Part 17

"Scorpius I can't find my things. Do you know where they are?"

They were back on the orbiting Gammak Base, the meeting having been concluded. Scorpius was working in the main laboratory workshop. Sareel peered round his shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"There are one or two things that I can do to make this plan more effective, mainly in the controllers."

"Do you think that it'll work?"

"It's rather as Crichton would say, a last resort."

She nodded and he straightened up and turned to face her.

"Your things are back in our quarters."

A scowl crossed her face and he took her by the shoulders.

"Now before you get angry, let me show you something."

He took her arm and led her out of the lab complex, down a level and down a service corridor. A the end there was a plain metal door. He pressed his thumb against the pad and the door slid open with a slight whoosh. Sareel gasped as she saw inside. The whole room had been converted into a garden, complete with small trees.

"Hydroponics, like the food section, but well disguised."

In the centre was a small fountain and a stone bench and table. Orchids hung from a frame work behind. Scorpius fingered one of them.

"Earth has some beautiful plants. I designed this to be a private place for myself. I've modified the lock to accept your print too."

He reached under the bench and brought out a sign which said in Sebbacian, 'Do not disturb!'.

He explained.

"The horticultural staff do most of the main work. I do what I can, so they know if this is on the door to return at a later time."

Sareel stood speechless as she took in the calm beauty. There was even an enclosure with exotic butterflies in it. Scorpius gestured to it.

"Can't let them have a free rein. They eat the plants you know."

She nodded and fingered the moss on the side of the fountain. Some small silvery fish flitted across the top just under the surface.

"You never told me about this."

He shrugged.

"I've only just completed it, but I know now that you also need a quiet place."

He smiled slightly.

"Away from me."

"Yes, you can be claustrophobic."

"I never realised. My main thought was to protect and care for you."

He watched the fish and threw in some food.

"I never realised!"

She sat down on the bench and he sat beside her.

"It even has dusk and dawn and night built in. Earth time of course. All these plants are from Earth."

She turned and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"Thank you", she said simply. He placed his hand on hers and she left it there.

"And when you're on Earth. Well I bought the horse Daisy. Another way to relax completely. She's yours to use too."

Tears began to run down the Vaud's face and the half Scarran felt completely at a loss. Tears and this sort of emotion had seldom afflicted him and he felt uncomfortable when confronted by it. He remembered once that Crichton had wept and it was one of the things about the Human that disturbed him the most.

"Oh do stop that Sareel. It's not that I mind but it doesn't achieve anything."

She threw her arms round his neck and buried her face in the surcoat.

"Can't fool me Scorpie. You've got a soft centre."

He held her, it felt so right for her to be there and when she released her grasp she looked at him with shining eyes.

"I've caused so much trouble and still you have patience with me!"

"I brought a great deal of that on myself. Now I suggest that you find Furlow. She's in need of help with the programming."

Sareel grinned and saluted him.

"Aye aye Sir."

He watched her disappearing figure and sighed.

"You're certainly quick at picking up Earth ways. You sound just like Crichton."

He turned back to his work.

"I just hope that's all you've assimilated!"

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

Bill and Chiana were having a meal and Rygel had joined them. The Hynearean had a liking for lobster and they'd been given one the previous day. Chiana had looked at it and when Bill found her she was just staring at the crustacean.

"Remind you of someone? The way you're looking at it I say it did."

"Yeah, I was remembering Natira."

She shivered. Bill placed an arm round her and she took his hand.

"Honey, I'd fight anyone who tried to hurt you. You know that."

"Can't be done Bill. Things out there that you've never even dreamed of. Sheyangs, spit fire..."

"Whoa slow down a bit girl. Are they worse than them scaleys?"

"Guess not."

"Well I seen them, tried to fight the one who took my lady away. Hadn't got a chance. They're almighty strong for their size. And that heat weapon. That's lethal."

Pip looked disturbed."

"They tried it on you?"

"Realised what was happening. Fell down and rolled under the boardwalk by the saloon. They never bothered to come after me."

"You're lucky to be alive. You know that?"

"Yep I suppose so. But coming back to you. Don't have to face things on your own now you know Chi. I'm here for support. Doesn't matter what's out there, you're not alone now."

She'd nodded and then literally thrown the lobster in the pan of boiling water. Bill smiled.

"You feel better for that?"

