John Crichton stands on the coastline. He can still see the cottage from his vantage point. He has a net structure in the water. Jake runs along the beach.

John places some pieces of meat in the net and lowers it down, into the waves.

"Woah, Buddy!" John steps back and catches Jake. "Stay with me Jake until the Dragon is caught."

Jake stares at the net, waiting.

John looks down at Jake. He picks him up and holds him closely.

It is only a few Microts and there is a intense thrust and then pull in the net, nearly ripping it from its moorings. The caught Sea Dragon thrashes violently.

John puts Jake down and walks to the net with a spear. He plunges it into the beast quickly. There is a ghastly unnatural scream and then silence.

John pulls up the net stakes and drags the net over the beach. The net holds a large; dolphin sized, vicious looking horned beast with John's spear in its eye.

Jake dances around squealing. "Daddy! Daddy! That's the biggest Sea Dragon yet!"

"Thanks Jake." John picks him up again and begins walking toward the cottage. "In fact it's so big I need Mom's help pulling it in!"

"I'll get her Daddy!"

"Alright, Buddy." John smiles at him. He kisses Jake on the head and puts him down. "Thanks Jake."

Jake runs toward the cottage yelling. "Mommy! Mommy!"

John pulls his spear from the Dragon's eye. He hears a hiss behind him. John throws the spear, nearly hitting Scorpius.

Scorpius stands eyeing the spear. "I warned you about this John."

"Warned me about what?" John snaps.

"About the danger your son is in."

"You're bluffing, Scorpy. Jake is free of you."

"Of me? Perhaps, John. But the Scarrans now know of Jake through your interrogation." Scorpius looks for a reaction from John. "They've gone looking for him."

John sighs deeply and closes his eyes. "Your information is useless to me, Scorpy."

"Is it?"

John stands toe to toe with him. "How can I save him?" He yells. "Even if I free myself! I have no idea where to find him!"

Scorpius is pleased to at last have John's attention. "Isn't it you who always says 'One step at a time?'" He smiles.

"Not this time!" John says firmly. "If I break outta' here you're going to help me find him."

Scorpius is taken aback. "I can't do that John." He turns and starts to walk away.

"Then, I stay." John goes back to pulling the Dragon to shore.

Scorpius turns back to John. "Even after what I've told you?" He says unbelieving. "You'll die here John." He says matter of factly. "You, and then your son."

"Then, stay, help me." John stands and looks straight into Scorpius' eyes. "No more disappearing. No more, 'What chip, John?'. You tell me everything you know."

"Impossible!" Scorpius balks and walks away again.

John grabs Scorpius' shoulder and snaps him back. "Don't bother coming back, Scorpy. I'll die here with my family. That's the end of it. Understand?" John's eyes seem to pierce through Scorpius cold demeanor.

"Very well John." Scorpius answers.

John lets go of Scorpius' shoulder and returns to work.

"I will help you." Scorpius adds.

John turns back to Scorpius. "You will?" He scrunches his face as though he doesn't believe him.

"Yes, John I will help you find Jake. But that is all."

"I thought so." John turns back to work. "Son of a bitch!"

Scorpius stands mute for a microt, then says. "You want me to stay?"

John faces him. "That's what I said. You help me from now on." John is dead serious. "I own you."

"If that is what it takes to remove you from this place?" Scorpius looks away, as though he is pondering. He looks back at John and sighs. "Yes!"

John grins. "Good, Scorpy." He says brushing the sand off his hands. "Then, let's get to work."

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

ChianaGray
11/21/00
Eye of the Dragon
IC:

Chiana stood sharply, pumping into the table and causing Scorpies glass to drop into this lap.

"Oh!" She raised her hand to her chest with a tock of her head. "How clumsy of me."

"Clever," he poped open his mouth with an intake of his breath as he stood and grasped her arm. "But it won't get you away from me now will it?"

"I-I don't know anything," she swallowed hard as she searched his eyes. Her shoulders raised as she cringed back in aprehension of him. She smiled glancing around herself. "Why - why frell with me huh? You get what ever you want right? So let us go."

"Chiana," he tightend his grip as he pulled her closer to him and glared out at the crowd as they turned to minding thier own buisness again. "Isn't it quaint that you would show up the same time Crichton disapears? It's simple, you tell me where I can find him and the ship and I won't have to give your friend a little spin to find out for myself. Is that not enough? Perhaps I should just put you in my chair?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Chiana shouted in fustration as she yanked her arm away from him and glared into his eyes. She was near tears as she curled her lip at him. "You'll never find him."

