The Price
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers through WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13
I want to thank Still_Waters for the great beta job. I couldn't have finished this without her.
His quarters. His. Something he never thought he would see again. He slowly took in every aspect of what he called his, as he turned and turned in the cell.
The emotions were strong, tearing him apart. He only wanted to relish the idea of being back on Moya, but other thoughts were trying to intrude, things he wanted to forget forever.
John knew the lack of sleep was playing into his inability to push the unwanted memories into the isolated corner. This corner was where he kept his nightmares hidden. For some reason he couldn't put his latest one, Grayza, there.
He found himself dwelling on this new pain, as the exhaustion and the newfound emotions with Aeryn, brought Grayza back to the surface, along with old memories from her newest companion.
The reunion on Moya had taken more out of him than he thought possible. He felt drained, numb. The façade he had managed to maintain in front of the others had finally broken down.
He felt like a caged animal in his quarters. He wanted to scream with happiness at being back on Moya and finding Aeryn again, even though she wasn't the same anymore. The other side of him wanted to cry out in pain, because of Grayza. He felt lost and confused.
John cringed remembering everything Grayza had put him through. She thought it was a way to gain his trust. 'Man were you wrong this time,' John thought, as made his way to the bed. He desperately needed to calm himself down as he brought his knees up to his chest and rocked himself. The rocking was the only thing that gave him any kind of comfort. He hugged himself tightly feeling secure now.
"I told Chi we needed to 'screw the pooch'. How could I know I would be on the flipside of that coin?" He laughed as the irony of it all hit him.
Chiana stood outside his quarters listening, knowing he would probably need her tonight. She had been able to see through the front he had put up for the rest of them. They had locked eyes on several occasions as the crew rejoiced in boarding Moya. He couldn't hide the agony from her. She knew.
Chiana stepped into his quarters quietly. "John?"
He jumped as the voice tore him from his inner thoughts. "Damn, Chiana! Couldn't you at least knock?" John yelled, raging, but not knowing why.
She backed up a step, surprised at his outburst, a hurt expression on her face.
John felt guilt immediately, not meaning to explode at her. She had just scared him. "Sorry, Chi, didn't mean to jump down your throat," he said, motioning for her to come sit with him.
"Are you sure?" Chiana asked, not wanting to intrude.
"Yeah, Pip. I'm sure," he replied, patting the space next to him. "I could use the company right about now."
As she sat next to him, she her hand on his neck, smiling. "Thinking about everything again?"
He nodded as he simply said, "Yeah."
She rubbed his neck, feeling the tightness. Chiana knew what he was thinking about, but also knew he wouldn't talk about it.
"Wanna talk about it old man?" she attempted.
John didn't answer right away, as he started rocking again. "Pip?"
"Yeah, John?"
"W.why did she b.bring him here? W.what kind of .bargain did she make with him.and. why?"
Chiana stopped rubbing his neck for a moment. She wished she could answer his questions, but Aeryn had told them she would talk explain later. "I don't know. We'll just have to wait until she's ready to tell us."
John snapped to his feet and paced back and forth in his quarters. He felt like he was going to jump out of his skin. He thought Chiana's presence would calm him, but he was still as jumpy as before.
Chiana was at a loss as she watched him, saying nothing.
He suddenly stopped. Looking at Chiana he said, "How could she bring him here? To the one place I felt somewhat safe?" John felt the coldness chill his body as a quick shudder ran through it.
Chiana saw the hurt in his eyes, as she went to him and put her arms around his cold body. He had always carried numerous nightmares, but the sudden appearance of Scorpius on Moya was a living nightmare.
She rocked him and he let her, feeling safe in her embrace. "It'll be alright John," she replied as she felt his body sag against her.
She led him to his bed, knowing he was exhausted. As she sat him down, she took his face into her hands. "Try to get some sleep now, John. We'll find out tomorrow."
John nodded as he pulled his legs on top of the bed, not caring that he was still dressed. He looked at her one more time before settling himself in. "Thanks Pip. Thanks for just being there."
Chiana nodded as she quietly left his cell, still disturbed over his state of mind. As she stepped into the corridor, she gasped, startled by the sudden presence.
Chiana quickly recovered and straightened herself, ready to guard John's cell. She was surprised to see her back on he feet so soon.
