Part 4 for your enjoyment. Thanks for reading.
Fic: Insiders p4 by: Neuroscpr (mtrx9991@yahoo.com) rating: pg-13 spoilers up to: current P2-5 will be posted MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY
thanks to can for all her help
chapter 4:
In the air above, Rygel watched with his own typical level of annoyance. He saw the two figures facing each other, wishing silently that one would fire. Nothing would have given him greater pleasure at the moment than to see Scorpius die.
"Shoot him you tralk!" he yelled.
Chiana's eyes slid upward but she did not acknowledge the Hynerion's orders. Instead she focused on the devil in black before her. Every movement, however slight, made her twitch.
"Sikozu," Scorpius said. "Are you alright?"
In between him and Chiana, the injured woman sat on the ground with her leg cradled in her hands. Sikozu looked up and frowned at Chiana.
"She'll heal," Chiana answered. "Worry about yourself!"
The hybrid nodded in agreement. "Are you going to shoot me?" he asked.
"What the frell do you think," she answered as the gun in her hand moved up to target him. "I don't have a chip in my brain."
Scorpius' face showed no sign of amusement. "Then do it."
Just as he spoke, three pulse blasts rang out from the doorway. Everyone turned to look but it was too late.
"Drop your weapon!"
The space man entered with his own pistol aimed directly at Chiana. Obviously nervous, he stepped in with an unconscious John Crichton in tow. He'd been dragging the human for what seemed like arns.
"John," Chiana yelled and took a step forward.
"Don't," the man said with his pistol hand shaking.
As he had done before with the Nebari, Scorpius raised his hands in surrender. He had come to understand in the past that nervous people with guns were more dangerous than calm ones. In most cases at least.
"We will not allow you to take Crichton off this leviathan," he stated.
The space man nodded though he was obviously not in agreement. "I didn't ask for your permission!" he shouted. "You can't interfere this time."
"Interfere?" Chiana asked. Her attention was suddenly divided between the unconscious Crichton and Scorpius' dealings. "What did he do?"
The man turned toward Chiana, his gun now trained on her. "He took her," he whispered. "Scorpius took Officer Sun and now."
Scorpius launched himself at the intruder with all his might. Even with his hybrid strength, he did not reach him in time. With unexpected agility, the man turned and fired point blank into his chest.
"And now we're being hunted!" He finished. Standing over Scorpius' limp body, the man was almost hyperventilating.
"I'm leaving now."
Chiana, Rygel, and Sikozu watched angrily as he loaded Crichton into a transport pod. Each time she reached for her gun, the Nebari backed down again.
"Do something Chiana," said Rygel through clenched teeth.
"You idiot," interrupted Sikozu. "She won't survive a pulse blast like Scorpius can."
Chiana stepped away from the two and kept her eyes on the space man as he climbed aboard his new ship. She racked her brain for a solution but none came. 'I could use a little frelling help here.' As if to answer her prayers, Chiana felt a tug at her leg. Looking down, she saw that Scorpius was indeed alive.
"Let them go," he whispered.
There was nothing else to do.
The Scarran ship maneuvered effortlessly through the reaches of space with its squadron of bodyguards surrounding it. To any passing ship, the sight would have been most confusing. A fact that was not lost on anyone.
Braca sat back in his seat for the first time since leaving the safety of his carrier. Beside him sat Klavic, a member of a race he had sworn to conquer on more than one occasion. The captain was noticeably troubled to be in such close proximity.
"Why do you think she sent you out here?" The nameless assistant asked.
Turning toward the stranger, Braca scowled. "To see that her orders are carried out correctly," he said huffily.
A wide grin appeared on the man's face and he shot a knowing glance at Klavic. The Scarran laughed in his own eerie way and once again slapped Braca on the back.
"Don't be naive peacekeeper!" He said and burst into more laughter. "I thought Scorpius' former lieutenant would know better."
Braca, annoyed by their jests, gave his best impression of a very angry man. "I'm a captain!" He shouted. "You will not speak to me that way!"
Those words seemed to have a magical effect on the Scarran. His demeanor quieted down considerably and he seemed to grow angry.
"Very well captain," he retorted. "Perhaps it's time we got on with the lesson."
