The crew of Moya were in a small conference room set in a trading satellite. There had been a great deal of sometimes heated, discussion for several days previous to their docking there. John's restitution to full health from what he viewed as death, had initially poleaxed the crew. It was just something that never happened in their cultures. There were only two people who had had experience of anything that could have been even vaguely called metaphysical. Sout had collared Urana playing with the ogroop in one of Moya's passage.

"You and I need to talk young lady!"

She gave him a 'what me look', sighed and picked up Rool. Sout walked back to his quarters.

"Sit!"

She sat and Rool started grooming his whiskers.

"Now you knew what was going to happen didn't you?"

"Yes."

"You never mentioned it to anyone."

"I did try but no one wanted to listen only Crichton and I couldn't reassure him."

She pouted.

"They wouldn't have believed me anyway."

"It's difficult to imagine something outside your experience. Surely you can see that?"

She pondered for a microt or two.

"Suppose so."

"You knew what Scorpius was up as well?"

"Yes."

She stroked Rool.

"It's not unusual where I come from."

"Now that's something you've never told us about. They all think you don't remember."

"It was a long time ago."

"You're not telling me something."

She sighed.

"I think you'll understand. On my planet I belong to a sect called 'Watchers'. We can see things that are going to happen. I've seen an awful lot. Most of it bad. I can tell you Sout, if you have the choice to live a long time, don't take it."

"You're no child are you Urana?"

"Wish I were Sout."

She stretched.

"No I've lived in different bodies over the aeons. At the moment it suits me to be a little girl. No one worries if you hear everything and most people think you're cute. The ogroop makes a good amplifier too. They originally came from my world you know!"

"I suppose you know what those flying monstrosities were too."

"Sidols, they're supposed to be extinct."

"Evidently they're not."

"I suppose that hive might have been the last. I hope we never find out."

"I don't suppose you want me to tell Crais do you?"

She shook her head.

"He's enjoying looking after me. Why should I spoil his pleasure?"

"Why indeed. What happens when you're suppose to grow up?"

"I've decided to progress just like a Human. A shorter life. Not so long before I can be me again."

"I don't suppose you're going to show me your real form are you."

She kissed him on the nose.

"Maybe one day Sout. If you're a good boy!"

And with that he'd had to be satisfied. He was mulling this conversation over in his mind when he became aware that d'Argo was talking to him.

"You listening Sout?"

"Sorry. I was miles away. Go on!"

"I was saying that in the present situation he'd make a good ally."

"Yes but will Crichton ever take off his blinkers and see that fact?"

"You must remember that John's got little to like Scorpius for."

"Granted. But when it's a case of everyone's survival I thought that he might have been able to bury old animosity for a while."

"He's Human, he probably has different criteria."

"I should say that's inevitable."

On they other side of the room, Chiana, Aeryn, Crichton and Rygel were locked in discussion. Crais had elected the previous night to take Talyn for a period of tuition.

"I'll fall in with any plans you make, but Talyn needs more instruction on the rules of war."

"Wasn't aware there were any."

Crais had smiled grimly.

"Where the Scarrans are concerned there aren't. But I don't want Talyn getting over enthusiastic like he did with Sareel. I like our civillians to stay alive wherever possible."

Crichton had nodded and Crais and Talyn had left orbit. Aeryn was getting nowhere fast with John.

"Hell, I don't think so. I'd never feel comfortable with him around."

"I don't suppose he feels enthusiatic about you either."

Chiana was trying to defuse matters.

"You could work with Sareel."

"You'd hate that."

Aeryn groaned.

"Tell me is he naturally obstructive or is it acquired?"

Chiana shrugged.

"Most males are the same. Don't like to consider their point of view isn't the only one."

"I wasn't convinced at first. I mean what reason have we to trust him?"

"I find Scarrans a good reason. He's got more reasons to hate them than most."

"I should think what they did to Sareel was the clincher, but mr bonehead next to me won't accept that."

"He'd ditch Sareel if it suited him."

Aeryn looked uo to the ceiling. Finding no inspiration there she said finally, "Face it John, we need him and he needs us!"

"Convince me!"

Rygel had finally had enough.

"Does everyone on the ship have a vote?"

"Yeah, I suppose they do. Why?"

"Majority decision, that's what you've always said."

"This is too important."

"You're frelling right it's too important. It's too important for one individual who spends his time going round furthering his own ends to decide for us."

Aeryn and Chiana clapped him.

"Well done Rygel"

"You tell him."

Crichton was looking very subdued when the sound of footsteps was heard in the corridor.

"I think he's here."

Six pairs of eyes turned to the doorway. A figure in black walked confidently through and into the room. He surveyed the gathered crew and walked up to Crichton.

"Hello John."

"Scorpie!"

"Have you made your decision?"

"It's no go Scorpie. I'm never going to trust ye..owww!"

Rygel had launched his throne sled straight into Crichton's middle.

"I can see that the sentiment is far from unaminous."

Aeryn pushed a completely winded Crichton back onto his seat.

"There's only one dissenter."

"Crichton of course."

"You've got it. Now I'm not overjoyed about the prospect of working with you Scorpius, but in the present climate we see no alternative."

"An eminently rational conclusion. We need to make plans. I suggested a neutral meeting place to, well to allay any fears you might have regarding me."

Sout and d'Argo came across. D'Argo shook his head.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day when I'd willingly help you."

"Mutual enemies create unusual alliances. It would not be my choice normally. However to business. I'm interested to hear any ideas you might have."

Chiana looked across at him.

"Where's Sareel?"

"Modifying her wormhole producer. She thinks we're going to need it."

"Is she really all right?"

"Restored completely and determined to trounce the Scarrans. She's furious at what they did to her."

"Oh boy! Sareel on the warpath! That'll make for rational thinking!"

"On the contrary John. I've never known her think more clearly. She made a completely sensible suggestion to me yesterday."

Rygel moved up.

"And what pray's that! As you can see we're just awash with ideas."

"There does appear to be a definite lack of them. Sareel said that in her opinion the best place to set up base would be on Earth."

"Aw come on Scorpie. It's light years away."

"Oh agreed John, but when you've got a stable means of wormhole production, well surely you can see the advantages?"

Crichton shook his head.

"No I can't. Why don't you run them by me?"

Scorpius glanced at Aeryn, who just nodded.

"I'm surprise he hasn't driven you all apart, if this is his normal behaviour. As Sareel pointed out the Scarrans have aleady been there, they are most unlikely to return. The climate will suit most of our personnel and the survivors there will need guidance."

Crichton raised his eyebrows.

"Oh yes John there will be surviviors. Isolated pockets of disorientated people, seeking leadership."

"Scorpius for President. I can just see it."

"Crichton unless it had eluded you completely, we're talking survival, not power politics. That can wait until we are all secure again."

