Aeryn looked shocked and Crichton though for a mircrot that Chiana was going to faint.

"To the death?"

"To the death Pip," he replied gently.

"Well what are we going to do. We've gotta do something.   Can't let it happen."

She looked at d'Argo wide eyed and there were tears in them. He reached out and touched her cheek.

"Sout thinks I have a good chance of success."

"Really?"

His face fell.

"Not really."

Harvey and Ak Ba came to join the group. Harvey looked round at all the solemn faces.

"I gather our return is at an inopportune moment?"

"No."

Crichton explained just what d'Argo had got himself into.

"Mmm. Let's look at this logically. You can't leave the PleasureDrome, because of the thugs, you will have to fight and you are at a disadvantage due to being smaller and lighter."

"That Harvey my friend about sums it up!"

"Why thank you John. So what do you think?"

"Hell I was hoping that you'd have an idea. You always kept me from harm."

"Yes well that was an entirely different thing. Scorpius needed to keep you alive to get the wormhole technology. And I knew how you thought, sharing your brain."

"We're agreed that we can't let Godzilla pulverise d'Argo?"

"Oh totally."

Ak Ba came in with, "Has anyone heard from Captain Crais?"

They all turned and looked at him.

"Not for an ahn. It'll be at least another before he's back."

"I feel a plan coming on."

"I hope it's better than usual," said Aeryn acerbically.

"You implying that my plans don't work?"

"Well face facts Crichton. Not one plan of yours had turned out as it was planned."

"That's the strength of a good plan Aeryn. The ability to improvise."

"Oh that's what you call it. I'd call it panic."

"Crichton, Captain Sun. Time after all this has been resolved, to fight."

"We don't fight Harvey. We have differences of opinion!"

"We fight."

Aeryn gave him a chilling look and moved away. Ak Ba turned the subject.

"Perhaps if I called him and told him the situation?"

"That's all part of the plan. Gather round kiddies and Uncle John'll tell all."

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

Scorpius had managed to make a connection to the neural interface on the Scarran's container holding Sareel's brain. What he was proposing to do was only slightly different to what he'd done when Crichton had been host for his chip. He was proposing to enter her neural pathways and try to ascertain just what state she was in. He sat down on his reclining chair next to the bench where the container was stored and put on the circlet containing the scanning probe. Closing his eyes he prepared to take the leap into Sareel's neural network.

He found himself in a totally dark place, not a glimmer of light. He sent out his thoughts hoping her chip would pick them up. Suddenly he heard a weak voice.

"Scorpius?"

"Sareel?"

There was a flicker as a current sped along a neural pathway.

"My dear what do you feel?"

"It's so dark Scorpie. I'm frightened."

"Would it help if I came to talk to you regularly?"

A microt's silence and then "Yes."

"I'm trying my hardest my dear girl, to find a solution. A permanent solution."

Another flicker along the very faint pathways he was just beginning to see. A spider's web of paths.

"Did you close the time fold?"

"Yes."

"Then everything's as it was?"

"Well the Scarrans aren't in control and we're both still striving to get a working wormhole."

"I really can't work out just why only I can work mine. It's been running through my mind. There isn't a great deal to do here other than run through problems. Scorpie?"

"Yes my girl?"

"I miss you!"

He sighed mentally.

"I miss your physical absence too, Sareel. Greatly."

"Scorpie?"

"Yes."

"I may have to stay like this mightn't I?"

He didn't answer.

"That tells me all I want to know."

"It's just a matter of time I think."

"Don't leave me like this for ever Scorpius. If it seems unlikely I can ever be myself again, just let me die, please. I couldn't face this for ever."

The strain of absorbing her distress was beginning to tell on him, a pain shot through his brain and he knew that he was going to have to change his cooling rod prematurely.

"I've got to go now my dear. I'll come back tomorrow."

"Please Scorpie, don't grieve for me. Just beat the Scarrans!"

"Oh that's one of the prime things on my agenda Sareel. I killed the one who did this to you."

"Zip Tok?"

"Yes."

"The why is he also in my head Scorpie?"

A frisson of fear ran through Scorpius's consciousness.

"I don't know Sareel. I really don't know."

He slipped back to full consciousness. If he'd thought that he'd get some comfort from contact from the disembodied person that was Sareel, he'd been sadly mistaken. Indeed he felt a great deal worse. Her comment about Zip Tok was disquieting. He began to wonder if indeed he had killed the Scarran. Had he been subject to a Scarran illusion? They were good at creating them. The whole thing had seemed solid enough and the damage to Sareel was real. Or was the whole thing a dream. Perhaps he'd wake up and Sareel would be asleep by his side. Very seldom had Ed'th Ra Scorpius felt disorientated, but this was one of the worst times. Wearily he put the circlet on one side, changed his rod and went to his sleeping couch. He hoped there would be no more nightmares.

*********

It was almost time for the fight in the min arena. It was packed with people of all species vying and jostling for position. Runners were threading their way in and out taking bets.

"Five credits on the Tavak to win? He's down to five to four. Thanks here's the slip. Now not all at once. You there, the Hynerean, what's your wager?"

"Ten credits on the Luxan to win!"

"You're wasting your money. It's a foregone conclusion."

"Better bet on how long it'll be before the Luxan's draal meat."

"I still bet ten credits on the Luxan."

There was a whispering round the group where Rygel was hovering. He was looking every inch the Dominar. Straight and proud. He touched his facial whiskers.

"Do you know something we don't."

"Would I tell you if I did?"

"He thinks the Luxan's got a chance. I bet seven credits on the Luxan."

There was a general clamour as the group decided to chance their bets. He slipped away with a satisfied smile and went over to another group and repeated the scene.

********

Aeryn, John, Chiana and Ak Ba were all in the ante room watching Sout trying to give d'Argo the rudiments of the skills required to fight with spaleblades.

"Watch his blade all the time. Don't look at him."

"Look out for a tremor in hs arm. Could signify a move."

"Drop your elbow and bob under his blade, like so. Then you can thrust upwards with yours. Remember his blade's your enemy."

Finally Sout had decided that he couldn't get anymore advice into d'Argo at such short notice. They sat down beside John.

"Think that'll do the trick?"

"I'm banking on the fact that the Tavak is unlikely to have met a spalebladepreviously. That may give d'Argo the advantage he needs."

