Part 5

The buzz of insects flitting hither and thither in the warm sunshine had a hypnotic effect. Once I caught sight of a large one they said was called a dragonfly, bejewelled in irridescent blue, hovering above the water before darting away like a prowler heading for combat. I was almost asleep when I felt that slight tickle in my brain that betokened that Scorpius was trying to communicate. I shut out the sounds of the day and concentrated on part of my brain.

"Sareel, I haven't long or they'll get suspicious. They think my rod need changing and I left the case in my quarters. Just store and evaluate the pictures I shall transmit. I think you are quite capable of sifting the good from the dren."

This was followed by a procession of images, transmitted so fast that I couldn't see any one of them I would go through them at my leisure. They finished as abruptly as they'd started.

"Take care Scorpius.

I could feel his smile.

"Always, my dear girl, always."

And he was gone.

Just then the bite alarm rang and I had a good half hour's fight with a smallmouth bass. It nearly won due to my inexperience, but eventually I reeled it in. It was a beautiful thing and I was loath to kill it.

"Don't need to eat you beautiful."

I carefully took the hook out and released it.

"Off you go. Perhaps you'll beat me next time."

There were going to be many trips to Jason's Creek in the next few months. I thought I might be quite a good fisherman by the time it all ended.

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

"The striped furball's been fretting over your non return."

I shrugged.

"That's his problem. I never asked for him to get proprietory over me."

"Just what I told him. Say Sareel, when are you going to carry on with going through all this data? This gal's getting square eyes from gazing at those screens all day."

I patted her arm.

"Not for a while, something else has come up that I must attend to. You're doing great with your team."

"Huh! A whole heap of nothing."

"Scorpius always said what you are left with after is the truth."

I started packing my things. Furlow looked surprised.

"You going away?"

"Only to Gammak one. I can drop right down to the Earth base from there. I'll be there too for quite a bit of the time. I've got a lot to think about."

She looked slyly at me.

"Sent you information did he?"

"Who?"

"The Man in Black of course."

She rolled her eyes.

"He, who's name we won't mention at the moment."

"Now talk sense Furlow. How the frell could he do that? He's just disappeared and no-one knows where he is."

"Aw come on I wasn't born yesterday. This sudden interest in fishing, you not appearing to be bothered by his disappearance. All adds up to one thing. He's got a plan."

"Well if he had he certainly didn't let me in on it."

Goddess forgive me for telling whoppers but everyone had to believe that Scorpius had lost his mind and I didn't care. Just on the off chance we might have a spy in our midst. That was always something Scorpius said you couldn't discount.

"I'd do it Sareel if I possibly could. So it follows that others in my position would to the same."

It was an ever present worry, which was never passed onto the others. Furlow grinned and landed a kiss on the end of my nose.

"We all love a trier Sareel, but you just ain't good at lying. Keep him safe, gal. I think we're gonna need him before this is finished."

I looked at her and laughed.

"I used to be a frelling marvellous liar, Furlow. But that was before I met Scorpius. I could get out of almost any scrape when I was a tech. Look if you come up with anything contact me before you tell Harvey."

"Don't trust him huh?"

"Oh yes I trust him but he tends to wait before doing anything. It's a little bit of Crichton that he picked up."

"Thought Johhny boy jumped in both feet first without thinking?"

"If it was his own idea. If it was anyone else's idea he tended to be a bit hesitant. Any way before my er... problem, I was second in command to Scorpius. Jack won't mind me taking that up again."

"You like Jack don't you?"

"He's certainly a marked improvement on his son. Yes I liked him from the first microt I saw him. "

I could see what she was getting at and shook my head.

"Oh no! I'm not letting myself in for any more emotional rollercoasters."

"Huh?"

"Oh sorry forgot. Jimmie's dad. There were places where you went to be thrilled and scared. One of the rides was called a rollercoaster. It went up and then steeply down."

"Can't see why they should want to be scared on purpose. Strange thing these Humans did."

"Well seems they enjoyed it."

"Crazy! Get what you mean though. Scorpius is a known quantity."

"Sometimes. But he never ceases to amaze me. He's so complex."

"And you're not I suppose?"

"I'm what others have made me. I'm only just getting to know myself. It can be quite bewildering at times."

I made my farewell and headed for my prowler only to be waylaid by a brooding Prelian."

"And just where do you think you're going, Sareel."

"Gammak one. Got work to do there."

"More important that what you're doing here?"

"Oh come on Harvey. You only got me sifting through all that material to keep me occupied and it worked. Well I'm fully recovered now, thanks to you and Saturnus. My place is running Gammak one. There are some things Jack can't decide."

He huffed a bit before finally saying.

"Well I've got to say you're an improvement on Scorpius. Do take care and if you need anything...."

"You'll be the first I'll think of Harv."

He held out his arms.

"Hug?"

There was such a lost look on his face that I couldn't refuse him. He buried his furry face in the side of my neck and whispered.

"Would have done my best to make you happy you know."

