1 Nothing's Quite The Same
Story by: Neuroscpr and Can
Pt 25 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
"I can tell you are fascinated by this primitive module, Scorpius," Grayza said, motioning him to exit the ship, the gun still trained on him. "Such a shame you won't be able to work with it anymore."
"Commandant, you must listen," Scorpius pleaded, blocking her progress. "We must develop the technology and for some reason this ship holds many keys. It is imperative we proceed!"
"It is not a priority on High Command's list, therefore not mine!" She yelled, pushing him away from her. "For your sake Scorpius, don't ever do that again!" The coldness in her voice left him with no doubt that he had overstepped his bounds.
Colonel Schumka entered the bay just as Grayza finished reprimanding him. "Grayza, we must act quickly!" His voice had a sense of urgency in it. "A wormhole was seen developing and it's close enough to us. We must explore it!"
The Commandant looked in amazement at the Colonel. "Our job is no longer wormholes, Schumka! The higher authorities are dealing with that now! All we are to do is bring the criminals back!"
"We can't pass up this chance!" Schumka's voice was rising at her stubbornness.
Scorpius was gloating as he watched the two fight. He never imagined that Schumka had any interest in wormholes. Perhaps this could play in his favor.
Scorpius cleared his throat rather loudly to get their attention. "Colonel," Scorpius said, entwining his arm in Schumka's and leading him away from Grayza. "Perhaps I may be able to assist you in this endeavor."
xxxxx
She woke in an unfamiliar cell. Attempting to sit up, the dizziness overwhelmed her. "Frell!" She exclaimed, nearly falling over the side of the cot. She grabbed the side and pulled herself back, her head still reeling.
As she steadied herself, she opened her eyes. She screamed as the site of the two soldiers startled her. It was one of her piercing screams, the kind that echoed throughout the ship.
The soldiers grabbed their ears, as one of them yelled "Shut her up!" The other soldier wrapped his hand over her mouth trying to stifle her. He yelled out in surprised pain as he felt her teeth clamp down on his fingers.
"Ugh! Someone get a gag!" He yelled pulling his hand back and cradling it in his other.
A third soldier ran into the room with a piece of cloth. With her mouth wide open from screaming, he brought it around the front of her face and looped it in between her jaws, tying it behind her head. Finally there was silence.
As the soldiers let out heavy sighs, thinking the worst was over, Jool suddenly bolted from the cot towards the doorway, she was met by a soldier standing guard in the corridor who blocked her exit.
With his gun on her, he pushed her back. From behind her she heard a voice. "Sit."
Jool turned dismayed, not really understanding, but getting the idea. She knew she didn't have much choice in the matter as she was at an extreme disadvantage.
Sitting on the cot, she strained to see their faces. She was uncomfortable not knowing what species she was dealing with. These soldiers seemed to have some sort of masks on their faces. Whether to hide their identity or for some other reason, Jool was at a loss.
She watched as they spoke among themselves now. Jool couldn't really make out what was being said, the voices were so low. They evidently didn't want her to hear them.
The one who appeared in charge now loomed over her. He reached down and ripped the gag away, holding his finger to his lips, "Shh."
Jool understood that. It was certainly universal. She started to get up, but was pushed back harshly on the cot. Feeling the fear overwhelm her the scream started to emit from her lips again.
This time one of the soldiers swiftly pulled up his rifle and fired a dart in her leg, quickly silencing her. The soldiers quivered at the thought of hearing her scream again.
xxxxx
Chiana shut her eyes tightly at the apparition. Opening them again he was still there. "No frelling way!" She whispered to herself.
Harvey just grinned at the surprised look on her face. "Yes, Chiana. I am really here."
"No!" She screamed shaking her head emphatically now. "No you frelling freak. You aren't here." Chiana was in a near state of panic.
Harvey was becoming concerned about her state, so he quickly tried to explain. "Please calm down, Chiana. John sent me to get you to come back."
