Part 10 Part 11 

Part 1 - 4

Part 5 - 8
Eye of Infinity

Part 9

"Aspi are you sure this is gonna work?"

"There’s no doubt in my mind. The Lideen are totally hooked on gambling and the interest my special series of races has stirred up proves it. Every off duty Lideen and those who can sneak out will be there!"

Crais snorted.

"Doesn’t say much for their discipline!"

"From what I hear Captain Crais that has been going steadily downhill recently."

Crichton grinned.

"I wonder why?"

Crais, Aeryn, John and d’Argo were sitting in the Sheyang’s luxurious office at the race track. He’d taken them on a tour of the facilities and shown them the finer points of the sang cheng.

Aeryn had taken an instant dislike to the animals after one tried to bite her.

"Camels with spines and teeth!"

"Yes, well I’ve never met a camel, but I’ll second the teeth!"

D’Argo was fascinated by them.

"How the frell do you persuade them to race? They look as if they’ve got minds of their own?"

"They seem to like to compete. Racing each other seems to confer status. The persistant losers can be killed by the others."

"What about the jockeys? Sure doesn’t look like an easy ride."

"Well, the animals are muzzled for racing and it’s really a matter of either holding them in or spurring them on. It’s all strategic."

Aspi had offered them a ride on one of the course marshall’s animals, all older and fairly quiet. Only Crichton had accepted.

"Hey, hell of a good view."

"You just watch yourself, Crichton. I may not be one of your close friends, but I’m afraid we need you."

"Aw Crais stop fussin’. You sound like my Mom used to when I’d got a new hobby."

"Well I’d say she had a lot to put up with!"

"Just leave off Aeryn. I’m doing fine."

At that moment a flock of tuaroles, brightly coloured birds flew past. The sang cheng jumped off the ground, all four feet together and then put in an almighty buck. Crichton managed to hang on by the skin of his teeth. The others were in paroxysms of laughter by this time.

"Doing fine are you?  I'd say the sang cheng has other ideas!"

"Just shut up all of you. I can’t see what’s so funny."

"You can’t John? Oh well you will."

"What’s that cryptic remark supposed to mean d’Argo?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all!"

They all took a furtive look at Crichton and began laughing again. Even Aspi joined in. The merriment got to the sang sheng and it took off down the race track with Crichton on board gamely sawing at the reins in a vain effort to slow the animal.

Aeryn wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Aspi I suppose he’ll be all right?"

"Oh yes the animal used to race the course and it will go round and come back. By the time it reaches here again it should be controllable. It’s quite old."

"What are we going to tell John?"

"I really don’t know."

Even Crais had given up triying to control himself.

"I’ve seldom seen anything as amusing. I suppose he’ll realise sooner or later?"

"I should think the smell will tell him!"

What had happened was that the animal had crapped at the same time as bucking with the result that a very large, soft turd was sitting on Crichton’s head like a hat. Aspi sat them all down to wait for Crichton’s return.

"I must admit that I’ve never seen that happen before."

General conversation followed while they waited.

"I wonder why the Lideen are so taken with gambling?"

"I think it all goes back to their position. They are wanderers, hiring out to the highest bidder and longing to return to Phrigidos. No culture or history, so the younger ones like the excitement of a wager."

Aspi peered down the track.

"Ah they are returning. See I told you the animal would be spent. Wait though it’s only Commander Crichton."

"Oh dear He’s never going to life down being unseated."

"Well Aeryn, he was the one who insisted on doing it."

"I wonder where the animal’s gone?"

Crichton came a little groggily over to the group.

"Got rusty John?"

"No I’m not d’Argo. Frelling animal!"

"Well where is it?"

"It’s down the track, pushing up the daisies!"

Aeryn shook her head.

"Don’t understand."

"It’s kaput, non functional!"

Blank stares greeted him.

"Hell do I have to spell it out ? Frelling thing died under me."

Aspi just nodded.

"Well it was old. I don’t suppose it had been as energetic in cycles."

Crais barely suppressed a smirk.

"It was probably the smell!"

"Just what are you getting at Crais?"

"I should have thought it was apparent."

"Look at this frelling moment in time nothing’s apparent except a very large bruise on my ass!"

"I wondered why you were limping."

"Lucky the bruise is on your rear. Could have been nasty."

"D’Argo I thought you were my friend."

"I think we’d better tell him."

"Tell me what?"

"Touch your head John."

"Oh hell what?"

"Exactly!"

He brought his hand down.

"Oh God is that smell off me?"

"Mmm. Quite pungent isn’t it?"

"I’ll have to shower. Gotta get this crap of me. Aw it’s awful."

Aspi took him by the arm and whispered in his ear.

"You have?"

"Yes."

"Lead on man, I’ll follow."

Aeryn followed the retreating forms with her eyes.

"Where are they going?"

"I should think our Aspi’s got a suite here complete...."

"With bathing facilities."

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

The track began to fill with the regulars. Conspicious among these were a large number of tall, thin suited Lideen. Aspi nudged Aeryn.

"Told you!"

"Yes you did!"

"Are your two girls in place?"

"I expect so. I wouldn’t expect to see them. They are supposed to mingle."

The Sheyang chuckled and a whisp of smoke came out his mouth.

"Oh pardon! Well if your Chiana’s half as good as Piqua, there’ll be a number of Lideen minus their key codes tonight."

"I sure hope so."

"Ah Commander Crichton. Fully restored I hope."

"Thanks Aspi and you’d better cut the commander bit."

"Yes it would be unwise."

He grinned.

"Mind you, in an hour or two the Lideen won’t know what day it, is let alone what folk are called!"

Sout ambled up.

"I’ve got the party organised. Lots and lots of food and litrons of cold tisane. We’ve set it up in the barn at the back."

He and d’Argo had been in with Aspi’s catering staff, helping with the laying out of the food. Crichton laughed.

"What’s so funny John?"

"I was just thinking Rygel would be furious if he knew what he knew what he was missing."

"Well he could hardly show his face in public, could he?"

"I left him arguing about how it was possible to make a wormhole with Pilot."

"Rygel talking wormholes?"

"He’s been going through all the readouts. Says he thinks Earth might be suitable after all."

"Oh boy. I’ll have to wean him off that idea! Somehow I can’t see Rygel and the Space Agency together."

"He’s not exactly unobtrusive!"

"He’s got no hope anyway. If Scorpius can’t succeed in making a stable wormhole then Ryg has no chance. Never knew he had a scientific mind."

"Don’t think he has. He’s just trying to interest Pilot in taking some more readings in the vain hope we stumble on one."

"We could have gone anywhere if Sareel had been ...er.. in one piece."

"Face it Sout. Scorpius must be in a panic by now, High Command will be breathing down his neck with the Scarran scare!"

"Do you think so Crais?"

"I should think it a certainty. They’re desperate to safeguard Sebbacian culture. That’s why Scorpius has been given such a loose rein and big budget. They know he’s their only hope."

"If they’d played their cards right Sareel could have given them exactly what they wanted. But as it is....!"

The klaxon heralded the start of the first race and they all trooped to the front of Aspi’s box to watch it. Crichton was showing a distinct lack of interest. His interest in sang cheng had waned swiftly after the morning episode. Masses of Lideen were congregated round the betting posts.

"I think we’ll have a good day!"

"Hey Aspi, you fleecing them?"

"Well the odds if you’re Lideen are steeper than if you aren’t. Don’t see anything wrong in relieving them of their pay."

Sout sidled up.

"I’ve just had a thought. With all that suiting and the helmets, how the frell do they eat ?"

