Rating: PG for minor violence and language.

Category: Action/Adventure

Time/Spoilers: Some Season 3 spoilers. Takes place somewhere near the end of Season 3 after John and Aeryn’s resolution of their relationship problems

Summary: After a strange encounter on a Commerce planet, the crew begins to plan their assault on Scorpius, but they need more currency.

Disclaimer: I don’t own them, didn’t create them, and certainly don’t profit from them. Wish I did or had. I promise that I’ll put them back where I found them.

Chapter 10 – Wheels Within Wheels

Velorek’s request brought smiles and quiet laughter to the group. Of course, he was quite serious, but he understood the others’ amusement. It’s not every day you encounter your homicidal former Captain and your former lover in the same place plotting against the Peacekeepers with a group of aliens, he thought. Chilnak himself would be driven to drink by this insanity.

After downing two shots of something called ‘Dramin’ which was furnished by the Luxan, tasted like liquid fire, and brought on both a coughing spell and tears, his color returned to some semblance of normal. Everyone waited patiently for him to recover his voice. Their thoughts as they regarded him seemed varied.

Aeryn: He has aged. The lines on his face are deeper and more pronounced. His eyes are still gentle, but he has a haunted look about him. I wonder if his cycles on the run have changed his ideals.

John: How is Aeryn taking this? She’s been studying him closely ever since he got here. I’m sure she feels guilty about what happened between them. That boy looks scared and confused. Hell, so would I in his shoes.

Crais: I am beginning to wonder if this was such a good idea. He does not look fit enough for a mission. We need his expertise, however.

D’Argo: I have come to care deeply for Aeryn as a fellow warrior and even bear a grudging respect for Crais, even though I hate Peacekeepers. Can I also trust Velorek?

Chiana: He’s cute. I can see why Aeryn found him attractive. I’ll have to talk to him later, alone.

Jool: He looks like a typical Sebacean male. I can’t imagine what Aeryn or anyone else would see in him.

Rygel: Another frelling Peacekeeper! My life is full of them now. This one will bear watching very closely.

“Why have you brought me here, Ch’rall? You still haven’t explained why you’re working with a group and not alone. You mentioned currency and a grand endeavor. I admit to curiosity, but I want some answers.” Velorek’s voice still carried a tone of suspicion that the effects of the Dramin could not hide.

“I think John Crichton should be the one to explain what we are planning to do. He will do a much better job than I.”

“Meaning you haven’t a clue about details, correct?” sneered Velorek. This isn’t your quest, is it, Ch’rall? How does this Crichton command the loyalty of everyone in this room? He wondered, focusing his attention on the Human.

John studied Velorek with a thoughtful gaze. His pale eyes seemed to reach inside Velorek’s mind. When he spoke, Velorek could have sworn Crichton could read his thoughts.

John leaned over and placed his hands on the table as he began speaking, “You’re right, this mission is mine. The others have decided to join me because we are a family of sorts. We care about each other and they chose to join me. On the other hand, we aren’t above hiring skilled labor and paying quite well. The choice is up to you.”

“So what is it you’re planning? You want me for my training and Peacekeeper background. That much is obvious, but I still don’t understand what would be so important for all of you to join together.”

“Have you ever heard of Scorpius? Scarren/Sebacian half-breed, ugly, brilliant, and self-possessed with really strange tastes in furniture! He’s not my idea of someone you share a beer and some laughs with,” John began.

Velorek recoiled and his eyes widened, “I’ve heard rumors about a being like that. He was exempted from the purity tests and was overseeing a Gammak base which was destroyed a little over two cycles ago.”

Velorek’s mind raced as he noticed the self-satisfied looks shared by the Luxan, the Human, and Aeryn. A slight note of disbelief entered his voice as he continued; “The rumors also said that the base was destroyed in a strange manner by unknown parties.”

“Unknown parties,” D’Argo snorted. “Scorpius and the Peacekeepers know very well who blew up that base. They also know why. We all know why.”

