Part 38
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Meanwhile, Crichton and Aeryn had met up with D'Argo on their way to the galley. Suppertime was fast approaching.
"Aeryn, how are you feeling?" How is Crais?"
Aeryn addressed D'Argo, "I am feeling fine. As a matter of fact, this body is quite comfortable."
She received a glare of Crichton.
She smiled, "I mean in the usage. Crais has kept up with workouts, I presume. The muscles move very supple, there is a lot of strength harboured in this body. I found it surprising that the male body can move with such grace."
"Yeah, right," grumbled Crichton, "don't get to comfy with it. I think a certain Captain Crun... Crais might want it back, unless he is as comfortable in your body too but I didn't have the impression that he wanted to be separated from his own body for too long."
This time he received a glare from Aeryn, "I want my body back too, John. I don't think you would want to kiss me while I am in Crais' body. Do you?"
Crichton wriggled his nose in disgust and a strangled "No" came from his lips.
"I thought so," she turned to Ka D'Argo, "As to Crais... His main concern is Talyn. I think he can put up with the situation but his separation to Talyn is grinding on his nerves."
D'Argo said in response, "This experience has gotten on everyone's nerves. Chiana even volunteered to rustle up some grubs in the galley a while ago. She said she wanted to get away from everybody for a while and just hang with some nice, quiet non-sentient fruits and vegetables.
The Luxan grinned sheepishly, "I think I asked her what she thought about this turn of events one too many times."
Aeryn raised her eyebrow in almost Crais-like fashion, it made Crichton a bit uncomfortable, "Why would you ask Chiana so many questions?"
"Well, you know how it is," said D'Argo, "It has been a little unexciting lately and then this comes along. It is rather amusing in a way."
"In what way," said Aeryn almost with a growl.
D'Argo shrugged a big shoulder and his front tenkas turned a darker shade of red, "Well, you and Crais... It is quite funny to see "Crais" sway his hips when he walks."
"I don't sway my hips!"
"Oh, yes you do. Your shoulders are set well back when you walk but your hips sway. (Aeryn grumbled) And then to see "Aeryn" take longer strides and checking his balance. It is rather fun," Ka D'Argo grinned.
Aeryn scowled. It made Crichton grin. The Aeryn-scowl on Crais' face almost looked lopsided.
Aeryn turned to him, "What are your grinning at?"
Crichton looked guilty and said, "D'Argo's chutzpah?"
The Human was trying desperately to keep a straight face and losing the battle badly.
"I'm sorry, Aeryn, but it is pretty funny to watch.
"Besides, isn't it a good sign that instead of us being at each others' throats about this, we're standing around in one of Moya's corridors, laughing about it?
"Come on, admit it, don't you see the funny side of this too?"
Aeryn looked at Crichton, "It is not a joke, John. I had not realised how serious this was... Crais..."
"Is not here at the moment," replied John, "Can't you just let your hair hang down for a little..."
"No, Crais wears his in a queue all the time."
"No, I don't mean let your hair hang loose... (Aeryn raised another eyebrow at him) ...oh, forget what I said. I meant, can't you stop being so serious for a moment? Less Peacekeeperish?"
"That is a stupid way with words John."
"You start to sound more and more like Crais when you become too serious. At least Aeryn has a sense of humour. You sure you're not staying in his body too long? Extreme seriousness rubbing off on you now?"
"Crais' face showed an uncharacteristic grin, "Just wanted to see you squirm a bit. You look quite cute when you squirm."
Crichton blushed, "Well..."
"Yes," she admitted, "There are some humorous sides to it. Do I really sway my hips?"
"Yes you do. It is rather cute but on Crais it looks rather... feminine."
"Don't let Crais hear that," boomed Ka D'Argo with a laughing voice.
.
"What shouldn't I hear," Crais' voice said behind them. He had changed his mind of going to the Observation Deck and had just entered the corridor when Ka D'Argo spoke those words.
All three turned around suddenly and looked into the stern face of "Aeryn". "Her" hands were clasped behind her back and the head was slightly tilted in a waiting pose. They wondered how much he had heard.
"Well?"
Aeryn turned first to Crichton, then to D'Argo, and then back to Crichton again.
An evil smile came over the face of Crais.
"Oh, I'm sure that Crichton and D'Argo will be perfectly happy to repeat what they just said to you."
'Aeryn' waited patiently, head cocked a bit to the side, attention focused on the two aliens like a heat seeking missile.
D'Argo felt uncomfortable under Crais' stare and Crichton squirmed visibly, "You really don't want to know Crais?"
Crais just lifted an eyebrow and stared in silence.
Crichton looked at Aeryn but saw no help there. D'Argo looked elsewhere. He turned back to Crais, "We... ah... were just discussing that... uhm... the situation was rather amusing."
"Oh?" Crais didn't let on that he found this rather amusing.
"Yes, it is rather..." Crichton chuckled.
"In what way?" The gaze of Crais rested solely on Crichton. Yes, this was fun, the Human was most definitely squirming.
"You have to realise that it was getting a bit boring on Moya," Crichton resisted the temptation to show too much embarrassment.
"Was it now?"
"Yes, we haven't gotten ourselves into any hot water for some time now..."
Crais volunteered, "Moya's refreshers seem more than adequate."
His gaze did not waver even slightly.
"Well, yeah, Crais, but that's not what I mean"
"Perhaps you would favour us with an explanation of what you did mean?"
"Hey, D'Argo, help me out here, will you?"
The Luxan turned on his heel and walked away, calling over his shoulder, "Just remembered that Chiana asked me to... ah... get something from... supplies... yes, that's it. She wanted to cook something."
"Thanks a bunch, Big D," muttered Crichton. He looked back at Crais. Crais had not moved or even shifted his gaze from him.
"Crais... We were just talking. I didn't mean anything, honest."
"But it was not for me to hear but about me."
"Yeah, that's it," Crichton grinned sheepishly. Did Crais ever blink?
"So, what did you say?"
"It was nothing."
"Then you wouldn't mind repeating it," Crais smiled gently, blinking once.
"Well, we did say that it was very...interesting how the two of you have had to adapt to being in physically different bodies.
"Isn't that right, Aeryn? ...Aeryn?"
Crichton took advantage of the opportunity to break eye contact with Crais, and to virtually, silently plead with Aeryn to take pity on him.
Aeryn smiled at him or rather Crais' face smiled at him and Crichton thought, "That's it, I'm dead. Finito. Caput."
Aeryn said, "Since it was your explanation, I think you are so much better to explain it to Crais, I am sure he would understand. I did too, didn't I?" She almost purred and Crichton swallowed.
