Moya’s Infirmary...

Aeryn’s conscience...

A warm masculine voice echoed softly through the atmosphere of Moya’s Infirmary.

A tall Sebacean male who looked less than thirty cycles of age, handsome with softly tanned skin the color of delicately bronzed leather and a familiar aquiline nose. Possessing short and thick raven dark hair akin to Aeryn’s own. His warm gray eyes cascading like gentle rain over Aeryn’s unconscious Sebacean form, “Awaken Aeryn, there is much we must discuss and so little time in which to discuss it”.

He gazed coolly upon Aeryn’s slumbering face; with a delicately tender touch his fingers gently brushed across Aeryn’s cheek as he bent forward and softly kissed her brow.

“Wake Aeryn, we must speak my child”.

Her skin emanated warmth as he touched her. “Aeryn”, softly calling her name.

Beckoning. Imploring.

Long dark lashed eyelids fluttered open, “Crichton?” languid lips softly murmuring her human counterpart’s name.

“John?”

The Sebacean male smiled, “Greetings Officer Sun”.

“John?” she asked confusedly, her vision slightly blurred as an incomprehensible shadow interceded within her field of sight, dark and unfamiliar.

Languorous gray eyes widened in astonishment, Aeryn abruptly bolted upright from her reclining posture within Moya’s infirmary medical bed as sharpened excruciating pain rippled through her abdomen, “Aghhh...”

“This is my doing I should not have contacted you so soon after your corporeal being has suffered such a traumatic experience, in my belated contentment of meeting you after so many cycles of separation, I have blatantly disregarded the consequences of my actions”.

Cool ethereal fingers firmly clasped her chin within their grasp, the Sebacean male tilted Aeryn’s face towards his own.

“Aeryn listen to me, you must allow your corporeal mind to release your ethereal essence.” anxious gray eyes gazed deeply into her own.

“Who are you?” Aeryn’s voice cracked painfully as a torrent of freshly acrid pain tightened.

“Aeryn! The pain will deepen until you loosen your mentality’s conscious grasp upon your corporeal form! Aeryn please release your conscience!” Her teeth gritted in response as a further wave of pain throbbed and ached, her abdomen burning.

The Sebacean male’s face tightened, his gray eyes darkening, “My sweet child, please forgive me”.

Her eyes widened in confusion, his cool touch descending.

His arms hands and body, fading and paled to partial transparency. No longer whole, Aeryn’s sight penetrated through his being like an invisible wind through the trees, causing the leaves to rustle and sway.

He melted, his limbs dissolving into a warm pool of amber hued light, his face slowly disappeared, mouth and nose, chin and cheeks yet his eyes, those warm gray eyes remained unhindered by the metamorphosis of his ethereal being.

“The tension of your corporeal mentality must be eased and this is the only alternative I have. Forgive me my daughter”.

Aeryn gasped, the remainder of his form dissolved within the pool of amber light, her teeth gritted as fresh pain cascaded through her being. “Forgive my intrusion Aeryn, but I must intercede before you damage yourself”

His last word echoed within her mind as the amber light leapt towards her and within her. His golden energy penetrating, Aeryn’s head fell backward as she felt his ambience trickle through out her being, flooding her awareness in a torrent of pain. She cried out as her conscience descended into an expanding pool of enveloping darkness.

* * * * * * * *

Moya’s Infirmary...

Aeryn’s Conscience...

“Lieutenant Aeryn Sun report for duty immediately!”

“Lieutenant Sun report!”

“Lieutenant!”

“Reporting Sir!” half muffled words echoed languidly through Moya’s oxygenated atmosphere, warm gray eyes opened, gazing confusedly over her surroundings.

“Greetings Lieutenant Sun, I am delighted to witness your recovery. Welcome to the realm known as the *outer-self* where pain and suffering are suspended and all of the curious qualms of life and time are insignificant and irrelevant. Welcome to my world Aeryn, to a place that transcends corporeal existence and remains my temporary prison”.

A masculine voice rippling with sarcasm descended upon Aeryn’s hearing.

“A prison that incarcerates my soul upon the mortal plane, I cannot depart from until my agenda is completed here within your reality Aeryn, only upon completion will I be released and you reunited with the last remnant of my corporeal existence”.

His gray eyes darkened in sadness, “I had always thought that you had perished with my sweet Asmin on that shuttle craft those twenty cycles and more past, my beautiful and only daughter to my first love. Yet you survived and I’m mourning two deaths when there was only one, a tragic and elaborate lie”.

Aeryn’s conscience awoke, she was standing in the center of Moya’s Infirmary complete with her health and vitality, and gazing down at herself in disbelief as practiced fingers touched her abdomen raising the leather vest she usually wore as she exposed the smoothly unblemished skin. Caressing it gently, with an absence of the familiarly throbbing and aching presence of pain. Grey eyes a pristine reflection of Aeryn’s own gazed into the grayed depths of her’s.

“One’s true essence remains unhindered by the damage inflicted upon their corporeal form Aeryn, as you are whole in the *outer-self* your physical being sustains its injuries. Such things cannot transcend perpetual existence. Your body resides there upon Moya’s Infirmary Medical Bed, injured and healing, the pain also resides there and only there”.

“What have you done to me?”

He smiled warmly, “You are experiencing what is known as Astral Travel my child, your soul is still connected to your body, but your ‘mentality’ the ‘true essence’ of yourself has been released. Neither dead nor dying Aeryn, you exist now in a realm that is known as the ‘outer-self’. A place that has no corporeal substance, an intermediary ground between physical reality and perpetual existence. A crossroad if you like, between the world of the unconscious mind and the conscious. One that I had to help you emerge within, as our earlier encounter greatly traumatized you”.

Aeryn gazed upon her slumbering form, blissfully unaware of its own personal soul watching it, gazing a cool gray vision over the gently rising and rhythmic falling of its chest, that delicately shifted the golden blanket covering it. Ascending and descending, as sweet life-giving oxygen refreshed female Sebacean lungs.

She blinked in astonishment, “Why have you brought me here?”

The Sebacean male smiled, “I have brought you nowhere my dear child, and we are both within the very Leviathan walls of Moya’s Infirmary only in this instance Aeryn you and I exist in a parallel realm of reality that exists beneath normal reality”.

Aeryn‘s gray eyes narrowed, “Am I dying?”

The Sebacean male smirked avidly amused. “No my sweet Aeryn you are not dying, that my dear is a path that you will not descend upon for sometime, believe me I know, do not fret my child you can return to your corporeal form whenever you choose to. Upon our earlier encounter my presence greatly distressed you, I should have been more astute, and I apologize for my carelessness”.

Aeryn stared into a face vaguely familiar that gently stirred her memories, images of a small dark-haired child held within the loving embrace of a golden haired woman. The sweet aroma of varying wild flowers remembered, wafting inside sensitive nostrils. The swaying of emerald grasses in a beautiful meadow, a familiar place where the child would often play. Where she had last seen this strange man’s face so long ago, slip away into a thick blanket of black and red. Two colors that screamed and echoed with the destructive torrents of blood and war, seeking to constantly overwhelm one another.

Aeryn’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, her fingers instinctively reaching for the pulse rifle that would usually have rested at her side.

“You will find no such weapon here Aeryn, a rifle or any physical object cannot exist within this realm. Here, substance is transcended by perpetual conscience”.

“How in the frell do you know me when I do not know you?”

“You have your mother’s inquisitively demanding nature. How I have truly missed you both, how long has it been since I have laid my sight upon you, a daughter whom I have dearly grieved for”.

“My mother died when I was a child, how in the frell do you know of her?”

The Sebacean male sighed, his face cooling into a guilty mask of sadness. Aeryn’s gray gaze briefly glancing upon her comatose body, still resting upon the Infirmary Medical Bed as a golden be-robed Zhaan merged onto the scene. Her azure Delvian vision gliding tenderly over the former-Peacekeeper’s slumbering form.

“Zhaan!” Aeryn forlornly called the Delvian Pa’u’s name.

“Zhaan!” her shouting voice diminishing to silence.

“Cool your words, she cannot hear you. All Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan sees, is your physical corporeal being lying upon the bed, resting in sweet and undisturbed slumber”, his voice echoing softly within her ear.

“An apparition who invades my mentality, loosens my soul from the moorings of my being, possessing knowledge of my mother and of Moya, who are you? What do you want from me?”

His gray eyes darkened, “I had hoped you would be more perceptive, but how could I have expected sudden recognition upon our first meeting in over twenty cycles? This will be difficult for you to accept, but I entreat you my child to remember. You have known me before Aeryn. You have seen my face repetitively echoing within your dreams. Reflect on the past, the reason for my knowledge of your mother exists there. Find it and know me”.

Her gray eyes stared at him, absorbing his familiar expression. Those same gray eyes akin to her own and rich ebony-dark hair. If Aeryn were awake at this very instance within the physicality of her living corporeal form, she would have wept at the sight of the familiar being that faced her now, hopefully gazing.

She replied in disbelief, “My father was killed in a skirmish with the Quentecsha upon his last mission under the command of Captain Zachran Vashti”.

“Zachran...” he murmured his comrade’s name softly.

