The Price Part 5
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Thanks to Still_Waters for the great beta reading and for keeping me in line on this one.
Thanks for all the feedback, you've been great!
Scorpius carried John deeper into the ship. Sikozu followed, watching for any soldiers trailing them.
They were heading into a part of the ship Sikozu was unfamiliar with. "Where are you taking us?"
"Just follow me. We are almost there."
Turning the corner, Scorpius saw the chamber. He palmed the door and it opened with ease. Slipping in, and telling Sikozu to stay behind him, Scorpius went to another door, stepping through it as it opened. The room was small and sparsely furnished, only a mat and a small table occupying the room. Scorpius walked to the farside of the room laying John on the mat.
Scorpius stood upright and walked to the center of the room. He looked around the room for any signs of use. Running his hand over the small table, he felt the grit under his fingers. It was evident the peacekeepers hadn't used this room in cycles.if ever. Scorpius' life with the peacekeepers had started in a chamber similar to this one. When he had turned himself over to the peacekeepers cycles ago, they had hidden him in this type of back room until they had decided what to do with him. The dark and suffocating space brought up long-banished memories, however the same space had been the beginning of what he was now.
"Scorpius?" Sikozu asked. "Where are we?"
"We are in an area of the carrier that is seldom used," Scorpius replied. "We are safe for the time being."
Sikozu was bent over Crichton, trying to wake him. "Crichton!" She said, shaking him. "Wake up. I want to get off this ship!"
John moaned slightly, opening his eyes. Feeling hands on his body, he shouted something unintelligible and scrambled into a sitting position, pushing himself away from his attacker. Although disoriented, he could still feel a presence in front of him, and his arms flew out if front of him to grab his latest torturer.
"John it's me."
John let out a breath and sank back against the wall as Sikozu came into focus. 'Sputnik,' he realized on a rush of air. He pulled his knees up further, making his body as small as possible as his eyes took in his new surroundings. A small, dark room, with a woman he still didn't quite trust and a creature he never would trust. On top of all that, his body was on fire, and his mind was burning with endless possibilities of what had transpired before he arrived in this new hell. John dropped his head into his hands and tried to breathe. Taking half a breath, he lifted his head slightly, rubbing his hands over face and through his hair, trying to clear his scattered thoughts. 'Frell!'
Sikozu grabbed his arms trying to get him to look at her. "Enough John." Her voice was short and to the point. She needed him to focus on her and their situation, instead of chasing memories and despair in his mind. Sikozu realized he might need time, but she needed his brain now, not his panic, and time was something they didn't have.
John's eyes met Sikozu's for a microt before turning to the far wall, as he wrapped his arms around his legs, and lowered his chin resting on his knees. He swallowed hard before he spoke. "Tell me it was all a dream and I'm safe on Moya." His empty eyes told her he knew the truth. He just didn't want to face it.
Sikozu sighed. She understood that John had been through a lot, but they didn't have time to deal with it now. What was more, she wasn't the person to help him deal with it. Those people were on Moya, and they would never get back there unless they got moving. She looked to Scorpius for help in moving the human, but found none. She would have to do it her way. "John.here is your shirt." She held it in front of him, hoping that as he took it, he would realize how precious every microt was right now.
John stared at the shirt, and the realization did come over his face, but it was not what Sikozu was hoping for. John's understanding hit him like a hot knife, searing his already charred flesh. He moaned and lowered his face back into his knees.
Sikozu looked at Scorpius and saw her own thoughts mirrored in his eyes. John needed time, but time would not allow itself to be given now.
"We'll give you a few microts to compose yourself, John, but then we must proceed," Scorpius said, seeing the pain the human was in.
John felt as if he was falling deeper into despair. He had dug himself out before, but this time he felt as if he had fallen harder than ever. 'Aeryn!' John remembered hearing her voice now.
John slowly lifted his head and took a deep breath, standing. "Scorpy, where are Chiana and Aeryn?" He reached out and took the shirt from Sikozu. The smell on the shirt sent a shudder through his body. It smelled of Grayza.
As he pulled the shirt over his head, John found his shudder transforming into shaking as he fought the hysterical laughter that threatened to erupt. Everything that had happened was coming together in his head, and all he could manage to say was, "Same dren, different day!"
