The following weeken was nearly as bad as the last, in Aleria's opinion. And she really wasn't sure why. She had plenty of time to think about it, though, since Bialar was still maintaining a formal distance between them. Their relationship had been altered by their heated sexual encounter. She no longer sensed so much anger from the ex-captain. And yet, he still held back. Basically, nothing had changed at all, and yet it had.

It took some time for Aleria to realize that the change was within her. ‘Crais' and ‘Captain' had become ‘Bialar'. And she began looking to the future, rather than dwelling on the past or reacting to the present.

She stayed late in her chamber one morning, musing. She, Bialar and Talyn were alone in a galaxy hostile to them. Rather than look for alternatives for her future, why not simply remain here? She couldn't return to her home colony in PeaceKeeper territory. Establishing herself on some planet or station in the Uncharted Territories would be difficult. She was a qualified Med, and that could be valuable to a man alone in space, though he'd managed before now.

She went on, mentally listing logical reasons she should stay. She and Bialar were certainly well-matched, physically. True, their first liaison had been prompted by the built-up tensions of their situation. But long stretches in space alone together made it inevitable it would happen again - and again. She was attracted to him, and had been since she'd first touched him, unconscious in her lab. Her skin heated any time she brushed close to him. He found her attractive, too, she was certain. But why didn't he show it. or even behave... Never mind. Given time they would be lovers, perhaps partners - even friends.

All logic dictated that they remain together, she thought, shaking her head mentally. Bialar wouldn't expect her to leave (a tiny voice in her mind asked, "would he?", and was quickly dismissed.) He'd see the sense in it. She wouldn't have to brave the Uncharted territories alone. They were three together against a galaxy. Thoughts of another leviathan with a renegade crew were far from her mind.

Later, she entered Command with a bit lighter step, her hair curling about her face and swinging free between her shoulder blades. Bialar looked up and cocked an eyebrow, and she shrugged. "I'm not a PeaceKeeper any more. I can wear it any way I like."

Bialar grunted noncommitally and returned to whatever he was tinkering with under a console. Aleria had just begun to run the routine she'd been working on the day before, to find where she'd left off learning Talyn's life-support system, when Bialar swore. She knew from even her brief experience with him that he didn't do so often. She asked what the matter was.

"The frelling 10-metra spanner is back in the maintenance bay. If I stop now I'll have to begin over again..."

"I'll run and get it." Aleria paused her program and headed for the doorway.

"Three tiers down, aft, take the left..."

"Oh, I know the way. Talyn's been very helpful," Aleria called back over her shoulder.

In maintenance, Aleria located Bialar's carryall of tools quickly. He'd collected them up after the other day, but left them in maintenance. She brought the whole carryall, unsure what else he might need for his task. She returned to find Bialar standing in the center of Command like an icon on a pedestal, arms akimbo and glaring at her.

"Just how much have you tampered with my mind - and Talyn's?" he demanded.

"Tampered? I haven't..."

"Talyn says he's been helping you. How did you establish contact?" His tone was flat and accusatory.

"But, I didn't! Only you can..." Aleria faltered, several things becoming clear at once.

Talyn turning lights on and off in corridors, helping her learn the routes; feeling Bialar's anger, or his understanding, or his lust. Somehow, her mental probe had opened a weak channel between them, one that, through the transponder, included Talyn in a superficial way.

She closed her eyes, thinking it through as she spoke, hoping Bialar would hear her out. "When I probed you that first time, your mind spoke to mine. You were like a trapped animal, desperate to escape. When you sensed me, you reached out... I don't have that kind of power, that much of a gift. Later, the further probings strengthened the link. I can dimly sense your strong emotions, and you mine. Nothing more. I'm *not* reading your mind, Captain."

She opened her eyes to see the play of emotions on Bialar's face, noted the changes as he recalled times when he'd seemed to feel her emotions in turn.

"And Talyn?"

"I've no idea. Perhaps he's sensed my mental signature in your mind and - accepted it."

Bialar glanced down at the floor briefly, still tense, his arms stiff at his sides. "At the first opportunity you are to leave my ship."

As her gut plummeted to the floor he stalked past her and out of Command. As he passed, his shoulder knocked into hers, and she felt a surge of fear - his fear.

