"Chiana!" John yells.

Chiana comes running out. "What is it John?"

"We have to leave now." John shows her the indicator. "We're getting this from Nova."

"k, I'm ready." She says patting Jena on her thigh.

Hep begins to climb into the Prowler. John clamps his hand on Hep's shoulder. "I'm driving."

Hep sits in the co-pilot seat with Chiana on his lap. Hep keeps smiling as they launch.

Suddenly a voice comes over the Comms. "Hep!" It's Captain Shelan.

"Hi!" Crichton answers, cautiously.

"I was held overnight! Is everyone alright?" Shelan asks. He waits the agonizing Microts to know if Chiana...

"Yes. We're all alright." John answers. "We'll have to hook up later. We have to do something first. We'll Comm you later, out." John closes Comms. He didn't dare chance alerting the Peacekeepers, so close to freedom.

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

Nova and Jake take cover in the hills above her place. She sees a Prowler come in for a landing.

"Peacekeeper!" Says Jake excitedly. "Maybe, even my Daddy!" He stands.

Nova pulls him down next to her. "Careful Jake. We don't know yet." She holds him close, to comfort herself as much as Jake.

She sees a lone figure run from the Prowler. It looks like Hep, but she can't be certain.

She picks up her oculars and puts them on. She adjusts them.

The figure emerges from her place.

"It's Hep!" She says excitedly.

"Not Daddy?" Jake asks, disappointed.

"Don't worry Jake. We'll find him. She picks him up. "Lets go." She hugs him and walks down the hill carefully.

"Hep!" She shouts. Her voice echoes in the canyon.

Then she sees someone else come out of the Prowler. She freezes, unsure of what to do. She has taken the oculars off. Then they hear a voice.

"Jake! Jake!"

"That's my Daddy! Miss Nova, Hurry! Let me down!" Jake says.

"Please, be careful Jake." She says and lets him down.

Jake runs happily down the hill. Chiana comes out of the Prowler to meet him. Hep waits for Nova as Jake runs past him.

"Daddy!" Jake squeals as he runs into John's arms.

"Jake, my man!" John says with pleasure. He picks him up and kisses his head, his face, hugging him.

Jake throws his arms around John's neck and kisses his face. Chiana joins them in a group hug. Nova walks up to them.

"Thank you Nova." John says to her. "For protecting my son." He smiles at her and then hugs Jake again.

"You're welcome Crichton. Thank you for saving my life at the hangar." She answers, smiling at Jake, petting his back.

"Nova had a plan to find you Daddy. And it worked!" Jake says.

"Yes, it did." John smiles walking toward the prowler.

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

Back at Setig's estate, John goes to Communications. "All present and accounted for except Topik and Shelan." John says as he flicks on the Comms. "You there?" He avoids saying the name.

"Meet me at the hangar." Shelan Comms back.

John thinks for a Microt. "K. Out!" He says and closes Comms.

John walks out of communications. "Setig, Come with me. I have to meet with Captain Shelan."

"I should warn you Crichton." Setig begins. "We suspect him as being the source of Scorpius' information."

"That's why I'm taking you along, Setig." John thinks of slapping his back but decides against it.

"Chi." John walks down to her in the courtyard. "I'll be gone a while. I gotta' errand to run." He leans over and gives her a half hug and a kiss.

Chiana smiles at him and stands to give him a proper hug and kiss. They stand kissing in the courtyard while Setig waits.

"I'll wait for you, honey." She says licking the lip of her twisted grin.

John smiles at her then turns to leave. He and Setig board the prowler and power up. John hits the launch sequencer and the Prowler blasts off.

Chiana sulks in the courtyard. One of the servants approaches and asks her. "What is it Mistress? May I help?"

Chiana looks up. "Oh, Trellnon, Crichton wants to marry me." She says, glum. "I don't have anything to wear to my own wedding."

"We have a woman here who is very good at making clothing. Perhaps she can make you something?" Trellnon asks.

"Here." Chiana takes a stick and draws in the sand of the garden path. "Can she sew me something like that?"

"I do not know the art." Trellnon answers. "But I will show this to her and she will tell."

Chiana smiles. "I'll surprise John with it!" Then she thinks. "Oh, John! His uniform was cut when he fought Scorpius. Do you think she could make him something too?"

"There is a man here who works in leather. Perhaps he would be the one to talk to about it." Trellnon says.

"Great!" Chiana grins. "Let's go talk to both of them!" She drops the stick and walks into the house.

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

John and Setig land at the hangar. It is strangely quiet. Shelan isn't there.

"It is as I said, Crichton, a trap. Let me deal with the traitor!"

"No Setig. We wait."