She started laughing at his latest statement. "You must think I'm fahrbot, if you expect me to believe that!" Chiana felt herself losing control of her wits. "What am I saying? I'm talking to a frelling neural clone!"
What would John do Harvey asked himself. Trying to duplicate John as best he could he continued. " Listen to me, Chiana! You have to turn back now! This is not a normal wormhole! Jack told us it could be fatal if you don't get out now!"
"Frell Jack! Useless piece of dren! He could have helped, he just chose not to!"
Now what, Harvey thought to himself. "Chiana, everyone wants you to return to the ship. John joined with Jack to send me to you. He will be very upset if I return without you!"
"Frell you! I'm not going to see Moya destroyed, now get out of my head!" Chiana shouted back.
There was only silence on the other's part as she looked at the seat Harvey sat in. Chiana's breath caught in her throat seeing it empty now.
xxxxx
John was thrown back as the connection was broken with Jack. He lay on the ground mentally exhausted trying to open his eyes. 'No time for this,' John thought to himself, struggling to pull himself up.
D'Argo went to him as he saw the human falter in his attempt to right himself. "Give yourself a few microts to recover, John." The Luxan propped him against the console, keeping him there until his hands stopped trembling.
Aeryn stood in complete silence meeting D'Argo's disapproving glare. She turned to Jack, "Now what?"
Jack shrugged. "She chose her path. There's nothing more we can do."
"Frell!" Aeryn exclaimed, turning away, eyes closed. 'Chiana'
Suddenly they were all blinded by another white flashing light.
D'Argo was the first to speak. "Um, Aeryn I think you need to see this."
She opened her eyes and inhaled sharply. They were no longer in space. The ship sat in an enormous hangar, reminding Aeryn of a previous time.
"What the frell?" Aeryn looked to Crichton, but he was still on the ground. "Jack! Where in hezmana are we?" He didn't answer her, for he was nowhere to be found.
She yelled again. "Jack! Where are you?" Aeryn heard him then. "Right here. Right here. Right here."
Aeryn spun around in circles hearing all the voices. She suddenly realized more than one Jack was answering her.
"May the gods be with us," Rygel whispered.
xxxxx
"Now here's what I propose, Colonel Schumka. You know that I have more knowledge of these wormholes than anyone else, besides of course John Crichton. So if I may, I would like to pilot his module into the wormhole."
"Hmmm," Schumka replied more to himself. "And for what purpose, Scorpius. Yours or ours?"
Scorpius stepped back feigning insult. "Why sir, there is only one purpose. For the peacekeepers!"
Schumka grinned at Scorpius. "Go on."
Grayza interrupted. "There is no negotiating about this. Colonel you know Scorpius can't be trusted."
"Let me hear him out."
"But Schumka, he's the reason the prisoners escaped!" The contempt in her voice was evident.
Schumka sobered for a moment. "Grayza is correct. You betrayed us in our original mission, why should we trust you now?"
Scorpius' patience was wearing thin. "Because I'm the only one that can do it! I have flown in his module before. I know what to do. For all your high and mighty talk anyone else you send will fail, and I can promise you that!"
Grayza and Schumka looked at each other, surprised by the outburst. Schumka held up his hand to silence Grayza.
"I will handle this Commandant," Schumka replied, stepping up to the hybrid. "I will try to make myself crystal clear Scorpius. You would be the last soldier I would ever allow to pilot that ship!"
Scorpius stared at the Colonel as he heard Grayza's laughter.
"How dareā¦"
The conversation was interrupted by an anxious tech. "Sir, it appears a Scarran vessel is approaching fast."
"How much time?" Grayza asked.
"We will get to the wormhole first but the vessel will be within microts of our position."
"See if we can increase our speed. We will need some distance between us to give ourselves enough time to leave."
"Yes sir. I'll see what we can do."
Preoccupied as they were neither saw Scorpius leave.
