Title : United
Author : Bluey
Rating : NC-17 Violent and sexually explicit.
Pairing : Chiana/Zhaan/Other
SUMMARY : Zhaan has saved Thäa's body, but she has to deal now with her fragile mind, and Moya's grief.
Spoilers : Set somewhere between "Hidden Memory" and "The Locket".
Author's Notes : Sequel to Rainbow Girl with references to Nightmare in Blue.
Moya is in mourning. Discovering her dying mother has been quite a shock for the young Leviathan. Maybe she was hoping to find her, to tell her she was free again to roam the Universe. No one knows... except maybe for Pilot, but he won't tell.
Thäa is adapting to her new life. Finding her way home isn't a priority right now. She understands that her companions can't safely get out from the Uncharted Territories. Even in here, freedom is still a breath away from being lost.
It took her awhile to choose her own private room. Not that there weren't enough to pick from! Those near the engine core were somewhat noisy. Those near the central chamber would need a heavy curtain, because it was one of the most used passageways. She didn't want to be too close to anyone in particular, in case there were some frictions she didn't know about. Her heart finally has chosen for her, picking a room on Zhaan's level, but not to close, so neither would lose their own privacy.
Chiana loves interior decoration, especially since they have looted Moya's mother. They got so much stuff in those crates and boxes, it feels like a day at the market. . . without having to pay for anything! But she's a practical girl, and Thäa's room ends up with very little changes, nothing major, a reclining chair made from one of the container, a gift from D'argo, a cute little cushion to go on it, given by Rygel, which has more than enough of those on his bed, and two metrons of very expensive looking pink fabric Aeryn found in a crate, to serve as a bedspread. Zhaan blessed her room and gave her an amulet to hang over her bed, to ward off nightmares. Meanwhile, Stark made her new boots from leather found in the crates.
Getting to the next commercial planet, Thäa stayed on Moya, having all she needs and wants. Unbeknownst to her, Zhaan traded in medicine for more fabric, so her lover could get clothes that fitted her better than the few garments given in the first few days aboard Moya. In fact, she got so much fabric, it takes half the space of Stark's little workshop on tier four. Big crates, opened for Thäa's inspection, have their content spilled out like colourful guts. The Féerian steps over some expensive Delvian velvesine and snatches a piece of rough black leather.
- That would do it, she says, trying to come back to the Banik without loosing her balance.
He picks her up by the waist and puts her down near his working table.
- Thank you, she says, blushing. This is the perfect leather for the belt, strong and thick. That's how you can carve the design in. Anything thinner and you would punch through it in no time.
- We need the exact measurements, says Stark as he examines the quality of the hide. You said it would have to be very tight to look Féerian?
- Like a second skin, says Thäa, putting her palm on her belly.
She takes her hand off as Stark circles her waist with the knotted string. He slides the string downward for the lower measurement of the belt, and Thäa bursts into laughter.
- It tickles! she exclaims to Stark's surprise. Here, let me help you.
She takes her tunic off in one swift move, and lets it fall to the ground, next to her.
- Now you'll get the exact measurements, she says, teasing. I want it tight, but not constrictive.
Stark starts again, but this time, the end of the string brushing against Thäa's skin makes her laugh again. She holds her breath to let him finish, and looks away to get her mind off the irresistible need to push him away. In the distance, a little light brightens, then another next to it. Those two little red lights, not moving but slowly pulsating, capture Thäa's attention. She whispers 'no' many times, louder and louder, and grabs him by the fabric of his vest, like she's about to faint. Stark notices how different Thäa's reaction has become, and he looks around at whatever she's staring at. The big frame of the Luxan blocks his sight, then a closed fist comes crashing on his jaw.
- She said no, you frelling bastard! D'argo growls.
Stark falls backwards under the blow, but D'argo catches him by the fabric of his vest and hits him again. Thäa looks on, terrified.
- I'll show you how I deal with rape, growls D'argo as his large fist hits the Banik's chest once, then again.
