Part 1

Life on board a command carrier is never easy. When that carrier belongs to Scorpius then life becomes distinctly difficult. As a technician I did everything in my power to stay clear of him. Didn't we all! His temperament was well known, it never paid to cross him, even on a good day. People had been known to confess just from a glance of his piercing eyes.

Collecting my tools from my shared quarters I decided that there was just time to do one more job before my shift ended. So I was just off to fix the holoimager screen in the command and was almost at the door when suddenly there was a voice from behind me.

"You there stop!"

My worst nightmare come true. I stopped in my tracks. Footsteps behind me, hands on my shoulders.

"Turn around. I'm not going to hurt you."

I was shaking as I turned round, keeping my gaze averted to the ground. I could see the boots, the tails of his surcoat. A gloved finger under my chin.

"Look at me!"

I tried not to but the finger raised my chin and I was forced to look into his eyes. They were glittering with anticipation.

"What do they call you"

"S...Sareel."

"I think you and I are going to have a long and fruitful relationship, Sareel. I need a new technician. I've checked your academic and work records. You'll fit the bill very nicely."

I just couldn't face that. It was common knowledge that Scorpius's technicians were expected to also become his companions, to minister to his needs. His last one had been blown up when the crew of the Leviathan Moya had raided the shadow repository. She wasn't expected to make a full recovery. I took all my courage in my hands. I knew places where I could hide out where they would never find me.

"NO!  I won't."

I ran along a side passage. It led to a companionway which ultimately went down to the ship's powerhouse and engines.

"Stop her. She mustn't be hurt."

I dived down the companionway. Never before had I reached the engine room so quickly. There was an unused power conduit with a loose cover. I slipped in and pulled the cover shut behind me. Footsteps came clattering down the rungs, troopers noisily searched round the machinery.

"She must have gone to the powerhouse. There's more than one way out of there. We've got to find her or we're going to find ourselves on a very unpleasant posting."

The sound of voices and feet faded and I took a breath. It's funny how you forget to breathe when you're petrified. I wriggled to get myself comfortable. It was cramped but I had to stay there until the immediate panic settled. I started planning how to get food and water to my planned hiding place and how to slip off the ship.  All was quiet and I got myself relaxed and was starting to doze. I was aroused by the cover being removed.

"Now what have we here? Not a conduit rat."

I was dragged out of my hiding place. Black boots, black bodysuit, surcoat tails.

"No indeed not  a conduit rat. A reluctant technician called Sareel."

He pulled me to an upright position and held me against the wall with his forearm across my throat.

"You've made the gravest mistake of your life my dear. No one, but no one ever says no to me. I get what I want and I want you."

Some of the troopers came back into the engine room. They looked worried to see him there. He just signalled to them.

"Bring her."

He began the ascent of the companionway. I was roughly pushed up behind him. At the head of the steps, he turned right and walked briskly along the corridor. The troopers had me by the arms and were almost dragging me with them as they attempted to keep up with him. About halfway along the corridor he stopped and touched a sensor pad. A door opened and he turned in side. I was pushed inside and fell to the floor.

"You may leave."

The sound of receeding boots and the door shut. A black gloved hand grasped my upper arm and pulled me onto a chair. I was too scared to move. The room had an examination couch and an operating table, benches littered with equipment lined the walls. Under the benches were metal cupboards and larger pieces of equipment. Scorpius's laboratory. A place which sent shivers of dread down the spines of even the most hardened of Peacemaker troops. Few who had ever entered had come out in a recogniseable form or with their minds intact. Scorpius is half Scarran and Scarrans are past masters at the art of gene manipulation.

He took a vial from a box on one of the benches and inserted it into a hypotube.

"I need you quiet and relaxed before I can begin. So delightful to be resisted. Made it imperative that I must have you."

The hypotube was pressed into my neck and I heard the hiss as it disgorged its contents into my body. I began to feel very calm and sleepy. He looked at my eyes and then picked me up and placed me on the operating table. It had an oval piece which came out to reveal a cushioned aperture, just big enough to take a head. I was turned over onto my belly, my face carefully placed in the aperture and I felt restraints being fastened.

"Firstly I shall take some samples of your blood. Then you can sleep while I work on the next part."

I felt a slight prick as a needle took blood from a vein. I became drowsier and dropped off. A pressure on the back of my head woke me up. It wasn't painful, just a steady pressure. There was a short pop and the pressure stopped.

"Now you stay like that for a while. It has to settle in."

I could see his feet and that was all. Nausea began to set in and I started with the mother of all headaches.

"My head. Stop it hurting."

I felt him touch the place where I'd felt the pressure.

"It won't last long. I can't relieve it. It's something you'll have to endure."

Pain makes you do strange things. I remember that I screamed, I just couldn't help it. Strangely enough after I'd done that the pain started to subside. It seemed like an age before I felt his hands release the restraints and I was turned over and a large padded cap placed over my head. He took me from the table and placed me on the couch and covered me with a thermal blanket. I could see that he was attaching a tube into my arm and on the end was a transparent container which seemed to have a slightly cloudy fluid in it. This he hung up and the contents started entering my vein.

He was humming quietly to himself. When he turned he looked immensely satisfied. Moving to the sole chair by the side of the couch, he sat down.

"Now I'll tell you exactly what I've done. You know  initially all I intended at first was to get myself a new technician and companion. You're going to become so much more than that. The end product of a vast amount of research. Firstly there's an implant which will enable us to communicate without talking and I can always keep an eye on you, because I'm sure that I'll never be able to trust you completely. The implant also stores your memories so that I can use you to find out things for me."

He stroked my cheek with his finger.

"Secondly you've now got nanomoles in your blood to help your body make repairs. They are similar to mine. You should have a healthy and extremely long life. Thirdly just entering your system are some very special nanomoles which are going to replace parts of your genes with some of mine. Over a period of time your skin and your facial features will be altered to resemble mine."

Fear must have shown on my face.

"It's nothing to be afraid of. Just so that you won't forget that you belong to me and I'm tired of being unique. I need the comfort of familiar face. And lastly the whole system is set so that if I'm ever killed your systems will shut down as well. A good incentive I feel for you to make sure I stay alive."

He brought a beaker with a tube in it and let me drink.

"So just enjoy your new status and soon well be able to enjoy each other's company. You've got to stay quiet until the implant makes sufficient fibrils."

I lay back. Funnily I was no longer scared. Perhaps it was that Scorpius no longer seemed threatening, perhaps the implant was making its presence known.

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter."

A slim woman of athletic build in a Peacekeeper captain's uniform came in.

"Allow me to introduce Captain Aeryn Sun. Newly thawed from a rather cold rest period and now happily working for me. Aeryn, meet Sareel. She's a new member of our little family. Afford her the same protection as you do for me."

She looked me over coldly.

"Do we really need anyone else Scorpius?"

"I need Sareel and that's an end to the matter. She's the recipient of a vast amount of expensive research. Tell me has the High Command got anyone for me to interview or has the intelligence branch gone into retirement?"

"General Pavaag says that Crais and the young Leviathan, Talyn have been spotted in the edges of the Uncharted Territories. He wishes to know should he pursue?"

He made a steeple of his hands and put them to his lips and appeared to be thinking.

"Not pursue I think Aeryn. Just keep under surveillance. He may lead us to Moya And John Crichton."

"Such a shame the implant didn't get the wormhole information, Scorpius. We don't even know if he's still alive."

"Oh he's alive. I'd know if he weren't. There's still a little bit of my technology in his brain."

Scorpius's obsession with wormholes is legendary. I knew however that the way he was pursuing it was completely wrong. Periodic, transitional wormholes are fleeting phenomena due to the insubstantial nature of Cauchy horizons within them. He needed the designer variety. The Ancients had laid a trail of big red herrings round various parts of the galaxy, mainly to distract beings like Scorpius, the Nebari and Scarrans from actually discovering how to make them. My people the Vaud, had provided refuge for some of them during a recent period in our history, so we knew the truth of the matter. I felt sorry for John Crichton, whoever he was. He'd been used by the Ancients as an elaborate blind and subject to Scorpius's lust for wormhole technology for no valid reason.

Captain Sun left and Scorpius checked the container. He removed the tube from my vein and sealed it. Then he checked the implant.

"Excellent Fibrils extending magnificently. I think I've excelled myself this time. Now I think Sareel that we should adjourn somewhere a little more comfortable. Your implant is protected from shock by the cap so there should be no problems with it."

He helped me off the couch and with one hand under my arm for support, we walked to the door which he opened. There were troopers stationed at the end of the corridor.

"These are my private quarters."

This was at a door further down the corridor. The door opened and we entered a sumpteously furnished room.  Rich brocades covered the furniture, rich hangings depicting scenes from the history of Sebbeus covered the grey metal walls and  objects d'art from all parts of the galaxy were displayed on shelves. A collector's paradise.

"I can see that you're impressed Sareel. I see no reason why my sojourn on a command carrier should be anything other than comfortable. Do sit down."

He removed the surcoat and gauntlets. His fingers were long, slender and white.

Going over to a cupboard he produced a crystal flagon and two matching glasses. Pouring two glasses, he handed me one and sat down beside me on the divan.

"Do try it. Pilachian amber wine. I think you'll find it delicious."

I sipped the amber liquid. It was extremely pleasant. I found my self relaxing on the divan. Scorpius was regarding me with an amused look. He placed his glass on the table and placed his arm round my shoulder and began gently to stroke the nape of my neck. It felt as though I was having tiny shocks sent through me. I'd never been one who had much time for erotic encounters, but he was starting to arouse me much more than any one previously had ever been able to manage.

"You won't regret being my companion, Sareel. I'll make it extremely pleasant for you."

 He took the glass out of my not very safe hands and put it on table along side its companion. Then he did something completely unexpected. Snarling and exposing an excellent set of teeth, he began to lick my face. If his fingers exert a magic touch then his tongue is a master magician. Blue and slightly forked, it flicked over my face and neck sending thrills of sensation down my nerves. He opened my tunic and began to flick gently all over my upper body. I was past the stage of no return. When I thought that I could stand no more he claimed my mouth greedily. That was the action that sent my body into complete capitulation. His completion gave me the release I thought was never coming and I lay drained, encircled by his arms.

"I'd heard that encounters with you were rough and cursory."

"I've never been able to read anyone as well as I can you. A bonus from the implant.. Most enjoyable my dear girl."

He gently flicked his tongue over my forehead.

"You are completely mine."

For someone who had tried to avoid such an encounter at all costs, it seemed strange but I had to agree. There was no way I wished ever to be parted from the giver of such exquisite pleasure.>

The crew of the carrier didn't know of this new ability of mine. They happily talked in their usual manner, gossiping and making remarks about Scorpius behind his back. Surprisingly they almost totally ignored me,even though they knew I was his new technician. There's a certain arrogance about Peacekeeper soldiers. They think that they are superior to just about every one else and they rate technicians, even Scorpius's as the lowest of the low. Strange really, because even if I hadn't had the implant I still might have reported what they were saying back to him. As it was he got a blow by blow view of the morale of the crew and of their comments about him.

"I see engineering security still finds time to think up new names to call me. I must see that they have more to do."

"I suppose you could clamp down on them."

"Definitely not Sareel. A good commander knows that little bits of bravado like that, defuse any tension there might be amongst the crew. I rather like the description. 'Parchment skinned gene meddler'. Rather apt I think."

"What do you want me to do today? Anything special? If not the Aurora Chair needs a service."

"As I've no clients at the moment who wish to avail themselves of its facilities, that's not urgent. No, Captain Sun is coming to collect you. I wish her to show you how to fly a prowler."

He collected some holonotes from the table.

