Part 9

After the fiasco of Crichton's birthday present and Urana's warning I went back to Gammak Two where a petulant Havey was waiting.

"So glad you felt you could return. You've been needed here."

"Oh cut the hogwash Harv. You're just feeling rejection for the first time. Where's Furlow?"

"Well there's nothing like being brutal with someone's feelings. You get more and more like Crichton."

I opened my mouth to retort and he held his hands up.

"I know, I know, everyone's telling you that. The er... scruffy one's in flight hanger four doing something or other. I didn't inquire what as I never get a straight answer."

"She's a bit in awe of you."

He almost choked.

"If that's how she behaves when she's in awe what could I expect if she'd no respect?"

He moved aside from the entrance to the corridor. Pointing as I went past him, he muttered, "Sure you're not a Crichton clone?"

I turned and grinned.

"Only as far as The Eye of Infinity mixed us." He rolled his eyes in a fair imitation of Furlow.

"Oh poor Scorpius. How's he coping with open emotions?" "I don't know. He's not around to ask is he?"

The Prelian gave me one of those, 'I don't believe a word you're saying' looks. I ignored him and made for the hanger decks.

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

Furlow was in the process of fixing a small gadget to the front of my prowler. She looked up as I came in.

"Oh it's you girl. Thought it might have been that striped streak of misery."

"Harvey? What's he done?"

"Oh it just all the accusing glances every time he came into the lab or workshop. As if I'd got control of what you do. Told him so. Said that he was on the losing side when it came to a showdown between him and the black leather apparition for your favours."

She gave the power wrench a vicious turn.

"He didn't like that none."

"I'm sure he didn't. He's got a very sensitive nature. You better not let Scorpius hear your new name for him either."

She stood four square in front of me, hands on hips.

"So we can expect his eventual return then. What's he gonna do to me? Put me in that mind freaking chair of his?"

"Oh I think he's got better things to do that pry into the workings of the nether regions of your mind Furlow. I mean what are weight to power ratios and advanced power equations to a man who's searched for and found his dream."

She snorted and burst out laughing.

"Frell it girl he was keen enough to find out what was in Johhny boy's mind when he thought those equations were slipping away. Strange he never came after me."

"I don't think he knnew until very late on, that you'd got them too."

"Huh. Good thing,"

She straightened and pointed to the small protuberance on the nose of the ship.

"Like it?"

I walked round and inspected it. It just seemed like half a capsule with spiky ends.

"Very nice. Neat job. What does it do?"

"It does, if I've got all my sums right, senses the place a cloaked ship is occupying. Needs trying out though."

"There's a snag over this one."

She sat down on the steps leading to the ship.

"Go on. What now?"

"Problem is if we solve this one, there'll be another piece of technology after, and as we solve each one there'll be something else."

She was silent for a couple of microts.

"We being manipulated?"

"Got it in one."

"Fan...tas...tic. I suppose we don't know who's doing this."

"Matter of fact we do. Name Maldis mean anything."

She went very pale.

"Oh no."

"Oh yes. Him and a bunch of like minded entities. They're after the fear factor."

"So what do we do?"

"As far as I can make out at the moment, the less the better. We'll try out your gizmo, but even if it's a rip roaring success, we say there's still much work to be done on it. But we quietly make some more."

"You're sounding more and more like Crichton."

"Look if anyone else tells me that, I gonna knock them into the middle of the next week."

She held up her hands.

"Whoa. Don't get all hoty toity with me Sareel."

"Well it was that frelling Wormhole and we think another meddling entity."



"Only this one's on our side?"

"He might be on yours but he... it isn't on mine. I'm just being used as a pawn. Tell you I'm really fed up with the whole thing."

"Let me get it straight. The three of you were dead and it brought you back from the other side?"

"And mixed bits of us up on the way. I've got bits of Crichton. Goddess knows what the other two are feeling. Well I know Crichton's far from happy with his bit."

"Scorpius?"

"And some. In many respects they're a mirror image."

"And the dark one of course has sufficient self control to hide whatever he might be enduring."

She looked slyly at me.

"I mean, that's if he's still with us."

"I suppose so. I don't know one way or another."

Which was true. I hadn't been in touch since that first fishing trip. Time, I thought, for another trip to the pool. He was functioning in a perilous position and might well be dead.

"I've got an idea. Do you fancy a rescue mission?"

She looked bothered.

"Don't like the sound of that."

"I'll file a flight plan to test something or other and we'll slip behind the moon and make a wormhole."

"When?"

"Well I've got something to do right now, so tomorrow at eight ahn?"

"Suits me I ain't go nothing pressing to do. Won't get too hairy though will it? This gal's rather fond of her skin."

"As am I. No, we can slip under their scanners. I know how."

"Their scanners? Frell Sareel, sounds worse by the microt!"