Sout was intrigued by the idea.

"Moya and Talyn would form a good delivery system for troops, that is if they agree."

Scorpius looked surprised.

"Is there any reason why they shouldn't."

Chiana muttered to the table, "Moya loses interest in what we're doing sometimes."

Suddenly there was the sound of running feet and a Peackekeeper trooper of Scorpiu's brigade burst into the room.

"Sorry Sir. There's an urgent message for you."

Scorpius noticed that there was a viewer in the room.

"Have it patched through here."

"But Sir it's top security."

Scorpius gestured with his arm.

"One doesn't keep information from allies!"

"If you're sure Sir."

"Completely. Do it."

Aeryn switched the viewer on and the face of a dishevelled Braca appeared. The cabin behind him was in chaos. On seeing Scorpius relief flooded his face.

"Sir I went to give High Command your suggestions, but it was too late."

"What do you mean too late Braca."

"The Scarrans have taken two outer colonies and Sebbeus."

Sharp intake of breath from Scorpius.

"The current situation?"

"Your spies that are still in place think they are going after the Gammak bases next."

"Then set course for Alphi Set with the base.The engines Sareel fitted should be on line. And advise Harvey to do the same. His base has propulsion as standard. Any news from Ak Ba?"

"He says he's safe enough for the present. And Sir, there are a large number of carriers and assorted vessels making for the base. They had no choice but to run. Decided that saving hardware and trained personnel was more in order than an heroic last stand."

"Very sensible. Tell them also to make for Alphi Set."

"And you Sir?"

"Sareel and I will meet you there."

The screen went blank.

"And you still think there's no threat John?"

"I never said there wasn't a threat. Just that I fancied my chances more with the Scarrans than you."

Scorpius walked swiftly up to him.

"What ever you do John, never trust the Scarrans. Oh I can see your point, but if you want a death that's extremely painful go ahead. They've wiped out many of your race. You really think they'll have any compunction about wiping out your miserable life? In your inferior mind I'm the epitome of all that's bad, just give a thought to what they've done and then make your choice. I'm trying to save civilisations, what are you offering?"

Crichton looked subdued.

"Well go on John, tell him. What are you going to do to save the day?"

"Yes John we're all agog to hear."

Crichton turn on his heel and walked out of the room. Rygel sniffed.

"Well that's the first time I've ever known Crichton at a loss for words!"

"To coin a phrase, 'There's always a first for everything"'.

"I suggest we get in touch with Sareel. The first thing would seem to be to get Moya and Talyn to Earth and set up a base planet side. Then Sareel and I will meet the base and the remains of the Far Fleet and take them through the wormhole."

"Harvey?"

"He'll be somewhat at risk he has a great deal further to travel, but if I gauge him correctly he'll have made contingency plans. We'll collect him when he arrives."

"I hate to raise the point but are you certain the Scarrans don't have a wormhole?"

He looked at her shrewdly.

"No Captain Sun, I'm not totally certain, but I feel they would have moved sooner if they had the technology. But that doesn't mean that they aren't close. Speed and surprise may be of the essence!"

Aeryn nodded.

"Crais would agree with you there!"

"Where is the good captain?"

"Giving Talyn some lessons in strategy."

"Extremely enterprising. That ship may yet fulfil the reason for his conception."

"We can expect Sareel on board then?"

"If you and the rest of your crew set up a land base, I'll join you with Gammak1. It will be placed in orbit round the planet and form a good base for the ships"

"If you say so!"

"You don't agree"

Aeryn shrugged.

"Someone's got to take charge, if John won't then you're next best."

"Should I take that as a compliment."

"It's the nearest thing you'll get to one from me."

Scorpius gave a little chuckle, his eyes were sparkling.

"Quite an admission, my dear Aeryn."

*******************

Being back in a body was a strange sensation. All those weeken of having no sensory input had initially caused problems. My co-ordination had taken a day or two to return. I couldn't use my tools properly and simple things like eating had proved difficult. Scorpie had been brilliant. He made sure that I wasn't disturbed until I was more myself. Only Braca was allowed in. He was distinctly ill at ease.

"What's the matter? Touch me if you're not certain about me. I'm one hundred per cent solid."

"I'm sorry, it's just that things like that have just never occurred in Sebbacian knowledge."

"As Scorpius would say, 'There's always a first for everything!' At this moment in time extremely apt, and if it gives you a crumb of comfort, it's unheard of in Vaud history too."

"I believe it has happened in Earth history. Something in the memories Scorpius took from Crichton."

"He should be comfortable at coming back from the dead then!  I'd have loved to seen the expression on High Command's face when you told them of our return."

He looked at me strangely.

"They were flabbergasted.  The official version is that Scorpius found a solution to your problem and then passed out due to a malfunction of his neurotube.There's something different about you.  Where's yours?"

"Good question.  I seem to have been put back together again as I originally was.  The chips are now also an integrated part of me, and I no longer have  three separate personalities. They're all amalgamated in the one."

"Is that a problem?"

"Could be. Until I get the full measure of them, don't be surprised if I glow when I'm angry."

"And the personality Scorpius created."

"The logical rationale remains, the rest has been rather blended into my own."

"Why has Scorpius still got his neurotube?"

I shook my head.

"All I can think of is that mine did different things to his.  Perhaps there's a limit to what can be achieved."

This conversation had served to re-assure me that I was still accepted in the Peacekeeper ranks. Braca had always had a personal struggle to accpt the fact that Scorpius a hybrid was his chief. It was a difficult fact for a xenophobic Peacekeeper to accept. I think my apparent acceptance had been easier as my looks weren't dissimilar to theirs. Anyway after a day or two co-ordination had returned, old familiar patterns re-established and I was ready for work. When I heard about Scorpius's imminent meeting with Moya's crew I was eager to join him, however he refuse to let me accompany him.

"Crichton's stubborn enough without you around, my dear."

"And just what does that mean?"

"I need his co-operation and I don't want him to have, shall we say, negative feelings when he sees you."

"As far as I remember his feelings towards me have never been negative!"

"Somewhat ambivalent perhaps?"

"That's not my problem."

He'd spread his hands.

"I wish to make him feel as comfortable as I can."

I glanced at him. I wasn't certain whether there was a hint of a smile or not.

"Perhaps you should have thought of that before putting him in the Aurora Chair."

He came close to me.

"You would do well Sareel to remember that to all intents and purposes he was an intruder, a spy in my base. What else could I have done? I wasn't to know than just how intertwined our existences would become. Yours either!"

I had felt very vulnerable when he said this and tears had formed in my eyes. He'd touched my cheek and gathered me into his arms.

"It's for your own good. You have a rather unfortunate way of viewing events which could put you in danger."

I'd sniffled.

"I don't understand!"

"You are, not to put a gloss on it, sentimental. Refusing to realise that your enemy wants your demise or trying to find a rational reason for it, can be fatal."

