Nova looks to Hep, "You remember right? That the Pulse Pistol will barely phase the Scarrens."

"I know, its close combat or die." Hep answered as they moved silenty towards the hanger.

"Well I see that you at least get the picture." She said as she transfered her staff to her fighting hand.

The Prowler landed a few metras from the Hanger as the two headed towards the Hanger. They stopped and watched as Scarrens entered the building.

"I hope Chiana and Crichton got out." Hep mummbled quietly to himself as Nova moved up next to him.

"Shelan?" Nova asked quietly as they overheard the conversation. She still didn't trust that Peacekeeper.

"Yes a hardened PeaceKeeper." Hep answered.

"Oh great, Topik will be so pleased to see him again." Nova laughed softly to herself.

"What do you mean?" Hep tore his eyes from the Hanger and looked at Nova.

She narrowed her eyes upon Hep, "We all have no love for the PeaceKeepers especially those whose homes have been destroyed by them." She hissed in an angry tone as her own hatred penetrated through. "Besides we have to move now." She got up when the coast was clear and headed towards the Hanger with Hep following close behind.

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

Topik quickly gathered his gear after he watched the Nebari girl and the Sebacean looking alien duck from his sight. He was angry enough, that the Scarrens where invading his Hanger, but to know that Peacekeepers were also on their way.

He growled as he thought about the abandoment of Hep, when he could really have used his help. Hep would pay he thought.

A sound eminated from the hanger as footsteps headed towards him, he unholstered him Pulse Pistol and aimed it squarely at Hep. Hep continued walking forward with his hands raised up.

"Stay back PeaceKeeper trash." He hissed. Hep continued closing the gap between them. Topik straightened his arm and slightly pressed the trigger. "I am warning you only once."

Nova then jumped in the line of fire. "Stay out of this Nova." he growled with pure displeasure. "I told you that you should never trust their kind."

"Topik, you're not sore that we didn't come and get you are you?" she stayed in a low crouch with her staff resting lightly on the floor. He grunted back at her, not wanting to admit it. "I knew you could take care of yourself." She smiled back at him.

"I have no quams about taking you out as well, Nova." He warned her as well, even though his heart couldn't let him kill her.

"You would have to catch me first." She challenged back. She moved forward as Topic's pistol aimed at her then back at Hep.

Hep didn't say anything almost amused at the barbaric form these two took with one another. It reminded him of the good days back with the Pirates, always fighting to see who would get the larger share.

Nova closed the distance till she was only steps from Topik, she stopped as placed the pistol squarely upon her face. "I'm warning you Nova."

"And I'm warning you, duck now." She whispered her eyes no longer resting upon Topik.

Topik hesitated then thought better of it and ducked as Nova's staff came strait for his head passing above it, he heard a scream as he heard her staff bore a hold into the thick hide of the Scarren, disengaging her staff in one swift movement, the sword severed the head from the shoulders. She disloged the staff as Hep shot his pulse pistol, keeping a little distance between the other approaching Scarren from the Three of them.

The battle had begun, Topik for the moment forgot about his hatred as survival instincts kicked in. Back to back Nova and Topik circled watching the group of Scarrens close in upon them. Hep moved closer as he unsheathed his Blade that hung from his belt.

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

Chiana and Crichton ran from the Bunker, when Crichton stopped.

"What are you doing?" Chiana called out to him.

"I know how to destroy them." John yelled to her.

"Are you out of your Hemeza?" Chiana grabbed his arm as she pulled him towards a transport.

"No Chiana, I need to know where they have my son!" he shook his arm loose from her grip.

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

Nhfearme
12/13/00
Jake's Escape
IC:

Crichton walks up to the Scarran transport. He stands, jacket open, his scabbard hanging on his left hip, sword sheathed. He shouts. "Hagar! Sit, oh damn, what is his name?"

"Setig." Scorpius prompts him.

"Setig!" Crichton straightens his jacket collar. "I challenge you in The Way of Honor!" He straightens his jacket cuffs. "The Way of Honor, that's what it's called right?" He says aside to Scorpius.

Chiana looks on flustered and annoyed, scared and angry! "What the Frell are you doing Crichton! You're gonna' get yourself killed!" She grabs his arm again. "We gotta' escape!"