"What do you want Aeryn?" Chiana asked, her tone like her stance, protective of him.
Aeryn raised an eyebrow, recognizing this in Chiana. "I thought John and I should talk in private. I sensed a change in him when we were together earlier. What I just saw between you two confirms it."
Chiana couldn't keep the sarcasm out of her voice as she replied, "How could you possibly sense anything? If I remember right, you left him and he almost died! Now you bring Scorpius here?"
Aeryn felt the flush over her face at her words. "I had my reasons, Chiana. Probably nothing you could possibly understand!"
"Well Aeryn, you're right! I don't understand!" Chiana snapped back. Settling herself down, she stated in a controlled voice, "Leave him alone tonight, Aeryn. He needs to think and he has just fallen asleep. Leave it alone for now!"
Aeryn tried to get by Chiana, but she blocked her way. They both knew that Aeryn could overpower her if she chose to, but she conceded nodding her head. If Chiana felt so strongly about this, Aeryn knew it must be best for John. As Aeryn backed away she asked one question. "What happened to him?"
Chiana shook her head at the question. "Nothing Aeryn, nothing at all," Chiana replied, heading for her cell, leaving Aeryn standing alone in the corridor.
xxxxx
When they stepped off D'Argo's ship and their feet hit the ground, they felt instantly at home, all but John who had not come out yet. D'Argo had left him in his ship to his own thoughts.
After Aeryn had welcomed the old crew, D'Argo made the introductions. Afterwards he had noticed Aeryn didn't quite look or act like herself. He wanted to question her but he knew now was not the time.
Sikozu just nodded to Aeryn, eyeing her warily. She turned to D'Argo, "What is a peacekeeper doing on this Leviathan? Aren't you afraid she's going to betray you?"
D'Argo rolled his eyes, knowing John had already explained Aeryn to her. "She is not a peacekeeper anymore! We told you that!"
"Once a peacekeeper, always a peacekeeper," Sikozu said with contempt in her voice. "No matter, I won't be here very long."
In the meantime the old lady was offering different potions to Aeryn. "You don't remember me do you? I know who you are."
Aeryn just waved her off. In a warning voice she said, "D'Argo do something with her!"
D'Argo shouted to Chiana. "Grab the old lady will you and shut her up!"
"Come on Wrinkles," Chiana said, backing her away from Aeryn. "It's best if you stay with me right now."
The old lady was chanting as Chiana pulled her away from Aeryn. Before anyone could stop her she said, " John knows. He knows more than he should and it's all my fault. I tried to correct it, but I failed. You know he had his heart and soul ripped from him, don't you? Such a terrible thing to happen."
Chiana wrapped her hand over her mouth as D'Argo yelled, "Shut her up!"
Aeryn's eyes were fixed on D'Argo now. "Where is he?"
Before D'Argo could reply, John emerged from the ship.
Their eyes locked on each other as John said, "I'm right here Aeryn."
She could hear the uncertainty in his voice and understood. After all that had happened she couldn't blame him.
The rest watched as Aeryn walked slowly towards John.
He seemed frozen to the deck, unable to move. He felt his heart beating louder with each step she took, his breath catching in his throat as he longed to embrace her. As she got closer he could see tears in her eyes. He looked at her puzzled, not understanding.
Being within an arms reach she simply crumbled into him. John caught her and saw her tears flowing freely now, as he carefully lowered her to the ground. "What is it Aeryn? Talk to me babe."
All she could do was cry as she lay in his arms. "Aeryn what ever it is, it will be alright. I promise you," he said as he softly kissed her on the forehead, relieved that she hadn't rejected him.
The others had gathered around worried over her collapse. No one saw the other one enter the room.
"Ah, I see we have a reunion going on. How quaint. So sorry to have to interrupt this.moment," he said leering.
In a fraction of a microt, guns were pulled out of the holsters, all pointed at him.
"What the hell are you doing here? I saw you take a pulse blast and buried!" John exclaimed.
Scorpius smiled through the leather mask. "Remember John, things are not always as they seem."
Aeryn was pulling at John, as he dropped down to her. "Don't shoot him. I need him to help me."
"You brought him here?" John looked at her astonished. "Tell me you didn't Aeryn!"
"John I had to," she replied, as she felt him lean back, away from her. "You'll understand soon."
