The Price Part 4
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Through WWL Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Many thanks to Still_Waters for the great beta reading. I couldn't have done it without her.
The peacekeeper soldiers were still occupied with the damage the explosions had caused. Major repairs would have to be done to the communication unit and some of the environmentals. Until they could get these back on line, the vessel would not be able to move at more than hetch four.
Braca had one crew working on the problems, and one looking for the intruders. Crichton was nothing but a curse to him. 'Frell the human. I hope she kills him this time!' He longed to go back to a normal command, but he knew as long as Crichton existed it would never happen.
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana carefully moved through the corridors, avoiding the soldiers. They stopped for a microt, backs against the wall as several soldiers passed the extension they were in.
Aeryn used this moment to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since Scorpius' remark. "Chiana, what do I need to know about Grayza?"
Chiana shifted slightly, uncomfortable with Aeryn's question. She didn't know what to say without giving John away, and she had no intention of doing that. "Just listen to Scorpius, that's all. Let's go."
Aeryn grabbed the girl as she attempted to proceed. She held her by the arm looking intently into her eyes. "Tell me!"
Chiana yanked herself out of her grasp. "No Aeryn! I.I.c.can't! You just have to.trust me right now," Chiana gasped, turning away from Aeryn.
Aeryn slowly turned her around and studied her face. She could see the Nebari was torn by emotions. This was something new to Aeryn. She never remembered Chiana displaying this sort of caring before. So much had changed since she had left Moya. The changes in her friends were something she would need to get used to. She would have to get to know them all again, and them her.
She nodded to Chiana, and said in a quiet voice, "I will respect that.for now. Let's get moving."
Chiana felt relieved as she followed Aeryn into the next corridor.
xxxxx
John lay on the floor of Grayza's quarters, his hands under his head. The welts on his back had grown to an ugly red, bleeding.
Grayza was smoothing an ointment over his back as she spoke, "I know this is painful, John, but all I ask is your cooperation. Is that so hard to do?"
John groaned softly, knowing he needed to answer the question. "What?" His mind was in a deep fog, trying to bury itself further.
"Cooperate. That's all I ask," Grayza responded, turning him slowly on his back.
The jolt of pain stabbed through him as his body shook for a microt. John felt a relaxing sensation come over him as the pain receded.
"I guess so," he said, floating.
Grayza saw there was too much of a comfort factor now. She could see he was drifting off to sleep and slapped his face to arouse him.
John's eyes snapped open, unfocused.
"You belong to me and will only sleep when I say!" Grayza exclaimed infuriated with him.
"Whatever you say boss."
"Better," Grayza replied, rubbing his chest. "Tell me where your friends are, John. I know they want to see you."
John felt his defenses rise with her question. He fought it, his body trembling. "Don't.know."
Grayza saw his resistance and smiled. "So admirable, but wasted. You know I will get what I want.eventually."
John felt her hands on his body and the screaming, his screaming, raged through his head.
xxxxx
Chiana and Aeryn were almost to the last corridor when they heard the voice. It sounded like Grayza, but they weren't sure. It was coming from the direction Scorpius had pointed out on the map.
"I think we're here," Chiana said anxiously, worried about what was happening to John.
"According to Scorpius' coordinates, it appears so," Aeryn replied. "You stay here. I'm going ahead. I want to know what we are dealing with before we devise a plan to rescue John."
"Be careful Aeryn," Chiana replied. "You know Braca can't be far away."
Before Aeryn could move, she felt a gun to her head.
"Drop it Officer Sun," Braca stated, as the soldiers grabbed Chiana, twisting her arms behind her back
Chiana gasped out loud, as the soldiers held her. "I told you Aeryn."
Aeryn was hesitant to let her weapon drop. She counted the soldiers and saw they were outnumbered. Turning to Braca, with stone coldness in her eyes, she dropped her weapon. "I will make you regret this day!"
Braca kicked her weapon away with his foot. "Shall we?" He stated pushing Aeryn ahead of him towards Grayza's quarters. The soldiers followed with Chiana in tow.
