When You Least Expect It Part 11
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading
Darion had reached tunnel twenty-four. 'One more to go, and he will be mine. His friends will have no choice but to leave our planet in order to save his life. They will have to return to their ship and maybe I will release him,' he thought knowing once John was in hands he would control his friends. He had not planned on things happening this way, but he had to play the cards he was dealt. He was willing to use each card to get what he wanted. He wanted total control, and he would have it!
Darion reached the tunnel John was in. He slid through the opening expecting to only see John. He saw Roland first.
"What are you doing here, Roland? Derry told me you weren't here," Travor said confused by the situation.
"You saw Derry?" Roland asked carefully. He decided he didn't want to give his friend away. He understood now why he had left. Maybe he should have also, looking back on events.
Darion eyed Roland suspiciously as he said, "He was looking for you. He said something had gone wrong."
"That is true," Roland said trying to play along. "After we found each other I came here to wait for you. Derry is checking the main tunnel for the rest of our men."
"Might as well save himself the time. They all ran like scared rabbits," Darion said in disgust. "They must be taught a lesson when we get back to town!"
"Ah, my friend John. I see he is not in very good health," Darion said kneeling down beside him. He heard the shallow breathing and felt the heat radiate off of him. He looked at Roland, "We must keep him alive. He is our only leverage to control his friends."
"But Darion you said…"
"Things have changed since his friends came! I need him alive!" Darion said not asking, but demanding. "You must keep him alive!"
Roland heard the fear in his voice. Perhaps there was something to be afraid of after all. Maybe Darion had made a mistake with this man. 'Maybe I should reevaluate my loyalties as Derry has.' Caution was the best approach he decided.
Darion heard John mumbling to himself. "Why is it so cold? Where are my clothes?"
"Step aside, Darion. I think I need to tend to the prisoner," he said looking at Darion. Darion stood up and made room for Roland to get to John.
"John, just lie still. Let me cover you and you will feel warmer," Roland said kneeling beside John, pulling the blanket over him. He had to do something about the fever it was getting to a dangerous level. When John settled back down Roland stood and faced Darion.
"If we don't get his fever down soon he may die, Darion. I have done all I can for him here."
"Just keep him alive long enough for me to use him as a bargaining tool with his people. What happens after that? I don't care. Get him ready to be moved. It's time we exit these tunnels."
Roland gasped. He looked at Darion and said in a surprised voice, "You can't be serious. He will die if we move him! He is too weak, and it looks like he may have some internal injuries."
Darion thought about what Roland said. "If we move him, how long can you keep him alive?"
"You don't understand, do you? The damage may have already been done. Without medical equipment I can only guess his condition."
"So you admit it. You don't really know!"
Roland looked befuddled as he said, "I do know he is in no condition to be moved."
"Do what you have to Roland, but we are moving out of the tunnel."
xxxxx
Travor stopped. He could hear voices in the junction ahead. He motioned Aeryn and D'Argo to move closer, so they could hear what was being said. He immediately held his finger up to his lips so they would not speak.
They could hear Roland and Darion speaking. It sounded like they might be arguing. The only thing they could hear clearly was Darion intended to move John.
Travor motioned to them to move back out of the junction. Aeryn resisted, but D'Argo drew her with him. They reached the end of the junction and stepped into the tunnel.
"Why did we leave, Travor?" Aeryn asked angrily. "All we had to do was proceed one more junction and we could have gotten to John."
"Shh Aeryn, voice's carry in here." Travor replied understanding her anger. "We need to form a plan so John will not be harmed."
"D'Argo, I need you to call your med tech and have her meet Derry…"
Derry looked at Travor at the mention of his name. "Travor, I will do as you ask, but I prefer to stay here and help. I need to prove myself to you."
Travor looked at Derry with pride in his eyes. "Derry, the simple fact that you came to me for help, is all the proof I need. What I am asking you to do is important," he said with sincerity. He placed his hand on Derry's shoulder as he said, "Please do this for me."
Derry nodded as he replied, "Of course Uncle."
"Derry, I also need you to gather the rest of the men and bring them here after you meet the med tech. We are going to need help. What is your tech's name D'Argo?"
"Jool," D'Argo replied as he tapped his comms. "Chiana?"