"Should be fairly simple."

She took hold of my arms.

"Hey now no frellin' around. Exactly what have I got myself into?"

"We're going to rescue Scorpius from a Scarran dreadnought. You can back out if you want to. I'll understand."

"I've said yes and I'll stick to what I said."

She squinted at me.

"You sure you know what you're doing?"

"Hell yes I do things like this every day!"

"You're definitely sounding like Crichton."

I nearly exploded. She held up her hands defensively.

"I know you've heard that dren so many times before."

She grinned.

" But you do."

I sighed.

"OK I do but I'm making assumptions about what I can do, personally. I think I'm fully recovered, but I don't know. Not completely certain."

"Oh boy I really hate uncertainty."

"Well I'm sorry but there it is."

I got in the prowler.

"Look I'll be back in plenty of time. Don't worry?"

Furlow turned the palms of her hands upwards.

"Don't worry she tells me. We're going into the jaws of certain disaster and she tells me not to worry. Yotz! What I do for you Sareel!"

"Oh come on, you know you hate being bored."

She grinned broadly.

"So I do. See you bright and early tomorrow then."

She slyly added, "And give my regards to the dark one."

I shut the canopy and powered up, slipping the craft through the outer perimeter force field. The prowler like other craft had a repulsion unit which disrupted the field only round the form of the vessel allowing movement through the curtain. I engaged main engines and made for our Earth base.

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

Once in the base confines I was enthusiastically greeted by Bobby. I rubbed the dog's ears.

"Where's your boss? Good boy. Where's Crichton?"

"Right behind you lady."

I turned to look down the barrel of Winona.

"Don't be silly Crichton. Put that thing away."

I tried to push it down but he resisted.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't blow you away right now?"

"Shall I tell you about the impending doom if you do? Urana wasn't making it up you know."

"Give me one good reason why I should care?"

"You're running out of ideas Crichton. We need to stick together."

"Who need to stick together?"

"You, me and Scorpius."

He laughed a little hysterically.

"Well I don't see Scorpie here."

"Excactly! That's why we've got to rescue him."

He holstered the pulse pistol and sat down on the low wall that surrounded the parade ground.

"You've gotta be kidding!"

"I'm deadly serious, but I need your help in two matters."

He fondled Bobby's head and then raised his head and said cautiously," Go on. Surprise me."

"Well first I need the use of your room. I don't have one here any longer."

"Sure any time you like."

"Well I was thinking of right now."

"Yeah. OK. So what's the other thing?"

"I need a diversion as an insurance policy."

"I suspect the next bit's something I'm not going to like. Why?"

"I can get under the dreadnought's scanners but..."

"Dreadnought! Whoa Sareel aren't you a bit outa your league. Dreadnought means Scarran and Scarran means..."

"Scorpius is on that ship and I've got to get him out."

He suddenly burst out laughing.

"You mean Scorpie sold us a dummy? All that acting like he was having a breakdown and he's playing James Bond on a Scarran dreadnought?

"He's risking his life for all of us. You included."

"You really think I'm gonna buy that Sareel. On past form if Scorpius is doing something remotely risky it's because he thinks it's going to benefit him."

I was furious.

"Commander John Crichton, your lack of of.. of empathy, sympathy and common sense never fail to appal me."

He was still laughing as we reached his room. I sat down in the small easy chair. He made a mock bow.

"Anything else you desire your majesty? My head perhaps?"

I snarled at him.

"Don't tempt me Crichton. I'm fully recovered. Don't try my patience."

"Oh boy tantrums!"

"You have no room to talk about tantrums. You spend your time behaving like a spoilt child. So sit down and shut up. I need quiet."

"As you command O omnipotent one."

He peered round his hand.

"Outa curiosity, what do you plan to do if I don't co-operate?"

I raised my hand and the blue ceramic vase on the bedside table crumbled to dust.

His eyes opened wide in astonishment.

"You got any more surprises?"

I glared at him.

"OK OK. Just asking. I'll be quiet as a church mouse. Can I ask what you're gonna do?"

"Scorpius and I share a telepathic link. I need to know the latest about the dreadnought and to tell him what I propose to do."

"And why?"

"Pardon?"

"He always wants to be given a reason. Very rational mind our Scorpie."

"Oh just be quiet Crichton and let me get on with it."

Part 10

"Hey hold on, this module's not as speedy as your prowler."

Crichton's voice came over the communications channel. Furlow was strapped in behind me and we'd cleared the small space behind herof extraneous bits and pieces. All that was there was the wormhole initiator.

"We'll wait for you behind the moon."

"Never seen the dark side of the moon. Heard the Pink Floyd song though."

He started humming. Crichton doesn't have the greatest sense of pitch and that combined with the distortion from the comms made the tune sound weird.