John closed his eyes, not believing what he was hearing, feeling sick to his stomach. He thought she had finally come to terms with the other and the time apart had changed her mind about him. The words she had just spoken sent a shudder up his spine. Perhaps he was just another tool again, used by the last person he ever thought would succumb. 'Screwed again!'
John hadn't realized Scorpius was standing in front of him as he opened his eyes. He kicked at him, backing up and pulling Aeryn with him.
Scorpius reached his hand out to Aeryn, monitoring John's movements at the same time. John tried to fight him at first, until he saw Aeryn's hand reach for the half-scarrans.
"No! I don't believe this! What did you do to her Scorpy?" John yelled as he saw her go to him without resistance.
Scorpy smiled. "John I am disappointed in you. I'm only here to help Aeryn Sun, by her request. I mean no harm to any of you. She will be stronger in a few arns. Then we can explain."
John watched Aeryn go with Scorpy, feeling the bile rise in his throat. He shouted her name one last time, but received no reaction.
"Tell me Aeryn didn't just go with Scorpius!" John shouted. Chiana helped him to his feet, seeing the desolation come over him.
The crew was stunned into silence by what they had just seen.
John's mind was reeling. "I'll be in my quarters if anybody needs me. I need to.sort.this.out."
D'Argo could see how much this had affected him. It had taken it's toll on him also, but not to the extent it did on his friend.
In a comforting voice D'Argo said, "Get some rest John. I'll talk to Pilot and see if he knows anymore about what has happened to Aeryn."
"Thanks D," John replied, his voice dead, never looking up.
xxxxx
The crew was sitting together in the center chamber waiting for answers, except for John. He chose to sit away from the group as if they had a disease. In truth he just didn't want to be in close proximity to anyone.
"Aeryn, you said we would understand everything soon. Now's as good a time as any to start explaining," John said sarcastically, still disturbed by her allegiance with Scorpius.
Aeryn took a deep breath, but cast her eyes down before speaking. " I contracted a contagion when I was with the mercenaries. When they found out I was sick they tried to kill me. They couldn't afford for it to be spread through the ranks, so one soldier for many was justified. I barely made it out of their camp."
Chiana jumped up from the table. "So you bring it here to spread among us? What the frell are you thinking?"
Aeryn held up her hand. "It's contained for now."
D'Argo grabbed Chiana and sat her by him. "For how long?"
"She only has enough medication left for ten solar days," Scorpius interjected. "When that's gone she will die."
"So Aeryn where did you get the medication you have now?" John asked in a flat voice.
She winced at his tone. Aeryn knew her answer would only hurt him more. "A soldier I was close to, helped me escape and gave it to me. It was only to be used for the leaders. Everyone else was dispensable in the unit."
John knew what a friend in Peacekeeper language meant as he felt another dagger pierce his heart. "So what about leather-face here? What's the connection?"
Scorpius answered for her. "I know where the final cure is, John. Remember I am a scientist and was in charge of a command carrier. The peacekeepers have no secrets from me."
"What are you trying to tell me Scorpy Sue?" John asked never looking in their direction.
"I think you know, John."
"Not again," D'Argo scowled. "Not another command carrier!"
Aeryn now felt mixed emotions about asking for their help. "I will understand if you all choose not to help. Just from the little I've heard you have all suffered in your own ways."
John snapped, fearing someone had told her about Arnessk. He jumped to his feet and shouted. "What the hell would you know about any of it? You weren't there. You left -remember!"
John was visibly shaking as D'Argo went to him trying to calm him down. "John, Aeryn is only speaking in general. We haven't told her anything. Calm down my friend."
John fought against D'Argo's hold, as he continued. "Answer me this Aeryn. What happened to the baby? The baby you kept from me!"
The tears were now flowing down Aeryn's cheeks, as she stood to confront him. "The contagion attacked the baby first. It killed my baby, John! It poisoned him!"
John stood in stunned silence, suddenly feeling his knees buckle under him as the shock of her words ripped his soul apart. D'Argo grabbed him and slowly slid him to the ground. His body was racked by sobs as the truth was finally spoken.
Aeryn stood there watching him, feeling his pain. She wanted to go to him, but she was afraid. There seemed to be so much pent up anger in him, that she wasn't sure if she was good for him anymore. She looked at Chiana for direction.
Aeryn saw the tears running down the Nebari's cheeks, as she nodded yes. D'Argo stepped back as he saw Aeryn approach.