Chiana looked at him questionly.

"How come you know how to use them?"

"Part of the training for a SuranDa Master. You wouldn't believe what weapons we can use."

"Oh I would. Seeing you use that one was revelation."

Sout was carefully sharpening the shining edges of the weapon, paying special attention to the elongated points. D'Argo watched blankly, he was still somewhat shell shocked.

Just then Pilot's voice came over Aeryn's communicator.

"Captain Sun. Harvey's just left Moya . He says success."

"Thank you Pilot. Keep Moya ready for instant starburst."

"There's a limit to how long she can keep her pathways charged."

"We'll be as fast as possible."

A chime went.

"That's the warning for the start of the fight. Pip, you and Ak Ba know what to do."

Chiana nodded and she and Ak ba left for the docking area. Crichton and Aeryn left the antechamber ahead of Sout and d'Argo who followed close behind. On reaching the main arena, Crichton and Aeryn moved to the seats at the front right by the open arena, which they had been allocated. They were joined by Rygel.

"All sewn up Sparky?"

"There'll be a substantial number shouting for d'Argo. They all think I know something they don't."

Crichton grinned.

"I'd say that's true. Can't do any more for now."

He suddenly looked serious.

"Hope to hell d'Argo took in what Sout was trying to teach him."

Aeryn glanced at him.

"D'Argo's a warrior. Fighting skills are absorbed as second nature."

"Could you use that blade Aeryn, just from what Sout showed us?"

She frowned.

"It would depend on my adversary. If I was more agile, yes, it would prove an effective weapon. But if he had a great deal more bulk and he was fast, his blows would be telling."

At that moment both combatants and their seconds entered the arena. The Tavak was in full ceremonial dress. D'Argo had shed his clothing down to his tunic and trews. The seconds handed them their spaleblades . Crichton noticed that d'Argo's was much shorter than the Tavak's and the edges gleamed wickedly. The master of ceremonies, a tall Interon female, walked to the centre.

"Ladies, gentlemen and others. We are privileged to host this once in a lifetime contest. This was claimed by the Tavak, Loog Arl against the Luxan, Ka d'Argo to answer a claimed insult against his species. Rules.....there are none and the match is until one or other of the protagonists is dead."

She moved to the side of the arena.

"Let combat commence."

D'Argo and the Tavak circled each other like stalking snalkits. Suddenly the Tavak lunged his blade toward the Luxan. Who side stepped with considerable alacrity.

"Didn't think d'Argo could move that fast."

"He's never shown us his full skills Crichton."

He glanced at Aeryn.

"Suppose that goes for you too."

"You want me to show you?"

"When this is sorted you could teach me some more."

She laughed seductively.

"You know how our fights usually end."

"Mmm I know", he murmured thickly.

Just then the Tavak let out a roar as d'Argo sliced into the leather of his ceremonal harness and made a maddened lunge at the Luxan. The crowd was chanting, "d'Argo, d'Argo" and there was a sudden in take of breath as the big Luxan slipped on the arena floor. The Tavak lifted up hisspalebladeto deliver thecoup de grace.   

"Make your last requests to your deity."

"Frell off lizard face."

The Tavak brought down the blade.... to hit the empty space on the floor where his adversary had been but a microt before.The surprised Tavak turned to find d'Argo facing him, blade in hand motioning him on.

"Now who's the coward. So easily fooled, you lump of dren. See how a real warrior fights."

There was the sound of metal on metal as the blades clashed together. Sout was trying to get d'Argo to back off and feint.

"The Tavak will overwhelm him at close quarters by sheer body weight. I told him to stand off and lunge and parry."

"You didn't tell him how to contain his rage though Sout. He doesn't think clearly when that gets hold of him!"

Just at that moment there was a shudder which permeated the whole of the PleasureDrome and the door at the back slid open and Chiana and Ak Ba flew into the hall screaming at the top of their voices.

"Pirates ! We're being attacked by pirates."

A Prelian slipped from the rear of the hall and quietly dropped several translucent capsules on the floor and moved to join John and Aeryn. A thick oily black smoke rose and engulfed the main arena and the back of the hall. Sout moved through the smoke and grabbed d'Argo, who tried to attack him. Sout clipped him on the chin.

"Calm down. It's Sout. Follow me."

In the ensuing panic the small group surrounding d' Argo slipped out of the hall. Rygel's sled slipped unnoticed to the bookmakers tables and the Hynearean scooped a large number of credits into a bag.

"Getting my investment back. With interest."

Glancing round him he left by another entrance and made his way to the docking area.

D'Argo was slightly annoyed.

"I tell you John I had him."

"Not from where we were sitting. Your rage was in the way."

"Errrg, I was totally focused."

"You had that look in your eyes."

A shot whistled past Aeryn's head.

"Round the corner. We've got company."

Crichton glanced behind him.

"Well what d'you know. It's the 'league of gentlemen'."

There were a motley group of species in chase.

"Yes, well it's obvious they aren't friendly. Harvey can you use that other pulse pistol you brought?"

"Scorpius had standard weapon training in his youth."

"Then you and I will delay them as long as possible. The rest of you make for the docking bay."

"What exactly's Crais doing with Talyn?"

"He said he'd aim for all the unmanned areas of the 'Drome. Now get out of here all of you and have the transport ready for lift off."

Crichton took one of d'Argo's arms and Sout the other and literally propelled the protesting Luxan down the corridor, followed by Chiana and Ak Ba. Harvey was picking off parts of the attackers as they showed themselves. There were screams and oaths as they found themselves missing parts of their extremities.

"You can be quite precise with a pulse pistol."

"Don't know, never had time to think about it."

A battered Scoran showed himself and was cut down by her pistol.

"Frell!"

"What's the matter?"

"Caught a ricochet in the arm."

"Do you think the others have had sufficient time?"

"Unless they were paralysed, yes."

"Then I suggest we make a strategic retreat."

"Good idea. Run!"

They strafed the area in the general direction of the thugs and then ran like the wind back towards the docking bay. The transport hatch was open and Rygel was hovering in the door way.

"Come on we haven't got all day you know."

"Don't need to tell me that Rygel"

They sped on board and the hatch closed and Crichton piloted the small craft up through the thin atmosphere. A streak of blue shot ahead of the craft.

"Crais we've got a follower."

"I see it Crichton. What Talyn? Of course! Shoot when ready."

