Fic: Nothing's Quite The Same

Story by: Neuroscpr and Can

Pt 12 by: Can

Setting: After DWTB, spoilers up to that ep

Rating: R

Summary: John and the other displaced members of the crew embark on their own missions as Moya heads into the unknown territory.



The room was larger than anything he had seen before. It was filled with peacekeeper markings. Standing at the front of the room was his cousin, Bishan, flanked by peacekeeper soldiers. Rygel had not expected to see him so early in his capture.



Rygel stood there, waiting. He wouldn't give his cousin the satisfaction of speaking first. He was after all the true Dominar, and would act as such. Bishan would have to answer to him.

The two stared at each other. The silence was too much for Bishan, as he opened the conversation nervously.

"Well cousin, I guess I should say welcome back. I understand you are here to dethrone me," Bishan stated, motioning to the peacekeeper soldiers on each side of him. "I think that would be foolhardy considering the circumstances."

Rygel remained silent, remembering this was something his cousin couldn't tolerate. He knew his cousin well and would play him until he fell into his hands. Rygel couldn't hope to win a physical battle with the peacekeepers, but he knew he could win a verbal one with Bishan.

"Your presence here threatens my throne. I cannot allow that. I should have already had you executed, but I wanted to hear what you had to say. Perhaps it will be easier if we are alone. I owe you that much at least," Bishan replied, motioning the soldiers to leave.

As the soldiers departed, Rygel knew he had won a small battle already. His chest puffed up ready to have it out with his cousin. Consequences be frelled!

As much as he wanted to show his hatred of this man, Rygel knew he had to keep himself in check. Any sign of emotion from him, his cousin would use against him. This was the war Rygel would win.

"They are gone now, Rygel. Feel free to say what you will."

Rygel laughed at his cousin. "You think you rule this planet? By what I see, you are merely an instrument in their grand plan. You are nothing more than a figurehead." Rygel shook his head in disgust.

"How dare you talk to me in that manner! Whether you like it or not, I am the Dominar!" Bishan shouted indignant.

Rygel was pleased with his reaction; it was what he had hoped for. "Bishan, let me ask you this. Did you not betray the Hynerion Empire by aligning yourself with the peacekeepers? Are they nothing but prisoners of high command now?"

The words Rygel spoke made Bishan feel as if he had been kicked in his three stomachs. He knew he spoke the truth.

"I have done what was necessary to preserve our empire," Bishan stated calmly.

Rygel stared hard at his cousin, "Preserve? You have done nothing but enslave them!" The contempt in Rygel's voice was evident.

"It didn't start out that way! We actually benefited greatly by what they had to offer," Bishan replied in self-defense. His thoughts went back to the early days, when it looked like he had done well for his empire. "Slowly things changed, and I realized I was losing more and more authority."

"What do you plan to do about it now?" Rygel asked, interested in his response.

"Nothing. The peacekeepers are happy with the way things are. You made a grave mistake coming back, cousin. All that is left for you here is death. Yours!"



xxxxx



They both jumped for the nearest cover as the bomb hit, exploding. The metal from the explosive rained all over them as they tried to protect themselves from it.

John felt the heat from his jacket. It was on fire. He quickly rolled himself in the dirt to put it out. "Hell, that was close!"

"Hey D. You ok buddy?" John asked seeing his still body.

John scurried to his side. "D'Argo!" He saw the metal sticking out of his friends back. John checked him for any more wounds before he tried to move him.

D'Argo groaned with the movement as John dragged him out of the open, into a covered alleyway. 'I know there's more where that came from, no sense looking like a sitting duck.'

D'Argo woke just as John got him settled in the alley. He gasped as he tried to move.

"Whoa D. Hold still! We have a slight problem."

"I think I can feel the problem, Crichton. Just get it out and make sure the blood runs clear!"

John could hear the pain in D'Argo's voice, but he still wasn't sure if he should take the metal shard out of his shoulder. He didn't want to make things any worse than they already were.

"Now, John!"

On his demand, John changed his mind. "Hold on D'Argo. I'll try to be as careful as I can," John said, grabbing the piece of metal and pulling it out swiftly.

John heard the Luxan growl as the metal left his skin. He started to squeeze on the wound, knowing it would cause his friend pain. But the blood had to run clear.

"Is…it…clear," the Luxan groaned as the pain continued.

John didn't answer as he continued to massage the affected area. "Got it. Oh yeah, big guy! The blood is running clear now!"

D'Argo moved to a sitting position, with John's help. "Not so fast there! I know you're a Luxan, but at least let me give you a hand."

As John looked away from his friend, he saw it. "Incoming!" He flattened D'Argo, covering him with his body, as the bomb hit, exploding.



xxxxx



"Well, have we hit the targets?" Commandant Grayza looked at her men, waiting for an answer.