"I know Harvey, you were just a little bit too late."

"Frelling Scorpius. He wins every time."

A little voice inside kept saying that this might be the one time he didn't win. I tried to ignore it.

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

Crais was most unhappy. He'd started sneezing vigorously and couldn't stop. Crichton had clapped him on the back and offered him a handerkerchief.

"You're getting a cold."

"We do not get infectious diseases, we are immunised against all infectious disease types."

"Well these are Earth bugs. Perhaps the Sebbacian ones are different."

Crais glared at him but took the handerkerchief. The back of his throat burnt like fire. He'd never experienced anything like it before.

"My throat hurts."

It came out as a croak.

"Told you. Full blown cold. I'd have a day in bed. Get over the worst."

"I do not give in to anything as trivial as a minor infection. It is a minor infection I suppose?"

"Lotsa things start out like a cold. "

"You're not filling me full of confidence!"

"Ninety per cent of the time it's just a cold."

"And the other ten per cent?"

"Worry if it happens. Anyway I'm going back to Gammak one. Just brought those parts you asked for. How's Talyn?"

"Almost back to full functionality. I just hope he can't catch a cold."

"Yeah! It'd be one hell of a mighty sneeze."

Crichton left the command to pick up his transport. Crais swallowed and then had another massive sneeze. Satisfied that Crichton was no where to be seen he made for his cabin.

"Talyn, I'm not to be disturbed by anyone until I tell you."

Talyn voiced his concern.

"Yes I've got something peculiar to Earth."

"Yes I'll be fine in a little while. Now I just need to rest."

He closed the door and lay down on the bunk and closed his eyes trying to forget his misery.

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

"Told ya. That comes up every time they do."

Furlow pointed to a spike on a graph. I had the same graph up on my screen.

"Mmm. Way out of the visible light band. You got any ideas?"

"Well it did cross my mind that they might well sorta bend light to shield the ships."

"That seems very possible. Do you think this would be the result if they slipped back to straight rays?"

Furlow made a face.

"Don't know. Can set up some simulations to try it out if you like."

"Tell Harvey what you've found first. Don't want him to think I'm trying to cut him out."

She chuckled.

"Goddess forbid! You are of course."

"No not really. Scorpius can always be relied on to be decisive. Harvey can't. Occasionally he sits on the fence and this is one time that we can't afford him to be undecided."

"Gotcha Sareel. Ol' furball will just have to wait his turn."

I grinned.

"Better not let him hear you call him that."

"So what's he gonna do? Put me off the base?"

"Well you can always come here of he does. But I'd really like to have someone I can trust over there."

She rolled her eyes.

"Well never thought to hear anyone say that of me. Johnny boy surely never trusted me."

"Well you didn't give him much cause to really. Stealing his module specs and the wormhole technology."

"Frell Sareel. Had a lot of that before he turned up. But finding a craft that had actually flown a wormhole that was too much for me to resist."

"By the way are the guys all ready and waiting?"

"Power units ready to be installed at a microt's notice. Took 'em out for safety. Them being so close together and all."

"Wise decision. If there'd been a surge in any of them there would have been one almighty explosion."

"Not a patch on what you can do though."

"Can't at the moment. That's not fully restored yet. Anyway it's not a great deal of help with current problem."

"Folk aren't going to know that and if you can give them a little demostration you can always hold the threat over them."

"Not easy to threaten the Scarrans. They usually carry on regardless."

"Sure might stop them in their tracks if they thought you'd blow up one of their planets."

"From what I've seen of the Scarrans I'd actually have to do it before they took any notice. And I don't really want to kill millions even Scarrans. It's really not an option."

She sighed.

"Pity."

"Anyway I'll run my own simulation and we can see if they concur."

"No peace eh Sareel?"

"Well we are at war."

"Seems so peaceful and ordered here. I sure like Johhny boy's planet. Glad the Scarrans were stopped from destroying it."

"Ah but they don't know we're still here and that's what might give us the edge."

Part 6

Chiana was enjoying the challenge of setting up a casino and bar with Bill Stanton. The big man was bluff and rough but kind and treated her like fine china. She was moving tables around in the main room when a couple of arms imprisoned her round the waist.

"Told you to tell me when you wanted to do that hon."

"It's fine really Bill."

She laughed.

"I'm not so fragile you know. Quite tough really. Had to be."

"Well all the more reason for you to let me look after you. There's no-one gonna treat you badly while I'm around!"

She turned round and put her arms round his neck.

"Love to be taken care of, really I do Bill. Just don't smother me."

"A caged bird's never a happy one Pip. You just leave whenever you want to. But I sure hope it ain't too soon."

She grinned seductively as she ran a finger down his chest.

"You're not going to deprive me of the delights of your bed are you?"

"You can bet your bottom dollar that I won't do that. It's sure something to look forward to when we close the joint."

"I think it's going well. I didn't realise that humans were such gamblers. Sheyang well they never know when to stop. But humans aren't far behind."

