A Sheyang vessel stands ready to fire.

PILOT: The Sheyang vessel is about to fire!

RYGEL: Starburst! Starburst, now!

PILOT: Moya can't, she isn't ready!

CHIANA: Zhaan! Zhaan, do something!

ZHAAN: D'argo, he will help us.

CHIANA: No, no, no.

ZHAAN: He can talk to them.

CHIANA: No, listen to me! D'argo - D'argo is gone!

RYGEL: No D'argo, no Aeryn, no Crichton.

CHIANA: Just us. Okay? And in a few microts, we'll be dead, too.

ZHAAN: No! D'argo can save us. He can! He - he has to save us!

PILOT: They're firing!

ZHAAN to comm: D'argo, we need you!

The Sheyang ship fires. Circuits blow and the crew stumbles and falls.

CHIANA: Zhaan! Zhaan!!

ZHAAN: D'argo!!

John tries to wake D'argo up.

JOHN: D'argo. Shake it off. Come on Rock. Get off the canvas, you can do it. Rise and shine, up and at 'em, break through. Man, this is getting' old. The least you could do is talk in your sleep.

D'argo suddenly bolts upright, panicked and confused.

D'ARGO: What would you like me to say?

JOHN: Whoa! H-how about great to be back?

D'ARGO: Was I away?

JOHN: You sure as hell were! Days! I don't know how many, I kinda lost track of time. Do you know who I am?

D'ARGO: Yes, I recognize you John, but I do not recognize this place! Am I dead?

JOHN: No!

D'ARGO: Am I dead?!

JOHN: No. You're not dead.

D'ARGO: [laughs] I uh - I thought we were dead. Why aren't we?

JOHN: Aeryn. She finally managed to scoop us up, brought us here. Some….asteroid. Abandoned mining camp, factory. I don't know, something like that.

D'ARGO: Where is she?

JOHN: She's in the Prowler, grocery shopping. This rock gets a nine on atmosphere, but only two on food and water.

D'ARGO: We have a lot to thank her for.

JOHN: Yeah.

Aeryn sits in her Prowler, on the surface of the asteroid.

AERYN: Prowler to Talyn.

CRAIS: What delayed you? You were supposed to check in two arns ago.

AERYN: I can't always get away, on schedule. Don't forget I have to give Crichton a reason for my absence.

CRAIS: He still has no knowledge of our…arrangement?

AERYN: None.

CRAIS: It might facilitate matters, if you explained to him-

AERYN cuts in: No.

CRAIS: Eventually….you'll have to.

AERYN: Only when it's too late for him to interfere.

Aeryn cuts connection and rubs her head.

John and D'argo continue to wait inside the building.

JOHN: You sure your memory's okay?

D'ARGO: How long was I without oxygen, for?

JOHN: Long enough to scare the hell out of me. What's the last thing you remember?

D'ARGO: Space. Kronite. Gammak base aflame. Magnificent sight.

JOHN: Absolutely.

D'ARGO: Did Moya get away?

JOHN: Moya did. But Talyn…

D'ARGO: Talyn?

JOHN: Yeah. Moya's baby.

D'ARGO: Awful name! What happened to him?

JOHN: Crais happened. He made off with the baby.

D'ARGO: We should never have let him live!

JOHN: Yeah, I know.

D'ARGO: What happened to the Command Carrier?

JOHN: It's still in the area. Aeryn spotted Marauders…checkin' the asteroid field out, but they haven't seen us, yet.

D'ARGO: So now we have to evade Scorpius? And then we have to find Crais, remove him from Talyn… Who the yotz named him Talyn?!

Aeryn enters.

AERYN: I did. After my father. Here.

She tosses John a container.

JOHN: Aeryn, check out who finally woke up from his little siesta.

AERYN: Yes, I have eyes, Crichton.

D'ARGO: I have eyes as well. And they're very pleased to see you alive.

Aeryn begins to exit.

JOHN: Hey, yo! What's the matter? Is there a problem?

AERYN: All I managed to find was a little water, I'll have to keep exploring.

D'ARGO: Look, if this asteroid is unsuitable, then we should all leave.

JOHN: Good idea, change of scenery.

AERYN: No. This is the only asteroid I've seen with structures that will hide you from the Marauder patrols.

JOHN: Yeah, but….D'argo's awake. We get out of the asteroid, we signal to Moya, she comes and she picks us up.

AERYN: We don't even know if Moya is in range, and we can't outrun a Command Carrier, so we have to remain hidden until the Carrier withdraws.

D'ARGO: Well, what if it never does?!

AERYN: Well, Scorpius can't look for us forever, and he can't even be certain that you survived!

JOHN: Aeryn. Scorpius wants me pretty bad. His patience may outlast our Prowler's fuel.

D'ARGO: When the Prowler's fuel runs out, we starve. As John once said, I would rather go down on a swing!

JOHN: [softly] Swinging. That you wanna go down swinging.

D'ARGO: Swinging.

AERYN: The only reason we'll starve, is if you don't stop this useless discussion and let me keep searching for food!

D'ARGO: This discussion-

JOHN cuts in: Aeryn, D'argo-

AERYN cuts in: Stop it! Both of you!! If not for me, you'd both be dead, alright?! So stop fighting me!