*****

Bialar had been thinking fiercely for arns in his quarters and, now, in maintenance where he kept his training equipment. He slammed a fist into the bag. He could not let that woman remain aboard his ship. And yet, he couldn't let her leave. She knew far too much about him, what was in his mind. He couldn't allow her to carry that information to others. Though, by now, half the galaxy knew most of what he'd done in his life. He couldn't have her always in his mind, knowing his thoughts. It was as bad, in its way, as Scorpius' Aurora Chair. But she'd said - and he believed her - that the contact was rudimentary at best. Still, feeling someone's emotions would be distracting. He could easily intimidate her into staying out of his mind, and probably block her if she tried. He plowed his fists into the body bag, hammering his thoughts out with the physical blows.

Aleria was intelligent and skillful. Already she'd made great progress learning how to maintain Talyn's systems. Her med training could also prove invaluable in a crisis. And the sexual end of it was a plus. Regular tumbles would help keep tension down, and keep his mind alert. She was very attractive, and very aggressive. He liked that. The thought tried to intrude that he was simply lonely, that he liked Aleria and was rationalizing because he simply wanted her to stay. He clamped down on the thought and ground it with his mental bootheel until it crept away in submission.

Aleria Payne would have to stay. If, in time, he managed to attract other crew members, he could re-evaluate matters. Now, how to tell her he'd changed his mind without encouraging any inappropriate ideas? She was a female, therefore she thought more emotionally than a man. And her indoctrination into the Corps had been less thorough than his own. He would have to be quite clear that his change of decision was merely sensible. He delivered a final series of kicks to the bag, satisfied he'd worked the problem through. The last several weekens had been rife with changes. ‘What next?' he wondered.

*****

"Sure, c'mon over! We'll leave the porch light on for ya," Aleria heard as she entered Command. Bialar had signaled her com that Moya had located them, and she'd felt her stomach go icy. Moya! And her crew. She and Bialar had finally reached a kind of understanding, and now Moya had to turn up to complicate matters before she had time to make herself indispensable to Bialar and Talyn. Something about this turn of events was threatening, though she couldn't put her finger on it. The voice on the com uttering nonsense could be no one but John Crichton, from Bialar's description. Frell! And the morning had gone so well.

Bialar had awakened feeling randy, and presented himself at the door to her chamber with a suggestion. A long, sweaty arn had ensued that left them both sated and logy. Bialar had left again immediately, but the simple fact that he'd come to her seemed to indicate that everything was going to work out. To Hezmana with John Frelling Crichton and the rest!

"Talyn is happy that Moya has found him.. They're sharing news, while we have been invited aboard Moya." Bialar phrased this as good news, but his voice was suppressed and his mood troubled.

"I couldn't understand all he said, but Commander Crichton sounded affable enough."

"Crichton is never glad to see me. I know him well enough to be sure of that. Talyn, he welcomes, but..."

"And so?"

"And so, we go ‘visiting'"

*****

When the door from Moya's docking bay slid back they found themselves face-to-face with three pistols, a pulse rifle, and a Quaalta blade. "Don't you people ever get tired of this?" Bialar muttered under his breath.

From within, the human - Crichton - said, "You've done it now, boy. You must be out of your ever-lovin' mind."

The Luxan was merely snarling, but Aeryn Sun was shouting, "Hands on your heads, now!" They complied, but Aleria could tell by his look that Bialar was reaching the end of his tolerance. He'd briefly outlined for her his edgy relationship with those aboard Moya, including his frustration with their continued hostility. He felt they were all in the same circumstances, but somehow the others didn't agree. It was interesting that only one weapon was pointed directly at her. The others were all trained on Bialar.

While Chiana patted them down - rather too familiarly to Aleria's mind - Crichton began his questioning. "So, what have you done to Talyn? Or did you trick him? Does he *know* you sent his mother to be captured or killed?"

"Crichton, you're a fool. Why would I..."

"Aw, c'mon, Bialar ol' buddy! We're crampin' your style, getting in the way. Moya's distracting Talyn from whatever you're trying to fill that kid's head with. So," Crichton pulled a finger across his throat, "Zzziiip! Get her out of the way."

"Crichton, I'm telling you..." Bialar began, just as Aeryn Sun ventured, "John, we don't know..."

Both were interrupted as Pilot's voice rang through the cavernous room, "Commander Crichton. Moya tells me that the summons we answered was legitimate. Talyn was captured by Captain Scorpius and held captive for some time."

A few microts silence had both parties looking questions back and forth at each other. Then Crichton eyed Bialar suspiciously. "So, you just left out the little detail about *escaping*?"

"It's rather a long story, Commander," Aleria offered.

"And just who the frell are you," Aeryn Sun demanded.

"My name is Aleria Payne. Commander Doctor Aleria Payne. It was I who helped Bialar and Talyn to escape."

