"These stories are dedicated to memory of Benjamin Thomas W. 
and to anyone who has had to deal with the loss of a child."

Part II: Secrets and Lies

Dinner
Commander Ulric Selton piloted the small pod from the Leviathan to the command carrier. Jack sat in the co-pilot's seat, trying to keep his mind on what Ulric was doing, but he was finding it difficult as they neared the huge ship. This is incredible. It's huge. What technology these Peacekeepers must have. They entered the huge transfer bay of the ship. It was like a city open to space though difficult to see detail, it seemed everything made by the Peacekeepers was either gray or black.

"Stop gawking Jack. You're really going to frell this up if you don't just relax." He snapped.

Jack was somewhat startled by the ferocity of Ullric's outburst. It wasn't like him to snap like that. He looks like shit. "Ulric, did something happen when you were in communication with Lursa?" Jack asked, concern evident in his voice.

"It's nothing. Forget it." He could still see the look on Pilot's face as they were about to leave. "Don't worry Pilot. We will be back in a few arns." He had tried to comfort her as best he could. Don't start lying to Jack now. You have been through too much. "I'm worried about Pilot." He added, quietly.

Before Jack could ask for clarification, he was cut off by the arrival of thetransport tube connecting to the airlock. The doors opened and they were met by the First. "Welcome Captain Delin. Commander Selton, I am First Officer Dalthena Mace. Please follow me ."

They walked into a huge elevator which took them deep into the bowels of the ship. Jack noticed that he felt heavier the further down they went. After several microts, it came to rest within the confines of a large dark corridor. The large door at the far end of the hall opened and Crais emerged. The men stepped off the elevator and walked toward him. Jack noted that four gun turrents tracked their movements as they approached Crais. It won't be easy getting out of here if something goes wrong.

"Welcome Captain Delin, Commander Selton." Crais greeted them in a most formal tone.

They entered Crais' private quarters. As with all Peacekeeper ships, it was predominantly black and gray with deep red accents. A large red, white and black banner hung behind what looked like a cross between a desk and a throne. The dining table was set in the center of the large room and four attendants stood to one side of the table, their heads lowered.

"Would you gentlemen care for a drink? "

Ulric looked to Jack as if waiting for approval. " Yes Captain Crais. That would be excellent."

A smile spread over Crais' face. He didn't know why, but Jack didn't like the feeling of foreboding it gave him. "Three glasses of Phelep Nectar."

One of the four attendants backed from the table and moved to the food station in the corner of the room. Jack had studied enough to know that two of attendants were Delvians. One was what the Peacekeepers called a common laborer; blond with a slightly orange skin color. The fourth attendant did not match any of the species he had studied. She was a slender female with milky white skin. Her hair was reddish brown. The sinking feeling returned with the realization that he had no idea what she was.

The closest Delvian approached them, carrying three tall glasses filled with a golden liquid. As she served the drinks, Jack noticed the control bracelet on her wrist. The Peacekeepers have to control everything. Jack sniffed the drink. Its aroma took him back to a little shack in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Barn's Pub. It was the first place he and the others would go after quarantine. It had become a NASA tradition. It's beer! The Peacekeepers have beer!

The three men sat at the table while the attendants moved from the food station to the table. They presented all sorts of alien cuisine, the aroma's of which were mostly pleasant, although there were a few that smelled like a cross between an old gym locker and very old milk. Jack made note of those dishes and stayed as far from them as possible. The conversation was primarily between Ulric and Crais. Jack hoped it would stay that way.

"I find it strange that I received no notice of your transfer Uli." Crais' expression slipped from a cordial smile to a suspicious glare.

Ulric smiled. "That bitch, Captain Leas, had me transferred twenty six arns before the accident. Get this ... she felt I had gone native because of serving on board a Leviathan too long." Both men laughed. " So she transferred me back to one. " Ulric laughed. This trip down memory lane was starting to take its toll as the ghosts from his past appeared before his eyes once more. He changed the subject. "How is Tauvo? Is he still serving under you."

Crais turned to stone. "Tauvo was killed Ulric." He gulped the last of his drink. Tauvo is dead and it's your fault!

"What! How?" Ulric moved back in his seat. He was hoping to contact Tauvo and had told Jack this on a number of occasions. The only Peacekeeper I could possible trust would be Tauvo. Ulric fell silent as feelings of loss and confusion swirled inside of him.

