The Price Part 9
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 reading!
The peacekeeper soldiers reached Grayza's quarters. They found her unconscious and Braca hanging from the manacles. Upon their entry Braca began making loud noises through the binding over his mouth. The two soldiers separated quickly to assist their superiors.
Braca began spewing curses at the soldier's incompetence as the gag was removed and he was released from the shackles. Through his Captain's ranting on the soldiers' stupidity and slowness in attending to their superior officers, the soldier finally got a name - Scorpius.
The soldier tending to Grayza finally succeeded in rousing her, only to hold Grayza still, seeing the blood running down the commandant's arm. "Ma'am, you've been injured. I'll call for a med tech immediately."
"Get away from me," Grayza replied angrily, pushing the soldier out of her way. She rose unsteadily to her feet, looking down at her arm. She reached for a section of what was once her dressing curtain and wrapped the cloth around the wound.
Grayza's cold glare met Braca's suddenly silent form, and she stomped across the room to stand directly in front of him. Grayza pulled back and hit him hard across the face, the force of the blow flinging his head to the side. Braca bit back a wince, and managed to keep from reaching a hand up to massage the offended cheek.
"Ma'am, if I may, Captain Braca was."
Grayza held up her hand and the soldier went silent. "No you may not," Grayza replied. Turning towards them, her eyes burning in anger, she barked, "Send the Sergeant to me and get out!"
Grayza turned back to Braca, motioning to the shackles, her eyes locked on the Captain. "I believe you were about to explain this?"
Braca found himself unable to stop a slight step backward. He swallowed hard. "Scorpius." he began.
Grayza stared incredulously at her Captain before breaking into a demeaning chuckle. "Scorpius?" She repeated, her still icy eyes never wavering. "Captain, if Scorpius had been involved, I would not be questioning you alive. You expect me to understand that your former commander let you live?" Grayza moved to close the distance Braca had put between them, when the Sergeant entered.
With a hurried snap to attention, the Sergeant reported, "Ma'am, the prisoners have escaped!"
Before Grayza could respond, a message from command was sent to the Sergeant's comm.
"Sergeant we are receiving a communication from the escaped vessel. We think you should hear this!"
"We are on our way," Grayza replied hurriedly, her steely glare issuing the order for Braca and the Sergeant to follow her to command.
The Sergeant was secretly grateful for the interruption. Whatever punishment Grayza had in mind for him would at least be postponed for a while.
xxxxx
D'Argo and Aeryn were carefully monitoring the ship after its rough departure from the carrier. D'Argo was pleased with the way the ship was responding now. It was difficult at first to get it under control, but between Aeryn and himself, they had finally managed to slow the vessel enough to maneuver smoothly.
"Do you think there are going to be any problems with the engines D'Argo?" Aeryn asked.
"So far so good, Aeryn. I think we'll be all right until we get back to Moya. Once there I'll check her out thoroughly," D'Argo replied, sighing.
The rest of the crew had finally settled down. No one had been injured in the escape, everyone counting themselves lucky on that point.
Chiana was sitting with John in silence. She had tried to get him to talk, but John made it clear he only wanted to think. She sat patiently and waited in case he changed his mind.
Scorpius and Sikozu were in deep conversation about Command Carriers. She was amazed that there was so much Scorpius could tell her on the technical side that she didn't already know. It was clear that Sikozu had a lot of questions for him, but Scorpius was tiring of them.
"Sikozu, I would prefer to continue this stimulating conversation onboard Moya. There is something I need to discuss with John," Scorpius said, rising from his seat. "I will have Chiana come talk to you."
Sikozu rolled her eyes at the mere thought of Chiana and sighed.
Scorpius stood over Chiana's seat. Looking up at him she said, "What do you want Scorpius?"
"Just a moment with Crichton.alone," Scorpius replied, focusing on John. Chiana looked at John, posing the question with her eyes. John hesitantly nodded in agreement. He knew the time would come sooner or later.
