The Price Part 7
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: I don't own them
Thanks Still Waters for the great beta job!
Hope you all enjoy. Thanks for all the wonderful feedback!
The soldiers dragged John from the room, following Aeryn down the passageway. Just the short time in the Aurora Chair caused his mind and motor functions to betray him. As his head lolled up, and his half-opened eyes locked on the back of a newly reinstated peacekeeper, John shuddered feeling as if his whole being had been shattered. As he was dragged back to Grayza's quarters, his limbs twitched as he felt the sensations continue to tear through his body, and he mumbled unintelligibly at the memories slashing through his mind. John wished he could pass out. Unconsciousness at least offered him the peace he needed from the constant images that still burned within him, and respite from the painful tremors that continued to rack his every fiber.
xxxxx
Scorpius watched from afar as John was being moved back to Grayza's chambers, pleased that his plan had worked. He had incapacitated the chair for the time being. If Sikozu had succeeded in her part, the ship would begin to fail. This would be their diversion to get to D'Argo's ship, Scorpius only hoped he would get to John and Aeryn in time.
Scorpius had gone back to the room where Braca had hidden Aeryn's comm and confiscated it.
An empty chamber directly across from the ship's own communications system provided Scorpius with the perfect place for the transmission. With the ship's signal so close, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to track an outside frequency.
Scorpius opened the channel to Moya. "Ka D'Argo, please come in. This is Scorpius."
The comm hissed at him for a microt before Chiana answered. "Scorpius, it's Chiana. D'Argo's on his way. Have you rescued John yet? Do you have a way off the carrier? What about Aeryn? Is she alright?" The questions just tumbled from her mouth, her nervousness evident.
"Please Chiana. I can only answer one question at a time," Scorpius replied, slightly annoyed.
Before Chiana could say anymore, D'Argo spoke. "Scorpius, what the frell is going on there? Chiana told me what she could, but a lot of it didn't make much sense. What.do I need to know?"
"I will outline the situation for you then, D'Argo. John is in Grayza's custody and Aeryn has convinced Grayza she is a peacekeeper soldier again. Sikozu is helping me sabotage certain functions on the carrier to aid in our escape. What we need from you is. your ship and possibly your firepower. We doubt we will be able to commandeer another Marauder." Scorpius finished his abbreviated version of their situation - the constraints of time made sure he covered only the most important points.
D'Argo was quiet for a microt as he tried to digest all that Scorpius had said. "How soon do you need me?" D'Argo asked understanding the position they were in.
"We plan to act within the arn," Scorpius replied, realizing he wasn't giving D'Argo much time to act.
"I'll be there, Scorpius!" D'Argo stated. "Just make sure what you have told me is the truth!"
"I assure you it is, Ka D'Argo," Scorpius replied, expecting some doubt on the part of the Luxan.
"Scorpius?" Chiana was on the comm now. "How is.John?'
"Very weak, Chiana." Scorpius could hear the soldiers running down the corridor. "I must go now!" Scorpius shut the comm off quickly. Grumbling in Scarran and Sebacean, he cursed himself for not paying attention to the time. He was sure the peacekeepers had picked up the transmission.
xxxxx
The soldiers put John's wrists in the shackles as ordered. John's body hung limply from them twitching in the air, his sweat mingled with the tears that flowed down his face.
The guards stood at attention waiting for further orders.
Aeryn hadn't noticed them. Her eyes were completely focused on John and his torment.
"Ma'am?"
The sound of the voice brought Aeryn back to the present. "You may leave now. He's not going anywhere," Aeryn replied motioning to the shackles. "I will remain here until Commandant Grayza returns. Dismissed!"
Aeryn waited for the soldiers to leave before she released John from the restraints, tenderly easing his body to the floor. She knelt beside him and saw his limbs shake as the spasms started and stopped. Aeryn could only imagine the pain as she eased him into to her lap. Trying to comfort him, she embraced him in her arms. "Shh John. Everything's going to be alright," Aeryn said through her tears "We're going to get you out of here."
John heard the voice. He tried to shut it out, not knowing what was real anymore. John only wanted to sleep, the only peace left for him besides death.