The nameless assistant, as if on cue, began to make preparations on the main control station. Moving swiftly, his hands danced around the board as the ship began to hum.
"What are you doing?" Braca asked in vain.
Like only a Scarran invention could, the ship began to vibrate violently and rise up above the level of its protectors. Outside, the prowler pilots responded erratically to protect themselves from the stuttering ship.
"Bringing weapons online," said the assistant.
"I want full power," answered Klavic.
Braca reached for his sidearm but the Scarran knocked his hand away.
"Just watch."
The captain did just that as the forward monitor came to life. One of the prowler pilots appeared on the screen with a confused expression. "Captain Braca, we have not yet arrived at our destination. Why are you charging."
For one final microt the ship vibrated before coming to an almost complete stop. Then a roar the likes of which Braca had never heard tore through the cockpit and continued on as the space around it burst into orange flames.
"What the frell are you doing!" Braca cried. As he looked on helplessly, the flames engulfed the prowler detail.
"Commandant's orders," said Klavic. "No witnesses."
Braca tore himself lose from his chair before either of his companions could stop him. He dove over the rear seats and landed firmly in the second chamber. Searching frantically, he found what he was looking for, a comm station situated on the wall opposite the cockpit doors. He ran to it and began punching in codes only he knew.
"Get away from that!" Klavic shouted. He'd managed to get himself over the front seats and into range of the captain. With little force, he knocked Braca away and then moved to stand over him.
"You killed Peacekeepers!" Braca accused.
"So have you!" Klavic answered.
Defeated, Braca slumped to the ground and sighed. "What kind of lesson is this?"
Klavic growled, heat emanating from his nostrils. "The most important kind," he said. "We have a mission to complete. Nothing is more important than that objective. Our lives don't matter."
"We're all expendable," Braca finished.
The Scarran grinned horrendously. "Just the word I was looking for," he said and turned back toward the cockpit.
Lo'la dove directly into a swarm of prowlers as a hail of pulse fire rained down on it. Maneuvering with all the force in him, D'Argo flew away from the main concentration and prepared to make his first attack run. His only passenger did not agree with the plan.
"You can't keep this up for very long," Aeryn shouted over the din.
D'Argo glanced back at her and shook his head. Just as he did this, a pulse blast locked on and slammed into the ancient ship. Nothing changed inside.
"You're right," he said. "The shield can't take this much fire at once."
A percussion missile went off beside them and the ship went into a spin that threw both Luxan and Sebacean out of their seats.
"I might have an idea," yelled Aeryn.
She grabbed onto the nearest set of controls and began hoisting herself up towards the front. Aeryn made it there quickly and anchored herself between a chair and the navigation controls.
"Out with it," D'Argo said, as he threw himself back into his chair.
Aeryn nodded as she looked out at the vessels outside. She had known some of the pilots out there. The knowledge that gave her became the basis for the plan she was about to reveal.
"Stop maneuvering," she said.
"Are you insane?" growled D'Argo. "Wait, don't answer that."
"Just do it!" Aeryn shouted.
Reluctantly, D'Argo let go of the navigation controls and sat back. Lo'la immediately sensed that its master was not working and ceased all motion. In less than five microts they were floating dead in space. Not a single shot was fired at them.
"That worked," D'Argo said. "Why did that work?"
Aeryn looked down at the floor as she spoke. "They don't want to kill us."
D'Argo turned around and grabbed the Sebacean's face in his hands. Staring directly into her eyes, he spoke.
"Tell me what's going on Aeryn," he said.
The Sebacean did not answer.
"He's going to find out anyway."
Aeryn glanced out the window again. "I spent a great deal of time with these people, D'Argo," she said. "They aren't like the peacekeepers we know."
When that failed to garner any response, she continued. "They were aware that my loyalties did not lie exclusively with them," Aeryn said. "I was called out here so that one of them could sneak aboard Moya and take Crichton."
D'Argo's eyes went wide. For one brief microt, he considered injuring the woman he had come to respect in the past few cycles of his life. "Aeryn....."
She started to say something but quickly realized that D'Argo's word had not come from what she had just told him. Following the Luxan's eyes, Aeryn looked out into space.
"What the frell is that?" She asked.
