The Price Part 6
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: I don't own them
Again, my thanks to Still Waters for the great beta reading.
Chiana relaxed some as she saw Moya ahead of them. She was happy to be going back but she worried about the others, especially John. He still hadn't gotten over his last encounter with Grayza. Chiana didn't know how badly this would affect him, especially since he knew Aeryn had seen him.
"Peacekeepers, listen to me very carefully," D'Argo, instructed. "You are to land in the bay and let the Nebari go. Don't.get out of your ship. After Chiana has cleared your blast area, leave immediately!"
The voice clutched at Chiana's heart. "D'Argo!" She shouted, trying to get to the communication device.
The soldier pushed her back. "Stay where you are!"
Chiana obeyed, sitting back down. She made no move for the device again, but her excitement at their closeness to Moya was growing. She would just have to make do with wringing her hands.
"Pilot, deploy the docking web," D'Argo said, rushing out of command to the bay. He wanted to be there in case the soldiers had any other ideas.
With Qualta Blade in hand, D'Argo stood stiffly, watching the Marauder land. He watched as the stairs were lowered onto the deck.
It seemed like arns before D'Argo saw Chiana emerge from the ship. He raised his Qualta Blade, ready to fire if any of the soldiers followed her.
"Hurry Chiana!" D'Argo shouted.
Chiana ran to D'Argo as soon as she saw him. She grabbed him around the neck, trying to hug him. D'Argo took his arm and moved her behind him. "Stay there for now, Chiana."
D'Argo didn't move from his spot until he saw the stairs raise up and the peacekeeper vessel enter open space. "Pilot, close the doors."
D'Argo lowered his blade and sighed heavily. Chiana now grabbed him in a hug, giggling. He allowed himself to embrace her.
"It's so good to see you Chiana," D'Argo said, hugging her again.
"It's good to be back on Moya," Chiana replied, sighing. She sobered now, "I just wish John and Aeryn were with us."
D'Argo saw the sadness in her eyes. "Aeryn said you would explain everything when you came aboard. What happened Chiana?"
"Everything, D'Argo! John was captured by Grayza again and I don't think I have to tell you what that means," Chiana replied, remembering the helpless figure on the floor retching. The tears she had been fighting for so long finally started to come to the surface.
D'Argo softly wiped away a few tears from her face. He brought her to his chest and cradled her in his arms. Chiana hardly ever cried. D'Argo knew things must be very grim on the carrier for his friends.
xxxxx
Sikozu covered Aeryn as the shivering started. "Scorpius is this normal?"
"Very. It will only last about ten microts as her body adjusts to normalcy again. She is in no danger," Scorpius replied. He hoped she recovered before they were discovered. There was much Aeryn needed to tell them, if they were going to make it off this ship.
Sikozu rose from the bed, looking at Scorpius. "Why did you do it?"
He turned around and looked at her. "Do what?" He questioned.
"Save her now? Why didn't you wait until we were back on Moya? That was the original arrangement."
" I couldn't have asked for better circumstances," Scorpius replied. "Aeryn was experiencing the living death and the cure works best at that time." His attention was drawn to Aeryn now, hearing her murmur. "No matter what you have heard about me, I am still a scientist."
Scorpius approached Aeryn's bedside. She was struggling to right herself, but the dizziness sent her back to the bed.
"You are most likely feeling very tired and shaky, Officer Sun. That is quite normal since I injected you with the cure," Scorpius stated. "Its effects should be gone shortly."
Aeryn opened her eyes, trying to form words. She struggled to sit upright, but couldn't manage it on her own. Sikozu helped her swing her legs over the side and supported her wavering body as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Aeryn's eyes kept closing as she started to speak. "Cure? Why?" She could only seem to form single words, shaking.
Sikozu pulled the blanket over Aeryn's shoulders, hoping to warm her. "It will pass Aeryn."
Aeryn nodded still looking at Scorpius for her answer. "Why?" She asked again.
Scorpius looked away. "It was time," he replied putting the vials away. "You need to recover quickly. We need to know what has happened."
"John."
"We have him. He is safe for now. Where is Chiana? And what were you doing with Braca?"
Aeryn let out a sigh hearing John was safe. "Chiana.is on.Moya. I.made Grayza.think I .would.co..operate. I.am a .peace.keeper.again." It was hard to speak at first, but with every word it became easier.
Scorpius was impressed by her creativity. "Very good, Officer Sun. I trust you have a plan to get the rest of us off this ship."
Aeryn rose shakily to her feet, using Sikozu as a crutch. She found the more she moved around, the faster her strength returned. Finally able to feel her legs again, she let go of Sikozu.
