1 Nothing's Quite The Same
Story by: Neuroscpr and Can
Pt 22: by Can
Setting: After DWTB, spoilers up until that episode
Rating: R
Summary: John and the other displaced members of the crew embark on their own missions as Moya heads into unknown territory
D'Argo shouted first. "Frell! The ship!" He looked around in panic for another vessel.
The sound of D'Argo's voice propelled the others into action, all except for John. He still remained standing in stunned silence.
Grayza was still speaking over the intercom. "You are my prisoners now. As you can see there is no escape for you."
Aeryn ignoring the voice yelled, "Everyone in the tunnel. We need to come up with a plan, but first we need to get out of the hangar!"
As they headed to the tunnel, Chiana grabbed John as she went past him. He responded and seemed to snap out of the trance like state.
Aeryn took control of the situation. "Options people! Talk to me! What options do we have?"
D'Argo sarcastically stated, "A ship, Aeryn. A ship is what we need right now. I don't see any other option."
Aeryn caught the implication in D'Argo's tone. "Well right now I don't frelling see any! We have to come up with something else, before Grayza and her troops show up. Jaron, what can you tell me about this ship?"
Jaron shook his head. "Nothing that could be of any use in our situation. Unless… there is something, but I'm not sure of it."
John listened to the bantering going back and forth. Tired of all the talk, he simply asked, "D do you have any idea what they've done with your ship?"
D'Argo looked at him surprised. 'How the frell could I have forgotten about it,' he thought to himself, shaking his head.
"John, the only thing I remember is her saying they were studying it. I don't know where it is."
"I think I may." As Jaron spoke all eyes turned to him.
xxxxx
Looking at the Sergeant, Graza spoke, "Have a unit meet me at the hangar. We will end this once and for all. And…make sure they understand I want them alive!"
"Very well, Commandant, but if we get into a pulse battle with them, it may be unavoidable."
She looked at the Sergeant in anger. "Shoot to wound, not kill! Must I think for you also!" Grayza picked up her weapon and headed for the hangar in anticipation of her victory.
Quickly walking to the rendezvous point with the soldiers, Grayza reminisced on what had partaken in the last solar day. Her ship was in shambles, but it was worth it to have finally captured all of them except the Hynerian. But she didn't let this cast a shadow over her silent victory. He was really insignificant to the bigger picture of the others.
She had lost many soldiers in her quest, but they were expendable. Anything for High Command was worth it. 'Soon…soon,' she thought as she saw the soldiers waiting in the corridor.
xxxxx
Aeryn just about pounced on Jaron. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"
"Perhaps he's really a peacekeeper after all," Chiana responded, before Jaron could say anything.
Aeryn's eyes shot at the Nebari. "Shut up, Chiana!"
Jaron ignored Chiana's comment and explained. "There's another large room off the hangar. I couldn't make out what it was used for, but just maybe that's where D'Argo's ship is. It's just a possibility."
"Show us where it is! Lets go," Aeryn ordered.
They had to fight their way back through the hangar, gripping onto something with each step. Chiana lost her footing and screamed as she was being dragged out to the darkness of space.
John was the first to react. He had stayed near Chiana as they had made their way through the hangar, so he was the closest.
"Grab the pole Chiana," he shouted as he lowered himself to the deck. Using his body as an extension, he hooked his legs around the column Chiana had just been holding. Reaching out with his arms, he grabbed her lose hand. Fighting to hold onto her and pull her back, he felt his legs give slightly.
D'Argo, seeing what was about to happen, moved as quickly as he could and grabbed John's leg. With his leg secure, John grabbed both of Chiana's arms and between him and D'Argo pulled her back to safety.
Aeryn and D'Argo grabbed Chiana and John respectively and pulled them into the adjoining room. All four of them dropped to the floor exhausted.
Jaron waited a few microts to speak. "Is this the ship you spoke of John?"
They slowly rose to their feet, feeling hope again.
John nodded, as he saw D'Argo move to the ship. "How about you check it out D'Argo? No telling what the frell they did to it."
He turned to Chiana, "You ok Pip?"
She smiled slightly, "Yeah old man. Thanks."
He squeezed her arm as he went to help D'Argo. It looked intact, but John knew it was probably missing some essential parts. He left the cockpit to D'Argo and Aeryn. Jaron was helping him check over the exterior, when they suddenly heard the Luxan cursing.