He was serious for a couple of seconds.

"There ain't that much left to do now. No TV, though I hear that they're getting a station going upstate. I guess we'll get re-runs of anything they have to hand to start with. Tell you what you might find some shows we had amusing. No, men need the company of other men spiced up with the sight of a pretty little thing like your self. It's you who draws 'em in Pip. They've never seen a grey girl before and a mighty pretty one to boot. Takes their minds off the uncertainty. Tell me if you can. Are we gonna win this fight with them scaly bastards?"

She shook her head.

"Really don't know Bill. Can't say that anyone knows just at this microt.. I feel that we will but I also see a lot of grief while we do it."

"I don't want to cry over anyone else. Losing Betty was bad enough."

She looked into his face and saw the hint of a tear.

"Betty She was..?"

"She was my wife Pip. They took her away. That's the worst thing. Not knowing what's happened to her. If she was dead I could cope one whole heap better. Now don't you go doing anything foolish gal. Don't want no grief over you too."

"There mightn't be any choice Bill. Nebari aren't exactly thick on the ground round here."

She pushed a table over to the wall.

"There. It's clear now."

"You tell me what all this is for?"

"It's Crichton. Jack says's that it's his birthday and that Humans like to have a party on their birthday."

Bill snorted.

"Some of us wanna forget about birthdays."

Chiana looked worried.

"Why?"

"Well when you get to a certain age you don't wanna be remainded of how the years are flying by."

She threw her arms round his neck.

"Oh how could I be so stupid. Humans don't..."

Words failed her.

"You're trying to say Humans have short lives compared to most other species. Honest honey, say it. Knowing that you'll still be a young woman long after I'm gone don't hurt any more. I'm just grateful having you now."

He stroked her cheek.

"Now what are you gonna do for this Crichton fella?"

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

I had got myself orientated once more on Gammak one and found that morale was at rock bottom. It was so bad that I'd had to gather all the heads of department and military commanders together to talk some sense into them.

"Without him what are we going to do?"

"We're doomed."

I'd finally got totally exasperated.

"Be quiet. All of you."

There was total silence. You could have heard a pin drop.

"Thank you. Now as I'm in control pending Scorpius's return I'll tell you exactly what we're going to do. We're going to carry out the research routines he planned and life is going to go on exactly as it did before his departure."

I could hear the buzz.

"She knows something."

"Wonder what he's up to?"

"He's frelling run out on a dying ship."

I let them get it all out of their systems.

"Now I presume you all have your work schedules."

There was no dissention.

"So I expect you to all carry on as if Scorpius was here. He'll expect results on his return."

"He is coming back then?"

"I have no indication to the contrary."

Let them make of that what they wanted. I could see Jack in the corner of my eye trying hard not to laugh. They dispersed and he came to my side.

"The fishing's going well then?"

"Got a nibble or two."

"Big black ones?"

"Well one was. The other was a small mouthed bass. I had quite a fight with it!"

"You'll find you get better at it. When are you going next?"

"Day after tomorrow."

"Good luck and my compliments to the fish."

I couldn't help but smile. Anyone else would think we were merely discussing the fishing. They would never catch the drift. I grinned.

"Want to check out the mess?"

"Why is there anything special on offer?"

"Jimmie's Dad sold them a steer, so there's steak on the menu for the officers and stew for for everyone else."

"Gross class distinction."

"Er what's that?"

"The officers are above the troops, or think they are and get the best pickings."

"Well hasn't that always happened?"

"I guess it has. Seems the Sebbacians aren't that much different to us in that respect."

"Well don't lump all the Sebbacians together. Just let's say it's alway been so in the Peacekeepers."

He changed the topic.

"John behaving himself?"

"Don't you know?"

"My son has always been a law to himself. A little like I was when I was younger."

We were walking along the corridor towards the officers mess.

"You're invited to Bill and Pip's place tonight. You know what day it is."

A frown creased his brow as he thought. He suddenly laughed.

"My son's birthday."

"Was it that hard to remember?"

"Tell you Sareel, so much has happened recently I've kind of lost track of the time of the year. So you're giving a party?"

"I just hope he likes it."

"Sareel my boy likes any kind of party. He was renowned for attending wild parties at the cadet academy. So much so he was almost thrown out."

"I've got Aeryn to put a dress on for the occasion, Urana's promised something special too."

"And you?"

"I'm staying here. Someone has to mind the shop."

"You're getting more and more earth sayings in your repertoire. We'll soon have you assimilated in to our culture."

"I doubt that."

He was silent for a microt or two.

"Have you never had a party Sareel?"

"Now Jack why would I have a party? You lost your individuality in the Peacekeeper tech corp. Though I've been much more myself since I met Scorpius and I really couldn't see him giving much importance to the day you were born. Honestly I don't know the exact date of my birth and now so many records are lost I doubt I'd be able to find it out."

"Don't you feel you've been missing something?"

"Perhaps, but you have a saying, 'What you've never had you never miss!'"