"I told Grayza. I would help her. capture both of you for my freedom and Chiana's. She thinks I detest you and John."
Scorpius pondered Aeryn's words for a microt. "So Chiana has gone back to get D'Argo's help. Is that your plan?"
Aeryn nodded. "Somewhat. I gather our Marauder has been confiscated by the peacekeepers, so we will need another way off this frelling ship."
Sikozu spoke up. "All you've done is get us another ship! How are we to get to it? This place is crawling with soldiers! There aren't any more explosives. We used all we had in our initial attack on the carrier!"
Aeryn turned angrily at the new crewmember. "It's a start at least! I don't see you coming up with any ideas!"
"I should have known better than to come on this suicidal mission!" Sikozu spat back, heading for the door. "Let me know when you really have a plan!"
Scorpius was losing his patience with the new girl. "Stop! You will wait for me. We don't need you getting captured now."
Sikozu did as he ordered. She realized her anger had taken over and she was not thinking about what was beyond the door.
"We should leave, Aeryn. I will attempt to find a way to contact you," Scorpius said as he and Sikozu returned to the corridor.
xxxxx
Braca stood in front of Grayza with extreme nervousness. "Commandant, it.appears the human has.escaped," he said cringing at his own words.
Grayza spun around, slamming him against the wall. With her hand on his neck she asked in a deadly voice, "What do you mean.Captain?"
Braca was struggling to breath. He gasped as he tried to answer. "The soldiers.are.dead and.Crichton..is .gone."
Grayza threw Braca away from her. He hit the console and fell to the ground. She immediately followed him and stood over him. "How could this happen, Braca?"
Braca's face was flushed. He massaged his throat against the pain. "I don't.know," he replied in a raspy voice.
Grayza helped him to his feet, brushing off his uniform. Braca trembled slightly, surprised by the sudden change.
She pulled him by the collar until he was inches from her face. "You will find.him, Captain Braca," she said as her hand touched her skin and stroked his face.
Braca stiffened and wiped his face. "Of course Commandant. I will find him and make him pay for upsetting you and killing my men."
Grayza smiled. "We will make him pay dearly," Grayza replied, looking forward to that moment. Crichton would learn once and for all.
xxxxx
Aeryn was feeling better by the microt. She had feared Grayza would come for her before she was fully recovered.
Aeryn heard a knock on the door. She rose from the bed, staring as the door opened without her consent. Two soldiers stood in the entrance. "The Commandant wishes to see you. Follow us."
Aeryn complied with their request, following them into the corridor. "Where are we going?" Aeryn asked, hoping for an answer.
"To the Commandant's quarters, now silence!"
Aeryn's breath caught in her throat. The memory of John lying on the floor and the horrible things she had said to him, were all she could think of. She hoped Chiana was safely aboard Moya, explaining everything to D'Argo. They definitely needed help.
The guards stopped outside Grayza's quarters and motioned for Aeryn to enter. She looked for the Commandant, hearing Grayza before seeing her. Aeryn heard the articles on the back table crash to the floor, bringing her attention to Grayza.
"Frelling human!" Grayza exclaimed in anger. "How dare he upset my plans!"
Aeryn shivered slightly and quickly scanned the room for John. She was relieved when she didn't see him. 'He must still be safe.'
Grayza turned suddenly, feeling the presence in the room. "Officer Sun," she said, turning back toward the table. "I have a special assignment for you. One I have no doubt you will succeed in."
"What would you like me to do, Commandant?" Aeryn asked. From the look on Grayza's face Aeryn knew she wouldn't like it.
Feeling her plan come together in her head, Grayza approached Aeryn, calmly. "It seems Crichton has escaped. I will assume Scorpius and the girl had something to do with it. They killed two of my soldiers in the process." Grayza stopped speaking, looking intently for any reaction from Aeryn.
Aeryn stood erect, her head held high, not daring to give herself away. She could do nothing but show her loyalty to Grayza if they wanted to get off this ship alive. "And what do you have in mind, Grayza?"
"I think for now, you will become my prisoner. I will broadcast a message for John Crichton advising him of this. When he turns himself in, I will release you. Hopefully this will flush out Scorpius and the girl."
"Why don't you just let me find him? I know Crichton well, Grayza," Aeryn replied, hoping she would agree to her request.
"Officer Sun, I trust you but.then again I.don't. We shall see how you handle this assignment. It will tell me all I need to know about you," Grayza replied, smiling.
"Guard, put Officer Sun in the shackles," Grayza ordered.
Aeryn struggled against the soldier. "It won't work Grayza. He heard what I said to him earlier in the room. John may be human, but he's not stupid!"