She slowly slid down beside John and hesitantly put her arm around him. When she felt him grab onto it, she knew it was all right. Aeryn wrapped her arms around him and held his sobbing body, her tears mingling with his.
Aeryn knew at that moment, she had been wrong leaving him behind. She had underestimated him and that just made her heart ache more.
Everyone in the room left, understanding this was a moment they needed together.
xxxxx
Aeryn lay in John's arms, both of them completely drained. Neither of them spoke, secure and content with the presence of the other. They were both lost in their own thoughts, their own solace for all that had been stolen from them.
John shifted slightly as he lightly wiped her forehead. He could see the beads of sweat forming again.
"Aeryn? Why did you leave me? Did you think I would abandon you because of the baby?"
She reached up to caress his face as she thought about the question. "I didn't think it would be fair to you. You had already been through enough dren, I didn't need to add to it."
"You should have at least given me a chance. I deserved that much!"
"I know. I was wrong, and if.I.had the baby." Aeryn couldn't speak anymore as the tears started.
"Shh, babe," John said, his voice breaking up. "We'll get through this. Just promise you'll trust me from now on." He hurt like she did, but he knew she was closer to it than he was. She was the one who had felt the tiny life in her; all he could do was imagine it.
Scorpius entered the chamber, breaking apart their world. "Aeryn it's time for your medication."
Aeryn pulled herself away knowing he spoke the truth. "Give me half an arn, John. We need to talk."
John nodded not wanting to let her go. He had finally found her, but the happiness they should have been feeling had turned to misery.
He rose to his feet knowing what he needed to do. He had lost one; he wasn't going to lose her also.
xxxxx
John found the rest of the crew in command. Their faces told him everything he needed to know.
"You can't do this to Aeryn. You've got to help! I can't do it alone!" The panic in his voice was evident to the others.
D'Argo spoke for all of them. "John we don't want to deal with another command carrier," he said, calmly. "I'm sorry my friend. We are too weary for anymore battles."
"You can't mean that, D'Argo. It's Aeryn we're talking about here!" John shouted as he flung the closest object across the room.
D'Argo retorted angrily. "I know who we're talking about! But what's the price this time?"
John froze at D'Argo's words. He slowly met his eyes as he said, "You mean Scorpius, don't you?"
D'Argo managed to contain his anger, before he replied. He knew John was not thinking clearly with the events that had taken place. "What does he want in return, John? He doesn't do anything without a self serving purpose."
John responded with a blank expression on his face. He hadn't thought of that. All he had been thinking about was Aeryn, the loss of the baby and saving her.
"I'm sorry John. Before we decide what to do, we need to know his reasons for helping her."
Sikozu replied as she saw Scorpius enter the room. "Well since he's here, lets ask him."
The rest of the crew was taken by surprise by that, as all eyes turned on Scorpius.
"Very good question Ka D'Argo. Hmmm, what do I want?" Scorpius strode through command with his hands behind his back as if he were thinking. "What I want is simple. I want Grayza destroyed and to continue my wormhole technology to destroy the Scarrans. Is that clear enough?"
Chiana felt unsettled by his mention of the wormhole technology. "How do you expect to continue the technology Scorpius?"
Scorpius smiled through the leather mask. "I have located a planet that will afford me all the technical aspects I need, but of course John is the link I will need to continue."
John felt as if he was in a daze. Everyone was talking around him, but not to him. He felt like a piece of meat now on the bargaining table.
"So it's John for Aeryn. Is that the deal?"
"You surprise me Ka D'Argo. They say Luxan's aren't very smart, but I would have to disagree with them now. You are correct in your assumption."
John finally spoke. "How do I know you will cure Aeryn?"
Scorpius considered his question. "We won't leave for the planet until Aeryn tells you herself that she is cured. Does that meet with your satisfaction?"
John nodded, knowing he was frelled no matter which way he turned. He turned to his crewmates, feeling another piece of him had been destroyed. "Please, I need your help. It can't be done without all of you."
Chiana moved closer to him. "Tell me it's worth it John."
He looked at her determined. "It is Chi. It is."
She softly stroked his cheek as she replied, "Then I'll be there for you, John."
D'Argo and the others saw how much it meant to him by his response to Chiana. They decided to stand by their friend and do what he asked of them.
