It was approaching the holiday season back home on Earth and Marianne felt miserable. They were still on the royal planet in the process of negotiations with the Scarrens. Bialar didn't want to attend the conference, so Tauvo literally had to drag him in there by the collar. He knew that Marianne wanted some time to herself.

"Bialar, Marianne is only two monens along. She'll be fine!" He told his brother sternly before sitting down. Bialar just glared at Tauvo.

"Tauvo, I was away while she was pregnant with our son. I just want to be there for her."

He looked round.

"Where's Crichton?"

Raskol sat down next to the Crais brothers.

"You haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

Merrick sat down beside Tauvo and said, "Aeryn's gone into labor so I'm sitting in for John and Raskol is sitting in for Aeryn."

Bialar groaned silently thinking "Anything is better than this. Marianne?"

Marianne heard her husband's thoughts and grinned.

"Don't worry about me love. I see DK coming. He'll keep me company."

She ended the telepathic link, leaving him even more miserable. Sighing, she thought, "The holidays are coming and I wanted to share some of the traditions with Bialar and Tauvo. I bet they have never seen anything like it in their lives."

DK came strolling up to her noticing the glum expression. "Hey why the long face?"

"You know what time of the season it is back home?" She said grumpily to him.

"Ouch. If I didn't know better youre having the holiday blues?"

"Yeah, it's not the same here. Plus on top of that Bialar fawning over me constantly and then there's morning sickness. I didn't have it that bad when I was expecting Tauvo."

She told him as she patted her slightly swollen belly.

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

"Well, found out there're some shops that have Christmassy sort of stuff."

"How?"

He shrugged his shoulders and then held his arm out to her.

"Ive got credits and I suppose you've got plenty of credits?"

She nodded and grinned, giggling, "Shopping spree!"

"What a sec you guys!" Wes exclaimed to them as he came running up behind them.

"What's the plan?"

"To show our friends what the festive season can be like. Hey, where's John?"

"You two haven't heard? Aeryn went into labor early."

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

They came across the shops DK had told them about.

"Wow. This place is busy." Marianne commented as they entered one shop.

"Hey guys, look!" Marianne exclaimed excitedly as she pointed out variety of alien trees. "What color do you want?"

The strange looking trees were mainly blue or magenta. She nosed round and found a greeny blue one.

"Cool! I was hoping they would have some. And here're the decorations. Well I think they're decorations."

The variety of objects resembled nothng they had seen on earth. Wes fingered them.

"Fellas, I found a new chamber a while back on board Talyn. It's big enough to fit all this stuff in the room." Marianne told them excitedly.

"Great! I'll get what we need and we get the transport pod and set everything up. Uhhh..by the way sis, who's looking after my nephew?" Wes asked her sternly.

She giggled and replied, "I was wondering when you were going to ask. Chiana and Zhaan are looking after him. He's on board Talyn, so it'll be perfect"

Her eyes went wide with surprise as she saw the perfect gift for little Tauvo

"Awww, he'll love that teddy bear type thing!" DK exclaimed as she got it and then got one for Bialar.

"Isn't Bialar a bit big for that sort of thing?" DK asked her amusedly.

"Look it''ll be perfect! And heres one for a little girl!"

"Uh oh" DK and Wes murmured suspiciously.

"Sis, are you going to have a girl?" Marianne didn't answer her brother right away, she just gave him a big grin.

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

After the long, tiring session, Bialar and Tauvo headed back to Bialars' quarters to relax and check up on his wife.

"I know my wife Tauvo, I have this feeling she's up to something."

Tauvo smirked. From the first microt he had seen her, he liked her. They saw Kim coming towards them.

"Uncle Bialar, Tauvo" she hesitated and Bialar asked Kim, "Marianne isn't in our quarters is she?"

She shook her head and grabbed their hands. Bialar and Tauvo noticed they were being led to a transport pod. Braca and Scorpius were already there. D'Argo was in the pilot's seat as Bialar sat down next to him.

"Do you know what the frell is going on?" Bialar complained to the Luxan. D'Argo laughed and replied, "Kim wouldn't let me in on the secret! She says it's a surprise for us!"

"Where's Rygel?"

"Already on board, consuming the food I suppose."

D'Argo replied as he powered up the pod. He turned and looked at bewildered look.

"Hey, I'm just as confused as you are on this. And by the way, Aeryn had a little girl."

Bialar smiled and then realized that John's daughter and their son would be spending a lot of time growing up together on board Talyn. The thought made him feel miserable.

"What are you thinking about Crais?"

"That if our children should get bonded, then.." his voice trailed off as d'Argo finished, "You and John will be in laws?"

Bialar grimaced and nodded. There was just so much of Crichton he could take and it didn't go that far. DArgo laughed and replied, "John's handling the situation pretty well."

"It's fine for him. He sees things in a more..a more relaxed way."

"Just like a Human you mean."

"That fact hadn't escaped me."