"That my dear, remains to be seen."

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

Nova JM
11/21/00
Eye of the Dragon
IC:

Nova peered into the crowd and surveyed the situation. She and Topik only arrived just in time to see Hep being arrested. That was strange she thought to herself, then noticed the gray girl down talking to an odd looking man dressed in black.

Scorpius Jake spoke as he pointed down to the creature.

Nova pushed the group back. Topik, take Jake somewhere safe.

Whats in it for me? He asked.

Ill give you half of the spoils. She whispered back to him.

Half? When I can have all? He scoured gleefully to himself.

Well, Nova smiled back at Topik, You could but the client has just been arrested.

Topik shook his head in disgust, again she was right.

Im going after Hep, She paused and took Jakes hand, Take Jake to a safe spot, away from Scarrens or... she motioned her head to indicate the PeaceKeepers, hiding the notion from Jake.

I will, Topik hissed, Time for your return?

Give me a few arns.

Topik grabbed her tunic, I do this for the money.

Come on Topik, hes just a kid. Nova smiled sweetly.

Nova watched Topik take the Kid away. She knew deep in his stunted heart, he could be trusted; Cargo dealers hate it when a deal goes bad. And it is even worse when it goes bad on their end.

She moved silently following through the door where Hep was taken. Following the corridor, she followed her gut instincts. It lead her towards a small hanger. She found Hep head hung over, it looked to her that he was beaten. Quietly she moved towards where Hep was.

Hep lifted his head seeing the bronze shimmering image come into his view. What are you doing here? You are supposed to be with the child.

Yeah? Well what are you doing here? Nova moved in close as she whispered to him, Hanging with the wrong crowd? Besides we had to move the child,

What? Hep whispered harshly

The child seems to be wanted by the Scarrens. Which brings a thought to me, you are in the Grasps of Scorpius, he has a chair that supposedly.

Hep hissed at her, Shut up.

You better pay me well. Nova moved away.

What are you saying? Hep demanded from her.

Rescuing you will cost ya. Nova explained.

Really? Hep laughed, Do you think that you will be paid at all if I dont get out of here?

You are a Pirate Hep, Nova kneeled before him with her staff propping her up, I figured you could get out of this yourself. Besides, your gray friend is in more trouble I think than she can handle.

Heps face flushed in anger, Nova, please he spoke through gritted teeth, Let me loose.

She thought for a moment, when she heard the footsteps of the guards coming back to load Hep onto the Transport. Nova melted into the Darkness as Hep almost cursed her.

The guards came forward and picked Hep up. Out of the darkness, a shaft knocked one of the guards senseless, while the other fought as Hep forced him off. Nova sliced through Heps bonding with her sword as Hep grabbed for her Pulse pistol and took down the other PeaceKeeper.

Okay, Nova smiled at the ice blue eyes that met her. Where to next?

Chiana. He breathed.

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

Nhfearme
11/22/00
Eye of the Dragon:
Crichton's Rules
IC:

John leaves the Sea Dragon and the net and begins walking up to the cottage with Scorpius in tow.

"Rule #1, Scorpy. No more poking your head in when I'm with the Misses."

"You can't be serious John!" Scorpius is incredulous. "You can't stay here."

"I have to get ready." John says correcting him. "You said I have to use a sword to defeat them. So there is more than one Scarran.

Also, I don't know how to use a sword. So, Rule #2, you'll have to train me."

"We don't have time for this John."

"Yes, we do."

Aeryn walks out of the cottage, holding Jake's hand. "I'm sorry I took so long John. I can help you now."

"Uh, I can't now Aeryn. Just cut off some of the beast for dinner. I'll haul it up later."

"Oh." Aeryn shrugs to Jake. "Alright, John."

"Wait a microt, Honey." John stops her, takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately.

Scorpius watches, eyebrows raised.

John smiles at her. She goes back into the cottage, gets a knife and bowl and leaves for the beach with Jake.

John waits for her to leave.

John walks into the cottage. "Sword size. What are we talking?" John sorts through the kindling. He selects a long branch that hasn't been broken. "Is this about right?" John looks at Scorpius.

"Longer."

John picks out a longer branch. "How's this?"

"I have to leave soon, John."

"Wait a minute, Harvey. Just get me started here."

Scorpius looks at the stick. "Maybe two denches shorter."

"OK." John puts his heal on the end of the stick and snaps off two denches worth. He holds it up. "Like this?"

"Yes, I have to go now John." Scorpius turns and walks out of the cottage.

"Fine. I'll practice." John goes outside and gets the scarecrow from the garden. He sets it up against a stone and begins poking it.