Aeryn angrily exits. John and D'argo look at each other. They know something's not right.

CHIANA: Rygel! Eat!

RYGEL: I can't eat.

CHIANA: What, you - you can't eat?

RYGE:: [negative sounding] Mm.

CHIANA: What? Any fever?

RYGEL: [negative sounding] Mm!

CHIANA: Or-or dizziness. Or secretions that are even abnormal for you?

RYGEL: I'm not sick! I'm simply not hungry! Ask Pilot why.

CHIANA: Bad news Pilot?

PILOT on clamshell: Moya is returning to the asteroid field where she last saw Talyn.

CHIANA: What?

RYGEL: There, you see?

CHIANA: Is Moya unclear o-on the concept of why we ran away?!

PILOT: She insists on searching for her offspring, despite the risk.

RYGEL: A Peacekeeper Command Carrier is slightly more than a risk!

PILOT: Moya and I have chosen a course that should allow us to re-enter the field undetected.

CHIANA: But even then, we're flying back in unarmed, defenseless.

PILOT: We aren't entirely defenseless.

RYGEL: Huh! As good as! All we have is that antiquated defense screen we took from the wreck of the Zelbinion!

CHIANA: This pile of dren? What, I-is it even functional?!

PILOT: I'll have the DRD's give it a thorough going over! Moya doesn't understand your distress. Besides Talyn, we might also find Crichton, D'argo and Aeryn!

CHIANA: If they could have gotten out, they would have by now.

Command Carrier. A female Peacekeeper presses some buttons on the side of Scorpius' head. From within his skull, pops a containment system, holding a rod. Scorpius hisses as the container whirls its way out. The female removes the bright red rod. She replaces it with a cool blue one.

BRACA: All patrols still report nothing, Sir. Uh, no signal from the Leviathan offspring. No trace of Crichton. Nothing.

SCORPIUS: I comprehend…the meaning of nothing, Lieutenant. After Crichton ejected from the transport, it may have been a mistake to pull back and allow that rogue Prowler to rescue him.

BRACA: Oh, you had little choice, Sir.

SCORPIUS: Oh, true. He would have chosen to perish, rather than be saved by us. But…[grabs Braca]….the Prowler eluded capture. And continues to.

BRACA: In a field of this size, we may never find it.

SCORPIUS: Time for change of tactics.

Aeryn's Prowler approaches Talyn.

Talyn's command.

CRAIS: Talyn! Stop this senseless behavior! Your mother has gone! Do you understand? Moya has abandoned you!

Talyn begins powering up.

CRAIS: What are you doing?! Power down your engines at once! Leaving the protection of the field right now, is suicidal.

Talyn makes noises.

CRAIS: I know you detest all this hiding. You're a gun ship, a warrior, you want to move, to fight. But you're not yet strong enough to take on a Command Carrier. [Aeryn enters] He's going berserk. Talk to him!

AERYN: Talyn. What's the matter?

Talyn makes noises.

AERYN: Show us. [pause] There's no reason to be afraid. I'm here. So is Crais. Talyn, we want to help you, please. Let us see what's upsetting you.

Loud static noises fill the ship.

CRAIS: Communications.

They listen a bit.

AERYN: Broadband transmissions. Random noises mixed with distortion spikes.

CRAIS: Scorpius.

AERYN: Talyn, these signals mean nothing. They're intended to alarm you and to make you run.

CRAIS: Talyn. Do not play into the hand of your enemy. Remain right where you are. You're…brave enough to do that…aren't you?

Talyn powers down.

AERYN: Very good, Talyn.

CRAIS: Talyn, excuse us for a moment.

AERYN: D'argo's regained consciousness. He and Crichton are eager to leave. And don't suggest that we simply abandon them, because that was not part of our arrangement.

CRAIS: We…can't leave, just yet. Talyn is still too immature. No weapons. No Starburst, and he continues to ignore my commands.

AERYN: You can't command a Leviathan, you can only persuade.

CRAIS: Talyn is part Leviathan, part Peacekeeper. He was designed to take orders.

AERYN: Why don't you let me talk to him? Alone.

CRAIS: No. I'm willing to share command of Talyn. I will not relinquish him.

John and D'argo play Rock, Paper, Scissors.

JOHN: Again?

D'ARGO: Yeah.

JOHN: One, two, three.

D'ARGO: [laughs] Again, I win!

JOHN: No, I win. Paper wraps rock.

D'ARGO: No, paper could not possibly beat rock.

JOHN: It does. Paper beats rock.

D'ARGO: Rock rips through paper!

JOHN: Look, D'argo, that's not how it works. Paper beats rock!

D'ARGO: That's not realistic!

JOHN: Well, it's the rules! And it's not supposed to be realistic, it's supposed to be entertaining!

D'ARGO: My coma was more entertaining.

JOHN: It's a kids game.

Aeryn enters.

JOHN: Aeryn! Good hunting?

D'ARGO: Should we give you a hand?

AERYN: No need.

JOHN: No, it's no problem.

AERYN: What did I say? I don't need any help.

JOHN: You know what? I think you do.

D'ARGO: I'm certain that you do.

AERYN: This is ridiculous!

JOHN: I have a question. How many times have we saved each other's lives?

AERYN: I've lost count.

