Chapter 6: Farscape doesn't do goodbyes, until now.

Jess stood there quietly as they discussed a way to get onto the command carrier contemplating to herself, was there anything she could do to change the events of things to come. Maybe Talyn could fire while he was entering the Command Carrier, but would his fire power be enough? That would also leave him an easy target for retaliation. Or maybe Talyn could starburst alone…she quickly threw that idea out. How could she even think of letting poor Talyn do that, plus how would Crais feel without him. Valldon! She could go back to Valldon find the Cresus and bring them back. Would Talyn be able to be brought back though? Again, if not, how would Crais feel if Talyn remained dead. Her mind raced again, what if that didn't work? The Cresus had admitted to Aeryn that usually what they did was a hoax…

"Jess? Jess?" Crichton's voice snapped her out of her daze as she looked up, the others all looking at her. "We on the right track with that plan?"

"Huh? Um, yeah. Sounds good." Not knowing what she was agreeing too.

"Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah, um, my head hurts a bit."

"I'll take you back to Talyn to rest if you want?" Crais offered.

"Or we've got enough room for you here, if you want to stay." Crichton added, he didn't trust Crais and felt protective over the other human.

"Thanks, but it's ok, my things are on Talyn." As Crais walked up to her, letting the concern show through now he had his back to the others. Jess smiled at the others as she turned to follow Crais out.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah."

They carried on along the corridor, "Jess?" Crais sighed, "Chiana's vision?"

"It wasn't a vision." Bluntly replying.

As they made their way back over to Talyn Crais glanced over to Jess, her sombre face stared out the viewpoint. Crais cleared his throat "I'm glad you're returning to Talyn." Jess simply smiled at him. "Now the others are, uh, no longer there, you could move your things into my quarters. If you wanted to that is."

"Thank you."

Crais slowly opened his eyes, Jess was shifting in her sleep. He rolled over and noticed she was still sleeping as he wrapped his arm around her protectively, closing his eyes once more.

Pictures of things to come tumbled through Jess's mind "Power down now. Power down now." "I don't hate you either." "You stole my life from me." "I never changed my feelings for you." "The last time I left this ship…MY ship."

Crais tried to shake Jess awake, she was now muttering in her sleep while tossing and turning but he couldn't make out what she was saying. She was getting feverish, "Jess! Jess, wake up." He heard her mumble his name.

"Talyn…starburst." She suddenly sat up screaming "NO!" Her eyes wide with fear and panting, almost hyperventilating.

"Jess! Jess it's ok. You're here, you're safe." As Crais sat up pulling her close into his chest, holding her tightly as she hung onto his arm and leaned her head onto him. She was gasping. "Shh" whispering as his lips brushed the top of her head "it's ok." Her breathing was beginning to slow when he felt a tear fall onto his arm. Holding onto her cheek, he gently pulled her face towards his, brushing the tears away with his thumb as he looked anxiously into her eyes which were filled with terror. "Jess? What is it?"

She stared back at him as she reached up to hold his hand which was still on her cheek.

"What is it?"

She swallowed and closed her eyes shaking her head gently.

"Jess?"

She turned to kiss his hand. Whispering "just a dream, a bad dream."

Crais pulled her into his embrace once more, kissing the top of her head. Knowing she probably wouldn't want to reveal anything to him now, he lowered himself back onto the bed pulling her with him. She rested her head on his chest as he gently caressed her as they both drifted off to sleep again.

As they made their way back to Moya the next morning Crais softly questioned "what was the dream about last night?"

Jess sighed, "nothing, I don't remember."

"Jess! You cannot believe I'm going to accept that." As she closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. "You kept repeating my name."

"Fine. It was of you and Larrell. She's on the Command Carrier. She still has feelings for you."

"I do not return those feelings and anyway I doubt that would have caused you such a response as the one you had last night."

"It'll be best if you let her believe you still have feelings. You're going to need her help with Talyn."

"Jess."

"Crais, please, don't argue. I'm not supposed to be here. I can't change things and even if I did, Jack said the likelihood of anything I did change would occur eventually anyway. So just forget about me and let things play out as they should."

Crais didn't reply he simply sighed as he landed the pod in Moya's docking bay. As they both stood to leave, he called out, "Jess." As she turned towards him, he kissed her as she moaned against his lips. As he broke off the kiss he whispered "I am never going to forget you" and smiled sweetly at her.