Crichton chuckled.

"More interesting, how do they crap?"

Aspi looked to the heavens.

"What’s the matter Aspi old pal?"

I don’t see what could be interesting in either of those two questions."

"You don’t huh?"

The Sheyang shook his head and said in a resigned tone, "Well eating I drinking, I do know the answer."

Crichton and Sout looked at each other. Chrichton raised his eyebrows.

"Go on don’t keep us in suspense!"

"There’s a sort of door in the front. It slides up. I only know because I got invited to a reception their commander held."

"He’s into social graces then?"

"Not exactly. He wanted to borrow transports from the Guilders. I sort of got invited too."

"And you don’t know the answer to the other?"

"Indeed I don’t and I suspect neither does anyone else other than another Lideen."

They were thankfully, for Aspi, distracted from that particular chain of thought by the loud cheer which denoted that the racers were coming into view. Aspi took a viewer and looked at the oncoming animals and riders.

"Ah well that’s different. Fire Devil’s in the lead. Never thought he had it in him."

"That good then?"

"Yes...and no. Yes in that he’s an outsider, no because of his owner."

"Problem?"

"Yes Ecton’s the leader of the Thieves Guild and he’s not above giving the animal a stimulant."

"What about steward’s rules?"
Aspi snorted.

"What steward’s rules. This is Egredon Five not Earth, John Crichton. There are no rules."

"Might be easier if you introduced some."

"What and miss all the fun when they get to blows? You want to take the spice out of my existence?"

Crichton was suddenly mindful that he wasn’t on Earth and that customs were a great deal different in many respects.

"Yeah, well I guess that would be a pity!"

Aspi clapped him on the back and nearly knocked the breath out of him.

"We’ll make an Egradonian out of you yet, John!"

Crichton gave him half a smile and thought about the wormhole dream. Hewondered just what the outcome would be.

Part 9a

Chiana and Piqua were serving food and drink in the big barn. The Lideen were on the whole quite well mannered or more likely, just indifferent to other species. Piqua nudged Chiana.

"Chi, how about we take a breather?"

The Nebari looked around and signalled that they go into the small store at the far end. They had to thread their way through the throng of mainly Lideen to get there. Chiana shut the door behind them.

"Whew! I'm getting a stiff neck from looking up."

Piqua grinned.

"I gave up looking up. I just fixed my gaze at their middles, much easier. And extremely rewarding."

Chiana fished down her cleavage.

"What did you get?"

Piqua rooted in her waist pouch.

"Quite a bit!"

They laid out their combined take on the floor.

"What the frell's that?"

"Haven't a clue. Might come in useful though, one of the others might know. Ooo is that what I think it is?"

"Yep. Main door card. It's got it in Egradonian as well as Lideen."

"Well this one seems to be for the side freight door."

"That's going to be useful."

"Yes we can let the others in through it."

Piqua waved a small object in front of Chiana.

"Recognise this?"

"No. But from your glee I reckon you do."

"It's the main computer authorisation key."

"Oh Teacher Koy will be in her element."

Piqua nodded.

"And this little gizmo you've got will get us into the power settings."

"How come they've got all these things on them? Haven't they got any security at all?"

Piqua shook her head.

"Morale's been slipping for a cycle or two. Many of them no longer care. They don't want to be here any longer. Some of them have never seen Phrigidos and that rankles with them."

"We've come at just the right time then!"

They carefully put everything away again. Only just in time. The door opened and a Lideen stood there.

"Hey you're breaking into our rest period. Frell off!"

The Lideen swayed a little and collapsed quite gracefully onto the floor.

"It's starting to work."

They climbed over the bulk of the inert figure and peered round the door. All round the barn there were Lidden collapsing, some gracefully, others not.

"How messy! Litter all over the place."

Chiana laughed.

"Now for the big clean out."

Some of Aspi's men had come in and were dragging inert Lideen onto sleds. One of them grinned at Piqua.

"There are going to be some thick heads in the morning."

"I hope they're going to sleep tonight."

"Piqua love I don't think the Clarions of Sornquot would wake these beauties!"

Chiana and Piqua shook hands and made their way back to Aspi's office. The track owner was there with d'Argo and Aeryn. They looked up as the girls came in.

"Success?" boomed the Luxan.

"Total. And a bit more."

Aeryn looked in interest at the items they laid out on the desk. She pointed at the object that had puzzled the two girls.

"What the frell's that doing here?"

"We're totally in the dark about it. What is it?"

"A communication device. The Peacekeepers have similar ones."

She peered at the runes on the casing.

"Nothing I can read."

"Pity our translator microbes don't stretch to reading a language."

"That's always been a problem."

Aspi move over to join them.

"Do you recognise the language?"

He peered at the object and inhaled sharply. D' Argo looked at him, his face wrinkling with worry.

"I take it that whoever it is isn't friendly?"

"Absolutely. Never been a Scarran lover."

"Scarrans!", echoed round the room in quadruplicate.

"Yes. Didn't you know that at one time they provided the Lideen with most of the technology they now have, including those suits."

Aeryn looked subdued.

"No I didn't. I'd say some of the Lideen still have connections."

"Scarrans have probably got a marker or two to call in."

Crichton, Sout and Crais had heard the last remarks.

"Scarran connections seem to be cropping up everywhere."

"Davrol thinks they're poised to attack."

"Yeah but where?"

"He also thinks they've got a wormhole."

"Frell that's bad news."

"Anyway to the matter in hand. Is everything set for tonight?"

"Well all the units know what they are to do."

"We've got everything to take in. Can you let the tech group know to be outside the side cargo door?"

Aspi nodded. "I presume there's going to be a diversion?"

Crichton grinned broadly.

"A diversion to end all diversions. It'll make the fourth of July look like picnic!"

Aeryn gave him her 'You're at it again' look , the one she kept for times she hadn't a clue what he was talking about.

"Till tonight then."

*****

The Lideen commander would have been tearing out his hair, if he'd had any to remove. Lideen skulls were devoid of any trace of anything vaguely resembling hair. A few tiny tentacles and fleshy protuberances, but definitely no hair.

"What do you mean we can't mount a full guard tonight?"

The messenger shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.

"And for Sivan's sake stand still. Well go on, explain."

Inside his suit the unfortunate being was starting to heat up.

"Well Sir you know how much the younger members love to go to the race track?"

"Yes, yes of course I know. Should close the place down but that would cause too much friction in the natives. I prefer a peaceful life if possible."

"Er well they organised a special set of races for us...."

"And?"

"Food and drink"

The commander sat down his head in his massive hands.

"Don't tell me. They're all intoxicated."

"Not fit for duty Sir."

The beleaguered chief felt like weeping. Well that was something else that they couldn't do, he envied the Egradonians and other species their capacity for tension release. Feeling under his desk top he brought out a vial of sorin, opened his helmet port and swallowed its contents. The messenger was shocked. This was something one only did in private and definitely not in front of a subordinate. The commander felt the other Lideen's horror.

"It's this kavanking planet. I've been here too long."

"I fully understand Sir."

The commander felt somewhat calmer. He assessed the implications and found the outcome better than he'd dared hope.

"Get the stand by regiment on full alert."

"Sorry can't do that Sir."

"What do you mean you can't do it?"

"They're all soundly asleep and I doubt we'll wake them."

The commander got up and threw his hands in the air.

"It's all breaking up in front of my very eyes."

Which again was untrue. Lideen didn't have eyes as such, just heat receptors. They saw in patterns of heat.

"Do elucidate why they are in this state?"