Jack knew the feeling of loss all too well. He thought back to his own tortured past. Jack cleared his throat. "I am sorry Ulric. I didn't have time to tell you. Captain Crais had mentioned it to me in the Pilot's Den." Jack's thoughts took him back to the Cape a few hours after they lost contact with Farscape 1. He remembered how everyone stared at him waiting to see his reaction. In the command area filled with people, how lost he had felt; how completely alone. He would not let the same happen to Ulric. "Uric look at me." His glassy eyes found Jack's. "It's okay son. It's okay! You know I understand what you are feeling." Jack watched as Ulric struggled with his grief. It pained him to see Ulric bury his feelings, but he knew this was the way of Peacekeepers.

Crais watched the two men. He found Captain Delin's actions most odd. Then he realized that tears were rolling down his own cheeks. He quickly wiped them clear. You know you have gone mad! Tauvo is dead and it is your fault. This quest will destroy your career and you! "SILENCE!" He screamed aloud, as if screaming it, would make it so.

His outburst startled both men. Jack knew he had strayed too far from Peacekeeper protocol.

Ulric cleared his throat. "You will have to forgive this outburst Captain Crais. We ... I ... had been looking forward to seeing Tauvo. I am sorry."

"I understand. I will have time to grieve myself once I find Crichton. I will have my vengeance" His face seemed to glow with energy as he spoke. "Enough sorrow now. On to more important business."

"Crichton?" Ulric shot a glance at Jack who flinched at the mention of his son.

"Yes. He attacked Tauvo's ship. Although an inferior being, he somehow killed Tauvo. But I promise you this Uli. I will find this creature and I will have his head." He laughed coldly, on the verge of hysteria. No , killing Crichton will not give you peace. It was your fault that Tauvo's dead! You have his blood on your hands!

Jack was losing control and pent up emotions were threatening to overwhelm him. This mad man is after my son. I will stop him.

Ulric noticed Jack's uneasiness. If he doesn't relax we are frelled! "Captain Delin, you need another drink." Ulric said looking Jack in the eye.

Jack immediately recognized Ulric's look of concern and knew he had to keep it together. He cleared his throat. "Very good idea Commander Selton. " He raised his glass and one of the Delvians moved forward and refilled it. I will stop you Crais.

The three men spent the next arn drowning their feelings in Phelep Nectar.

The Gift
"Uli I have a gift for you, if Captain Delin doesn't mind." Both men looked at Jack. They had obviously consumed more than their fair share of Nectar.

"I would have no objections to Commander Selton receiving a gift from a Fleet Captain."

"Good. I think you will like this Uli. Enra, come here!" He ordered one of the attendants.

The beautiful woman approached with her head bowed in respect. She raised her gaze towards the men and Jack froze. She had beautiful - but strange - green eyes. There seemed to be no pupils. Jack also realized, by the expression on her face, that she was stoned out of her mind. The lights are on but nobody's home.

"Enra, this is Commander Ulric Selton. You are now his attendant." She bowed slightly then walked over next to Ulric without a change in her expression. "She was Tauvo's favorite. It's only fitting that you receive her." Getting rid of everything that reminds you of Tauvo will not help!

Ulric was obviously not amused at the idea "Captain Crais, you know how I feel about attendants." He tried to soften his tone. "I can't accept her!"

"Nonsense! You will thank me once she has been on board for awhile." He smiled at Ulric. "Tauvo would want you to have her." The life drained from his face again. No you want to get rid of her!

Jack became alarmed at the idea of an outsider being on the Lursa. He knew that in command ranks personal slaves were common, if not acknowledged, by the Deca. Right now though, she was the least of their troubles. "Well, Captain Crais, I wish to thank you for a wonderful meal. We are overdue at our next delivery already. So I am sure you can understand"

"Absolutely Delin, I understand. Enra take Uli a…Commander Selton to your quarters and gather your belongings. Captain Delin and I will meet you back at the transport in a quarter arn."

Ulric looked at Jack with an alarmed glance. "I will be along shortly Commander." Jack said with more confidence than he felt. With that Ulric and the emotionless Enra left the room.

"If you will excuse me, Captain Delin, I will return shortly." Crais exited though a small hatch that Jack hadn't noticed when they arrived, leaving him with the three attendants. He quelled the urge to try speaking with them, knowing that he and Ulric had been monitored since their arrival.

I know your secret
Jack stood near the desk as Crais returned holding a small wooden box. "I have a gift for you as well, Captain Delin." He presented the box to Jack.

He opened the box; inside were two Peacekeeper Ident Chips. He looked at Crais with a questioning glance.

"You, Captain Jass Delin, are no more a transport Pilot as I am a Kubine." He said, smiling the same evil smile Jack had seen in Pilot's den.

Jack's heart skipped a beat and his stomach lurched. He slowly lowered one hand to his side to rest his hand on his sidearm. "Why would you say that?" Jack's anger began to rise. He could not take much more of this. He felt the sweat start to form on his brow.