Soon the scarecrow is in shambles. John turns to slashing at tree leaves and the air. Jake is thrilled and runs around with his own stick poking things.

Aeryn just watches in amazement, then walks back into the cottage, shaking her head.

*****************************
Nova JM
11/22/00
Immenent Attack
IC:

Topic took Jake by the hand and lead him outside to the street.

"Why don't we just go see Scorpy?" Jake asked.

"We cant right now, if we do, you will lead the Scarren strait to him." Topic answered. He only to Jake the Partial truth, the Scarrens would be lead to the PeaceKeepers, but he was going to keep Jake away from them until at least Nova gets back.

They both moved silently down the street when Topik spyed a group of Scarrens heading his direction. Topik grabbed Jake and backed into the recess of a dark corner. He then motioned for Jake to be quiet.

The Scarrens walked up from talking. "Have you located the boy." One hissed to another.

"There has been no sign of him yet."

"Has Tarraff reported in."

"Not yet."

The shuffling sound of them stopping made Topik uneasy. He placed his hand over Jakes mouth just to be sure. Jake sat there listening, stunned at the size of the creatures.

"There is a banquet being held by the PeaceKeepers in the main hall." One Scarren spoke to the other.

"PeaceKeeper wimps." another Scarren hissed.

Jake wanted to shout at them about PeaceKeepers being the best, but Topiks hand only held a tighter grip when he felt the child move.

"Most likely, Scorpius is her seaching for the captive."

"You think he could be at the banquet?"

"It is possible."

"hmm...then lets gather our forces, attack the banquet."

The Scarrens moved on as they hurried to gather the others.

Topik and Jake moved from their hiding place. Plans have changed again. He had to warn Nova. He paced for a moment thinking, what a notrotious thought, that's one less dealer. He looked at the Kid, well they were still partners for now. He took a hold of Jake as they headed back to the banquets to find and warn Nova.

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

Nhfearme
11/22/00
Eye of the Dragon:
Crichton's Rules
IC:

John settles in for another night. Perhaps his last night with Aeryn. Soon he would be without her forever. The thought cuts him. He begins to cry.

Only one other time has he said goodbye. When she walked away from him on the royal planet. This time, he would be the one who must walk away.

"Aeryn, Honey. Talk to me." John is desperate.

She begins to speak, telling of the days events.

"Well, we 'made love' as you call it this morning, which was lovely." She plays with John's chest.

John studies her by the lamp's glow. He reaches to touch her. In every way he tries to remember her look, her voice, her touch.

"Jake got up and I fixed us all breakfast. Then we worked in the garden for a while." She smiles. "I cleaned and prepared the vegetables while you and Jake caught that giant Sea Dragon."

Aeryn looks into John's teary eyes. "Why are you crying, my love?"

John is unable to answer her.

Her hand on his cheek, Aeryn wipes away his tears. She embraces him and kisses him deeply.

John tingles at her touch. He sighs in her embrace. Left breathless by her kiss, he surrenders yet again.

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

Nhfearme
11/23/00
Eye of the Dragon:
Scorpy's Lesson
IC:

John suddenly wakes.

Scorpius stands over him. "Hurry John. We're out of time." He says impatiently.

"Morning, Harvey."

John gets up leaving Aeryn asleep in their bed. The sun is not yet up. He dresses in darkness and grabs his stick from the kindling bin as he leaves the cottage. He yawns in the early morn's light as they walk to the beach.

"OK. Real time. What are we talking Scorpy?"

"The Scarrens captured you one solar day ago. You were taken from the Prowler 12 arns ago and delivered to this facility. The specialist arrived and has been interrogating you for 5 arns. They discovered the information about your son and have been searching for him 2 arns. The man sent to find him has not reported back."

John's stride reflects his nervousness over the situation. He seems to be hurrying to the beach.

Scorpius continues. "Also, myself is now on the planet. The Scarrans believe that Jake will be delivered to me very shortly."

John stops short. "No!"

"It's worse than that John." Scorpius continues. "There may be a conflict to recover him."

"How soon?"

"When they have gathered their men. They will attack."

"Do you know where Jake is?" There is a lump in his throat as John asks.

"I believe that Jake is with the people who took him."

"Where?" John orders Scorpius to answer.

"With the Sebacean man and the Nebarri woman who bought the Prowler."

John stands trying to digest it all. He finally asks. "How much time do I have to learn this, art?"

"Your time?" Scorpius reflects. "Perhaps 8 arns will equal 2000 Microts in theirs."

