Back again guys. I'm having problems with my server; I can't get in to
read the new reviews so I'm going into chapter 3 a little blind. Can
anyone help me with my problem? If not, can you e-mail me with you're
reviews? It will keep me on track with the story!
That said, on with part three…
XXX
The room filled with guards. John half expected to feel the injection from his bracelet. None came. Two guards held him while he struggled shouting a stream of obscenities. His eyes moved back to the link. "This wasn't supposed to happen." Was heard through the other garbled words.
"Yes, well I'm afraid it has John. I can't allow you to waste any more time. I was dubious about Braca's idea though. After seeing your reaction a few days ago, I was sure that your relationship with Officer Sun was not a strong one. However, he was quick to point out otherwise. You have the feelings, she does not." He sighed, "And as said on our previous conversations, you're feelings are you're weakness."
John tore his eyes away from the video. "Let her go. This was not part of the deal."
"No, I can't do that. I wouldn't worry too much about her John; she cares less about what happens to you. I have asked why she is here, what her plan of action was – I told her that it would be you who was reprimanded. Do you know what she replied? It was very intriguing. She said she didn't care, as far as she was concerned, you were already dead to her." He tilted his head to one side and watched the anger drain away from the human. He relaxed in the soldiers grip.
"Tell me something I don't know. Just let her go Scorpius. I'll have the codes completed within the arn but she has to be long gone by then or no dice." The voice held no trace of anger, only defeat.
He studied the form in front of him "Still the gallant human. You would sacrifice everything for a peacekeeper that cares little for you, yet you fight us. We can become a team John. You have nothing to return to Moya for. Work with me; let us use wormholes to defeat our enemies. You could become one of the most powerful beings in the universe."
John looked at him then. Was he right? Maybe. He knew the first area that would be attacked. He realised now what he should do. Scorpius was right about one thing - he had nothing to return to Moya for. He could give Aeryn her life back. Debt paid. Coconscious clear. "Your right. But let her go first."
"Ahh, no, sorry. She stays until after the codes have been deciphered. One arn and she will be free. Go now, go to the lab. I will be there shortly." He watched as John shrugged himself free of the soldiers. He said nothing. Looking forward as he moved.
Scorpius studied the room. The infrared signal was undetectable to the naked eye, but it was there. It had become invaluable. He had listened to the human, talking in his sleep cycle. At first he worried that his prize was loosing his strength, his sanity. Until he realised with pleasure that what he was hearing were thoughts and fears through the human's dreams. It had proved very interesting, very enlightening, even though at the time it was confusing. He had deciphered that at some point the peacekeepers and the human's relationship had changed to the extent that she no longer believed he existed.
He knelt down beside his bruised and battered Lieutenant. "How right you were. It was a brilliant idea. Once he has completed the codes I will have him. I can use the drug; make him kill his precious Aeryn Sun. It will break him and he will be mine. What a pity that Lt. Senya has to die, although it will be an admirable death." He looked to the screen and tapped the button. "Lt? Well done, we will need you to be there again within 500 microts." The "Aeryn Sun" looked up and shook the hair from her face. She was very similar to the original. Braca had pointed it out when he saw John do a double take on her in command. All that was needed was a lot of blood and the hair partially covering her features.
His second in command smiled at the compliment, a rarity in it's own right. He was dubious of Scorpius' plan. He didn't think the human would submit under any circumstances. He kept quiet, knowing better than to air his views. He would bide his time. When Scorpius realised his plans were futile he would be on hand to destroy the human. Now that, he pondered with a smile, would be well worth the wait.
XXX
John's mind was in overdrive. It could still work. All he needed to do was be in the Science lab for the next arn. He would be there when the explosive was detonated. But how would the others know where Aeryn was? How could he get a message to them? Wait; if she was in the interrogation area, she was away from danger. They would know that she was onboard, that was a given. She would be okay. He nodded as if to reassure himself. He would kill Scorpius; all he had to do was stay put. How hard could that be? The answer came from the neural clone.