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers through WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13
I want to thank Still_Waters for the great beta job. I couldn't have finished this without her.
His quarters. His. Something he never thought he would see again. He slowly took in every aspect of what he called his, as he turned and turned in the cell.
The emotions were strong, tearing him apart. He only wanted to relish the idea of being back on Moya, but other thoughts were trying to intrude, things he wanted to forget forever.
John knew the lack of sleep was playing into his inability to push the unwanted memories into the isolated corner. This corner was where he kept his nightmares hidden. For some reason he couldn't put his latest one, Grayza, there.
He found himself dwelling on this new pain, as the exhaustion and the newfound emotions with Aeryn, brought Grayza back to the surface, along with old memories from her newest companion.
The reunion on Moya had taken more out of him than he thought possible. He felt drained, numb. The façade he had managed to maintain in front of the others had finally broken down.
He felt like a caged animal in his quarters. He wanted to scream with happiness at being back on Moya and finding Aeryn again, even though she wasn't the same anymore. The other side of him wanted to cry out in pain, because of Grayza. He felt lost and confused.
John cringed remembering everything Grayza had put him through. She thought it was a way to gain his trust. 'Man were you wrong this time,' John thought, as made his way to the bed. He desperately needed to calm himself down as he brought his knees up to his chest and rocked himself. The rocking was the only thing that gave him any kind of comfort. He hugged himself tightly feeling secure now.
"I told Chi we needed to 'screw the pooch'. How could I know I would be on the flipside of that coin?" He laughed as the irony of it all hit him.
Chiana stood outside his quarters listening, knowing he would probably need her tonight. She had been able to see through the front he had put up for the rest of them. They had locked eyes on several occasions as the crew rejoiced in boarding Moya. He couldn't hide the agony from her. She knew.
Chiana stepped into his quarters quietly. "John?"
He jumped as the voice tore him from his inner thoughts. "Damn, Chiana! Couldn't you at least knock?" John yelled, raging, but not knowing why.
She backed up a step, surprised at his outburst, a hurt expression on her face.
John felt guilt immediately, not meaning to explode at her. She had just scared him. "Sorry, Chi, didn't mean to jump down your throat," he said, motioning for her to come sit with him.
"Are you sure?" Chiana asked, not wanting to intrude.
"Yeah, Pip. I'm sure," he replied, patting the space next to him. "I could use the company right about now."
As she sat next to him, she her hand on his neck, smiling. "Thinking about everything again?"
He nodded as he simply said, "Yeah."
She rubbed his neck, feeling the tightness. Chiana knew what he was thinking about, but also knew he wouldn't talk about it.
"Wanna talk about it old man?" she attempted.
John didn't answer right away, as he started rocking again. "Pip?"
"Yeah, John?"
"W.why did she b.bring him here? W.what kind of .bargain did she make with him.and. why?"
Chiana stopped rubbing his neck for a moment. She wished she could answer his questions, but Aeryn had told them she would talk explain later. "I don't know. We'll just have to wait until she's ready to tell us."
John snapped to his feet and paced back and forth in his quarters. He felt like he was going to jump out of his skin. He thought Chiana's presence would calm him, but he was still as jumpy as before.
Chiana was at a loss as she watched him, saying nothing.
He suddenly stopped. Looking at Chiana he said, "How could she bring him here? To the one place I felt somewhat safe?" John felt the coldness chill his body as a quick shudder ran through it.
Chiana saw the hurt in his eyes, as she went to him and put her arms around his cold body. He had always carried numerous nightmares, but the sudden appearance of Scorpius on Moya was a living nightmare.
She rocked him and he let her, feeling safe in her embrace. "It'll be alright John," she replied as she felt his body sag against her.
She led him to his bed, knowing he was exhausted. As she sat him down, she took his face into her hands. "Try to get some sleep now, John. We'll find out tomorrow."
John nodded as he pulled his legs on top of the bed, not caring that he was still dressed. He looked at her one more time before settling himself in. "Thanks Pip. Thanks for just being there."
Chiana nodded as she quietly left his cell, still disturbed over his state of mind. As she stepped into the corridor, she gasped, startled by the sudden presence.
Chiana quickly recovered and straightened herself, ready to guard John's cell. She was surprised to see her back on he feet so soon.
"What do you want Aeryn?" Chiana asked, her tone like her stance, protective of him.