“So the rumors are true. I heard of a mixed group of aliens and Sebaceans who were doing some rather astounding and somewhat unbelievable things, but I never expected to see any of them,” Velorek practically howled.

Spinning abruptly toward the Scorvian, he yelled, “Ch’rall, do you realize what you have done to me? You have put me in perhaps the most dangerous place in the Uncharted Territories not to mention with a group of people wanted by almost every Empire on this end of the galaxy. I can’t believe it.” He held his head in his hands as if to shield himself from the realization.

Crais interrupted with a commanding tone, “If I may, Lieutenant? You are in no danger at the moment. So I suggest that you calm down.”

“Yes, please. Velorek, just hear John out and make your decision then,” Aeryn’s eyes bored into his.

So, it’s ‘John,’ is it? There is more here than meets the eye, he thought. “Alright, I’ll listen, but if I don’t like what I hear or what I’m offered, then this meeting is finished,” he retorted with a defiant gesture.

John watched the renegade with a slight touch of amusement playing across his features. “OK, I’m glad we have that settled. As to our offer, you can name your own price. I need to know whether you are as good as Ch’rall claims and what you know about Command Carriers.”

Everyone ignored Rygel’s brief seizure of intons when John made his statement about Velorek’s naming his own price. Chiana wasn’t too happy either, but she made a better show of hiding her feelings.

“We need someone who can access databanks remotely and wipe their memory. At the very least, we need someone who can devise a way to do it without detection,” John continued.

“You want to wipe data from a Command Carrier? I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” Velorek blurted.

All of them regarded him in silence. He looked from face to face, but it was as if they were all Peacekeepers with masks firmly in place. They showed no reaction to his question and no emotion to his evident dismay.

He began to fidget under their intense stares. Finally, discomfort got the better of him and he responded, “No one has ever attempted such a feat. You’re asking me to devise an instrument that can erase data and leave no trace either during or after the process. Is that correct?” He mentally kicked himself for showing any interest before discussing price.

Pointing at him, John grinned widely and said, “Bingo! Give the man a cigar. He figured it out.”

Shaking his head, Velorek responded, “I have never heard of such a device. You’re asking me to invent something that will be unique.”

John burst out laughing. The others joined in somewhat nervously. John’s moods still seemed to cause them discomfort. Worrying about Crichton’s mental stability had become a habit for most of them.

After he caught his breath, John spluttered, “Unique! I love it. That’s exactly the right word and very appropriate for this situation. Can you do it?”

Once again, John’s steady gaze pierced Velorek. The rest of the group watched expectantly as Velorek looked down, deep in thought.

Finally, he looked at John with a slight grin and nodded. “Yes, I believe I can.”

“Does that mean you want the job?”

After a short pause, he replied, “Yes, I believe I do, but I will need a laboratory and some special materials.”

“D’Argo and Ch’rall will be glad to help you get settled and anything else you need. You can use the medbay and I’m sure Pilot wouldn’t mind assisting you in your calculations. The rest of us will be a little busy, so make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask.”

As the three left the chamber, John looked at the others and announced, “I’m beginning to see a way to do this. Why don’t we meet back here in an hour? Is everyone OK with that?”

Everyone nodded assent and the meeting broke up. Crais went to check on Talyn, Jool headed back to her quarters, but Rygel and Chiana lingered for a private word with Crichton.

Rygel’s thronesled hovered near John and he cleared his throat to gain attention. “Crichton,” he began in a low voice. “Surely you weren’t serious about your offer to this Velorek, were you? It’s ridiculous to let someone name his own price. Think of the rest of us. That currency would be very useful in other situations.”

“I agree with Frog boy here. What if he wants it all?” Chiana added.

