Part 25

The clawed hand holding me up was quite warm. I'd half expected it to be cold. Twisting my head I look up, and up. The creature was very tall and the head a shock. Mandibles enclosing a biped mouth resembling the Scarrans, huge faceted eyes and round the neck a collar of a strange metallic looking substance. It was very dark red in colour. Almost black and I felt very scared. It's fine having a powerful energy source at your disposal when it works. You feel the same as everyone else when it doesn't. I delved into the Scorpius part of my now amalgamated character for some help. The overwhelming feeling was to play along and bide my time. Hopefully the blockage would wear off and I could make my escape. But until that happened I wasn't going to antagonize this fearful apparition.

"I'm not running away honourable Sir. Just an expedient departure."

The creature made a burbling sound that I supposed passed for laughter and I realised that all the sounds were emanating from the collar. It probably had no vocal chords as such and the collar provided a simulated voice.

"That's an excellent answer. So why the expedient departure."

"Well I've personally no desire to get mixed up with the military of any culture. Bad for trade."

"A delightful little creature like you is a vendor?"

"Er well actually an engineer and technician, but the military never were good payers"

"I must make sure that the Phalanx pays its bills in future. Now as to what I'm going to do with you."

I tried to look innocent.

"Let me join my friends?"

"Oh most certainly not. No I think the Kalifa will find you amusing. Play your cards right and you might end up as his registered mate."

"I'm already promised."

"Thought you might be. Well they will have to give way."

I gulped. Being the plaything of some high up official was not in my current agenda.

"He wouldn't really like me you know. I'm terribly boring, only know about my work."

"I don't think he'll be concerned about your mental capabilities."

He fingered the front of my robe.

"Far more interested in your other capabilities. Now me personally, I'd love to discuss your work."

There was a sighing noise.

"However we can't all have what we want and the Kalifa has forbidden me to make any interrogations on this mission. Seems his mating urge has surfaced again and finding suitable females takes priority."

Just what I needed. A randy ruler on the rag! Wormholes and mass injectors suddenly took a very back seat and I suddenly wished I was back with Scorpius. At least he treated me well and fairly and almost as an equal. The feeling of being a possession was what had initially caused me to rebel, but I was finding out that life away from the Dark One was not all sweetness and light.

"Can I bring my ship? Promise I won't try to run away."

"You wouldn't last two microts if you did. Get your vessel and follow mine."

He pointed to a strange looking craft parked on the plaza. I walked over to my prowler and slid open the canopy. The creature had followed me.

"Most excellent design. Many modifications?"

I shrugged.

"Not much use being an engineer if you can't at least do that. She's quite fast."

As none of my main modifications were actually visible I breathed a sigh of relief. I would at least have some degree of surprise, if I was able to get the chance of escape. As things stood, I couldn't raise a kren of power and that meant two of my major systems were off line.

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

Crichton emerged from his quarters clean and sweet smelling. D'Argo walked round him.

"Hey why the inspection?"

"Just making sure that you haven't become a Sebbacean dancing girl. What is that smell!"

"Something I picked up on Anterion. The stall holder said it would be a sure hit with females."

"I'd say you were done. It's foul."

"Well it's better that how I smelt before."

The Luxan rumbled his low laugh.

"Yes Aeryn gave us the graphic details."

Urana walked up, Rool draped round her shoulders.

"Oh my. What a delicious aroma!"

Crichton grinned.

"Pleases the lady!"

"Huh!"

"Is that all you can say?"

"What would you like me to say? That you smell like the slave girls on Ekkara?"

Crichton placed his hand on d'Argo's arm.

"You never told me you'd been to Ekkara. Tell me, what's it like?"

"It was a most fleeting visit."

"Ah not time for fun and games then?"

"You really have a sordid mind Crichton."

Urana danced up to the Luxan. Rool grumbled at being joggled about.

"Have you really been there d'Argo? Have you seen the Caves of the Lost Antiquity?"

"Fey, as I said it was an extremely short visit. No time for sightseeing!"

"Pity. When this situation is settled I shall have to pay Ekkara a visit."

"Ekkara had better watch out. You've got that mischievous look on you again Urana."