I'm here D'Argo, been waiting to hear from you," Chiana said in an anxious voice. "Have you found John yet?"
D'Argo looked at everyone trying to delay his response. He knew he had to choose his words carefully. "Um… Chiana… our first attempt to rescue him didn't go as planned. We are attempting a new plan with more help."
All D'Argo heard was a sigh for a few moments. "D'Argo, why am I not surprised. You were fahrbot in the beginning to think she cared enough."
Aeryn knew who Chiana was referring to. She dropped her head in sorrow and walked away from the conversation. She didn't want to hear anymore.
D'Argo saw Aeryn's reaction and was grateful when she left his side. "Chiana enough! Just send Jool down here so we can get off this frelling planet! Tell Jool a man named Derry will meet her."
"I just hope it works this time D'Argo, for John's sake."
Travor understood all the turmoil Aeryn must be in as he went to her side. "Aeryn, you know after you leave here with John, things will pass with time. I don't know all that has happened with your crewmates, but I do know John and D'Argo trust you."
Aeryn looked up at Travor. Her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you, Travor. I have a lot of time to make up for, but I will. We will be alright."
"Aeryn may I say something of what I have observed?"
Aeryn was afraid to agree, but she knew he would only speak the truth. "Of course Travor."
"You have a man who loves you more than life itself. Cherish this love as much as you can. To be loved like this is a rarity in anyone's lifetime."
Aeryn smiled at Travor's words thinking about John. "I know that now. It just took me awhile to realize. I couldn't imagine life without him, Travor."
"Now let's get on with it, Aeryn," he said smiling as he turned to the others.
Travor proceeded to tell them how the junction was laid out and how many exits there were. There were four exits, but they could only cover three. They would have to pick the ones Darion would most likely choose and hope they were right.
Derry was listening intently to the plan. "Uncle I still think I should stay and help. I could cover the fourth exit."
"Derry, it has been settled. I need you to bring the tech back here. Remember, we need her to be able to help John as soon as possible," Travor replied putting his hand on his shoulder. "D'Argo, how long until your tech lands?"
"Just a moment Travor," D'Argo said tapping his comm. "Pilot, how long before Jool lands?"
"She should be there in a quarter of an arn, Ka'D'Argo."
"Thank you Pilot." D'Argo turned to Derry. "It looks like you need to go now Derry."
Derry nodded as he said, "Be careful. I will be back soon." He turned and ran toward the tunnel entrance.
"Is everyone ready?" Aeryn asked looking at both of the men.
They both nodded as they entered the junction again, each heading for their separate exits.
xxxxx
Derry was at a dead run. He needed to get to the tech and round up the men. He knew he had quite a distance to go and couldn't afford to take his time. He had to get back and help with the rescue. Derry had a bad feeling about the plan and knew an extra body could make a difference.
Derry heard before he saw the group of men. He quickly slowed up and hid behind a huge boulder. He didn't know who was friend or foe anymore. He tried to hear their conversation, but they were too far away.
'Frell,' he thought looking for a closer but hidden spot. He slowly and quietly inched his way towards another rock
"Derry!" He stopped frozen in midstep. "What are you doing out here by yourself?" The leader of the group asked. "Where is your unit?"
Derry straightened and tried to act calm as he changed his direction. He smiled as he replied, " We got separated. I am making my way back to town."
"Well join us. That's where we are headed. This search for the prisoner has turned up nothing. Perhaps they are having better luck in the tunnels."
Derry nodded knowing he had met up with the enemy. 'Tread carefully, Derry,' he thought to himself. "I am in a bit of a hurry, so I think I'll just continue on my own."
The leader squinted his eyes looking at Derry. "What's the hurry Derry?" He asked suspiciously.
Derry was at a loss for words. 'What can I tell him that he will believe?' Derry thought starting to panic.
Suddenly there was a group of men emerging from the brush above them. Derry was grateful for the interruption. He only hoped these were the men who had joined ranks with Travor.
The leader of the unit looked confused at the men approaching them. "What is this about? You are supposed to be at the ruins."
"We were," the leader of the new unit, replied. "We found out Darion lied to us. The prisoner is not a peacekeeper. You can either return to town in peace or join us in helping an innocent man."
"How do I know you are speaking the truth? Darion has never lied to us before, he is our leader."