"Ah, John, John, John, it will not work." John's eyes flickered as the clone appeared. It was dressed in Scorpius' attire, something he hadn't seen in a while. He said nothing, hoping in vain that ignoring it would make it go away. He knew it was useless though. After a while he answered.
"And what would you're suggestion be? I mean, if you have an ideas now's the time for sharing."
His minds eyes perceived the clone to be circling him. Tapping his finger to his lips, contemplating. A trait he had picked up from John. "Hmmm, you will not run. You will not sacrifice the tralk, not many options…"
John rolled his eyes, "Then go home, take a break, have a vacation."
"Patience my friend, I have an idea, you may not like it. I will get back to you, Kirk out." With that he faded away.
He laughed out loud "Quoting Star Trek? Now I know we're in trouble."
Scorpius strolled into the science lab. ""Who is in trouble John?"
John looked up startled; having been too absorbed in his own thoughts he hadn't heard the hybrid enter. He composed himself. "The good guys, always the good guys."
Scorpius looked at him intently then smiled. "Are you talking to my neural chip John? Is he trying to help you? After this is over, maybe you can enlighten me on it. I would be very intrigued to know." John snorted but he continued, " However, when this is over you will be more co-operative, you will be more willing. I have patience, I can wait."
John scowled. "Yeah, right whatever, I'm kinda busy now so if you don't mind, I'll keep going with this." He turned his back in the hope that he wasn't letting anything else away.
XXX
The prowler came in to line with the others. It remained unnoticed as predicted. "So far so good." D'Argo observed.
"Yes, now all we have to do is get onboard. Once we are in you and the others will remain in the prowler until the blasts ignite. The confusion will allow you the time you need. Does everyone understand their target?"
The others looked to Aeryn. Jool spoke first. "Yeah, the west side of the ship will be destroyed first. Then we go in, get John and we're done."
"And the injector? It will work on John's species? He will be unconscious?"
"We don't know, but it is better than the alternative." Crais replied in answer to Rygel's question.
Crais had acquired information from Talyn's data bank. The bracelets could be removed. It would take time but faced with the other options, it was the only available choice worth considering. By keeping the human in a state of sleep, he might just be able to withstand any pain the hybrid was sure to try and inflicted. No one had argued.
"Prepare to board." Aeryn commanded.
XXX
"You are stalling John! You leave me with no other choice. Come with me!" Scorpius demanded roughly pulling John's arm. Confused, John obeyed.
The neural clone appeared. "He will kill the tralk you know. I have thought of a way, I think I know the code to release the bracelet. Scorpius would use a familiar number sequence. You must use this now and free yourself. Save yourself John, I implore you!"
John smiled thinly, answering the clone mentally. "Go away Harv, that isn't an option. I'll get the bracelet off once Aeryn is free, not a microt before. Come back when I'm done k?" He used what little strength of mind he had to dismiss the clone.
They stopped at a large steel door. Scorpius waved his hand in front of the panel and it opened. There in a dim light sat 'Aeryn' moaning quietly. John tried to shrug free of the vice like grip to no avail.
"No, no, no, Stand still John, she cannot hear you, she cannot respond to you."
"You son of a …." His voice trailed off as he felt a pin prick in his wrist. "What? Why?" His expression changed to one of horror, realising what was now coursing through his veins. "No, don't do this, Scorpius listen, I'll do anything, " He was interrupted.
"Yes, John, you will, stay clam, this is for the best. You know this, we cannot have you working with us if you can easily be distracted." He watched as the human's sparkling eyes took on a darker form. It was completed. The drug was in effect. To test it, the hybrid released his grasp. John stood still. His mind at war with the virus. Trying in vain to fight the effects.
Harvey's voice was a distant whisper. "I'm trying to isolate the problem Scottie, focus, focus, focus, listen to my voice. Keep listening to my voice, only mine."
Was that Harvey or Scorpius? He couldn't tell, one voice became two. Both arguing, both fighting for control. The voices separated slightly, one giving an order, the other countering it.