“There are lies and there are truths Aeryn, we have heard and experienced both. Do not allow fear or uncertainty to taint your heart with confusion. It is I Talyn Sun, your father who has come to speak to a daughter I had long ago thought lost and to implore her to forgive me and to allow me the fleeting amount of time I have to spend with her”.

“I don’t believe you, this could be...”

Talyn’s gray eyes darkened, “One of Scorpius’s tactics Aeryn? Is it a trick and a sham to gain access to John Crichton and his memories that this Scarran wishes to leach from his mind? From the very mentality of the being you care so deeply for? A being who contradicts each and every rule the Peacekeepers ingrained within your conscience. A being who you have shared more with than anyone else. A being, a human, who you perhaps with time will allow to see the very essence of your heart, my sweet Aeryn, would a father not know this?”

She stared at his face in utter astonishment.

“Whether you choose to believe me or not Aeryn is entirely your choice, I cannot influence that decision, but I ask you in all courtesy please allow me to speak to you, to talk if nothing more. I will answer any questions that you possess and deem necessary, all I ask you is to allow me to spend what little time I have here with my daughter, with you Aeryn. Please”.

“How long do you have?” she asked softly.

Talyn’s gray eyes darkened, “I am here as long as you permit me to be Aeryn, I will leave you if you wish it, all you need do is say...”

“You said you would answer my questions and I have many”.

He smiled warmly, “As do I sweet Aeryn, as do I. How Meridan will rejoice when she finally meets you my daughter”.

Aeryn stared at him, “Meridan?” she questioned disbelievingly.

“Your sister, the last remnant of my life in the universe of corporeality. Come my child I will explain everything in due course, let us enjoy the brief amount of time that we have now. Together”.

“Come Aeryn”.

Talyn extended a ghostly hand beckoning her to him, Aeryn reached for his fingers uncertainly clasping.

“Time is of the essence”.

* * * * * * * * *

Moya...

Pilot’s Den...

“We‘re heading down planet-side Pilot, how’s Moya holding up?”

“Moya is well Commander Crichton, the damaged Synaptic Processor Crystal does not hinder routine functions with the exception of Starburst and Propulsion, Moya and I both are deeply...”

“Its okay Pilot there’s no need for apologies, what happened wasn’t yours or Moya’s fault. Dren happens, we’ve survived worse situations ‘together’. We’ll get out of ‘this’ one ‘together’. All for one and one for all.”

Pilot paused for a moment, the subtle nuances of Crichton’s words flowing to him through Moya’s Communications Relay, calming, supportive and reassuring.

“Thank you Commander Crichton.”

“No worries Pilot, how’s Aeryn doing?”

“I will link you in direct communication with Zhaan in Moya’s Infirmary.”

“Thanks Pilot.”

“You are welcome Commander Crichton.”

* * * * * * * * *

Moya’s Transport Pod...

“Greetings John, Pilot assures me that you are all well”.

“Yeah we’re doing Okay Zhaan, D’Argo won’t let me pilot Moya’s Transport so Pip’s sharing her unique Nebari skills which includes a piloting degree. Rygel’s face looks like an episode of chicken pocks Hynerian style, good work on the Raibean Salve Zhaan, the only bad thing is that we can’t stand too close to Sparky without getting a rather unique whiff of things”.

John cast an amused glance in Rygel’s direction, “D’Argo’s suffering the most with that excellent Luxan sense of smell. Human’s olfactory senses are superior! Thank human genetics for wheedling out the ‘acute sense of smell’ gene from the evolutionary hit list.”

John smiled upon his Luxan compatriot‘s grimacing complexion.

“An acute sense of smell...”

“Would usually be a blessing but when Rygel smells a thousand times worse than dren. Well, the stench speaks for itself!”

Zhaan smiled warmly as she heard John’s mischievously clever reply to D’Argo’s half murmured sentence echo playfully through her combadge.

Rygel titled his head regally, “Your discussions on my bodily functions are insignificant and irrelevant and I do not take nor heed offence, as I am far superior both in attitude and state of mind. It is only typical behavior of a barbaric lesser class bigot to express a pathetic attempt of their condescending natures in order to gain some form of reaction from the individual they are scrutinizing. Such an attitude is a display of a troubled and disturbed persona wallowing in a pit of insecurity”.

Crichton stared at his Eminence, “Sparky, you been taking lessons from Shakespeare?”

Rygel frowned.

“How’s Aeryn, Zhaan?” Crichton’s voice deepening with concern.

“She is well, resting in peaceful slumber as we speak. I believe she will awaken within the next few arns or more, when she does I will contact you”.

“Thanks Zhaan”

“May Kahlaan protect you all.”

“May Kahlaan protect you guys up on Moya too Zhaan, we’ll keep in touch...”

Crichton’s voice faded to emptiness as he ended their communication, Zhaan pondered the possibilities of dangers that might lay in wait upon the planet as Moya’s transport pod complete with her compatriots, sped towards its blue-gray biosphere.

‘Kahlaan I entreat thee. Keep my companions safe beneath your serenely watchful eye, as they journey into an unknown realm where hidden dangers may lurk undiscovered. Keep them safe Kahlaan, please keep them safe’.

Zhaan’s azure gaze flowing tenderly over Aeryn’s sleeping form.

‘We have always had our respective differences Aeryn, the Peacekeeper and the Delvian Pa’U, two halves of the same circle. As I have known peace you have known war. As you have known death, I have known darkness. In this we share my dear and together we share in a unique bonding with John. Yours in love, mine in understanding. He helped me to regain my sanity and myself. I only hope that you can reach beyond ‘yourself’ Aeryn, past the pain and misunderstanding. Further from the Peacekeeper doctrines that you often even now after your exile, still efficiently adhere to, from the overwhelming fear of change. One day you will face a most difficult decision Aeryn and John’s heart will be the source of it, choose wisely and follow your own heart’s truest desire my dear, do not be afraid of where it will lead you’.

Zhaan sighed, reluctant to leave Aeryn alone within the familiar walls of Moya’s Infirmary. Her Delvian lips forming into a warm smile as a lone DRD with a rather familiar blue-taped black-mechanical eyestalk scuttled inside the arc entrance of the Infirmary, assuming a guardian position at the foot of the resting platform upon which Aeryn’s slumbering form resided. The little yellow droid pacing backward and forward watchfully. Pilot ensured that Aeryn would be adequately attended.

‘You have eyes and ears where you would not have expected existing John’.

* * * * * * * * *

Moya’s Transport Pod...

“Hey Pipster, maybe you might let ‘me’ pilot Moya’s Transport Pod down to the planet from here on out, if I can pilot Aeryn’s Prowler and Farscape One than Moya’s little Pod will be a piece of cake”, John smiled hopefully as he gazed upon Chiana’s Nebari back. D’Argo glanced upon his human visage stubbornly.

“Stop talking about food Crichton! I’m hungry as it is.” Rygel puffed irritably.

“When do you not think about your stomach you grumbling Hynerian? And maybe you could make an improvement on your odor which in this instance is more frelling offensive than you!”

D’Argo growled to receive a rather peeved look from his Eminence. “Traitorous aquatic toad, you smell a hundred times worse than dren”.

“At least my aroma is more flattering than your stagnant Luxan breath”.

“Don’t tempt me to gut you Rygel!”

“I don’t think I will have to fret over any such action from you Luxan, as my scent so frelling mercilessly applied by that blue-backsided shrew will definitely keep even your sword-hand at bay. I am practically safe under this muck which is the precise reason why I do not mind wearing it”.

D’Argo frowned irritatingly as Rygel spoke the utmost truth.

“Touché!” Crichton hurled amusedly earning a frustrated glance from D’Argo.

“Luckily Nebari have the ability to filter certain unpleasant odors that pollute the atmosphere we breathe. I can’t smell your Hynerian pong Rygel, so you won‘t be completely safe. Should D‘Argo choose to enlist my aide, or should I personally find you irritating.”

Chiana’s amused Nebari laugh echoed softly within the bronzed walls of Moya’s Transport Pod. “Another thing, just be grateful that Hynerian’s aren’t edible you little toad, because of you were and we needed a fresh supply of meat, I believe you would probably be the main course”.

D’Argo and John’s expressions contorted in disgust “Don’t even suggest it! A frelling irritating Hynerian is enough! But to think of Rygel as a possible source of protein is just frelling disgusting!”

“You never know D’Argo”.

“Than I don’t want to find out!”

“Are you sure? I mean false modesty aside Luxans aren‘t a cowardly species are they?” She asked silkily. “Especially if it meant your survival and Rygel was your only companion, you wouldn’t have much of a choice”.

D’Argo managed an almost exasperated if not slightly disgusted look as he cast a wayward glance at his Eminence, his face contorting in an indecipherable grimace.

“Wooh! Wooh! This conversation is just getting weird ladies and gents, I for one do not want the whole visual torment of picturing Rygel with his gray backside decked out on a silvered platter with an apple stuck in his mouth, though that kinda reminds me of roast pork at Christmas.”

Rygel’s gray hynerian face paled, “Sparky, I was only kidding, lighten up”.

“Are all humans as farhbotz as you? You’re discussing my position as the possible ‘main course’ at a frelling banquet! And as a Hynerian Dominar, who deserves the greatest depth of utmost respect, you dare suggest a mere silver platter! Such a commonly procured metal is beneath my nobility. I am a lord and ruler of over six billion Hynerian subjects. The platter must therefore be of the richest mineral and most precious metal in the entire universe, none other than one hundred percent ‘pure’ Alacta. A commodity more valuable than any material substance with the radiant luster of a thousand colors. Only pure Alacta would be a fitting platter for my most proud and arrogant Hynerian hide.”