"You are part of the New Tech Division aren't you?"

Jack almost fell over backwards. Crais thinks I'm part of a Peacekeeper science project. He tried to stop the grin but his face betrayed him. "I don't know what you are talking about Captain Crais."

Crais broke out into a thunderous laugh. "I knew it! I could tell! It all makes sense. Your Leviathan's damaged control collar; non-functioning Paddoc beacon; your poorly counterfeited ident chips. Frelling idiots! Those New Techs never could make a good fake. You'll find these to be far more useful." He tapped the top of the box. "And finally." Crais smirked, reveling in his own cleverness. "Ulric Selton. He had been under observation aboard the Mordin. For him to be transferred would have made quite a stir in the Council, unless he was moved quietly. Yes it all makes sense." It was obvious to Jack, that Crais was feeling very pleased with himself.

Jack knew Ulric had been involved in a program dealing with linking to a leviathan directly. "I am sorry Captain Crais there is nothing more I can tell you." His smile widened.

"At least give me a hint. You may find that I have information that could be useful to a man such as yourself." He moved closer to Jack.

"As I said, I can't tell you anything." Jack tried to act more serious. He was enjoying this bizarre turn of events, and the power which Crais had unwittingly dropped into his lap.

"Very well Captain Delin. I understand." He seemed disappointed. "Tell me this though, if you can. Does your project have to do with the Progenitors Key?" He stared at Jack as though he could see into his mind.

Jack had no idea what a Progenitors Key was but he knew if he didn't give Crais some information he wouldn't let it drop." You know more than I suspected Captain." He said, moving even closer to Crais. "I understand how useful certain information would be to someone in your position. At the right price of course." He smiled at Crais "I have nothing at the moment but I will keep you in mind Captain." He dropped his smile and moved still closer. "You do understand this conversation never happened! Now if you will excuse me."

"I understand Captain. Thank you for the consideration. Let me escort you to the hangar." They arrived in the huge bay and found Ulric and his new attendant were standing at the air lock. Ulric really looked sick and a worried expression bathed his face. The attendant stared out into space, devoid of expression.

"Thank you Fleet Captain Crais." Jack bowed slightly.

"Remember my offer, Captain Delin." He walked over to Ulric and gave him a big hug. "Keep your head low Uli. Take care." He smiled and walked back into the elevator and was gone.

They climbed into the transport pod, and in the center of the deck were two large boxes.

"What's this, Ulric?"

"Let's just say that attendants tend to need a lot of support to keep them attending."

The two men walked into the control area and started preflight. The hatch sealed and Jack exhaled a relieved breath, as he fell into the co-pilot's seat. He began, "You would not believe…" only to have Ulric dive over the center console and wrap his hand over Jack's mouth. Jack was shocked by his speed. It took him time to register what he was doing. Ulric covered his own mouth and then pointed back at the attendant sitting in one of the seats in the next compartment. "Thank you Commander Selton I must have tripped. Too much Phelep Nectar." He said, trying to regain his composure. He knew he had to say something. "Captain Crais may be an asset. We will have to wait and see."

Ulric looked back at the attendant. "What are we going to do with her?"

"She was a gift. Enjoy her. If she becomes an issue..." Jack was hoping that Crais was listening. " we can space her." He altered his voice to a serious and authoritative tone. "As soon as we get back to the ship, I want you to do a full med run up on her. Make sure she's clean. I don't need you catching anything from her." The transport was released from the command carrier's hold and it dove to the docking bay of the Lursa. They exited the transport and unloaded everything they brought with them from the command carrier leaving it in the center of the hangar. Jack and Ulric escorted Enra to the Medical Bay.

"Welcome back, Captain Delin. We are running behind schedule for our delivery to Delvia ... "

"It's okay Pilot." Jack cut him off. "We are alone. I need you to scan the boxes we brought back with us."

"Certainly, Colonel Crichton. The DRDs are on their way."

Lost Allies
She lay sedated on the scanner bed. The holo projector showed the transparent image of Enra. Ulric removed the PK bracelet and threw it to Jack. "The control bracelet administers a chemical extracted from the Tannin root which makes the wearer more obedient. One of those boxes we brought on board is full of the stuff."

Ulric moved near the display. "The medi-scans are clean. No diseases present. But the level of control chemical is astounding. I am surprised that she can survive with that high a concentration. Let me show you this as well. See these highlights? They are PK implants. Here at the rear of her head and at the base of her jaw. Oculars. She's a walking spy."

Jack was stunned. "What can we do. Can we remove the implants?"

