by Travis
*****
Zhaan’s dark eyes narrowed as she peered at Moya’s sensor displays, “These readings cannot be correct Pilot.”
Pilot’s image may have remained unperturbed, but his voice certainly did not, “Those readings are exactly what Moya is detecting before us. Neither Moya nor I can detect any malfunctions within her sensing organs.”
Zhaan nodded. It was a logical answer. Pilot’s symbiotic link with the ship would grant him instant knowledge of any problems that Moya was experiencing.
Provided, of course, she was willing to inform him of such problems. She’d been less than eager to do so when the early stages of her pregnancy had almost killed them all.
Her lips twisted up into a wry expression, “You’d better inform the others. I doubt we’ll evade company for much longer.”
“They have been informed.” Pilot reported.
*****
“Where is it?” D’Argo growled menacingly.
Rygel looked askance, “Why are you blaming me?”
“Because every time one of my personal items comes up missing, you seem to be involved.”
“Well, I didn’t take whatever it is you’ve lost.” Rygel huffed, “And if you don’t believe me, I’ve already been through your things and haven’t found anything of value.”
The pride in Rygel’s voice infuriated D’Argo, but if the Hynerian was telling the truth…, “If not you, then who else?”
“I’d ask that Chiana person.” Rygel suggested, “She’s a liar and a thief.”
D’Argo eyed the diminutive Rygel with disdain, “And you are not?”
Rygel drew himself up in his levitating chair/throne, “That’s different. I’m a statesman. I lie as a matter of recourse to protect my people.”
“You don’t have any people.” D’Argo snarled, “Your cousin had you overthrown.”
“But I have to keep my skills sharp don’t I?” Rygel countered.
D’Argo exhaled in disgust and left Rygel’s quarters. Rygel floated along behind him. D’Argo was moving slowly, looking about as if tasting the recycled air in Moya’s confines. Pilot’s voice requesting his presence broke his concentration.
“Not now, Pilot.” D’Argo replied angrily, “I’m close to tracking down whose been going through my belongings.”
“Yes, Pilot.” Rygel chimed in, “Not now.”
D’Argo glanced down at Rygel, “Stay out of this. It is not your concern.”
“Yes, it is.”
D’Argo pulled Rygel out of his chair, “No. It’s not.”
Rygel deferred, having no defence against the enormous Luxan, “I see your point. If you’d be so kind as to put me down.”
D’Argo dropped Rygel. The former emperor fell to the floor with a yelp. He lay still for several moments recollecting his lost wits. He sat up and motioned for his chair to approach.
“I meant in my chair, you lummox!” he yelled at D’Argo’s back.
*****
“Now let me get this straight,” John Crichton asked sceptically, “you hate to study, but you’ll spend hours on end in here working out?”
Aeryn stopped the hand to hand drill she was engaged in and stood glaring at Crichton. He was wearing that ironic smirk she detested. Both stood across from each
other with their arms folded. Aeryn noticed the similarity of their postures and quickly moved her hands to her hips.
“This is a valuable use of time.” She explained, “Perfecting these techniques can save lives and time in a combat situation.”
“Aeryn,” Crichton’s sarcasm was rising, “You’ve spent the last two weeks in this make-shift gym of yours ‘practising’ to save our lives and the most offensive creature we’ve encountered in that time made a Tribble look tough.”
“A what?”
“A Tribble.” He replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, “Y’know, a ball of fluff resembling one of William Shatner’s hairpieces?”
“Who?’
“Captain Kirk.” Crichton replied excitedly, “To boldly go and all that. Although, I have to say, if Rodenberry had come up with anything remotely like the Uncharted Regions, his show wouldn’t have been cancelled.”
“Crichton,” Aeryn interrupted irritably, “by now, even you should realise that I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you do.” Crichton remarked, “I’m saying that if you applied half this much energy to anything else, you’d be an expert in it in two days.”
“I don’t want to be an…’expert’.” Aeryn was getting flustered, “I want to maintain my disciplines.”
“That’s what you call it?” Crichton laughed, “Back home we just referred to it as being able to kick ass.”
“There are many strange things and customs from your world you’ve described to me.” Aeryn replied dryly, “But, this belittling of other priorities is the most frelling annoying.”
Crichton’s hands rose into the air, “What? You want me to go a few rounds with you on the mat? Is that it?”
Aeryn’s smile was predatory, “Yes, I think I’d like that.”