He looked back at the unreadable face of Aeryn... no, Bialar Crais, "Well, you two move different... you know... different."
"Are you always in the habit of repeating yourself, Crichton?" Crais' calm started to make Crichton even more nervous.
Finally he couldn't take it any longer, "All right! We said that since Aeryn is in your body her movements make you look feminine!" He closed his eyes, which was really silly to do, but maybe Crais wouldn't hit him then. There was silence.
Crichton opened one eye and then the other when he saw Crais cant his head. He looked at Crais and he looked at Aeryn.
Crais continued the silence for a microt longer, then gave a small smile, "Of course, Crichton, she is after all female." He walked past Crichton and continued to the galley.
Crichton stared at his retreating back in stunned silence.
.
Aeryn moved next to him. She tried to keep a straight face but it was a losing battle. The corners of 'her' mouth turned upward, and the eyes started to twinkle. She rested her head momentarily on Crichton's shoulder before finally looking at him eye to eye.
She didn't realize till later that he didn't flinch or try to draw away.
"Whew! I thought I was a dead duck. I guess he does have a sense of humour...Must have grown it in the Uncharteds. I'm pretty sure he didn't used to have one."
Aeryn regarded him with mock seriousness.
"John, why would you expect to turn into a dead bird? Is this some kind of primitive religious belief of your people?"
Crichton looked at Aeryn, relief was plainly written on his face, "Either Cap'n Crunch has gone soft in his old age or he has developed a sense of humour."
He remembered what Aeryn had said, "No it is not a ritual, it's just that when I told Crais I thought he was going to attack me, rip my head off. Hence the dead duck reference."
"Why would Crais do that? You explained to him, didn't you? Besides, Crais is not old, he's hardly even 50 cycles, in your society he wouldn't even have reached his prime yet for a number of years. And you will find that he has a sense of humour, always had, only you have not had the pleasure of appreciating it."
"I had not...? What do you mean, he always had a sense of humour? This is the first time I have seen it," Crichton looked hurt.
"You might have seen it, just not recognised it," Aeryn smiled and walked towards the galley.
"And when was I supposed to have seen it," Crichton wouldn't let the matter drop.
Aeryn turned to him with a smile and suggested, "Let's go join the others, shall we?"
She proceeded in the same direction that her shipmates had gone.
Crichton looked at another retreating back and being none the wiser. With a shrug and a sigh he followed them to the galley. Everyone was already seated by the time he got there and they had left a seat for him between Crais and Aeryn. He groaned inwardly and sat down.
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Part 39
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Chiana had outdone herself again and the table was laden with all the delicacies each of the seated members liked.
When he looked at "Aeryn" it was confirmed that the change hadn't started yet. Crais, as always, ate with meticulous care and wiped his hands frequently, so obviously different from everyone else.
It intrigued Crichton, "Do you always eat like this, Crais?"
"Aeryn" looked up, "Yes. Is it bothering you?"
"No, it is just... different."
"I like to savour my food. Remember the tastes. Besides, Chiana is a very good cook."
Chiana practically beamed with the compliment. Crais was never very generous with compliments. D'Argo grumped.
Crais continued, "I never mastered the art of cooking, so, it is a pleasure when I can enjoy it. Don't you do that?"
Crichton coloured, "Not really. Food is food."
"You don't know what you are missing then. Maybe a month of my cooking will change your mind."
Crichton couldn't be sure if Crais was serious, "No, thanks."
Crais raised and dropped his eyebrow, his way of "shrugging his shoulder".
Crichton looked at Aeryn and saw a small smile on her face. He bent over to her, "Is he serious?"
Aeryn was tempted to ask John whether he was referring to the threatened quality of Crais' cooking, or to the prospect of his lengthy stay aboard Moya.
However, it wouldn't be polite to hold a discussion about Crais directly in front of him without including him in the conversation, and the Sebacean's keen sense of hearing meant that there was no chance that he would not overhear regardless of how softly they whispered.
"We'll find out soon enough, Crais" Aeryn smiled at her former Captain. We all take turns on Moya with all of the scud work, although some of us volunteer to take extra turns with the jobs that we're best at, or trade off for the tasks we mind the least.
"Chiana has found that she has quite a talent for cooking, and we usually look forward to having her prepare the meals for the rest of us. I've bribed her more than once to take my turn."
Chiana had heard this entire conversation, and was pleased that one of her contributions on board Moya had been noted. She decided this was her chance to tease both D'Argo and Crais.
"Yeah, Crais. Maybe we can come to some sort of understanding, huh? Like I take your turn and you do something nice for me. Or maybe we can just have some fun working in the galley together. I can show you my recipes..."
The Luxan was annoyed, but not at Crais. Well, not mostly, anyway.
"Chiana, sit down and behave. Let us have just one peaceful meal together."
The little Nebari smiled sweetly at D'Argo, "You do trust me and Crais in the galley, do you Big boy."
D'Argo growled and now looked over at Crais.
Crais stopped eating. He had no intentions to start a row, especially if it was not of his doing and if he had to spend time on Moya with everyone, "I will swap navigation and maintenance any time with Chiana rather than let anyone taste my cooking."
"Oh, and I was so looking forward to it," said Crichton with a drawl.
The jaw muscles in "Aeryn's" face moved and tightened. Crais resisted the urge to stand up. Instead his voice sounded quite amicably, "I think you might reconsider those words after you have tasted my cooking."
"As long as you and Chiana are not working together in the galley," said D'Argo with a growl.
Crais sighed, "If I can help I would rather not be in the galley... to cook. With or without Chiana."
"We'll find you something useful to do," said Aeryn.
Crais' jaw muscles tightened again, "I do not need special consideration."
This time Aeryn's eyes flicked in anger, "Crais, I was not offering you any 'special consideration'."
She stopped, took a breath, and decided to back up this conversation before things got any further out of hand.
"I only meant that we're all in this together, and we all have to contribute, whether by doing the things we excel at, or the jobs that no one wants and for which "excelling" is hardly a consideration.
"It's one of the things that I found hardest to become accustomed to in my first year on Moya. As a Peacekeeper, I had my assigned duties. I was strictly responsible for them, but not for anything else.
"In fact, making my own meals was one of the things that I found most difficult to become used to doing. All of my life, I was served my meals in a Command Carrier mess hall or lounge, unless I was on assignment. As a Prowler pilot, I rarely found myself in a position where I even had to rely on battle rations.
"When I got on board Moya, not only did I have to fend for myself or go without--sometimes I had to actually contribute to preparing communal meals for the others. It's never been my favourite assignment, but it has to be done, just like maintenance on Moya, laundry, or a host of other things I was never trained to do."