"Yes I think I do. Fact I'm sure I do."

She shook her mop of hair.

"Gotta face reality, can't avoid it. Yes that's the thing face our fears!"

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

The lobster had cooked perfectly and the meal had been a success, but Bill was still uneasy about Chiana.There was something not right about the way she was behaving. Oh he knew about her past, well as much as he'd been able to piece together from Moya's crew and the little she'd told him. He got the feeling that there was a volcano simmering inside the little frame that housed Chiana.

"Lucky you know a fisherman!"

"What?"

"You were metrons away."

"Sorry Dominar. Just thinking 'bout things."

The Hynearean looked solemn.

"Yes there's much to think about. Crichton thinks that this is the calm before the storm.

Chiana suddenly laughed, a brittle little laugh.

"You're all gonna die, you know that."

Rygel peered at her.

"You having visions again?"

She shook her head.

"No, it's just a feeling inside."

Rygel chuckled, trying to make light of the matter.

"When I feel something inside it's usually gas."

There was a huge evacuation of gas from him at that moment and his voice rose in pitch.

"See what I mean?"

Chiana took his head in her hands and plonked a kiss on his forehead.

"You're right Ryg. I'm being too gloomy, but frell everyone's going round with their bottom jaws hanging to the floor."

"Sign of the times, m'dear. This really is a good vintage. Are those after dinner mints?"

"Yes gathered at great expense. And not for you Dominar. I heard about what happened when you were let loose on M&Ms."

The plain fact was that Rygel easily got addicted to sugar, got a high. He could take alcohol in vast quantities, but sugar! Now that was something else.

"Pity!"

Chiana relented.

"Just one then."

"Ohhh! I shall make it last. Savour the taste."

Bill took the end off his and sucked out the soft interior.

"Will this plan of Urana's work?"

Rygel snorted.

"If it doesn't we're all condemmed to a life of slavery....and worse!

"Maldis doesn't take prisoners."

"That's what I meant! Don't fancy seeing him and his kind multiply."

Bill looked contemplatively at the tablecloth.

"Strikes me they'd all lose power once they'd run outa people, so they'd have to keep some alive."

Chiana shuddered.

"Mean like a farm? Breeding stock to consume?"

"Funny sort of farm, him feeding on souls and life force and all!"

There was silence in the room, the temperature had perceptively dropped. Chiana shivered.

"We will beat him Bill. Got to."

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

Sareel found Furlow back in her old coveralls, oil can in hand in the hanger where the cyberoids were now stored. Scorpius had insisted that they be transferred from Gammak 2.

"Hi! If you wanna help grab one of these!"

She waved the can in the air.

"Found them on the base below. Primitive but mighty effective. We've got to make sure they're all in full working order."

Sareel nodded. She felt that things had been taken out of her hands and it gave her a feeling of being superfluous. Furlow peered at her.

"You all right? Frell you've got to be all right girl. From what I can see you're a main part of the plan. Maldis won't come out without a challenge."

"I know, but I'm not sure I can do it. I don't think that I'm that strong."

Furlow placed her hands on her hips.

"Now look here. You do everything that Romde tells you and you've got a fighting chance. If anyone knows his weaknesses it's her."

Sareel looked straight ahead and the technician saw doubt in her eyes.
"You can do it Sareel. We're all depending on you. Have more faith in yourself. You've got more powers than anyone I know and it seems that someone thinks that you, Johnny boy and your Scorpius hold all our lives in your hands."

"Sobering thought that."

"But that's why I know you can do it girl!"

Sareel hugged her.

"I feel better about it. Now where do we oil?"

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

Saturnus had been viewing the whole proceedings from a distance. His responsibility was the growing mass that was his hope for the future of his sector. He was pleased to see that the rather amorphous features of its kind were ameliorated by a pair of keen eyes and a biped mouth.

"Well Sareel, it looks as though your structure has donated something to his genotype. Highly unusual."

Also it seemed to have a higher intellect than he would have expected. Its tentacles were capable at an early age of grasping and feeling objects and it had even begun to utter words. All Sebbacian! The insectoid had been dismayed and then realised that it might be an advantage. Crichton had minded him for one day and he had begun to use English too. Saturnus recognised that the infant had a gift for language. But he still hadn't been given a name.

"There's only one person to do that!"

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

Sareel managed to avoid Harvey on her return to Gammak two and made straight for Saturnus's quarters where she was greeted effusively by the being.