He hoped had had dreamt the memory of Aeryn in Grayza's quarters, but Scorpy had never answered him. John asked the question again, "Where is Chiana and Aeryn?"
"We think they have been captured. When you didn't return to the Marauder, they went looking for you. They never returned."
John realized it wasn't a dream after all. "Why did you let them do that? You knew what I was doing! You should have stopped them!"
Scorpius looked at him with a quizzical expression on his face. "Tell me something John. When could you ever stop Aeryn Sun from doing what she wanted?"
John had to acknowledged Scorpius' statement. If there was one thing everyone knew about Aeryn, it was that Aeryn would do what Aeryn wanted to do.
"We have to find them. You know this ship better than I do Scorpy. Have you come up with anything?"
"I believe we need to find where they are holding Aeryn and Chiana first. Until then, no I don't have a plan.yet."
xxxxx
"If we cooperate, I want Chiana and I released unharmed. You can do what you want with the rest of them," Aeryn replied coldly. She knew she had to be convincing. If Grayza believed her she would have the upper hand.
"Aeryn!" Chiana shouted in fear. "What the frell are you doing?"
Aeryn sent her a warning look that silenced her immediately. "Let me handle this!"
Grayza was suspicious but pleased by the change in Aeryn. "Perhaps you would like to join our ranks again. I can arrange it."
"What about the Nebari?" Aeryn questioned.
Grayza looked down at Chiana for a microt. "I suppose we could find a suitable planet for her. One that would be suitable for her kind."
"No!" Chiana protested. "I want to go back to Moya! Aeryn what are you doing?"
Aeryn glared at Chiana again, hoping to silence her. She turned to Grayza. "Can that be arranged?"
Grayza smiled. "But of course Officer Sun. We can do whatever you want."
"Alright then. If I help you, Chiana goes back to Moya.and you will let the Leviathan leave unharmed. Is that understood?" Everything was going according to plan. "And.Chiana leaves now."
"I think not," Grayza replied. "She stays until we capture the others. That's the deal."
"Grayza, lets just say it's a test of your good faith. Besides you have me, you have no use for her." Aeryn said, studying Grayza's reaction. She took a deep breath before she made her final statement. "If you don't agree, I won't help you."
Aeryn and Grayza stared at each other, neither of them ready to back down.
Braca could see the logic in accepting Aeryn's deal. The Nebari was useless to them, but Aeryn could draw the others out of hiding.
"Commandant Grayza, could I speak with you for a microt?" Braca asked, unsure of whether he should be making a suggestion.
Grayza sighed, "What is it Captain?"
Braca stepped away from the door. "Just a microt in private, ma'am?"
Impatiently Grayza walked over to Braca. "What is it now, Captain?"
Captain Braca told her his thoughts. When he finished, he held his breath not knowing whether she would lash out at him or laugh. He was worried by her lack of an immediate response.
After several microts Grayza looked at him. "Very good.Captain. You have redeemed yourself for a while."
Braca nodded, proud of himself.
Returning to the door, Grayza said, "Very well, Officer Sun. We will do it your way. The Nebari will be rejoined with Moya and you will stay."
Walking away, Grayza ordered, "Officer Sun you will join me. Braca take care of the arrangements for the Nebari."
xxxxx
"No! No way Scorpy!" John shouted repeatedly, pacing back and forth.
"You must listen to me, John. We can move freely about this vessel if you aren't with us. You must stay here!" Scorpius was emphatic about this part. John would only impede their progress.
"I ain't staying behind. Besides. they're probably looking for you two by now anyway!" John suddenly felt sick to his stomach, remembering now.
"John they don't even know we are here. We killed the soldiers, remember?" Sikozu answered.
"No, Sputnik, I.um. missed that part," John replied, knowing he had to tell them of his suspicions.
Scorpius could see something was clearly wrong with John. "Perhaps there is something you need to tell us John."
John let out a long sigh, dropping his head. "Yeah, Scorpy. I think so. I think."
Sikozu spoke before he could finish, the answer finally dawning on her. "You didn't, Crichton. Tell me you didn't tell the peacekeepers about us."