Aeryn raised an eyebrow, recognizing this in Chiana. "I thought John and I should talk in private. I sensed a change in him when we were together earlier. What I just saw between you two confirms it."
Chiana couldn't keep the sarcasm out of her voice as she replied, "How could you possibly sense anything? If I remember right, you left him and he almost died! Now you bring Scorpius here?"
Aeryn felt the flush over her face at her words. "I had my reasons, Chiana. Probably nothing you could possibly understand!"
"Well Aeryn, you're right! I don't understand!" Chiana snapped back. Settling herself down, she stated in a controlled voice, "Leave him alone tonight, Aeryn. He needs to think and he has just fallen asleep. Leave it alone for now!"
Aeryn tried to get by Chiana, but she blocked her way. They both knew that Aeryn could overpower her if she chose to, but she conceded nodding her head. If Chiana felt so strongly about this, Aeryn knew it must be best for John. As Aeryn backed away she asked one question. "What happened to him?"
Chiana shook her head at the question. "Nothing Aeryn, nothing at all," Chiana replied, heading for her cell, leaving Aeryn standing alone in the corridor.
xxxxx
When they stepped off D'Argo's ship and their feet hit the ground, they felt instantly at home, all but John who had not come out yet. D'Argo had left him in his ship to his own thoughts.
After Aeryn had welcomed the old crew, D'Argo made the introductions. Afterwards he had noticed Aeryn didn't quite look or act like herself. He wanted to question her but he knew now was not the time.
Sikozu just nodded to Aeryn, eyeing her warily. She turned to D'Argo, "What is a peacekeeper doing on this Leviathan? Aren't you afraid she's going to betray you?"
D'Argo rolled his eyes, knowing John had already explained Aeryn to her. "She is not a peacekeeper anymore! We told you that!"
"Once a peacekeeper, always a peacekeeper," Sikozu said with contempt in her voice. "No matter, I won't be here very long."
In the meantime the old lady was offering different potions to Aeryn. "You don't remember me do you? I know who you are."
Aeryn just waved her off. In a warning voice she said, "D'Argo do something with her!"
D'Argo shouted to Chiana. "Grab the old lady will you and shut her up!"
"Come on Wrinkles," Chiana said, backing her away from Aeryn. "It's best if you stay with me right now."
The old lady was chanting as Chiana pulled her away from Aeryn. Before anyone could stop her she said, " John knows. He knows more than he should and it's all my fault. I tried to correct it, but I failed. You know he had his heart and soul ripped from him, don't you? Such a terrible thing to happen."
Chiana wrapped her hand over her mouth as D'Argo yelled, "Shut her up!"
Aeryn's eyes were fixed on D'Argo now. "Where is he?"
Before D'Argo could reply, John emerged from the ship.
Their eyes locked on each other as John said, "I'm right here Aeryn."
She could hear the uncertainty in his voice and understood. After all that had happened she couldn't blame him.
The rest watched as Aeryn walked slowly towards John.
He seemed frozen to the deck, unable to move. He felt his heart beating louder with each step she took, his breath catching in his throat as he longed to embrace her. As she got closer he could see tears in her eyes. He looked at her puzzled, not understanding.
Being within an arms reach she simply crumbled into him. John caught her and saw her tears flowing freely now, as he carefully lowered her to the ground. "What is it Aeryn? Talk to me babe."
All she could do was cry as she lay in his arms. "Aeryn what ever it is, it will be alright. I promise you," he said as he softly kissed her on the forehead, relieved that she hadn't rejected him.
The others had gathered around worried over her collapse. No one saw the other one enter the room.
"Ah, I see we have a reunion going on. How quaint. So sorry to have to interrupt this.moment," he said leering.
In a fraction of a microt, guns were pulled out of the holsters, all pointed at him.
"What the hell are you doing here? I saw you take a pulse blast and buried!" John exclaimed.
Scorpius smiled through the leather mask. "Remember John, things are not always as they seem."
Aeryn was pulling at John, as he dropped down to her. "Don't shoot him. I need him to help me."
"You brought him here?" John looked at her astonished. "Tell me you didn't Aeryn!"
"John I had to," she replied, as she felt him lean back, away from her. "You'll understand soon."
