Rating: PG

Spoilers: Yes-Seasons One through "PK Tech Girl."

Disclaimer: I did not create Farscape, the universe of Farscape, or its characters. I merely borrowed them for this story, for which I will receive no monetary compensation. No infringement of copyright intended.

Time Frame: Early Season One-before "PK Tech Girl".

*

John Crichton, lost astronaut, walked around the surface of the commerce planet like a child in a toy store. He had only been in the Uncharted Territories for about a month and a half, and the Human was still not totally used to the idea of walking around on alien worlds. Although he was lost and far from home, Crichton looked on visits to planets like this as some kind of grand adventure.

His alien crewmates just saw it as a supply run to a common enough commerce planet. Crichton walked along with D'Argo and Zhaan as they hunted for supplies, while Aeryn and Rygel were off somewhere else bartering for supplies. Crichton was staring at a small green alien who was sitting at some kind of outdoor café, when D'Argo called out to him.

"Crichton! Keep up! If you get lost, we will leave you here."

"Alright, alright, keep your britches on, I'm comin," replied Crichton.

D'Argo growled, and turned to Zhaan. "Why didn't we leave him on the ship?"

"He wanted to come, D'Argo," replied Zhaan. "Crichton is not a prisoner. He is a sentient being with his own free will."

"Crichton can barely be called sentient," replied D'Argo.

"Hey, I heard that," said John as he approached D'Argo and Zhaan. "Look, I think I've been doing pretty well considering how short a time I have lived in this part of the universe."

"Yes, John, you have been doing quite well considering," said Zhaan in a placating tone.

"Yeah," said John. "Hey, D'Argo. I'd like to see you survive for one hour in one of my grad school physics classes sometime. Then we'll talk about who is deficient."

"D'Argo," said a voice over the comm. "This is Aeryn. We are almost done, and will head back to the transport pod in 100 microts. How are you progressing?"

"Well, when we are not keeping track of Crichton, we have managed to get most of the things we set out for," replied D'Argo. "We'll meet you at the transport pod."

Just then, they heard the sound of commotion coming over the comm. Somebody yelled something about shooting, and then Rygel's voice came over the comm.

"Help!" he said. "Someone is shooting at us! Aeryn is down!"

"Where are you?" said Crichton.

"About a metra from the transport, down the center street."

"Right, we're coming," said Crichton.

Crichton, D'Argo, and Zhaan ran down the street to get to Rygel and Aeryn. When they got there, they saw Rygel floating on his throne sled over Aeryn, who was lying on the ground in convulsions.

Zhaan bent down over Aeryn to examine her, while D'Argo drew his qualta blade to defend against attack. Crichton went over to Rygel. "What the hell happened?" asked John.

"Some kind of shot rang out," said Rygel. "Before I knew it, Aeryn was collapsing to the ground."

"Who did it?" asked D'Argo.

"I don't know," replied the frightened Hynerian. "I didn't see."

Crichton bent down with Zhaan and watched her examine Aeryn. He was worried about the ex-Peacekeeper. In a way, Aeryn Sun was on Moya because of him, which made Crichton feel responsible for her somehow. John Crichton also felt some kind of connection with the lovely Sebacean woman. When she wasn't acting like Rambo's sister, Aeryn could be a feminine, attractive woman. Crichton hoped that she would be okay.

"How is she Zhaan?" asked Crichton.

Zhaan sighed in frustration. "John, she appears to have been shot with some kind of dart. It has injected something into her bloodstream to cause her to go into heat delirium. Her core temperature is rising. Unless we can find a counteragent, she will go into the living death and we won't be able to help her."

"How long, Zhaan?"

Zhaan sighed. "I don't know," she said. "Very, very soon now. Within the arn."

*********************************

The crew decided to get Aeryn back aboard Moya both to better treat her illness and to protect themselves from whatever had shot Aeryn. Her condition was deteriorating rapidly, and it would not be long before Aeryn would enter heat delirium and be beyond help.

That was when Crichton came up with the idea of freezing Aeryn. Slowing down her metabolism, and cooling down her core temperature, would be a way to keep Aeryn from going into heat delirium until they could find a treatment for her. With Pilot's help, the crew modified one of Moya's freezer units and put Aeryn inside of it.