"Frell, you are in a funny mood. Look on the bright side the offspring may hate the sight of one another."

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

Once on board, Talyn started talking to Bialar.

"Talyn slow down! What is going on?"

"Bialar you should see! Follow the DRDs." Talyn thought to him excitedly through the transponder.

"We are to follow the DRDs." , he told the group holding out his hands in resignation, palms up. The DRDs lead them to a different chamber.

"This is new." Tauvo told his brother.

"Very new." Bialar eyed the entrance and when they walked through they were speechless.

In the middle of the room was a decorated tree with a star on top and of course Marianne had placed copy of mistletoe somewhere in the room. There was holiday music playing softly. Zhaan came out of nowhere holding little Tauvo who was six monens old now. Tauvo saw his daddy and said excitedly, "Daddy!" as he waved his arms to get his father's attentions. Bialar chuckled softly and took him from Zhaan.

"Zhaan who's idea was this."

"I think it was Marianne's, DKs and Wes idea. This is part of their culture back home. Something called Christmas."

Kim told them, "Zhaan's right. Back home Christmas comes once a year, usually in December."

"Tell us more." Scorpius asked her. He was intrigued about this newest holiday. Here perhaps was a way to hold the Earth girl's attention.

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

Bialar held his son close to him, while he tried to find his wife amongst all the decorations in the room. He knew that she was somewhere in the room,he could sense that she was close by.

"Tauvo do you think we can find your mother?" he whispered to his son. Little Tauvo giggled as he pulled on his daddy's goatee and then pointed to where Marianne was hiding. Bialar heard his son talking telepathically to him, "Momma over there!" Bialar blinked and stared at his son. He knew he'd have to discuss this new happening with Scorpius.

"There you two are! I've been waiting!" Marianne exclaimed excitedly. Bialar eyed his wife's dress and felt aroused. He murmured to her softly, "Do you know how tempting you are right now?"

She giggled as she traced a finger down his chest and then pointed up. Bialar was standing directly under the mistletoe. She looked up and his eyes followed.

"What is that?"

"Mistletoe. Tradition back home is whoever is underneath the mistletoe you have to kiss."

"Well, then I wouldn't want to set a bad example." Bialar joked to her as he pulled her close with his free hand. He kissed her passionately, thinking to her, "Our son can talk telepathically to us."

"Really? I haven't heard him, what did he say to you?"

"Yes. He said momma over there."

They broke the kiss off and Marianne smiled warmly at him. "So what do you think?"

Before Bialar could answer little Tauvo asked his momma telepathically, "Santa? Who's Santa Momma?"

Marianne turned around and blinked. Bialar looked at his wife and asked her, "Did he?"

"Yes he did. He asked about Santa Claus. I was thinking about Santa Claus." She took little gently from him.

"I hesitate to ask this but who the frell is Santa Claus?"

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

Meanwhile Kim was feeling her old self again.

"Heaven only knows what would happen if all three wanted to kiss me at the same time ."
Amused by the thought she watched them talking.

"Hey Kim want to dance?" DK asked her softly, holding out his arm to her.

"Sure. Maybe those three will get the hint."

She replied with a wave of her arm towards Braca, Scorpius and Tauvo. They slow danced first to see if they would get any type of reaction from them.

"Man are they cold fish or what?" DK whispered.

"Well maybe if you. errr no.. scratch that. Got to many men to deal with as it is without adding a fourth!" she replied to him softly.

"And they don't know?" DK asked her wriggling his eyebrows up and down.She laughed merrily and whispered back, "No. Better to keep them guessing."

Tauvo glanced over and noticed Kim dancing very close to DK. His features darkened immediately as he touched Braca's arm and motioned his head in their direction. Braca took action as he walked swiftly to the couple and touched DK's shoulder.

"I believe it's permitted for there to be a change of partner?"

DK stepped out of the way and gave Kim a wink, and made his way to the makeshift bar. Braca held her close to him.

"Sorry if I haven't paid any attention to you Kim."

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

Merrick and Wes were having a good time.

"Glad Sis came up with the idea." Wes murmured to Merrick.

"Oh, I know what will cheer you up little brother." Merrick said to him with a wink.

"Oh really?"

"Yes. Jena. She's on her way here. So why don't you make your way over to the docking bay?"
Merrick said with a huge grin.

"Cool! I 'll love showong her all of this!" Wes exclaimed excitedly as he left. Jack came over to Merrick and said, "Haven't seen him that happy in a long time!"

"So how're John and Aeryn?"

"Tired. They'll probably come over later. Have you seen your sister?"

"Marianne is probably showing Bialar the mistletoe. She got Moya to make a reasonable copy." Merrick told Jack with a grin. Jack laughed and replied amusedly, " I wonder what our esteemed Admiral Crais thinks of a traditional Earth Christmas?"

"Knowing Bialar. He probably likes it, but he'd never let on." Merrick replied laughing.