The voice wouldn't allow it though. That precious gift of peace was pushed further from his grasp as she continued speaking. John knew it was someone he didn't trusted, his mind finally registering the presence. 'Aeryn!'
Without opening his eyes, he said in a raspy voice, "Frell you!" John struggled to push away from her, but found he didn't have the strength. Just the attempt sent painful spasms through his body as he gasped.
Aeryn pushed away, hurt by his response. She slowly lowered his head to the floor, not wanting to cause him any more anxiety. Aeryn rose to her feet and stared down at the man she loved so dearly. 'I'm sorry John. I didn't mean for you to get hurt.'
Sikozu startled Aeryn as she emerged from behind Grayza's dressing curtain. "Aeryn," she whispered in a hurried voice. "Where are the soldiers?"
Aeryn slowly turned around, giving Sikozu full view of her tear stained face. Sikozu took in a deep breath as she looked at the human. She had heard about the chair, but had never seen anyone who had been its victim.
Looking away Aeryn replied in a flat tone, " I sent them away, Sikozu. If we intend to get Crichton out of here, now would be a good time."
Sikozu went over to study John more closely. She looked up at Aeryn from her crouched position.
"You know we need to get him back to Moya immediately. His life signs are not very strong. I fear."
"I know!" Aeryn shouted, the pain filling her, her eyes revealing her own torment. If John died she would never forgive herself. This was her fault, but John would never see it that way. He wanted her to survive therefore he risked his life for her. How many times could she ask this of him? Perhaps this would be the last.
"Where the frell is Scorpius," she asked shaking with rage. "We have to get him off this ship!"
"He should be arranging our departure with Ka D'Argo," Sikozu replied as she stood erect, finished with her examination of Crichton. "Scorpius will know where to find us."
Aeryn watched John intently, afraid he would die before her eyes. She saw him shift his position. He had curled himself into a ball on his side as his breathing became more labored.
xxxxx
Scorpius heard the voices in the corridor. He was sure one of them sounded like Braca. Scorpius smiled to himself as he envisioned his hands wrapped around the traitor's throat.
"Split up in pairs! I want that transmission located!" Braca ordered. "It has to be within twenty metras of this location."
The soldiers dispersed as ordered, checking the closer chambers first before going deeper. Scorpius could hear them outside the room he had hidden in. He stepped beside the door, and flattened himself against the carrier's walls hoping they wouldn't venture into the small room. They did exactly as he thought they would. The soldiers simply looked into the room. Seeing there was nowhere to hide, they quickly scanned the room and closed the door.
"Clear, sir!"
"Continue then!" Braca replied, still standing near the communications room. He would wait while the others found the danger. After all, he was a Captain now.
Scorpius had always been the epitome of discipline, but with Braca so near, revenge's seed sprung. He would never have this chance again.
Scorpius waited listening for more voices outside the chamber. Hearing none, he ventured into the corridor, grabbing Braca and pulling him into the chamber, slamming him to the floor, his hand over his mouth.
Braca's opened his eyes wide as Scorpius came into full view. Panic took over his eyes as they locked on the half-breed.
"Captain.Braca. Captain," Scorpius said rolling the word around his tongue. "I see you have risen quickly in the ranks. I commend you.Captain. You were always at your best when it came to betrayal!"
Braca tried to speak, his eyes growing larger by the microt. He could see the leer he knew so well appear on Scorpius' face. Braca shook with fear, sure this was the end of him.
Scorpius dragged him to his feet, pushing him against the wall. "Remember I once told you.Captain.there was a penalty for betrayal?"
Braca nodded his head quickly, as a sickening feeling overcame him. "Well now you shall find out," Scorpius said, his smile distorted.
Sorpius picked Braca up over his head and threw him across the room, his rage increasing his strength. Braca hit the far wall, his body crumbling to the floor like a broken doll. Scorpius didn't hesitate, walking quickly to the Captain. He dropped to his knees wrapping his hands around Braca's throat. Scorpius' rage consumed him, his hands unforgiving in their assault.
