Disclaimer on punctuation and spacing: Fanfiction.net seems to take some out!
Disclaimer: "Farscape" is a protected trademark and I'm just borrowing the characters. I promise to give them back once I've used them, hopefully more or less intact.
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This started off as a Round Robin on the Crais' Cohorts-board but there were only two participants in this one and this is the result.
Broke down the story in quite a number of chapters for easier reading. Good news is: the whole story is here.
Alternative Universe story, set after Season 4. Everyone on Moya is all right, well, as all right as they can be. Something seems to be wrong with Crais and Aeryn...
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Title: 24 Arns
Author: GitonCrais and NotASebacean
Rating: General/AU, Humour, Drama, Action (there is a bit of all in this one)
Spoilers: None
Keywords: Crais and Moya crew
Summary: Something is not right with Crais and Aeryn
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24 Arns
By GitonCrais and NotASebacean
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It was a dark and stormy night.
No, no, it was a dark and stormy Leviathan.
No, that doesn't sound right.
How about it was a dark and strangely quiet night on Moya. John and Rygel had been trying to repair a faulty connection in the neural cluster when they accidentally shorted out a major circuit and fried the power to 15 levels. Moya was upset. Pilot was pissed off and still insisting it was the others' fault. John and Rygel were banished to their quarters without dinner. Captain D'Argo was gamely trying to help the DRDs with the repairs, all the while cursing his fellow shipmates under his breath. He had plans for the evening that didn't include emergency repairs. Chi was impatiently waiting for him in his quarters. She had bought a scroll on the last commerce planet they'd visited that had some really interesting things on it she wanted to try... really, really interesting things. Muttering another curse under his breath, D'Argo was listening to the subdued and too quiet background noises of Moya when, suddenly, a scream rang out...
The Luxan recognized that voice. He had heard the Elegant Grey scream on more than one occasion, both in horror and in pleasure. But this scream...
Crichton couldn't believe his ears. That was Aeryn's cry of passion. He continued to follow what he was hearing, not believing where it was leading him... straight to the bedroom of Captain Bialar Crais!
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Part 2
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Crichton's feet pounded the Deck as he ran to Crais' quarters, murder on his mind. He finally had a good reason to thrash the Captain. He burst into the room, expecting to find the two in the most compromising position imaginable. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the Peacekeeper -ex Peacekeeper- body draped half across the bed, half dangling onto the floor beside it.
The bed coverings were in disarray, the soft, thick, furry throw, one of the few concessions to comfort and luxury apparent in the small chamber, also hanging languorously halfway off the bed.
Crichton could not avert his gaze from the sight of that strong, beautiful, well-conditioned Peacekeeper body, the torso nude, the flowing raven colored locks of hair freely tumbling in seemingly all directions.
He heard a moan come from the prone form, and immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Aeryn Sun.
The thing was, there was only one body visible in the room, and the body he was staring speechlessly at belonged not to his Aeryn, but to the rightful occupant of this cell, namely, a certain Bialar Crais.
Captain Bialar Crais turned his head sideways to see who had entered the room and then hid his face back in the dense fur of the throw. A soft, Aeryn-like moan escaped his lips.
Now that Crichton was over his first shock, he took a closer look at the half-nude figure sprawled on the bed. The strong back and wide shoulders were Crais'. The raven-haired locks were too curly to belong to Aeryn, but what about the voice?
Crichton stepped closer to the bed, "Crais, what is going on? Why do you sound like Aeryn?"
"Oh, frell!!" The voice was unmistakingly Aeryn's.
Crichton shook his head in confusion. Unless Crais had taken up ventriloquism as a hobby, something wasn't right. He stepped closer to the bed, "Crais...?"
"Stay away!" Annoyance and anger had taken hold of Aeryn's voice. Then, as if the anger gained the upper hand, Crais turned around and looked at Crichton, "Look what they have done to me!"
Crichton stared in disbelief at what was most undoubtedly the physical body of his once nemesis and mortal enemy, the ex-Peacekeeper Captain, Bialar Crais.
The physical features remained his.
However, the voice was just assuredly that of his compatriot and sometimes lover, Aeryn Sun.
And the eyes, they were somehow the eyes he had more than once found himself lost in. Well, not exactly. Physically, they were the eyes of the ex-Captain...one moment a rich seal brown, nearly black the next, always with a fierce and keenly intelligent light in them.
Now, though, another intelligence showed itself in them. The "soul" that manifested through them, was no longer that of Bialar Crais.
No, the eyes into which Crichton now stared, were Aeryn's eyes, of that he was somehow sure.
"Aeryn, what's happened? Who are "they"?"
Before he/she could reply, another figure stumbled into the room. It was Aeryn. Or, rather... Aeryn's body.
The deep, baritone voice belonged to Bialar Crais, "What has happened to me? This is not me!" Aeryn spread her hands in total confusion. Her eyes, normally a deep sparkling blue, were now thunderous. It was obvious that the occupant in this body was not amused.
Aeryn looked with murder in her eyes at Crichton and Crais' voice said, "Is this your doing again, Crichton? Another one of your Erp jokes? Well, I am not amused. You'd better change things back or by Cholok you will not see another cycle."
"I didn't have anything to do with it, Aeryn.... Crais," he stammered when he saw the thunderclouds on Aeryn's face gather, "Crais.... uhm... Aeryn knows."
Both looked at the figure on the bed with questioning frowns.
They all heard the pounding of feet reverberating down the hall.
The Luxan was yelling, "John, Aeryn, are you all right?"
"Pilot, what's happening?"
D'Argo came skidding up to the small assemblage at the doorway to the chamber He was closely followed by the little Nebari.
Rygel could be seen down the passageway, throne sled throttling to them as fast as it could navigate. "Yotz," the Hynerian grumbled, "must my peace always be disturbed!"
The new arrivals looked at John, and then at "Aeryn". They looked at each other, and then into the cell. They found themselves staring at Bialar Crais. No, something was wrong.
This Bialar Crais was not Bialar Crais. They looked again at Aeryn Sun. No, this was not their Aeryn Sun either.
D'Argo barked, "What is going on here?"
John looked at his friends and crewmates, "I'm not sure either. I heard Aeryn scream and I thought that Crais... well, you know.... was hurting her or worse."
The others were confused. Aeryn was standing outside the door, yet Crichton looked over at Crais in the room. They looked back at Aeryn and noticed that she looked more... assertive, not too mention extremely angry.
There was murder in Aeryn's eyes and she startled them all by speaking in Crais' voice, "What makes you assume that I would want to hurt her, Crichton?"
D'Argo turned to John, "We are obviously missing something here, John. You say you don't know either. Well, who does?"