They met the others on Command just as Pilot came over the comms "Crichton, Aeryn, there are Peacekeepers approaching."

"Talyn has also spotted the Peacekeeper craft. A Prowler and a Marauder." Jess walked up to the view point.

"Pilot, give us immediate starburst."

"We cannot starburst until we are clear of the medical facility."

"Talyn, prime the main cannon. Identify targets and stay calm. Stay calm Talyn."

"Why are the Peacekeepers here to find us?"

"I don't know."

"Crichton, it's Scorpius. He sent them. I told you, I told you they would screw us. That means that D'Argo and Rygel are dead."

"Pip, we do not know that."

Jess turned "They're fine."

"Why are they here?" Crichton questioned.

Jess shrugged.

"Prime main cannons only. Do not fire until my signal."

"Peacekeeper ships in visual range. Moya senses they've targeted us."

"We don't have any choice. Do it now, Crais."

Jess felt a sudden urge, "Pilot tell the med ship to go now!" Maybe if he didn't attack, Crais wouldn't need to take him to the Command Carrier, there must be another way. It didn't matter, in the commotion Pilot didn't hear.

"Talyn, fire at will."

Jess watched the explosion out of the view point.

"Pilot, status of the Peacekeeper vessels."

"They are no longer on Moya's scans."

"Good work, Talyn."

Jess ran up to Crais holding his arms "tell Talyn to stop now!"

Crais looked confused "stop what?"

"Starburst in fifty microts. The hospital craft is moving away and it's commander sends us his gratitude for destroying the Peacekeeper ships."

"Tell Talyn not to shoot!"

Crais still looked confused then looked up, "Wait. Talyn, the med ship is not a threat."

"What is he doing Crais?"

Shouting "No, Talyn! The med ship is not a threat!"

Jess turned to the view point "No Talyn, please!"

"Crais, what's going on out there?"

"No Talyn! Power down now! Power down now!"

Jess closed her eyes as the med ship exploded.

Jool came running in, attacking Crais "You! There were innocent people aboard that ship!"

"I know." Fending her off.

"Naj Gil!"

"There was nothing I could do. Talyn attacked on his own accord."

"You could have stopped him.

"Jool!"

"Somehow you could have stopped him. Now they're dead. 600 souls." Turning to Chiana "and you! You knew."

"No. I, I only saw myself mourning. I, I thought it was for you." As Jool stormed to the back of command leaning on a consol.

"Pilot, why haven't we starburst? The Peacekeepers are sure to send out another patrol."

"I'm afraid Moya is now refusing to move."

"Why?"

"Since Talyn powered down, I can't contact him. He's not responding to my comms, and Moya is refusing to abandon him."

Aeryn looked over to Jess "why didn't you say something sooner?"

Jess sighed; she shouldn't have said anything "it wouldn't have helped. They'd have died anyway somehow."

"Talyn is in shock. He has expressed absolute remorse for his mistake."

"600 dead. That is a little more than a mistake, Crais."

"Yes, and I believe, that unless we act, it may happen again."

"What will happen again?"

"Extreme paranoia. Reactions unwarranted to the situation. Talyn is a danger to himself, as well as us."

"Crais, what do you want to do?"

Crais paced and looked at Jess for reassurance "I believe…We should shut down all his mechanoid systems."

Moya rumbled.

"Stay calm, Moya. We're just discussing a plan. No one's doing anything yet."

"You're talking about killing Talyn?"

"Of course not. His biologics will remain on artificial support. But we must get him to a place where the anomalies in his character can be repaired."

"Then you bring him back."

"With full system replacement."

Moya rumbled again.

"When he comes back, will he still be Talyn?"

"No, he will be different. Brand new. But something has to be done. Moya must know that. 600 innocents have just lost their lives."

"Moya is aware that Talyn has acted irrationally. I will speak with her alone."

"I'm going to see if I can board Talyn." As Crais walked out of command. The others slowly left leaving Jess and Crichton.

"Hey, why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"I can't change things."

"Then why say anything at all?"

"I don't know. Even if I do change things, apparently, they'll happen anyway. So, I can't save anyone, the other you, those on the med ship…no one" as her voice trailed off.

"Are we all gonna die like Pip said?"

Jess shock her head, closing her eyes as they filled with tears.

"But" running his thumb across his lips, "there are those that do?"