Rygel’s eyes glazed dreamily, “With an addition of Kenta Herb and a little Arosion Spice, well the possibilities are endless Crichton!”

“Buckwheat the XVI aquatic Toad of Hyneria, you are what human’s call ‘eccentric’.”

Rygel’s mouth broadened into a wry grin, “Eccentric, well Crichton it seems your ‘erpian’ origins have not neglected to teach one of their own decent respect for a being of higher authority than yourselves. I am pleased with this most regal title you have appraised me with. Rygel the XVI Dominar of Hyneria is Eccentric, ah a true and correct description of my most humbleness”.

John’s face puckering with amusement, stifling a laugh. “Yeah sure Ryg, what ever you say.”

“I say John Crichton my human counterpart that I am eccentric and I also say that I have never heard that word in all my life, what exactly does ‘Eccentric’ mean?”

“I’ll leave it to your imagination Sparky.” Turning to the side John’s face molded into a warm mocking smile.

‘Its one thing with Sparky all of a sudden being weird, but to have him admit it! Frell that’s the classic! Gosh I wish I had a video camera to remind me of this rather interesting development’.

“Chiana to John, are you receiving my transmission?”

John scoffed a slight laugh, recovering his composure he turned to gaze upon Chiana’s back, “I hear ya loud and clear.”

“We’re almost there John, I’m setting the co-ordinates Pilot downloaded into the transport’s data stores, we’ll be landing in the forest clearing slightly north of the old city’s central ruins, in about fifteen to twenty microts.”

“Take us down Pipster!”

Chiana smiled amusedly, “Acknowledged.”

* * * * * * * * *

Planetside...

Tahnlah...

Gloriously sinuous, the creature emerged from some unseen alcove buried deeply beneath the ruins of an ancient building, it glided serpentine and snake-like through the thickly sprouting emerald grasses populating the earth, a fertile vegetation of plenty.

Rainbow-hued scales darkened, softly glimmering from a mixture of vibrant scarlet and azure gilded color to the rich emerald green of the grasses that gently swayed against the invisible pressure of a warm southerly wind.

Dark ebony eyes reflecting a concealed flicker of light, as the sun shone high above.

Relentless and merciless hunger drove the beast’s instincts to replenish its dwindling supply of nourishment. The arduous tasks of seasonally instinctive spawning, with the birth of its developing progeny, had lead to elongated periods of nutrient starvation. The survival of its maturing offspring was crucial to the continuing propagation of the Tou’Lurh’s species.

That was now concluded for a further season, the female would not be required to breed for a further five cycles and until that vital phase returned, the propagation of offspring was furthest from her mature reptilian instincts, as the call of blood and a possibly full belly hearkened the famished creature to its next prospective meal.

Gliding through the thick forest undergrowth, smoothly rippling through the swaying emerald grasses, perfectly camouflaged, moving stealthily, an experienced hunter.

“Aaekkkhhhh”.

Several trees full of the raucous calling of a colony of Menrah Bird’s echoing like crackling thunder, as a flock of near fifty strong inhabited these particularly thickly branched trees. Bustling with life and vigour.

The serpent glided ever closer upon its prospective prey, “Aaekkkhhhh”. The beautifully falcon like birds unsuspecting, as they stretched and flexed ebony dark wings and busied themselves with a routine mid-morning feeding of their own. Dining on varying scarlet and turquoise tinged berries. Cracking the pallid ivory seedpods with their magnificent beaks to expose the tender amber-tinged kernels, rich in essential oils and minerals.

The serpent’s mercury eyes focused upon the flailing movements of a fledgling bird, who ambled clumsily along a wood worn branch, fully feathered and a novice on wing the adolescent bird tried to correct its original footing. Long blackened talons firmly grasping the branch, as its immature wings fluttered ineptly like unwanted appendages, as the fledgling continued to fumble, gradually loosening its firm hold on the branch’s supportive structure.

The Serpent continued to slither ever closer, its be-scaled hide darkening from purest emerald into the varying shades of flecked-flecked brown, as its body sinuously snaked a path from the beautifully cool swathe of green into the open sparsely vegetated floor of rock and pebble brown earth. Open territory where any un-camouflaged creature would have been easily observed. Yet the Tou’Lurh perfectly merged itself invisibly within the physicality of its surrounding environment. Absorbing a myriad of color as it slowly altered the hue of its scaled hide as it stealthily advanced.

“Aaekkkhhhh”, the fledgling squealed a shrill protest as its lumbering ebony thin legs clumsily fumbled, loosing its youthful grasp. An ebony dark, razor-edged beak tore relentlessly into the rough-hewn bark of the tree branch, its miniature frame quaking with clumsiness as it vainly attempted to right its awkwardly placed limbs, long delicately crafted aerial wings fluttering ungracefully.

The Tou’Lurh seized the opportunity.

Striking with a graceful sweep.

Massive jaws full of beautifully ivory-pure serrated incisors exposed from an open maw swiftly enclosed the youthful bird, sinking deeply within feathered flesh. The advance was so abruptly efficient, that the leaves adorning the branch barely rustled and the fledgling’s flock continued their routine feeding unhindered.

The Tou’Lurh’s be-scaled hide mingled once again with the many textured layers of its environment as it vanished, eyeing a further prospective meal. Its reptilian appetite unsatisfied.

Far above a gold-kissed Leviathan Transport Pod descended within Tahnlah’s long abandoned skies. Effortlessly propelled through the planet’s oxygenated atmosphere. Cascading over thickly forested trees, long since untamed. Its presence disturbing the varying colonies of Menrah birds, ascending the heavens on wing, gracefully sweeping their ebony feathered wings as the winds gently buffeted.

Blurred images entered the Tou’Lurh’s mercury dark eyes as the flock of fifty strong of the respective aerial beasts, simultaneously leapt into the air in a whoosh of rapidly back-flapping wing beats, fleeing from the strange and unfamiliar vessel whose alien presence startled them.

The beast capitalized upon the flock’s chaotic confusion.

Uncoiling a delicately sinuous body, its hide shedding its concealment of camouflaged color. Its serpentine scales regaining their original rainbow-hued luster, as it struck repetitively. Capturing a helpless bird, one after another within its ivory jaws, delicate ebony feathers scattering in a fluffing cloud of hunger driven violence. “Aaekkkhhhh”

“Aaekkkhhhh”

“Aaekkkhhhh”

“Aaekkkhhhh”

Moya’s Transport Pod landed with a gentle thump, barely twenty metas (Metres) from the gruesome scene as the surviving flock members soared to safety far above. Their feathered wings gracefully muscled, with streamlined aerodynamic bodies that smoothly slid like silk, through the strengthening updrafts of warm air currents wafting like tender springs, cushioning the fleeing Menrah Bird’s flight. Dark shapes against a pale azure sky.

* * * * * * * * *

As biomechanoid metal gently touched Tahnlah’s earth, ten metas (meters) beneath the earth’s surface within a myriad of caverns, the cave ceiling of partially solid pure-white limestone, cracked and buckled as a delicate fissure rippled and cascaded like a gentle rivulet across its gradually weakening surface.

* * * * * * * * *

The Tou’Lurh’s ravenous hunger was far from sated. The gorgeously majestic creature delicately withdrew, gliding into the cooling concealment of the blanket of flourishing emerald grass, sliding over the pebble brown earth beneath the trees, that now lay encrusted with the bloodied remnants of loosened ebony feathers.

Animalistic senses detecting strangely appetizing scents, absorbing the wafting and richly unfamiliar scents within its sensitive nostrils.

Enticing and alluring, the serpent snaking its course through the still gently swaying grasses, advancing upon Moya’s Transport Pod. Hunger and overpowering curiosity was encouraging the beast to explore.

* * * * * * * * *

With a soft metallic whirr an aperture opened, a widening gap as Moya’s Pod entrance exposed the golden interior of its Leviathan origin. The creature eased its approach, its scaled hide blending with the surrounding emerald hue of the grasses, closely and silently observing the bizarre creatures that scuttled through the Pod’s entrance into the open vegetation of the forest clearing.

* * * * * * * * *

“Well we’re here, I guess its time to explore”.

“We are here for the sole purpose of exploring for possible sources of sustenance Chiana and that is all.” D’Argo warned her warily eyeing the youthfully inquisitive Nebari.

Chiana smiled tilting her chin in a gesture of innocence, her dark eyes glistening.

“Would I cause any trouble D’Argo?” Chiana asked silkily, earning a warm-hearted smile from the Luxan.

“Chiana your curiosity is enough to get your backside into every form of trouble”.

“Then perhaps you should stay with me, you know to keep a watchful eye upon my wayward curiosity”, she replied with an amusedly suggestive smile gracing her lips.

His Eminence glared at the pair, who both silently observed one another. Rygel’s Hynerian brows frowning in irritation, “I believe our original scheme was to come to this dreadful planet to locate possible food sources to replace Moya’s diminished supplies, perhaps with your permission we could return to our original task. If it is not too much of a difficulty for the both of you.”