John closed his eyes, not believing what he was hearing, feeling sick to his stomach. He thought she had finally come to terms with the other and the time apart had changed her mind about him. The words she had just spoken sent a shudder up his spine. Perhaps he was just another tool again, used by the last person he ever thought would succumb. 'Screwed again!'
John hadn't realized Scorpius was standing in front of him as he opened his eyes. He kicked at him, backing up and pulling Aeryn with him.
Scorpius reached his hand out to Aeryn, monitoring John's movements at the same time. John tried to fight him at first, until he saw Aeryn's hand reach for the half-scarrans.
"No! I don't believe this! What did you do to her Scorpy?" John yelled as he saw her go to him without resistance.
Scorpy smiled. "John I am disappointed in you. I'm only here to help Aeryn Sun, by her request. I mean no harm to any of you. She will be stronger in a few arns. Then we can explain."
John watched Aeryn go with Scorpy, feeling the bile rise in his throat. He shouted her name one last time, but received no reaction.
"Tell me Aeryn didn't just go with Scorpius!" John shouted. Chiana helped him to his feet, seeing the desolation come over him.
The crew was stunned into silence by what they had just seen.
John's mind was reeling. "I'll be in my quarters if anybody needs me. I need to.sort.this.out."
D'Argo could see how much this had affected him. It had taken it's toll on him also, but not to the extent it did on his friend.
In a comforting voice D'Argo said, "Get some rest John. I'll talk to Pilot and see if he knows anymore about what has happened to Aeryn."
"Thanks D," John replied, his voice dead, never looking up.
xxxxx
The crew was sitting together in the center chamber waiting for answers, except for John. He chose to sit away from the group as if they had a disease. In truth he just didn't want to be in close proximity to anyone.
"Aeryn, you said we would understand everything soon. Now's as good a time as any to start explaining," John said sarcastically, still disturbed by her allegiance with Scorpius.
Aeryn took a deep breath, but cast her eyes down before speaking. " I contracted a contagion when I was with the mercenaries. When they found out I was sick they tried to kill me. They couldn't afford for it to be spread through the ranks, so one soldier for many was justified. I barely made it out of their camp."
Chiana jumped up from the table. "So you bring it here to spread among us? What the frell are you thinking?"
Aeryn held up her hand. "It's contained for now."
D'Argo grabbed Chiana and sat her by him. "For how long?"
"She only has enough medication left for ten solar days," Scorpius interjected. "When that's gone she will die."
"So Aeryn where did you get the medication you have now?" John asked in a flat voice.
She winced at his tone. Aeryn knew her answer would only hurt him more. "A soldier I was close to, helped me escape and gave it to me. It was only to be used for the leaders. Everyone else was dispensable in the unit."
John knew what a friend in Peacekeeper language meant as he felt another dagger pierce his heart. "So what about leather-face here? What's the connection?"
Scorpius answered for her. "I know where the final cure is, John. Remember I am a scientist and was in charge of a command carrier. The peacekeepers have no secrets from me."
"What are you trying to tell me Scorpy Sue?" John asked never looking in their direction.
"I think you know, John."
"Not again," D'Argo scowled. "Not another command carrier!"
Aeryn now felt mixed emotions about asking for their help. "I will understand if you all choose not to help. Just from the little I've heard you have all suffered in your own ways."
John snapped, fearing someone had told her about Arnessk. He jumped to his feet and shouted. "What the hell would you know about any of it? You weren't there. You left -remember!"
John was visibly shaking as D'Argo went to him trying to calm him down. "John, Aeryn is only speaking in general. We haven't told her anything. Calm down my friend."
John fought against D'Argo's hold, as he continued. "Answer me this Aeryn. What happened to the baby? The baby you kept from me!"
The tears were now flowing down Aeryn's cheeks, as she stood to confront him. "The contagion attacked the baby first. It killed my baby, John! It poisoned him!"
John stood in stunned silence, suddenly feeling his knees buckle under him as the shock of her words ripped his soul apart. D'Argo grabbed him and slowly slid him to the ground. His body was racked by sobs as the truth was finally spoken.
Aeryn stood there watching him, feeling his pain. She wanted to go to him, but she was afraid. There seemed to be so much pent up anger in him, that she wasn't sure if she was good for him anymore. She looked at Chiana for direction.
Aeryn saw the tears running down the Nebari's cheeks, as she nodded yes. D'Argo stepped back as he saw Aeryn approach.