Jess hung her head before slowly turning and walking out without looking at Crichton as Aeryn walked in.

Jess found Crais in the docking bay.

"I take it this is why I need Larrell?"

Jess nodded. "Crais, I'm so sorry."

"Is this going to work?"

Jess couldn't think of what to do apart from lie, she nodded. "Yes." The relief that passed over his face broke her heart.

"Thank you. We should discuss this with the others." As they headed back for command.

"Talyn has agreed to let Crais re-board and start his work."

Holding his transponder "I sense Talyn is waking up from lockdown and powering up. Thank Moya for us."

"I think it is best to leave Moya alone. She knows what we do is necessary. But still, she is heartbroken."

She's not the only one."

"Crais, what's Talyn doing?"

"He's aiming at us."

"Start evasive procedures now!"

"Shut down Talyn! Shut down!"

"Evasive procedures now!"

With that Talyn fired causing explosions on Moya, Crais grabbed Jess and cradled over her, protecting her from the explosions and debris.

Once Talyn had finished and they composed themselves Crais, Crichton, Aeryn and Jess headed for a transport pod.

"We're the only ones who can help you. Talyn, please. Talyn, please!" Crais sighed in frustration when Talyn didn't respond, then paused, reaching for his transponder again. "Bay three hanger is opening. Talyn is letting us dock."

They entered command "Talyn, you know what must happen next."

"He's right Talyn." As Talyn released his gun and took aim.

Aeryn stepped forward "Talyn you listen to me. You destroyed a ship with many innocent people on board. You shot your own mother. You would never do that unless you were sick and frightened."

Jess stepped forward and reached up to hold Talyn's ceiling reassuringly.

"When Moya told you what we had to do, you panicked and struck out. I don't think you really meant to hurt Moya. You could have destroyed her if you wanted to but you didn't. Just as I'm hoping you don't really want to hurt us, because we don't want to hurt you. Talyn, you know you're sick. You let us board. Now, I don't want you to be frightened. You're not going to die. You'll be reborn. It's a fresh start. Please Talyn, let us take away your pain."

After a pause, Talyn stood down.

Jess walked up to Crais and placed her hand over his and squeezed reassuringly. "I'm going to pack some things." He smiled and gently squeezed back.

Jess had packed everything as quickly as possible with things split between Crais's quarters and her previous quarters in the medical bay. She headed back to command to be there to support Crais, when Talyn gently rumbled. She picked up her pace to a jog when the lights dimmed, everything went silent causing her to pause. She gasped and ran off to command, skidding round the corner "Crais?" Aeryn and Crichton looked up at her. "Where'd he go?"

"That way." Aeryn pointed in the direction that Crais had wondered off to.

Jess nodded. "You guys go, I'll check on him. We'll meet you back on Moya." As she turned, heading off to Crais's quarters, thinking that would be the first place he'd go. As she got closer, she could hear the shower running.

Entering his quarters, Jess dropped her bag at her feet. Crais was stood in the shower, he had removed his jacket, trousers and boots just left his undergarments. He was leant forward with his hands against the wall, his head hung down defeated, with the water cascading over him. She approached slowly but he didn't move. She slowly removed her clothing down to her undergarments and opened the door to the shower. He still didn't move. As she stepped in, she gasped, the water was freezing cold. She ducked under his arm and wrapped herself around him, holding him close, stroking his back and gently kissing along his collarbone before nestling her head into his neck. Crais dropped an arm and wrapped it around her waist holding her tightly as he turned his face to press onto her head. "He's gone." His voice trembling.

Jess felt hot drops of water fall onto her shoulder mixed with the cold shower, realising it was his tears. She looked up into his eyes which were filled with grief. "Bialar, I'm so, so sorry." He closed his eyes as she pulled him into her embrace again. Jess reached behind and turned the water off. She didn't know how long they stood there, holding each other, but she was shivering. Crais broke away first, looking down at her concerned, she smiled back. He opened the door and retrieved the towel wrapping it around her before pulling her back in to his embrace. "We should head back" whispering against his chest.

"Mmm" nodding in response.