Stark would have fallen backward, if D'argo hadn't thought of holding him close by the collar of his vest. Squeezing the air out of him, and pummeling him harder and harder, D'argo doesn't see Thäa moving sideways. She's too scared to utter a single sound, but she won't let her friend down. If only she had a weapon!
At this moment, she sees the shine of the blade in D'argo's hand. She rushes to the wall, pulls down the panel of the control box and tears off a sizzling cable. Stark falls down near her, bloody and unconscious, as the Luxan's rage is spent.
- Don't move! she yells at the towering Luxan, showing him the electric cable.
Thäa pulls a bit more on the cable, to allow her an attack, but the thick living cord starts vibrating, then wraps itself around her wrist. Before she has time to understand what's happening, the end of the coil touches her, sending high voltage into her body. She falls down in a lump, next to Stark.
D'argo looks on, stunned. He had seen her brandishing the coil like a sword, but the cable didn't move at all. She held it, then her legs gave out from under her, like an invisible hand had knocked her out.
Coming to his senses, D'argo taps on his comm badge.
- Zhaan? asks D'argo. Can you come down to Stark's hideout. Thäa has fainted on me.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Zhaan comes out of her meditation at the sound of her name being called. It takes less than a microt before she's dressed again and running out of her room. She finds D'argo kneeling down to Thäa's side, as Stark slowly recovers, by himself.
- What have you done to her? she asks the Luxan.
- I'm not the one to blame here, he answers roughly as Zhaan pushes him aside.
- What happened, dear? she asks the girl as she slowly opens her eyes.
- Help Stark, stop the blood, Thäa whispers frantically, trying to get up.
She wriggles in Zhaan's embrace, trying to move closer to Stark, but the Delvian won't let her stand up. Stark looks at his clothes and doesn't find any blood. To Zhaan's quizzical look, he shrugs, not knowing what's Thäa is talking about. She babbles about being watched from a distance, D'argo attacking Stark with a long knife for no reason, then the coil attacking her when she tried to take his defense.
- Is this the knife you saw? asks D'argo, taking his small knife from his belt.
Thäa shakes her head no.
- He used his fist, says Stark, as he rubs his jaw. He has quite a punch if I might add.
- You son of a hasmot! barks D'argo. I wish I had used a knife! No one is getting raped on this ship as long as I'm here to…
- Stop, says Zhaan, holding up her hand. You will tell your story one at the time, and no interruption.
 |
D'argo starts telling his side of the story. Pilot asked him to get down to the third tier to check the atmospherics. As he was passing by, he saw Stark groping the Féerian as she was trying to push him away. He rushed in to her defense and knocked out the Banik. Thäa pulled a cord from the panel and passed out.
Stark's story is shorter. He was trying to take Thäa's measurements for a Féerian leather belt when she became quite rigid, then grabbed his clothes like she was afraid to fall, her gaze fixed to a point in the distance. After that, he doesn't remember much.
Zhaan nods and turns her attention to Thäa. |
- I saw a knife, she says, looking at the ringed hand holding hers. I also saw the coil wrapping itself around my wrist, and I passed out because it sent high voltage through my body.
D'argo looks at the coil and pushes it back into the box, where it immediately fuses with its other end.
- Temperature control, he says, closing the little trap door. It has less than three kerzts of power, not enough to awake a newborn trelkez.
Thäa looks crushed and lets Zhaan takes her in her embrace. Pilot clears his throat and asks D'argo if he could check the atmospherics. Zhaan nods to him and he departs, without a single word of apology. By now, Stark has recovered enough to stand up. He fetches Thäa's tunic and comes back to give it to her.
- It was my fault, she sighs. His Highness told me to be careful about nudity.
- No, it wasn't your fault, not your fault at all, says Stark with much emphasis. D'argo was mislead by appearances.
- You're hurt, Zhaan says, looking at his jaw.
She holds up her hand to take away the pain, but Stark moves back.