John and Setig get out of the Prowler and enter the hangar.

They hear a noise from the upper room. It is Topik.

"What are you doing here! Come to bring more trouble on my place?" Topik has his pulse pistol drawn on Setig, then thinks better of it and puts it away.

"We're just meeting someone here." Crichton tells him.

Topik cautiously descends the stairs. "Who?" He eyes them. "If it is that no good Hep? I will kill him!"

"No, Topik. Not Hep. I want to thank you for the use of your place. We won't be here long." John tells him.

Suddenly there is the sound of another Prowler landing.

"Peacekeepers!" Topik exclaims and runs upstairs to hide. "You brought Peacekeepers here?" Topik is angry he spits over the railing. "Get out!"

John just looks at him and shrugs. He and Setig leave the hanger.

"Stay behind me Crichton." Setig places his arm out to stop John from walking any closer to the Prowler. "We are still not certain of his loyalties."

Captain Shelan emerges from the Prowler and sees Setig standing in defense Crichton. Shelan approaches cautiously.

"I know how Scorpius knew of your challenge with the Scarrans. Your injuries and who to attack to keep you isolated here." Shelan holds out the becon to Crichton. "This was onboard my ship. I believe that Scorpius placed it there."

Crichton is still unsure. He takes the device. Setig snarls at Shelan and looks down at him.

Shelan holds up his hands. "I will disarm if that's what it takes, Crichton." Shelan steps back. "I only ask to know if she is alright. Please, I must know. I am facing the loss of my career and my life to know."

"You say you were held? Do you mean arrested?" Crichton asks him.

"Yes." Shelan swallows. "I was only released because Scorpius never filed charges against me. That and..." He looks at Crichton and Setig. "They can't find him." Shelan gives a bitter chuckle. "They are depending on me to find him."

"Huh." John punctuates. "Chiana is fine. I'm sorry. I can't tell you where she is, where we are. You understand, right?" He says defensively.

"I know I don't deserve to know. I nearly killed us all. I will have to desert the Peacekeepers if Scorpius ever returns." Shelan looks down. "Espionage."

Crichton is taken aback. "I'm sorry." He knows it is the most serious charge to ever be leveled against a Peacekeeper. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Nothing." Shelan is desperate. "I can stay with the Peacekeepers and hope that Scorpius is never recovered." He takes a deep breath. "Or I can desert." Shelan shakes his head. "Neither future holds any promise for me."

"You going back to base?" Crichton asks.

"It would be dangerous for me to go anywhere now." Shelan is near to begging.

"I'm Sorry, I can't take you with us." John shakes his head. "Scorpius held me, tortured me. I was his slave. I can't take that chance."

Shelan looks away. He can feel his anger building towards Crichton. He decides to ask forthright. "Would you take me if I abandon my Prowler here? If I surrender my weapon and take a blood oath to you?" His anger is near boiling. "What will it take for you to... take me with you?"

John turns from him and begins to pace. Setig goes with him.

"Crichton, you can't." Setig tells him. "Even his own people arrested him for espionage. He can't be trusted."

John turns and looks at him. "I know what it's like to have to give up my life." John struggles with Shelan's delema. "Did you bring any currency with you Setig?"

"Yes, Crichton." Setig answers.

"Give it to me." Crichton waits.

Setig hands him three dynasters. John looks at it and palms two. He walks to Shelan. "You helped us, me. I can't turn my back on you. Whatever you decide to do, maybe this will help." John holds out the dynaster to Shelan.

Shelan is indignant. "You can't do this to me Crichton. I need a place to hide, not currency!"

John pulls back the dynaster. "I'm sorry Captain. I should have known better." John thinks, then says. "Hep knows places to hide. Will that work for you?"

Shelan begins to calm. He looks at Crichton and says. "Yes." But bitterness still fills him.

"Good. Then wait here and I'll send Hep." John goes to shake his hand, but senses Shelan's anger and changes his mind. "When we are sure of your loyalties, Captain. We'll talk further." He says and walks away with Setig watching his back.

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

Chiana stands looking at the many fabrics laid out on the bed. Chiana tries to decide.

"Rrrrrr!" Jake runs with a piece of silk flying from his arm, making his Prowler sounds.

"We need to make an outfit for you too Jake." Chiana tells him.

The leather master runs after Jake trying to measure him.

"Rrrrrr!" Jake says, running from him.

"Jake." Chiana turns to him.

Jake slows and runs to her. Chiana catches him.

"Here, let the leather master measure you. You can go back to flying in a Microt." She says, kissing his forehead.

"Ok, Miss Chiana." He smiles and kisses her back.