John's hope of saving his son sustains him. Still he considers that fighting the Scarrans may be impossible.

"I don't know how long I can stay, John. They are standing nearby, certain that you will break soon."

"I've done everything I can by myself." John picks up his stick. "Now, show me what I'm supposed to be doing with this."

"Not with that, John." Scorpius takes the stick and pulls it through his hand, changing it into a real saber. "With this." He hands the sword to John, hilt first.

"Wow! Can you show me how to do that?" John says eyeing the sword. He takes it from Scorpius' hand. "I would love to have a steak dinner."

"You must discipline your mind, John. Now, on guard!" Scorpius holds another sword in defensive stance, facing him.

"Uh, Scorpy, I told you. I don't know what I'm doing here." John says, clueless.

"Have you forgotten John? I am in your mind." Scorpius says, dropping his sword to his side. "If you allow me, I can guide your reflexes."

"Really?" John raises an eyebrow. "OK." He shakes his head, unsure then takes the defensive posture, sword raised.

"Good, John." Scorpius salutes and slashes the air in a bow to him then crosses swords with John. He taps once then crosses to tap the other side of John's blade.

Scorpius raises his balance arm higher and lunges at John.

John perrys, deflecting the lunge. The blade nearly grazes him. "Watchit!" He yells. "Hey! I'm just learnin' here!" He checks to see if he's wounded.

"You did well John. Now again!" Scorpius lunges at John. This time he does not let up.

John perrys again and again deflecting Scorpius' thrusts. Each time John gets a little quicker.

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

Scorpius smiles proudly at John's progress. "For your next lesson, John. You must attack me."

John smiles. "You asked for it." John attacks with all of his anger and fury. Aeryn's death. His own incarceration and slavery to serve the Peacekeepers. His desire to keep Jake free of them.
John forces Scorpius back across the sand.

Scorpius begins to look worried. "Good John! Good! Time for a new technique. The Scarrans can easily be injured by slashing them with your blade."

Scorpius shows John by coming down and across with his blade forcing John's into the sand. "Now you try."

John lifts his sword high and to his shoulder then brings it swiftly down and across to slash Scorpius. Suddenly he is no longer fighting Scorpius but a Scarran.

The Scarran knocks the sword from John's hand and seizes him by the neck lifting him off the sand.

"No John! No!" Scorpius stands to the side watching the conflict. "You were supposed to cut off his hand!"

John is choking.

The Scarran releases John, dropping him on the sand.

John hits the beach with a hard 'Thump'! He tries to catch his breath. "I'll do better next time." He finally says, coughing. He picks up his saber and faces the Scarran.

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

ChianaGray
11/24/00
Eye of the Dragon
Scorpy's Lesson
IC:

"Maybe you'll just have to find out from the other side," Chiana retorted as she slipped her dagger from her belt and stared into his eyes as she shoved it into his diaphram and twisted.

Scorpius bent forward, snareling his face as he back handed her, sending her sprawling to the ground. He came to her, snatching for her as she came to her feet. She kicked him in the groin and pushed him into the table, sending him and table crashing to the ground. She gaped at him, still holding the dagger as she bounced and bounded into the crowd.

"Stop her!" He shouted as he forced himself to his hands and knees and gasped for his breath as dark blood began to line his lips.

Chianas eyes widend at the guards comming straight for her. She leaped, high and in a crouched fashion over their heads and landed on her feet into a dead bolt run. Pulse fire shot around her, dignitaries screaming as she skidded into the balcony. A hand with a pulse pistol came out in a swing, nocking her back before she could scamble over the railing. She shouted, grabbing the pulse pistol in the PeaceKeepers hands as she came hip to hip with him and elbowed him in the nose several times in swift jerks. He let go of his grasp and she yanked the gun away from him, turning with it when another grabbed her. She fired, her shot going straight into the air when the PK with the bleeding nose turned on her and rammed his fist into her stomach. She bent over with a scowl to her knees, trying to turn away when someone kicked her in the ribs and then the butt of a pulse pistol came smashing into the side of her head. Her head swung, dark blood flying out of her mouth before she fell face down.

Scorpius came to them, grasping his bleeding chest as he snareld down at her.

"Take that little tralk to the base. Make sure she survives!"

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

She was thrown, the cell door sliding shut behind her as she came to her feet. She cried out in fustration, kicking the cell door as she struggled with the cuffs that bound her hands behind her.

She eased forward as Scorpius came to the cell, tilting her head to one side with the anger flaring in her eyes as he smiled.

"You know what Scorpy," she smirked at him. "You're a dead man."