"Ouch Crichton don't ever try for pop status."

"Can't please some people. No pop stars now Sareel."

He laughed.

"Bet it's not long before they pop up again. The lights, the fame, the mazuma."

"The what?"

"Mazuma, cash, dosh, money, credits. Call it anything you like, it all adds up to the same thing. Some folk get paid a hell of a lot for doing very little."

The dark side of the Earth's moon had very little to show . It was less pock marked that the side that was seen. Scorpius had said something about interspace debris being drawn more to the side which had the main combined gravitational pull with its parent planet. More bombardment from space debris equalled more craters and pock marks. Furlow yawned.

"Tell me why do I feel relaxed about this. I should feel, well at the least worried and I'm not."

I chuckled.

"It's my perfect organisational skills."

"Huh. Try again."

"My delightful personality."

"Sareel girl, no way."

Thge appearance of Crichton's module cut short our exchange.

"Now what Sareel?"

"Now we make a wormhole."

"Just like that."

"Can't afford to frell about John."

"Did I hear right? Did I hear you call me John? Not Crichton or you?"

"Don't get carried away. A slip of the tongue. Your father uses your given name a lot."

"Yeah how is Dad?"

"Well you could visit him. I wasn't aware that Gammak one was out of bounds."

"Might just do that when we get back. Say how was Scorpie?"

"Worried. And I think he'll be glad to leave the dreadnought. Even his superb self control is wearing a little thin."

"Find that hard to imagine."

"How'd you like to be cooped up with a bunch of people who stand for wiping out everything you hold dear and have to pretend to agree with them?"

"Yeah, well when you put it like that I might just feel a bit of sympathy."

"Only a bit?"

"Oh frell it Sareel, I find it hard to think of Scorpius being the self sacrificing sort. I mean it's not been obvious before."

Furlow coughed.

"We going or do we stay here all day?"

I switched on the initiator and the patch of space immediately in front of us started to go opalescent.

"Keep tucked in tight Crichton."

"Lady you're telling your grandmother to suck eggs here."

The opalescence deepened into the swirling pattern of the wormhole walls. This one was only small, sufficient to take our ships and I hoped not big enough to be noticed. Furlow was going to take readings as we went through. The familiar feeling of disorientation as our molecular structure was passed through. Then the emerging back into normal space, light years from our point of departure. Behind another moon. It was convenient that it was between us and the Scarran dreadnought. I relaxed and thought my instructions to Scorpius, who seemed surprised at the alacrity of the removal effort.

"How you gonna get to the dreadnought with out their scanners picking you up?"

Furlow strapped on a rather large gun and told him through the comm system, "We've got another means of transport."

"I don't see anything."

"No. Nor will the Scarrans. You ready Furlow?"

"Ready as I ever will be."

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

Crichton gasped in surprise as a translucent ball of light rose out of the prowler with Furlow just visible in the centre.

"Oh my, Never knew about this. Wonder how much more she's been hiding?"

A disjointed thought filled his head. "Don't show yourself unless I say so. A distraction is a last resort if things go wrong."

Crichton had little desire to pit himself against a dreadnought . The odds were distinctly bad and was quite comfortable with waiting behind the moon. The light ball sped towards the Scarran vessel and disappeared into a lower flight hanger.

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

"Well they sure aren't short of fighters."

Furlow shook herself after I put her down on the hanger deck and reshaped. She grinned.

"When did you find out you could do that?"

"Ooo a while back when I was suffering blood lust. Had a score to settle and slipped under a few doors."

"Sounds terminal."

"It was. For them."

"So where's Scorpius?"

I pointed to the back of the hanger where a familiar figure dressed in black was advancing towards us. Glad to see him safe and sound, I was about to call to him but he placed a finger on his lips and pointed to the ceiling. Furlow's eyes followed the line he signified, She whispered in my ear.

"Listeners. Standard Scarran security."

"No visual methods?"

"Not widely known, but their hearing's a great deal better than their eyesight."

"That's why Scorpius can hear a pin drop at a hundred metrons!"

Soon he was standing in front of us.

"Am I glad to see you!"

"Thank you for the salutation. I think we'd better be leaving. The lab staff were suspicious why I should have forgotten my rods."

"Fine. Stand close behind Furlow and place your hands on her shoulders."

He manoeuvered into position and suddenly I found myself flat on the floor as a blast whistled across the space where I'd been standing.

"Thanks for the thought, but I could have absorbed it."

"But we can't. I prefer to err on the side of caution. They know we're here. How were we going to make our escape?"

"The same way Furlow and I came. In an energy ball. We'll have to find out if I can do it in a geat hurry. However we do need to be very close."

He looked sceptical.

"Don't worry! I do have a contingency plan."

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

"Crichton! Time to rock and roll. We need you."

