A/N: This is a little idea on what happened to Braca after the command carrier collapsed. Came to me in class one day. I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: None of them are mine. They all belong to Henson, Hallmark, et al. Just borrowing them for a little entertainment.

Post ITLD:2

Braca had managed to escape before the command carrier collapsed. He was in an escape pod waiting to be picked up by one of the other ships. Scorpius had greatly underestimated Crais. Neither of them had expected the ex- Peacekeeper to sacrifice himself and his beloved gunship for a group of aliens. He couldn't fathom why a Sebacean would turn against his own kind. Clearly the declaration of irreversible contamination had been correct. There was no other explanation. If Crais merely wanted revenge, he would want to be alive to gloat.

It was about an arn before his escape pod was picked up by one of the frigates. He heard that Scorpius had not been located, so he took charge. After all, he had been second in command of the carrier. It was an awkward situation since the captains of the other ships were generally captains or commanders. He coordinated rescue efforts with the other ships. There were picking up the final groups of Sebaceans. Due to limited room on the other ships, non-Sebaceans were not being rescued. High Command had been notified and Braca was sure they would want to talk to Scorpius. Braca had all ships scanning for the half-breed's life signs. If Braca were going to survive with his career intact, he needed Scorpius around to take the blame.

One of the lieutenants announced, "Lieutenant Braca, I believe we have located Scorpius."

Braca went over and checked the display. One of the cruisers was closest. "Excellent. Captain, can you ask the cruiser to pick him up and place him in protective custody? Once the rescue operation is complete I will require transport over there." The captain complied with his request, but Braca could tell he was holding onto his authority by a thread.

Braca boarded the cruiser shortly before Grayza. He and the cruiser captain met her transport. She recognized Braca, "Report, Lieutenant."

"Commandant, the renegade Crais overpowered the guards and boarded the gunship. Apparently the gunship was not as disabled as we had thought. He then initiated starburst while inside the hangar, thus destroying the command carrier. Most were able to escape. We have rescued all surviving Peacekeeper personnel. I am not sure what happened to Crichton and the others. I assume they were able to escape, with the exception of Crais. I ordered Scorpius taken into custody, pending interrogation."

"You have done an excellent job, Lieutenant. I will see that you are rewarded for your diligence. Though I would not be too quick to declare Crais dead. He is a survivor. I want Scorpius transferred to my ship. Bring him over in a quarter of an arn." She turned to face the captain, "Captain, you will take charge of what is left of the armada and proceed to the nearest base to offload the survivors."

After Grayza left Braca went to secure Scorpius for transport. When he entered the guarded quarters, Scorpius approached, "Braca, its good to see you survived. Talk to the captain and get him to release me."

Braca replied smugly, "I'm afraid that's not possible, Scorpius. You are being transferred to Commandant Grayza's command carrier for questioning."

Scorpius growled, "What? You can't be serious?"

Braca smirked, "I'm completely serious."

"After all that I've done for you, you're just going to turn your back on me?"

"You have taken advantage of me. Held me back. Your star is falling and I will do nothing to save you. I am saving myself." He turned to the guard, "Prepare him for transport." Scorpius was becoming desperate, "Grayza is a manipulator." Braca delivered his parting shot, "I understand you no longer have a ship to command.

As Braca walked out he heard Scorpius call out behind him, "Your very good at saving yourself, Braca!"

When they arrived on the command carrier, Scorpius was escorted to his cell and Braca to Grayza's quarters. He gave her a more in depth account of events. Grayza commented, "It seems that Scorpius is not as smart as he we thought. His obsession blinded him to danger. I trust you will be willing to state this formally?" Her voice suggested it would be in his best interest.

"Of course, Commandant. I am loyal to the Peacekeepers."

"Of course you are. How loyal would you say you are? Scorpius may have to be executed for his treason. Could you do that?"

"If an officer superior to you ordered it I would, similarly, execute you," Braca stated matter-of-factly.

"So says every one of your psychological evaluations.Captain Braca." She ran her finger along her chest and then along Braca's upper lip. "I could use the assistance of someone with your loyalty. The current captain of this ship has proven to be somewhat disagreeable. I think you and I could work well together."

Braca inhaled deeply. He felt strangely aroused and moved closer to her. "I would be more than happy to help you."

"I know you will. You may begin by telling me all about Scorpius."

Braca was eager to please her. He told her everything he knew, beginning with his first meeting on the Gammak Base. "His main concern ever since I met him has been wormholes. This became obsessive once he met the human. Since then he has become obsessed with getting Crichton's wormhole knowledge. Somehow Crichton was able to deceive Scorpius and sabotage the wormhole project."

"Did you ever advise Scorpius that his trust might be misplaced?"

"I tried, but he is too reliant on his Scarren senses. He refused to believe me."

She walked around behind him, "At least you did your duty as a loyal Peacekeeper." She placed her hands on his shoulder. A shiver went down his spine and he felt the nearly overwhelming desire to embrace her. "I will call you before questioning. You are dismissed, Captain."

Braca was somewhat disappointed to be dismissed; he wanted to drink in her presence. He was elated that he had been promoted and that he would be working closely with her.

Questioning Scorpius began in the usual way. Grayza was not satisfied with the answers he gave. Braca was almost positive Scorpius wasn't holding anything back, but he wanted Grayza's approval and said nothing. Grayza resorted to placing Scorpius in the Aurora Chair. It was a cruel punishment, but Scorpius had himself set the precedence of using the Chair on senior personnel. Braca felt Scorpius had earned it. He also assisted Grayza in coming up with a cooling rod that would allow them to gain a measure of control over Scorpius. Scorpius had told Braca too much about himself. This was all information Braca could use against the disgraced scientist.

Finally, Braca was gaining a measure of respect and responsibility. He knew he could become a great captain. He had just been held back. He thought Grayza might be different. She was giving him free reign in dealing with Scorpius. He took full advantage of this and delighted in tormenting the half-breed. He did not agree that High Command had waived racial purity laws for Scorpius, but he had been determined to use the scientist to advance his own career. It had worked, betraying the scientist had led to his advancement.