JOHN: Safe to say more than once?

AERYN: Sure.

JOHN: Right. And how many times have you and I been close?

Aeryn looks at D'argo, and then back at John with a confused look on her face. She fidgets a little and looks uncomfortable.

AERYN: [whispers] Just the once.

JOHN: [softly] No - [clears throat] no, no, no, no, not that kind of close.

AERYN: Oh, um…friend close.

JOHN: Yes.

AERYN: Um [clears throat] Uh um…m-more than once.

JOHN: Yeah. [clears throat] Right. Well, whatever…our relationship is…....we should be at a place where we can trust one another. I think you're holding something back. Look me in the eye. Look me in the eye. Tell me that I'm wrong.

Aeryn doesn't answer and walks away from him. She stands at a distance, with her back to him.

AERYN: You're not going to like what I have to say.

JOHN: No, maybe not.

AERYN: In order to save your lives, I had to make a deal with Crais.

D'ARGO: What?!

JOHN: S-slow down. Stop. You had to what?

AERYN: By the time I retrieved you, Moya had gone, you were both about to suffocate. And then Crais signaled me from Talyn with the co-ordinates to an oxygen atmosphere asteroid.

D'ARGO: This asteroid!

AERYN: I never would have found it on my own. Not in time, anyway.

JOHN: Back up. What's your bid in this deal?

AERYN: When Moya left, Talyn got upset, stopped obeying Crais. I agreed to help calm Talyn down, teach him to start obeying Crais' orders.

JOHN: Oh, alright. [wry chuckle] That makes sense. You're - you're helping Talyn obey the guy who kidnapped him!!

AERYN: I didn't have another choice!!

D'ARGO: You should have let us die!

AERYN: No, I couldn't have!

D'ARGO: That offspring has weaponry! And you put that weaponry within the grasp of Crais!

AERYN: Oh and what would you have preferred, D'argo? That Scorpius gets Talyn or destroys Talyn? Right now, even Crais' control is better than no control at all!

JOHN: Right now?! Oh, and when exactly is that gonna change, Aeryn?! After Crais has brainwashed him, he's gonna give 'im back?!

AERYN: I told you you wouldn't like what I had to say!

JOHN: I don't!

D'ARGO: Neither do I!

AERYN: Yeah, well it's all we have.

D'ARGO: No it isn't.

D'argo knocks her out with his tongue. John looks slightly stunned.

Continued Scene VII

D'ARGO: Alright, we cannot allow Crais to remain aboard Talyn. Do you agree?

JOHN: Absolutely! She's gonna be pissed when she gets up, though.

D'ARGO: It was a time saver. You look after her, while I go and break Crais' neck.

JOHN: D'argo, you couldn't break wind right now. I'm going.

D'ARGO: I owe Crais.

JOHN: You think I don't owe him? Shoot for it.

They place their hands for another round of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

JOHN: One, two, three.

John has scissors, D'argo has paper.

JOHN: I'll see ya.

Chiana enters Zhaan's room, where Zhaan is meditating, and chanting softly.

CHIANA: Zhaan. It's me. Hello? It's - it's me, Chiana. Look, I - I hate to disturb you while you're so busy. Well, not that I understand what you're doing, I - I mean I understand it's part of the Delvian Seek thing, so you can become a Priest again, or - - or something. But I don't see how it works! [pause] Not - not that it's my business.

ZHAAN: You have thirty microts.

CHIANA: Moya's got some fahrbot idea about going back into the asteroid field to look for her baby, even though we're sure to get captured by Peacekeepers and I don't have to tell you what happens, then! So, I was wondering if you could talk to Pilot, so he can talk to Moya, to convince her this bad idea is well, a bad idea! Did you get all that?

ZHAAN: Yes.

CHIANA: So, you'll do it?

ZHAAN: No.

Oxygen asteroid.

AERYN: You've killed all three of us, now. Without Crais and Talyn's help, we'll never get out of here alive.

D'ARGO: Do you really think that Crais would return us to Moya once Talyn is under his control? His word is worth next to nothing.

AERYN: He no longer considers himself a Peacekeeper.

D'ARGO: Or so he claims.

AERYN: I believe him, he knows Scorpius would have him executed.

D'ARGO: Oh, then his conversion doesn't mean much, does it?

AERYN: Well, perhaps not. But he is a fugitive, just as we are. Which means that his goals and ours may no longer conflict.

D'ARGO: If he has deserted the Peacekeepers, then his loyalties lie only to himself. Which makes him more dangerous. Not less.

Talyn.

CRAIS: Locking scramble, Security Three Velka. Please confirm.

SCORPIUS: Scramble confirmed. Proceed.

CRAIS: The gunship is still-

SCORPIUS cuts in: Not my concern. Where's Crichton?

CRAIS: Officer Sun won't tell me, yet. Building her trust is time consuming. As is building the gun ship's trust. The latter task is made no easier when the gun ship is panicked by your spurious transmissions.

SCORPUIS: Your progress report was overdue. I concluded you were incapacitated. And I attempted to retrieve the gun ship.

CRAIS: Then it is among your concerns.

SCORPIUS: As a means to recovering Crichton, no more. Deliver Crichton to me. And I will allow you to keep the gun ship.