John slammed his head against the ship as he started to rise to find out the problem. "Shit!" He exclaimed, holding the back of his head. "What is it D'Argo?"
D'Argo came barreling out of the cockpit, Aeryn following. "The chips gone! I can't pilot the ship without it!" Right now he felt he could be on the verge of hyperage, as his level of frustration was at a high.
They heard Chiana gasp behind them. "What is it Chi?" John asked, somewhat impatient.
He saw her staring beyond the ship. As he turned he heard a voice that sent shivers through his spine.
"Is this what you are looking for?" Scorpius asked, holding an object in his hand. The smug grin on his face reminded John of other days.
xxxxx
The peacekeepers entered the hangar cautiously. The air locks were still open as they stepped back into the corridor.
Grayza shouted through her comm., "Securing the frelling air locks you idiots!"
"Secure sir."
The troops searched the hanger, but found nothing.
"What do you mean they aren't here? They have to be! Find them!" She shouted as she personally checked the tunnels herself.
After exhausting all avenues, one of the soldiers spoke up, "Sir, what about the smaller one?"
"Frell!" Grayza said, hoping it wasn't too late. "Get it open!"
xxxxx
D'Argo placed the chip in the ships console. Speaking, his eyes lit up as the console came to life. "System check."
"Jaron, you know what to do?" He nodded. "Will you be able to make it back in time? We can only give you a quarter of an arn."
"Aeryn, I can do it. Trust me."
She nodded as she glanced at John and Scorpius. Aeryn hoped he wasn't making a pact with the devil. She was still confused as to why Scorpius had decided to help them.
Chiana was by Aeryn's side. "You can't let John make any deals with him. He's had enough for one life time, Aeryn."
Aeryn looked at Chiana and saw how sincere she was. "He won't Chiana." It still amazed Aeryn how much the Nebari had changed since their first encounter with her.
"Well I guess I owe you one Scorpy. You definitely saved our ass this time," John said. "I could never have imagined this scene even in my wildest dreams."
"You know, John I will…how shall I say this…collect at another time," Scorpius replied, smiling ominously. "I must go now. Until then John."
John took a deep breath as he watched Scorpius walk away. As he turned he saw Chiana and Aeryn watching him. Looking away, he said, " Everything's okay."
D'Argo shouted from the cockpit. "All systems are ready. Let's get the frell out of here!"
"We have to wait for Jaron," Aeryn stated as she saw the hangar doors open. " He should be on his way back."
"There's no time, Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted.
John looked at Aeryn's expression. "We wait D'Argo. We all get out of this nightmare together," John stated. "In the meantime, everyone get aboard. I'll wait here for Jaron."
Aeryn and Chiana started to do as he said only to pause as they heard the noise from the other hangar.
"Do it!" John said as he grabbed Aeryn's pulse pistol. "Thanks, I may need this. Now go!"
"Open this door Commander," Grayza shouted from the other side. "You cannot possibly hope to escape."
John could only laugh. "You are so full of shit, Grayza. You know you really kill me sometimes."
"I'm sure that can be arranged, Commander," she shouted back. "Give up now, and I will be easy on you. Continue and…"
Jaron came flying into the hangar, almost falling as he rounded the corner.
"Get in the ship," John shouted as the sudden force of the blast from the other side, knocked him into the ship.
He quickly recovered and jumped in the ship behind Jaron. "Let's get the hell out of here!"
D'Argo easily maneuvered the ship out of the hangar, relaxing as they exited the carrier.
Grayza and her troops entered the hangar just in time to see the tail of the ship reach the darkness of space. She cursed loudly. "Get a ship ready! We will pursue!"
xxxxx
Aeryn sat next to D'Argo. "Here are the coordinates. These will take us to my rebel ship where we should be safe."
Everyone was quiet. Jaron and Chiana sat behind them with John in the very back of the ship, each into their own thoughts.
Chiana rose and went to John. She saw the exhaustion on his face, and his arms wrapped around him as if he were cold.
She reached for a blanket and covered him as she sat next to him. "You ok?"
"Sure Pip, and thanks."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "Promise me something, John. Tell me you didn't make any deals with Scorpy in exchange for our freedom."
