This is a marvelous look at Chiana, her motivations, her fascination with John. She's older now, matured by what she's seen and experienced - no longer the impulsive girl - but she still wants what she wants.

And frell, it wasn't like she could ignore the sex looks the boy was giving her. Difference was, the younger Crichton wasn't warring with himself over wanting her. He simply did. Chiana shook herself from her thoughts abruptly, realizing she'd touched on something she hadn't realized she'd needed:

To be in control, and to be respected and desired by someone who didn't see her as a common tralk. She didn't want to be discarded, and up until this point she'd trusted every version of Crichton she'd ever met, just as he trusted her with the boy before her.

That's the crux of the matter, and interesting to consider the very different interpretations the two of them would have over the idea of trust. And the way Chi insinuates herself into his memories at the end - on the one hand, it's poignant and based on the love she has for him, and yet...

Best of all, Chiana thought, was when she saw the familiar smile on Crichton's face, reminding her of the boy he was. Caught, conquered, frelled, blitzed. She did that. And from the slant of his mouth and the showing of his teeth, she knew it was also a memory Crichton would never forget.

Manipulating his memories is such a mine field for John, given his ordeal with Harvey and at the hands of Scorpius. A dash of bitter along with the sweet.

Thanks for the read and the thinky thoughts, mysterious remixer!