"Er a cask of soma was sent round for those who couldn't leave the garrison. It was much appreciated."

"I can see that. Well who can we muster?"

"The techs and the engineers Sir."

"By Sivan's Blood they're pathetic!"

He sighed. The sound of someone who reluctantly had had to face an extremely unpalatable reality.

"I suppose they'll do. Nothing ever happens anyway. And all the garrison who can't be roused are on a charge. I want a full parade in the morning, weapons to be presented and full battle dress. I've a feeling that they've also been neglecting their appearance."

"Very good Sir."

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

Rygel was hovering in the centre of the lounge practising his speech for the transmission.

"Egradonians, there has been a long period of occupation for you all. Tonight this has come to and end and I rejoice with you."

There was a solitary handclap from the sofa in the centre. Rygel started, collected himself and sped over to it.

"Urana, you gave me a fright!"

"I'm sorry Rygel, Rool and I were just going through my next lesson."

She looked a little lost.

"Everyone's so busy they've forgotten about me."

"Ah yes well it's important that everything goes just right tonight."

"I suppose so."

"You don't look very happy."

"I had a sort of dream last night and everything went wrong in it."

"Oh I have those sometimes."

He shivered.

"Brrr don't remind me. Last one I was marooned on a planet with a bunch of food freaks."

"But you like food Rygel."

"They weren't giving it to me, they were trying to take it away."

"Oh that's different."

"Indeed it is. The thought of it makes me feel ill!"

"Do you think everything will go well tonight?"

"Well if it does it'll be the first time ever!"

"Thing can't go wrong all the time."

"I've been trying to tell myself that ever since Crichton came on board!"

"I like Crichton. He's funny."

"I wouldn't let him hear you say that."

"Why not?"

The Hynearean came lower and positioned himself by her side. The ogroop opened an eye, saw who it was and promptly closed it.

"Well Crichton likes to think of himself as leader. Oh he never pushes the fact but it's there all the same."

"What's wrong with that Rygel?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all if his plans worked. But they seldom do. That's how we first came to Scorpius's attention. It all went wrong at the Gammak base."

"Scorpius is very sad."

"What makes you say that?"

The little girl looked at her feet.

"Come on now you must have a reason."

"Don't shout Rygel!"

"I'm not shouting, I'm just surprised."

"You won't believe me."

"My dear after over a cycle on this ship I think I can believe anything. So tell Rygel just why you think Scorpius is sad, though I'd say it serves him right."

"I....I... well sometimes I can go to where people are and see what they are doing."

"Can you indeed! That could be useful!"

"Scorpius is so sad that he's planning doing somehthing quite dreadful."

"What, what come on don't leave me in suspense."

"I never found that out. I could just feel that he'd made a plan because he felt desperate and that it wasn't a good one."

"Scorpius making a mistake, well that would be a first! I never thought I'd see the day."

"He doesn't think he's making a mistake, I think he's making a mistake."

"You do know what he's planning don't you."

"Yes, but he mustn't be stopped or something worse would happen."

Her serious little face suddenly brightened.

"I'm hungry. Do you think there's any food in the food safe?"

"If there isn't I know where there is some. Chiana thinks I can't get it, but she's mistaken. I got a pick lock from one of the thieves guild. Not much use in being Dominar if you can't make use of it!"

They sped off to the kitchen closely followed by the ogroop, thoughts of Scorpius far away as they put pans and pots onto the range  and filled them with food.

Part 10

The assault teams were gathering in the wood close to the garrison wall. From where they were they could see the freight door which Piqua and Chiana were going to open.

"This rifle's frelling heavy."

"Oh don't be a nalvik, Shanion!"

Aspi was rallying his group of experts.

"What are you, man or sourian?"

"At this particular moment I feel more like an extremely small sourian."

"Eek eek."

"Very funny!"

"Be a bit quieter. You don't want to announce our presence to the Lideen sentries do you?"

"What sentries? I don't see any."

Aspi took the viewer and carefully looked along the garrison wall. There was no sign of movement. The Sheyang chuckled.

"I think we succeeded very well this afternoon."

Crichton and Aeryn slipped over to the group.

"You all ready?"

Teacher Koy, her face blacked up sighed.

"As ready as we'll ever be. It's one thing to imagine doing something . Quite another to actually do it. I feel quite sick!"

"Don't worry the microt something happens, the butterflies'll go away."

Aeryn was at his shoulder as they made their way to the next group.

"Do they?"

"Do they what?"

"Do the butterflies whatever they are, go away when you get some action?"

"Hell no, well usually but not every time. It's fine when everything's going to plan, but if it doesn't, I tend to get panicky."

"I had noticed."

"You would!"

They'd reached the second group by this time, Rygel was hovering by them.

"Right you all know what you're doing?"

Heads nodded.

"We wait until we get the signal fron the lead group and then we follow up with the Dominar. Make for the studio and make sure no one disturbs him while he makes his broadcast."

Crichton clapped him on the shoulder.

"You've got it."

They walked away. Aeryn suddenly turned round.

"Where the frell are Crais and Sout? I thought they'd be here by now?"

"Sout's working on that gadget Dravol found. Crais is getting Talyn to activate it at the right time."

"I suppose you know what you're doing."

"Trust me."

"Seems I've heard that before!"

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

 Piqua and Chiana walked upto the main door of the garrison and activated the door inetcom.

"Identify yourself."

"It's Piqua and I've got a friend with me."

"Really you should know better by now, stick to proceedures."

Piqua sighed and put her hand into the slot by the side of the door. A greenish light scanned her hand and then the door slid open rather wearily.. The two girls went inside. A Lideen was sitting a the desk in the entrance, a pistol on the desk in front of her.

"Where's Zooa?"

"You heard about the special race day?"

"Yes I think I heard it mentioned."

"Well Zooa is shall we say recovering from a surfeit of enjoyment."

"She's drunk."

The Lideen hesitated a microt.

"Not to put too fine a point on it, yes."

"I'll bet your commander's in a stew."

"I think he's had to turn the refrigeration up in his suit or he'd be smoking. Who's your friend?"

"This is Chiana. She's come to help me."

"I've never seen a grey humanoid before."

"I'm Nebari."

"Ah. Sorry it's a new one on me. I don't think you're going to have many to entertain tonight. He's got them all covering for those who are incapacitated."

"I did wonder why you weren't in the studio."

"I've had to virtually shut it down. No staff to speak of."

"Oh well we'll go and see who's around."

"You might like to look in on the sleeping beauties."

"Why?"

"I though it might amuse you. You Egradonians seem to like seeing us discomfited."

"It doesn't seem to bother you."

The Lideen gave a burble.

"I'm not too enamoured with my species at the moment. I want to stay here for the rest of my life. I find it pleasant."

"In spite of having to wear that suit?"

"Well now I thought I could get the funding to build a pseudoworld, a holgraphic representation of Phrigidos . I've seen similar in other places. There are quite a number who'd like to stay."

Chiana was intrigued by this statement.

"I thought you were here for at least ten cycles until your replacements turned up."

"There are rumours that we're going to help the Scarrans in their plans."

"What's going to happen to Egradon?"

"I think it would be the first planet the Scarrans would occupy. Good source of slaves for their mines."

"You don't seem as if you like the idea."

The Lideen shook her head.

"Being in occupation is one thing, wanton destruction is quite a different matter. I don't like the idea at all!"

"Perhaps it won't come to that."

"Perhaps not."

The two girls moved off and Piqua led the way down an austere corridor with closed doors on either sides.

"The interrogation suites."

"Did they ever use them?"

"Don't honestly know. It was way before my time. Come on it's just round this next corner."

