Penny For Your Thoughts 4

by Karolyn Gray

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Part 4

"Ah! There you are, Aeryn. Where have you been?" Zhaan asked, looking
relieved at the arrival of their sebacean shipmate. "They are going to
convene shortly."

"We were concerned when you did not come back to the inn last night." D'Argo
added as Aeryn settled next to them on the long wooden bench they sat upon.

Aeryn stiffled a yawn. "Sorry. I was with Crichton yesterday. Talking, of
course." At this she grinned gently. "By the time we were finished it was
already late. Avakis arranged for me to stay at the institute for the
evening."

D'Argo nodded in understanding. "How is John?"

"He's fine. He seems happy enough. He doesn't seem to be diminished or
incapacitated in any way as I had thought might be the case." Aeryn replied
shaking her slightly, the grin fading away. "It's strange, D'Argo. It's
Crichton and yet not. I don't eally know how to describe it."

D'Argo harrumphed, eyeing a group of passing Justicars with obvious disdain.
"I suppose we'll see for ourselves once we leave this wretched planet behind."

****

A short time later those gathered were called to attention as a group of five
elderly looking beings entered the room and sat upon the raised dais. Each
was dressed in a long flowing robe of coppery silk, trimmed with silver and
black symbols. Each bore a silver necklace embedded with a massive jewel
varying hue for of the individual Committee members.

The centermost cloaked figure bearing a jewel of deep red stepped forward and
removed his hood. "I am Justicar Vekt, Primus of the Committe for the Noble
Enforcers of the Law. Brought forth in this conclave let the judgements
rendered here be wise and just."

A short hiss startled the crew of Moya as the local populace that had
gathered affirmed the Primus' words as they raised their palms skyward as if
in supplication to a deity.

"Proceed." The Primus hissed.

Instantly the two outermost Justicars departed from the Committee. One
wearing a deep blue gem took up position by crew of Moya, while the other,
bearing an amber stone silently stood next to Scorpius and his aide, Lt.
Braca. Unlike Primus Vekt neither removed their covers.

"Segundus Justicar Penn, Segundus Justicar Olan: Make your pleas." The Primus
directed. Instantly the pair flanking him, removed their cowls and bowed
their heads reverentially.

The younger appearing of the two stepped forward and made a gesture to
Scorpius
"Primus, an offworlder has come to claim the Guardianship over a Reformed. A
Peacekeeper named Scorpius asks that the Committee indulge his request and
consider his words and actions in this matter."

The other moved forward and made a matching gesture towards the crew of Moya.
"Spoken well, Justicar Penn, but Right of Association take precedence on all
offworld affairs. The Reformed arrived on a vessel named Moya. He must remain
as such upon leaving."

"Truth be your words, Justicar Olan, but truth also be that the Reformed
cannot be delivered into Guardianship of those who are not of the Lawful or
Reformed." Penn countered as he turned to face the Primus. "If you would
allow the Peacekeeper to speak freely, he will show thus to be the truth."

"We have no need for the words of an offworlder to relate facts that we are
already cognizant of." The Primus intoned, causing the Justicar before him to
wince as if he had just lost the case. "The Peacekeeper, Scorpius, may only
state what benefit he may provide the Reformed."

"As you direct, Primus." Penn replied, gesturing for the Scarran hybrid to
step forward.

Scorpius looked displeased by events so far but obeyed. Drawing himself up to
his full heigth, he stepped forward and nodded his head to the Primus.

"On behalf of the Peacekeepers and myself, may I convey my thanks for this
hearing on the behalf of John Crichton. Quite plainly, my vessel is better
equipped to maintain the needs of the Reformed as well as protect him from
those less civil being in the Uncharted Territories who may wish to use his
new found good will to cause him harm. We can feed him, clothe him, and
provide him a means by which to continue his scientific persuits." Scorpius
paused, pointedly looking at the crew of Moya with a smile on his face. "He
would want for nothing under Peacekeeper graces."

"While some would have you believe that I and the Peacekeepers hold ill will
towards Crichton, quite the contrary is the case. I value Crichton as a
valuable colleague. It is the unfortunate circumstances that led to his
presence in the company of criminals and a Peacekeepers deserter that I wish
to attend to and repair. I simply want what is best for John Crichton.
Nothing more."