The crew now stood and looked at Aeryn's frozen form inside of the freezer. It was not a cure, but it did keep Aeryn from entering the living death. Now, the crew had to decided what to do to help her.

"Zhaan," said Crichton, "were you able to get enough samples from Aeryn's bloodstream to work on finding a counteragent?"

"Yes, but it will take some time. I don't know if I can even develop a counteragent with the supplies I have aboard Moya. What I really need is a sample of the poison before it has entered the bloodstream."

"That means we need to find whoever shot Aeryn," said Crichton. "To either get a sample of the poison from him, or a cure for the poison if he has it."

"That will take too much time," said Rygel. "We have to get out of here before the Peacekeepers find us."

"I hate to agree with the Hynerian," said D'Argo, "but we have evaded several marauders recently. It is almost certain Crais' full carrier is nearby. We can not stay here."

"But this could be Aeryn's only chance," argued Crichton. "We have to find the person who shot her, and that means staying here to do it."

"No," said D'Argo. "We can't do that. I say we leave."

"I agree," added Rygel quickly.

"Well I say we stay," said Crichton. "And I'm sure Aeryn would agree, so that's two votes to two."

"You can't speak for the Peacekeeper," said Rygel.

"Well, I seem to be the only one who is speaking up for her at the moment," replied Crichton with indignation. "Except for Zhaan," he added, turning to the Delvian. "I assume you agree with me on this one."

Zhaan remained quiet, and only looked away from Crichton in apparent shame.

"You do agree, Zhaan?" asked Crichton.

Zhaan shook her head. "I'm sorry, John," she said. "As a Pau, I believe that all life is sacred, and for that I will try everything in my power to save Aeryn. But...its just too much of a risk to stay here. I will not become a prisoner of the Peacekeepers again. I vote that we leave."

"I can't believe this," said Crichton.

"Look, Crichton," said D'Argo, "we can try and find a way to help Aeryn at our next stop, and Zhaan has said she will work to find a counteragent. But you are outvoted. We leave."

"How can you do that!" screamed Crichton. "Zhaan said Aeryn's best chance was to find the guy who shot Aeryn..."

"No," interrupted Rygel. "You said that."

"Zhaan as much as said it," replied Crichton. "We can't just leave Aeryn on ice in there forever. You people are just going to leave without at least trying to find..."

"The chances of finding this person are slim anyway, Crichton," said Rygel. "He could already be gone from the planet."

"We don't know that!" yelled Crichton.

"ENOUGH!" yelled D'Argo. "We have voted. Three to two. We go. End of discussion."

D'Argo and Rygel turned to leave the room, leaving Zhaan and Crichton alone with a frozen Aeryn. Crichton looked pointedly at Zhaan. "You people make me sick," said Crichton.

He then took off at a fast pace from the room before the Delvian could respond. When he got into the corridor, Crichton heard his comm unit bleep.

"John Crichton," said Pilot over the comm. "Could you please come to my chamber? Tell no one you are coming."

Crichton was slow to respond, but finally replied. "O-kay," said John.

**

When Crichton got to Pilot's chamber, Moya's four armed Pilot closed the door behind Crichton. "Okay, Pilot," said Crichton. "What's up?"

"Moya and I monitored your discussion with the others about Officer Sun," said Pilot. "We wished to inform you that two more votes were not considered."

"Two more votes," said Crichton with confusion. "Whose?"

"Moya's and my own," said Pilot. "Although we mainly exist to serve, we feel that in this case, our voices should be heard."

"I agree," said Crichton. "So, what are your votes?"

"Moya and I vote to stay and help Officer Sun," said Pilot.

Crichton smiled at Pilot. "Really. I mean, I know this puts you at risk, but..."

"Officer Sun has become important to Moya and I," said Pilot. "She is certainly as important to us as you or any of the others. We feel a responsibility towards her as a member of the crew. In addition, I personally feel the need to help Officer Sun. She is the first Peacekeeper I have ever known that I do not fear. We have developed a mutual respect for one another, and I wish to do everything possible to see that she survives."

