When You Least Expect It 2.10
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own them
"Eenie, Meanie"
The transport pod hovered outside of Moya; waiting for the Scarran's to fulfill their end of the deal. John was getting impatient waiting for the module to appear. He wanted Aeryn safe and didn't want to prolong his own destiny. "Let's just get it the frell over with!"
"Pilot, why the delay?" John asked feeling sick to his stomach.
"I don't know Commander. I will try to contact the vessel," Pilot replied, saddened by the choice this human had to make.
"Thanks, Pilot. I'll just hang out here for a while and wait for you to get back to me," John said, trying to sound light hearted. He couldn't go back to Moya. He didn't want to see his friends. It would be too hard to leave again.
xxxxx
The Scarran Commander couldn't believe what he was witnessing. The women was actually refusing to leave.
"I won't let him sacrifice himself for me!" Aeryn said forcefully. "I refuse the deal!"
"It's not your choice peacekeeper. It's what we want and he is willing to do it in exchange for your life. You will do as you are told!"
"Or what? You will kill me?" Aeryn grinned in a malicious way. "Then you'll never get him!"
Aeryn felt this was the only way for her. A part of her had died with the other. She couldn't let this one die. She had caused him so much pain emotionally because of her own pain. This was the least she could do for him. The one who still stood by her side in spite of all she had put him through. Suddenly Jool's comment came to mind, "Perhaps you don't deserve him." Perhaps, Aeryn thought hearing one of the soldiers speaking.
"Sir, the pod is outside the Leviathan waiting."
The commander looked at Aeryn. "Set the coordinates in the module for the Leviathan, Lieutenant. She will go with force if need be." The Scarran motioned one of his men to come forward. "Put her out!"
Aeryn fought against the soldier, knowing she was losing the battle. His strength was without a doubt greater than hers. Suddenly she felt a blow to her right temple, as the soldier used his fist. She slowly felt herself falling to the ground, as reality slipped away and darkness overtook her.
The commander looked down at Aeryn's curled form on the ground. Satisfied, he said, "Inform the Leviathan she will be on her way shortly."
xxxxx
"Scorpius, I think you should come to command. There is something strange going on," Braca commed.
Braca heard the sigh, "What is it now, Lieutenant!"
"Sir, the transport pod is just hovering outside of the Leviathan," Braca replied. "I think something may be about to happen."
Scorpius asked anxiously, " What life form are you picking up in the pod?"
Braca punched several buttons on the console quickly. "Human!"
"Crichton!" Scorpius exclaimed. "The Scarran's must have Officer Sun. That's who must have been on the module! I will be there shortly. Prepare the ship to engage the pod!"
"But sir, the Scarrans are too close."
"Braca, do I need to remind you again who is in command," Scorpius spat out, as headed to command.
"N..No sir."
"Then make the ship ready!"
xxxxx
John was humming Yankee Doodle Dandy to himself, trying to alleviate the tension he felt in his body. He got bored with that song and tried other ones. Unfortunately he was having a hard time remembering songs, it had been so long since he had heard any.
"Man, the wait is killing me!" John was talking out loud as he suddenly burst into laughter, as a few tears escaped his eyes. "That's an understatement," John said solemnly, the laughter stopped. He started to think about his fate and his life.
He leaned his head back, taking a deep breath to settle his nerves. "Hell, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I am so sorry everybody for getting you into this dren. You would have been a lot better off if I had never boarded this ship," John said, feeling the weight heavy on his shoulders.
xxxxx
Unbeknownst to John his comm was open and the crew was listening to his thoughts.
Chiana and Jool stood there with tears streaming down their faces, their hearts aching, feeling his pain. D'Argo had his head down, wishing there was something he could do for his friend, as they listened to his thoughts.
Derry broke the silence in the room. "Let him know you stand by him. Give him the strength he needs. Let him carry your strength with him. Don't let him go away feeling responsible for all that has happened."
D'Argo looked at Derry. "He doesn't know we heard this. These were his private thoughts. We can't intrude on them."