John smiled at her. "No Pip, I didn't. I promise, scouts honor."
Chiana was happy to hear some of the humor back in his voice even though she knew he was hurting. "Mind if I stay with you? It makes me feel safe."
"If you want, but I'd better warn you I'm probably going to fall asleep. I'm so damn tired," he replied, closing his eyes.
Chiana nuzzled closer to him, hoping to give him some comfort. "Sleep John. It's what you need."
He winced as he had heard those words before. The pain subsiding as he gave into what he needed so badly.
xxxxx
The rebel ship loomed before them. D'Argo woke Aeryn up first to open up the communication channel.
"Agnar, this is Aeryn Sun. We have completed our mission and request to dock with your ship."
"Sun, we are so pleased to hear your voice. Did everyone make it?"
Aeryn dropped her head before forming her words. "No, Agnar. Only Jaron and I, but the rescue was successful."
"Docking enabled, Sun."
The ships connected as Aeryn woke Jaron. She looked at the back of the ship and saw Chiana and John asleep. John for once seemed in a peaceful sleep. She carefully nudged them so as not to alarm him and told them it was time to board the other ship.
As the crew transferred to the rebel ship, they were met with food and water. The rebels knew it had probably been several solar days since any of them had eaten.
Aeryn and Jaron immediately resumed their duties as the others were taken to a more comfortable location to eat.
D'Argo and Chiana were eating heartily, making up for the days that they had lost. They both noticed John just picking at the food, his head resting on his hand.
"Come on John. You have to be hungry," D'Argo said, trying to sound lighthearted. "It's over, we made it."
Without looking up John replied, " Actually D'Argo the thought of food just makes me want to throw up. And if you think we're in the clear you're wrong! I can feel it in my bones."
On those words, the alert came. "Intruders on board. Everyone to their stations."
John jumped from his seat and headed back to command, Chiana and D'Argo following.
Entering command John saw it empty except for a few men. "Where are they?"
"In the docking bay. The peacekeepers have penetrated our ship!"
"Shit!" John yelled as he headed for the bay.
As they entered the bay the rebels dragged them down, out of the line of fire that was beginning to commence. The rebel soldiers had the upper hand over the peacekeeper soldiers, as one by one they went down.
Jaron issued the ultimatum. "Drop your weapons now! Surrender and we will spare the rest."
His demand was met with silence.
Aeryn was whispering to Jaron. He nodded in agreement, as Aeryn crouched down and moved slowly down the side of the bay. She was careful to avoid detection.
John watched and cringed at what he thought Aeryn might be planning to do. He grabbed the pistol from the rebel crouched next to him and headed down the opposite side.
The silence was broken by Grayza's voice. "I have a compromise to offer that should be adequate for both of us. Give me Crichton and I will leave the rest of you in peace!"
"No deal, Grayza!" D'Argo spoke before Jaron could answer. "You are outnumbered. Drop your weapons!"
This simple distraction was all they needed to overtake Grayza, as Aeryn and John found themselves behind the peacekeepers. Aeryn quickly advanced on her and wrapped her arm around the Commandant's throat. John trained his weapon on the rest of the soldiers.
"Jaron, I could use some help here," John said trying to cover several men at the same time.
The rebels emerged from their battle points and pointed their weapons on the remaining soldiers.
Aeryn had Grayza in a headlock. "Tell me you will leave peacefully or I will snap your neck!"
Breathing hard Grayza responded, "We'll retreat."
Aeryn knocked her out. Motioning to one of the soldiers Aeryn said, "Take her back to your ship and don't threaten us again. The next time she may not be so lucky."
The soldier nodded hastily and quickly grabbed his superior. He only wanted to get clear of these rebels now. He would worry about the repercussions later.
As the peacekeepers retreated, it left everyone numb, especially John. He was so tired of the fighting. Without a word he returned the gun to the rebel as Aeryn watched, grateful for the back up.
John left the bay first and headed for command. He wanted to feel useful again. As he walked in he heard the transmission. "This is Dominar Rygel of the Hynerian Empire. I am looking for assistance."
John couldn't believe his ears as he pushed the tech out of the way. "Hey Sparky, is that you?"
"Crichton?" Rygel asked, knowing only one person called him that.
"Come aboard Ryg. It's just like a family reunion going on here," John answered, laughing, the tears threatening now.