John rubbed his eyes, as the tension built in his head. "I.don't.remember. I.could have. I.just don't.know."
"So we will assume they know, Crichton. We will proceed under that premise. But you will still stay here," Scorpius said, wishing he had a clearer picture. He had dealt with worse situations before, he would just be more cautious this time.
John gave in as he looked at Sikozu. He couldn't read her eyes at all.
"Yeah, whatever you think's best. Whatever." He turned around, wanting to avoid their faces. In all his time in the Unchartered's he had never betrayed anyone. He felt weak at the knees knowing there was a possibility that he had finally done the unforgivable and betrayed all of them.
John's legs couldn't carry the weight anymore, buckling as he caught himself, easing his body to the floor. He stared straight ahead, not wanting to see the look in their eyes. His voice cracking, there were only two words his mind could form. "Be careful." John knew he had put Scorpius and Sikozu in jeopardy, which in turn hurt their chances of rescuing Aeryn and Chiana.
They left him. Scorpius and Sikozu knew it wasn't his fault, but it didn't help their position at that microt. There were no words they could offer to ease his pain.
xxxxx
Aeryn took in her surroundings. It had been a long time since she had been on a command deck of a carrier. It felt comforting, yet repulsive at the same time.
"Well Officer Sun. How does it feel to be back?" Grayza asked.
"It.feels like being home again," Aeryn replied.
Grayza's comm went off. Braca was on the other end. "Commandant, the Nebari's ship is ready to leave. She requests that she be allowed to see Officer Sun."
Grayza looked to Aeryn. "Well? Do you want to see her?"
"Tell Braca I will meet them in the landing bay." Aeryn was disturbed by Chiana's request. Chiana knew her job was to get off this ship immediately, and now she was delaying it.
"I will send some soldiers with you. There are some things I need to attend to. After that, have Braca show you to your quarters. I will join you there later." Grayza dismissed Aeryn and focused on the repairs taking place.
"How much longer, Sergeant?"
Aeryn heard them speaking as she made her way to the landing bay, accompanied by two soldiers.
xxxxx
Chiana and Braca were arguing as Aeryn entered the bay.
"I told you I want to fly it myself!" Chiana shouted. "I don't want any frelling peacekeepers with me!"
"That's impossible. We will take you, then leave!" Braca shouted back.
"What's the problem, Chiana?" Aeryn asked, already having a good idea.
"Officer Sun, she wants to fly one of our ships herself! I promised her we would rendezvous with the Leviathan and leave in peace," Braca replied impatiently.
Aeryn turned to the Nebari. "Chiana, they have done everything I've asked. We can at least concede on this point. I will comm D'Argo and let him know what is going on."
Chiana started to protest. "Aeryn, I."
"Enough Chiana!" The anger was apparent in Aeryn's voice. "Just get off this frelling ship and return to Moya!"
Chiana turned away from her and walked to the vessel. "Goodbye, Aeryn. I hope you are happy with yourself!"
Aeryn regretted her outburst, but knew she had to get Chiana off the ship. It was the only way she knew how to do it. 'Goodbye Chiana,' she said to herself.
Watching the vessel clear the bay doors, Aeryn walked over to Braca. "The first thing I need is an open channel to Moya. They must know about this or someone may get hurt. Then I need you to take me to my quarters." Thankfully Aeryn had brought an extra vial with her on the mission. She could feel her body temperature rising. It would soon be time for the medication.
Braca looked at her thoughtfully. "I understand you need to communicate with Moya, but you are only to tell them about Chiana coming aboard, nothing else. Follow me, Officer Sun."
Aeryn nodded, feeling tired. She hoped she had enough time to comm D'Argo before the sickness overcame her.
xxxxx
Scorpius walked through the corridors confidently. He knew every aspect of the carrier, and felt at home. Sikozu on the other hand constantly looked over her shoulder for trouble.
Scorpius slapped his hand over her mouth. He held up a finger to his lips. "Shhh." He slowly released his hand as she acknowledged her understanding. They both flattened themselves against the wall, hearing the voices coming in their direction. Scorpius was sure it was Aeryn and Braca.