"Well," said Crichton. "It seems the others are outvoted."

"But they will likely not accept this decision," said Pilot.

"Well, they can't do squat about it," said Crichton. "If Moya don't want to go nowhere, we don't go."

"I still do not trust them to honor this decision," said Pilot warily. "I suggest that we take measures to guard against any actions they may take."

"Okay," said Crichton. "What's the plan?"

***

D'Argo, Zhaan, and Rygel stood in command, waiting for Pilot to inform them when Moya was ready to leave. This was when they heard Crichton's voice come over the comm.

"Hey, guys," said Crichton. "I need you all down in crew quarters. All of our possessions are gone."

"What?!" yelled Rygel, as he headed off at full speed out of command on his throne sled. The others followed, and the trio made their way down to their quarters.

Each one entered their quarters, and found everything right where they had left it. As soon as they were all in their rooms, the doors to each room closed by themselves and locked. They were each locked in their rooms, which were again put to use as cells to lock them in.

Crichton came down the corridor, and faced his crewmates through the bars of the doors to their rooms/cells. "Hi, guys," he said.

"CRICHTON!" yelled D'Argo. "Free us from these cells at once!"

"Sorry, D'Argo," said Crichton. "Can't do that. You see, not all of the votes were tabulated when we talked about whether or not to leave this planet. Pilot and Moya have now voted, and they voted to stay. Their votes, combined with mine and Aeryn's, now outnumber yours by four to three. We stay, and I am going back down to find the person who shot Aeryn."

"You, alone," said Rygel, with a chuckle. "That's the funniest joke I have heard in many a cycle."

"Pilot and Moya are servicers," said D'Argo. "Their votes DON'T COUNT!"

"Well, from where I'm standing, it looks like they do," replied Crichton, as he crossed his arms.

"You have no right to do this," said Zhaan.

"I'm sorry, Zhaan. I'm sorry, but we have to make sure you all don't try and force Moya and Pilot to leave while I'm down there. There's food and water in your rooms to sustain you. I told Pilot to give me a day. If I'm not back....leave. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Crichton turned and walked down the corridor. "CRICHTON!" yelled D'Argo. "I will kill you when I get out here! CRICHTON!" The Human did not break his stride as he continued down the corridor.

***********************************

John Crichton returned to the spot on the commerce planet where Aeryn had been shot. For the first time since he arrived in this part of the universe, Crichton trully felt like the Lone Ranger, minus his six shooters.

It became apparent to Crichton just how much he depended on the others when he had to figure out how to get down to the planet. His module was in no shape to do it, and he didn't know how to fly a transport pod or Aeryn's prowler. Luckily, Pilot could control the transport pods on remote piloting and he was able to guide Crichton's pod down to the planet. The control abilities were limited on remote, but Pilot could get Crichton down to the planet and back.

Crichton looked around the area near the scene of the crime. He surveyed the shops and merchants around him, looking for someone who might have witnessed the shot. John eventually set his sights on a large, grayish woman with black hair, who was selling various food goods at a small stand.

He approached the woman in a nochalant manner, hoping that she would be receptive to his questions. "Excuse me," said Crichton to the woman.

"Something I can get for you," asked the woman.

"Actually, yes," replied Crichton. "I was wondering if you could help me with some information. Were you here a few arns ago when a Sebacean woman was shot here?"

The woman began to get nervous, and eyed the pulse rifle in Crichton's hand. John hadn't wanted to take the weapon with him (the last time he handled one, it blew up in his face), but Pilot felt that he might need it and advised him to take it. Now, the woman began to speak uncomfortably with Crichton. "Look, Peacekeeper," she said nervously. "I don't want no trouble. I'll tell you anything you want to know."

"I won't hurt you," said Crichton in a reassuring tone. But then, he spoke a little more sternly. "However, I do need information. Did you see who shot the Sebacean woman here a few arns ago?"

"Yeah," said the woman. "I did. It was a delvian. A young one. A male."

"A delvian," said Crichton, with shock. "What did he look like?"

"Blue, bald," said the woman. "What else do delvians look like?"

"Did you see what direction he headed in? Have you seen him before?"