Crichton looked at Crais in the room. Crais was now hiding under the covers; only his raven haired locks were visible above the edge of the covers, "Maybe he... she does."
"Go away," they could hear Crais say in Aeryn's higher pitched voice, "They said they would make a change but not that..."
John looked into the room, unbelieving. He waited for him... her to continue, but finally could not resist any longer.
"Aeryn?? Not what? What's happened to you?" (Even though the evidence was before his very eyes, and he had seen many strange sights since the day his little module had left Earth, he still found it hard to believe what he was seeing and hearing.) Aeryn, talk to us"
The form on the bed sank back down, but there was only so far she could go.
D'Argo's voice softened, and he said, "Aeryn, who has done this to you?"
The only response was a muffled sob.
The "other" Aeryn, the one whose every mannerism, every inflection fairly shouted out "I am Bialar Crais", finally said, "Aeryn, although I like you as a close friend I do not like to be *this* close." He placed his hands on her body and coloured slightly when he realised his gesture.
Not quite sure what he could do with Aeryn's hands without embarrassing himself, he finally crossed his arms over her chest, then realized that this new stance was even worse. Her brow darkened in annoyance. He started pacing the deck and the others looked away when they saw Aeryn taking bigger strides than usual and Crais trying to balance the body he was not born into.
"Since the others don't seem to be affected, I have to conclude that it must have happened because we were together."
Crichton raised an eyebrow but Crais ignored it. He continued, "We were the only two who went down to the planet today. There was only one time when we were not together and that was when I found that sensor for Talyn in the little electronics and parts shop. That shopkeeper would not get to the point and name his price, and this was the first time I've run across a piece like that in over a monen of searching.
He insisted on showing me every part he had that had ever been installed in a To be honest, I could hardly show too much impatience with him. Talyn needed that sensor, and who knows when I'll find more Leviathan components in the Uncharteds?
You said that you wished to investigate the bazaar a bit further, and would be back within an arn, and would meet me at the inn we had found earlier."
"Aeryn" had finally reached the bed, and she carefully sat down next to the figure of "Bialar". She gently reached over, and turned the male figure toward her.
"Bialar" was reluctant at first, but slowly he turned to the female ex-Peacekeeper. "He" looked into "her" eyes, and then turned "his" gaze away again.
The others seemed to have been struck dumb. They stood watching in silent astonishment.
"He" finally looked up at the female form still cradling his arm with her smaller, more delicate hand. "She" said in a voice so gentle that the others had trouble believing that it was Crais speaking, "I don't know what you have done to accomplish this or the deal you struck to have it done. I will not be angry with you but I need to know, is there a cure?"
It was obvious that Crais did not relish being inside Aeryn's body for the rest of his life and certainly not with his own deep baritone voice, but the restraint he was showing was remarkable.
"Bialar" looked at Crais with tear-filled eyes, "I only wanted to be stronger, more decisive, more like you. I didn't want this to happen. They told me I would be able to share your senses, share your consciousness, for a solar day. They said they could do this for me in a way that we would still remain two separate individuals. They said this would be their gift to me... I thought that meant that you wouldn't know, that I could just experience your thoughts and feelings for a day.
You've been so strong. You never seem to suffer from doubt. You just do what you have to do.
Since Crichton's death on Talyn, I am filled with nothing but doubt... I don't know how much longer I can go on... I don't know how *to* go on...
I'm so sorry, Crais. I never meant for this..."
The lithe female form gently tilted "Bialar's" chin, so that the two gazed directly into each other's eyes for a moment. The familiar rich, deep male voice said, "So, you think that I am so strong?" A rueful smile appeared. "Aeryn, who are "they"?"
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Part 3
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"Bialar" looked up in the deep blue eyes, "They are priests of Lachmon." Aeryn quickly looked down again.
They could see how "Aeryn" balled her small fists and Crichton stepped closer in case she tried to hit the figure on the bed. Crais found it difficult to hold himself in check and where he found the control was anybody's guess.
His voice was controlled but Crichton could hear the telltale crack in it, "Aeryn, you know that the cult of Lachmon has been banned on Sebacea Prime and through the whole known universe in Peacekeeper control. Their practices were the direct cause of much misery for a great many people, and nearly the downfall of the Peacekeeper order itself."
D'Argo exclaimed, "The priests of Lachmon! We Luxans have heard of them, but to us they are mere legend."
The Nebari asked, "Who are these priests? Are they really some kind of religious order, or do they just call themselves that?"
Rygel's visage was the only one with a knowing look, "Why, of course the priests of Lachmon are real. They call themselves the children of Lachmon, and by their lights they are not so sinister. Only the ignorant would not be familiar with them."
Crichton had been about to say that he had never heard of the priests of Lachmon either, but thought better of it. Instead he asked, "So what did they do that was so bad? How did they manage to almost give the Peacekeepers the old heave-ho?"
Crais ignored Crichton's obscure reference of "heefhoh" and turned to the others. Crichton observed that "she" was holding Bialar's hand protectively.
"The Children of Lachmon were more like a sect rather than a cult," the sonorous voice of Crais explained, "Peacekeepers do not believe in deities but in those days, different beliefs were practised almost in secret. Which was most understandable since the Forces were filled from a variety of different Sebacean societies."
"She" took a deep breath, "The Children of Lachmon, as they called themselves and as Rygel has already pointed out, started off in secret and gained a following. Their ways to gather the people around them was by mind-manipulation and this was accomplished by any means possible, drugs, hypnosis, and even mind transfer. The latter had always been questioned."
"She" looked at Bialar, "Although we might have to revise that disbelief." She smiled wryly.
"Aeryn" turned back to the others, "But their main goal was the disruption of Peacekeeper consolidation of power.
The Children of Lachmon thought of themselves as the ultimate pacifists. They could not see the need for order and lawfulness in the universe. The particular colony from which they derived was a disgrace to Sebacean society and ideals. Chaos reigned supreme. The various races mingled with no regard to that which was either prudent or reputable.
They could not see that *someone* must keep the peace. They did their very best to subvert the growing power of the Peacekeepers, and through their use of tactics such as they appear to be displaying now, they nearly succeeded.
For their efforts, which endangered countless numbers of Sebaceans and threatened the stability of other races besides, they were long ago banished, their home colony wiped from existence.
Since then, there have been whispers that a few remnants existed in various out of the way places, but there has never been concrete proof of this."
"Aeryn" glowered. "Not until now."
The Luxan warrior made no response for a moment. Then he said, "My wife, LoLann, mentioned these 'Children of Lachmon' once. Only once, and only briefly. Before she could say very much, her father and brother both exploded in anger, accusing her of heretical and treasonous thoughts. She never brought the subject up again."