The huge metal door came into view as they rounded the corner and Piqua took out the key card.

"Frell! We don't have to open that do we. It'll make one zatz of a row when it's opened you know."

Piqua shook her head.

"Nah. If you look there's a small personal door set in. These cards work for both."

When they reached the door Piqua undertook to open it while Chiana kept guard. She was expecting instant success to the operation. After about five microts she began to be concerned and went back to the door. Piqua was wriggling the card in the slot.

"Just our luck. Either this frelling thing's damaged or....."

"Or what. No don't tell me. They've changed the codes. A sudden rush of blood to the head made them security conscious."

"Stow the sarcasm. Would you have known what to look for in the first place?"

Chiana shook her head.

"Well then! I was about to say that it's for the door on the other side."

"You never said there was a door on the other side."

"It's never used."

"Someone's been using it if you're right."

"Perhaps that's where they've been sneaking out. No it's no good. It's the wrong card."

"How about the other one."

"Now that one's coded for the studio, so there's not a snalkit's chance of success there!"

"What are we going to do? The others are depending on us letting them in."

"Well they're just going to have to wait."

"It's supposed to be a military operation."

"Don't make me laugh. Even with the training they've had, they're a bunch of amateurs. I can open it but it's going to take time. I've got to bypass the door circuits."

"You'll need tools."

Piqua reached up under her tunic and brought out a small cloth roll.

"Never leave home without them."

She unscrewed the top of the door control box and started looking through the wires. Chiana was getting extremely jittery.

"Someone's bound to come."

"Chiana one reason we got them all completely snazzed this afternoon was to prevent just that. If by an extremely remote chance someone does come, pretend you're getting something out of your boot."

"You think that'll work."

"Possibly, but it'll give me a chance to knock them out anyway."

"How do you propose to to that?"

Piqua delved under her tunic again and brought out a leather tube.

"That's not going to have much effect."

"Just feel it."

She passed it to the Nebari who almost dropped it.

"It's heavy. Yotz what have you got in there?"

"Wet sand. Works like a dream and never leaves a mark. Now can I get on with this dren of a lock?"

Chiana leant against the wall and prepared herself for a long wait.

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

Outside in the coppice the two infiltration groups were getting exceedingly nervous.

"Shouldn't take this long. Smething's wrong!"

"Oh shut up. I can do without your moaning."

Crichton heard the digruntled whispering and slipped over.

"Hey guys. What's the matter?"

"You never said we'd have to wait this long."

"I never put any time limit on this part as far as I remember. Mainly because the girls didn't know how long it would take them."

"I though if they had the key card it would be easy!"

Crichton laughed. A sarcastic little laugh.

"Heck I know fom experience things seldom go straight. I guess they've got a problem."

"I don't like it the longer we're here the more dangerous it gets!"

Crichton grabbed the dissenter by the collar and brought his face right up close.

"Now look here. You knew exactly what you were letting yourself in for. You can't get cold feet now."

He released the man.

"Anyway those Lideen were so sozzled I doubt they hear the judgement call."

"What do you want us to do? "

"Do? Do nothing. Practice patience. Play cards. I don't know what you do to pass the time but frelling well do it!"

He stomped away to where Aeryn was checking her rifle. Crais and Sout were doing likewise.

"D'Argo's bunch in place?"

"Should be. Any idea what's taking Piqua and Chiana so long John?"

He shook his head.

"No, I hope they're not much longer opening that door. The troops are getting restless."

"Yes well it's not doing much for my peace of mind either."

Rygel slipped over on his sled.

"What's taking so long?"

Crichton threw his hands in the air.

"Hell what's up with evry one. It's just a normal hitch. For the final time I guess Piqua and China have struck a problem."

The Hynearean snorted.

"Might have expected it. Anything you organise always goes wrong!"
Crichton grabbed him.

"Look here you ungrateful little slug, we're doing this for you, so a bit of gratitude would be in order."

"Well I suppose .... Oh frell you Crichton. Why do you always have to go for the throat?"

"Just so that you remember Ryg."

Rygel peered through the gloom at the Human.

"I say you look really weird."

"It's camouflage."

"No you're starting to sparkle."

Aeryn shone a light pad over him momentarily.

"He's right you know."

She touched his face.

"It's rough."

"Didn't shave this morning. Designer stubble!"

"No it's more than that. I think Sout's remedy's losing its effect."

"That I'll worry about when we get back to Moya. Right now there are more pressing matters."

Just then a glimmer of light showed from the looming mass of the citadel. It increased in size as the small door opened.

"Right folks go!"

The groups moved forward and carefully made for the opening.

Part 10a

"What the hell happened to you two?"

"Don't get on at us Crichton. We had a problem and we solved it, at least Piqua did."

Chiana peered at him.

"You do look strange."

"Yeah well forget about my looks. Which way to the studio?"

Piqua pointed to the left.

"Follow me and keep your eyes open, your ears too. I doubt there'll be any one around but you can't be too careful."

The two groups followed her and Chiana with Aeryn and Crichton bringing up the rear. John wiped his hand over his forehead, he was sweating profusely. Aeryn looked at him in concern.

"Are you sure you're all right? If you don't feel well go back to Moya. We can manage here."

"It's just hanging around waiting for something to happen. Makes you nervous."

"You've got nerves?"

"I always have nerves. I just keep them hidden."

"Yes, well we can't afford any more problems. If you're sure you're going to be all right!"

"Look Aeryn just leave it. I'm not going to miss Rygel's big moment. The little fellow's been waiting for this a long time."

Aeryn looked at him again. There was a definite purple sheen to his skin and his eyes were somehow different. She decided not to say any more but watch him closely.

"If you say so."

"Yeah!"

They proceeded down what seemed an endless corridor when suddenly Piqua stopped. Taking out the other key card she inserted in in the door. It slid open with a soft hiss. The leading group entered and pistols at the ready, waved the few remaining, startled technicians over to the far wall. Crichton moved up to them there was one Lideen. He looked up at the suited helmeted being.

"You're not going to give any trouble are you?"

The Lideen shook its head and said in the metallic rattle that denoted their translators, "No trouble at all. I wondered when you'd finally arrive."

They all turned and stared at it.

"How the frell?"

"Some of us like Egradon. I've found a lady who's company I like and I've learnt a great deal about your planet. I think it should have a chance."

After that speech the group was momentarily speechless. Aeryn looked at John who just shrugged.

"There's always one!"

Teacher Koy took the initiative.

"I suppose you're familiar with the equipment."

"Of course. I'm assistant studio manager."

"Then you'll know the easiest way to patch into the domestic viewing channel."

This was a statement not a question.

"Yes. We link up for decrees and things like that. Sometimes the Dominar sends a message to his subjects."

"My brother? He couldn't write a shopping list."

Rygel snorted angrily at the thought. The Lideen looked in his direction.

"But you look just like him and the other one."

"Oh that'd be my cousin. People always found it difficult to tell the three of us apart."

"Back to business."

Teacher Koy was exhibiting the command that made her such a feared person in the academy.

"Oh the upload. Well it goes to the main satellite and the onto the relay beacons."

"Sounds easy enough."

"Problem is I haven't got the codes for the authority to upload!"

"Oh boy there had to be a snag it was going too well."

"Not at all Commander Crichton. It'll just take a litle time to run throught the algorithms."

She turned to the Lideen.

"I don't suppose you have any idea of the format?"

"I don't but the technicians might."

He turned to the three studio techs who were still standing by the wall with their hands up. Aeryn signalled that they could lower them. She walked over to them.