Braca managed to open his eyes. He grabbed Scorpius' hands trying to pry them away from his neck, but Scorpius was too strong for him. Braca was gasping now for breath, feeling his head ready to explode. He could only plead for his life through his eyes.
Scorpius didn't notice Braca staring. The only thing he could see was Braca pulling him about by the chain, humiliating him. The memories raged through his mind, the raw anger boiling and spitting, scarring his brain again and again with the repulsive images. Scorpius' hands alone couldn't stop it, as the deep, feral, growl began low in his throat. The memories, the images, continued their assault, over and over, until the Scarran in him exploded with the seething fury, spewing curses and saliva at the figure his killing hands had rendered silent.
Scorpius' own voice brought him back to the present. He looked down at the Sebacean, seeing Braca's face turning blue. Scorpius released him, backing away. "I should snap your neck," Scorpius said, seeing the color come back into Braca's face. He was gasping for breath, trying desperately to massage circulation back into his neck.
Scorpius rose to his feet. He looked down at the Captain. "I will let you live.this time. Get up. You are coming with me."
Braca nodded, his voice still too raw to speak, barely able to stand. He couldn't understand why Scorpius hadn't killed him. Braca feared there was more to come.
"Any sound from you and I will make it a slow death. Is that understood, Captain?" Scorpius asked.
The Sebacean nodded, following Scorpius to the corridor.
xxxxx
Scorpius arrived at the door just as Aeryn demanded to know his whereabouts. Scorpius replied, " I am here Officer Sun. It is time we move to safer quarters. Sikozu did you accomplish what we planned?"
"Of course Scorpius. It was quite easy," she replied confidently.
Scorpius threw Braca into the room. Aeryn and Sikozu were stunned into silence.
Aeryn gained her wits about her quickly moving in Braca's direction. "What the frell are you doing with him?" Aeryn asked, her words full of contempt. Braca had stepped back unsure of Sun's motives.
"The Captain has decided to.help us, Aeryn," Scorpius replied, flashing his leerish grin. "Not to worry though, he will be carefully watched."
Aeryn glanced at Scorpius. So far he had not let them down. For now she would trust his judgment.
"All right Scorpius, but there is one thing I want," Aeryn replied. Before anyone could stop her, Aeryn sent Braca reeling from an expertly executed pantak jab.
Scorpius kicked Braca to rouse him. Braca slowly rose to his feet, massaging his jaw, eyeing Officer Sun warily.
"Very well. Let's get ready to move. I have found a chamber where we can hide while we wait for D'Argo," Scorpius stated, looking at Aeryn. "How's Crichton?"
He looked down at the human and noticed his complexion. It was a ghastly white, not at all healthy looking.
Aeryn took in a deep breath before answering. "Not good, Scorpius. We need to get him back to Moya."
Scorpius nodded, taking in Aeryn's own appearance. The Sebacean looked like she had gone to hell and back. "It's not your fault Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, pulling Crichton to his feet.
John's red-rimmed eyes suddenly opened. He tried to pull away, only to feel himself stagger back as Scorpius lost his grip on him. Scorpius said, " Sikozu help me with him. He will trust you more than.us."
Aeryn was ready to rail at Scorpius for his words, but she stopped herself knowing what he said was true. John still thought she had betrayed him. Aeryn realized she would only upset him if she tried to help. Would he ever believe her?
Sikozu reached out her hand to John. "We need to leave Crichton. Scorpius is only here to help get us off this ship."
It took John a microt for this to register. "Moya?"
Sikozu smiled, "Yes, John. D'Argo is waiting for us."
John allowed Scorpius to help him now. The feeling in his legs had not returned, so John knew he could never make it on his own.
Glancing over his shoulder at Braca, Scorpius directed Aeryn, "Officer Sun, please keep a weapon on our.guest."
xxxxx
Chiana and D'Argo had left Rygel in charge of Moya. D'Argo had wanted Chiana to stay behind, but she had refused. Her concern for John had been foremost in her mind. She knew she needed to be there for John when they boarded D'Argo's ship.
"How are we going to do this, D'Argo, without being detected?" Chiana asked anxiously.