They turned as they heard the engine blasts of the module.
xxxxx
As she flew through space she wished the others had decided to join her. She hoped John was all right after he risked his life to do the mind thing with Jack. Now that she had time to think she knew John had only done it for fear for her life. It was so like him to risk himself for everyone else.
The scanners suddenly beeped, picking up a ship on her screen. Chiana didn't want to get her hopes up yet, but she prayed it was Moya.
As she followed the coordinates she saw the big ship on her screen. Her heart beat furiously in her chest in anticipation of being home again.
She landed inside Moya's bay. As her feet touched the ground she laughed in glee. "Pilot! Pilot! I'm home. You hear me?"
She waited for the familiar voice, but heard nothing. As Chiana rounded her ship she saw a strange vessel in the bay. It was not a ship she recognized. "Frell! I should have brought a pulse pistol with me!"
Chiana carefully proceeded not knowing what to expect. It looked like Moya had been boarded by unknowns, but so far she had not seen any threats.
As she reached the corridor she checked both ways before stepping out heading to Pilot's den. She had to have answers and this was where she would get them. The fact that Pilot hadn't answered her was still unsettling.
Proceeding deeper into the ship, she heard footsteps and stopped, flattening herself against the wall. That's when she saw the intruder, but not being able to identify what kind. She sucked in her breath and waited on it as it was headed her way.
She attacked first, but found she was quickly at a disadvantage, as his strength was much greater than hers. He easily picked her up and slammed her into the walls of the corridor.
Getting her wits about her, she saw that he was trying to speak into something. Perhaps he was calling for help.
Chiana took advantage of the moment and attacked him from behind, leveling a devastating blow from behind. He lost his weapon at the surprise of the attack as it slid across the floor. She quickly retrieved it and pointed it at the soldier as he attempted to get to his feet.
The soldier got to his feet, only to look down the end of a gun barrel. He started to reach for the weapon, as Chiana made sure it connected with his chin.
The intruder fell to the ground with a moan.
Chiana carefully moved towards him, removing the mask.
"What the frell?"
Story by: Neuroscpr and Can
Pt 25 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
"I can tell you are fascinated by this primitive module, Scorpius," Grayza said, motioning him to exit the ship, the gun still trained on him. "Such a shame you won't be able to work with it anymore."
"Commandant, you must listen," Scorpius pleaded, blocking her progress. "We must develop the technology and for some reason this ship holds many keys. It is imperative we proceed!"
"It is not a priority on High Command's list, therefore not mine!" She yelled, pushing him away from her. "For your sake Scorpius, don't ever do that again!" The coldness in her voice left him with no doubt that he had overstepped his bounds.
Colonel Schumka entered the bay just as Grayza finished reprimanding him. "Grayza, we must act quickly!" His voice had a sense of urgency in it. "A wormhole was seen developing and it's close enough to us. We must explore it!"
The Commandant looked in amazement at the Colonel. "Our job is no longer wormholes, Schumka! The higher authorities are dealing with that now! All we are to do is bring the criminals back!"
"We can't pass up this chance!" Schumka's voice was rising at her stubbornness.
Scorpius was gloating as he watched the two fight. He never imagined that Schumka had any interest in wormholes. Perhaps this could play in his favor.
Scorpius cleared his throat rather loudly to get their attention. "Colonel," Scorpius said, entwining his arm in Schumka's and leading him away from Grayza. "Perhaps I may be able to assist you in this endeavor."
xxxxx
She woke in an unfamiliar cell. Attempting to sit up, the dizziness overwhelmed her. "Frell!" She exclaimed, nearly falling over the side of the cot. She grabbed the side and pulled herself back, her head still reeling.
As she steadied herself, she opened her eyes. She screamed as the site of the two soldiers startled her. It was one of her piercing screams, the kind that echoed throughout the ship.
The soldiers grabbed their ears, as one of them yelled "Shut her up!" The other soldier wrapped his hand over her mouth trying to stifle her. He yelled out in surprised pain as he felt her teeth clamp down on his fingers.