- You've taken so much pain lately, Zhaan, he says in a soft voice. Let me deal with this one.
- No, says Thäa.
She beckons him to come closer, and he does so, under Zhaan's scrutiny. Thäa's shaky hand flutters to him, landing almost in his eye. He leans his head on it, and closes his eye, as the healing process takes place. The bruises start to fade on contact.
When the hand moves away, his chest is still sore, but the bones have been mended, and the pain is more a vague memory clinging to his brain than actual injuries.
- Thank you, Thäa, he whispers, grateful.
- You're welcome, she answers, smiling.
Zhaan lets her stand up to get dressed, but Thäa's legs buckle under her weight. Zhaan immediately puts her hands on the girl's waist, to hold her upright for a few microts, time enough to put on the tunic, then motions to take her in her arms.
- I can walk, says Thäa quickly. I'm not hurt. I know that now.
- What did you see, Thäa? What was behind me?
Stark's voice is a bit too eager and Thäa starts to shake again. Her skin colouration shifts from soft waves of peaches and greens to blotches of blue and pink. Her breathing becomes shallow, her forehead glistens with perspiration.
- Later, Stark, says Zhaan in a soft voice. I'm taking her to her room.
Stark nods and gets back to his working table. Zhaan tries again to take Thäa in her arms, but the young Féerian vehemently refuses to be carried away. Zhaan looks over her shoulder as they exit, arm in arm. There is no little red light at the back of the room, only crates of fabric, Moya's golden skin and soft yellow light.
As they slowly walk to Thäa's room, both of them notice the change in temperature from one tier to the other. Pilot was right to ask D'argo for a manual check of the atmospherics. Moya's mourning has affected more than her psyche. Maybe she's sick. Could the cargo taken on the dead ship have infected her? Or maybe it was from the air and electric lines connecting both ships for a few days?
Thäa's room is unusually warm and damp, one of the problems she'll have to live with until Pilot has found a way to repair the atmospherics. When Zhaan tries to gently push her to the bed, she resists.
 |
- Only if you lie down with me, she says, pouting like a stubborn child.
- Is this how you intend to get rest? asks Zhaan, playfully.
Thäa puts her arms around her lover's waist and nods. Zhaan smiles but doesn't move. Thäa's hands inch down a bit, teasingly, lower and lower, until she cups both roundness in the palms of her hands.
- It lifts my spirit, she says, looking straight into the blue eyes. I come from a race that need physical contact more than any other. The Elders have told me so. I'm not making this up. |
- I never said you were, says Zhaan, her hands playing into the long silvery hair. My race also has great appetites.
She bends down slowly and, as Thäa lifts her head to keep staring into her eyes, Zhaan's lips touch hers.
- I thank the Goddess every day for putting you in my path, she whispers as she circles her shoulders with her long blue arms.
In one swift quick move, she snatches her up in her arms, laughing.
- I told you I would carry you, she says playfully as she takes her to the bed and lays her down as slowly as she had picked her up fast.
- You win, says Thäa, smiling. Come, lay down next to me, please.
A sudden starburst pushes Zhaan directly onto the bed. In any other circumstances, it might have been funny, but knowing Moya is sick doesn't make this sudden move reassuring. Zhaan taps on her comm badge.
- Pilot, she asks, are you supposed to warn us before Starburst?
- I'm sorry, Zhaan, says Pilot's contrite voice. I did not initiate Starburst. Moya jumped so quickly, I had no time to tell you.
- Where are we going?
- Moya found a planet that might help her to heal, he says, sounding not too convinced by his own explanation. It was at the limit of our long-range scanner.
- Is it bad? asks Thäa, any thought of intimacy gone from her mind.
- I don't know, says Zhaan, putting her head on the pillow.
She sighs heavily. It's always like this on Moya. A microt, you're enjoying yourself and the next, you're neck deep in troubles.
- Zhaan, we're still waiting for you in Command, comms in Aeryn, sounding angry.