He powered up and zoomed from behind the moon. The mass of the dreadnought came into view and he made for one of the main sensor arrays, an arrangement of fine tubes and wires protrubing from the side of the vessel and deftly turning the module, sliced it off.

"That should make them sit up and take notice."

He didn't have long to wait before a couple of zel fighters exited from a hanger bay directly beneath him. Hugging the side of the huge vessel in the shadows he was unsighted by the fighters. He tried thinking back to Sareel without success.

"Hope you're ready to move, lady. They won't be foxed for long."

The very fact that she needed his help meant that they'd hit a snag, or two or may be three.

**********

In actual fact fact five Scarran troopers were firing enthusiastically between the fighters when the officer arrived. There ensued a great deal of extreme Scarran language.

Scorpius chuckled.

"He's not happy about them firing in the hanger. I think we may have some time."

Furlow peered under one of the small craft.

"What's the small blue projectile for?"

Scorpius looked carefully round the side of his fighter.

"Sareel can we leave now?"

"Er well I'll try, but I do like to be calm and settled."

"I suggest you expedite it, or Furlow and I may well be past help."

Struggling to stabilise my power centre I ventured. "Er why?"

"Small blue ellipsoids in Scarran hands usually mean poison gas."

"Oh frell! Grab hold of both of you."

********

Crichton was contemplating moving as the zels started a standard sweep. Shut down there was no energy signal. All they might pick up were his life signs, but he hoped they would be masked by the huge number of Scarran ones in the dreadnought. Sareel suddenly focussed his thoughts.

"Start your engines and go like hell for the moon."

"Oh boy the plan went wrong."

He started the module's engines and slammed them into top speed. The zel pilots were confused for a microt or two and he was well ahead of them as he made for the moon. As he sped along a ball of light careered rather wildly past him. The scanner told him the zel pilots had woken up and also informed their mother ship. Scores more were exiting the docking bays.

"Don't like it. Feel like Bugs Bunny with a handful of carrots out here."

He turned round the ellipse of the small planet that attended the gas giant and saw that the prowler wes powered up. Sareel's voice came over the comms unit.

"Wow that was close. Wormhole coming up."

There seemed to be an extremely long wait before the first tell tale signs showed. And even longer before the familiar rotating shape appeared.

"Hey Sareel the bad guys have come round the moon."

"Frell. Just a microt more."

The fighters had started firing at them but fortunately were still out of range.

"Hell Sareel hurry up. That one wasn't a million miles away. They're no slouches at targetting."

A sonic blast narrowly missed the module.

"Good time to move Sareel, the Beasty Boys are homing in."

"Now Crichton."

"Thank you anyone who's up here listening."

The two small vessels catapulted into the open wormhole mouth. The zel fighters were close behind and the first had entered the opening, when suddenly the whole thing collapsed and the second fighter shot into normal space. Of the first there was no sign. There was a hush amongst the pilots as they realised what had happened.

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

The Scarran Da'vu was on the communication system to the ruling council. And he was extremely unhappy. Failures were never taken lightly and the day's happenings had been one unholy frell up.

The face of the Deputy Chairman appeared.

"Report."

The Da'vu did so, hesitantly.

"In your opinion was Scorpius privy to his abduction."

"Your Altesse, he made no communication out other than those monitored by my Communications officer. In my opinion he was taken by surprise. One of my security men met him on the way to the hanger. He mentioned a proximity warning but seemed to think it was a fault. Evidently there had been several in the past few weeken."

"Mmm. Could they have been set up by someone inside? Someone working for the Peacekeepers?"

"Possible, but as you know all personnel are subject to the most rigid screening before being allowed on board."

"But like all systems it will not be infallible. Run a security check. Make doubly sure. If that is clear we can assume that this was a chance capture."

The Da'vu was unhappy with this assumption.

"But how did they know where he would be at any given time?"

"Ah! Now there's a good point. Are there any other means of communications that you know of?"

"Er.. some species claim to be telepathic."

"Has it been proved?"

"It's extremely difficult, but there is some evidence that it is possible."

"Can it be detected?"

"Not at the moment."

"Any record of it in Sebaccians?"

"Sir we have little access to their files."

"Granted. Our own people?"

"I'll make an immediate seach."

"Do it."

The screen went dead and the Scarran felt sick in the pit of one of his two stomachs. Could Scorpius have deceived him? His neck was on the line if he had, so he hoped fervently that the half Scarran had come over to them. Permanently.

Part 11

Scorpius sat in his quarters a glass of fine brandy in his hands.He warmed the liquor and savoured the aroma. Jack had 'liberated' it from a store in a small town without people that he'd visted and and thought it appropriate to give it to the scientist as a welcome home gift. He gazed into the the glass as if hoping to find answers to all their problems.