"Why thank you Crichton. You really are quite astute at times. For a Human that is."

She skipped down the corridor to her quarters. Rool had given up all pretence of hanging on and was following behind her. Bobby scratched Crichton's leg.

"You want feeding?" Let's go and see what's in the larder."

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

Scorpius and Jack were watching the asteroid on the long range scanner.

"It looks worse day by day."

"I've had an inkling of an idea Jack. Perhaps a backup plan if Sout and Crichton can't find Sareel."

Crichton's father sat down on a stool.

"Will it work?"

"Theoretically yes but in practice there are snags. I'm still having problems setting the exit points for the wormhole by the space station. We really need that as it will take too long to put the wormhole machines on every vessel we have. Just the carriers."

The space station had been hastily constructed as a transit for the main wormhole and was half way between Earth and the Moon.

"I propose to open up a wormhole in front of the asteroid."

"You can do that?"

"Oh yes opening one is now quite easy, where the exit will be is a problem."

"It's a pity you can't send it to the Scarrans' home planet."

"Pharas? No much sense in that. The place is devastated already. Few Scarrans live there and they are of the old type. Agrarians, no threat at all. Ak Ba is one of them."

"Your spy?"

"Well he has sent useful information but he's having to lay low at the microt. They've tightened up security on the recreation and rehabilitation planet."

Jack was lost in thought.

"I don't suppose that the exit has any bearing on the strength of the main spatial flux pattern?"

Scorpius shook his head.

"We tried that. Sent probes. They showed regions we have never before seen."

"Have you got the data on all the wormholes opened up to now and the exit points where they were recognised?"

Scorpius blinked.

"Er that would be obtainable. What have you in mind?"

"I thought there might be a pattern in them Something that might show up."

"Excellent reasoning. I shall instruct Braca to get you whatever you require."

"I thought you and I could do it together."

The scientist sighed.

"Why not. I find it difficult to believe you're not like your son. There's little else I can achieve at the moment. The techs are upgrading the main engines on the ships as they come back, so my time is virtually free. Let me show you the main computer terminal."

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

I followed the creature's ship to a large globe perched a thousand metrons above a desert planet. The sphere was connected by a translucent column which had a multiple torus system running up and down it. The creature came through on the comm.

"Impressive isn't it? I am always stirred whenever I return. Follow me."

I did as I was bid and we slipped through a tube like structure which ended in a docking bay. I activated my personal beacon. Furlow and any of the crew of Moya if they chanced on the area, and I had the feeling I was being sought out, could find me. I doubted that anyone else would distinguish the noise from the usual space clutter. I got out and closed the hatch, using the thought control to lock the canopy. Making it easy for my opponent wasn't written on any page in my book of rules. The creature took hold of my arm and led me towards an opening at the rear. A small group of soldiers came out at the double and one who was evidently in charge walked up and saluted.

"Corvan Satanus. Sir, the Kalifa has been asking for you persistently."

"Our beloved leader is a little short on patience at the moment."

The officer grinned.

"Have you got a suitable female for him. Until that need is satisfied I'm afraid he's going to make all our lives unbearable."

Satanus thrust me forward.

"Best I could find. All the really choice ones had been removed prior to our visit. This one's a scientist."

I opened my mouth to contradict him but decided against it.

"Not exactly what I would choose myself. The less brain the better. The more they think the more trouble they are."

Just my luck to find a bunch of male chauvinists. Crichton had spelled out exactly what that constituted on one of my trips to Earth before my flight.

"I'd rather extract her knowledge but I was forbidden to make any interrogations on this trip."

"We could say that there were no females around at the time and you could take her to the Facility. I imagine a little while in the Miron Chamber would gain all you needed."

Satanus shook his head.

"Do you want the Kalifa to get worse? Besides I don't think this one would survive the chamber and that would be a pity. I would like to experiment on mixing her genes and mine. My species is breeding fewer and fewer offspring but out death rate is the same."

"Well can't you still do that. Removing a few cells won't harm the goods now will it?"

I remembered what had happened when Scorpius had meddled with my genetic make-up. At least I wouldn't be required to carry this creature's offspring. We were too dissimilar.