The following craft disintegrated into a thousand pieces..

"Nice one Crais. Much obliged."

"We'll just give them a few more shots on the Pleasure Drome and then cease action. I presume Moya's ready to starburst?"

"You got it in one. As soon as we dock and secure we're outa here."

"Talyn will follow as soon as possible."

"Forgot to ask. Good trip?"

"Fully fitted with a dampening net."

"Great! See you soon."

They transport slid into Moya's docking bay and as soon as live support was established Crichton raised Pilot.

"We're on board Pilot. Get us to hell outa here."

"Immediately Crichton."

There was the usual shudder and feeling of disorientation as Moya slid into hyperspace. The crew moved up to the living quarters and trooped into the lounge.

"D'Argo do you never learn pal?"

"He insulted me too."

"Sometimes don't you think it's safer to turn the other cheek."

"Safer maybe, satisfying no."

China slipped up to the Luxan. She touched his arm and looked up at him.

"I'm glad you're all right d'Argo. I can still worry about you, you know."

He grunted.

"I suppose even friends can do that."

John clapped him on the back.

"Just don't ever get in that position again, you big lug."

"I could beaten him you know."

Sout grinned.

"Yes if you'd have kept your distance I do believe you could have. For a big one, you're fast."

Harvey appeared out of the kitchen with Ak Ba.

"Well all that action's left us starving. Food's here if you want it."

"How did you like you're first adventure as a Prelian, Harvey?"

The striped creature took a bite of the poran, a concoction resembling a pizza.

"Greatly enjoyed it. Scorpius doesn't know what he's missing by keeping away from action."

"Oh I think he does Harvey. He's being extremely cautious. And I get the feeling that he's so important to the Peacekeepers they wouldn't let him even if he wanted to."

"I suppose you could be right."

Rygel sped into the room, totally cock a hoop and grinning from side to side.

"It's happened. It's finally happened."

"What's happened?"

"I knew some of them would see sense one day. Oh I do feel good."

Aeryn took hold of the Hynerean's arm.

"Rygel calm down and tell us exactly what's happened."

But he just whizzed round and round on his throne sled. Finally all their patience was exhausted. There was a shout in unison from, John Aeryn and d'Argo.

"Tell us what's frelling happened."

Rygel came to a halt in front of Crichton.

"The colony at Egredon Five has started a rebellion in my favour. They've heard I'm still alive. Pilot set course for the Egredon cluster."

"Hey hold it Sparky. Pilot put that on hold. What makes you think the rest of us want to go to Egredon Five?"

"Crichton, I can make a start recovering my empire. Just think of it. You'll all be my loyal friends."

Crichton and Aeryn looked at each other.

"Don't think so. We've got to deliver Ak Ba and Harvey to the trading station. Then we do Scorpius's survey."

"Why the hezmana would you want to do that?"

Aeryn and Chiana went to either side of him.

"Well your pompousness. In case it had slipped your mind. That way we stay well out of the way of a possible Scarran/Peacekeeper war.."

"Yes and just a point of interest, Rygel. You're not the only one in this crew."

His face dropped.

"I thought you'd want to help me."

"Oh we do Sparky. But looking at it from your point of view, what's in it for us?"

"Er well you'll be my closest advisors."

"Er, er." John shook his head.

Rygel's face brightened.

"The pick of the most beautiful females in the empire."

"No way!", from Aeryn and Chiana.

"Money?"

"We've already got plenty."

"Power?"

"What would we do with that. It gets boring."

"I can't think of anything else."

His sled slipped away across the room and his little body sagged. Crichton gestured to the others to gather round.

"Well guys. What do we do?"

D' Argo grunted and scratched his tanka.

"Friends should stick together. After what you all did for me I vote we help the Hynerean."

"Could you call Sparky a friend? After all there've been times when he's tried to sell us down the line!"

"There're are also times when he's been unselfish and worked for us."

"Sure Aeryn, but is that sufficient?"

Chiana piped up with, "Hey it's just the way he is. If he was different he wouldn't be Rygel. He's not exactly been nice to me a great deal of the time either."

Sout and Ak Ba had been listening to the rhetoric.

"Strikes me John, that Rygel should be given his chance. After all there's no guarantee that this uprising will succeed and what would happen to him, if it failed?"

"That Sout is a very good question. There's no room for a failed slug!"

Ak Ba was joined by Harvey.

"What do you think Harvey ol' pal. Should we help Rygel?"

"That is something John I can only advise on. As far as I can tell, I've just been through the message Pilot intercepted, the uprising is local, in isolated groups."

He looked thoughtful.

"However the appearance of the Dominar could galvanise it into a more general rebellion. I do advocate extreme caution before committing yourselves to this cause."

"You think it's too risky?"

"You have to weight your advantages against those of your enemy before you make any calculation of risk, Captain Sun.

"Don't know about you, but I'd give it a go if Crais and Talyn were with us."

"I have to agree Chi. That would give us a tactical advantage."

Crichton was looking at the same report that Harvey had studied.

"Anyone know what troops are in the garrison?"

"I have heard rumours that the garrisons on the outer colonies are manned by Lideen."

"That I fear my friends that the is bad news."

"Why Ak Ba?"

"The Lideen were just starting to emerge as a warrior breed in my time. Eight hundred cycles later they must be formidable."

"So just another bunch of gung ho aliens."

"Rather more than that I think John Crichton. They think rather like the Scarrans you meet today. They want power, domination and slaves. Alien life forms they see as expendable."

"So what's new? Seems one half the galaxy wants to remove the other half. Politicians at the top and all the rest are cannon fodder!"

"Cannon fodder?"

"Dispensible Aeryn, there to be shot at."

"Oh! I think I understand. So what do we do?"

"Beats me. Be democratic and take a vote?"

"More sensible to get in touch with Crais and see what he thinks."

Aeryn hit the comm button on her wrist receiver.

"Crais are you there?"

There was the sound of chewing and a quick swallow.

"I'm in the middle of my meal. Is this important?"

"We have to make a decision."

"What about?"

Crichton took over.

"Seems one of Sparky's ex outer colonies has started a rebellion. They heard a rumour that he was alive. He wants us to go there and help him regain control of his empire."

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

"Not an acceptable risk unless we've got you and Talyn."