Standing outside Grayza's quarters, he directed his soldiers to hold them in the corridor for a microt. Braca knocked before he entered.
"Commandant, I am sorry to interrupt, but I have the Sebacean and Nebari in custody. I thought you would want to know," Braca said, raising his eyes away from the floor.
Grayza rose gracefully, as she replied, "See them in Braca."
Braca snapped his fingers at the soldiers, motioning them into her quarters. They deposited Aeryn and Chiana in front of the Commandant.
Aeryn looked at Grayza first, then took in the room. She saw the manacles and noticed the blood.
Her attention was drawn back to Grayza as she spoke, "At last the other half of the infamous duo, Aeryn Sun." She stared at her as if she was trying to gauge how dangerous this foe could be.
"Grayza, where is John?" Aeryn's tone was without a doubt dangerous.
John heard the voice and groaned. Turning away from everyone, he started vomiting and cried inside. He never wanted her to know about this. How could he ever look at her again, knowing he had been used against his will. Aeryn would never understand that there was nothing he could do to stop her. The humiliation just burned more deeply into him as he retched again.
Aeryn was startled by this new sound. She looked down and was horrified to see John shirtless and retching all over the floor.
Grayza followed Aeryn's eyes and was pleased to see the horror on the ex- peacekeepers face. Another advantage gained, Grayza thought to herself.
Chiana tried to go to Crichton's side, but the soldiers stopped her. "Aeryn it's not what you think!"
Aeryn ignored Chiana's remarks and focused on Grayza. "What have you done to him?"
Grayza smiled. "John and I had some.unfinished business to attend to," she replied, standing stiffly in front of Aeryn. "John tells me there were five of you who entered my ship. Where are Scorpius and the girl?"
Aeryn was taken off guard by the question. She could never imagine John telling the enemy anything, but Grayza had named them. "Frelling traitor!" Aeryn spat at John.
Chiana heard the slight groan come from him. "Aeryn don't! You don't know what you are saying."
Aeryn turned angrily at Chiana. "Oh but I do Chiana! He sold us out for a romp with this tralk! I knew."
Aeryn never finished her sentence as she felt the hand come across her face, knocking her to the ground.
Grayza stood over her, the anger raging. "Don't ever use those words again! Lock them up and find Scorpius and the girl!"
xxxxx
Sikozu could hear the soldiers getting closer by the microt. If they entered the bay they would be at their mercy.
"Scorpius, we need to move. We have three choices. We can stay here and get captured, leave or find the others. I will assume since they haven't returned they have been captured, so what do you have planned now?"
Scorpius didn't like any of the alternatives, but he knew he couldn't leave Crichton behind in Grayza's hands. "We must go after them. Leaving them here alive is not an option. Secure a weapon and follow me. If we can't bring them back with us, we must kill them."
Sikozu stared at him stunned. She had done many things in her days, but killing wasn't one of them. "I don't know if I can do that."
Scorpius looked at her intently. "You will if your life depends on it, and trust me it does!"
Sikozu grabbed a weapon, taking his word for it.
xxxxx
Grayza had John put back in the shackles. The only difference this time was he wasn't hanging. She had him sitting on the floor, his head rolling back and forth, with nowhere to rest. The retching had finally stopped, leaving him weak.
Grayza walked back into her quarters, satisfied the prisoners were secure. She knelt in front of John, grabbing his neck to hold his head steady. She wanted him to hear every word she said.
"Thank you John. I have captured Aeryn Sun and Chiana. I am pleased with you," she said relishing the pain it brought to him. "The other two will be only a matter of time."
John grimaced. "No! I.didn't.tell you. Couldn't.have."
Her plan was working. She was breaking the almighty John Crichton. Soon she would have him at her beck and call. He could never go back to the others if he thought he had betrayed them.
"It was what I wanted. You did well John," Grayza replied, trying to reinforce the betrayal. "I will let you rest now."
She released him from the shackles and posted two guards outside her quarters. "No one goes in or comes out. Is that understood?"
"Yes Commandant."