Crichton sighed, dropping his arms, “Alright, if it’ll make you happy.”
Pilot’s voice rose as he stepped onto the mat. Crichton grinned as he agreed to report to the bridge. Aeryn agreed as well, but with far less enthusiasm. She shot Crichton an accusing glare.
“You planned this.”
“I did not.” Crichton scoffed
“Yes, you did.” Aeryn replied adamantly, “I don’t know how, but this is definitely your fault.” With that said, she strode out of the “gym”. Crichton stood there in stunned silence for a moment before throwing his hands in the air out of frustration. “What am I? The interstellar bogeyman?” he called out as he followed her.
*****
Chiana sat in the mess staring at the cryo unit. Their supply of fresh fruits and vegetables had run out a week ago, shortly after the crews’ last encounter with the Peacekeepers and a living virus. All they’d had since was food cubes. They kept one alive, but were hardly delectable.
Pilot’s image appeared on the display in the corner, “Chiana, could you come to the bridge?”
“When are we going to get some food?” the Nubari whined.
“We may have that opportunity.” Pilot informed her, “Moya’s sensors are detecting a heavily inhabited planet in this system.”
“Really?” Chiana asked, her interest piqued, “What kind of planet?”
“We are still too far away to be certain.” Pilot replied, “But I have detected several orbital platforms around the sixth planet in the system.”
“So, take us there.” She requested impatiently.
“You can make your opinion known to the others if you come to the bridge.”
*****
The assembled crew stood on Moya’s bridge. D’Argo and Aeryn jostled against one another vying for a better look at the maps Zhaan had laid out across the worktable. Rygel hovered above the table, giving him an unimpeded view. Crichton, Zhaan, and Chiana stood further back enjoying the spectacle.
“I don’t like it.” D’Argo growled, “There’s no telling what those orbital platforms are for.”
“It is a binary star system.” Aeryn replied, “They could be orbital farms.”
“Or they could be weapons platforms.”
“Wait a sec…I mean micron.” Crichton interrupted, “Let me see the chart of the system.”
D’Argo gave Aeryn a wary glance. She shrugged. D’Argo handed it to Crichton with a disgruntled sigh. Crichton peered at it.
“People, we’ve got white and yellow binary system.” Crichton said happily.
“Tell us something we haven’t already learned.” D’Argo snapped.
Crichton was getting excited, “This could be good. The planet should be hospitable. It just depends on the natives.”
“Speaking of whom,” Pilot’s image spoke up, “a welcoming committee is en route to our position.”
“How many, Pilot?” Aeryn asked, instantly shifting mental gears. She was sliding into what Crichton called her “Rambo” mode.
“Two.” Pilot answered, “Small craft. They appear highly manoeuvrable, and heavily armed.”
“Where did they come from?” D’Argo inquired.
“They were occluded within the asteroid field suspended between the gravitational influences of the two stars.”
“Within the asteroid field? That explains their manoeuvrability.” Aeryn replied, “How powerful are their weapons?”
“Data indicates that they are at least as powerful as your Prowler, Officer Sun.”
She scowled. Aeryn had a difficult time imagining any other species producing equipment that rivalled Sabbacean tech. Her cultural legacy was that of the conquerors. The Peacekeepers hadn’t faced a rival in at least one hundred cycles. “Can we outrun them?” she inquired, already knowing the answer.
“No.”
“See if you can talk to them.” Crichton suggested between clenched teeth.
“No need.” Pilot replied, “They are contacting us.”
*****
The transmission was voice only. It was a female voice, or at least they assumed it was a female. D’Argo wasn’t taking any chances after his encounter with the Zenetan “garbalogist”, Staanz. Aeryn handled the transmission, despite Rygel’s insistence that as
the experienced diplomat, he had first call at any opportunities that might arise out of the exchange.
“Unidentified Leviathan, please respond.” The woman’s voice requested, “This is Outer Reaches Warden Patrol, please respond.”
The woman’s accent confused Aeryn. It was a hybrid between a Sabbacean dialect and Crichton’s Human drawl. She wished that she had a visual to go with the
audio. A suspicion crept into the back of her mind regarding the identity of their interceptor, but she shoved it aside for now.
“Warden Patrol, this is the Leviathan Moya.” Aeryn replied calmly.
“State your intentions Moya.” The woman replied.
“We were hoping to come further in-system and restock our perishables.”
