TITLE: "THE CRICHTON EFFECT"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "Farscape"

PAIRING: JOHN/AERYN/CRICHTON

RATING: NC-17

STATUS: New. Spoilers - most of Season 3.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed

SERIES/SEQUEL: Standalone story

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

"THE CRICHTON EFFECT"
A "Farscape" story
written by Alison M. DOBELL

John knew what she was thinking. Laying back in his arms as he gently caressed her. The hum of Talyn soothing her in the aftermath of their love making. Yet she still could not get the image of the other Crichton out of her head. The sorrow and pain on his face as she left Moya to board Talyn with his twin. When had their lives gotten so frelling complicated? She realised they had always been complicated. It was what Rygel referred to as 'The Crichton Effect'. Now it was doubled and even though she could no longer see his twin he haunted her. She closed her eyes, revelled in John's touch on her skin, his lips on her neck, his breath so precious to her as he teased the light hairs on her skin, exciting her with his proximity as he held her.

"You know, you shouldn't blame him."

She stirred and opened her eyes again. "Who?"

"Crichton. My twin."

She shuddered slightly and his arms automatically comforted her in his embrace. He kissed her neck, her ear, a hand brushing her hair away from her face, his fingers spreading so that the hair was carded as he drew his hand slowly through the luxuriant strands of midnight silk. He inhaled
her scent, his lips progressing slowly along her cheek, her jaw, around and around her face as he turned her in his arms until he settled on her lips. A gentle kiss, taking her bottom lip in his as he sucked gently and pulled, his mouth opening and rising to tease her upper lip, his breath in her mouth. Intoxicating her. She wanted to frell him until he couldn't think straight. To drown in his sweetness. A growl slid between her lips and she grabbed him, her lips tearing into his, her tongue invading, her hands sliding down to cup his ass cheeks and keep him close as she rubbed herself up against him. She watched his beautiful eyes glaze softly, could feel him hardening against her at the contact. "You were saying?"

He could not speak. Mom had always told him not to talk with his mouth full. Being a polite southern gentleman he did just that. Satisfied that she had diverted him, Aeryn set about devouring him. Unable to get enough of him. John did not complain. That took too much energy and right now he had none to spare.

* * * * *

Back on Moya his twin was not having such a good time. Moya had come out of StarBurst bang in the middle of a asteroid field. They were bounced and jostled about while the leviathan lurched and shuddered at every contact. Crichton was busy trying to fix every leak and mend every rupture. D'Argo helping him, while Chiana scanned the asteroid field from Moya's command trying to find a way out. Another shudder. Bigger this time. Pilot's concerned voice broke through the coms. "Commander, Moya has a breach on tier 8."

He sighed as he finished sealing another broken joint. "I'm on it, Pilot."

He handed D'Argo the welding torch. "You finish up here, D, I'll go see how bad it is."

The Luxan nodded and wriggled into the spot his friend had just vacated. Once on his feet Crichton sprinted to tier 8, grabbing a breathing mask as he went. The breach was not a large one but they were losing pressure fast. If they did not find a way to seal the breach quickly it would get larger and larger until it threatened the stability and integrity of the ship. He ordered Moya to isolate the affected section, seal the doors while he went to get into an EVA suit. He was swearing under his breath, his thoughts anxious. Worried about Moya and how long they could withstand this bombardment before they found a way out again. "Hey, Chi! Any luck?"

Chiana's voice floated back to him, sounding tinny. "Yeah, but it's a rough ride."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"Moya says it'll take half an arn at least to get out of this field."

"We may not have half an arn, Chiana."

"That was the other thing I was going to tell you."

He sighed. Fine. Another day in paradise. "Okay, let's not lose the plot here. Just do the best you can."

Crichton reached the suit and quickly got into it, fastening off the seals and checking the pressure for damage. The suit was okay, the air supply almost to maximum. No leakage. Good enough. "Let's get this show on the road!"

* * * * *

It was Crais who interrupted them with a message from Talyn. He looked faintly embarrassed but fortunately Aeryn and John had finished. He averted his eyes as he relayed his message while John slid out of bed and started to dress. Aeryn sat up and showed no sign at all of being embarrassed at her nudity. When you spent your whole life aboard ship there was no room
for false modesty. Her former Captain's reaction amused her.

"What is it, Crais?"

He looked uncomfortable. "Talyn has received a message from Moya."

John did up his pants and slid a t-shirt over his head. "Moya is here?"

"Yes. It seems she has sustained some damage navigating an asteroid field."

Aeryn frowned. "What in Cholok's name was she doing in an asteroid field?"

"Trying to get out of it I should imagine," Answered Crais tersely.

She looked at him, wondering at the attitude. He sucked in a breath
before continuing. "Moya is here for repairs."

She exchanged a look with John. Oh frell. Having divested himself of his announcement, Crais made himself scarce. John looked at the expression on Aeryn's face. Drew her up until she was standing facing him, her naked body inches from his dressed one. He looked her in the eye. "You can do this, Aeryn."