"Now no one's going to do anything to you. That's if you co-operate."

Three heads nodded in unison.

"Good. Now do any of you know the format of the authority code?"

A small Egradonian girl cleared her throat.

"Yes?"

"I might be wrong, but I think it's three prime numbers and four symbols."

"Oh jeez. They could be anything."

Teacher Koy went up to the girl.

"Now think and think carefully. What kind of symbols?"

"They were funny squiggly ones. Here I can write them."

She put them on to a holopad.

ROVT

The Lideen laughed.

"Our prime commander has a limited imagination. That's the name of his ex-mate."

"Ex?"

"She didn't want to come here and promptly found another."

"Fickle."

The Lideen shook his head.

"Normal for us. Bonding is minimal."

Teacher Koy smiled.

"So we've only got to find the combination of prime figures. That narrows it down somewhat. But it'll still take a while."

"How long?" "Hard to say. It depends on the speed of the computer and whether the number is one of the first or last that it generates."

One of the male studio hand offered to show Koy the main computer and she went over to the console with him. Rygel slipped up to Crichton.

"How much longer? I'm getting hungry."

"Ryg, what do you want more? To rule Egradon or eat?"

Rygel gave a furtive smile and said, "Both would be a good idea!"

"Well we didn't bring any rations and I lost the doggy bag."

"The trouble with you Crichton is that you get your priorities wrong. My you do look a peculiar colour."

"If anyone mentions my colour again I'll...."

Crichton put his hand to his head and swayed slightly. Rygel was unusually concerned.

"You all right Crichton?"

"No Ryg, I'm not all right but I'll manage."

He walked away from the group and sat down in a dark corner of the studio. The bright lights were hurting his eyes. About half an ahn went by, the guards at the door were getting restless.

"Why the frell are we doing this?"

"We are doing this Stuvan, because we're patriots, Edgradonians."

"I feel sick."

"Well if it's any consolation, my stomach isn't exactly behaving itself either. Never mind my boy a little fear keeps you on your toes."

"Who said anything about a little!"

 ***************

Someone had produced some food and Rygel was feeling considerably better.

"Nothing like a bite to restore one, my dear."

He was talking to Chiana.

"It's lucky we're all not like you."

"Why?"

"Gas production, Rygel. I'd hate to be you for that reason alone. I'd never have any friends"

Rygel looked perplexed.

"Can't see the problem. It's part and parcel of a good digestion."

"For you perhaps Rygel, but if we produced that much we'd be permanently on our own."

This edifying converstaion was cut short by a whoop from Teacher Koy. She came up to them bubbling and looking ten years younger.

"I've done it. We're in. Are you ready Dominar? Our Lideen has found some suitably regal music to announce you and my friend Manos will introduce you."

Rygel's whiskers quivered. His eyes were unusually bright.

"Right then. Just give me a microt to compose my self."

"Certainly Dominar."

Rygel zipped up to Crichton.

"Aren't you going to listen to my speech? You should you know you've all made it possible."

"I'm pleased for you Ryg, really I am, but I'm not feeling too well. Go ahead with out me."

The Hynearean blinked and tried to get a better look at the Human but the shadow was too deep.

"Yes, well I'll get on then."

He made his way tot the main floor of the studio where the lights shone harshly on the marked spot. The cameras were ready in their places. The Lideen gave to ready signal and Aeryn spoke into her wrist comm.

"D'Argo?"
"Aeryn!"
"Now d'Argo."

 ********************

The two groups outside the main entrance to the garrison began their attack. Bright searchlights illuminated the building as the sound of a photonic cannon reverberated round the area. Aspi was crouched next to Crais and Sout.

"I never realise how much damage they could do."

"You should see what Talyn can do with his full complement."

Aspi shuddered.

"I hope he doesn't intend a demonstration."

"No he's going to trigger what Crichton calls the little gizmo. The messenger, at the right moment."

"I don't think there's going to be much resistance from the Lideen." "I'll take you word for that Sout."

"Crais you missed a treat. They were going down like flies."

A pulse rifle blast richoched off the stone work of the building behind them.

"Time, I think to move. They've got our range."

 *************************

The Lideen commander was quietly reading the latest communique from his employers, the current Dominar, when the bombardment began. General quarters were sounded and those who were conscious enough to hear it stumbled from their couches. His second in command burst in.

"It's the rebels. They appear to have help and they are surprisingly well trained."

"That race day! It was no coincidence. It was organised to weaken the garison manning level!"

"Well they are firing and then the firing comes from somewhere else. Most confusing. Before we can target them they've moved."

The commander had to acknowledge the rebels new found skills. Just at a that moment there was the sound of an almighty blast and debris showered down from the ceiling.

"Jodz teeth. What the frell's that?"

His second in command listened as a report came in his earpiece.

"They've got a small photonic cannon Sir."

"What heavy armament have we got?"

The Lideen made a a sort of gurgling sound in his helmet.

"Well! Don't keep me waiting."

"Two medium lazer pulsers."

The Commander threw up his hands in despair.

"We might as well surrender right now. What happened to those requisitions I put in half a cycle ago?"

"They never sent them Sir. Said they were rated unnecessary on a quiet billet like Egradon."

"Well it's not my problem any longer. Hold out as long as you can."

"But that'll mean taking losses Sir."

The commander made a noise which denoted his extreme frustration.

"All we got left's our pride. Don't let the species down."

"Yes Sir."

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

With the renewed resistance from the Lideen, Crais decided to put and immediate end to the fighting before any of the rebels gor badly hurt.

"Talyn now!"

The Leviathan activated the holo messenger and the substantial looking form of an extremely toothy monster rose from the ground in front of the Lideen. It snarled and grew in size and then made to grab the tall helmeted soldiers. That was the last straw. They broke ranks and scattered. A cheer went up from the rebel groups as they prepared to take the citadel.

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

Inside the Lideen commander deleted his personal codes from the computer and noticed that the studio one was in use. He shook his head in disbelief.

"I would never have thought that they had the organisation. Strange I had the feeling that our time here was limited, I just hope they'll allow us to make an orderly withdrawal."

He turned on the studio monitor.

"Citizens of Egradon Five I give you your rightful ruler Dominar Rygel the Sixteenth."

The shot moved to Rygel sitting as regally as he could.

"Egradonians, the time has come for change."

 ************

D'Argo, Sout and Crais had made their way to the studio. The groups were collecting Lideen and shutting them in the big storerooms. Crais stopped suddenly just at the threshold.

"Where's their commander?"

A portly rebel heard him.

"He's sitting quietly in his office waiting for an officer to surrender to. Will you go Captain?"

"It should be Crichton, but he's nowhere to be seen, as usual. Yes I'd better do it."

He turned and followed the man. Sout and d'Argo went into the studio. Rygel had almost finished his speech and the Egradonians in the studio were looking shocked.

"I said it would be a surprise to them."

"Yes you did. Look there's Crichton."

Crichton was leaning against a stanchion. D'Argo clapped the Human on the shoulder.

"Good work John."

John turned round, looked at the Luxan with glazed eyes and fell to the ground.

Part 11

Sout came out of Crichton's quarters. He saw the waiting group and shook his head. They all moved off into the lounge.

"I can't do any more. The remedy won't work anymore and what ever those things injected into him is taking over."

"The outlook's not good then?"

"It's extremely bad Aeryn. Rool destroyed the whole colony and I've no material to work on to find an antidote or cure."

"If it hadn't been for Rool we'd all be dead!"

"Yes I realise that Chi, but the fact remains I did need a sample. D'Argo was behind Aeryn and Chiana.

