Chapter 5: Fracturing Choices

Crais located Jess on the terrace. Quickly dressing himself, he headed off to join her.

Talyn had immediately started with his interrogation "she's not a Peacekeeper."

Sighing "neither am I."

"She's not even Sebacean."

"Don't you remember her saying there was potentially a link between sebeceans and humans."

"What about Aeryn?"

"What about her?"

"We need her"

"Talyn, we've discussed this before. Aeryn showed you. She loves Cricht…"

Interrupting him "Crichton's gone now. She can be with us now."

"Crichton is still on Moya."

"You wanted her."

Crais stopped walking, raising his hands in frustration "Talyn, will you desist." Sighing before continuing.

Talyn paused before responding "You're happy." It wasn't a question.

Crais closed his eyes briefly and exhaled deeply letting a brief smile cross his face, recalling recent actions. It had turned out that sebeceans and humans where extremely compatible.

As he got close to the terrace "Talyn, privacy mode" as he walked round the corner, he paused, smiling, appreciating the sight before him. Jess stood looking out to space her back towards him. As he continued walking towards her, she half glanced over her shoulder at him before looking back in front of her.

"Bit of a detour on your walk of shame."

He stopped just behind her; she still didn't look at him. "I have no shame in recreating with you." Moving to the side of her searching her face for a response, concerned when she didn't react. Frowning, "do you regret what happened?"

Jess looked down at her feet closing her eyes and smiled. "No, sorry." She turned her head to look at him, noticing the hurt expression on his face, turning her body to face him front on. "Sorry, silly human saying again." He looked confused. "Walk of shame, you spend the night with someone, then you're having to sneak home the next morning, hoping no one will see you in the clothes you were wearing the night before."

The confusion on his face growing "why would you not want to be seen? Is recreation frowned upon on Earth?"

Chuckling softly "no. Just casual recreation is… frowned upon by some."

"Some? You?"

Laughing and smiling "now that's a personal question." Biting her lip as Crais looked uncomfortable. "No," sighing "but that's not to say I made a habit of it."

Crais opened his mouth to respond but closed it and simply nodded. As he stretched his back out a gently groaning in the back of his throat "I must apologise for your quarters." It was Jess's turn to look confused. "Your bed is particularly uncomfortable."

"Oh, no, it's fine. I've gotten used to it." She turned and walked a few steps away from him, looking out at the stars. Sighing, "I asked Jack about wormhole travel." Crais moved to stand behind her waiting for her to continue. "I knew some of it before. There's an episode later on, Einstein talks through it with Crichton, but." She paused looking at her feet.

"Jess?"

She sighed, "I'm stuck here." Crais's smile quickly turned to a frown, torn between wanting her to stay with them but knowing she was probably heartbroken at the thought of never returning to her home. "The chances of me ever finding my way back, after being here this long is next to nothing."

Crais took her arms and turned her to face him. Cupping her chin and lifting her head up to look at him. "Jess, I'm…"

She shook her head, interrupting him, "Don't. It's fine. I'll be fine." Forcing a smile. His fingers traced her jawline, brushing her hair behind her ear and leaving it gently holding her neck, moving his other hand up to place it on her hip. She wrapped her arms around his waist pulling him in to her, their lips brushing together before meeting again in a hungry kiss.

Crais half pulled away, whispering against her lips "my quarters however, are extremely comfortable." Jess smiled as Crais broke away, walking towards the door, leaving Jess to follow. Once in his quarters with the door closing, Crais pinned her against the wall kissing her firmly, his hands trailing down her sides and under her top. A trail of clothes were left leading to the bed.

Crais slowly opened his eyes, breathing in deeply, smiling as he could feel Jess next to him still. He rolled to face her, propping himself on his elbow and leaning his head on his fist. He lay there, silently admiring her peaceful sleeping form, before encircling his arm around her pulling himself closer as he kissed the back of her shoulder lightly.

With her eyes still closed Jess softly sighed "morning." Holding his hand and pulling it up to her lips, kissing it tenderly.

"Morning" feathering light kisses across her back as she arched into him.

"You ok?"

"Mmm" as he leaned over and pulled her lips to his. "You?" he muttered between kisses.

"Mmm" nodding in reply.

Crais pulled back and regarded her for a microt, wondering if he should ask his next question before deciding that yes, he wanted to know. "Jess?"

"Yeah?" whispering back and rolling to face him, smiling sweetly.

"You said before…we couldn't, you didn't want to change things." The smile slowly disappearing from her lips as he continued. "What changed your mind?" Stroking a stray hair off her face.