CRAIS: Demonstrate some of the formidable patience you're always bragging you possess.

SCORPIUS: My patience is formidable, Crais. But it is not infinite.

CRAIS: Talyn, you heard Scorpius. You are not his concern. Merely a tool he can use or barter away. This is how the Peacekeepers treat their own. You, me, Officer Sun. But we are alike, now. Orphaned from all we ever knew. We have only one another to rely upon. You must believe me. Trust me.

John suddenly appears in the doorway to Talyn's command, gun drawn.

CRAIS: Crichton.

John eases his gun.

JOHN: I know. I know, s-sorry. You know, I should've called, but I was in the neighborhood, thought I'd drop in, say "hi". [walks onto command] How you doin'?

CRAIS: Where's Officer Sun? Have you harmed her?!

JOHN: You're asking me if I harmed Aeryn? That's a winner, Crais. Do Sebaceans have a worth for khutspe?

CRAIS: What do you want, Crichton?

JOHN: Oh, a couple of things. Your head on a platter, for starters.

CRAIS: I'm unarmed. You can kill me, easily. Be warned, however, Talyn regards me as a friend.

JOHN: Interesting. I heard that you had a long way to go in that department.

CRAIS: I have. Never the less, I believe he would react badly to my death, and retaliate by killing you.

JOHN: Oh. Well, but, if you're dead, he's out of your clutches. A fair price to pay, I'd say.

CRAIS: Consider this. Neither of us wants to see Talyn in Scorpius' hands.

JOHN: Okay. I give. What do you want, Crais?

CRAIS: Simply to escape. To travel deeper into the Uncharted Territories. To re-exam my path.

JOHN: You wanna have a mid-life crisis? Fine. But, just….ditch the firm, head off to Maui, shack up with the super model. But you do not get to keep the Porsche! You don't get the keys to Moya's baby.

CRAIS: Talyn. Intruder.

Two guns drop down and hang from the ceiling. John quickly runs behind Crais, grabbing him, and using him as a shield, while holding his own gun to Crais.

JOHN: You're about to lose your head. Now tell Talyn to put away the toys.

CRAIS: [raises hand] Talyn.

The guns withdraw.

JOHN: Now open the hatch.

Crais raises his hand again, and the door to command slides open.

JOHN: We're gonna go for a little drive!

John drags Crais off command, all to the protesting sounds of Talyn.

Moya shudders. Rygel, who is napping in his throne sled, is sent backwards, where he bumps into a wall. He startles awake.

RYGEL: Oh, oh, Pilot! What the yotz was that?

PILOT on clamshell: Moya is accelerating.

RYGEL: I know that. I felt it in all three stomachs.

PILOT: She heard a transmission from Talyn. He's in the asteroid field, apparently in great pain. I'll try to find out more.

Chiana enters and grabs Rygel's throne sled.

CHIANA: Moya's in full lunatic mother mode.

RYGEL: She'll blunder right into Scorpius' bad teeth!

CHIANA: Uh, that uh. - that module thing of Crichton's is still operational.

Pilot listens in, stunned.

CHIANA: We could let Moya go on without us.

RYGEL: Mm, we could. Not that any planet in this vicinity was very hospitable.

Pilot growls.

CHIANA: Pilot and - Pilot and Moya didn't abandon us during Zhaan's trial. We can't ditch. We have to stick.

RYGEL: Stupid though it may be.

PILOT: There is a transport pod available, should you not wish to accompany us.

CHIANA: What? Leave you and Moya? No, we - we couldn't! [To Rygel] Could we? [pats him firmly]

RYGEL: Uh, no. Oh, we'd never consider such a thing!

Pilot scoffs.

Command Carrier hallway.

SCORPIUS: This transmission can be only one thing. A Leviathan distress call.

BRACA: Then if Moya is anywhere in the area, she should come running.

SCORPIUS: But the gun ship has not emerged from the asteroid field. If Moya joins her offspring in concealment, we have gained nothing.

Moya returns to the asteroid field.

PILOT: Nearing the origin of Talyn's transmission, but there's no sign of Talyn. He may have fled further into the field.

RYGEL: Any other ships around?

PILOT: None. Wait! A Prowler!

CHIANA: Has it seen us?

PILOT: Apparently it's changing course to intercept with ours!

CHIANA: It's been a thrill, your frogness.

RYGEL: May your afterlife be almost as pleasant as mine.

PILOT: This is odd. The Prowler has not initiated any communications.

CHIANA: Not sending word home?

PILOT: No. In fact, it's maneuvering as if it wishes to dock.

RYGEL: You don't think…?

CHIANA: No. It couldn't be. Pilot, let it dock.

PILOT: Chiana! But don't you-

RYGEL: Chiana!

The Prowler flies into the docking bay.

Chiana hides slightly behind a table, gun drawn, as the docking bay doors open. John and Crais appear in the doorway. John's got Crais in a headlock, and Crais' hands tied up.

JOHN: Yo, Chi! What up?!

CHIANA: Stay where you frelling are! [pause] How do I know it's you?

JOHN: You wanna check my birthmarks?

She comes out from behind the table.

CHIANA: You may be. Uh, why didn't you signal?

JOHN: Cause the bad guys, might be listenin'.