- Go, says Thäa. I'll take a nap.
- Don't you want to come? asks Zhaan, getting up.
Thäa's colours shifts. She never was good at lying, and that blue lady sure knows how to read her. Slowly she gets up, takes Zhaan's hand and walk beside her, in silence.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
The planet is at the right distance from its sun to have luscious gold and green vegetation, big rocky mountains, large blue seas and fluffy white clouds. The whole crew gather around the console, looking at the screen, except for Rygel, which hovers behind them, yawning audibly.
- No sign of its inhabitants, says Pilot, looking at his console, though it once sustained sentient life. I can still locate small groups of buildings, dirt roads and…
- Why did they left? asks Thäa, as she looks on to the blue-green planet filling the screen.
- Why did Moya take us here? asks Aeryn, more practical.
- The rim of the iomosphere is charged with particles that Moya finds soothing, answers Pilot.
- She found that from a long-range scan? asks D'argo big rumbling voice.
- Drasnak particles are easy to recognise, D'argo, says Pilot, chastising him from being so suspicious. They are emitted from the sun and gather in the outer layer of the iomosphere. She took the readings from the sun and extrapolated the best location to saturate her outer hull.
- Logical, says Zhaan, looking at D'argo. We wanted her to get better, didn't we?
- She usually needs us for that, says Rygel, floating a bit closer to the group. We feel cheated when she's behaving like a big girl.
Zhaan, Stark and Aeryn nod, but D'argo is still not convinced.
- The atmospherics weren't crippled, he explains. They were simply out of line.
- The hydric system IS crippled, says Pilot. I can barely maintain it. Still running analysis on the…
- I'm going in the den, says D'argo, cutting Pilot in mid-sentence.
- Wait, says Aeryn, holding him by the sleeve. Why can't you believe what he's saying?
- Moya gets startled at the slightest floating piece of junk we pass by, and now she can heal herself, even when Pilot doesn't even know what she has? It's a bit hard to swallow, isn't it?
He looks around, trying to find a compassionate face, but all he sees is disbelief.
- Come to your senses! he says. Moya is feverish. She could be taking us all into a trap and we'll jump right in. Is that how you want to end your life?
- Why can't we let Moya heal herself? asks Aeryn icily. There are no guns pointed at us, no one tracking us. Someone lived down there, and died. Corpses aren't dangerous.
- My planet still exists, says Stark dreamily. There's no one there, only souls and memories roaming through the cities, wailing, calling, asking for deliverance, not able to...
- STOP IT! yells Aeryn. No one asked you anything.
Stark bows his head in obedience, taking a step back, even if he wasn't in anyone's way. Thäa, still holding on to Zhaan's hand for courage and company, takes his too, and smiles at him. Zhaan smiles too, happy that at least, some of the crew seems to get along during this crisis.
- There is some signs of battle, says Pilot, looking at his console. The vegetation has covered much of the surface, but the buildings are in ruins.
- Scarrans or Peacekeepers? asks D'argo, looking sideways at Aeryn's reaction.
She doesn't have any, like he never said a word. She waits for Pilot's results in silence, as all the others.
- An agricultural society bombarded by heavy weaponry, says Pilot. No latent radiation… I would say… Smeeks.
- They've been wiped out five hundred cycles ago, says Aeryn, looking at Pilot's readings on the console in front of her.
- Desperate means for desperate people, says Zhaan calmly. They fanned out as far as they could to distance themselves from the illness, not knowing they were carrying it in their blood.
- Yes, of course, says Aeryn, smiling icily at her. You're old enough to have met some of them.
- That's true, says Zhaan, nodding.
She doesn't say if she met them, or is only old enough to have heard of their demise as it happened. Thäa itches to know, but this is not the right time or place to ask.
- I'll go on recon, says Aeryn, already heading to the door.
They look at her exiting the room, but no one speaks. When she's gone, D'argo slams his fist on the console, startling Pilot, who looks up from his readings.