Crichton scoffed a laugh, “Ahem, Sparky’s right guys we’re here on business”.

“Exactly, one should not confuse business with pleasure”.

D’Argo’s face paled and Chiana smiled uncertainly.

A sternly commanding expression forming across Rygel’s green-splotched Hynerian face, as he gazed knowingly upon both of them, “Come on then! We have food to maim and fruit to gather! I suggest we begin the furtive search for preferably edible substances”.

Crichton gathered an armful of the rough-hewn, brown food storage bags, dumping them upon Rygel’s floating backside, seated comfortably within his throne sled. His azure gaze falling upon D’Argo’s Luxan complexion.

“You heard Spanky, lets go to it!” John uttered motivationally.

* * * * * * * * *

“Why do I have to carry these cumbersome frelling bags?” Rygel puffed irritably, the unyielding weight of the food storage bags piled on his lap, compromising the Hynerian’s floating ballast of his throne sled. As it tilted and wobbled uncontrollably, with a very peeved Dominar feverishly attempting to stabilize the unbalanced momentum of his chair.

Chiana gazed upon the swerving Hynerian as his precious throne angled to one side and Rygel tried desperately to maneuver the wanton machine into a stable equilibrium. A warm hearted smirk formed across her face as she observed the rather cumbersome Dominar trying to vainly right his unruly chair.

“Blasted contraption!” His Eminence growled.

D’Argo and John emerged from Moya’s Pod toting a rather heavy Liquid Storage Containment Unit, between the two of them. D’Argo and John were easing the massive container onto the softly vegetated earth outside the Pod. Their attentions diverted as they humorously scrutinized the distressed Hynerian Dominar, avidly amused by his sweep of bad-luck and poor balance as Rygel’s throne abruptly toppled over, dumping his Eminence in a sorry heap upon the moist grass covered earth of the forest clearing.

“Blast...” Warm amused laughter swept through the air as Chiana, D’Argo and John shared a single humorous understanding and just had to react appropriately, in a raucous indulgence of pure hilarity.

Liquefying transparent tears streaked down John’s cheeks as he doubled over, arms clutching his abdomen “Sparky...” he cracked with a mischievous smile, “Maybe you should stick to training wings, or maybe L Plates strapped to the back of your chair...”, his voice trailed off as he was engulfed by a fresh fit of laughter, as Rygel peeked innocently guiltless Hynerian eyes, from underneath a storage bag draped neatly over his head.

His Eminence’s throne sled laid in an upturned mess several hentas away, still whirring and jerking like a fish out of water, bumping and floundering uncontrollably.

“Its not very often a Pilot is jettisoned from his vessel Rygel, it might be in your best interests to maintain grounded transport. Perhaps by foot?”

D’Argo added partially sympathetic. Earning an irritated scowl, Rygel raised himself with utmost dignity and gracefully wiped the dust from his person and delicately straightening his crumpled attire. Inclining his head, he gave a Hynerian pout of ignorance and regally scuttled towards his upturned throne sled that continued to erratically spasm in a violently abnormal seizure.

* * * * * * * * *

Brilliant patterns of red and orange, blue and gold reflected within the Tou’Lurh’s dark mercury eyes, as it closely observed the strange creatures that moved barely fifteen metas (meters) from its vantage point. It sensed the heat emanating from their bodies like living furnaces, their individual scents tantalizing. A partially full belly rumbled with famished hunger, the Menrah Birds had been part of a fleeting meal.

Hunger drove the beast to cautiously venture closer, its approach downwind carrying its scent safely away. Sliding forward, changing its camouflage as it moved into open ground, brilliant emerald darkening to a rich flecked-flecked brown.

A bizarre object of some form uttering alien noises and bizarre sounds as it jerked uncontrollably upon the earth a few metas (meters) ahead of the Tou’Lurh, emitting faint signatures of heat in a myriad of darker and lighter patches of black and red. Sensitive nostrils flared wide as the Tou’Lurh attempted to gather a scent. Nothing remotely appetizing presented itself, naught except the cold and stale smell of metal.

The Tou’Lurh glided closer towards the curious spectacle as a fresh scent entered its flaring nostrils.

Sweat and warm flesh, the rhythmic beating of a miniature heart and the rush of Hynerian blood echoing within the Tou’Lurh’s concealed ears.

As it continued to approach the upturned Dominar’s throne sled, its newest prospective prey ambling towards it, the Tou’Lurh ceased its movement, remaining perfectly still as it rested its wary predatory bulk, awaiting the arrival of its next meal that unwarily approached.

* * * * * * * * *

The cavern ceiling barely ten meta’s (meters) below Tahnlah’s surface weakened, the fissure having expanded, dissecting into small delicate rivulets along the pallid limestone, marring its once pristine surface.

* * * * * * * * *

“Rygel, here let me help ya.” John ambled forward voluntarily towards his Eminence who now stood several hentas from his throne sled, “I do not require your inept aide thank you John Crichton. I am perfectly able to take veritable care of my own needs”.

“Sparky come on...”

“No thank you Crichton”.

“Rygel...” John was stalled by a heavily wary hand upon his shoulder, turning around his azure gaze met D’Argo’s concerned face.

“Leave him John, Rygel is too arrogant to permit gratitude for anyone’s willing and unselfish aide. Its best we leave him to sulk on his own. We have other more important matters that require our undivided attentions.”

John stared upon D’Argo’s Luxan visage comprehensively. “You know what Rygel is like better than anyone John, leave him to recover his wounded dignity, he’ll survive the discomfort”.

Chiana also gazing uncertainly around the surrounding earth, her dark Nebari eyes furtively searching for something. Scanning the trees nearby, the gently swaying emerald grasses.

“Pip? You okay?” John gazed upon her bluish gray Nebari face concernedly, her eyes barely fluttered from their apprehensive watch.

Crichton gently grasped her shoulder within his hand as he applied a gentle shake, “Chi?”

“Crichton to Chiana, you receiving me?” John delicately inclined his neck, gently tilting his head and with Chiana’s familiar felinity rolled his eyes in a mocking imitation, his lips curled in a replicated smile.

“Pip are you okay?” he asked silkily with a hint of boyish charm.

Chiana smiled amusedly her dark lips curling tenderly, “I’m fine John, really”

“You sure?”

“Yes I’m sure honestly Crichton”. His supportive human hand fell from her shoulder as D’Argo roughly coughed an interruption.

“We have priorities”, the Luxan voiced loudly casting a challenging glance upon John, “Yep nutrient priorities”, John rolled his azure eyes at D’Argo teasing and Chiana like.

“BLAST!”

Three well-prepared beings abruptly focused their weary attentions in Rygel’s direction with their pulse-rifles aimed with deadly accuracy, a trio of eyes gazed apprehensively upon the Dominar who floundered upon the earth in partial distress as he ranted and cursed a small rock for impeding his path with its grayed earthen, rock brown presence.

Chiana sighed in amusement, a warm smile gracing her dark lips, her soft laugh echoing mischievously. D’Argo glanced upon her gray expression.

“Sparky is a klutz”, John amended as he delicately gazed upon the ranting Hynerian Dominar and easing a sigh of relief.

* * * * * * * * *

The Tou’Lurh gently slid its tail out of reach...

The Hynerian’s small body emanating with the life signatures of purest heat, tantalizing and stimulating the creature’s long famished appetite, as it delicately inclined a beautifully reptilian head and widened an invisible maw filled with camouflaged ivory white teeth.

* * * * * * * * *

“Rygel come...” Chiana’s wayward hand gently clasped the human’s shoulder apprehensively, her eyes glimmering with a hint of uneasiness.

“Pip?” John queried her uncertainly.

“Don’t move John, that goes for you too D’Argo”, she called softly over her shoulder to her Luxan compatriot who received her delicate warning with an incredulous stare. John gazed upon both of them uncertainly, a warm-hearted smile forming across his lips.

“What is up with you guys? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

Chiana sighed grimly, “This isn’t a joke John I can hear something moving out there”.

A gentle quake rippled through the earth beneath their feet.

* * * * * * * * *

The Tou’Lurh optimized its current opportunity as it slid delicately across the earth towards its next prospective meal who stood momentarily distracted long enough for a swift and concealed attack.

Clean and unblemished.

The earth delicately quaked beneath its weight.

* * * * * * * * *

“Tell me you guys felt that”, John glanced hopefully upon his comrades.

“We did.” Chiana amended.

“Oh no, first Moya gets into trouble, Aeryn gets injured and now...Oh Frell”, John inclined his head over his shoulder his gaze falling upon Rygel’s Hynerian shoulder, “Sparky! Don’t move!”

“I do not hinder your pathetic attempt at an apology Crichton!”

“Rygel this is no time to be screwing around! Listen to me, whatever you do, do not move a step further towards your throne sled!”

“You are truly pathetic John Crichton, to even attempt to order a Hynerian Dominar, the most regal and royal creature in this wretched galaxy! Far better than you could ever hope to be!”

“Rygel! If you move a step further I will crush your head beneath my fist!”

“Barbaric Luxan! Get frelled!”

“Why you!”

“D’Argo now is not the...”

* * * * * * * * *

Ten meta’s (meters) below Tahnlah’s surface...

