The Price Part 8
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!
Scorpius' statement still burned in John's mind. His memory was in so many fragments, he couldn't put them back together. John rose from the chair, his legs still somewhat shaky. He felt hot as he took off his jacket, walking unsteadily over to Scorpius. "What did you mean.she saved my life?"
Scorpius looked at the battered human, fingering the maps on the table, unsure of how much to tell him. "Exactly what I said, John. Without her help you most likely would be dead, or senseless from the hepple oil. Aeryn had to convince Grayza she was willing to become a peacekeeper again. She did that for you and for no other."
John pondered Scorpius' answer for a microt, and then eyed the half-Scarran suspiciously. Although Scorpius had done nothing but honor his promises, John still didn't feel he could trust him. Scorpius had a lot at stake with this situation- the hybrid had never taken anything pertaining to wormholes lightly, and if sabotage and deceit could get him closer to obtaining that knowledge, why wouldn't he use them? John's glance turned into a full-blown glare as the possibilities surrounded him - why wouldn't Scorpius lie to him now, make him believe all this dren.why not, if it would ensure John kept his end of the deal? John turned away not knowing what to believe. His memory was so distorted, only filled with pain and flashes of what had happened. He couldn't even trust his own thoughts anymore.
Ignoring Scorpius' annoyed look, John sighed, and began limping to the other side of the room, trying desperately to calm his raging mind. His slow progress was interrupted as he suddenly found himself thrown off his feet, and sailing across the room.
Scorpius, Braca and Sikozu, were thrown forward, falling into the far wall. "It has started. Time is of the essence now," Scorpius said, righting himself. He saw Crichton against the wall, not moving.
"Sikozu, please attend to Crichton. We must leave immediately," Scorpius said, grabbing Braca who was trying to flee.
Sikozu checked on John, hearing Scorpius admonish Braca. Pulling Braca by his vest, Scorpius said angrily, "Don't test me Braca! I will. do as promised!"
Braca shrunk away from Scorpius, knowing he was true to his word. He had witnessed it many times before.
xxxxx
"There you are Officer Sun! Where is Crichton?" Grayza demanded, looking towards the shackles. "I told you I wanted him here when I returned!"
The look on Aeryn's face was cold. " John will never suffer at your hands again," she replied in a deadly voice. "You are supposed to be a peacekeeper! When did your tactics become a part of their philosophy?"
Grayza was burning with rage. "Who are you to question me and peacekeeper tactics? You are the traitor remember? I will not justify myself to you!" Grayza spat back. "You will be sorry for this Officer Sun!"
"I think not, Commandant!" Aeryn shouted as she swept Grayza's legs out from under her. "You will pay for every abuse you subjected John to!"
Grayza was stunned momentarily, slow getting to her feet. Standing erect she said, "So this is how we will end it, Officer Sun. Then so be it!" Like a cat she struck quickly, sending Aeryn reeling.
This only made Aeryn sharper. She now had a better feel of her opponent's knowledge in combat.
Aeryn's next move was diverted as the carrier rocked, knocking both of them to the ground. Aeryn recovered quickly understanding it was Scorpius' work. Aeryn could see a microt of fear on Grayza's face, as the commandant reached for her comm. Without hesitation, Aeryn grabbed the device, throwing it across Grayza's quarters.
"Not this time. It's just you and me!"
The look on Aeryn's face reminded Grayza she was dealing with a dangerous person. The two stared at each other for a microt, both attacking at the same time. They were now locked into hand-to-hand combat.
xxxxx
Sikozu helped John to his feet. "I'll help John to D'Argo's vessel. What are you going to do with him?" Sikozu asked, motioning to Braca.
Scorpius bowed his head slightly, "Nothing for you to concern yourself with. It will only take me a few microts to take care of this.Sebacean," he replied, wishing he could see the results of his plan. He knew the consequences would be dire for Braca, but he would only be able to imagine them.
"I will notify D'Argo we are ready. The landing bay should be clear," Scorpius said as another jolt rocked the ship. Sikozu had done her job well, he thought. "Take John. I will join you shortly."
"No!" John stated, holding onto Sikozu. "I can't. leave Aeryn behind. I thought about what y.you said, Scorpius." John dropped his head, trying to hide the torment he knew his eyes displayed.
They could see John was struggling with his own thoughts, as he continued. "I can't leave here like this.without knowing, without her."