"He might be a customer of the herbs dealer down the street," said the woman. "Many of the delvians who come here shop there."

"Thanks," said Crichton. He walked down the street, and looked for a shop that looked like it might sell herbs. When he saw a delvian woman leave a particular store, Crichton thought that might be it.

Crichton entered the shop and approached the older looking alien behind the counter. "Hello," said the alien. "Don't get many Sebaceans in here. What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for someone who might be a customer of yours," said Crichton. "A delvian."

"Oh, well, that narrows the selection down," said the shop owner in a mocking tone. "Do you know how many delvians I get in here?"

"This one would be a male, a young male. Look, I know that this may be difficult for you to help me with, but this person may have hurt a friend of mine. I need his help to help my friend, or she will die. Can you help me?"

"I can't believe a delvian would have hurt someone," said the alien. "Most of the delvians I know are so placid. How did this delvian supposedly hurt your friend?"

"My friend is Sebacean. She was shot with some kind of dart that is causing her to go into heat delirium."

A look of comprehension came over the alien's face. "Wait a moment," said the alien. "I think I might be able to help you yet. When did this happen?"

"A couple of arns ago, down the street."

"This morning, a young delvian did come in here, in a panic. He said he needed some particular herbs, quickly. I sold him the herbs, and he left."

"What kind of herbs?" asked Crichton.

"There were three kinds. Tulac, arnicon, and velf. Mixed together, they could be used to raise body temperatures in many lifeforms. I don't know about Sebaceans."

"That's great! Look, is there a counteragent?"

"I don't know of any," said the alien. "I'm sorry."

"Could you at least give me some samples of the herbs. Maybe they could be used to find a counteragent."

"I could," said the alien. "But you would still need to know the correct proportions of herbs that were used to make the initial agent. For that..."

"For that, I would need to ask the delvian who made it. Look, do you know this young man. Where I could find him?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I can. He works at a restaurant that I frequent. I believe he is a cook there. I could give you directions."

"Thank you," said Crichton. "You know, its rare to find someone so helpful in this part of the universe."

"Ah, well, the uncharteds can be a harsh place at times. But, your cause was a just one, and I have always felt that if one helps a person with a good cause who is in need, that good fortune may shine on me. It could just happen."

"Well, thank you again. You've just renewed my faith in my fellow man...alien, whatever."

**********************************************

Crichton stepped into the restaurant where the shop owner has said the Delvian worked. It was actually a pleasant enough establishment, all appearances being that it catered to financially well endowed patrons. He walked up to a counter and spoke to some kind of usher.

"Excuse me," said Crichton. The purple alien turned to Crichton and eyed him with a good deal of snobbery.

"Can I do something for you?" asked the alien.

"Maybe. I understand that you have a Delvian cook here."

"Shalon, yes," replied the alien. "He is one of the best food preparers on this planet. What do you want with him, Peacekeeper?"

"I'm not a Peacekeeper," replied Crichton. "I was hoping that he could tell me about a little 'recipe' he cooked up for a friend of mine."

"Oh, no," said the alien. "He is not available. Go find a preparer somewhere else."

"I'm not looking to hire him, I'm just..." At that moment, Crichton saw a Delvian exit a door at the back of the main dining room. He was heading towards the front of the restaurant, but stopped short when he saw Crichton. A look of fear passed over the Delvian's face, and he turned and ran.

"Hey, wait!" yelled Crichton, as he chased after the Delvian.

"You can't go back there!" yelled the purple alien to Crichton, as he headed for the door in the back of the room in pursuit of Shalon.

The door led to some kind of kitchen, where several aliens were working to prepare various types of food. Crichton saw the object of his pursuit bolting out a door in the back of the kitchen.

As Crichton tried to move to the door, one of the aliens stepped in front of him. "Where do you think your going?" it asked.

Crichton realized he didn't have time for niceties. He raised his pulse rifle. "Don't make me use this," said Crichton. The alien quickly backed off when confronted with the weapon, and allowed Crichton to pass.

He stepped out the door and into a back street. The Human looked around, and saw the blue form of a Delvian running down the street. John bolted down the street after him, making sure to keep his quarry in sight.