"It is good to see you again. Now I know you were glad to be rid of him, but I feel that you should be the one to name him!"

Sareel walked over to where the infant was crawling, well his version, undulating would have been closer to the mark, along the carpet on the floor. It stopped when it saw the Vaud and held out its two front tentacles to her. Saturnus chuckled, a rasping sound.

"Oh dear. It recognises you as, well, er..kin."

Sareel gulped and touched one of the tentacles. The infant pulled her down to the floor.

"Frell it's strong."

"Yes it is. Rather greater strength than usual at his age."

It was stroking her face, something which she found quite pleasant.

"Menkarin!"

"Pardon?"

"It's a word we have for special."

"Oh, so it thinks I'm special?"

"Sareel he's not an it. He's a discrete being I'm going to attempt to teach better ways. Now what are you as his mother going to call him."

There was a glint of anger in the blue eyes as she replied, "That wasn't through choice and you know it!"

"Accepted, but you nurtured him, sustained him and kept him alive, so you are the nearest thing to a mother that he has."

She thought for a second.

"Call him Tyco. It's an Earth name and I like it."

The insectoid weighed up the name.

"Yes, yes I like it too. Short but regal."

Sareel touched the pulsating mass.

"You are Tyco!"

He looked at her with intelligent eyes. And in her mind came the thought, "Me Tyco. You Sareel."

She suddenly smiled.

"Yes, I'm Sareel."

Saturnus had a sudden flash and saw her in battle with Maldis. But he never saw the outcome. The vision faded.

Part 18

"Scorpius are those ships on the Moon anywhere near ready?"

"They need life support and one or two other things, but other than that they are serviceable."

"Scrub life support. I don't think my tin men need it. Their brains are sustained from inside their own systems."

He took me by the shoulders and sat me down on a stool.

"Now start from the beginning. Calmly and sensibly please."

"We can save time if we use those ships rather than start with special ships for the droids."

"Ah I see the logic behind your reasoning."

He looked contemplatively at the ceiling.

"Yes I'll tell the shipyard right away. Now how soon before we can make a start using those vessels?"

"Furlow's got the maintenance done, I've just got to set leaders and groups and it's a go."

Scorpius looked serious.

"And you Sareel? Do you know what you must do?"

I was silent. I knew all too well what I should do but something inside me was rebelling against it. The very name Maldis struck fear into untold numbers of species. He could turn up anywhere and make a wilderness out of a fertile and thriving planet, reducing the people to mere shadows of themselves. I really didn't feel adequate to facing him.

"Sareel?"

His voice brought me out of my reverie.

"Yes?"

He roughly pushed me off the stool and I fell in a heap on the floor, wondering just what had come over him.Kneeling, straddled over me he picked up my head in his hands and his eyes were glittering as he brought his face close to mine.

"You never, never doubt yourself my girl. You are his equal they knew that when they took us through the Eye of Infinity."

He pushed me away and stood up.

"Or had you forgotten?"

Tears were in my eyes.I knew, I remembered now the passing through the eye, something which had been hidden from me before. The procession of spectres, ghouls, predatory species. Everything that wanted to disrupt and destroy the normal functioning of time and life.It had been an eternity while I was shown all these and also shown my helpers, my friends, although in reality I'd been told it had been but a few microts before we'd emerged again.

"You knew!"

"I have always known. My early training prepared me for it, prepared me to recognise when it would be necessary to move."

"You thought the Scarrans were the prime target."

"My experience had led me to believe that was so, however we know better now don't we Sareel?"

"They're being used as pawns in a far bigger game."

"Exactly. They can cause a great deal of suffering and that pleases Maldis and his minions."

"We need peace with them."

"Oh I don't think I'd go that far."

"Scorpius!"

"You have to show the Scarrans that you are stronger and more determined than they are, then they will respect you. Perhaps!"

"I'm still worried about the organic content in the droids."

He shook his head.

"Don't be. They have no life force, no psychic energy that he can draw on."

"Since when have you been interested in psychic forces. I thought you were strictly scientific in your reasoning."

I sat myself down once again on the stool and he half sat on the workbench in front of me. I was feeling a little more secure.

"Scientific reasoning has gaps, my dear Sareel. Gaps which can only be filled by a leap of faith."

A though flew through my head.