John looked at the surprised tech. "It's ok I know him." He headed off to the bay to welcome his friend aboard.
He caught the others as they were headed back to command. The happiness in his voice could not be doubted. "Great news. Rygels alive and landing on this ship now!"
Chiana let out a loud happy cry. Even though she detested him sometimes, she knew she had missed him also.
They followed John back to the bay, everyone except Aeryn. "I've got to get back to command." She continued on without looking at anybody.
The reunion in the bay would have looked bazaar to a stranger, as John and Chiana planted Rygel with kisses. D'Argo showed his happiness with a Luxan bear hug.
"How did you find us, Rygel?" Chiana asked. "Since you're here I guess things didn't go well on Hyneria for you."
Rygel lowered his head, remembering the way he had left his people. "No Chiana. The peacekeepers are in control now. My cousin Bishan is dead. Oddly enough though, he's the one who helped me escape."
"I'm sorry Ryg," John said, putting his hand on his shoulder. "At least he did the right thing in the end."
Rygel nodded as Chiana reached across to give him a hug. "Anyway, I picked you up on my scanners. I needed some supplies before I could continue my journey."
"So you have a destination set?" D'Argo asked.
"Not anymore. I found it now," Rygel said smugly, with a slight smile on his face.
They all smiled at his statement.
D'Argo sent a cloud over the happiness in the room. "We need to decide what to do now. The rebels are going to be headed on a new mission and we need a safe place to hide for a while. Your right John, Grayza's not going to give up."
Chiana smiled as a sudden thought came to her. "I know exactly where we can go. We'll be safe and you can all meet my brother."
xxxxx
They decided to leave right away, as they stocked D'Argo's ship with the supplies they would need for the journey. The activity was good for John. It left him with little time to think. Thinking right now could be dangerous for him.
D'Argo informed Aeryn of their decision. She agreed it would be best to get them off this ship and into safer territory.
Aeryn called Jaron into the conversation with the Luxan. "We will be leaving shortly for a place Chiana knows. You're in charge while I'm gone. I'll call you when I'm ready to return."
"Of course Aeryn. Do you wish for any of the soldiers to accompany you?"
"No. We'll be fine," Aeryn replied, looking back at D'Argo, seeing a surprised look on his face.
"Why Aeryn? Why are you coming? I thought this was your life now, what you wanted!" D'Argo stated rather forcefully. "If this is what you have chosen, then just let us be on our way!" He was thinking more of John than anyone else. D'Argo didn't know if he could handle another goodbye.
In an angry tone she spoke. "I owe it to all of you to at least see you safe! And if you hadn't noticed Crichton doesn't look altogether there. I don't think you can count on him to watch your back! I get you there safely and I return to my base!" Quieting her voice some she continued, "Besides I would like to meet Nerri. Perhaps we can help each other."
D'Argo nodded, turning without any further argument. He was not up to it after the last few solar days.
Two arns later the four of them boarded the ship. The rebels were in the bay to see them off. They had thanked them for all they had done.
As John settled himself in he thought of Aeryn. In the time since they had seen each other they hadn't spoken, except for battle purposes. He supposed nothing was going to change after all. Realizing they weren't moving John asked, " Hey D'Argo, what's the hold up?"
Without turning D'Argo replied, "We're waiting for one more passenger."
Just as he was about to say who, Aeryn climbed aboard. Her eyes locked with John's for a microt before she turned and took her seat by D'Argo.
"Nope nothing's changed," he whispered under his breath, feeling Chiana put her arms around his shoulders.
Rygel turned to Chiana. "Why's the peacekeeper bitch here? To inflict more pain?"
Before Chiana could reply, John did. " Just can it Sparky! It's ok." Rygel understood his friend and respected his feelings.
John moved to a more comfortable position and continued the rest of the journey between sleeping and staring in space.
xxxxx
Nerri welcomed them with open arms. He assured them they would be safe on his planet. Food and drink had been prepared for all.
The reunion between Chiana and Nerri was a happy one for both. He hugged her and told her how proud he was of her. Then he looked to John.
"I want to thank you John Crichton for watching out for my little sister. She told me all about you," Nerri said, sincerity in his voice.
"Anytime Nerri. She's like a little sister to me also." John smiled as they were ushered into the dwelling to commence with the feast.