"Oh I do try. It was easy when I could just slip into the personality you'd made for me, but now I see all the pros and cons and different courses of action."

"Which could be disasterous when immediate action is required. I don't want to lose you again!"

"You really mean that don't you Scorpius!"

I'd been surprised at his tone when he'd said it. For someone who apparently despised sentimentality, it had a decidedly emotional ring to it.

"I need to know you are safe in order to concentrate on my work", had been the reply. He was giving nothing away. I'd given the matter quite a bit of thought and realised that my feelings towards Zip Tok and Scarrans in general were more murderous than sentimental. I didn't think Scorpius need worry on my acount.

So I'd launched into modifying the wormhole machine. I now had, as had Scorpius, the full equations for forming the vortex and for creating the negative gravity shield around the singularity. There was no phase destabilisation and matter in any form suffered no degradation. Also the machine no longer had to be individually coded, though for security purposes I was insisting that they could only be actived be chosen individuals.

The next thing I was going to work on was the rather knotty problem of giving Peacekeer vessels some capacity similar to Moya's starburst. Scorpius's maurauder and my prowler had it, but the technical problems surrounding the translation of the technology to encompass such large vessels were enormous. I settled down on Gammak 1 to await the rendevous at Alphi Set. Once there, I was to activate the wormhole and take the remnants of the Outer Fleet, the base and anyone else who was lucky enough to have made the rendezvous, through to Earth.

Part 2

"I've been thinking."

Aeryn glanced at Crichton.

"Oh is that meant to mean something?"

"About the best place to site a base on earth!"

She straightened up from the gear she was sorting on the docking bay floor.

"All that to do with Scorpius and now you want to help! I'll never understand you John."

He shrugged and picked up a pulse rifle.

"I got to thinking. Couldn't get to sleep. Kept turning it over and over. We need a place that's comfortable for Sebbaceans, has good growing land, reasonable rainfall, near a university if possible, for the labs and what equipment's left. Too much to hope that there'll be any power or anything like that left working."

"I should think that wouldn't matter. Plenty of portable fusion power packs around."

"I think that the naval base at Norfolk should be a good starting place. That's if it's still there."

"After your total lack of interest I'm surprised you took the trouble to think at all!"

"Aw knock it off Aeryn. I was disorientated. It's not every day you come back from the dead!"

"Yes I know John. I also remember. Vividly!"

"Hell Aeryn. I'd forgotten. Seems so long ago."

"You'll get used to it. The feeling of everything being new, being different. But I tell you John you'll never be the same as you were previously."

"Suppose that's true.. But I just can't bring myself to trust Scorpius. No way!"

"Well it could prove difficult at times, but we're fighting for our very existence. I don't think it's in his interests to betray us. This time we all have the same goals."

"Survival?"

"It's the best reason possible."

"Crichton!"

"Yes Pilot."

"We're approaching Alphi Set. There appear to be a number of vessels and Scorpius's Gammak base. Should I hail it?"

"Please. We need to know just what's going to happen."

They made their way to the command area. The screen sprang to life and Sareel's face greeted them.

"What no Scorpie?"

She grinned.

"Busy organising the Peacekeepers. You'd never believe the disarray they're in. Damage the command structure and they all go down like cards in pilochi."

"There's a surprise!"

"How are we going to do this Sareel?"

"Well have you got any idea where to go?"

"I was discussing it with Aeryn a little while back. If it's still standing there's a naval facility which should make a good base."

"Well I suggest you take Moya and Talyn through first. Have a look at this place. Give Scorpius about a day to sort out the squabbling and we'll join you."

Aeryn looked worried.

"Doesn't that put you at risk?"

"Don't think one day's going to make much difference. The Scarrans are celebrating their victories or so the remnants of the fleet report, so they'll think everyone's in total disarray."

"I'm sorry about Sebbeus. I think I might have had relatives. My father I believe came from there."

Sareel shrugged her shoulders.

"Don't know anything about it. Never been there. I'd not be surprised if they didn't make an assault on Vaud next. That'll certainly give the elders more to worry about that what I'll get up to."

"Hey have you heard from Harvey? He'was supposed to be making his way here too."

"Well I got a message from an extremely well groomed Prelian today. Yes he's fine. Says he has a surprise for you Crichton."

"Oh boy I wonder what that'll be. He seems to have developed a weird sense of humour."

"Must have been living in your head. I suppose it was inevitable that you'd both absorb some part of each other."

"I do not have a weird sense of humour!"

"No?"

"No!"

"Well there were the Feill amphibians we found in our sleeping couches and what about ..."

"OK I get the drift. I'll be as sober as a judge. Scout's honour."

"If you're ready I induct the wormhole."

"Fine I'll inform Crais."

****************

"So that's the first time Moya's been through a non temporally adjusted wormhole is it Pilot?"

"Yes Crichton. She says it was a strange feeling, but not unpleasant."

"Can you bring the viewer up?"

"Certainly."

Crichton peered into the screen and gave a low whistle.

"Gone they've all gone!"

"What have gone?"

"See, take a look for yourself Aeryn. You can seen where all the large cities used to be."

"Frell. They don't leave much do they."

He brought up the magnification as they passed over each continent.

"Less damage in the Southern hemisphere. I think some cities may still be partially standing."

"Where were you suggesting we go?"

He pointed to the series of bays and inlets that were Norfolk, Virginia.

"As far as I can see the buildings are still standing. Crais, can you see that too?"

"Yes Crichton. I agree it looks a suitable place to make a start."

"Ships in geosynchronos orbit then?"

"Talyn's already carrying out that manoeuvre."

"As is Moya. Crichton, Moya says that this is indeed an ideal place to start."

"Yeah, well it's full of old memories too!"

Aeryn went and collected a pulse rifle, a pistol and some frag grenades.

"Why the the arsenal? This isn't Pharas."

"If as Scorpius seemed to think there would be survivors, I doubt that they will be feeling exactly friendly toward strangers!"

"You've got a point!"

Sout, d'Argo, Chiana and Urana were waiting by the transport pod when they arrived. Rygel zipped in at speed.

"Oh good I'm not too late."

"You haven't missed the boat Sparky."

D'Argo was evidently of the same opinion as Aeryn and had his qualta blade slung over his shoulder. Urana was holding Rool. The descent was quick and they put down on what Crichton said had been the parade ground. Chiana got out first, she shook herself.

"Brrr it's cold."

She put her hand into a pile of snow.

"Frell that's even colder. What is that stuff?"

"Snow. Same stuff as on the ice planet."

"You never said earth was frozen!"

"Here it's seasonal. Comes and goes."

"Well it can go as soon as it likes."

Aeryn didn't seem to notice the chill.

"Those buildings?"

"Barracks. They housed the men."