Scorpius bowed once more. "I thank you for your audience." With that he
quickly tread back to stand by Lt. Braca, many of the gathered onlookers
hissing their approval of his words.

"Your counter, Justicar Olan." The Primus ordered.

Olan smiled and nodded his thanks. He gestured to Scorpius with a mocking
look. "Well spoken, Peacekeeper, but unfortunately your lack the sincerity to
convince my heart as to your intentions. Yes, it is known to us that the crew
of Moya are criminals of varying degrees. Yes, it is known that the
Peacekeepers relentlessly have persued them in a manner worthy of a Justicar.
But here, in this place, at this time, such is irrelevant."

"While many of us may agree with your words, the Rights of Association has
been the basic tenant for our world's interaction with aliens. The law is
simple: As you came, so shall you leave." Olan gestured to Zhaan, Aeryn and
D'argo. "The Reformed committed the crime, not these beings. It has been with
considerable patience and understanding on their part that they acknowledge
and accept our laws without question. They have broken no laws, disturbed no
one's sensibilities. They have done nothing to warrant the removal of
Guardianship status of the Reformed. The law is clear on this. I leave it to
the wise council of the Primus to decide thusly." Olan bowed, his actions
aped by those of Penn.

The Primus ackowledged the two lower Justicars bows with a sharp nod. "I have
listened well to the arguments laid before me and am prepared to make
judgement under the eyes of the Enternal."

The Primus looked pointedly at Scopius as he contined. "You have done nothing
to convince me of your suitability for Guardianship over those with whom the
Reformed arrived on this world with. Your request is denied."

Scorpius frowned, but did not seem further upset at the Primus' decision. The
Primus turned his eyes on the smiling crew of Moya.

"Despite this ruling, I am hesitant to allow the Reformed to return to a
situation that may cause further regression into violence. The Right of
Association applies not only to the Guardian but to the Reformed as well. It
is thus my decision that the Reformed shall decide whom shall attend to his
protectorship." The Primus ruled. "Bring forth John Crichton."

A few moments later Justicar Avakis Por entered the chamber, followed by
Crichton still wearing the simple grey tunic and pants worn by the Reformed.
Both nodded solemnly to the Primus.

"You have listened to these proceedings and have heard my verdict. Correct?"
The Primus asked.

"Yes." John replied softly.

"Your decision?"

John looked over at the Zhaan, D'Argo and Aeryn with a smile, nodding to each
one in turn. "They are my shipmates: confidantes, allies, friends. We've been
through much together. I've learned so much from them. I can't think of any
other way to thank them for their help than to rid them of what has plagued
them for so long."

At their puzzled looks, John turned to face Scorpius. "I choose Scorpius."

"So be it." The Primus intoned. "Per the Law of Inclusion of the Reformed, I
hereby delare the Peacekeeper, Scorpius,  to be the Guardian of the Reformed,
John Crichton."

****

"What?" D'Argo bellowed over the shocked grunts and clicks of the obviously
surprised crowd.

"You can't! You're just going to hand him over the creature who made him
farhbot in the first place?" Aeryn demanded.

"Silence!" The Primus bellowed, his voice startling all in the room into
compliance. Slowly Primus Vekt looked over the room his cold eyes eventually
settling on the still defiant Aeryn Sun.

"You make a dangerous accusation, Aeryn Sun." He said.

"It's the truth!" Aeryn spat back angrily.

"Or perhaps what you would have us believe be the truth." Vekt countered. His
eyes trailed over to the silent Scorpius and his aide. "We have no disputes
with the Peace Keepers just as we have no disputess with the crew of Moya.
However, we can not in good conscious allow one of the Reformed to be placed
in Guardianship of those who may have reason to harm their charges, even when
the Reformed has requested such a placement."

Scorpius nodded his head as if agreeing to the Primus words. "I understand
your concerns, but I can assure the last thing I desire is for any harm to
come to John Crichton. Quite the contrary actually. I wish to help him find
his homeworld."

"And to plunder the knowledge he carries within him." Vekt interrupted with a
small smile.
Scorpius blinked in surprise, which only increased the smile on the Primus'
face. "Do you think we did not know of your intentions for the Reformed? His
memories of you are quite complete, I assure you. As was our review of them."

"Then you know I speak the truth to you when I say I value John Crichton
alive far more than I would dead." Scorpius replied easily. "This knowledge,
along with Crichton's willing consent for me to take over his Guardianship,
should be enough to ignore Aeryn Sun's protestations."