The Human looked at her and smiled. A plan was forming in his head.

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

D'Argo had got Crichton into the town ostensibly for a quiet drink at Bill and Pip's. Bobby was following at his master's heels. Suddenly he raised his head and sniffed. The Human didn't notice when he stopped. That ogroop was around. The dog hadn't seen the small animal for well over a week. He and Crichton had been mostly at the base and the ogroop had been with Urana on Gammak One. Out of the shadows loped the long form of Rool, his scaly head shining in the lamplight, whiskers twitching.

"Well dog, I see they got him here."

"Who?"

"Your Human of course. Urana's very excited. Seems they've been planning a surprise party for him."

Bobby rubbed his nose with a paw and sat down.

"Never been to one of those. Good are they?"

"If Urana's got anything to to with it just watch out. I'll say this though. It should make interesting watching."

"Bobby! Here guy."

The dog stood up.

"He's missed me. Got to go."

"I'll catch up with you in a little while. The Fey's got an errand for me."

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

The flamboyantly lit and titled Las Vegas Saloon, was quiet when the two friends entered. Only a few old men were sitting in the main bar playing craps and drinking Jack Daniels. The Scarrans had had no interest in liquor of any kind and so there was still a good supply available from the various warehouses in the vicinity.

"I'm told there's a drink that's good that's just arrived in town."

"Didn't know you were a connoisseur of booze d'Argo?"

"Your father recommended it. Find a seat. This time the drinks are on me."

He strode upto the bar where the pretty little barmaid smiled at him.

"Never seen you and your friend before. What'cha having?"

"We've not come into the town before. Two portions of the drink that is called Budweiser please."

He looked round the room. Crichton was watching the old men as the door to the rear gambling hall opened a fraction. The Luxan nodded.

D'Argo picked up the bottles and took them back to the table. Crichton pointed to one of the old men.

"See that guy there? Nearly every time he throws, the dice come up seven. How come some folk are born lucky and the rest of us have to work at it?"

"I don't know John. I've never really thought about it. There is no word for luck in Luxan. We believe you make your own destiny."

"Hey that's great but don't some of you guys find it easier to do than others?"

The big man thought.

"I suppose that they do, but we never equated that with anything other than circumstances."

Two figures came in the front door and Crichton turned as he heard a familiar voice.

"Hi son! Happy Birthday."

A small package was thrust in front of the flustered Crichton.

"Hey dad, there was no need. Hell birthdays come and go."

He suddenly noticed who was with his father.

"Sareel! How the frell did you prise her away from the base? She clings to it closer than a limpet on a rock."

"Open your present."

"I've got something too."

Sareel sounded very subdued as she handed him the narrow package. He peeled the paper off his father's package.

"Oh my where did you find that? "

"A trucker moving things from the old television station. They're restarting you know and were having a clearout. He put all the tapes to one side. Thought he might be able to sell them."

"I always loved that programme. It was so different to the the other science fiction series. And a tape with the King's Blue Suede Shoes."

He shook his head.

"I'm all choked up. Never expected anything. Got used to forgetting birthdays on Moya."

"Aren't you going to open the other one."

"Say Sareel why the miserable face."

"Oh Crichton, Jack insisted I wore a robe.."

"Dress, honey. On earth it's a dress or a frock if you prefer."

"Well, I can't remember ever wearing one before. I feel..........akward."

"But you look gorgeous. Doesn't she dad?"

"Had to admit she surprised me too."
Sareel's dress was black, low cut and backless and with her now having her corn coloured hair in a soft short style she was exuding a sexiness that even d'Argo had to admit was a surprise.

"I told her she really ought to dress up more often."

"Jack a garment like this really wouldn't be suitable on the base."

"I wasn't thinking about the base. Things are livening up more now things are settling into a routine down here. There are dances and things."

"Mmm. Gotta say that you're giving me ideas again!"

"Crichton, absolutely not."

"Only kidding princess. Agreed, definitely not after last time. Pity Scorpie's not here to see you in that. His eyes'd be out on stalks."

"I don't think he'd approve. He's never comfortable with friviolity."

"Guess his life never prepared him for it, but he doesn't rule you Sareel. You do what you want to and frell anyone else. Say this is wonderful."

He held up the studded collar.

"Urana got it for me. Jimmie's dad does leatherwork."

He stood up and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks."

Jack touched her on the shoulder.

"It's traditional that the ladies give the Birthday Boy a kiss too."

Sareel looked uncomfortable but pecked Crichton discreetly on the forehead.

"I'm glad you like it."

"Oh sure do. Come here Bobby see what we've got for you."

The dog came obediently and sat at his master's feet. Crichton fastened the collar round his neck.

"There you go boy. Poshest pooch in town."

The dog wagged his tail and the back room door burst open spilling a crowd of beings of several species into the main bar. Chiana and Bill were in the vanguard.

"Happy Birthday Crichton. It's your night. Eat, drink and let your inhibitions slip down the nearest wormhole."