"We can put the Peacekeepers there."

"Should suit them."

She looked around and pointed at a smaller building.

"That one?"

"Probably officers quarters or admistrative area."

Urana ran on ahead. Rool was bounding over the wind driven mounds of snow. Occasasionally diving headlong into one and coming up with ice crystals all over his snout. She opened the door to the smaller building.

"Oh look! What's that?"

Crichton and the others followed her in.

"It's an anchor."

"It's big. What do they use it for?"

"Well you know when we're at a space station we use anchor cables!"

"Yes."

"Well this does the same for a ship on the sea."

They left her peering at it as they started an inspection of the rooms.

"It seems to have been lodgings for VIP's and top brass."

"Mmmph. Looks suitable. Shall we make this our base?"

Crais had already dumped his small bag in one of the rooms.

"I'll go and get the two spare fusion generators from Moya and Talyn. There should be somewhere to connect them."

"Er fine Crais. You do that."

He left the building and made for the transport.

"Well is there?"

Crichton and Aeryn were alone. The others had all wandered off to stake their claims on rooms.

"Is there what?"

"Somewhere to link power in."

"Probably in the cellar."

"Shall we go and look?"

"What for."

"Well you know, so that we can tell Crais when he returns."

"I've got a better idea."

He ran his finger down her nose and halted on her top lip.

"Not now John."

"No? Give me one good reason why not. The others are off on reconnaisance, Crais off the planet."

He opened the door to one of the rooms. It was as if it had just been left. The duvet was neatly turned down. He buried his face into hers.

"You wouldn't deny a reborn man the chance to find himself again would you?"

"You don't need an excuse John."

"Is that a yes?"

"What the frell!"

"Whoops, sorry. I'll get him."

Rool had charged up the curtains. Urana was closely in pursuit. She grabbed the bundle of chestnut fur just before he leapt onto the wardrobe.

"Bad Rool!"

She looked innocently at Aeryn and John who were still holding onto each other.

"He's naughty sometimes. Chiana and I've got a room. I'll take him back there."

"Yes you do that Urana."

Crichton called to her as she was leaving.

"Any chance of a couple of ahns peace ?"

She turned and gave him a winning smile.

"Don't get too carried away Crichton!"

He pointed after her.

"There are times when she seems less like a child than a minx!"

"Old head on young shoulders?"

"Yeah something like that. Now where were we?"

Aeryn slid her hand down the top of his trousers.

"About here I think and getting bolder and bigger."

"Ah now that's my kind of talk Aeryn Sun."

*************

Scorpius had finally installed order into the remnants of the fleet and organised a chain of command. He sat down on his chair with an air of resignation.

"I shall never understand the soldier mentality."

Sareel looked up from her meal.

"Go on surprise me!"

"They've all be shot at, strafed and generally knocked about and all I could get out of the last surviving major general was, ' Theirs uniforms are a disgrace and their boots need polish!'."

"I suppose he has to cling onto something familiar."

"He might like to cling onto the fact that we're all fighting for out lives and the continuation of our societies."

"Who's in charge?"

Scorpius looked at the toes of his boots. Sareel managed to resist a grin.

"Who's in charge?"

"I heard you the first time. You know how accute my hearing is."

"Well."

Scorpius turned away from her and muttered, "Me."

"Oh my they must be desperate."

Scorpius glared at her.

"Well you know how xenophobic they are and they want you, a hybrid to lead them!"

"Don't gloat my dear. It doesn't suit you."

"No Scorpius."

"Anyway you're second in command and Crichton's number three. Why, what's the matter Sareel, food gone the wrong way?

It had indeed and she was choking, finally she caught her breath.

"Scorpie, I'm a technician and an alien at that and Crichton's another alien. What's happening?"

"I'll tell you what's happeneing Sareel. They're scared, extremely scared and they're finally realising where their salvation lies. Not in the hands of the military, but in the hands of technicians and scientists and engineers. We can make or break them. We finally have the power they've always denied us!"

"I haven't noticed you were short of power!"

"Always grudgingly given, my dear."

"Oh well the Peacekeepers will never be the same again."

"Nothing will ever be the same again."

"I suppose not. When do you want to send everyone through?"

"Oh I thought in another twelve ahns providing we don't get a message to the contrary from Crichton."

"And if we do?"

"We go anyway. I'm certain there isn't a better place to set up base."

**************************

 "I'm telling you John, we've got to keep our minds on the job in hand!"

"Oh I am."

"Yes well your idea of the the job in hand and my idea of what constitutes it are evidently different."

"Aw come on Aeryn. The others are snug as bugs in a rug, luxuriating in their rooms."

"And the sooner we finish this then sooner we can go back to our rooms."

He patted her ass.

"I said no John. Just what's come over you? Since you came back from the Eye you've been insatiable."

"Thought you'd lost the old Peacekeeper reserve. Maybe I was wrong."

"John watch my mouth. I said rooms. That means one each. I've no worries about being with you at all now, but when I want to. I can't just turn it on you know."

He turned an imaginary clockwork key in her back.

"Looks like your spring's gone."

She couldn't help but smile, though she hid her face from him.

"Pass the coil connector, this is the last splice."

*********************

Rygel and Sout were busy hunting down the kitchen.

"Don't suppose there'll be anything edible still there. Anything fresh will have gone off by now. "

"Rygel I don't like to point this out but..."

The Hynearean rounded on the Morgul.

"Yes go on. Just what were you going to say?"

"Well don't take it personally by some of the things you've eaten since I've been on Moya have been less than fresh."

"Some thing are better for a little maturity."

"In my experience maturity usually means smelly."

They entered a large well appointed kitchen and Rygel spread his arms in appreciation.

"Plenty of preparation area. Now if only..."

He pottered off on his sled. Sout opened a cupboard. There were rows of cans. Fruit, vegetables and meat.

"Rygel I think I've struck gold."

"Nothing to what I've found."

Sout joined him. He'd opened a chest freezer. It was full of food and it was still frozen.

"I thought there was no power."

"Well something's working this beauty. Ah fresh food. Delightful."

"Just keep your thieving hands off my stores."

Sout and Rygel turned to face the source of the voice and saw a huge individual with a thick red beard and long hair and a hunting rifle. His mouth opened and shut again when he saw them in front of him.

"Friggin' hell! What are you?"

Rygel decided to take the initiative and moved his sled towards the man. He stopped dead when the saw the rifle being waved.

"My dear sir, we're merely travellers seeking refuge from an invasive horde. And we find ourselves needing sustenance."

The man snorted.

"You come from a circus or something?"

He looked momentarily confused.

"Was forgettin'. That was before them there reptiles took every one."

He suddenly looked fiecely at them.

"But you ain't takin' my vittals!"

A voice came from behind him in the doorway.

"Just put the rifle down slowly and you won't get hurt!"