The Hynerian Dominar interceded, "You know, Aer... Crais, there is more than one way to view every picture. You say that the followers of Lachmon were chaotic anarchists who had no respect for the need for and demands of orderly society.
They might say that Peacekeeper ways are needlessly restrictive, even fascist. They might well argue that Peacekeeper medicine is a cure worse than the disease it is meant to cure.
Would you care to take a poll of the various races, which have experienced the blessings of Peacekeeper aid and assistance? You might even be surprised by the results of such a survey taken in some Sebacean colonies, especially if the responses were anonymous"...
"Aeryn" turned with an angry face at Rygel, Crais' voice was low and menacing, "I am well aware how other races see us now, Dominar Rygel the 16th. We are feared and lately I have come to realise that it has not been unfounded."
Rygel knew that Crais was getting irate when he started calling them by their full titles again.
Crais continued, "When the Children of Lachmon were on the rise, the Corps of the Peacekeepers was still revered as bringing Peace through the known universe. They brought order to the Chaos which reigned on many planets, including yours, Dominar. They squashed wars between planets and stopped the intermingling between species whose offspring would have wiped out whole civilisations because their progeny were barren.
You have to admit that in the early days the Peacekeepers were a honourable force of good. It might... it has changed over the past 500 cycles but the initial thought was good. Even now, the Peacekeepers are still bringing structure. Although, over the cycles, even I have seen how they have corrupted High Command.
What the Children of Lachmon were bringing was utter and total Chaos. None of the planets and civilisations would have had a chance to flourish. Would you have liked to see that?"
His anger spent, "Aeryn" turned back to "Crais" and Crais' voice grew soft, "Look what they have done to Aeryn. Instead of the strong woman she wanted to be, she is now more filled with doubt and confusion than ever. Is this how the Children of Lachmon proposed to help her?"
Aeryn's voice ushered forth from the very male body, which had raised itself to a sitting position on the bed, "We will find out soon enough how honorable their intentions are.
Just before we entered that shop, I had noticed a Sebacean male in priests' robes. Something about him reminded me strongly of Zhaan... not just the robes but the bearing, an aura of peace and contentment. I found myself drawn to his presence.
When it became evident that you would be occupied for some time, I decided to put that time to good use. I meant only to see if there was a small temple in which I could rest for a bit, and maybe find some comfort.
I did not expect the priest to approach me. He welcomed me. Somehow he knew that I was no longer Peacekeeper despite my dress. He stated that it was very unusual to find even ex-Peacekeepers this far into the Uncharteds, and asked if he could be of any service to me.
Perhaps it was wrong of me, perhaps it was weak, but I found myself confiding in him as I might have to Zhaan. I still have not forgotten, and I never will, that she is the reason I am still here.
In any event, he suggested that he could be of help to me. I had told him of my fears, and of my admiration for the strength you have shown. He suggested that a sharing of our consciousness might give me insight into how you have managed to persevere despite all that you have suffered.
Why I thought this would be a one-sided experience, I can't say now. But I never felt that this would be a threat to either of us. I would never have accepted his offer if I had thought that either of us would be put in danger.
He promised that there would be no ill effects and I would be able to experience your strength and determination. As an after-effect part of that would be passed to me, so I could better deal with what I wanted out of life and be able to tell John how I felt. He didn't tell me I would become you, and you, me."
Aeryn started sobbing with silent tears and Crichton had to look away when he saw Bialar's shoulders heave.
Crais didn't know how to handle the situation. Then he did the most practical thing that came into his mind. He let the female body he was in determine his reaction. Even though Aeryn had been brought up a Peacekeeper, her genetic memory was still that of a woman.
Aeryn's body moved forwards and encircled Bialar's, holding the body in a gentle embrace. "Aeryn," Crais' voice sounded gentle, "Did they say how long the... experience was going to last?"
Bialar's head bobbed up and down in Aeryn's embrace. "They told me it would only last a short time... 24 solar arns... only a solar day.
The priest said that your consciousness and mine would gently and peacefully drift apart from each other's after that, with no ill effects to either of us.
Crais, you must believe...I would never have chanced this if I had thought it might cause you harm."
"You could not have known what would happen Aeryn," Crais' voice retained its gentleness, "I know that had you known that this would happen, you would not have done what you did. We can only hope that it is only for a Solar Day and that, at least in that respect, they have been honest."
"Aeryn" took a deep breath and Crais continued, "I can not conceive of myself living in your body forever. Nor do I think Crichton will be very pleased to learn that I will see more of you than he would want me to."
Until Crais voiced it, Crichton had not realised that with Crais in Aeryn's body, he would have an unobstructed view of all that he believed to be his and his alone to view. It would be difficult for Crais not to, especially if he had to go to the bathroom or the refresher. He took deep breaths to control his anger.
"As you can hear, Aeryn, Crichton is already in agreement, for a change, with me. Since there are still over 22 arns to wait, I think weshould try and make the best of things. Are there any matters I have to be aware of in your... daily routine? Like..."
"No... no," the voice of Aeryn quickly broke in, "I mean, I'm sure that everything will be immediately obvious to you..." The voice drifted off. Somehow that wasn't exactly what she had meant to say. Well, it was, but it didn't sound like what she wanted to say.
"Bialar" looked downwards, but that didn't seem very appropriate either under the circumstances. Her relationship with her former Captain had at times been very complicated, but she had never been intimate with him... well, not until now, anyway. She could feel an odd, warm feeling suffusing her... his face. Blushing was nearly unheard of within Peacekeeper ranks, and any of the onlookers would have cheerfully bet his or her soul that they would never have witnessed such a reaction on the visage of Captain Bialar Crais, but that was exactly what Crichton and the others watched now.
"Bialar" glanced back up, and found herself gazing directly into her very own eyes. She suddenly realized that the grim expression on "her" face was fading, and a very unexpected twinkle was beginning to appear in those eyes. A moment more, and Aeryn's face began to sport a huge grin. This was quickly matched by the smile spreading across Bialar's countenance.
Suddenly, the two of them broke out in peals of laughter. In a moment, they found themselves hugging each other.
D'Argo and Chiana found themselves trading glances, and soon, they were each trying without much success to keep a straight face.
Chi said, "So everything's back to normal here, now, right?"
The Luxan gave her one of those 'here we go again, can't you ever behave'-looks, but he was obviously amused and relieved rather than upset.
The Hynerian was muttering something about "bodybreeders" but was saying it under his breath.
Crichton on the hand wasn't as amused as the others. Although he had gained some secret satisfaction in seeing Crais embarrassed, he was now not very happy that Crais and Aeryn were in each others' arms and laughing.
"Are you sure you are back in your right bodies now?" Crichton asked when the laughter subsided a little. The pair was wiping the tears of laughter from their faces.