"I'll give her to Romde. Get her in some more suitable clothing. The blessing is that this one appears to bathe. Not putrid smelling like most of the others."

I was marched along a curving corridor and Satanus stopped outside a circular door. He touched the door pad and it slid aside. I was pushed into a brightly lit room .

"Got a female for the Kalifa, Romde. Get her dressed will you."

A small creature about half my height appeared from an adjoining room. Totally furred and with a scaly crest on the top of her head and three eyes.

"Huh! He's not going to be very impressed by this one."

I smiled sweetly at Satanus.

"Opinion seems to concur. I'm not suitable."

Worth a try, but all I got was a cuff that made the side of my face bleed. Satanus's hand was covered in sharp spines.

"Careful Satanus. She may not be much but she's our passport to peace and quiet for a while. Turn round girl and let me decide what I can do with you."

Part 25

"What's the latest from Scorpius Sout?"

"He thinks he might have another solution to the asteroid problem, but he stresses that there are problems and advises that finding Sareel is still the main priority."

"Fine. Scorpie's had another brainwave."

"You sound as though you resent the fact that he's innovative, Crichton."

"My dad seems to think he's the best thing since sliced bread. Just what is wrong with everybody? Can't they see that he's only making a power base so that he can take over if we beat the Scarrans?"

"That 'if' being the decisive factor. I don't think Scorpius had any pretensions to taking power. Rather the reverse. I think he's wedded to the scientific principle. Even more so now that Sareel left him."

"I can't see him being a contented father and hubbie. No, he likes wielding power. That's what makes him tick."

Sout was tired of hearing all this, yet again.

"Look Crichton, he hates the Scarrans for what he thinks they did to his mother. Also they lied to him and in his mind that was one of the worst things that they could have done. Once this war is settled I think he's going to be looking for another crusade."

"Scorpie the Lionheart! Nah, doesn't ring true."

"What do I have to do to make you see him as the rest of us do Crichton?"

"Doubt you'll ever do that Sout. Crichton's a lost cause. Aren't you Crichton?"

"You too Aeryn? Can't anyone see the reality?"

"That particular reality exists only in your mind Crichton. Now Pilot's just received a message from one of Scorpius's agents. There a possibility that Sareel's been seen on a commerce satellite."

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

"Oh you look ravishing. He eat you right up!"

This pronouncement from the creature called Romde. I felt awful. The garments she'd produced covered very little of my body and the considerable amount of bare skin had been adorned with irridescent holostickers. I felt like a gift at Taromustide. I looked awful and felt as bad. Saturnus reappeared.

"Is she ready, he's getting restless?"

"All done. She magnificent. Me surprised at how well she dress up."

Saturnus's mandibles clattered together.

"I must say far better than I expected."

He took my arm and propelled me out of the door and into the corridor.

"For all our sakes I hope he likes you!"

For my sake I hoped he didn't. We went down what seemed endless curved passageways, up several levels until we got to a grand hallway. The best of all the artwork in the region I imagined was displayed there. The colums were the finest tooled hephratite, kalium adorned the bases and heads of the columns and the floor was overlaid with the finest coverings that I'd ever seen. Whatever this Kalifa was, he certainly wasn't lacking in wealth. The guard opened the door and we walked in. He motioned me to sit on a seat just inside.

"Wait there. I'll tell his Rippliness of your arrival."

His Rippliness? It was starting to sound like one of the plays they called a farce which Crichton had explained to me one time. How could anyone have such a silly title. Maybe I was getting a little hysterical. I was feeling defenceless, not a ripple from my power base. I laughed inside. The situation was getting to me, I was becoming silly. Scorpius would have taken command of the situation and used logic. Then again he would never have been in this situation!

Saturnus returned. I stood up.

"No you can stay seated. She's here Sir."

I wasn't really ready for the apparition that flowed round the corner. Two full metrons of undulating black and purple something. It flowed up to me and halted. I could see that there were at least six eyes mounted at what must be the anterior of its body. There was a collar similar to the one that Saturnus was wearing round the narrower top part of the tube which constituted the body. It was revolting I felt sick at the sight of the creature. Your Obnoxiousness would have been a fitting salutation but I had a feeling that it might have construed that as a compliment. I had the distinct feeling that I was being appraised. From the part just under the collar tentacles something was extruded and that something pushed its way under the minimal covering I was wearing and pinched my nipples

"Get off that hurts."