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

Crichton and Setig land at Setig's estate. John turns to Setig. "Find Hep."

Setig goes inside the house looking for him.

John walks into the bedroom and sees Chiana. He walks to her. Jake runs up to him, still flying with the silk fluttering behind him. John picks Jake up and gives him a hug.

"What cha' doin', Hon?" He smiles at Chiana. "Wedding dress I hope?"

"Yes. It's so hard to decide the color. And the fabric!" She laughs and tocs her head to his shoulder.

John puts his arm around her and gives her a hug. "You know me. Make it leather and I don't care about the color. Though D'Argo did say I looked 'fetching' in red." He smirks.

"You wore red at your last wedding, Crichton!" She says curtly. "You won't wear red at ours!" She scowls at him.

"OK! OK!" John laughs. "Whatever you decide. It's your wedding. Though on earth it is traditional for the bride to wear white." He smiles. "But whatever you decide is fine with me."

"White? Really?" She looks at the fabrics again. "I hadn't thought of white. And you say leather is fine for you?"

"Yeah, I already told you. Whatever you decide. Well I am partial to black. I really missed my black coat all these years." He turns to Jake. "What do you think Jake. Black?"

"Peacekeeper black. Yeah!" Jake says.

"It's settled then. Jake and I will take the black leather." John looks at the table at Chiana's drawing. "Say, did you draw this?"

Chiana looks at John and smiles. "Yeah."

"You're good, Chi! Is this the dress? Your own design? I like it. I like it a lot! It's beautiful, and sexy." John leans over and gives Chiana a little bit of a sloppy kiss.

John sees Hep standing outside the door with Setig. "Wait here a minute you two." He puts Jake down. "I have some business to take care of."

John goes outside of the bedroom and continues walking out to the courtyard. Hep and Setig follow.

"Hep." Crichton looks at him with some disgust. "You're a mercenary, a pirate, right?"

"Well, yes. I had no choice after what my commanding officer did to me!" Hep answers.

"Good, cause I have another one for you." Crichton says putting his hands on his hips. "An ex Peacekeeper running for his life. They are going to kill him if we don't help."

"We're not talking about Shelan!" Hep yells. "He may be the one who, who fired on me, us and sent Nova into hiding!"

Chiana can hear Hep shouting and goes to the window to hear.

"You'll do it for money though, right?" Crichton holds out the dynaster to him.

Hep reaches to take it from Crichton's hand.

"Eh!" John jerks it away. "First, you agree to find him a secure hiding place. Replace his prowler with one we're sure doesn't have any of these." John shows him the beacon Shelan has given him. "And keep him hidden until this whole thing blows over!" He waits for Hep's answer. "Agreed?"

"Agreed." Hep answers a little too quickly for Crichton's tastes.

Crichton hesitates, then gives the dynaster to him. "I'll know if you don't." He looks at him steely eyed. "Understand?"

"Yes. I'll take care of the ex Peacekeeper for you Crichton. He better not be any trouble though!" Hep polishes the dynaster and sticks it in his pocket. "Say, can I have that beacon? I may have a use for it."

"As long as it's far from here." Crichton answers.

"Oh, you'll like this." Hep snickers. "I'll use it to spy on our converted Captain Shelan!" He laughs.

John looks at him and breaks out laughing. "That's a good one, Hep!" He says. "I may get to like you!"

"I'll take that as a compliment... I think." Hep laughs and heads for his personal transport.

"Oh, Hep!" Crichton yells after him. "I think I should warn you that Topik has a pulse blast waiting with your name on it!" He laughs and walks back in to Chiana.

Chiana just looks at him for a Microt then asks. "Shelan?"

"Yes, Chiana. He has deserted the Peacekeepers. Hep's gone to take him into hiding until we're sure he is... telling the truth."

Chiana swallows. "K." She says and turns to looking back at the bed.

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

Whenever she mentions leather, he smiles and licks his lips, eyeing her.

One of the servants enter. "Come little Master! Your lunch is ready and your bath waits!'

"Oh, Lunch sounds good John. Do you want to eat in the courtyard this time?"

"Sounds good Chiana." John looks at the servant. "Would you mind sending someone out with the food for us? Or would you prefer we come to the kitchen for it?"

"Please master! I, myself, will be happy to bring it out to you. Enjoy your walk."

"Hmmm. A walk. Sounds nice Chi." John turns to her and holds out his hand.

Chiana takes John's hand softly and they walk outside and into the garden.

They have not walked together far when a Scarran aproaches. He walks fast toward them.

Setig sees from the house and comes running out to them.

The Scarran yells as he aproaches. "So you are the new master of Setig!" He growls. "You will yield him or face me! I will own you both and your property!" He laughs.