Urana, Romde and Saturnus had paid him a visit not long after his return and his worries about the Scarrans had been compounded by their news.

"It's all up to the three of you", Urana had declared. "Seems you are featured in several prophecies."

"I have never placed much reliance on the annals of folklore. Too much conjecture and hearsay, very little substantive proof."

To be quite honest he found it very difficult to believe in the existence of Maldis, let alone others like him.

"Talk to Crichton and the others", was all that the Fey would offer on the subject. He'd wanted to discuss matters with Sareel but she'd gone into a denial mode and gone off with the two Crichtons, father and son.

"Where will I find you?"

"Don't even try Scorpius. We're going fishing and trail riding and will be out of comms contact."

He'd given a little chuckle.

"Still there's always the telepathy isn't there?"

She'd given him a withering look and stalked out of the lab. There was little left to remind him of her in his quarters as she'd moved all her belongings to the base on Earth. He'd protested.

"You are needed here."

"Yotz!" was the caustic remark thrown his way. "Furlow knows exactly what to do. She's an excellent technician."

"With Jack Crichton gone......." He'd failed to complete the sentence as she rounded on him.

"You're back. Doesn't need two of you."

"Sareel my dear girl you really are in a strange mood."

He got no reaction to that other being barged out of the way as she made for the door. It had to be said that he missed her. Even when she was cantankerous he liked having her presence near him. His quarters felt empty. When she was there they felt like a place that was pleasing to retire to. Now they were just rooms.

Finally he supped the brandy feeling the warming alcohol wend its way down his gullet. Pleasant, but he could never understand how people let it take control of them. He drew one gloved finger round the rim and it sang a high note.

"Mmm. Resonance."

He looked into the now empty glass.

"Reverberations between beings, energy exchanges."

Suddenly furious he threw the glass across the room. It shattered into a thousand fragments as it met the far wall. The action calmed him and he entered a memo into his personal database.

"That should suffice! No reason at all why I too shouldn't take a vacation, a short holiday, a change. Harvey can take charge for a while. Nothing immenently important in the research log until this Maldis thing is sorted."

Having settled the next course of action in his mind he picked up the copy of War and Peace the Jack had given him and went to bed.

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

Next morning saw him on the ground base talking to Crais.

"Watch him Crais. Scientifically I can't fault him but occasionally he's a little, a little shall I say unresponsible. I blame his sojourn in Crichton's brain for that."

Crais spread his hands in a gesture of resignation.

"I don't see what I can do even if he does do something stupid."

Scorpius smiled thinly.

"Just tell Furlow to annoy him. That should bring him back to an even keel."

"And that's one female I'll never trust."

"She's excellent at what she does. And I feel that now she has some degree of security her mercenary tendencies will be curbed."

"So may I ask how you're going to spend your time off?"

"You may indeed. I shall be joining the Crichtons and Sareel."

Crais laughed.

"Do they know this?"

"Oh no I intend for it to be a surprise."

"I'm sure you'll suceed in achieving that."

His next port of call was Jimmie's father. The lad himself stuck his head round the barn door as he heard the sound of Scorpius's maurauder landing and his eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw the tall lean apparition in black descending from the craft.

"Pa, Pa, we've got a visitor!"

His father poked his head from under a tractor of vintage years.

"Yeah. Can I do something for you?"

"I believe that John and Jack Crichton and the woman Sareel borrowed some equipment from you. I should like to do the same and join them."

The farmer laughed.

"You any good with a horse mister?"

"Er I've never seen a real one, only encyclopedia pictures."

Jimmie cast his eyes to the heavens.

"How quickly do you learn mister......er."

"I am Scorpius. And extremely quickly."

His father indicated the sorrel in the corral.

"Put a saddle on Daisy. She's the quietest we got."

Jimmie laughed.

"Hey Pa, he'll never get her to go. You know what she's like."

"Just do it boy."

Jimmie departed into the barn grumbling. Scorpius went to the maurauder and brought out a box.

"A matter of payment."

Jimmie's dad shook his head.

"Not necessary. You're helping us get our lives together again, ain't no need for payment."

"Nevertheless I would like you to have this."

He put the box down on the ground and opened it. The farmer peered inside.

"What is it?"

"A portable fusion generator. It will power your farm, make electricity for you and needs little maintainance. If you need help tell them at the base that I said to give you instruction."

"That's mighty generous."

He lifted his head.

"Where's that lad got to? I tell you they get more awkward as they get older. Misses his Mom."

Jimmie appeared from the direction of the corral leading the now tacked up sorrel. His father took the reins.

"Jimmie'll show you how to mount."