"Stay here, Officer Sun. I'll only be a microt," Braca said stepping into a small room. When he returned he had her comm in his hand. " You may notify the Leviathan now."
Aeryn took the comm from his hand and tapped it. She looked at it hesitantly, not knowing how she would explain this to D'Argo in front of Braca.
"D'Argo can you hear me?"
Aeryn only heard static on her end. "D'Argo, please answer!"
"Aeryn is that you?" D'Argo asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Yes, D'Argo. It's good to hear your voice," Aeryn replied, meaning every word. "Listen carefully. Chiana is headed back to Moya accompanied by peacekeeper soldiers. Do not harm them. I repeat.do not.harm them. They are to deliver Chiana to Moya and leave."
D'Argo didn't like the sound of this. "Aeryn what the frell is going on? You should all be back on Moya by now!"
"Chiana will explain. Just listen to her."
Braca held out a hand for the comm. Although D'Argo was still speaking, Aeryn understood the conversation was over as far as Braca was concerned, and handed the device to the Captain.
"I will take you to your quarters now, Officer Sun. And might I add, I am pleased you didn't try anything. Perhaps there is salvation for you after all."
Braca's laughter grated over her nerves. 'You will pay for this, Braca,' Aeryn thought to herself, fighting her urge to throttle him at that microt. She followed in silence.
Braca stopped not far from where they had just been. He palmed the door motioning her to enter. "I think you should find everything you need here. I will leave you now."
Aeryn nodded, looking around the room.
Braca turned to leave but stopped. "Officer Sun, Commandant Grayza wants you to wait here for her. Don't disappoint her," he said, his tone cynical.
"Of course, Braca," Aeryn replied in kind.
Scorpius couldn't believe their luck, listening for Braca's retreat. Sure he was gone, he and Sikozu stepped into the corridor and made their way to Aeryn's quarters. He knew something was wrong. Aeryn would be the only person who could explain now.
"Where is Chiana?" Sikozu asked, fearing the worst.
"We will have to ask Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, as they neared her door.
Scorpius palmed the door and quickly entered pulling Sikozu in with him. They saw Aeryn lying on the bed, sweat pouring off of her.
Scorpius growled. He saw the medication lying next to Aeryn unused. "Aeryn can you hear me?"
The contagion took over more quickly than she had anticipated. In a parched voice, she whispered, " I.can hear.you."
"The medication. Did you take any of it?"
Aeryn shook her head, as her body began to tremble.
"Sikozu, I need your help," Scorpius said, reaching into his pocket for the vials from the lab. "I am going to inject the cure now. I need you to hold Aeryn still while I do this," Scorpius ordered.
Sikozu watched while Scorpius took the two vials and carefully measured out the appropriate dosage of each.
"It's imperative you hold her completely still until all of this is injected. Is that clear?" Scorpius hadn't wanted to do this on the carrier, but it was the opportune time. She was in the midst of the living death, which was most effective for the cure.
Sikozu held her tightly as Scorpius administered the drug. Aeryn's body went into spasms as the drug entered her blood stream. "Tighter," Scorpius said emphatically. Sikozu increased her grip on Aeryn. The spasms were getting worse.
"Scorpius what are you doing to her? She's getting worse!" Sikozu shouted.
He rose from his knees, putting the syringe away. "It gets worse before it gets better. She will be fine."
Sikozu watched Scorpius as he walked away. The spasms Aeryn had been experiencing were subsiding. "It seems you do know what you are talking about."
Scorpius ignored the comment. He knew he had just lost the upper hand over John.
xxxxx
John sat alone in the room. The danger he had put his friends in was all he thought of. They had come here to help Aeryn, but he had screwed it all up as usual. The more he thought about it, he knew there was only one way to rectify his mistake.
'What the hell difference does it make anyway. I'm gonna be a prisoner of one of them. If I do this I can at least bargain for their lives. Set them free. Me for them. Fair trade for Grayza.' John thought snickering to himself. "One hell is as good as the other."
"I'm so sorry!" He shouted out loud. His only regret was there was no one to hear him. He slowly rose to his feet, cringing, as he saw his fate flash before his eyes. His only wish would be to die before he lost his mind completely.