"I know they are in there! And they have Jake. This is the only way!" John pulls his arm away from her, faces her and places his hands on her shoulders. "Trust me, Chiana."

Hagar and Setig look at the Command screen display to see Crichton.

"Good!" Setig is pleased. "He waits for us to fight him in The Way of Honor."

"We will be vindicated of our mistakes!" Hagar hisses with pleasure.

Pagar growls. "We will await you men. I praise you for your choice of enemies and wish you success in The Way of Honor." He gives way for them exit the transport. Pagar opens Comms. "Stop fighting! We have a challenge!"

Hep and Nova watch in amazement as the Scarrans leave the hangar for the open field. They follow. Topik watches anxiously, still holding his stuff in his arms. He puts his stuff down and walks outside.

"What the Hezmana is happening?" Nova asks. "Are they retreating?"

"It's a challenge. The Way of Honor. They face eachother in hand to hand combat. The stronger always wins." Hep answers her.

"Why would they fight eachother here?" Nova asks.

"Not eachother. Look!" Hep looks at Crichton standing in the field as the Scarrans approach him.

"What the Frell!" Nova looks. Her mouth drops open at the site of a man who would face two Scarrans.

Pagar and Jake watch the Command screen as Setig and Hagar enter the field of battle.

Crichton turns to Chiana and says, "Wait with your friends."

"No way!" She shakes her head. "I haven't looked for you for 7 cycles, just to let these Frellers kill you!" She says angrily, jutting out her chin. "I will fight beside you!"

"This is the only way to battle them, Chiana." He looks at her face. "Otherwise they'll all flood out of the shuttle and kill us both." He looks into her eyes. "Now, wait with your friends." He asserts.

Chiana looks at him wondering whether she should kiss him or kick him. She is so angry! He'll probably die fighting them! The same crazy thing that D'Argo would have done. She begins to cry. She reaches out her hand to his face and touches his cheek.

"Please be careful." Chiana cries. She stands up on her toes and kisses him. John returns her kiss and embraces her briefly. She leaves quickly and runs to Hep and Nova.

John watches her leave then stands to face the Scarrans.

"I recognize you." He says to Hagar. You're the one who tortured me for 6 arns. And you! You're a moth's replacement, what is it, Sit something?"

"Setig." Setig corrects him. "You should know before you battle us, Crichton, that by fighting us in this way, we are vindicated of all crimes against you if we win." Setig hisses with pleasure.

"We are even permitted by our code to kill a prisoner in The Way of Honor!" Hagar chuckles. "I will avenge my brother's death, murderer!"

"Oh, that's right. He tortured me too." Crichton draws his saber and waves it in mock defense. "The same will happen to you." His eyes turn to ice, locked with Hagar's.

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

Chiana runs to Hep and Nova. The Scarrans stand by the hangar at the edge of the field. Chiana stands crying. Nova comforts her.

"Is that?" Hep asks.

"John Crichton." Chiana finishes his sentence.

John circles the two Scarrans slowly watching which will move first. It is Hagar. He raises his hand and fires a heat pulse at Crichton. John tuck and rolls, coming up underneath the Scarrans arm, slashing it off!

Hagar screams! "AAaaaaah!" He slashes at Crichton with the claws of his other hand. John backs away and readies himself for another attack. Hagar runs to the transport.

"He is a demon!" One of the crewmen tends to his bleeding limb. "Surely, I cannot be expected to complete the battle with one hand?"

"The rules of combat state that it must be until a victor has been decided." Pagar says coldly to the coward. "Do you concede to Crichton? Will you be his slave?"

"No!" Hagar is undone. "He is not even a Sebacean! Some unholy unclassified alien we are examining!" Hagar stands and looks at the other crewmen. They stare back with no tolerance to his cowardice.

"I will fight him and I will be victorious!" Hagar states boldly and slowly walks from the shuttle.

Setig faces Crichton. "He is not a soldier. He is an interrogator, the lowliest of our special operatives. I however have seen many die in The Way of Honor! Some are my slaves! Still some lie maimed for life!" Setig says with confidence. "Which will you be?"

"Neither." Crichton shoots back. "You will release my son or die."