The boy took the reins in his left hand and placed the hand on saddle horn and his left foot in the stirrup and lightly stepped into the saddle. He demonstrated how to neck rein the animal and how to ask her to jog and lope, neither of which she was particularly willing to do. Scorpius merely nodded as he was shown all this and when Jimmie dismounted, he took hold of the reins and held his hand to the horse's nose and then laid it on her head. She whickered in affection and the other two stood in surprise as he gracefully stepped up and rode her round the yard, moving from walking into an easy jog and then lope. Finally he reined her in in front of a dumbstruck Jimmie.

"Man you're a natural!"

Jimmie's dad was the first to recover. He took the reins as Scorpius stepped down.

"Your friends are about twenty five miles upstream. There's a valley 'tween some hills. The fishing's good and the riding too.."

He glanced up and down Scorpius's attire.

"You goin' in that?"

"It has served me through battles and more. It is suitable."

"Yeah, well."

Jimmie senior decided not to pursue the matter further.

"I'll get you a couple of saddlebags and a bed roll. Jimmie get some feed bagged up for Daisy."

The boy made for the horse barn.

"And while you're there get a set of hobbles. This ol' gal strays."

"Unnecessary. I guarantee that she'll stay with me."

"How the hell can you be sure o' that?"

"Believe me. I can."

"Suit yourself. I'll add them just in case."

Half an hour later Scorpius was loping lazily along the road verge that led to the wooded area and the trails Sareel and the Crichtons had taken. They had the luxury of the camper as well and he had only taken a small amount of food, being assured that game was plentiful. He felt much more relaxed than he had been for several cycles. It certainly wouldn't be that first time that he's had to find his own food and prepare it. Several times he'd found himself in situations, usually during his early days with the Peacekeepers when he'd been one of a handful of survivors after a skirmish on their survey posts. His skill in the art of survival had always pulled them through. Daisy stumbled as she put her hoof on the edge of a hole and he skilfully steered her onto firmer ground. Really riding a horse wasn't that much harder than riding a stilka anf they smelt a great deal better and the action was smoother. He felt the sun on his face and suddenly his worries and cares melted away as he made for his first night's camping place.

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

Crais would have gratefully traded places with the half Scarran had he known where he was. Harvey had decided to give a party on Gammak two and the senior officers on both Norfolk base and Gammak one were tearing their hair out. That was those who had any.

He'd been on the wrong end of communications for the best part of the morning, being the most senior officer on the Earth base at that time.

"No Ravion, I can't stop him. He's a law to himself. Well you'll just have to make out a list of those who can go and those who can't. And see if you can get in touch with Stuc and get him to lock up the ras'lak."

Stuc was the mess manager on Gammak two. He suddenly remembered what Scorpius had said. Furlow!! He hated the thought of asking the disreputable looking technician for help but he was rapidly realising that she might be his only means of salvation. Resigned to begging if needs be, he got on the comm to Gammak two.

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

Furlow walked along the corridor to Harvey's quarters grinning and whistling. She walked in through the open door and gave a low whistle as she saw the decor.

"Some place you've got here!"

Harvey appeared from the sleeping area at the back.

"Oh it's you! What do you want?"

"Well that's not the way to greet a gal who's going to do you a favour."

The Prelian was instantly on his guard.

"Favour, favour? I'm not aware I asked for any favour."

"Oh this one I'm doing from the goodness of my heart. Got any music?"

Thrown by this request Harvey put on Ravel's Bolero.

"Not quite what I'd got in mind. It'll do. Now about this party. You need some entertainment."

"I do?"

"Yep and I'm the gal to provide it."

"You are?"

"Yep. Considered quite a goer in my day."

"That must have been many cycles ago."

"Sorry Stripey. Didn't catch. What was that you said?"

"Doesn't matter. What entertainment can you provide?"

"This."

And she began to move seductively, stripping in time to the music."

"Er no. Not here. You can't."

She wrapped the end of her none too clean scarf round his neck.

"Why not lover? It'll liven up the party don't you think."

Harvey sat down on the sofa.

"Thank you but I don't require any entertainment for my party."

"Won't cost you anything. I'll perform for nothing."

She stroked his head.

"Gratis, free!"

"What the... the.... frell do I have to do to stop you performing?"

The thought of seeing all of Furlow in the buff was nauseating to the fastidious senses of the Prelian.

"Well now why would you want to do that?"

"Er.mm. You could catch cold. The Sebbacians like it cooler than most species."

"I'm as tough as old boots. Once spent a cycle on a frozen planet."

Harvey was looking decidedly worried.

"Tell you what Stripey. You have another party next week for all the folk who can't come this week and I'll try to find some real pretty dancing girls for both dos. How's that strike you?"

"Better than your first idea. But why another party?"

Furlow grinned.

"Didn't use your head did you? The senior officers have been inundated by requests for accredited leave time and the medics are reporting a lot of unusual illness. To be fair you've made it almost impossible for them to both keep a viable force active and also keep morale high. So have another one next week for all those who can't make it today."