"Take the gun"
"Don't take the gun."
"Raise the gun."
"Drop the gun."
His eyes were glassy. He shook his head trying to clear the thoughts that were pounding his mind. Had he lost it completely? He couldn't contribute to the argument. Reality became fantasy as Harvey tried to filter thoughts into his mind. The voices continued. The thoughts swirled; life on Moya, life with Aeryn, life without Aeryn.
Scorpius growled as he watched the human struggle with the gun. Why was this proving so difficult? He had control; the human should do as he was doing. Yet he had the gun aimed at 'Aeryn' the human's gun was directed at the floor, raising slightly then dropping.
The war in his mind continued, he could hear codes, for what? Couldn't remember, couldn't think. He opened his mouth "No, no, no, don't make me do this.." it was a whisper but it infuriated his nemesis.
The gun was lifted, was he doing that? Didn't know, and didn't care. A voice in his mind screamed. "John, lower the gun!" He heard that, that had to be Harvey – right? Or was it a trick – reversed psychology? His knees buckled but his armed was clasped, keeping him from hitting the ground. His gun wavered as it slowly directed itself at the Sebacean in the chair.
Scorpius smiled, it was going to work. For a moment he had thought the human to be too resilient of the drug, something he had not wanted to contemplate. He watched as the human followed his lead, releasing the safety catch.
XXX
Aeryn Sun and Captain Crais entered the hanger, keeping their helmets on, hiding their identity to the unassuming peacekeepers that milled in the area. The comm. channel was left open. The remaining crew could hear everything. They watched from the portal as Aeryn strategically placed one bomb after another around the hanger, while Crais kept a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Chiana remained quiet; she had become somewhat subdued since the visions. Not saying one way or another if the new plan would work. The others had taken it as a good sign. Each praying to their own God or Goddess, that they were right.
She jolted forward quickly causing the rest of the crew to jump at the sudden movement. "What? What?" Rygel asked swaying in front of her, not too closely, not after the last encounter.
"I..I.. where is Aeryn? Where is she?" She asked frantically jumping up.
Jool grabbed her arm "Shh, she's right there." Pointing to the portal.
Chiana paid no heed, "No, no, she isn't, John, he..gun..he.." Her voice was fragmented.
Rygel lost patience and nipped her "Yotz girl spit it out!"
She shook the vision away, her eyes focussing. "I don't understand, John, he's pointing a gun at Aeryn, why would he do that? Why would he do that?" She whined.
They all stared in confusion, not fully understanding what she was trying to say. The looked back to the portal, reassured that Aeryn was still in view.
"You must be wrong, John would never do that Chiana." Jool soothed.
"Unless, he is no longer in control. We do not know what has been done to him. Any experiment could have been performed. This plan is…."
D'Argo's comments were interrupted by the worried voice of Aeryn, he cursed, forgetting the open channel. "Chiana? What do you mean? Chiana?"
He answered "We don't know, just keep going, and be careful Aeryn, we don't.."
Again she interrupted, "I know, I know"
XXX
"Point the gun away from the target"
"Point straight ahead, that's it, good, good"
The voices grew louder, each trying to convince the human.
Scorpius realised then, he was warring with the clone, not the human. In different circumstance he would have found this to be fascinating. At present, it was infuriating. How could the clone disobey him? Then he remembered. The neural clone of the human had done the same. It became clear. This clone was saving his only existence, understanding that if John pulled the trigger, he would be defeated, they both would.
With little options left, he used the power of his own mind over the clone. It was not to be. The gun John was holding moved away from the target and directed itself at the healing leg. With no time to react, Scorpius growled, waiting for the pulse blast to go off. When it did, both parties fell to the ground shouting out in pain.
He composed himself enough to grab the gun and throw it to the side. "You still lose John Crichton." He seethed as he jerked the human's head back to the original target. John watched helplessly as the pulse blast ripped through 'Aeryn'
"No! God, please…" His pleading faded as the pain in his leg and the pain in his heart took over. He passed out cold.