She did not ask what he meant. It was obvious he was talking about the other Crichton. "I don't want to see him."

He touched her face gently, his eyes so gentle, so full of love and understanding that she could drown in them. "You need to do this," He said softly.

Aeryn snorted. "I do not *need* to do this."

"Yes, you do. Trust me."

"What am I supposed to say to him?"

He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "All the things you couldn't say to him before you left."

A look of alarm stumbled across her face. "I am not going to do this."

He leaned in to her, his lips leaving fire quaking in his wake, her core lighting up at his merest touch. On fire and burning. "He loves you, Aeryn."

"He'll get over it."

John shook his head, his look sad. He knew what his twin was going through. "You don't understand Aeryn. He's me."

"Don't stand there defending him!"

He gave her a startled look but said nothing. She took another step towards him. They were touching now. "I love you not him. Don't try and confuse the issue. If you don't feel the same at least be honest about it."

A soft smile touched his lips. "I do love you, Aeryn Sun, with every beat of my heart." He paused. "So does the other me." He saw her frown and rushed on. "How could he do anything else? We are the same person, shariing his memories and his feelings. His emotions are *ours* now. His love for you flows through my veins, Aeryn. Simple as that."

Only it was not simple. They both knew it even if they never said so.

* * * * *

Rattlers. That was what his dad called them. Right now they had to be the size of snakes squirming around inside him, turning him queasy and sick with apprehension and dread. He knew he was sweating. Could not do a damn thing about it. Aeryn. Oh God. Like she would even look at him now. She had the other one, the clone, and from what he had heard they hardly ever came up for air. He did not go down to the planet with D'Argo and Chiana. He could not do it. So he stayed on Moya, ran himself ragged trying to be everywhere at once. Assess the damage, repair what he could and note what he could not. A couple of DRDs followed him, their lightstalks waving anxiously. He knew they were sending back the images of the damage to Pilot but part of him could not shake off the feeling that they were there for his sake not Moya's. Did everybody in the Uncharted Territories know how screwed he was?

He missed Zhaan. Sometimes when it was really quiet he thought he could feel her presence. Her calm, her love, radiating through him and touching him deep down inside. The place where the lid flapped open on all his deepest fears. She would gently soothe him, tell him how loved he
was, how important he was to the rest of the crew and to Moya. She would then softly close that lid keeping everything that could hurt him at bay. For just a few precious arns. Then he would sleep. Lost in her spirit and soothed by her song.

His eyes opened and he found himself staring at another tear through the face of his helmet. He was tiring but could not stop working. Had to keep busy. Keep his mind off what was going on down on the planet surface. Aeryn and his clone playing happy families on Talyn. It broke him up. So jealous, so distraught because he had lost her. And he could not even blame the man
who had won her heart. The other him. God it hurt to think about it. He put a gloved hand over the tear, felt the suction of space glue his fingers to the widening crack. It took effort to pull his hand away again. His breath was heavy, getting laboured. Getting too hot. He had to get back
behind the doorseal and find something to plate over the opening. A patch that would bond with Moya and help him get the repair done. That was what the others were looking for. Microts later he was back behind the door, waited until Pilot told him it was safe to remove his helmet. He clicked it off and checked the tank. Almost out of air. He had got out just in time. In his distraction he did not hear them. As he turned the sight of Aeryn walking towards him stopped his heart in his chest. She looked so beautiful. His eyes remembering every detail and aching at the sight. It took him microts to realise the clone was with her. Another microt before he remembered to breathe.

For a moment the two of them stood looking at each other. The pain on Crichton's face finding an echo of sympathy in the other's eyes. Aeryn avoided looking at him at all. Glancing away from him she spoke, her words distant and emotionless. "How bad is it?"

He fought to control his voice. Be as emotionless as she was but he knew he was not kidding anyone. It was killing him but for Moya's sake he would be a good little tech and just do his duty. "It's not a big tear but big enough. We need a patch, preferrably something Moya can bond to."

The other one, John, nodded. "A biomechanoid patch?"

Crichton caught his eye and nodded carefully back. "Exactly. You got one?"

John glanced at Aeryn but her back was rigid, her body so tense it could have been set in concrete. She was avoiding looking at both of them now. He looked at Crichton, paused to rub his thumb over the scar on his forehead. "No but I think Talyn can make one. At least, he wants to try."

Crichton nodded. "Okay, I'm cool with that. How long?"

The clone shrugged. "Crais says it could take five or six arns. Maybe longer."

He sucked in a breath. That was way to long to hide from Aeryn. As if reading his thoughts the clone spoke again. "We need to talk."

"Nothing to talk about. This is for Moya."

John looked at him, knew he was in pain. Wanted to help not just for his sake but because Aeryn would never be whole until she had faced them both and accepted what had happened. Quit blaming Crichton and feeling guilty everytime she and the clone of him made love. He nodded as if coming to a decision. "I'll go back to Talyn and tell him the dimensions of the tear. How many more you got?"