Once back on Moya, Jess joined the others for dinner. Crais wasn't hungry and made his way to his temporary quarters. He was sleeping soundly when Jess went to find him. She watched him silently from the doorway, wishing there was something she could do to change his fate. Maybe she should discuss it with him, maybe with more time he could come up with another way to destroy the Command Carrier. She sighed; no, how could she tell him he needed to die. She also didn't think she could actually say the words out loud. She turned to leave when he called out to her "Jess." She turned back to see him holding his hand out to her, inviting her in, which she happily accepted, climbing in next to him as he wrapped his arms round her and drifted back off to sleep.

Jess woke early, not that she had slept much. She headed off for the maintenance bay for her usual work out, trying to sweat out the frustrations of what was about to occur. She was about to leave when she spotted the punch bag. She walked up to it slowly, frowning, still angry at how helpless she felt. Punching it, again and again and again, frantic and grunting with frustration.

"Frell!"

Jess turned towards the voice behind her, panting "Chi!"

"Remind me not to get on the wrong side of you!" Looking down and picking up the phone holding it up to examine where the music was coming from. "What's this?"

"Avicii. He was a DJ, musician on Earth." Chiana smiled. "You like?"

"Yeah" giving her a sideways nod like she did. "This what you have fun to?"

Jess laughed, "yeah, something I'd dance to, not so much now but I partied lots in my early 20s."

Chiana started dancing around "we should find a party after all this dren!" Jess smiled and joined in the dancing.

Crais watched from the doorway. He smiled, he loved seeing Jess happy and smiling, she seemed distant since they had met up with Moya. Although he was starting to conclude why as the smile faded from his face. He looked up as Chiana shouted over "Hey, you coming to join us!?"

Jess laughed at the thought of Crais dancing as he frowned in response.

Walking in, "Chiana, will you give us a moment please, I need to speak to Jess alone."

Chiana looked over at Jess who simply smiled back at her as she paused the music, "yeah" as she walked out but paused and crouched down outside in the corridor, wondering what they could be discussing.

Crais glanced over his shoulder to ensure Chiana had left before he cleared his throat and pursed his lips "I'm not coming back, am I?"

His words winded her as she stared back open mouthed in shock. He slowly walked up to her as she dropped her head and turned away from him.

"Jess, that's what your dream was wasn't it? Why you pushed me away to start with?"

With her back still towards him she opened her mouth to reply but no words came out as she closed her eyes causing the tears to stream down her face.

Crais wasn't sure before but her response confirmed his suspicions "I'm right aren't I?" Sighing when she still didn't respond, reaching for her shoulder as she flinched at his touch. He slowly turned her to face him and pulled her in for a deep kiss holding the back of her head with one hand the other around her waist as her hands rested on his chest.

Chiana couldn't hear much that was going on, Crais was talking too softly, as she slowly snuck her head round the doorway gasping at the sight. As D'Argo walked up to her "what are you doing?"

Crais and Jess turned to see Chiana crouched down on the floor looking shocked, D'Argo standing over her. D'Argo looked up at them growling as he noticed Jess's tears, presuming Crais had done something wrong. "What did you do?" Pointing at Crais.

Chiana jumped up, "no, no, he wasn't, they're…"

Jess quickly interrupted "Chiana" shaking her head. "Don't."

D'Argo looked between them all "Crais, we need to finish running through things with Crichton." Crais nodded before glancing at Jess giving her a half smile before following D'Argo down the corridor. He glared as he past Chiana annoyed she had spied on them.

"So, you and Crais huh!?"

"Chi, don't."

"How long has that been going on?" cocking her head.

"Please, don't. It doesn't matter."

"Sure, it does!" Smiling. "Is the sex good?" chuckling.

Jess sighed wiping the tears away "look Chiana, I know you're not one to keep secrets but please, this time, don't say anything to anyone."

"Yeah, sure!"

"Chiana, I mean it, we can't change things. If people knew it could alter the timeline. Promise me!"

"Yeah, promise!"

Jess smiled, not sure she believed Chiana wouldn't say anything. As Chiana left, looking for Jool, as if she'd keep this quiet!

Jess sat in her new quarters. D'Argo and Rygel had left for the Command Carrier a few arns before. She'd be staying on board while the others travelled to join them. She felt sick at the thought of saying goodbye to Crais. Maybe they shouldn't, people don't say goodbye on Farscape, but then this really would be goodbye. Her eyes filled with tears once more. She looked up to Crais standing in her doorway looking despondent. She swallowed "are you going now?" her voice cracking.

"Yes."

She nodded, "I don't want you to go." Tears escaping.