Grayza headed to command. She wanted to see first hand how much progress the techs had made on the repairs. They had been at these coordinates too long. She didn't want any more trouble to befall the vessel.
xxxxx
Aeryn was pacing back and forth in the prison cell. "Frelling piece of dren!" She shouted aloud, kicking the mat across the floor. 'How could someone change so drastically?' Her thoughts were full of rage.
"Stop it Aeryn," Chiana stated, staring at the ex-peacekeeper. As Aeryn continued, Chiana rose to her feet. "I said.stop it!"
The shout startled Aeryn, as she froze in her tracks. Recovering quickly, Aeryn stated, "Chiana, he betrayed us for a tralk. You saw the same thing I did!"
Chiana dropped her head for a microt. She wanted to explain things to Aeryn without giving John away, but she didn't see any way around it. 'Forgive me John.'
Chiana raised her head, meeting Aeryn eye to eye. "Aeryn you have been away from us for a very long time. You have no idea what John has been through.no right to judge him."
Aeryn cut her off. "Then you tell me! But I will tell you; it still gave John no right to tell Grayza about us. How can we ever trust him after this?"
Chiana smirked slightly, "Trust? What have you done to earn his? You brought Scorpius aboard Moya. Or did you forget about that?"
Aeryn turned away from her. "I.I had no.choice. You know that."
"There are always choices, Aeryn. You chose the one you felt was right, but at least you had a choice. John didn't."
Aeryn swung around to face her. "How's that possible? Explain yourself!"
Chiana turned away, dropping her head, momentarily before turning to her again, "I shouldn't be telling you this. If John finds out he will be so hurt. It's something he still won't talk about, but we believe he tried to kill himself over it. Promise you won't tell him you know."
The pleading look in the Nebari's eyes was enough to convince Aeryn to agree.
Chiana told Aeryn everything she knew about what had occurred on Arnessk, the hepple oil, John's seduction, his jump off the cliff and the sacrifice he made so D'Argo could rescue Jool, Granny and herself. She was in tears by the time she finished the story.
Chiana finished by saying, "he hasn't been the same since. We know John well enough now. He hides it by trying to appear to be happy, but I can see it in his eyes. His sudden quietness."
There was nothing but deafening silence in the cell now. Aeryn stood there with a blank expression on her face.
Chiana was worried when she didn't hear Aeryn utter a word. She had expected an explosion to go off, but there was nothing from the Sebacean.
Chiana was drying the tears from her eyes, as Aeryn finally spoke.
"Is that what you were hiding from me?" Aeryn's voice held no emotion, only coldness.
"Yes," Chiana replied. She was disturbed that she couldn't read anything in her tone.
Aeryn's thoughts wouldn't stop. She was envisioning the events as Chiana had laid them out in her story. Her heart was breaking for the man she had deserted to this fate. It was all her fault. This she could never deny or forgive herself for. If she had stayed with him, he would never had been lost, captured or humiliated. 'I promise you John, this will never happen again.'
"John will never know about this conversation, Chiana. I promise," Aeryn stated. "Let's figure out how to get out of here and take John home." Aeryn continued. 'And I hope Grayza knows how to pray.'
xxxxx
"We know he's with Grayza. How much further Scorpius?" Sikozu was tired of the way this was being handled. It was too slow for her satisfaction.
"Most likely, the others have been captured also. The ship will be on full alert. We must be very careful, or we will suffer the same fate," Scorpius replied, annoyed with the new shipmate. "We are almost there."
The last part of their journey was uneventful. Scorpius could see the two guards outside Grayza's quarters as they turned into the corridor. He grabbed Sikozu and put her behind him. "Stay there, and follow my lead," he whispered.
Sikozu obeyed, not knowing what he was going to do.
"Sergeant, Commandant Grayza has sent me here to bring the prisoner to her. I expect he is ready to be moved?"
"Sir, my orders are for no one to be allowed to enter or leave. Unless I am told otherwise by the Commandant, I cannot allow you to take him."
Scorpius patted the soldier on the back. "Very good Sergeant. I commend you for your ability to follow orders. I will mention it to Commandant Grayza. She will no doubt be very pleased with your loyalty." With his hand on the Sergeants back, he slowly moved it to his neck. In one quick motion he snapped it. Before the other soldier could respond, Sikozu broke off from him and did the same.
