John stayed while Aeryn went through a series of tests. He could tell from
the look on her face that she was angry and afraid but she kept her cool
like she promised him she would. After she was returned to the quarters
where she slept for the night John left the facility with Alex.
Alex: "How about some dinner? We can catch up on each others lives."
John: "That sounds great but it will have to be local. I am not exactly free to go to four star restaurants."
Alex smiled.
Alex: "My bungalow, say at 7:30 pm."
John smiled.
John: "I will be there."
Alex kissed his cheek and left him. John watched her with a smile on his face and then turned to go see DK.
******
Jack and DK were together looking at the incredible modifications John had made to the module using Moya's parts. John looked over the module.
John: "How is she doing?"
DK: "Considering the crash, she is in remarkable shape."
John: "Flightworthy?"
Jack looked at his son. DK took John by the arm. Jack followed. They went into DK's office. Jack closed the door.
Jack: "What are you thinking, Son?"
John: "I am not just thinking Dad. I am going to do it."
DK: "Do what?"
Jack: "He is going to break the alien out and take her back in the module.'
DK looked at John.
John: "Her name is Aeryn Sun. She is an alien to you but she is my friend. I can't leave her there to be poked and prodded. She is keeping it cool for now but that is not going to last long. I know Aeryn. They will have to kill her to keep her and I am not going to let that happen."
Jack: "What about you? Look how long it took you to find your way home. Are you willing to risk getting lost in space again for her?"
John: "I found my way once. I will find it again."
John walked over to the window. He stared out at the base.
John: "Alex is the only reason I haven't tried anything up till now. I trust her. I know she won't let them do anything to Aeryn without telling me first."
DK: "What about Alex?"
John looked over his shoulder.
John: "I am meeting her for dinner."
DK walk over and stood next to John. He laid his hand on his childhood friend's shoulder.
DK: "We have been best buds forever and we got into this together and I am willing to see it through no matter what you decide."
John looked at him.
John: "Thanks man."
He turned to his father.
John: "What about you Dad?"
Jack took a couple of steps toward John.
Jack: "I have seen that look on your face before. I know I can't stop you. Just tell me what you need me to do."
John: "Thank you. I haven't figured a timeline yet. As long as Alex is here I know they don't have any plans to move Aeryn, so I have a few days to work things out."
Jack: "How are you going to get back to this ship? Provided you can get through the wormhole."
John: "When I first spotted the wormhole, I asked Pilot to track our com channel. He would have lost us once we went through the wormhole but he will be able to track us once we emerge from it."
The room was silent. John looked back at out the base.
*******
John and Alex had a great dinner. They talked for hours. Going over old times and catching up on each other's lives. John told her all about the crew on Moya and some of his adventures. She was astounded and amazed at his travels.
They sat on the couch drinking wine.
Alex: "So tell me about Aeryn?"
John: "She is my friend."
Alex looked into his eyes.
Alex: "I am a woman, John. A woman who you loved and who loved you. I have seen the look that has passed between the two of you when you are with her. I know what love looks like."
John lowered his eyes. He didn't say anything to her. Alex put her glass down on the coffee table. She moved closer to John. He looked up into her eyes and could feel those old familiar feelings that he thought were gone. They started kissing and one thing lead to another. It was nice and comfortable for both of them.
*****
In the middle of the night John and Alex were awakened by MPs pounding on Alex's bungalow door. Alex got up and slipped on her robe. John stood in the door of the bedroom wrapped in a sheet.
Alex: "What is it?"
MP: "There has been a problem with the alien. She has attacked one of the guards and gotten his weapon. She is using her bed as a barrier and we can't get to her. They need you and Commander Crichton."
John was already throwing his pants and shoes on. Alex rushed to get dressed and in her haste she grabbed John's shirt. They rushed to the medical facility. There were guards everywhere. Alex pushed through with John. They were determining whether to smoke her out of her hiding placed to shot her with a tranquilizer dart. John looked at Alex.
John: "Let me talk to her. I can find out what happened."
Alex: "All right but I am going in with you."
The guard Aeryn had attacked was standing directly outside the door. He was holding his arm.
Alex: "What happened Private?"