Crichton's eyes widened in exaggerated fashion. "Bialar? Ooo, first-name basis. Can't wait to hear this story." With that he holstered his pistol and began sauntering away.

At least, Aleria thought, the weapons were no longer pointed at them. Or most of them: D'Argo had to be persuaded to put up the Quaalta blade, but eventually they were allowed to enter and follow the others to the galley.

In time, all questions were answered and all stories told. Moya had answered the initial call which was sent from Talyn just before Bialar had been taken. She'd arrived in the vicinity of the Carrier, trying to keep to the cover of a nearby gas cloud. They'd been spotted though, and Scorpius' second, Braca, had sent Marauders after them. They had managed to starburst away without injury.

"Not like ol' Scorpy to be so sloppy. I'm kinda surprised we made it," Crichton said. Aleria found herself alone with him and Zhaan. D'Argo and Chiana had wandered away, Rygel was still busy eating, and Bialar was off to one side, talking intently to Officer Sun. Aleria stifled a surge of heat. She was unsure why seeing Bialar with Aeryn bothered her, but it did.

"Scorpius was no doubt still away. I'm sure Braca thought he'd save his neck by offering you as a prize, rather than Bialar and Talyn," she replied.

"Oh, *yeah*. Scorpy would *definitely* rather have me. But I bet Braca's wetting his drawers by now," Crichton crowed. "Ah, but what's with the ‘Bialar' stuff?"

Aleria looked at him blankly. "It's his name."

"Right. Well. So what's your story?"

Aleria gazed into the depths of her mug for several microts before answering. "I was a - ah - an information-gatherer. I was responsible for finding out secrets."

"How's that?"

"Commander. I am a doctor. I specialize in cerebrology," Aleria began, then shook her head and changed her tack. "Crichton, have you ever heard of Nebari mind-cleansing?"

"Unfortunately, yeah."

"Well, the Nebari have nothing on the PeaceKeepers in that particular department. It's all a matter of style and usage."

"I get it," Crichton was abruptly subdued. "Sleep well?"

"Not particularly."

"I can imagine."

It was odd, Aleria thought. Crichton seemed sympathetic to the fact that she'd done things in her life she was not happy about. And, from what she knew, he had similar tolerance and sympathy for Aeryn Sun. Why, then, did he not extend the same to Bialar? Thought of him made her glance his way. He was still with Aeryn, who was shaking her head and arguing with something he'd said. Again she felt her face flush, and looked away - directly into the luminous blue eyes of Pau Zhaan.

The Delvian was easily the most beautiful creature she'd ever seen, so she smiled. But Zhaan's liquid glance seemed to penetrate to her soul, seeing truths she'd rather not shed light on. She quickly looked away. Just then Bialar appeared at the table.

"I have invited Officer Sun to join me aboard Talyn. Even with the addition of the dampening net, he needs guidance. I could train him better with her help than I could alone."

"I hope she told you to eat your shorts," Crichton quipped.

"She has refused."

"Yeah. What I said." Crichton shifted as if to rise from his seat. "When are you gonna get it, Crais? If Aeryn joins Talyn, it will be with *her* in control, not you."

"That is, effectively, what she said."

Crichton shook his head and left. Bialar watched him go for a microt, then turned back to the table. "Pau Zhaan. I hope that you, at least, understand that my offer is genuine, and reasonable."

Zhaan glanced at Aleria. Her pale eyes were troubled, searching. After a significant moment she turned back to Bialar. "Captain Crais, I believe that *you* believe what you say. But I don't like you. I don't like the way you treat people." With that, Zhaan also exited the room.

Bialar dropped into a chair, running a hand over his hair distractedly. "Frell. Frell and frell! *When* will Aeryn Sun realize she has no future with these - misfits?" he asked rhetorically. Aleria had all she could do to swallow the lump in her throat. He'd never once asked her what she thought, never even mentioned her in connection with the future, with him and Talyn. He'd even spoken of himself as training Talyn alone. She struggled with the sudden fear that she'd somehow slipped out of the universe, ceased to exist. Bialar was still muttering to himself when she left. He would never noticed she'd gone, she thought fatalistically.

*****

Zhaan intercepted Aleria in the corridor. "You shouldn't be alone right now, my dear."

"What? What are you talking about?" Aleria asked. She widened her eyes to prevent tears from falling.

"Come with me. Please. You'll be better off in my care." Aleria followed Zhaan to her apothecary. Her mind was too muddled to resist, or to care where she went.

"I cannot say I understand your feelings, but I'm sure they must be quite difficult for you," Zhaan was saying.