Crichton considered. It was hard to ignore Aeryn, taut and silent, her eyes staring at the wall. "Um, there are two tears about six feet by three. Um, I mean two dench by one. On tier 8 we got a bigger hole, about five or six dench across. It started out as little more than a slit but it's taking too much pressure. Getting bigger all the time. That has to be our first priority."

A hiss caught in Aeryn's throat. That was a big hole. Still she said nothing. Crichton hesitated, his eyes flicking to meet John's. The clone turned to Aeryn. "You stay here, I'll com you when I have the patches ready."

She turned to face him, alarmed. No way was he going to leave her on Moya with....him. Crichton saw the look, cringed inwardly and started to walk away. "Go with him Aeryn. Moya will still be here when you get back."

She turned her head at that but he was not looking at her. His broad back disappeared down the corridor, an air of wounded desolation in the slump of his shoulders. The edge of dispair in his voice. Two DRDs rolled along behind him then he was gone. She looked at John, fighting to hold back tears. "It was a mistake. I should have stayed on Talyn."

He cradled his hand against her cheek and watched her lean in to his touch, a tear spilling down her face. He gently wiped the tear away with his other hand. "You can't run away from this, Aeryn. Not just for his sake or yours but for mine."

Her eyes brightened but she said nothing. They left quietly, John pausing only to exchange a few words with Chiana. Her sad face took in everything. At times Aeryn hated her. The damn Nebari saw way too much. Once she had thought of Chiana as her rival. It almost made her laugh now but minus the humour. She could have the other Crichton for all she cared but the nub of it was she *did* care. And it was tearing her apart. John was wrong. She should not have come. But he was also right. This was something she could not keep running away from. If not for her own sake or Crichton's, then for his. When they came back with the patches and got Moya repaired she would find a way to sort it out. Then she and John would leave and never come back.

* * * * *

Crais was waiting for them when they got back to the planet. He and John started work immediately on getting the patches sorted out. They made up a couple of extra ones - just in case - then John got ready to return to Moya. Aeryn looked at him, unaware that Stark was watching them from the corridor. "I think you should take Crais with you. I'll stay with Talyn."

He shook his head. "No, Aeryn. No more running away."

She smarted inwardly at his words and looked down. Gently he put a hand under her chin and lifted her face so that he could see her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her, felt her melt into his embrace. When he pulled back Stark had gone. Unnoticed by either of them. Aeryn felt miserable but knew John was right. She could not hide forever. In silence they boarded the
transport with the patches and were met on landing by D'Argo, Chiana and Crichton. John accepted Crichton and D'Argo's help unloading the patches. Chiana looked at Aeryn but did not say anything. Both had a fair idea of what the other was thinking. Aeryn ignored the little tralk but somehow the superior attitude she usually adopted with the Nebari was lacking. She was not really angry at Chiana. Aeryn had two choices. Go with Crichton, John and D'Argo or stay with Chiana. She gritted her teeth and went to get an EVA suit. There was only so much of Chiana she could stomach even on a good day. And this was *not* a good day.

Crichton was having a hard time holding it all together. He had lost so much weight that the suit looked three sizes too big for him but as long as it was airtight it would do. They checked each other's equipment, made sure the seals were sound and that they had enough air. D'Argo checked Crichton's for him while Aeryn and John checked each other. There was a surreal quality about the whole thing but no one could deny Moya's very real distress. In the end it was her agony that saved Crichton from going out of his head. He focused on Moya and nothing else. Grim determination blocking out all the shrapnel tearing what was left of his heart to pieces. He worked in silence only speaking when D'Argo asked him a question. John and Aeryn worked on tier 7. He and D'Argo went to tier 8. The first tear was patched without a hitch. It was heavy work and slow. Crichton was perspiring heavily, too hot and uncomfortable for his liking. He did not look at his readout, did not want to see how much air was left. Afraid that he would instead live forever. Die now and save the whole frelling universe a lot of trouble except Moya was depending on him. Frell. He could not even get that right. He tapped D'Argo's shoulder.

"Hey, Big Guy, it's getting kinda hot in here."

D'Argo turned and checked Crichton's readout. The frown on his face followed by a quick motion to get back behind the doorseal. Cursing inwardly Crichton complied then fretted while he waited a couple of microts for Pilot to tell them it was safe to remove their helmets. D'Argo was frowning at him when they took the helmets off, checking his own readout against Crichton's. "You must have a broken seal in your suit." He said. His own readout still showed he had more than half a tank of oxygen. Crichton's was empty.

"I don't understand it, I checked it."

"Do not blame yourself. We will get another one."

He shook his head. "There isn't another one, remember? Four suits."

For a moment the Luxan looked at him in horror. Of course, he had forgotten. The clone was using a suit as well. "Then you will stay here, I will repair the next one on my own."

Crichton shook his head, adamant. "No way, Big Guy. You get into trouble and you won't have anyone to haul your ass back in. I'll change the tank and we'll do it together."

"John, I appreciate what you are saying but that last patch took all your oxygen. We only just got finished in time and the breach was a fairly easy one. This next one is much larger, we will out there longer. You would not have sufficient air."