Setig feels an odd gurgling in the back of his throat, something like a cough then it seizes him. He laughs heartily almost unable to stand. Crichton slashes his chest, his throat, his arm. Setig bleeds, nearly choking from his throat wound.

"Do you yield?" Crichton demands.

Setig cannot answer. He is down on one knee, beginning to lose consciousness.

Hagar walks up slowly. "So, you have beaten the warrior." Hagar says solemnly. "I must kill you or lose respect of my command." He steadies himself to attack.

"I fight you, not for torturing me, but for my son's life and freedom." John steps back for what he thinks is coming.

Hagar reaches, slashing at Crichton with his claws. John jumps back and strikes at Hagar with his saber hitting his side, nearly imbedding the blade in Hagar's ribs. John has to yank the sword back to free it.

Hagar screams in terror. "Aaaaah!" His hand goes to the wound. He looks at his own blood on it. "What are you? Demon!" Hagar's anger boils. He raises his bloodied hand to shoot a heat pulse at Crichton.

John rolls to the side. He jumps up and slashes at Hagar with his blade slicing his neck. Hagar stands for a moment still looking at Crichton until his head falls down his shoulder and to the ground. Soon his body falls, landing in the dirt of the field.

Crichton turns his attention to Setig. "Sit!" He calls to him. Setig looks dead, or unconscious. "Sit!" Crichton yells at him. Then he kicks him. Setig doesn't move.

John turns and walks toward the Scarran transport. "I want to speak to your leader!" He brandishes his sword in a manner waving for the leader to appear. "I said! I will speak to your leader now!" He demands.

Pagar walks out of the transport. As he descends the landing, he addresses Crichton. "Put away your blade!" He stands on the landing waiting for Crichton to put away the sword.

John puts the sword in its sheath and stands waiting for Pagar to approach.

"You are the victor. I am impressed." Pagar addresses him.

"I want my son!" John demands.

"Impossible. I need him to capture Scorpius." Pagar says in an official tone.

"Release him and I help you get Scorpius." John says to Pagar steely eyed. His left hand rests on his sword's hilt.

Pagar is nervous. "Do you plan to kill me?" He begins to back away.

"No." John tells him. "Not if you release my son."

"First we must discuss our plans to capture Scorpius." Pagar says.

John just looks at him. "Don't push it."

Pagar turns toward his transport and waves, then shouts. "Release the child!"

It seems like a long Microt waiting. John thinks that perhaps he will have to kill this one for treachery. Then he sees him. Jake is running toward him. He takes a few paces from the Scarran, the body and the wounded to greet him. John opens his arms.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Jake cries, laughing. "I saw you beat the monsters!"

John picks him up in his arms and starts walking toward the hangar. Pagar calls after him. "What about this one! He is to be your slave!"

"Fine." John answers and continues walking to Chiana.

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

Captain Shelan lands his Prowler in the field, close to the hangar. John walks, holding Jake in his arms, up to the hangar, to Chiana.

"Hi, Jake. I see you found your Dad." Chiana says.

"Yeah! He beat the monsters!" Jake said beaming then he asks. "Miss Chiana?"

"What is it Jake?" She asks.

"Did you know that I turn 5 cycles today?" He wonders.

"Oh! I didn't know. Happy Birthversary Jake!" She says, still drying the tears from before. Now she cries with joy.

"Happy Birthday Jake." John says and kisses him. "You da' man." He presses his fist to Jake's. "How did you find me?"

"I heard those two you fought. I heard them complaining, that you had ex scaped from them. I knew Miss Chiana would bring you here."

"That's good Jake. But you took an awful risk. I would hate to see them hurt you." John says, exhausted from his ordeal.

"Ya' want me to take him for a while John?" Chi asks him.

"Yeah. For a while." He says and passes Jake to her. John's legs begin to give out. Hep catches him.

"Hey! Are you alright?" Chiana asks. "Nova, take Jake for me, please, I have to see to him." She gives Jake to Nova.

"He's been wounded." Hep pulls his hand from John's wound and sees the blood on it.

"John!" Chiana takes John by the other arm and together Hep and she help John up to the room.

"Where are you going, Peacekeeper!" Topik shouts at Hep. "Not to my room! Not to my bed!"