They stepped over the bodies quickly and entered the quarters intent on finding John. Scorpius found him in a deep sleep under the torture device. Scorpius lowered himself to his knee and examined John. He saw the lacerations to his back but decided he was fit to be moved. "Sikozu get his things. I will carry him."
Scorpius carefully picked him up in his arms. John fought him, feeling the searing pain run through his back. "Stop John. We have no time for this. Grayza could appear at any time."
Sikozu was by John's side. "We have to get out of here John. Stop fighting us."
John settled down and allowed himself to be picked up.
"Where are we going Scorpius?" Sikozu asked.
"To a place I know. They won't think to look there, but we must hurry."
xxxxx
"How much longer Braca?" Grayza asked impatiently. "The longer we stay here, the more danger we could be in."
"Ma'am, the tech tells me about two more arns. They almost have the environmentals repaired, but the communication unit will take longer."
"We will move when the environmentals are repaired. They can repair the communications after we have set a new course. Is that clear?"
Braca bowed slightly. " I will issue the orders now, ma'am."
"Sergeant have you found Scorpius or the girl?"
"Not yet ma'am. We have posted guards in the landing bay, so they can't get off the carrier. I have two units looking for them. They can't hide for long."
"But you forget, Sergeant.Scorpius used to command a vessel like this. He knows everything about a carrier," Grayza replied, lifting her eyebrow.
"I haven't forgotten, commandant," the Sergeant replied. "I am sure we will find them."
"Very well, continue."
"Braca, I think it's time we paid a visit to our prisoners. Perhaps they can help us find the other two." Grayza especially wanted to see Officer Sun. She was curious to see if she still felt John had betrayed them. This could finalize things for John, sealing his fate with her.
Braca nodded as he followed her out of command.
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana were planning their escape.
The rage had finally set in with Aeryn the longer she thought about what Grayza had done to him. She was determined to make Grayza pay for all the humiliation she had put the human through. Chiana had finally calmed her enough to allow her to focus on what was important.returning to Moya.
"We can only hope that Scorpius hasn't been captured. He will know how to free us."
Chiana smiled slightly. "Come on Aeryn. Scorpius and Sikozu have probably left. Probably sitting on Moya right now."
Aeryn shook her head. "No, Chiana. He wouldn't do that. Scorpius can't afford to leave John behind. He still needs him."
"Are you really going to let John leave with Scorpius after all this?" Chiana asked, unsure if she really wanted to hear her answer.
Aeryn sighed. "We made a deal, Chiana. But let's not talk about this now."
They heard the footsteps in the corridor and became silent..
Aeryn looked up and saw Grayza staring at her through the bars. Standing, she stared back, never flinching.
Grayza was not surprised at Aeryn's stance. If the stories she had heard were true, she expected it. She had no doubt this was one foe that would never back down. The thought just excited her.
"Welcome to my command Officer Sun. I trust I can expect your complete cooperation in the pursuit of Scorpius and Sikozu," Grayza stated.
"I think your expectations are too high, Grayza. The only thing I'll help with is pushing you through a frelling airlock!"
Chiana stood behind Aeryn, grabbing her arm. "Don't, Aeryn," she whispered. "She's still got John."
Aeryn's breathing eased slightly as she calmed down.
"Understand something Officer Sun, I will get what I want. It is easier if you cooperate with me. I truly hate to resort to other options, but I will if I am forced to," Grayza responded. "John knows."
The rage came back at the mention of his name. Chiana saw the sudden tension in Aeryn. She placed her hand over hers, hoping to relax her by the touch. "Don't Aeryn. She's baiting you," Chiana whispered.
Aeryn heard Chiana's words and knew they were true. She played into Grayza now. "Frell him, he's nothing but a piece of dren! He has made his choice and now he must live with it." The words hurt as she spoke them, but this is what Grayza wanted to hear and she would accommodate her for the time being.
Revenge would come later.