"I don't intend to stay that long, D'Argo. Just long enough to help you get the patch in place, then I come out and you seal it."

He shook his head. "The plan is suicide. It will not work."

"Yes, it will."

"No. It won't."

"Will."

"Won't!" D'Argo paused. "I am not going to argue with you John."

Crichton nodded and picked up a fresh tank, checked that it was full and fitted it up to his suit. "Good because Moya is running out of time."

D'Argo opened his mouth to protest but Crichton was already locking his helmet back in place. He felt anger and frustration race through his veins then Pilot's voice came over the com. He sounded agitated. "Moya is losing pressure. Please hurry!"

"We're on it, Pilot." Said Crichton.

He looked at D'Argo, put a hand on his shoulder then made for the door. D'Argo shook his head and put his helmet back on. They clipped on lines this time and went out to the next breach. The hole much larger, the pressure trying to suck them out into the dark void of space. Crichton helped D'Argo line up the first patch and held on while the Luxan sealed it. It took three patches and by the time they were done Crichton was finding it hard to breathe. Heat swamped him and seemed to crush all the air out of his lungs. He felt light headed. D'Argo helped him beyond the door then took his helmet off and sat him down. While Crichton took in great greedy gulps of air, D'Argo removed his own helmet and stared at him. His voice was quiet when he spoke.

"That was a foolish thing to do. You could have been killed."

It took him a microt or two to get enough breath back into his lungs to speak. Even then it was haltingly, his head still spinning from lack of oxygen. The pressure on his chest painful. "There was no time to find another way. Moya was depending upon us."

"Do you want to die so badly?" D'Argo whispered.

Crichton could not find words. Remained silent. Sometimes he forgot just how well the Luxan knew him.

"I value you as a friend, John Crichton. You have a duty to remain alive if only for my sake. Do you understand?"

Again he was silent.

"I know this is a hard time for you, John. Losing Aeryn to the clone was not your fault. There was no way you could have anticipated the cloning or the consequences."

Crichton raised a hand, the words sticking in his throat like sharp sticks. "That's...enough, D'Argo."

"No John, it is not. I have watched you. I have watched Aeryn. You are both my friends and it hurts me to see you like this. To see you in a pain not of your own making."

"Back off, D'Argo. You're way out of line."

"Then prove me wrong."

Crichton said nothing. D'Argo watched him hunch his shoulders. How could a lesser species be so stubborn? Crichton activated his com. "Pilot?"

"Yes, Commander?"

"We're about done on tier 8, can you check the seals for us and tell us how they're holding?"

A pause while Pilot activated his controls. "They are holding!"

He grinned at D'Argo. "See, D'Argo? Every once in a while things work out."

D'Argo tilted his head with a look on his face that said he had just got lucky. This time. In silence they went to check and see how John and Aeryn were doing. Fortunately all the seals appeared to be doing their job. Moya had an army of DRDs swarming around checking the patches and adding biomechanical seals to all the joins. Aeryn was ready to return to Talyn but John was not. They were in the mess hall. Crichton did not follow them but went to his quarters saying he wanted to get a shower and clean up. D'Argo watched him go but said nothing. He sat with Chiana and ate in silence. Aeryn and the clone ate then left the mess hall without talking to anyone else. D'Argo wished he could knock everyone's heads together. But Crichton was right. This was none of his business.

* * * * *

Crichton felt weary. His lungs still hurt and he felt bruised all over. He got to his room and stripped off to take a shower. The hot water felt so good on his skin. He closed his eyes and rested against the wall, letting the water slosh down his body and clense him. Pity it couldn't do the same for the inside. He did not hear anyone come approach. He took his time, scrubbing himself until his skin shone pink, then stepping out to towel himself dry. He was surprised to step back into his room and find Aeryn and John waiting for him. Especially as he did not have a stitch of clothing on. For a moment he just stood there, the towel in his hands, a look of stunned disbelief on his face. Just when he thought his day could not get any worse. For the first time in a long time he saw something that could have been humour skate across Aeryn's face.

The clone took a step towards him, speaking to Aeryn over his shoulder. "Better lock the door, Aeryn. We don't want to be disturbed while we...talk."

A look of alarm flitted over Crichton's face. Just what the hell was going on? He watched Aeryn comply. Starting to feel his wet skin chilling he took a step forward to get to his clothes. John blocked him. Crichton frowned. Confused then angry. His reaction amused the clone. "Relax, we just think it's time we talked. All of us."

He looked at Aeryn to see if she agreed with that comment but she gave no sign either way. He looked at the clone and tried to suppress a shiver. He was feeling cold. "At least let me get dressed."

Aeryn stepped around John and let her eye travel over Crichton's naked body. He felt uncomfortable with them both watching him as if they were making sport of him. He did not like it.

"I thought you wanted to talk?"

Aeryn looked at John. The clone smiled and took Crichton's towel gently out of his hand. "I have a few ideas on that score." He said, walking slowly around him.