"I think we can stay invisible long enough to evade the carrier's scanners. When Scorpius tells me they are ready to board, I will make the ship visible," D'Argo replied, his attention on the console. They couldn't afford to be detected on the scanners of any patrolling craft. That would only alert the carrier.
"Do you think it will work?" Chiana definitely had misgivings over the vessels capabilities. D'Argo knew only certain things about it.
Without looking up, D'Argo replied. "I hope so, Chiana. It's their only hope now."
As D'Argo spoke, the carrier appeared on his screen. "It's time Chiana," he said activating the button on the console. "Strap yourself in while we wait for word from Scorpius."
xxxxx
The longer they moved, the better John's legs felt, the feeling coming back. By the time they had entered the last corridor, John was walking on his own, only staggering occasionally. He refused their help, determined to right himself on his own.
The room Scorpius brought them to was standard peacekeeper décor. It was dark, the black background drowning out the lights.
John finally spoke, "Where the hell.are we Scorpius?" The spasms had not entirely stopped yet, as he gripped onto a chair in the room.
Aeryn went to his side, intending to help him sit in the chair. John flinched as he felt her touch. Aeryn ignored it, lowering him into the chair.
John rubbed his temples. The fire he felt in his muscles now reached his eyes, the sweat starting to form on his brow. He fought to focus on Aeryn's face. The one who had cut his heart out. He could understand Grayza and her torture, she was the enemy. Aeryn was supposed to have loved him, only to.. He stopped the thought before he fell back into the abyss.
"Change sides again?" He asked giggling momentarily, laying his head against the table. The coolness provided him comfort. John knew he was truly lost when an inanimate object could provide him something no one else could.
Aeryn ignored John's comment as she stood stiffly, her jaw jutting out, the hard lines prominent.
Scorpius and Sikozu heard the exchange.
"John," Scorpius said, "Don't judge Officer Sun too harshly. Remember things aren't always as they appear. She actually saved your life."
John lifted his head from the table. "Yeah sure, and I'm Mother Teresa!" He replied wrapping his arms around himself. "Guess I need more friends like her!"
Scorpius shrugged off his comments. "I can see nothing is going to resolved. We will just wait for the time being. Sikozu how much longer?"
"We will have our distraction in ten microts," Sikozu relied, confident in her work.
Braca stepped forward. "Scorpius what have you done to the carrier?" Braca's voice was anxious fearing another explosion.
Scopius pushed Braca back. "Nothing for you to worry about. Just a.small.distraction."
Aeryn was standing in silence. John's words had hurt her deeply. She knew he only understood part of the story, but knowing he didn't trust her still hurt. Aeryn moved to the door.
Scorpius saw her and stopped her, blocking the exit. "What are you planning to do, Officer Sun? It's almost time."
Aeryn dropped her head for a microt before answering. "Scorpius I am a soldier. I am sure you will understand me when I say there is something I must do."
Scorpius looked into her eyes, understanding. " You only have ten microts Officer Sun." He could sense the peacekeeper in Aeryn returning.
Aeryn nodded. "I understand." She glanced back at John, embracing his face in her mind to carry with her. "If I don't make it, make sure Chiana takes care of him."
"As you wish Officer Sun," Scorpius replied. "We will wait as long as we can."
xxxxx
Grayza returned to her quarters weary from her time on command. The techs couldn't identify the problem, making her angry.
She fully expected to see Officer Sun and John Crichton as she entered her chamber. Seeing neither, her anger raged to a boiling point. "Captain Braca, where are Officer Sun and Crichton?" Grayza demanded, speaking into her comm.
She paced through her quarters waiting for Braca's answer. Grayza commed the Sergeant when she received no response from her Captain. "Sergeant, where is Captain Braca?"
"Ma'am the last transmission we had from the Captain was from communications. We haven't heard from him since."
Grayza was spewing curse words around her chamber. She knew she would find Sun and Crichton, but where was Braca? Grayza knew she had his loyalty, so where was he?
Grayza turned to the door, intending to look for Braca herself. She found herself standing face to face with Aeryn Sun.
Part 8 and 9 will post on Wednesday and Thursday
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com) Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2 Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: I don't own them
Thanks Still Waters for the great beta job!