Scorpius considered John's words. "I made Aeryn Sun a promise, John, and I will stay true to it. You will leave this ship for the safety of Moya."
"Not without Aeryn," John stated. "I can't."
Scorpius nodded with a sigh. "Go with Sikozu."
Scorpius commed D'Argo before he left with Braca, "Ka D'Argo, the diversion has started on the carrier. We should be ready to depart soon."
xxxxx
The soldiers were checking all the consoles, confused by what was causing the ship's propulsion to shut down. The situation was only getting worse as the ship started to rock from side to side, sending the peacekeepers violently through the air.
The Sergeant could see now they wouldn't find the answer in command. " You two. I need you to check all the propulsion units immediately!"
The soldiers did as they were ordered, heading for the electrical closet.
xxxxx
Aeryn had her arm wrapped around Grayza's neck, pulling back hard. Grayza was gasping for breath. It was getting more and more difficult to take in air as the pressure increased against her throat. Seeing the black start to come across her eyes, Grayza fought Aeryn harder. She sent an elbow to her midsection causing Aeryn to release her grip and gasp.
Grayza took advantage of this momentary lapse and kicked Aeryn across her chest sending her crashing into the dressing curtain. Lying on the ground, trying to catch her breath, Aeryn saw an object glimmer in the sparse light. Reaching for it she enclosed it in her hand.
Grayza stood there triumphantly. "Have you had enough Officer? You really didn't think you could defeat me did you?" Grayza smiled, sure in her superiority over the traitor.
Aeryn, slowly rose to her feet. Grayza's words only sent more rage coursing through her body. She could feel the adrenaline rise, giving her the strength needed to defeat this evil. More determined than ever, Aeryn walked steadily towards Grayza, intent on wiping the smile off her face once and for all. She gripped the object tighter in her hand as she neared Grayza.
"Are we finished, Officer Sun?" Grayza asked, watching her every move.
Aeryn stood before her. "Almost." Aeryn spoke calmly as she raised her hand and brought the sharp metal down hard on Grayza's shoulder.
Grayza howled out in pain, grabbing her arm. Aeryn slapped her across the face and then brought her leg up and sent a devastating blow to her mid section. Grayza fell back into the wall. Aeryn couldn't stop now. She pinned Grayza against the wall, and started beating her senseless, yelling at the same time. "This is for everything you took from John and the torment you caused him! This is for the Aurora Chair! And this," Aeryn stated, slamming Grayza's head against the wall, "is for causing John to doubt me!"
Grayza slumped to the floor unconscious. Aeryn stood over her breathing heavily, feeling the adrenalin ebb away.
"Are you through Officer Sun?" Scorpius asked, watching with Braca by his side. "I presumed you would not allow her to live."
Aeryn turned slowly, breathing easier, feeling some closure now. Looking up at Scorpius she stated, "I've done what I intended to do."
"Whatever as you wish, Officer Sun. It's your choice," Scorpius replied, pushing Braca towards the shackles.
Braca felt the transition quite clearly, as he suddenly saw what Scorpius intended. The panic of uncertainty was drowned violently as the panic of understanding tore through his veins. He fought to suppress the bile rising in his throat, fought to hide the terror he knew was flooding his eyes. Torn between self-preservation and shame, Braca bit his tongue until he tasted only the bitterness of his own blood, his voice struggling to beg Scorpius' forgiveness, even to beg passage with the hybrid. Braca couldn't even fathom what Grayza would do to him once she regained consciousness and found her Captain had allowed the escape of prisoners who had humiliated and beaten her.
Scorpius flashed Braca a chilling smile. "A fitting punishment, don't you think?" He leaned closer, until he could feel the Captain's vain attempts to control his shaking. With his lips almost touching the Sebacean's ear, Scorpius whispered, "My only regret is that I won't be here to witness your torture."
Aeryn smiled slightly understanding now that Scorpius had this planned all along. How ingenious and fitting. Aeryn was impressed by his devious mind.
Scorpius locked Braca in the manacles and bound his mouth to prevent him from calling for help.
Watching Braca squirm, Scorpius commed D'Argo, "We are on our way Ka D'Argo. Sikozu and Crichton should already be there. He closed the communication and turned to Aeryn. " Shall we join the others Officer Sun?"
With one last glance at Grayza, Aeryn said, "Now we are finished." The two set out for the bay running, knowing their time was running out.
xxxxx
John walked into the landing bay on his own. He appreciated Sikozu's help, but he wanted to greet his friends walking by himself. The weakness in his legs was still there, but it wasn't as bad as before.