A large gray ship, surrounded by a haze of burnt metal, had just appeared within view. Though Aeryn did not immediately recognize it, her companion did.
D'Argo stared out at the vessel and only one word escaped his lips.
"Scarrans."
"Are you sure this is wise?"
Chiana looked up from the bag she was filling. Inside lay a large pile of weapons that she had collected around the ship. She didn't know how much would be necessary to rescue Crichton. That's why all of it was going.
"Why are you asking Ryg?" she said. "Worried about me?"
The Hynerion laughed at her from atop his throne sled. "Worried? Me?" He balked. "Well, yes frankly I am."
Half smiling, Chiana shook her head as she zipped up the bag. "I'm touched," she said.
"Worried that this ship will be left without a crew!" Rygel fired back. "Who's going to run it? Me and the redhead?"
Chiana grinned fully now. "Don't forget Wrinkles."
While Rygel fumed, she slung the bag over her shoulder and headed for the other end of the hangar. There she'd prepared one of the transport pods for immediate departure. The Nebari wasn't going to let anyone stop her this time.
"Stop."
Chiana sighed both from the word and the weight on her back. "What do you want?" She asked.
From the doorway, Sikozu limped in with Scorpius right behind her. "Allow Scorpius to go with you," she ordered. "You can't save Crichton alone."
Chiana un-holstered her pistol and aimed it at the pair of troublemakers. "No way," she spat. "Frell the both of you."
Scorpius pushed past his most vocal defender and walked over to Chiana. He did not stop until the black armor over his body tapped against her weapon.
"A young woman alone on an unarmed transport pod," he said. "Your chances of success are not high."
"But they're mine," Chiana responded.
It was obvious to everyone in the room that Scorpius was about to explode in anger. It was also obvious that doing so would be followed immediately by Chiana shooting him.
"Chiana, I can save Crichton's life," he said. "Is that not the most important consideration?"
Before Chiana could answer, a bony fist shot out from nowhere and connected with the back of her neck. As she slumped to the ground, Noranti appeared in her place. As usual, the old woman did not look altogether there.
"Go," she said ominously. "Go and save Crichton. Yes, save him please!"
Scorpius narrowed his eyes at her but did as he was told. Scooping up Chiana in his arms, he boarded the transport pod and shut the hatch behind him.
"We're doomed," mourned Rygel.
"No," said Noranti. "I think everything's going to be alright.
"Your ship is ready Commandant."
Grayza smiled as the announcement was made over the carrier's comm system. Quickening her step, she entered the hangar bay and set eyes upon the vessel that had carried her to and from Scorpius' destroyed command.
"Thank you," she said to the bay attendant.
"Commandant!"
The new voice failed to startle Grayza but she was instantly annoyed by the delay. She had planned to leave arns ago if not for some unforeseen difficulties. The commandant watched now as two men entered the hangar.
"Commandant Grayza, the Admiral is here to see you," said a young-faced officer.
Mele-On nodded curtly at her subordinate and then faced the man in full uniform beside her. "What can I do for you Admiral?"
The man wasted no time with pleasantries. A permanent scowl remained on his face as he spoke. "What have you been doing out here Grayza?!"
Face as calm as ever, Grayza feigned ignorance. "What do you mean sir?"
"You know frelling well what I mean!" He answered. "Who is responsible for the attacks? Why are they being slaughtered?"
The commandant nodded in apparent understanding. "I'm sure you are well aware that I do not approve of our involvement in that matter Admiral," she said. "But let me assure you that (I) have nothing to do with these recent incidents."
"I don't believe you," the Admiral said.
Grayza turned away from him and let a cool finger slide down the center of her chest. "I apologize Admiral," she said and spun around. Before he could stop her, she had his mouth gripped in her clenched fist. Beads of sweat poured off as her grip tightened.
"I apologize but you are wasting my time," she said as the Admiral went limp in front of her. Grayza loosened her grip and the man dropped to the ground.
"Tell High Command that I have to deal with terrorists destroying our assets, Scarrans encroaching on our borders, and the incompetence of my subordinates. I have no time for you."
Grayza turned on her heals and boarded the diplomatic ship that awaited her. Within microts, it hovered over the hangar floor as the way to space was cleared. Down on the platform, the Admiral forgot what he was angry about.