CHIANA: Okay. So - so what are you doing with him?

JOHN: What? This guy? [kisses Crais on the head] Puttin' this guy, back in his cell!

He tosses Crais to the floor. Chiana looks him over a little longer, and finally gives in to believing it's him. She gives a laugh and leaps high into the air, into his arms.

JOHN: Woah!

They both laugh, and spin in a circle, Chiana wrapped around John's waist.

CHIANA: You survived!

JOHN: Hey, don't I always?

John walks to the doorway of Zhaan's room. She is still meditating and chanting softly.

JOHN: Hey, Blue.

He walks in.

JOHN: Zhaan. Hey, darlin', can you hear me?

ZHAAN: Certainly I can hear you, John. I can always hear you.

JOHN: Uh huh.

He looks at the wall where she's staring, and back at her.

JOHN: You okay?

ZHAAN: Perfectly.

JOHN: You're not….surprised to see me?

Chiana watches from the doorway.

ZHAAN: Not at all. I apologize for shouting at you, John.

JOHN: [chuckles] Look, that's okay. Um, when exactly was that?

ZHAAN: On Litigara. I accused you of not being there for me. I realize now that…that wasn't true.

JOHN: Liti [looks at Chiana who mouths the last part] gara. Don't think that I've been there, but I'm here now.

ZHAAN: Yes, your spirit is with me. The flesh is unimportant.

JOHN: Uh, it's kinda important. Whoa! [laughs] Oh ho whoa, I'm not dead! [to Chiana] She's thinks I'm dead. [to Zhaan] I'm real.

ZHAAN: Yes, John. You always will be, to me.

She places her hand gently on the side of his neck and places her ear to the opposite side. John jumps a little. She immediately goes back to her meditation stance, while John stumbles and sits on her bed. He looks around, confused. He gets up and rubs his ear with his finger.

JOHN to Chiana: Uh. What the uh, hell?

CHIANA: Pilot thinks nothing's wrong. She's resumed the Delvian Seek.

JOHN: Whoa, whoa. the D-, wh-wh- you're telling me this is supposed to be normal?

CHIANA: Well, you tell me! You've seen more Delvians than I have.

JOHN: You think that's a help?

D'argo plays Rock, Paper, Scissors by himself.

D'ARGO: Hmm. Tie.

AERYN: We're low on food, I'd conserve your energy if I were you.

D'ARGO: For what purpose?

AERYN: To live longer.

D'ARGO: If I am to die on this asteroid, I would rather it was sooner than later. Besides, if I die, you can eat me.

AERYN: You don't look ripe, to me.

JOHN: Somebody call for a taxi?

D'ARGO: Crichton! You succeeded?

JOHN: I'm one for two, I'll give you the details on the way back.

PILOT on comm: Crichton, you must return now. Moya's made contact with Talyn.

D'ARGO: Where is Talyn?

PILOT: About to leave the asteroid field!

JOHN: We're on the way, Pilot.

Command carrier.

BRACA: There's no mistake Sir, the gunship is leaving the asteroid field, and Moya is pursuing.

SCORPIUS: Follow them. But stay well clear of their sensor range, they must not see us, until they are too far from the asteroid field to hide again.

BRACA: But we won't be able to catch the Leviathan if she Starbursts.

SCORPIUS: She won't, because her offspring can't. On my signal. Cripple both ships. Commando units will take Crichton alive, but I care for no other prisoners, clear?

Moya chases after Talyn.

John and D'argo enter the center chamber.

JOHN: Spar-ky! How's my favorite Hynerian?

Rygel gasps.

D'ARGO: Even I am pleased to see you.

Rygel continues to gasp and struggle for breath.

D'ARGO: Are uh - are you not well?

JOHN: You got a frog in your throat? You need a Hynerian Heimlich?

John grabs him and starts giving him the Heimlich maneuver.

RYGEL: Oh! Oh! Fine. I'll be fine.

Aeryn enters and Rygel begins gasping again.

RYGEL: Slight [gasps] case of the intons.

JOHN: What?

AERYN: It's a Hynerian airway seizure caused by very strong emotion.

JOHN: [laughs] I didn't know you had strong emotions in ya, Sparky!

D'ARGO: Other than uh, greed, of course.

RYGEL: A simple reaction to the shock of seeing you again.

John pats Rygel on the head and puts him down.

PILOT on comm: It is good to have you all back aboard.

JOHN: We missed you too, Pilot.

AERYN: Very much. What's Talyn's status?

PILOT: Highly distraught. He continues to flee and won't even acknowledge Moya's signals.

AERYN: Pilot, I might have a little more luck. Is Moya willing to let me try?

Pilot consults with Moya.

PILOT: Moya consents. You may proceed.

AERYN: Thank you. [pause] Talyn. This is Aeryn. Please answer. [pause] Talyn, you don't have to run from Moya, she only wants to protect you. Look, Talyn, I know you're confused. You've heard so many voices. But you know that I care about you. At least let me know that you can hear what I'm saying.

JOHN: Hey. You might want to give it a rest. The poor kid's confused, he doesn't know who to listen to.

AERYN: Moya's still trying to catch him, which can't be helping matters.

JOHN: No. Look, I'm gonna go have a chat with Pilot.

John exits. Aeryn crouches on the floor.