"Easily healed," he narrowed his eyes at her as he held tightly to his wound. "Though I'm sure that isn't what you meant. I just wanted to be sure you will find your accomidations comfortable enough to make it to my chiar."

"You can't frell with my mind Scorpy," she narrowed her eyes on him, barking a laugh as she backed away. "You think you can hold me in this dump?"

"You know, I'm realy suprised with you, Chiana. I have this frightening impression you have come to assasinate me?"

"Get a good look, Scorpy," she glared at him as she hitched her shoulder, struggeling with her restraints. "Assasination doesn't cover half the things I've done."

"Interesting," he glared back but she could see the hint of fear in his eyes. "I will enjoy seeing your whole life flash in front of my eyes. Do enjoy the containment."

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

"I'm sure you recognize your anagram of Kargan; the Scarran you pushed into the foundry acid on the Royal Planet?" Scorpius illuminates.

Crichton slashes his sword against Kargan's chest.

The Scarran has a laceration over his heart. Some blood drips down his chest from the wound. Kargan looks down at his wound then looks at Crichton and snarls.

"Uh, Oh. I think I just made him angry." John backs away from the Scarran.

"Put some power behind it John." Scorpius kibitzes. "A Scarran's skin is very tough, remember."

Kargan backswings his arm, hitting John and sending him flying.

"Woah!" John yells as he sails over Scorpius' head, landing with a 'Thud!'

Kargan walks to Crichton and stands over him. John picks up his sword and chops against Kargan's ankle.

Kargan hops on one foot. Growling and hissing he swipes at John with his claws. John scrambles between Kargan's legs to get away.

Crichton stands, lifts his Saber and strikes it against Kargan's back.

Kargan's strap is cut; his pants slip. He turns to attack Crichton. He trips on his pants and falls flat on his face in the sand. He turns over, slashing at Crichton with his claws.

John backs up, raises his sword and thrusts it into Kargan's eye. Kargan shrieks and tears at John's side, shredding his shirt.

John collapses in agony. "Aaaaaa!"

Kargan gets up and pulls the sword from his eye. He tosses it away and reaches to strike John again.

"Aaaaa!" John turns, rolling over and away from Kargan. "Scorpy! Help!" John Yells.

"I won't be there when you battle Hagar and Amoth, John." Scorpius answers coldly. "You must do this yourself."

Kargan's pants are still loose. He nearly falls again. It slows him in his attack.

John gets up and runs around Kargan to retrieve his sword. As Crichton passes, Kargan scythes his claws at John cutting his shoulder.

"Aaaaa!" John screams but keeps running for the sword. John is now covered in his own blood.

Crichton's adversary's face is distorted in pain and rage. Blood runs from his eye. Kargan snarls and raises his hand. A heat pulse comes from his fingertips and hits John in the back.

"Aaaaa!" John screams and falls in the sand away from the heat pulse.

"Some help! Scorpy!" John yells.

"You have your weapon!" Scorpius hisses. "Use it!"

Crichton grips his Saber tightly. He leaps in the air and comes down against the Scarran's arm. Kargan's arm is sliced cleanly. It falls and lies twitching in the sand.

Kargan raises his remaining arm to inflict another heat pulse. Crichton hacks against it with all of his might, severing Kargan's hand.

John backs up in horror.

Kargan groans in agony and charges, breathing heat, determined to kill Crichton.

John does not back off. Instead he thrusts his Saber into the small cut he first inflicted in Kargan's chest.

Kargan growls and hisses as a wild beast. His body falls, writhing in the sand.

John falls to his knees holding his shoulder, trying to catch his breath. He stares at his handiwork. "I have to fight two of these?"

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

John is exhausted from fighting for his life. He drops his sword and rests, holding his shoulder.

"My time here is limited, John." Scorpius examines Kargan's body. "And you have much to accomplish."

"Just 5 minutes, Scorpy." John says lying down. "Just 5 minutes."

"Not even 5 Microts, John." Scorpius looks toward the cottage. "You have company."

John looks over and sees Aeryn running toward the beach. He props himself up on one elbow.

"What will this show on their interrogation monitor?" John asks.

"It will be alright until the Scarrans return. Then they will see what she sees."

"I have to clean up! I can't let her see me like this!"

"Calm yourself John." Scorpius reprimands him. "This is in your mind. You must show discipline. You can control all of this."

"How? Hurry!"

"Concentrate." Scorpius eyes him. "Believe yourself healed."

"Believe." John closes his eyes as though praying. "I believe." He mumbles.

John looks at himself. There is no change. "This isn't working!" He says in frustration.