Story by: Neuroscpr and Can
Pt 22: by Can
Setting: After DWTB, spoilers up until that episode
Rating: R
Summary: John and the other displaced members of the crew embark on their own missions as Moya heads into unknown territory
D'Argo shouted first. "Frell! The ship!" He looked around in panic for another vessel.
The sound of D'Argo's voice propelled the others into action, all except for John. He still remained standing in stunned silence.
Grayza was still speaking over the intercom. "You are my prisoners now. As you can see there is no escape for you."
Aeryn ignoring the voice yelled, "Everyone in the tunnel. We need to come up with a plan, but first we need to get out of the hangar!"
As they headed to the tunnel, Chiana grabbed John as she went past him. He responded and seemed to snap out of the trance like state.
Aeryn took control of the situation. "Options people! Talk to me! What options do we have?"
D'Argo sarcastically stated, "A ship, Aeryn. A ship is what we need right now. I don't see any other option."
Aeryn caught the implication in D'Argo's tone. "Well right now I don't frelling see any! We have to come up with something else, before Grayza and her troops show up. Jaron, what can you tell me about this ship?"
Jaron shook his head. "Nothing that could be of any use in our situation. Unless… there is something, but I'm not sure of it."
John listened to the bantering going back and forth. Tired of all the talk, he simply asked, "D do you have any idea what they've done with your ship?"
D'Argo looked at him surprised. 'How the frell could I have forgotten about it,' he thought to himself, shaking his head.
"John, the only thing I remember is her saying they were studying it. I don't know where it is."
"I think I may." As Jaron spoke all eyes turned to him.
xxxxx
Looking at the Sergeant, Graza spoke, "Have a unit meet me at the hangar. We will end this once and for all. And…make sure they understand I want them alive!"
"Very well, Commandant, but if we get into a pulse battle with them, it may be unavoidable."
She looked at the Sergeant in anger. "Shoot to wound, not kill! Must I think for you also!" Grayza picked up her weapon and headed for the hangar in anticipation of her victory.
Quickly walking to the rendezvous point with the soldiers, Grayza reminisced on what had partaken in the last solar day. Her ship was in shambles, but it was worth it to have finally captured all of them except the Hynerian. But she didn't let this cast a shadow over her silent victory. He was really insignificant to the bigger picture of the others.
She had lost many soldiers in her quest, but they were expendable. Anything for High Command was worth it. 'Soon…soon,' she thought as she saw the soldiers waiting in the corridor.
xxxxx
Aeryn just about pounced on Jaron. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"
"Perhaps he's really a peacekeeper after all," Chiana responded, before Jaron could say anything.
Aeryn's eyes shot at the Nebari. "Shut up, Chiana!"
Jaron ignored Chiana's comment and explained. "There's another large room off the hangar. I couldn't make out what it was used for, but just maybe that's where D'Argo's ship is. It's just a possibility."
"Show us where it is! Lets go," Aeryn ordered.
They had to fight their way back through the hangar, gripping onto something with each step. Chiana lost her footing and screamed as she was being dragged out to the darkness of space.
John was the first to react. He had stayed near Chiana as they had made their way through the hangar, so he was the closest.
"Grab the pole Chiana," he shouted as he lowered himself to the deck. Using his body as an extension, he hooked his legs around the column Chiana had just been holding. Reaching out with his arms, he grabbed her lose hand. Fighting to hold onto her and pull her back, he felt his legs give slightly.
D'Argo, seeing what was about to happen, moved as quickly as he could and grabbed John's leg. With his leg secure, John grabbed both of Chiana's arms and between him and D'Argo pulled her back to safety.
Aeryn and D'Argo grabbed Chiana and John respectively and pulled them into the adjoining room. All four of them dropped to the floor exhausted.
Jaron waited a few microts to speak. "Is this the ship you spoke of John?"
They slowly rose to their feet, feeling hope again.
John nodded, as he saw D'Argo move to the ship. "How about you check it out D'Argo? No telling what the frell they did to it."
He turned to Chiana, "You ok Pip?"
She smiled slightly, "Yeah old man. Thanks."
He squeezed her arm as he went to help D'Argo. It looked intact, but John knew it was probably missing some essential parts. He left the cockpit to D'Argo and Aeryn. Jaron was helping him check over the exterior, when they suddenly heard the Luxan cursing.