She looked at Crichton, practically daring him to start another round of trouble.
Crais nodded and bit back a sigh, "I understand that certain duties will have to be done and that some of them are... less pleasant than others. I will not walk away from my duties."
The others looked up in surprise. Ka D'Argo had expected Crais to call rank and only do the nice jobs. Rygel had expected him to do it as befitting his station.
Crais looked up and saw some of their surprised faces, "I spend cycles on my own on Talyn. All duties are done by one person. For the main part of the first cycle I had only one DRD. And although some of the tasks are not a pleasant they had to be done."
"Crais, we didn't think that..."
"I am just pointing out the facts," interrupted Crais, "Unless everyone doesn't mind an upset stomach when I am cooking than I will take that duty too." He looked at them in defiance.
Crichton bit his lip, "We could give it a try... (-when he saw the others growl at him, he continued-) on the other hand I think there are enough duties around to keep you from cooking."
The others breathed a sigh of relief. Although they hadn't tasted anything of Crais yet, Crais was not the kind of person who would own up to not being able to do something. If he did it must be very valid indeed.
Aeryn looked around the table, "That's settled then. Any duty, apart from cooking."
Crais nodded and went back to eating.
Crichton smiled into his food. *Just how bad could his cooking be? And he'd had to live on it all this time? Sometimes the gods were just.*
Chiana smiled again at her Luxan, and gave him a friendly nudge.
Fortunately, D'Argo generally got over things these days almost as quickly as he got upset at them, and he had more experience than he sometimes wanted with Chi's impish ways. Making up after one of their little tiffs wasn't such a bad deal either.
Everyone settled down to finish their food. When they were mostly done, the Nebari ducked back into the kitchen area, and brought out desert--some baked sweets, and a few bowls filled with several varieties of fruit. She placed one bowl in front of the Sebaceans, taking one of the little tari fruit that Crais had seemed to enjoy so much earlier in the day. She laid the fruit down directly in front of his plate, and winked at him as she turned around to return to D'Argo's side.
The Luxan sighed. It was going to be a long and interesting month.
Crais looked up at Chiana with a grateful smile, she had remembered what he liked. A quick glance at Ka D'Argo showed him that not everyone could appreciate the gesture.
He finished his meal and the picked up the fruit. He smelled it first and produced one of his rare smiles of being pleased. Then started peeling it and ate it with care.
Crichton glanced at him. He hoped Crais was going to eat faster after he got used to eating the food on Moya. How would he eat foodcubes?
.
Finally everyone was finished. Without being asked Crais helped bring the dishes to the side where they could be cleaned. He stood next to Chiana and without looking at her said, "That was a very nice meal, Chiana and thank you for your consideration." He didn't want to put more oil on D'Argo's fire.
Chiana on the other hand had no computations, "Hey, at least here is someone here who's not afraid to make a compliment."
D'Argo growled and go up from the table, "Crais..."
Crichton grinned and was happy that the shoe was on the other foot. How was Crais going to get out of that.
Crais turned to the Luxan and nodded toward him, then faced the entire group.
"It has been so long since anyone has shown me such kindness. Longer even than it has been since I enjoyed such a good meal. I thank all of you for welcoming me here.
Talyn has been my home these last cycles, as Moya has been yours. I am keenly aware that you are under no obligation to welcome me, and all of you, with the exception of Chiana, have reason to do otherwise.
The first time that I joined you on Moya, I claimed sanctuary here. In a very real sense, I do so again. I am sure that there will be moments that both you and I will need to make adjustments in order to coexist at acceptable levels, but I promise you that I will on my part endeavour to do so. If at times I fall short of the mark, I ask now for your forbearance. I have lived alone for so long, and for long before that, I rarely had need to conform my actions to the needs or desires of others."
Crais nodded again a bit stiffly and turned to leave the room, 'his' hands clasped behind 'his' back, spine held ramrod straight, 'his' shoulders betraying even more tension than usual.
D'Argo got up from the table and called out to him, "Crais!"
.
For a moment Crais stiffened 'his' shoulders and slowly turned towards the group. When his gaze was on them it betrayed nothing of the emotions behind the face, there was a certain tired quality in his voice that betrayed that mask of calm, "Yes, Ka D'Argo?"
D'Argo walked slowly over to where Crais stood. Crais canted his head and D'Argo could see the jaw muscles on Aeryn's face tighten. He stopped two steps away from Crais. The others looked in silence to see what was going to happen.
"You tell us you ask for sanctuary again. We remember well what happened the last time you asked for sanctuary. (Crais flinched) We remember well what the reason was when you asked," D'Argo paused, "Then, we hardly had a choice but take you in but this time it is different."
Crais stood straighter, looked at him with defiance and resignation, "I can understand if I am not welcome here for a long spell. I will understand if you drop me off at the next Commerce Planet. As you say, this time you will have a choice." Although he said it calmly, there was ill concealed hurt in his eyes.
D'Argo stepped closer and looked into the eyes of Crais, "Yes this time we have a choice." He admired the strength of Crais' gaze.
D'Argo continued, "This time we are not looking at one of the elite of the Peacekeepers who's trying to safe his own hide. This time we are not looking at a man with a hidden agenda and will steal from us, from Moya." He paused for effect, "We are looking at a man, just like us."
Crais swallowed.
D'Argo's face broke out in a smile, "We are looking at a friend. A man who has pulled our eema's out of trouble many a time and you dare to ask for sanctuary?"
Crais was confused, his mask of calm slipped from his face.
D'Argo clapped him on the shoulder, it made the smaller form of Aeryn nearly buckle under the strength behind it, "We would be poor friends if we allow a friend to ask for sanctuary. Instead we offer you hospitality and hope you will accept."
'Aeryn's' face was a mixture of confusion and, strangely, hope.
D'Argo laughed, "Of course we all have to make adjustments. Like at the table. I was upset with you for complimenting Chiana. I do realise now that we have hardly complimented Chiana for her looking after our needs and she will probably reprimand me for that." He smiled at the thought how she would reprimand him.
He smiled at Crais, "Your presence will be like a new breeze on Moya. For cycles we have taken each other for granted. To us the skills the others possess are... normal, nothing special and we have stopped commenting on it. It is good that someone reminds us that it is special."
Crais looked uncomfortable, didn't quite know how to react.
D'Argo clasped his arm around the smaller shoulders and steered Crais back to the table, "Finish having a drink with us and allow us to welcome a friend on Moya."
Crais felt a cascade of emotions, none of them expected. Relief, joy, something he would only later admit to himself was hope.