Private: "I am not sure. I went in to check on her and she went berserk."
John knocked on the door.
Aeryn: "Stay the frell away from me. I am warning you."
John: "Aeryn, it is John. I am coming in with Alex."
John opened the door slowly. Alex was following close behind. Aeryn looked over top of the bed, which was lying on its side, with the rifled she commandeered pointed at the door. John lifted his hands.
John: "What are you doing? I thought we had a deal. You were going to behave yourself."
Aeryn was furious. She had a scratch on the side of her face that was bleeding only slightly. Her t-shirt was slightly torn. John looked at her.
John: "What happened?"
Aeryn: "Nobody touches me like that. He had no right! Nobody, especially not these human animals."
John had a shocked look on his face. He looked back at the guard who Aeryn had attacked who was standing behind Alex in the doorway. Then back at Aeryn. John stood in front of the bed.
John: "Aeryn, give me the gun or they will shot you."
She wouldn't let go of the rifle. She was holding it so tight that her knuckles were turning white. She was staring at the guard. He yelled at her to pull her gaze away from the guard who had tried to rape her.
John: "Aeryn! Give it to me or they will shot you."
Her eyes caught John's eyes. She lowered the gun slowly. She handed the gun to John. Alex let out the breath she was holding.
John: "Let Alex take a look at your wounds."
Aeryn stood up slowly. John put the bed back on its legs. Alex approached Aeryn slowly. John turned toward the guard. He stood in front of him and raised the rifle.
John: "I guess this belongs to you."
In a quick motion John hit the guard in the stomach with the butt of the rifle. Alex whipped around. Other soldiers grabbed him to stop him from hitting the servicemen.
John: "If you ever try to touch her again, I will free your soul."
Alex: "What?"
John: "Aeryn said he tried to…."
John couldn't even say the words. The captain of the guards entered the room. Alex pointed to the soldier.
Alex: "I want that man off of this duty immediately. Release Commander Crichton."
The captain pulled his man out into the hall and John was released. The captain stood in the door.
Captain: "He will be disciplined for his actions."
John: "A slap on the wrist, may be a high five from some of the guys."
Captain: "We will take care of it Commander. It will not have any more problems with any more of my men. I can assure you."
John: "S—h—e better not or you will answer for it."
Alex: "Captain, I want your men out of this room. Now."
Captain: "But if she should become violent again…"
Alex looked in Aeryn's eyes.
Alex: "She isn't going to be a problem. Are you Aeryn Sun?"
Aeryn lowered her eyes starting to feel a sense of relief momentarily. It was then that she noticed that Alex was wearing Crichton's shirt. The one he was wearing when she saw him earlier. She looked over at Crichton. He turned after the Captain closed the door. He was wearing a thin jacket with no shirt on underneath. She lowered her eyes. She didn't want him to see the hurt. Alex tried to look at the cut on Aeryn's face but her hair was in the way. John walked over and tried to push Aeryn's hair aside. She slapped his hand away and slipped off the bed. She went over and stood in the corner with her back to them. She slid down the wall until she sat squeezed in the corner.
Alex looked at John.
Alex: "Is she okay?"
John had a surprised look on his face as he approached her.
John: "I don't know."
John kneeled beside her.
John: "Aeryn? Babe, did he hurt you? Did he?"
She shot a look at him and then at Alex and then back at John. John looked over his shoulder at Alex. It was then that he realized Alex was wearing his shirt. He looked down at himself and then back up at Aeryn.
John: "Aeryn…"
Aeryn: "Leave me alone."
She felt her anger and pain swelling inside of her. He tried to touch her. She struck out at him. John fell back against the bed. Aeryn jumped out of the corner. She was screaming. Alex ran to John and helped him to his feet.
Aeryn: "Leave me alone."
Aeryn looked down at him.
Aeryn: "Trust me Aeryn. I won't let them hurt you. Behave yourself and everything will be fine."
A tear ran down her cheek. Alex looked at John.
Alex: "What is she saying, John?"
Aeryn: "Let me out of here. I want to go home."
She rushed toward the window and started pounding on the glass. She hit it so hard her fist went right through the glass. A soldier burst in and aimed the tranquilizer gun at her. John held his hand up.
