Penny for Your Thoughts
Author: Karolyn Gray <kmgray3@aol.com>
ScifiBB/Chat Handle: Gray3
Rating: PG
Synopsis: none yet.
Type: Story
Spoilers: Minor reference to Won't Get Fooled Again
Archiving: Not yet. Hasn't been beta read yet.
Disclaimers: All Farscape names, characters and other related indicia are the
property of Jim Henson Productions, Hallmark Entertainment, Nine Networks,
the Scifi Channel and all associated parties. No copyright infringement is
intended.Note: Originally a part of my canceled fics "How Many Miles To Babylon?" and
"The Trial" segments from both were taken and altered to make this fic.
Afterall, a fic is terrible thing to waste. :)
Penny for Your Thoughts
by Karolyn GrayPart 1
"We demand to see him. Now!" D'Argo growled menacingly.
"Impossible. The Justicars have not yet carried out the his punishment for
his crime." The small yellowish alien attendant replied."What crime? What punishment?" Zhaan asked.
"Murder, of course." The alien replied, looking upon them as if they either
were mere children or mentally deficient. "No one would be handed to the
Justicars for any lesser offense.""Murder?" Aeryn stated in disbelief. "Crichton would never murder anyone."
"Several wintesses state otherwise." The alien countered.
Restraining D'Argo and Aeryn, Zhaan smiled peaceably. "Perhaps you could tell
us what exactly happened to our shipmate?"The alien seemed to consider this before nodding his assent. "You are
offworlder so I shall make an exception in this case.""How generous of you." D'Argo ground out.
"Indeed." The alien agreed with a nod of the head. "Quite simply your
shipmate, one John Crichton, Sebacean, was seen arguing with a Takalla vendor
named Tabek over the price of some parts known to be used on Peacekeeper
Prowlers. Tabek refused to sell Crichton the parts. When Tabek turned to
attend to another patron, the Sebacean drew his pistol and fired several
shots killing the vendor. He then left and was later being apprehended at a
nearby tavern claiming he knew nothing of the events that transpired. He was
tried, conviced, sentenced and brought here for punishment to be carried out."During the entire story, Aeryn felt her concern grow. At the mention of the
Prowler parts she glanced over to D'Argo noting he too was startled at the
news. Neither of them had been able to locate any of the Peacekeeper systems
that had been rumored for sale on this planet.Under normal circumstances if Crichton had found them he would have contacted
them. Unfortunately Crichton had been anything but normal since the incident
with the Scarren at the last commerce planet they had visited. He had been
somewhat withdrawn and moody, though Aeryn had recognized the symptoms and
dismissed the behavior as merely an after effect of the Scarren interrogation
techniques."John Crichton would not murder an innocent being." Aeryn stated, confident
that even as odd as Crichton had been acting of late he would not commit such
a crime."Yes. I believe the John Crichton you knew would not commit such a crime.
That was the opinion of the court when he was found guilty of murder with
exception." The alien replied."Murder with exception? What does that mean?" D'Argo asked.
"He was not in control of faculties at the time of his actions and thus not
fully accoutable. We do not murder those who commit crimes simply because
they have not received proper treatment for their mental ills. He was sent
here so that this problem may be corrected." The alien replied."Corrected?" Aeryn repeated.
"Perhaps I can answer your questions?"
They turned to see another of the aliens, a female, smiling politely at them.
"I am Justicar Avakis Por, John Crichton's attendant.""And that means...what?" Aeryn asked.
"I am in charge of administering John Crichton's rehabilitation. I am sure
you will be most pleased to discover that the treatment was a complete
success. He will be able to rejoin you unsupervised in a few days." The
Justicar replied, gesturing for them to join her."What did you do to him?" Aeryn demanded.
"Carried out his sentence of course. I assure you he was unharmed." Avakis
replied neutrally."You carried it out his punishment without our knowledge or consent?" Zhaan
asked in shock."We do not need your consent. As for your knowledge you obviously did not
file the proper permit requests in time." Avakis replied reasonably."File the proper permits! We've tied up in your frelling beuracracy for four
solar days!" Aeryn snarled, her lunge towards the creature stopped as Zhaan
restrained her."Forgive us. As you can imagine we are quite unsettled by this news." Zhaan
soothed the startled alien.Avakis smiled solicitously. "Of course. I shall allow the outburst to pass as
it is only normal for a female to protect her mate.""Most understanding of you." Zhaan agreed amicably.
"May we see him?" Aeryn asked politely, her voice dripping with bitter
sarcasm Avakis seemed oblivious of."Of course. Please follow me. We may be able to catch them before the
afternoon break." Avakis replied.