"I think it will, Officer Sun. But we shall see." Grayza stepped over to the intercom and made her announcement.
xxxxx
Sikozu and Scorpius hurried back to their hiding place. They knew it wouldn't be wise to leave Crichton alone for too long.
Entering the room, they knew something was wrong. Crichton was nowhere to be found. Sikozu shouted out his name, but heard no response.
Scorpius mumbled under his breath. "I should have known he wouldn't stay. Stupid human!"
Sikozu sat down disgusted. "I am aware he's different from us, but does he always act irrationally?"
Scorpius ignored her question, knowing he had contributed to some of his mental deficiencies.
"I don't know much about his species, but one thing I have found out is.they are very emotional," Sikozu said, the tone in her voice degrading. "They need to become stronger in the mind. Amazing a planet full of them."
"Enough!" Scorpius stated, trying to think.
They heard the intercom crackle. "This is Commandant Grayza. John Crichton, I am aware you have escaped, but you couldn't have gone far. I assure you there is no way off this ship. I have.managed to capture one.Aeryn Sun. She is here.with me. in my quarters. Turn yourself over to me in thirty microts and I will spare her life. At the end of that time she will suffer the living death if you have not surrendered. Her life is in your hands Commander Crichton."
There was only silence as the announcement ended.
xxxxx
"Isn't that the way it always is?" John asked himself, chuckling. "Always the responsible one." He was crouched down in the corridor near the prison cells thinking about Grayza's message. 'Well Johnny boy, you knew it would come to this sooner or later.'
He dropped his head into his hands, breathing deeply. John knew he would never let any of them die for him, but he needed to find the courage to face what was ahead. He had started to feel like the whore of the universe. John could only hoped she would tire of him and put him out of his misery.
John slowly rose to his feet, feeling there was no sense in delaying the inevitable. He knew he would surrender to Grayza, and for the remainder of his useless life, wish for his own death each day. There would only be the empty shell of a man left.
John was tired.tired of his life.tired of running. His love for Aeryn was a one-way street. He had hoped one day she would reciprocate, but he knew it would never be in this lifetime. He had hoped to make it back to Earth, but that hope had been dashed away. Now, he was without hope, and without hope, he had nothing.
John allowed himself a few tears. Brushing them away, he walked openly in the corridor, proud of whom he had once been. There was no reason to hide anymore.
Rounding the corner John saw three soldiers. They advanced on the human pointing their pulse rifles at him.
John stopped, feeling one of the weapons meet his head. "No need for violence boys. I'm taking the deal Grayza offered."
"We'll just make sure of that Crichton!"
John felt the weapon slam against his temple, the pain coursing through his head. He staggered as the blackness embraced him.
xxxxx
John woke to a piercing headache. He tried to open his eyes, but the light blinded him, sending daggers through his already aching head as he gasped out loud.
Grayza and Aeryn heard the sound that escaped his lips. Grayza was immediately on her feet. She sauntered over to her prisoner, feeling the victory course through her veins.
"So good to see you again John. You have done a good deed today. Aeryn Sun is alive because of you. See? I did as I promised," Grayza said running her hand over his chest.
John cringed at her touch as he opened his eyes, everything a blur. He closed them for a microt and reopened his eyes trying to focus on Grayza. "Where's.Aeryn?"
"Right here John," Aeryn answered, standing off to the side. "Thank you for caring."
John looked at Aeryn confused. She didn't look like she had been subjected to any discomfort. "You alright?" He asked twisting in the shackles that held him.
Grayza laughed. "John, Aeryn is a peacekeeper now. She was never in any danger. We used her to bait you and it worked. I must say, you are very predictable."
John didn't believe her. Twisting against his restraints he shouted. "Tell me Grayza's lying, Aeryn. Tell me.it's all a.damn.lie!"
Aeryn could only manage a smile. She still had to be convincing for Grayza's sake, but it was tearing her apart. 'What must he be thinking?'
John saw the smile on Aeryn's face. He felt as if his heart had been ripped from his body, as he closed his eyes, trying to suppress the tears that threatened. The only thing he had truly cared about was nothing but a lie.
Aeryn saw John break in front of her. It took all her strength not to cry out to him. She had to get out of the room and find Scorpius.
"Grayza, if it's alright with you, I think I'll return to my quarters. Being in the room with this traitor has been enough for one day," Aeryn said, her heart breaking with every word.
"Very well, Officer Sun," Grayza replied. "You did exceptional today. Welcome to the peacekeeper ranks again."
xxxxx
Aeryn returned to her quarters after she had exhausted every hiding place she knew of on the vessel.