Hope you all enjoy. Thanks for all the wonderful feedback!
The soldiers dragged John from the room, following Aeryn down the passageway. Just the short time in the Aurora Chair caused his mind and motor functions to betray him. As his head lolled up, and his half-opened eyes locked on the back of a newly reinstated peacekeeper, John shuddered feeling as if his whole being had been shattered. As he was dragged back to Grayza's quarters, his limbs twitched as he felt the sensations continue to tear through his body, and he mumbled unintelligibly at the memories slashing through his mind. John wished he could pass out. Unconsciousness at least offered him the peace he needed from the constant images that still burned within him, and respite from the painful tremors that continued to rack his every fiber.
xxxxx
Scorpius watched from afar as John was being moved back to Grayza's chambers, pleased that his plan had worked. He had incapacitated the chair for the time being. If Sikozu had succeeded in her part, the ship would begin to fail. This would be their diversion to get to D'Argo's ship, Scorpius only hoped he would get to John and Aeryn in time.
Scorpius had gone back to the room where Braca had hidden Aeryn's comm and confiscated it.
An empty chamber directly across from the ship's own communications system provided Scorpius with the perfect place for the transmission. With the ship's signal so close, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to track an outside frequency.
Scorpius opened the channel to Moya. "Ka D'Argo, please come in. This is Scorpius."
The comm hissed at him for a microt before Chiana answered. "Scorpius, it's Chiana. D'Argo's on his way. Have you rescued John yet? Do you have a way off the carrier? What about Aeryn? Is she alright?" The questions just tumbled from her mouth, her nervousness evident.
"Please Chiana. I can only answer one question at a time," Scorpius replied, slightly annoyed.
Before Chiana could say anymore, D'Argo spoke. "Scorpius, what the frell is going on there? Chiana told me what she could, but a lot of it didn't make much sense. What.do I need to know?"
"I will outline the situation for you then, D'Argo. John is in Grayza's custody and Aeryn has convinced Grayza she is a peacekeeper soldier again. Sikozu is helping me sabotage certain functions on the carrier to aid in our escape. What we need from you is. your ship and possibly your firepower. We doubt we will be able to commandeer another Marauder." Scorpius finished his abbreviated version of their situation - the constraints of time made sure he covered only the most important points.
D'Argo was quiet for a microt as he tried to digest all that Scorpius had said. "How soon do you need me?" D'Argo asked understanding the position they were in.
"We plan to act within the arn," Scorpius replied, realizing he wasn't giving D'Argo much time to act.
"I'll be there, Scorpius!" D'Argo stated. "Just make sure what you have told me is the truth!"
"I assure you it is, Ka D'Argo," Scorpius replied, expecting some doubt on the part of the Luxan.
"Scorpius?" Chiana was on the comm now. "How is.John?'
"Very weak, Chiana." Scorpius could hear the soldiers running down the corridor. "I must go now!" Scorpius shut the comm off quickly. Grumbling in Scarran and Sebacean, he cursed himself for not paying attention to the time. He was sure the peacekeepers had picked up the transmission.
xxxxx
The soldiers put John's wrists in the shackles as ordered. John's body hung limply from them twitching in the air, his sweat mingled with the tears that flowed down his face.
The guards stood at attention waiting for further orders.
Aeryn hadn't noticed them. Her eyes were completely focused on John and his torment.
"Ma'am?"
The sound of the voice brought Aeryn back to the present. "You may leave now. He's not going anywhere," Aeryn replied motioning to the shackles. "I will remain here until Commandant Grayza returns. Dismissed!"
Aeryn waited for the soldiers to leave before she released John from the restraints, tenderly easing his body to the floor. She knelt beside him and saw his limbs shake as the spasms started and stopped. Aeryn could only imagine the pain as she eased him into to her lap. Trying to comfort him, she embraced him in her arms. "Shh John. Everything's going to be alright," Aeryn said through her tears "We're going to get you out of here."
John heard the voice. He tried to shut it out, not knowing what was real anymore. John only wanted to sleep, the only peace left for him besides death.