- Can we help? asks Zhaan calmly.
Pilot's eyes blink a couple of times, then he shakes his head no.
- Well… he starts slowly. Helping the DRDs with the hydric system realignment wouldn't hurt, as well as keeping an eye on the atmospherics. I'm not sure they will hold until Moya's core is completely healed.
D'argo nods energetically.
- Chiana, take the hydric system, he orders roughly.
- What? asks Chiana, putting her hands on her hips and staring at him defiantly.
- You know it better than anyone else, he adds in a calmer voice, to explain his choice.
She nods, satisfied by his softening.
- Stark, would you help me? she asks graciously, to show D'argo she HAS good manners. Boring work gets done quicker with four hands.
Stark nods, follows her out, a microt after D'argo left. Zhaan stays behind with Thäa, and Rygel.
- I know, the Dominar says, lifting his hands. I'll join D'argo, before you hurl me out after him.
- I would never do that, says Zhaan, teasingly smiling at him.
- You've done worse, he mutters, passing in front of them.
- What about us, asks Thäa, both to Zhaan and Pilot.
Zhaan comes close to a navigation console. She looks in, reading the information Aeryn's prowler is sending continuously.
- Even if the planet was harmful to us, she says dreamily, it's not like we were forced to go down.
- If the ship gets sicker, wouldn't we be safer there? asks Thäa.
Zhaan hasn't heard Thäa's question. The readings are captivating her so much, the whole dome ceiling could fall on her head, and she wouldn't notice.
- Is that a prowler? asks Zhaan to Pilot.
- The remnants of one, Zhaan, says Pilot. Aeryn has landed near it. No life signs.
- There was a crash landing here, says Aeryn on her comm badge. I found the pilot still on his seat. Dead on impact. Can you run his data from Moya? I'm sending it now.
- Reading, says Pilot.
After a moment, he looks up to Zhaan.
- He was a Peacekeeper from the dead ship, he says. Lieutenant Caric Dreinac, Special Peacekeeper Unit, affected to prisoners' security transport.
Zhaan gasps. Her hands hold on so tight on the console, the knuckles become almost white. She looks down, mouth open, eyes tight shut. She doesn't breathe for more than fifteen microts then exhales slowly.
- You knew him? asks Thäa, tentatively.
 |
Zhaan nods, not yet able to speak.
- One dead, two to go, whispers Pilot, looking like he's talking to himself.
- I'm not seeking revenge, says Zhaan in a toneless voice.
- Aren't you glad he's dead? asks Pilot, surprised.
She looks up to him, then back down to the words on the console.
- I would have been, a long time ago, she says in a whisper. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd rather spend the next few arns alone.
|
She exits the room quickly, leaving Thäa so surprised, she doesn't move. Then, as she ponders if she should follow her or not, she sees Pilot looking at her.
- Two to go, what does that mean? she asks.
- I'm sorry, Thäa, he says, looking ill at ease. I spoke out loud what should have been kept silent.
- If he was here, says Thäa, looking at him suspiciously, how come he was on the other ship? Chiana told me you came on board only four cycles ago.
- I never said I've met him, answers Pilot icily.
- How long has she been here? asks the Féerian, not wanting to let go of the subject just yet.
- I… I can't say… mumbles Pilot, looking even more troubled than before.
- Talk to me! You know I can find that out from the data files, Pilot! Spare me the work.
- No, says Pilot.
Thäa has seen Zhaan type on the console. She's not sure she really knows how to get it to work properly, but she's hoping her bluff could work better than her fingers. Pilot looks down on her for a while, then sighs as an electric charge zaps Thäa's fingers.
- OW! she yells, angrily. You didn't need to do THAT!
- Why don't you ask her, says Pilot, his eyes closing a bit, like he was trying to scare her away.
Thäa hold his stare without flinching.
- I'm not a child, Pilot, even if I look like one, she says icily. You could have shut the console down… I won't forget it.