"Chiana. Get back." John lets go of her hand and slowly walks toward the Scarran.

"Here, Lord." Setig holds out the scabbard to Crichton, containing the sword that defeated him.

Crichton draws out the sword from it's sheath.

Chiana puts her hand on her hip; On Jena and watches as the Scarren faces John. She gasps as the Scarran raises his hand to burn John. She backs away to a safe distance. She stays close enough to leap in John's defense.

Setig stands by Chiana. "What's going on?" She asks him, upset.

"This is why I had faced so many in The Way of Honor. To defend my estate." Setig answers. "I do not know this one. Perhaps he thinks he can defeat Crichton and that Hagar and my overthrow was due to a fluke! He will be proven wrong. Crichton is rested now." He growls.

Chiana feels better somehow from Setig's faith in Crichton. Still she holds tightly to Jena's hilt. Just in case.

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

Crichton ducks from the Scarran's heat pulse. John circles for a Microt, then jumps up on one of the planters and slashes at the intruder's fingertips slicing them off.

The Scarran screams. "AAagggggsssst!" He hisses. He quickly pulls an emergency kit from his belt and sprays and wraps his fingers.

"The nail job was only a warning. Now leave!" John tells him, still circling.

"I heard of you mutilating Hagar, infidel! I will pleasure in destroying you!" The Scarran snarls.

"You only want money! When I cut off Hagar's arm it was in defense of my life!" John is getting pissed at this guy!

"It is an honorable challenge according to our code." The Scarran is indignant.

"You would lose your life just to have money? Your code is wrong, mister!" John can't see the use in fighting, except that this guy will murder him to get rich!

His fingertips bandaged the Scarran starts slashing at Crichton with his other hand, getting closer each time.

John backs away. He fears he may die from this senseless battle! He jumps again and slashes the
Scarran's good hand, loping it off!

The Scarran screams. "Aaaaaag!" How can you mutilate me? I will kill you now!" He stretches his bandaged hand to burn Crichton.

John tucks and rolls to the side and out of harms way. The Scarran keeps his arm extended trying to hit John with the heat pulse. John ducks behind a planter.

The heat pulse hits the stone, scorching it. The plants that overhang scorch and burn.

He snarls. "Coward! Stop running and fight me! There is no honor in this!"

"That's what I said!" John looks for a quick way to finish him. "Go home now and I won't kill you. Stay and I'll have no choice!" He listens to see what the Scarran will decide.

"I will own Setig and your estate! You will die and I will kill your family!" The Scarran growls, looking at Chiana.

Crichton sees no choice. He leaps over the planter and slices swiftly, cleanly removing the Scarrans head.

The Scarran's body stands eerily, as though he is still arguing for the right of his challenge. Finally, he falls, tumbling over the planter.

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

Crichton stands for a moment frozen in defensive stance. He watches his foe's body topple. He has his back to Chiana and Setig. He appears unscathed. Suddenly his knees give way. He collapses.

Chiana gasps. She runs to him. "No!"

Setig is close behind. "Master!" Setig turns Crichton over and picks him up.

Crichton's sword is still gripped tightly in his hand. Blood covers him from a slash in his neck. Setig carries him quickly to the house and lay Crichton on the bed of fabrics.

Chiana cries in fear, looking on. She walks to the bed. Johns blood flows onto the fabric. Chiana puts out her hand and presses her palm against John's neck wound. The blood seems to stop.

Setig brings in a vial and breaks it over her hand. Chiana rubs it into John's wound. The blood seals from coming. Chiana lay down next to John. Her head on his shoulder, she holds him. Her hair soaks in his blood, she cries.

"No, John. Please don't die." She holds him tightly. "This will never happen again." She cries from her grief. "I promise."

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

Trellnon enters with another servant. They carry bowls of water and cloth. Setig extends his hand to Chiana.
"They will clean him now." Setig tells her.

"Setig." She stands, looking at Crichton on the bed. "John needs more protection."

"The challenge is an honored tradition mistress." Setig tells her. "He must accept all challenges."

"I don't care!" She yells. "He nearly died today!" She looks at him angrily. "I need you to bring Captain Shelan here. He was with the Peacekeepers. He can work security for the estate."

"But mistress. Shelan is not to be trusted." Setig balks.

"I said! We need him for security Setig!"

"Yes mistress." Setig gives a slight bow and leaves for communications.

Trellnon and the other servant have cleaned John up and changed the bedding. Chiana waits for them to leave. She lies down next to him, holding him, crying.

