Well Chapter 4 is finished and I haven't had to do any major rewrites this time either. :)
Ch 5 & 6 are on their way to being finished but will take a little while to sort out, well a little longer now that I've decided to completely rewrite Ch. 6.
Author: Valoki
Rating: G
Timeline: ‘Into the Lion’s Den’ (Part 2), AU during and after this.
Disclaimer: Plot idea is mine but nothing else.
Notes: Constructive criticism welcomed. Beta'd by Daisee Chain, thanks for all the help in getting this story up and running. Also thanks to 2bones for additional general writing suggestions.
Chapter 4 – Time & Space
John cursed as the module was dumped into normal space. “Damn it, some of the carrier has followed us through this exit, hold on I’m gonna be dodging pretty hard.”
Scorpius sighed. “Very well, John. I will monitor the debris as best I can and warn you of any dangers.”
“Fine.” John grunted as he wrenched the module sideways to avoid the debris tumbling around them.
“John. We should check and see if any of the debris is useful.” Scorpius looked out at the various pieces close to their course.
“Yeah. I’m just checking out the planet over there, looks inhabited although I can’t see any response coming our way so maybe they didn’t notice anything. Do you see anything useful?” John studied the blue-green cloud-swirled orb swelling in front of them. Close to earth-like he thought feeling a swell of homesickness. I’m learning but I’m still no closer to getting home and I couldn’t leave Aeryn. I have to get her to understand I’m there for her, no matter how long it takes.
Scorpius interrupted his thoughts. “I believe there may be some useful debris, but we would need to examine it more closely, and you have only one suit.”
“Yeah, well it wasn’t a situation I was expecting to have to worry about, but if you want to go exploring without one I have no problems with it.”
“You’re concern is touching, John, but I believe you will be doing the examination, after I’ve been dropped off on the planet.”
“Fine, Scorpy. Let me know which bits to examine and I’ll drop you off and come back and grab them.”
“John, do you see that debris off to our left around 30 degrees up, tumbling diagonally?”
“Yeah. Is that a Marauder?” John twisted around to look.
“It would appear to be. It seems the crew were too slow to get clear in time and became trapped by the debris as it entered the wormhole. If the damage isn’t too significant from the collision it should still be usable. At the least it will contain suits, oxygen and possibly fuel for the drive.”
“Just wonderful.” John sighed. “That means they went through the wormhole and probably got killed by the same instabilities which killed your Prowler pilots.”
“True, John. But that means they were inefficient in getting off the carrier, something no Peacekeeper crew should have been, so their fate was their own.” Scorpius resumed his search for anything interesting.
“So, survival of the fittest then. Don’t you ever get tired of treating everyone as expendable pieces?”
“Not at all, John. Everyone is expendable as long as the objective is reached or successfully carried out.”
“And you wondered why I don’t much care for the Scarrans or the Peacekeepers. Both of you are the same.” John stabbed at a control.
Scorpius growled. “Scarrans are totally interested in their own domination or elimination of all other species. The Peacekeepers will at least allow other species to exist, on their own terms, even if they don’t serve our agenda.”
“Yeah, right. But you treat them like dirt whenever you’re around them and kill them out of hand if they get in your objectives way. It’s just a different form of callousness.”
“You do not understand the Scarrans, John.” Placing his hand on John’s shoulder. “You have not encountered them when they are showing just how vicious and destructive they are. They are an evolutionary dead-end but unfortunately they have found a way around the problem and now their predatory instincts threaten everyone they can reach.”
“Hands off, Scorpy!” John jerked his shoulder away. “Well you may know Scarrans, being half of one yourself, but you’ve lost sight of the fact that what you and the Peacekeepers have been doing makes you about as bad. Hell, go talk to the Sykarans y’all damn near destroyed their planet just because they were a ‘lesser species’.”
“Some sacrifices must be made, John. The Scarrans outnumber us and have subjugated races supplying them with raw materials as well as finished products just to continue existing. We need as many resources as possible to keep them from destroying not only the Peacekeepers but many other races as well.”
“And that’s the reason no one likes the Peacekeepers anymore than they do the Scarrans. “He quickly scanned the planet. “Okay we’ll head to the planet to drop you off and then I’ll come back for the Marauder or its supplies. By the way is there a range component on these bracelets?”
