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Chapter
Four
It
Has Begun
Approximately
an arn later, John had finished explaining what was supposed
to happen, and had released everyone from Pilot's den. They were
all discussing the situation in small groups as they made their
way to their respective destinations.
Aeryn and D'Argo
headed the line of people. The Luxan, despite agreeing to go
along with the idea, did not sound particularly impressed.
"This
all sounds completely pointless," he complained. "As
are most of Crichton's ideas. I can't believe I let Chiana rope
me into this."
"It'll
all be over in a weeken, D'Argo," said Aeryn, attempting
to keep the peace. "You know how he gets. Just humour him;
it'll make everyone's lives easier."
"You're
right, I suppose." There was a pause. "Of course, you
know why he's doing this, don't you?"
"Unfortunately,
I do"
Further back,
Jool and Chiana were similarly discussing the situation, with
the same confusion and disdain evident in their voices.
"I don't
get it," admitted the Interon.
"Me neither.
All I know is, I could get a present outta this." Chiana
grinned. "Hey, sorry about kicking you before."
"It's
okay."
"My foot
slipped." At which point, Jool kicked her in the shin. "Hey!"
"Sorry.
So did mine."
Jool smiled
and walked on ahead, putting enough distance between them should
Chiana decide to give chase.
Crais was discussing
the situation with Rygel.
"Have
you noticed" said the Hynerian, "how all of Crichton's
'traditions' involve the giving and receiving of gifts?"
"I had
indeed. His must be a very generous culture."
"Generous!"
he scoffed. "I think not! They're all money-grabbing and
power-hungry."
"In that
case, Dominar why do you two not get along?"
Rygel harrumphed,
and speeded up his throne sled away from Crais.
Bringing up
the rear of the group was Zhaan, Stark and John. The Delvian
Pa'u seemed to be the most interested in the plan.
"It sounds
like a wonderful tradition, John." She smiled. "A celebration
of love. I can see why you wanted us to partake in this."
"Actually,
I just figured it would stop the overhanging boredom around here,"
he said. "But I'm glad you like it, Blue. I thought you
would, actually."
"I like
it, too," said Stark, somewhat indignantly. "My something
is going to go to Zhaan."
"Whoa,
whoa, whoa!! You're not meant to tell me" Seeing the hurt
look on his face, John added. "But I guess your choice was
pretty obvious, Stark, so I'll let you off."
"In all
fairness, John," laughed Zhaan. "I think your choice
is obvious, too." John said nothing, looking for all the
world like he wanted a hole to appear in Moya's floor and suck
him into oblivion. "Don't worry," she reassured him.
"I'm sure Aeryn will appreciate the gesture."
John could
do nothing but stand there and let the two of them walk on ahead.
He wondered when he'd become quite so transparent. His question
was answered almost immediately.
"I think
it was oh, about three months ago."
"Shut
up, Harvey."
"I'm very
hurt that you didn't even think to include me in the proceedings."
"Who'd
give you a Valentine?"
"I don't
know. But it's the principle of the thing."
"Whatever"
"For all
you know, I might have a Valentine of my own in mind."
"You don't
have a mind, you're a figment of my imagination."
"Oh, really.
Well would a figment be able to do this?" Harvey punched
the inside of John's skull, hard, causing him to wince. Then
he did it again, harder.
John nursed
his head and tried to rub away the ache that seemed to emanate
from his brain. "Hey! Stop it! I get the idea." Harvey
ignored him and started kicking, petulantly, like a small child
who'd been refused a toffee. John very quickly thought himself
inside his head. "I said," he repeated, "stop
it." With that, he hurled Harvey into the dumpster again,
brushed off his hands, and started to think about what he was
going to create for Aeryn
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