Looking down "I, uh." Unsure what to tell him. That his fate is the same no matter what she did? That Crichton had encouraged her to be open about her feelings? That she wanted to savour what little time they had together? Before she could respond, they both turned their attention to the door hearing a voice muttering in the corridor getting closer.

"Crais, Crais. Uh, frelling comms, Crais?"

Jess jumped out of the bed and ran to hide in the refresher grabbing her clothes as she went.

"Crais?" Stark questioned from outside the door.

Crais sighed "Stark."

With that Stark hurried in "you didn't answer your comms! You can't let her go, can't go. Mustn't go." Looking down at the mess of clothes on the floor, a very abnormal sight from the very particular captain before realising Crais was still in bed.

Crais shifted uncomfortably in his bed, glaring at the extra top on the floor Jess missed in her hurry, hoping Stark hadn't clocked it. Pulling the covers up to protect his dignity as much as possible. "What is it Stark?"

"Why are your comms off?"

"I needed the rest; I didn't want to be disturbed."

Seemingly ignoring Crais's response, Stark continued. "You mustn't let her go."

"Go where? Who Stark?"

"Aeryn, Aeryn. She wants to travel to Valldon. She can't, we can't. Tell Talyn not to go."

"Stark, Aeryn can do as she pleases."

"No, no, she mustn't, mustn't. Dangerous."

Crais sighed, "I'll speak to her."

Stark smiled eagerly, "yes, yes." As Crais glared at him for still being in his quarters, raising his eyebrows, Stark took note and hurried out again.

Jess emerged from the refresher, "that was close!"

"I presume we go to Valldon then?"

Jess nodded. She smiled indicating towards the refresher "shower?" Crais smiled and followed eagerly.

Crais and Jess were sat eating in the galley, as he finished his meal Crais looked up at Jess "you didn't answer my question earlier."

Jess looked up at him "I…" just as Aeryn walked in. Sighing with relief from being interrupted again.

"Can Talyn locate Valldon for me?" Her face emotionless, but her eyes still red and puffy.

"Are you sure this is what you want Aeryn?" Concern in his voice.

"Yes" she bluntly responded before leaving them.

They both watched her leave in silence, Jess turned to look at Crais, he was looking her in anticipation. "I…Crichton encouraged me to be honest about my feelings." She decided to go with the easy answer, not wanting to raise questions about the future which would happen no matter what.

Crais smiled and stood up leaning in to kiss her "I'm glad he did" before leaving.

It had taken a couple of solar days to reach Valldon. Crais wanted Jess to move into his quarters but she declined, not wanting to raise questions with the others, persuading him it would be best if things were kept between them.

Jess walked in to command to find Crais and Stark arguing.

"It's your fault Aeryn's down on Valldon!"

"It's not my fault. Trying to help!"

"Trying to help? She's there mourning for Crichton! How are you helping by filling her head with crazy tales about spirit channerlers?"

"It's not crazy. She wanted to get away from you. She sees you following her."

"I'm following her? You're the one that's following her!"

"Me? Aeryn wants me around. She wants me to watch over her. She wants me to protect her from people like you!"

"You stupid, selfish nak-noks! Aeryn has made it clear she wants nothing to do with any of us. She wants no part of your plan to find Moya."

"I can't leave her on Valldon. It's dangerous. It's filled with mystics and criminals."

"Then it's just like here. You're a mystic and we're criminals, but Aeryn doesn't want to be here."

"You don't understand."

"I…"

"What is it we don't understand, slave?"

"She…she's going to talk to Crichton."

"Fine, take Rygel down with you, see if you can locate her."

"Come on" motioning to Rygel who groaned and followed Stark out of command.

"I've got some repairs to complete."

"Need a hand?" Crais smiled "You'll just have to show me what I need to do."

"Thank you."

It wasn't long until Rygel sounded over the comms.

"Crais, Crais!"

"Yes Rygel. Have you located Aeryn's signal yet?"

"No, she's masked it. We've been all over this stinking city. Now, we're in some kind of nakky hotel. Stark's meeting every cousin and furbot he ever knew. It's a planet of Starks down here!"

"You're exaggerating." Hearing Stark muttering in the background.

"Crais get down here! I can't stand it alone with him."

"No, no, no, stay with him until you find Aeryn. Comm me when you do."

"Crais! Crai…" as Crais turned his comms off.

They continued with the repairs.

"Hey, I'm going to get something to eat, did you want me to bring you something back?"