“Yes there is, but it will be sufficient for you to reach the debris and return safely.”
“And if I exceed the range?”
“That would be unfortunate as they will then kill both of us through a feedback pulse.”
“Okaay… then I’ll make sure I don’t get too far away.”
“Excellent, John. It will take both of us to prepare for a return through the wormhole particularly if you want to utilise the Marauder for its long range capabilities in some manner.”
------------
As he left the planet’s atmosphere John sighed with relief. Having Scorpius so close to his back in the module had sent shivers up and down his spine. He really did NOT want to be that close to Scorpius in any way. The last time he had been Scorpy had shoved a spike in him. He was seriously tempted to leave Scorpius behind somehow, though he wasn’t sure how he’d manage it since Scorpius was going to be looking for exactly that kind of action on his part. And then there were still the bracelets.
“But we should still attempt it, John. He is a danger to us.” Harvey was sitting on the bonnet of his old Chevy, blocking the view of the road and grinning maniacally at him.
“Not now, Harvey. I’m driving! But if you can come up with an idea that will work I’ll think about it.”
------------
Four hours later John was tired and sickened by what he’d caused, but relieved that the Marauder was still functional. He was on course back to the planet with the module in the cargo bay with enough resources to allow them to survive. He landed near to the lake where he had dropped Scorpius off and went looking for him.
“Scorp, as you’ll have noticed the Marauder works and it has a full load of supplies on board.”
“Excellent, John. All the comforts of home. Now how long will it take you to get ready to go back through the wormhole?”
“Well, check the module for damage, refuel it and stock it for the other side. Say a couple of days to make sure of everything, then we can try to go back through and hope I remember all the turns we took getting here.”
“John, I believe there is a way I can assist you in remembering the correct course.”
“At the moment I can’t think how.”
“There is a possibility that occurs to me. Some time ago I received training from a master in mental discipline named Katoya. It is possible I can coach you in a portion of it that would enable you to recall the course more clearly and enhance our ability to return.”
“Sounds like a plan. Lets get to work on it, I’d rather not stay here longer than we have to in case the people who claim this system come looking for us.”
“John, is there any chance we could take the Marauder back with us when we return? It has a longer range than your module and is also armed.”
“Yeah but how would we get it there? We know that the crew died like the Prowler pilots so it can’t be flown… hmmm. Might work - depends on the computer and the autopilot.”
“What might work, John?”
“Well I was thinking that if we rig the Marauder to follow us through using its computer and autopilot then there’s a decent chance it would survive the trip as long as it can stay close.”
“I believe I can program the Marauder’s computer to follow us.”
“Okay, let’s get to it then. I want to get back as soon as possible. We’re too vulnerable here and we don’t know what the locals might be like.”
~???~ John stumbled as a discordant sensation erupted close to his ear.
John turned towards Scorpius “Did you hear something?”
“No John.”
“Weird I’d swear I heard something.”
“I hear nothing except normal background noises.” Scorpius looked carefully around the surrounding terrain.
“Well, I’m not sure-”
~???, !!!~ John winced as the discordant sensation erupted stronger than before.
“What the hell…?” John whirled around looking.
“John!”
As he whirled again John saw Harvey sitting outdoors round a garden table with two other individuals who looked suspiciously like large upright foxes.
“Harvey! What are you doing? I don’t have time for weird delusions right now!”
“I assure you, John, this is not a delusion. Those sounds you can hear are coming from these persons you see here. They are talking to you by Telepathy. Apparently it is the only way they can talk, although as they think in their tongue and you think in English, they haven’t managed to make much sense to you.”
“Telepathic foxes? You’ve got to be kidding me….”
“They are real John. I think this planet is in their territory and they noticed you coming through the wormhole. I also think they don’t understand my relationship with you.”
“That makes three of us.” John said wryly.
“Now, John-” Harvey grumbled.
“All right, Harv. Do you think you can help them understand English enough so we can understand each other?”
“I believe it’s possible they could learn to understand English if we give them enough to work with, although I don’t know how long it would take.”
“Fine. Keep talking to them until they understand it. After all you have all my memories of learning English on Earth, it shouldn’t be that difficult to give them a big enough sample.”
“I think their concept of language is probably a bit different from yours, John.”
“Never mind that, just keep talking to them, I don’t want to get shot just because they couldn’t understand us.”