"There is much destruction in their vicinity, but we can't be sure, sir. We've just dropped the second bomb. We will be taking the new readings soon."

Grayza was not happy with the answer. The omission told her they had failed on their first try. "Well?"

"In a moment, sir. We need to let the debris settle before we check for their signatures."

"I will stay here until I hear the kill is confirmed!"

The tech's looked nervously at each other, hoping this time they would have what she wanted.

xxxxx



"Frell, Crichton, get off of me!" D'Argo exclaimed, knocking John to the side. "We need to get off this frelling planet!"

John hit the far wall hard, knocking the air out of him. Regaining his breath, John turned to D'Argo, a hurt expression on his face. "Damn D'Argo, I was only trying to protect you! Sorry if I overreacted!"

D'Argo regretted his words instantly as he saw John get painfully to his feet, holding his side.

"John, lets just get the frell off this planet," D'Argo replied heading for the ship, making sure his friend followed. "We'll discuss it later."



D'Argo and John boarded the ship without further incident. D'Argo ordered the ship to depart, but evade the carrier and any peacekeeper vessels.

The ship soared in the open space towards a new location. Hopefully one that was truly free of peacekeeper presence.

D'Argo wanted to find a safe place for John so he could continue on his own mission.



xxxxx



Bishan's words came as no surprise to Rygel. His cousin was always spineless; hence the situation his people were in.

"You are aware there are hynerions uniting to fight against you and your peacekeeper friends," Rygel stated, watching Bishan pale slightly as he held in the laughter.

"You will be their first target. No one will be able to help you. When you kill me that will be their signal." Rygel spoke calmly, knowing he had given his cousin food for thought.

Bishan shouted, "No one would dare attack me! I am their ruler!"

Hearing the shouting, the peacekeeper soldiers reentered the room. "Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

Glaring at Rygel's laughing face, Bishan ordered the soldiers to take him to a cell.

As Rygel was lead away, the laughter started. He knew his plan was a success.

xxxxx



Grayza stood waiting impatiently for the new report. "Well, Sergeant?" Grayza asked, arms folded across her chest. "Is there some problem with the equipment?"

The Sergeant couldn't find his voice for a microt, fearing the commandant's reaction to the news. "Sir, it seems we have failed. The Luxan ship is escaping the planet."

"Frell!" Grayza exclaimed, slamming her fist on the console. Get a lock on them and follow! And, Sergeant, if you frell this up I will make sure High Command receives a full report on your incompetence."

All duly noted the simple threat, the techs looking anxiously at one another. "Of course, sir. Any other orders Commandant Grayza?"

"Yes, Sergeant," Grayza replied, smiling. "Don't let them know we are following them. I want the element of surprise."



xxxxx



Nerri had recuperated quickly from his wound. He was happy to move about freely, as Chiana's constant attention had finally worn thin. He understood her concern, and was thankful for it, but he wasn't used to being catered to. That was a part of his sister he didn't care for.

The relationship between Gridon and his sister appeared strained in recent days. Nerri was not sure why, but he felt it had something to do with him. Too much was going on though for him to dwell on it for too long.

Nerri saw Gridon approaching. "What did you find?"

Gridon looked away, none to happy with himself. He had failed to acquire the information they needed, a rarity for him. In answer he merely shook his head.

"No matter," Nerri said, resting his had on his friend's shoulder. "We have other ways. Please have the men get the ship ready. We will need to leave immediately."

Chiana surprised them both saying, " Leaving for where?" She was becoming quite good at concealing her presence until she wanted to make herself known. The new techniques she was learning from training with the resistance pleased her.

Nerri was annoyed but tried not to show it. "We have something we need to investigate, Chiana. We should be back in less than a solar day."

"No, Nerri," Chiana said, simply, "It's too soon for you. But if you insist, I'm going with you."

"No Chiana. You will stay here. There will be no discussion." Nerri walked off avoiding the fight that was bound to happen if he stayed.

Chiana shouted after him. "Why Nerri? Answer me why!"

Nerri kept walking, not missing a step.

She looked at Gridon feeling his stare. "What!"

Gridon sighed, shaking his head. "I asked you before Chiana, not to put your brother in this position. You are only threatening his safety. It's tearing him a part!"

"He's my brother!" Chiana cried, pleading with her eyes.

"Then leave him be. Let your brother do his work without guilt!" Gridon lowered his voice as he said, "Trust me in this Chiana."

Her eyes dropped, realizing what he had been trying to get her to understand. She looked at him conceding. "What's the mission this time?"

Gridon debated on telling her anything. He relented not wanting to lose her trust. "There is a peacekeeper fleet a solar day away. We intend to find out its mission, nothing more."