Nova stops him. "He just saved your place from a Scarran attack. Saved you from being slashed or burned to death! Show a little gratitude, will ya'!"

Shelan stands looking trying to digest what has happened. He turns to Nova. "What the Frell happened here?" He says pointing at the Scarran vessel then at Crichton. "They released Jake? Crichton's wounded? They're not fighting?"

"Crichton 'challenged' them." Nova tells him. "Something about The Honorable Way?"

"The Way of Honor?" Shelan asks her.

"Yes, that's it. Anyway, Crichton challenged them. They fought and he won." She says rocking Jake. "Then they released Jake. Didn't they Jake?" She says snuggling Jake.

"My Daddy beat them! I knew he could do it! He's the greatest!"

"I've never heard of a non Scarran winning one of these things. It just doesn't happen. He's either very lucky or the best fighter I've heard of." Shelan ponders. "That could explain why Scorpius wants him so bad."

Nova stays silent, not wanting to add to Shelan's understanding. "Scorpius is looking for him?" She says, not wanting to let on.

"Yes." Shelan says. "He's made it his priority. After the Scarran barracks is destroyed, I am to find him." He shakes his head, dreading it. "You have to find a place to hide him, and not tell me. Scorpius knows things. He may be able to pick it up from me, if I know."

Jake holds on to Nova. He looks at Captain Shelan while he is talking. Shelan watches him.

Finally Captain Shelan takes Jake's hand and says, "I wish I could know you and your father better. But, I must return to my world now. I wish you the best of luck, Jake Crichton. Oh, and congratulations on your 5 Birthversary."

"Thank you Captain." Jake answers him and smiles, giving a little salute.

Shelan gives a little head bob of respect to him then to Nova then leaves them and climbs the stairs to pay his respects to Chiana.

"Chiana." He says to her from the doorway. "Chiana."

Chiana looks up from tending to Crichton. John rests, he has a stomach wound. Chiana has placed a bandage.

Shelan steps in and to the bedside and looks down at Crichton. "Very impressive what you did here."

"Thank's for your help, Captain." He raises his hand to shake with Shelan.

Shelan gives his hand to Crichton. "I'm sorry I missed it. It's sure to be a legend in both camps."

"I did it to free Jake." John thinks for a Microt and says, "Shelan, what is your opinion of Scorpius?"

"My blood oath extends to him even if he is Science Branch. I had to notify him of the Scarran attack." Shelan confesses. "My opinion? It irked me."

"The Scarrans want him. I need Intel so they can capture him."

Shelan gasps. "I can't do that! My oath! My life!"

"There must be a way, without risking yourself." John looks at him seriously. "Scorpius killed my wife and kidnapped my son. He forced me to work for him. I was his prisoner for 3 years!"

John sits on the edge of the bed. "Please help me." He begs. "Scorpius is determined. He will find me. This time he may kill me, or Jake trying." John looks up at Shelan.

"I just told Nova that I can't know anything about what you're doing. Scorpius has a way of knowing. He may pick it up from me if I know your plans!"

"No problem." Crichton says. "Just call him now and tell him you've found me."

"What?" Shelan is confused.

"Just do it." Crichton assures him. "And we'll do the rest." John reaches up to Chiana. Chiana helps him up. "Now, I have to meet with the Scarran leader."

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

Crichton reaches for his Officer's Jacket. Hep hands it to him. He pulls it on, weaving slightly.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Chiana says. "Can't you just Comm him instead?"

"I know this guy. I have to meet him. Besides." John says touching her cheek. "I don't want to put the rest of you in danger by letting Scorpius know my plan."

"Chiana, I want you to take Jake and others and go into hiding. Even if Shelan doesn't do this. It's just a matter of time before Scorpius finds this place." John reaches to touch her face. "You."

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

ChianaGray
12/14/00
Pay Back
IC:

"I want to come with you," Chiana protested as she searched his eyes. She desired to kiss him, instead she placed her hand over his and kissed the inside of his wrist as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Chiana," he stepped closer, tilting his head slightly.

"No," she shook her head. "I found you again just to walk away? I - I won't do it. I'll kill Scorpy myself first."

"That's a little rash, comming from you, isn't it?" He asked.