"And Crichton. Why Crichton?"

"I wondered that for a long time before I came to a conclusion."

"Which was?"

"Uncertainty. You can be sure that most things that he does fly in the face of reason and often recognised sanity. He provides that chaos factor."

"And that's important?"

He chuckled.

"Well he's often used it to good effect with me, much to my chagrin."

Realisation dawned in my mind.

"Maldis works on the premise that fear creates destructive energy that he can feed on and so..."

"And so Crichton's realised exactly that and will delight in finding ways to thwart him. He will take his attention while you do mental combat."

"I could lose!"

He licked my forehead.

"Then we all lose Sareel. Everyone in this universe and countless others.!

"Such a big responsibility."

"I can't deny that it is. But it's what we were born for."

"Even Crichton?"

"Mmm. I shall have to ponder on that one!"

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

Urana had just finished a gruelling communication with her Council of Elders and flopped down on her couch. Rygel watched her apprehensively.

"Not good I gather, Fey?"

"I wouldn't say that. It's just that they're so. so.."

Words failed her.

"Hidebound is, I think the word you're looking for."

She nodded.

"They're so wrapped up in tradition that they can't see a threat when it pokes them in the face."

She shook her body.

"Errrg. They make me so mad!"

"But will they help?"

"I finally got through to a couple of the younger ones."

"I suppose that means they're still countless cycles old."

"Oh yes they still look on me as a mere baby."

The Hynearean looked her up and down.

"Some infant!"

She smiled.

"Well thank you Dominar. But to more serious matters. Can you use what your tutor taught you?"

"Mind expansion? I'm very rusty. Haven't touched on it for cycles."

He looked glum.

"More cycles than I want to remember actually, but with your help I think so."

"Good, then with Saturnus and Romde we can link with my council and channel energy to Sareel when she need it most. Mind you I think she underestimates her native power."

"I try to keep the right side of her when she's in a bad mood. Don't want to end up as a fried side dish!"

Rool jumped up on her knee and twittered enthusiastically.

"You can little one? I never knew that."

"What's he saying?"

"He can organise some of the Earth animals to give some of their very considerable feral energy to me."

Rygel's face brightened.

"I'm starting to feel better already. Have you got anything edible in your cupboard?"

Urana hugged him and deposited a huge kiss on the top of his head.

"For you Dominar, a feast."

She made a few passes with her hands and a table laden with the Hynearean's favourite foods appeared. His jaw dropped.

"Just how do you do that?"

She shrugged.

"It's really all about changing energy into matter. Easy if you know how."

"Extremely useful gift!"

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

Crichton was fishing with Jack in the spot Sareel had found near the Earth base. He baited his hook and fluffed out the feathers on his fly. Jack grinned.

"You're supposed to use one or the other."

"Nothing like making sure Dad. Second line of attack. They might be colourblind!"

"We've been here two hours and not a nibble. I think they were warned about you."

"Sareel swore that the deep pool was swarming with bass and other fish!"

"Well they all seem to have gone on vacation son. Me I'm going to have me a nap. The Sun's warm, the air's warm and I'm drowsy."

He lay down on the short grass and placed his hat over his face.

"Wake me in an hour. We've got to freshen up before this conference."

"Huh just another in a long line of conferences. And where to they get us? Right back to square one every time."

Jack eyed his son.

"This one's a council of war. Scorpius told me they're ready."

"How come Scorpie tells you these things and never a whisper to me? He's been quieter than a churchmouse these past few weeks."

"Maybe he thinks you aren't interested. Fair play son, you didn't believe him about the Scarrans. Why should you believe him now? That's his reasoning."

John eyed the rod as if it was going to jump up and attack him.

"Maybe, just maybe, I can see a part of his reasoning."

"Still can't forgive him for putting you in the Aurora Chair?"

"Hell Dad he didn't have to."

"More than his job was worth I guess. Any way you acted like a spy, you weren't Sebbecian and you were in a top security base. You couldn't have looked more like a hostile infiltrator to him if you been wearing a big sign saying SPY."

"Suppose not."

"You know the real problem you have is that in many ways you can see him in you and you resent it."

"Hell Dad, me like Scorpius. No way!"

"Have it your way. Me I'm snoozing."

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

Furlow had just finished loading the droids onto the fifth of the ships. Braca was with her.

"Suppose you know when we're going?"