The voice wouldn't allow it though. That precious gift of peace was pushed further from his grasp as she continued speaking. John knew it was someone he didn't trusted, his mind finally registering the presence. 'Aeryn!'
Without opening his eyes, he said in a raspy voice, "Frell you!" John struggled to push away from her, but found he didn't have the strength. Just the attempt sent painful spasms through his body as he gasped.
Aeryn pushed away, hurt by his response. She slowly lowered his head to the floor, not wanting to cause him any more anxiety. Aeryn rose to her feet and stared down at the man she loved so dearly. 'I'm sorry John. I didn't mean for you to get hurt.'
Sikozu startled Aeryn as she emerged from behind Grayza's dressing curtain. "Aeryn," she whispered in a hurried voice. "Where are the soldiers?"
Aeryn slowly turned around, giving Sikozu full view of her tear stained face. Sikozu took in a deep breath as she looked at the human. She had heard about the chair, but had never seen anyone who had been its victim.
Looking away Aeryn replied in a flat tone, " I sent them away, Sikozu. If we intend to get Crichton out of here, now would be a good time."
Sikozu went over to study John more closely. She looked up at Aeryn from her crouched position.
"You know we need to get him back to Moya immediately. His life signs are not very strong. I fear."
"I know!" Aeryn shouted, the pain filling her, her eyes revealing her own torment. If John died she would never forgive herself. This was her fault, but John would never see it that way. He wanted her to survive therefore he risked his life for her. How many times could she ask this of him? Perhaps this would be the last.
"Where the frell is Scorpius," she asked shaking with rage. "We have to get him off this ship!"
"He should be arranging our departure with Ka D'Argo," Sikozu replied as she stood erect, finished with her examination of Crichton. "Scorpius will know where to find us."
Aeryn watched John intently, afraid he would die before her eyes. She saw him shift his position. He had curled himself into a ball on his side as his breathing became more labored.
xxxxx
Scorpius heard the voices in the corridor. He was sure one of them sounded like Braca. Scorpius smiled to himself as he envisioned his hands wrapped around the traitor's throat.
"Split up in pairs! I want that transmission located!" Braca ordered. "It has to be within twenty metras of this location."
The soldiers dispersed as ordered, checking the closer chambers first before going deeper. Scorpius could hear them outside the room he had hidden in. He stepped beside the door, and flattened himself against the carrier's walls hoping they wouldn't venture into the small room. They did exactly as he thought they would. The soldiers simply looked into the room. Seeing there was nowhere to hide, they quickly scanned the room and closed the door.
"Clear, sir!"
"Continue then!" Braca replied, still standing near the communications room. He would wait while the others found the danger. After all, he was a Captain now.
Scorpius had always been the epitome of discipline, but with Braca so near, revenge's seed sprung. He would never have this chance again.
Scorpius waited listening for more voices outside the chamber. Hearing none, he ventured into the corridor, grabbing Braca and pulling him into the chamber, slamming him to the floor, his hand over his mouth.
Braca's opened his eyes wide as Scorpius came into full view. Panic took over his eyes as they locked on the half-breed.
"Captain.Braca. Captain," Scorpius said rolling the word around his tongue. "I see you have risen quickly in the ranks. I commend you.Captain. You were always at your best when it came to betrayal!"
Braca tried to speak, his eyes growing larger by the microt. He could see the leer he knew so well appear on Scorpius' face. Braca shook with fear, sure this was the end of him.
Scorpius dragged him to his feet, pushing him against the wall. "Remember I once told you.Captain.there was a penalty for betrayal?"
Braca nodded his head quickly, as a sickening feeling overcame him. "Well now you shall find out," Scorpius said, his smile distorted.
Sorpius picked Braca up over his head and threw him across the room, his rage increasing his strength. Braca hit the far wall, his body crumbling to the floor like a broken doll. Scorpius didn't hesitate, walking quickly to the Captain. He dropped to his knees wrapping his hands around Braca's throat. Scorpius' rage consumed him, his hands unforgiving in their assault.