“John, what is the problem?” Scorpius was looking closely at him.
“Apparently the locals know we’re here. They’re telepathic and have sensed us and are probably sending a ship to investigate our presence.”
“Telepathic? Interesting.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, Scorp. If they’re telepathic they’ll probably have rules about conduct. I’d imagine that includes scanning only with permission and I won’t be giving it. In any case the Ancients probably put in protections for that anyway since they were also telepathic.”
“You may be right, John. But think how useful such an ability would be! And far less painful than the Aurora Chair for extracting information. In fact someone might not even know they had been scanned.”
“I’m glad to see that you like the concept but let’s try not to annoy the locals since all we want to do is get help to return to where we came from.”
“Agreed. We want to return to our own part of the galaxy as soon as possible but it will be interesting to meet this race, as I have never heard of them before. Which, of course, means that we are a long way from the Uncharted Territories and its powers.”
“Suits me fine, Scorp. I’d rather stay away from them. Far too many of them have views similar to your own.”
A few arns later John had finally finished restocking the module and he heard a deep rumbling, which grew till he felt it through his bones. As he looked up he could see a large transport slowly dropping to a landing point half a metra away. Nice looking ship, he thought, as he studied the curves and lines as well as the deep burnished golden-red surfaces. Now there’s a race that’ve come up with something visually as well as technically impressive. I wouldn’t mind studying with their scientists and techs a bit to see what their science and design philosophies are like.
He stumbled as he got down from the module as a lyrical feminine voice sounded in his head. ~We thank you for your kindness, Commander John Crichton. We will make inquiries to see if this can be arranged.~
“Frell, what the…?”
“John, what…?” Scorpius called out as he whirled towards the module.
“Hold on a sec, Scorpy. I’ve been contacted by the locals again.”
John again heard the feminine voice in his mind. ~Apologies, Commander John Crichton we had not meant to cause harm. Are you well?~
~Uh, yeah thanks. I’m fine. You just startled me that’s all. I take it Harvey was able to give you enough language for you to understand me?~
~Yes the languages you call English and Sebacean. We have a query, Commander John Crichton. Who is the one you call Harvey? He seems to be a separate entity inside your mind?~
~Um. Yeah. By the way you folks can just call me John if you like. You don’t have to use the whole name. Or you can call me Commander Crichton if you’re feeling formal.~
~Thank you. Commander Crichton will be acceptable for the time being. Normally, Commander Crichton we would have thought such a separate entity would be grounds for mental instability and require appropriate treatment I take it this is not the case here?~
John stopped cold. Harvey removed? How would that feel after so long? He had been kind of useful from time to time but to have his head back to himself…. Actually, funny … he’d have expected Harvey to pop up protesting at this but wasn’t getting a thing.
~We have temporarily … I think put him to sleep would be the clearest comparison we could make. We wished to discuss this matter with you first, without interruption, to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. I hope we have not offended you by our actions but it seemed safer.~
~No, uh, thanks. I appreciate the peace and quiet and I appreciate the offer but I’ll have to think about it. Harvey’s been useful a time or two although a real pain at others so I need some time.~
~Certainly. We will continue to keep him ‘asleep’ until you have made your decision. We have almost reached your position. Now we will be able to make formal introductions so that you know to whom you are speaking. Normally of course we identify ourselves mentally, but in your case you could not pick up all the nuances. We do not want to overwhelm your mind with external emotions and thoughts.~
~Thanks. I’ve had some pretty nasty mental hangovers from people playing in my head and I’d rather not have another even though I’m sure you folks would be careful and all.~
~This we discovered from the intellect of the one you have called Harvey. We understand that the one called Scorpius placed him there to retrieve information from your mind that could not be gained by other means.~
~Yeah, he’s nice like that.~ John growled.