The bearded man started, thought about trying to turn and shoot and thought better of it. He slowly lowered the rifle to the ground. Crichton and Aeryn walked into the kitchen, Aeryn covering the man.

"Well, the old man of the mountains. A bit out of your range aren't you."

The bearded man took in the Human and the Sebbacian.

"You look normal. Tell me how do you work those two? They automatons or sommat?"

Crichton put a hand on his shoulder.

"We're making here a base. With a secure base we can fight the Scarrans."

"Scarrans? Them lizardy things?"

"Yeah."

"Well boy, any enemy of theirs is a friend of mine!"

Aeryn walked over to where the others were standing. She'd decided that the man was no threat. He looked at her and gave a toothy smile.

"Say girl, you look real sexy with that big gun."

"She knows how to use it too."

The bearded giant chuckled.

"I'll just bet she does. By the bye they call me Elmer. Elmer Grunge."

Part 3

From talking to Elmer Grunge, Crichton and the others learnt that there was a small group of people sheltering in a large farmhouse about a mile from the base.

"We’ve got a mixture. All sorts. Got an e- lec-tric-ian too. It was him who fixed up the freezer. Generator in the outhouse by the side. I come twice a week to fill the tank."

"What happens when the gas runs out? When there’s no more go-go juice?"

"Boy we’ve got enough to last us at least two years. Yeah we got the local holding tanks. Gas, diesel, aviation fuel. You name it, we got it."

Aeryn looked at Crichton.

"Sounds promising John."

"Yeah, well what are these folk doing?"

Elmer looked at the ground.

"Well I don’t rightly know. They’re confused."

"Scorpius was right!"

D’Argo’s voice boomed out as he appeared in the doorway. Elmer nearly collapsed when he saw him.

"I’m going. More monsters."

Crichton took hold of his arm.

"No, no not monsters. Ka d’Argo is a Luxan warrior, the little greenish slug on the sled is Dominar Rygel the sixteenth, Hynearean. Aeryn here is Sebbacian, the black and gold one with the gold crest’s Sout. He’s a Morgul. And there are also Chiana, Urana and Crais who’ve yet to put in and appearance."

Comprehension began to dawn on the big man’s face.

"Now let me get this straight Johhny boy. You’re telling me these are all aliens, like them lizard folk. You alien too?"

"No I’m from here, but I’ve been away. You want to beat the Scarrans?"

"Sure do!"

"Then help us!

"How?"

"These folk of yours, they’ve different trades?"

"Yeah, a bit of everything. Couple of farmers, a guy who works in a nuclear plant, an engineer, mechanic, oil man, couple of girl typists. Pretty little things, scared outta their wits, a retired general. Oh and a couple of naval types. Then there’s their families, one of the wives is a doctor."

"So what’s stopping them organising themselves?"

"Shock I think. They need driving, just like a herd of frightened mustangs. Need leadership, telling what to do."

"You’re capable, you’re not shocked, you do it."

He shook his head.

"Needs someone educated, who’s used to command."

"You were told John. You’re the one."

"Thanks d’Argo. You’ve just landed me right in it. Elmer can you get them down here tomorrow? About ten o’clock?"

The woodsman nodded.

"See no problem in that."

He turned to go, Rygel slid up to him.

"Does that mean we can use the food?"

"Hey little fella, you can’t eat that much, sure go ahead."

"Oh boy have you just made a big mistake."

"What’s that Johhny boy?"

Aeryn supplied the answer.

"Rygel may be small but he’s got the appitite of a Fevolan sulan."

Crichton saw the puzzled look on Elmer’s face.

"Sorta like an elephant."

"Aw go ahead. If friends can’t help each other something’s wrong."

He walked through the door.

"Well that’s very civil! Who’s going to cook?"

Urana had been lolling against a door jamb with Rool in her arms.

"I’ll do it!"

"Fine I’ll help you."

"Thanks Chiana. Going to need quite a bit with everyone here.

*************

The last of the assorted civillian and Peacekeeper vessels had been sent throught the wormhole. Sareel turned to the Commander in the scanning room. She’d installed the engine controls there.

"You can initiate fire up now and through at full power."

"Aye ma’am. Initiating."

Sareel turned to Scorpius.

"You say you’d had a message from Harvey?"

"He sends you his regards and estimates time of arrival in another twelve ahns."

"I’ll set the wormhole up and take the prowler through to meet him then."

"I hope he keeps his distance."

"Why do you say that?"

"It’s like being faced with a mirror of yourself only with subtle differences caused by close proximity to Crichton’s mind.

He shook his head.

"Extremely disconcerting!"

"Well you caused it to happen."

"It was never intended to survive."

"You miscalculated!"

"I seldom miscalculate. No rather it was a case of total ignorance. I never even thought of the consequences."

"That was arrogant."

He moved up close behind her.

"I wouldn’t take that from any one but you."

"I know. But I’m your sounding board. I’m safe. You know you can trust me!"

"You’re devious Sareel. Can I trust you?"

"As much as I can trust you Scorpie", she added with a bright smile and turned to watch the viewer as they entered the shimmering, twisting mouth of the wormhole.

***********

The small group of disorientated Humans who’d gathered in the kitchen of the house, became even more subdued when they saw d’Argo.

"It’s OK! He won’t bite."

"He’s so big", whispered one of the children.

Chiana knelt down by the boy. He looked at her wide eyed and tentatively touched her face.

"You sick or something?"

She shook her head.

"I’m a Nebari. We’re all this colour."

He looked at her, then at his father.

"Dad, she’s fine."

Sout saw the muscles in the man’s neck relax as he realised that they weren’t all going to be massacred by this new invasion. Elmer spoke up.

"Well these folk may look different but they want to kick those scaly bastards where it hurts."

Aeryn nodded.

"We all want that, but we’ll have to wait for the Gammak bases and the remains of the Far Fleet before we can do anything."

One of the women spoke up.

"Where’re all these folk coming from?"

"A different part of the galaxy."

"But that’s impossible. The time factor."

"There are ways, believe me, to travel from one place to another, in the virtual blink of an eye."

"Say Ma it’s like you used to tell us. Warp speed’s not a fairy tale."

Crichton laughed.

"It makes Star Trek look like a load of bull shit. This is through a wormhole."

The woman was suddenly interested. Her son piped up with, "Ma used to work for NASA. She’s an astrophysicist."

"A wormhole? How do you avoid the singularity?"

"You’ll have to ask Sareel or Scorpius when they arrive, I only know part of the story."

The people were now beginning to relax. A bull necked man made made his way forward.

"Son you may not believe this but I was a Colonel in the Marines. I’d like to help in any way I can."

Crais had arrived on the scene and immediately picked up on this.

"Are there many survivors in the area?"

The military man thought for a second or two.