"You must believe John or you must lie."

"Lie!" John says excited. "Of course! I'll lie!"

"I fell on something. No good, there is just sand here. I was attacked by something! That's it! A Sea Dragon!" John looks at himself again. "No. No good. I'm dry!"

John gets up and goes to the surf to get wet. Just then a Sea Dragon jumps out of the surf. It snaps at him and nearly gets him.

"Good lie John. Now she's seen the Sea creature attack, and you are wet." Scorpius sounds unenthused. "Still, you need to discipline your mind if you want to get out of here. Or would you prefer that I kill you again?" He asks John slyly.

Aeryn reaches the beach. "John! John! The Dragon! Where are you hurt?" She looks at his many wounds. "Here! You must come away from here back to the cottage." She hooks her arm around his body, under his arm to help him up.

"Aw, Aeryn! It's just a scratch." John drawls. "You shoulda' seen the otha' guy." He gets up with Aeryn's help and begins walking to the cottage.

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

Aeryn struggles with John as he stumbles into the house. She sits him down at the table and gets a bowl of water. She comes back to the table with the bowl and some rags.

"What ever did you do that for?" She asks John angrily.

"I don't know, Aeryn. Maybe I just wanted to go surfing for a change." He says nonchalantly.

"Surfing?" Her anger grows. "What the Hezmana is that?"

Still, although she is angry, she gently cleans his wounds, giving John all of her attention.

"If I'd known I could get this much attention? I would have fought a dragon much sooner." He smiles his little boy smile at her.

"There are no Med Techs here, John!" She shouts at him. "What do you think would happen to Jake and me if you killed yourself pulling one of these stunts of yours?" She throws the rag into the bowl of water and storms into the bedroom.

John gets up holding his side, and follows her. "I'm sorry Honey." He tries to touch her. She pulls away. "I'll try to be more careful." He tries to touch her again, she allows it. "I promise."

"John." Scorpius bad breath is in John's face.

John turns his head and closes his eyes ignoring Scorpius.

"We have a chance to escape!" Scorpius perches on the edge of a chair looking somewhat like a gargoyle. "Amoth is being removed as Hagar's assistant." He says delighted with the information. "You will only have to fight one Scarran to escape!"

John gives Scorpius an evil look.

"I know." Scorpius says pouting. "Rule #1. I'll go now, John. But be ready!"

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

Topik hurries with Jake back to the Banquet to warn Nova. Jake pulls on his tunic. Topik looks down. He sees Jake pointing. Topik's eyes follow the direction of Jake's point.

A group of Scarrans are coming up fast behind them. Topik quickly ducks into an alley, pulling Jake along. He hears one of them bluster.

"I regret that I will not be able to perform my duties in this raid, Pargon. Hagar requires my assistance in his interrogation of this unclassified alien, Crichton." His pride has undone him. Topik listens to every word.

The Scarran continues. "Amoth has failed the Imperium in this matter. He has been ordered to return there for a reprimand." He snarls.

"The Imperium has chosen me for my warrior skills. They suspect that Hagar may kill Crichton after his interrogation for the murder of his brother." He snarls in kind of a half chuckle. The others laugh with him.

The Scarrans pass beyond Topik's hearing. He follows them with his eyes to where they enter a building.

Topik quickly checks to see if the street is clear and picks up Jake to run to the Banquet before more Scarrans, or Peacekeepers for that matter, appear.

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

Topik approaches the main entrance for the Banquet. Thinking the peacekeepers may be looking for Jake by now, he turns down the alley to the back entrance.

Just then, he sees Hep and Nova emerge in the darkness. He checks to see that they are not followed.

"Nova!" He whispers loudly and waves for them to join him.

"What are you still doing here!" Nova nearly yells, upset. She places her weapon in its sheath and takes Jake.

"Monsters are looking for me and Scorpius." Jake tells her in her ear.

"I was coming to warn you. Scarrens are gathering to attack the Banquet." Topik says excitedly. "And," He looks at Hep and back to Nova as though he isn't sure to trust the Peacekeeper. "There is a Scarran here that will lead us straight to Crichton!"

"Where?" Hep moves closer.

Topik is all business now. "How much will you pay for the information?" He says slyly.

"Miss Nova." Jake whispers to her. "I saw the monster too. I'll tell you."

Nova smiles to him and nods walking back to the street. Jake points down the street to a small building with no windows. Nova smiles again at Jake and kisses his cheek.

Jake smiles back. "Thank you, Miss Nova."

Nova walks back to Hep and Topik who are still arguing over the price of rescuing Crichton. She stands disapproving of Topik.