"Braca? Braca? Get to the integration area immediately!" Scorpius bellowed dropping his grip as John became a dead weight.
XXX
"Where the frell is he?" Aeryn whispered as they reached the Science area. She scoured the room.
"He is not here. Keep going with the work." Crais prompted.
"Frell you! If he does come back, it will be as Chiana predicted. We wait." She stood firm, daring him to challenge her.
"Very well, you stay, I will carry on as planned." He knew that voice, knew it was pointless to argue.
He left, looking back only once. It would probably be the last time he saw either her or the human alive again.
XXX
With the rest of the bombs in place, Crais returned to the Science area. He couldn't leave her to fight this battle alone. She had saved him in the past; it was time to repay the debt. He smiled thinly. When had he become like them? When had his formidable peacekeeper training abandoned him?
She was where he had left her. Standing in position at the door, waiting. "We have to go now. The bombs will detonate in 500 microts. We have no time left." Seeing that he was getting nowhere he tried again. "Aeryn Sun!" The use of her battle name had the effect. She stood to attention, looking at him. "Commander Crichton gave me strict orders to keep you alive! Do not make me use force!"
Her eyes widened "You knew?"
"No, no, but he did state, quite clearly, that I keep you alive, that I keep you safe. I gave him my word!"
He was surprised when she laughed, not the reaction he was expecting. "You gave him you're word? You expect me to believe that?"
How could he tell her that he was referring to the other? That it was dying requset? And it had been humbly accepted. He was relieved when the comm.. blasted to life.
"Come on, both of you. Neither of you are any use to us or Crichton dead!" D'Argo yelled.
She nodded then, as if trying to reason with herself. She moved past Crais towards the door. As they reached it they heard voices.
"I am fine! Secure the data. Leave Crichton in the medical bay, I will deal with him later, if he survives. We have enough information at present!"
Both looked to the other, contemplating the words of Scorpius. Aeryn shook her head, clearing the rampant thoughts that were flooding her mind.
As Scorpius and Braca entered, pulse weapons were pointed at their heads. They stopped. "Officer Sun, Captain Crais, how nice of you to join us." His voice was calm; his rage was not. "Now, now, you wouldn't shoot me would you my dear? And risk killing the other?"
Aeryn jammed the gun to his head, an action that made him realise that indeed she would. Her voice was controlled, "Yes...I…Would. Then he would be free of you, and so would we. Hold out your arm." She ordered.
He complied, somewhat confused at the order. Until he saw what she was holding. An injector. It was plunged ruthlessly into his arm causing him to hiss. He fell to his knees losing consciousness quickly. Braca tried to move forward but was stopped abruptly by a knock to the head.
"We have to change the plan. There is no more sedative. This way, he will remain alive until the bracelet is removed. John will be safe if he is unconscious"
Crais nodded lifting the hybrid as he did so.
The first bomb went off causing them to momentarily lose balance. Aeryn smiled. "Time to get this show on the road."
He shook his head in amusement; she really did spend too much time with that human.
XXX
The rest of the attack surprisingly went as planned. A helmet was placed on an unconscious John and he was carried through the chaos that perused. No one gave them a second look. Two peacekeepers carrying an injured third and their commander. It was routine in times of attack. The leader of the ship had to be taken off first.
They met the remaining crew in the hanger. "Put him in that one and turn on auto pilot. He will not awake for 5 arns." Crais said to Aeryn. D'Argo helped her in her quest, not contradicting what he thought to be a farbot plan.
"We're not going to kill the bastard?" Rygel asked absurdly. Airing the view of the others.
"He will die, the prowler will be on course to fly directly into the command carrier. He will die quickly. A death he does not deserve!" Crais answered pulling Crichton behind him.
Within microts, both prowlers were airborne. Aeryn marvelled at the simplicity of it all. How the frell did it work? The rest were not so questioning, whoops of joy could be heard as the prowler exited the hanger on a trajectory course for home, for Moya.
