms and staging areas for the participants to use. We're about a twenty micron leisurely stroll from the stadium. We have more than enough time to get there and prepare ourselves as long as we don't delay unnecessarily.
"Why don't I take the transport pod and retrieve Chiana? D'Argo needs more time to get ready than the rest of us do. Comm Pilot and have him make sure that Chiana is ready by the time I get back to Moya. We have enough time for me to get back with her, but we don't have any time to waste."
Aeryn prepared to leave.
As the others got ready to make their way to the arena, Crais turned to them and said, "I'll go and retrieve Chiana. Well, I do owe her for that send-off, don't I? I do try to pay my debts." He picked up his package of clothing and sauntered over to Ka D'Argo, who had picked up his own bag, and Aeryn's.
He smiled at the big man, "Don't worry, Ka D'Argo. She will enjoy your performance. I will be back shortly." He turned and made his way quickly to the spaceport and boarded the pod.
He could feel Talyn's excitement wash over him, ~Yes, Talyn, soon~