Harvey stroked his whiskers.

"I've never really thought about matters military. Just thought it was a good way to reward all my staff for the hard work they've put in recently."

He thought for a couple of microts.

"You have it then. Another next week."

She turned to leave picking up her discarded clothing.

"I'll go and tell Crais that the problem's resolved. He's been tearing his hair out at the number of officers who didn't know what to do."

"Promise me one thing?"

She looked inquiringly at him.

"Please wear something suitable if you come."

She patted his cheek.

"You'll never recognise me when I'm dressed up. 'Til tonight then."

And thus saying she swept out of the door. Harvey sat transfixed on the sofa. The Scorpius part of his personality had just kicked in with mild reproof at his friviolity and lack of dedication but he successfully managed to hide it under his Crichton adapted part. After all he reasoned, things were at a stalemate and there was little rush to complete the current projects. He got up and headed for his clothes rack. Time to choose something colourful for the evening's conviviality.

Part 12

The very first thing next morning saw Scorpius landing down in the patch of dry earth in Jimmie's dad's farmyard. The sound of the landing Maurauder made the boy pop his head out from the barn.

"Wow!"

He turned and called inside.

"Hey pa. We got a visitor."

His father came to the door wiping his hands. The diesel generator was playing up yet again. Shortage of spare parts meant that he had to be inventive in his repairs.

"Yeah what can I do for you mister?"

"I believe that the two Crichtons and the woman Sareel hired some equipment from you."

"They did. What is it to you?"

"I wish to join them. Are they far away? How long to walk?"

Jimmie's dad roared with laughter."

"You won't be walking there. They took the three horse trailer and the camper."

"Have you another vehicle?"

"Nope."

Scorpius turned to return to the maurauder.

"Can't land that thing there."

He turned back.

"No?"

They're in the only clearing for miles. Don't think they'd appreciate you dropping in on them as it were."

"Then how do I get there."

"You ever ridden a horse?"

"No I have only seen them in the encyclopedia chips."

"It's your only option. Way over thirty miles to the lake."

"I have walked that distance before."

"Your choice. Walk or ride."

"Perhaps riding may be preferable."

The farmer looked at his son.

"Get Daisy. She's quiet enough.

Jimmie snorted.

"Be lucky to get her to move at all."

"Cut the lip boy and do it."

The youth went into the barn and came out with a headcollar, still muttering under his breath. His father turned to the half Scarran.

"They get worse as they get bigger."

"I have no knowledge of young people. Outside my experience."

"Count youself lucky then. Mind you he misses his ma."

He looked wistful.

"Come to it so do I."

Jimmie returned leading a dozy looking sorrel who was reluctantly following at the full length of the leading rein.

"I told you. She's in a mood."

"Just saddle her up and show our guest how to mount and how to neck rein."

He turned to the man in black.

"Er you never gave your name."

"You never asked it. I am Scorpius."

"Well Mr Scorpius just watch Jimmie saddle her ."

Scorpius watched carefully as the boy heaved the pad and saddle onto the sorrel's back.

"You've gotta watch that you have the cinch tight. This ol'girl blows out and before you know it, the saddle's slipping round.."

He poked the sorrel in the ribs. She exhaled noticibly and before she could fill up with air again he'd tightened up the cinch buckles. Then he fitted the bridle. Releasing the headcollar he stepped lightly up into the saddle and walked round the maurauder. He tried his best to get the mare to jog but she slipped fitfully into the pace for a few strides before slipping back to the walk.

"Think you can manage that?"

"I am a quick learner."

Jimmie stepped from the saddle and handed the reins to Scorpius who stepped gracefully into the saddle and walked the horse round his maurauder The only difference was that where Jimmie had had no success in keeping her jogging, Scorpius made it look simple. The mare jogged easily and then as he urged her on, she began to lope.

Jimmie's dad took off his hat and wiped his brow with his non too clean hands. It left a dark smear across his forehead.

"Well you're an natural and no mistake. She likes you."

Scorpius dismounted. He had an affinity with animals. Few knew about it, as it wasn't exactly the kind of thing that Peacekeepers valued. The most they had to do with animals if they could help it was to avoid predatory ones on occupied planets. Rubbing her velevety muzzle he refastened the head collar round her neck.

"There's the matter of payment."

He went to the maurauder and brought out a grey box and placed it on the ground in front of the farmer. Opening it, he lifted out the small unit.

"Portable fusion generator. If you have any trouble they know at the base to help you."

"Mister there ain't no need. You and your friends have helped us start again. We owe you!"

"Nevertheless I should like you to have it."

The farmer chuckled.