Hep turns to Nova. "We don't have time for this. I still have to help Chiana!" Hep is visibly upset. "The Peacekeepers will torture her. One of the guards said they think she knows where Crichton is!"

"Are we gonna' save my dad?" Jake whispers to Nova.

She smiles at Jake and nods. "Uh, huh. We have to find him first."

"We can follow the monster while he saves Miss Chiana... " Jake whispers.

Nova looks at Jake with surprise for his grasp of the situation.

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

John wakes on the bed. It is still light, the afternoon breeze drifts through the curtains. His ribs and shoulder are sore and stiff. Still, peeking under the bandage it seems he is healing better than he could have in the real world.

He looks up. Aeryn is standing next to the bed. She removes her vest, undoes her pants, removes her shirt. She sits on the bed and takes off her shoes and pants. She gently lies down next to him.

He watches her with interest and smiles.

"Are you well enough?" She asks. "Jake is taking his nap."

John reaches to touch her. Pain shoots through his arm. He ignores it.

"You may be the best thing for me." He smiles. Touching her skin, he tingles from his fingertips and through his body. He closes his eyes.

Aeryn leans into him and kisses him deeply. His body responds. He breathes. She is his life.

John knows there is no time. Scorpy could 'kill' him any second. He soon will be locked in mortal combat with the Scarrans. Still, he longs to spend his life here. Any last moments with her will have to be stollen.

John reaches to embrace her. He has forgotten his pain for the moment. She has the power to heal his many wounds.

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

Nova JM
11/29/00
The Desicions
IC:

Nova looked over her shoulders at Topic then over to Hep. Fine you two argue it out. Im going to go and do a little investigation.

What? We are not arguing. Hep sternly told Nova.

Yes you are. Nova said lightly as her eyes were drawn up to the platform from hence they came and noticed a struggle, Besides, it looks like your Friend may be heading for the Command Carrier.

Hep shot his look towards the platform. His heart sank knowing it to be Chiana. Shooting his glance back to Nova You should have just left me there, I could of saved her.

Novas eyes glimmered with amusement as she looked back towards Hep, Really?

Topic watched the top platform, You guys really cant help but get yourself into trouble, can you?

Heps head snapped as he glared at Topic.

Really, now why would you go looking for trouble, not even I am that careless. He shrugged.

Are you volunteering to help out Topic? Nova asked bemused.

Topic thought for a second as he watched Nova carefully. How did he manage to get himself into this he wondered? He looked over to Hep then pointed to him while looking at Nova, Because If he dies, I wont get paid.

I dont need your help. Hep retorted.

Well whatever, Nova scoffed. Im heading where the Scarrens were last seen.

How do you think you know, I know. Toric protested.

Nova smiled sweetly back at Toric, Lets just say I have a hunch. Besides, you both will have a lot more to deal with than I will.

What? Hep just couldnt believe how Nova thought this whole situation was just a game.

The Scarrens are attacking the PeaceKeepers, you will be attacking the PeaceKeepers, you will have Scarrens and PeaceKeepers to deal with, besides, you Hep are a PeaceKeeper. Nova paused as she was interrupted bye a growl in her ear bye Hep.

Am not.

What ever, she turned her head towards Hep. You two will have plenty to do fending and fighting to save your friend.

Chiana, he pointed out her name.

Okay, Nova turned as Heps face was mere inches from her face, Chiana.

We are going to save daddy right? Jake asked while resting in Novas arms.

She turned her head towards Jake, Yep, we are.

You cant bring that child into the Scarrens Lair. Topic spoke not amused at all by this plan.

The Scarrens Lair will be abandoned except for maybe two or three Scarrens, they can be handled, besides it will be easier to hide him there while the rest are attacking. She looked back to the front entrance of the banquet, Besides, you two are going to have your hands more than full enough to rescue She paused again the looked to Hep, Chiana.

Fine then take the blaster. Hep finally offered her own blaster back.

Keep it. She motioned to him, Its no use to me against the Scarrens. Ill keep my staff. Besides if you bust my Pulse pistol you owe me two more. She turned to Jake, You ready?

Jake nodded his head. Nova looked over towards Topic, Well heres you chance to kill a Scarren. She turned and headed away then turned back to him, Dont miss! And dont get killed.

Topic shook his head as Hep grumbled as both made their way into the Banquet hall heading towards the docking bay where Chiana was being held for transport.

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

Nhfearme
11/30/00
The Desicions
IC:

"Wait." Hep says to Nova as she turns to go.