"Yes that's not a problem. The AutoDoc on the Marauder can easily remove them." He looked at the display. "But it's her chemical dependency that I don't think she can survive. I think it would probably be best if we retire her."

"No, Ulric, we will not kill her. We have to give her a fighting chance."

"How do we explain the termination of the Ocular signals."

"Leave that to me. Wake her up and meet me in Command."

"What are you planning, Jack?"

"Bring a pulse rifle with you. No time to explain." He ran down the corridor.

"Jack!" Ulric yelled. This frelling human is going to get me killed.

"Pilot, have the DRDs finished scanning the boxes?"

"Yes Col ... Jack they have."

"And…"

"They found twenty three different types of monitoring instruments among the items."

"Please have the DRDs bring them up to Command. Now!"

Jack entered Command followed by twelve DRDs carrying the boxes. He picked up the decorative box that held the Ident Chips, removed them and sent them back to the hangar with a DRD.

"Commander Selton, your weapon please." Jack had his Peacekeeper voice in full swing.

"Ja.. Captain Delin what are you planning?" Ulric really didn't like being out of the loop. This was dangerous, especially as the command carrier was still next to them.

"Pilot this is Captain Delin contact Captain Crais and tell him I would like to speak to him."

"Yes, Captain."

"And, Pilot I will want full holo imaging of Command. Now!"

Crais's image was instantaneously displayed on the main viewer. "Yes, Captain, what is so important that you…"

"Silence! I trusted you and this is how you repay my trust." He aimed the pulse rifle at the small box sitting in the center of Command and fired. The box evaporated.

Crais was shocked. Sitting at his desk he saw the monitor signals blink out as Captain Delin fired again and again. "What are you doing Delin? Have you gone mad!"

Jack moved to the center of Command, standing over the smoldering ash. The remnants of Crai's monitoring devices. "Good Bye Fleet Captain. You have lost a useful ally." He ended the transmission.

Crais sat back in his chair and looked at his board. He was still getting signals from Enra. He smiled. So Captain Delin of New Tech Division, you are not as smart as you thought. He projected the live images coming from Enra's ocular implants.

Jack walked over to Enra grabbed her by the arm and threw her on the floor in the center of Command. With his teeth clenched he said. "No Crais It won't be that easy!" The woman looked up at him still with no expression on her face. It didn't matter. He was talking to Crais through her implants. He raised his pulse rifle and fired!

Crais flinched, almost as if he had been the target. The signal on his display went dead. The last of his spies had been terminated. He sat there for a long time. "No Captain Delin it won't be that easy." He smiled. He ordered his first officer to jump. The huge command carrier jumped from normal space and was gone.

Ulric stood there dumbfounded. He just stared at Jack not knowing what to do. "What the frell came over you, Jack? I thought you wanted to give her a fighting chance!" He grabbed the weapon from his hands.

Jack stared at Ulric "Look at the chamber compression." He exhaled.

Ulric looked at the side of the chamber it was set to point four. "That will give you no more that plasma shock." He was stunned. Jack's act had even fooled him.

Jack cracked a smile. "That's right. Phasers on stun! "

"What…?" He shot Jack a look of disapproval. "Never mind! Next time Jack, keep me in the loop. I can't handle a human running around shooting up the command tier." He smiled.

As if on cue, Pilot's image appeared in the main projector. "Captain Delin. Lursa would appreciate a warning before you fire off weapons inside. She..."

"Yes, Pilot. I am sorry. I had no time. I will try in the future..."

Ulric jumped in. "Don't worry, Pilot. I have already given him that lecture."

"Thank you Commander Selton!" Pilot's image disappeared from the viewer.

"Let's get her tranked and get those damned implants out." Ulric lifted her from the floor and carried her down to the Marauder. Jack had no intention of watching the AutoDoc in action. It looked like something from a bad horror movie. Besides, he had some questions for Pilot.

The Key
Jack entered Pilot's Den. "Look Pilot, I am sorry about firing inside the ship." Jack knew he ws going to have to work hard to regain Pilot's trust. "I would like you to instruct a DRD to remove any monitoring devices from the two Ident Chips that are in the docking bay."

"Yes, Colonel Crichton. "

"Jack! Pilot, it's Jack! We're travelling companions you don't need to address me formally."

"Sorry, Jack. It is difficult. It goes against all of my training. To be so familiar with the members of the crew is unheard of."

"Whatever makes you more comfortable." He smiled. He was beginning to understand Pilot better. "I have a question for you Pilot. "

"Yes."

"Have you ever heard of The Progenitor's Key."

Jack felt a small tremor run through the ship. The lights dimmed and Pilot slumped forward onto the console in front of her.

"Pilot, what's going on! Pilot! Pilot what's happening!"

Part 3

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