"We're going to the Outer Shell. I may have some relatives there, possibly a cousin. That's why I wanted the dampening net. Too many pirates in that area and Talyn makes an attractive target."

"I guess it's no go for Rygel then."

"Out of interest which planet's in rebellion?"

"A rock called Egredon Five."

Crais burst out laughing.

"Oh that's rich."

"Why?"

"That's the very planet that initially followed his relations when they ousted him in the first place. Ironic isn't it?"

"History repeats."

"So we give Rygel the bad news."

John looked wistful.

"I hate to disappoint the little fellow. I don't think I've ever seen him look so happy."

"But without Crais...."

"Listen, I'll delay my visit. Curiosity has got the better of me and Talyn wants to go. You can count us in. But I warn you if it takes more than three weeken, we're off."

"Fair enough. I don't think we're prepared for an extended visit either."

"We'd better stock up on food and essentals then. The next system has a trading community, Talyn and I will meet you there."

"OK then, we're going there anyway to drop off Harvey and Ak Ba. We'll tell Rygel the good news."

The little group walked over to where the dejected Rygel was hovering.

"Want the good new or the bad news Sparky?"

"Erm... I can't see that you can have any good new for me. Might as well tell me the worst."

"We can only give you three weeken."

The Hynerean's whiskers twitched and his eyes lit up.

"You mean?"

"Yep we're going with you."

Crichton gave a exaggerated bow.

"Your Dominarness!"

Rygel was so excited that he nearly fell off his seat. Chiana stopped his fall.

"You will. Oh I'm so excited. It's my wildest dream come true."

"Don't get too carried away Rygel. The whole thing may fall flat. Keep a perspective on the affair."

"Aeryn Sun what would you do if your dream came true?"

"I don't know Rygel. I don't know if I've got one. Personal expectations were always discouraged."

"Frell  it woman, why do you always act as if you're still in the Peacekeepers?"

"I.. I don't know. Training perhaps."

"Don't want to face reality and admit you have feelings more like!"

The banter continued as Moya made her way to the trading colony.

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

Down in the bowels of Moya, deep in the recycling and service area, something stirred. Pairs of glowing eyes took in their surroundings. Small bits of the article that had been the feather boa were scattered on the floor. Tiny feet pattered on the floor and there was the whirring of rainbow patterned wings. The small column followed the faint molecular trace that betokened food. They were hungry!

The trading station was bustling and Chiana and Aeryn were constantly jostled.

"Have you got those credits secure?"

Chiana peeked down her cleavage.

"As secure as anything down here. At least I'll know if any one makes a grab for them."

"Let's get the perishables then. We're out of meat."

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

Ont the docking pad Harvey and Ak Ba were unloading their small personal packs. Crichton was standing on his own, d'Argo and Sout were helping the other two. Harvey strode upto Crichton.

"Well this is goodbye, at least for the present."

"Yeah."

"I thought you'd have been glad to see me go."

"So did I."

The Prelian stroked his nose.

"Mmm. I take it you're having regrets John."

"Some."

"This really isn't like you. I've got used to you running on like a mountain stream. Total babble!"

"Got to admit something."

"What's that?"

"I'm gonna frelling miss having you around. You've been there so long to talk to."

"And now you're lonely?"

"Bereft. Wondering if I can trust my own judgement any more."

"Well before my advent you did well enough I believe. You kept Scorpius at bay. Greatly to his annoyance I might add. He'd never been thwarted by an alien before."

"That was then. Any way If Scorpie was so annoyed with me why's he been so benign recently?"

"There's something that's happened after my introduction that has changed his outlook. You seem to be important to him still, but not only because of the wormhole."

"But the stuff in my head was useless."

"He still thinks there may be a key, locked away there."

"Oh great. He wants to put another chip in my head."

"I don't think so John. If the first one didn't retrieve the relevant information then I'm sure a sure a second would prove pointless."

"Then why?"

"I really don't know. I'd try to put it out of your mind if you can. No good worrying over something that may never materialise. There's a good chance he may be able to develop the final part of the wormhole technology on his own."

"You really think so?"

"The Scarrans evidently don't have access to the Ancients information and they think so and we know there are a few other species who use wormholes for travel, so I'd say there's every possibility."

"Scorpie's never though about catching one of them and putting them in the Comfy Chair?"

"Undoubtably, but with most there could be repercussions. He saw you as the ideal person to give him what he wanted. A lone alien on the run."

"Shit, he's not going to give up is he?"

"As I said before I really don't know. After what happened to Sareel, his priorities may be slightly different. It's hard to say."

Ak Ba came over.

"Our skimmer has arrived. We should be on our way."

Crichton clasped his hand.

"Take care of yourself Ak Ba. Don't do anything I wouldn't."

"And that leaves you plenty of room for manoeuvre," laughed Harvey. "I should know I had to suffer him long enough!"

"Thanks pal, for that vote of confidence."

"John if you really need advice," he felt in his belt pouch, "here's the secure code contact my base. I promise there'll be no tracking of the signal."

"Hell thanks Harvey. Out of curiosity are you gonna keep the name?"

"I'm used to it and one name's as good as another."

The two got into into the skimmer and mover off. Harvey turned and waved and winked.

Crichton laughed. Harvey would always have some of his traits just as he would have some of the ex-clones.

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

D'Argo and Sout were looking for charts of the Egredon system.

"Hasn't anyone ever gone there?", grumbled the Luxan after they'd drawn yet another blank.

"I don't think it's on the regular routes. Don't give up just yet."

A rather battered ball of fur moved out in front of them and collapsed. D'argo was about to kick it out of the way.

"Don't!"

Sout bent down and turned the bedraggled animal over. Two rather dull amber eyes looked up at him.

"Shhh, I won't hurt you little one."

He passed his hands over the dull fur.

"No major injuries. I think it's just malnourished."

He got to his feet with the animal in his arms."

D'Argo went to touch it and was rewarded by a show of fangs.

"I don't think he's very trusting at the moment d'Argo."

The Luxan grunted.

"As long as it doesn't bite me."

Sout tucked the animal under his robe.

"Do you know what it is?"

"No idea, but someone will probably tell us. Look there's another cartographer's stall!"

This one was manned by a Grolk, and a very scruffy one at that.

"Remind you of someone?" whispered Sout in d'Argos ear.

"That fethenik Floush!"

"Not the same species, but just as tacky."