The fissures weakened as multiple sources of weight bore relentlessly in a hefty descent as the earth crumbled and the cavern ceiling collapsed, shaking the earth in a thunderous shower of rock and dust.

* * * * * * * * *

Scorpius’s Command Carrier...

Scorpius’s Laboratory: Recollections 1...

A massive Peacekeeper Command Carrier drifted through the Uncharted Territories of space returning to its base located in the Torkien Sector.

An abrupt bizarre high-pitched shrilling filled the void of darkness bouncing and ricocheting invisibly off of the many celestial bodies locked within their eternal orbits. The Planets. The Stars. The Asteroids. Electrical crackling vibrating like static electricity.

“Sir, our Communications Relay has intercepted a signal”.

Commander Zachran Vashti gazed uncertainly at his lieutenant, Talyn Sun, casting his violet eyes across the young Sebacean man’s austere complexion.

“Verify.”

Talyn returned his Commander’s dubious gaze “It appears to be an audio transmission sir.”

“Origin Lieutenant?”

“We are having difficulty isolating the signal’s frequency sir, surrounding celestial bodies are inducing electromagnetic interference.”

“Can you compensate for the disturbance?”

“I believe so Commander, if we correlate the Communications Relay with the Sensor Array it may increase our receptor sensitivity”.

Vashti considered the possibility, curious as the rest of his crew, “Implement”.

Niem viewed her captive’s newest memory, curiously pondering the strangeness of the unidentified signal, the holo-graphical image radiating within the laboratory’s dark shadows.

“Implementation is complete”.

“Statistics!”

“We have isolated the signal’s frequency sir, modular disruptions still occurring.”

“Can you increase signal oscillation?”

“Implementing now sir.” Talyn’s fingers brushed lightly over the Console, encoding the information. “Modification successful...”

Talyn’s brow furrowed. “It’s a distress signal Commander”.

“Origin?”

“Difficulty tracing the signal’s direct position, it is situated somewhere within the Trillian Sector.” Talyn’s gray eyes darkening uncertainly as he gazed upon Vashti.

“Activate Audio Perception”.

A hoarse static crackling rippled like disjointed noise through the Command Carrier‘s Bridge. Vashti and every member of his crews’ ears listening intently.

A clamor of sound assaulted their hearing as a strange almost inaudible feminine voice rippled through the static crackling, her speech disjointed. Every few words were followed by a thick and abrupt blast of incoherent sound.

“Our vessel...Heavily damaged...Require Immediate Assistance...Casualties...Main Thrusters inoperative...Drifting...” The voice was engulfed in a violent torrent of acoustic resonance.

Vashti’s violet eyes narrowed indecisively. Talyn gazed upon his Superior Officer and brother in arms. “What is our course of action sir?”

Vashti sighed. His crew was scheduled to return to their base in the Torkien Sector less than fifteen metras from their current position.

What was his greater priority? Returning to their base as planned, ignoring the distress signal of a damaged vessel and her possibly dying crew?

Or...

Ignore the schedule and answer the distress signal and help save the vessel’s crew?

Vashti decided on the latter option.

“Commander?” Talyn swiftly walked to Vashti’s side, turning his back on the many eyes of his fellow crewmates.

“Zachran, what should we do?” He murmured softly. Vashti gazed upon his somber expression, Talyn’s soft gray eyes searching his face.

“We answer the distress signal”.

Talyn’s brow furrowed uncertainly, “Is that wise? Most of the Trillian Sector is unexplored territory, there have been numerous reports of vessels being either lost or destroyed while traveling through that area of space, there are even rumors of entire Cargo ships disappearing crew and all, are you willing to risk our own crew and vessel Zachran? Even for an alien ship?”

“The risks justify the means Talyn, there is a vessel in motion out there that requires immediate aide, ours is the only ship within this quadrant remotely close to their position, when do you think another vessel will travel through this sector? In another weeken or perhaps a monen? I will not ignore their plea, do you disagree with my decision Talyn?”

“No, our course is then set brother. On your word.”

“Set course for the Trillian Sector, scanning all frequencies for energy signatures of the vessel’s engines, we will attempt a rescue mission.”

The Command Carrier altered its course, turning towards the Trillian Sector and the damaged vessel that drifted forlornly through its dark depths of emptiness.

“Lieutenant Sun”, Vashti called.

“Sir”.

“Send an encoded message to the Base, tell them that we have received a distress signal from a damaged vessel and are moving to intercept”.

“At once Commander”, Talyn gazed approvingly at his Commanding Officer, feeling a deep sense of pride rising within his heart.

* * * * * * * * *

Scorpius’s Private Quarters...

“The Nissassa are to be given full dismissal from their current duties, their vessel prepared for urgent departure, and these orders are to be executed immediately”.

Scorpius stared silently at the holo-graphical image of his Superior Officer Nashen Lekorad.

“They have only recently arrived here...”

Lekorad returned Scorpius’s gaze coolly...

“These are the directives of the High Council, something that does not beg question Commander, least I remind you...”

“Of Course Sir, I meant no insurrection”.

“Of course not Commander Scorpius”, Lekorad replied coldly.

“The Nissassa are to be given a recording of the sent transmission...”

Scorpius fingered the metallic black and red Peacekeeper data-chip nestled comfortably between his fingers.

* * * * * * * * *

“You requested my presence Cahmei ‘Rahn (Commander)”.

Quanis warily observed his captain seated so peacefully behind his desk. Being summoned to Scorpius’s private chambers, away from the eyes of his subservient officers was somewhat unusual.

Scorpius gazed at his guest quite intrigued; Quanis’s eyes remained firmly settled on his yellowish scarran-Sebacean complexion, never moving. Being alone in his presence did not affect Quanis in the least, no fear or uncertainty emanated from him, unlike Lieutenant Braca. Apprehension ebbed from the Sebacean like water from a cracked jug, despite his belying Peacekeeper austerity. These Nissassa were by far, ‘More Evolved’ Scorpius thought. They would make excellent soldiers, perhaps even excellent Peacekeepers. The future possibilities?

“Indeed Emissary, I have some news to share with you regarding yourself and your Nissassa comrades”. Scorpius circled Quanis, like a Menrah-Bird circling its prey, feathered wings outstretched gliding over the warm air currents.

A neural block nestled within Quanis’s mind, he smiled inwardly quite aware of Scorpius’s unusual mental talents, yet even now in the same area and the same room, Scorpius could not sense his inner thoughts. The Nissassa were not only telepathic, amongst their many unique abilities, they could project or hide their true thoughts with incredible ease.

“Should I summon my fellows’ Cahmei ‘Rahn (Commander)?”

“There is no immediate need Emissary”, Scorpius responded. “I will be brief”.

“As you wish.”

“I have received some unfortunate news from the High Council, who have relayed this information from the Nissassa Republic”. Scorpius handed Quanis a small black and red data chip. It’s cold metal touching the warmth of his fingers, as he grasped it between his thumb and forefinger.

“This data-chip contains a recording of the transmission, I am most apologetic for this Emissary...because of this most grave situation, I with the authority of the High Council dismiss you and your crew from duty...your transport has been prepared and will depart immediately for Nissa when you and your fellow Nissassa are able”.

Quanis gazed at the Scarran half-breed, for a servant of the Peacekeepers he still held a small degree of honor something that Quanis at first had not thought possible.

“Thank you Cahmei ‘Rahn.”

* * * * * * * *

Quanis’s Private Quarters aboard Scorpius’s Command Carrier

Quanis remained in his quarters with Meridan, Zenthii and Lockel closely watching as he placed the Peacekeeper data-chip inside the holo-emitter’s disk-slot. The chip creating a shimmering holo-graphical image of Merenyai, Meridan’s mother and the chief Leadress of the Nissassa Council. Her emerald gaze falling across Quanis’s softly tanned face.

“Greetings brother Quanis”, her voice was high and melodious.

“If you are viewing this recording it means that the transmission has been successful. I therefore thank the Peacekeeper High Council for their assistance. I greet you all, my daughter, my son, niece and brother and I hope that each of you is in the prime and vigor of life. Sadly this message is not wrought with pleasant news. My brother I have disheartening information, a terrible illness has descended upon your wife Shalisandra, I am smitten by this unfortunate circumstance and I have therefore requested your immediate return to Nissa. The High Council has readily agreed, a transport should be being prepared for you. A Peacekeeper squadron will then escort you to the edge of their territory, from then onwards a Nissassa Cruiser, who will accompany you home, will intercept your vessel. Peace and safety be with you my dear brother. Farewell my children I cherish you all. Hasten home to us...”

Merenyai’s image faded to darkness, leaving the room silent.

Meridan moved to her uncle’s side placing her hand comfortingly on his shoulder, he gazed at her with that same emerald vision, a glint of sadness in his eyes. Meridan pulled him into her embrace, gently hugging her uncle and guardian reassuringly.

Their mind‘s sharing a single uncertain thought, ‘It is not my desire to leave you and Lockel alone aboard this dreaded vessel Meridan.’

‘There is no choice uncle, you are aware of our scheme as we are’. Quanis pulled himself gently from her embrace, gazing upon her face, torn between his heart and his mind.

‘I swore to Tizen that I would always protect you my child, I feel now that I may fail that promise’. Meridan returned his caring watch, ‘you have fulfilled that promise a hundred fold Uncle always remember that. Now you know what must be done’.