XXX
Well? Feedback is essential! And for all you shippy lovers, the final wee chapter has shippyness…
That said, on with part three…
XXX
The room filled with guards. John half expected to feel the injection from his bracelet. None came. Two guards held him while he struggled shouting a stream of obscenities. His eyes moved back to the link. "This wasn't supposed to happen." Was heard through the other garbled words.
"Yes, well I'm afraid it has John. I can't allow you to waste any more time. I was dubious about Braca's idea though. After seeing your reaction a few days ago, I was sure that your relationship with Officer Sun was not a strong one. However, he was quick to point out otherwise. You have the feelings, she does not." He sighed, "And as said on our previous conversations, you're feelings are you're weakness."
John tore his eyes away from the video. "Let her go. This was not part of the deal."
"No, I can't do that. I wouldn't worry too much about her John; she cares less about what happens to you. I have asked why she is here, what her plan of action was – I told her that it would be you who was reprimanded. Do you know what she replied? It was very intriguing. She said she didn't care, as far as she was concerned, you were already dead to her." He tilted his head to one side and watched the anger drain away from the human. He relaxed in the soldiers grip.
"Tell me something I don't know. Just let her go Scorpius. I'll have the codes completed within the arn but she has to be long gone by then or no dice." The voice held no trace of anger, only defeat.
He studied the form in front of him "Still the gallant human. You would sacrifice everything for a peacekeeper that cares little for you, yet you fight us. We can become a team John. You have nothing to return to Moya for. Work with me; let us use wormholes to defeat our enemies. You could become one of the most powerful beings in the universe."
John looked at him then. Was he right? Maybe. He knew the first area that would be attacked. He realised now what he should do. Scorpius was right about one thing - he had nothing to return to Moya for. He could give Aeryn her life back. Debt paid. Coconscious clear. "Your right. But let her go first."
"Ahh, no, sorry. She stays until after the codes have been deciphered. One arn and she will be free. Go now, go to the lab. I will be there shortly." He watched as John shrugged himself free of the soldiers. He said nothing. Looking forward as he moved.
Scorpius studied the room. The infrared signal was undetectable to the naked eye, but it was there. It had become invaluable. He had listened to the human, talking in his sleep cycle. At first he worried that his prize was loosing his strength, his sanity. Until he realised with pleasure that what he was hearing were thoughts and fears through the human's dreams. It had proved very interesting, very enlightening, even though at the time it was confusing. He had deciphered that at some point the peacekeepers and the human's relationship had changed to the extent that she no longer believed he existed.
He knelt down beside his bruised and battered Lieutenant. "How right you were. It was a brilliant idea. Once he has completed the codes I will have him. I can use the drug; make him kill his precious Aeryn Sun. It will break him and he will be mine. What a pity that Lt. Senya has to die, although it will be an admirable death." He looked to the screen and tapped the button. "Lt? Well done, we will need you to be there again within 500 microts." The "Aeryn Sun" looked up and shook the hair from her face. She was very similar to the original. Braca had pointed it out when he saw John do a double take on her in command. All that was needed was a lot of blood and the hair partially covering her features.
His second in command smiled at the compliment, a rarity in it's own right. He was dubious of Scorpius' plan. He didn't think the human would submit under any circumstances. He kept quiet, knowing better than to air his views. He would bide his time. When Scorpius realised his plans were futile he would be on hand to destroy the human. Now that, he pondered with a smile, would be well worth the wait.
XXX
John's mind was in overdrive. It could still work. All he needed to do was be in the Science lab for the next arn. He would be there when the explosive was detonated. But how would the others know where Aeryn was? How could he get a message to them? Wait; if she was in the interrogation area, she was away from danger. They would know that she was onboard, that was a given. She would be okay. He nodded as if to reassure himself. He would kill Scorpius; all he had to do was stay put. How hard could that be? The answer came from the neural clone.