"I take it you can fly a transport pod?"

"Standard at Technician's Academy. I know the controls of a prowler because we learnt to maintain them, but I've only ever been a passenger during a flight."

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter."

Captain Sun entered. She looked rather displeased and gave me a look which was usually reserved for ship's vermin.

"Aeryn, you're ready to take Sareel on her first lesson?"

"Yes Scorpius."

"Just take good care of her. She's not expendable."

I followed her out of the room. She went striding down the corridor and and with difficulty I caught up.

"It wasn't my idea. I don't know why you're so against me."

She stopped abruptly and pushed me against the wall.

"You really don't know why do you?"

I shook my head.

"After he had me revived, I discovered I'd got no memories other than how to be a soldier, how to fly a prowler. Things like that. No memories of family, lovers or anything from a normal life. Scorpius says all that he knows is that I had a flying accident and ended up in a frozen lake. As I'm Sebbaccian, the cold just shuts us down, doesn't always kill. Anyway he said someone thought I was dead and froze me. Just by chance he spotted me, recognised that I was Peacekeeper and had me thawed out."

"But why does that make you dislike me? I can see that what you've been through is traumatic but what have I got to do with it?"

She released me and a sad, lonely look came on her face. She shook her head.

"It's just that Scorpius represents the only security I know. You're threatening what little I still have."

I touched her shoulder.

"Aeryn. I'm no threat to you. Whatever reason made for Scorpius wanting your services, it's not the same reason  he wants mine."

"If only I could be sure."

"Surely Peacekeeper lore has some little snippet about what else Scorpius requires of his technicians?"

"Maybe. Maybe that's something else I've forgotten.

Her brow furrowed and she stood deep in thought for a little while. Suddenly a shocked look spread across her face.

"I've just remembered. You don't do you?"

"I do."

"But he uses you like that?"

"I don't find it unpleasant and it guarantees my security."

"I don't know how you could."

"But you'll agree I'm no threat to you?"

"Just follow me and I'll give you the lesson he requested."

She set off for the prowler bay. Reaching it she made for the sleek form of the prowler at the front. Raising the canopy she indicated that I get in the front seat. I slid down and fastened the belts. I felt her slide into the rear seat.

"Shut the canopy."

I shut and locked the canopy. In space that's the only thing between you and an unpleasant death. I picked up the weapon control helmet and put it on.

"You won't need that", came a tart voice from behind.

"You never know. Better to be prepared."

I flicked the switches to the power unit.

"Scorpius told me to show you how to fly a prowler. He didn't tell me how much you already knew."

"It's something you soldiers forget. Because we have to maintain and repair your prowlers and countless other pieces of highly sophisticated machinery, it's a requirement that all candidates for Technician's Academy must have the highest intelligence possible. I graduated top of my class the year I completed my training. So you see Aeryn Sun, you soldiers may think you're the greatest thing in the universe but you're not. You're merely the brawn to our brain. Without us the whole of your culture would come to a grinding halt. Shall I take her out?"

"Please do. This should be interesting."

I slid the vessel out through the force field into open space. Actually there was also something else Aeryn didn't know. Scorpius was giving me precise instructions on how to fly the prowler. I started banking and accelerated nipping, diving, rolling round the command carrier. Every manoeuvre you could think of. He told me where the practice target was located for pilots who wished to improve their shooting skills. I flew in close and scored a direct hit.

"Sareel take us back now. I can't stand anymore of this."

Aeryn was near to tears.

I levelled out. Scorpius in my head just said 'Do it'.

The prowler slipped back quietly into the bay. I raised the hatch and got out. Aeryn followed me on very unsteady legs. Scorpius in my head said to take her back to our quarters.

"I think you need something to steady your nerves Aeryn. We've got just the thing."

I opened the door to our quarters. Scorpius was sitting on his favourite chair smoking a Wanchup herbal stick.

"Sareel, Captain Sun. Had a good lesson?"

Aeryn reeled slightly.

"Could I sit down Scorpius?"

He peered at her.

"Please do. I should hate to have to pick you up from the floor."

I was thinking drastic thoughts against him at that moment. How could he bait her so? He probably knew better than anybody what was wrong with her. From the corner of my eye I saw him give me a warning look. Although normally he's not intrusive there are times when no thought is sacrosanct. This was one of them.

"What's the matter Captain Sun? Are you ill?"

"Scorpius, this isn't easy for me."

She hesitated, looking down at her hands. They were shaking.

"I'm scared of flying in a prowler."

"You''ll soon get over it. Best thing after an accident is to get on board and get it out of your system. Fly as much as possible."

"It's not just the accident. It goes deeper than that. There's something else that I can't remember. Something very bad."

"My dear Aeryn if there's anything that I can do just let me know. Any support you need. Perhaps I could use my expertise to unlock your memories?"

"Thank you for your concern but I feel it's something I've got to face, to work out on my own. Maybe then I can get peace from the nightmare."

"Nightmare?"

"I'm flying in a prowler, chasing someone over an icy landscape. I don't know who it is. Then they ram me and my ship goes out of control, I eject, I can't get out of the seat and the retro jets melt the surface ice and all goes black. Then I wake. It's always the same and I never know who's flying the other ship."

"Do you really want to know?"

"If I'm ever to get peace I must."

He was looking very smug. I wondered if he knew more than he was letting on.

"I was going to ask you to undertake an errand for me while I visited some mining interests I have near here. It seems now that Sareel will have to take securities to Galt, while you accompany me to the mines."

"As long as I don't have to fly a prowler, Scorpius. Anything else."

"Full uniform and assault rifle. An armed bodyguard will serve to deter some of my partners from short changing me. I suggest you get some rest. We make an early start."

She was looking less pale and got to her feet.

"Thank you. I will."

She left and the door closed.

"Was that some devious plan who's purpose I missed or do I really have to go to Galt?"

"You really have to go to Galt. I'll have to aid Aeryn Sun find her memory. I think I might find it entertaining."

"There are times when you're completely unscrupulous."

"But that's one of the things you find fascinating about me. I do know. Your thoughts are crystal clear. I think however that there are far more interesting ways to spend time. Do come here Sareel. My tongue is feeling deprived."

Part 2

Before I set off for Galt, the carrier reached a disused Peacekeeper base on a small asteroid. The majority of the base was situated beneath the surface. Scorpius had decided that he wanted a semi permanent base for a while and the carrier's crew wholeheartedly welcomed his decision. The carrier's technicians had started the fusion generator which provided power for light, heat and artificial gravity. It also set up a shielded, thin but breathable atmosphere over the base.

Aeryn had turned up at our quarters in full uniform with assault rifle and various other bits of armament on a belt round her waist. She still looked tense.

"I'm sorry you have to make the trip to Galt."

"You can't help having that kind of fear. It's totally understandable."

"I feel somehow that I should be able to overcome it. I just can't. There's an association with the prowler that I just can't work out."

I put my arm on her shoulder.

"Just take your time. I'm sure things will work out for the best in the long run."

Scorpius swept into the room. He had the air of a general planning a campaign.

"Sareel, Captain Sun. Punctual I see. Good, I've no patience with people who keep me waiting."

He looked over Aeryn appraisingly.

"Very smart. I don't think I shall have any problems with you in attendance Aeryn. I shall reserve Captain Sun for when we're in public. Now Sareel, here are the securities I want you to take to Galt. I've already told you where to deliver them haven't I?"

"Yes Scorpius. I'm to take them to Stin Margas in Chestos. They're to pay for a business transaction."

"Correct, my dear. Do take care. I'd rather you went with me but due to Aeryn's problem I'm afraid it must be you."

He gently licked my forehead.

"The anticipation will be delicious. Don't be away too long."

Aeryn's eyebrows had shot up to alarming heights. Scorpius in amorous mood was something she found unsettling. She still hadn't come to terms with my relationship with him. Her upbringing and the Peacekeeper attitude to inter species relationships still formed a brick wall against her acceptance of Scorpius and me.

"I'll be as quick as I can. I presume you'll not be long at the mine."

"It's a flying visit. Just to keep them on their toes. Probably little over the day."

We have arbitary time periods while in deep space. All tied into the daylength on Sebbeaus. I made my way to the bay where my prowler was waiting ready for me. Scorpius had had his insignia put on it an it was distinctive. I ran through the pre flight checks and locked the canopy. I signalled that I was ready to leave and the bay door was raised. I slipped out into space and set course for Galt.

*********

My business on Galt was swiftly concluded and I set course for home. About halfway back, near a small outer planet of the Galt System, my power unit began to show fluctuating readings. The loss of power caused one of the venturi in the photon pump to shut down and it became obvious that I wasn't going to make it back to the asteroid. It seemed that I'd have to land on the nearest available place and that appeared to be the planet. It was a dificult landing as the planet was shrouded in thick cloud and it had large water masses. I piloted the prowler as carefully as I could. The tug of the atmosphere as I started to hit the upper layers didn't help the handling which was already seriously impaired. Finally I pierced the cloud layer and found, thankfully that I was over land. I tried to pick as smooth an area as possible and put her down.

It was an horrific landing and I hit my head on the side of cockpit in spite of being strapped in, and blacked out for a microt or two. When I came round I had a blinding headache. The planet had a breathable but permanently damp atmosphere, so I got out and checked the prowler for damage. I appeared to have done no damage to the flying surfaces, just gouged a couple of notches in her skids. Finding the toolkit I opened the cover to the fusion generator. Hoping I could find the fault I started to check through the area which had shown the main fault on the controls. I didn't have to look far. A main power linkage had completely melted. There was nothing I could do but replace the cover and tell Scorpius where I was.

I tried hard to get through to him but I couldn't raise any connection. I must have damaged the implant when I hit my head. As the automatic homing device is linked to the thought transference buffers, it was probably out of service too. All I could do was set the prowler's distress beacon and wait. I supposed that sooner or later he'd make a search for me, but if there was anyone else around then as far as I was concerned the sooner I got off the planet the better.

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

The atmosphere on Moya was tense to say the least. Since the loss of Aeryn there had been a deep feeling of loss among the group. Zhaan was meditating with Stark. She felt that she'd failed Aeryn, because she hadn't been able to withstand the strength of Scorpius's chip in Crichton.

"If I could have absorbed all that evil then I might have prevented that last fatal flight."

Stark touched her lips with his fingers and choose his words with great care.

"Pau Zotoh Zhaan, there was nothing you could possibly have done. Scorpius is half Scarran and they have the greatest powers of mind control and manipulation in the galaxy. Their technology is powerful, but they have no soul."

She looked at him for a long time.

"Perhaps."

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

D'Argo was in a foul mood. Though he felt Aeryn's loss he was more concerned with the jealousy which was rapidly consuming him. He'd caught Jothee and Chiana almost kissing.

"Chiana how could you do this. I would take you for my wife, my mate."

He banged the wall of his chamber so hard he bruised his hand. The couple in question were sitting side by side on one of the seats. They flinched.

"Well you know how I lived d'Argo. Steal penny here, play the vamp and get my meal ticket and protection for a while. I'm touched that you think of me that way. You always treated me well. It's just that I'd be bored to tears on a farm. Need the adventure, the uncertainty."

She threw her arms in the air in a gesture of escape.

"Frell it d'Argo I need the space. I'd suffocate on a farm."

"I feel the same father. I had so little for such a long time I want to taste the world outside, to see places, explore. Chiana's young and so am I. We want our chance to live our lives as we wish."

"You could both be putting youselves in danger by taking that path."

His anger was beginning to abate and the green eyed monster was retreating.

"Then we'd better all stay on Moya. There seems to be adventure enough here."

Chiana stood and looked up at d'Argo.