Derry broke in, "Do you trust Travor?" He asked looking the leader squarely in the eyes.
"Of course I trust Travor! He is the most honest of all of us," the leader said indignant.
"He is my Uncle, and he speaks the truth. I have seen the situation myself. I know first hand that Darion is evil," Derry replied looking ashamed. "I was willing to go along with Darion's plan to kill the prisoner, until I found out he wasn't a peacekeeper. He has lied to all of us."
"So what are you men going to do? Join us or protect a liar? The choice is yours. If you choose Darion, we will ask you to go back to town. We don't want to hurt any of you."
The men discussed the new development amongst themselves. The leader stepped forward. "If we decide to help you who is going to protect us from Darion?"
"We plan to rise against him. That's why we have to be united. If we do this together we will have no fear of Darion. You are the last of the men to agree."
"You mean all the others have already committed to this?"
"Yes," Derry replied confident they would join with them now. The leader turned back to his men.
"We will join you, Derry," the leader replied.
"Good," Derry said suddenly very tired from the tension. "I need some help from several men. Who will volunteer?"
Several men stepped forward.
Derry was grateful to see the response from the men as he continued. "I am to meet a tech named Jool at these coordinates," he said handing the paper over to someone he knew was a good man. "You are to meet her there and bring her to the tunnels. She is expecting to meet me, but tell her you came in my place. Mention my name. Just tell her I had to get back to help."
The man nodded and went off immediately in the direction of the coordinates.
"The rest of you. I need you to gather the rest of the men from town. Bring the ones willing back to the tunnels. We are going to need help when we meet up with Darion."
The other four men left for town.
Derry looked at the five men left. They were staring at him now. "Who is willing to come and help us now?" He asked worried about their answer.
The men conversed among themselves, then looked at Derry. The unit leader stepped forward, "Just tell us what you want us to do. We are all with you, Derry."
Derry felt his knees weaken. He had hoped but didn't expect this response. He felt relieved. 'Travor, now we really have a chance,' he thought to himself.
The six of them ran toward the tunnels. 'Just hold on, Uncle. We're coming.'
Thanks to Neuroscpr for reading
Darion had reached tunnel twenty-four. 'One more to go, and he will be mine. His friends will have no choice but to leave our planet in order to save his life. They will have to return to their ship and maybe I will release him,' he thought knowing once John was in hands he would control his friends. He had not planned on things happening this way, but he had to play the cards he was dealt. He was willing to use each card to get what he wanted. He wanted total control, and he would have it!
Darion reached the tunnel John was in. He slid through the opening expecting to only see John. He saw Roland first.
"What are you doing here, Roland? Derry told me you weren't here," Travor said confused by the situation.
"You saw Derry?" Roland asked carefully. He decided he didn't want to give his friend away. He understood now why he had left. Maybe he should have also, looking back on events.
Darion eyed Roland suspiciously as he said, "He was looking for you. He said something had gone wrong."
"That is true," Roland said trying to play along. "After we found each other I came here to wait for you. Derry is checking the main tunnel for the rest of our men."
"Might as well save himself the time. They all ran like scared rabbits," Darion said in disgust. "They must be taught a lesson when we get back to town!"
"Ah, my friend John. I see he is not in very good health," Darion said kneeling down beside him. He heard the shallow breathing and felt the heat radiate off of him. He looked at Roland, "We must keep him alive. He is our only leverage to control his friends."
"But Darion you said…"
"Things have changed since his friends came! I need him alive!" Darion said not asking, but demanding. "You must keep him alive!"
Roland heard the fear in his voice. Perhaps there was something to be afraid of after all. Maybe Darion had made a mistake with this man. 'Maybe I should reevaluate my loyalties as Derry has.' Caution was the best approach he decided.
Darion heard John mumbling to himself. "Why is it so cold? Where are my clothes?"
"Step aside, Darion. I think I need to tend to the prisoner," he said looking at Darion. Darion stood up and made room for Roland to get to John.
"John, just lie still. Let me cover you and you will feel warmer," Roland said kneeling beside John, pulling the blanket over him. He had to do something about the fever it was getting to a dangerous level. When John settled back down Roland stood and faced Darion.
"If we don't get his fever down soon he may die, Darion. I have done all I can for him here."