"Ah, John, John, John, it will not work." John's eyes flickered as the clone appeared. It was dressed in Scorpius' attire, something he hadn't seen in a while. He said nothing, hoping in vain that ignoring it would make it go away. He knew it was useless though. After a while he answered.
"And what would you're suggestion be? I mean, if you have an ideas now's the time for sharing."
His minds eyes perceived the clone to be circling him. Tapping his finger to his lips, contemplating. A trait he had picked up from John. "Hmmm, you will not run. You will not sacrifice the tralk, not many options…"
John rolled his eyes, "Then go home, take a break, have a vacation."
"Patience my friend, I have an idea, you may not like it. I will get back to you, Kirk out." With that he faded away.
He laughed out loud "Quoting Star Trek? Now I know we're in trouble."
Scorpius strolled into the science lab. ""Who is in trouble John?"
John looked up startled; having been too absorbed in his own thoughts he hadn't heard the hybrid enter. He composed himself. "The good guys, always the good guys."
Scorpius looked at him intently then smiled. "Are you talking to my neural chip John? Is he trying to help you? After this is over, maybe you can enlighten me on it. I would be very intrigued to know." John snorted but he continued, " However, when this is over you will be more co-operative, you will be more willing. I have patience, I can wait."
John scowled. "Yeah, right whatever, I'm kinda busy now so if you don't mind, I'll keep going with this." He turned his back in the hope that he wasn't letting anything else away.
XXX
The prowler came in to line with the others. It remained unnoticed as predicted. "So far so good." D'Argo observed.
"Yes, now all we have to do is get onboard. Once we are in you and the others will remain in the prowler until the blasts ignite. The confusion will allow you the time you need. Does everyone understand their target?"
The others looked to Aeryn. Jool spoke first. "Yeah, the west side of the ship will be destroyed first. Then we go in, get John and we're done."
"And the injector? It will work on John's species? He will be unconscious?"
"We don't know, but it is better than the alternative." Crais replied in answer to Rygel's question.
Crais had acquired information from Talyn's data bank. The bracelets could be removed. It would take time but faced with the other options, it was the only available choice worth considering. By keeping the human in a state of sleep, he might just be able to withstand any pain the hybrid was sure to try and inflicted. No one had argued.
"Prepare to board." Aeryn commanded.
XXX
"You are stalling John! You leave me with no other choice. Come with me!" Scorpius demanded roughly pulling John's arm. Confused, John obeyed.
The neural clone appeared. "He will kill the tralk you know. I have thought of a way, I think I know the code to release the bracelet. Scorpius would use a familiar number sequence. You must use this now and free yourself. Save yourself John, I implore you!"
John smiled thinly, answering the clone mentally. "Go away Harv, that isn't an option. I'll get the bracelet off once Aeryn is free, not a microt before. Come back when I'm done k?" He used what little strength of mind he had to dismiss the clone.
They stopped at a large steel door. Scorpius waved his hand in front of the panel and it opened. There in a dim light sat 'Aeryn' moaning quietly. John tried to shrug free of the vice like grip to no avail.
"No, no, no, Stand still John, she cannot hear you, she cannot respond to you."
"You son of a …." His voice trailed off as he felt a pin prick in his wrist. "What? Why?" His expression changed to one of horror, realising what was now coursing through his veins. "No, don't do this, Scorpius listen, I'll do anything, " He was interrupted.
"Yes, John, you will, stay clam, this is for the best. You know this, we cannot have you working with us if you can easily be distracted." He watched as the human's sparkling eyes took on a darker form. It was completed. The drug was in effect. To test it, the hybrid released his grasp. John stood still. His mind at war with the virus. Trying in vain to fight the effects.
Harvey's voice was a distant whisper. "I'm trying to isolate the problem Scottie, focus, focus, focus, listen to my voice. Keep listening to my voice, only mine."
Was that Harvey or Scorpius? He couldn't tell, one voice became two. Both arguing, both fighting for control. The voices separated slightly, one giving an order, the other countering it.
"Take the gun"
"Don't take the gun."
"Raise the gun."