Part 7

Crichton was feeling mellow. Aeryn was doing her best to enjoy the party and was being exceedingly nice to him. He thought for a microt or two that she might have changed her mind and then decided that it was just because it was his birthday. She'd given him a new holster for Winona, in leather again and he had the sneaking suspicion that Jimmie's dad had been working overtime on the leather tooling.

"Say babe that's great. Just what I need. The old one's falling to pieces."

She'd smiled and when he'd given her a kiss she'd not flinched as she often did. He still hadn't a clue why she was so reluctant to make a commitment to him. Hell it wasn't as if she was seeing anyone else. He'd shaken his head and downed another Bud when Chiana parked herself on his knee.

"Hi Pip! Sure was one hell've a surprise, but thanks. I heard it was your idea."

She ran a finger down his nose and along his chin.

"Hey you don't think I'd miss a chance to show off what Bill and I've done do you? It'll improve trade no end."

"If I didn't know you better I'd say you were getting mercenary in your old age. But thanks again. It was just what I neeeded."

She looked round. Sareel was sitting in a corner looking distinctly uncomfortable.

"She's never been to a party before. Said the techs used to have them from time to time but she never got invited."

"Pip, I got a sneaking feeling that whatever she may say about not missing Scorpius and not seeming to give a frell that he's disappeared, she still cares about him."

"Well they make a good pair. Two of the most serious creatures I've ever met. Even make d'Argo seem frivolous."

"Ouch! That takes a bit of doing. Say where's the big man got to?"

"He's over by the bar trying to dance with that little human."

Crichton watched his friend trying to step in time to the music of the band and failing miserably. Still he was laughing.

"Good thing Scorpie isn't here. He'd be an instant party pooper. I thought you said Urana was coming."

"She'll be here, says she's got a surprise for you. Look Saturnus is here and Romde."

"Wonder what they've done with the slug? Which reminds me. Where's Rygel."

Chiana laughed.

"Where do you think?"

"The kitchen."

"Of course. Said he'd help the chef with some special delicacies."

"Oh sure I'll betcha he's trying them all out."

"Well Rygel's always dependable in that area."

He glanced over to where Aeryn was. She appeared to be in deep conversation with an Interon pilot. From the outset she' been consuming a steady input of vodka and orange and he could see that she was getting a great deal worse for wear.

"Lookee over there Pip. At Aeryn."

"Yeah I see her. So?"

"D'you think I'd better rescue her."

"Depends if she wants to be rescued. The guy looks nice."

She peered at Crichton.

"You're still jealous aren't you?"

"Me jealous? Hell no. Just don't want to see her get hurt again."

Chiana laughed.

"I'd say it was more of the case that you're still sore because she gave you the run around and then rejected you."

"Can't understand why she doesn't want a permanent relationship. Beats me."

"Well in the Peacekeepers permanent relationships just didn't happen. They were thought to be a sign of weakness and that would never do."

"Well other Sebbacians do. Look at the royal planet, Katrella and my princess. They make permanent bonds."

Chiana sat down on his knee again and put her arms round his neck.

"Hey Crichton do me a favour. Stop trying to tie her down. She'd be miserable. Needs to feel free."

"Not like you huh?"

"Bill and I have a perfect arrangement. I go when ever I want to. No strings."

"Pip, what is it with all you alien chicks? Never wanting to be tied down?"

She tapped his nose.

"Trouble is you've only met ones who had too much restriction. Puts you off for life."

"I'll go along with that."

She got up.

"Now to see if I can take the long face off Sareel. She's another one who had a restricted life."

Crichton chuckled.

"She's got that bit of Scorpie amalgamated in her brain. Guess it just won't allow her to let her hair down."

"She couldn't. It's so short ."

"Figure of speech, princess."

He patted her bottom affectionately.

"Off you go then and do your ministering angel bit."

She moved off to where Sareel was and he saw her sit down beside the Vaud. He felt a touch on his knee and looked down. Bobby was grinning at him, tongue lolling out and paw on his knee."

"Whatcha want boy?"

The dog whimpered and moved off slowly, looking behind him from time to time and wagging his tail.Crichton followed him to the back of the room.

"Urana! Began to think you'd got lost."

She grinned her beguiling grin, the one that won hearts.

"Needed to sort something out before I brought your present down. Well it's not for you alone. I thought you friends might like to join you. If you get them in the casino I'll tell you what it is."

"Sounds mysterious. "

"Just get everyone you want to join you Crichton. Then we can make a start."

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

Crichton brought Aeryn, d'Argo, Rygel, Sout and Sareel into the back room where the gambling took place. Harvey, Jack and Chiana had declined the invitation. Bobby was lying on the floor with Rool curled up beside him. Saturnus and Romde were also there. They all sat down round the large table. Urana opened a small box. There was nothing inside.

"This is the stuff of dreams and wishes. You will be shown what is really your heart's desire. Have you the resolve to face it? If not rejoin the party."

They looked at one another. Aeryn was the first to speak.