"Just keep him alive long enough for me to use him as a bargaining tool with his people. What happens after that? I don't care. Get him ready to be moved. It's time we exit these tunnels."
Roland gasped. He looked at Darion and said in a surprised voice, "You can't be serious. He will die if we move him! He is too weak, and it looks like he may have some internal injuries."
Darion thought about what Roland said. "If we move him, how long can you keep him alive?"
"You don't understand, do you? The damage may have already been done. Without medical equipment I can only guess his condition."
"So you admit it. You don't really know!"
Roland looked befuddled as he said, "I do know he is in no condition to be moved."
"Do what you have to Roland, but we are moving out of the tunnel."
xxxxx
Travor stopped. He could hear voices in the junction ahead. He motioned Aeryn and D'Argo to move closer, so they could hear what was being said. He immediately held his finger up to his lips so they would not speak.
They could hear Roland and Darion speaking. It sounded like they might be arguing. The only thing they could hear clearly was Darion intended to move John.
Travor motioned to them to move back out of the junction. Aeryn resisted, but D'Argo drew her with him. They reached the end of the junction and stepped into the tunnel.
"Why did we leave, Travor?" Aeryn asked angrily. "All we had to do was proceed one more junction and we could have gotten to John."
"Shh Aeryn, voice's carry in here." Travor replied understanding her anger. "We need to form a plan so John will not be harmed."
"D'Argo, I need you to call your med tech and have her meet Derry…"
Derry looked at Travor at the mention of his name. "Travor, I will do as you ask, but I prefer to stay here and help. I need to prove myself to you."
Travor looked at Derry with pride in his eyes. "Derry, the simple fact that you came to me for help, is all the proof I need. What I am asking you to do is important," he said with sincerity. He placed his hand on Derry's shoulder as he said, "Please do this for me."
Derry nodded as he replied, "Of course Uncle."
"Derry, I also need you to gather the rest of the men and bring them here after you meet the med tech. We are going to need help. What is your tech's name D'Argo?"
"Jool," D'Argo replied as he tapped his comms. "Chiana?"
I'm here D'Argo, been waiting to hear from you," Chiana said in an anxious voice. "Have you found John yet?"
D'Argo looked at everyone trying to delay his response. He knew he had to choose his words carefully. "Um… Chiana… our first attempt to rescue him didn't go as planned. We are attempting a new plan with more help."
All D'Argo heard was a sigh for a few moments. "D'Argo, why am I not surprised. You were fahrbot in the beginning to think she cared enough."
Aeryn knew who Chiana was referring to. She dropped her head in sorrow and walked away from the conversation. She didn't want to hear anymore.
D'Argo saw Aeryn's reaction and was grateful when she left his side. "Chiana enough! Just send Jool down here so we can get off this frelling planet! Tell Jool a man named Derry will meet her."
"I just hope it works this time D'Argo, for John's sake."
Travor understood all the turmoil Aeryn must be in as he went to her side. "Aeryn, you know after you leave here with John, things will pass with time. I don't know all that has happened with your crewmates, but I do know John and D'Argo trust you."
Aeryn looked up at Travor. Her eyes were shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you, Travor. I have a lot of time to make up for, but I will. We will be alright."
"Aeryn may I say something of what I have observed?"
Aeryn was afraid to agree, but she knew he would only speak the truth. "Of course Travor."
"You have a man who loves you more than life itself. Cherish this love as much as you can. To be loved like this is a rarity in anyone's lifetime."
Aeryn smiled at Travor's words thinking about John. "I know that now. It just took me awhile to realize. I couldn't imagine life without him, Travor."
"Now let's get on with it, Aeryn," he said smiling as he turned to the others.
Travor proceeded to tell them how the junction was laid out and how many exits there were. There were four exits, but they could only cover three. They would have to pick the ones Darion would most likely choose and hope they were right.
Derry was listening intently to the plan. "Uncle I still think I should stay and help. I could cover the fourth exit."
"Derry, it has been settled. I need you to bring the tech back here. Remember, we need her to be able to help John as soon as possible," Travor replied putting his hand on his shoulder. "D'Argo, how long until your tech lands?"
"Just a moment Travor," D'Argo said tapping his comm. "Pilot, how long before Jool lands?"