"Drop the gun."
His eyes were glassy. He shook his head trying to clear the thoughts that were pounding his mind. Had he lost it completely? He couldn't contribute to the argument. Reality became fantasy as Harvey tried to filter thoughts into his mind. The voices continued. The thoughts swirled; life on Moya, life with Aeryn, life without Aeryn.
Scorpius growled as he watched the human struggle with the gun. Why was this proving so difficult? He had control; the human should do as he was doing. Yet he had the gun aimed at 'Aeryn' the human's gun was directed at the floor, raising slightly then dropping.
The war in his mind continued, he could hear codes, for what? Couldn't remember, couldn't think. He opened his mouth "No, no, no, don't make me do this.." it was a whisper but it infuriated his nemesis.
The gun was lifted, was he doing that? Didn't know, and didn't care. A voice in his mind screamed. "John, lower the gun!" He heard that, that had to be Harvey – right? Or was it a trick – reversed psychology? His knees buckled but his armed was clasped, keeping him from hitting the ground. His gun wavered as it slowly directed itself at the Sebacean in the chair.
Scorpius smiled, it was going to work. For a moment he had thought the human to be too resilient of the drug, something he had not wanted to contemplate. He watched as the human followed his lead, releasing the safety catch.
XXX
Aeryn Sun and Captain Crais entered the hanger, keeping their helmets on, hiding their identity to the unassuming peacekeepers that milled in the area. The comm. channel was left open. The remaining crew could hear everything. They watched from the portal as Aeryn strategically placed one bomb after another around the hanger, while Crais kept a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Chiana remained quiet; she had become somewhat subdued since the visions. Not saying one way or another if the new plan would work. The others had taken it as a good sign. Each praying to their own God or Goddess, that they were right.
She jolted forward quickly causing the rest of the crew to jump at the sudden movement. "What? What?" Rygel asked swaying in front of her, not too closely, not after the last encounter.
"I..I.. where is Aeryn? Where is she?" She asked frantically jumping up.
Jool grabbed her arm "Shh, she's right there." Pointing to the portal.
Chiana paid no heed, "No, no, she isn't, John, he..gun..he.." Her voice was fragmented.
Rygel lost patience and nipped her "Yotz girl spit it out!"
She shook the vision away, her eyes focussing. "I don't understand, John, he's pointing a gun at Aeryn, why would he do that? Why would he do that?" She whined.
They all stared in confusion, not fully understanding what she was trying to say. The looked back to the portal, reassured that Aeryn was still in view.
"You must be wrong, John would never do that Chiana." Jool soothed.
"Unless, he is no longer in control. We do not know what has been done to him. Any experiment could have been performed. This plan is…."
D'Argo's comments were interrupted by the worried voice of Aeryn, he cursed, forgetting the open channel. "Chiana? What do you mean? Chiana?"
He answered "We don't know, just keep going, and be careful Aeryn, we don't.."
Again she interrupted, "I know, I know"
XXX
"Point the gun away from the target"
"Point straight ahead, that's it, good, good"
The voices grew louder, each trying to convince the human.
Scorpius realised then, he was warring with the clone, not the human. In different circumstance he would have found this to be fascinating. At present, it was infuriating. How could the clone disobey him? Then he remembered. The neural clone of the human had done the same. It became clear. This clone was saving his only existence, understanding that if John pulled the trigger, he would be defeated, they both would.
With little options left, he used the power of his own mind over the clone. It was not to be. The gun John was holding moved away from the target and directed itself at the healing leg. With no time to react, Scorpius growled, waiting for the pulse blast to go off. When it did, both parties fell to the ground shouting out in pain.
He composed himself enough to grab the gun and throw it to the side. "You still lose John Crichton." He seethed as he jerked the human's head back to the original target. John watched helplessly as the pulse blast ripped through 'Aeryn'
"No! God, please…" His pleading faded as the pain in his leg and the pain in his heart took over. He passed out cold.
"Braca? Braca? Get to the integration area immediately!" Scorpius bellowed dropping his grip as John became a dead weight.