There was a low rumbling sound from the collar.

"Excellent! I like hurting things."

My bad luck to fall into the hands of an out and out sadist. I prayed to every deity I'd ever heard of and any more who were willing to listen. 'Please got me some energy. I want out, now'. Unfortunately it was becoming increasingly obvious that I wasn't going to get my wish as I was pinched and pummeled unmercifully. I was going to be a mass of bruises in an ahn or two. After a while he seemed to get bored with the whole thing. "Hold her Saturnus. I'm ready."

Saturnus roughly stripped me of what little clothing I was wearing and fastened me to the chair with the restraints I hadn't notice.

"She's prepared Sir."

From out of the writhing mass something else flowed out and it was enormous. I was about to be torn apart.

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

Chiana and her two 'relatives' had managed to get back to the trading satellite where Scorpius had arranged for a passage to Scora where a freighter would pick them up. Actually it was one of Scorpius's roving intellegence craft with engines to cruiser standard and hidden weapons. The captain and crew and Scorpius made quite a tidy sum from their trading pursuits and the amount of gossip and information they picked up as legitimate traders had made the initial expenditure totally worthwhile.

Joel and Wayne were glad to be going back to the comparative safety of Gammak one for debriefing, Chiana was glad of being on a ship with bathing facilities. One of the female crew was helping her clean out her hair. She wriggled as the woman a Sebbacian called Lyne, pulled a brush through it.

"That's what happens when I can't clean it regularly."

"If you keep still I can finish this quicker."

"You know every bit of me itches. I'm sure I picked up greks on that frell dump of a planet."

"I'd get the medician to give you tablets just in case."

Greks were a small parasitic worm that made you itch just about everywhere.

"Right, I'll do that. Hey be careful that hurts."

"Very stuck together."

She looked at the masses of hair that were being pulled out.

"I'll be bald."

"Don't think so. I've never seen such thick hair. How come your two companions don't seem to have the same problem?"

"Huh, they're lucky, they're not Nebari."

Lyne was surprised.

"They're not, but everyone thought..."

"Then they thought wrong. They're Human."

"The ones from the planet of shelter."

She sighed.

"I wish we could go there. It sounds extremely pleasant . But we have a job to do here."

She looked at Chiana's hair and seemed pleased with her handiwork.

"There, you can at least wash it now."

"Thanks, I need a bath."

"Baths we can't manage, a shower we can. The water gets recycled as this is a comparatively small ship."

"Hey no worry. Sounds great anyway."

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

Joel and Wayne were in the meantime divesting them selves of the trappings of the Nebari.

"Well pal, I can honestly say that was the first job where my life depended on my acting."

"I'd say we did well."

"Didn't get discovered you mean? I'd say Chiana had a great deal to do with that."

"She's a great kid!"

Wayne eyed up his friend.

"You got the hots for her?"

"Could be, if I knew enough about her not to tread on any corns."

"Someone must know more about her."

"Perhaps someone on the Gammak base."

"How about Crichton?"

"I heard the captain say that the Leviathan Moya was due in the third outer sector, so I'd say Crichton is probably on board."

"Well scrub Crichton then. Fancy a game of cheqel?"

"Haven't you got any cards?"

"Since when has a pack of cards been standard Nebari issue?"

"Point taken. Cheqel it is then."

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

D'Argo was cleaning his qualta blade and wondering just what disaster they were going to experience next. Life on board Moya was never humdrum. Too many systems went wrong and had to be repaired, encounters with hostile ships, Moya having the odd tantrum and Pilot being less than amenable at times. No life was seldom boring but at that particular moment in time d'Argo was at a completely loose end and missing Chiana.

"Can never trust her, but there's something missing when she's not around."

Another thought struck him.

"Dresoks! I hope she's all right. I hope she's safe."

He'd never wanted her to go undercover and the two Humans accompanying her hadn't inspired him with much confidence either. However she'd persuaded him that it was the only way to get up to date information about the goings on in the Nebari camp and reluctantly he'd agreed. Not that he could have stopped her once she'd made her mind up.