Pilot's den.

PILOT: I'm sorry Commander, Moya refuses to allow Talyn get further away.

JOHN: Look, look, look! Does she not realize that by chasing him, she's making him more nervous?

PILOT: She's convinced she can still get through to him, and talk him down! Having found him, she's terrified of the thought of losing him, again.

JOHN: I - I - I know. I - I know. It's her kid, it's her kid. I know that, I know that. Maybe mom really does know best. There's no sign of the Command Carrier, right?

PILOT: None. Yet.

Zhaan continues her meditations. She is seated in front of a bell. In her hand, she holds a crystal. As she passes the crystal past the bell, it makes a ringing noise (even though she is not physically touching the bell).

Aeryn approaches the doorway.

AERYN: Zhaan.

ZHAAN: Hello Aeryn, come in.

Aeryn enters.

AERYN: Crichton said you were chanting. Um. Are you finished, yet?

ZHAAN: I'll never be finished. This is a different phase of the Seek.

AERYN: Right. Well, I just wanted to see how you were.

ZHAAN: I love you.

AERYN: You what?

ZHAAN: I love you.

AERYN: Ooo, yes, I did hear it the first time, and you know what? I - I - I -

ZHAAN cuts in: I love all love all living beings. The Seek has re-opened my eyes to…the wonder of the spirit. I am now going to devote my life to enlightenment.

AERYN: Oh. Well I think that's um…....really selfish, actually. You know, before you bliss off completely into oblivion, you might want to have a little look around you, because Moya and Talyn are in danger.

Zhaan stops, looks at her, and then returns to her meditation.

ZHAAN: Worldly concerns do not interest me, now.

AERYN: Oh, really? Well then don't give any dren about how much you love me.

ZHAAN: Love in it's most rarified sense-

AERYN cuts in: Too rarified for me! I'm just an ignorant warrior who believes that love means you're willing to fight and die for your fellow living beings!

Aeryn exits.

Zhaan tries to return to her meditation, but can't.

D'argo guards Crais' cell.

CRAIS: You're an atypical Luxan, Ka D'argo. You left your military service to raise a family upon…a rural planet.

D'ARGO: Spare me your disapproval.

CRAIS: I don't. I lived upon a farming community until the Peacekeepers conscripted me.

D'ARGO: My wife was a Sebacean. Tell me you approve of that.

CRAIS: No. I find it repellant. Every action; the concept of irreversible contamination, was instilled in me by the Peacekeepers. As such, it needs to be questioned, re-examined.

D'ARGO: A containment cell is a fine place for reflection.

CRAIS: True. Pa U Zhaan achieved much during her incarceration. But I, cannot stay here. Talyn needs me.

D'ARGO: Too frelling bad.

CRAIS: [chuckles] Your hatred of me, though well earned, blinds you. I can keep Talyn out of Peacekeeper hands. And I will.

D'ARGO: You're not getting back aboard Talyn. Get used to the idea. Re-examine it.

CRAIS: [chuckles] I shall. [pause] Before you were…arrested…..were you happy?

D'ARGO: Happier than you can ever imagine.

CRAIS: Then I envy you.

Command carrier.

BRACA: Those Leviathans are decelerating.

SCORPIUS: Either they have no plan what so ever, or they're about to implement one. Which isn't immediately apparent. Our wisest move in both cases, is the same. [pause] Overtake. And engage!

Chiana runs onto command. Aeryn and John enter shortly after.

CHIANA: Well don't take your time or anything!

AERYN: Are you sure it's the Command Carrier, Pilot?

PILOT: Yes! Closing fast. Firing range in six thousand microts.

JOHN: Scorpius, he just can't live without me.

PILOT: Talyn sees the Carrier. He's powering up his main cannon!

RYGEL: Excellent! Have him aim at the midships. Right in Scorpius'-

PILOT: He's aiming for Moya!

Talyn fires on Moya.

JOHN: Damn it! What the hell is he doing?!

PILOT: Talyn says that was a warning shot. He's sending Moya a demand.

RYGEL: What's he want?

PILOT: A Captain. Talyn's afraid. He doesn't know what to do about the approaching Command Carrier.

CHIANA: Oh! Like we do?!

PILOT: He insists he needs guidance.

JOHN: Ouch. Well, let's get that boy some guidance before he turns into a full blown Menendez brother.

AERYN: I'll go at once.

PILOT: Talyn demands that we send over Crais.

JOHN: What?!

AERYN: He said he wants Crais?!

JOHN: He can't have him! Pilot, get that boy on the phone!

PILOT: He's unwilling to discuss it further. He says he'll fire upon us, unless we agree to return Crais, now.

AERYN: Pilot, evasives.

PILOT: Moya won't! She doesn't believe he'll fire!

JOHN: Pilot, let's get that defense screen up, just in case momma's wrong.

The screen covers Moya.

PILOT: Done. But it may not hold.

Talyn fires again. The shield immediately vanishes. John leaps and knocks Chiana to the ground, just before the defense screen on the ship, explodes.

Continued Scene IV.

JOHN: Man! Haven't you people ever heard of fuses?!

PILOT: Moya's unhurt. But the defense screen is out.

CHIANA: No. Really?