Braca looked surprised.

"I wasn't aware that you were part of the strike force."

"I wasn't."

She grinned.

"But I am now. Hate to miss a good fight. Anyway never know when these guys of ours'll need a service or repair."

"That makes sense."

"So what ship are we taking?"

"Crais suggested that we take Talyn."

She frowned.

"But he's a living ship. What about the Maldis thing?"

"Yes I admit that puzzled me too. But Crais assured Scorpius that he could shut Talyn down if things got difficult."

"Without the biomechanoids they'd be helpless."

"I know but they need a ship that can actually initiate a wormhole and Scorpius doesn't want Sareel to take her prowler. She needs all he faculties free in order to function efficiently."

"Makes her sound like a machine and she sure ain't a machine!"

"Agreed. It's actually quite difficult to decide exactly what she is."

Furlow gave the aide a hefty thump on the back and he nearly choked.

"Whoops sorry! Don't know my own strength. Sareel's Sareel. Never think of her in any other way. I find that asking questions that haven't got answers give me indigestion and sleepless nights."

The idea amused him.

"You? Sleepless nights?"

"I don't have many. Say is the mess open. I fancy a ras'lak!"

Braca looked apalled.

"It's early. Too early to ease up."

"Hey we may be dead tomorrow, just loosen up a bit and relax. Reckon we deserve it."

Braca saw the sense in the statement and shrugged.

"it's on your tab Furlow."

"Sure. Reckon I can stand that!"

Part 19

"Come about Talyn."

Crais's voice was brittle. Action always made it sound that way. He was in command with Scorpius and the half Scarran's presence was irritating him.

"Why are we waiting Scorpius?"

Unruffled as usual by Crais's irritability the scientist replied mildly, "For Braca. He's co-ordinating the robot ships."

"Where's Sareel?"

Scorpius sighed.

"Always the questions. I believe that she's in the starburst chamber with John."

Crais grunted and began to drum his fingers on the console. Scorpius smiled and calmly inspected the fingers of his right glove.

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

John had found me sitting on the floor in the corridor just outside the starburst chamber and he sat down by my side.

"What gives Princess?"

I sighed. He peered round at me.

"You don't need a machine to make a wormhole do you?"

Taken completely by surprise I choked on my saliva. He gave me a hearty slap on the back which cured the choking but left me short of breath.

"How did you know?"

He stretched out his legs.

"Takes one to know one!"

That was startling news.

"You too?"

He nodded.

"Mmm. Frelling Ancients gave me the means, the Eye released it."

"It's dangerous knowledge."

"Huh, don't I know it!"

I looked straight at him.

"And Scorpius?"

"We..eeel Scorpie probably just hasn't realised it yet."

I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing, John looked at me strangely.

"What's the joke Sareel?"

"You don't know?"

"Wouldn't ask if I did."

"Scorpius has spent a great deal of time, energy and resources trying to get the wormhole technology and it's in his head. Has been all the time."

"That's about the gist of it. Yeah it is funny, mind you the Aurora Chair wasn't funny."

"But you knew nothing of the technology at that time."

"Not overtly, but a hell of a lot of water's flowed under the bridge since then."

"Do you think I should tell him?"

"Do you?"

I mused that question.

"Yes. If he can do that he can help distract Maldis and co. As you're going to."

"You've never met Mr Wonderful have you?"

I shook my head.

"All the reports I've heard from people who have range from the sublime to the ridiculous. He's a magician, he's a soul eater, he's a psychic vampire, a daemon, a fiend, your devil. The list is quite long."

John was silent for a while.

"He's all of those Sareel. That's what makes him formidible. I thought he was just one entity, to learn that there are more is frelling scary."

"I was talking to Urana and Romde. Seems that there was one room in the house Romde was never allowed to go in spite of being his daughter."

"She couldn't resist a peek of course."

I chuckled.

"Can't keep a good female down. She also has some of his powers although she never let him know."

"That I find strange. Didn't he sense it?"

"Apparently not. Puts it down to her mother's side. She was a Pjhallan priestess. Anyway she said that all there was in the room was a stone arch and a keypad. Scorpius almost showed some emotion. Seems he thinks that it was a hypergate, a connection between dimensions. Other universes. Much better than wormholes."

"Does Maldis plan on giving the tech to the Scarrans do you think?"

I shook my head.