"Ka d'Argo."

He heard Pilot's voice.

"Ka d'Argo! There's an incoming message for you."

"Fine Pilot put it up on the screen please."

Chiana's urchin face appeared.

"Hi big man. How's it going."

"Chiana."

"That's me."

She was her usual cocky self.

"Where are you?"

"Can't say that. Still security coded. But we're done and on our way back."

"You're OK?"

"D'Argo stop asking stupid questions. Of course I'm OK. Would I be standing here if I wasn't? I'm not a holopic you know."

"I'm sorry. It's just that I'm so relieved to see your face again."

She gave a twisted smile.

"That's nice d'Argo. That's real nice!"

Part 27

Saturnus looked at the unconscious figure slumped in the seat. Blood was running from between her legs and she was very pale. He snorted.

"He's really done it this time. An intellect and he ravages her, all because he's in rut and has no self control."

Saturnus had plenty of self control. It was almost his second name. It was that that had allowed him to survive in a hostile world where his species were generally disliked..He undid the bindings and carefully lifted Sareel into his arms and carried her down the long passages to the quarters Romde occupied. She seemed to be expecting him and hearing his step opened the door. She pointed to the low couch.

"See if I can mend. I think she badly hurt."

Saturnus nodded and clicked his mandibles. Romde looked up.

"You very angry, I can see."

"I would dearly liked to have exchanged opinions with her."

Romde chuckled.

"I think you would put her in the chamber."

"No, I decided that would probably kill her. She's a delicate species."

"Hold the bowl for me."

He complied and Romde carefully cleaned Sareel. She pointed to the torn flesh.

"Must heal."

"You have the stone?"

"In my bag."

She produced an innocous looking pebble and held it to her head. The stone began to glow a sickly green and turned semi transparent. She stroked Sareel's injuries and the damaged flesh repaired as they watched.

"Cannot mend mind the same."

"I think she's strong in that area."

"She was very scared I think."

"She passed out before he took his fill."

"Best thing. Now where are we going to keep her Saturnus?"

He looked at the tiny creature in surprise.

"Why I was going to return her to the planet where we took her."

"Can't do, she need care. Lot of care."

"May I venture to ask why?"

"His Rippleness hit the jackpot this time, she carries his heir."

"How can that be? She bears no genetic resemblance to him."

"Romde know. "

She looked slyly at Saturnus.

"Perhaps others tamper before?"

Saturnus raised his hand to his lips.

"Mmm. Could be she's been genetically modified. Hard to tell. You're sure?"

"Romde never wrong."

"Well in the light of that fact I'll have her at my abode. You'll come too."

It wasn't a request, a definite command.

"Romde pack."

She pointed to a blanket lying folded on a stool.

"You wrap her?"

He nodded and carefully unfolded it and wrapped Sareel up like a silkworm in a coccoon and lifted her in his arms. Romde reappeared complete with bag. She opened the door and looked both ways down the corridor.

"No one around. No one to see us leave."

Saturnus was relieved when they reached the central transit tunnel. Romde pressed a button and five rings slid down and they were transported to the bottom. Saturnus breathed in the hot dry air.

"That's good.Can't stand all the filtered stuff."

There was a strange looking building about two hundred metrons from the connector exit and they crossed the dusty earth in silence.

"You know the code Romde. Open the door."

She quickly fingered in a code and the door slid to one side. Inside was cooler and the light filtered by slatted, angled windows. Saturnus went to a room at the back of his house and carefully deposited Sareel on the long couch and unwrapped her and then laid the blanket carefully over her.

Romde looked on.

"He find out you know. Want her back up there."

"This time Romde, he'll find that I no longer comply with his paranoid desires. If there is an heir, I will raise it. Raise it carefully and teach it well. Then perhaps the Phalanx can have a leader they respect."

"Pity she have to die."

"I will investigate other possibilities. I've always thought that there must be another way."

"You like the female."

"She intrigues me Romde."

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

"It's sure nice to see you again fly boy."

"Can't say I feel the same Furlow."

"Huh! You could try Johnny."

He ignored her.

"Sareel was with you?"