She slowly slid down beside John and hesitantly put her arm around him. When she felt him grab onto it, she knew it was all right. Aeryn wrapped her arms around him and held his sobbing body, her tears mingling with his.
Aeryn knew at that moment, she had been wrong leaving him behind. She had underestimated him and that just made her heart ache more.
Everyone in the room left, understanding this was a moment they needed together.
xxxxx
Aeryn lay in John's arms, both of them completely drained. Neither of them spoke, secure and content with the presence of the other. They were both lost in their own thoughts, their own solace for all that had been stolen from them.
John shifted slightly as he lightly wiped her forehead. He could see the beads of sweat forming again.
"Aeryn? Why did you leave me? Did you think I would abandon you because of the baby?"
She reached up to caress his face as she thought about the question. "I didn't think it would be fair to you. You had already been through enough dren, I didn't need to add to it."
"You should have at least given me a chance. I deserved that much!"
"I know. I was wrong, and if.I.had the baby." Aeryn couldn't speak anymore as the tears started.
"Shh, babe," John said, his voice breaking up. "We'll get through this. Just promise you'll trust me from now on." He hurt like she did, but he knew she was closer to it than he was. She was the one who had felt the tiny life in her; all he could do was imagine it.
Scorpius entered the chamber, breaking apart their world. "Aeryn it's time for your medication."
Aeryn pulled herself away knowing he spoke the truth. "Give me half an arn, John. We need to talk."
John nodded not wanting to let her go. He had finally found her, but the happiness they should have been feeling had turned to misery.
He rose to his feet knowing what he needed to do. He had lost one; he wasn't going to lose her also.
xxxxx
John found the rest of the crew in command. Their faces told him everything he needed to know.
"You can't do this to Aeryn. You've got to help! I can't do it alone!" The panic in his voice was evident to the others.
D'Argo spoke for all of them. "John we don't want to deal with another command carrier," he said, calmly. "I'm sorry my friend. We are too weary for anymore battles."
"You can't mean that, D'Argo. It's Aeryn we're talking about here!" John shouted as he flung the closest object across the room.
D'Argo retorted angrily. "I know who we're talking about! But what's the price this time?"
John froze at D'Argo's words. He slowly met his eyes as he said, "You mean Scorpius, don't you?"
D'Argo managed to contain his anger, before he replied. He knew John was not thinking clearly with the events that had taken place. "What does he want in return, John? He doesn't do anything without a self serving purpose."
John responded with a blank expression on his face. He hadn't thought of that. All he had been thinking about was Aeryn, the loss of the baby and saving her.
"I'm sorry John. Before we decide what to do, we need to know his reasons for helping her."
Sikozu replied as she saw Scorpius enter the room. "Well since he's here, lets ask him."
The rest of the crew was taken by surprise by that, as all eyes turned on Scorpius.
"Very good question Ka D'Argo. Hmmm, what do I want?" Scorpius strode through command with his hands behind his back as if he were thinking. "What I want is simple. I want Grayza destroyed and to continue my wormhole technology to destroy the Scarrans. Is that clear enough?"
Chiana felt unsettled by his mention of the wormhole technology. "How do you expect to continue the technology Scorpius?"
Scorpius smiled through the leather mask. "I have located a planet that will afford me all the technical aspects I need, but of course John is the link I will need to continue."
John felt as if he was in a daze. Everyone was talking around him, but not to him. He felt like a piece of meat now on the bargaining table.
"So it's John for Aeryn. Is that the deal?"
"You surprise me Ka D'Argo. They say Luxan's aren't very smart, but I would have to disagree with them now. You are correct in your assumption."
John finally spoke. "How do I know you will cure Aeryn?"
Scorpius considered his question. "We won't leave for the planet until Aeryn tells you herself that she is cured. Does that meet with your satisfaction?"
John nodded, knowing he was frelled no matter which way he turned. He turned to his crewmates, feeling another piece of him had been destroyed. "Please, I need your help. It can't be done without all of you."
Chiana moved closer to him. "Tell me it's worth it John."
He looked at her determined. "It is Chi. It is."
She softly stroked his cheek as she replied, "Then I'll be there for you, John."
D'Argo and the others saw how much it meant to him by his response to Chiana. They decided to stand by their friend and do what he asked of them.