"I once thought I knew what I wanted, but it turned out to be different, went sour on me. I'm sure that the truth will hurt but it is something I must face sooner or later. It might as well be sooner."

D'Argo shook his head.

"Everything I thought I wanted I found wasn't right for me. Just once in my life I need the truth."

"And you Rygel?"

"Curiosity! I'm still seeking my goal."

Sout looked uncomfortable.

"I don't really want to stay, but I think I better had."

"You problem?"

"Everything I've done in my life has been at someone elses bidding. I have a fear of what's in my heart and mind."

"I've always seen you as strong Sout. You'll come through."

Crichton was watching Sareel. Her face was completely devoid of emotion. He though she looked as if she was wearing a death mask.

"Hey Scorpie girl. Are you going to take the truth test?"

She started and looked wildly at him.

"Crichton? I was miles away."

"Away with the fairies. Hell you gave me a scare lady."

"Yes. It will be interesting to see the difference between what I believe I want and what I really want."

"Wow! Do I detect a little of the Scorpius personality raising it's head?"

"It's all in here Crichton. Make of it what you will."

Urana touched him on the arm.

"And you Crichton? It was one thing I could give you that was unique."

"You know what they say, ' In for a dime, in for a dollar. Count me in Pixie."

"Oh I do wish you'd stop using that term!"

"Pixie? Why?"

She made a moué.

"The old terms are not very....er flattering. Are my ears pointed?"

"Well a bit, but you're no Vulcan. It's those violet eyes."

"Don't change the subject. Are you willing to participate?"

He gave his disarming litle boy grin.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Urana made a couple of passes over the box and a green glow began to form. The room went dark and the reflection of the glow appeared in her eyes and also in Sareel's. Crichton couldn't take his eyes off the Vaud. Urana intoned some words.

"Now all gaze into the box and let your minds go blank. Crichton, into the box. Oh frell I might have known."

Crichton had drifted into a living hallucination just on the reflectionof the glow in Sareel's eyes which had seem to intensify and grow as he watched it. D'Argo, Sout and Rygel were also in their own private little worlds. Urana closed the box lid and the room was light once again.

"All right just tell me how you did it?"

Sareel looked perplexed.

"Did what?"

"Look Romde, Saturnus and myself all saw you send Crichton off Goddess knows where and I had to use the box for the others."

"If it's question time why aren't Romde and Saturnus both having happy dreams? And for that matter me too?"
Urana looked at Saturnus who nodded and began to speak.

"It's a matter of exactly where you come from. The three of us are all from what you'd call in between realms, interdimensional planets, neither one place or the other."

Sareel looked scared.

"You're none of you from this universe."

"Well yes and no. As I said our planets are between dimensions, existing first in one place then in another. Folklore of many species call them ghost planets they appear for a period of time, complete with their inhabitants and then they disappear. Romde however is a bit different and you my dear, I'm not exactly sure what you are."

Sareel banged her fist down hard on the table .

"Frelling wormhole. They've messed me up completely. Dead and then not dead. Now I don't know exactly what I am. I can't ignore it any longer. I've been trying to pretend that it never happened."

Romde went over to her.

"I too had a bad realisation recently. Something I'd been trying to pretend wasn't real. Over my father."

"Your father?"

Urana broke in.

"Yes. She didn't want to realise that he's a devourer of spirits."

"Who is he?"

"Someone you know. I believe all of you know him, Maldis."

"Well I'm not related to him Urana, so why am I standing here with you three and not having sweet dreams like Crichton."

"The Eye of Infinity is obscure even to us of the Fey. But I believe it has tied you into our half worlds and other universes as well as your own."

"Frelling marvellous! And exactly what use is that suppose to be?"

Romde supplied the answer.

"There are movements in the half worlds, they are focussed on the Scarrans and the war. I think that more beings like my father are getting together to feast on the misery and fear that is being created. You are the weapon to confound them.

"Well if you think I'm going to face Maldis and his cronies on my own, you've got another think coming."

Urana thought a microt.

"We may be able to give you some help, but we need Scorpius back here. You, he and Crichton were all sent through the Eye. You're all needed."
Sareel looked solemn.

"That may have to wait. It would put him in danger to ask him to return just now." Urana yawned.

"Out of curiosity where is he. I never bought the ' he's gone to pieces and skipped out' theory."

"On the biggest of the Scarran dreadnoughts. He's pretending that he's seen the light and wants to help them, wants to be on the winning side."

"Risky."

"Extremely. So you can see why I'd like to leave him there as long as possible. He'll be watched less the longer he remains."

Rool raised his nose and Urana seemed to concentrate.

Saturnus rattled his feelers.

"Bad news Fey?"

"I'm afraid Sareel, you may not have the luxury of time. Maldis is tampering with realities."

Part 8

"Hey Crichton, what do you want for dinner? Beef or Salikian Krel?"

He moved round and clasped Aeryn firmly round the waist. Nuzzling her ear, he whispered, "Neither."