She hides her sore fingers on her bosom as she slowly exits, her steps echoing in the empty room.
- Secrets, that's all we have left, says Pilot to her back. Everything else was taken away.
She turns back to face him.
- They have hope, too.
Pilot shrugs, and sighs, closing his eyes.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
When Thäa passes near Zhaan's room, she sees her standing up, immobile, looking at her bed. She's not meditating, not praying.
Thäa comes close to the bars, holding her breath, trying to decide if she should come in or not.
Zhaan had asked to be left alone. Was she talking solely to Pilot, or did it mean she didn't want anyone close at this moment? If it had been Sorann standing before her, she would have known what to do. But this strange woman is still a mystery, their relationship too young to take any chance. Thäa moves on to her own room.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Aeryn looks in, then asks to enter. Thäa looks up from her sitting position on the bed and let her in. She was trying that meditation trick Zhaan had taught her. This time, it didn't do any good.
- The body I found, she says in a low voice, Zhaan knew him.
- I know, says Thäa, as she indicates a seat. I was there when Pilot told her.
Aeryn looks at the reclining chair and shakes her head no. She attempts a smile, trying very hard to be friendly. But the time isn't for any happy demonstration, and she changes her mind halfway.
- I've never met him, says Aeryn, coming closer to the bed, but I've met the likes of him. I'm sure you did too.
- He fled, let us starve, says Thäa showing no emotion. I've never met him either. Nonetheless, I won't cry on his grave. He got what he deserved.
- True, sighs Aeryn. I didn't come here for him, though.
- For Zhaan? asks Thäa, on the defensive. As I see it, you're not the best of friends.
- YOU are, says Aeryn, keeping her voice low. You should check up on her. This death, it the kind of things to bring back painful memories.
- She asked to be left alone, says Thäa, more courteous at the mention of Zhaan.
Aeryn nods. The lights on the walls dim a few times then go back to normal.
- Here, take this, says Aeryn, pulling out the torch from her belt. I can find my way in the dark. Go to her, she needs you.
Thäa looks at the torch, but she doesn't move. Aeryn looks on, frustrated at her immobility.
- Frell! I'm not lying, Thäa! she exclaims, throwing the torch on the bed, behind Thäa. That bitch knows exactly how to ruin my day, and she won't miss a chance to do it. I can't go to her! You know that! She'll rip me to pieces before I can put in a word!
- So, you want ME to get the wrath in your place, asks Thäa, smiling maliciously.
- She's crying her eyes out, Thäa, says Aeryn, breathing deeply to keep her anger under control. She's all alone in that cell, like she was for so many cycles.
- I'll think about it, Aeryn, says Thäa, making efforts to be polite.
- Dren, says Aeryn between clenched teeth. For once, I try to be helpful, to be… compassionate, and looks where it gets me!
- Thanks for letting me know, says Thäa, picking up the torch.
As soon as Aeryn has gone out, Thäa goes to the door and looks out, making sure the Sebacean doesn't see her, then she runs to Zhaan's room, torch in hand. With those brand new leather boots Stark had made her, she can't be silent as before, but she won't creep in like a thief. The Delvian has heard her steps, and looks back at the door. Seeing Thäa looking in, she nods a silent agreement.
- I was worried, says Thäa, coming closer very slowly.
- I won't hurt you, whispers Zhaan, with downcast eyes, but not hiding her glistening cheeks from Thäa's inquisitive eyes.
The lights dim again.
- I manage to find a torch, says Thäa, showing it in plain view. I've been in trouble too many times, I didn't want to get lost and ask for help again.
Zhaan lets her put her arms around her waist, like she did so many times since she came on board. Thäa looks up. In the faltering light, she sees faint changes in the Delvian eyes, a yellow hue slowly receding. All her muscles tighten at that sight, but she holds on. When the light comes back to normal, Zhaan's eyes are their usual blue.