"What took you so long?" Scorpius asked, startling Aeryn.
Quickly turning Aeryn said, "Where the frell have you two been? And why did you let John leave? Grayza has him again!"
"We should be asking you a few questions. We heard the broadcast. Just exactly who are you working for?" Sikozu spat back.
Aeryn looked at her defensively. "What do you mean?"
"You were used as bait, and you allowed it!" Sikozu shouted at her.
"I.didn't have a ."
Scorpius stood up, cutting Aeryn off. "That's enough bickering! Where is he Aeryn?"
"Grayza has him in her quarters, but I heard her tell Braca to get the Aurora chair ready. I had to leave. I couldn't bear having John look at me the way he did," Aeryn replied. "He looked at me with contempt in his eyes."
"I would think that would be understandable. He sees you as a traitor. You would do the same, Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, worried about this new development. "Our worry now is the Aurora Chair."
"I think it's time to comm D'Argo, Scorpius," Sikozu said. "We at least need him near the carrier when we finally rescue Crichton."
"We will do that, but not from this room. They can trace where the communication came from." Scorpius was forming a plan. John couldn't withstand the chair in his frame of mind. He didn't tell Aeryn, but he was sure she knew.
"We may not have explosives, but I know ways to disrupt this vessel," Scorpius said, getting their attention. "Sikozu we will need to split up for this. Can you do it?"
Confident in herself, she replied, "Just give me the coordinates and what plug I'm to pull. I can do it."
Scorpius nodded. "Aeryn I need you to do something that may cause you pain. I need you to be in the room with John while he's in the chair."
She was stunned by his request. He knew she was already hurting over the part she had played thus far. Aeryn didn't know if she could watch John being tortured anymore. "I.I.don't.know."
Scorpius understood, but he needed her in that room. "Aeryn, you were a peacekeeper before. It's time you acted like one again, for John's sake. He needs you now, even though he doesn't know it yet. I .need you there!"
"What are you planning Scorpius?" Aeryn asked.
"Just be there, Aeryn. You will know what to do when it happens."
xxxxx
Braca strapped John in the chair. "You'll find out what obedience means Crichton."
John chuckled, his voice hoarse. "And you think you're gonna teach me, Braca? Not in a million years!"
Braca slapped John across the face at his insolence, the blood oozing from his lip.
Crichton licked his lip and looked back at Braca smiling. "Like I said, not in a million years!"
Grayza saw the display. "Enough Captain! We have other things to gain here!"
John turned and saw Grayza and Aeryn together. He thought at first he had dreamed it all, but seeing Aeryn standing there brought reality. John thought he had experienced pain before, but never to this level. Aeryn had won his heart and that was the greatest pain of all.
"Come to watch me fry, babe? Why should you be any different from the rest? I'm just everyone's toy in this damn universe!" John turned his eyes away from her. He felt the bile rise in his throat and fought to push it down. He didn't want to retch in front of any of them. Pride was all he had left.
Grayza watched the interaction between the two. "Are you up to this Sun?"
Aeryn tried to speak, but felt a lump in her throat. Swallowing hard, she finally replied, "Of course, Grayza."
"Then let's proceed. Braca start the chair!"
With an intensity no one could ever know, the images came, burning his eyes and charring his mind. Tears streamed down his face as the visions of Earth came, then the visions of Aeryn. Flashes of the happiness he had grown up with, of the place he had longed to return to, melted into bursts of memories of the woman who had been the only happiness he had felt since Earth had disappeared. Aeryn had been it.once his dreams of returning to Earth had been shattered, Aeryn was the one that picked up the jagged shards of joy and made them hole again, gave it a new focus. Aeryn had been his focus, and now, she had betrayed him. That whole was smashed again, and now John only wished he could pick up those jagged pieces and end his unrelenting torment with their razor edges. His heart exploded as the physical and emotion pain coursed together, and the screams were torn viciously from his throat as the last vestiges of hope clawed their way from his broken spirit.
The chair stopped suddenly, John's head dropping down, the tears still flowing.
Grayza looked to her Captain. "Start the chair Braca!"
"I..I can't ma'am. It.seems there is some sort of.power loss. It most likely has to do with the repairs we are making right now."
"Take Crichton back to my quarters! Make sure he is secure in the shackles. I will join you Officer Sun.after I have taken care of command. They will frelling take care of this situation now!"
Grayza stomped off angrily. She hated for her interrogations to be interrupted.
Aeryn directed two soldiers to take the human back to Grayza's quarters. She knew Scorpius had something to do with this, and so she stood ready to make her move with John.
To be continued on Tuesday. Thanks for all the great feedback!