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Part 40
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He rejoined the others around the table. It turned out that the planet below even had its own very respectable version of fellip nectar. The Nebari had of course been the one to find it and a generous supply had been brought on board a few days ago. Everyone onboard Moya--well, all except Pilot anyway (Moya's pilot) joined in a spontaneous celebration of sorts.
Crais had never been the outgoing type, but he found the scene not only less painful than he would have feared, but actually somewhat enjoyable after a while. Even Rygel was being pleasant and on his best behaviour.
Chiana had gone over to have a few words with D'Argo after she had set out the fellip nectar. As she left his side, she kissed the Luxan, then almost shyly approached Crais.
"They never do compliment me, you know. They all take me for granted. Why, I work my fingers to the bone for them..."
She couldn't make it much farther than this and keep a straight face. Her characteristic humour, both bawdy and oddly innocent at the same time, could only be kept under wraps for so long.
She hesitated and then darted forward, planting a kiss on "his" cheek, then almost shyly backed away a bit.
"I'll cook. But you can help me in the kitchen anytime..."
She turned away, laughing as she returned to the Luxan's side and grabbed onto his arm.
Crais brought his hand up to his cheek where Chiana had kissed him, it was a strange experience to him.
Crichton approached him, "Always the charmer, eh Crais? Are you going to snurch all the females from us with you charms?"
Crais cleared his throat and said seriously, "Crichton, it is not my intention to..."
Crichton grinned at him, "Relax Crais. It was a joke, not meant serious. Although I am a bit worried (he looked mock serious), you do seem to have a way of charming them easily... on the other hand you might be too serious for them."
"Crais" had approached them and Aeryn's voice said behind Crichton, "Oh, I don't know, I sometimes enjoy a more serious conversation and the ability to look at things from different angles instead of only one."
Crichton looked shocked and glanced over at "Aeryn", Crais smiled a small uncomfortable smile. If he was going to stay here for a substantial time he better get familiar with some of the jokes or he would outlive his welcome amongst them. He took another sip from the Frellip nectar.
Glancing over at the Luxan, he saw D'Argo apparently completely engrossed by the little Nebari, while she obviously teased him, laughing and tempting him with her charms.
.
Crais thought back on what he knew about Nebari, which wasn't very much more than 'everybody' knew. They seemed to keep to the worlds in their own sector of space much more than the other more advanced races. He knew that there were whispers about mental powers, and the ability to control and mind-wipe those who opposed them.
Looking at Chiana, he found himself wondering. She seemed as much at odds with that picture as anyone could be. Mischievous, irrepressible, she seemed as far away from being in control of herself--or anyone else--as anyone he had ever met. Although, now that he thought about it, she did seem the one in control of the relationship between herself and the Luxan.
He tried to suppress the smile that thought brought to him
He didn't think he had ever been kissed quite like that--with a combined sense of warmth and friendship and almost innocent passion, if one could imagine such a thing, which he suddenly found he could. The kisses before had generally been practiced and professional and to a purpose; an officer on the rise, a Captain, was considered quite a catch.
Turning to Crichton, he said, "Crichton, I don't think you have to worry about me getting all the attention of the females on this ship. It is obvious that Chiana and Ka D'Argo share more than a passing relationship and that you and Aeryn are together. I will do nothing to upset any of the relationships, rest assured." His face was serious or rather the features on Aeryn's face were serious.
It was true; he didn't want to break up any of the ongoing relationships. It would not help his interaction with the crew for one thing.
Crichton looked at Crais, saw the calm but also the loneliness reflected in those eyes. Somehow he felt sorry for the guy, would he ever fit in? He grinned at Crais, "Living with females on board a ship is not easy, you'll find out soon enough. Especially when they get in a huff with their partners."
Crais frowned in confusion.
Crichton smiled, "Don't be surprised if any of them come running to you and even fly in your arms and sobbing their eyes out, complaining about their partners. It is a female ploy to really frell up us poor little males."
Crichton's words only confused Crais more, "Why would they do that? Can't they just talk it out? Settle it?"
Crichton laughed, "Oh Crais, you will have still so much to learn." He walked over to him and touched his shoulder, "Let me explain..."
Crais wasn't certain what Crichton was driving at and he was suspicious about Crichton's friendliness. Even though he had agreed to live on Moya, certain matters were still uncertain to him, "Crichton..."
He was interrupted by another voice. A female voice. Aeryn's voice.
The look on her face as they both turned to her was incredulous. The tone of her voice was not pleased, not pleased at all.
"Crichton, where do you get such ideas about women?"
She was NOT amused.
"Do you think I run to D'Argo whining about.. what?, that we have our differences on occasion?"
She was in utter disbelief that he had come up with something so ridiculous.
"Does Chiana come to you, complaining about her latest disagreement with D'Argo?"
Actually, she was perfectly well aware that on the rare occasions this past cycle or so that Chiana wished to speak of her relationship with the Luxan, she had been more likely to approach Aeryn. Not because the Nebari was searching for advice regarding how to handle her relationship problems, but because she and Aeryn had over time learned to respect each other as friends, each with obviously different gifts, but both capable females.
Even on the few occasions that Chi had approached Crichton to talk about difficulties between her and the Luxan -and they were very few- it had not been to "fly into his arms sobbing". It had been to genuinely seek to understand the Luxan's point of view when they ran into one of their rare moments of real misunderstanding.
Crichton grinned sheepishly, "I know. I know. Maybe it is a little bit exaggerated..."
Aeryn huffed, "Exaggerated! It is very untrue! Why give Crais a wrong impression?"
Crais looked from one to the other, totally nonplussed but getting an idea why Crichton was warning him off.
Crichton shrugged his shoulder, "Aeryn, baby..."
"Don't you baby me! You just want to confuse Crais!"
"Well, not intentionally..." Crichton looked guilty.
"It's all right, Aeryn," Crais interjected to stop the argument, "I'm sure Crichton has his reasons."
Aeryn turned to Crais and said "Perhaps you should look for advice on male-female relationships onboard Moya from someone other than the "poor little male".
The phrase hung in the air.
Crais looked down at the table, he sighed. Was it his presence only that made Crichton behave as he did? He didn't want to be the cause of unnecessary friction. He breathed in deeply and looked at the others around the table.
Chiana and Ka D'Argo were still too engrossed with each other to have noticed the altercation. Aeryn was obviously still annoyed with Crichton and Crichton himself now looked askance at Crais. Only Rygel seemed to be amused with it all, his whiskers trembled in silent mirth.
"Maybe I will go and rest in my quarters," said Crais standing up from the table.
That seemed to shake both of the others out of the 'crash and burn' orbits they were flying around each other.