"No, I'm fine thank you."

Jess returned to shouting.

"Let me up!" As Stark pulled Crais up and pushed him into the bulkhead, still pointing the pulse pistol at him.

"Tell us. You tell us!"

"When you left me to kill Xhalax, I saw instantly the end."

"For you."

"For all of us! I knew that if I killed her, High Command would send another retrieval squad after us. And if they failed, another and another!"

"You made a deal to save us all"

"I offered Xhalax her life."

"And what did you get in return?"

"She would inform High Command that we were all dead."

"Do I look like an idiot, huh? Does he look like an idiot? Do I look like an idiot? Yeah? Well, I'm not! And we're not fooled by you." Stepping closer to Crais. "If you've got a deity, you better make your peace with it now, because I'm going to lead you to the other side real quick."

"No."

"No? What no?"

"Rygel understands our predicament. Talyn has part of my psyche. Can you fly him?"

"No but Aeryn can."

"And she's not here."

Crais smirked. Noticing Jess standing by the entrance of command. "Tell them to release me!"

Jess frowned "Um, sorry" shrugging.

"Jess?!" He glared at her.

Rygel flew over to her "you knew didn't you, you knew he didn't kill Xhalax, you little tralk!"

Jess sighed "how many times do I have to explain to you Rygel, I can't change things!"

Stark motioned for Crais to stand with the pulse pistol and marched him out of command, pausing when her got to Jess "if anything happens to Aeryn, I'll be leading you to the other side too."

Jess nodded, quickly looking over at Crais who looked angry, she didn't blame him, she knew how much he would have hated being restrained and ordered about by those two.

It was a couple of arns before they were all back on board. Jess was sat in the galley wondering if she should go check on Crais, knowing that not only had he suffered the humiliation of Stark and Rygel restraining him, but Aeryn had humiliated him in front of Stark too. Just as Aeryn walked in with a blank expression. Jess half smiled, not sure how Aeryn would react to her.

"I wanted to apologise to you. For lashing out, blaming you." She stood almost like she was standing to attention, looking past Jess.

Tears filled Jess's eyes as she smiled "it's fine Aeryn, you've got nothing to apologise for, I completely understand why you did."

Aeryn looked down at the human, her military training cracking as tears filled her eyes as she smiled back. She sat down opposite Jess "I just can't…" her voice cracking.

Jess reached across and placed her hand over Aeryn's "I know. I'm so sorry Aeryn."

Aeryn squeezed Jess's hand reassuringly "as hard as this is, I can't imagine the feeling of knowing our fate and not being able to intervene."

"I wish I could. If I could have stopped this I would…"

Aeryn interrupted "I know."

"I asked Jack how I could change things, but I can't." Shaking her head "if I intervene the same outcome is likely to occur, but in a different way eventually. So, no matter what I do or don't do, Crich" Jess stopped herself and sighed. A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, "he still would have" biting her lip to stop anymore tears escaping. Aeryn nodded. Jess stood to leave, placing a hand on Aeryn's shoulder and smiled before walking out.

As she left, she saw Crais up ahead in the corridor, walking away. Jogging to catch up "hey!" When he didn't stop, she caught up with him and grabbed his arm "hey!" As he turned abruptly and jerked his arm free from her grasp. "What's wrong with you?"

As he glared back at her he simply said "Talyn has located Moya in the Manin Nebula, I've sent a message saying we have defeated the retrieval squad."

"That's good that Talyn's located Moya." Knowing he had informed Rygel that he would leave once he had found another suitable Pilot for Talyn Jess thought that was the reason he was being testy.

Crais continued to march off up the corridor leaving Jess stood in the middle of the corridor looking confused.

"Hey!" As she ran after him once more, running past to stop in front of him causing him to stop once more. "Are you ok?"

"Yes" he tried to continue past her but Jess stepped in front of him once again, holding his forearms.

"Stop! Crais?" Looking up at him, concerned. "What's wrong?"

Crais sighed, still glaring at her "you lied to me."

"Wh…" half laughing "what? When?" Looking confused.

"I asked you what had changed your mind. You said Crichton encouraged you."

"He did!" suddenly realising the conversation she had just had with Aeryn. "You heard me talking to Aeryn?"

"Yes. No matter what you do! Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

Jess laughed, "that's rich coming from you! I did tell the truth; Crichton did encourage me… I just figured it would be easier to not get into a discussion about…." Jess sighed closing her eyes briefly, pinching the bridge of her nose "Crais, I don't want to argue."