"Then open the link yourself," Derry replied, staring at the Luxan. "It may be your last chance."
xxxxx
Pilot felt for John, as he monitored him. He was waiting for a response from the Scarran vessel, as he heard John's ramblings. He knew he could not respond, as this would be a betrayal to someone he respected. He would never disrespect John Crichton.
Pilot's thoughts were broken by the transmission from the Scarran vessel.
"Leviathan. The module will be leaving soon. We had some…unexpected trouble. Your peacekeeper wouldn't leave. She had to be restrained. We have set the coordinates in the ship, but you will need to assist in the docking."
"Is Officer Sun alright?" Pilot asked in a concerned voice.
"She is, and has been placed in the ship, as we promised."
"Very well. I will inform Commander Crichton," Pilot replied, worried about Aeryn's condition.
"The exchange should happen in a matter of microts."
"Understood," Pilot replied, realizing the time had come for the inevitable.
"Commander Crichton?" Pilot commed.
John was snapped out of his thoughts as Pilot spoke. "You got some news for me Pilot?"
"I just received a transmission from the Scarran vessel. The exchange should take place shortly, Commander." Pilot decided not to tell John why there was a delay. It would not help him. It would only cause him more pain. That was one thing he didn't need now.
"Thanks, Pilot. I'll be waiting," John replied, feeling the end of his journey was near. "Just get Aeryn back to safety." This was the thought John would hang onto, as he turned himself over to the Scarrans. This was how he would comfort himself.
xxxxx
D'Argo thought about what Derry said. He knew he was right. He couldn't let his friend leave, without telling him how much he valued his friendship.
"John?" D'Argo asked, worried John would not answer.
"I'm here. What is it?" John answered, feeling comfort in the voice.
D'Argo was having trouble putting his thoughts into words. "I…just want to say thank you. We will find a way to rescue you. You are a true warrior."
"Thanks Big D, just worry about yourselves. I'll manage," John replied. "Remember, as soon as Aeryn is aboard, starburst the hell out of here! Just take care of her for me, will ya?"
"I will John," D'Argo replied, frustrated.
xxxxx
John saw the module exit the Scarran ship, knowing it was time. He waited a few microts to give the module time to get out of the range of the docking web. Satisfied, John knew the time had come for him to hold up his end of the deal.
"Pilot, I think Aeryn's far enough away from their ship. I'm leaving now."
"You are correct Commander. Aeryn is out of their range. Good luck…John." Pilot replied with mixed emotions.
John smiled at the use of his name. "Thanks Pilot," John said, feeling the rattlers in his stomach again.
John navigated the pod towards the Scarran vessel slowly. He wanted to make sure Aeryn made it safely aboard Moya, before he was taken. It would be the last joy John would experience. He didn't want there to be any doubt in his mind. He knew his mind was frelled as it was, but at least he could hold onto something.
John passed the module on his way to the Scarran vessel, knowing she would be in Moya's docking web in a matter of microts. He felt relieved now, knowing he could proceed, feeling his loss. 'Just get the hell out of here Moya! Go and be safe!'
Suddenly the pod was being pulled in several directions. John was trying to get the vessel under control, but to no avail. It was being pulled into a ship hovering above him as he tried to fight against it.
"Hell! I don't have any control over this ship!" John exclaimed, feeling himself being drawn against his wishes. "Moya!"
"Pilot! Starburst now! Get the frell out of here. The plan has backfired!" John cried as he realized he couldn't fight the docking web.
"John! What has happened?" D'Argo asked in a frantic voice.
John was struggling, still trying to fight the docking web, "I don't know, but just get the hell out of here! I'll see you on the flipside, my friend! Keep her safe. Crichton signing off!"
D'Ago heard the hiss now in the comms. His shoulder's sagged, hearing the last transmission from John. He knew they had to do what he asked of them as he turned to the console, "Pilot, are we ready for starburst?"
"We are Ka D'Argo, I will initiate starburst now, by the commanders orders."
"Hold on everyone," D'Argo said, feeling he had lost something in his meager life. The only person he thought of as a true friend.
xxxxx
As Moya evened out, the crew ran to the landing bay to see if Aeryn was all right. She was waking slowly as they entered the bay.
D'Argo helped her out of the module, as she was still in a weakened state. Jool fussed over her, checking her head wound. Aeryn pushed away from all of them.