.
Meanwhile, Crichton and Aeryn had met up with D'Argo on their way to the galley. Suppertime was fast approaching.
"Aeryn, how are you feeling?" How is Crais?"
Aeryn addressed D'Argo, "I am feeling fine. As a matter of fact, this body is quite comfortable."
She received a glare of Crichton.
She smiled, "I mean in the usage. Crais has kept up with workouts, I presume. The muscles move very supple, there is a lot of strength harboured in this body. I found it surprising that the male body can move with such grace."
"Yeah, right," grumbled Crichton, "don't get to comfy with it. I think a certain Captain Crun... Crais might want it back, unless he is as comfortable in your body too but I didn't have the impression that he wanted to be separated from his own body for too long."
This time he received a glare from Aeryn, "I want my body back too, John. I don't think you would want to kiss me while I am in Crais' body. Do you?"
Crichton wriggled his nose in disgust and a strangled "No" came from his lips.
"I thought so," she turned to Ka D'Argo, "As to Crais... His main concern is Talyn. I think he can put up with the situation but his separation to Talyn is grinding on his nerves."
D'Argo said in response, "This experience has gotten on everyone's nerves. Chiana even volunteered to rustle up some grubs in the galley a while ago. She said she wanted to get away from everybody for a while and just hang with some nice, quiet non-sentient fruits and vegetables.
The Luxan grinned sheepishly, "I think I asked her what she thought about this turn of events one too many times."
Aeryn raised her eyebrow in almost Crais-like fashion, it made Crichton a bit uncomfortable, "Why would you ask Chiana so many questions?"
"Well, you know how it is," said D'Argo, "It has been a little unexciting lately and then this comes along. It is rather amusing in a way."
"In what way," said Aeryn almost with a growl.
D'Argo shrugged a big shoulder and his front tenkas turned a darker shade of red, "Well, you and Crais... It is quite funny to see "Crais" sway his hips when he walks."
"I don't sway my hips!"
"Oh, yes you do. Your shoulders are set well back when you walk but your hips sway. (Aeryn grumbled) And then to see "Aeryn" take longer strides and checking his balance. It is rather fun," Ka D'Argo grinned.
Aeryn scowled. It made Crichton grin. The Aeryn-scowl on Crais' face almost looked lopsided.
Aeryn turned to him, "What are your grinning at?"
Crichton looked guilty and said, "D'Argo's chutzpah?"
The Human was trying desperately to keep a straight face and losing the battle badly.
"I'm sorry, Aeryn, but it is pretty funny to watch.
"Besides, isn't it a good sign that instead of us being at each others' throats about this, we're standing around in one of Moya's corridors, laughing about it?
"Come on, admit it, don't you see the funny side of this too?"
Aeryn looked at Crichton, "It is not a joke, John. I had not realised how serious this was... Crais..."
"Is not here at the moment," replied John, "Can't you just let your hair hang down for a little..."
"No, Crais wears his in a queue all the time."
"No, I don't mean let your hair hang loose... (Aeryn raised another eyebrow at him) ...oh, forget what I said. I meant, can't you stop being so serious for a moment? Less Peacekeeperish?"
"That is a stupid way with words John."
"You start to sound more and more like Crais when you become too serious. At least Aeryn has a sense of humour. You sure you're not staying in his body too long? Extreme seriousness rubbing off on you now?"
"Crais' face showed an uncharacteristic grin, "Just wanted to see you squirm a bit. You look quite cute when you squirm."
Crichton blushed, "Well..."
"Yes," she admitted, "There are some humorous sides to it. Do I really sway my hips?"
"Yes you do. It is rather cute but on Crais it looks rather... feminine."
"Don't let Crais hear that," boomed Ka D'Argo with a laughing voice.
.
"What shouldn't I hear," Crais' voice said behind them. He had changed his mind of going to the Observation Deck and had just entered the corridor when Ka D'Argo spoke those words.
All three turned around suddenly and looked into the stern face of "Aeryn". "Her" hands were clasped behind her back and the head was slightly tilted in a waiting pose. They wondered how much he had heard.
"Well?"
Aeryn turned first to Crichton, then to D'Argo, and then back to Crichton again.
An evil smile came over the face of Crais.
"Oh, I'm sure that Crichton and D'Argo will be perfectly happy to repeat what they just said to you."
'Aeryn' waited patiently, head cocked a bit to the side, attention focused on the two aliens like a heat seeking missile.
D'Argo felt uncomfortable under Crais' stare and Crichton squirmed visibly, "You really don't want to know Crais?"
Crais just lifted an eyebrow and stared in silence.
Crichton looked at Aeryn but saw no help there. D'Argo looked elsewhere. He turned back to Crais, "We... ah... were just discussing that... uhm... the situation was rather amusing."
"Oh?" Crais didn't let on that he found this rather amusing.
"Yes, it is rather..." Crichton chuckled.
"In what way?" The gaze of Crais rested solely on Crichton. Yes, this was fun, the Human was most definitely squirming.
"You have to realise that it was getting a bit boring on Moya," Crichton resisted the temptation to show too much embarrassment.
"Was it now?"
"Yes, we haven't gotten ourselves into any hot water for some time now..."
Crais volunteered, "Moya's refreshers seem more than adequate."
His gaze did not waver even slightly.
"Well, yeah, Crais, but that's not what I mean"
"Perhaps you would favour us with an explanation of what you did mean?"
"Hey, D'Argo, help me out here, will you?"
The Luxan turned on his heel and walked away, calling over his shoulder, "Just remembered that Chiana asked me to... ah... get something from... supplies... yes, that's it. She wanted to cook something."
"Thanks a bunch, Big D," muttered Crichton. He looked back at Crais. Crais had not moved or even shifted his gaze from him.
"Crais... We were just talking. I didn't mean anything, honest."
"But it was not for me to hear but about me."
"Yeah, that's it," Crichton grinned sheepishly. Did Crais ever blink?
"So, what did you say?"
"It was nothing."
"Then you wouldn't mind repeating it," Crais smiled gently, blinking once.
"Well, we did say that it was very...interesting how the two of you have had to adapt to being in physically different bodies.
"Isn't that right, Aeryn? ...Aeryn?"
Crichton took advantage of the opportunity to break eye contact with Crais, and to virtually, silently plead with Aeryn to take pity on him.
Aeryn smiled at him or rather Crais' face smiled at him and Crichton thought, "That's it, I'm dead. Finito. Caput."
Aeryn said, "Since it was your explanation, I think you are so much better to explain it to Crais, I am sure he would understand. I did too, didn't I?" She almost purred and Crichton swallowed.