"He's going to die isn't he?"

"Yes I'm sorry but that's the truth! "

Aeryn moved away and went towards the corridor that led to John's quarters. Chiana went to follow her but d'Argo held her back.

"I think they need some time alone."

Chiana gazed after Aeryn.

"Yeah, well I suppose you're right."

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

Aeryn entered the darkened chamber She could vaguely see the prone form lying on the couch and moved over to it.

"John! John, can you hear me?"

The figure moved slightly.

"Yeah, I can still hear Aeryn."

She was able to see as her eyes gre acustomed to the gloom that his visible skin was covered in violet crystals. She also noticed that they covered his eyes.

"You're blind!"

"It doesn't really seem to matter! Nothing matters anymore! It's the end."

"There's always hope."

Crichton moved his head slightly.


"No not this time Aeryn. I'm gonna die and my regrets are that I acomplished so little."

"I don't call helping Rygel and the Egradonians a little."

"I never got my wormhole and got home, I never told you just how much having you around meant to me, I never did a thousand and one things I intended to do."

She could tell that talking was putting a strain on him.

"Don't talk anymore John, just listen. I know you've always had feelings for me, but I'm just sorry that I could never let myself trust enough. But it was me and not you John. I do care for you but it's not in quite the same way you care for me. I've never been able to find that elusive emotion you call 'love'. I've been brought up with loyalty, lookin out for one's fellow soldiers in your regiment. That sort of thing. Somehow I can't let myself go enough to risk the hurt and elation that your love brings, and I'm sorry John, I'm truly sorry."

She bent down and kissed his lips. As she rose she saw the tears in the corners of his blind eyes.

"As for a wormhole, well pehaps no one will ever crack the secret. Scorpius hasn't and he's reputed to be the best in this sector of the galaxy."

"Yeah Scorpie. I wonder if he'll miss me? I sure as hell won't miss him. Wouldn't really fit on earth now, been away too long."

His voice tailed away and she realised that he was unconscious. She wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"Frell! Aeryn Sun this is a fine time to discover love. It just won't do."

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

The atmosphere was extremely subdued on board Moya and no one noticed when Urana and Rool slipped out of the lounge. She skipped along the passage to John's chamber and slipped inside. The ogroop twittered and followed her. He jumped on the couch and started licking Crichton. He opened his eyes and saw the pixie face with its violet eyes gazing solemnly down at him.  It never struck him to wonder just how it was he could see her.

 "Crichton, don't worry. It will be all right. Rool and I've seen."

Crichton could only whisper.

"Seen what Urana?"

"The place where everything is made. You're going there to be made new."

"It's a lovely idea, but I can't see that happening."

"Trust me. I only see the truth."

She turned and left the ogroop curled up beside the dying form of the human.

 *************

 Scorpius had put everything in hand for the current scheduled work and had told Braca that he didn't want to be disturbed under any circumstances. He moved over the the container that held Sareel's disembodied brain and made the link to his neurotube.

"Are you there, my dear."

"Where else would I be Scorpie?"

"A good question. It's time my girl if you're ready."

"I've been ready for ages, but you've kept putting it off. I thought that you were the unemotional logical scientist and yet it seems I have more objectivity in this than you Scorpius."

He sighed. "I don't believe in drastic action Sareel until I've exhausted every feasible possibility. And I'm stiil not willing to give up. I'm sure there will soon be a treatment."

The disembodied thought patterns that were Sareel gave a mental 'uummph'.

"Oh Scorpie it's no time to turn sentimental."

"My dear girl no one could ever accuse me of being sentimental. I have always been totally focussed and dedicated. Sentimentality detracts from those objectives and really I can't see a place for it at all!"

"Well you're giving a good imitation of it. Oh come on Scorpie, I'm tired of seeing nothing and feeling nothing. You'll never know just how deadly dull life can be with out neural inputs. No sights, no smells, no sounds. It's horrible. Only your contact has stopped me going completely off the rails. The Vaud bit's even worse. The energy body signals are trying to do something they can no longer do and it's ghastly. I want to cry but how do you cry without eyes? Just get it over with."

"If you're sure Sareel. Completely sure. This can't be undone."

"Oh just do it Scorpius!"

He disconnected the power and gas inputs to the cylinder and thought "Goodbye Sareel." He knew that what he proposed to do himself she would never have condoned. Next he took a hypotube and injected the body in the suspended animation casket with a lethal dose. He'd never felt worse in his life. Far worse that the realisation of what the Scarrans had done to his mother. Sareel had been a living part of his life and his feelings were now past revenge. He just felt an overwhelming numbness as if he was completely dead inside. Picking up another hypotube he lay down on his couch and injected himself. The last thing he saw was Sareel's body in the casket.

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

The crew on board Moya were eating a meal. Sout and Chiana had been fidgety and decided to do something practical. Aeryn was sitting apart from the others staring at Moya's organometal bulkhead. Chiana took her a drink.

"Here I though you might like this."

"Just go away Chiana!"

"You've at least got to drink something!"

Aeryn knocked the cup out of the Nebari's hand.

"I don't have to do anything. And I'll tell you why. All the time I've been with John I've been putting myself first and last. I never stopped to think about his feelings. Why should I? He was an inferior species and I was Peacekeeper. I tried to stick to that upbringing. Sex is good for relaxation, don't get involved, no emotional ties. Well let me tell you something Chiana. The whole thing stinks. Peacekeeper authority stinks, everything they tried to instil in me. I realised just now when I saw him, he's the man I love and he's dying. And there's nothing in Peackeeper doctrine that can save him and there's nothing I can do either."

Finally the floodgates opened and she collapsed into Chiana's arms. Sout noticed and signalled to d'Argo to follow him. They got into the corridor that led to Crichton's quarters.

"I don't think he can last much longer d'Argo. What do you think he'd want?"

The Luxan scratched his head.

"Well I'm not to sure about the death rituals on Earth. He never said much about that. They seem to have places called cemeteries where they bury their dead or they can burn them. I don't really know more."

"Do you think a burial in space suitable?"

"Considering his whole life seemed to revolve around that, very suitable!"

"Let's check on him."

They went in. Rool opened an eye.

"Hello little one what are you doing?"

Sout stroked the soft chestnut head. D'Argo looked at his friend and felt sick. He was almost totally enveloped in violet crystals. He was barely conscious.

"D'Argo that you man?"

"I'm here John and so's Sout."

"Sout you did your best."

"I'm sorry it wasn't better."

"We got Rygel sorted though didn't we."

"We did John."

"D'Argo. It's not long to go now. I want you to give my things to Aeryn. She'll know what to do with them."

There was silence for a microt or two.

"D'Argo?"

"I'm still here John."

"Tell her I.. hell her it wasn't only her fault. I made a mess of it too. She'll know what I mean."

There was a deep intake of breath an the body shuddered. D'Argo look at Sout who nodded.

"He's gone. May the Goddess preserve him."

"We'll have to tell the others"

Sout looked at the ogroop who was still curled up by the body.

"He's guarding him. I wonder why?"

"We'll probably never know."

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

One by one they went to pay their last respects to their friend. The atmosphere was sombre. Crais had come ove from Talyn. Rygel went in with Sout.

"I've done some really bad things to Crichton, you know, but he used to call me some terrible names."

"Don't you think that showed he cared what happened to you. That he was trying to see things from their point of view?"

Rygel's face dropped.

"I'd never really thought about. Too wrapped up in myself I suppose. Too late to do anything about it now though."