"I'm fine," she said with irritation in her voice. She leaned against Moya's walls to steady herself.
"Tell me what's happened," Aeryn said looking directly at D'Argo.
D'Argo looked at her. 'I can't,' he thought to himself, as he dropped his head and walked out of the bay, silently.
Aeryn watched him leave in surprise. The bay was quiet. "Well is someone going to tell me what the frell has happened!" Aeryn exclaimed loudly.
Chiana spoke up. "D'Argo is upset, Aeryn! John was his friend, and now he's gone!"
Aeryn focused on remembering her last thought before waking up on Moya. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat, as she whispered, " The deal."
"Yes, Aeryn, the deal. But it didn't go as planned. John is gone, but we don't know who has him. He made us starburst before Pilot could identify the ship."
Aeryn gasped as she heard the word starburst leave Chiana's lips. "Are you telling me we left John behind? I can't frelling believe it! How could you?" Aeryn shouted, just inches away from Chiana's face.
The anger in Aeryn's voice was chilling, as Chiana took several steps back. Travor and Jool interceded, seeing the fear in Chiana. Travor put his hand lightly around Aeryn's arm, drawing her away from the Nebari. "We didn't have a choice," he said quietly.
"John made us promise. He didn't trust the Scarrans, Aeryn. He only did it for us. Chiana speaks the truth, we had no choice," Jool replied in a calm voice.
"Choice! Choice! There's always a choice," Aeryn said as she stormed out of the bay in search of D'Argo, the word still going through her mind.
xxxxx
The Scarren commander stared in disbelief, as he saw the pod being pulled into the other ship. "Lieutenant, fire on that ship! I will not lose my prey!" Joknil instructed, feeling the heat in his body rise.
"What about the pod, sir?"
He had gone through too much to lose the human now. He could not fail. "Protect the pod, I want a direct hit on the ship!"
The ship fired on the vessel, hitting it, but they could see it had just grazed the outer hull. "Again," Joknil shouted.
"Sir, the pod is too close to the ship now. We may, without intent, hit the pod at the same time," Lieutenant Hasher replied.
Commander Joknil was aware of the proximity of the pod to the Command Carrier, as he stated in no uncertain terms, "If I can't have the human, neither can Scorpius!"
"Fire!"
xxxxx
Scorpius was very pleased with himself, as he smiled. "Just think, Braca. I have just taken Crichton from them right under their nose. I don't think they are as superior as they think," Scorpius said with malice in his voice. He had many reasons to hate the Scarrans, and this was one way of getting revenge.
Braca smiled, just to satisfy him. He could care less about Crichton. He just wanted to avoid a confrontation with the Scarrans. Braca knew they would have to be quick about leaving, as the Scarran vessel had a lock on their position.
"Sir, we are endangering the ship. I don't think the Scarran's will wait much longer before firing."
Scorpius turned and looked at the readings himself. "Frell! Get him aboard quickly, we've run out of time!"
The words had no sooner left Scorpius' lips when the ship was hit by the blast, sending the crew careening about.
"Get him on board now," Scorpius growled at the men, holding on for dear life. "Braca, start evasive maneuvers!"
xxxxx
John was still trying to fight the web, but he knew he would lose. The force was too strong for any ship.
John lay back, letting the force take him. "Who would ever had imagined this scene," he said to himself chuckling, "Someone fighting over me!"
He sobered slightly as Aeryn came to mind, as if she had ever left. "I only wanted you to fight for me babe, not the two monster races. Hell, I'm frelled either way! Eenie, meanie, miny, moe….who do I want to frell with my mind," he said feeling the smile leave his face as despair set in. "Well at least you're in the clear, Moya and crew. You'll have to find a new whipping boy, cause this boy is going bye bye."
John suddenly felt a jolt in the docking web, bringing him back to the present. "What the frell!" John turned in the direction of the gunfire. His eyes widened as he saw a new blast coming towards him.
"Shiiiiit! Holy mother of God!" John shouted closing his eyes, ready to accept the inevitable, knowing he would at least find some peace in this twisted place.
The blast hit the carrier, sending him into oblivion.