There was a pause. The woman they were speaking to was obviously too junior to make that decision herself. They had to wait while she conferred with her superiors. It seemed like an eternity passed before she replied. “Very well, Moya.” The woman’s voice was reluctant, she didn’t seem pleased with the information she was conveying.
“You may proceed. Follow our flight path and do not deviate from the course we plot. Deviation will be seen as a sign of hostility.” Aeryn noted the eagerness in the other woman’s voice.
“Message understood.” Aeryn replied, then thought to herself, All too well.
*****
The Warden’s craft resembled several other designs Aeryn had seen before. But they were also unique. They possessed a wing-like shape that was almost organic. Crichton referred to their appearance as resembling something called a “manta ray”. Aeryn had no idea what a “manta ray” was, but if Humans had fighter craft resembling the Warden’s, she’d have to revise her opinion of Crichton’s people.
As they approached the sixth planet, several more Warden patrols came into sight. Larger craft revealed their presence by moving out from behind moons and the other planets. These were obviously vessels of war. They were cylindrical, with missile ports and energy emitters blistering the sides. They also had hangar bays that obviously housed even more Warden fighters.
Their escorts led them into an orbit between two of the orbital installation. The installations were essentially islands looming in geosynchronous orbit over large uninhabited areas of the planet. Windows facing outwards from the planetary surface virtually radiated green as a result of the plants growing within. Blisters containing missiles and various forms of weaponry hung onto the sides of the farms. Several
installations contained only weapon arrays.
The escorts broke off, “Moya crew, please hold position here.”
“Understood.” Aeryn replied, then rose an eyebrow as a male voice took over.
“Crew of Moya, I am the Traffic Controller.” A haughty voice informed them, “We are transmitting landing co-ordinates. You will be met at the landing site by the proper authorities. They will issue your visitation permits.”
"Visitation permits?" Crichton echoed, “Who’re these guys? The Soviets of outer space?”
“Crichton, this no time for your usual meaningless babble.” Aeryn scolded, then activated the comm’s pick-up, “Traffic Controller, we shall be descending shortly in a Transport Pod.”
“Acknowledged, Control out.”
*****
“Oh, come on.” Crichton’s voice lifted as they entered the hangar bay, “These guys are anal.”
“That is no excuse for making potentially dangerous comments at an inopportune moment, John.” Zhaan replied evenly.
“You’re supporting her?” Crichton asked, pointing at Aeryn.
“In this case, yes.” Zhaan answered.
“That’s a first.” Chiana muttered.
Zhaan gave her a reproachful look, “Chiana, this discussion does not concern you. I advise you to remain distanced from it.”
Chiana’s arms were firmly planted akimbo as she replied, “I think it does concern me. Crichton was the only one here that would originally give me chance. I’m not going to walk away from his defence.”
“Not until it profits you.” D’Argo interjected dryly.
“Well, that goes without saying.” She said with a shrug.
“Thanks a lot.” Crichton retorted sarcastically, “I appreciate it.” He turned his attention back to Aeryn, “Listen just because I made a little comment doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be allowed to go down to the surface.”
“Why not?” Aeryn asked.
“Why not?” he laughed, then realised she wasn’t joking, “I can help if there’s trouble.”
“Most of the time, you are the trouble.” D’Argo commented disdainfully.
“I’ve also helped save your ass!” Crichton shot back hotly.
“Please, we mustn’t quarrel amongst ourselves.” Zhaan urged, “It is a simple question, would Crichton’s presence aid or hinder a visit to the planet’s surface.”
“Aid.” Crichton put in quickly.
“John, your opinion is known.” Zhaan informed him with infinite patience.
“If he continues to make reckless comments,” Aeryn qualified as she answered, “then he’ll be a hindrance.”
“Oh for cryin’ out…” Crichton exclaimed. A look from Zhaan halted him.
“Crichton, I swore an oath to be your ally.” D’Argo sighed, “But you must guard what you say and do. These people are very…cautious.”
“You mean paranoid.” Crichton retorted.
Aeryn and D’Argo exchanged weary looks as Chiana spoke up, “I think he shouldgo. It’ll be boring down there without him.”
“Who said you were going?” Aeryn asked crossly.
“Hey!” Chiana protested, “Who helped save you from those Peacekeepers?”
“Who created the problem by opening their cargo and releasing the virus?” Aeryn asked dryly. Chiana shut up with a grim huff.
Rygel spoke his mind, “I’m not going down there, so I don’t care one way or the other.”