“Sparky, Chi, just chill out. If Scorpius gets wormhole technology, the galaxy becomes a very dangerous place, currency or not. You both know the Peacekeepers and how they operate. What good would currency do you if they were calling the shots? Sooner or later everyone would be dancing to their tune and I can’t let that happen.”

“I say we find a nice, comfortable planet with infinite creature comforts and hide,” Rygel countered.

Aeryn had watched this exchange in silence, but now she grabbed Rygel’s shoulder and pulled him close. “And how long do you think it would take Scorpius and the Peacekeepers to find us?” she said in an icy tone. “Eventually they would, you know. Have you forgotten how pleasantly you were treated on the Zelbinion? To them we’re criminals and we’ll be lucky if they execute us quickly. I, for one, have no desire to take that chance.”

She pushed Rygel away and turned a cold stare to Chiana. “And you,” she continued. “The best you could hope for would be return to your home world and the joys of mental cleansing. Do you really want that?”

They both looked down and shook their heads. Rygel raised his eyes to Crichton, “At least allow me to help negotiate his final price,” he requested in a cowed tone.

“Fluffy, you’re on. If anyone can get a great deal, it’s you.” Turning to Aeryn, John smiled and said, “I need to go to the Terrace and think about this. I’ll meet you later.”

To a casual observer entering the Terrace, Crichton would have appeared to be deep in conversation with himself. Harvey leaned nonchalantly against a wall with a thoughtful expression, considering what he had heard.

“So, John,” he began. “You are actually intent on this mission and the danger involved.”

“Yeah, Harvey, and you need to get on board here. If I die, so do you.”

“That fact hasn’t escaped me.” Shrugging, Harvey began to pace. “You know, John, the key to this whole exercise is Crais and the access codes to his old carrier. Scorpius is no fool and he pays attention to detail. He has surely changed any code he knows about.”

“As you say, the fact hasn’t escaped me. Go on.”

“However, most Captains have a, well, back door which gives them access in case the carrier falls into the wrong hands. This gives them immediate entry and allows them a chance to take back their ship, if the need arises.”

“I’m sure our boy Crais had a system set up which he didn’t share. In fact, I’m counting on it.”

“You continually amaze me, John. Are all Humans as prescient as you?” Harvey asked with a hint of admiration.

“I didn’t bring you here for platitudes, Harv. I just need to bounce some ideas off you. So continue.”

“I don’t see any huge flaws in your plan thus far. However, I would watch Velorek very closely if I were you.”

“I plan to. Catch you on the flip side, Harv,” John threw over his shoulder as he left.

Aeryn entered the corridor leading to Velorek’s quarters with trepidation. She didn’t know how he would react to her in private, but she had some things she wanted him to hear. Stopping at the entrance, she knocked and entered when he turned.

“It’s been a long time,” she began. “I think I owe you an apology and an explanation.”

“No need, Aeryn. I think I understand why you did what you did. You did your duty as you saw it and I was a traitor in your eyes.”

“Daton, you once said that in the right new place I could grow, that I could be so much more. I just wanted you to know that you were right.”

“And the Human, Crichton?”

“He has made me more, Daton. When I am with him, I feel complete and whole. Everything is right and as it should be.”

“You love him, don’t you?”

“You were the first male I ever felt anything for, Daton. I wanted you to know that. I really wanted to thank you for that.”

Velorek raised his eyebrows expectantly as Aeryn took a deep breath. “To answer your question; Yes, I love him more than my own life. He is the best part of me and I can’t imagine a life without him there by my side.”

“I’m very happy for you, Aeryn,” was his surprising response. “I hoped when I was arrested that you would find someone to help you flourish. It appears Crichton is the one.”

“Yes, he is,” she smiled. “He is the one in every way.”

“That’s wonderful, Aeryn. Well, I have a lot of work to do and I’m sure Crichton will be looking for you soon.”

Aeryn nodded and left. Velorek stood there deep in thought for a long time after she went.

Wonderful, indeed, he thought darkly as he went to work.

End Chapter 10