Part 6 tomorrow
Thanks to Still_Waters for the great beta reading and for keeping me in line on this one.
Thanks for all the feedback, you've been great!
Scorpius carried John deeper into the ship. Sikozu followed, watching for any soldiers trailing them.
They were heading into a part of the ship Sikozu was unfamiliar with. "Where are you taking us?"
"Just follow me. We are almost there."
Turning the corner, Scorpius saw the chamber. He palmed the door and it opened with ease. Slipping in, and telling Sikozu to stay behind him, Scorpius went to another door, stepping through it as it opened. The room was small and sparsely furnished, only a mat and a small table occupying the room. Scorpius walked to the farside of the room laying John on the mat.
Scorpius stood upright and walked to the center of the room. He looked around the room for any signs of use. Running his hand over the small table, he felt the grit under his fingers. It was evident the peacekeepers hadn't used this room in cycles.if ever. Scorpius' life with the peacekeepers had started in a chamber similar to this one. When he had turned himself over to the peacekeepers cycles ago, they had hidden him in this type of back room until they had decided what to do with him. The dark and suffocating space brought up long-banished memories, however the same space had been the beginning of what he was now.
"Scorpius?" Sikozu asked. "Where are we?"
"We are in an area of the carrier that is seldom used," Scorpius replied. "We are safe for the time being."
Sikozu was bent over Crichton, trying to wake him. "Crichton!" She said, shaking him. "Wake up. I want to get off this ship!"
John moaned slightly, opening his eyes. Feeling hands on his body, he shouted something unintelligible and scrambled into a sitting position, pushing himself away from his attacker. Although disoriented, he could still feel a presence in front of him, and his arms flew out if front of him to grab his latest torturer.
"John it's me."
John let out a breath and sank back against the wall as Sikozu came into focus. 'Sputnik,' he realized on a rush of air. He pulled his knees up further, making his body as small as possible as his eyes took in his new surroundings. A small, dark room, with a woman he still didn't quite trust and a creature he never would trust. On top of all that, his body was on fire, and his mind was burning with endless possibilities of what had transpired before he arrived in this new hell. John dropped his head into his hands and tried to breathe. Taking half a breath, he lifted his head slightly, rubbing his hands over face and through his hair, trying to clear his scattered thoughts. 'Frell!'
Sikozu grabbed his arms trying to get him to look at her. "Enough John." Her voice was short and to the point. She needed him to focus on her and their situation, instead of chasing memories and despair in his mind. Sikozu realized he might need time, but she needed his brain now, not his panic, and time was something they didn't have.
John's eyes met Sikozu's for a microt before turning to the far wall, as he wrapped his arms around his legs, and lowered his chin resting on his knees. He swallowed hard before he spoke. "Tell me it was all a dream and I'm safe on Moya." His empty eyes told her he knew the truth. He just didn't want to face it.
Sikozu sighed. She understood that John had been through a lot, but they didn't have time to deal with it now. What was more, she wasn't the person to help him deal with it. Those people were on Moya, and they would never get back there unless they got moving. She looked to Scorpius for help in moving the human, but found none. She would have to do it her way. "John.here is your shirt." She held it in front of him, hoping that as he took it, he would realize how precious every microt was right now.
John stared at the shirt, and the realization did come over his face, but it was not what Sikozu was hoping for. John's understanding hit him like a hot knife, searing his already charred flesh. He moaned and lowered his face back into his knees.
Sikozu looked at Scorpius and saw her own thoughts mirrored in his eyes. John needed time, but time would not allow itself to be given now.
"We'll give you a few microts to compose yourself, John, but then we must proceed," Scorpius said, seeing the pain the human was in.
John felt as if he was falling deeper into despair. He had dug himself out before, but this time he felt as if he had fallen harder than ever. 'Aeryn!' John remembered hearing her voice now.
John slowly lifted his head and took a deep breath, standing. "Scorpy, where are Chiana and Aeryn?" He reached out and took the shirt from Sikozu. The smell on the shirt sent a shudder through his body. It smelled of Grayza.
As he pulled the shirt over his head, John found his shudder transforming into shaking as he fought the hysterical laughter that threatened to erupt. Everything that had happened was coming together in his head, and all he could manage to say was, "Same dren, different day!"