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own them
"Eenie, Meanie"
The transport pod hovered outside of Moya; waiting for the Scarran's to fulfill their end of the deal. John was getting impatient waiting for the module to appear. He wanted Aeryn safe and didn't want to prolong his own destiny. "Let's just get it the frell over with!"
"Pilot, why the delay?" John asked feeling sick to his stomach.
"I don't know Commander. I will try to contact the vessel," Pilot replied, saddened by the choice this human had to make.
"Thanks, Pilot. I'll just hang out here for a while and wait for you to get back to me," John said, trying to sound light hearted. He couldn't go back to Moya. He didn't want to see his friends. It would be too hard to leave again.
xxxxx
The Scarran Commander couldn't believe what he was witnessing. The women was actually refusing to leave.
"I won't let him sacrifice himself for me!" Aeryn said forcefully. "I refuse the deal!"
"It's not your choice peacekeeper. It's what we want and he is willing to do it in exchange for your life. You will do as you are told!"
"Or what? You will kill me?" Aeryn grinned in a malicious way. "Then you'll never get him!"
Aeryn felt this was the only way for her. A part of her had died with the other. She couldn't let this one die. She had caused him so much pain emotionally because of her own pain. This was the least she could do for him. The one who still stood by her side in spite of all she had put him through. Suddenly Jool's comment came to mind, "Perhaps you don't deserve him." Perhaps, Aeryn thought hearing one of the soldiers speaking.
"Sir, the pod is outside the Leviathan waiting."
The commander looked at Aeryn. "Set the coordinates in the module for the Leviathan, Lieutenant. She will go with force if need be." The Scarran motioned one of his men to come forward. "Put her out!"
Aeryn fought against the soldier, knowing she was losing the battle. His strength was without a doubt greater than hers. Suddenly she felt a blow to her right temple, as the soldier used his fist. She slowly felt herself falling to the ground, as reality slipped away and darkness overtook her.
The commander looked down at Aeryn's curled form on the ground. Satisfied, he said, "Inform the Leviathan she will be on her way shortly."
xxxxx
"Scorpius, I think you should come to command. There is something strange going on," Braca commed.
Braca heard the sigh, "What is it now, Lieutenant!"
"Sir, the transport pod is just hovering outside of the Leviathan," Braca replied. "I think something may be about to happen."
Scorpius asked anxiously, " What life form are you picking up in the pod?"
Braca punched several buttons on the console quickly. "Human!"
"Crichton!" Scorpius exclaimed. "The Scarran's must have Officer Sun. That's who must have been on the module! I will be there shortly. Prepare the ship to engage the pod!"
"But sir, the Scarrans are too close."
"Braca, do I need to remind you again who is in command," Scorpius spat out, as headed to command.
"N..No sir."
"Then make the ship ready!"
xxxxx
John was humming Yankee Doodle Dandy to himself, trying to alleviate the tension he felt in his body. He got bored with that song and tried other ones. Unfortunately he was having a hard time remembering songs, it had been so long since he had heard any.
"Man, the wait is killing me!" John was talking out loud as he suddenly burst into laughter, as a few tears escaped his eyes. "That's an understatement," John said solemnly, the laughter stopped. He started to think about his fate and his life.
He leaned his head back, taking a deep breath to settle his nerves. "Hell, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I am so sorry everybody for getting you into this dren. You would have been a lot better off if I had never boarded this ship," John said, feeling the weight heavy on his shoulders.
xxxxx
Unbeknownst to John his comm was open and the crew was listening to his thoughts.
Chiana and Jool stood there with tears streaming down their faces, their hearts aching, feeling his pain. D'Argo had his head down, wishing there was something he could do for his friend, as they listened to his thoughts.
Derry broke the silence in the room. "Let him know you stand by him. Give him the strength he needs. Let him carry your strength with him. Don't let him go away feeling responsible for all that has happened."
D'Argo looked at Derry. "He doesn't know we heard this. These were his private thoughts. We can't intrude on them."