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: I don't own them
Again, my thanks to Still Waters for the great beta reading.
Chiana relaxed some as she saw Moya ahead of them. She was happy to be going back but she worried about the others, especially John. He still hadn't gotten over his last encounter with Grayza. Chiana didn't know how badly this would affect him, especially since he knew Aeryn had seen him.
"Peacekeepers, listen to me very carefully," D'Argo, instructed. "You are to land in the bay and let the Nebari go. Don't.get out of your ship. After Chiana has cleared your blast area, leave immediately!"
The voice clutched at Chiana's heart. "D'Argo!" She shouted, trying to get to the communication device.
The soldier pushed her back. "Stay where you are!"
Chiana obeyed, sitting back down. She made no move for the device again, but her excitement at their closeness to Moya was growing. She would just have to make do with wringing her hands.
"Pilot, deploy the docking web," D'Argo said, rushing out of command to the bay. He wanted to be there in case the soldiers had any other ideas.
With Qualta Blade in hand, D'Argo stood stiffly, watching the Marauder land. He watched as the stairs were lowered onto the deck.
It seemed like arns before D'Argo saw Chiana emerge from the ship. He raised his Qualta Blade, ready to fire if any of the soldiers followed her.
"Hurry Chiana!" D'Argo shouted.
Chiana ran to D'Argo as soon as she saw him. She grabbed him around the neck, trying to hug him. D'Argo took his arm and moved her behind him. "Stay there for now, Chiana."
D'Argo didn't move from his spot until he saw the stairs raise up and the peacekeeper vessel enter open space. "Pilot, close the doors."
D'Argo lowered his blade and sighed heavily. Chiana now grabbed him in a hug, giggling. He allowed himself to embrace her.
"It's so good to see you Chiana," D'Argo said, hugging her again.
"It's good to be back on Moya," Chiana replied, sighing. She sobered now, "I just wish John and Aeryn were with us."
D'Argo saw the sadness in her eyes. "Aeryn said you would explain everything when you came aboard. What happened Chiana?"
"Everything, D'Argo! John was captured by Grayza again and I don't think I have to tell you what that means," Chiana replied, remembering the helpless figure on the floor retching. The tears she had been fighting for so long finally started to come to the surface.
D'Argo softly wiped away a few tears from her face. He brought her to his chest and cradled her in his arms. Chiana hardly ever cried. D'Argo knew things must be very grim on the carrier for his friends.
xxxxx
Sikozu covered Aeryn as the shivering started. "Scorpius is this normal?"
"Very. It will only last about ten microts as her body adjusts to normalcy again. She is in no danger," Scorpius replied. He hoped she recovered before they were discovered. There was much Aeryn needed to tell them, if they were going to make it off this ship.
Sikozu rose from the bed, looking at Scorpius. "Why did you do it?"
He turned around and looked at her. "Do what?" He questioned.
"Save her now? Why didn't you wait until we were back on Moya? That was the original arrangement."
" I couldn't have asked for better circumstances," Scorpius replied. "Aeryn was experiencing the living death and the cure works best at that time." His attention was drawn to Aeryn now, hearing her murmur. "No matter what you have heard about me, I am still a scientist."
Scorpius approached Aeryn's bedside. She was struggling to right herself, but the dizziness sent her back to the bed.
"You are most likely feeling very tired and shaky, Officer Sun. That is quite normal since I injected you with the cure," Scorpius stated. "Its effects should be gone shortly."
Aeryn opened her eyes, trying to form words. She struggled to sit upright, but couldn't manage it on her own. Sikozu helped her swing her legs over the side and supported her wavering body as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Aeryn's eyes kept closing as she started to speak. "Cure? Why?" She could only seem to form single words, shaking.
Sikozu pulled the blanket over Aeryn's shoulders, hoping to warm her. "It will pass Aeryn."
Aeryn nodded still looking at Scorpius for her answer. "Why?" She asked again.
Scorpius looked away. "It was time," he replied putting the vials away. "You need to recover quickly. We need to know what has happened."
"John."
"We have him. He is safe for now. Where is Chiana? And what were you doing with Braca?"
Aeryn let out a sigh hearing John was safe. "Chiana.is on.Moya. I.made Grayza.think I .would.co..operate. I.am a .peace.keeper.again." It was hard to speak at first, but with every word it became easier.
Scorpius was impressed by her creativity. "Very good, Officer Sun. I trust you have a plan to get the rest of us off this ship."
Aeryn rose shakily to her feet, using Sikozu as a crutch. She found the more she moved around, the faster her strength returned. Finally able to feel her legs again, she let go of Sikozu.