She didn't answer as she looked away and let her head rest into his chest.

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

Nhfearme
12/15/00
Pay Back
IC:

"At least give yourself some time for the capsule to work." Chiana begs him.

John nearly falls again as his knees give way. "OK, maybe you're right." He says and sits down on the bed.

Shelan looks at Crichton, then at Chiana. "I have some regenerative healer in my Prowler. I'll get it." He says to her.

"Thanks, Shelan." Chiana smiles, trying to hide her sadness.

Shelan quickly descends the stairs to get the kit. Nova sees him leave and begins to get worried. She looks up the stairs. She cannot see Crichton. She knows what it means.

"Miss Nova." Jake says. "You and Miss Chiana, Topik, Hep and Captain Shelan are all my Daddy's friends."

"Yes, Jake. We are." Nova answers.

Jake smiles at her and kisses her.

Nova smiles. "What is that for?" She asks him.

"Thank you." He answers with his finger in his mouth.

Nova hugs Jake and kisses him back. Just then, Shelan runs back by them with the Med Tech Kit from his Prowler.

Nova looks at it and watches Shelan climb the stairs to the room. She tries not to show her concern to Jake. She walks with him out into the daylight.

Captain Shelan opens the kit and looks in it. He picks up two vials. He holds them up to Chiana. "This one is for bone and this one is for flesh." He tells her.

"I'll take both." She says. She helps John off with his Officer's Jacket and pulls off his shirt. She removes his bandage. There is a still lot of blood coming from his wounds.

Chiana nearly gasps when she sees it.

Shelan sees her condition and says. "Here, I'll help." He gets next to the bed and leans over with one of the vials.

Chiana gets up and turns away. Her hand goes to her mouth. She is crying, afraid for John.

Shelan breaks open one of the vials and applies it deep into the cuts over Crichton's ribs.

John winces and moans. "Aaaah!" He turns his head and grips Shelan's arm tightly, in pain. His breathing becomes rapid, trying to breathe through it.

"There. That's the worst of it." Shelan says and breaks open the other vial. He spills it over the largest of the gashes in John's stomach and again rubs it into the wound.

John grips Shelan's arm tighter and begins to thrash from the horrible pain of his treatment. He finally lets out a yell. "Aaaag!"

Shelan is finished. He turns to Chiana. "There, It's done. The bleeding has stopped. He should start to heal now."

"Thanks a lot!" John remarks. "I'll remember to ask for you next time I'm bleeding to death." He says out of his agony.

"I'd love to brag that I know you Crichton." Shelan laughs. "However, It would probably mean my life if I did."

Chiana looks at Shelan. Her gratitude shows in her eyes. "Thank you Captain Shelan." She smiles to him.

Shelan smiles back then looks at Crichton. "So. What do I need to do?"

"Just report that you're Intel shows where I am and we'll do the rest." John is exhausted from his ordeal. He closes his eyes.

"I'll wait until you're ready, Crichton." Shelan says and leaves to walk downstairs.

Hep stands by him. "If you need us? Scorpius is no friend of mine. If it hadn't been for Nova I'd be on the Command Carrier right now taking a turn in the Aurora Chair."

Crichton raises his hand to shake Heps. Hep takes his hand and smiles. "Just remember my frequency and I'll be here." He says and leaves to go downstairs.

"Oh, God that hurt!" John says after Shelan and Hep leave.

"Your wounds were deep." Chiana says still teary eyed. "It's good that he had that kit."

She walks to the bed and kneels at his side. Chiana places a fresh bandage over his wound.

Chiana takes his hand. "You'll be alright now, John." She says. She kisses his hand, and presses it to her cheek.

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

Nova holds Jake close to her when she sees Shelan come back from the room. She lightly melds into the darkness as he passes her and Jake bye. Her eyes return to movement coming from the stairs as Hep decends the stairs.

Holding Jake she Joins up with Hep. "So Now what?"

Hep looked at Nova holding Jakes when a small smile crossed his face.

"What?" Nova questioned ask as she caught the smirk.

"Nothing," He laughed, "You just look so motherly with Jake."

With her free hand she lightly pushed Hep, "I can't believe you just said that." she grined. "Okay, what are we to do next? What does Crichton have planned?"