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth I say. Thank you. That ol' diesel's on its way out. This is sure appreciated. Now you'll need food for youself and the horse. And a bedroll."

He peered at Scorpius's clothes.

"You planning going like that?"

"I find my attire eminently suitable for most occasions."

"Yeah, well you know best about that. Let's go into the house."

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

Three quarters of an hour later Scorpius found himself on the road complete with bulging saddlebags and a bedroll and slicker. Several small animals scurries across the road as Daisy made her way into the countryside. The lack of Humans had made the animal population less shy about showing themselves. As he entered the wooded section he saw a couple of squirrels bounding up a tree trunk and smiled. They reminded him of the Feilons, who were quite adept at shinning up rock faces that other beings thought impossible. The mare stumbled in a rabbit hole and he moved her back onto the road. Riding a horse was similar to riding a sturka and they smelt a great deal better. A sense of peace descended on the half Scarran as he rode on. He began to see why Crichton was so obsessed with Earth. The feeling of well being he was experiencing, he had up to that time only found on his estate on Pilach.He urged Daisy into a lope once the verge was free of rabbit holes and made his way on toward the lake.

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

D'Argo and Rygel were making for Bill's Saloon that evening and looking forward to what was now a regular meeting to play poker.

"If you keep winning Dominar, they may become suspicious."

Rygel puffed himself up to his full height.

"Are you suggesting that I'm cheating?"

"Well aren't you?"

"Indeed I am not. I'm just well taught. Watch you all. Every little nuance you make I can read. Tells me what to do."

"Huh! Really expect anyone to believe that?"

"Believe what you will. It's the truth."

Every Tuesday night the saloon keeper closed early and set up the back room casino for the match. D'Argo pushed open the door and turned the sign to closed and then locked it."

"How long do you think Chiana will stay with this Human."

It was a sore point with d'Argo, but he was fond enough still of the Nebari to want the best for her.

"I hope she's happy with him for a long time yet. She deserves happiness."

Rygel snorted and retorted, "Don't we all! Fat chance I've got though of meeting another Hynearean in this part of the galaxy."

"We won't always be in this part of the galaxy."

They moved into the rear room and d'Argo sat down. The cards were laid out on the green baize of the table but there was no sign of Bill or Chiana.

"You want to make a bet on that d'Argo?"

"We will find a way to combat Maldis and his forces. Then we can deal with the Scarrans."

"I applaud your optimism, but can find no basis for it."

"Hi guys."

Chiana appeared from their living quarters followed by a smug looking Bill. Rygel raised his eyebrows.

"I can see that you're well satisfied."

"Whatever do you mean Ryg."

"You know."

"Do I?"

Bill winked at d'Argo. Chiana was in the mood to tease the Hynearean and he was too pompous to realise what she was doing.

"Find it easy don't you?"

"Find what easy Dominar?"

"Frell it girl, you always were a little hussy."

Then he grinned.

"Mind you, you've grown on me. I actually like you that way."

Bill shuffled the cards and they cut.

"Dealer high. Let's play poker."

The game progressed as usual except that Rygel didn't win as often. D'Argo suspected that he was holding back, but Bill noticed.

"You on a losing streak Dominar?"

"Win some lose some, you know."

Chiana looked at her cards.

"Raise you ten."

Rygel huffed and puffed a bit.

"And ten."

"If I didn't know better I'd say you cheat."

"Me? ME cheat. Never in my lifetime."

"And that's been a frelling long time", muttered d'Argo as he reluctantly caved in.

"No. Experience, that's what I use. We used to play Mandaat in class when I was a youngling. Our tutor found out and tried without much success to stop us. Well it transpired that he'd been a professional gambler before becoming a tutor and he said id we were going to play we should do it well."

Chiana was engrossed.

"So what happened."

"We all had a yotz of a job explaining to our parents what had happened to our allowances. But I did learn how to study the other players. Mind you he'd have wiped the floor with all of us."

They'd just started a new hand when there was the sound of pulse blasts in the street and the front dorrs were kicked in by two disreputable looking hoodlums, sporting what d'Argo though were the biggest weapons he'd ever seen. They waved them at the card players and the leader bawled at them.

"The back wall. Get over to the back wall."

They started moving and he kicked over the table. cards and chips flew everywhere.

"Faster or I'll blown your brains out."

Rygel hovered by the Luxan's ear.

"Suggestions?"

"Do as he says."

Bill was prodded by the business end of the gun.

"Hold your horses, mister. I sure ain't gonna argue with a piece that size. I'm going as fast as I can. Got a game leg."

Chiana raised her eyebrows but said nothing.

The leader motioned to the other.

"You cover them, I'll barracade the main door."
"Can I kill them if they move?"

"How stupid can you get? No, plitzhead. They're our ticket out of here."

He leered at Chiana.

"We've got to take good care of them."