TBC
Neuroscpr
Fic: Insiders p4 by: Neuroscpr (mtrx9991@yahoo.com) rating: pg-13 spoilers up to: current P2-5 will be posted MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY
thanks to can for all her help
chapter 4:
In the air above, Rygel watched with his own typical level of annoyance. He saw the two figures facing each other, wishing silently that one would fire. Nothing would have given him greater pleasure at the moment than to see Scorpius die.
"Shoot him you tralk!" he yelled.
Chiana's eyes slid upward but she did not acknowledge the Hynerion's orders. Instead she focused on the devil in black before her. Every movement, however slight, made her twitch.
"Sikozu," Scorpius said. "Are you alright?"
In between him and Chiana, the injured woman sat on the ground with her leg cradled in her hands. Sikozu looked up and frowned at Chiana.
"She'll heal," Chiana answered. "Worry about yourself!"
The hybrid nodded in agreement. "Are you going to shoot me?" he asked.
"What the frell do you think," she answered as the gun in her hand moved up to target him. "I don't have a chip in my brain."
Scorpius' face showed no sign of amusement. "Then do it."
Just as he spoke, three pulse blasts rang out from the doorway. Everyone turned to look but it was too late.
"Drop your weapon!"
The space man entered with his own pistol aimed directly at Chiana. Obviously nervous, he stepped in with an unconscious John Crichton in tow. He'd been dragging the human for what seemed like arns.
"John," Chiana yelled and took a step forward.
"Don't," the man said with his pistol hand shaking.
As he had done before with the Nebari, Scorpius raised his hands in surrender. He had come to understand in the past that nervous people with guns were more dangerous than calm ones. In most cases at least.
"We will not allow you to take Crichton off this leviathan," he stated.
The space man nodded though he was obviously not in agreement. "I didn't ask for your permission!" he shouted. "You can't interfere this time."
"Interfere?" Chiana asked. Her attention was suddenly divided between the unconscious Crichton and Scorpius' dealings. "What did he do?"
The man turned toward Chiana, his gun now trained on her. "He took her," he whispered. "Scorpius took Officer Sun and now."
Scorpius launched himself at the intruder with all his might. Even with his hybrid strength, he did not reach him in time. With unexpected agility, the man turned and fired point blank into his chest.
"And now we're being hunted!" He finished. Standing over Scorpius' limp body, the man was almost hyperventilating.
"I'm leaving now."
Chiana, Rygel, and Sikozu watched angrily as he loaded Crichton into a transport pod. Each time she reached for her gun, the Nebari backed down again.
"Do something Chiana," said Rygel through clenched teeth.
"You idiot," interrupted Sikozu. "She won't survive a pulse blast like Scorpius can."
Chiana stepped away from the two and kept her eyes on the space man as he climbed aboard his new ship. She racked her brain for a solution but none came. 'I could use a little frelling help here.' As if to answer her prayers, Chiana felt a tug at her leg. Looking down, she saw that Scorpius was indeed alive.
"Let them go," he whispered.
There was nothing else to do.
The Scarran ship maneuvered effortlessly through the reaches of space with its squadron of bodyguards surrounding it. To any passing ship, the sight would have been most confusing. A fact that was not lost on anyone.
Braca sat back in his seat for the first time since leaving the safety of his carrier. Beside him sat Klavic, a member of a race he had sworn to conquer on more than one occasion. The captain was noticeably troubled to be in such close proximity.
"Why do you think she sent you out here?" The nameless assistant asked.
Turning toward the stranger, Braca scowled. "To see that her orders are carried out correctly," he said huffily.
A wide grin appeared on the man's face and he shot a knowing glance at Klavic. The Scarran laughed in his own eerie way and once again slapped Braca on the back.
"Don't be naive peacekeeper!" He said and burst into more laughter. "I thought Scorpius' former lieutenant would know better."
Braca, annoyed by their jests, gave his best impression of a very angry man. "I'm a captain!" He shouted. "You will not speak to me that way!"
Those words seemed to have a magical effect on the Scarran. His demeanor quieted down considerably and he seemed to grow angry.
"Very well captain," he retorted. "Perhaps it's time we got on with the lesson."