"Thanks. I was never right for you Ka d'Argo."

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

Due to Scorpius's untimely arrival, Rygel had missed the boat, or more exactly, his ship home. He was sitting stuffing food in his mouth and venting gas at the other end at about equal rate.

"If they hadn't have bothered about Crichton and the chip, I could have been on my way home. Scorpius can have Crichton for all I care. He never was much use."

His profession of feelings at the loss of Aeryn had soon evaporated when the ship had left without him. Rygel's supremely self centered character had taken over. Being self centered was something he and Scorpius had in common according to the general concensus on board Moya. He stuffed more food into his mouth.

"Food, it's such a comfort."

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

And Crichton. John Crichton.

He was sitting on the floor wishing that luck hadn't been with him.

The healer Scorpius had thought he'd killed had only fainted. The story about the mask was one he and his helper had propogated over the years as a means of upping their fees. He'd been doing it for so long, when Scorpius removed the mask he thought he was about to die. He came to to find Crichton lying on the table with impaired speech patterns and his brain still exposed. Repairs were made swiftly and speech restored, well mostly.

"I don't want to go home, go home, go home,

I just want Aeryn Sun, Aeryn Sun, Aeryn Sun.

Kill Scorpie for me anyone, anyone

Just kill him if you can."

He pulled his knees up and looked up at the ceiling.

"Shit that's all I've got. Memories of my dogs, my Dad, Aeryn and Scorpius. I'd be lost on earth even if I could get back. Dad probably thinks I'm dead and Aeryn's gone. The only thing I've got left is Scorpie. I could do with some some of his single mindedness right now."

He stood up and went to his sleeping couch and sat on the edge.

"Just how do you kill a Scorpius?"

Pilot came on the screen.

"Crichton, Moya asks me to tell you that there's a distress signal coming from the planet below. What do you wish her to do?"

John's training took over from his mixed up emotions.

"Get in orbit. I'll get d'Argo and we'll take a transport pod down. Any idea what the signal's from, Pilot?"

"Moya thinks it's small. A transport pod, a prowler maybe."

"I hope not Pilot, but we can't leave them whoever they are, down there."

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

The sight of the transport descending through the clouds was a most welcome sight. I was cold and damp. Although I was sitting in the prowler I had had to leave the canopy part up as the life support was off line. The all pervading mist had ensured that I was thoroughly miserable.

I jumped out of the cockpit and went to greet my saviours. A Sebbacian and a Luxan got out of the transport. The Sebbacian spoke first.

"You all right?"

I nodded.

"Have you got such a thing as a power linkage with you? One of mine has burnt out."

"Not with me, but we've got one on the ship. You sure you can put it in?"

"I'm an Alpha Grade Technician."

The Luxan spoke out with some vehemence.

"She's Peacekeeper. Just look at the uniform. We don't want her kind on board. She spells trouble."

"All I want to do is repair my ship and move on. I'm cold, wet and rapidly losing my patience. And just what have you got against Peacekeepers?"

The Sebbacian spoke for his friend.

"He's had some bad experiences due to them. We all have. I once knew a Peacekeeper technician, though, who gave her life for me. So I think we'll take the chance you'll do exactly what you say."

The Luxan put his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"John, I think you're making a big mistake."

"D'Argo, I've only half my brain, I've just had a great loss and I'm all twisted up with hate. I don't care if she's a risk. Just let's get her back on board. The sooner she gets the prowler patched up the sooner she can leave."

He turned to me.

"Can you fly that thing at all? Can you get it up to our ship."

"I think so. She's handling like an Hynerean goblaat, but I think I can make it that far."

"Then follow us."

They both went back to the transport. The Luxan was still wary of me. He kept looking back and shaking his head. I got back in the prowler, locked the canopy and switched on. She made some apologetic noises and condescended to give me just under half power. Enough to escape the gravity of the planet but it was a bumpy ride. I hit turbulence and had a great deal of difficulty in holding her straight, but eventually I cleared the atmosphere and flew into the starry reaches of space. Following the transport to the other side of the planet I was extremely surprised to see a Leviathan. A damaged Leviathian. The transport headed in to the docking bay and I followed behind. It was with a great deal of relief that I put the prowler down beside the transport. I got out and stepped onto the strange floor of the bay.

"If you just show me where the spare linkage is kept, I'll make my repair and be on my way."

"You'll have to come and get it. It's up in command. We moved a cart load of stuff after the fire."

So that was what had caused the Leviathan's damage. I followed behind him, aware all the time of the presence of the hostile Luxan at my back. We entered the command and I saw there were more beings gathered there. A tall Delvian, standing by a being with half his face masked, an attractive Nebari girl close by a young person who's species I couldn't determine and a Hynerean sitting on a dais. None of them looked very friendly.

"John, do you think it's wise to bring her on board?

The Delvian spoke calmly and with a degree of authority.

"Aw come on Zhaan. She's not a soldier, she's a technician. You know Peacekeeper technicians aren't too fond of the troopers. It's a status thing. Besides she only wants that linkage we've got up here."

The Pilot cleared his throat.

"Ah. John, Moya wishes me to tell you that there's a fast pulse signal being transmitted from your guest "

The Luxan, d'Argo pinned me to the bulkhead by the throat. I was struggling for breath

"I told you. She's a frelling Peacekeeper spy. I say we throw her into space before they trace us."

I tried to indicate that I couldn't breathe and the Delvian noticed.

"Let her go d'Argo. Any damage has already been done."

I massaged my bruised neck.

"That pulse only signifies that I'm still alive. Frell if Aeryn hadn't got a problem I wouldn't even be here. Just what is up with you.?"

The Sebbacian with the strange speech patterns moved across and took my face in his hands.

"Did you say Aeryn?"

"Yes Captain Aeryn Sun. She should have taken the securities to Galt, only there's some reason why she's too frightened to fly the prowler."

He released my head and started moving round as if her were in ecstasy.

"She's alive. Do you hear, she's still alive."

He twisted me round with him as if in a dance.

"She didn't die?"

"You should know as a Sebbacian that extreme cold occasionally only causes a state of hibernation. Virtually no life signs. Anyway she was spotted in the species library and taken back to be thawed out."

The Pilot said some what apologetically.

"John Crichton isn't Sebbacian. He comes from Earth. He's called a Human."

Just then one of Scorpius's memories which he'd left in my brain surfaced. I was him striding down the corridor at the Gammax Base, and spotting a strange energy signature, then that being in the Aurora chair and resisting. I gulped. I was in deep, deep trouble.

The Nebari appeared to be thinking.

"But we know that the only other person who was at the healers place was...."

"Scorpius."

John Crichton, the Human looked murderous. He looked at me with loathing in his eyes. I backed up as flat against the bulkhead as possible. I thought he was going to hit me.

"You're telling me Scorpius has Aeryn?"

"Yes. He thawed her out and she's working as courier and bodyguard for him. She's quite well now except for the dream."

"What dream? Tell me."

"She's chasing someone in the prowler. She doesn't know who. They ram her and she has to eject and she can't release the straps of the ejection seat and the retros melt through the lake."

The Hynerean belched and posed the question I'd been dreading.

"And just what do you have to with Scorpius?"

Suddenly they were all looking at me.

"I.... well...um. I'm his technician."

It all came out in a rush at the end.

"And what the frell's sending your life signs?"

"I've got an implant. But you don't have to worry the rest of it isn't working. I banged my head when I landed."

"Our Scorpie boy's very fond of implants isn't he Zhaan? And what does yours do when it's working."

"Well apart from monitoring my life signs, we can, well talk to each other in our heads and it's got pattern holding buffers so that I can store memories of things I see. That's about all. If the other part hadn't been out of action I wouldn't have had to activate the prowler's distress beacon."

The Hynerean snorted.

"He's got himself a foolproof Sebbacian spy."

"I'm not Sebbacian", I retorted indignantly, "I'm Vaud."

"What does it matter what she is. She's a danger to us all. If we let her go she'll tell him where we are, if we don't he'll probably come looking for her. I say let's get rid of her."

"Be quiet Rygel."

The Delvian Zhann silenced him with a motion of her hand. She came over to me and spoke very gently to me.

"What are you called?"

"My name's Sareel."

"Sareel, I'm sure you can tell that Scorpius is not our favourite being."

I nodded.

"The pulse that's being transmitted, is I take it too short in duration to be traced?"

"Yes, it only lasts a fraction of a microt."

"Could we trust you not to tell Scorpius our position if we let you go on your way?"

"I won't say anything, but I don't know what he could get out of my head. I really don't know."

I was feeling very despondent. My life expectancy was getting less by the microt. Crichton came over with a hopeful look on his face.

"It's a whole new ball game Zhaan. Sareel knows where to find Aeryn. We use her to lead us there and then we rescue Aeryn."

"That's the worst frelling idea you could come up with. You just can't walk into anywhere where Scorpius has a base and take what you want. Even I wouldn't attempt it."

"We've done it before."

"Chiana's right. Sometimes you've no sense at all."

"But Aeryn's alive! "

"John, be grateful for that. We should give thanks to the Goddess. Perhaps now's not the time to attempt a rescue. Moya's still sorely hurt and it's quite unlikely that she could make starburst. That might be the difference between success and failure.

"I don't think she'd want to go with you, She feels that her security lies with Scorpius."

"I don't believe it. How could she want to work for old cadaver face. Not Aeryn."

"Well not all of us have choices. I didn't. He wanted and he took."

Chiana came over and looked me squarely in the eye.

"I've heard it said that Scorpius's technicians have other duties to perform. Now I'll use what talents I have to get what I want. Often had to to survive. But if it's true, I don't know how you can."

She waited for the reply I didn't want to give. If I denied it would they believe it, if I said nothing that was an admission. I took my courage in both hands.

"Yes it's true."

D'Argo looked as if he found the idea completely revolting, Zhaan just looked sad, but Stark flew across command and confronted me.

"He's .. he's a mass murderer. He had thousand of my people killed, just thrown into space and you consort with him. I find you utterly contemptable."

More of Scorpius's memories began to surface.

"I disagree with your statement. Scorpius didn't kill your people. He was asked by the Peacekeeper in command what he wished done the the other slaves after he'd take off Jothree. All he said and I have the exact memory was 'Dispose of them as you see fit'. He just hadn't got the time or the inclination to arrange their resale. If they died it wasn't his doing."

Stark backed off.

"He's evil. Thoroughly evil."

"That's a judgement that varies depending where you find yourself. He's always treated me with the greatest of consideration after he made the implant and gave me the nanomoles."

"Nanomoles? What are they?"

Perky, interested Chiana.

"Tiny, tailored self replicating protein machines that aid our bodies in repair and general upkeep."

"So that was why we never manged to kill him."

Crichton seemed relieved to find an answer to at least one of his problems, but it was obvious he had more questions.

"You mean you, well you and Scorpius you...... Oh hell you know what I mean, Sareel."

"We do."

"How unpleasant!"

Zhaan evidently had no idea of the chemistry between us.

Chiana was fidgeting, dying to ask but thinking better of it. She could hold out no longer.

"You don't seem to resent his attentions. Frell it he's got the worst reputation of anybody round the galaxy. Females Scorpius knows often end up very battered and chewed after he's visited them."

"He's given me nothing but extreme pleasure and he's extremely careful never to physically hurt me."

"You're telling us Scorpius is always gentle with you. It's beyond belief."

"Oh I don't know D'Argo. One of the things I can remember which is completely useless is that a criminal brotherhood called the Mafia committed really bad acts and yet they were the perfect parents. Good guys to the family. There are many shades of evil. It just depends where you're looking from."

They had all calmed down and were starting to look at things a lot more rationally. I had the spark of an idea.