"Are you asking me to stay?" As he walked in.

"I can't. Jack said your fate will be the same no matter what."

Crais nodded, holding her cheeks and wiping the tears away with his thumbs. His own eyes were glazed over.

"Crais! Let's go!" Crichton boomed over the comms.

Sighing "on my way Crichton." Looking deep into Jess's eyes before kissing her passionately. As he pulled away, he whispered against her lips "thank you." Jess frowned. "For not pushing me away. This last half a cycle with you has been…" he sighed and simply smiled, kissing her again. Abruptly breaking the kiss, they looked deep into each other's eyes as Jess nodded and smiled, inhaling deeply. Crais smiled, pulling himself up straight, stroking her cheek and turning, leaving her.

Jess exhaled a sob, closing her eyes and dropping her head whispering "I love you."

Crais stopped abruptly. Sebaceans have better hearing than humans, which Jess obviously forgot. He turned to see her dejected form as he marched back towards her.

"Crais!" Crichton sounded irritated.

Crais cupped her chin pulling it up towards his, meeting her in another passionate kiss.

"Crais!"

Breaking away leaning his forehead onto hers.

"Pilot, where the hell is Crais!?"

"I love you too." Kissing her again, threading his fingers through her hair, holding the back of her head.

"He is on his way, Commander." Pilot kindly lied.

Breaking away again leaning his forehead onto hers once more, both were breathing heavily, he smiled sweetly at her, turning and walking away without looking back. As Jess's legs gave way and she sunk to her knees, sobbing on the floor.

Jess had made her way onto the bed, laying in the foetal position. The Peacekeepers had come to retrieve Talyn so his anomalies could be corrected, everything was on track. She felt numb, exhausted from crying. When Pilot calmly came over the comms "Jess, I thought you'd like to know Ka D'Argo, Chiana, Jool and Rygel are returning."

She lay there for a few microts, it took a while to process the information when she suddenly sat upright. Grayza recaptures the crew, how could she forget. As she took off to Pilot's den. Bursting in.

"Jess, how are you?"

"Fine Pilot." It was easier to lie. "Pilot, listen, please trust me. Another Peacekeeper Commandant is going to recapture Moya and the others." Pilot looked shocked. "But trust me, it will be ok! It won't be for long, you'll all be ok, I promise." As she held onto his claw. "I don't want to change anything, so is there anywhere I can go, where the Peacekeepers scans can't detect me?"

"Starburst Chamber"

"Thank you, Pilot. If the others ask where I am, please tell them I don't want to be disturbed."

"Of course, Jess. Are you sure you are ok?"

Jess hung her head "Oh, Pilot!"

"Talyn told Moya how Crais cared for you. Those feelings emulated through to Talyn. Are you sure Crais will not survive? Talyn will be devastated."

The tears filled her eyes again. She couldn't tell him Talyn wouldn't be returning either. "I'm sure Pilot. Like the other Crichton, his sacrifice means wormhole technology doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

"I am very sorry for your loss, Jess. I can't imagine how you must have felt knowing Crais's fate."

"Thank you, Pilot." As she turned to leave, pausing. "Oh, and Pilot, please give me a heads up when Moya is about to attempt starburst so I can be clear of the chamber."

"Of course, Jess."

She sat down on the floor of the starburst chamber and hugged her knees into her chest. The tears started to fall once again remembering Crais smiling at her, his fingers brushing her hair off her face, the nights of passion, the rare times he had allowed himself to relax and laugh. She soon drifted off to sleep having had many disturbed nights recently.

"Yes, prepare for immediate Starburst"

Jess jolted awake; the starburst chamber was gearing up for starburst. She jumped up and ran out the chamber. Moya shuddered; she could hear Pilot scream in pain when the starburst chamber suddenly went quiet again. Jess quickly ran back in to hide once more. It wasn't long until Crichton came over the comms, Pilot replied "Crichton, we were attacked, immobilizer pulse."

"I know, Pilot. It's, it's alright."

Groaning "Moya won't accept a control collar. Rather be dead."

"There's not going to be a control collar. Tell him."

"Crichton is correct. Your capture was an error. This situation will not occur again."

"He means it Pilot, and tell Moya I'm gonna hold him to it."

"Thank you, Commander."

Jess left it a bit longer to ensure Moya had been released before making her way to Pilot's den.