"What then? The freezer needs restocking."

He looked out of the window at the sun playing on the lake. Patterns of light and shade and.....

He pointed out the window.

"Look Babe, isn't that Scorpie on the lake?"

Looking out the window she frowned and half turned in his arms.

"You're imagining things John. Scorpius, whoever he is is just a figment of your imagination."

"Hell he's so real. And Moya and the others. They're like family."

"Your family's right here. Playing in the yard."

John looked out the window. Two little girls were playing in the sunshine, the lake had disappeared and the quality of the light had changed. Both children were pale with high cheekbones and black hair running to a crest.

"Never thought they'd look like that. Hell it was a shock when I first saw them."

Aeryn laughed.

"Is it such a wonder that they look like their father?"

"They do not. They've got your black hair though."

She tapped him on the head with a wooden spoon.

"Since when have I got a black crest?"

"Yeah, I was wondering about that. They've got neat little ears though."

"Definitely from my side."

"Of course babe. Wanta go to a movie tonight?"

"What's on?"

"Well you've gotta choice. Return of Star Wars or Total Recall."

"Isn't that the one where a guy sets himself up to alter a planet."

"Yo, you got it babe. So which is it to be?"

She turned and wrapped her arms round his neck.

"Let's forget my cooking anything and take the girls to D'Argo's Eatery."

"Sure sounds a great idea."

He went to the porch door.

"Rylani, Furlow, Mommy wants you to come and wash up. We're going out to dinner."

"Aw gee Dad. Do we have to? We're just getting the hang of this wormhole equation."

Aeryn moved outside and grabbed them each by an arm.

"Inside and I want to see you clean and changed in half an ahn. Just look at the state of you!"

Both children were naked but their chalky white skin was covered in symbols. Crichton peered at them.

"Hey, that's all wrong, you'll never get maximum stability that way."

Aeryn groaned.

"Not now. No frelling way John."

She pointed to the rear of the house. The girls were grinning all over their faces.

"You two inside and wipe those smirks off your faces. And you John, the downstairs shower."

He saluted.

"Aye Ma'am. At your service. Captain Johnny to the rescue."

He made an impression of an old prop plane and the girls burst out laughing. Aeryn couldn't help herself.

"You're incorrigible John. Just get ready all of you."

The light changed again they were seated in side a restaurant decorated with huge interlacing arches in a reddy brown. A Luxan came over to their table.

"Sir, Madam!

"We want your superior menu, the Mac Everything with fries special."

The girls clapped.

"Do you wish for wine Sir?"

"Hell yes. Let's have the whole caboodle."

A Hynearean floated over and handed Crichton a wine menu.

"I reccomend the Klingon Blood Wine. Full bodied."

"How many?"

The Hynearean pursed his lips.

"Oh I should think about fifty. It's the two thousand vintage. That was a good year for bodies."

"We'll take it. Anything you fancy honey?"

"How about cola for the girls?

The Hynearean moved over.

"A wise choice madam. We have Sebbacian Peacekeeper cola or Scarran cola."

"What's the difference?"

"One's a guaranteed single source for ingredients, the other's a mixture of ingredients from many places."

The girls bounced up and down on their seats. Crichton thought that they looked older.

"Ooo Daddy. Let's have the Scarran one. Sebbacian's boring."

"Scarran it is then."

Aeryn looked wistful.

"Do you really find Sebbacian boring?"

"Hey never found you a bit boring baby. No, no no."

"Funny I find Humans excruciatingly boring."

"Including me?"

"If the cap fits. All you want to do is settle down with one mate for the rest of your lives. Has no one ever told you that's totally unacceptable. The way you think that a woman's days are over when she's got children."

"Hey now I've never treated you like that."

"Haven't you Crichton, haven't you."

She grew wings and flapped her way into the centre of the restaurant.

"Free as a bird. That's what I want to be. Pleasure if and when I want it not when your hormones get the better of you."

The two girls skipped round the table and the Hynearean played a harmonica. The Luxan was playing electric guitar.

"Oh hell, all it needs now is Harvey on drums and we've got this cycles answer to the Grateful Dead"

"Your wish is my command."

A drum kit floated down with Harvey sitting on the stool wearing the most hideous skintight yellow pants and his own black boots.

Crichton shook his head unbelievingly.

"Hey Harv. I thought you'd got a body now."

Harvey beat a tattoo on the snare and high hat.

"It's your hallucination. I can do what ever you want me to."

"How about Living La Vida Loca?"

"Hey boys do we know that one?

Three heads nodded. In the interim period Jack had appeared playing a fretless bass.

"La Vida Loca it is then. One, two, one , two, three, and...."

They struck up with the Liberty Bell.

"This wild enough for you John."

"No, no, no this is all wrong. I wanted to see what I really wanted."

Aeryn put an arm round his shoulder.

"What do you really want John? It certainly isn't me. Do you want lots of kids wandering round? You can have that. Just find some nice accomodating little hausfrau. Do you want a slave? Well you can buy yourself a Bannik. I hear they come really cheaply this year.."