"If you're really determined to get Aeryn Sun back again, I think I know a way"

Part 3

Scorpius was feeling extremely pleased with himself. He'd caught one of his partners at the mine, passing commercial information to an outside party and had had Aeryn arrest him. The guilty party was in the cells awaiting interrogation in the Aurora Chair. Scorpius always enjoyed the build up of anticipation which came when he had a client for the chair. So delightful to smell the fear, and the sheer terror of his victims acted like a shot of pure energy to his systems. There was a knock on the door.

"Enter"

Aeryn Sun came into the room. She was feeling rather uncomfortable in Scorpius's presence. Couldn't quite put her finger on the reason why. It just was. Her present security was due to his benevolence. He'd given her a reason to exist when she had none, but she was still not at ease in his proximity.

"Do sit down Aeryn."

"I prefer to stand."

He threw out his arms.

"As you wish."

He put his hands behind he back and walked round behind her.

"There is, something I feel you should know. You are now fully fit and I feel you will be able to cope with the truth about your accident."

He came to face her.

"It really would be easier if you sat my dear Aeryn."

Aeryn sat where he indicated. She was still dubious at his apparent consideration. Solicitude from him seemed out of character if all she'd heard from the carrier's crew was to be believed. He sat in a chair opposite and nonchalantly crossed his legs.

"You were abducted by a group of escaped prisoners on board a Leviathan and you unwillingly spent quite a period of time with them. When the opportunity came to escaped, you took it and escaped in your prowler."

He paused and Aeryn felt as if she was in shock. Her body felt cold and somewhere deep down in her memory there was a stirring of recognition at Scorpius's words.

He peered at her.

"You don't look well."

She shook her head as if to clear it.

"I'm fine. Go on."

"It would have been an excellent manoeuvre except that one of prisoners pursued you. You turned to try and deal with him and you know the rest."

Aeryn was stunned. At last she had someone to fix her dislike on, someone to blame for her loss of memory. Her hate would be her anchor.

"I can show you a picture of him if you wish."

He regarded her quizzically.

"I would like to see who my adversary is. I owe him something."

Scorpius punched up the holorecord which had been taken when Crichton had been captured.

"John Crichton. Human. Note the resemblances to Sebbacians. However he has a completely different energy signal and much of his physiology is dissimilar. Take a good look at him Aeryn, and remember his face."

"I will. If our paths should ever cross I'll..."

"You'll do what Captain Sun?"

"I'll kill him."

"Excellent. I think that you need some time to digest this information. You are relieved from duty for two days."

"Thank you Scorpius."

She turned and left the room. There was much that she had to reconcile. Much that she had to come to termswith, within herself. Her thoughts were in turmoil and she needed to sort them out.

Scorpius took a Wanchup herbal stick, lit it and started smoking it with considerable relish. It was so delightful. John Crichton and Aeryn Sun would both be gently coming to the boil. Their hate would be like a festering sore, growing day by day. It would be so enjoyable to follow its progress and to add subtle barbs into the simmering soup.

"Ed'th ra Scorpius I do believe you've excelled yourself this time."

********

The plan which had come into my head needed an degree of planning to succeed. I outlined it to the crew of Moya.

"Scorpius probably won't start putting out search parties for about another twenty ahns. He'll only start to worry when he finds he can't contact me. Now I'll fix the prowler and if you make a short starburst, we can make the planet close to the asteroid and hide behind it."

"Moya can't starburst. She's still crippled. The healer helped but she's still suffering."

Zhaan uttered these words with simple resignation.

Problem number one.

"Zhaan, in my people there are branches who breed healers. My family's one of the branches. I can channel energy to Moya to help her rebuild and I can take away her pain."

"Then you will acomplish something I have been unable to do."

Pilot interrupted with, "Moya thanks you Sareel. She says if you can relieve her pain and channel her some energy, then she could manage a starburst of short duration. I will do anything I can to aid Aeryn's safe return. She and I share so much."

Problem solved.

John Crichton brought up the next problem.

"We get to the moon and hide behind it. So what do we do then? You can't tell me Scorpie's not going to have that base bristling with sensors and weapons. It'll be like getting in the Pentagon."

"I had to check the systems out before I left. Over seventy percent of the sensor arrays can't be mended without spare parts and we'll have to wait for the supply vessel for those. The rest are well away from Scorpius's private landing bay which I'll use."

D'Argo had lost his hostility and was becoming interested in the plan.

"What about the carrier? That'll have sensors and guns."

"They can only be used when there's personnel on board. The carrier is in stationary orbit and unmanned."

Chiana summed it up.

"Fine. We've got Moya hidden behind the moon, and there's little chance of being picked up by the sensors. What then?"

"Then you follow me down to the base, tucked in as tightly as you can behind me so that we will appear to be one object. The crew are so glad to to be off the carrier I doubt that they'll notice it's size. I park the prowler and you follow me in. That's the easy bit completed."

"If that's the easy bit count me out!"

Crichton grabbed Rygel and shook him.

"I never counted you in you miserable apology for a slug. Aeryn's live and well and we've got a chance to get her back and all you think about's your nasty grey green hide."

He virtually threw him back onto his dais.

"Sareel, I guess we go for Aeryn next."

"No I've got to go and keep Scorpius out of the way. Aeryn's quarters are to close to ours. You can't risk him coming out and finding you. He's not pleased since he found out that your chip didn't contain any wormhole information."

"You mean John went through all the pain and suffering and still Scorpius didn't get what he wanted?"

"Yes."

"Then he's going to keep coming after John until he gets what he wants."

Zhaan sounded extremely worried.

"No, he won't. The Ancients had refuge on our planet for a short while and they told my family that they were laying false trails all over the galaxy to prevent beings like Scorpius obtaining the knowledge. You never had any information in your head John. It was a blind alley."

"You mean I got the freedom of the Aurora Chair, shared my head with Scorpie's twin and then nearly lost my mind all for a hoax."

"Well if you put it that way, yes."

He looked up to the ceiling and threw his arms in the air.

"Tell me I'm dreaming. Show me a Big Mac and tell me I'm dreaming. I'm still on Earth and this one big illusion."
China went and pinched his arm.

"Frell, that hurt."

"No you're not dreaming."

"I'll tell him when I get back and he should leave you alone."

"But I'm not going to leave him alone. I'm going to chase him all over the galaxy, show him what fear is really like. And then when he begs for mercy I'm going to be just like him and laugh in his face. He's got me really pissed off and sure as eggs is eggs I'm going to enjoy killing the sucker."

"I couldn't allow you to do that."

"Why in the Goddess's name not Sareel? I'd put aside my quest long enough to be present at that joyous occasion."

The rest nodded in agreement.

"Why can't I kill him, Sareel?"

Crichton held my head firmly in his hands.

"Give me one frelling good reason I can't kill him as he deserves."

"Because if you kill Scorpius I will die too."

He looked straight into my eyes.

"She's telling the truth. The devious bastard's given himself an insurance policy."

"No wonder he treats her well. She literally protects his life."

"Father why does it matter what happens to the Vaud? It's surely better for her to make a sacrifice and we can all be rid of him"

"Jothee you disappoint me. After all you've been through I'd have thought you have some compassion for someone who was given no choice. As I see it, Sareel didn't ask to be with Scorpius. He took away her choice. Even though he treats her well, to him she's little more than an extremely useful slave."

I looked around.

"What happens to me has no bearing on this operation and recriminations only take up time. Time we have very little of."

"Sareel you know you remind me of when you talk like that? The one we all love to hate."

"Well he has tried to get me organised, and he did have military training."

"So back to the plan. You keep Scorpie out of the way. Where are are Aeryn's quarters in relation to his?"

I drew a sketch.

"You can't afford to make a sound. The small guard room's just at the top of the corridor. It all depends on precision and timing. Remember, Scorpius doesn't have any external ears but his hearing's acute."

Stark, who'd been just observing the proceedings spoke up in a measured tone.

"I had very great reservations about the whole idea especially with Sareel's relationship with Scorpius, but she's laid out a very convincing and seemingly workable plan. I congratulate her and I think we should put it to the vote."

"Stark, that's the best thing you've said in ages. "

Crichton looked round at the assembled crew.

"We've got a chance to rescue Aeryn. Hell, you know I've gotta try, but I'm not asking anyone to come who's not willing. If you feel there's too much risk then I'll go alone."

"John, I would be a poor warrior if I let my friend down."

"Thanks d'Argo. I had a feeling you wouldn't let me down."

"I suppose you'll need a pilot for the shuttle. I'll do it."

Rygel volunteered with less than good grace. Chiana went over and pushed her face in his.

"And what makes you think we'd trust Crichton and d'Argo to you, your cowardice? First sign of trouble and you'd be out of there leaving them stranded."

"I'll pilot the transport." Stark spoke with authority. "I can if absolutely essential, use some of my energy body to cause a diversion. Yes I know Zhaan. It's a risk, but the whole of living is an ongoing risk and it's one I wish to share with d'Argo and Crichton."

"Then that's settled. The smallness of your party will make detection less likely. First thing I'll do is give healing to Moya. She needs all the time possible to remake her energy paths."

Crichton held me by the shoulder as I turned to leave.

"What will Scorpius do to you if he finds out you helped us?"

I tried to make light of what would be a certainty if he had any suspicions at all.

"Oh I'd guess I'd have an early interview in the Aurora Chair."

"Thought as much. We'll just have to make sure that he doesn't find out."

He let me go and I went off to Moya's damaged section.

Moya was very damaged and still in a great deal of pain. I went round to different parts of her fire scarred superstructure and channelled healing to them. It would give her enough energy to make a speedy reconstruction of those parts she needed to starburst. It also took away her pain. As took me quite a while to go round the section that needed healing, I was very thirsty and hungry when I returned to command.

"Could I have something to eat and drink. I've been nearly twenty ahns without either."

Chiana rushed up.

"Hey Sareel. I didn't think. You'd been on that planet quite a while. We've only got ration cubes. Rygel's eaten everything else."

Zhaan came over.

"You don't mean he's eaten all the fresh food? Again?"

"I do. Every single frelling bit. I hope it makes him sick."

"Anything will be fine. My stomach wonders if I still have a mouth."

I went over to Pilot.

"Can Moya tell you how she's doing?"

He waited for a minute. There was a faint twittering sound.

"Moya says that she has almost made all the necessary connections she needs to starburst. And she and I no longer feel any pain. We are grateful Sareel."

Chiana arrived with a plate of ration cubes and a beaker of water.

"Thanks."

"I don't think you'll thank me when you taste them!"

I bit into one They were quite revolting but my extremely empty gut invited me to forget the taste and get them down. I was glad of the water to wash them down.

"I see what you mean. Not exactly gourmet material."

Zhaan took me by the arm and led me to the other side of command.

"Sareel, no matter what your connection with Scorpius I thank you gratefully for what you've done for Moya. You've acomplished more in two ahns than I've been able to do in two days. You have helped to balance out some of the evil he's done."

"Shades of evil!"

"Indeed."

Time was slipping by.

"Where's the power linkage? That's my next job."

"Father and Crichton took it down to the docking bay."

Jothee volunteered the information.

"Don't worry Sareel. Crichton's very good at repairing prowlers. He and Aeryn were always messing round with hers."

Chiana seem to be making an effort to be friendly.

"I'd better go and see how they're getting on."

"I'll come with you. I need to be doing something."

We walked down the passage that led downwards towards the bay.

"Couldn't I come with you? Perhaps I could distract the guards. You know, a new face after all that time in space."

I smiled. Some more of Scorpius's memories had surfaced.