"Yup. Then she was taken when we went for supplies."

"You didn't know them?"

"Nope, but someone said they were from the Phalanx. Seems they've got a nutty leader who goes into rut periodically and they raid the planet."

Aeryn gasped.

"You mean they took Sareel for....that?"

"Sure seems like it."

"Poor kid!"

"Crichton, Sareel is not a girl!"

He grinned.

"You can say that again! She's a full blooded female."

"Have you nothing sensible to contribute?"

"I'm working on it."

Sout came to the rescue.

"Can you give us the co-ordinates of the planet she was taken from?"

"Can do better than that, Morgul. Got the name of the planet they went to and where."

"Gotta hand it to you you're good at getting information. Where is it?"

"Not so fast Johhny boy. I need a favour."

Crichton gave her a withering look. Sout placed a hand on his arm and shook his head.

"What is it?"

"Well things are getting a little too uncomfortable around here with the Scarrans and this Phalanx. So I was thinking you've got plenty of room on the Leviathan."

Crichton eyed her suspiciously.

"And?"

"And I was thinking that I could load all of Sareel's and my stuff on here. We've just finished a project."

She looked at him slyly.

"Might come in useful if you're fighting Scarrans."

"Are you gonna tell me what it is?"

"Nope. But I think you'll like them."

Sout chuckled.

"This gets more interesting by the microt. I'd say yes. What do you think, Aeryn, d'Argo?"

Aeryn shrugged.

"If you can put up with her I suppose I can too."

"D'Argo?"

"I'm curious to see what Sareel's been working on."

A little voice piped up.

"I'm here you know, I've not suddenly become invisible."

"Hey Johhny who's the cute one?"

"That's Urana, she's only pretending to be a child."

"She's a Fey!"

"I've heard of them. Can't they see things in the future and travel through time?"

Urana pouted.

"Once we could travel through time and seeing in the future's confusing. You never know which reality your client's going to follow. I mean trying to predict what Crichton's going to do next is nearly impossible."

D'Argo laughed.

"I told you that once John and you nearly shot me."

"I wasn't myself."

Furlow looked at him slyly.

"How do you know what 'yourself' is? I sure as grennic don't."

Aeryn could see a lengthy badinage developing and wanted to get things sorted.

"Look Urana, are you for letting Furlow on board?"

The Fey nodded.

"Rool likes her and so does Bobby, so she has redeeming factors."

Furlow gave a mock bow.

"Why thank you. I'll get Dorp to muster the guys. Can the Leviathan link with one of the docking ports or do we have to run a transport shuttle?"

Sout touched his comm.

"Pilot can Moya..."

"We heard Sout. Moya says that is not difficult. We will manoeuvre now."

Sout looked at Aeryn and raised his eyebrows."

"Does he do that often?"

"What?"

"Eavesdrop."

"He could do. We'd never know."

Crichton was scratching Bobby's ear.

"Who the frell's Dorp?"

"Oh just a Fluelle who got attached to Sareel. He's been very useful."

She turned to go.

"See you all on Moya."

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

"Holy Mackerel! What the hell are these?"

"Well a sorta cross between an android and a cyborg. More android, the only genuine organic factor's the brain and that's got electronic bits and bobs in it. Sareel's programmed them all. They're all in units with a commander. She said it saved on programming."

Aeryn was immediately interested.

"What happens if the leader goes down?"

"There's a chain of command. He automatically downloads his programme to the one desognated two and so on."

She grinned.

"Think between us we catered for most things."

"Where the hell did you get all those brains Furlow?"

"Trust you to ask the sticky one Johnny. We don't rightly know. Bought the guys as a job lot and they were in store till Sareel came on the scene. She had the neural know how to fire 'em up."

"Probably cloned."

"Did you say something Urana. You're being irritating again. Speak up."

"Probably cloned."

Urana's voice deafened them all.

Crichton shook his head and d'Argo just stared at the Fey who gave him a sweet smile.

"That came out of such a tiny creature?"

"Loud enough for you all?"

Sout made to give her a quick cuff round the ears and suddenly found himself suspended a full metron in the air.

She waved a finger at him.

"Never, never hit me Sout. It could seriously damage your health!"