The Grolk moved over rubbing his hands.

"Can I help you, esteemed Sirs?"

"I doubt it. What we're seeking is unlikely to be found in a ragtag collection like this."

"Just tell me what it is you're looking for and I, Penethnick will try to find it for you."

D' Argo just grumped and followed Sout who was fingering his way throught the cases containing the holocartagraphs. He discarded several before his eyebrows lifted at the sight of the one he held in his hand. Walking back to d 'Argo and the Grolk he placed the canister down on the stall.

"Found the one you were seeking Sir?"

Sout shook his head.

"No. It's quite rare. Didn't really expect to find one in this quadrant."

"Oh it's one for an outer ring planet. Yes they do tend to be at a premium."

"This old one will add nicely to my collection."

The Grolk looked at it.

"I've got to say Sir, that that one may be damaged. I've never been able to project it."

"Oh I think it needs an old style holoprojector. I've got one at home."

"Well if you're willing to take the risk, shall we say five point seven credits!"

"Make it four point seven and you have a deal."

The Grolk held out his hand as Sout dialled the amount onto a credit disc.

"Thank you Sirs. Do come again. If there's anything Penethnick can do for you."

Sout turned.

"There is one thing. Do you know what sort of animal this is?"

The Grolk peered at the dirty ball of fur.

"Oh my, Sirs that's an ogroop. It's in very bad condition and that's surprising as they are expensive imports."

"Any idea what they eat."

"Meat, fruit grain. They need a mixed diet. I'll tell you Sir, that I'll be surprised if that one survives."

"Well thank you all the same."

Sout led d' Argo round the corner.

"Got it!"

"What?"

"The map."

"I thought there wasn't one there."

"Old avaricious paws would have charged an arm and a leg if he known what the container had in it."

"So just what was in it?"

"A Suran Da starchart."

"I presume you can open it more successfully than out friend back there."

"They all have coded passwords. We had to learn them all."

The ogroop shifted its position and opened an eye.

D' Argo peered over at it.

"It looks a lot better."

"It's been taking in healing energy while it's been in my arms. I'll feed him when we get back to Moya."

**********

Crais had stocked up on those things he needed and was about to return to Talyn, when he notice a small knot of people huddled round something. He moved quietly up behind them. Lying on the ground was a small Sebbacian girl child. A hefty Pothak was trying to get her to her feet.

"Just what is going on here?"

His bearing was still that of a Peacekeeper and to people who had become used to seeing them in action, the response was immediate. The group split open to let him through. He motioned to the Pothak.

"You just what are you up to?"

"This one Sir she's indentured to me and she runs away like. Me just recovering property."

Crais took hold of a none too clean tunic.

"No one within Peacekeepr jurisdiction keeps slaves."

"She not slave Sir. Parents need credits. Many children, so sold one."

"No one, but no one ever has the right to buy or sell another."

There was a general murmur in the group. On the whole that was true. Though Peacekeepers took over other planets, they never took slaves. Made the local populace compliant, usually by fear, but they were always paid.

"I think you would be better off without her if she's going to be so much trouble."

The Pothak's face brightened.

"You gonna buy her off Lago?"

"No. You're going to give her to me."

"Me lose money!"

"Would you rather lose your life?"

"Sir wouldn't?

Crais put his face right in the Pothak's.

"Sir would!"

The Pothak sighed.

"Today no been good day. All gone wrong. Take her, but me tell you, she pure trouble."

"Be that as it may, she deserves a chance."

He took hold of the girl's hand and led her away. When they were some distance from the scene of the disturbance, he stopped. She looked up at him with fearful eyes. He brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

"My sister used to look like you. Come on you need clothes. What do they call you?"

"Urana."

There was a microt's silence before she asked tentatively, "What should I call you? Are you Peacekeeper?"

"My name is Crais. Captain Bialar Crais."

"You are Peacekeeper."

He sighed.

"Was Peacekeeper. I had a falling out with them."

"I'll call you Captain Crais."

"In some places Urana, that may not be a good idea. Just call me Crais."

They'd reached a clothing stall and he purchased tunics, trews, boots and undergarments for her, blessing the fact that he had a sister. He wondered where she was now. Wondered if the news of his disgrace had got back to his family.

Urana tugged his coat.

"Crais? Is all this for me?"

"I don't see anyother female present."

He was taken by surprise when she grabbed him and gave him an enormous hug.

"Thank you Urana, but that wasn't really necessary. You could hardly go around in those rags any longer."

She clutched his hand. After his initial embarrassment, he had to admit it was pleasant. He made for his transport accompanied by the now excited little girl.

Rygel was waiting for the transport to dock. He was humming a tune fingering his whiskers. He was waiting in Pilot's den.

"Oh I do feel good, Pilot. Success at last."

"Mmm. I wonder."

Rygel looked a little shaken.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Moya's just pointed out that the percentage rate of success of the initial plan of any member of this crew is in the region of one per cent. Modified plans rate marginally higher."

"They haven't got my expertise and know how!"

Rygel puffed himself up as tall as it was possible for him to and gesticulated broadly with his arm.

"Needs experience and charisma to be Dominar."

"That would explain how you lost your throne."

"Meaning?"

"Charisma lacking, experience flawed."

"How...how dare you. I was beloved by millions."

"If that was so, then how come you were so easily deposed?"

"Jealousy. Pure jealousy in the family."

"It wouldn't have been that you were the bossy little slug then that you are now?"

"Crichton. Did you get the starchart?"

"Fraid not Pilot. How about a small Sebbacian girl?"

"Er.. I don't get the connection."

"Crais seems to have acquired a small Sebbacian girl, Sparky. Thought you might like to entertain her."

"Do I look as if I'd like to entertain her? Mmmmph. A child indeed. That's the last thing we need."

"I'd try telling Crais that. He's quite enchanted by her. Says she reminds him of his sister."

"Crais has a sister?"

"Seems so."

"Can't imagine a female Crais!"

"Hey now Sparky. I can't imagine a female you."

Crichton eyed the Hynearean up and down.

"What're you looking at me like that for?"

"Oh I don't know though. You might look quite cute with the extra hair and eyelashes."

"Females serve one purpose only. The gratification of the male. Oh Aeryn."

He tried to slip away but Aeryn had grabbed him by his garment.

"Male chauvanism, Chiana rears it's ugly head."