In a steady and controlled tone, "I told you I trusted you, but it appears you do not trust me." As he pulled his arms free before Jess could respond and continued up the corridor alone.

It was a few solar days before Talyn reached Moya, Jess had made attempts to speak to Crais but he brushed her off stating he was busy with repairs to Talyn. She gave up after the fifth time of trying. Aeryn had joined her for a few of her workouts, but didn't engage with her much. That left Rygel, Jess had constructed some playing cards and taught him some games. Of course, they ended up playing for stakes and of course Rygel had taken every opportunity to cheat.

Jess had just finished showering after her last workout when she felt Talyn accelerate, dressing quickly she headed off to command, the others were all there already. Jess walked up to the viewpoint and could see Moya in the distance, her eyes widened shocked at just how big she was "Is that?"

Aeryn responded "Moya, yes."

"She's beautiful."

Rygel and Aeryn left to gather their things leaving Jess with Crais who was inputting something into a console. "Talyn must be excited to see his mother again after so long?"

"He is." As he continued to work.

"Jesus, Crais! How long are you gonna stay pissed at me? I didn't lie to you. I didn't tell you the full story, not because I don't trust you, but because it's easier for me!" Finally, Crais stopped what he was doing and looked over to her. His face guarded. Jess sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Put yourself in my shoes. How would you feel knowing the outcome, good and bad, of the people you care about? I knew Crichton would die and I had to stand back and let that happen." Her voice cracked as she swallowed back the lump in her throat. "There's good things to come…but there's also." Shaking her head turning away from him. "I'd rather not think about some things."

Crais's face softened. She was right, she didn't want this knowledge and she was helpless against it. From what he heard whatever she did, their fates were already set. From her reaction he presumed there would be more casualties. Wondering if the crew of Moya had as much trouble as they had. He cleared his throat, "I told Rygel once we reunite with Moya, I'd find someone else to pilot him."

"I know."

"He'll be better without me."

Jess turned to look at him unable to hide the heartache "no." Shaking her head, walking up to him and placing a hand on his cheek looking deep into his eyes that were filled with the same heartache, "you two belong together." Smiling softly at him as he returned the smile.

"Crais?" Aeryn's voice came over the comms, "we're ready with the transport pod."

It was a short journey over to Moya. Jess was excited to meet everyone but also very apprehensive, she hung back as the rest exited the pod. She couldn't bare to witness Crichton's heartbreak over Aeryn's lack of response in real life. She slowly made her way to the door, just after Crais had informed Crichton of the others fate she made her way tentatively down the steps waiting on the bottom step.

Rygel sniffed "oh! You have visitors on Moya?"

"Yeah, there's, um."

Sniffing "oh, a female."

Crichton turned to Rygel "yeah" as he spotted Jess, frowning "you got a visitor too?"

"Hey." Jess half waved awkwardly.

Crais cleared his throat "Crichton, this is Jess Parker."

"Jess? That's a"

Jess interrupted "human name. Yeah!"

"Human? How?"

Jess laughed to herself "um, not too sure how I got here. It's rather complicated." As they headed off down the corridor Jess tried to explain her situation as best as possible to Crichton. She got the feeling that he was; rightly so, distracted from the recent news though.

"Right, well that is very complicated. Welcome to Moya. Crais, you ok to show her about?" He headed off with the bag of Crichton's stuff without waiting for an answer.

Crais showed Jess around, introducing her to the others as they went. Jess was shocked at the size of D'Argo, he was taller than she imagined. They finished the tour with Pilot's den as they entered Jess paused, looking with absolute wonder at Pilot as Crais continued towards Pilot. Jess followed slowly behind.

"Captain Crais. It's good to have you all aboard again. I see we have a new crew member. Talyn has told Moya how he rescued you."

"Pilot, this is Jess."

"Nice to meet you Jess. Welcome aboard Moya."

"Um, wow! You're incredible!" Pilot smiled. "Um, I mean hi, sorry, it's just… it's you! Wow, it's lovely meet you and Moya, she's beautiful."

"Thank you, Jess. Crais, would you be able to help Jool in the medical bay, she may need some assistance reconstructing the Boolite."

"Of course." Nodding towards Pilot, before turning and headed off.

"Nice to meet you Pilot."

"And you Jess."

As she hurried after Crais "You know, back in my world, the guy that plays you, also provides the voice for Pilot."

Crais frowned at her as they continued down the corridor "we sound nothing alike."