He was puzzled. Something in the other's voice. He looked at Aeryn for a clue but she seemed to be taking her cue from the clone. Aeryn walked up to him and looked him in the eye. He held his breath and waited for her to explain. To his surprise she reached out and touched his damp cheek with her right hand, her fingers gently sliding down his face. He shivered at the contact. The clone was behind him. He did not like it that he could not see him. Crichton swallowed, suddenly nervous. "What's going on?"

The clone spoke softly, his breath stirring against his ear. "We can't go on like this."

"Like what?"

John looked over Crichton's shoulder at Aeryn and smiled. She smiled back. It gave Crichton goose bumps. "Aeryn?"

Her hand drifted on down his chest. John stepped round to stand beside her then Crichton saw him lean in to Aeryn and kiss her ear, a hand reaching up to brush back her hair so he could kiss her throat. Anger soared through Crichton. "That's it! Get the hell out of my quarters. BOTH of you!"

Aeryn raised her other hand and moved in closer. Crichton stepped back but the wall brought him up short. <This is not happening, I am dreaming, I am dreaming> He closed his eyes and started to count to ten. Out loud. Amused, Aeryn ran her hands over his chest, watching him as he tried to block her out. Feeling John caress her and kiss her as she bent her head and started to lick the drops of water off Crichton's chest. Her tongue lapped at a nipple, her teeth gently nipping at him as she sucked and washed him with her tongue. He jerked as if he had been shot, his eyes flying open. Then her hand drifted down and slid between his legs. As he gasped Aeryn raised her head and smiled at him. The dazzle of her smile was more devastating than her touch. His heart ached. It hurt so damn much. Then she kissed him, her tongue sliding between his teeth and caressing his tongue as she increased her pressure on him, feeling him harden and inflate in his hand. John whispered in her ear, his hands slowly peeling off her clothes, caressing her body and encouraging her to work on Crichton. Part of her could not believe this was happening either or that she would let John orchestrate this. Part of her was horrified at what they were doing to Crichton. But another part, a small silent voice that had been hidden for so much of her life, was revelling in the eroticism of doing exactly this. The sense of power it gave her was a drug that was acting like an aphrodesiac. She realised with startling clarity that she did not just want John. She wanted Crichton as well. It had to be a dream, it was the only logical explanation. And in a dream you could do anything.

* * * * *

His mind was reeling, his body no longer his own. Aeryn was in his arms, devouring him whole and he was letting her. She could do anything she wanted with him and she knew it. He shuddered as she slid down his body, taking him in her mouth while he stood trembling with the wall behind him. He was naked and the clone had almost finished stripping Aeryn, his eager mouth plying her with his own kind of worship. He wanted to kill the clone for touching Aeryn
but he was so lost in her touch, so close to climaxing that it took him all his effort to hang on and not ejaculate all over her. The clone seemed to understand. To know what Crichton was thinking. John stepped back just long enough to undress then he knelt behind Aeryn, his hands sliding round her waist and stroking her. He massaged her breasts slowly, watching Crichton closely. His eyes glazing over, caught between passion and confusion. It was doing strange things to John, getting him so excited. Caught between them Aeryn was having the time of her life, doing all the things to Crichton she had ever dreamt of doing while having her own needs attended to as well. John's touch fired her and egged her on, her suction on Crichon increasing as she dragged her tongue slowly over his leaking head while she brought him closer and closer to orgasm.

He could feel himself building, a runaway train that could not be stopped. Full head of steam. His eyes were closing, so far gone now. Aeryn cupped his testicles and began to squeeze gently, watching his face and loving his reaction. How little he could resist her. How completely she dominated every feeling in his body. She arched back a little as John's right hand dipped down to finger her, the moisture lubricating him as he inserted his fingers and began to play with her nub, the bundle of nerves making her jerk against the pressure of his hand as she began to pump Crichton's erection with one hand while drinking down the leaking precum as he started to jerk in her mouth. When he came Aeryn came to, John's hand around her waist holding her steady as she orgasmed against his hand. He did not remove his hand afterwards but used it to guide himself between her moist walls, her juices smoothing his passage inside her. She opened her mouth, groaned with pleasure and leaned back into him as his hips started to buck gently driving himself up inside her. Crichton opened dizzy eyes and found Aeryn looking back at him. A peace and gentleness in her eyes that he had not seen for a long time. He was so weak with love for her. His eyes flicked to her full breasts, the nipples erect and tantalising before him. He reached out and began to work them with his hands then kissed Aeryn, eyes closing in bliss just to have her in his arms.

She rocked gently, John kneeling behind her and holding her knees wide apart so he could increase his steady penetration. Aeryn matching the rhythm with her hand on Crichton's cock. They took it slowly, each feeling their way to heighten the pleasure of the other. Aeryn lost count of the times they made love, the positions varying as they experimented and became more and more comfortable with each other. At last they broke off, sated and weary but so at peace with each other. Aeryn looked at Crichton. He looked shattered, tears in his eyes as he looked at her. Such love shining back at her that she could not believe she had ever been angry with him. Had ever wanted to hurt him. She leaned in and kissed him slowly, delighting in his response. John eased up from the floor and went to shower himself clean. When he came back he stood there towelling himself off while he watched how gently Aeryn loved Crichton. Part of him felt a stab of jealousy but the greater part of him was relieved. How could he fight himself? He kissed the top of Aeryn's head gently and as they moved apart, she looked up at him and smiled. Crichton touched her cheek wonderingly, his eye flicked up to John. "Is this how you talk?" He asked softly.