"Who are you calling ugly? I was renowned as a beautiful youngling!"

"Beauty they say, Ryg, is in the eye of the beholder. Who was looking at you? A Scarran?"

"I'm not staying to be insulted."

Chiana plonked a kiss on the top of his nasal slits.

"Watch out, you'll smother me!"

"What a way to go Sparky!"

"You're mad, quite mad. I thought we'd got rid of that when Stark left."

Crichton made a ghost type movement at the discomfitted Hynearean, Aeryn was still holding him fast.

"Whhoooo. Here we go round the mulberry bush."

"No more thoughtless remarks Rygel, if you still want you to help you."

"Frell  you, frell  the lot of you!"

He pulled away and made for his quarters.

"Something tells me he's not a happy Sparky!"

"You expect him to change ?"

"Suppose not Chi. That'd be like expecting a leopard to lose it's spots."

"Leopard? Really Crichton you keep coming up with strangest words."

"It's an animal with ..."

"Spots. I'd gathered that much."

"I tell you about a lot more animals if you'd like to break open a bottle of Pilachian red with me."

"Is that an invitation?"

"Maybe."

He touched her hair fleetingly. The action was not lost on Chiana. She stood with her hands on her hips her head cocked to one side.

"I can never understand you two."

They looked at her.

"What do you mean Pip?"

"Do you always have to have a fight before? Is it a new form of stimulus?"

"You mean if I have sex with John?"

"Well seeing as you put it so clearly, yes."

Crichton buried his face in the back of Aeryn's head.

"I don't need a fight."

His voice was thick with desire.

"Nor do I John. I don't know what gave you that idea Chiana."

Chiana threw her hands up in the air.

"What the frell! Just get on with it then we can get back to normality."

Crichto propelled Aeryn towards his quarters.

"Don't need a second bidding."

"What are you grinning for John?"

"I'm not grinning Aeryn. I'm smiling."

"There's a difference?"

"I'll show you."

Chiana could hear them still bickering as they marched off down the passage. She went up to Pilot.

"Chiana?"

"Hello Pilot."

"You're sad."

"Yeah, I'm sad. Wish d'Argo still cared for me. I really blew that one."

"I'm sure he always has your wellbeing foremost in his mind."

"My brother could do that."

She was silent for a microt or two.

"Moya's not picked up anything on the rebels has she?"

"No. But we are not always in relay range. There could have been news we missed. Do you want Moya to do a sweep?"

"No. If there'd been any news, I'd have felt it inside."

"You and your brother are close?"

"When I thought he'd died, I wanted to follow him to the Goddess."

Pilot looked pensive.

"I had a brother."

"You Pilot! I never thought of your race with families."

"People seldom do. Before our joining to a Leviathan we have normal family lives. Normally only a few are chosen for the honour of partnering a Leviathan."

His eyes went misty.

"I usurped the order, I committed a crime. I can never communicate with my family again. To them I am as dead."

Chiana stroked his wrinkled face.

"You have new family here. Moya and us. Crais and Talyn."

He took hold of her fingers gently in one of his pincers.

"Yes I have a new family.

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

""Where is everyone?"

"I don't know d' Argo."

"I need nourishment."

"Well if Aeryn and Chiana are back and I presume they are as we had to have the transport sent back for us, then the cold lockers will be full!"

"I hate cooking!"

"That's why there are so many burnt cookpots. The DRD's gave up on the last ones. Sent them down to recycling."

"Grrr."

"Grumping won't get us fed."

"I suppose you can do better!"

"Let me feed the ogroop, then I'll get us something."

"You intend to feed that frelling animal before us?"

"You and I can look after ourselves, this animal can't, so yes.

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

Tiny feet moved inexorably toward the source of the scent of food. The hive mind communicated with all its units.

"Forward!"

The gloom was no obstruction to them. They saw in the infra red and low band wavelengths. Their goals stood out dark against the light that betrayed the presence of the recycling unit. Soon the sound of chomping jaws could be heard in the organic noise that was Moya. Before long they were satiated and went to seek a quiet place to sleep. Two DRDs went past. They looked at the two bright clean cookpots and slipped a hover sled under them. They manoeuvred it up to passageway that led down to the recycling area and set the controls to take the sled to the galley.

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

Chiana was getting a meal for her and d'Argo when the sled appeared with the two bright shining pots on board.

"Hey d'Argo come in here a microt!"

The Luxan came apace.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I just thought you said the DRD's couldn't get the cookpots clean?"

"They couldn't!"

She pointed to the shining units on the sled.

"They must have a new cleaning method."

"Easy thing to do's ask Pilot."

The large head of Pilot appeared on the internal holoscreen.

"Pilot, have the DRD's got some new way of cleaning burnt pots?"

"I'll check."

He punched in some figures on the pad of his console. A frown crossed his face.

"There have been no alterations to the DRD's programmes. However Moya reports that various damaged parts of her circuitry which had been bypassed, seem to have disappeared."

"Which parts?"

"Neural interface nodes."

"Those are tho ones that burnt out when we hit the ion storm. They were a mess, all carbonised, the insulation was fried"

"Any idea why they should disappear Pilot."

"As this appears to be a new phenomenon......no!"

Crichton appeared at the doorway.

"Why the worried looks?"

"There's something strange going on in Moya."

"She's a complicated girl."

"Seriously Crichton."

"Something seems to have a liking for burnt bits."

"The DRD's have got a new programmes."

"Pilot says not !"

"That right Pilot?"

"Moya says there have been no modifications to the DRD fabrication programme. She also points out that dead material is beyond her internal recycling ability. She says that is the provence of your external unit on life support."

"Perhaps we'd better have a look see?"

"Is that really necessary?"

"Come on d'Argo man. You're not bothered by a few creepy crawlies are you?"

"Hrrrrgrh. It's dependent on their size and voracity!"

"What level were the burnt out parts on?"

"Let me see. It appears that initially the units disappeared on level sixteen, but a few seem to be missing on level fifteen."

"Level fifteen it is then! Coming d'Argo?"

"Very well. Get lighting pads. Pilot can you maintain life support upto level fifteen?"

"Not for an extended period Crichton."

"I'll get suited up then. Can you manage for a short while d'Argo?"

"In space for fifteen microts. Without the intense cold, possibly thirty."

"The microt you feel there's a problem coming on, leg it for a level with fe support."