- Aeryn's torch, she whispers, pulling Thäa closer to her. She didn't dare come in.
- I didn't either, admits Thäa, feeling shameful at her cowardice.
Zhaan pulls her at arms length. Thäa senses her silent reproach, her sadness, some mixed feelings she couldn't quite understand and she pesters about this telepathy she should have but is lacking; it would be so helpful now. Zhaan's features soften just before the light goes out completely.
- I love you, whispers Zhaan. I wish you would understand how much.
- I do, says Thäa quickly as she feels fingers going tenderly through her hair, the caress lingering near her face. You wanted privacy. I couldn't deny you that.
- I was talking to Pilot, says the Delvian.
Thäa's tentative caress lands on a wet cheek. Zhaan takes the hand and kisses it. The light comes back with a soft hum. Thäa blinks. Zhaan is smiling to her, wiping her tears with the back of one ringed hand.
- The past is behind me, she says. Let's make our own future.
A blast of cold air comes from the corridor and fans out Thäa long mane. Both look in that direction in surprise. The room gets colder by the microt.
Zhaan taps on her comm badge.
- Pilot? What's the matter with the atmospherics?
She gets no answer.
- D'argo?… Chiana?… Stark?… Rygel?… … … Aeryn?
The comm stays silent at every name.
- Is it my imagination or Moya is trying to keep us apart? asks Thäa, sighing heavily.
- Moya is sick, answers Zhaan. She keeps shutting down some of her systems while she's trying to heal the others. It's a natural process for a Leviathan.
- I hope she'll let us keep some air... and warmth.
- I'll be satisfied with air, retorts Zhaan almost playfully. We can warm ourselves some other way.
Thäa sighs again, pleased by this answer.
- I thought you would have to go to Pilot's den.
As Zhaan is shaking her head no, the soft hum of Rygel's throne sled makes them turn their head to the door once again.
- Pilot asks us to go to a transport pod immediately, he snaps angrily. Take everything you need for a few days. He has no idea how long he can keep our quarters breathable.
- Who's taking care of bringing food? asks Zhaan, her sarcasm clearly audible.
- Chiana has made a whole pot of Tritian stew, enough for a weeken, or so she says, he retorts.
 |
Zhaan frowns at him.
- She knows how I hate that overcooked dren, he mutters as he floats away.
Zhaan looks worried as she takes a few changes of clothes and her medicine box, and moves out after Thäa. They go to her room, take a few articles and leave quickly, not forgetting the torch Thäa brought along. She follows Zhaan to the transport pod, in silence, but before they go in, she stops her.
- What's the matter? she asks. You said yourself Moya has to shut down some systems. |
- I was only wondering where Chiana got an old Tritian recipe, says Zhaan, trying to sound reassuring.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
The smell of cooking is permeating the whole little ship. Chiana is slowly stirring a big pot over the heating grid, at the center of the passenger's quarters. Doors to the bunks are open, D'argo and Stark having chosen their own as they came in. Chiana looks to the new arrivals.
- Aeryn went to get herself a suit, she explains nervously. You know… in case she has to get out before the air is back. I don't know why we're staying here. We might as well go down to the planet to breathe some fresh air... for a change.
- Moya might need us, states Zhaan.
- Or starburst out of here, stranding us down there, says Chiana with a nervous laugh.
The lights outside the transport pod go out completely just as Aeryn gets in.
- Made it... she sighs with a victorious smile.
She lets the black suit fall from her hands and seals them in. The loud clunking sound from the latch startles Thäa, which laughs nervously.
- We'll be safe in here, says Aeryn, smiling at the Féerian.
She spoke softly but she's so confident about it, her words reassure Chiana too, who stops stirring her pot and comes closer to Thäa.
- I'd like to go down on the planet, she says again, for Aeryn's benefit. When D'argo went to see Pilot in his den, he said Moya knew what she was doing.
Zhaan had gone to command and looks at the controls.