Bialar had sat up on the bed and the sheet had dropped from his shoulders. His broad chest made Crichton even more envious of the man. Bialar looked at Crichton and a coy smile appeared on his face, it made Crichton uncomfortable. Crais opened his mouth and said in the dulcet tones of Aeryn Sun, "John, this is not some kind of joke or elaborate deception we are working for your benefit.
Somehow, I believe that the priest was telling the truth when he said that this mingling of our spirits would only last for one solar day.
However, that still leaves about 22 arns before the change. If Crais and I can be patient, it certainly seems that you can do likewise."
The deep, rich voice of Bialar Crais again issued forth from the sleek female body, "Indeed, Crichton, it would seem that Aeryn and I are the ones who are most inconvenienced by this turn of events. If we can gracefully handle the situation, then assuredly you can do likewise." The rather wolfish grin that appeared on her face suggested that the sometimes inflexible ex-Peacekeeper Captain was beginning to see advantages to this turn of events.
Crichton began, "But Aeryn..."
The magnificent male form on the bed turned to the sputtering human, "Yes, John, we know that you are not pleased with this situation. Neither are we," although to tell the truth, both Sebaceans were starting to seem distinctly less upset about their predicament, "However, there does not appear to be very much that any of us can do about it. Therefore, I suggest that we calmly wait to see what the next 22 hours bring."
The other Sebacean interjected, "If this state of affairs does not resolve itself in a solar day, then it may be time to go priest-hunting. For now, we will endure..."
Crichton did not think that either of the two Sebaceans were suddenly looking all that put upon, but for once he could not think of a witty, or even not so witty, retort.
The Nebari popped up, "So things still aren't so normal around here, huh?"
Aeryn's voice responded, "Chiana, since when is anything ever normal aboard Moya? I meant merely that we will find a way to cope."
Crichton said, "What are we going to do now?"
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Part 4
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Aeryn's head turned to him and Crais said, "Since we still have 22 arns to see if the priests were telling the truth and since we are in the middle of the sleep cycle, I think I'm going to bed and finish my sleep." Crais stretched to loosen his muscles and gave the others a tantalising view of Aeryn's well-formed curves.
Aeryn chuckled, "Crais, you might do your stretching different from what you are accustomed to. I think John is going to spring a blood vessel if you keep doing it like that."
Crais brought Aeryn's arms down, "Sorry, habit. Well, I'm off to bed." Aeryn's body stood up and moved to the door.
"Crais, where are you going," asked Crichton.
"To my quarters, where else?" Aeryn raised an eyebrow.
"But they are my quarters too," spluttered Crichton.
"Yes? Is that a problem?"
"Crais! You are a male!"
"I have slept with males before on Campaigns, without any recreational thoughts I might add," Crais said grumpily.
"But you are in Aeryn's body!"
"You have slept with Aeryn before," the cool calm tones of Crais told them that he really couldn't see Crichton's problem.
"But not with you," Crichton said lamely.
"I would not want you to, Crichton. See it as a campaign. Now, if you will excuse me." She brushed passed Crichton.
The others finally couldn't keep from laughing out loud. Chiana hung limply in D'Argo's arms.
Crichton finally ran after Aeryn, "Crais, you miserable..."
The radiant Aeryn Sun spun on her heels. Crichton suddenly found himself face to face with one ex-Peacekeeper but he was painfully aware that the soul he was addressing was that of the other one--the wrong one, to his mind.
Bialar Crais, on the other hand, was becoming annoyed enough that he felt his sometimes less than perfect control over his temper slipping. Ever since returning to Moya, he had done his best to mend his fences with the others, and try to gain their trust. His efforts had gained him precious little, however. He had tried not to let that rankle, but still...
His voice rang out, and in the clipped tones which signalled that whoever he was addressing was entering particularly dangerous territory, he said, "Very well, Crichton, if you do not wish me to share your quarters with you, then perhaps it is best if I return to my own. I am sure that Aeryn and I will be able to coexist quite nicely until tomorrow."
He headed back toward his chamber.
Crichton stood with his mouth left open. No-no-no-no, that wouldn't do at all. He would be sleeping with Crais... uhm... Aeryn... uhm... whomever. He ran after Crais and spun Aeryn around, "No, you can't sleep with him... her."
Aeryn raised an eyebrow. "Make up your mind, Crichton," Crais said in a deep low voice which showed that Crais was starting to lose his patience with this Jhumon fast, "I have no intention of spending the rest of the sleep cycle in the corridor walking from one room to another while you try and make up *your* mind where *I* will sleep."
"I will sleep with Aeryn," said Crichton.
"And how will you react when you wake up and find me back in my body? I think it is safer for all concerned if I sleep in my own bed, after all."
The wolfish grin reappeared.
Crichton could not believe his ears. Did he just say he was going to sleep in his own bed? The scowl, normally associated with Crais, was now on Crichton's face, "Aeryn is now in your bed."
"Only in spirit. It is my body, which is now occupying my bed. And I intend to get some sleep."
"Oh no, you're not! What if you decide... in the middle of the night... so to speak... to uhm... well, you know."
Aeryn canted her head and Crais replied sarcastically, "You are quite eloquent with words, Crichton, but have no fear... I would not do anything to Officer Sun that she would not wish me to do. I seem to have more faith in her and respect for her than you do, Crichton."
The male figure on the bed lowered "his" head and buried "his" face in the throw, but not before everyone saw the uncharacteristic smile that came over "him".
Crichton frowned at Crais. He didn't like to be rebuked regarding his trust in Aeryn but he couldn't do much about his jealousy. Especially if he compared himself with Crais' physique and appearance.
It didn't help when he saw "Bialar" smile behind "Aeryn's" back. What if he was wrong? What if both of them were wrong?
Aeryn observed him calmly, "Well?"
"I think that under the circumstances perhaps we should all give up on the idea of going back to sleep. Does anyone here really feel like sleeping anyway after all of this excitement?"
Crais and Aeryn exchanged glances, and shook their heads. Aeryn turned to Crichton, "I don't know about you but I am rather tired and I want to go to sleep. And I am going to sleep in my own quarters. If you want to make certain that nothing happens between Aeryn and myself, then we can always leave the door open while you watch us sleep."
Aeryn stepped inside and walked over to the bed. At the last moment Crais remembered not to undress before lying down besides his body. Aeryn looked over at Crais, "Goodnight, Officer Sun. Hopefully tomorrow will bring us the solution we seek ."
Bialar turned to Aeryn, "Crais...Good night!"
Crichton was true to Crais' suggestion. He sat in front of the open door and watched them the whole night. His eyes were tearing with sleep and his head dropped forward a couple of times but all he could see was their gentle rhythm of sleep.
The others had gone to bed. They found his behaviour rather strange.