"Then open the link yourself," Derry replied, staring at the Luxan. "It may be your last chance."
xxxxx
Pilot felt for John, as he monitored him. He was waiting for a response from the Scarran vessel, as he heard John's ramblings. He knew he could not respond, as this would be a betrayal to someone he respected. He would never disrespect John Crichton.
Pilot's thoughts were broken by the transmission from the Scarran vessel.
"Leviathan. The module will be leaving soon. We had some…unexpected trouble. Your peacekeeper wouldn't leave. She had to be restrained. We have set the coordinates in the ship, but you will need to assist in the docking."
"Is Officer Sun alright?" Pilot asked in a concerned voice.
"She is, and has been placed in the ship, as we promised."
"Very well. I will inform Commander Crichton," Pilot replied, worried about Aeryn's condition.
"The exchange should happen in a matter of microts."
"Understood," Pilot replied, realizing the time had come for the inevitable.
"Commander Crichton?" Pilot commed.
John was snapped out of his thoughts as Pilot spoke. "You got some news for me Pilot?"
"I just received a transmission from the Scarran vessel. The exchange should take place shortly, Commander." Pilot decided not to tell John why there was a delay. It would not help him. It would only cause him more pain. That was one thing he didn't need now.
"Thanks, Pilot. I'll be waiting," John replied, feeling the end of his journey was near. "Just get Aeryn back to safety." This was the thought John would hang onto, as he turned himself over to the Scarrans. This was how he would comfort himself.
xxxxx
D'Argo thought about what Derry said. He knew he was right. He couldn't let his friend leave, without telling him how much he valued his friendship.
"John?" D'Argo asked, worried John would not answer.
"I'm here. What is it?" John answered, feeling comfort in the voice.
D'Argo was having trouble putting his thoughts into words. "I…just want to say thank you. We will find a way to rescue you. You are a true warrior."
"Thanks Big D, just worry about yourselves. I'll manage," John replied. "Remember, as soon as Aeryn is aboard, starburst the hell out of here! Just take care of her for me, will ya?"
"I will John," D'Argo replied, frustrated.
xxxxx
John saw the module exit the Scarran ship, knowing it was time. He waited a few microts to give the module time to get out of the range of the docking web. Satisfied, John knew the time had come for him to hold up his end of the deal.
"Pilot, I think Aeryn's far enough away from their ship. I'm leaving now."
"You are correct Commander. Aeryn is out of their range. Good luck…John." Pilot replied with mixed emotions.
John smiled at the use of his name. "Thanks Pilot," John said, feeling the rattlers in his stomach again.
John navigated the pod towards the Scarran vessel slowly. He wanted to make sure Aeryn made it safely aboard Moya, before he was taken. It would be the last joy John would experience. He didn't want there to be any doubt in his mind. He knew his mind was frelled as it was, but at least he could hold onto something.
John passed the module on his way to the Scarran vessel, knowing she would be in Moya's docking web in a matter of microts. He felt relieved now, knowing he could proceed, feeling his loss. 'Just get the hell out of here Moya! Go and be safe!'
Suddenly the pod was being pulled in several directions. John was trying to get the vessel under control, but to no avail. It was being pulled into a ship hovering above him as he tried to fight against it.
"Hell! I don't have any control over this ship!" John exclaimed, feeling himself being drawn against his wishes. "Moya!"
"Pilot! Starburst now! Get the frell out of here. The plan has backfired!" John cried as he realized he couldn't fight the docking web.
"John! What has happened?" D'Argo asked in a frantic voice.
John was struggling, still trying to fight the docking web, "I don't know, but just get the hell out of here! I'll see you on the flipside, my friend! Keep her safe. Crichton signing off!"
D'Ago heard the hiss now in the comms. His shoulder's sagged, hearing the last transmission from John. He knew they had to do what he asked of them as he turned to the console, "Pilot, are we ready for starburst?"
"We are Ka D'Argo, I will initiate starburst now, by the commanders orders."
"Hold on everyone," D'Argo said, feeling he had lost something in his meager life. The only person he thought of as a true friend.
xxxxx
As Moya evened out, the crew ran to the landing bay to see if Aeryn was all right. She was waking slowly as they entered the bay.
D'Argo helped her out of the module, as she was still in a weakened state. Jool fussed over her, checking her head wound. Aeryn pushed away from all of them.