He looked back at the unreadable face of Aeryn... no, Bialar Crais, "Well, you two move different... you know... different."
"Are you always in the habit of repeating yourself, Crichton?" Crais' calm started to make Crichton even more nervous.
Finally he couldn't take it any longer, "All right! We said that since Aeryn is in your body her movements make you look feminine!" He closed his eyes, which was really silly to do, but maybe Crais wouldn't hit him then. There was silence.
Crichton opened one eye and then the other when he saw Crais cant his head. He looked at Crais and he looked at Aeryn.
Crais continued the silence for a microt longer, then gave a small smile, "Of course, Crichton, she is after all female." He walked past Crichton and continued to the galley.
Crichton stared at his retreating back in stunned silence.
.
Aeryn moved next to him. She tried to keep a straight face but it was a losing battle. The corners of 'her' mouth turned upward, and the eyes started to twinkle. She rested her head momentarily on Crichton's shoulder before finally looking at him eye to eye.
She didn't realize till later that he didn't flinch or try to draw away.
"Whew! I thought I was a dead duck. I guess he does have a sense of humour...Must have grown it in the Uncharteds. I'm pretty sure he didn't used to have one."
Aeryn regarded him with mock seriousness.
"John, why would you expect to turn into a dead bird? Is this some kind of primitive religious belief of your people?"
Crichton looked at Aeryn, relief was plainly written on his face, "Either Cap'n Crunch has gone soft in his old age or he has developed a sense of humour."
He remembered what Aeryn had said, "No it is not a ritual, it's just that when I told Crais I thought he was going to attack me, rip my head off. Hence the dead duck reference."
"Why would Crais do that? You explained to him, didn't you? Besides, Crais is not old, he's hardly even 50 cycles, in your society he wouldn't even have reached his prime yet for a number of years. And you will find that he has a sense of humour, always had, only you have not had the pleasure of appreciating it."
"I had not...? What do you mean, he always had a sense of humour? This is the first time I have seen it," Crichton looked hurt.
"You might have seen it, just not recognised it," Aeryn smiled and walked towards the galley.
"And when was I supposed to have seen it," Crichton wouldn't let the matter drop.
Aeryn turned to him with a smile and suggested, "Let's go join the others, shall we?"
She proceeded in the same direction that her shipmates had gone.
Crichton looked at another retreating back and being none the wiser. With a shrug and a sigh he followed them to the galley. Everyone was already seated by the time he got there and they had left a seat for him between Crais and Aeryn. He groaned inwardly and sat down.
.
Part 39
.
Chiana had outdone herself again and the table was laden with all the delicacies each of the seated members liked.
When he looked at "Aeryn" it was confirmed that the change hadn't started yet. Crais, as always, ate with meticulous care and wiped his hands frequently, so obviously different from everyone else.
It intrigued Crichton, "Do you always eat like this, Crais?"
"Aeryn" looked up, "Yes. Is it bothering you?"
"No, it is just... different."
"I like to savour my food. Remember the tastes. Besides, Chiana is a very good cook."
Chiana practically beamed with the compliment. Crais was never very generous with compliments. D'Argo grumped.
Crais continued, "I never mastered the art of cooking, so, it is a pleasure when I can enjoy it. Don't you do that?"
Crichton coloured, "Not really. Food is food."
"You don't know what you are missing then. Maybe a month of my cooking will change your mind."
Crichton couldn't be sure if Crais was serious, "No, thanks."
Crais raised and dropped his eyebrow, his way of "shrugging his shoulder".
Crichton looked at Aeryn and saw a small smile on her face. He bent over to her, "Is he serious?"
Aeryn was tempted to ask John whether he was referring to the threatened quality of Crais' cooking, or to the prospect of his lengthy stay aboard Moya.
However, it wouldn't be polite to hold a discussion about Crais directly in front of him without including him in the conversation, and the Sebacean's keen sense of hearing meant that there was no chance that he would not overhear regardless of how softly they whispered.
"We'll find out soon enough, Crais" Aeryn smiled at her former Captain. We all take turns on Moya with all of the scud work, although some of us volunteer to take extra turns with the jobs that we're best at, or trade off for the tasks we mind the least.
"Chiana has found that she has quite a talent for cooking, and we usually look forward to having her prepare the meals for the rest of us. I've bribed her more than once to take my turn."
Chiana had heard this entire conversation, and was pleased that one of her contributions on board Moya had been noted. She decided this was her chance to tease both D'Argo and Crais.
"Yeah, Crais. Maybe we can come to some sort of understanding, huh? Like I take your turn and you do something nice for me. Or maybe we can just have some fun working in the galley together. I can show you my recipes..."
The Luxan was annoyed, but not at Crais. Well, not mostly, anyway.
"Chiana, sit down and behave. Let us have just one peaceful meal together."
The little Nebari smiled sweetly at D'Argo, "You do trust me and Crais in the galley, do you Big boy."
D'Argo growled and now looked over at Crais.
Crais stopped eating. He had no intentions to start a row, especially if it was not of his doing and if he had to spend time on Moya with everyone, "I will swap navigation and maintenance any time with Chiana rather than let anyone taste my cooking."
"Oh, and I was so looking forward to it," said Crichton with a drawl.
The jaw muscles in "Aeryn's" face moved and tightened. Crais resisted the urge to stand up. Instead his voice sounded quite amicably, "I think you might reconsider those words after you have tasted my cooking."
"As long as you and Chiana are not working together in the galley," said D'Argo with a growl.
Crais sighed, "If I can help I would rather not be in the galley... to cook. With or without Chiana."
"We'll find you something useful to do," said Aeryn.
Crais' jaw muscles tightened again, "I do not need special consideration."
This time Aeryn's eyes flicked in anger, "Crais, I was not offering you any 'special consideration'."
She stopped, took a breath, and decided to back up this conversation before things got any further out of hand.
"I only meant that we're all in this together, and we all have to contribute, whether by doing the things we excel at, or the jobs that no one wants and for which "excelling" is hardly a consideration.
"It's one of the things that I found hardest to become accustomed to in my first year on Moya. As a Peacekeeper, I had my assigned duties. I was strictly responsible for them, but not for anything else.
"In fact, making my own meals was one of the things that I found most difficult to become used to doing. All of my life, I was served my meals in a Command Carrier mess hall or lounge, unless I was on assignment. As a Prowler pilot, I rarely found myself in a position where I even had to rely on battle rations.
"When I got on board Moya, not only did I have to fend for myself or go without--sometimes I had to actually contribute to preparing communal meals for the others. It's never been my favourite assignment, but it has to be done, just like maintenance on Moya, laundry, or a host of other things I was never trained to do."