"I’d say about five hundred within about twenty miles. There seems to be a virtual desert with regard to people after that. At the moment they’ve got enough food, we’ve seen to that, but they need long term organisation. I’d say having you people here will provide that."

"Do you think there’d be volunteers to fight?

"Oh sure, but they’ll need training and I have the feeling that this war’s going to be like nothing I’ve ever experienced."

Crichton stretched.

"What exactly’s left? Any idea?"

"Well the schools and University campus are intact. Got everything just as it was. You see there’s no one to loot. Elmer’s probably told you we’ve got plenty of gas and Bob’s getting the power station running."

He looked at the ceiling.

"Well he seems to think he can. Seems the engineers pushed all the control rods into the reactor when these ships appeared in the sky."

"It’s nuclear?"

"A small one the navy put in as a safeguard against power cuts. Bob’s an optomist."

Crais coughed impatiently.

"Well that’s not an immediate problem. I’ve no doubt we can supply sufficient power when the bases get here. Have you weapons?"

"Aw Crais, Earth weapons will hardly scratch the Scarrans and their ships. Anyway we’ve got nothing that’ll fire in space."

"Son I beg to differ. How about the Star Wars project?"

"Hell that was shelved years ago."

"Well so everyone was led to believe. They did manage to get a shot or two off against the... er...Scarrans? Quite effective, but much too late. Seems the president wouldn’t give his permission to use it."

"Typical. Peackeepers always tried to circumvent politicians."

The colonel looked at her.

"I can see you’re military. Can’t miss the bearing!"

"Yes well that was in the past. We’ve got to start planning. How does this weapon work?"

The colonel took her outside explaining how the satellite targeting system worked. Crichton raised his eyebrows to Crais, who just shrugged.

********************************

I could tell that Scorpius was feeling more confident when he’d got the Gammak base finally in orbit and the ships clustered round it. I’d finally got the packs of basic equipment organised. We could see Moya and Talyn on the view screen. The planet looked a lot different from my last brief excursion. The signs of devastation were also apparent.

"They don’t leave a lot after a visit, Scorpius."

"I know. I’ve seen it all before. The desolation and destruction. The shattered species. In many case they totally anilhilate the planet’s remaining population after they’ve taken their slaves. That’s how the Bannaks started being a subservient slave race."

"Talking of Bannaks. I wonder what happened to Stark. Why did he throw in his lot with the Scarrans?"

"We’ll probably never know the answer to that one. There’s a great deal more to that stykera than meets the eye. That’s why I kept him so long, trying to fathom out exactly what it was."

"In many ways I miss him. He was like a mirror for me, a sounding board."

"But he caused you a great deal of...er..discomfort."

"Don’t beat about the bush Scorpius. He sold me to the Scarrans. And I’d dearly like to know why."

"Ah I begin to see your interest. You want revenge!"

I looked at him, revenge was the last thing I wanted. What would it achieve?

""No, I don’t want that."

He looked puzzled.

"Then what is it that you do want if not revenge?"

"Well I’m just...curious."

"Curious?"

"Yes. If I can understand why then we may learn more about him."

"There’s a certain logic to that, but my dear Sareel surely revenge would be sweet?"

"Tell me truthfully Scorpie, just what you’ve felt when you’ve taken revenge."

"I’ve never had the revenge I seek. I wanted to kill Zip Tok and when we were on Pharas I thought I’d succeeded, but..."

He hesitated.

"Well?"

"I was more angry about what he’d done to you. It wasn’t revenge for my mother’s death. It was fury at what he’d done to you. I admit it my girl."

"So you want to decimate the Scarran nation in retribution?"

He sat down. I’d never seen him look more agitated and upset.

"No, no. What would that achieve? If we can contain them and survive, perhaps we can persuade them to stop being aggressive."

I snorted.

"Easier I’d have thought to get a river to run backwards."

"Then you’ve as little faith in a treaty with the Scarrans as I have. The remnants of High Command want to do just that. They want us to return."

I sat down on the arm of the chair.

"Scorpius, I’ll say this just once. If you do that then you’re definitely not the man I thought you were, the man I respect and others fear. Crichton would say ‘What are you man or mouse?’ I definitely couldn’t look up to a mouse!"

He clasped my hand hard.

"Good that’s what I’d hoped to hear from you. Then we rally our troops and fight?"

"We do. It won’t be easy, but now you’ve got some discipline back in the Peacekeepers. We’ve got a chance. The only problem is replacing casualties."

"There’ll be recruits from all over the planet if what I found in Crichton is prevalent. They won’t give in. Stubborn to a fault!"

"That may well prove to be a blessing."

He stroked my cheek.

"On that I’ll agree though I never thought I’d ever hear myself say it."

"Oh well we’ll get the troops down to this base tomorrow. Let them recuperate while the techs repair the ships."

"Is there somewhere we can use as a workshop and laboratory?"

"Crichton felt sure there would be, but we’ll have to see when we get down there."

"I feel sure that you’ll solve the starburst problem."

"Then you’ve more faith than I have! Have you no ideas on that one?"

He chuckled.

"I know this won’t surprise you but I’ve been so absorbed by wormholes, that propulsion systems have never even crossed my mind."

"You’re forgiven. But you’ve got your wormhole now, so what next?"

"Refinements and another little project that may have implications on your starburst project."

"You know I could do with Crichton’s Furlow."

"What a strange things to want. From what I gather she’s totally self centered and mercenary."

"Well who’s she going to sell things to now? The Scarrans will just take what they want from her, she’d never survive unless she’s in hiding somewhere."

"She’s a good scientist then?"

"She’s a frelling good engineer and I need one to help me. I can’t do it all on my own."

"Well some of my agents are still in place. I’ll ask them to keep their ears open for news of her."

"Speaking of agents, what about Ak Ba?"

"Well as far as I can make out, he’s running a convalescent facility. Says he’s in the best place for hot gossip."

"I hope he takes care. If they ever discovered that he was on our side they’d shred him into little pieces."

"Agreed, he’s a survivor!"

"You’re sure about that?"

"My dear totally. One thing about Scarrans is that they survive where others would fall away like melting ice."

"I suppose that’s rubbed off on you too."

"Oh indubitably. Now enough of business. I thought we could pass the time in recreation."

I got up but he still grasped my hand.

"I thought we could play klakkan."

"Oh games are definitely the thing Sareel!"

"You’re laughing at me."

"That was not the game I had in mind."

He pulled me onto his lap and snarled.

"I’d prefer this."

He kissed me voraciously and I resigned myself to an evening of vigorous action. That had been one of the things I missed most when I’d been in pieces. It’s horrible to want and not to be able to do. I was determined to make up for lost time!

Part 4

The Peacekeeper troops settled in easily to the barracks. They'd been demoralised and the reasonably comfortable quarters, well comfortable compared to those of a command carrier, were what was needed. Their officers wisely gave them a few days to recuperate before starting on a vigorous training programme. Crichton even volunteered to show them how to play baseball and it soon became a favourite recreation.