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

ChianaGray
12/15/00
Pay Back
IC:

Chiana watched Crichton struggle through a fitful sleep. His face was ashen pale and sweat covered his face as he groaned. She wiped the sweat with a damp cloath, her eyes unstraying as she wished deeply that Zhaan was here to take his pain for him. He whispered Aeryns name, rocking to one side and then groaning. She touched his head, running her hand through his damp hair. His eyes opend, gazing at her for a moment before drifting back to sleep. She hummed quietly, catching his hand into hers when it lopped out into the air. Then she began to sing.

I thought I saw a whisper of you
Beyond the candel light.
I thought I saw you there
Standing by the drifting of my dreams.
Hey you know it's only my imagination
But I thought you might be there
Whispering my name.
Eyes beyond the candle light,
You know I been thinking about you
Every time I hear something
We would have said.
And I thought it might have been you
When I saw the turn of a strangers head,
And I thought you were there
Every time I searched the crowds
To see your smile,
And fill the
Empty place I felt without you there.
Eyes beyond the candle light
You know I been thinking about you.
Hey you know it's only my imagination
But I thought you might be there
Whispering my name.
I can't forget about the way
You looked at me
And then we said goodbye.
Eyes beyond the candle light
I thought I saw you there
Standing by the drifting of my dreams.
Did you dream about me...
Maybe yesterday.

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

Nhfearme
12/15/00
Pay Back
IC:

Slowly Crichton's ashen skin begins to turn pink. He calms under Chiana's care. Some arns pass before Crichton heals.

John wakes. He looks up at Chiana. Her love for him in her eyes. The bed is soaked with his own sweat. He knows he was close to death.

"How long?" He says, barely able to speak from his harsh dry throat.

Chiana gives him a drink. "Nearly 5 arns, John."

He sits up on the side of the bed and eats from the bag of food cubes Chiana holds in her hand. He takes another drink and a yellow capsule.

John sighs and takes her hand. He looks into her eyes. "Thank you." He smiles.

"Oh." She says, her cheeks darkening. "It was nothing." She smiles looking away from his gaze.

Crichton leaves Topik's bed and slowly descends the stairs to the others. Chiana watches him closely. Nova and Jake have not seen him suffer. Only Hep and Captain Shelan know the true extent of his wounds.

"You gonna' talk to Pagar now Daddy?" Jake asks John as he walks up to them.

"I have to get this started Jake." John smiles and strokes Jake's cheek. He takes Jake from Nova.

"Why do you want to capture Scorpy, Daddy?" Jake asks.

"He want's me to go back with him. This is the only way he will listen to me that I want to stay here." John explains.

"What about the Elite Corps? I'm not going?" Jake looks disappointed.

"I'll teach you to fly Jake. Just like your mother taught me."

"Mom taught you?" Jake asks, surprised.

"Yes Jake. And I'll teach you." John tells him. He kisses Jake and hands him back to Nova.

"K, Daddy." Jake says smiling. "Hear that Miss Nova? Daddy's gonna' teach me himself! I'll be the best!"

"Yes, Jake. It's a good Birthversary present."

Crichton walks toward the Scarran transport. The gangplank is still down. He walks up and into the ship. Pagar meets him.

"How will you help us?" Pagar asks.

"How many of your forces remain intact?" Crichton asks him.

"Nearly all. The Peacekeepers did not attack our barracks with stealth. You may have discovered their clumsy nature having lived with them."

"That will be a great advantage when we fight them. Can you be ready Pagar? Scorpius will be coming here."

"Here?" Pagar is surprised. "How?"

"To capture me."

"Of course." Pagar hisses. "Yes, Crichton. We will be ready." He growls with determination.

"Good. Move your ship a safe distance from here and wait until he lands and leaves his ship." Crichton turns to leave.

"Wait. Your slave has nearly recovered his wounds. Do you wish to take possession of him now?" Pagar asks with some pleasure.

Crichton turns. "Right, Sit, something. Wasn't it?"

"It amuses me, Crichton that you defeated the great Setig in The Way of Honor."

"How's that?"

"He was next in line for my command."

"Oh." Crichton ponders for a Microt. "Right. I should talk to him."