John: "No!"
He fired and hit Aeryn in the leg. She turned. Her eyes met John's. There were tears rolling down her cheek. She dropped to her knees. She looked down at the dart and pulled it out of her leg. She slumped down on the floor. John ran to her and cradled her in his arms. He was stroking her hair.
John: "Aeryn, babe, I didn't mean to. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to."
Alex watched him with her. She saw the look on his face. It was then that she knew that she was right about his feelings for the beautiful raven- haired alien. John loved her.
Aeryn was moved to a room which allowed for more security. She was restrained to her bed while she slept off the tranquilizer. Alex was trying to get John to leave and get some sleep because Aeryn would be out until morning. He refused. He sat outside of her room all night watching her through the observation window.
*****
The next morning Aeryn woke up with a massive headache. There was a bandage on her hand but it was stinging from the glass. She tried to lift her arms and legs but couldn't. She realized she was restrained to the bed. She let out Jool-type scream that could bend metal which brought Alex and John into the room. Aeryn was pulling her wrists so hard that she was making them red. John went over to the bed.
John: "Aeryn, stop it! You are going to hurt yourself."
She looked at him.
Aeryn: "How could you let them put these on me?"
John: "I tried to stop them but I couldn't."
John tried to touch her forehead. She turned away. She stopped struggling and turned her face away and looked toward the wall. John sat on the bed beside her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear.
John: "I am going to make this right, I promise. I will make this right."
Aeryn: "Get out and leave me alone. You are with them. I am alone here."
Her words cut John like a knife. He knew why she was pushing him away. He knew what he had done and that it would hold repercussions for all of them. John sat up.
John: "Aeryn?"
She refused to look at him. She yelled.
Aeryn: "Get out!"
He stood up. Alex came over and took his arm.
Alex: "John, your presence is only irritating her more. I think you should go."
John looked at Alex and then down at Aeryn. Aeryn closed her eyes. A hidden tear ran from the corner of her eye into her pillow. John left the room with Alex. Aeryn stared up at the ceiling.
Aeryn: "If I am going to die here then let me die. Stop torturing me and just let me die."
Her eyes closed back.
Alex: "How about some dinner? We can catch up on each others lives."
John: "That sounds great but it will have to be local. I am not exactly free to go to four star restaurants."
Alex smiled.
Alex: "My bungalow, say at 7:30 pm."
John smiled.
John: "I will be there."
Alex kissed his cheek and left him. John watched her with a smile on his face and then turned to go see DK.
******
Jack and DK were together looking at the incredible modifications John had made to the module using Moya's parts. John looked over the module.
John: "How is she doing?"
DK: "Considering the crash, she is in remarkable shape."
John: "Flightworthy?"
Jack looked at his son. DK took John by the arm. Jack followed. They went into DK's office. Jack closed the door.
Jack: "What are you thinking, Son?"
John: "I am not just thinking Dad. I am going to do it."
DK: "Do what?"
Jack: "He is going to break the alien out and take her back in the module.'
DK looked at John.
John: "Her name is Aeryn Sun. She is an alien to you but she is my friend. I can't leave her there to be poked and prodded. She is keeping it cool for now but that is not going to last long. I know Aeryn. They will have to kill her to keep her and I am not going to let that happen."
Jack: "What about you? Look how long it took you to find your way home. Are you willing to risk getting lost in space again for her?"
John: "I found my way once. I will find it again."
John walked over to the window. He stared out at the base.
John: "Alex is the only reason I haven't tried anything up till now. I trust her. I know she won't let them do anything to Aeryn without telling me first."
DK: "What about Alex?"
John looked over his shoulder.
John: "I am meeting her for dinner."
DK walk over and stood next to John. He laid his hand on his childhood friend's shoulder.
DK: "We have been best buds forever and we got into this together and I am willing to see it through no matter what you decide."
John looked at him.
John: "Thanks man."
He turned to his father.
John: "What about you Dad?"
Jack took a couple of steps toward John.
Jack: "I have seen that look on your face before. I know I can't stop you. Just tell me what you need me to do."