Since being on the Command Carrier, Sikozu had learned the value of always having a pulse pistol, aiming hers, and scanning the bay. She didn't think there would be any soldiers around the ships with all the activity over the failed engines, but she couldn't take that chance. Sikozu relaxed her grip on the weapon when she was sure they were alone.
John and Sikozu stood side by side, watching D'Argo's vessel enter the carrier's bay. The first one off the ship was Chiana. She laughed happily when she saw John standing before her. Chiana ran to him, almost knocking him over when she embraced him.
"Whoa there Pip," John said, trying to steady himself. "How about taking it easy!" Chiana laughed still hugging him.
D'Argo rolled his eyes at Chiana. Looking down at John he said, "It's good to see you alive my friend. When Chiana came back to Moya with her. stories, I wasn't sure if you would survive."
John winced slightly. He was sure Chiana had told D'Argo everything, including the part about Grayza. John pulled Chiana's arms away. "I need to sit down for a microt," John said, his voice flat, lowering himself to the floor.
D'Argo and Chiana noticed the sudden change in John. Chiana attempted to sit next to John, only to be stopped by his hand on her arm.
"Hey Pip, need a little space here. Ok?"
Chiana looked at D'Argo. His eyes told her to honor his request.
Chiana tried not to change the tone of her voice, keeping the smile on her face. "No problem old man. I'll be here if you need me."
"Sikozu, how long before Aeryn and Scorpius arrive?" D'Argo asked, searching the room. "We need to leave before my ship is detected."
"They should be here any microt now. How long ago did Scorpius comm you?" Sikozu asked, watching the human, wondering if he was withdrawing again. They couldn't afford for John to fall apart.
"It was only a few microts ago," D'Argo replied, feeling the violent lurch of the carrier.
They all grabbed onto something, trying to stay upright.
"What in hezmana was that?" D'Argo asked.
"That was the diversion I created so you could land," Sikozu replied with a smirk on her face.
D'Argo's patience was wearing thin waiting for Aeryn and Scorpius. He thought the plan was to land on the ship and get off quickly. D'Argo hadn't planned on any delays. The idea of being on another peacekeeper carrier made him nervous.
xxxxx
The peacekeeper soldiers were working diligently in the electrical closet, pulling circuit after circuit. Their frustration was starting to set in, as each of the panels they had pulled were intact.
Pulling the last panel, the soldiers sucked in their breath. They felt stupid now, wishing they had pulled this one first. The sabotage was simple, but the timing had to be exact or they would have felt a lurch in the ship when the wires were pulled and attached to the burn timer.
The head technician commed command, "Sergeant we've found the problem! This could only have been done by someone who is familiar with this type of ship!"
"Scorpius!" The Sergeant remembered Grayza had warned him, but he hadn't taken her seriously then. "How soon before it's fixed?"
"Give us five microts, sir! We need to remove the burn ring and splice the wires back to their original location."
"I will expect full propulsion in five microts!"
The Sergeant commed Commandant Grayza, "Ma'am, we should have full control of the ship in five microts." Getting no response from Grayza, the Sergeant sent several soldiers to her quarters.
xxxxx
D'Argo saw them first. He felt his heart lift as Aeryn stepped into the landing bay. As Scorpius entered alongside her, he growled softly, seeing the hybrid was still with them. "I thought we were going to have to leave without you."
Only D'Argo's words made John realize Aeryn was in the room. He turned slowly, seeing her standing amongst the others, Scorpius by her side. His heart went out to her - he wanted to grab her and embrace her with all his love. The dull ache in his heart grew to an almost unbearable agony as he realized he still wasn't sure where she stood in the equation.
Scorpius began issuing the orders in a hurried voice. "We must leave now! It won't be long before the peacekeepers try to stop us! The diversion was just temporary. I am sure they have figured it out by now!"
D'Argo shouted, " Everyone board the ship! We have no time to waste if we expect to leave here safely!"
Everyone moved quickly towards D'Argo's ship except John. Chiana held her hand out to him, expecting him to take it. "Come on Crichton, it's time to go!"
John hesitated. He had been nothing but a crux to the rest of the crew. Maybe they would be better off without him. At least if he stayed behind Grayza would stop hunting the Leviathan and leave them in peace. He knew his mind was already frelled beyond repair. Perhaps this was the best thing he could ever give them, somehow making his meager existence worthwhile. It would be his final gift to them. John denied Chiana's hand, wrapping himself in his arms, turning his eyes away from hers.