Pagar leads Crichton through the ship, finally coming to a small room with a cot. Setig lies on it with his chest, arm and throat bandaged. Crichton enters.

Pagar nearly shouts, growling at Setig. "Setig! Your master is here!"

Setig rises quickly and kneels to Crichton. John is uncomfortable with the homage.

"Get up Setig." Crichton says waving with his hand, motioning up.

Setig looks up first, then back down and slowly rises. "I am ready master, to enter your service."

"Well right now you can serve me better by staying aboard and serving Pagar."

Pagar's eye brows rise. His jaw drops in surprise. He looks at Crichton, astonished.

Crichton turns to him. "You can always use one extra man. Am I right?" He asks.

"Yes! I can certainly use Setig in the upcoming battle. I thank you for your generosity, Crichton." Pagar nearly grins as he salutes him. "I hope I can return him to you in at least this condition."

"My pleasure Pagar. Gotta' go now. Catchya' later." He doesn't say it but he thinks it, 'gaiter'. He cracks a slight smile at the thought, talkin' gaiters then says to Setig. "Rest up now. When you hear the call to arms? Report."

Setig bows. "I pledge my loyalty to you Crichton. Thank you for sparing my life."

"No problem." Crichton says and leaves the room.

"You will report to tactical when the time comes, Setig." Pagar says with pleasure and walks out behind Crichton.

Crichton leaves Pagar's transport. It lifts off and moves away as Crichton walks to Captain Shelan's prowler. "I already gave the others the evac order. They're still here. Give us a few more Microts, then make the call. We won't have long to wait."

John turns and walks away. "Hell, he may show up without the call." He says to himself as he walks away from the Prowler.

Entering the hangar he is concerned that the others are still there. "Chiana, Hep, Nova! Why are you guys still here?"

Chiana steps forward and says. "We have decided to fight."

"No, no, no, you guys have gotta' get out of here! It's supposed to be a trap! If Scorpy sees anyone but me here, he may not even land!" John is adamant.

"OK they can go. But I will stay and fight with you, John." Chiana says, determined."

"I have the whole Scarran army at my disposal. We'll catch Scorpius alright."

Chiana shakes her head 'No!' as she walks up to him and swings her fist at his chest. John catches her fist. She cries, tilting her head to her shoulder, her other hand goes to her face as though trying to stop her tears. "No, John! I can't leave you here to face him. I won't!"

John pulls her to him, takes her in his arms and rocks her back and forth, hugging her for a while until she stops crying. "Don't you worry, Missy Chi." John backs up from her and looks at her. "I can see you grew out of being pip a long time ago." He looks longingly at her.

"You're a woman now." John smiles and places his hand on her cheek. "Please tell me you'll wait for me? Take Jake someplace safe and wait for me. Hmmm?" John tries not to beg, but he feels afraid for all of them, especially Chiana and Jake.

"Ok, John. I'll take Jake." She looks dejected, ready to leave him.

Chiana looks up at him with her big dark eyes, still wet from crying. Suddenly she throws her arms around his neck and kisses him.

John embraces her tightly and returns her kiss. They stand in the hangar locked in eachother's arms, kissing, with the sudden realization of their love. Their hearts beating as one. John kisses her neck and hugs her tightly, unwilling to let her go.

"Please be careful." Chiana whispers to John as he holds her tight. "I love you."

****************************
ChianaGray
12/15/00
Pay Back
IC:

Jhon slammed his eyes shut, pursing his lips as he held her a moment longer and then drew away, his eyes delving into her. In some ways he saw the same Chiana he had known but there was a depth into her eyes he couldn't remember seeing before. He felt as if his heart could melt there and a small smile crossed his face as he ran his thumb over her lips.

"Chiana," he spoak quietly, a surreal sense crossing over him at the actuality that she was standing in front of him, just like old times. There was something harder in her eyes, even more mysterious than before but he supposed he must seem the same to her as well. She had been looking for him, she spent all this time... just to find him? He could not doubt she did love him. It seemed to pour from her like a solemn hope. A hope that sparkled and charged with intense determination in her eyes still as she swayed her head and shyly looked down. Was that what he saw? She swallowed, gazing distantly at the floor. He wanted so much to comfort her as she had been doing for him. When was the last time Chiana ever said she loved anyone? For that matter, the way she drifted, when was the last time anyone had truely loved her in return? Did she learn to trust another as deeply as she trusted... him...