Crichton's head dropped forwards and came to rest on his knees.
Disclaimer: "Farscape" is a protected trademark and I'm just borrowing the characters. I promise to give them back once I've used them, hopefully more or less intact.
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This started off as a Round Robin on the Crais' Cohorts-board but there were only two participants in this one and this is the result.
Broke down the story in quite a number of chapters for easier reading. Good news is: the whole story is here.
Alternative Universe story, set after Season 4. Everyone on Moya is all right, well, as all right as they can be. Something seems to be wrong with Crais and Aeryn...
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Title: 24 Arns
Author: GitonCrais and NotASebacean
Rating: General/AU, Humour, Drama, Action (there is a bit of all in this one)
Spoilers: None
Keywords: Crais and Moya crew
Summary: Something is not right with Crais and Aeryn
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24 Arns
By GitonCrais and NotASebacean
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It was a dark and stormy night.
No, no, it was a dark and stormy Leviathan.
No, that doesn't sound right.
How about it was a dark and strangely quiet night on Moya. John and Rygel had been trying to repair a faulty connection in the neural cluster when they accidentally shorted out a major circuit and fried the power to 15 levels. Moya was upset. Pilot was pissed off and still insisting it was the others' fault. John and Rygel were banished to their quarters without dinner. Captain D'Argo was gamely trying to help the DRDs with the repairs, all the while cursing his fellow shipmates under his breath. He had plans for the evening that didn't include emergency repairs. Chi was impatiently waiting for him in his quarters. She had bought a scroll on the last commerce planet they'd visited that had some really interesting things on it she wanted to try... really, really interesting things. Muttering another curse under his breath, D'Argo was listening to the subdued and too quiet background noises of Moya when, suddenly, a scream rang out...
The Luxan recognized that voice. He had heard the Elegant Grey scream on more than one occasion, both in horror and in pleasure. But this scream...
Crichton couldn't believe his ears. That was Aeryn's cry of passion. He continued to follow what he was hearing, not believing where it was leading him... straight to the bedroom of Captain Bialar Crais!
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Part 2
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Crichton's feet pounded the Deck as he ran to Crais' quarters, murder on his mind. He finally had a good reason to thrash the Captain. He burst into the room, expecting to find the two in the most compromising position imaginable. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the Peacekeeper -ex Peacekeeper- body draped half across the bed, half dangling onto the floor beside it.
The bed coverings were in disarray, the soft, thick, furry throw, one of the few concessions to comfort and luxury apparent in the small chamber, also hanging languorously halfway off the bed.
Crichton could not avert his gaze from the sight of that strong, beautiful, well-conditioned Peacekeeper body, the torso nude, the flowing raven colored locks of hair freely tumbling in seemingly all directions.
He heard a moan come from the prone form, and immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Aeryn Sun.
The thing was, there was only one body visible in the room, and the body he was staring speechlessly at belonged not to his Aeryn, but to the rightful occupant of this cell, namely, a certain Bialar Crais.
Captain Bialar Crais turned his head sideways to see who had entered the room and then hid his face back in the dense fur of the throw. A soft, Aeryn-like moan escaped his lips.
Now that Crichton was over his first shock, he took a closer look at the half-nude figure sprawled on the bed. The strong back and wide shoulders were Crais'. The raven-haired locks were too curly to belong to Aeryn, but what about the voice?
Crichton stepped closer to the bed, "Crais, what is going on? Why do you sound like Aeryn?"
"Oh, frell!!" The voice was unmistakingly Aeryn's.
Crichton shook his head in confusion. Unless Crais had taken up ventriloquism as a hobby, something wasn't right. He stepped closer to the bed, "Crais...?"
"Stay away!" Annoyance and anger had taken hold of Aeryn's voice. Then, as if the anger gained the upper hand, Crais turned around and looked at Crichton, "Look what they have done to me!"
Crichton stared in disbelief at what was most undoubtedly the physical body of his once nemesis and mortal enemy, the ex-Peacekeeper Captain, Bialar Crais.
The physical features remained his.
However, the voice was just assuredly that of his compatriot and sometimes lover, Aeryn Sun.
And the eyes, they were somehow the eyes he had more than once found himself lost in. Well, not exactly. Physically, they were the eyes of the ex-Captain...one moment a rich seal brown, nearly black the next, always with a fierce and keenly intelligent light in them.
Now, though, another intelligence showed itself in them. The "soul" that manifested through them, was no longer that of Bialar Crais.
No, the eyes into which Crichton now stared, were Aeryn's eyes, of that he was somehow sure.
"Aeryn, what's happened? Who are "they"?"
Before he/she could reply, another figure stumbled into the room. It was Aeryn. Or, rather... Aeryn's body.
The deep, baritone voice belonged to Bialar Crais, "What has happened to me? This is not me!" Aeryn spread her hands in total confusion. Her eyes, normally a deep sparkling blue, were now thunderous. It was obvious that the occupant in this body was not amused.
Aeryn looked with murder in her eyes at Crichton and Crais' voice said, "Is this your doing again, Crichton? Another one of your Erp jokes? Well, I am not amused. You'd better change things back or by Cholok you will not see another cycle."
"I didn't have anything to do with it, Aeryn.... Crais," he stammered when he saw the thunderclouds on Aeryn's face gather, "Crais.... uhm... Aeryn knows."
Both looked at the figure on the bed with questioning frowns.
They all heard the pounding of feet reverberating down the hall.
The Luxan was yelling, "John, Aeryn, are you all right?"
"Pilot, what's happening?"
D'Argo came skidding up to the small assemblage at the doorway to the chamber He was closely followed by the little Nebari.
Rygel could be seen down the passageway, throne sled throttling to them as fast as it could navigate. "Yotz," the Hynerian grumbled, "must my peace always be disturbed!"
The new arrivals looked at John, and then at "Aeryn". They looked at each other, and then into the cell. They found themselves staring at Bialar Crais. No, something was wrong.
This Bialar Crais was not Bialar Crais. They looked again at Aeryn Sun. No, this was not their Aeryn Sun either.
D'Argo barked, "What is going on here?"
John looked at his friends and crewmates, "I'm not sure either. I heard Aeryn scream and I thought that Crais... well, you know.... was hurting her or worse."
The others were confused. Aeryn was standing outside the door, yet Crichton looked over at Crais in the room. They looked back at Aeryn and noticed that she looked more... assertive, not too mention extremely angry.
There was murder in Aeryn's eyes and she startled them all by speaking in Crais' voice, "What makes you assume that I would want to hurt her, Crichton?"
D'Argo turned to John, "We are obviously missing something here, John. You say you don't know either. Well, who does?"
Crichton looked at Crais in the room. Crais was now hiding under the covers; only his raven haired locks were visible above the edge of the covers, "Maybe he... she does."