Crichton made for the lockers where the life support suits were located. Aeryn came to join him.

"I just heard."

"Seems we've got gremlins in the works."

"I know. I just passed d'Argo."

"As long as they're not mettaloids."

"Brr. Don't remind me. I think that was on of the hardest things I ever had to do, setting fire to Moya."

"Probably just conduit rats with a new taste in cusine."

Aeryn started putting a suit on.

"D'Argo's coming with me."

"Don't get me wrong, but this is going to take longer than thirty microts and you may need your back covering."

Crichton had a pulse pistol and was surprised to see Aeryn checking out her pulse rifle.

"A bit over the top!"

"I like to be prepared for all possibilities."

"This is pest control, not Armageddon."

Inside her suit he saw her raise an eyebrow.

"Really? How many times have we had 'pest control' become a full blown incident. There was the Gammak base, the repository."

"All the problems were caused by Scorpie, not me. Of one thing I'm sure, we're not going to find ol'undertaker face in Moya's back passages."

"You still don't trust him do you?"

"No further than I could kick his Peacekeeper ass."

"Even after the sequence on Pharas?"

"I was, if you recall, totally out of it for that one."

"Well he got Harvey split off so that you could regain control of your head."

"Yeah, I wonder why."

They had got down to level twelve. There was no lighting on at this level and they were usuing light pads in order to see. A pair of yellow eyes watched as they went past, before the engorged body lay back against the bulkhead. She sent out a signal to her children, "Beware, hunters." Not long before their numbers would be further increased and they could begin the complete turning of the huge ship and its inhabitants into a huge food source. Bounty like this only came infrequently to the hive. From almost certain destruction to total domination. She felt contentment and closed her eyes

Scorpius laid back in his chair. An idea had come to him which he thought might just save Sareel. After the success in splitting Harvey and Crichton apart his razor sharp mind was formulating a means to put the neural essesence that was the technician into specially modified holding buffers. Then he'd find a suitable body, as he had for Harvey and install her consciousness in it. He smiled a small smile. She'd never let him hear the end of it if all he could find was another Prelian or even a Ledeveran. She had sounded less despondant on his last talk with her, but he found it so debilitating, that he was spending less time in her mind than he would have liked. Braca had tried to discourage him from further contact.

"Sir it's draining you and your health is of utmost importance to the Command."

He'd waved the officer aside.

"You underestimate my resillience."

"Your technician reports that you've been using stimulants. You know the Medicants disapprove of you using such drugs because of your mixed physiology."

He'd glared at the officer. What he'd stated was true, but he knew his body's reactions well enough to use the minimum dose possible to gain the effect he wanted. What the technician didn't know was that he'd been taking dream suppressants too. The nocturnal roamings of his subconscious mind had become unacceptable.. Unlike Humans, Sebbacians didn't need to dream to restore their brains and bodies.. Always the wormhole, Sareel and that annoying Human John Crichton. All holding hands in a circle and dropping down and down, it seemed forever, down into the wormhole. It never went further and when he tried to see more he always woke up, his rod needing imminent change. He had the disturbing feeling that in some way he was being manipulated, but whom by he had no idea. Sighing, he started compiling a list of parts he would need and making basic system diagrams. Strangely he should have felt hopeful, but peversely, he felt more despondent.

They made their way down the connecting passage to the lower level. As they entered the level, two pairs of glowing yellow eyes followed them six pairs of little legs moved quietly in unison behind the huge intruders. Synaptic pathways flared. "Intruders". The hive heard but didn't respond. They were inactive after feeding and huddled protectively round the hive mother on the twelfth level.

"I don't know about you John but I'm getting a bad feeling about this."

Delving in Moya's depths usually means problems. That's all it is Aeryn."

She shivered involuntarily.

"It's from my training. You develop a sort of sixth sense about danger. It's a prickling feeling on the back of your neck. A sense of being watched."

Crichton shone the lightpad round.

"Don't see anything. I'll look round the recycling unit."

He moved across to the cylindrical unit where the refuse the crew made was broken down into its constituents and reused.

"Hey look at this!"

Aeryn moved across and knelt down beside him. He traced the patttern of tiny claw marks in the yellowish dust.

"You know what I'd say was here."

"No John I don't."

"Tiny lizards or something similar. You do have lizards?"

She struggled with the word for a minute until the translator microbes found a suitable comparison.

"Yes John we do. But not a s small as this."

"Could be babies."

"If they are babies, then there must be a mother!"

"Yeah. That's not a nice thought."

"Well as we haven't actually seen anything I suggest we go back and get Pilot to flood the lower levels with cleron gas. That's what the DRDs use to fumigate."

"Seems to be the solution."

The intelligence that made up the combined mind, picked up the word fumigate. Panic shot through to the two scouts. "Attack Attack.

They showed themselves to the giant forms in front of them.

Aeryn suddenly pointed to the hovering creatures.

"Are those what we're looking for?"

"Could be. Hell, they're beautiful!"

The irridescence of the twin pairs of wings flashed in the cold light of the pads. Suddenly they darted at Crichton in unison. Sharp teeth snapped throught the plastic skins of the life support suit.

"Frell it Aeryn. The pesky things bit me."

"Through the suit John?"

"Sure they did. Drew blood."

"Check your meters."

"What?"

"Check your meters John."

"Oh shit, pressure dropping. I'm running out of oxygen."

"The repair kit. Should be on your belt."

"What belt?"

"You didn't put the belt on, did you?"

"Didn't think about it. It's getting hard to breathe."

"Just shut up and conserve what air's left."

She opened the small box on her belt. Instead of the large pack of repair material and adhesive there were just two small sticky patches. She silently cursed that they'd never checked the suits out previously.

"Look John I can reduce the leaks, but I can't stop them. I'm calling Pilot."

"Whhaat 'ver you saay."

"Don't pass out John. Whatever you do, don't pass out. Pilot emergency!"

"I heard Captain Sun. Ka d'Argo is on his way down to you."

"I'm going to try to drag Crichton up to a level with life support."

"I'll try to active level twelve. Moya says we can quickly flush oxygen into that area."

"Thanks Pilot. Do it."

Laboriously she started dragging the heavy body in the suit along the pathway leading upwards. At level fourteen intersection she had to stop, exhausted by the effort. Crichton was totally unconscious. She wasn't even sure that he was still breathing. Suddenly a large figure loomed up in front of her.