"I'm sorry? You don't make sense often, do you?"

"Your feelings for Captain Crais, dear. He causes you so much pain. You must forget about him."

"What are you going on about? What feelings? I'm just angry he forgot to consult me about Officer Sun. I'll get over it."

"I doubt that," Zhaan leaned in close, sympathy shining in her yes. "You're in love, my dear. It's not something you just get over."

"*Love?*" Aleria began, but then she faltered. How in all Hezmana could *that* have happened? She couldn't love Bialar Crais; he didn't love her. "Love." That was when the tears began, a veritable flood of suppressed emotions, which only Zhaan's patience and understanding could hope to withstand.

Later, after she'd pulled herself together, Aleria admitted to Zhaan what she'd hidden from herself for long weekens. Somehow, some time, she'd fallen in love with the self-involved Captain Crais. And she knew, as surely as she knew her name, that he was not in love with her.

"My dear," Zhaan said, "You know this is hopeless. You need to get away from Crais. Join us here, on Moya. It will be no less dangerous than being with Crais, but a good deal less emotionally crippling."

"Join you? Leave Bialar?"

"Certainly, dear. You'll tear yourself to bits if you stay with him, particularly now that you realize what those emotions you're feeling really are."

"Would I be able to stay, really?"

"My dear, you have very valuable skills, you're intelligent - you have a great deal to recommend you. Even if you hadn't we'd still take you on."

"But my former life..."

"Doesn't matter. We've all - all of us - done things in our pasts that we'd rather had never happened. You'll be just another ‘misfit' among the crowd," Zhaan smiled gently, hoping Aleria would pick up on the humor.

She did. She smiled at the wise priest, wondering what she would have done had this realization come to her while she was alone with Bialar on Talyn. A microt later Zhaan's com came alive with warnings. Pilot was putting out the alarm - a PeaceKeeper patrol was in the vicinity. Aleria followed Zhaan toward Command at a run. Moya's entire complement was there, watching a readout on the viewer. A full Marauder patrol was bearing down on them. That meant a carrier had to be somewhere nearby.

Just as Aleria entered command she heard Bialar's voice, coming up the corridor. "Aleria! Dr. Pay - There you are. Come, we must get to Talyn immediately. Officer Sun, we'll do what we need to, to keep the Marauders off your back until Moya can starburst. Quickly, Aleria!"

Aleria hesitated. She'd half walked to Bialar's side already, but she stopped and turned around. Zhaan was looking distressed and shaking her hear. Aeryn Sun gave her cocked-eyebrow look that told her to make up her mind and get it over with. The others were simply staring, wondering what was going on.

"Aleria..." Bialar's face was reddening. He extended a hand toward her, flicking his fingers in an impatient gesture. Aleria turned quickly to Zhaan.

"I'm sorry. I have to..."

Then she hurried down the corridor, following Bialar's stiff back to the transport pod.

*****

Zhaan sighed in defeat. "Poor girl. She's going to have it very, very hard."

John walked up and put a hand on her shoulder. "Whatcha mean, Big Blue?"

"Aleria. It's going to be so difficult to hide her feelings."

John opened his mouth to ask what Zhaan meant, just as Aeryn stepped to his side.

"She's Crais' lover, John. He told me. And I could tell by her reactions, she's gone and fallen in love with him." Aeryn frowned and shook her head at the stupidity of it.

"His *what*? How could she... I mean, she seemed nice enough." John completely failed to see Zhaan's warning glance. He shrugged and shook his shoulders as if he had a chill. To his mind, Crais was a madman. A woman wanting to be with him was difficult for him to accept "Brrr! How could anyone sink low enough to bed Crais? I don't want to even think about it."

Aeryn's posture suddenly straightened as if she'd been prodded. She was frowning like a storm cloud. She turned on her heel and stalked back to the Command console, grinding anger and hurt into the floor with every step. She hoped the tears she felt stinging her eyes didn't show. That had been cycles ago, long before she'd come aboard Moya to stay, before she'd met John. It had been just after Velorek...

"What was that all about?" John asked.

"John, sometimes you can be so dense!" Zhaan stalked away as well.

John followed, shaking his head. They had a PK problem to deal with, but later he'd have a lot to think about - and apologize for. Pilot was just announcing that the Marauder patrol was closing. John watched Crais' transport enter Talyn on the viewer. Moya was building up her energies for starburst.

To a PeaceKeeper, John mused, Crais in his heyday might have been considered quite a catch. He stifled the thought. Not now. Later. He'd deal with that later, when they were safe.

THE END