"Just go Chiana," John said, staring at nothing. "Grayza doesn't want any of you, just me. You have a better chance without me!"
Chiana looked to the others. They all heard his statement and moved towards John. Aeryn motioned for all of them including Chiana to board the ship.
Aeryn sat beside John. "You know I'm not going anywhere without you. If you decide to stay here so will I," Aeryn said, trying to gauge his reaction.
"No Aeryn! Get aboard the ship and forget you ever met John Crichton. You'll be better off that way!" John replied irritated, wishing she had just left him alone. His decision was painful enough without her adding to it.
"No, you are wrong. If it weren't for John Crichton I would never be what I am today. Right now you don't know whether you can trust me. I understand. So much has happened, at least give me the chance to help you sort through this. Staying here is not the answer, John."
John looked at Aeryn. She could see the despair in his eyes, along with the guilt that haunted him. Aeryn wanted to hold him tightly and tell him it was all right, but she knew he wasn't ready yet.
Aeryn stood, holding out her hand to John. "Please come with us, John. Let me help you."
John looked confused, battling himself and the words he was hearing. He wanted to take her hand, but he couldn't bear being confused with the other Crichton.
"I am me, Aeryn," John said in a painful voice. "I'm not him."
"I know who you are John. The confusion ended long ago," Aeryn replied, her hand still extended.
John reached up and took the hand of the one he loved so dearly. They walked to the ship together and boarded the vessel.
Aeryn settled in the seat next to D'Argo, while John moved further into the ship to sit by himself. D'Argo was doing a systems check when he heard Chiana.
"Peacekeepers! Hurry D'Argo!"
As D'Argo fired up his engines, he could see the landing bay filling with the soldiers.
"Hold on. This is going to be rough," D'Argo, shouted over the roar of the engines. The vessel shook as D'Argo set the throttle to full power. He knew it was too soon, but there was no other choice.
The ship responded, clearing the bay doors and entering open space.
The Sergeant stared as the vessel flew out of the bay, wishing he didn't have to be the one to inform Grayza. "Frell!" He said to himself, walking out of the bay.
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!
Scorpius' statement still burned in John's mind. His memory was in so many fragments, he couldn't put them back together. John rose from the chair, his legs still somewhat shaky. He felt hot as he took off his jacket, walking unsteadily over to Scorpius. "What did you mean.she saved my life?"
Scorpius looked at the battered human, fingering the maps on the table, unsure of how much to tell him. "Exactly what I said, John. Without her help you most likely would be dead, or senseless from the hepple oil. Aeryn had to convince Grayza she was willing to become a peacekeeper again. She did that for you and for no other."
John pondered Scorpius' answer for a microt, and then eyed the half-Scarran suspiciously. Although Scorpius had done nothing but honor his promises, John still didn't feel he could trust him. Scorpius had a lot at stake with this situation- the hybrid had never taken anything pertaining to wormholes lightly, and if sabotage and deceit could get him closer to obtaining that knowledge, why wouldn't he use them? John's glance turned into a full-blown glare as the possibilities surrounded him - why wouldn't Scorpius lie to him now, make him believe all this dren.why not, if it would ensure John kept his end of the deal? John turned away not knowing what to believe. His memory was so distorted, only filled with pain and flashes of what had happened. He couldn't even trust his own thoughts anymore.
Ignoring Scorpius' annoyed look, John sighed, and began limping to the other side of the room, trying desperately to calm his raging mind. His slow progress was interrupted as he suddenly found himself thrown off his feet, and sailing across the room.
Scorpius, Braca and Sikozu, were thrown forward, falling into the far wall. "It has started. Time is of the essence now," Scorpius said, righting himself. He saw Crichton against the wall, not moving.
"Sikozu, please attend to Crichton. We must leave immediately," Scorpius said, grabbing Braca who was trying to flee.
Sikozu checked on John, hearing Scorpius admonish Braca. Pulling Braca by his vest, Scorpius said angrily, "Don't test me Braca! I will. do as promised!"
Braca shrunk away from Scorpius, knowing he was true to his word. He had witnessed it many times before.
xxxxx
"There you are Officer Sun! Where is Crichton?" Grayza demanded, looking towards the shackles. "I told you I wanted him here when I returned!"