"No, that's the sign of a good actor, playing two completely different roles. And you two have completely different characteristics!" Crais laughed in agreement. "I mean, Pilot is kind, gentle, sweet, friendly." Crais gave her a sideways glare. "Compassionate, loyal…"

Crais stopped to glare further at her "and you do not believe me to hold any of those characteristics?"

Jess smirked turning back to him "wise…"

"You're teasing me?" As he carried on, catching up with her.

"Would I?" Glancing over to him, biting her lip and smirking again.

"You, human, are insufferable." Both laughed.

As they passed the galley Jess paused, "hey, I should probably keep out the way, wait here." Crais nodded. They stood for a few microts smiling at each other. "I'll see you in a bit" as Crais continued to the med bay, Jess smiled watching him march off.

Jess didn't know how much time had passed; she was getting bored. She stupidly didn't bring anything over with her which she could have passed the time with. Maybe she should just go help Crais and Jool with the Boolite, seeing as there wasn't much she could change and if she did, things would likely occur anyway. She suddenly felt a tiny bit of jealously remembering Jool's flirtatious behaviour towards Crais while they worked on the Boolite, which made her mind up as she left for the med bay.

As Jess walked in Jool and Crais were attending to Naj Gil while Crichton watched.

"They are, but the skin hadn't fully healed from the removal of the heat gland. Whoever shot him knew exactly where to aim."

"Pilot, any sign of Rygel or Chiana?"

"Nothing. They are still not responding to their comms."

The Boolite started muttering

"What's he saying?"

"Beauty. So, so beautiful."

Pilot came over the comms "more pulse fire. The DRD watching the Peacekeeper tech has gone dead and the cell door's open."

"On my way Pilot. Get the DRDs searching." Crichton stopped in front of Jess "Who's the traitor?"

Before Jess could answer the Boolite babbled again "She betrayed us."

Crichton turned "She?"

"On pod. I caught her making a deal with tech."

"What's the name of the traitor? Name?"

"Orrhn." Jess whispered.

Crichton ran out of command "Rygel! Chiana! It's Orrhn, she sent the signals."

Jool turned to Jess, "and why didn't you think to tell us sooner!"

Crais immediately defended Jess "she can't intervene with the timeline." As he started to take his gown and gloves off.

"You're not really gonna leave the Boolite here like this are you?"

"Under the circumstances, he can wait. I'm going to assist in the search." Jess suddenly realising what was about to happen turned to find shelter as the tech knocked her out with the butt of the pulse riffle.

"For me!?"

"Jess!" Looking at her laying on the floor as the tech fired. Pushing Jool out the way "Move! Get down!"

As the Pod left the docking bay Crais ran over to Jess shaking her "Jess." She jumped awake groaning. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine, go, I'll be fine." As Crais and Jool ran off to command.

Jess slowly got up; her head was pounding. She walked over to Naj Gil, who was bleeding again. "Hey, relax. Let me look, you've reopened the wound." As she proceeded to bandage the gun shot again.

"Thank you."

With everyone back on board. Jess helped Crais and Jool reassemble the Boolite, much, she felt to Jool's displeasure, having been on the receiving end of some sarcastic comments directed towards her.

As they finished Crais checked on Jess trying his best not to show too much concern in front of Jool. "How's your head?"

"Pounding, but I'll be fine. Thank you."

As they were leaving Crichton sounded over the comms "Hey guys, can you all meet me in Pilots den please?"

Jess hung back by the entrance her arms folded across her chest while Crichton proceeded to tell the other his plan to stop Scorpius. She felt Crais glance over to her a few times but she couldn't bear to look at him.

"So that's what I'm doing. You don't have to come along, you don't have to like it. I just want you to know."

"Moya and I are against this idea in totality. I'm sure Captain Crais is aware that Talyn resists also."

"You don't know how far Scorpius is in his wormhole research. You don't know where he keeps it. You don't know anything. How are you gonna stop him?"

"I'll pass if you don't mind."

"Why are you wearing an eye patch?"

"Boolite in my eye. Why are you such a moron?"

"Guys…I don't see another option. Scorpius has the knowledge form my brain and I'm not gonna let him shaft the universe with it." With that, Aeryn walked to stand next to Crichton, Crais followed. Jess squeezed her arms tighter and clenched her jaw trying to remain neutral in case anyone was watching.

"You're all gonna die." Crais glared at Chiana wishing that he didn't have his back to Jess so he could gauge her response.

"You see that one Pip, or are you just guessing? We choose our own path. This one is mine. I'm going to the Command Carrier. I'm going to stop Scorpius."