Part 5 tomorrow
Many thanks to Still_Waters for the great beta reading. I couldn't have done it without her.
The peacekeeper soldiers were still occupied with the damage the explosions had caused. Major repairs would have to be done to the communication unit and some of the environmentals. Until they could get these back on line, the vessel would not be able to move at more than hetch four.
Braca had one crew working on the problems, and one looking for the intruders. Crichton was nothing but a curse to him. 'Frell the human. I hope she kills him this time!' He longed to go back to a normal command, but he knew as long as Crichton existed it would never happen.
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana carefully moved through the corridors, avoiding the soldiers. They stopped for a microt, backs against the wall as several soldiers passed the extension they were in.
Aeryn used this moment to ask the question that had been burning in her mind since Scorpius' remark. "Chiana, what do I need to know about Grayza?"
Chiana shifted slightly, uncomfortable with Aeryn's question. She didn't know what to say without giving John away, and she had no intention of doing that. "Just listen to Scorpius, that's all. Let's go."
Aeryn grabbed the girl as she attempted to proceed. She held her by the arm looking intently into her eyes. "Tell me!"
Chiana yanked herself out of her grasp. "No Aeryn! I.I.c.can't! You just have to.trust me right now," Chiana gasped, turning away from Aeryn.
Aeryn slowly turned her around and studied her face. She could see the Nebari was torn by emotions. This was something new to Aeryn. She never remembered Chiana displaying this sort of caring before. So much had changed since she had left Moya. The changes in her friends were something she would need to get used to. She would have to get to know them all again, and them her.
She nodded to Chiana, and said in a quiet voice, "I will respect that.for now. Let's get moving."
Chiana felt relieved as she followed Aeryn into the next corridor.
xxxxx
John lay on the floor of Grayza's quarters, his hands under his head. The welts on his back had grown to an ugly red, bleeding.
Grayza was smoothing an ointment over his back as she spoke, "I know this is painful, John, but all I ask is your cooperation. Is that so hard to do?"
John groaned softly, knowing he needed to answer the question. "What?" His mind was in a deep fog, trying to bury itself further.
"Cooperate. That's all I ask," Grayza responded, turning him slowly on his back.
The jolt of pain stabbed through him as his body shook for a microt. John felt a relaxing sensation come over him as the pain receded.
"I guess so," he said, floating.
Grayza saw there was too much of a comfort factor now. She could see he was drifting off to sleep and slapped his face to arouse him.
John's eyes snapped open, unfocused.
"You belong to me and will only sleep when I say!" Grayza exclaimed infuriated with him.
"Whatever you say boss."
"Better," Grayza replied, rubbing his chest. "Tell me where your friends are, John. I know they want to see you."
John felt his defenses rise with her question. He fought it, his body trembling. "Don't.know."
Grayza saw his resistance and smiled. "So admirable, but wasted. You know I will get what I want.eventually."
John felt her hands on his body and the screaming, his screaming, raged through his head.
xxxxx
Chiana and Aeryn were almost to the last corridor when they heard the voice. It sounded like Grayza, but they weren't sure. It was coming from the direction Scorpius had pointed out on the map.
"I think we're here," Chiana said anxiously, worried about what was happening to John.
"According to Scorpius' coordinates, it appears so," Aeryn replied. "You stay here. I'm going ahead. I want to know what we are dealing with before we devise a plan to rescue John."
"Be careful Aeryn," Chiana replied. "You know Braca can't be far away."
Before Aeryn could move, she felt a gun to her head.
"Drop it Officer Sun," Braca stated, as the soldiers grabbed Chiana, twisting her arms behind her back
Chiana gasped out loud, as the soldiers held her. "I told you Aeryn."
Aeryn was hesitant to let her weapon drop. She counted the soldiers and saw they were outnumbered. Turning to Braca, with stone coldness in her eyes, she dropped her weapon. "I will make you regret this day!"
Braca kicked her weapon away with his foot. "Shall we?" He stated pushing Aeryn ahead of him towards Grayza's quarters. The soldiers followed with Chiana in tow.