The look on Aeryn's face was cold. " John will never suffer at your hands again," she replied in a deadly voice. "You are supposed to be a peacekeeper! When did your tactics become a part of their philosophy?"
Grayza was burning with rage. "Who are you to question me and peacekeeper tactics? You are the traitor remember? I will not justify myself to you!" Grayza spat back. "You will be sorry for this Officer Sun!"
"I think not, Commandant!" Aeryn shouted as she swept Grayza's legs out from under her. "You will pay for every abuse you subjected John to!"
Grayza was stunned momentarily, slow getting to her feet. Standing erect she said, "So this is how we will end it, Officer Sun. Then so be it!" Like a cat she struck quickly, sending Aeryn reeling.
This only made Aeryn sharper. She now had a better feel of her opponent's knowledge in combat.
Aeryn's next move was diverted as the carrier rocked, knocking both of them to the ground. Aeryn recovered quickly understanding it was Scorpius' work. Aeryn could see a microt of fear on Grayza's face, as the commandant reached for her comm. Without hesitation, Aeryn grabbed the device, throwing it across Grayza's quarters.
"Not this time. It's just you and me!"
The look on Aeryn's face reminded Grayza she was dealing with a dangerous person. The two stared at each other for a microt, both attacking at the same time. They were now locked into hand-to-hand combat.
xxxxx
Sikozu helped John to his feet. "I'll help John to D'Argo's vessel. What are you going to do with him?" Sikozu asked, motioning to Braca.
Scorpius bowed his head slightly, "Nothing for you to concern yourself with. It will only take me a few microts to take care of this.Sebacean," he replied, wishing he could see the results of his plan. He knew the consequences would be dire for Braca, but he would only be able to imagine them.
"I will notify D'Argo we are ready. The landing bay should be clear," Scorpius said as another jolt rocked the ship. Sikozu had done her job well, he thought. "Take John. I will join you shortly."
"No!" John stated, holding onto Sikozu. "I can't. leave Aeryn behind. I thought about what y.you said, Scorpius." John dropped his head, trying to hide the torment he knew his eyes displayed.
They could see John was struggling with his own thoughts, as he continued. "I can't leave here like this.without knowing, without her."
Scorpius considered John's words. "I made Aeryn Sun a promise, John, and I will stay true to it. You will leave this ship for the safety of Moya."
"Not without Aeryn," John stated. "I can't."
Scorpius nodded with a sigh. "Go with Sikozu."
Scorpius commed D'Argo before he left with Braca, "Ka D'Argo, the diversion has started on the carrier. We should be ready to depart soon."
xxxxx
The soldiers were checking all the consoles, confused by what was causing the ship's propulsion to shut down. The situation was only getting worse as the ship started to rock from side to side, sending the peacekeepers violently through the air.
The Sergeant could see now they wouldn't find the answer in command. " You two. I need you to check all the propulsion units immediately!"
The soldiers did as they were ordered, heading for the electrical closet.
xxxxx
Aeryn had her arm wrapped around Grayza's neck, pulling back hard. Grayza was gasping for breath. It was getting more and more difficult to take in air as the pressure increased against her throat. Seeing the black start to come across her eyes, Grayza fought Aeryn harder. She sent an elbow to her midsection causing Aeryn to release her grip and gasp.
Grayza took advantage of this momentary lapse and kicked Aeryn across her chest sending her crashing into the dressing curtain. Lying on the ground, trying to catch her breath, Aeryn saw an object glimmer in the sparse light. Reaching for it she enclosed it in her hand.
Grayza stood there triumphantly. "Have you had enough Officer? You really didn't think you could defeat me did you?" Grayza smiled, sure in her superiority over the traitor.
Aeryn, slowly rose to her feet. Grayza's words only sent more rage coursing through her body. She could feel the adrenaline rise, giving her the strength needed to defeat this evil. More determined than ever, Aeryn walked steadily towards Grayza, intent on wiping the smile off her face once and for all. She gripped the object tighter in her hand as she neared Grayza.
"Are we finished, Officer Sun?" Grayza asked, watching her every move.
Aeryn stood before her. "Almost." Aeryn spoke calmly as she raised her hand and brought the sharp metal down hard on Grayza's shoulder.
Grayza howled out in pain, grabbing her arm. Aeryn slapped her across the face and then brought her leg up and sent a devastating blow to her mid section. Grayza fell back into the wall. Aeryn couldn't stop now. She pinned Grayza against the wall, and started beating her senseless, yelling at the same time. "This is for everything you took from John and the torment you caused him! This is for the Aurora Chair! And this," Aeryn stated, slamming Grayza's head against the wall, "is for causing John to doubt me!"