‘You have so much of your father within you Merid, he would be proud.’

‘Thank you Uncle. Mother has prepared the way for your safety, you must leave now. Go’.

Zenthii approached her cousin, relinquished from her father’s caring arms. Reaching out to her Zenthii clasped her own arms around Meridan.

‘Take care Merid, father and I will await you on the Cruiser when you return’, reluctantly releasing her Zenthii edged away, hugging Lockel and sharing the same farewell.

All four Nissassa gazed at one another.

Quanis watching his niece and nephew with the familiar protective stare of a parent. How quickly they had grown to adulthood in the last twenty cycles, he prayed they would succeed and that safety would bless the first perilous step of their mission. Merenyai’s message a purposeful decoy. Quanis and Zenthii would fulfill their part of the plan. Now Meridan and Lockel had to fulfill their own.

* * * * * * * * *

Scorpius’s Command Carrier’s Docking Bay...

“Safe journey Emissary and may your wife recover from her illness, Commander Scorpius sends his deepest regards.”

“Thank you Lieutenant Braca, our stay aboard your vessel has been brief, we will return and consummate the agreement cemented between our peoples.”

“Of course Emissary, farewell.”

The vessel doors slid closed over Lieutenant Braca’s Sebacean face, Quanis sighed, ‘Merenyai spoke truthfully, these Peacekeeper’s have allowed us to leave their vessel unhindered. Without any questions or suspicions, they value their allegiances; it is better to have a powerful ally rather than a powerful enemy. How truly methodical.’

The Docking whelps released their tenuous grasp on the Nissassa’s vessel and several Prowlers of the Terksha squadron launched from Scorpius’s Carrier and delicately assembled themselves around their vessel.

‘Do you think they will be all right father?’

Zenthii’s worried thoughts flowing with anxiety entering Quanis’s own concerned mind. Combining with his own fear.

Quanis reached out, embracing her. Comforting.

‘They will be well Zen, Tizen will watch over them both where we cannot be assured of that’.

Zenthii leaning her head on his shoulder, ‘I know father, I know’.

Their vessel set on auto pilot, drifting further away from Scorpius’s Command Carrier and from two of their own, with Meridan and Lockel still aboard the Scarren half-breed’s vessel.

* * * * * * * * *

Preparations...

‘Are you ready Merid?’ Lockel’s brotherly voice spoke softly inside her mind.

‘Yes, Zenthii and Quanis have boarded their vessel?’ Her emerald eyes gazing through the force-field barrier of her quarters, a window into the thick blanket of space pockmarked by the brilliance of the stars.

‘They have left as planned’, Lockel gazing at her silently. ‘Now we must implement our own part sister’.

Merenyai’s transmission had transported Zenthii and Quanis safely from Scorpius’s clutches and now Meridan and her brother had to complete their own roles within this most intriguing play...

* * * * * * * * *

Scorpius’s Laboratory: Recollections 2...

Her eerie green gaze fell unsympathetically upon her unwilling victim. Niem moved towards the Chair’s Computer Console. On the table top near by, several clear data-storage crystals resided, undisturbed. They were the very crystals that held holo-graphical recordings of Vashti’s memories. Niem’s fingers gently brushed over the console, activating the chair.

The heavy robotic hand’s metallic fingers spreading above Vashti’s head like a cage, strengthening, white luminescence, with its familiar hiss and crackle, concentrating on the very tips of the needle-sharp claws and delicately extending from each of the hand’s four thick shafts of cool metallic fingers.

Vashti had been mercifully anaesthetized. His body lounging in a drunken stupor, his Sebacean face, puffy and languid. His brows were drooping and his eyes glassy, focusing into space. Drugged and completely docile, as Niem prepared to tear into his mind once more, searching for further relevant memories.

The Chair powered.

Vashti’s face contorting into a tight featureless ball of flesh as the Chair’s electrical current bore mercilessly into his delicate Sebacean mind. Gasping as Niem continued to probe his neural recesses unhindered by his pain.

An abrupt image appeared over the holo-emitter beacon, flickering like radiant fire. Soft amber-hued light falling gently upon several Peacekeeper officers nestled on the bridge of Vashti’s Command Carrier. Talyn was standing at Vashti’s side, as he himself stood in the center of the bridge.

“Statistics”.

“We have not yet located any energy emissions sir that correlate to the presence of a vessel”.

“Continue to scan all frequencies, we must find them”.

“Understood sir.”

Vashti’s subservient officers busied themselves in the search of the damaged vessel, using all available resources to help determine its position in the Trillian Sector. They had been seeking the alien vessel for more than an arn now, not receiving any further distress signals in the process. Vashti wondered if they were still out there drifting on the very edge of oblivion. Talyn offered him silent support and reassurance with an occasional nod or secretive smile.

‘We must find them’, he thought grimly, ‘Before it is too late’.

The huge Command Carrier continued to float through the Trillian Sector, a huge cosmos of uncharted space, where few Peacekeeper Vessels dared venture. Vashti’s crew was aware of the possible dangers. An alien vessel could attack them while they searched for the damaged ship. Or the distress signal they had received may have been a decoy, a merciless and malicious lure to unsuspecting and sympathetic travelers. But as Vashti’s crew they trusted their Commander of ten full cycles, knowing well his strong sense of honor. Admiring him for his strength of character and his boundless compassion. Something few Peacekeepers possessed.

“Sir, our scanners have recovered a weak energy trail, possibly from a vessel’s engines”.

Vashti nodded, “Can we trace the trail to its source?”

“Yes sir”.

“How far?”

“An estimated thirty metras (kilometer) or more, sir, from our current position on a northerly course.”

“Trace the signal.”

“Immediately sir.”

Vashti relaxed, they had finally intercepted some indication of where the damaged vessel could be. Relieved and slightly wary, Vashti allowed his fellow Officers to work away. As his Command Carrier slowly edged ever, closer to the damaged vessel’s position.

Niem gazed at the glimmering holo-image increasingly intrigued, as she watched the huge Command Carrier drifting through the Trillian Sector of the Uncharted Territories, meticulously tracing the energy trail to its source.

“Commander!” Ashiala, one of Vashti’s faithful techs addressed his presence.

“Report”.

“Our sensors are detecting the presence of a vessel approximately half metra from our current position, sensors indicate extensive energy emissions and pieces of metallic debris floating through space, and our Communications Relay has also intercepted the same audio transmission sir”.

“Helm”.

“Sir”.

“Increase our speed, we must get to that vessel immediately”.

An immense, powerful drone of powering engines resounded, as the Command Carrier sped towards the location of the damaged vessel.

Niem continued to gaze transfixed by Vashti’s memories. A slight spark of admiration for Vashti’s selflessness and honor, burning within her cool heart.

A myriad of thunderous explosions blasted through the thick blanket of darkness, illuminating the night with brilliant flashes of scarlet hued light. Vashti’s Command Carrier arrived too late, witnessing the brutal destruction of the alien vessel that had sent the distress signal. The ship engulfed in a resplendent ball of rippling fire.

Vashti gazed disbelieving at the monitor.

Too late.

A merciless wave of culpability washed through him.

He had failed in his directive.

“Sir we are being hailed, it’s a visual transmission”, Talyn’s voice shook Vashti back to the present.

“On screen”.

A beautiful feminine face radiated from the Carrier’s monitor. A lovely creature with piercing emerald eyes softly tanned skin and flowing jet-black hair gazed at them, her face stained with blackening soot, several grazes and cuts lacerating her cheeks. Behind her unseen, something exploded showering the woman’s shoulders in a pool of radiant electrical sparks. Her head ducked under two strong arms protectively. As the shower receded a strange masculine voice rippled through the air, “The navigational systems and life support are completely destroyed sister”

Trailing off... The woman’s face cautiously raised itself gazing through Vashti’s monitor. “I am Merenyai Kendri, Envoy of the Nissassa, our vessel has been destroyed and our life pod is barely functioning, please I entreat you aid us”

Several more deafening explosions rippled unseen behind the Nissassa woman’s back. A sharp scream followed by a low groan issued from a dying person’s mouth.

“Please aid us!” Merenyai cried desperately.

“Broadcast a reply immediately.” Vashti ordered.

“Implementing now sir!”

Vahsti’s gaze penetrated through the monitor as the Nissassa vessel intercepted his reply. “Vessel, I am Commander Zachran Vashti of the Peacekeeper Military Faction, my vessel received your distress signal we are here to help you”.

Vashti’s Sebacean face was rewarded with a grateful smile from the Nissassa Envoy Merenyai.

“Thank you Commander”.

Vashti accompanied by Talyn escorted a squadron aboard the Nissassa’s Life-Pod, they were horrified by what they discovered. Upon entering the bridge there were more than ten injured bodies of young men and woman scattered loosely across the cool metallic floor of their vessel’s Command like dead leaves. Merenyai herself was busy along with another Nissassa woman, doctoring an injured boy. Blood thickly covered the Bridge’s base, the Command Consoles were heavily damaged, and pieces of metal lay strewn like leaves. Vashti had never seen so much devastation on one vessel. Vashti recognizing Merenyai rushed to her side, as a group of his med techs busied themselves attending to the multiple wounded. Those few of Merenyai’s still healthy crew gratefully welcoming the new source of aid with appreciative smiles. Peoples, Sebacean and Nissassa united to help and care for the multiple flailing wounded.