"You might well distract the guards, but if Scorpius caught sight of you the game would be up. From what I can recall of his memories of you he doesn't find it easy to forget you."

"You mean I made that much of an impression on him?"

"I don't think you want to know what his thoughts were concerning you."

"That bad huh?"

"That bad."

We'd arrived at the bay and Crichton was half hidden under the cowling that housed the power unit. D'Argo was handing him various bits and pieces.

"Thanks for taking the trouble to help. How are you doing?"

Crichton emerged from under the cowling, his face streaked with dirt.

"It's different to Aeryn's."

"I should hope so. I spend a lot of time upgrading it."

I peered under the cowling. Half the power unit was disconnected.

"I think you'd better let me install the linkage. You've done all the hard work for me. Saved me a lot of time."

I was getting quite good at face saving. Actually it was going to take me longer to restore the disconnected leads, than to replace the burnt out power linkage. I wondered if Aeryn had the same trouble. He and d'Dargo sauntered off back to command.

"I could strip down the engine of my classic Chevvy, no trouble at all. And my ship's easy now I've got all those bits, Moya gave me. But that prowler's something else."

I didn't hear anymore as they were out of earshot.

"Chiana could you hand me the powerdriver?"

She gave me the torque wrench.

"You know what a power driver is?"

"Yes it's that one."

She pointed to the flux diagnostic unit. I shook my head.

"Oh frell course I don't know . I can pick a pocket, or play the field if it gets me a bed and a meal. But what would I need a powerdriver for?"

"To save your honour if you got in the wrong bed?"

She laughed.

"There've been sometimes when I would have found one useful. Mostly I escaped by using cunning."

"Stay and talk to me, anyway."

She fidgeted for a while and then she seemed to pluck up courage.

"Sareel can I ask you something? When you're with Scorpius does he kiss you."

"Yes, but he gets a lot of stimulation too, by licking."

"Mmmm."

There was a couple of microts silence.

"What's it like when you....you know what I mean."

"Scorpius has Scarran parts. Nothing like Sebbacian or Nebari. It's entirely different. One day if we meet again I'll explain.

She looked disappointed, but I was too busy to give her a blow by blow account of Scorpius's sexual habits.

Finally I'd got everything back together again.

"Now for the moment of truth. Will she or won't she?"

I flicked over the power switches and there was the sweet hum of the fusion generator feeding power into the photon pumps. All the readings were totally normal. I powered down, got out and closed the canopy.

"That's ready. Now all we have to do is wait till Moya can starburst."

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

When Chiana and I got back to command, d'Argo and Crichton were already kitted up. Crichton was wearing the uniform of a Peacekeeper captain. I wondered where he'd got if from. D'Argo was checking out two assault pulse rifles and Zhaan was organising communicator channels. They looked up as we came in.

"Prowler OK?"

"In full working order. I'm ready to go as soon as Moya can starburst."

Rygel was sitting on his dais muttering.

"It won't work. We'll all end up in Scorpius's cells."

"Shut up."

In chorus from everyone.

Zhaan advanced on him.

"Rygel, if you can't think positive thoughts I'll have great pleasure in locking you in your chamber."

The Hynearean looked rebellious.

"You've got two microts to make up your mind. One......"

"All right but I don't like it one little bit."

"Rygel!"

Pilot cleared his throat to attract attention.

"Moya says that she's now able to make the short starburst you need and that Talyn is alongside."

"What's Talyn doing here?"

"Moya called him. She was going to use some of his cells to initiate repairs. Now Sareel's help has made that unnecessary."

"I can't say I'm sorry he's here. Maybe he can give us some cover if things get sticky."

A dark bearded man strode into command.

"Crais. You come at an opportune moment."

"Zhaan, Crichton. Talyn came when Moya called. She needs help?"

"Well she did but not any longer."

He looked puzzled and Crichton, aided by Chiana, D'argo and Stark related what had transpired. Crais looked at me.

"You say that Aeryn's alive?"

"Very much so. But she's lost her memory."

"The plan's got a reasonable chance of working?"

"I can see no reason why not. I checked all the arrays myself."

"So Talyn stays with Moya unless there's any problem with your escape. In that event, he'd come out and cause a diversion. Scorpius is not going to forget something like this."

"You're right. He's gonna be extremely pissed off. I wish I could see his face when he knows what we've done."

"I wouldn't wish for that if I were you. He's not exactly feeling favourable to either of you."

"How do you know?"

"Crais meet Sareel. Scorpie's Girl Friday and keeper of some of his memories."

Crais looked at me with suspicion."

"What's she doing here?"

Crichton put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's a long story. Just accept that she's the genuine goods and at this moment in time she's helping us."

"We shouldn't delay any longer."

"I'll get back and explain what's needed to Talyn."

"Moya's already made that communication."

"She has Pilot? Then I'll follow directly behind you."

As soon as Crais was back on Talyn, Moya made starburst. Leviathan starburst is always somewhat turbulant, but as Moya wasn't totally fit, it was extremely rough.

"I'm glad that's over"

Chiana was picking up all the loose things that had cascaded onto the floor due to the gigantic shudders that had racked Moya.

The moon we were aiming for was a small dot on the outside scope. We watched as it became gradually larger. Crais's face came up on the screen.

"We'll follow you in. Are you sure that there's nothing else that you want us to do, Crichton?"

"Thanks but no. It's gonna be a stealth operation. The fewer there are the fewer to be detected."

Moya drew round the back of the moon and parked herself. She would be totally unseen from the base.

"OK boys and girls. It's showtime."

Crichton had a quaint and often indecipherable manner of speech. I supposed that it was normal for a Human.

We made our way to the docking bay. I climbed into the prowler.

"Just remember to stay as close behind me as possible."

"I'll stick like glue!"

I slid my craft out of the bay and Crichton was as close behind me as the photon stream would allow. Coming out from behind the moon, I turned for the short flight to the base. As I got with in visual range I could see that there was something different about the area round Scorpius's private dock.

"Crichton! Abort. He's got sensors from somewhere. If they haven't already spotted us they soon will."

"Not on your sweet life, Sareel. We're gonna be in and out of there so fast that they'll wonder what hit 'em."

"It's risky."

"So's this conversation."

He was right. If the security crew were alert, and I was hoping desperately that they weren't, they would already have noticed our transmission. Things were deteriorating fast. I kept on without any challenge. Breathing a sigh of relief, I slid the prowler into the bay and was comforted to see the transport ease in behind.

I got out of the prowler.

"Give me five microts and then get Aeryn. I don't think I'll be able to detain him long if he's got any suspicions, so you've got to be a quick as possible."

Crichton took my head in his hands and gave me a brotherly kiss on the forehead.

"You're the best, Sareel."

I made my way up the passage from the bay, turned left and I was in the corridor that housed Aeryn's quarters and the turnoff that led to Scorpius's chamber. There was nobody at all in the corridor and I was starting to feel much more confident about the success of the whole operation. Opening the door into our chamber I saw Scorpius standing by the communications console. My heart was in my mouth.

He turned and saw me.

"Sareel, my dear. I was starting to worry. Did you have a good journey?"

"It was all right until I left Galt. Then a power transfer link stopped working and I had to put down on a miserable little planet to make repairs. Oh and I hit my head. My implant doesn't seem to be functioning. I just couldn't get through to you. It's completely dead."

"I wasn't too worried because I kept receiving your life sign pulse. There may be a problem repairing the implant. I may have to remove it and insert a new one."

"Oh great, why not just forget it all together."

"I know you'd like that, but I do enjoy our cranial discussions Sareel. I'm certainly not going to deny myself that pleasure. Besides you make an excellent spy."

I might have known he had an ulterior motive. There was some food on a table by the far wall and I went to help myself. At that moment there was a buzz and the internal comm screen came to life and the commander of the platoon of troopers we'd been carrying appeared.

"What is it commander?"

"Sir I've ust been told that scanning have found an energy signal. A vessel has gone behind the moon and hasn't reappeared."

"Have you any idea what type of vessel?"

I started to move towards the door.

"They think Sir, that it's a Leviathan. The trace is distinctive."

"Have we any in the area?"

"No Sir. Anyway the trace corresponds to the one that was stolen. Moya."

"Keep me posted if you see anything else?"

He turned round and grasped me round the chest as I was continuing my way to the door. Pinning me against the wall, he hit me hard across the face.

"You brought them didn't you?

It was no use denying it. He was already rifling through my brain. He threw me onto on of the chairs.

"I shall deal with you later Sareel. I'll make you regret your betrayal. John Crichton I'd expected at sometime in the future when he found out that his dear Aeryn was still alive. But now I've no bargaining power for his wormhole memories."

"You're a fool Scorpius."

"What! How dare you call me that!"

"I say it because it's true. There never was any wormhole technology in Crichton's brain. The Ancients laid an elaborate false trail to safeguard the secret."

He held my chin in his hand and squeezed hard. The pain brought tears to my eyes.

"And how do you know that?"

"The Vaud gave the Ancients shelter not long ago and they told my family how they safeguarded it."

He released me just as the general alert sounded and he made for the comm screen. This gave me the time to make a break for the door. As I got out I saw d'Argo run past the end of the with Aeryn slung over his shoulder. Crichton went past just before I gained the main corridor.

"Sareel. If you hurry you can get back with us."

I ran after him . Just then troopers appeared at the far end of the corridor and started firing. Crichton was retreating backwards firing all the time. He shouted at me.

"Get behind me where I can cover you."

I tried to do just that but before I could make it. I heard the sound of a pulse close behind me.

Part 4

Pilot had just reported the safe return of the transport pod and Zhaan was walking across the lounge area towards the exit that led down to the docking bay. Crichton and d'Argo came in with Aeryn still unconscious and over d'Argo's shoulder. Stark followed a little way behind

"John what happened?"

"Tell you when we've starburst. Pilot as soon as you can. And tell Crais to get the hell out of here too. And give him my thanks."

D' Argo laid Aeryn carefully on a divan and found a pad to cushion her head.

Chiana stood and looked at her.

"Never thought I'd see you again Aeryn."

She looked at Crichton.

"Times we'd fight, course you know. Frell, I've missed those fights."

There was a tear running down her grey face. She bent and touched Aeryn's face.

"Glad you're home again Aeryn Sun."

Moya made starburst with slightly less shuddering than previously.

"Now that's over I suggest we sit down and you can tell me how everything went."

"It could have been better, Zhaan. Scorpius had somehow found sensor arrays to put near his landing area. Sareel wanted us to abort, but we were so near I thought it riskier to turn back."

"Sareel had the layout right?"

"Yes, she did, Chiana, and she kept Scorpius occupied while we made it to Aeryn's quarters."

"And then what?

Rygel was surprise that the plan had worked. Pleasantly surprised. And relieved that his skin was safe.

D'Argo carried on.

"Then our problems started. We got into Aeryn's quarters, but when she saw us, she started to head for the communications comm. She was in an foul mood. She pointed at John and said 'You're the one who nearly killed me. Scorpius will deal with you'. "

"I said that we'd come to bring her home and she said we weren't taking her prisoner again and was about to press the intruder alarm. I had to slug her, she started fighting me when I touched her."

"That was when the base alarm went. I put Aeryn over my shoulder and we got out as fast as possible. John was covering us. There were troopers coming from the guard room."

"Sareel burst out of the side corridor and I told her to get behind my covering fire. She tried but she wasn't quick enough. She caught a pulse blast in the head."

His voice was thick with emotion.

"Say what you like about Sareel. She saved us from being caught. I saw Scorpius reach her just as we turned the corner. He stopped the guards to attend to her. We wouldn't have got away otherwise."

Stark put his hand on Crichton's shoulder.

"One way or another, she sacrificed her life for us."

