TITLE: "SEEING THE LIGHT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "Farscape"

PAIRING: JOHN/CHIANA

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: New.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed

SERIES/SEQUEL: SEQUEL to "FOR THE LOVE OF MOYA"

The usual disclaimers apply. No infringement of copyright is intended.

"SEEING THE LIGHT"
A "Farscape" story
Written by Alison M. DOBELL

He was unaware when light began to permeate the walls of his tomb. Hardly a breath stirring in his lungs, the trance state so deep that it mimicked death. Gently, hands lifted him and carried him outside to the waiting Nebari transport. Others recovered the module. In silence he was born out of the cave, not seeing, not hearing, not knowing the manner of his deliverance. Once he was safely aboard the transport they cloaked their small retrieval vessel and headed back to the Nebari Capital Ship. Captain Indar was relieved to find Nerri was still alive. His grave face relaxed. "This is good news. Did you recover everything?"

His men nodded.

"What about the biotransmitter?"

One of the men nodded, a slight smile on his lips. Indar accepted his assurance.

"I want Nerri checked over thoroughly. Some decontamination may be necessary then deepen his sleep cycle. I will look in on him later."

When they had gone, Captain Indar sent an encrypted burst of code to Esak on the main ship. A smile blossomed on Esak's face, but it was like a dusting of icing on a cake he could not eat. As his heart celebrated the safe return of Nerri it mourned what that would mean to the human. The
signal it would send sealing another man's doom. Crichton nodded and smiled, his thoughts the opposite of Esak's. At least something was going his way. "That's great, Esak. Open the com to Scorpy. Time to get this show on the road."

Esak reluctantly opened the link.

* * * * *

Stark was really beginning to get on Chiana's nerves. His constant rambling and fretting making her increasingly uneasy and that translated into fraying her temper into shreds. It was Rygel who prevented the former slave from coming to harm. "Stark, if you can't make any sense shut the yotz up! I don't give a garanta's brax how upset you are, if you can't do or say anything useful keep it to your frelling self!"

He was almost in tears, his single eye imploring Chiana to listen to him. But listen to what? The ramblings of a self deluded hinkmot? Then he stilled, his eye widened, the distraught look vanished and a kind of awe took its' place. Chiana tilted her head warily. "Stark? What's happening?"

Stark smiled but was not looking at any of them. "Zhaan!" He sighed with joy.

Rygel shook his head at Chiana. Disgusted. "He is completely fahrbot."

"Maybe, maybe not." Murmured Chiana, thinking of some of the things Crichton had told her about Stark over their cycles together. Knowing there was more to the man than lunacy. "Stark," She said more gently. "What is it?"

After a moment he turned to face her. He still looked worried but now there was a calm about him as if the connection to Zhaan was grounding him. "We must prepare."

"Prepare for what?" Growled D'Argo as he stepped through the door. He had spent almost an arn cleaning himself up after seeing to Aeryn. He was in no mood for anything cryptic from Stark.

"Where is Aeryn?" Said Stark.

The question surprised them all. D'Argo frowned at him. "I left her in her quarters to rest. She is finally free of the creature and we have expunged all traces from Moya."

"Yes, yes," Said Stark. "From Moya but not from Aeryn."

Shocked looks passed between them. Chiana was trembling. Thinking about the unborn child she was carrying. "What do you mean?"

"Aeryn....not infected....changed."

D'Argo was running for the door when Stark's next words stopped him in his tracks. "Zhaan says she ingested some of the gel."

The Luxan swallowed and closed his eyes a microt. Oh frell. It had been in her mouth. While he had been scrubbing her body clean on the outside it had already been inside her, absorbing itself directly into the cells of her body. He opened his eyes and looked at Stark. He felt sick. "What can we do?"

When Stark did not answer immediately, D'Argo gripped his qualta blade tightly. "I will *not* destroy Aeryn."