John chuckled and nodded for Aeryn to go take a shower. She kissed him, touched Crichton's cheek then disappeared in the shower. John knelt in front of Crichton, rubbing his hair dry on the towel as he looked at his twin. "I'm sorry for going about it this way."

It all felt unreal to Crichton except for the part where he could taste Aeryn in his mouth. That part was *so* real it spooked him out. But in a cool way. "Are you?"

The clone smiled and then looked sad. "You know, it may seem drastic to you but Aeryn needed to know that we are the same person."

"In your dreams!" Snorted Crichton. Not sure why he was so angry with him.

"John, there's no point is us fighting. We both love Aeryn. I wanted to show Aeryn that she loved both of us."

"What are you? Some kind of pervert?"

"No." He paused. "Just a man in love with a beautiful woman. One I cannot live without."

All Crichton's anger evaporated. It could have been him talking. In fact it was. No way could he pretend he did not understand. Crichton closed his eyes. "I am so screwed."

John chuckled. "And then some."

They both laughed at that. Aeryn rejoined them, the water on her skin glistening like diamonds. Both men caught their breath when they looked at her. So hopelessly in love. She could not help smiling at them. "What's so funny?"

Crichton looked round his room. "I am gonna have to get a BIGGER bed."

John laughed. Aeryn sat down between them and shook her head. "This is never happening again."

John took the towel out of her hand and started to kiss her. "Who needs a bed when we have the floor?"

Crichton cleared his throat gently. Aeryn and John looked up at him.

"Um, do you want to explain to me what just happened?"

John and Aeryn exchanged a mischievous glance then looked at Crichton. "No!" They cried in unison. Before he could respond, both of them dived on him and pinned him flat to the floor, John holding him down while Aeryn decided what she wanted to do to him first. His head was spinning. He was dreaming, right? And in a dream anything could happen. A silly grin broke
out on his face and he closed his eyes. Oh yeah. If he was lucky, *anything* could happen.

* * * * *

Stark found it hard to believe. The smile on his face was bemused. He returned quietly to his room and chanted softly to himself, entering a trance state so that he could join with Zhaan. He was not sure if he could make contact. After all, it was not an exact science and he failed more
often than he succeeded. He was not sure but it felt as if Zhaan was near, close by. For some reason he could not make contact with her. Frustrated he tried again. Delving deeper and deeper into trance as he reached out with mind, body and soul to connect with the love of his life.

* * * * *

He was lost, he knew it but he did not care. Crichton was amazed how enthusiastically Aeryn was taking part. John had him pinned quite effectively, Aeryn getting an absurd sexual high from seeing her twinned love literally holding himself ready for her to do whatever she liked with him.
Not that he was struggling too hard. Oh she liked this game a lot. She licked her lips and decided it was time for some serious teasing. John would help. Then she would get Crichton to hold John while she returned the favour. She got busy, Crichton writhing beneath her while she worked slowly from the soles of his feet up, licking and sucking. Taking her cue from his reactions as little cries leaked out of his throat and made her tremble with excitement as she turned him on. She had never realised how many places of arousal a human had. This was going to be very educational. For all of them.

Crichton realised he no longer *had* any higher brain functions. His body was one giant erogenous zone being excited and titilated until he did not think he could stand it. It was unbearable and excruciatingly delicious at the same time. They were killing him and he did not want them to stop. All he wanted was to sink himself inside Aeryn, to fill her with his heat, to
carry her with him on the throes of indescribable passion. <Oh God, don't tell me I'm dreaming. If I am don't wake me>

He was building again, so hard that the blood pumping through his organ was driving the rhythm of his blood like a drum beat through his head. So loud it drowned out his ability to think. To function on anything but reaction to stimulus. So sensitive now that if Aeryn breathed on his
cock he was sure he would come. That was when he felt it. Something sliding in his brain with a light exotic blur. It felt strange and familiar at the same time. Aeryn was washing her tongue up the inside of his thigh now, his leg trembling. Something tickled inside his brain, heat racing up and down his spine as if he were being manipulated on more than the physical level which was impossible. Wasn't it? Then he felt it. A surge that almost shorted out his brain, the sensation of hands cradling the sides of his head, a forehead pressed against his, the emotional and phyiscal roller coaster of unity thundering through him and bringing him to a bright and blinding orgasm
that ripped through him with such force that he cried out. Tears running down his face with ecstasy as his hips bucked and he flooded Aeryn's mouth with his hot creamy seed. She was surprised by the strength of his orgasm, the power of it so stunning that it pushed John over the edge as well. The aftershocks of unity swamped him, he could not talk, could not move, could
not even open his eyes. His body continued to rock, fluids sweeping through him as something ethereal slid through his senses and wrapped every erotic thought and experience he had ever had in one massive hit, draining him.