Standing outside Grayza's quarters, he directed his soldiers to hold them in the corridor for a microt. Braca knocked before he entered.
"Commandant, I am sorry to interrupt, but I have the Sebacean and Nebari in custody. I thought you would want to know," Braca said, raising his eyes away from the floor.
Grayza rose gracefully, as she replied, "See them in Braca."
Braca snapped his fingers at the soldiers, motioning them into her quarters. They deposited Aeryn and Chiana in front of the Commandant.
Aeryn looked at Grayza first, then took in the room. She saw the manacles and noticed the blood.
Her attention was drawn back to Grayza as she spoke, "At last the other half of the infamous duo, Aeryn Sun." She stared at her as if she was trying to gauge how dangerous this foe could be.
"Grayza, where is John?" Aeryn's tone was without a doubt dangerous.
John heard the voice and groaned. Turning away from everyone, he started vomiting and cried inside. He never wanted her to know about this. How could he ever look at her again, knowing he had been used against his will. Aeryn would never understand that there was nothing he could do to stop her. The humiliation just burned more deeply into him as he retched again.
Aeryn was startled by this new sound. She looked down and was horrified to see John shirtless and retching all over the floor.
Grayza followed Aeryn's eyes and was pleased to see the horror on the ex- peacekeepers face. Another advantage gained, Grayza thought to herself.
Chiana tried to go to Crichton's side, but the soldiers stopped her. "Aeryn it's not what you think!"
Aeryn ignored Chiana's remarks and focused on Grayza. "What have you done to him?"
Grayza smiled. "John and I had some.unfinished business to attend to," she replied, standing stiffly in front of Aeryn. "John tells me there were five of you who entered my ship. Where are Scorpius and the girl?"
Aeryn was taken off guard by the question. She could never imagine John telling the enemy anything, but Grayza had named them. "Frelling traitor!" Aeryn spat at John.
Chiana heard the slight groan come from him. "Aeryn don't! You don't know what you are saying."
Aeryn turned angrily at Chiana. "Oh but I do Chiana! He sold us out for a romp with this tralk! I knew."
Aeryn never finished her sentence as she felt the hand come across her face, knocking her to the ground.
Grayza stood over her, the anger raging. "Don't ever use those words again! Lock them up and find Scorpius and the girl!"
xxxxx
Sikozu could hear the soldiers getting closer by the microt. If they entered the bay they would be at their mercy.
"Scorpius, we need to move. We have three choices. We can stay here and get captured, leave or find the others. I will assume since they haven't returned they have been captured, so what do you have planned now?"
Scorpius didn't like any of the alternatives, but he knew he couldn't leave Crichton behind in Grayza's hands. "We must go after them. Leaving them here alive is not an option. Secure a weapon and follow me. If we can't bring them back with us, we must kill them."
Sikozu stared at him stunned. She had done many things in her days, but killing wasn't one of them. "I don't know if I can do that."
Scorpius looked at her intently. "You will if your life depends on it, and trust me it does!"
Sikozu grabbed a weapon, taking his word for it.
xxxxx
Grayza had John put back in the shackles. The only difference this time was he wasn't hanging. She had him sitting on the floor, his head rolling back and forth, with nowhere to rest. The retching had finally stopped, leaving him weak.
Grayza walked back into her quarters, satisfied the prisoners were secure. She knelt in front of John, grabbing his neck to hold his head steady. She wanted him to hear every word she said.
"Thank you John. I have captured Aeryn Sun and Chiana. I am pleased with you," she said relishing the pain it brought to him. "The other two will be only a matter of time."
John grimaced. "No! I.didn't.tell you. Couldn't.have."
Her plan was working. She was breaking the almighty John Crichton. Soon she would have him at her beck and call. He could never go back to the others if he thought he had betrayed them.
"It was what I wanted. You did well John," Grayza replied, trying to reinforce the betrayal. "I will let you rest now."
She released him from the shackles and posted two guards outside her quarters. "No one goes in or comes out. Is that understood?"
"Yes Commandant."