He hoped had had dreamt the memory of Aeryn in Grayza's quarters, but Scorpy had never answered him. John asked the question again, "Where is Chiana and Aeryn?"
"We think they have been captured. When you didn't return to the Marauder, they went looking for you. They never returned."
John realized it wasn't a dream after all. "Why did you let them do that? You knew what I was doing! You should have stopped them!"
Scorpius looked at him with a quizzical expression on his face. "Tell me something John. When could you ever stop Aeryn Sun from doing what she wanted?"
John had to acknowledged Scorpius' statement. If there was one thing everyone knew about Aeryn, it was that Aeryn would do what Aeryn wanted to do.
"We have to find them. You know this ship better than I do Scorpy. Have you come up with anything?"
"I believe we need to find where they are holding Aeryn and Chiana first. Until then, no I don't have a plan.yet."
xxxxx
"If we cooperate, I want Chiana and I released unharmed. You can do what you want with the rest of them," Aeryn replied coldly. She knew she had to be convincing. If Grayza believed her she would have the upper hand.
"Aeryn!" Chiana shouted in fear. "What the frell are you doing?"
Aeryn sent her a warning look that silenced her immediately. "Let me handle this!"
Grayza was suspicious but pleased by the change in Aeryn. "Perhaps you would like to join our ranks again. I can arrange it."
"What about the Nebari?" Aeryn questioned.
Grayza looked down at Chiana for a microt. "I suppose we could find a suitable planet for her. One that would be suitable for her kind."
"No!" Chiana protested. "I want to go back to Moya! Aeryn what are you doing?"
Aeryn glared at Chiana again, hoping to silence her. She turned to Grayza. "Can that be arranged?"
Grayza smiled. "But of course Officer Sun. We can do whatever you want."
"Alright then. If I help you, Chiana goes back to Moya.and you will let the Leviathan leave unharmed. Is that understood?" Everything was going according to plan. "And.Chiana leaves now."
"I think not," Grayza replied. "She stays until we capture the others. That's the deal."
"Grayza, lets just say it's a test of your good faith. Besides you have me, you have no use for her." Aeryn said, studying Grayza's reaction. She took a deep breath before she made her final statement. "If you don't agree, I won't help you."
Aeryn and Grayza stared at each other, neither of them ready to back down.
Braca could see the logic in accepting Aeryn's deal. The Nebari was useless to them, but Aeryn could draw the others out of hiding.
"Commandant Grayza, could I speak with you for a microt?" Braca asked, unsure of whether he should be making a suggestion.
Grayza sighed, "What is it Captain?"
Braca stepped away from the door. "Just a microt in private, ma'am?"
Impatiently Grayza walked over to Braca. "What is it now, Captain?"
Captain Braca told her his thoughts. When he finished, he held his breath not knowing whether she would lash out at him or laugh. He was worried by her lack of an immediate response.
After several microts Grayza looked at him. "Very good.Captain. You have redeemed yourself for a while."
Braca nodded, proud of himself.
Returning to the door, Grayza said, "Very well, Officer Sun. We will do it your way. The Nebari will be rejoined with Moya and you will stay."
Walking away, Grayza ordered, "Officer Sun you will join me. Braca take care of the arrangements for the Nebari."
xxxxx
"No! No way Scorpy!" John shouted repeatedly, pacing back and forth.
"You must listen to me, John. We can move freely about this vessel if you aren't with us. You must stay here!" Scorpius was emphatic about this part. John would only impede their progress.
"I ain't staying behind. Besides. they're probably looking for you two by now anyway!" John suddenly felt sick to his stomach, remembering now.
"John they don't even know we are here. We killed the soldiers, remember?" Sikozu answered.
"No, Sputnik, I.um. missed that part," John replied, knowing he had to tell them of his suspicions.
Scorpius could see something was clearly wrong with John. "Perhaps there is something you need to tell us John."
John let out a long sigh, dropping his head. "Yeah, Scorpy. I think so. I think."
Sikozu spoke before he could finish, the answer finally dawning on her. "You didn't, Crichton. Tell me you didn't tell the peacekeepers about us."