Aeryn eased back and looked down at Crichton, amazed to see that after coming he had drifted into a deep sleep. He looked so relaxed and sated. So beautiful. She looked at John. His smile broke into a happy grin, her juices on his lips as he raised his head. He licked his lips slowly and kissed her. Aeryn looked down at Crichton and frowned slightly. "Do you think he's alright? Did we go too far?"

John chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. His joy had no bounds. "No sunshine, we didn't go too far. When will you get it through that beautiful head of yours that we love you?"

She still looked somewhat amazed. "I've never known sex that like before." She paused, a hand reaching down to touch Crichton's chest in wonder. Her fingers running through the light hair, the soft curls wrapping round her fingers as she watched him sleep. She felt John stir against her, his hands dipping down and swirling between her moist lips, the motion gently arousing her again. He kissed her and turned her in his arms, wanting desperately to be inside her. She laughed in his face, but it was a happy sound. She could not believe he wanted to make love again but one look at him told her he was straining to hold on for her. She took pity on him, kissed his leaking head then lowered herself onto his shaft. It was like an electical shock going through him. Aeryn held on to him and gripped his chin with her teeth as he slowly slid right in then held himself before sliding almost completely out again. She huffed, she puffed, she willed him to speed up but he would not be rushed. They had sorted out Crichton now it was John's turn and he wanted to make sure that Aeryn was more than satisfied. The slow building rush was driving her insane. She wanted him, she wanted him NOW. At last the volano erupted inside her and she came with him. Their twin cries mated in a burst of passion.

John held her so gently and let her weep in his arms. He murmured into her ear, his hands stroking her hair as he held her against his chest. Aeryn was so moved by all they had shared she had no words to express the freedom and contentment that swamped her mind and her body. She had never felt so relaxed. So sated. So loved. As she slipped into the balm of sleep the only thing that marred her thoughts was how she could chose one and leave the other behind. But this was just a dream, wasn't it? Things like this never happened in real life. And if this was a dream, she could have any damn thing she wanted. A smile curved her sleeping lips. John watched and felt his heart swell with love for her. Let her sleep. Let her dream. He would
watch over them both.

* * * * *

Stark had knelt for so long but he did not feel the cold. Was oblivious to any pain in his knees or discomfort. His mind had expanded to fill the void where he was forced to live, if only for a little while. The physical world held few pleasures for him. He missed Zhaan. Missed his people.
Hated being alone. While it was true he had his friends they were quixotic, self absorbed and often impatient with him. Only Zhaan had really understood him. Appreciated him. Loved him. Now she was gone.

His breathing was shallow. His face had relaxed into calm, his thoughts no longer troubled. He was no longer driven. A sigh swept through his mind like leaves falling. His consciousness swayed with a fragile touch, his mind opening further, his light burning brightly the better to guide her to him. He felt the touch, so ethereal, so insubstantial that it brought tears to his eyes. His heart cried her name and she answered him with such sweet abandon. Her spirit bathed in his light, his light answered her with a joining of visions. His energy impressed upon her own, each filling the empty places of the other. A quiet beautiful joining that included an exchange of information as well as love. There was nothing he would not do for Zhaan. She knew, she loved him, blessed him. Invoked Kah'leen to protect him even as her inner eye watched over the others. She smiled in his mind and flooded him with her warmth, the sensation of her touch, the brilliance of her mind, her healing power soothing all the dark places of his soul where he felt
unworthy. He was not unworthy in her eyes. He was matchless, her companion in life and death. The guardian of her soul as she was guardian of his.

When he at last lay down to sleep she cradled his soul in her own and watched over him, guiding him deeper and deeper to a place beyond dreams. Then she reached out with her thoughts to check on the others. Smiled as she observed the Dominar. He was dreaming. Not about food but about Moya. Worrying about the leviathan. Hoping the repairs would be sufficient to save her from distress. She sifted gently through his thoughts and was pleased with how far he had come in this journey of life. His time aboard Moya had changed him, but not as much as his exposure to the other souls aboard this living ship. Perhaps the one who had changed him most was also the least likely. The one they had called deficient. The little known species called Human. It pleased her that deep beneath the Hynerian's crusty shell lay a genuine fondness for the human. He worried about him. Was concerned that the problem with Aeryn would crucify the alien and lead to his ruination. Yet he also understood Aeryn. She annoyed and irritated him but he knew much of that was her upbringing as a Peace Keeper. The human Crichton had changed her also, made her into a better person, and the man's gentle care of them all had stirred up emotions in Rygel's heart that he would fight the rest of his life to keep hidden. But he could not hide his heart from Zhaan. He never could. That was why he had often erupted angrily at her, knowing that of them all she saw him the most clearly. No magician liked to have anyone see through his tricks.