Chiana was trying hard to keep up her hard, girl of the galaxy veneer, but she finally succumbed to her emotions. Wiping her tears away with the back of her hand she said, "I liked Sareel."

Zhaan went over and held her.

"I think in spite of her connections, we all liked Sareel."

"I didn't."

Everyone turned on Rygel.

"Nobody cares what you think, your self centred emminence, so shut up."

D'Argo had hold of Rygel round where his neck would have been if he hadn't been the same shape all the way down, while Crichton was speaking. Zhaan touched Crichton on the arm.

"John, I know you feel badly about this. So much you can't remember and you were launched into this before you had time to heal. Just think that Sareel's better off. She's out of Scorpius's clutches. I'll pray to the Goddess for her peace in the other dimension."

"Yeah, do that Zhaan. There's nothing else to be done."

He turned to where Aeryn was laid out on the divan. Her dark hair was loose and framing her face. She looked peaceful. One hand was laid across her chest. John gently touched her cheek.

"Oh Aeryn, what has Scorpius done to you? I should be over the moon, but you hate me."

"Perhaps, time will heal her mind, John. Give her that time. You both have lost memories, but Scorpius was clever enough to feed her an idea which somehow fills the gap which she felt at the loss of hers. He gave her someone to hate."

"I guess he's laughing his socks off."

He walked away from Aeryn and stood facing the bulkhead for a moment before he leant against the wall with his hands on his head. He looked up at the ceiling.

"Aeryn, my lovely Aeryn. I promise I'll make him pay."

He punched his hand into the bulkhead. It hurt and he turned and faced them all, his voice was raised, angry and determined.

"I swear to heaven, I'll make the scheming bastard pay. I won't kill him. I'll make him suffer as I've had to suffer."

"How're you going to do that?

"I don't know Chiana, but I will find a way. Believe me."

Aeryn began to stir. Zhaan went over to her.

"You're safe Aeryn. No one's going to harm you."

Aeryn's eyes open with fear and she backed away from Zhaan.

"You're one of the escaped prisoners. You held me captive once, I won't let you do it again."

"My dear you were told an untruth. You stayed on Moya of your own free will."

"I don't believe you. You're trying to turn my mind against Scorpius."

"Scorpius told you what he wanted you to believe."

"Why should he do that. He's the only secure thing I have in a world of shadows. I'd rather believe him than you, Delvian."

"Aeryn, he thrives on dissent, fear and hate. He's playing a game with you."

She turned to face Crichton and backed away pointing at him.

"You, you're John Crichton."

Her eyes suddenly filled with a smouldering hatred and she launched herself at him.

He was caught unawares and she was punching and kicking him. Her eyes suddenly flashed and she kicked him in the groin. D'Argo caught her arms and pulled her, struggling away.

Crichton was doubled up and trying to beat the pain.

"Thanks for the welcome home present Aeryn. That was quite like old times."

She spat at him.

"Don't flatter yourself. If I ever get a weapon I'll kill you, I promise."

Zhaan took stock of the situation. She could see that it was dangerous for them all if Aeryn was free on Moya.

"I regret this Aeryn, but for our safety, I'm afraid we're going to have to put you in one of the cells. Just for the time being, until you find yourself again."

D'Argo carried her out kicking and struggling and Jothee went with him.

"I feel bad at shutting her up Zhaan."

She shrugged her shoulders.

"What else can we do John. At the moment she's dangerous, especially to you."

Crichton threw his arms up in the air.

"What can I do? It's all gone wrong."

"You can only trust that time and the Goddess will effect her recovery."

He walked away, his shoulders slumped, muttering over and over, "Aeryn, Aeryn, Aeryn."

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

Scorpius was not at all happy. He'd got Sareel's body on the table in his lab, linked to a variety of machines all keeping it alive. The problem was her brain. The rifle pulse had left her main brain intact, but destroyed the Vaudrian hind brain which controlled her autonomic nervous system. She couldn't breathe, her heart wouldn't beat and a myriad of other systems which depended on it had cease to function independently. He'd investigated virtually every option from a partial brain transplant downward. The main trouble was there were no spare Vaudrian parts as the Vaud objected to organ storage on religious grounds. Other similar species weren't compatible, the part of the brain which controlled such functions was located in different regions.

He'd toyed with the idea of just letting her die, but he loathed to waste such a good experimental subject as he'd already invested a good deal of expertise on the nanomoles and gene replacers, and he was reluctant to capitulate to failure. There was one slim chance which might just work, but it would necessitate more research and the fabrication of the most sophisticated piece of equipment that he'd ever had to design. But Ed'th ra Scorpius had made an art form of rising to a challenge. He looked at Sareel's form, pale and fragile half hidden under the tubing and wires. Even in that state she could still make him feel desire. He shook his head as if to rid himself of the thought. He flicked a switch on the internal comm.

"I'm not to be disturbed under any circumstances for the next four days. Is that understood?"

The duty officer replied as he made a note in the hololog.

"Perfectly, Sir."

He went back to the workbench and started work. Sareel would live again if it were at all possible. It would be another display of his superior technical ability, his superb brain. The computer holoimager sparked to life as he put up a three dimensional circuit diagram. He checked, and decided that it could form the basis of his masterpiece. Part of his brain was wondering if Aeryn Sun had killed John Crichton yet.

A malevolent chuckle came from his throat.

"Well John, you got what you wanted and you find you've stepped into a serpent's nest. Quite ironical and extremely pleasing. I wonder what else I can to to improve the situation?"

He took a mould and satisfied it was suitable, went and took measurements of Sareel's head. He was gratified to see that she'd lost her eyebrows and that her hair was starting to fall out.

"Ah the transformation's started."

He touched her forehead it was cold and moist to the touch. He'd reduced her body temperature so that she'd require less maintainence, need less oxygen.

"My willful Sareel. So delightfully exasperating. I intend to make you my complete captive this time. No room for rebellion."

"I need meat, Chiana. I don't want to start budding again."

Zhann was adamant that they stop at the planet which was coming into view. Chiana had recognised it as one she paid one short but memorable visit.

"There's a good market. Got just about everything you could want. The security should have forgotten me by now."

Rygel floated in, as she was saying this.

"Why?"

"Slight difference over ownership of a necklace."

"I suppose you stole it"

"Yes and no. I was promised it for carrying out an errand."

"So?"

"When I got back to claim it, the guy was dead. Reckoned he still owed me so I took it."

"And?"

She made a moué."

"His relatives disagreed with my decision. It was a couple of cycles ago."

"So it's safe to go to the market?"

"More or less. I'd go for more."

"How reassuring."

"Hey your greyness I can do without the sarcasm. A girl's gotta survive. Just some times were harder than other."

"Well who's going to the surface then?"

"I'd better stay with Aeryn. The mere sight of John just inflames her."

Crichton strode into the lounge.

"Who's coming on the shopping spree?"

"I've just asked that John."

"Sorry d'Argo. It's just that all those ration cubes. Anything at all will be better."

Finally it was settled that d'Argo, Jothee, Crichton and Chiana would shop for the ship. Rygel was banned because everyone agreed that he'd probably eat half the purchases before they got back.

The short hop in the transport brought them to a large landing pad crowded with a plethora of small runabouts and transports.

"Looks like we hit the County Fair. Any suggestions as to the best place to go Chiana?"

She pursued her lips and thought for a microt.

" I know a stall that sells fresh auroch meat. Should still be there. And Dala always had good fresh fruit and vegetables. And we need some chemicals for the laundry unit. I guess I can find those at Algar's. Yes everything we want's quite close by. Just follow me."

She set off at quite a pace, nimbly darting in and out of the crowd. Crichton caught up with her.

"Just hold your horses for a minute Chiana. Take it more slowly or we'll get split up."

D'Argo and Jothee caught up.

"Chiana, you're like a flitmoth, darting all over the place."

She looked up at him.

"Sorry d'Argo. I forgot you always have a problem keeping up with me."

They came to a meat stall and Chiana stocked up with fresh and dried auroch meat. Jothee carried the basket. Next was the vegetable stall, Chiana had an acquaintance there.

"Got any of those piquats from your orchard?"

"Any amount Chiana, How many do you want?

"Oh twelve should do. They don't keep too well. What've you got in greens?"

Chiana was quite a while making her purchases and Crichton and d'Argo wandered over to a group of people watching a conjurer. He made a variety of things disappear and then invited members of the audience to help him in his next trick.

"D'Argo does he look familiar to you? He seems familiar to me but I can't place him."

D'Argo shook his head.

"Must've been part of the memories I Iost."

"No John. I know what you mean. Familiar but different. Like it's an illusion itself."

They looked at each other and then their faces showed mutual comprehension. They both spoke at once.

"Maldis!"

"Now that's not good news John."

"It's worse than that. It sucks! Let's get Chiana and Jothee, get the shopping done and go. Maldis is worse than Scorpie. At least with Scorpie you deal with flesh and blood. The way this guy spreads himself between dimensions you never know exactly where or who he is."

They went back and caught Chiana just as she was paying for her purchases.

"Do we really need the laundry stuff?"

"Well if you want shredded singlets again, no. What we're using is rotting our clothes. So I'd say yes we do."

"Well be quick. We should get out of here as fast as possible."

"Would one of you two like to tell me why"

She put her hands on her hips and looked from one to the other.

"You remember the trouble you had with that picture?"

"Will I ever forget!."

"You know who made that framed piece of evil."

"Yup. Mr Nasty who feeds on fear. What's his name? Maldis."

"We think he's here in the market."

"That's a good reason to be quick. Come on Jothee. Second stall on the left."

Jothee looked back at his father.

"Who's Maldis?"

"You really don't want to know Jothee."

"How can he be worse than Scorpius, Father."

"Because you never know who or what he's going to resemble next. He feeds on peoples' fear. If he captures you he tries to make you frightened and disorientated. The more terrified you are, the more he grows. He's a mind vampire. He feeds on terror. Believe me both John and I know only too well, we've both suffered at his hands."

"We thought we'd destroyed him a couple of times, but he keeps on putting himself back together again."

Chiana had made her choice of chemicals and loaded them into one of the bags that Jothee was carrying.

"You look as if you need a lift. Give me one of those."

"Thanks Crichton. They're getting heavier by the minute."

"Right. Back to the transport as fast as you can. If Maldis even has an inkling we're here, we're going to have one a hell of a problem."

They started picking their way throught the tightly packed throng. There were beings of every imaginable form and colour. Mindarans, Drak mercenaries, pushing their way arrogantly, Delvians, Pilachians. Folk from every part of the galaxy.

"This is one huge shopping mall!"

"Covers a big area. Next good market's way inside the Uncharted Territories. So most people come here before they travel."

Reaching the transport Crichton opened the hatch and got in. He suddenly missed a familiar form.

"Where's dArgo?"

"Don't know. He was with us when we hit the edge of the market."

They dumped their baskets on the floor. Chiana looked worried.

"You don't suppose Maldis has picked him up."

"I sure as hell hope not. I don't think any of us are fit enought to fight him just now."

"We'd better look for him, hadn't we Crichton?"

"Yeah. It'd be better if we split up, but with Maldis possibly on the loose we stick together."

"I don't know how we can lose someone so big."

"Perhaps he saw someone he knew?"

"Aw come on you two. You both know d'Argo has wandered off before. Usually into trouble."

They were back in the town. The market crowd was thinner as the twin suns were heading towards the horizon. Stall holders were beginning to pack up, goods being transferred into containers for the journey home.

"Least Maldis seems to have disappeared."

"Is that good?"

"Come on Chiana. Today can't be all bad."

"It can't get much worse."

"Don't ever say that!"