"Ugh! Someone get a gag!" He yelled pulling his hand back and cradling it in his other.
A third soldier ran into the room with a piece of cloth. With her mouth wide open from screaming, he brought it around the front of her face and looped it in between her jaws, tying it behind her head. Finally there was silence.
As the soldiers let out heavy sighs, thinking the worst was over, Jool suddenly bolted from the cot towards the doorway, she was met by a soldier standing guard in the corridor who blocked her exit.
With his gun on her, he pushed her back. From behind her she heard a voice. "Sit."
Jool turned dismayed, not really understanding, but getting the idea. She knew she didn't have much choice in the matter as she was at an extreme disadvantage.
Sitting on the cot, she strained to see their faces. She was uncomfortable not knowing what species she was dealing with. These soldiers seemed to have some sort of masks on their faces. Whether to hide their identity or for some other reason, Jool was at a loss.
She watched as they spoke among themselves now. Jool couldn't really make out what was being said, the voices were so low. They evidently didn't want her to hear them.
The one who appeared in charge now loomed over her. He reached down and ripped the gag away, holding his finger to his lips, "Shh."
Jool understood that. It was certainly universal. She started to get up, but was pushed back harshly on the cot. Feeling the fear overwhelm her the scream started to emit from her lips again.
This time one of the soldiers swiftly pulled up his rifle and fired a dart in her leg, quickly silencing her. The soldiers quivered at the thought of hearing her scream again.
xxxxx
Chiana shut her eyes tightly at the apparition. Opening them again he was still there. "No frelling way!" She whispered to herself.
Harvey just grinned at the surprised look on her face. "Yes, Chiana. I am really here."
"No!" She screamed shaking her head emphatically now. "No you frelling freak. You aren't here." Chiana was in a near state of panic.
Harvey was becoming concerned about her state, so he quickly tried to explain. "Please calm down, Chiana. John sent me to get you to come back."
She started laughing at his latest statement. "You must think I'm fahrbot, if you expect me to believe that!" Chiana felt herself losing control of her wits. "What am I saying? I'm talking to a frelling neural clone!"
What would John do Harvey asked himself. Trying to duplicate John as best he could he continued. " Listen to me, Chiana! You have to turn back now! This is not a normal wormhole! Jack told us it could be fatal if you don't get out now!"
"Frell Jack! Useless piece of dren! He could have helped, he just chose not to!"
Now what, Harvey thought to himself. "Chiana, everyone wants you to return to the ship. John joined with Jack to send me to you. He will be very upset if I return without you!"
"Frell you! I'm not going to see Moya destroyed, now get out of my head!" Chiana shouted back.
There was only silence on the other's part as she looked at the seat Harvey sat in. Chiana's breath caught in her throat seeing it empty now.
xxxxx
John was thrown back as the connection was broken with Jack. He lay on the ground mentally exhausted trying to open his eyes. 'No time for this,' John thought to himself, struggling to pull himself up.
D'Argo went to him as he saw the human falter in his attempt to right himself. "Give yourself a few microts to recover, John." The Luxan propped him against the console, keeping him there until his hands stopped trembling.
Aeryn stood in complete silence meeting D'Argo's disapproving glare. She turned to Jack, "Now what?"
Jack shrugged. "She chose her path. There's nothing more we can do."
"Frell!" Aeryn exclaimed, turning away, eyes closed. 'Chiana'
Suddenly they were all blinded by another white flashing light.
D'Argo was the first to speak. "Um, Aeryn I think you need to see this."
She opened her eyes and inhaled sharply. They were no longer in space. The ship sat in an enormous hangar, reminding Aeryn of a previous time.
"What the frell?" Aeryn looked to Crichton, but he was still on the ground. "Jack! Where in hezmana are we?" He didn't answer her, for he was nowhere to be found.
She yelled again. "Jack! Where are you?" Aeryn heard him then. "Right here. Right here. Right here."