As John watched he could see the five, sparsely but richly, dressed aliens walk down to the clearing where they had landed the module and the Marauder. ~Greetings, Commander Crichton and Scorpius. We are the Ir’Ixin, I am Fershin.~ One of the Ir’Ixin bowed their head in salute to indicate the speaker. Clearly female John thought, just as he’d suspected although he wasn’t sure how. He sensed surprise at this from Fershin. She continued. “We will be able to understand you if you wish to speak towards us as we know it is your customary mode of communication. Our auditory range is quite significant. My companions are Dashri,.. Esrit,.. Shuris,.. and Nuras.~
John watched as each of the Ir’Ixin bowed their heads to indicate their naming. Each of the Ir’Ixin was varying pale shades of red except for Fershin who was a deep dusky golden red. She was nearly 1.5 motras tall and lithe like the fox’s he’d thought they looked a bit like. Fershin had mostly green eyes but from what he could see there was gold mixed in as well. Even though not human he thought she was beautiful. Her thoughts seemed almost musical and although he hadn’t heard any of the others talk yet he doubted they would have that same lyrical tone.
~Why thank you, Commander. You are very kind.~ John sensed amusement from Fershin.
~Um, the others didn’t hear that did they?~ John asked, somewhat embarrassed.
~No, Commander Crichton they did not. Do not worry. We are deliberately only picking up surface thoughts directed towards us so that we do not unnecessarily intrude.~
~Thanks for that. Okay so what do we do now?~ John asked looking towards Fershin.
~We will take you and your craft back to our civil centre. The authorities have been informed and they are sending people to talk to you.~
Scorpius turned suddenly focusing all his attention on Fershin. “You are not the authorities for this planet?”
John hastily interrupted. “Um.. any idea how they are reacting? I’m assuming that there is some kind of distance limitation on your telepathic link so do you know…?”
~They are curious for the most part. Some, who are concerned that you just appeared in the middle of one of our systems, are not happy and would like to find out more about your means of travel. And those I have talked to are on a local defence/patrol outpost further out in the system and should reach us soon.~
~And no, Scorpius, I am the leader of a local research centre here on Vautslhi. Since we had available transport we offered to come greet and bring you to the city. Please understand this is a mainly agricultural world off the main travel routes and the leaders of the settlement have deferred to my authority in this case as I have had more contact with non-Ir’Ixin than anyone here.~
“Thanks for clarifying that, Lady Fershin, we” John glanced sharply at Scorpius. “appreciate you taking the time to come out and greet us in person.”
~Lady?~ Fershin studied him.
“It’s a term of respect where I come from. It just seemed appropriate. Please don’t tell me I’ve offended you.”
~No you have not offended me, Commander Crichton, but it was unexpected. It is as appropriate a term as any and it is enough amongst my people that it will please them that you are showing respect.~
“Yes, thank you for coming yourself… Lady Fershin. I was merely intrigued that the authorities did not come out themselves and was wondering what the situation would be regarding your military who are shortly to arrive.” Scorpius shot an annoyed glance at Crichton.
~You will not be harmed.~ Fershin stated emphatically. ~They will merely wish to ascertain if there is a potential threat they need to prepare for, so they can make the most effective use of available resources.~
“Thanks, Lady Fershin. I appreciate that, given as I’ve had bad encounters with some military types before.” John looked pointedly at Scorpius.
~Quite understandable, Commander Crichton. Well, shall we get moving? If you would direct your craft to our transport we will travel to the city and arrange for quarters as well as a chance to refresh yourselves.~
“Yeah lets get a move on. I’d like to learn some more about your culture and civilisation.” John dashed to his module his curiosity aroused.
John manoeuvred the module down next to the transports open and waiting bay, while Scorpius did the same with the Marauder. Hopping out he joined Scorpius and went over to Lady Fershin whilst the transport’s crew used some sort of docking web to place the craft inside the transport bay.
Guided inside, John and Scorpius were given viewing seats so they could observe the planet and the city spread out before them as they approached. The planet itself was quite beautiful with a mix of environments, plenty of vegetation and water as well as some stunning scenery, which gradually changed into well-tended farmland as they progressed across the continent. There were roads and what looked like some kind of monorail system linking various areas and towns to the city they were headed towards. After an hour or so John could see a large river flowing over a massive cliff, down into a large cerulean lake, which ended at the Ir’Ixin city. As they approached he could see boats out on the water, some fishing, some looking like pleasure craft. These people obviously were comfortable with water despite the fur, which he thought must be a pain to dry after swimming. John studied the city itself, which looked well designed with plenty of greenery, showing the graceful lines and curves of the buildings mixed into an overall pattern, suggestive of something, but he couldn’t quite pick out the symbolism.