Braca managed to open his eyes. He grabbed Scorpius' hands trying to pry them away from his neck, but Scorpius was too strong for him. Braca was gasping now for breath, feeling his head ready to explode. He could only plead for his life through his eyes.
Scorpius didn't notice Braca staring. The only thing he could see was Braca pulling him about by the chain, humiliating him. The memories raged through his mind, the raw anger boiling and spitting, scarring his brain again and again with the repulsive images. Scorpius' hands alone couldn't stop it, as the deep, feral, growl began low in his throat. The memories, the images, continued their assault, over and over, until the Scarran in him exploded with the seething fury, spewing curses and saliva at the figure his killing hands had rendered silent.
Scorpius' own voice brought him back to the present. He looked down at the Sebacean, seeing Braca's face turning blue. Scorpius released him, backing away. "I should snap your neck," Scorpius said, seeing the color come back into Braca's face. He was gasping for breath, trying desperately to massage circulation back into his neck.
Scorpius rose to his feet. He looked down at the Captain. "I will let you live.this time. Get up. You are coming with me."
Braca nodded, his voice still too raw to speak, barely able to stand. He couldn't understand why Scorpius hadn't killed him. Braca feared there was more to come.
"Any sound from you and I will make it a slow death. Is that understood, Captain?" Scorpius asked.
The Sebacean nodded, following Scorpius to the corridor.
xxxxx
Scorpius arrived at the door just as Aeryn demanded to know his whereabouts. Scorpius replied, " I am here Officer Sun. It is time we move to safer quarters. Sikozu did you accomplish what we planned?"
"Of course Scorpius. It was quite easy," she replied confidently.
Scorpius threw Braca into the room. Aeryn and Sikozu were stunned into silence.
Aeryn gained her wits about her quickly moving in Braca's direction. "What the frell are you doing with him?" Aeryn asked, her words full of contempt. Braca had stepped back unsure of Sun's motives.
"The Captain has decided to.help us, Aeryn," Scorpius replied, flashing his leerish grin. "Not to worry though, he will be carefully watched."
Aeryn glanced at Scorpius. So far he had not let them down. For now she would trust his judgment.
"All right Scorpius, but there is one thing I want," Aeryn replied. Before anyone could stop her, Aeryn sent Braca reeling from an expertly executed pantak jab.
Scorpius kicked Braca to rouse him. Braca slowly rose to his feet, massaging his jaw, eyeing Officer Sun warily.
"Very well. Let's get ready to move. I have found a chamber where we can hide while we wait for D'Argo," Scorpius stated, looking at Aeryn. "How's Crichton?"
He looked down at the human and noticed his complexion. It was a ghastly white, not at all healthy looking.
Aeryn took in a deep breath before answering. "Not good, Scorpius. We need to get him back to Moya."
Scorpius nodded, taking in Aeryn's own appearance. The Sebacean looked like she had gone to hell and back. "It's not your fault Officer Sun," Scorpius replied, pulling Crichton to his feet.
John's red-rimmed eyes suddenly opened. He tried to pull away, only to feel himself stagger back as Scorpius lost his grip on him. Scorpius said, " Sikozu help me with him. He will trust you more than.us."
Aeryn was ready to rail at Scorpius for his words, but she stopped herself knowing what he said was true. John still thought she had betrayed him. Aeryn realized she would only upset him if she tried to help. Would he ever believe her?
Sikozu reached out her hand to John. "We need to leave Crichton. Scorpius is only here to help get us off this ship."
It took John a microt for this to register. "Moya?"
Sikozu smiled, "Yes, John. D'Argo is waiting for us."
John allowed Scorpius to help him now. The feeling in his legs had not returned, so John knew he could never make it on his own.
Glancing over his shoulder at Braca, Scorpius directed Aeryn, "Officer Sun, please keep a weapon on our.guest."
xxxxx
Chiana and D'Argo had left Rygel in charge of Moya. D'Argo had wanted Chiana to stay behind, but she had refused. Her concern for John had been foremost in her mind. She knew she needed to be there for John when they boarded D'Argo's ship.
"How are we going to do this, D'Argo, without being detected?" Chiana asked anxiously.