Grayza slumped to the floor unconscious. Aeryn stood over her breathing heavily, feeling the adrenalin ebb away.
"Are you through Officer Sun?" Scorpius asked, watching with Braca by his side. "I presumed you would not allow her to live."
Aeryn turned slowly, breathing easier, feeling some closure now. Looking up at Scorpius she stated, "I've done what I intended to do."
"Whatever as you wish, Officer Sun. It's your choice," Scorpius replied, pushing Braca towards the shackles.
Braca felt the transition quite clearly, as he suddenly saw what Scorpius intended. The panic of uncertainty was drowned violently as the panic of understanding tore through his veins. He fought to suppress the bile rising in his throat, fought to hide the terror he knew was flooding his eyes. Torn between self-preservation and shame, Braca bit his tongue until he tasted only the bitterness of his own blood, his voice struggling to beg Scorpius' forgiveness, even to beg passage with the hybrid. Braca couldn't even fathom what Grayza would do to him once she regained consciousness and found her Captain had allowed the escape of prisoners who had humiliated and beaten her.
Scorpius flashed Braca a chilling smile. "A fitting punishment, don't you think?" He leaned closer, until he could feel the Captain's vain attempts to control his shaking. With his lips almost touching the Sebacean's ear, Scorpius whispered, "My only regret is that I won't be here to witness your torture."
Aeryn smiled slightly understanding now that Scorpius had this planned all along. How ingenious and fitting. Aeryn was impressed by his devious mind.
Scorpius locked Braca in the manacles and bound his mouth to prevent him from calling for help.
Watching Braca squirm, Scorpius commed D'Argo, "We are on our way Ka D'Argo. Sikozu and Crichton should already be there. He closed the communication and turned to Aeryn. " Shall we join the others Officer Sun?"
With one last glance at Grayza, Aeryn said, "Now we are finished." The two set out for the bay running, knowing their time was running out.
xxxxx
John walked into the landing bay on his own. He appreciated Sikozu's help, but he wanted to greet his friends walking by himself. The weakness in his legs was still there, but it wasn't as bad as before.
Since being on the Command Carrier, Sikozu had learned the value of always having a pulse pistol, aiming hers, and scanning the bay. She didn't think there would be any soldiers around the ships with all the activity over the failed engines, but she couldn't take that chance. Sikozu relaxed her grip on the weapon when she was sure they were alone.
John and Sikozu stood side by side, watching D'Argo's vessel enter the carrier's bay. The first one off the ship was Chiana. She laughed happily when she saw John standing before her. Chiana ran to him, almost knocking him over when she embraced him.
"Whoa there Pip," John said, trying to steady himself. "How about taking it easy!" Chiana laughed still hugging him.
D'Argo rolled his eyes at Chiana. Looking down at John he said, "It's good to see you alive my friend. When Chiana came back to Moya with her. stories, I wasn't sure if you would survive."
John winced slightly. He was sure Chiana had told D'Argo everything, including the part about Grayza. John pulled Chiana's arms away. "I need to sit down for a microt," John said, his voice flat, lowering himself to the floor.
D'Argo and Chiana noticed the sudden change in John. Chiana attempted to sit next to John, only to be stopped by his hand on her arm.
"Hey Pip, need a little space here. Ok?"
Chiana looked at D'Argo. His eyes told her to honor his request.
Chiana tried not to change the tone of her voice, keeping the smile on her face. "No problem old man. I'll be here if you need me."
"Sikozu, how long before Aeryn and Scorpius arrive?" D'Argo asked, searching the room. "We need to leave before my ship is detected."
"They should be here any microt now. How long ago did Scorpius comm you?" Sikozu asked, watching the human, wondering if he was withdrawing again. They couldn't afford for John to fall apart.
"It was only a few microts ago," D'Argo replied, feeling the violent lurch of the carrier.
They all grabbed onto something, trying to stay upright.
"What in hezmana was that?" D'Argo asked.
"That was the diversion I created so you could land," Sikozu replied with a smirk on her face.
D'Argo's patience was wearing thin waiting for Aeryn and Scorpius. He thought the plan was to land on the ship and get off quickly. D'Argo hadn't planned on any delays. The idea of being on another peacekeeper carrier made him nervous.
xxxxx
The peacekeeper soldiers were working diligently in the electrical closet, pulling circuit after circuit. Their frustration was starting to set in, as each of the panels they had pulled were intact.