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

ChianaGray
12/23/00
Unknown Assault
IC:

Chiana hopped in running towards the palace landing pad as Shelans prowler landed. She waited, watching as he came piling out. She smiled to herself. His slender, handsome face was creased with worry but he was walking just like she remembered him when she was carrying his bags to his prowler when she finaly found him. Ever the cooly collected PeaceKeeper. When his eyes met hers she could see that sparkel in them again. It wasn't lust like so many eyes, he was shy and blushing, his eyes seeming to be filled with a quiet longing. His breath sucked in and she bent forward slightly, planting her hands behind her back as she twisted on a foot and raised her head up to him.

"You ah-," she narrowed her eyes. "You still with us Shelan?"

"I'm here aren't I?" He asked quietly. "How is he?"

"I don't know," She lowered her head and looked away, feeling a comfort in his helpless attraction to her. The way his breathing came heavily when his body brushed against her as they began to walk. She doubted he was even aware he looked like he was about to stumble out of his own shoes. She licked her lips and darted him a glance. It was going to be difficult to be married, but she felt ready. She loved Crichton. She wondered if that meant she'd have to surrender a little flirting though, just to tease the poor mans torment at being at her side and enjoy the moment. She couldn't help enjoying his feelings for her. If it was another time... maybe. "You're still kind of questionable Shelan. Where are your loyalties?"

"My loyalties?" He frowned, pausing in step as he took her arm and looked intently into her eyes. "I'll just have to show you. Chiana, I have nowhere else to go. Espionage is a serious accusation, I need you of all people to believe me or I am a dead man."

"Espionage?" She gaped as she stepped ahead of him and continued to walk. "They thought you were the spie?"

"Scorpius caught me aiding you."

"He did," She looked to him again, searching his eyes. "I'll believe you Shelan. Maybe - maybe I owe it to you."

"Me?" His sharp brows came together with a perplexed look. "I've done little if anything but ruin my own life. What would you ever owe me?"

She smiled uneasily as she tilted her head into his shoulder.

"Hurry up will you? I don't want to be away from Crichton too long."

Shelan nodded, something sinking out of his eyes as he touched her shoulder and moved her into the turn of a hall with him.

"I brought something for his wounds. I think he'll apreciate something I know about Scarrens as well."

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

Nhfearme
12/23/00
Captain Shelan's Return
IC:

Shelan enjoys being able to stand so close to Chiana. Just being near her is worth the danger of being discovered by the Peacekeepers. He doesn't care anymore.

Captain Shelan and Chiana walk into the mansion. They stand outside the bedroom talking.

"I have to tell you Captain." Chiana says tongue in cheek. "That I only called you because Hep is too distracted. He will still be your commanding officer in security. In fact, you are to report to Setig in his absence, understood?"

John wakes. He can hear them. He is still too weak to get up. He lies, quietly listening to them.

"I'm glad you called me. I'll do everything I can to help. Here, this will help his healing." He sighs at the touch of her hand when he places it in her palm. "You don't have to tell him it was from me."

"I'm sure that he will know, Captain." She purses her lips.

She eyes him. His pulse pistol; His dagger. Neither could defend him if she chose to act. "His time will come." She thinks.

Setig walks up to them.

"I will leave you to your duties, then." She turns and walks into the bedroom, leaving Shelan in Setig's capable hands.

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

Chiana walks into the bedroom. She sees that John is awake.

"John!" Chiana runs to his bedside. She sits on the bed and takes his hand.

"What is he doing here?" John says coldly.

"You were attacked!" She is taken aback. "I've closed the estate. No one will cross our perimeter without being checked first."

"What! Is he doing here, Chiana?" He asks again, upset.

"I called him for security, John." She says nervously. "For security, John." She pleads with her eyes.

"I already gave orders that he is not to come on the property. He is a danger to us and to himself. The Peacekeepers may already be looking for him!" John is angry.

"What would you have me do? Leave you lying here, helpless? While some challenger hacks you to bits in name of honor?

"That's beside the point, Chiana." John looks into her eyes angrily, trying to get his point across. "Shelan IS the security risk. He spied on us. He might have got us all killed! He can't be trusted! Do you understand?"

Chiana gets up off the bed. "What I understand is that you don't trust me to make decisions!" She says angrily. "He is here for your protection!"

She stands looking at him. She loves him. Want's to spend her life with him. She knows how close he came to dying. Her tone changes. She fights her tears. "I can't stand the thought of you You nearly died today! Why won't you trust me, John?" She begins to cry.

Chiana turns from John and flees his presence, out into the courtyard and into Shelan's Prowler. [Chiana taking the Prowler is CG's idea]

John can hear her power up. He tries to get up. "Setig!" He shouts, but it's too late. Chiana blasts off. She's gone.