Crichtons eyes seemed to awaken as he placed his hand on her cheek.

"Chiana," he spoak very softly as he tried to gain her dispondant eyes. "I want you to stay with me. Please don't mis-read me. I want you to be safe. I want my son - in hands I know that I can trust. Do that for me?"

"Yeah," she nodded, turning her head to avoid his eyes as she seemed to struggle within herself.

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

Nhfearme
12/16/00
Long Kiss Goodbye
IC:

Crichton wants to stop the war just to savor this moment with Chiana. But there is no time. Scorpius will find him with or without Shelan's report! He has to get everyone he cares about away from him.

Death surrounds him. He knows that. Aeryn was killed just by being with him. The same will happen to Jake, Chiana.

"Chi I wish there were more time. Scorpius is coming."

John feels an urgency to get her to safety. He tries to think what to say to her. What he's feeling, after such a long time of loneliness in that cold piece of floating steel.

He suddenly feels alive again. Like he had died and she had caught him, brought him back. He can see it in her eyes. He has to tell her now or loose her forever!

"Remember what I said the first night when you held me?"

Chiana can't look at him. She knows he wants to die. She can't bare it! She just wants to scream at him. Didn't he hear her, see that she loves him?

John takes her face in his hands and forces her to look at him. It hurts when their eyes meet. Two souls so tormented in their lonliness for eachother.

"Remember, what I said, Chiana?" He locks eyes with hers.

His ice blue eyes bare her soul. His voice pierces her heart. She begins to cry, knowing he will be dead in an arn or two.

"Don't cry Chiana. It's not true anymore. I want to be here."

Chiana can't understand. What is he saying?

"I said that I want to be here." He pulls her to him again, comforting her, himself. "Because of you, Chi. Because of you." He kisses her face, embracing her.

She looks up at him, finally hearing his words. She looks into his eyes. Not the eyes of someone leading himself into death. They are his eyes. The eyes of John Crichton, from the first time she had faith in him, loved him.

"You want to stay?" A smile begins to form on her weary lips. "With me?" She blinks.

"Yes." John smiles warmly at her.

John's voice resonates through her. His voice is now hers, breaking the fear that has held her these 7 cycles. She's found him, she's home.

"Oh, John!" She says hugging him, kissing him. She has a joy she thought she would never have again after he left her. "Oh, John." She bubbles.

John kisses her one final time. This kiss will have to hold them until he can see her again. He moves his hands across her back as though trying to bring her into himself, himself into her.

Their is kiss, sweet and soft. Passion, ready to explode brings such a hunger for her he has only experienced one other time Suddenly there is pain in his soul. He must save her or it will happen again as it did before. Prowler attack! John is struck with fear.

"Now please! Take Jake and go!" John says pleading. "We'll take this up later." He smiles to her, biting his lip.

Chiana grins at him and chortles with glee. "Yes, John." She answers obediently.

Chiana walks with Hep, Jake and Nova out of the hangar. Crichton is left standing alone. He hears the sound of a distant prowler powering up. He leaves the hangar and goes to Shelan who has returned from his base. Crichton signals to him to leak the Intel.

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

ChianaGray
12/16/00
Long Kiss Goodbye
IC:

Chiana takes up Jake, giving him a tight hug and swinging him back and forth until he giggles. She pretends to throw him, tossing him into the hatch of the vessel with a safe landing and he squeals with delight.

"Do it again! Fly me around!" He smiles brightly as he hops up and down.

"Sure will soon enough, Jake." She chirps as she mushes up his hair and then tickles him making a growling noise until he throws into a turrent of laughter and runs, wrapping his little arms around Novas leg.

Nova smiled slightly as she creased her brows at Chiana. She picked Jake up, hoisting him into the air and catching him. He squealed again, laughing as he wrapped his arms around her neck.

"You aren't exactly rushing to get inside," Nova spoak with amusement as she eyed Chiana again. "Ready?"

"Yeah," Chiana glanced back with a narrowing of her eyes. "I'm ready."