Grayza headed to command. She wanted to see first hand how much progress the techs had made on the repairs. They had been at these coordinates too long. She didn't want any more trouble to befall the vessel.
xxxxx
Aeryn was pacing back and forth in the prison cell. "Frelling piece of dren!" She shouted aloud, kicking the mat across the floor. 'How could someone change so drastically?' Her thoughts were full of rage.
"Stop it Aeryn," Chiana stated, staring at the ex-peacekeeper. As Aeryn continued, Chiana rose to her feet. "I said.stop it!"
The shout startled Aeryn, as she froze in her tracks. Recovering quickly, Aeryn stated, "Chiana, he betrayed us for a tralk. You saw the same thing I did!"
Chiana dropped her head for a microt. She wanted to explain things to Aeryn without giving John away, but she didn't see any way around it. 'Forgive me John.'
Chiana raised her head, meeting Aeryn eye to eye. "Aeryn you have been away from us for a very long time. You have no idea what John has been through.no right to judge him."
Aeryn cut her off. "Then you tell me! But I will tell you; it still gave John no right to tell Grayza about us. How can we ever trust him after this?"
Chiana smirked slightly, "Trust? What have you done to earn his? You brought Scorpius aboard Moya. Or did you forget about that?"
Aeryn turned away from her. "I.I had no.choice. You know that."
"There are always choices, Aeryn. You chose the one you felt was right, but at least you had a choice. John didn't."
Aeryn swung around to face her. "How's that possible? Explain yourself!"
Chiana turned away, dropping her head, momentarily before turning to her again, "I shouldn't be telling you this. If John finds out he will be so hurt. It's something he still won't talk about, but we believe he tried to kill himself over it. Promise you won't tell him you know."
The pleading look in the Nebari's eyes was enough to convince Aeryn to agree.
Chiana told Aeryn everything she knew about what had occurred on Arnessk, the hepple oil, John's seduction, his jump off the cliff and the sacrifice he made so D'Argo could rescue Jool, Granny and herself. She was in tears by the time she finished the story.
Chiana finished by saying, "he hasn't been the same since. We know John well enough now. He hides it by trying to appear to be happy, but I can see it in his eyes. His sudden quietness."
There was nothing but deafening silence in the cell now. Aeryn stood there with a blank expression on her face.
Chiana was worried when she didn't hear Aeryn utter a word. She had expected an explosion to go off, but there was nothing from the Sebacean.
Chiana was drying the tears from her eyes, as Aeryn finally spoke.
"Is that what you were hiding from me?" Aeryn's voice held no emotion, only coldness.
"Yes," Chiana replied. She was disturbed that she couldn't read anything in her tone.
Aeryn's thoughts wouldn't stop. She was envisioning the events as Chiana had laid them out in her story. Her heart was breaking for the man she had deserted to this fate. It was all her fault. This she could never deny or forgive herself for. If she had stayed with him, he would never had been lost, captured or humiliated. 'I promise you John, this will never happen again.'
"John will never know about this conversation, Chiana. I promise," Aeryn stated. "Let's figure out how to get out of here and take John home." Aeryn continued. 'And I hope Grayza knows how to pray.'
xxxxx
"We know he's with Grayza. How much further Scorpius?" Sikozu was tired of the way this was being handled. It was too slow for her satisfaction.
"Most likely, the others have been captured also. The ship will be on full alert. We must be very careful, or we will suffer the same fate," Scorpius replied, annoyed with the new shipmate. "We are almost there."
The last part of their journey was uneventful. Scorpius could see the two guards outside Grayza's quarters as they turned into the corridor. He grabbed Sikozu and put her behind him. "Stay there, and follow my lead," he whispered.
Sikozu obeyed, not knowing what he was going to do.
"Sergeant, Commandant Grayza has sent me here to bring the prisoner to her. I expect he is ready to be moved?"
"Sir, my orders are for no one to be allowed to enter or leave. Unless I am told otherwise by the Commandant, I cannot allow you to take him."
Scorpius patted the soldier on the back. "Very good Sergeant. I commend you for your ability to follow orders. I will mention it to Commandant Grayza. She will no doubt be very pleased with your loyalty." With his hand on the Sergeants back, he slowly moved it to his neck. In one quick motion he snapped it. Before the other soldier could respond, Sikozu broke off from him and did the same.