XXX
"Where the frell is he?" Aeryn whispered as they reached the Science area. She scoured the room.
"He is not here. Keep going with the work." Crais prompted.
"Frell you! If he does come back, it will be as Chiana predicted. We wait." She stood firm, daring him to challenge her.
"Very well, you stay, I will carry on as planned." He knew that voice, knew it was pointless to argue.
He left, looking back only once. It would probably be the last time he saw either her or the human alive again.
XXX
With the rest of the bombs in place, Crais returned to the Science area. He couldn't leave her to fight this battle alone. She had saved him in the past; it was time to repay the debt. He smiled thinly. When had he become like them? When had his formidable peacekeeper training abandoned him?
She was where he had left her. Standing in position at the door, waiting. "We have to go now. The bombs will detonate in 500 microts. We have no time left." Seeing that he was getting nowhere he tried again. "Aeryn Sun!" The use of her battle name had the effect. She stood to attention, looking at him. "Commander Crichton gave me strict orders to keep you alive! Do not make me use force!"
Her eyes widened "You knew?"
"No, no, but he did state, quite clearly, that I keep you alive, that I keep you safe. I gave him my word!"
He was surprised when she laughed, not the reaction he was expecting. "You gave him you're word? You expect me to believe that?"
How could he tell her that he was referring to the other? That it was dying requset? And it had been humbly accepted. He was relieved when the comm.. blasted to life.
"Come on, both of you. Neither of you are any use to us or Crichton dead!" D'Argo yelled.
She nodded then, as if trying to reason with herself. She moved past Crais towards the door. As they reached it they heard voices.
"I am fine! Secure the data. Leave Crichton in the medical bay, I will deal with him later, if he survives. We have enough information at present!"
Both looked to the other, contemplating the words of Scorpius. Aeryn shook her head, clearing the rampant thoughts that were flooding her mind.
As Scorpius and Braca entered, pulse weapons were pointed at their heads. They stopped. "Officer Sun, Captain Crais, how nice of you to join us." His voice was calm; his rage was not. "Now, now, you wouldn't shoot me would you my dear? And risk killing the other?"
Aeryn jammed the gun to his head, an action that made him realise that indeed she would. Her voice was controlled, "Yes...I…Would. Then he would be free of you, and so would we. Hold out your arm." She ordered.
He complied, somewhat confused at the order. Until he saw what she was holding. An injector. It was plunged ruthlessly into his arm causing him to hiss. He fell to his knees losing consciousness quickly. Braca tried to move forward but was stopped abruptly by a knock to the head.
"We have to change the plan. There is no more sedative. This way, he will remain alive until the bracelet is removed. John will be safe if he is unconscious"
Crais nodded lifting the hybrid as he did so.
The first bomb went off causing them to momentarily lose balance. Aeryn smiled. "Time to get this show on the road."
He shook his head in amusement; she really did spend too much time with that human.
XXX
The rest of the attack surprisingly went as planned. A helmet was placed on an unconscious John and he was carried through the chaos that perused. No one gave them a second look. Two peacekeepers carrying an injured third and their commander. It was routine in times of attack. The leader of the ship had to be taken off first.
They met the remaining crew in the hanger. "Put him in that one and turn on auto pilot. He will not awake for 5 arns." Crais said to Aeryn. D'Argo helped her in her quest, not contradicting what he thought to be a farbot plan.
"We're not going to kill the bastard?" Rygel asked absurdly. Airing the view of the others.
"He will die, the prowler will be on course to fly directly into the command carrier. He will die quickly. A death he does not deserve!" Crais answered pulling Crichton behind him.
Within microts, both prowlers were airborne. Aeryn marvelled at the simplicity of it all. How the frell did it work? The rest were not so questioning, whoops of joy could be heard as the prowler exited the hanger on a trajectory course for home, for Moya.
XXX
Well? Feedback is essential! And for all you shippy lovers, the final wee chapter has shippyness…