"Go away," they could hear Crais say in Aeryn's higher pitched voice, "They said they would make a change but not that..."
John looked into the room, unbelieving. He waited for him... her to continue, but finally could not resist any longer.
"Aeryn?? Not what? What's happened to you?" (Even though the evidence was before his very eyes, and he had seen many strange sights since the day his little module had left Earth, he still found it hard to believe what he was seeing and hearing.) Aeryn, talk to us"
The form on the bed sank back down, but there was only so far she could go.
D'Argo's voice softened, and he said, "Aeryn, who has done this to you?"
The only response was a muffled sob.
The "other" Aeryn, the one whose every mannerism, every inflection fairly shouted out "I am Bialar Crais", finally said, "Aeryn, although I like you as a close friend I do not like to be *this* close." He placed his hands on her body and coloured slightly when he realised his gesture.
Not quite sure what he could do with Aeryn's hands without embarrassing himself, he finally crossed his arms over her chest, then realized that this new stance was even worse. Her brow darkened in annoyance. He started pacing the deck and the others looked away when they saw Aeryn taking bigger strides than usual and Crais trying to balance the body he was not born into.
"Since the others don't seem to be affected, I have to conclude that it must have happened because we were together."
Crichton raised an eyebrow but Crais ignored it. He continued, "We were the only two who went down to the planet today. There was only one time when we were not together and that was when I found that sensor for Talyn in the little electronics and parts shop. That shopkeeper would not get to the point and name his price, and this was the first time I've run across a piece like that in over a monen of searching.
He insisted on showing me every part he had that had ever been installed in a To be honest, I could hardly show too much impatience with him. Talyn needed that sensor, and who knows when I'll find more Leviathan components in the Uncharteds?
You said that you wished to investigate the bazaar a bit further, and would be back within an arn, and would meet me at the inn we had found earlier."
"Aeryn" had finally reached the bed, and she carefully sat down next to the figure of "Bialar". She gently reached over, and turned the male figure toward her.
"Bialar" was reluctant at first, but slowly he turned to the female ex-Peacekeeper. "He" looked into "her" eyes, and then turned "his" gaze away again.
The others seemed to have been struck dumb. They stood watching in silent astonishment.
"He" finally looked up at the female form still cradling his arm with her smaller, more delicate hand. "She" said in a voice so gentle that the others had trouble believing that it was Crais speaking, "I don't know what you have done to accomplish this or the deal you struck to have it done. I will not be angry with you but I need to know, is there a cure?"
It was obvious that Crais did not relish being inside Aeryn's body for the rest of his life and certainly not with his own deep baritone voice, but the restraint he was showing was remarkable.
"Bialar" looked at Crais with tear-filled eyes, "I only wanted to be stronger, more decisive, more like you. I didn't want this to happen. They told me I would be able to share your senses, share your consciousness, for a solar day. They said they could do this for me in a way that we would still remain two separate individuals. They said this would be their gift to me... I thought that meant that you wouldn't know, that I could just experience your thoughts and feelings for a day.
You've been so strong. You never seem to suffer from doubt. You just do what you have to do.
Since Crichton's death on Talyn, I am filled with nothing but doubt... I don't know how much longer I can go on... I don't know how *to* go on...
I'm so sorry, Crais. I never meant for this..."
The lithe female form gently tilted "Bialar's" chin, so that the two gazed directly into each other's eyes for a moment. The familiar rich, deep male voice said, "So, you think that I am so strong?" A rueful smile appeared. "Aeryn, who are "they"?"
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Part 3
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"Bialar" looked up in the deep blue eyes, "They are priests of Lachmon." Aeryn quickly looked down again.
They could see how "Aeryn" balled her small fists and Crichton stepped closer in case she tried to hit the figure on the bed. Crais found it difficult to hold himself in check and where he found the control was anybody's guess.
His voice was controlled but Crichton could hear the telltale crack in it, "Aeryn, you know that the cult of Lachmon has been banned on Sebacea Prime and through the whole known universe in Peacekeeper control. Their practices were the direct cause of much misery for a great many people, and nearly the downfall of the Peacekeeper order itself."
D'Argo exclaimed, "The priests of Lachmon! We Luxans have heard of them, but to us they are mere legend."
The Nebari asked, "Who are these priests? Are they really some kind of religious order, or do they just call themselves that?"
Rygel's visage was the only one with a knowing look, "Why, of course the priests of Lachmon are real. They call themselves the children of Lachmon, and by their lights they are not so sinister. Only the ignorant would not be familiar with them."
Crichton had been about to say that he had never heard of the priests of Lachmon either, but thought better of it. Instead he asked, "So what did they do that was so bad? How did they manage to almost give the Peacekeepers the old heave-ho?"
Crais ignored Crichton's obscure reference of "heefhoh" and turned to the others. Crichton observed that "she" was holding Bialar's hand protectively.
"The Children of Lachmon were more like a sect rather than a cult," the sonorous voice of Crais explained, "Peacekeepers do not believe in deities but in those days, different beliefs were practised almost in secret. Which was most understandable since the Forces were filled from a variety of different Sebacean societies."
"She" took a deep breath, "The Children of Lachmon, as they called themselves and as Rygel has already pointed out, started off in secret and gained a following. Their ways to gather the people around them was by mind-manipulation and this was accomplished by any means possible, drugs, hypnosis, and even mind transfer. The latter had always been questioned."
"She" looked at Bialar, "Although we might have to revise that disbelief." She smiled wryly.
"Aeryn" turned back to the others, "But their main goal was the disruption of Peacekeeper consolidation of power.
The Children of Lachmon thought of themselves as the ultimate pacifists. They could not see the need for order and lawfulness in the universe. The particular colony from which they derived was a disgrace to Sebacean society and ideals. Chaos reigned supreme. The various races mingled with no regard to that which was either prudent or reputable.
They could not see that *someone* must keep the peace. They did their very best to subvert the growing power of the Peacekeepers, and through their use of tactics such as they appear to be displaying now, they nearly succeeded.
For their efforts, which endangered countless numbers of Sebaceans and threatened the stability of other races besides, they were long ago banished, their home colony wiped from existence.
Since then, there have been whispers that a few remnants existed in various out of the way places, but there has never been concrete proof of this."
"Aeryn" glowered. "Not until now."
The Luxan warrior made no response for a moment. Then he said, "My wife, LoLann, mentioned these 'Children of Lachmon' once. Only once, and only briefly. Before she could say very much, her father and brother both exploded in anger, accusing her of heretical and treasonous thoughts. She never brought the subject up again."
The Hynerian Dominar interceded, "You know, Aer... Crais, there is more than one way to view every picture. You say that the followers of Lachmon were chaotic anarchists who had no respect for the need for and demands of orderly society.