Chiana looked horrified. "No! There must be another way. Stark. Tell us there's another way!"

Stark looked at them, all the sorrow in the universe mirrored in one single tormented eye.

* * * * *

Scorpius met Crichton and Esak as they stepped out of the small Nebari transport in the landing bay of his Command Carrier. Lt Braca had newly returned from the planet surface. He only just had enough time to wash and change before returning to his Commander's side. One of Captain Esak's trusted men remained in the transport. When a couple of Peace Keepers went to enter the vessel Crichton barred the way. His voice quiet but firm, a hint of steel glimpsed in the velvet glove. "I don't think so. You gotta have a ticket for this ride and you don't have one."

The soldiers looked at Scorpius, he nodded and they move away from the transport. Crichton smiled at him and Esak activated a microcellular force field to deter anyone else from touching the vessel. Scorpius frowned.

"That is not necessary, John. You have my word, I have no interest in the transport."

"Just being cautious, Scorpy. Never know what side the coin will fall."

"If you were being cautious," Said Scorpius smoothly, "You would have remained where you were." He paused and cocked his head at Crichton. "Why *did* you come?"

"Unresolved issues."

"And you think that this will resolve them?"

He seemed genuinely surprised that anyone could be so niave. Crichton smiled and put an arm around Scorpius's shoulder. His men tensed, alert for any sign of danger, but a look from Scorpius and they fell back a couple of paces. Still watchful and wary but keeping their distance. "Nah, Scorpy, but what can I say? A guy has to try."

Esak could feel the hair on the back of his neck standing on end but resisted the urge to look behind him. Carefully he made sure he was no more than a pace behind Crichton, even though the guards looked like they wanted to lay their hands on him they kept their distance. They were entirely loyal to Scorpius and would do nothing unless it was his will. For now Esak was safe.

* * * * *

Aeryn felt weird. At first she put it down to the shock of everything she had been through but gradually it became obvious to her that all was not well. She was sweating even though her cell was cool. She decided to lay down, get some sleep. Once she had rested she would be much better. But sleep had an additional side effect she was not expecting. Before the hand could reach for her door she knew who it was and what they wanted. She woke and opened her eyes but did not sit up. All her senses wired for sound. "Come in, Chiana."

Chiana stepped into Aeryn's room cautiously. Behind her was D'Argo and Stark. There was no sign of Rygel. That figured. Chiana was careful not to get too close. "Hey, Aeryn, how you feeling?"

Aeryn turned her head so she could see Chiana clearly. "A little hot but otherwise okay. I'm not infected if that's what you're thinking Chiana."

Chiana sucked in a breath, suddenly nervous. "Who says I was thinking that? Just wanted to see how you're doing, that's all."

Aeryn sat up slowly, knowing they were wary of her. "No Chiana, you think I'm going to turn into some monster and endanger your unborn child."

The Nebari girl gasped. She had only told Crichton that she was pregnant. How did Aeryn know? "The b...baby?"

The slow smile on Aeryn's face made Chiana feel uncomfortable, afraid. "Yes, don't worry the baby's fine." <For now>

D'Argo looked at Chiana in surprise. "You are expecting another child?"

Chiana nodded but could not take her eyes off Aeryn. Terror racing through her veins like lightening. "H...how did you know?"

"I know many things, Chiana." She said softly rising to her feet.

Panic drove Chiana back to the door. D'Argo placed himself in front of Chiana and pointed his pulse rifle at Aeryn. "Do not move any further, I do not want to have to shoot you."

Aeryn seemed amused. "Shoot me? What for? Getting out of bed?"

Chiana stepped out into the corridor. She did not like this one bit. "Pilot?"

"Yes, Chiana?"

"Are you monitoring this?"

"Yes."

"Any suggestions?"

To her surprise it was Stark who answered. "Let me, I may be able to help."

Her eyes widened. D'Argo snorted. "No offense Stark but you would not be my first line of defence."