The Human community, now it had a sense of direction, also began the process of healing. Families used work to help ease the pain of seeing loved ones wrenched away from them. Two farmers and a mechanic had taken farmland near to the base and were busy with the seasonal tasks. The snow had departed much to Chiana's relief and the farmers were ploughing ready to sow grain and other crops. Tractors and other vehicles had been acquired.

The Peacekeepers had prove to also be ingenious. They'd converted jeeps and cars to fusion power. Fossil fuels had long ago been used up on most of the planets they ruled. There was a slow trickle of folk joining the little community. Those Humans who were seeking a catharsis or revenge, Scorpius thought the latter would lead to the former, joined a small group of trainees. The Humans now had a small but viable commune working. Skills and trades were bartered, as currency had little meaning to them as this early stage.

Crichton had a class to inform them about the diversity of species to be found in the galaxy and it was after one of these that Aeryn found him skimming stones on a small nearby lake.

"What are you doing?"

He flipped a flat stone casually across the surface of the water.

"Little trick my Dad taught me when I was a boy."

She watched, fascinated.

"Why don't they sink right away? After all they're much heavier."

"You've got to get it just right. The angle, the speed and the stone. Here you try."

He handed her a stone. Aeryn watched him and attempted to emulate his throw. Her stone sank in a flurry of ripples as it touched the water. She tried several times without success.

"Here let me show you."

He stood behind her and took hold of her arm.

"You hold it like this and then pitch it like this!"

The stone skimmed several times over the surface of the lake before sinking. Crichton wrapped his arms round her.

"Can't go on like this you know!"

"I suppose not. What do you suggest we do?"

"Hell Aeryn, if I've said it once, I said it a thousand times. Be mine."

"Can't do John."

"Why the frell not?"

"I can't guarantee that I'll only want you. Much as I care about you now, I can't guarantee that I won't be attracted to someone else too."

"Crais!" "Not necessarily Crais, John. Someone I've yet to meet, anyone!"

"Then Aeryn Sun I'll settle for what you can give me."

"You may get hurt John."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take."

"If you're sure!"

"I am."

They stood in silence by the lake as the late winter sun started setting. Words were superflous, the being was all they needed.

******************

I was on Gammak one, when I was hailed by a familiar voice.

"Harvey! Oh my it's good to see you. Did you have any difficulty getting away?"

"Minimal trouble, Sareel. And may I say it's good to see you looking your old self again. I heard what happened."

"The real version or the Peacekeeper sanitised version."

"Oh the real version, courtesy of Ak Ba. You know he's got a thriving convalescent facility. A real hot bed of Scarran gossip."

"Yes I'd heard that. But how the frell's he going to get the information out?"

Our well groomed Prelian yawned and grinned.

"Well I believe you've got an ogroop and a small girl called Urana?"

"Yes but how did you know?"

"Our tame Scarran's also mysteriously obtained an ogroop. Seems they can communicate with each other, aided by your child Urana."

"Even without a communications wormhole?"

"Even without."

He twirled his whiskers in his fingers.

"Will make a good study when all this is over. At the present I confess I don't know how."

"Well that makes you different to Scorpius. He hates to confess he doesn't know things."

"Well in one thing we are united, we both like to find out facts. Tell me how is my alter ego?"

"Fulminating. He's sort of become official Peacekeeper leader. I'm second in command and Crichton's third with Crais."

He rolled his eyes.

"Oh how are the mighty fallen! Peackeepers acknowleging hybrids and aliens as leaders."

"And technicians!"

"That's even better. I believe my rag tag collection are going planet side to a barracks."

"Oh yes we've got a chain of command and we're rebuilding our army. We've also got Humans joining and a thriving colony of them are providing food and other necessary things."

He wrinkled his nose.

"All terribly low tech, I should imagine."

"Harvey, you're a snob. Scientists and technicians, even Human ones rapidly absorb new information and skills. They work alongside ours."

"By the way speaking of Crichton, I've got a present for him."

"What?"

"They're in the main cargo bay waiting transportation down to your base."

I followed him into the bay.

"Aeryn's not going to like this one little bit."

"Well I couldn't refuse could I? The Empress thought they'd be safer with us."

"There's going to be trouble. I can just smell it coming!"

***********************

"What the frell are they doing here?"

"Seems the Empress though they would be safer here, Captain Sun."

"Oh that's what she said was it Harvey?"

"Yes, roughly!"

"How roughly?"

Harvey twisted his tail in his four fingered hand and looked at the ceiling. "Crichton will care for them, was I believe what she said."

"I'll bet he will."

She pointed to the female statue.

"She's carrying his child."

She rounded on Harvey.

"You didn't have to frelling bring them here."

"What was I supposed to do with them? They can't stay on a working Gammak base. Far too risky. Anyway I haven't got the right power supply for the restoration unit."

Aeryn was fuming.

"The restoration unit? You're not thinking of bringing them back to life?"

"Er well the Empress requested that if this base was under any threat they both be restored. Have a better chance of surviving that way."

Aeryn sat down on the male statue.

"I really can't take this in and I certainly can't compete. You do realise Harvey that she completely took Crichton over. Totally and I doubt at that time that he ever gave half a thought about me. How the hezmana would you feel about it?"

The Prelian pulled his whiskers.

"Uncertain, hurt and angry. In fact everything you're displaying now."

He turned suddenly to face the door as he heard a foorstep there.

"Scorpius! How pleasant to see you! You're keeping well I trust."

"Oh it's you Harvey."

Scorpius turned on his heel and walked away across the parade ground.

"Well! Not a very friendly reception. I thought he'd have been delighted to see me. Fellow searcher after truth. Thinking the same way he does."

"That's exactly the problem! Nice to see you Aeryn."

"Sareel. You look well."

"Oh I am now. Now Harvey please try and restrain yourself for a weeken or so. Scorpius didn't want you here. Said it was like seeing a mirror image, but we need all the scientists and technicians we can muster."

The Prelian looked hurt.

"Oh Harvey you really are somewhat different you know."

"Well after that enforced stay in Crichton's head what do you expect? All that jargon about ball games, cars and fast food. It's a wonder he didn't contaminate me further."

"Aeryn do you want to tell Crichton that the Princess has arrived?"

She glared at the Vaud.

"What do you think? No I frelling don't! And if you see him you can tell him to keep well away from me. He blows hot and cold all the time. I'd almost learnt to trust him again and these.. these."

She indicated the two blocks of metal.

"These objects turn up and one of them is one of Crichton's former lovers."

She stomped out of the barn.

"Do I detect a certain amount of jealousy there?"

"Oh I'd say a whole ship full, Harvey. Isn't it going to be interesting?"