Zhaan gave Rygel a long-suffering glance, “I believe John should go. I will stay aboard and monitor…Rygel and Chiana.” Judging from her tone, their names could have easily been replaced by the term “children”.
“Why can’t I go?” Chiana protested.
“You’ll get into mischief.” D’Argo accused.
“I won’t.” she promised.
“Yes, you will.” He asserted again. “Yes, you will.” He growled.
Aeryn stepped in between them. Her eyes bored into Chiana’s. “If you create any problems whatsoever, I will make sure you are locked up for the remainder of our stay here.” She broke into a feral smile, “Maybe longer.”
“Yeah, yeah…whatever.”
“Very well.” Aeryn agreed, changing the subject, “Let’s load up.”
*****
The transport pod touched down gently. The view in had been spectacular. They were landing on the outskirts of a small city. The town was carved out of desert prairie. The buildings were of similar design as the fighters. They appeared to have grown out of the ground. The curves were delicate and graceful. The building were connected by tubes and hedges containing water and greenery.
The hatch of the pod opened and D’Argo stepped out first. Before him stood six armed men and women, they were humanoid in appearance. D’Argo wondered if they
were related to the Sabbaceans, or perhaps Crichton’s mythical Humans. They wore olive green coveralls with black boots, tactical vests, and utility belts. They each had rifles slung over their shoulders.
The sun was quite bright. D’Argo squinted as he tried reading the faces under the visors of the caps they wore. They formed orderly ranks of three to each side of the pod’s entrance.
The better to target us if there is a problem, D’Argo mused.
Chiana followed. There was as little reaction to her blue skin and white hair as there had been to his tentacles and tattoos. He found himself admiring their discipline.
He just hoped they would prove allies rather than foes.
Chiana’s feet made contact with the ground as Aeryn stepped into sight. The reaction of the troops on the ground was immediate. Their rifles spun of their shoulders and were promptly aimed directly at Aeryn, Chiana, and D’Argo. Aeryn and D’Argo replied with equal speed. Aeryn had her pulse rifle squarely butted up to her shoulder, poised and ready. D’Argo had unsheathed his sword with a flick of his wrist.
Chiana had reacted as well. She hit the dirt and scrambled under the loading ramp. Crichton was now behind Aeryn’s shoulder assessing the situation. He leaned in and whispered into her ear.
“Put the rifle down.”
“Are you insane?” she asked, keeping her aim steady.
“Trust me Aeryn.” He implored, “This isn’t time to replay the OK Corral.”
Aeryn’s head shook so minutely it could have been taken for a twitch, “Really Crichton, now is not the time for one of your stupid human sayings.”
“It really isn’t the time for a firefight, Aeryn.” Crichton insisted, “Look at them. Not just the guns, at them.”
Aeryn shifted her focus. The troops appeared to be Sabbacean…or human. Their uniforms were reminiscent of PK tech uniforms. Their weapons were unfamiliar, yet
eerily familiar at the same time.
“Take a look at their comm badges.” Crichton urged, as though reading her thoughts.
Aeryn caught a glimpse of the gold medallion affixed to the vest of one of the troops. It was nearly identical to those worn by Moya’s crew. Everything about these
people, even their accents, pointed towards Sabbacean origins. How could that be?
A new figure approached. He was fairly tall. He moved with obvious authority, and a confident nonchalance. He wore no cap and Aeryn could see his red hair and
goatee. Most of all, she could see his restless blue-green eyes. This man was a fighter.
“Sling your weapons.” He commanded the other native troops.
“Sir, she’s a Peacekeeper.” One of the younger soldiers protested.
The officer wore a wry smile as he replied, “I believe my eyes are still functional Officer Morgana.”
“Sorry, sir.” The red faced trooper relied.
The others obeyed the orders and lowered their weapons. Aeryn followed suit. D’Argo lowered his sword, but did not sheath it. Chiana came out from behind the pod’s
landing strut. Aeryn and Crichton descended down the ramp as the officer approached.
He nodded towards Aeryn, “Warden Inspector Arich Soren at your service.”
Aeryn studied him warily, “Officer Aeryn Sun, Pilieser Regiment.”
Soren glanced at the others, “I would gather that you are no longer with your regiment, Officer Sun. No proper Peacekeeper would be travelling with aliens.”
D’Argo stifled a hiss as Aeryn’s eyes narrowed, “Is that a problem?”
Soren broke into a lop-sided grin, “Not at all.”
Go on to part 2
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