He slipped out of the chamber a very chastened Hynearean. When they'd all been in Urana slipped down by the side of the couch and took hold of Rool and hugged him to her.

"Stay with his mind Rool, don't let it go alone."

The ogroop licked her face and then laid down across the body.

 **************************

"I tell you he would have been out of his quarters immediately the alarm went. He's never missed the remotest possibility of seeing a wormhole and measuring its characteristics."

"But you have to carry out his command Sir, dont you?"

"Something's bady wrong. I'm going to over ride the door code."

But try as he would it proved impossible.

"Blast the frelling thing open."

The trooper gave him a wary look and carried out his command. A large hole appeared in the door and Braca carefully released the door catch. At first glance everything appeared normal, Scorpius was asleep on his couch and everything appeared to be in its normal place. Then he noticed that the container which housed Sareel's brain was no longer lit. He rushed over th his chief.

"Oh no! It can't be."

He felt for a pulse and then shook his head. Then he noticed the mark of the hypotube on the neck part of the helmet.

"Sir why?"

He was not able to grasp the fact that his chief had reached an untenable position.

"Seal off this area. No one's to be let in other than myself or High Command."

"Very good Sir."

Braca made his way to the main comms room. There was just one tech on duty.

"Get me High Command and then leave."

"Yes Sir."

The grim expression on his face scared her and she left immediately she'd keyed in the code. The duty officer's face appeared on the screen.

"Lieutenant Braca Scorpius's personal guard. I've got something serious to report Sir."

"Go ahead Lieutenant?"

"It's Scorpius Sir."

"Go on man!"

"He's dead!"

The officer's face blanched noticably.

"Foul play?"

"No Sir I think he's taken his own life."

"The strain of being a hybrid do you think?"

"I'm not in any position to say Sir. He seemed normal earlier today."

"Who the frell's going to carry on the wormhole project now? And the Scarrans are breathing down our neck."

He paused to regain his composure.

"Lieutenant, someone will be with you within the day."

"Very good Sir."

Part 11a

Scorpius woke up in a place filled with mist, Sareel's brain and her body were beside him. He never questioned why, it seemed natural. He stood up and looked around. The immediate vicinity was thickly wooded and the air smelt of fragrant flowers.

"Such a pleasant place."

He had no recollection of why he was there, or of what had happened to bring him there. The peace was suddenly shattered by a commotion in the trees. A figure broke out into the clearing.

"Why the frell was I halfway up a tree?"

"John, such a surprise to see you here."

Crichton backed away and pointed at Scorpius.

"Scorpie! You shouldn't be here."

"Well you can see that I am. Any particular reason why I shouldn't be?"

"I'm dead."

"So what do I deduce from that? I'm dead too John, so's Sareel. As to where we are I really haven't any idea!"

Crichton sat down heavily on a rock.

"If I'm dead I shouldn't be solid neither should you."

He got up and ran at Scorpius.

"Ouch. You're solid!"

"So it would appear."

"So who's brought us here? This sure isn't the place Zhaan was always on about. It's gotta be hell because you're here."

Scorpius sat down on an adjoining rock. A chestnut snout appeared from behind a shrub. Crichton noticed it and pointed.

"That's our ogroop, Rool. What's he doing here, cause sure as hell he's alive."

The animal jumped on his knee and started licking his face. Crichton found it reassuring. Scorpius looked at him somewhat bemused.

"Do you find that pleasant?"

"It's calming."

"I've never found the need for an animal as a companion."

He stared at the misty sky.

"In fact until Sareel came along I never found the need for any permanent company."

Crichton looked at him.

"I've always needed company. Both sorts, male and female. Hell what's the use of doing something if you haven't got anyone to tell about it!"

"I was always content with the quiet satisfaction that I'd achieved something."

"Yeah well that's you Scorpie."

He got up and moved round the clearing. Looking down the open avenue which led to it he took a few steps down.

"There's something at the end of this. D'you think we're meant to go that way?"

"I doubt it John. I've got the distinct impression we're meant to wait here for someone or something."

"I hate waiting."

"That's something that's always been obvious about you John. Lack of patience. Those plans that you've carried out from time to time, that never went correctly. Sheer impetuosity. Just think of what you could have achieved with a little more patience!"

"Yeah well tell me just what it's done for you? Sometimes you have to act on a gut feeling, go with the flow."

"I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye on that one John. Ah look someone's coming!"

A shadowy figure was appearing out of the mist. It solidified.

"An Ancient!"

"Interesting! The picture in your mind was incomplete."

"John Crichton, Scorpius, please follow."

The Ancient picked up the Sareel's brain, Scorpius carefully picked up Sareel's body. Rool was draped round Crichton's shoulders. The little procession followed the insect like figure down the corridor into the mist.

"We seem to have been walking forever."

"There is no such thing as time John Crichton!"

"There's gotta be a beginning and an end."

"Does there? Time to you only encompasses what you are able to see, to measure, the relationship between events, nothing more."

Scorpius found the idea intriguing.

"Then if we were able to see more, say more dimensions then our comprehension of time would be different?"

"Of course. But then you've already realised that with your wormhole experiments haven't you?"

"Aw come on. He's still trying to get a pilot back in one piece!"

"Correct John. I know there's something I just can't put my finger on. I was hoping Sareel's technology would help me."

"But Sareel's was a gift, a personal gift, given to complement her unique Vaud traits."

"But you gave her massive knowledge too!"

"Sareel could only access that as it became necessary. Quite like the wormhole algorithms we stored in your brain John. To be accessed when needed."

"It's been needed and I still can't frelling use it."

"I differ with your interpretation. You have wanted it to go back to earth, you didn't need to. You Scorpius, up until this time had no need of a wormhole, it was a dream, something to strive for. It has only been the Scarran threat that has made it necessary."

"You're telling me that I also have the information in my head?"

"The microt you shared an existence within John's brain, you absorbed it."

"Then why can't I see it all?"

The Ancient gave a dry little chuckle.

"As I said before there's never been a need."

"And now there is?"

"All will be revealed. Just be patient."

"Where's the patience now Scorpie?"

"Point taken John."

The end of the avenue came in to view.

"What the frell's that?"

"I thought it might be obvious John Crichton."

Scorpius caught his breath.

"It's magnificent!"

"It's a wormhole!"

In front of the gyrating and pulsing tunnel, a huge figure was poised. They all had to look up to see its face. Reptillian and scaled. The Ancient gestured towards it.

"That is the Guardian."

"Oh my Godzilla's brother."

The figure blinked and pointed to the centre of the wormhole.

"Cast in Sareel."

The voice boomed out or it might have been in their heads. It was hard to say exactly which. Scorpius hesitated. The Ancient threw Sareel's body into the void.

"The brain Scorpius. Throw in the brain."

He did so with a modicum of reluctance. The two parts disappeared down the tunnel.

"Now what?"

"Now John Crichton. You go in."

"Me? Aw no there's been some mistake. This is a wormhole. Wormholes exist in space. In space there's no air therefore you die."

"You are already dead John. But in any case this is no ordinary worm hole. It has a name."

"Yeah?"

"The Eye of Infinity. It's where everything that ever was and ever will be, meet. It's the birthplace of universes."

"I'm gonna become a universe!"

"No, but it gives the opportunity for a rebirth. Now jump! That applies to you too Scorpius."

"I had a feeling it might. A fine experiment! Come on John where's the impetuosity now?"

The black clad figure disappeared into the eye.

"Aw gee. Do I have a choice?"

The Ancient shook his head and gave him a huge shove. Crichton went headlong into the wormhole. Rool was still on his shoulder.