The Delvian led Crichton on a merry chase through the streets, dodging around aliens, ducking in and out of shops' doorways. Eventually, the Delvian turned down another back street, with Crichton not far behind.

When Crichton rounded the back corner into the street, he was met by a sting to his neck. He grabbed at his neck, and pulled a small dart from his skin. John then looked up to see a smiling Delvian staring at him.

Crichton quickly grabbed the Delvian by the collar of his robes. "Who the hell are you? Why did you shoot my friend?"

"I would do it again," said the Delvian. "Its more than any Peacekeeper deserves, especially one with a prisoner."

"What?" asked Crichton. He was beginning to feel warm, although it was nothing that a man who was raised in the warmth of the Southern United States couldn't handle. "What are you talking about? What prisoner?"

"I saw the female Peacekeeper with her Hynerian prisoner. I freed him. I hope he got away."

"Rygel was not her prisoner," replied Crichton. "And Aeryn is no longer a Peacekeeper."

The Delvian laughed. "What an obvious attempt at subterfuge," he said. "She was armed with a pulse rifle. I know how your kind operates. My Father was killed by Peacekeepers. I was their prisoner as a boy for many cycles until I escaped. When I saw that poor Hynerian in custody, I knew I had to help him. So, I made up the heat serum for my dart gun. I liberated the Hynerian by shooting that Peacekeeper. I'm sure she is in heat delirium by now, and so shall you be soon, Peacekeeper. If you kill me before you die, it will be worth it to know your fate."

"Let me explain a few things to you," said Crichton. "First, I am not a Peacekeeper. I aint even Sebacean, so that stuff you shot me with will only give me a slight fever, nothing permanent. Second, Aeryn is no longer a Peacekeeper. She was declared irreversibly contaminated by her Captain. Aeryn escaped with me and a group of former Peacekeeper prisoners, the Hynerian you saw being one of them. We're on the run from the Peacekeepers. You shot an innocent woman, and now you have to help her."

"Innocent!" yelled the Delvian. "She may no longer be a Peacekeeper, but she was one in the past. She still deserves what she gets. I will not help you, and I will not help her."

"Alright, look, I don't have time for this. Sorry, but..." Crichton then gave the Delvian a right cross punch to his jaw, knocking him unconscious.

"Pilot," said Crichton into his comm. "I've found the guy we're looking for. I'm taking him to the transport. Get ready to bring us up."

"Very well, Crichton," said Pilot.

**

"HOW DARE YOU!" screamed the Delvian from behind the door of his cell on Moya. "How dare you kidnap me! You have no right!"

"I'm sorry," replied Crichton. "But I need your help. Aeryn needs your help! And you are not getting off of this ship until you help her!"

"Crichton," said Pilot over the comm. "Shall I let the others out now."

"Yeah, Pilot, go ahead," said Crichton.

"I don't care how long you hold me," said the Delvian. "I will not help a Peacekeeper."

A few moments later, Crichton heard a growl come from beside him. Before he could react, John was picked up off the ground by D'Argo and slammed up against the wall.

"You lock me up in a cell, and leave me there for arns!" said D'Argo. "You will die, Human!"

"Wait, D'Argo," said Crichton. "I found the guy who shot Aeryn." He then meekly pointed to the Delvian in the cell, who was now cowering away from the door at the sight of an apparently mad Luxan. Zhaan and Rygel came around the corner at that moment.

"Crichton..." began Zhaan, as she came around the corner. She stopped short when she saw the young Delvian male in the cell. "Hello. Who are you?" she asked.

"Zhaan," said Crichton. "Meet Aeryn's would be assassin."

Zhaan opened the door to the cell. "Please, come out. You will not be harmed. I am Pau Zotah Zhaan."

The Delvian bowed respectfully. "I am sorry, Pau. I should pay proper respect. I am Shalon. Are you truly a Pau?"

"Yes, ninth level," said Zhaan.

"I am honored to be in the presence of one so near the goddess," said Shalon.

"Thank you," said Zhaan. "And I am pleased to see another of my own people. Is what Crichton said true? Did you shoot Aeryn?"

"Yes," he said. "I used a mixture of tulac, arnicon, and velf."