Pulling the last panel, the soldiers sucked in their breath. They felt stupid now, wishing they had pulled this one first. The sabotage was simple, but the timing had to be exact or they would have felt a lurch in the ship when the wires were pulled and attached to the burn timer.
The head technician commed command, "Sergeant we've found the problem! This could only have been done by someone who is familiar with this type of ship!"
"Scorpius!" The Sergeant remembered Grayza had warned him, but he hadn't taken her seriously then. "How soon before it's fixed?"
"Give us five microts, sir! We need to remove the burn ring and splice the wires back to their original location."
"I will expect full propulsion in five microts!"
The Sergeant commed Commandant Grayza, "Ma'am, we should have full control of the ship in five microts." Getting no response from Grayza, the Sergeant sent several soldiers to her quarters.
xxxxx
D'Argo saw them first. He felt his heart lift as Aeryn stepped into the landing bay. As Scorpius entered alongside her, he growled softly, seeing the hybrid was still with them. "I thought we were going to have to leave without you."
Only D'Argo's words made John realize Aeryn was in the room. He turned slowly, seeing her standing amongst the others, Scorpius by her side. His heart went out to her - he wanted to grab her and embrace her with all his love. The dull ache in his heart grew to an almost unbearable agony as he realized he still wasn't sure where she stood in the equation.
Scorpius began issuing the orders in a hurried voice. "We must leave now! It won't be long before the peacekeepers try to stop us! The diversion was just temporary. I am sure they have figured it out by now!"
D'Argo shouted, " Everyone board the ship! We have no time to waste if we expect to leave here safely!"
Everyone moved quickly towards D'Argo's ship except John. Chiana held her hand out to him, expecting him to take it. "Come on Crichton, it's time to go!"
John hesitated. He had been nothing but a crux to the rest of the crew. Maybe they would be better off without him. At least if he stayed behind Grayza would stop hunting the Leviathan and leave them in peace. He knew his mind was already frelled beyond repair. Perhaps this was the best thing he could ever give them, somehow making his meager existence worthwhile. It would be his final gift to them. John denied Chiana's hand, wrapping himself in his arms, turning his eyes away from hers.
"Just go Chiana," John said, staring at nothing. "Grayza doesn't want any of you, just me. You have a better chance without me!"
Chiana looked to the others. They all heard his statement and moved towards John. Aeryn motioned for all of them including Chiana to board the ship.
Aeryn sat beside John. "You know I'm not going anywhere without you. If you decide to stay here so will I," Aeryn said, trying to gauge his reaction.
"No Aeryn! Get aboard the ship and forget you ever met John Crichton. You'll be better off that way!" John replied irritated, wishing she had just left him alone. His decision was painful enough without her adding to it.
"No, you are wrong. If it weren't for John Crichton I would never be what I am today. Right now you don't know whether you can trust me. I understand. So much has happened, at least give me the chance to help you sort through this. Staying here is not the answer, John."
John looked at Aeryn. She could see the despair in his eyes, along with the guilt that haunted him. Aeryn wanted to hold him tightly and tell him it was all right, but she knew he wasn't ready yet.
Aeryn stood, holding out her hand to John. "Please come with us, John. Let me help you."
John looked confused, battling himself and the words he was hearing. He wanted to take her hand, but he couldn't bear being confused with the other Crichton.
"I am me, Aeryn," John said in a painful voice. "I'm not him."
"I know who you are John. The confusion ended long ago," Aeryn replied, her hand still extended.
John reached up and took the hand of the one he loved so dearly. They walked to the ship together and boarded the vessel.
Aeryn settled in the seat next to D'Argo, while John moved further into the ship to sit by himself. D'Argo was doing a systems check when he heard Chiana.
"Peacekeepers! Hurry D'Argo!"
As D'Argo fired up his engines, he could see the landing bay filling with the soldiers.
"Hold on. This is going to be rough," D'Argo, shouted over the roar of the engines. The vessel shook as D'Argo set the throttle to full power. He knew it was too soon, but there was no other choice.
The ship responded, clearing the bay doors and entering open space.
The Sergeant stared as the vessel flew out of the bay, wishing he didn't have to be the one to inform Grayza. "Frell!" He said to himself, walking out of the bay.