They stepped over the bodies quickly and entered the quarters intent on finding John. Scorpius found him in a deep sleep under the torture device. Scorpius lowered himself to his knee and examined John. He saw the lacerations to his back but decided he was fit to be moved. "Sikozu get his things. I will carry him."
Scorpius carefully picked him up in his arms. John fought him, feeling the searing pain run through his back. "Stop John. We have no time for this. Grayza could appear at any time."
Sikozu was by John's side. "We have to get out of here John. Stop fighting us."
John settled down and allowed himself to be picked up.
"Where are we going Scorpius?" Sikozu asked.
"To a place I know. They won't think to look there, but we must hurry."
xxxxx
"How much longer Braca?" Grayza asked impatiently. "The longer we stay here, the more danger we could be in."
"Ma'am, the tech tells me about two more arns. They almost have the environmentals repaired, but the communication unit will take longer."
"We will move when the environmentals are repaired. They can repair the communications after we have set a new course. Is that clear?"
Braca bowed slightly. " I will issue the orders now, ma'am."
"Sergeant have you found Scorpius or the girl?"
"Not yet ma'am. We have posted guards in the landing bay, so they can't get off the carrier. I have two units looking for them. They can't hide for long."
"But you forget, Sergeant.Scorpius used to command a vessel like this. He knows everything about a carrier," Grayza replied, lifting her eyebrow.
"I haven't forgotten, commandant," the Sergeant replied. "I am sure we will find them."
"Very well, continue."
"Braca, I think it's time we paid a visit to our prisoners. Perhaps they can help us find the other two." Grayza especially wanted to see Officer Sun. She was curious to see if she still felt John had betrayed them. This could finalize things for John, sealing his fate with her.
Braca nodded as he followed her out of command.
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana were planning their escape.
The rage had finally set in with Aeryn the longer she thought about what Grayza had done to him. She was determined to make Grayza pay for all the humiliation she had put the human through. Chiana had finally calmed her enough to allow her to focus on what was important.returning to Moya.
"We can only hope that Scorpius hasn't been captured. He will know how to free us."
Chiana smiled slightly. "Come on Aeryn. Scorpius and Sikozu have probably left. Probably sitting on Moya right now."
Aeryn shook her head. "No, Chiana. He wouldn't do that. Scorpius can't afford to leave John behind. He still needs him."
"Are you really going to let John leave with Scorpius after all this?" Chiana asked, unsure if she really wanted to hear her answer.
Aeryn sighed. "We made a deal, Chiana. But let's not talk about this now."
They heard the footsteps in the corridor and became silent..
Aeryn looked up and saw Grayza staring at her through the bars. Standing, she stared back, never flinching.
Grayza was not surprised at Aeryn's stance. If the stories she had heard were true, she expected it. She had no doubt this was one foe that would never back down. The thought just excited her.
"Welcome to my command Officer Sun. I trust I can expect your complete cooperation in the pursuit of Scorpius and Sikozu," Grayza stated.
"I think your expectations are too high, Grayza. The only thing I'll help with is pushing you through a frelling airlock!"
Chiana stood behind Aeryn, grabbing her arm. "Don't, Aeryn," she whispered. "She's still got John."
Aeryn's breathing eased slightly as she calmed down.
"Understand something Officer Sun, I will get what I want. It is easier if you cooperate with me. I truly hate to resort to other options, but I will if I am forced to," Grayza responded. "John knows."
The rage came back at the mention of his name. Chiana saw the sudden tension in Aeryn. She placed her hand over hers, hoping to relax her by the touch. "Don't Aeryn. She's baiting you," Chiana whispered.
Aeryn heard Chiana's words and knew they were true. She played into Grayza now. "Frell him, he's nothing but a piece of dren! He has made his choice and now he must live with it." The words hurt as she spoke them, but this is what Grayza wanted to hear and she would accommodate her for the time being.
Revenge would come later.
Part 5 tomorrow