Stark ignored the vote of no confidence and slipped passed D'Argo. Aeryn sneered at him. "What do you think you're going to do? You're afraid of your own shadow and now you think you can face me?"

Stark shook his head slightly. "No. I know I am no match for you."

Aeryn looked smug, the features on her face becoming more and more alien. It made Chiana's flesh crawl. "Then step aside and don't get in my way."

At that precise moment Stark removed his mask. Golden light flooded the cell. D'Argo stepped back in surprise and was pulled out into the corridor by Chiana. With no obstruction between Stark and Aeryn the light was able to focus completely on Aeryn. A blood curdling yell rose up from her throat, lips peeled back in a furious snarl. She reached out for Stark, grabbing him
around the neck but the light was too strong for her. Her cry became a long ullulation, a shriek that pulsated off the walls in a gross tympany that made their ears rattle and their heads spin. "I will *kill* you!" She growled at Stark as her grip on his throat slowly tightened. He did not move. Zhaan was with him, her energy guiding him and bolstering his flagging spirit as the light was directed into Aeryn through her eyes, her ears, every exposed pore in her skin now leaking that invasive light into her body and scorching the alien residue off the inside of her internal organs, each cell of her body bathed in blazing light. She trembled, shook, wailed and cried then collapsed writhing on the floor releasing her hold on Stark.

D'Argo took a step back into Aeryn's cell but Stark put a hand up to stop him. He knelt next to Aeryn but did not touch her. He looked as if he was ready to collapse, a deep weariness in every line of his body, yet something held him upright, kept him focused on Aeryn. The golden light still flowing from his exposed face and swamping Aeryn. A deep joy mingled with sorrow vibrated through his senses as Zhaan flowed through him and into Aeryn. It hurt him but it was the only way to cauterise the alien entity. Aeryn was twitching now, eyes closed, a low moan stealing out between lips numb and barely able to form words. She was barely conscious. Stark swayed a little but with Zhaan's urging in his mind he held on, not relaxing until his light dimmed and he dropped exhausted alongside the Sebacean. Chiana ignored D'Argo and hurried inside, worried about Stark. Anxious about what had happened.

"Chiana, do not get too close!"

Chiana ignored him. She rolled Stark onto his back, his breathing was laboured, his dim light washing a face that was now pale and drawn in agony. She did not know what to do for him. "Stark, you gonna be okay?"

He could not answer her. His right hand stretched out as if looking for something. Chiana realised he needed his mask. She picked it up and carefully put it back on for him, fixing the catches and watching him with some concern. He seemed to relax, his breathing settling as equilibrium slowly returned to him. Chiana looked up at D'Argo. "D'Argo, can you carry Stark back to his quarters?"

"I am *not* leaving you alone with Aeryn!"

Chiana glanced at Aeryn. She was completely unconscious. "I don't think Aeryn's going to be any problem, D'Argo."

"You do not know that."

Chiana stood up and stepped up to D'Argo, her head tilting to look him in the eye. "Fine, I'll go get a hoversled and do it myself."

His eyes widened in surprise then narrowed in irritation. "When did you become so stubborn?"

"When did you become so afraid?"

He glared at her then suddenly sighed. "I will do as you ask, but be careful and do not get too close to Aeryn. I will be back as soon as I have seen to Stark."

Chiana nodded. "Thanks, D'Argo."

He nodded then lifted Stark up in his arms. He paused as he reached the door. "Does John know that you carry another child?"

A playful smile danced on her lips, mischief in her eyes. "Oh yeah, he knows!"

D'Argo smiled, then sighed when he realised what that would mean for the rest of them. More trouble! Chiana chuckled as D'Argo departed down the corridor then turned to see what she could do to make Aeryn more comfortable.