"I think we can stay invisible long enough to evade the carrier's scanners. When Scorpius tells me they are ready to board, I will make the ship visible," D'Argo replied, his attention on the console. They couldn't afford to be detected on the scanners of any patrolling craft. That would only alert the carrier.
"Do you think it will work?" Chiana definitely had misgivings over the vessels capabilities. D'Argo knew only certain things about it.
Without looking up, D'Argo replied. "I hope so, Chiana. It's their only hope now."
As D'Argo spoke, the carrier appeared on his screen. "It's time Chiana," he said activating the button on the console. "Strap yourself in while we wait for word from Scorpius."
xxxxx
The longer they moved, the better John's legs felt, the feeling coming back. By the time they had entered the last corridor, John was walking on his own, only staggering occasionally. He refused their help, determined to right himself on his own.
The room Scorpius brought them to was standard peacekeeper décor. It was dark, the black background drowning out the lights.
John finally spoke, "Where the hell.are we Scorpius?" The spasms had not entirely stopped yet, as he gripped onto a chair in the room.
Aeryn went to his side, intending to help him sit in the chair. John flinched as he felt her touch. Aeryn ignored it, lowering him into the chair.
John rubbed his temples. The fire he felt in his muscles now reached his eyes, the sweat starting to form on his brow. He fought to focus on Aeryn's face. The one who had cut his heart out. He could understand Grayza and her torture, she was the enemy. Aeryn was supposed to have loved him, only to.. He stopped the thought before he fell back into the abyss.
"Change sides again?" He asked giggling momentarily, laying his head against the table. The coolness provided him comfort. John knew he was truly lost when an inanimate object could provide him something no one else could.
Aeryn ignored John's comment as she stood stiffly, her jaw jutting out, the hard lines prominent.
Scorpius and Sikozu heard the exchange.
"John," Scorpius said, "Don't judge Officer Sun too harshly. Remember things aren't always as they appear. She actually saved your life."
John lifted his head from the table. "Yeah sure, and I'm Mother Teresa!" He replied wrapping his arms around himself. "Guess I need more friends like her!"
Scorpius shrugged off his comments. "I can see nothing is going to resolved. We will just wait for the time being. Sikozu how much longer?"
"We will have our distraction in ten microts," Sikozu relied, confident in her work.
Braca stepped forward. "Scorpius what have you done to the carrier?" Braca's voice was anxious fearing another explosion.
Scopius pushed Braca back. "Nothing for you to worry about. Just a.small.distraction."
Aeryn was standing in silence. John's words had hurt her deeply. She knew he only understood part of the story, but knowing he didn't trust her still hurt. Aeryn moved to the door.
Scorpius saw her and stopped her, blocking the exit. "What are you planning to do, Officer Sun? It's almost time."
Aeryn dropped her head for a microt before answering. "Scorpius I am a soldier. I am sure you will understand me when I say there is something I must do."
Scorpius looked into her eyes, understanding. " You only have ten microts Officer Sun." He could sense the peacekeeper in Aeryn returning.
Aeryn nodded. "I understand." She glanced back at John, embracing his face in her mind to carry with her. "If I don't make it, make sure Chiana takes care of him."
"As you wish Officer Sun," Scorpius replied. "We will wait as long as we can."
xxxxx
Grayza returned to her quarters weary from her time on command. The techs couldn't identify the problem, making her angry.
She fully expected to see Officer Sun and John Crichton as she entered her chamber. Seeing neither, her anger raged to a boiling point. "Captain Braca, where are Officer Sun and Crichton?" Grayza demanded, speaking into her comm.
She paced through her quarters waiting for Braca's answer. Grayza commed the Sergeant when she received no response from her Captain. "Sergeant, where is Captain Braca?"
"Ma'am the last transmission we had from the Captain was from communications. We haven't heard from him since."
Grayza was spewing curse words around her chamber. She knew she would find Sun and Crichton, but where was Braca? Grayza knew she had his loyalty, so where was he?
Grayza turned to the door, intending to look for Braca herself. She found herself standing face to face with Aeryn Sun.
Part 8 and 9 will post on Wednesday and Thursday