Vashti carrying a medical kit in his hand accompanied by Talyn briskly falling into routine, both Commander and Lieutenant possessing extensive medical knowledge applied themselves whole-heartedly into the immediate treatment of the Nissassa’s wounded, Merenyai’s own people more grateful for these altruistic strangers who selflessly assisted them in their most dire situation.

Suddenly a male Nissassa emerged from behind Merenyai’s back, hovering over her, Vashti, Talyn and their injured charge. “Sister”

Vashti’s memory abruptly froze, as Niem focused the Chair’s memory probe on this specific sequence with the Nissassa male present hovering over Merenyai’s shoulder.

Direct recognition shook her...

The male was tall, masculine. Delicately muscled. With a Nissassa’s prominent emerald gaze. Yet, his thick dark hair and that same facial expression. Except so much younger, more defined.

It was Quanis in the prime and vigor of his youth...

This was the very same Nissassa Emissary sent by their Republic in a trade negotiation with the Peacekeeper High Council. Niem suddenly realized what they were truly here for. It was to rescue Vashti. Still however she did not realize or even suspected the further reasons for why they were aboard Scorpius’s Command Carrier. What she already knew was only half of the Nissassa’s prerogative.

It was then that Niem abruptly left the Laboratory, Scorpius’s quarters her destination.

* * * * * * * * *

Twenty-Five microts later... Scorpius’s Quarters...

“Commander”.

The masculine voice of his Scorpius’s lieutenant crackled over the Communications-Relay nestled comfortingly in the surrounding walls of Scorpius’s quarters. Formerly belonging to Captain Bialar Crais. “Report Lieutenant”.

“Sir!”, Niem bustled into his quarters.

“You must recall Emissary Quanis and his fellows immediately!” her eerie eyes gazing insistently.

Scorpius stared at her dubiously, “Explain.”

“There is no time sir you must recall them”.

He contacted Braca over the relay. “Lieutenant, Recall the Nissassa”.

“I cannot sir, they have already departed. Their ship is out of our Communications range”.

Niem sighed. She had arrived too late.

“The prisoner Zachran Vashti sir, his memories have revealed some startling information”.

“Continue”.

“Memories in which sir, the Nissassa appear frequently”.

“Memories? You are certain of this?”

“Yes sir”.

* * * * * * * * *

Scorpius’s Laboratory...

“Proceed”.

The Chair powered.

Two heavily armed Peacekeeper Guards entered the laboratory. Their faces concealed beneath huge black helmets. The entrance doors sliding close behind them.

Scorpius raised his voice intercepting them.

“I was not to be disturbed! Withdraw immediately!”

The guards unmoving.

“Gentlemen, insubordination is not a desirable trait amongst any soldiers and ignoring a directive from a superior officer is a punishable offence. I am willing to ignore this lapse of obedience if you will depart immediately.”

A mild threat.

The guards remained.

Scorpius was loosing his patience. “You will remove yourselves immediately from my sight before I have you both thrown in the prison cells!”

The nearest guard raised his rifle, pointing its barrel at Scorpius’s chest. The other guard’s rifle focused on the Aurora Chair’s console. Several short bursts of brilliant red light rippled through the air, smashing purposefully into its target. Vaporizing the console in an explosion of sparks. Niem had barely jumped clear, lying flat on her back.

“Who are you?” Scorpius questioned, eyes trying to pierce through their dark helmets and their mentalities.

There was no response as the guard closest to him, gestured with the barrel of his rifle for Scorpius to move away from the chair. The other tilting his head forward, motioning Niem to raise herself from the ground.

Niem’s eerie inhuman green eyes, gazed inquisitively at her captor. The guard motioned with a flick of their hand for her to undo the straps binding the prisoner to the chair. Uncertain eyes flicked to Scorpius’s austere face. The guard moved into her sight, blocking their silent communication. The rifle rising higher, its black barrel level with her chest, directly over her heart, a be-gloved finger lying persuasively upon the trigger.

“Release him”, Scorpius ordered coolly.

Niem moved, purposefully guiding her hands over the straps. First the arm-cuffs slackened, releasing Zachran’s tortured wrists. Then those that rode across his abdomen fell away. Niem reached forward, placing expert fingers flickering over the buckle of the last strap that cut across the prisoner’s throat, securing his head to the chair’s bolster. The very same strap that had choked him too near death.

Niem raised the buckle back with her nimble fingers.

The strap tightening.

Zachran thrashed violently, as the strap bore down relentlessly on his throat. Stagnant vomit piling inside. Coughing and wheezing. His face was a puffy-mass of red flesh, unable to breathe. Death by immediate and malicious suffocation.

Niem spun swiftly on her heel, lowering her elbow to jab the guard in the belly.

Practiced fingers caught her downward thrusting elbow in midair. Stalling its expected route, the guard’s own arm swung around his neck hooking beneath it like a vice. Her other arm pulled tightly behind her back. Niem thrust her head backwards slamming viciously into the thick black visor protecting the guard’s face.

The guard’s arm tautened against her throat. ‘I have no wish to harm you, but I will do so if you persist’, a strong feminine voice echoing inside her mind. A sudden flash of brilliant red light struck Niem in the side. She wilted comatose within the guard’s embrace.

Releasing her, the guard withdrew a long silver-edged blade from a hidden sheath. Approaching the writhing Zachran, the blade raised.

With a swift downward thrust, the strap severed from the bolster.

Replacing the blade in its concealed sheath. Gentle concerned fingers touched Vashti’s forehead. Skimming over his throat, as he heaved sweet precious air into his deprived lungs. Finding no injury the guard reached supportive hands to him, hauling Vashti forward. Arms hooking around his waist, stretching Vashti’s arm over their neck. Dragging him carefully away from the dreaded torture device.

Vashti rested his weight on the stranger’s shoulders. They were helping him. Disbelief reflecting inside his mind. He was so weak. Stumbling several steps as his weight slid forward. The guard’s strong youthful frame caught his flailing stride.

‘Careful uncle’, her sweet voice spoke gently to him within his mind, cool and reassuring.

Scorpius cast his eyes over the guard before him. The barrel of his pulse rifle aimed with deadly accuracy. The other guard equipped with Vashti in their embrace entered his sight. He scowled at them, unable to pierce through their mentalities with his own telepathic abilities.

“Sir”.

Lieutenant Braca emerged through the entrance of the laboratory.

“Lieutenant”, Scorpius called.

Flanked by two more guards Braca stood his ground. His accomplices moved into defensive formation, before him. Pulse-rifle’s raised.

“Arrest these intruders”, Scorpius ordered.

* * * * * * * * *

Braca’s guards moved into position.

Scorpius cast triumphant eyes across his captors’ helmeted faces.

Braca’s guards pointed their rifles in Scorpius’s direction and opened fire.

The Scarran’s eyes widened in shock as myriad explosions of brilliant red light rippled through the air.

Each bolt struck Scorpius squarely in the chest, blow for merciless blow.

Scorpius fell like a lead weight, crumpling on the laboratory floor into a black-leathered heap.

Meridan shifted her slender frame to help support Zachran’s weight.

She heard Lockel’s commanding thoughts ripple into Braca’s and his guard’s Sebacean minds. What they saw was not two fellow Peacekeeper guards armed with pulse-rifles and an unconscious Scorpius and his assistant lying comatose on the floor of the laboratory. But rather a very healthful image of their Commanding Officer and his assistant standing in the laboratory, surrounded by the cataleptic bodies of two escaped Sebacean prisoners sprawled on the floor.

Using their exceptional telepathic abilities both Nissassa manipulated Braca’s and his fellows Sebaceans mental perceptions of reality. A very useful talent.

Lockel ordered Braca and his guards to escort the unconscious victims to the penal complex located in the northern wing of the Command Carrier.

* * * * * * * * *

Meridan and Lockel hauled and heaved Zachran’s exhausted body through the winding halls of Scorpius’s Command Carrier, passing Peacekeeper Officer, after Officer who politely let them pass, never at all questioning the strange sight, of two Nissassa awkwardly supporting the onerous weight of the prisoner nestled between them.

But seeing both Scorpius and his copper haired assistant trailing through the winding corridors moving towards the Docking Area was not something any subservient Peacekeeper Officer would protest against. After all Scorpius was their Commander, and his tall Scarran-Sebacean presence was not one that any Officer in his right mind would disagree with. As a Senior Official Scorpius was at the top of the proverbial ladder of Authority and one did not question his actions no matter how unusual.

The real Scorpius however was at that very same instant being dragged unconscious...to a containment cell in the prisoner’s ward, along with his assistant Niem...

“Commander Scorpius”.

“Lieutenant”.

Braca intercepted the Nissassan pair in the middle of the corridor, a few steps from the Docking Bay entrance. “The prisoners have been escorted to the cells sir”.

Braca’s brow furrowed in confusion, why was his Commanding Officer here hentas away from the Docking Bay? Instead of implementing an investigation of how the prisoners had escaped the penal complex? Gained the use of weaponry and how they had infiltrated the laboratory of all places and had tried to take his Commander hostage?

The Nissassan pair glanced at each other, emerald eyes focusing on one another’s faces. Sensing Braca’s uncertainty.

