"Happy birthday, Crichton." Aeryn said.

She was the first to congratulate him as he entered the common room.

Crichton was surprised to hear these words coming from her.
He smiled as he gazed upon her beautiful eyes.
"What's all this then?" he asked.

He looked around the common room, staring at the many strange decorations which were displayed and hung around the chamber.

"It´s a birthday party." Aeryn said.
"A birthday party?" Crichton asked surprised.
"That's what humans call it, don't they?"

Crichton smiled.
"Yeah, they do."

He had almost forgotten that it was his birthday today.
He wondered how they had found out about it.

"Happy birthday, Crichton." Zhaan said as she kissed his cheeks and helped him to his seat.

"Whose idea was this?" Crichton asked the Delvian beauty.
"Mine." Zhaan said smiling. "I thought it would be a nice surprise."
"It is." John said sincere.
"I had some help of course." Zhaan went on.
"Chiana helped. And D'Argo too."

"And I helped too." Stark said.

The Banik sat in the corner of the room, gazing at Crichton with a kind smile, which hoped for gratitude.

"Thank you." Crichton said. "I really appreciate what you've done for me."

"You should!" D'Argo said as he appeared behind Crichton and laid his hands upon his shoulders.
"I've put a lot of effort into this."

On the table stood various dishes and foods, most of which Crichtons favourites.
"And can I just say something else..." D'Argo continued.
"I could well be the best cook in the universe!"
The Luxan laughed loudly as he slapped Crichton's shoulders and face and sat down on the other side of the table, next to Chiana, who welcomed him lovingly into his arms.

"The food isn't that good." Rygel said.

They laughed.

"Well, at least it´s better then that Hynerian 'fellack' you made last time!" Chiana replied.

They laughed even louder.

"It's a Hynerian delicacy!" Rygel said.
"You peasants don't have any sense of taste!"

As the others helped themselves to their foods and began eating, John couldn't help but smile as he watched his friends enjoy their meals.

"Enjoy yourselves guys." Aeryn suddenly said. "I'm going to Command."

"Hey!" Crichton said. "Don't go! Stay! Eat!"

"No, I already ate." Aeryn said.

"Come on." Crichton said as he grabbed her arm.

He couldn't help but notice how soft her skin felt.

"Do it for me." he said softly.

"Come on, Aeryn!" D'Argo said. "It's Crichton's birthday! You can't leave early!"

"Apparently I can't." she replied.

Aeryn seemed apparently unwilling to stay, however when she sat down, she moved her chair very close to Crichton.

John looked at all of his friends on Moya.
He realised that it had been a long time since he had seen them all this happy.

"What's the matter, John?" Zhaan asked.

Her loving smile seemed to share her happiness with everyone who gazed upon it.
John smiled back.
"On Earth," he said. "it is a custom to sing to the one who's birthday it is.
I would like you all to sing for me."

"No, no, no." Aeryn said. "I'm not going to sing."

"I'm definitely not going to sing." Rygel said.

"Come on you guys!" Chiana said smiling. "This could be fun!"

It was hilarious.
Crichton could still hear his friends sing in his ears.
Probably one of the most happiest moments in his life.
One of the most happiest memories.

Crichton didn't know why he was reminded of this moment, as he flew across the heavens of Yo'brakh in a stolen Marauder, fleeing from Peacekeeper captivity and running away from death.

Such a happy moment.
So long ago.
Before the Shadow Depository.
Before the neural-chip.
Before Aeryn's death.

That, once happy memory, now only made him sad.

Lightning pulled the human out of his dreams and memories and back to reality.

The phenomenon lit up the sky in front of Crichton, showing the mountains in front of him and ten Prowlers heading towards him to intercept him.
They were flying in formation, and reminded Crichton of a flock of birds.

Crichton's Marauder had no weapons.
Crichton had figured that out pretty soon.
He was defenceless against attacks.
The Prowlers could shoot him down in an instant.
The only advantage Crichton had was that his Marauder could go much faster then the Prowlers that were pursuing him.

Crichton wanted to leave Yo'brakh. Enter outer space.
He knew that the Prowlers couldn't outrun a Marauder. Especially in outer space.
The only thing that stood in the way was a Peacekeeper Command Carrier, which would shoot him down or capture him before he could escape the planet's orbit.

So, either way, he was screwed.
Outer space wasn't an option. Landing was definitely not an option.

There was no way out.
The only thing he would be doing was postponing his funeral.

Crichton had no clue what to do next.

He wanted to go home.

Memories of Moya played in front of his eyes again.

Strange.
A ship full of aliens has become so normal.
It has become home, even.

He had some trouble deciphering the Sebecean symbols and controls, but due to his experience with flying Aeryn's Prowler, he knew how to work with them.
Swiftly he pushed some symbols and opened a communications channel.

"Moya! Pilot! If you can hear me...this is John. I repeat, this is John Crichton. Can you hear me? Please respond!"