The nameless assistant, as if on cue, began to make preparations on the main control station. Moving swiftly, his hands danced around the board as the ship began to hum.
"What are you doing?" Braca asked in vain.
Like only a Scarran invention could, the ship began to vibrate violently and rise up above the level of its protectors. Outside, the prowler pilots responded erratically to protect themselves from the stuttering ship.
"Bringing weapons online," said the assistant.
"I want full power," answered Klavic.
Braca reached for his sidearm but the Scarran knocked his hand away.
"Just watch."
The captain did just that as the forward monitor came to life. One of the prowler pilots appeared on the screen with a confused expression. "Captain Braca, we have not yet arrived at our destination. Why are you charging."
For one final microt the ship vibrated before coming to an almost complete stop. Then a roar the likes of which Braca had never heard tore through the cockpit and continued on as the space around it burst into orange flames.
"What the frell are you doing!" Braca cried. As he looked on helplessly, the flames engulfed the prowler detail.
"Commandant's orders," said Klavic. "No witnesses."
Braca tore himself lose from his chair before either of his companions could stop him. He dove over the rear seats and landed firmly in the second chamber. Searching frantically, he found what he was looking for, a comm station situated on the wall opposite the cockpit doors. He ran to it and began punching in codes only he knew.
"Get away from that!" Klavic shouted. He'd managed to get himself over the front seats and into range of the captain. With little force, he knocked Braca away and then moved to stand over him.
"You killed Peacekeepers!" Braca accused.
"So have you!" Klavic answered.
Defeated, Braca slumped to the ground and sighed. "What kind of lesson is this?"
Klavic growled, heat emanating from his nostrils. "The most important kind," he said. "We have a mission to complete. Nothing is more important than that objective. Our lives don't matter."
"We're all expendable," Braca finished.
The Scarran grinned horrendously. "Just the word I was looking for," he said and turned back toward the cockpit.
Lo'la dove directly into a swarm of prowlers as a hail of pulse fire rained down on it. Maneuvering with all the force in him, D'Argo flew away from the main concentration and prepared to make his first attack run. His only passenger did not agree with the plan.
"You can't keep this up for very long," Aeryn shouted over the din.
D'Argo glanced back at her and shook his head. Just as he did this, a pulse blast locked on and slammed into the ancient ship. Nothing changed inside.
"You're right," he said. "The shield can't take this much fire at once."
A percussion missile went off beside them and the ship went into a spin that threw both Luxan and Sebacean out of their seats.
"I might have an idea," yelled Aeryn.
She grabbed onto the nearest set of controls and began hoisting herself up towards the front. Aeryn made it there quickly and anchored herself between a chair and the navigation controls.
"Out with it," D'Argo said, as he threw himself back into his chair.
Aeryn nodded as she looked out at the vessels outside. She had known some of the pilots out there. The knowledge that gave her became the basis for the plan she was about to reveal.
"Stop maneuvering," she said.
"Are you insane?" growled D'Argo. "Wait, don't answer that."
"Just do it!" Aeryn shouted.
Reluctantly, D'Argo let go of the navigation controls and sat back. Lo'la immediately sensed that its master was not working and ceased all motion. In less than five microts they were floating dead in space. Not a single shot was fired at them.
"That worked," D'Argo said. "Why did that work?"
Aeryn looked down at the floor as she spoke. "They don't want to kill us."
D'Argo turned around and grabbed the Sebacean's face in his hands. Staring directly into her eyes, he spoke.
"Tell me what's going on Aeryn," he said.
The Sebacean did not answer.
"He's going to find out anyway."
Aeryn glanced out the window again. "I spent a great deal of time with these people, D'Argo," she said. "They aren't like the peacekeepers we know."
When that failed to garner any response, she continued. "They were aware that my loyalties did not lie exclusively with them," Aeryn said. "I was called out here so that one of them could sneak aboard Moya and take Crichton."
D'Argo's eyes went wide. For one brief microt, he considered injuring the woman he had come to respect in the past few cycles of his life. "Aeryn....."
She started to say something but quickly realized that D'Argo's word had not come from what she had just told him. Following the Luxan's eyes, Aeryn looked out into space.
"What the frell is that?" She asked.
A large gray ship, surrounded by a haze of burnt metal, had just appeared within view. Though Aeryn did not immediately recognize it, her companion did.