"Ah, I should have guessed," said Zhaan. "You skills as an herbalist are sound. She was entering into heat delirium until we froze her. Can you give me the proportions to make a counteragent?"

"No!" yelled Shalon. "Forgive, Pau, but I will not. I will not help a Peacekeeper."

"She is no longer a Peacekeeper," said Zhaan.

"So this creature," he said, pointing at Crichton (who was still being held against the wall by D'Argo), "told me. But she was one."

"Look," said Crichton. "D'Argo, do you mine. You can always kill me later." The Luxan reluctantly put down the Human, and calmed down. "When I met Aeryn, she stood up for me before her Captain. As a result, she was declared contaminated, threatened with execution. She didn't do anything but stick up for an innocent person. When we escaped, I offered to take her with us. I told her she could be more than a Peacekeeper, and I know that she can. Even in this short time, she has changed, grown as a person. Please, I beg you, give her the chance to continue to do so."

"Shalon," said Zhaan. "The goddess teaches that all life is precious. Aeryn is, as Crichton said, changing, becoming more than her breeding as a Peacekeeper. It will take much time, but I see the potential in her to be a person that respects life. Please, help us to help her."

Shalon was quiet for a moment, but he closed his eyes and finally spoke. "Very well, Pau. If you feel it is right, and you feel it is what the goddess would wish, I will do as you ask."

"Thank you," said Crichton.

Shalon and Zhaan went to the medical chamber to prepare the antidote, while Crichton and D'Argo went to the freezer to retrieve Aeryn.

***********************************

Two days later, Crichton walked on to Moya's command deck and found D'Argo and Aeryn there working at the consoles. Shalon and Zhaan had been able to make the counteragent necessary to cure Aeryn of the heat delirium brought on by Shalon's dart. As soon as Aeryn had been slowly brought out of deep freeze, they administered the counteragent into her bloodstream. It had taken several arns to take effect, but when Aeryn woke up, she was back to normal with only some leftover weakness to contend with. They also administered the counteragent to Crichton, who had begun to run a fever from the shot he had received from Shalon.

Now, things on Moya seemed to be getting back to normal. Well, at least as normal as things got on Moya. Crichton walked up to the console and approached D'Argo.

"Hey, D'Argo," he said.

"Crichton," came the Luxan's quick reply.

"Look, um, I've already said this to the others, now I want to say it to you. I'm sorry for locking you up. It was necessary, but I'm still sorry Pilot and I had to do it. But..."

"Apology accepted," interrupted D'Argo. The Luxan then turned and brought his face right up to Crichton's. "But if you ever lock me up in a cell again, Human, I WILL fulfill my vow to kill you."

D'Argo then turned and walked off of command, leaving Crichton and Aeryn alone. "So," said Crichton. "How are you feeling?"

"I am back to normal, thank you," said Aeryn. She then stopped what she was doing, and turned to face Crichton. "I'm told you were the only one who favored staying to find my attacker and get the cure from him."

"Well, not exactly," replied Crichton. "Pilot and Moya were in on it, too."

"Yes," said Aeryn. "And I will tell them you what I have already told them. You should not have done what you did. You put the rest of the crew and the ship at risk for one person. That was foolhardy, Crichton. No one is worth that kind of risk. I am expendable."

Crichton then got closer to Aeryn. "Not to me," he said.

"I'm not finished," said Aeryn. "You think much differently than anyone I have ever known. No Peacekeeper would have done what you did for me, not with the kind of risk involved. Why did you do it?"

"Because, Aeryn, we are a crew. Shipmates. Yes, we all fight, insult each other, rarely get along. But, we have to stick together to survive out here. None of us are expendable. Plus, I...I feel that I personally had to do it. I owe you, and....I would...miss you...if you were gone." He said the last part quietly, looking into Aeryn's eyes. John couldn't help but think Aeryn's eyes were beautiful.

"I have one more thing to tell you, and I also told this to Pilot." She paused for a moment, and then showed Crichton one of her rare smiles. "Thank you," she said.

"Your welcome," said Crichton with a matching smile. He then turned on his heel, and walked out of command with a feeling of accomplishment that only comes from having helped a friend in need.