John: "Thank you. I haven't figured a timeline yet. As long as Alex is here I know they don't have any plans to move Aeryn, so I have a few days to work things out."
Jack: "How are you going to get back to this ship? Provided you can get through the wormhole."
John: "When I first spotted the wormhole, I asked Pilot to track our com channel. He would have lost us once we went through the wormhole but he will be able to track us once we emerge from it."
The room was silent. John looked back at out the base.
*******
John and Alex had a great dinner. They talked for hours. Going over old times and catching up on each other's lives. John told her all about the crew on Moya and some of his adventures. She was astounded and amazed at his travels.
They sat on the couch drinking wine.
Alex: "So tell me about Aeryn?"
John: "She is my friend."
Alex looked into his eyes.
Alex: "I am a woman, John. A woman who you loved and who loved you. I have seen the look that has passed between the two of you when you are with her. I know what love looks like."
John lowered his eyes. He didn't say anything to her. Alex put her glass down on the coffee table. She moved closer to John. He looked up into her eyes and could feel those old familiar feelings that he thought were gone. They started kissing and one thing lead to another. It was nice and comfortable for both of them.
*****
In the middle of the night John and Alex were awakened by MPs pounding on Alex's bungalow door. Alex got up and slipped on her robe. John stood in the door of the bedroom wrapped in a sheet.
Alex: "What is it?"
MP: "There has been a problem with the alien. She has attacked one of the guards and gotten his weapon. She is using her bed as a barrier and we can't get to her. They need you and Commander Crichton."
John was already throwing his pants and shoes on. Alex rushed to get dressed and in her haste she grabbed John's shirt. They rushed to the medical facility. There were guards everywhere. Alex pushed through with John. They were determining whether to smoke her out of her hiding placed to shot her with a tranquilizer dart. John looked at Alex.
John: "Let me talk to her. I can find out what happened."
Alex: "All right but I am going in with you."
The guard Aeryn had attacked was standing directly outside the door. He was holding his arm.
Alex: "What happened Private?"
Private: "I am not sure. I went in to check on her and she went berserk."
John knocked on the door.
Aeryn: "Stay the frell away from me. I am warning you."
John: "Aeryn, it is John. I am coming in with Alex."
John opened the door slowly. Alex was following close behind. Aeryn looked over top of the bed, which was lying on its side, with the rifled she commandeered pointed at the door. John lifted his hands.
John: "What are you doing? I thought we had a deal. You were going to behave yourself."
Aeryn was furious. She had a scratch on the side of her face that was bleeding only slightly. Her t-shirt was slightly torn. John looked at her.
John: "What happened?"
Aeryn: "Nobody touches me like that. He had no right! Nobody, especially not these human animals."
John had a shocked look on his face. He looked back at the guard who Aeryn had attacked who was standing behind Alex in the doorway. Then back at Aeryn. John stood in front of the bed.
John: "Aeryn, give me the gun or they will shot you."
She wouldn't let go of the rifle. She was holding it so tight that her knuckles were turning white. She was staring at the guard. He yelled at her to pull her gaze away from the guard who had tried to rape her.
John: "Aeryn! Give it to me or they will shot you."
Her eyes caught John's eyes. She lowered the gun slowly. She handed the gun to John. Alex let out the breath she was holding.
John: "Let Alex take a look at your wounds."
Aeryn stood up slowly. John put the bed back on its legs. Alex approached Aeryn slowly. John turned toward the guard. He stood in front of him and raised the rifle.
John: "I guess this belongs to you."
In a quick motion John hit the guard in the stomach with the butt of the rifle. Alex whipped around. Other soldiers grabbed him to stop him from hitting the servicemen.
John: "If you ever try to touch her again, I will free your soul."
Alex: "What?"
John: "Aeryn said he tried to…."
John couldn't even say the words. The captain of the guards entered the room. Alex pointed to the soldier.
Alex: "I want that man off of this duty immediately. Release Commander Crichton."
The captain pulled his man out into the hall and John was released. The captain stood in the door.
Captain: "He will be disciplined for his actions."
John: "A slap on the wrist, may be a high five from some of the guys."
Captain: "We will take care of it Commander. It will not have any more problems with any more of my men. I can assure you."