John slammed his head against the ship as he started to rise to find out the problem. "Shit!" He exclaimed, holding the back of his head. "What is it D'Argo?"
D'Argo came barreling out of the cockpit, Aeryn following. "The chips gone! I can't pilot the ship without it!" Right now he felt he could be on the verge of hyperage, as his level of frustration was at a high.
They heard Chiana gasp behind them. "What is it Chi?" John asked, somewhat impatient.
He saw her staring beyond the ship. As he turned he heard a voice that sent shivers through his spine.
"Is this what you are looking for?" Scorpius asked, holding an object in his hand. The smug grin on his face reminded John of other days.
xxxxx
The peacekeepers entered the hangar cautiously. The air locks were still open as they stepped back into the corridor.
Grayza shouted through her comm., "Securing the frelling air locks you idiots!"
"Secure sir."
The troops searched the hanger, but found nothing.
"What do you mean they aren't here? They have to be! Find them!" She shouted as she personally checked the tunnels herself.
After exhausting all avenues, one of the soldiers spoke up, "Sir, what about the smaller one?"
"Frell!" Grayza said, hoping it wasn't too late. "Get it open!"
xxxxx
D'Argo placed the chip in the ships console. Speaking, his eyes lit up as the console came to life. "System check."
"Jaron, you know what to do?" He nodded. "Will you be able to make it back in time? We can only give you a quarter of an arn."
"Aeryn, I can do it. Trust me."
She nodded as she glanced at John and Scorpius. Aeryn hoped he wasn't making a pact with the devil. She was still confused as to why Scorpius had decided to help them.
Chiana was by Aeryn's side. "You can't let John make any deals with him. He's had enough for one life time, Aeryn."
Aeryn looked at Chiana and saw how sincere she was. "He won't Chiana." It still amazed Aeryn how much the Nebari had changed since their first encounter with her.
"Well I guess I owe you one Scorpy. You definitely saved our ass this time," John said. "I could never have imagined this scene even in my wildest dreams."
"You know, John I will…how shall I say this…collect at another time," Scorpius replied, smiling ominously. "I must go now. Until then John."
John took a deep breath as he watched Scorpius walk away. As he turned he saw Chiana and Aeryn watching him. Looking away, he said, " Everything's okay."
D'Argo shouted from the cockpit. "All systems are ready. Let's get the frell out of here!"
"We have to wait for Jaron," Aeryn stated as she saw the hangar doors open. " He should be on his way back."
"There's no time, Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted.
John looked at Aeryn's expression. "We wait D'Argo. We all get out of this nightmare together," John stated. "In the meantime, everyone get aboard. I'll wait here for Jaron."
Aeryn and Chiana started to do as he said only to pause as they heard the noise from the other hangar.
"Do it!" John said as he grabbed Aeryn's pulse pistol. "Thanks, I may need this. Now go!"
"Open this door Commander," Grayza shouted from the other side. "You cannot possibly hope to escape."
John could only laugh. "You are so full of shit, Grayza. You know you really kill me sometimes."
"I'm sure that can be arranged, Commander," she shouted back. "Give up now, and I will be easy on you. Continue and…"
Jaron came flying into the hangar, almost falling as he rounded the corner.
"Get in the ship," John shouted as the sudden force of the blast from the other side, knocked him into the ship.
He quickly recovered and jumped in the ship behind Jaron. "Let's get the hell out of here!"
D'Argo easily maneuvered the ship out of the hangar, relaxing as they exited the carrier.
Grayza and her troops entered the hangar just in time to see the tail of the ship reach the darkness of space. She cursed loudly. "Get a ship ready! We will pursue!"
xxxxx
Aeryn sat next to D'Argo. "Here are the coordinates. These will take us to my rebel ship where we should be safe."
Everyone was quiet. Jaron and Chiana sat behind them with John in the very back of the ship, each into their own thoughts.
Chiana rose and went to John. She saw the exhaustion on his face, and his arms wrapped around him as if he were cold.
She reached for a blanket and covered him as she sat next to him. "You ok?"
"Sure Pip, and thanks."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "Promise me something, John. Tell me you didn't make any deals with Scorpy in exchange for our freedom."
John smiled at her. "No Pip, I didn't. I promise, scouts honor."