They might say that Peacekeeper ways are needlessly restrictive, even fascist. They might well argue that Peacekeeper medicine is a cure worse than the disease it is meant to cure.
Would you care to take a poll of the various races, which have experienced the blessings of Peacekeeper aid and assistance? You might even be surprised by the results of such a survey taken in some Sebacean colonies, especially if the responses were anonymous"...
"Aeryn" turned with an angry face at Rygel, Crais' voice was low and menacing, "I am well aware how other races see us now, Dominar Rygel the 16th. We are feared and lately I have come to realise that it has not been unfounded."
Rygel knew that Crais was getting irate when he started calling them by their full titles again.
Crais continued, "When the Children of Lachmon were on the rise, the Corps of the Peacekeepers was still revered as bringing Peace through the known universe. They brought order to the Chaos which reigned on many planets, including yours, Dominar. They squashed wars between planets and stopped the intermingling between species whose offspring would have wiped out whole civilisations because their progeny were barren.
You have to admit that in the early days the Peacekeepers were a honourable force of good. It might... it has changed over the past 500 cycles but the initial thought was good. Even now, the Peacekeepers are still bringing structure. Although, over the cycles, even I have seen how they have corrupted High Command.
What the Children of Lachmon were bringing was utter and total Chaos. None of the planets and civilisations would have had a chance to flourish. Would you have liked to see that?"
His anger spent, "Aeryn" turned back to "Crais" and Crais' voice grew soft, "Look what they have done to Aeryn. Instead of the strong woman she wanted to be, she is now more filled with doubt and confusion than ever. Is this how the Children of Lachmon proposed to help her?"
Aeryn's voice ushered forth from the very male body, which had raised itself to a sitting position on the bed, "We will find out soon enough how honorable their intentions are.
Just before we entered that shop, I had noticed a Sebacean male in priests' robes. Something about him reminded me strongly of Zhaan... not just the robes but the bearing, an aura of peace and contentment. I found myself drawn to his presence.
When it became evident that you would be occupied for some time, I decided to put that time to good use. I meant only to see if there was a small temple in which I could rest for a bit, and maybe find some comfort.
I did not expect the priest to approach me. He welcomed me. Somehow he knew that I was no longer Peacekeeper despite my dress. He stated that it was very unusual to find even ex-Peacekeepers this far into the Uncharteds, and asked if he could be of any service to me.
Perhaps it was wrong of me, perhaps it was weak, but I found myself confiding in him as I might have to Zhaan. I still have not forgotten, and I never will, that she is the reason I am still here.
In any event, he suggested that he could be of help to me. I had told him of my fears, and of my admiration for the strength you have shown. He suggested that a sharing of our consciousness might give me insight into how you have managed to persevere despite all that you have suffered.
Why I thought this would be a one-sided experience, I can't say now. But I never felt that this would be a threat to either of us. I would never have accepted his offer if I had thought that either of us would be put in danger.
He promised that there would be no ill effects and I would be able to experience your strength and determination. As an after-effect part of that would be passed to me, so I could better deal with what I wanted out of life and be able to tell John how I felt. He didn't tell me I would become you, and you, me."
Aeryn started sobbing with silent tears and Crichton had to look away when he saw Bialar's shoulders heave.
Crais didn't know how to handle the situation. Then he did the most practical thing that came into his mind. He let the female body he was in determine his reaction. Even though Aeryn had been brought up a Peacekeeper, her genetic memory was still that of a woman.
Aeryn's body moved forwards and encircled Bialar's, holding the body in a gentle embrace. "Aeryn," Crais' voice sounded gentle, "Did they say how long the... experience was going to last?"
Bialar's head bobbed up and down in Aeryn's embrace. "They told me it would only last a short time... 24 solar arns... only a solar day.
The priest said that your consciousness and mine would gently and peacefully drift apart from each other's after that, with no ill effects to either of us.
Crais, you must believe...I would never have chanced this if I had thought it might cause you harm."
"You could not have known what would happen Aeryn," Crais' voice retained its gentleness, "I know that had you known that this would happen, you would not have done what you did. We can only hope that it is only for a Solar Day and that, at least in that respect, they have been honest."
"Aeryn" took a deep breath and Crais continued, "I can not conceive of myself living in your body forever. Nor do I think Crichton will be very pleased to learn that I will see more of you than he would want me to."
Until Crais voiced it, Crichton had not realised that with Crais in Aeryn's body, he would have an unobstructed view of all that he believed to be his and his alone to view. It would be difficult for Crais not to, especially if he had to go to the bathroom or the refresher. He took deep breaths to control his anger.
"As you can hear, Aeryn, Crichton is already in agreement, for a change, with me. Since there are still over 22 arns to wait, I think weshould try and make the best of things. Are there any matters I have to be aware of in your... daily routine? Like..."
"No... no," the voice of Aeryn quickly broke in, "I mean, I'm sure that everything will be immediately obvious to you..." The voice drifted off. Somehow that wasn't exactly what she had meant to say. Well, it was, but it didn't sound like what she wanted to say.
"Bialar" looked downwards, but that didn't seem very appropriate either under the circumstances. Her relationship with her former Captain had at times been very complicated, but she had never been intimate with him... well, not until now, anyway. She could feel an odd, warm feeling suffusing her... his face. Blushing was nearly unheard of within Peacekeeper ranks, and any of the onlookers would have cheerfully bet his or her soul that they would never have witnessed such a reaction on the visage of Captain Bialar Crais, but that was exactly what Crichton and the others watched now.
"Bialar" glanced back up, and found herself gazing directly into her very own eyes. She suddenly realized that the grim expression on "her" face was fading, and a very unexpected twinkle was beginning to appear in those eyes. A moment more, and Aeryn's face began to sport a huge grin. This was quickly matched by the smile spreading across Bialar's countenance.
Suddenly, the two of them broke out in peals of laughter. In a moment, they found themselves hugging each other.
D'Argo and Chiana found themselves trading glances, and soon, they were each trying without much success to keep a straight face.
Chi said, "So everything's back to normal here, now, right?"
The Luxan gave her one of those 'here we go again, can't you ever behave'-looks, but he was obviously amused and relieved rather than upset.
The Hynerian was muttering something about "bodybreeders" but was saying it under his breath.
Crichton on the hand wasn't as amused as the others. Although he had gained some secret satisfaction in seeing Crais embarrassed, he was now not very happy that Crais and Aeryn were in each others' arms and laughing.
"Are you sure you are back in your right bodies now?" Crichton asked when the laughter subsided a little. The pair was wiping the tears of laughter from their faces.