"Jess, I thought you wanted to remain hidden?"

"There's no need now Pilot. How are you and Moya?

"We are fine, thank you. How are you?"

Jess smiled as she sat next to Pilot. "Pilot, can you locate somewhere for me?"

"Of course, Jess, where are you looking for?"

"A planet called Valldon."

"Where you visited with Talyn?"

"Yes, he told Moya about it?"

"Yes, he said Aeryn was attempting to contact Crichton after his passing."

"Yes, there's a creature there that can potentially bring people back."

"But at what cost Jess?"

"I don't know. It told Aeryn that what they normally do is a hoax but with her it could have been possible. So maybe it's possible to bring Crais back after he…" her voice trailed off.

Pilot reached up to Jess's face to stroke a tear away "Jess how can you be sure that this would work?" Jess shrugged "you say they perform hoax's normally. Do you not think that whatever energy it was picking up was that of this Crichton?"

"No, I've never thought of it that way before."

"Moya and I can locate Valldon for you though, if you still wish."

"Thank you, Pilot. Are you ok if I stay here with you for a while?"

"Of course, you are most welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Jess smiled and made herself more comfortable. She started to drift off again, thinking things through, there definitely wasn't any other way the Command Carrier could be destroyed, maybe Valldon would be a hoax. It wasn't long until Crichton had signalled, he was returning to Moya to collect his module. He came into Pilot's den and updated him of the new plan. Jess clenched her jaw, fighting back the tears when she realised the timeline was being fulfilled.

"Crichton! Crichton, we must hurry. Scorpius said we must not stay on Moya long."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm on my way."

"Moya understands. She says it is best this way. Talyn was always destined for a violent end. This, then, at least will be a noble one. We may never see any of you again."

Crichton reached up to stroke Pilot's head "Pilot, just be ready to starburst if you don't see us hauling ass towards you. You give Moya my love."

"And her love to you. As well as mine."

"See you Jess."

She smiled and nodded "good luck."

Crichton nodded back as he marched off.

"Crichton, wait!" Jess turned to Pilot "It was lovely to meet you Pilot! You and Moya take care." As she kissed him on the cheek and jumped down running after Crichton.

"Jess?" Pilot questioned

Jess stopped in front of Crichton panting. She had suddenly remembered all the theories that Crais never actually dies. She was sure she had read an interview with Rockne somewhere that he wasn't gone for good. Maybe it wasn't true, they hadn't brought him back for the Peacekeeper Wars but maybe that was because there was too much story to pack in. There was a small chance and if not, well, it's not like she belonged in this part of the universe anyway, she would rather die with the man she loved.

"Take me with you to the Command Carrier!"

"What, Jess no! It's not safe."

"It's ok, I'll be fine."

"No Jess, why the hell are you wanting to go there!?" Looking confused.

"I can't let Crais and Talyn do this alone. I don't want to be here without him."

"What, without him? What are you on about?" Jess sighed "Wait, you and Crais?" Realisation suddenly creeping across his face when he looked into her eyes.

Jess looked him and smiled "mmm."

"Jess, if that's the case, he wouldn't want you to die too."

"It's not his decision."

Crichton sighed, seeing the defiance in her eyes. "Very well, come on."

Jess looked back at Pilot "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Jess."

As Jess followed Crichton out, they'd tell Co-Kura she could help with the wormhole equations. Then while Crichton was taking Scorpius through the wormhole, she'd sneak off in the distraction. Before they left the module, she kissed him on the cheek "bye! Say goodbye to the others for me."

"Will do." Not quite believing she wanted to sacrifice herself with Crais.

Once on the Command Carrier, Jess hung around pretending to check the module when she felt a shiver down her spine at the voice approaching. Ducking out the way and watching from behind the module, Scorpius was even more intimidating in the flesh.

"I allowed you to get this primitive ship. How is it going to get me what I want?"

"Read the middle finger Scorpy. I have a thought forming in my head as to why this primitive ship with no shielding allows me to survive wormholes. I'm gonna check it out."

"Which Pilot is ready for deployment?"

"Oh, no. No, no, nobody flies her but me. One of your bozos screws up, and bye, bye birdie."

"You could die, John."

"Yes, I could die. If I don't kick this project in the ass before Commandant Cleavage gets back, she's going to execute me, anyway right? What? Are you worried if I turn to silly putty, so do you? Why don't you come with me? Come on, Grasshopper. Come with me. You spent your life in search of wormholes. Let me introduce you to one, up close and personal…Unless of course you're too scared."