"I told Grayza. I would help her. capture both of you for my freedom and Chiana's. She thinks I detest you and John."
Scorpius pondered Aeryn's words for a microt. "So Chiana has gone back to get D'Argo's help. Is that your plan?"
Aeryn nodded. "Somewhat. I gather our Marauder has been confiscated by the peacekeepers, so we will need another way off this frelling ship."
Sikozu spoke up. "All you've done is get us another ship! How are we to get to it? This place is crawling with soldiers! There aren't any more explosives. We used all we had in our initial attack on the carrier!"
Aeryn turned angrily at the new crewmember. "It's a start at least! I don't see you coming up with any ideas!"
"I should have known better than to come on this suicidal mission!" Sikozu spat back, heading for the door. "Let me know when you really have a plan!"
Scorpius was losing his patience with the new girl. "Stop! You will wait for me. We don't need you getting captured now."
Sikozu did as he ordered. She realized her anger had taken over and she was not thinking about what was beyond the door.
"We should leave, Aeryn. I will attempt to find a way to contact you," Scorpius said as he and Sikozu returned to the corridor.
xxxxx
Braca stood in front of Grayza with extreme nervousness. "Commandant, it.appears the human has.escaped," he said cringing at his own words.
Grayza spun around, slamming him against the wall. With her hand on his neck she asked in a deadly voice, "What do you mean.Captain?"
Braca was struggling to breath. He gasped as he tried to answer. "The soldiers.are.dead and.Crichton..is .gone."
Grayza threw Braca away from her. He hit the console and fell to the ground. She immediately followed him and stood over him. "How could this happen, Braca?"
Braca's face was flushed. He massaged his throat against the pain. "I don't.know," he replied in a raspy voice.
Grayza helped him to his feet, brushing off his uniform. Braca trembled slightly, surprised by the sudden change.
She pulled him by the collar until he was inches from her face. "You will find.him, Captain Braca," she said as her hand touched her skin and stroked his face.
Braca stiffened and wiped his face. "Of course Commandant. I will find him and make him pay for upsetting you and killing my men."
Grayza smiled. "We will make him pay dearly," Grayza replied, looking forward to that moment. Crichton would learn once and for all.
xxxxx
Aeryn was feeling better by the microt. She had feared Grayza would come for her before she was fully recovered.
Aeryn heard a knock on the door. She rose from the bed, staring as the door opened without her consent. Two soldiers stood in the entrance. "The Commandant wishes to see you. Follow us."
Aeryn complied with their request, following them into the corridor. "Where are we going?" Aeryn asked, hoping for an answer.
"To the Commandant's quarters, now silence!"
Aeryn's breath caught in her throat. The memory of John lying on the floor and the horrible things she had said to him, were all she could think of. She hoped Chiana was safely aboard Moya, explaining everything to D'Argo. They definitely needed help.
The guards stopped outside Grayza's quarters and motioned for Aeryn to enter. She looked for the Commandant, hearing Grayza before seeing her. Aeryn heard the articles on the back table crash to the floor, bringing her attention to Grayza.
"Frelling human!" Grayza exclaimed in anger. "How dare he upset my plans!"
Aeryn shivered slightly and quickly scanned the room for John. She was relieved when she didn't see him. 'He must still be safe.'
Grayza turned suddenly, feeling the presence in the room. "Officer Sun," she said, turning back toward the table. "I have a special assignment for you. One I have no doubt you will succeed in."
"What would you like me to do, Commandant?" Aeryn asked. From the look on Grayza's face Aeryn knew she wouldn't like it.
Feeling her plan come together in her head, Grayza approached Aeryn, calmly. "It seems Crichton has escaped. I will assume Scorpius and the girl had something to do with it. They killed two of my soldiers in the process." Grayza stopped speaking, looking intently for any reaction from Aeryn.
Aeryn stood erect, her head held high, not daring to give herself away. She could do nothing but show her loyalty to Grayza if they wanted to get off this ship alive. "And what do you have in mind, Grayza?"
"I think for now, you will become my prisoner. I will broadcast a message for John Crichton advising him of this. When he turns himself in, I will release you. Hopefully this will flush out Scorpius and the girl."
"Why don't you just let me find him? I know Crichton well, Grayza," Aeryn replied, hoping she would agree to her request.
"Officer Sun, I trust you but.then again I.don't. We shall see how you handle this assignment. It will tell me all I need to know about you," Grayza replied, smiling.
"Guard, put Officer Sun in the shackles," Grayza ordered.
Aeryn struggled against the soldier. "It won't work Grayza. He heard what I said to him earlier in the room. John may be human, but he's not stupid!"