"I'm fine," she said with irritation in her voice. She leaned against Moya's walls to steady herself.
"Tell me what's happened," Aeryn said looking directly at D'Argo.
D'Argo looked at her. 'I can't,' he thought to himself, as he dropped his head and walked out of the bay, silently.
Aeryn watched him leave in surprise. The bay was quiet. "Well is someone going to tell me what the frell has happened!" Aeryn exclaimed loudly.
Chiana spoke up. "D'Argo is upset, Aeryn! John was his friend, and now he's gone!"
Aeryn focused on remembering her last thought before waking up on Moya. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat, as she whispered, " The deal."
"Yes, Aeryn, the deal. But it didn't go as planned. John is gone, but we don't know who has him. He made us starburst before Pilot could identify the ship."
Aeryn gasped as she heard the word starburst leave Chiana's lips. "Are you telling me we left John behind? I can't frelling believe it! How could you?" Aeryn shouted, just inches away from Chiana's face.
The anger in Aeryn's voice was chilling, as Chiana took several steps back. Travor and Jool interceded, seeing the fear in Chiana. Travor put his hand lightly around Aeryn's arm, drawing her away from the Nebari. "We didn't have a choice," he said quietly.
"John made us promise. He didn't trust the Scarrans, Aeryn. He only did it for us. Chiana speaks the truth, we had no choice," Jool replied in a calm voice.
"Choice! Choice! There's always a choice," Aeryn said as she stormed out of the bay in search of D'Argo, the word still going through her mind.
xxxxx
The Scarren commander stared in disbelief, as he saw the pod being pulled into the other ship. "Lieutenant, fire on that ship! I will not lose my prey!" Joknil instructed, feeling the heat in his body rise.
"What about the pod, sir?"
He had gone through too much to lose the human now. He could not fail. "Protect the pod, I want a direct hit on the ship!"
The ship fired on the vessel, hitting it, but they could see it had just grazed the outer hull. "Again," Joknil shouted.
"Sir, the pod is too close to the ship now. We may, without intent, hit the pod at the same time," Lieutenant Hasher replied.
Commander Joknil was aware of the proximity of the pod to the Command Carrier, as he stated in no uncertain terms, "If I can't have the human, neither can Scorpius!"
"Fire!"
xxxxx
Scorpius was very pleased with himself, as he smiled. "Just think, Braca. I have just taken Crichton from them right under their nose. I don't think they are as superior as they think," Scorpius said with malice in his voice. He had many reasons to hate the Scarrans, and this was one way of getting revenge.
Braca smiled, just to satisfy him. He could care less about Crichton. He just wanted to avoid a confrontation with the Scarrans. Braca knew they would have to be quick about leaving, as the Scarran vessel had a lock on their position.
"Sir, we are endangering the ship. I don't think the Scarran's will wait much longer before firing."
Scorpius turned and looked at the readings himself. "Frell! Get him aboard quickly, we've run out of time!"
The words had no sooner left Scorpius' lips when the ship was hit by the blast, sending the crew careening about.
"Get him on board now," Scorpius growled at the men, holding on for dear life. "Braca, start evasive maneuvers!"
xxxxx
John was still trying to fight the web, but he knew he would lose. The force was too strong for any ship.
John lay back, letting the force take him. "Who would ever had imagined this scene," he said to himself chuckling, "Someone fighting over me!"
He sobered slightly as Aeryn came to mind, as if she had ever left. "I only wanted you to fight for me babe, not the two monster races. Hell, I'm frelled either way! Eenie, meanie, miny, moe….who do I want to frell with my mind," he said feeling the smile leave his face as despair set in. "Well at least you're in the clear, Moya and crew. You'll have to find a new whipping boy, cause this boy is going bye bye."
John suddenly felt a jolt in the docking web, bringing him back to the present. "What the frell!" John turned in the direction of the gunfire. His eyes widened as he saw a new blast coming towards him.
"Shiiiiit! Holy mother of God!" John shouted closing his eyes, ready to accept the inevitable, knowing he would at least find some peace in this twisted place.
The blast hit the carrier, sending him into oblivion.