Chiana was happy to hear some of the humor back in his voice even though she knew he was hurting. "Mind if I stay with you? It makes me feel safe."
"If you want, but I'd better warn you I'm probably going to fall asleep. I'm so damn tired," he replied, closing his eyes.
Chiana nuzzled closer to him, hoping to give him some comfort. "Sleep John. It's what you need."
He winced as he had heard those words before. The pain subsiding as he gave into what he needed so badly.
xxxxx
The rebel ship loomed before them. D'Argo woke Aeryn up first to open up the communication channel.
"Agnar, this is Aeryn Sun. We have completed our mission and request to dock with your ship."
"Sun, we are so pleased to hear your voice. Did everyone make it?"
Aeryn dropped her head before forming her words. "No, Agnar. Only Jaron and I, but the rescue was successful."
"Docking enabled, Sun."
The ships connected as Aeryn woke Jaron. She looked at the back of the ship and saw Chiana and John asleep. John for once seemed in a peaceful sleep. She carefully nudged them so as not to alarm him and told them it was time to board the other ship.
As the crew transferred to the rebel ship, they were met with food and water. The rebels knew it had probably been several solar days since any of them had eaten.
Aeryn and Jaron immediately resumed their duties as the others were taken to a more comfortable location to eat.
D'Argo and Chiana were eating heartily, making up for the days that they had lost. They both noticed John just picking at the food, his head resting on his hand.
"Come on John. You have to be hungry," D'Argo said, trying to sound lighthearted. "It's over, we made it."
Without looking up John replied, " Actually D'Argo the thought of food just makes me want to throw up. And if you think we're in the clear you're wrong! I can feel it in my bones."
On those words, the alert came. "Intruders on board. Everyone to their stations."
John jumped from his seat and headed back to command, Chiana and D'Argo following.
Entering command John saw it empty except for a few men. "Where are they?"
"In the docking bay. The peacekeepers have penetrated our ship!"
"Shit!" John yelled as he headed for the bay.
As they entered the bay the rebels dragged them down, out of the line of fire that was beginning to commence. The rebel soldiers had the upper hand over the peacekeeper soldiers, as one by one they went down.
Jaron issued the ultimatum. "Drop your weapons now! Surrender and we will spare the rest."
His demand was met with silence.
Aeryn was whispering to Jaron. He nodded in agreement, as Aeryn crouched down and moved slowly down the side of the bay. She was careful to avoid detection.
John watched and cringed at what he thought Aeryn might be planning to do. He grabbed the pistol from the rebel crouched next to him and headed down the opposite side.
The silence was broken by Grayza's voice. "I have a compromise to offer that should be adequate for both of us. Give me Crichton and I will leave the rest of you in peace!"
"No deal, Grayza!" D'Argo spoke before Jaron could answer. "You are outnumbered. Drop your weapons!"
This simple distraction was all they needed to overtake Grayza, as Aeryn and John found themselves behind the peacekeepers. Aeryn quickly advanced on her and wrapped her arm around the Commandant's throat. John trained his weapon on the rest of the soldiers.
"Jaron, I could use some help here," John said trying to cover several men at the same time.
The rebels emerged from their battle points and pointed their weapons on the remaining soldiers.
Aeryn had Grayza in a headlock. "Tell me you will leave peacefully or I will snap your neck!"
Breathing hard Grayza responded, "We'll retreat."
Aeryn knocked her out. Motioning to one of the soldiers Aeryn said, "Take her back to your ship and don't threaten us again. The next time she may not be so lucky."
The soldier nodded hastily and quickly grabbed his superior. He only wanted to get clear of these rebels now. He would worry about the repercussions later.
As the peacekeepers retreated, it left everyone numb, especially John. He was so tired of the fighting. Without a word he returned the gun to the rebel as Aeryn watched, grateful for the back up.
John left the bay first and headed for command. He wanted to feel useful again. As he walked in he heard the transmission. "This is Dominar Rygel of the Hynerian Empire. I am looking for assistance."
John couldn't believe his ears as he pushed the tech out of the way. "Hey Sparky, is that you?"
"Crichton?" Rygel asked, knowing only one person called him that.
"Come aboard Ryg. It's just like a family reunion going on here," John answered, laughing, the tears threatening now.