"Shouldn't think so. He' seems to guard it far too well. Romde said there were two psychic keys she had to go through before she got in. I think that Earth folk lore would call them spells.

"Magic exists!"

"Call it a manipulation of the rules of physics. Few can do it."

"Can you?"

"Haven't a clue. But Romde reckons that the gate may be his weak point. We need to gain control of it. Stop him summoning help."

"Hate to ask this Sareel, do we know where his current connection is?"

"Urana made a guess. She reckons a universe of darkness where light is thought to be evil . A reversed universe to ours in many ways."

"Has this holiday paradise got a name?"

"Ragonor."

"Frell! Shades of Norse mythology."

I didn't know what he was talking about.

"Please explain John."

"Where to start. Well northern people a long time ago had a collection of gods, some good some bad, but what tied them together was the idea that there would come a day when the Earth was doomed, a sort of Armageddon when evil would rule and time would end. They called it Raganar. Not a lot of difference eh princess."

"Can't let it happen John."

Deep inside I had this sinking feeling. Seemed that failure was ordained. Then I mentally shook myself. He was getting to me already just by making me think of failing, by being negative. I put my hand over John's. He looked surprised.

"I'm going to tell Scorpius. Coming?"

"Give me a raincheck on that one. You'll do much better on your own. I'll check the main fluid links. Talyn's always been a bit weak on that score."

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

Scorpius was surprised when a grim faced Sareel marched into command.

"We need to talk Scorpius", she sid curtly, throwing a cursory glance at Crais, "Privately!"

Crais had that feeling that it wasn't going to be one of his better days and suggested they used his quarters, a suggestion which was readily accepted.

"Talyn engage privacy mode in my quarters!"

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

Scorpius sat down on Crais's chair and nonchalently crossed his legs.

"So tell me exactly what it is that's so important Crais mustn't know!"

"It's for your protection. Think a wormhole!"

He blinked in surprise.

"Please repeat that Sareel. I think I may have misheard."

"Think a wormhole. You can you know."

"I'm quite well aware of that fact. "

"You are, I mean you do, I mean you can. Oh frell it!"

"Oh yes. When I was reconstituted in the Eye, I came out with full knowledge. John had it prior to then."

"So why have you been encouraging us with the wormhole machinery? I mean we don't need it."

"Oh I think we do. We can't be everywhere at once and our forces need to have an independent means of making one."

She looked deflated. He sat down deside her on the sleeping couch and raised her chin with one finger.

"Look at me Sareel. As Crichton would say 'What gives?'"

"I want to ask a favour of you. A favour that's not without danger."

"Sareel my dear girl, in the present scheme of things, merely breathing can be dangerous."

She hesitated.

"Yes?"

"Can you help John distract Maldis when he turns up? I need to find the hypergate and I don't want him to be able to delegate too much of his power in its protection."

"I have a better idea. Why don't we both search out the gate. Urana, Romde, Saturnus and your Earth menagerie will be sufficient aid to Crichton I feel. They can be redirected if we need them."

"You'd really be willing to do that?"

"I never make statements that I'm unwilling to back up!"

She looked him squarely in the eye. His gaze never wavered and she broke that contact.

"No you don't do you," she said wearily.

"You are uneasy."

This was a statement, not a question.

"Yes. Oh frell it Scorpie I'm scared."

He chuckled.

"Scorpie is it? John has a lot to answer for you know, but it might comfort you to know that I have some reservations too, but I trust in forward planning and prior knowledge."

"Can we ever know enough about Maldis?"

"Only time will tell that my girl!"

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

Urana, Rool curled up on her lap and Bobby by her side, was in her quarters with Saturnus, Romde and Tycho. Saturnus had been unwilling to leave him unsupervised.

"He's very active. And inventive."

The main comm signal went and Saturnus answered it.

"Well it's started. They're just about to go through the wormhole. We must be prepared for anything."

Romde was scrying her orb, Urana peered into it.

"Now I know I have some farsight powers but just how the frell you can make anything out of that murk, I'll never know!"

"A matter of practice. And the orb is tuned only to react to me. I rapidly learnt that father ws trying to use my friends to further his own ends."

"And he never realised?"

"Oh he must have but I don't think he was willing to expend a considerable amount of energy for a small reward. Little did he know!"