He looked at her covertly.

"Not exactly appropriate at the moment, considering the position, I would have said."

"Granted, but emotions are strong things Harvey."

She kissed him squarely on his shiny black nose. And walked away. He was totally at a loss as how to interpret her last action when Crichton walked in.

"Chiana said you had something for me."

"Oh I have indeed. Courtesy of the Empress."

He indicated the two statues.

"Hell! That's going to put the cat among the pigeons with Aeryn."

"It already has. She caught me bringing them in from the transport."

Crichton held his head in his hands and then shook it vigorously.

"Gotta build those bridges all over again."

"Oh I'd suggest something a litle more robust John. Can't you take her through whatever binding ceremonies you have here?"

"Harvey ol' pal, I doubt she'll even talk to me just now, let alone walk up the frelling aisle."

"Mmm, I can see that would pose a problem. Would you like me to give it some thought?"

"What still giving me advice even though we're were cut asunder?"

"I'd wouldn't have existed if it hadn't been for you John. And I still feel responsible for you. Sometimes."

"And this is one of those times?"

"Well to work together we have to have comparative harmony. Now what Aeryn Sun is feeling isn't exactly harmonious."

He chuckled.

"Actually murderous would be a more apt description."

"Oh boy. Not only do I have to worry about the Scarrans, but gotta watch my back as well."

"Do what Scorpius would do. Is doing in fact. And ignore her. Just let her come to you."

"What's Scorpius got to do with it?"

"He finds me a distinct embarrassment and he's avoiding me."

"Don't know how long I can keep it up!"

Harvey looked gloomily at the floor.

"Knowing Scorpius I should think indefinitely. I'll have to work with Sareel. Me giving equal status to a tech."

"Hey Harvey, status is a dirty word down here. All that stuff's gone by the board. Survival's the in thing now."

"Sareel said something about Scorpius being in overall charge here. Can't believe the Peacekeepers would do that."

"Told you times were a changing. Scorpius is Numero Uno, Sareel's Number Two and I'm Number Three."

"But all hybrids and aliens."

He suddenly looked deadly serious.

"Things are a great deal worse than I'd realised."

"Man, things are diabolical. And now Aeryn on the warpath to boot."

"I'd watch out for Crais you know he wants her and this might just send her running in his direction."

"You always come up with the cheerful option. The only difference is that now you don't share my head. Yeah, I've always been aware of Crais's feeling towards her. He's a strange one. Sometimes he behaves just like her commanding officer and gets in a rage 'cause she takes no notice. Other times he comes on heavy for her."

"She's a capable female. Unfortunately she doesn't seem to go for fur, stripes and a tail!"

Crichton suddenly grinned.

"Sareel mentioned that you had your eye on one of your techs. Chip off the old block eh Harvey?"

"She's quite delightful even though she's only... No must be politically correct. I'd like to ask her to share a meal or something like that, but what if she says no?"

Crichton looked shrewdly at him.

"Scorpius never had any doubts in his ability with women so they say, so why do you?"

Harvey sighed.

"I spent too long in your head John. Absorbed many of your doubts, your fears and worst of all your morals!"

"Poor ol'Harvey. There's no cure you know. Even Scorpie would tell you that."

"No cure for what?"

Crichton brought his face close to the Prelian's. "Harvey, my man, you're in love!"

******

D'Argo flopped down on an easy chair in his room. He'd propped his qualta blade up beside the door and loosened his tunic. Chiana's face peered round the door.

"Word is the strays the Peacekeepers brought with them are hard work."

"That would be a complete understatement. The Sheyang wants to roast anyone he doesn't get on with, and that's most of the rest, the Hararian keeps spitting on the floor.."

"Well apart from it being disgusting what harm does it do?"

D'Argo glowered at her.

"You mean you don't know what it does?"

"D'Argo, I wouldn't be asking if I did. I'm not a complete idiot!"

"It frelling eats metal away like Feill paper."

"Ugh inconvenient."

"It's a great deal more than that, it's scaring the others. You need to be a diplomat, not a warrior. I've left Sout trying to teach them restraint and unarmed combat."

"You're telling me the two go together?"

"Sout says they do! Reckons you have to have self restraint to suceed at the other. All a matter of making the right appraisal of the situation. You can't do that if you're in a flap!"

Chiana laughed, a rather sarcastic sound.

"Crichton does!"

"Crichton's either frelling lucky or actually has an instinct for the right move."

"Doesn't seem like that from what I've seen."

"It most certainly isn't!"

"Harvey!"

"You're looking extremely pretty today Chiana."

D'Argo glowered at the well groomed immaculately dressed Prelian.

"Chiana's pretty all of the time!"

"D'Argo, why you've never said that before!"

He mumbled into his robe.

"Didn't catch that!"

"I said never needed to."

"D'Argo didn't anyone ever teach you how to treat a female?"

"As far as I can remember we were taught the art of survival in conflict. And the females that fought were comrades not partners!"

"Most uncouth!"

"Are you saying I'm a barbarian?"

Harvey looked at his feet and then gave d'Argo a brilliant smile.

"What gave you that idea?"

"You insulted me."

"Hey d'Argo we've been here before. Remember the trouble on the pleasure planet? Just calm down."

"I won't have him flirting with you Chiana!"

"No just a microt d'Argo. You don't own me and you never will. I'm my own person. I stay with who I choose. No one tells me what to do!"

"Bravo my dear well said."

"And you can shut up too."

Harvey feigned a hurt look.

"Me ? What have I done?"

"You frelling well know what. You went out of your way to annoy him."

"ME? It's not my fault if he's on a permanently short fuse."

Chiana glared at both of them and then stomped out of the room.

"Well now, fancy that."

D'Argo stood up and advanced menacingly on the Prelian.

"Something I said d'Argo?"

"Just stay away from Chiana!"

"Or you'll do what?"

"I'll personally send you through a wormhole to nowhere."

"There's no such thing!"

"No such thing as what?"

"As a wormhole to nowhere. They all go somewhere."

"Grrrr, you striped piece of dren. Get out of my sight before I do something I'll regret."

Harvey purposefully walked up to the enraged d'Argo.

"Now just you listen to me Luxan. If we bicker amongst ourselves then we make ourselves weak. This is not the time for misplaced honour and possessiveness. Anyway I thought the whole idea when you all escaped from the Peacekeepers was personal freedom. You're not exactly giving Chiana that are you now?"

D'Argo made a dive for his qualta blade and Harvey made a swift and reasonably graceful charge for the door.

"I'm going, I'm going."

Once outside the Prelian poked his head round the door.

"Oh and I'd apologise to Chiana if I were you."

Rygel was almost knocked off his sled by d'Argo who was pursuing an extremely fast Prelian down the corridor, and brandishing the qualta blade threateningly.

"Mmm now I wonder what that was all about?"