John rubbed his eyes, as the tension built in his head. "I.don't.remember. I.could have. I.just don't.know."
"So we will assume they know, Crichton. We will proceed under that premise. But you will still stay here," Scorpius said, wishing he had a clearer picture. He had dealt with worse situations before, he would just be more cautious this time.
John gave in as he looked at Sikozu. He couldn't read her eyes at all.
"Yeah, whatever you think's best. Whatever." He turned around, wanting to avoid their faces. In all his time in the Unchartered's he had never betrayed anyone. He felt weak at the knees knowing there was a possibility that he had finally done the unforgivable and betrayed all of them.
John's legs couldn't carry the weight anymore, buckling as he caught himself, easing his body to the floor. He stared straight ahead, not wanting to see the look in their eyes. His voice cracking, there were only two words his mind could form. "Be careful." John knew he had put Scorpius and Sikozu in jeopardy, which in turn hurt their chances of rescuing Aeryn and Chiana.
They left him. Scorpius and Sikozu knew it wasn't his fault, but it didn't help their position at that microt. There were no words they could offer to ease his pain.
xxxxx
Aeryn took in her surroundings. It had been a long time since she had been on a command deck of a carrier. It felt comforting, yet repulsive at the same time.
"Well Officer Sun. How does it feel to be back?" Grayza asked.
"It.feels like being home again," Aeryn replied.
Grayza's comm went off. Braca was on the other end. "Commandant, the Nebari's ship is ready to leave. She requests that she be allowed to see Officer Sun."
Grayza looked to Aeryn. "Well? Do you want to see her?"
"Tell Braca I will meet them in the landing bay." Aeryn was disturbed by Chiana's request. Chiana knew her job was to get off this ship immediately, and now she was delaying it.
"I will send some soldiers with you. There are some things I need to attend to. After that, have Braca show you to your quarters. I will join you there later." Grayza dismissed Aeryn and focused on the repairs taking place.
"How much longer, Sergeant?"
Aeryn heard them speaking as she made her way to the landing bay, accompanied by two soldiers.
xxxxx
Chiana and Braca were arguing as Aeryn entered the bay.
"I told you I want to fly it myself!" Chiana shouted. "I don't want any frelling peacekeepers with me!"
"That's impossible. We will take you, then leave!" Braca shouted back.
"What's the problem, Chiana?" Aeryn asked, already having a good idea.
"Officer Sun, she wants to fly one of our ships herself! I promised her we would rendezvous with the Leviathan and leave in peace," Braca replied impatiently.
Aeryn turned to the Nebari. "Chiana, they have done everything I've asked. We can at least concede on this point. I will comm D'Argo and let him know what is going on."
Chiana started to protest. "Aeryn, I."
"Enough Chiana!" The anger was apparent in Aeryn's voice. "Just get off this frelling ship and return to Moya!"
Chiana turned away from her and walked to the vessel. "Goodbye, Aeryn. I hope you are happy with yourself!"
Aeryn regretted her outburst, but knew she had to get Chiana off the ship. It was the only way she knew how to do it. 'Goodbye Chiana,' she said to herself.
Watching the vessel clear the bay doors, Aeryn walked over to Braca. "The first thing I need is an open channel to Moya. They must know about this or someone may get hurt. Then I need you to take me to my quarters." Thankfully Aeryn had brought an extra vial with her on the mission. She could feel her body temperature rising. It would soon be time for the medication.
Braca looked at her thoughtfully. "I understand you need to communicate with Moya, but you are only to tell them about Chiana coming aboard, nothing else. Follow me, Officer Sun."
Aeryn nodded, feeling tired. She hoped she had enough time to comm D'Argo before the sickness overcame her.
xxxxx
Scorpius walked through the corridors confidently. He knew every aspect of the carrier, and felt at home. Sikozu on the other hand constantly looked over her shoulder for trouble.
Scorpius slapped his hand over her mouth. He held up a finger to his lips. "Shhh." He slowly released his hand as she acknowledged her understanding. They both flattened themselves against the wall, hearing the voices coming in their direction. Scorpius was sure it was Aeryn and Braca.