"Normally this would be so." Segundus Justicar Olan admitted with a curt nod.
"However, a new accusation has been brought forward. One that questions your
sincerity in the role of Guardian."

"Until this accuation is confirmed or denied you may not retain
Guardianship." Segundus Justicar Pehn added. "A judgement must be made."

"Then let us proceed. I am sure I shall meet your requirements, whatever they
may be." Scorpius replied confidently.

"You are not the one to face judgement. John Crichton is." Th Primus
announced. "Avakis Por."

Avakis stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Yes, Primus?"

"You are John Crichton's Justicar. You attended his rehabilitaion. You will
attend to this judgement and render a verdict." The Primus ordered. "Proceed
as directed."

*****

Avakis glancing over to her charge with a look of concern. "Primus, I feeel
compelled to make known my reservations for this decision. I believe a deep
review may cause the Reformed undue disomfort."

"Your concern is so noted, Justicar Por. Proceed." The Primus ordered.

Avakis nodded, reluctantly gesturing to two technicians. The techs quickly
rolled out a small table with an array of restraints and electronic
equipment. Wordlessly, Crichton hopped onto the table, looking somewhat
nervous as the technicians lay him down and strapped him in.

"Are the restraints really necessary?" Zhaan asked, causing the Primus and
the other Council members to frown in displeasure. Before they could
reprimand her outburst, Avakis spoke up.

"The restraints are for his protection as much as our own. The review can be
very intense and often the Reformed may react poorly. Some have even been
known to become violent while under such intense scrutiny." Avakis explained
quickly. Seeing Zhaan's mouth open in aghast horror, Avakis smiled
apologetically. "I know it sounds cruel, but it is the only way. I assure you
that I and the technicians will try to minimize his discomfort."

Zhaan bowed her head in reluctant acquiescense. "May the Goddess guide you
well then."

Avakis nodded and turned back to Crichton. A technician finished arraning two
nerual nodes to his temple. He swallowed hard, smiling nervously at his
Justicar. "So what do I do?"

"Just relax and don't fight me. Just like we did in your final treatment.
Understood?" Avakis asked, accepting a a pair of matching nodes from the
second technician.

John tried moving his arms against the restraints that held him to the table
before nodding. "OK."

Avakis quickly adhered the nodes to her temples and nodded to a technician.
"Proced."

Simultaneously, the human and the Justicar  gasped and stiffened as if in
pain. Crichton began shaking, as his eyes rolled back into his head while
Avakis was leaned over grasping the table for support, spasms wracking her
frame. A moment later both relaxed, Avakis rising back to her full heighth
with her eyes closed and a hand resting on the unconscious human.

For severl long minutes they remained that way, only the rise and fall of
their chests and an occasional twitch of muscle indicating that either was
alive. This ended as John suddenly started screaming as Avakis crumpled the
floor in pain.

"Get 'em off, get 'em off, get 'em off! NOoooo!" He screams trailed off into
incoherent grunts as he started jerking his arms agasinst the restraints. One
of the technicians calmly injected the human with a tranquilizer. Almost
instantly, Crichton settled down, moaning softly as he drifted off back into
unconsciousness.

"I..." Avakis coughed violently and slowly rose from the floor, shaking
visibly. "I have completed the review."

"Your decision." The Primus asked.

"Scorpius is not a suitable candidate for Guardianshp. The Peacekeeper's
continued harassment of the Reformed since escaping torture clearly indicates
an unacceptable risk to the Reformed's health, both mental and physical."
Avakis replied, her face unusally blank.

Scorpius stepped forward visibly shaken, though wether from fear or outrage
was indistinguishable. He gestured to the Justicar. "And what proof do you
have to support these allegations. As a Peacekkeper, it is my responsibility
to recapture escaped prisoners but I can assure you that I done nothing more
than this."

Avakis' eyes went cold as she turned to face the Peacekeeper scientist. "Do
you truly wish for me to recount the moments you have haunted the Reformed?
How your constant harasment has led him to act recklessly times beyond count?
How he has nearly harmed his own crewmates? Or himself? His memories are
quite clear to me." Avakis stepped menacingly towards the Peacekeeper.
Surprisingly Scorpius stepped back, sensing he had pushed the Justicar too
far. "I know the truth. Do you question my judgement?"