Hep holds out his hand. He has a small device in it. "Take it." He says.

"What is it?" She asks.

"It's a Personal Emergency Homing Beacon. I've changed the ident signal so the Peacekeepers won't pick it up."

Nova looks at Hep questioning.

"When you find Crichton, or you get into trouble?" Hep says. "Press this and we can find you."

Nova takes it. Topik takes her arm. "He didn't pay for Crichton yet!"

Jake stares at Topik. Topik suddenly feels a sharp stab of guilt at dealing with Crichton's life. Topik's eyes go to the dirt.

Nova pulls her arm away from Topik. "Thanks Hep." She smiles. She gives a disapproving look to Topik and walks away, still carrying Jake.

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

John lay on the bed and stretches, still holding Aeryn close. He looks under his bandage. His wounds are completely healed. "Hmmm." He thinks. "Love does heal."

Aeryn wakes in his arms. She looks up at him. The sun is still high. He gets up from Aeryn. It is hard to leave her. The real world no longer holds any attraction. He sits on the bed and kisses her. He embraces her.

John must leave her, a mere memory. He has to turn away from her. If he thinks about it, he will decide to stay with her. Only Jake; He must save Jake. John must get ready. He goes to fight for his son. Their son.

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

Hep enters the side entrance to the Banquet. He hears Chiana's screams.

"Stop Frelling with me you Peacekeeper Skank!" She yells as she kicks, being pulled into the shuttle.

Hep grins to himself as he runs up the metal scaffolding to her.

Topik walks slowly behind. "There are still no Scarrans." He says to himself nervously.

Hep is nearly to the top. Chiana is already inside the shuttle. He draws Nova's Pulse Pistol. He is ready to kill all who get in the way.

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

John walks to the beach. His shirt in tatters, he has left it with his lost love.

John picks up the Saber. He stands waiting for the anagram of Kargan to appear. He doesn't.

Aeryn watches him from the bedroom window. The Scarrans see what she sees.

John begins to practice the maneuvers and thrusts he used against Kargan.

Hagar and Amoth watch from the Hasmat control panel.

"The readings from a mere 2000 Microts ago were the most erratic since the beginning of his interrogation. Now he practices swinging at the air!" Hagar snarls, very pleased with himself. Then he says under his breath. "I will soon have my vengeance on Crichton." He hisses.

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

Hep runs up the shuttle ramp. He can still hear Chiana kicking and screaming from her cell. An ensign greets Hep at the hatchway.

"Sir, you nearly missed us, Sir." The ensign says to him.

Hep raises his eyebrows and looks askance at the ensign. He puts Nova's Pulse Pistol in his holster and lowers his face to the young man.

"This prisoner, ensign. Scorpius has decided to question her here." He cannot believe his luck. He nearly gasps at his good fortune. Then he snaps at the slow moving ensign. "Name!" Hep stares at the ensign, making him very nervous.

"Ensign first class, Dugat, Sir!"

"Release her to me! Dugat!" Hep demands.

The ensign scurries down the corridor to bring Chiana out.

He returns in a few Microts with Chiana kicking him as he drags her. He is accompanied by two Peacekeeper Grotts.

"More luck!" Hep thinks to himself. "Everyone is attending the Banquet and unwilling to pull duty for Scorpius!"

Chiana sees Hep and stops struggling. Hep pulls Nova's Pulse Pistol. "Calm yourself or get this!" He threatens her.

Chiana smiles crookedly at Hep as she 'surrenders'.

"I'll take it from here ensign Dugat." Hep says to them firmly. He grabs Chiana by the cuffs and pulls her promptly out of the shuttle, Nova's Pulse Pistol still drawn.

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

ChianaGray
11/30/00
The Desicions
IC:

"You want to take me out of these things?"

"Just be patient," Hep muttered as he gazed around himself, shuffeling her swiftly down the shuttle ramp as several PK passed by them, starring. Chiana turned her head away from them as one of them laughed.

"What's the matter captain, your tralk too much for you?"

"I'll care you to mind your own buisness," Hep shot back without slowing his pace.

Chiana stumbled along, her eyes meeting the face of Captain Shelan as they walked right past him. She ducked her head, drawing closer to Hep.

"Chiana!"

Hep half turned, looking over his shoulder as he aimed Novas pistol into Shelans chest and began to squeeze on the trigger. Shelan creased his brows, his eyes burning wild as he eased his hand down to his pulse pistol. Beads of sweat poured down Heps face as Shelan raised his other hand to him with the palm out.

"Just relax... Captain, I think there is just a slight mis-understanding..."