Part 28

Rygel was tired of being on Earth. At least on Earth and trying to instill the rudiments of galactic history into the earth recruits. He couldn't deny that the food was good and that there was plenty of it. The local people were completely organised and more farms were springing up in the countryside to cater for the growing number of bodies in the area. A barter system prevailed and set exchanges had been hammered out for food stuffs and other commodities. Other towns within a two hundred mile radius were being repopulated and life on the planet was beginning to get back to some semblance of normality. All in blissful ignorance of the impending doom that was hurtling towards them.

On the other side of the world, life in Australia and New Zealand, which had been less affected than the Northern hemisphere was also thriving and a new base had been set up near Canterbury. Australia being too hot for the Sebbacian instructors. They could just about cope with the temperature in Virginia though the Summer temperatures had caused some distress. Rygel liked it warm and he had to admit that he was missing the others.

"Wonder how they're getting on!"

"Ah Dominar. A word if I may."

Rygel came out of his reverie to see Scorpius standing in front of him. He huffed a bit at being surprised and blinked.

"Scorpius?"

"I need someone on the base to conduct communications with Moya. I believe they are close to locating Sareel."

"About frelling time. Don't they realise that thing's getting closer by the ahn?"

"Oh I think they do. But Sareel had been extremely elusive. However they have been contacted by Furlow. Seems she and Sareel had formed a partnership before Sareel was abducted."

"Furlow! Wouldn't trust her at all."

He squinted at Scorpius.

"Why do you need me up there. I thought you were monitoring the proceedings."

"I'm trying to explain if only you'll let me. The Nebari, Chiana and her two Human companions have returned and I need to debrief them. So you see I would be grateful if you could help me out on this matter."

The obvious implied flattery pleased Rygel. He'd always respected the half Scarran. Scorpius had nearly always afforded him his title and basic courtesies and Rygel found that pleasing.

"Of course in the circumstances, I'd be pleased to help. Any idea if Chiana's found anything out?"

"She'd only say it was disturbing. I shall have the full details in a day or two"

"Mmm. I should like to be kept informed, as an interested party you know."

He showed his teeth and gave a rather ingratiating smile.

"If that's not too much trouble?"

Scorpius smiled back.

"Of course Dominar. Can you leave now?"

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

"Five hundred? There are five hundred of them?"

"Yep. Now don't worry Johnny. We can pack them all in the main hold. They'll walk in and sorta shut down until we unload them."

The armoured troops filed in through the docking sleeve in what seemed to be an unending line, set themselves in rows and powered down. D'Argo poked one of them there was no reaction.

"We told them who were friends."

Aeryn found a snag with that.

"Suppose we have a spy?"

"They have built in crap detectors."

"Huh? Run that by me again Furlow."

She rolled her eyes.

"Sareel thought of that. They pick up variations in the electric field round any creature and interpret them. Any they ain't sure about they detain and bring to us."

"Scorpie's gonna have a field day with the Aurora Chair."

Aeryn glared at him.

"Trust you Crichton. So what fire power have they got."

"Two plasma arc cannons and they also carry frag grenades. Full shielding. Er don't think there's much that can penetrate it."

"Scarran heat weapon?"

"They can walk through a furnace. Mind you they couldn't stay there long. That's probably their only weakness."

Aeryn and d'Argo were impressed.

"They could turn the tide for us."

D'Argo chuckled.

"I'd like to see the Scarran's faces when they meet these."

"Would you notice any difference? They haven't exactly got the most expressive faces?"

"John, even a Scarran can look angry. You've seen them snarl."

"Scorpie's got that bit."

Aeryn threw up her hands in desperation.

"Just what is it with you and Scorpius, Crichton? I mean you're as edgy about him as a newly joined partner."

She curled her lip.

"No even you couldn't be like that."

"I've got a fascination for him and I can't shake it off."

"So what if he felt the same?"

"Scorpie only feels the need to dominate."

D'Argo burst out laughing.

"And you don't I suppose?"

Crichton looked hurt and bewildered.

"No. I never have, but I can't let him tell me what to do."

Sout placed a hand on the Human's shoulder.