"D'Argo! You don't know how glad I am to see you."

He scooped the limp figure into his large arms and began to run ever upwards. On the twelth level they were met by Sout carrying a small metal case.

"ou can take you helmet off. Pilot's got life support in here."

Sout and d'Argo stripped off the helmet and suit wich covered the limp, pale form of Crichton. Sout felt carefully round the neck area. He looked at the Luxan and shook his head. D' Argo punched the rib cage of the Human.

"A bit gentler d'Argo. You'll break his ribs."

Sout cleared the airways and fixed a resuscitation unit to John's face. Aeryn watched. Microt by microt seemed to pass though they were only milimicrots.

"He's not going to make it. We've lost him."

Her thoughts left her dry eyed. Peacekeepers were trained not to show emotion in public, however difficult the situation. Suddenly her thoughs were galvanised by a rasping cough.

"He's breathing."

"Thank the Goddess for that. Let's get him back to his quarters then he cn recover."

"Not so fast d'Argo. That was not the only problem. Look at the colour of his skin."

There was a lilac mottling starting to appear.

"Those frelling things bit him."

"Then it's my guess they injected some form of poison."

"Oh great. Not only do those things attack, they inject you at the same time."

D' Argo picked up Crichton and they both followed Sout up to the living quarters.

"Put him in my chamber. I need to keep an eye on him."

Aeryn sat down in the lounge area.

"Pilot sterilise the lower levels below fourteen."

"i'll get on to it right away Captain Sun. How is Crichton?"

"To be quite honest Pilot I'm not sure. Those flying creatures seem to have injected him with something when they bit him."

"Not good then."

"No Pilot, not good at all!"

She wandered into the kitchen, more from the need to do something rather than from hunger. Chiana rushed, followed by Rygel.

"Hey I just heard what you said to Pilot. Anything I can do?"

"Don't think there's anything anyone can do."

"I suppose this means we'll not get to the Egredon system then."

"Rygel that's one of the most insensitive things you've ever said. John could be dying and all you think about's yourself."

"So he's dying. Never did like him much anyway. I'm very much alive and I've got a great deal to gain from going back to Egredon. The good of the many over rides the interest of the individual."

Chiana aimed a blow which knocked the Hynearen off his seat and he fell heavily onto the floor.

"What the hezmana was that for? Help me up."

"Help yourself up you over rated, overstuffed little person. I hope you fall flat on your ass over the rebellion."

"Well said Chiana. That was something I can agree whole heartedly on. lets leave the would be Dominar to contemplate his sins."

They walked out of the kitchen leaving Rygel grovelling on the floor, trying to get his sled back to the ground. Finally he managed to call it and climbed laboriously onto his small throne. His whiskers trembled with rage.

"This time they've gone too far. I'll show them or my name's not Rygel the sixteenth."

He set the directions for his quarters and left the kitchen having takeng a full dose of umbrage over the whole affair. One thing Rygel had which nothing seemed to quosh, was an extremely inflated opinion of Rygel. It was his conceit which had lost him his throne in the first place. The conceit of believing that he was universally liked.

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

Sout was in his quarters, reading. The ogroop was curled up on his knee snoring gently. He was absently stroking the now clean, soft fur as he read a book on animals in that part of the galaxy. Nowhere was there mention of an ogroop.

"I think my little furry friend that you come from somewhere further afield."

The animal warbled contentedly. Sout found it an extremely comforting sound and the action of stroking it very relaxing. It opened its eyes and yawned, showing its mass of needle sharp teeth. A green tongue licked round its lower jaw and then licked Sout's hand almost tenderly, its gold, green and violet eyes fixed on him almost like a caress. The eyes fascinated the Morgul. He couldn't really say what colour they were exactly. They seemed to vary from microt to microt, according to the light and the animal's mood .

"I like you a lot little one. Now I think I'm going to have to give you a name."

That proved to be rather a problem. Sout had never named an animal before and every name he came up with seemed totally unfitting for the chestnut coloured fur ball. There was a discreet knock on his door. He released the door catch and Chiana came in.

"Hi Sout Thought you might want some thing to eat. Well actually I've just been experimenting with praliten. Think it turned out rather well."

She proffered a plate to Sout. It was covered with a sticky dark brown confection. The ogroop lifted its nose and delicately smelt the air. Sout took a piece of the confection and bit into it rather dubiously. A smile lit up his face.

"You're right. It is good!"

Chiana offered a piece to the animal on Sout's lap. It shiffed it and then snatched it swiftly out of her fingers.

"That animal hungry or something?"

"I think you've made something it can't resist. I shouldn't think too much would be good for it."

Chiana gently touched its head. It was totally absorbed with its piece of praliten. Chewing and slurping sounds abounded.

"Its manners are on a par with Rygel's."

"At least it hasn't farted helium......yet."

"Have you given it a name Sout?"

"I've been trying to find a suitable one."

Chiana picked up the animal from the Morgul's lap and held it up. It was licking its whiskers clean.

"Rool, call it Rool. My brother and I had a snalkit a long time ago, we called Rool."

A long green tongue snaked out and licked her grey cheek.

"He likes you. Rool it is then."

Chiana inspected the animal.

"You sure it's a he?"

"Well not really. I can't find anything on them in any of the data bases or holobooks. So, no I'm not sure of its gender at all. Perhaps they're hermaphrodite."

"Mmm could be. Hey you that's not all yours!"

The ogroop had taken advantage of her distraction and had dived into the plate of praliten. She managed to rescue some of the confection and there was the sound of multiple chewing as they finished it off. Rool jumped onto Sout's bunk and curled up contentedly.

"That was good Chiana."

"I was bored. So I turned up an old recipe."

She was suddenly aware that the Morgul was looking at her with a great deal of affection and pehaps a little bit more.

"Poor Chiana. You really are misunderstood. Such a generous heart lurking under that grey skin."

"Yeah, well perhaps I better go. Glad you liked it."

"Why go? Stay and talk to me. You said you were bored."

She gave him a rather coy little smile.

"I might be mistaking the signals you're giving off."

He looked right into her eyes.

"I don't think so."

She slid her arms round his neck and kissed him. His response was immediate and definite. He found the door control and locked it .

"Now we won't be disturbed."

Part  4a