The town boasted an abundance of taverns and the three decided to visit them and inquire after the tall Luxan.

"At least he's not easily forgotten."

The first four yielded no information, but in the fifth.

"Yes I've seen a Luxan. What's he done?"

"Nothing. We've mislayed him."

This brought out guffaws of laughter all round the packed room.

"He went off with Tidathra. Mind you she really had to work at him. Very reluctant he was."

"D'you know where they went?"

"They were heading in the direction of her place."

Someone else added, "You really ought to warn your friend against going off with strange females."

"He's old enough to look after himself."

"Not against a Nebb."

"What's so bad about them?"

"They have been known to eat their partners. Nothing personal, I've been told. It's just that when they get aroused it sort of comes over them."

"Thank for the warning. We'd better find him fast. Which direction do we go?"

"Go out the door, turn left and second alley on the left. The house with the gold knocker."

They exited the tavern with alacrity and followed the instructions. Reaching the house Chiana was about to use the knocker."

"The door's open."

"Just so Jothee. Doesn't it strike you as a bit, well a bit convenient that we can get in so easily."

"She might have been in such a hurry to practice her charms on him"

"I'd always shut the door if it were me. Never know who might come in."

"Like us?"

They passed through a large square hallway and were faced with a choice of corridors.

"Well which way do we go? "

Chiana shivered.

"Got a funny feeling about this place. It makes me feel squirmy. As if there's something crawling down my back."

"Beats me why d'Argo would go off with this Tidathra in the first place."

"Maybe he's still sore at me. I kinda hurt his pride."

"He's choosen a bad time to freak out."

Chiana pointed down one of the corridors. It was pitch black.

"Think there's a chink of light down there."

She peered down the corridor.

" May be I imagined it"

"No you didn't Chiana. I can see it too."

They progressed slowly down the corridor. Crichton stopped suddenly and the other two piled into the back of him.

"What I wouldn't give for a torch or a light sphere. Did you hear a kinda scratching sound?"

"Like a big arachnina with hard legs."

Jothee's voice was tremulous.

"Hey Crichton let's go back. This is not a good place to be."

"Can't leave d'Argo, Chiana. Thought you had a soft spot for him even if it was only a friendly one?"

"I do. "

"Well in my book it's not acceptable to do the dirty on a friend."

He listened for a microt or two.

"Seems like what ever it was has gone."

He started off again and they soon reached a place where the corridor widened out.

There was a door and underneath strayed a gleam of greenish light. Crichton very gingerly felt and found the door latch and pressed. The door slid open without noise and showed them a grotesque spectacle.

"What the frell are these?"

They walked round the chamber. There were scores of wrapped objects hanging from the ceiling. Jothee pulled a bit from the nearest object.

"Feels like arachnina silk. It's sort of sticky."

"What's in the packages? They're like cocoons."

Crichton carefully pulled aside the silk covering of one of the packages.

"Holy Moses!"

Chiana and Jothee ran over at his cry.

"What's the matter? What is in there?"

"You really don't want to know."

Chiana pushed him aside and peered through the parting in the curtain of spun silk.

"Frell. Is it alive?"

Crichton felt for a pulse.

"Slow but there. Looks like they're drugged."

Some of the packages further back in the chamber only yielded dried out husks of beings. Crichton took a deep breath.

"Folk, I think we've found the Nebb's larder."

A look of horror hit Chiana's grey face.

"Do you think she'll come back?"

"Couldn't say. We'd better make it quick. Jothee, you and Chiana start from the left, I'll start from the right."

"You really think d'Argo's trussed up in one of these?"

"The man said he came here. I've got no reason to doubt him. Ergo d'Argo's packed like turkey for a Thanksgiving dinner."

"Ugh, what a chilling thought."

They started methodically opening part of the silk coverings on each of the suspended packages.

"That's the twentieth. The rest seem to be husks."

Crichton was almost giving up hope. He parted the silk on one of the few remaining that he hadn't checked."

"Eureka. I do believe we've hit pay dirt. Help me cut him down."

Ka d'Argo was big, tall and heavy. He fell none too gently to the ground .

"Help me get this gunk off him."

They peeled away the sticky silk covering. Chiana slapped his face several times.

"He won't wake up. How are we going to get him to the transport?"

Crichton looked from her to Jothee.

"Jothee's gonna have to help me with his father."

It was a great struggle to even get the big Luxan anywhere near vertical.

"I can't hold him any higher Crichton."

"Then we'll just have to half carry, half drag him."

The procession through the dark passage would have been amusing if there hadn't been the urgency to evacuate the area as soon as possible. China followed them, helping where she could to. They'd just reached the large entrance hall when a shriek from Chiana made Crichton look back. A large ten legged arachina was proceeding down the passage at a very swift pace.

"Let's get outside as quickly as we can. She's unlikely to follow us into a public area."

They ran dragging d'Argo uncermoniously with them. Exiting the door Chiana pulled it to after them and followed Jothee and Crichton as they made for the main square.

They were breathless when they got to a bench. Propping the Luxan up on the seat they all sat down.

"Do you think she was upset?"

"I'd say she was thoroughly pissed off. After all we did take her dinner."

The fresh air was having a reviving effect on d'Argo. His arms flailed the air.

"Get me out of here. Get me out."

Chiana took hold of him by the shoulders and looked him squarely in the eye.

"D'Argo. You're safe. We've got you out!"

"Chiana! It must be a dream."

He looked round him.

"Jothee, John. I'm not dreaming then."

Crichton gave him a friendly punch on the arm.

"You really do have an knack of getting in to difficulty."

"You must have caught me in time. They change form in the blink of an eye, and then inject digestive fluid into their victims a couple of ahns before they suck out their dissolved juices."

"Are you sure?"

The Luxan laughed his rich laugh.

"I'm not dissolving, am I?"

"Not that I can see. Can you make it to the transport?"

"Slowly I think, but yes."

"Let's go then. I've had more than enough excitement for one day."

"And we only came to do the shopping!"

Part 5

"Sareel. So pleasant to have you return to the world."

"Why do you say that, Scorpius?"

"What's the last thing you remember?"

I thought for a microt.

"I was running down a passage and I heard the sound of a pulse rifle being fired."

"Do you know why you were running down the passage?"

I tried to recall, but there was no memory other than a disturbance. An intrusion.

"I think we were under attack. I don't remember anything else."

"I'm afraid you took pulse to the head."

"That would have killed me"

"You above all should know the level of my technology. I was fortunate in having the resources to keep your body alive, while I prepared a long term solution."

I put my hand to my forehead. It seemed strange. I gingerly felt higher. My head was encased in leather.

"My eyebrows. What's happened to my eyebrows? And why am I wearing a helmet?"

"Don't you remember? I substituted some of my genes for yours. They've now taken effect and resculpted your face into a form resembling my own. Your hair has quite gone"

Vaguely I did remember something which concurred with his statement.

He raised the back of the couch and raised me almost to a sitting position. I still felt very, well for the lack of a better description...strange. Going over to the side bench he returned with a mirror and put it in my hands.

"Look at yourself my dear. The new Sareel beckons to you."

I looked into the mirror and it showed me a stranger. My face had high cheekbones, high brow ridges, my eyes were sunk in dark hollows of a reddish hue. The skin was pale and wrinkled and my lips were a purplish black. The blue of my eyes showed with a fierce intensity. I looked at my hands. The ivory paleness was apparent there also. Scorpius came to my side and turned the mirror so that we were both framed in it.

"I feel much more comfortable having a partner of similar features."

He smiled a surprisingly open smile and his eyes sparkled.

"I shall also find it extremely hard to mislay you."

"Why should you do that?"

"Have you also forgotten, Sareel that you delight in trying to frustrate my plans? You are an extremely wilful female. Such a delight! But if you should try to run away again, I shall easily find you."

"I ran away? Why should I do that?"

"Why indeed, my dear girl, when you've got everything you could ever want, here with me."

I sat in silence for a microt or two, when I suddenly remembered he'd said something about a long tern solution to my injury.

"Just what was the solution you found to keeping me alive?"

Looking in the mirror I saw him and felt him press the right side of my head, just behind my ears. Or where my ears would be. I felt a mild shock to realise that I also no longer had external ear parts. I saw spiralling out from where he'd pressed, a slim cut away tube containing a glowing golden rod.

"It has a different function from my neurotube. Yours provides the power to run the unit which keeps your autonomic nervous system running."

He touched the end of the tube and it went back into its housing.

"It's the most sophisticated device I've made to date. I've also utilised some of the Aurora chair circuitry to enable memory storage, life signs emitter and positional beacon. I did toy with the idea of staying permanently in your brain, in a manner similar to that I used with Crichton, but it would have made your intended use more difficult to achieve."

"My intended use. You make me sound like a piece of equipment."
"But indeed you are, my dear. A living, breathing recording device, so that I can monitor suspects for indiscretions before bringing them in."

I laughed.

"But Scorpius they'll take one look at me as I am now and I won't get within a quarter klik of them."

"My naive Sareel. I'll lay a trail which will make anybody think you are trying to escape from my tyranny."

He started massaging my shoulders and brought his head close to mine.

"Which you know is a complete reversal of the truth. You never want to leave me when I touch you like this."

His fingers were sending the usual ripples of pleasure up and down my spine. Now that I could recall from before. I couldn't help but make little moans of delight. Picking me up extremely carefully he carried me through to his quarters and laid me on the sleeping couch.

"I did feel briefly that I might never again savour your sweetness. But there was never any doubt once I'd started to construct the power unit. "

His tongue started flicking over my face, my body, every secret part. There was no doubt in my mind that I was once again in my haven, succumbing to the delightful attentions of my protector, the owner of my person, the sharer of my thoughts and the provider of the sensuous raptures which would mark the finale of this encounter. I was home.

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

Scorpius sat back in his chair. This was one of the best periods in his life. For the first time in his life he'd acquired a partner, who didn't make him feel slightly ill at ease. Sareel's new appearance ensured that she would only appeal to him. He'd never trusted the females he'd previously consorted with. Always had the niggling suspicion that they were when out of his hearing, they were disdainful of him because of his ancestry. It was probably the only chink in his extremely self assured and confident personality. And to boot she was an excellent technician, had a lively brain and was endowed with high intelligence. Nowhere near his own of course, but far above the majority of the Peacekeepers and from what he knew of them, the Vaud too.

He smiled a rather smug smile. Of course it was a master stroke to have removed those memories which would have proved totally inconvenient, to the far recesses of her mind. Somewhat similar to his treatment of Aeryn Sun. A thought crossed his mind.

"Yes it would be amusing to see the result. I think I might just do that."

He lit a Wanchup herb stick and picked up his glass of excellent Argolian brandy. So delightful when plans started to bear fruit. A pity John Crichton had rescued Captain Sun so soon, but how he wished that he could eavesdrop at what must be extremely acrimonious interchanges between them.

"A pity John's chip was removed or I could have done my own spying. It's at times like these Sareel could come into her own."

He'd made Sareel his deputy in his multifarious business ventures. She was adept at dealing with his employees and business partners.. Since he'd instructed her in how to carry out his various interrogation techniques, she was almost as feared as himself. It was gratifying to have designed such compatible and excellent new personality for her. She gave no quarter to recalcitrant offenders, she was merciless in her interrogations. He'd even found her refining extraction algorithms for the Aurora Chair.

The door opened and Sareel walked into their quarters. She looked irritated. Going over to a table she poured herself a glass of Pilach Red and eased herself into the other chair.

"Bad day?"

"I have had better ones. It's a pity I don't share your equanimity. It's one thing I do envy. Things get to me."

"Such as ?"