* * * * * * * * *

‘Breath easy sister I will handle our loyal lieutenant’.

Lockel smiled mischievously, exposing two rows of pearl-white teeth. He was going to enjoy this. He released Zachran’s left arm, letting Meridan scoop her supportive embrace around their quarry. She leaned Zachran’s head on her shoulder, his violet eyes gazed meekly ahead. Unfocused.

‘This is hardly the time for games my brother, just dispatch Braca immediately we need to get Zachran safely aboard the ship, before any one realizes who the true Scorpius and his faithful assistant are’.

Lockel approached Braca, stepping into his personal space. Forcing the surprised Sebacean to retreat several steps back. Projecting a powerful image of Scorpius into his mind, making the Sebacean coherently believe that his Commanding Officer was standing before him, closely scrutinizing his every move.

Lockel circled Braca, adding an even higher note to the Sebacean’s anxiety and trepidation, ebbing and flowing around him like water.

Making him shift uncomfortably.

“Lieutenant do you question my presence here?”. Scorpius’s voice, the perfect calm quiet pitch, radiated from Lockel’s mentality into Braca’s mind.

How truly simple it was to broadcast a neural signal from his telepathic mind into the Sebacean’s own mind. How utterly simple.

“No sir, I would never, I was only...”

Lockel enjoyed this very much. As he watched Braca wriggle and squirm, sensing his fear and apprehension build.

“Enough Lieutenant, I have other more important matters that require my direct attention, you are dismissed from duty for the time being. Report to your quarters immediately”.

Scorpius’s cold Scarran visage facing him, Braca protested, “Sir I...”

He gulped as his Commander’s eyes narrowed dangerously. The blood rushed from his face, decolorizing its normal warmth to a pallid white.

“Do not try my patience with your impertinence lieutenant!”, Scorpius’s voice shifted timbre. Rising into a deep, powerful, alien hoarseness.

“I did not mean any offence sir!”, Braca stammered. “I...”.

“Leave my sight immediately! Never again will you question my command lieutenant do you understand!”.

“Yes sir...” Braca nodded his head in submission, turning swiftly on his Peacekeeper heel he departed. Pacing his footsteps quickly, much desiring relief from the torrid gaze of his Commander, his newest destination, his quarters.

Lockel chuckled quietly, watching several other Peacekeeper Officers who had stopped their activities far more interested in the intense scene that had just played out before them.

“Return to your Duties!”, he called loudly to all of them, one last time as Scorpius.

Lockel realized he much enjoyed this role. He turned away from his audience, smiling as they quickly bustled back into their scheduled tasks. Meridan’s torrid gazed fell disapprovingly upon him.

‘You are impossible Lockel!’ he smiled at her. ‘I knew I should never have asked you to accompany me, you use your telepathic talents wantonly! My own brother! Mother would roll over in her Bahreh’g if she knew about your frelling tricks!’

‘You enjoyed it too Merid’.

Meridan turned her attention to Zachran, a broad grin concealed from her brother’s gaze.

* * * * * * * * *

Masquerading as Scorpius and his faithful assistant had allowed Meridan and Lockel to board their transport, a borrowed Peacekeeper Marauder, without any interference. The Peacekeeper Officers preferred their Commander in a lighter more tolerable mood.

The Marauder’s doors slid closed behind them both, Lockel helped Meridan support Zachran’s weight, draping his arms across their youthful shoulders they managed together to haul his heavy body onto the welcome softness of a sleeping platform, one of five, located in the rear compartments of the transport. His pained violet eyes gazed at them, docilely.

Meridan gently caressed his face, “Worry not uncle Vashti...”, she breathed softly. “You are safe here with us now...”, her voice the sweetest, kindest Zachran had ever heard.

“Those frelling Hekslahneh tortured him!”, Quanis voiced angrily, gritting his teeth.

Meridan bent forward tenderly kissing Zachran’s brow, ‘Rest uncle’ she whispered softly into his mind. ‘Rest.’

Her sweet voice lulled him to sleep. Fleshy pink lids closed over his violet eyes, as his mind sunk into the warm stream of unconsciousness. There was no pain this time and no agony, just the sweet deliciousness of peaceful and undisturbed slumber.

‘Pilot the Marauder out of here Lockel, we must escape. Someone is going to notice soon enough that one of their prized Marauder vessels is missing we cannot risk being captured’.

He nodded in silent agreement. Leaving her sight, he turned to the helm of the ship. Seating himself in the Pilot’s chair. His fingers brushed expertly over the illuminating red, yellow and orange Peacekeeper Console. Scattered with the familiar oval and diamond geometrical shapes, born in star clusters across the polished black surface.

In the Sleeping chambers Meridan gazed over the sleeping face of her uncle, Zachran Vashti. Though not a blood relative, he had shared an unfailing friendship with her sire Tizen and her Nissassa mother Merenyai. Meridan had known right from the very beginning when she had first set foot on Scorpius’s Command Carrier that Zachran had been aboard. That had been the first reason why her people had insisted to the High Council that she and her fellows be transported there, to retrieve Zachran from Peacekeeper clutches. And the Council had readily agreed, hoping to cement a new alliance with a potential ally.

Meridan owed this to her father. She had promised him, rescuing Zachran had been the first step and now finding her unknown sibling Aeryn Sun was the second.

It would be difficult for Aeryn to accept her.

‘Half-Sebacean and half-Nissassa, one would not believe the possibility of such an existence upon physical appearances’.

Meridan smiled, ‘The truth can be so obvious and yet so much more difficult to ascertain, I am flesh of his flesh, blood of his blood and bone of his bone just as much as Aeryn. Yet I can only ponder how this will affect her, knowing father he would have visited her by now and partially explained most of his past and disappearance from Aeryn’s childhood. I on the other hand will have to fill in the details, trust a father we both share to lay the foundations and have faith in his daughter to complete the construction’.

All Meridan desired, was to cast her emerald gaze across the face of the sister she had never known.

Thanks to Stark, Meridan’s mother Merenyai had learnt of Aeryn Sun’s existence as a crewmember of the renegades aboard the Leviathan vessel Moya. Relaying that knowledge to her ailing husband in time before his eventual death. Where Meridan had been present, speaking to Talyn’s aging ear.

“Father, Aeryn lives”. Those simple words had brought tears to his eyes.

For many long cycles, Talyn Sun had presumed his daughter to his beloved Asmin had perished along with her mother in that dreaded shuttle crash. Taken by the Sheyang. Though with his life and love with Merenyai, he had never forgotten his daughter Aeryn and his Asmin. Their beautiful smiles from that day so long ago in the meadow still echoed freshly within his memories. How Talyn had missed them, grieved for them. How his heart rejoiced when his sweet child Meridan had brought him the news of Aeryn, still living. Grown to womanhood. It was on his deathbed that Meridan had pledged she would fulfill one task that Talyn himself was unable to accomplish.

To find and rescue Zachran Vashti, his loyal friend and compatriot, who had risked his own life and freedom to save Talyn and his new Nissassa love Merenyai from the relentless hands of the Peacekeeper High Council those many cycles long ago. Both escaped to Nissa, to safety. While Vashti was captured, tortured, to the very fringe of his sanity.

That guilt had haunted Talyn for the rest of his days, but with Meridan’s help perhaps he would gain some atonement.

Meridan breathed softly, feeling the gentle jolt as the Marauder, was relinquished by the Scorpius’s Command Carrier’s Docking Whelps.

The Docking Bay doors sliding open, exposing the small seemingly insignificant ship, to the vast emptiness of space. The massive darkness of the cosmos as Lockel propelled the ship forward, into the thickness of night. Away from the huge menacing Command Carrier. Away from Scorpius who lay in unconsciousness along with his assistant Niem with in the bowels of the Command Carrier’s Penal Complex.

Meridan then raised her self; confident that Vashti was settled she draped a warm stonfa-fur lined blanket over his body.

Turning from him, Meridan reached down beneath the sleeping platform, her hand disappearing into a hidden compartment. With a gentle tug, her fingers closed over the smooth silky material of a bag. She withdrew her hand and her prize from beneath the platform. Gazing sympathetically over Vashti’s peaceful face.

The bag was black in color, a simple drawstring carrier. Its sides bulged unnaturally. She opened it, delicately pulling wide the drawstring, as six perfectly transparent data crystals lay nestled comfortably inside the smooth fabric.

Meridan lifted one into her fingers, feeling the flawless smoothness of its crystalline edges against her skin.

These contained within their transparent matrix, all of Zachran’s exhumed memories.

Meridan pitied Niem, pitied Scorpius, they would not be able to use that dreaded Aurora Chair again, since they had destroyed the chair’s command console, but that could always be rebuilt.

Meridan’s fingers gently scooped some strange object from within the drawstring bag that resided beneath the data crystals. It was a small miniscule object, pale blue in color, crystalline and delicate. A rare Baivaern crystal, the very crystal that acted as a stabilizer for Scorpius’s Aurora Chair’s memory probing capabilities, allowing energy to be focused and amplified upon a certain section of the subject’s mentality that contained relevant memories worth exhuming. Without this seemingly insignificant object the Chair was incapacitated and non-operational.

She smiled warmly, ‘It will take Scorpius monens and more to find another crystal, after all I have all of his spare components as well as this one’.

To be Concluded in Part Five...