As Scorpius boarded the module, Jess slipped away to go find Talyn. She snuck between the Peacekeepers who were distracted, listening to the comms of Crichton narrating their journey. She walked past a familiar looking female with a bruised cheek, Larrell, wishing she could bruise the other side for her, but not wanting to draw attention she carried on. As she rounded the corner to the hanger, she almost collided with Aeryn.

"Jess!" Looking confused. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey, I'm going to be with Crais."

"Jess, what are you talking about, you'll be killed."

"I know. I don't belong in this universe and I can't just let him die. I don't want to be here without him."

Aeryn smiled at her "Jess, don't be…"

"Aeryn, this is my choice! I love him."

Aeryn cocked her head, eyes wide in shock for a brief moment before smiling again. "Very well. Goodbye Jess. I'm glad we got the chance to meet."

"Me too, thank you Aeryn. Everything will work out in the end." They both carried on, on their paths. Jess paused and turned shouting back "oh and Aeryn." Aeryn turned to face Jess. "Congratulations!" As she glanced down to her stomach.

Aeryn looked down, mirroring Jess's gaze before whispering "thank you."

Jess hurried up to Talyn but couldn't see the ramp to enter. "Talyn! Talyn! Can you hear me!" Banging on the side. "Talyn, please if you can hear me open up, please!" Jess banged on the side for what felt like forever before sighing and placing her forehead on Talyn, whispering "Talyn, please!" As she closed her eyes, thinking it would be a lost cause a ramp slowly lowered down as she ran up it "Thank you Talyn!"

As she ran to command, she could feel Talyn shudder gently. She reached command just as Crais was finishing telling Talyn the plan.

"Jess! What are you doing here!?" Looking surprised. "You have to go; we don't have long."

"I can't let you do this alone."

"Jess don't be absurd; you know I have to do this."

"I know, I know, but I don't want you to do this without me."

"Jess, I can't let you sacrifice yourself. Plea…"

"It's not your choice Bialar. I don't want to be in this universe without you."

"Jess, I don't have time to argue."

"Then don't, it's not your choice, I love you." Crais smiled, seeing he wouldn't win this argument and knowing there was little time. "Now, you tell that frelling bastard he's lost!"

Crais pursed his lips nodding as he turned to the view point. Jess stood by his side. "Scorpius. I am just making my final goodbyes."

"Where are you Crais?"

"I am standing in your heart. And I am about to squeeze."

"Braca, find the source of this transmission and arrest that fool."

"It's coming from the hybrid in the Gamma Hanger on level 12. The hybrid is powering up."

"You are the most repellent of creatures, Scorpius. You weren't born into Peacekeepers. You weren't conscripted against your will. You chose to be one."

"I want the bay doors sealed. All Prowlers scrambled. That hybrid must not get away."

"The hybrid's building to maximum power inside the hanger. I don't think he's planning to escape."

"The last time I left this ship, MY SHIP! I did so under a veil of secrecy. YOU forced that situation. You took away MY command. You STOLE my life from me. Well, this time, Scorpius, I am not leaving quietly."

Jess shivered as goosebumps tingled down her body. Standing tall, apprehensive but proud.

"Somebody find that fool and get him out of that ship."

Talyn rumbled, Crais reached out to support Jess as she stumbled, looking down to her and smiling as she looked up and kissed him before nodding and wrapping herself into his side, her head resting on his chest.

"Somebody get that traitor off that ship!"

Crais squeezed her close to him as they both closed their eyes "Talyn…starburst."

Jess could feel the bright light through her closed eyes as she squeezed her eyes tighter before there was a deafening explosion, pain ripping through her as she screamed in agony, hearing Crais's tortured scream.

Jess groaned, everything hurt and she hadn't even attempted to move yet. She tried to take a deep breath but failed due to the crippling pain, knowing there must be some broken ribs. Coughing up some blood, as she blinked her eyes open. She wasn't in command, everything was dark. She tried to call out to Crais but choked on the words. She slowly rolled onto her side shaking from the pain, noticing she was in a pool of her own blood. Looking around in a panic, she realised she was in the corridor outside command, gathering the strength to call out again "Crais!" Tears streaming from fear, pain and relief she was alive. "Crais!" There was no answer. Talyn was eerily silent.