John looked at the surprised tech. "It's ok I know him." He headed off to the bay to welcome his friend aboard.
He caught the others as they were headed back to command. The happiness in his voice could not be doubted. "Great news. Rygels alive and landing on this ship now!"
Chiana let out a loud happy cry. Even though she detested him sometimes, she knew she had missed him also.
They followed John back to the bay, everyone except Aeryn. "I've got to get back to command." She continued on without looking at anybody.
The reunion in the bay would have looked bazaar to a stranger, as John and Chiana planted Rygel with kisses. D'Argo showed his happiness with a Luxan bear hug.
"How did you find us, Rygel?" Chiana asked. "Since you're here I guess things didn't go well on Hyneria for you."
Rygel lowered his head, remembering the way he had left his people. "No Chiana. The peacekeepers are in control now. My cousin Bishan is dead. Oddly enough though, he's the one who helped me escape."
"I'm sorry Ryg," John said, putting his hand on his shoulder. "At least he did the right thing in the end."
Rygel nodded as Chiana reached across to give him a hug. "Anyway, I picked you up on my scanners. I needed some supplies before I could continue my journey."
"So you have a destination set?" D'Argo asked.
"Not anymore. I found it now," Rygel said smugly, with a slight smile on his face.
They all smiled at his statement.
D'Argo sent a cloud over the happiness in the room. "We need to decide what to do now. The rebels are going to be headed on a new mission and we need a safe place to hide for a while. Your right John, Grayza's not going to give up."
Chiana smiled as a sudden thought came to her. "I know exactly where we can go. We'll be safe and you can all meet my brother."
xxxxx
They decided to leave right away, as they stocked D'Argo's ship with the supplies they would need for the journey. The activity was good for John. It left him with little time to think. Thinking right now could be dangerous for him.
D'Argo informed Aeryn of their decision. She agreed it would be best to get them off this ship and into safer territory.
Aeryn called Jaron into the conversation with the Luxan. "We will be leaving shortly for a place Chiana knows. You're in charge while I'm gone. I'll call you when I'm ready to return."
"Of course Aeryn. Do you wish for any of the soldiers to accompany you?"
"No. We'll be fine," Aeryn replied, looking back at D'Argo, seeing a surprised look on his face.
"Why Aeryn? Why are you coming? I thought this was your life now, what you wanted!" D'Argo stated rather forcefully. "If this is what you have chosen, then just let us be on our way!" He was thinking more of John than anyone else. D'Argo didn't know if he could handle another goodbye.
In an angry tone she spoke. "I owe it to all of you to at least see you safe! And if you hadn't noticed Crichton doesn't look altogether there. I don't think you can count on him to watch your back! I get you there safely and I return to my base!" Quieting her voice some she continued, "Besides I would like to meet Nerri. Perhaps we can help each other."
D'Argo nodded, turning without any further argument. He was not up to it after the last few solar days.
Two arns later the four of them boarded the ship. The rebels were in the bay to see them off. They had thanked them for all they had done.
As John settled himself in he thought of Aeryn. In the time since they had seen each other they hadn't spoken, except for battle purposes. He supposed nothing was going to change after all. Realizing they weren't moving John asked, " Hey D'Argo, what's the hold up?"
Without turning D'Argo replied, "We're waiting for one more passenger."
Just as he was about to say who, Aeryn climbed aboard. Her eyes locked with John's for a microt before she turned and took her seat by D'Argo.
"Nope nothing's changed," he whispered under his breath, feeling Chiana put her arms around his shoulders.
Rygel turned to Chiana. "Why's the peacekeeper bitch here? To inflict more pain?"
Before Chiana could reply, John did. " Just can it Sparky! It's ok." Rygel understood his friend and respected his feelings.
John moved to a more comfortable position and continued the rest of the journey between sleeping and staring in space.
xxxxx
Nerri welcomed them with open arms. He assured them they would be safe on his planet. Food and drink had been prepared for all.
The reunion between Chiana and Nerri was a happy one for both. He hugged her and told her how proud he was of her. Then he looked to John.
"I want to thank you John Crichton for watching out for my little sister. She told me all about you," Nerri said, sincerity in his voice.
"Anytime Nerri. She's like a little sister to me also." John smiled as they were ushered into the dwelling to commence with the feast.