D'Argo stared out at the vessel and only one word escaped his lips.
"Scarrans."
"Are you sure this is wise?"
Chiana looked up from the bag she was filling. Inside lay a large pile of weapons that she had collected around the ship. She didn't know how much would be necessary to rescue Crichton. That's why all of it was going.
"Why are you asking Ryg?" she said. "Worried about me?"
The Hynerion laughed at her from atop his throne sled. "Worried? Me?" He balked. "Well, yes frankly I am."
Half smiling, Chiana shook her head as she zipped up the bag. "I'm touched," she said.
"Worried that this ship will be left without a crew!" Rygel fired back. "Who's going to run it? Me and the redhead?"
Chiana grinned fully now. "Don't forget Wrinkles."
While Rygel fumed, she slung the bag over her shoulder and headed for the other end of the hangar. There she'd prepared one of the transport pods for immediate departure. The Nebari wasn't going to let anyone stop her this time.
"Stop."
Chiana sighed both from the word and the weight on her back. "What do you want?" She asked.
From the doorway, Sikozu limped in with Scorpius right behind her. "Allow Scorpius to go with you," she ordered. "You can't save Crichton alone."
Chiana un-holstered her pistol and aimed it at the pair of troublemakers. "No way," she spat. "Frell the both of you."
Scorpius pushed past his most vocal defender and walked over to Chiana. He did not stop until the black armor over his body tapped against her weapon.
"A young woman alone on an unarmed transport pod," he said. "Your chances of success are not high."
"But they're mine," Chiana responded.
It was obvious to everyone in the room that Scorpius was about to explode in anger. It was also obvious that doing so would be followed immediately by Chiana shooting him.
"Chiana, I can save Crichton's life," he said. "Is that not the most important consideration?"
Before Chiana could answer, a bony fist shot out from nowhere and connected with the back of her neck. As she slumped to the ground, Noranti appeared in her place. As usual, the old woman did not look altogether there.
"Go," she said ominously. "Go and save Crichton. Yes, save him please!"
Scorpius narrowed his eyes at her but did as he was told. Scooping up Chiana in his arms, he boarded the transport pod and shut the hatch behind him.
"We're doomed," mourned Rygel.
"No," said Noranti. "I think everything's going to be alright.
"Your ship is ready Commandant."
Grayza smiled as the announcement was made over the carrier's comm system. Quickening her step, she entered the hangar bay and set eyes upon the vessel that had carried her to and from Scorpius' destroyed command.
"Thank you," she said to the bay attendant.
"Commandant!"
The new voice failed to startle Grayza but she was instantly annoyed by the delay. She had planned to leave arns ago if not for some unforeseen difficulties. The commandant watched now as two men entered the hangar.
"Commandant Grayza, the Admiral is here to see you," said a young-faced officer.
Mele-On nodded curtly at her subordinate and then faced the man in full uniform beside her. "What can I do for you Admiral?"
The man wasted no time with pleasantries. A permanent scowl remained on his face as he spoke. "What have you been doing out here Grayza?!"
Face as calm as ever, Grayza feigned ignorance. "What do you mean sir?"
"You know frelling well what I mean!" He answered. "Who is responsible for the attacks? Why are they being slaughtered?"
The commandant nodded in apparent understanding. "I'm sure you are well aware that I do not approve of our involvement in that matter Admiral," she said. "But let me assure you that (I) have nothing to do with these recent incidents."
"I don't believe you," the Admiral said.
Grayza turned away from him and let a cool finger slide down the center of her chest. "I apologize Admiral," she said and spun around. Before he could stop her, she had his mouth gripped in her clenched fist. Beads of sweat poured off as her grip tightened.
"I apologize but you are wasting my time," she said as the Admiral went limp in front of her. Grayza loosened her grip and the man dropped to the ground.
"Tell High Command that I have to deal with terrorists destroying our assets, Scarrans encroaching on our borders, and the incompetence of my subordinates. I have no time for you."
Grayza turned on her heals and boarded the diplomatic ship that awaited her. Within microts, it hovered over the hangar floor as the way to space was cleared. Down on the platform, the Admiral forgot what he was angry about.
TBC
Neuroscpr