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

"D'argo, d'Argo. Come quickly!"

The Luxan stirred. Chiana shook him hard .

"What!"

"Something weird's happened!"

"This is Moya. Something weird's always happening!"

"No. Really. I can't explain it. You've got to see for yourself."

Reluctantly the Luxan got up and followed the Nebari along the passageway to Crichton's quarters.

"I wanted to see him again. You know before tomorrow."

"So?"

"Tell me what you see!"

D'argo walked into the chamber and looked around him.

"Everything seems in place."

Suddenly the realisation hit.

"John's body's gone!"

"Yes exactly. I got Pilot to make a search of Moya and there's no trace of it anywhere."

"Then where the frell is it?"

Urana slipped into the chamber and tugged d'Argo's sleeve.

"Not now Urana."

"But it's important."

Chiana knelt down.

"We've got a problem Urana. Can it wait?"

The little girl shook her head. D'Argo said impatiently.

"Oh get it over with."

"Crichton's with Rool. He's keeping John company at the Eye."

"What are you talking about?"

"Crichton's gone to the Eye to be restored."

D'Argo also crouched down by the violet eyed girl.

"What's the Eye?"

"You don't know?"

"No pet, we don't."

"Difficult to explain. I 've only seen it in dream walks, but I know he's there."

She suddenly smiled. Her elfin face lit up.

"He'll soon be back. Rool's just told me they've entered the Eye."

Chiana gently took hold of Urana's thin shoulders.

"Look I know it's hard for someone as young as you to accept, but Crichton's dead. He's never coming back."

Two very violet eyes looked directly into hers. For a microt Chiana felt that she was looking into infinity. Then she blinked and Urana's eyes were once again those of a little girl.

"Just wait Chiana. He's coming home."

***********

Braca was awakened from a sound sleep by the frantic pounding on his door. He got up rather groggily and unlocked it. He was greeted by the distraught face of the duty guard fom Scorpius's level.

"Sir, Sir come quickly."

"Calm down man. What's happened?"

The man swallowed.

"You wouldn't believe me. Please come and see for yourself."

Braca hurriedly put on his trousers, tunic and boots and followed the man down to Scorpius's quarters.

"You see I was doing my rounds on this level, making sure that no one came in and I happened to glance in the room. With the door damaged it's easy."

"Yes go on."

"Well all seemed normal and I was about to leave when I noticed. So I put on the lights. Just look for yourself."

Braca went through the opening. He gasped.

"They're gone!"

"Exactly, Sir Scorpius and the remains of his lady. I didn't come right away because I wanted to check things out. But the logs show there's been no one entered or left this level other than me. I don't know what to make of it."

Braca thought quickly.

"Don't report this to anyone else. Send in your report as normal in the morning. I'll make some checks."

"Very good Sir."

Braca left for the control room. He needed to do some serious thinking.

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

The other side of the wormhole looked the same as the entrance and Crichton thought that he's been thrown out but he looked acroos the clearing and there was Scorpius with a smile on his face and no.... it couldn't be ! Sareel, fully restored even if she was looking slightly bemused.

"Scorpius, is it really?"

"Oh yes John. This is far more than even I could have envisaged. My girl's back!"

The figure of the Ancient materialised.

"Oh good you're all here. There's somthing you all have to be shown before you leave. You John Crichton, you want to go back to Earth?"

"Yes and now Sareel's here I can use her wormhole to do it."

"Look at Earth John and tell me do you really want to return there?"

A projection of Earth manifested itself in front of them. Crichton felt the old tug. Then he looked carefully at the sphere.

"Something's wrong. Is this Earth now?"

"It exists simultaneously with us. I can take you as close as you wish."

The picture focussed in ever closer over Europe, over Russia and finally over America. John looked stunned, Scorpius hissed.

"What's happened to all the cities, the centres of population, where are they all?"

"I can tell you that John, I've seen it before on other planets."

"Scorpie?"

"Earth has been systematically ravaged by Scarrans. Tell me now that they aren't a threat John. Look at the evidence before your own eyes!"

Crichton sat down heavily on a rock, the Ancient looked on.

"Scorpius even now sporadic attacks are being mounted on Peacekeeper outer planets. They used Earth as a training exercise."

"How the frell did they find out about Earth. It beats me."

"Do you remember the time a Scarran captured you John?"

Crichton nodded.

"They took the memories in your head and made a scene up for you . A scenario and then waited for you to react?"

"Yeah I remember Crais in a cops uniform and red high heels.."

"You told them where to find Earth John."

"Couldn't have! I wouldn't have!"

"Oh you would never intend it John. They are clever and careful."

"I'm afraid he's right."

Sareel walked over.

"We're going to have to fight them together!"

"Hi Sareel. Good to have you back again."

She waved a greeting to him.

"There's only one place to make a base Scorpius. The one place the Scarrans are unlikely to return to. Earth."

"How?"

"I've got a wormhole, remember."

"You mean take Moya and Talyn through it."

"Well they've been through before. And Scorpius we can take the Gammak base and put it in orbit round Earth."

"I wish we could my dear. Can't move the thing. In their infinite wisdom High Command neglected to provide it with means of propulsion."

She tapped him on the nose.

"My turn. We can do anything if we put our minds to it. I can put engines on it."

He looked at her.

"There'll be quite quite a large military contingent too."

"Whoa. It's my home planet you're considering invading."

Scorpius put his arm round Crichton's shoulder.

"John it may have eluded your rather tiny brain that Earth's already been invaded. What we could to is set up a secure base and some stability for those of your people who still exist. Oh yes there will still be small pockets of people that the Scarrans didn't either take for slaves or destroy."

"I don't trust anything you propose Scorpie."

Scorpius threw his hands in the air in a gesture of desperation.

"Can you talk any sense into him Sareel. I give up!"

Sareel stooped to pick up Rool. The ogroop curled up contentedly in her arms.

"John can't you see that the only chance we have against the Scarrans is to form a coalition. With Moya's and Talyn's ability to starburst we can launch surprise attacks through the wormhole."

"Maybe, I need time to think."

The Ancient moved over.

"Time to return you all to your places."

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

Braca decided to take a final look at Scorpius's quarters, before he went back to rest. He was surprise to see the lights were on. Running up to the door way he looked in and almost fell to the floor.

"Sir?"

"Ah Braca. Come in. No I'm not a ghost."

Sareel came out of the sanitary unit.

"Hello Braca. I should close your mouth. Don't worry I'm real too."

"But how?"

"Shall we just say someone had other ideas for us and I'm not going to explain. It's doubtful you'd believe me anyway. I don't think I would."

"But Sir what am I going to tell High Command?"

"Tell me Braca did they seem worried by my loss?"

The officer looked flustered.

"Come on now Braca the truth."

"Well they were worried who would carry on your work."

Sareel grinned.

"I told you so!"

"It would appear you were correct my dear. Oh I think I'm going to enjoy telling High Command myself, Braca. I suggest you finish your rest period."

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

 Aeryn walked into Crichton's chamber. Chiana and d'Argo had told everyone what had happened and she decided to go there where he'd last been. She felt that there might be an aura, a last tangible trace of him still in there. A chestnut nose peered round the door.

"Rool, where have you been hiding?"

The ogroop stood up on his hind legs and licked her hand and then trotted off down the corridor, Going in she realised that there was a bulge under the cover on the couch. Curiosity took her over. She turned it back. Crichton opened his eyes and smiled.

"Hi Sugar. It's good to see you again."

He put his arms round her neck and kissed her. She suddenly did likewise, no reservation anymore, she was finally liberated.

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