Still on her side she started to pull herself along the floor into command. Along with ribs Jess guessed that her arm was broken and possibly an ankle. "Crais! Crais, please!?" Panicking she looked around but struggling to see through the tears, before noticing a foot from behind a console by the view point "Crais!" Heaving herself along the floor with all the strength she could gather.

He didn't respond when she reached him, gently shaking his foot "Crais!" As she whimpered "please, please!" Pulling herself round the console she could see him lying face up, lifeless, burns all up his body and face. Gasping in shock. "Oh, Bialar." Moving closer still, she reached out a shaking hand, checking his pulse, sighing and dropping her head, it was faint but there was one. Relieved she collapsed next to him, panting, before passing out again.

She woke to Crais gently stroking her head "Bialar!" sighing in relief.

"Jess" he croaked smiling reassuringly at her. "How? Where, where are we? Are you alright?"

Groaning as she sat up, shuffling closer to him as he lay on his side. "I don't know."

"Did you know this would happen? We'd survive?"

Jess shook her head "no" stroking his face. "No, there were some theories, but for the remaining part of the show you, you had died." He reached for his transponder. "Is Talyn?"

"Yes, he's there, just. I have a faint signal." They both smiled.

It had taken a few solar days for them all to gather their strength, Jess and Crais had treated each other's injuries as best as possible. They had revived some DRDs to start repairing Talyn. As Jess limped into command Crais was looking out at an icy blue planet.

"Any idea of where we are yet?"

"No, Talyn's scans have identified 9 planets in this solar system. This one appears to be an ice planet, with no sustainable atmosphere."

Jess joined Crais at the view point staring in disbelief at the planet ahead.

Crais looked down at her "Jess? Have you seen this planet before?"

"Um, no, well I don't think so. Maybe in photos. 9 planets you say?"

"Yes, Talyn is finding it hard to scan through his recovery at the moment. Jess are you ok?"

"My solar system has 9 planets. Well 8, they downgraded one. That looks like it could be Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun. If this is the Milky Way, Earth is the third planet from the sun."

Crais pulled her in for a kiss "well let's go see then."

"It might not be my Earth though? It could be John's reality."

"There's only one way to find out." Smiling sweetly at her.

Even with Talyn's reduced speed it didn't take long to reach Earth. Jess had reminded Crais to avoid being detected, as there was no previous confirmed contact with alien lifeforms. Jess was finishing a repair to one of Talyn's systems when Crais came over the comms. "Jess, meet me in command." She paused her music and headed for command.

As she entered, she immediately gasped in shock looking out of the viewpoint. "Earth!"

Crais smiled "we can intercept a signal, see if this is the right time."

Jess nodded, then pulled her phone out of her pocket. Shaking, she could see the data roaming searching.

"Jess, Talyn has picked up a signal, July 2020? Is that when you left?"

Jess nodded, eyes wide, "well, 6 months before, January 2020." He smiled at her again while she stood emotionless with shock. Suddenly being brought out of her dazed, her phone beeping with notifications. As she looked down at the phone in her hand.

"Jess? What is it?"

"Messages."

"Is this your Earth?"

Jess unlocked her phone and searched the internet for Farscape. Sure enough, the TV programme came up, she laughed "look!" holding the phone up to Crais showing him a cast photo. He frowned. "It's the cast photo of the show!" Searching again, her face dropped.

"Jess, what's wrong?"

"I've been reported missing… this is my home."

A sad smile crossed Crais's lips, knowing he and Talyn couldn't stay. He couldn't stay with Jess and leave Talyn. Jess wouldn't want to stay with them now she was home.

"Crais, what's wrong?"

"Talyn and I can't stay can we, you said Earth hasn't experienced other lifeforms."

Realization sunk into Jess's expression; he was right. He couldn't leave Talyn either. She looked up and smiled "no, I doubt we could go undetected for long." Crais sighed. "But I'm not leaving you."

"Jess! This is your home."

Raising her eyebrows "My home is here now, with you. I thought I was going to lose you before; I don't want to feel like that again. I love you."

"I love you too." As he pulled her in to a hungry kiss. Talyn happily chirped around them. "What do you want to do?"

"Let's try and find the others." Looking down at her phone "but first" as she pressed call, holding it up to here ear "Mum!?"