"Of course not, Justicar Por." Scorpius replied, trying to back down
gracefully. "I will gladly accept your ruling. I was simply curious as to
your reasons. I intended no offense."

"Then this inquiry is closed. The Reformed shall be remanded to the
Guardianship of the crew of Moya by this time tomorrow." The Primus
announced. "This conclave is concluded." With that the Five Justicars
departed without further comment.

Once the Justicars were gone, Zhaan, Aeryn and D'Argo rushed over to the
unconscious human. With a nod Avakis indicated the technicnians to leave, as
she and the the other members of Moya's crew unstrapped Crichton from the
table.

"Will he be all right?" Zhaan inquired, gently brushing a hand over his brow.

"I'm not certain." Avakis admitted. "I will need to complete another scan
tomorrow morning to be certain the treatment is undisturbed."

"And if he passes, then we can depart?" Aeryn asked, looking pointedly at the
Justicar.

"I've already arranged it. All docking procedures have been secured. You will
be cleared for immediately launch." Avakis replied.

"Why?" D'Argo asked suspiciously.

Avakis frowned in confusion at the question.

"Why are you helping us?" D'Argo clarified. "You had no interest in us before
hand. Why now?"

Avakis looked at each of them in turn before turning her eyes back to
Crichton. "Your John Crichton is a remarkable being. I knew that from the
moment I first saw him." She sighed before looking up at them once more. "As
a Justicar I am only supposed to care about enforcing the law and carrying
out sentence in the prescribed manner, regardless of my charges needs or
feelings.  I find I cannot do this in his case. His...experiences...amongst
the stars are too compelling for me to remain indifferent to his pain. And
your own. I sped through your requests to ease that pain."

"I wish I could believe you." D'Argo replied.

"I know." Avakis replied with a sad smile. "But Crichton does. That's all
that matters to me."

Aeryn rested a hand on the Justicar's shoulder."Thank you."

Avakis nodded once. "If you excuse us, I must have the technicians take
Crichton back to his cell." She said apologetically. Silently they stepped
back allowing the technicians to wheel the sleepng human away. Avakis
trailing behind slowly

"Take care of him." Aeryn called. Avakis turned to look at her, a slow smile
coming to her face as she nodded in reply.

"What was that about?" D'Argo asked, looking between the ex-Peacekeeper and
the Justicar.

"I'll tell you on the way back to the shuttle pod." Aeryn replied, turning to
depart. She stopped short at the sight of Scorpius standing before them.

"Well played, Officer Sun." Scorpius gave a little nod of respect. "But this
is far from finished."

"I didn't think it would be." Aeryn replied, brushing past the hybrid as if
he were some minor annoyance.
 

*****

Next morning.

Aeryn strode into the small room with John's long, black duster carefully
draped over her arm. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of Crichton
back in his usual black shirt and leather pants instead of the plain,
shapeless grey tunic and pants he'd worn the previous day. She also found it
oddly relieving when she noted he had his pulse pistol strapped on without
seeming any concern.

"Hey, Aeryn." He said, grinning brightly as he looked up from a sheaf of
papers in his hands.

"I brought you your coat. The temperature has dropped since yesterday." She
said, passing it over to him.

Setting the papers down, John quickly donned the coat. "Where's Zhaan and
D'Argo?"

"They've gone back to Moya." Aeryn replied. "We'll be going back in the
Prowler."

"I thought the Prowler was on Moya?" John asked with confusion.

"It was. I had Chiana bring it down to the surface. She went back on the
transport with the others." Aeryn exlained. "Scorpius may be stuck here for
the next few days, but his Command Carrier is still out there. Best to be
careful."

For the barest of moments Aeryn was certain he was going to question her
further, someting the Crichton she had known would have done. Instead he
simply shrugged his acceptance of her words and snagged a small white bag
from his bed. "OK. So we're going now?"

"Whenever you are ready." Aeryn said, doing her best to keep the
disappointemnt she felt from her face as John passed her going to the exit.

"What's in the bag?" She asked curiously.

"Oh, Avakis gave me some Tollian snack cakes to take back to Moya. They're
delicious. You should try one when we get back." John said.

"Perhaps I will." Aeryn replied as she started to follow him when she
realized the papers he had been holding were still laying on the bed. "What
about your drawings?"

John glanced back over his shoulder at them and shrugged. "I thought I'd
leave them for Avakis. You know, something to remember me...us by. Besides,
if I feel like drawing on the Moya I can."