PILOT: And another shot would do Moya considerable harm.

AERYN: Scorpius will be upon us in no more than five thousand microts. [starts to exit] I'm going to take Crais to Talyn.

JOHN: And then what? We leave Talyn in Crais' control?

Aeryn stops at the door.

AERYN: His and mine, I'll stay aboard Talyn with Crais.

She starts to exit again, but stops on John's voice.

JOHN: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. For how long?

AERYN: For as long as necessary to protect Talyn. He's very intelligent, John. Once he matures, he'll no longer want a Captain.

JOHN: Yeah, but Aeryn, in the meantime-

AERYN cuts in: I'll be there to mitigate any damage that Crais does.

JOHN: Crais is never gonna go for that.

AERYN: Yes he will. He's already offered to take me with him.

John walks over to her.

JOHN: And you'd do that?

AERYN: I don't have another choice.

JOHN: There are always choices, Aeryn.

AERYN: The only other choice is death for everyone, Talyn included.

JOHN: Well I'm not gonna let you go with him.

AERYN: There isn't another solution.

JOHN: There has to be!

AERYN: We're out of time.

She starts to exit.

JOHN: Aeryn.

Crais' cell. The cell doors open.

JOHN: Your nephew wants to see you.

CRAIS: Mm. [clears throat] I knew he would. Eventually. [pause] Officer Sun. Make your choice.

AERYN: I want to go with you.

CRAIS: Crichton, this is a beneficial turn of events, for all concerned. With the happy exception of Scorpius.

JOHN: Crais, I don't like this plan and I never will. So, you better behave yourself with Talyn……..and Aeryn. Cause if you hurt either one of them……I'm gonna hunt you down.

CRAIS: You hunt me down? That would complete the symmetry nicely, wouldn't it?

Crais, Aeryn and John stride towards the docking bay. When Crais and Aeryn get to the hangar doors, Aeryn stops. Crais waits several feet away. Aeryn turns to face John.

JOHN: Last time we stood here, we didn't say goodbye.

AERYN: And it wasn't goodbye, as it turned out.

They weave their fingers together in a tender gesture.

JOHN: Here's hoping history repeats itself.

He gives her a slight nod. She turns and heads for the Prowler. The hangar doors close.

The Prowler streaks towards Talyn.

Crais and Aeryn enter Talyn's command.

CRAIS: Talyn, we have returned. We are prepared to guide you out of danger, take you far from the domain of the Peacekeepers.

AERYN: Maneuver very close to Moya, and her Starburst will carry us all to safety.

The ship makes a deep sound, and a device comes out of the floor.

AERYN: What is that?

CRAIS: It's the Hand of Friendship. It's the greatest honor it can bestow.

They both look at it for a few moments, as it extends further into the air.

CRAIS: Talyn…who's it for?

The ship makes several sounds. Aeryn lowers her head slightly, while Crais looks relieved.

CRAIS: Thank you. I humbly accept.

Crais turns his back to the rising device, removes his jacket and raises his ponytail.

AERYN: No, Talyn. Talyn!

Talyn implants the device into the back of Crais' neck. Crais yells out.

AERYN: Talyn, what's happening?!

Crais falls to the floor.

AERYN: Talyn, what've you done?!

She steps over to Crais, who is getting up.

AERYN: What is that?

CRAIS: [panting, coughs] A neural transponder. A di- direct interface with Talyn. His sensors. His propulsors. His weaponry. I command them all.

AERYN: You command him?

CRAIS: Every system. It's indescribable. It's a pity you can't experience it.

AERYN: Crais, we were going to share command of Ta-

CRAIS cuts in: Talyn chose otherwise.

AERYN: He needs both of us.

CRAIS: No. We no longer need you. Talyn can only have one master. You may return to Moya.

AERYN: I will not.

CRAIS: You must. He and I are of like mind on this.

AERYN: Crais, take that thing off. [pause] Take it off! [draws her gun] Take it off, or I will!

Talyn drops his guns from the ceiling and aims at her. When she looks, Crais turns and hits the gun out of her hand. They struggle for several moments. Just as Aeryn gets away from Crais, Talyn begins firing on her. She ducks out of the way, and Crais comes after her, again. They exchange several more blows. She almost gets her gun drawn on him again, but he kicks it out of her hand. Finally, Crais knocks her to the ground and she stops resisting for a moment.

AERYN: Talyn, I'm not the enemy!

CRAIS: We know that, but you cannot stay aboard here. You have fifty microts to get back to your Prowler, before we open a passageway into space. Good health, Officer Sun.

Moya command

JOHN: Pilot, why hasn't Talyn tucked in close? We need a Starburst damn soon.

PILOT: In ninety microts, the Carrier will be in range to fire!

RYGEL: Then what's keeping them?

PILOT: The Prowler has just emerged from Talyn.

D'ARGO: Who's aboard?

PILOT: Officer Sun. She's asking to return to Moya.

JOHN: Pilot, get her aboard, fast!

Command Carrier.

SCORPIUS: Forty more microts.

BRACA: Charging all frag cannons. Boarding parties, standing by.

SCORPIUS: Fire when at optimal range.

CRAIS on comm.: Scorpius! My final progress report.

SCORPIUS to Braca: Stay that command.