"Stay here, Officer Sun. I'll only be a microt," Braca said stepping into a small room. When he returned he had her comm in his hand. " You may notify the Leviathan now."
Aeryn took the comm from his hand and tapped it. She looked at it hesitantly, not knowing how she would explain this to D'Argo in front of Braca.
"D'Argo can you hear me?"
Aeryn only heard static on her end. "D'Argo, please answer!"
"Aeryn is that you?" D'Argo asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Yes, D'Argo. It's good to hear your voice," Aeryn replied, meaning every word. "Listen carefully. Chiana is headed back to Moya accompanied by peacekeeper soldiers. Do not harm them. I repeat.do not.harm them. They are to deliver Chiana to Moya and leave."
D'Argo didn't like the sound of this. "Aeryn what the frell is going on? You should all be back on Moya by now!"
"Chiana will explain. Just listen to her."
Braca held out a hand for the comm. Although D'Argo was still speaking, Aeryn understood the conversation was over as far as Braca was concerned, and handed the device to the Captain.
"I will take you to your quarters now, Officer Sun. And might I add, I am pleased you didn't try anything. Perhaps there is salvation for you after all."
Braca's laughter grated over her nerves. 'You will pay for this, Braca,' Aeryn thought to herself, fighting her urge to throttle him at that microt. She followed in silence.
Braca stopped not far from where they had just been. He palmed the door motioning her to enter. "I think you should find everything you need here. I will leave you now."
Aeryn nodded, looking around the room.
Braca turned to leave but stopped. "Officer Sun, Commandant Grayza wants you to wait here for her. Don't disappoint her," he said, his tone cynical.
"Of course, Braca," Aeryn replied in kind.
Scorpius couldn't believe their luck, listening for Braca's retreat. Sure he was gone, he and Sikozu stepped into the corridor and made their way to Aeryn's quarters. He knew something was wrong. Aeryn would be the only person who could explain now.
"Where is Chiana?" Sikozu asked, fearing the worst.
"We will have to ask Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, as they neared her door.
Scorpius palmed the door and quickly entered pulling Sikozu in with him. They saw Aeryn lying on the bed, sweat pouring off of her.
Scorpius growled. He saw the medication lying next to Aeryn unused. "Aeryn can you hear me?"
The contagion took over more quickly than she had anticipated. In a parched voice, she whispered, " I.can hear.you."
"The medication. Did you take any of it?"
Aeryn shook her head, as her body began to tremble.
"Sikozu, I need your help," Scorpius said, reaching into his pocket for the vials from the lab. "I am going to inject the cure now. I need you to hold Aeryn still while I do this," Scorpius ordered.
Sikozu watched while Scorpius took the two vials and carefully measured out the appropriate dosage of each.
"It's imperative you hold her completely still until all of this is injected. Is that clear?" Scorpius hadn't wanted to do this on the carrier, but it was the opportune time. She was in the midst of the living death, which was most effective for the cure.
Sikozu held her tightly as Scorpius administered the drug. Aeryn's body went into spasms as the drug entered her blood stream. "Tighter," Scorpius said emphatically. Sikozu increased her grip on Aeryn. The spasms were getting worse.
"Scorpius what are you doing to her? She's getting worse!" Sikozu shouted.
He rose from his knees, putting the syringe away. "It gets worse before it gets better. She will be fine."
Sikozu watched Scorpius as he walked away. The spasms Aeryn had been experiencing were subsiding. "It seems you do know what you are talking about."
Scorpius ignored the comment. He knew he had just lost the upper hand over John.
xxxxx
John sat alone in the room. The danger he had put his friends in was all he thought of. They had come here to help Aeryn, but he had screwed it all up as usual. The more he thought about it, he knew there was only one way to rectify his mistake.
'What the hell difference does it make anyway. I'm gonna be a prisoner of one of them. If I do this I can at least bargain for their lives. Set them free. Me for them. Fair trade for Grayza.' John thought snickering to himself. "One hell is as good as the other."
"I'm so sorry!" He shouted out loud. His only regret was there was no one to hear him. He slowly rose to his feet, cringing, as he saw his fate flash before his eyes. His only wish would be to die before he lost his mind completely.
Part 6 tomorrow