Aeryn nodded silently in agreement. "Well, let's go then."

The pair quickly walked down the short hall and into the main concourse only
to be greeted by the sight of Scorpius and his ever present second,
Lieutenant Braca, waiting for them.
A slow smile came to Scorpius' face as he spotted the pair and started
towards them.

Aeryn grabbed John's arm and pulled him along with her, not for thr first
time wishing she could simply shoot the Peacekeeper scientist. "Come on." She
whispered harshly.

 John stopped and pulled his arm from her grasp, a serious expression on his
face. "No. I want to talk to him."

"John..."

"Please, Aeryn?" John asked, a pleading look entering his eyes. "I need to do
this."

Sighing in resignation, Aeryn nodded once. "All right."

"Ah, John. There you are." Scorpius held out his hands in a welcomimg
gesture. "I had hoped we could speak again before you left."

John nodded. "So had I, Scorpius." John's smile grew at the sight of
Lieutenant Braca, much to the obvious discomfort of the Peacekeeper officer.
"And how are you today, Lieutenant?"

"I'm well, Crichton." Braca replied neutrally.

"Good. No harm from blasting yourself out of that airlock I hope?" John
asked, chuckling softly at the flush of crimson across Braca's face.

"No. No harm." The officer replied, trying to ignore the sidelong look of
disapproval Scorpius gave him.

"It is most unfortunate that the Justicars decided not to allow you to join
us." Scorpius said. Glancing around once, he leaned in consipiritorily.
"Despite this we could still make our own arrangement."

John cocked his head to the side as if curious, never seeing the look of pure
venom Aeryn shot towards the Scarran hybrid. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, John, that we could rendezvous a weeken from now at Perifi IV. It's
a small little travelled commerce planet. Isolated. Perfect for our needs."
Scorpius replied with an enouraging smile.

"You'll keep your end of the deal?" John asked.

"If you are there at the rendezvous time, yes." Scorpius nodded.

John nodded and started to drift away, stopping suddenly and offering the bag
he held to the scientist. Seeing Scorpius and Braca's puzzled look, John
smiled. "It's just some food. I figure since you're going to be  stuck here
for a couple more days you'd like it."

"Thank you, John Crichton. I'm sure I will." Scorpius said, reaching for the
bag. Once in his grip, John janked him a little closer and pointed his right
hand at him as if holding a weapon, while making an odd clicking noise.

"Gotcha, Scorpy." John whispered and spun away, laughing at the bewildered
expression of the two Peacekeepers.

"Come on Aeryn. Let's blow this popsicle stand." John said, cheerily waving
to a now fuming Scorpius. Aeryn looked to Scorpius and back to John with a
puzzled expression as she followed her human companion out into the cold
midday sun.

With a snarl, Scorpius slammed the bag into a starled Braca's grasp and
stalked off muttering a string of obsceneties that made the Lieutenant
nervous. Despite this, Braca followed his commander, still convinced Crichton
was completely insane.

A few steps outside the Insitute, John stopped, closed his eyes and inhaled
deeply. All the while with a smile on his face. Aeryn watched him for a few
moments before finally tugging gently on his sleeve. "Are you all right,
John?"

"Right as rain, Aeryn." John replied with a grin. "Now let's get the hell off
this planet and starburst away before ol' Scorpy weasels his way out of the
beauracracy here."

Seeing her confused look, John linked her arm with his and started towards
the starport, leaning his head towards her to speak. "I'm ok, Aeryn. I
remember now."

"You remember!" Aeryn stopped, jerking him to halt in her surprise, "How?"

"I don't know." John admitted encouraging her to resume their trek to the
awaiting Prowler. "I think it had to do with that scan the Committee had
Avakis do on me. I mean one minute I'm a peacenik with memory gaps the size
of galaxies and next, bam!, ol' Mama Crichton's boy again."

"The probe must have eliminated the blocks they put in place during your
*treatment*." Aeryn said. She stopped once again as realization dawned.
"Avakis knew, didn't she? She knew you would remember!"

John nodded. "Yeah. I think she knew what would happen. Maybe she even
planned it this way."

"But why?" Aeryn asked.

"I don't know, Aeryn." John replied with a shrug. "I don't know."

She squeezed his arm gently. "Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad you back
with us."

"Me, too."