"I think it will, Officer Sun. But we shall see." Grayza stepped over to the intercom and made her announcement.
xxxxx
Sikozu and Scorpius hurried back to their hiding place. They knew it wouldn't be wise to leave Crichton alone for too long.
Entering the room, they knew something was wrong. Crichton was nowhere to be found. Sikozu shouted out his name, but heard no response.
Scorpius mumbled under his breath. "I should have known he wouldn't stay. Stupid human!"
Sikozu sat down disgusted. "I am aware he's different from us, but does he always act irrationally?"
Scorpius ignored her question, knowing he had contributed to some of his mental deficiencies.
"I don't know much about his species, but one thing I have found out is.they are very emotional," Sikozu said, the tone in her voice degrading. "They need to become stronger in the mind. Amazing a planet full of them."
"Enough!" Scorpius stated, trying to think.
They heard the intercom crackle. "This is Commandant Grayza. John Crichton, I am aware you have escaped, but you couldn't have gone far. I assure you there is no way off this ship. I have.managed to capture one.Aeryn Sun. She is here.with me. in my quarters. Turn yourself over to me in thirty microts and I will spare her life. At the end of that time she will suffer the living death if you have not surrendered. Her life is in your hands Commander Crichton."
There was only silence as the announcement ended.
xxxxx
"Isn't that the way it always is?" John asked himself, chuckling. "Always the responsible one." He was crouched down in the corridor near the prison cells thinking about Grayza's message. 'Well Johnny boy, you knew it would come to this sooner or later.'
He dropped his head into his hands, breathing deeply. John knew he would never let any of them die for him, but he needed to find the courage to face what was ahead. He had started to feel like the whore of the universe. John could only hoped she would tire of him and put him out of his misery.
John slowly rose to his feet, feeling there was no sense in delaying the inevitable. He knew he would surrender to Grayza, and for the remainder of his useless life, wish for his own death each day. There would only be the empty shell of a man left.
John was tired.tired of his life.tired of running. His love for Aeryn was a one-way street. He had hoped one day she would reciprocate, but he knew it would never be in this lifetime. He had hoped to make it back to Earth, but that hope had been dashed away. Now, he was without hope, and without hope, he had nothing.
John allowed himself a few tears. Brushing them away, he walked openly in the corridor, proud of whom he had once been. There was no reason to hide anymore.
Rounding the corner John saw three soldiers. They advanced on the human pointing their pulse rifles at him.
John stopped, feeling one of the weapons meet his head. "No need for violence boys. I'm taking the deal Grayza offered."
"We'll just make sure of that Crichton!"
John felt the weapon slam against his temple, the pain coursing through his head. He staggered as the blackness embraced him.
xxxxx
John woke to a piercing headache. He tried to open his eyes, but the light blinded him, sending daggers through his already aching head as he gasped out loud.
Grayza and Aeryn heard the sound that escaped his lips. Grayza was immediately on her feet. She sauntered over to her prisoner, feeling the victory course through her veins.
"So good to see you again John. You have done a good deed today. Aeryn Sun is alive because of you. See? I did as I promised," Grayza said running her hand over his chest.
John cringed at her touch as he opened his eyes, everything a blur. He closed them for a microt and reopened his eyes trying to focus on Grayza. "Where's.Aeryn?"
"Right here John," Aeryn answered, standing off to the side. "Thank you for caring."
John looked at Aeryn confused. She didn't look like she had been subjected to any discomfort. "You alright?" He asked twisting in the shackles that held him.
Grayza laughed. "John, Aeryn is a peacekeeper now. She was never in any danger. We used her to bait you and it worked. I must say, you are very predictable."
John didn't believe her. Twisting against his restraints he shouted. "Tell me Grayza's lying, Aeryn. Tell me.it's all a.damn.lie!"
Aeryn could only manage a smile. She still had to be convincing for Grayza's sake, but it was tearing her apart. 'What must he be thinking?'
John saw the smile on Aeryn's face. He felt as if his heart had been ripped from his body, as he closed his eyes, trying to suppress the tears that threatened. The only thing he had truly cared about was nothing but a lie.
Aeryn saw John break in front of her. It took all her strength not to cry out to him. She had to get out of the room and find Scorpius.
"Grayza, if it's alright with you, I think I'll return to my quarters. Being in the room with this traitor has been enough for one day," Aeryn said, her heart breaking with every word.
"Very well, Officer Sun," Grayza replied. "You did exceptional today. Welcome to the peacekeeper ranks again."
xxxxx
Aeryn returned to her quarters after she had exhausted every hiding place she knew of on the vessel.