"I just want you."

"Ah there's the illusion again. You always want what appears to be eluding you. Wormholes, me, Sareel even. Now there's nothing to chase you're at a loss. You dislike Scorpius because you think he wants what you want. Well if he did he'd just have taken it. He wants a friend but you only reject his advances and he's too proud and stubborn to ask for it. Face it John, you're two of a kind in many ways."

He stood up, furious and pointed at her.

"Hell lady, I'm nothing like Scorpius. You should know that."

She motioned for the Luxan who appeared carrying a mirror.

"Oh no John? Just take a look in that."

She thrust the mirror into his hands. He looked into the mirror and saw Scorpius.

"Hello John. So you've finally realised who you are."

He dropped the mirror which shattered into a thousand pieces and screamed.

The Hynearean looked at the girls who were now female copies of Scorpius, and shrugged.

"Oh well there's another seven cycles of bad luck."

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

Crichton's scream brought Urana rushing to his side, Sareel followed.

"What is it? What's happened."

"Ooops. I don't think he liked what he saw."

Sareel palaced her hands on her hips.

"Well I'd say that was obvious. Weren't you taking a risk doing this?"

"Perhaps. But it's better he faces reality than keeps trying to deny it. Ah he's coming too."

"What the hell kinda birthday present was that?"

Sareel looked at Saturnus who looked at Urana.

"Definitely didn't like what he saw."

"Thought you said we'd see what we wanted outa life."

"That was the general idea, only..."

Crichton took hold of the Fey's shoulders.

"Only what?"

"My box didn't initiate your vision."

"Well what the hell did 'cause it sure didn't happen all on its own?"

Urana cast a sideways glance at Sareel who'd slipped behind Saturnus. Crichton followed her glance. He let go of the Fey and advanced on the Vaud, beckoning with one finger.

"Come here Sareel. Think you've got some explaining to do, lady."

Sareel stood right behind the protective plating of Saturnus.

"Er... wasn't it pleasant?"

"No it wasn't pleasant. Now what the frell did you do to me?"

"Honestly I haven't a clue. I just looked into the box and my eyes did the rest. Actually we've got something important you ought to know."

"It can wait. I looked into a mirror and I was Scorpius. I had two daughters and was told they looked like their daddy. Do I have to go on?"

Sareel stamped her foot.

"Frelling, frelling wormhole, frelling half worlds, frelling Maldis."

She folded her arms and sat on the table looking rebellious. Saturnus patted her shoulder.

"You'll soon come to accept it."

"No I won't. I'm so confused. Hell somewhere something, somebody's having a hezmana of a joke at my expense. I just want to get back to being Sareel, Scorpius's helper, to being me, who ever I am."

Romde looked concerned.

"It's what you were born for. I knew the first time I saw you that you were different. Just how different I didn't know then. I defied my father because of my mother and he was furious turned me out, but not before I taken much of his knowledge of the arcane into my head."

Crichton shuddered.

"I take it your Pop's Maldis. Now there's one guy I really wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of."

"So you concede that there's worse than Scorpius?"

"Sareel babe, I'm starting to figure out just what this is all about. We were all effectively dead, right?"

She nodded.

"And someone took you, me and Scorpie and threw us into a wormhole, right?"

"Yes."

"So somewhere along the line we all got little bits of each other merged in with our own psyches. Correct?"

Urana laughed.

"It's delightful."

Crichton glared at her.

"Glad you can laugh, Pixie. What's so amusing?"

"I've just seen what's intended. The deity..."

"Or whatever."

"Yes. Please don't interrupt Crichton. As I was saying, it took three beings who were diametrically opposed."

Crichton slapped his head with the flat of his hand.

"Frell. Why didn't I see that? Reality's gone to pieces. Well how else can three people be diametrically opposed."

Urana glared at him.

"Be serious. You're closer than you realise. The fact is that Maldis is organising all the beings like himself to follow the war. He's trying to tamper with reality in this universe to ensure that the war goes on for cycles. That no one gets the upper hand."

Sareel looked sick.

"All the misery and fear!"

"Exactly. Why do you think the Scarrans have had setbacks? Why do you think when they found they couldn't use wormholes they were suddenly handed cloaking technology. Something which you say Scorpius didn't believe they were researching."

"I think we may have the solution to that within a day or two."

Urana looked worried.

"Oh frell, I'd forgotten how efficient you all are."

"Furlow's spotted an anomoly we think might be a telltale signature of a cloaked vessel."

"Look Sareel be unorganised for once. Put it on ice."

"I hate to ask this but why?"

The Fey looked exasperated.

"All your intelligence and you can't see why. I'll spell it out. Solve that problem and you'll once again have the advantage of wormholes...."

"And Maldis and his cronies will come up with something else."

"Got it Crichton. There must be some brain in that thick skull of yours."

The Human grinned.

"Think you're confusing me with d'Argo."