She looked at Crichton, practically daring him to start another round of trouble.
Crais nodded and bit back a sigh, "I understand that certain duties will have to be done and that some of them are... less pleasant than others. I will not walk away from my duties."
The others looked up in surprise. Ka D'Argo had expected Crais to call rank and only do the nice jobs. Rygel had expected him to do it as befitting his station.
Crais looked up and saw some of their surprised faces, "I spend cycles on my own on Talyn. All duties are done by one person. For the main part of the first cycle I had only one DRD. And although some of the tasks are not a pleasant they had to be done."
"Crais, we didn't think that..."
"I am just pointing out the facts," interrupted Crais, "Unless everyone doesn't mind an upset stomach when I am cooking than I will take that duty too." He looked at them in defiance.
Crichton bit his lip, "We could give it a try... (-when he saw the others growl at him, he continued-) on the other hand I think there are enough duties around to keep you from cooking."
The others breathed a sigh of relief. Although they hadn't tasted anything of Crais yet, Crais was not the kind of person who would own up to not being able to do something. If he did it must be very valid indeed.
Aeryn looked around the table, "That's settled then. Any duty, apart from cooking."
Crais nodded and went back to eating.
Crichton smiled into his food. *Just how bad could his cooking be? And he'd had to live on it all this time? Sometimes the gods were just.*
Chiana smiled again at her Luxan, and gave him a friendly nudge.
Fortunately, D'Argo generally got over things these days almost as quickly as he got upset at them, and he had more experience than he sometimes wanted with Chi's impish ways. Making up after one of their little tiffs wasn't such a bad deal either.
Everyone settled down to finish their food. When they were mostly done, the Nebari ducked back into the kitchen area, and brought out desert--some baked sweets, and a few bowls filled with several varieties of fruit. She placed one bowl in front of the Sebaceans, taking one of the little tari fruit that Crais had seemed to enjoy so much earlier in the day. She laid the fruit down directly in front of his plate, and winked at him as she turned around to return to D'Argo's side.
The Luxan sighed. It was going to be a long and interesting month.
Crais looked up at Chiana with a grateful smile, she had remembered what he liked. A quick glance at Ka D'Argo showed him that not everyone could appreciate the gesture.
He finished his meal and the picked up the fruit. He smelled it first and produced one of his rare smiles of being pleased. Then started peeling it and ate it with care.
Crichton glanced at him. He hoped Crais was going to eat faster after he got used to eating the food on Moya. How would he eat foodcubes?
.
Finally everyone was finished. Without being asked Crais helped bring the dishes to the side where they could be cleaned. He stood next to Chiana and without looking at her said, "That was a very nice meal, Chiana and thank you for your consideration." He didn't want to put more oil on D'Argo's fire.
Chiana on the other hand had no computations, "Hey, at least here is someone here who's not afraid to make a compliment."
D'Argo growled and go up from the table, "Crais..."
Crichton grinned and was happy that the shoe was on the other foot. How was Crais going to get out of that.
Crais turned to the Luxan and nodded toward him, then faced the entire group.
"It has been so long since anyone has shown me such kindness. Longer even than it has been since I enjoyed such a good meal. I thank all of you for welcoming me here.
Talyn has been my home these last cycles, as Moya has been yours. I am keenly aware that you are under no obligation to welcome me, and all of you, with the exception of Chiana, have reason to do otherwise.
The first time that I joined you on Moya, I claimed sanctuary here. In a very real sense, I do so again. I am sure that there will be moments that both you and I will need to make adjustments in order to coexist at acceptable levels, but I promise you that I will on my part endeavour to do so. If at times I fall short of the mark, I ask now for your forbearance. I have lived alone for so long, and for long before that, I rarely had need to conform my actions to the needs or desires of others."
Crais nodded again a bit stiffly and turned to leave the room, 'his' hands clasped behind 'his' back, spine held ramrod straight, 'his' shoulders betraying even more tension than usual.
D'Argo got up from the table and called out to him, "Crais!"
.
For a moment Crais stiffened 'his' shoulders and slowly turned towards the group. When his gaze was on them it betrayed nothing of the emotions behind the face, there was a certain tired quality in his voice that betrayed that mask of calm, "Yes, Ka D'Argo?"
D'Argo walked slowly over to where Crais stood. Crais canted his head and D'Argo could see the jaw muscles on Aeryn's face tighten. He stopped two steps away from Crais. The others looked in silence to see what was going to happen.
"You tell us you ask for sanctuary again. We remember well what happened the last time you asked for sanctuary. (Crais flinched) We remember well what the reason was when you asked," D'Argo paused, "Then, we hardly had a choice but take you in but this time it is different."
Crais stood straighter, looked at him with defiance and resignation, "I can understand if I am not welcome here for a long spell. I will understand if you drop me off at the next Commerce Planet. As you say, this time you will have a choice." Although he said it calmly, there was ill concealed hurt in his eyes.
D'Argo stepped closer and looked into the eyes of Crais, "Yes this time we have a choice." He admired the strength of Crais' gaze.
D'Argo continued, "This time we are not looking at one of the elite of the Peacekeepers who's trying to safe his own hide. This time we are not looking at a man with a hidden agenda and will steal from us, from Moya." He paused for effect, "We are looking at a man, just like us."
Crais swallowed.
D'Argo's face broke out in a smile, "We are looking at a friend. A man who has pulled our eema's out of trouble many a time and you dare to ask for sanctuary?"
Crais was confused, his mask of calm slipped from his face.
D'Argo clapped him on the shoulder, it made the smaller form of Aeryn nearly buckle under the strength behind it, "We would be poor friends if we allow a friend to ask for sanctuary. Instead we offer you hospitality and hope you will accept."
'Aeryn's' face was a mixture of confusion and, strangely, hope.
D'Argo laughed, "Of course we all have to make adjustments. Like at the table. I was upset with you for complimenting Chiana. I do realise now that we have hardly complimented Chiana for her looking after our needs and she will probably reprimand me for that." He smiled at the thought how she would reprimand him.
He smiled at Crais, "Your presence will be like a new breeze on Moya. For cycles we have taken each other for granted. To us the skills the others possess are... normal, nothing special and we have stopped commenting on it. It is good that someone reminds us that it is special."
Crais looked uncomfortable, didn't quite know how to react.
D'Argo clasped his arm around the smaller shoulders and steered Crais back to the table, "Finish having a drink with us and allow us to welcome a friend on Moya."
Crais felt a cascade of emotions, none of them expected. Relief, joy, something he would only later admit to himself was hope.
.
Part 40
.