- Yes, she says loud enough so they can hear her from the 'kitchen' area. You can say Moya had a nervous breakdown. The particles are helping her focus on her well being. It shouldn't take long.
- A few arns, says Aeryn as loudly. Moya is using all her DRDs for the hydric system. I had to push some away to get to the suit.
- Enjoy and relax, mumbles Chiana, in the doorway between the two rooms.
Thäa is right behind her, her skin rippling as a gloved black hand caresses her arm. She looks at Zhaan, then at Chiana who doesn't seem to notice what she's doing.
A loud bang and the shock it produces on the exterior hull of the pod throws them all on the floor. Zhaan pesters about it, Chiana swears, and Thäa starts to cry, sitting up but not standing up like the others.
- Are you hurt? asks Zhaan, getting to her in three long quick strides.
- She's here, sniffles the Féerian, looking more scared than hurt. She won't let us leave. Not with me on board.
Chiana runs to the commands and gasps.
- Aeryn! she yells. We're stuck here!
The men gather around the console, pushing Chiana out of the way. Aeryn, coming after them, roughly pushes Rygel away to get closer. They all look at the readings, the propulsion system off line, the navigation unresponsive.
- It's better that way, says D'argo. Moya might have fled while we were away. We don't know how she's really feeling.
Zhaan has not moved from Thäa's side. She helps her to her feet, keeping an arm around her to steady her as the Féerian shakes like a leaf.
- She came in, she whispers to the Delvian. I can feel her, stronger than ever.
- We already had one completely farhbot, mumbles Rygel, looking at Stark who seems strangely calm for once.
The Banik senses his gaze and looks back at him. In silence, he crosses the room to stand in front of the Hynerian. He bends down to be at his height as he speaks.
- The one… she's talking about… he says very slowly. You don't know who she is, do you? I can't feel her. You know what this means? I… can't… feel… her.
Rygel looks stunned. He drives his throne sled backward a little.
- She's… alive, he whispers in a breath.
- Nonsense, roars D'argo. No one can board us without our knowledge. Moya would have detected her ship. Pilot would have told us.
He explains much more than the others need, because he's talking directly to Thäa, and he doesn't know how much she understand about Leviathans. At this moment, Pilot comms in, and everyone looks at him, almost expecting him to announce they have an unexpected guest. He looks at the faces staring at him and fidgets with his controls.
- I'm sorry about the cable, he finally says. A DRD cut the wrong end and it fell on you. I'm repairing it as fast as I can.
- How's Moya? asks Zhaan.
 |
- Much better, answers Pilot. The hydric system is back to normal, and I'll have the atmospherics ready in about two arns.
- Are the lights repaired? ask Rygel, munching on a cracker he took out from his robe, to calm both hunger and nerves.
- Lights? asks Pilot. There's no problem with the lights.
They all look at each other, suspicious about his affirmation, not sure if they should point it out to him.
- Have you found her? asks Thäa in her clear child-like voice.
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- Found whom? asks Pilot.
- Pa'u Sola Leenan, says Thäa, coming closer to the clamshell.
- There's no one else on board, says Pilot, looking at his controls to check.
Thäa nods and leans back on Zhaan's body.
- She's the one who gave the recipe to Chiana, she whispers to her lover. She put the lights out, and tampered with the atmospherics to bring us here. Then she's found a way to take you out one by one, to have me all to herself.
Zhaan wants to deny it all, but she still wonders about the recipe. Chiana, who feels the accusing blue eyes on her, opens her mouth to speak, but she has no explanation.
- Have you met any Tritian in your life? asks Stark, going to stand, accusing, in front of her.
- What do they look like? she asks back, smiling sheepishly.
- A red skin, golden eye, rusty gold hair, enumerates Stark, his eye shining. They look a bit like Delvians, but with different colours.
Chiana shakes her head no.
- I'm not sleeping with everyone I meet, she says, on the defensive. I talked to many, exchange information… and recipes. You know I like to cook… always had that in me.
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