Tycho wriggled his way round the mat which the Fey had laid down for him, his infant body was still learning but his brain was fully active and he reached out for his mother's psychic signature. The others were unaware of his seek. All except Rool and Bobby, who moved to sit by him. He patted the dog, who licked him in return. Urana smiled at what she thought was a friendly domestic picture. Infant and pets!

"We've got a reception committee!"

"Did you really think that it was going to be easy Crichton?"

"Scorpie ka, just shut up. For once in your life shut up!"

The scientist just smiled enigmatically. Crichton in action mode was predictably frenetic and unorganised. Furlow came into Talyn's command with a black box which she plonked onto the weapons console. Crais winced.

"Got 'em wondering just what the frell's going on. Only one ship with life signs."

"Hey don't the droids show organic material."

"Yep, but it looks dead. I've set them to activate and fight in fifty microts, so I suggest that we get the frell outa here to where ever you're going, before then."

"Sensible advice Crais."

"Thank you Scorpius. I'd already come to that conclusion. Talyn starburst."

Scorpius brushed a speck of dirt from his left arm.

"I'm going to join Sareel, I suggest that you join us Crichton. For strength against Maldis, we need to be together."

"Huh huh, I figure otherwise. Attack on two fronts. Didn't they teach you that in the Peacekeepers."

"In conventional warfare, yes. But I don't need to point out that this is far from conventional do I."

"Mephistopheles was more convention than Maldis."



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

Aeryn had come to decision.

"Look Chi. I can't sit around here doing nothing."

"Crichton doesn't want you in danger."

"Frell Crichton and what he wants. I'm a trained soldier and find inactivity in the time of war unacceptable."

"You're not pregnant then?"

Aeryn looked sharply at the Nebari.

"What gave you that idea?"

China shrugged.

"Nothing. Just seemed a likely reason why he'd want you out of it."

"Chiana, Crichton wants me 'out of it', because he's a male who finds it hard to accept that females can match and beat males in the area males hold dear. Namely fighting. That's what the Peackeepers tried to instil in all of us!"

"Yeow, no need to bite my head off!"

"Sorry."

"So whatcha going to do?"

"Take Sareel's prowler through the wormhole. I've got a strategic objective of my own."

"They'll see the signature won't they."

Aeryn shook her head.

"Don't think so. Sareel reckoned that she'd set up an oscillator in her wormhole initiator which diffused it."

"Then why haven't they all got one?"

"Something to do with possible wormhole degradation. She thought it was too risky in general until she'd refined it further."

"But you're going to risk it?"

"She said the amount was small."

Chiana cocked her head.

"Want to share?"

"Share what?"

"Where you're off to?"

"I know where the main Scarran communication relay is."

Chiana laughed.

"Now that would really frell things up for them. It's got to be well guarded though."

"Automatic defence system and..."

"And you just happen to know the codes the maintainance vessels use!"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"You know me. I'm a good guesser."

"You've had one of your visions again."

"Well...oh frell yes. I'm coming with you."

"Have you told Bill?"

"Bill knows that I'm my own person. He'd never interfere."

"You haven't told him!"

"No."

"Don't you think you should? He thinks a lot of you."

"Then he'd only worry if I told him."

"Your mind's made up then?"

"Yep. Anyway I saw turbulence in the area. You couldn't fly the prowler and get a weapons lock."

"You don't think much of Peacekeeper training then."

"Thought it'd be easier."

"Then I would appreciate your company and help. I've got the prowler ready . Do you need anything?"

"We should be in and out, shouldn't we?"

"That was the general idea."

"Then let's go!"

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

Scorpius found Sareel lying on the bunk in their quarters. She looked up as he entered.

"I'm surprised that he hasn't shown himself by now."

"I'm rather relieved that he hasn't!"

"Why Scorpius?"

"The longer it is before he makes his attack the longer we have to marshall our strength. Urana said that the longer the better, then her people could get organised."

"I thought most of them were against the idea?"

"That was the ruling council, and we all know about rulers of any ilk!"

"Oh yes! Rulers got us in this mess in the first place. Fancy thinking you could negotiate with Scarrans."

"It was a lesson learnt at great cost."

He laid back beside her.

"Did I ever tell you of the meditation techniques that Keram taught me?"

"No but I'm sure you're going to."