Bialar had sat up on the bed and the sheet had dropped from his shoulders. His broad chest made Crichton even more envious of the man. Bialar looked at Crichton and a coy smile appeared on his face, it made Crichton uncomfortable. Crais opened his mouth and said in the dulcet tones of Aeryn Sun, "John, this is not some kind of joke or elaborate deception we are working for your benefit.
Somehow, I believe that the priest was telling the truth when he said that this mingling of our spirits would only last for one solar day.
However, that still leaves about 22 arns before the change. If Crais and I can be patient, it certainly seems that you can do likewise."
The deep, rich voice of Bialar Crais again issued forth from the sleek female body, "Indeed, Crichton, it would seem that Aeryn and I are the ones who are most inconvenienced by this turn of events. If we can gracefully handle the situation, then assuredly you can do likewise." The rather wolfish grin that appeared on her face suggested that the sometimes inflexible ex-Peacekeeper Captain was beginning to see advantages to this turn of events.
Crichton began, "But Aeryn..."
The magnificent male form on the bed turned to the sputtering human, "Yes, John, we know that you are not pleased with this situation. Neither are we," although to tell the truth, both Sebaceans were starting to seem distinctly less upset about their predicament, "However, there does not appear to be very much that any of us can do about it. Therefore, I suggest that we calmly wait to see what the next 22 hours bring."
The other Sebacean interjected, "If this state of affairs does not resolve itself in a solar day, then it may be time to go priest-hunting. For now, we will endure..."
Crichton did not think that either of the two Sebaceans were suddenly looking all that put upon, but for once he could not think of a witty, or even not so witty, retort.
The Nebari popped up, "So things still aren't so normal around here, huh?"
Aeryn's voice responded, "Chiana, since when is anything ever normal aboard Moya? I meant merely that we will find a way to cope."
Crichton said, "What are we going to do now?"
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Part 4
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Aeryn's head turned to him and Crais said, "Since we still have 22 arns to see if the priests were telling the truth and since we are in the middle of the sleep cycle, I think I'm going to bed and finish my sleep." Crais stretched to loosen his muscles and gave the others a tantalising view of Aeryn's well-formed curves.
Aeryn chuckled, "Crais, you might do your stretching different from what you are accustomed to. I think John is going to spring a blood vessel if you keep doing it like that."
Crais brought Aeryn's arms down, "Sorry, habit. Well, I'm off to bed." Aeryn's body stood up and moved to the door.
"Crais, where are you going," asked Crichton.
"To my quarters, where else?" Aeryn raised an eyebrow.
"But they are my quarters too," spluttered Crichton.
"Yes? Is that a problem?"
"Crais! You are a male!"
"I have slept with males before on Campaigns, without any recreational thoughts I might add," Crais said grumpily.
"But you are in Aeryn's body!"
"You have slept with Aeryn before," the cool calm tones of Crais told them that he really couldn't see Crichton's problem.
"But not with you," Crichton said lamely.
"I would not want you to, Crichton. See it as a campaign. Now, if you will excuse me." She brushed passed Crichton.
The others finally couldn't keep from laughing out loud. Chiana hung limply in D'Argo's arms.
Crichton finally ran after Aeryn, "Crais, you miserable..."
The radiant Aeryn Sun spun on her heels. Crichton suddenly found himself face to face with one ex-Peacekeeper but he was painfully aware that the soul he was addressing was that of the other one--the wrong one, to his mind.
Bialar Crais, on the other hand, was becoming annoyed enough that he felt his sometimes less than perfect control over his temper slipping. Ever since returning to Moya, he had done his best to mend his fences with the others, and try to gain their trust. His efforts had gained him precious little, however. He had tried not to let that rankle, but still...
His voice rang out, and in the clipped tones which signalled that whoever he was addressing was entering particularly dangerous territory, he said, "Very well, Crichton, if you do not wish me to share your quarters with you, then perhaps it is best if I return to my own. I am sure that Aeryn and I will be able to coexist quite nicely until tomorrow."
He headed back toward his chamber.
Crichton stood with his mouth left open. No-no-no-no, that wouldn't do at all. He would be sleeping with Crais... uhm... Aeryn... uhm... whomever. He ran after Crais and spun Aeryn around, "No, you can't sleep with him... her."
Aeryn raised an eyebrow. "Make up your mind, Crichton," Crais said in a deep low voice which showed that Crais was starting to lose his patience with this Jhumon fast, "I have no intention of spending the rest of the sleep cycle in the corridor walking from one room to another while you try and make up *your* mind where *I* will sleep."
"I will sleep with Aeryn," said Crichton.
"And how will you react when you wake up and find me back in my body? I think it is safer for all concerned if I sleep in my own bed, after all."
The wolfish grin reappeared.
Crichton could not believe his ears. Did he just say he was going to sleep in his own bed? The scowl, normally associated with Crais, was now on Crichton's face, "Aeryn is now in your bed."
"Only in spirit. It is my body, which is now occupying my bed. And I intend to get some sleep."
"Oh no, you're not! What if you decide... in the middle of the night... so to speak... to uhm... well, you know."
Aeryn canted her head and Crais replied sarcastically, "You are quite eloquent with words, Crichton, but have no fear... I would not do anything to Officer Sun that she would not wish me to do. I seem to have more faith in her and respect for her than you do, Crichton."
The male figure on the bed lowered "his" head and buried "his" face in the throw, but not before everyone saw the uncharacteristic smile that came over "him".
Crichton frowned at Crais. He didn't like to be rebuked regarding his trust in Aeryn but he couldn't do much about his jealousy. Especially if he compared himself with Crais' physique and appearance.
It didn't help when he saw "Bialar" smile behind "Aeryn's" back. What if he was wrong? What if both of them were wrong?
Aeryn observed him calmly, "Well?"
"I think that under the circumstances perhaps we should all give up on the idea of going back to sleep. Does anyone here really feel like sleeping anyway after all of this excitement?"
Crais and Aeryn exchanged glances, and shook their heads. Aeryn turned to Crichton, "I don't know about you but I am rather tired and I want to go to sleep. And I am going to sleep in my own quarters. If you want to make certain that nothing happens between Aeryn and myself, then we can always leave the door open while you watch us sleep."
Aeryn stepped inside and walked over to the bed. At the last moment Crais remembered not to undress before lying down besides his body. Aeryn looked over at Crais, "Goodnight, Officer Sun. Hopefully tomorrow will bring us the solution we seek ."
Bialar turned to Aeryn, "Crais...Good night!"
Crichton was true to Crais' suggestion. He sat in front of the open door and watched them the whole night. His eyes were tearing with sleep and his head dropped forward a couple of times but all he could see was their gentle rhythm of sleep.
The others had gone to bed. They found his behaviour rather strange.
Crichton's head dropped forwards and came to rest on his knees.