"What took you so long?" Scorpius asked, startling Aeryn.
Quickly turning Aeryn said, "Where the frell have you two been? And why did you let John leave? Grayza has him again!"
"We should be asking you a few questions. We heard the broadcast. Just exactly who are you working for?" Sikozu spat back.
Aeryn looked at her defensively. "What do you mean?"
"You were used as bait, and you allowed it!" Sikozu shouted at her.
"I.didn't have a ."
Scorpius stood up, cutting Aeryn off. "That's enough bickering! Where is he Aeryn?"
"Grayza has him in her quarters, but I heard her tell Braca to get the Aurora chair ready. I had to leave. I couldn't bear having John look at me the way he did," Aeryn replied. "He looked at me with contempt in his eyes."
"I would think that would be understandable. He sees you as a traitor. You would do the same, Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, worried about this new development. "Our worry now is the Aurora Chair."
"I think it's time to comm D'Argo, Scorpius," Sikozu said. "We at least need him near the carrier when we finally rescue Crichton."
"We will do that, but not from this room. They can trace where the communication came from." Scorpius was forming a plan. John couldn't withstand the chair in his frame of mind. He didn't tell Aeryn, but he was sure she knew.
"We may not have explosives, but I know ways to disrupt this vessel," Scorpius said, getting their attention. "Sikozu we will need to split up for this. Can you do it?"
Confident in herself, she replied, "Just give me the coordinates and what plug I'm to pull. I can do it."
Scorpius nodded. "Aeryn I need you to do something that may cause you pain. I need you to be in the room with John while he's in the chair."
She was stunned by his request. He knew she was already hurting over the part she had played thus far. Aeryn didn't know if she could watch John being tortured anymore. "I.I.don't.know."
Scorpius understood, but he needed her in that room. "Aeryn, you were a peacekeeper before. It's time you acted like one again, for John's sake. He needs you now, even though he doesn't know it yet. I .need you there!"
"What are you planning Scorpius?" Aeryn asked.
"Just be there, Aeryn. You will know what to do when it happens."
xxxxx
Braca strapped John in the chair. "You'll find out what obedience means Crichton."
John chuckled, his voice hoarse. "And you think you're gonna teach me, Braca? Not in a million years!"
Braca slapped John across the face at his insolence, the blood oozing from his lip.
Crichton licked his lip and looked back at Braca smiling. "Like I said, not in a million years!"
Grayza saw the display. "Enough Captain! We have other things to gain here!"
John turned and saw Grayza and Aeryn together. He thought at first he had dreamed it all, but seeing Aeryn standing there brought reality. John thought he had experienced pain before, but never to this level. Aeryn had won his heart and that was the greatest pain of all.
"Come to watch me fry, babe? Why should you be any different from the rest? I'm just everyone's toy in this damn universe!" John turned his eyes away from her. He felt the bile rise in his throat and fought to push it down. He didn't want to retch in front of any of them. Pride was all he had left.
Grayza watched the interaction between the two. "Are you up to this Sun?"
Aeryn tried to speak, but felt a lump in her throat. Swallowing hard, she finally replied, "Of course, Grayza."
"Then let's proceed. Braca start the chair!"
With an intensity no one could ever know, the images came, burning his eyes and charring his mind. Tears streamed down his face as the visions of Earth came, then the visions of Aeryn. Flashes of the happiness he had grown up with, of the place he had longed to return to, melted into bursts of memories of the woman who had been the only happiness he had felt since Earth had disappeared. Aeryn had been it.once his dreams of returning to Earth had been shattered, Aeryn was the one that picked up the jagged shards of joy and made them hole again, gave it a new focus. Aeryn had been his focus, and now, she had betrayed him. That whole was smashed again, and now John only wished he could pick up those jagged pieces and end his unrelenting torment with their razor edges. His heart exploded as the physical and emotion pain coursed together, and the screams were torn viciously from his throat as the last vestiges of hope clawed their way from his broken spirit.
The chair stopped suddenly, John's head dropping down, the tears still flowing.
Grayza looked to her Captain. "Start the chair Braca!"
"I..I can't ma'am. It.seems there is some sort of.power loss. It most likely has to do with the repairs we are making right now."
"Take Crichton back to my quarters! Make sure he is secure in the shackles. I will join you Officer Sun.after I have taken care of command. They will frelling take care of this situation now!"
Grayza stomped off angrily. She hated for her interrogations to be interrupted.
Aeryn directed two soldiers to take the human back to Grayza's quarters. She knew Scorpius had something to do with this, and so she stood ready to make her move with John.
To be continued on Tuesday. Thanks for all the great feedback!