"Go with the tide John. Don't resist the inevitable flow of the tide. Go with it and face your gremlins."

Crichton pulled away and stomped off muttering, "Gremlins? Stupid idea. Me loving Scorpie? Frell it I still dislike him, don't trust him."

Urana popped up from the middle of the metal and plastic men, Rool draped round her shoulders.

"Poor Crichton. He's always at war with himself. Scorpius would have a fit if he even suspected that he felt that way."

"What makes you think that?"

"Scorpius is a number one male snalkit. Have you seen them prowling to dominate inferior males?"

Aeryn nodded.

"Well Scorpius is a past master at prowling and Crichton won't be dominated but he has nothing other than sheer bloodymindedness to combat it with."

"Are you saying Scorpius will always win?"

"Over John? Well they'll have to have an arrangement one day. Scorpius can cope with the situation. I'm not sure that Crichton can."

Aeryn laughed.

"Poor Crichton. He can't win can he?"

Urana shook her head.

"'Fraid not."

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

"Moya wishes me to tell you that we've arrived."

Furlow looked at Sout.

"Is he always so..so prim?"

"It's built into the species. That's his normal way. Thank you Pilot. Suggestions?"

"We're parked on the opposite side to the station orb. I hope we gave the illusion of moving off."

Urana stood stock still. It was almost as if she was sniffing the air.

"Sareel's not in the orb. She's in a dwelling near the foot of the connector. I don't think there are any guards just two other beings."

Crichton looked aghast.

"How do you do that?"

She grinned.

"Just being useful."

Aeryn looked thoughtful.

"And the prowler?"

"Well that's not where Sareel is that's for sure. I'd say it's on the orb."

"Can't let that get into the wrong hands."

Furlow looked at her shrewdly.

"No?"

"Just some technology we don't want in the wrong hands."

"By wrong you mean Scarran?"

"Read into it what you want."

""Won't be able to get it. I know for a fact that Sareel has it on mind control."

"Mmm, I wasn't a prowler pilot without learning a trick or two. Crichton can you help me."

"Yeah babe, what is it?"

"A simple remote control box. I can bring the prowler back to Moya. It's built into the systems. I doubt that Sareel's immobilised it."

Crichton chuckled, the first time in ages.

"That'll be a first. Something she's overlooked. She's so like Scorpie in that respect."

Aeryn glanced at him.

"Well unless you've forgotten she's carrying a copy of some of his memory as well as her own. Is it any wonder she's methodical."

"What a terrible thing. To have a bit of Scorpie inside you permanently."

"You should know. I thought you missed Harvey."

"I do somethimes. It was kinda comforting to have him there when you weren't sure what to do."

"Well I'd bet Sareel finds having his strength reassuring too."

"Never looked at that way. I've seen some cases the Peacekeepers left behind in one of Moya's stores. Coming?"

"Right behind you."

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

The lost factor in Crichton's brain was just landing on New Gammak one. He straightened his whiskers, gave his tail a twirl before making for the main elevator. He was met by a Staff Ensign.

"Sir, Scorpius asked me to show you to your quarters."

"And how is he?"

"Er...worried."

"He must be or he'd never have sent for me!"

The Prelian moved gracefully along the corridor carrying a small bag. His quarters were quite spartan as were most on the base. The ensign left closing the door behind her. Harvey looked round.

"Oh Scorpius when will you ever learn the pleasure of a little comfort in the place."

Gammak two was quite luxurious compared with Gammak one. He found that his staff and garrisoned military were appreciative and worked well. There were few dissenters. Neither were there on Gammak one but that was due to the fact that few people wanted to get a glare from Scorpius. The ex neural clone had rapidly learned the pleasures of creature comforts. He touched the bare grey walls.

"No wonder Sareel took off. Ugh, there's not really anything pleasant to induce her to stay. And Scorpius doesn't really appreciate her. A female wants more than to be a brainstorm partner."

Harvey had an idea that when Sareel was returned to the fold as she surely would be if Scorpius had decreed it, that he might pay court to her.

"I know how to treat a female."

He thought a microt.

"Mmm well I'll have to jettison most of what I found in Johns' brain. Testosterone driven, that's Crichton. No it will need finesse and patience."