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

On Earth Tyco had found his mother's signal and latched onto it unbeknown to her. He was playing on his big rug with Rool and Bobby who refused to leave him. His caterpillar like body undulated across the floor while his pincers stuffed coloured bricks into shaped holes. Romde was surpervising him as Saturnus and Urana were closeted with Rygel and d'Argo . He communicated his find to the two animals and Urana recieved the information from Rool with surprise.

"Something wrong Fey?"

D'Argo looked concerned. He a had a soft spot for the small delicate looking female.

"No Ka. On the contrary a most unexpected ally. I think we might have a chance. A slim one to be granted, but a chance!"

"Well it's better than no chance at all."

Rgel stuffed a small cake in his mouth

"Rygel don't you ever tire of eating?"

"D'Argo do you ever tire of fighting?"

"Touché! But I do get weary of fighting. Then I miss it."

"I get full, excrete and then I'm empty again."

Urana was fascinated by the conversation.

"Well gentlemen, now we've sorted out basics, are the troops ready here to repel boarders as it were?"

"There are six ships including a command carrier near to the exit of the main wormhole, all with enhanced weaponry."

"Didn't know we could do that d'Argo."

"Furlow had a trick or two up her sleeve."

"Can't fathom that one. Don't trust her either."

"Well for the moment her aims and ours are the same. We all want to survive."

"I trust Furlow, Rygel. She wants to retire somewhere where she can be safe and live in comfort. Earth fits the bill and I think she sees a chance of opening a business there too."

D'Argo laughed deep and loud.

"Better warn the locals then. She fleece them and they'll all be grateful for the technology."

"Mmm wonder if I could start a business there too?"

"You a trader Dominar?"

"Well Fey in the distant past that is how my lineage got its wealth and power. Mind you we don't broadcast the fact."

"I'll bet you don't."

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

"Troops engaged and blowing the frell outa the Scarrans. They don't know what hit 'em. "

"Tell me what happens after."

Fulow looked coyly at Crais.

"Well there are only two scout ships. After they're dispatched they have two targets to move to."

"Via wormholes."

"Couln't get there any other way in the time "

"But won't they be ready for them?"

"Well I don't think they'd get any warnings off. There were details whose main targets were the comms arrays. Even if they did I doubt they'd be believed. They've got a poor opinion of Peacekeepers and their technology."

"Oh dear they're not the only ones!"

A small wizened man suddenly appeared on the decking. Furlow eyed him cautiously.

"Maldis at a guess."

"You're all getting more perceptive. I'm surprised by the big one."

"Look here splatnik, I've heard all about you and you don't impress me at all. I've seen more impressive Dorp raiders."

The sorcerer took his more usual form, eyes glistening dangerously.

"Not afraid eh? You should be especially when I can do this."

Crais and Furlow were suddenly suspended in a starry nebula, the whole of Talyn's interior was transformed into a place without form and time. Furlow looked at Crais,

"I can't move."

"Nor can I."

"I'm tired of your prattling."

Their mouths suddenly disappeared into patina of smooth skin. Furlow looked wildly about her.

"That's better. Now to find the Vaud and her sidekick."

John suddenly appeared.

"Scorpie won't like you calling him a sidekick."

"Crichton! I thought you'd have been permanently silenced by now."

"Wouldn't you have liked that! Don't like it that I know how to beat you do you?"

"You beat me. In no way are you capable of beating me. I could reduce you to a gibbering jelly with a flick of my hand."

"Probably, but you don't because you like watching how we fight you."

"I learn every time I meet you Crichton. Enjoyed your struggle with the wormhole knowledge."

"Frell it Maldis, you've never had anything to do with that."

The psychic vampire suddenly became an ancient.

"You see you'll never know whether or not is was me."

"It'd make a lot of sense. I always wondered why I was given such dangerous knowledge!"

"All part of life's delicious inconsistencies. Doesn't it make you just the least bit fearful Crichton?"

"And feed you?"

Crichton shook his head.

"No way José. I know what you need, certainly not handing it you on a plate."

"Humour me Crichton."

"Ha that's rich. Read my lips Maldis, 'N. O W.A.Y.'."

"Crichton's not alone in the knowledge!"

Scorpius's quiet voice cut through the tension.

"Sareel and I went through the Eye of Infinity with him. We all share that information, Sareel knew before anyway."

There was a sharp intake of breath from the magician.

"How can that be? No one returns from the Eye of Infinity."

"We did!"