He rejoined the others around the table. It turned out that the planet below even had its own very respectable version of fellip nectar. The Nebari had of course been the one to find it and a generous supply had been brought on board a few days ago. Everyone onboard Moya--well, all except Pilot anyway (Moya's pilot) joined in a spontaneous celebration of sorts.
Crais had never been the outgoing type, but he found the scene not only less painful than he would have feared, but actually somewhat enjoyable after a while. Even Rygel was being pleasant and on his best behaviour.
Chiana had gone over to have a few words with D'Argo after she had set out the fellip nectar. As she left his side, she kissed the Luxan, then almost shyly approached Crais.
"They never do compliment me, you know. They all take me for granted. Why, I work my fingers to the bone for them..."
She couldn't make it much farther than this and keep a straight face. Her characteristic humour, both bawdy and oddly innocent at the same time, could only be kept under wraps for so long.
She hesitated and then darted forward, planting a kiss on "his" cheek, then almost shyly backed away a bit.
"I'll cook. But you can help me in the kitchen anytime..."
She turned away, laughing as she returned to the Luxan's side and grabbed onto his arm.
Crais brought his hand up to his cheek where Chiana had kissed him, it was a strange experience to him.
Crichton approached him, "Always the charmer, eh Crais? Are you going to snurch all the females from us with you charms?"
Crais cleared his throat and said seriously, "Crichton, it is not my intention to..."
Crichton grinned at him, "Relax Crais. It was a joke, not meant serious. Although I am a bit worried (he looked mock serious), you do seem to have a way of charming them easily... on the other hand you might be too serious for them."
"Crais" had approached them and Aeryn's voice said behind Crichton, "Oh, I don't know, I sometimes enjoy a more serious conversation and the ability to look at things from different angles instead of only one."
Crichton looked shocked and glanced over at "Aeryn", Crais smiled a small uncomfortable smile. If he was going to stay here for a substantial time he better get familiar with some of the jokes or he would outlive his welcome amongst them. He took another sip from the Frellip nectar.
Glancing over at the Luxan, he saw D'Argo apparently completely engrossed by the little Nebari, while she obviously teased him, laughing and tempting him with her charms.
.
Crais thought back on what he knew about Nebari, which wasn't very much more than 'everybody' knew. They seemed to keep to the worlds in their own sector of space much more than the other more advanced races. He knew that there were whispers about mental powers, and the ability to control and mind-wipe those who opposed them.
Looking at Chiana, he found himself wondering. She seemed as much at odds with that picture as anyone could be. Mischievous, irrepressible, she seemed as far away from being in control of herself--or anyone else--as anyone he had ever met. Although, now that he thought about it, she did seem the one in control of the relationship between herself and the Luxan.
He tried to suppress the smile that thought brought to him
He didn't think he had ever been kissed quite like that--with a combined sense of warmth and friendship and almost innocent passion, if one could imagine such a thing, which he suddenly found he could. The kisses before had generally been practiced and professional and to a purpose; an officer on the rise, a Captain, was considered quite a catch.
Turning to Crichton, he said, "Crichton, I don't think you have to worry about me getting all the attention of the females on this ship. It is obvious that Chiana and Ka D'Argo share more than a passing relationship and that you and Aeryn are together. I will do nothing to upset any of the relationships, rest assured." His face was serious or rather the features on Aeryn's face were serious.
It was true; he didn't want to break up any of the ongoing relationships. It would not help his interaction with the crew for one thing.
Crichton looked at Crais, saw the calm but also the loneliness reflected in those eyes. Somehow he felt sorry for the guy, would he ever fit in? He grinned at Crais, "Living with females on board a ship is not easy, you'll find out soon enough. Especially when they get in a huff with their partners."
Crais frowned in confusion.
Crichton smiled, "Don't be surprised if any of them come running to you and even fly in your arms and sobbing their eyes out, complaining about their partners. It is a female ploy to really frell up us poor little males."
Crichton's words only confused Crais more, "Why would they do that? Can't they just talk it out? Settle it?"
Crichton laughed, "Oh Crais, you will have still so much to learn." He walked over to him and touched his shoulder, "Let me explain..."
Crais wasn't certain what Crichton was driving at and he was suspicious about Crichton's friendliness. Even though he had agreed to live on Moya, certain matters were still uncertain to him, "Crichton..."
He was interrupted by another voice. A female voice. Aeryn's voice.
The look on her face as they both turned to her was incredulous. The tone of her voice was not pleased, not pleased at all.
"Crichton, where do you get such ideas about women?"
She was NOT amused.
"Do you think I run to D'Argo whining about.. what?, that we have our differences on occasion?"
She was in utter disbelief that he had come up with something so ridiculous.
"Does Chiana come to you, complaining about her latest disagreement with D'Argo?"
Actually, she was perfectly well aware that on the rare occasions this past cycle or so that Chiana wished to speak of her relationship with the Luxan, she had been more likely to approach Aeryn. Not because the Nebari was searching for advice regarding how to handle her relationship problems, but because she and Aeryn had over time learned to respect each other as friends, each with obviously different gifts, but both capable females.
Even on the few occasions that Chi had approached Crichton to talk about difficulties between her and the Luxan -and they were very few- it had not been to "fly into his arms sobbing". It had been to genuinely seek to understand the Luxan's point of view when they ran into one of their rare moments of real misunderstanding.
Crichton grinned sheepishly, "I know. I know. Maybe it is a little bit exaggerated..."
Aeryn huffed, "Exaggerated! It is very untrue! Why give Crais a wrong impression?"
Crais looked from one to the other, totally nonplussed but getting an idea why Crichton was warning him off.
Crichton shrugged his shoulder, "Aeryn, baby..."
"Don't you baby me! You just want to confuse Crais!"
"Well, not intentionally..." Crichton looked guilty.
"It's all right, Aeryn," Crais interjected to stop the argument, "I'm sure Crichton has his reasons."
Aeryn turned to Crais and said "Perhaps you should look for advice on male-female relationships onboard Moya from someone other than the "poor little male".
The phrase hung in the air.
Crais looked down at the table, he sighed. Was it his presence only that made Crichton behave as he did? He didn't want to be the cause of unnecessary friction. He breathed in deeply and looked at the others around the table.
Chiana and Ka D'Argo were still too engrossed with each other to have noticed the altercation. Aeryn was obviously still annoyed with Crichton and Crichton himself now looked askance at Crais. Only Rygel seemed to be amused with it all, his whiskers trembled in silent mirth.
"Maybe I will go and rest in my quarters," said Crais standing up from the table.
That seemed to shake both of the others out of the 'crash and burn' orbits they were flying around each other.