~What do you think of Paliris?~ Esrit asked as he gestured out the view window.
Scorpius replied. While he regarded the view as they approached the city centre. “Impressive. It indicates a sophisticated and subtle culture which has learned, or should I say, evolved with the environment.”
“Yeah, it’s certainly a great looking city, as well as clean and tidy. Looks like it would be a really good place to live.” John peered interestedly around.
~Thank you. We are rather proud of our ability to fit in with our environment rather than overwhelm it. It stems from our past where our people lived in a balance with our environment, never over utilising so that we could maintain its productivity. Not that we haven’t had situations where this has happened, but as a people we try to avoid it. We have a rather well developed olfactory sense as well as a territorial nature, which although tempered by time and experience can still be troublesome so we like open spaces and plenty of parkland or gardens.~
~Here we are.~ Lady Fershin said as they flew down to a stately golden coloured stone building.~ You will be given quarters in one of the wings while we wait for the officials to arrive, and you can explain to everyone at the same time how you managed to arrive here so suddenly.~
“Thanks. I could do with a clean-up and some rest. It’s been a difficult few days.”
-----------
John sighed as he relaxed under the Ir’Ixin version of a shower. It was familiar, but with circulating slightly warmed air to freshen, and it made sense given his hosts’ fur. John wondered how long it was going to take to sooth some of that ‘ruffled fur’ before his hosts military relaxed enough to let them go back through the wormhole. Lady Fershin didn’t seem to think it would be too long, but he thought she was being optimistic - militaries tended to be difficult at the best of times, let alone when their defensive plans were threatened.
His thoughts wandered to Moya, Aeryn and the others. He hoped they had all gotten out okay and that he would be able to find them again if.., no, when he got back. And that no one had done anything stupid while he was gone and gotten them all into trouble; after all he was s’posed to be the one who got them into trouble - drawing it like a moth to a flame. As he stepped out of the shower clean and dry he hoped he could find them again. Perhaps Lady Fershin could help him remember the twists and turns he’d taken rather than Scorpius. He trusted her not to misuse the knowledge as she struck him as the honest and honourable type. Now, bed. John sighed happily as he stretched out on silken sheets. He could really get to like this. Just for once he’d not ended up too badly at all. Oh, dren. He shouldn’t have said that.
John woke to a knocking on the door. “Yeah coming, coming.” He threw on a robe and stumbled to the door which when opened revealed Nuras standing there.
“Morning, Nuras. What’s up?”
~Greetings, Commander Crichton. I am sorry to wake you this early but your presence is required.~ Nuras’ fur, unlike their first meeting, was disordered and ungroomed which troubled John.
“Sure, Nuras. Just let me throw some clothes on. I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later John headed out the door. “Okay, Nuras. Let’s go and we’ll see if we can sort out whatever’s got you rattled.”
John studied Nuras as he was led through the elegant and spacious building. His pale red fur still ruffled and ears rapidly flicking this way and that, causing him to appear on edge. John considered this as he was led down to a meeting room somewhere in the central core of the building and found himself facing several members of the Ir’Ixin military. He noticed Scorpius being led in another door a few moments later. The Ir’Ixin looked hostile and were dressed in what appeared to be combat uniforms and all were armed. Worse, Lady Fershin wasn’t here. This couldn’t be good.
~So, you are the aliens who have invaded our space. You will tell me how you achieved this and what forces you represent.~ The Ir’Ixin wore a dark red-gold uniform, with richly decorated epaulettes on his shoulders. He looked to John like an overly done out Commandant.
Scorpius strode in from of him and locked eyes challengingly with the Ir’Ixin. “We arrived by means of an unusual spatial phenomena and we represent no force. We arrived here by accident and would like nothing more than to return to our own space.”
The officer snapped back, baring his teeth. ~While the first of your craft may represent a test vehicle of some kind and a primitive one at that, the second is clearly military in nature, and the debris which exited the phenomena with you supports this.~
“We were conducting an experiment supported by a military unit but we are not interested in Ir’Ixin space or its people and only wish to return to our own space. We offer no threat to the Ir’Ixin realm.” Scorpius stated.
~We do not believe you. You will accompany us back to our base, there we will find out what you are hiding.~ Replied the Ir’Ixin officer coldly. ~Seize them. If they resist stun them, and transfer them to my transport.~
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