"She should be there in a quarter of an arn, Ka'D'Argo."
"Thank you Pilot." D'Argo turned to Derry. "It looks like you need to go now Derry."
Derry nodded as he said, "Be careful. I will be back soon." He turned and ran toward the tunnel entrance.
"Is everyone ready?" Aeryn asked looking at both of the men.
They both nodded as they entered the junction again, each heading for their separate exits.
xxxxx
Derry was at a dead run. He needed to get to the tech and round up the men. He knew he had quite a distance to go and couldn't afford to take his time. He had to get back and help with the rescue. Derry had a bad feeling about the plan and knew an extra body could make a difference.
Derry heard before he saw the group of men. He quickly slowed up and hid behind a huge boulder. He didn't know who was friend or foe anymore. He tried to hear their conversation, but they were too far away.
'Frell,' he thought looking for a closer but hidden spot. He slowly and quietly inched his way towards another rock
"Derry!" He stopped frozen in midstep. "What are you doing out here by yourself?" The leader of the group asked. "Where is your unit?"
Derry straightened and tried to act calm as he changed his direction. He smiled as he replied, " We got separated. I am making my way back to town."
"Well join us. That's where we are headed. This search for the prisoner has turned up nothing. Perhaps they are having better luck in the tunnels."
Derry nodded knowing he had met up with the enemy. 'Tread carefully, Derry,' he thought to himself. "I am in a bit of a hurry, so I think I'll just continue on my own."
The leader squinted his eyes looking at Derry. "What's the hurry Derry?" He asked suspiciously.
Derry was at a loss for words. 'What can I tell him that he will believe?' Derry thought starting to panic.
Suddenly there was a group of men emerging from the brush above them. Derry was grateful for the interruption. He only hoped these were the men who had joined ranks with Travor.
The leader of the unit looked confused at the men approaching them. "What is this about? You are supposed to be at the ruins."
"We were," the leader of the new unit, replied. "We found out Darion lied to us. The prisoner is not a peacekeeper. You can either return to town in peace or join us in helping an innocent man."
"How do I know you are speaking the truth? Darion has never lied to us before, he is our leader."
Derry broke in, "Do you trust Travor?" He asked looking the leader squarely in the eyes.
"Of course I trust Travor! He is the most honest of all of us," the leader said indignant.
"He is my Uncle, and he speaks the truth. I have seen the situation myself. I know first hand that Darion is evil," Derry replied looking ashamed. "I was willing to go along with Darion's plan to kill the prisoner, until I found out he wasn't a peacekeeper. He has lied to all of us."
"So what are you men going to do? Join us or protect a liar? The choice is yours. If you choose Darion, we will ask you to go back to town. We don't want to hurt any of you."
The men discussed the new development amongst themselves. The leader stepped forward. "If we decide to help you who is going to protect us from Darion?"
"We plan to rise against him. That's why we have to be united. If we do this together we will have no fear of Darion. You are the last of the men to agree."
"You mean all the others have already committed to this?"
"Yes," Derry replied confident they would join with them now. The leader turned back to his men.
"We will join you, Derry," the leader replied.
"Good," Derry said suddenly very tired from the tension. "I need some help from several men. Who will volunteer?"
Several men stepped forward.
Derry was grateful to see the response from the men as he continued. "I am to meet a tech named Jool at these coordinates," he said handing the paper over to someone he knew was a good man. "You are to meet her there and bring her to the tunnels. She is expecting to meet me, but tell her you came in my place. Mention my name. Just tell her I had to get back to help."
The man nodded and went off immediately in the direction of the coordinates.
"The rest of you. I need you to gather the rest of the men from town. Bring the ones willing back to the tunnels. We are going to need help when we meet up with Darion."
The other four men left for town.
Derry looked at the five men left. They were staring at him now. "Who is willing to come and help us now?" He asked worried about their answer.
The men conversed among themselves, then looked at Derry. The unit leader stepped forward, "Just tell us what you want us to do. We are all with you, Derry."
Derry felt his knees weaken. He had hoped but didn't expect this response. He felt relieved. 'Travor, now we really have a chance,' he thought to himself.
The six of them ran toward the tunnels. 'Just hold on, Uncle. We're coming.'