CRAIS: The gun ship is secured. And I am resigning my Peacekeeper commission, effective immediately.

SCORPIUS: Crais, cease this nonsense.

CRAIS: As for Crichton, he is dead. I killed him with my bare hands. My brother is avenged. Here ends my report….Captain.

SCORPIUS to Braca: [growls, deep voice] Fire upon both Leviathans!

The Carrier fires off several rounds. Crais steps to the center of command, as Talyn readies himself for Starburst. In just a few seconds, he's Starburst away.

CHIANA: Starburst? I thought Talyn wasn't ready?

D'ARGO: He obviously learns a lot faster than we thought.

JOHN: Pilot, is the Prowler aboard?

PILOT: Yes! Prepare for immediate Starburst.

Moya starbursts away, as well.

Command Carrier.

SCORPIUS: Lieutenant. Your…tactical expert claimed…..the gun ship's ability to Starburst…would not mature for an arn. Send him to me…so I might educate him.

BRACA: Yes, Sir.

Braca begins to exit.

SCORPIUS: Start searching for Moya, on her most probable Starburst vectors.

BRACA: Not the gun ship, Sir? After all, with Crichton dead there's-

SCORPIUS cuts in: Crichton isn't dead! That's merely Crais' small attempt to take revenge upon me!

BRACA: How can you be so sure?

SCORPIUS: If Crais had killed Crichton, he wouldn't tell me. Crichton is alive! And I will find him!

D'argo approaches Zhaan's doorway.

D'ARGO: If you are going to sit there in a coma, you could at least smile.

ZHAAN: Sweet D'argo. I was just thinking.

D'ARGO: Part of the Seek?

ZHAAN: No. Aeryn was right. As much as I wish to immerse myself in the Seek and in the next level of existence, I cannot abandon you all. I will slow down the Seek.

D'ARGO: The next level will always be there, this one will not.

ZHAAN: Then we must cherish it while we have it. And we must cherish each other.

John and Aeryn sit at the base of Pilot's console. John toys lightly with Aeryn's hair.

AERYN: I failed.

JOHN: No, you did everything you could.

AERYN: In other words, I failed.

PILOT: Officer Sun, Talyn told Moya he was choosing Crais of his own volition.

JOHN: Yeah. For what that's worth.

PILOT: He'll contact her from time to time, and let her know he's okay.

JOHN: Well, they say they'll call home, Pilot. Once a week. They never do.

Aeryn relaxes into John's arms.

AERYN: Talyn will be alright, won't he?

JOHN: Well, he's young. And he's gonna make mistakes. But, he'll learn. And if Crais ever mistreats him, he'll bounce him.

AERYN: Maybe Crais won't mistreat him.

JOHN: Mm.

AERYN: He could have killed me, you know. He could have killed all of us, and he didn't.

JOHN: Yeah. Maybe he just needed to save the energy for Starburst.

AERYN: Well, maybe he's changed.

John scoffs lightly.

AERYN: Well, you do believe people can change? Don't you, John?

John chuckles.

AERYN: Well?

JOHN: Well….you have, hmm? I have.

AERYN: Mm.

JOHN: But Crais?

END OF EPISODE.

SCENE 031

"Chiana welcomes D'argo back to Moya in this flirtatious dialogue scene."

Chiana sets down D'argo's Shilquin, just as he reaches his doorway. He steps in and clears his throat.

CHIANA: D'argo. Fel Mekor.

D'ARGO: If that was a greeting, it didn't translate.

CHIANA: Well I have others. [pause] Welcome back, anyway.

She begins to exit.

D'ARGO: Um, Fel Mekor to you, too. Whatever that means.

CHIANA: Well, it can mean a lot of things, from um "Welcome back" to.......well, it - - it can mean a lot of things.

D'ARGO: Versatile expression. Um...uh, what are you doing in here?

CHIANA: I'm just puttin' something away.

D'ARGO: My uh...my Shilquin's been polished.

CHIANA: Maybe it was the DRD's. Looks good. Don't you think?

D'ARGO: Um, excellent. Please, extend my gratitude to whoever did it.

CHIANA: I'll ask around.

Chiana exits.

D'ARGO: Fel Mekor, indeed. [sighs]

SCENES 042/043

"Aeryn discusses how she feels about her plan to help Crais control Talyn."

Aeryn stands at the doorway of command, then turns and walks back to John.

AERYN: It's right that I go. I made the agreement with Crais. I am responsible for whatever results. I tried John, I tried to do what I thought was best for everyone.

JOHN: You had....too much to juggle. Me, D'argo, Talyn.

AERYN: If only I'd been able to rescue you sooner.

JOHN: Shhh. No what if's. We are where we are. Come on.

John takes her hand and leads her down the hallway.

Corridor junction, just before Crais' cell.

D'ARGO: I hate it. But I see no better alternative.

JOHN: Neither do we.

AERYN: I'm sorry, D'argo. I know my errors have cost me your respect-

D'ARGO cuts in: No. I may question your judgement-

JOHN cuts in: You question everyone's judgement.

D'ARGO: I was wrong to question your loyalty. And your courage. You've just proven both. Now impliment this horrible plan before I change my mind.

D'argo exits. John and Aeryn continue to Crais' cell.

END OF DELETED SCENES