Next she looked in on Chiana. The tears on the young Nebari's cheeks made her want to cry, to hold her and tell her it was going to be alright only she did not know that. Could not lie to her even now. Chiana was worrying about Nerri. As ever she would pray in her heart that he was safe before she would go to sleep. Often her tears were her only companion. Her ebullient mood a mask she wore to hide her fragile heart. She had lost a brother but gained a friend in Crichton. He was like Nerri in her eyes, never judging her but always there to lend his support. Caring for her when she no longer cared for herself. If he had shown the slightest inclination that it could have been something more she would have opened her heart to him. Given herself to him heart and soul. She saw him as he was. His generous and loving spirit an open book to her childlike wisdom. Chiana saw many things, understood on an intuitive level what it took others a lifetime to realise. She valued Crichton, loved him, and was intensely loyal. Aeryn upset her because in the rollercoaster of emotions she had never learnt to deal with, she constantly hurt the human. The one person she should not hurt at all. Zhaan also saw how deeply Chiana loved D'Argo but there was fear there also. She did not want to get hurt. Did not want to give her heart only to find it had been squandered like everything else she had ever valued in her life. So she played around, attached no importance to her sexual fidelity, in the hopes that she would not get hurt. Zhaan sighed knowing that the opposite was true. When it came to knowing the others Chiana could be so wise yet she was blind when it came to knowing herself.

Zhaan hovered over D'Argo, her gentle heart torn at the emotions running through him as he slept. In dreams he always returned to Lo'lann. His son Jothee both loving and dutiful. The soil of his farm running rich through his fingers as he toiled the fields in joy and looked at what he had accomplished. For D'Argo, sweet D'Argo, family was everything. Now he had a new family and he nurtured them in his two hearts with a passion so fierce it almost undid him. Such anger, such strong emotions ruled him that in the quiet nature of the human he found a true place of rest. She saw how they complimented each other, understood each others' pain. Saw how
D'Argo respected and loved Aeryn even as he longed to knock some sense into her dim Peace Keeper head. He knew she was not really dim but there were times when she was not being smart either. And those times usually involved her relationship with Crichton.

Her consciousness continued and found the Interon curled up in a ball on her bed, hands hugging her knees as she struggled to sleep. So alone and so afraid but slowly, slowly she was finding a new home. Learning to value Moya and the joy of service to others. The thoughts in Jools' head were troubled, shades of other lives touching her own and hurting her even in her sleep. Such a gentle soul, often misunderstood. She felt lost and even now worried that one day the rest of the crew would simply abandon her on some backwater planet. Alone and friendless. Zhaan knew that whatever they might threaten they would never do that. Gradually that truth was dawning on Jool though she fought not to believe it. Too many hopes had been shattered in her life without adding to the funeral pyre of unrequited dreams.

Pilot was as wakeful as ever, his four arms multitasking effortlessly as he monitored and controlled Moya's systems, keeping her at optimum efficiency. He was aware of her as soon as she touched his consciousness. As Pilot felt her presence so did Moya. The ship sang and Zhaan sang back, her song reducing both Pilot and Moya to a state of bliss. They had missed her so much as she had them. Zhaan was worried about what had happened to Moya. Pilot hurried to reassure her that the crew had repaired the damage caused by the asteroid field. Zhaan hummed, her energy shared with her friends. Then she left them and returned to her beloved Stark. Easing the thoughts that haunted him and giving him peace.

Crichton did not dream. For once there was no Scorpy, no Harvey, no dreams of Home. Not even Aeryn made an appearance. He slept so deeply and peacefully, his face relaxed and serene for the first time in monens. Aeryn dreamt. She dreamt about everything and nothing. Her past mingled with the present until her thoughts turned to Crichton. To John. Then every other thought in her head disolved in the curve of her lips. John too slept and dreamt. His thoughts less chaotic, focused and clear. For him there was only Aeryn. As for Crais he dreamt about Talyn. About being free to sail the Uncharted Territories, to come and go as he pleased. Yet he also longed for the company of others which was why he allowed himself to be roped into the destiny of Moya and her eclectic crew. He muttered and grumbled about them but a wary affection underpined his motives. Gradually the darkness in his heart was being whittled away. His affection and respect for Aeryn a constant pull on him even though he knew she did not love him. And Talyn. Talyn dreamt only of his freedom. His will wedded to Crais like an umbical chord. So many souls relying the one upon the other whether they would admit it or not.

As her thoughts settled back and wrapped around her Zhaan could not help thinking about something Rygel had said. About how much they had all changed and why. He had called it the Crichton Effect. Zhaan smiled. Looked lovingly at Stark and cradled his light in her heart as she loved him back. The small piece of her that lived inside Crichton awoke to her activation and
bathed both twins in love. In the morning Aeryn would leave with John and Crichton would be left to mourn her loss yet again. For tonight at least both of them were happy and content as was Aeryn. With a little help from Zhaan, she would carry that effect on for a while after they parted. She wished she could do more but the rest was up to Aeryn. Zhaan hoped she would choose wisely.


* * * * *
END