Aeryn spun around in circles hearing all the voices. She suddenly realized more than one Jack was answering her.
"May the gods be with us," Rygel whispered.
xxxxx
"Now here's what I propose, Colonel Schumka. You know that I have more knowledge of these wormholes than anyone else, besides of course John Crichton. So if I may, I would like to pilot his module into the wormhole."
"Hmmm," Schumka replied more to himself. "And for what purpose, Scorpius. Yours or ours?"
Scorpius stepped back feigning insult. "Why sir, there is only one purpose. For the peacekeepers!"
Schumka grinned at Scorpius. "Go on."
Grayza interrupted. "There is no negotiating about this. Colonel you know Scorpius can't be trusted."
"Let me hear him out."
"But Schumka, he's the reason the prisoners escaped!" The contempt in her voice was evident.
Schumka sobered for a moment. "Grayza is correct. You betrayed us in our original mission, why should we trust you now?"
Scorpius' patience was wearing thin. "Because I'm the only one that can do it! I have flown in his module before. I know what to do. For all your high and mighty talk anyone else you send will fail, and I can promise you that!"
Grayza and Schumka looked at each other, surprised by the outburst. Schumka held up his hand to silence Grayza.
"I will handle this Commandant," Schumka replied, stepping up to the hybrid. "I will try to make myself crystal clear Scorpius. You would be the last soldier I would ever allow to pilot that ship!"
Scorpius stared at the Colonel as he heard Grayza's laughter.
"How dareā¦"
The conversation was interrupted by an anxious tech. "Sir, it appears a Scarran vessel is approaching fast."
"How much time?" Grayza asked.
"We will get to the wormhole first but the vessel will be within microts of our position."
"See if we can increase our speed. We will need some distance between us to give ourselves enough time to leave."
"Yes sir. I'll see what we can do."
Preoccupied as they were neither saw Scorpius leave.
They turned as they heard the engine blasts of the module.
xxxxx
As she flew through space she wished the others had decided to join her. She hoped John was all right after he risked his life to do the mind thing with Jack. Now that she had time to think she knew John had only done it for fear for her life. It was so like him to risk himself for everyone else.
The scanners suddenly beeped, picking up a ship on her screen. Chiana didn't want to get her hopes up yet, but she prayed it was Moya.
As she followed the coordinates she saw the big ship on her screen. Her heart beat furiously in her chest in anticipation of being home again.
She landed inside Moya's bay. As her feet touched the ground she laughed in glee. "Pilot! Pilot! I'm home. You hear me?"
She waited for the familiar voice, but heard nothing. As Chiana rounded her ship she saw a strange vessel in the bay. It was not a ship she recognized. "Frell! I should have brought a pulse pistol with me!"
Chiana carefully proceeded not knowing what to expect. It looked like Moya had been boarded by unknowns, but so far she had not seen any threats.
As she reached the corridor she checked both ways before stepping out heading to Pilot's den. She had to have answers and this was where she would get them. The fact that Pilot hadn't answered her was still unsettling.
Proceeding deeper into the ship, she heard footsteps and stopped, flattening herself against the wall. That's when she saw the intruder, but not being able to identify what kind. She sucked in her breath and waited on it as it was headed her way.
She attacked first, but found she was quickly at a disadvantage, as his strength was much greater than hers. He easily picked her up and slammed her into the walls of the corridor.
Getting her wits about her, she saw that he was trying to speak into something. Perhaps he was calling for help.
Chiana took advantage of the moment and attacked him from behind, leveling a devastating blow from behind. He lost his weapon at the surprise of the attack as it slid across the floor. She quickly retrieved it and pointed it at the soldier as he attempted to get to his feet.
The soldier got to his feet, only to look down the end of a gun barrel. He started to reach for the weapon, as Chiana made sure it connected with his chin.
The intruder fell to the ground with a moan.
Chiana carefully moved towards him, removing the mask.
"What the frell?"