"Commander Grelch. Do you know he flatly refused to let me have that Nebari for interrogation."

"And what did you do my dear?"

"Promised him an expedited appointment with the chair. That worked."

They sat in silence for a microt or two, then Scorpius shifted his position slightly.

"Do you remember John Crichton, the Human who took Aeryn Sun?"

"Yes of course I do Scorpius."

"Well I thought you might be interested to know that he was the one who shot you. Oh, I'm sure it was accidental, you just happened to get in the way, but it was his hand on the trigger."

She sat quite still in her chair. Scorpius could see the hatred building up in her eyes and could feel her thoughts building up to a conclusion.

"He was the cause of my having to have this"

She touched the end of her neurotube.

"If it hadn't have been for you, I would have been dead."

There really was unmitigated hatred in her eyes now. She said very quietly, but vehemently.

"If I ever come across him again I'll kill him, but I'll do it so slowly that he'll wish he'd never been spawned."

"You'd enjoy that dear girl?"

"I'd revel in it. It will be my delight. I shall look forward to the day with the utmost anticipation."

Scorpius gave a little sigh of contentment . Yes it had been a good idea.

"Just let us see how you deal with two females who's greatest desire is your demise, John", he thought. "I might just get the greatest pleasure in acting as a mediator. I wonder what fascinating fragments of information I could ask for in exchange. Not much I fear. You can't have all that much of use left in your brain now."

Sareel was still looking venomous.

"I should put it out of your mind. You have business to attend to for me."

He thought for a microt.

"Do you think that Bialar Crais would make a good guard for my interests in the Far Reaches? The combination of his experience and Talyn's undoubted firepower, recommend themselves to me."

"I wouldn't dare offer you any counsel in that respect. I'd be too scared of your displeasure if it went wrong. It must be your decision, Scorpius."

"Then I shall put out a message on all the communications beacons for him to contact me."

"What business am I to carry out for you this time. The quiet transfer of Peacekeeper funds to your private account, the transport of forbidden spices to Avalus Prime?"

"Do I catch just a hint of sarcasm in your voice Sareel? Do take care my dear. My patience is great but it's not inexhaustible."

"I'm tired of being cooped up most of the time on the base. It was all right when I was just a technician. I didn't know any better. But now you've shown me worlds I never knew existed and wealth beyond my wildest dreams. Do you wonder that I've got itchy feet?"

"Just carry out this errand for me Sareel and you can go on to Pilach and spend some time at the villa. I know you like being there."

She made a gesture which denoted that it was all the same to her.

"I'll carry out your errand. Pilach would be pleasant, I can paint while I'm there."

She got up out of the chair and stretched and yawned.

"I'm really tired of doing all those interrogations. I don't know how you manage to stay so focused. It's just a procession of pathetic little people with small secrets. I really can't see why the Peacekeepers waste their time with them."

"Because my dear Sareel, sometimes those pathetic people are carrying the most precious jewels of information that can give the Peacekeepers the edge. That is why they employ me. They know that I'm the best there is in my profession. Believe me my dear, the day I feel the way that you do, that's the day I become totally a man of affairs."

He moved up behind her and imprisoned her round the shoulders.

"And I can assure you that there has never been a day yet when I have felt that way."

She pulled herself free. He made a note to keep her at Pilach for a while until her strange mood dissipated. It wouldn't do for her to become indifferent in her work. In spite of her superficial resemblance to him, he kept having to remember that hers was a psyche and a mind that were as alien to him as that of....well Crichton's.

She made towards the sleeping couch. He took hold of her quite roughly. She started with surprise.

"And just what do you think you are doing?"

"I'm tired and I need to sleep."

He gently bit the back of her neck.

"You go to sleep when I let you."

She stood rigid in his grasp. He reached into her mind and found a little shock and a great deal of incipient rebellion.

"I'm not in the mood for games, Scorpius"

Her new found confidence both delighted and disquieted him. She was at times still totally unpredictable. He ran his finger down her neck. She shuddered involuntarily.

"You know my dear Sareel. I find that I'm not the slightest bit tired."

"Yes and no Aeryn. Heck yes, but Scorpius had implanted a chip in my brain which contained a holographic clone of himself. I was sometimes me, sometimes him. I was losing my sanity."

"That would be the chip he had, which should have contained the wormhole technology."

"Give the lady a prize. Sareel told me that there was no actual information in my head."

She thought for a moment.

"But I was still your prisoner. You can't deny that?"

"You were never our prisoner. You stayed of your own free will."

"Can't somehow believe that. Why should I wish to stay with such a motley assortment of lifeforms?"

"Might it be because Crais declared you 'Irretrievably Contaminated?"

"That was his fate not mine. I wouldn't have been welcome at the base if that was true."

"Think on it Aeryn. Could it have been because Scorpius is the big chief and what he says goes? Just give that idea a whirl."

She brooded on this thought for nearly two time periods. Her poise and self control were stretched to the edge of their limits. She tried to relieve her feelings by pounding on the cell wall. All that achieved was a bruised fist and an increasing sense of frustration. Somewhere deep inside her brain memories were stirring, but no matter how hard she tried to grasp them they kept eluding her. Sareel had tried to help her, to be her friend, but now she was dead. Some guilt tried to attach itself to her because Sareel had organised the sortie to the base which had led to Crichton removing her from her quarters and Sareel had lost her life. She shuddered.

"Frell. I'm guilty of nothing. I certainly didn't ask John Crichton to rescue me. I was quite content where I was. It was his guilt that led to that."

She realised that her thoughts were not coherent. Sometimes she almost believed that what Zhann and the others said was true, sometimes she believed Scorpius and sometimes she was screaming out, just for peace of mind. She was so confused that occasionally she wished that she'd just been left in her icy resting place. Being alive again was just too complicated.

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

Life for the rest of the crew had taken on an air of comparative calm. They all agreed, with the exception of Rygel, that keeping well away from frequently travelled routes seemed to be a good idea, so that Aeryn might be given the chance to recover her real memory. Zhann and Stark were investigating some of the more esoteric aspects of Stark's culture, d'Argo was brushing up on his fighting techniques and maintaining their small stock of weapons. Chiana and Jothee were busy investigating each other most of the time, so he tried to keep out of their way. His hurt pride was healing and he now saw how infatuated he'd been with Chiana. He realised that he'd been like a youth embarking on his first love affair. He'd had very little experience of females except for his deceased wife and he put down his mistake to that lack of experience.

Rygel was making everyones life so unpleasant with his constant griping that he'd more or less been restricted to his quarters. He blamed virtually all the galaxy for that fact that he'd lost his ride home.

Crichton spent most of his time making yet more improvements on his Farscape module. Funnily all his technical ability and knowledge remained. He was reading his journal over and over again, but many of the entries no longer had any meaning for him. Much of the trivia which shaped his culture on Earth had gone. Sometimes he felt loss, but most of the time he realised that he wasn't as eager to return to Earth as he had been previously. He'd got Aeryn back and surely time would heal her. She was more reasonable now than at anytime in the recent past.

His reverie was broken by the sound of Pilot's voice.

"Crichton, Talyn and Crais are alongside. He has some information which he thinks you might find interesting."

"Tell him to come aboard, Pilot. We'll be in command."

The message was heard throughout Moya and all the crew went to join Pilot on the command deck. Crais strode in with a holostick in his hand.

"What information have you got for us?"

Zhann took control of the situation as was usual.

Crais bowed his head to her.

"I picked up a message on the relay beacons that Scorpius wished to talk with me. I did toy with the idea of ignoring it and removing myself from this sector, but I confess that curiosity got the better of me. Talyn laid me a communications trail that would make it extremely difficult for Scorpius to pinpoint our exact location. I've learnt never to underestimate Scorpius."

Zhaan nodded.

"Very wise. Do go on."

He handed the holostick to her.

"I think you'd better play this. I took the precaution of making a recording. I also believe that it might be the right thing for Aeryn to see it."

D'Argo moved to go to the holding cells.

"I'll get her. I can manage her if she struggles."

They waited until he returned with an extremely subdued Aeryn. Crichton thought how pale and drawn she looked.

"Aeryn Sun, I think you need to see this recording of a conversation I had with Scorpius."

"How can it concern me Crais", she replied dully.

"Just watch."

"Zhaan inserted the holostick in the imager. A holgraphic picture of Scorpius appeared on the screen.

"Crais I have a proposition which might interest you."

"You flatter yourself Scorpius if you think I'd be interested in any proposition you might make."

"Don't be so hasty. It would be well worth your while and I might be able to have the Contamination order rescinded."

"Considering you made it that shouldn't be difficult."

"So touchy Crais.

He settled back in his seat. The epitome of self assured arrogance.

"I have certain business interests in the Far Reaches. However they are rather prone to attack by pirates. I would pay handsomely for you and Talyn to patrol them for me."

"Exactly where would we have to patrol?"

Scorpius turned slightly to his right.

"Sareel, my dear. The map."

There was a sharp intake of breath from Aeryn. A figure appeared and handed Scorpius a holomap.

"Merciful Goddess What has he done to her?"

"Scorpie's given her a make over."

Chiana bent over and paused the replay. She pointed at the flashing lights on the side of Sareel's helmet.

"He's even given her the party treatment."

"He couldn't do that. It's not right!"

Everyone turned to look at Aeryn. She was shaking and she began to cry. Crichton took her in his arms and held her close to him. Her whole body was wracked with her uncontrollable sobs. He gently stroked her hair. Gradually her weeping subsided. She looked up at Crichton with a tear ravaged face.

"She was always so kind and friendly to me. And her hair shone like gold. He's turned her into an abomination. There's so much more that I can remember now and not one bit of good about Scorpius."

"Does that mean I don't have to watch my back from now on?"

She gave him a watery smile.

"Not now or ever."

"That's a relief"

Rygel zoomed over to Crais.

"You never said what your answer was?"

"No I didn't did I."

"So?"

"I said I needed time to think about it. I never called back."

"So you won't exactly be Scorpie's best friend at the moment.?"

"Has he got any?"

"Doubt it very much, Chiana."

Crais sat down.

"There's more. I heard at a trading post that Sareel's now considered to be Scorpius's deputy. She looks after his business interests when he's otherwise engaged."

"Screwing memories out of folk in the Aurora Chair."

Crais smiled bitterly.

"Something we both have in similar John. No, it's worse that that. He's taught her his interrogation techniques. Some say she's even more ruthless than him when it comes to memory extraction."

Zhaan turned away to Stark.

"Evil, thoroughly evil", she whispered, half to herself, "He's not satisfied with his own debased personality, he has to transfer it to an innocent."

Crichton stared at the image and unpaused it. The rest of the recording played out.

D'Argo spoke out gruffly.

"Just how can you get under a skin as thick as his to hurt him?"

There was complete silence. Crais finally broke it.

"I also heard that Scorpius is more possessive of Sareel than he's ever been to be of anything before."

Crichton looked at Aeryn who looked back at him with the first hint of trust. A low whistle escaped from his lips.

"I don't believe it. Scorpie's in love!"

"Nonsense. He's no affection for anyone except himself."

Chiana patted Rygel on the head.

"You should know all about that your greyness."

Rygel farted and went a sort of green colour.

"I do believe you're blushing."

"I do at least know how to treat a female. They couldn't keep their hands off me."

Chiana was trying very hard not to laugh.

"People, I've got the answer."

Zhaan looked at him. "The answer to what John?"

"The answer to how do you hurt a Scorpius? It's really very simple. You take away his latest toy."

Crais got the gist immediately.

"We kidnap Sareel."

"Got it in one."

Stark warmed immediately to the idea.

"Deprive him of his mate. Yes. I like the idea."

"I think you're al