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

"Marianne why don't we go somewhere quieter." Bialar suggested, tired by the noise and glitter. She eyed her husband, noticing the slight bulge in his leathers.

"Ok. What do we do about Tauvo. It's not time for his n-a-p."

"I won't take a nap!" Tauvo thought to both of them loudly.

"Ouch! Baby not so loud!" Marianne scolded him gently. She turned to Crais.

"This could become a big problem."

They saw Scorpius walking over to them, having noticed the change in their auras.

"What appears to be the problem?"

"Our son can think telepathically to us. He's not keen on the idea of taking a nap. Could you watch him?" Marianne asked Scorpius.

"Mmm. A new experience. He may not be , er.. happy to stay with me."

"Are you scared of a tiny child Scorpius?"

He eyed her keenly.

"Infants are, well outside my usual sphere of reference. I am ill prepared to care for them."

"Well Tauvo doesn't bite. He may soil his diaper quite a lot, but he never bites. You have my word on that."

The half Scarran was assailed by flashes of his miserable childhood with the Scarrans and compared it to the relaxed and loving atmosphere around him. He shuddered and Marianne noticed.

"Something wrong?"

"Merely old ghosts resurrecting themselves unbidden. If you're sure?"

"I am. I trust him with you."

"Then yes, I'll do my best."

He held his arms out to the infant and Tauvo immediately reached for him.

"He'll be safe with me." Scorpius told them softly as he ran a black gloved finger gently down the infant's snub nose. Tauvo laid back in the scientist's arms. Scorpius looked down at the tiny face.

"So vulnerable. So much potential waiting to be released."

"Potential?"

Scorpius raised his brows.

"I am not your parents, young man!"

"Feel good. Not understand word."

"It's something that will grow just like you will."

"Mmm sleepy."

Scorpius looked down and saw that the boy was fast asleep.

"My how swiftly they can move between states!"

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

Bialar and Marianne were just about to leave the chamber when John entered, a large bag over his shoulder and Aeryn on his arm.

"Hold it guys! Santa's arrived with the goodies."

He sat Aeryn down on a stool and dropped the bag to the ground.He grinned

"Couldn't find a Santa costume anywhere and Moya and Pilot didn't understand. So these dud's will have to do. Now couldn't get to Macey's this year so had to make to with the local market."

Braca leaned over and whispered to Kim.

"What's happening."

"Custom over a large part of earth. We give each other gifts at Christmas."

"I didn't know. I have nothing for you."

She patted his arm.

"I didn't know this was going to happen so I haven't got anyone anything either."

John went round handing out small packages to all who were there.

"Here Sparky. Sorry it isn't gift wrapped."

He handed him a strange shaped jar. The Hynearean's ear tufts rose and his eyes lit up.

"Grollit!! Now where did you find that. Haven't tasted it in cycles."

"Enjoy"

Finally he stood in front of Scorpius.

"John?"

John held out a small package.

"Here. I hope it's suitable."

Scorpius just looked at him before saying, "This is most unexpected."

He placed the sleeping Tauvo on a small table and took the package off the Human. Inside was a small but exquisite crystal box.

"I really don't know what to say Crichton. I am well aware how you feel about me."

"Ah well it's Christmas Scorpie!"

"And that makes a difference?"

"Yeah. Even during a war there's usually a truce on Christmas Day."

"They cease hostilities?"

John grinned.

"You bet! Mind you they beat the shit out of each other again on Boxing Day."

"It couldn't happen in Peacekeeper regulated territory."

Crichton looked pensive.

"No, whole different ball game. Just thought I show a little of the Christmas spirit. Thought we all needed it."

Scorpius looked at the Human.

"You must tell me how this all came about."

"It's a long story."

Scorpius looked at the infant sleeping on the table.

"I'm standing guard as it were. We have plenty of time."

John told him the story about the Human who tried to change the way people treated each other and paid the ultimate penalty.

"Barbaric John. Utterly barbaric."

"It was the way things were done at that time."

"The Scarrans still deal similarily with transgressors."

"Wouldn't wash with them then?"

Scorpius looked at the open face of the Human before replying evenly, "No John it wouldn't."

"Guess you do know more about them that most folk. Hold on here a microt."

He dived off towards the table holding the drinks and came back with two tumblers containing a clear amber liquid."

"Sorry we haven't got the best glasses out. Short notice. A toast to a better cycle."

Scorpius took the glass and fingered it before replying, "A toast indeed John. To a better cycle and...to understanding."

He sipped the liquid and watched as Crichton did the same. All around him was an atmosphere that he'd never before encountered. Folk rising above their problems even for a short period, even denying their existence. Foolish, yet he could detect an undercurrent of hope. He smiled, hope was the thing and he wished that his hope was for something as simple as theirs. Feeling inside himself he was surprised to find that his long held desire for revenge just wasn't there anymore.

Just a little Christmas Magic. Things would be back to normal the next day. Or would they?