* * * * *

Scorpius walked round Crichton slowly, noticing how Esak watched his every move. Had the human got himself a Nebari bodyguard? The thought amused him. As if anyone could help him now. He had made his last mistake. What puzzled Scorpius was why he had done it. What possible reason could he have for placing himself in danger? He wondered what he was missing.

"Hey, Scorpy, do you mind? You're making me dizzy here."

Scorpius stopped walking and looked at him. "You have my undivided attention."

Crichton smiled. "Okay, now here's the deal. I let you keep the wormhole technology you stole from my brain and you get the hezmana out of this piece of space. You do not return to Rydex. That planet is *off limits* to you and your little PK friends." Scorpius noticed he was fiddling
in his pocket but could not see with what. "Oh and one more thing," Suddenly Crichton broke off, spun round and took his hands out of his pockets clapping a Nebari control collar round Scorpius's neck.

Heat seared Crichton's face as the Scarran half of his nemesis kicked into gear and his breath scorched him. Scorpius threw him several metra through the air. Before Lt Braca could react Esak touched a device on his wrist and Scorpius writhed on the floor in pain, smoke starting to come out of the right side of his head where the cooling rod was overheating. Lt Braca tried to reach him but Crichton's voice stopped him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Braca. You see, that collar controls Scorpy now and if you or anyone else tries to remove it I'll fry his brains and splatter them all over the walls of this Command Carrier."

Lt Braca glared at him with open hatred. "You will *never* leave this vessel alive!"

Crichton limped slightly but was otherwise unharmed. He smiled at Braca then looked at Scorpius who was in obvious pain but fighting it. He was on his knees and slowly getting to his feet. "I should also warn you that if you kill either me or Esak the device we are using to control the collar will automatically activate the highest setting. It's called a Dead Man's switch. All the while my hand grips the device it is inactive, take the pressure off and.... let's just say you'd have to redecorate afterwards." Crichton watched him dispassionately. "Now," He said slowly. "You will order your Carrier out of this area. You will not return to Rydex. *Ever*. If you leave immediately I will have the collar released remotely."

Scorpius glared at him, eyes smouldering with dark hatred. "What makes you think I will agree?"

"Because of the alternative."

"What alternative?"

"We blow up your Command Carrier and every person aboard it. And that includes you, leather face." He paused and looked at Scorpius. "Do we have a deal?"

Lt Braca looked alarmed but the expression on his Commander's face warned him to say nothing. "You know that I will come after you. You will *never* be safe."

"Yeah, well, the important thing about love is knowing when to let go."

Crichton and Esak walked back to the landing bay, a couple of dozen Peace Keepers following them with weapons trained on them. Esak half expected them to open fire but they did not. They deactivated the force field, got into the transport and took off without incident. As they headed back to Esak's Capital Ship the Nebari could not help looking at Crichton as if he had gone completely fahrbot.

"Why did you let him go?"

"I promised."

"You cannot make a deal with an abomination like that."

"That's where you're wrong, Esak. I know Scorpy and he knows me. If I make a promise he knows I'll keep it and vice a versa. That's why my plan worked."

Esak's eyes widened in disbelief. Just how niave was this human? "He is your enemy!"

"Yeah, but he isn't stupid."

"I don't understand."

They were lining up to board his ship now. Crichton looked at him. "This is gonna sound weird but there's a kind of code of conduct that's developed between us. We know each other so well and apart from the torture and the never ending dren he puts me through, there's also a grudging respect. Don't ask me to explain it because it sounds nuts to me too but it's there. So far he has always kept his word and I have kept mine."

They waited for the pressurisation to equalise then Esak nodded to his pilot, Janar, and he popped the hatch. They were met by a smiling Nerri. A little battered but otherwise none the worse for wear. As Crichton stepped out of the transport he cried out in pain and cradled the side of his face. Esak looked at him in alarm. "What is it?"

He was surprised to see Crichton look up with tears in his eyes. His voice sounded muffled, the pain evident in his voice. "Tooth ache!"

* * * * *
END