John: "S—h—e better not or you will answer for it."
Alex: "Captain, I want your men out of this room. Now."
Captain: "But if she should become violent again…"
Alex looked in Aeryn's eyes.
Alex: "She isn't going to be a problem. Are you Aeryn Sun?"
Aeryn lowered her eyes starting to feel a sense of relief momentarily. It was then that she noticed that Alex was wearing Crichton's shirt. The one he was wearing when she saw him earlier. She looked over at Crichton. He turned after the Captain closed the door. He was wearing a thin jacket with no shirt on underneath. She lowered her eyes. She didn't want him to see the hurt. Alex tried to look at the cut on Aeryn's face but her hair was in the way. John walked over and tried to push Aeryn's hair aside. She slapped his hand away and slipped off the bed. She went over and stood in the corner with her back to them. She slid down the wall until she sat squeezed in the corner.
Alex looked at John.
Alex: "Is she okay?"
John had a surprised look on his face as he approached her.
John: "I don't know."
John kneeled beside her.
John: "Aeryn? Babe, did he hurt you? Did he?"
She shot a look at him and then at Alex and then back at John. John looked over his shoulder at Alex. It was then that he realized Alex was wearing his shirt. He looked down at himself and then back up at Aeryn.
John: "Aeryn…"
Aeryn: "Leave me alone."
She felt her anger and pain swelling inside of her. He tried to touch her. She struck out at him. John fell back against the bed. Aeryn jumped out of the corner. She was screaming. Alex ran to John and helped him to his feet.
Aeryn: "Leave me alone."
Aeryn looked down at him.
Aeryn: "Trust me Aeryn. I won't let them hurt you. Behave yourself and everything will be fine."
A tear ran down her cheek. Alex looked at John.
Alex: "What is she saying, John?"
Aeryn: "Let me out of here. I want to go home."
She rushed toward the window and started pounding on the glass. She hit it so hard her fist went right through the glass. A soldier burst in and aimed the tranquilizer gun at her. John held his hand up.
John: "No!"
He fired and hit Aeryn in the leg. She turned. Her eyes met John's. There were tears rolling down her cheek. She dropped to her knees. She looked down at the dart and pulled it out of her leg. She slumped down on the floor. John ran to her and cradled her in his arms. He was stroking her hair.
John: "Aeryn, babe, I didn't mean to. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to."
Alex watched him with her. She saw the look on his face. It was then that she knew that she was right about his feelings for the beautiful raven- haired alien. John loved her.
Aeryn was moved to a room which allowed for more security. She was restrained to her bed while she slept off the tranquilizer. Alex was trying to get John to leave and get some sleep because Aeryn would be out until morning. He refused. He sat outside of her room all night watching her through the observation window.
*****
The next morning Aeryn woke up with a massive headache. There was a bandage on her hand but it was stinging from the glass. She tried to lift her arms and legs but couldn't. She realized she was restrained to the bed. She let out Jool-type scream that could bend metal which brought Alex and John into the room. Aeryn was pulling her wrists so hard that she was making them red. John went over to the bed.
John: "Aeryn, stop it! You are going to hurt yourself."
She looked at him.
Aeryn: "How could you let them put these on me?"
John: "I tried to stop them but I couldn't."
John tried to touch her forehead. She turned away. She stopped struggling and turned her face away and looked toward the wall. John sat on the bed beside her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear.
John: "I am going to make this right, I promise. I will make this right."
Aeryn: "Get out and leave me alone. You are with them. I am alone here."
Her words cut John like a knife. He knew why she was pushing him away. He knew what he had done and that it would hold repercussions for all of them. John sat up.
John: "Aeryn?"
She refused to look at him. She yelled.
Aeryn: "Get out!"
He stood up. Alex came over and took his arm.
Alex: "John, your presence is only irritating her more. I think you should go."
John looked at Alex and then down at Aeryn. Aeryn closed her eyes. A hidden tear ran from the corner of her eye into her pillow. John left the room with Alex. Aeryn stared up at the ceiling.
Aeryn: "If I am going to die here then let me die. Stop torturing me and just let me die."
Her eyes closed back.