Scorpius settled into the vacant seat. John turned his head away and pulled the blanket tighter around him. He really didn't want to talk about anything. John was still trying to sort everything in his head, needing to remember as much as he could. He wanted to separate the truth from fiction in order to put his mind back into some semblance of sanity. What he needed was solitude, but he could see that was out of the question.
"What do you want Scorpy?" John asked, in a flat voice, still staring away.
"We need to talk.John, " Scorpius replied in all seriousness.
John knew what Scorpius wanted, but he didn't know if he could handle it. Right now he needed to deal with what had just happened, he didn't need anything new to cloud his mind. "How about later. I'm just not in the mood, Scorpy," John replied, trying to bring the sarcasm back into his voice. 'Did it always have to be one thing after another?'
Scorpius ignored John's protest as he continued, " I've done what I said I would do. Aeryn's cured," Scorpius replied. Seeing the surprised look on John's face, he continued, "Of course you didn't know John. You were with.Grayza. when I administered the medication. I have been observing Aeryn and she seems to have made a full recovery."
Scorpius finally got the reaction he had been waiting to see.
John bolted upright in his seat, hurling the blanket aside. "Why the hell didn't anyone tell me? Let's just keep the human in the dark again!" John was raging, but again, didn't understand why. He was overjoyed to hear that Aeryn was healthy, but couldn't believe she hadn't told him herself.
"John, please calm yourself. There was no time to tell you anything. Remember, we rescued you and had to leave the ship immediately," Scorpius stated, trying to stir his memories.
John could see the logic in Scorpius' answer, but there was only one way he would believe it. He had to hear it from Aeryn.
"Aeryn," John shouted, pulling himself to his feet. "Is it true Scorpius injected you with the cure?"
Aeryn turned, and looked over her shoulder. She hadn't realized Scorpius was with John, now knowing the reason for the question. Aeryn looked at Scorpius coldly. "Couldn't you have waited?"
Scorpius shrugged off her question. It was of no consequence to him anymore. He would finally get what he wanted.
"Just answer the question, Aeryn," John said, lowering his voice, not meaning to get angry with her. "Please."
"Yes, John. I'm cured." Aeryn replied. Seeing the hurt in his face, she tried to explain with her eyes that there just hadn't been time to tell him.
John nodded, the hurt still there, as he dropped back into his seat. He leaned back, wishing the half-breed would just go away.
"Satisfied?" Scorpius asked leering.
"So what now?" John asked, his voice completely devoid of emotion. "Time to let you frell with my mind?"
Scorpius leered. "It will take us two solar days to get to the planet I spoke of. You have until then to take care of any.needs." Scorpius rose from the seat leaving John to his own thoughts.
John reached for the blanket pulling it tight around him. It gave him a sense of security. As false as that sense may have been, it was the only thing he had at the moment. He chuckled to himself, as he felt the tears slip down his cheeks. 'Screwed again,' he thought to himself, his mind begging for sleep.
Aeryn and D'Argo were surprised when Scorpius approached the console. "What is it?" D'Argo asked bluntly.
"I have one more transmission to send to the Command Carrier, Ka D'Argo. My last gift to Braca," Scorpius replied, relishing the moment.
"He will have to do without it," D'Argo insisted, not wanting anymore trouble.
"Trust me Ka D'Argo. They will not be able to trace the communication," Scorpius stated.
D'Argo looked to Aeryn for guidance.
"Let him, D'Argo. We owe him that at least," Aeryn replied, coldly, purposely looking away from him.
D'Argo growled, handing Scorpius the comm.
Scorpius' expression melted into the easy signature of evil. "Captain Braca, this is Scorpius. I wish to commend you for the loyalty you displayed in helping us escape from Commandant Grayza's carrier. You can be sure I will reward you for it some day." He merely smiled as he finished the communication.
Aeryn glared at Scorpius, now understanding his full plan for Braca. Even she could not imagine what Grayza would do to the Captain now. Biting her tongue hard to keep her raging thoughts in check, she swung her head back to the console.
"I told you before, Officer Sun. I am a peacekeeper! We don't leave our enemies alive!"
D'Argo turned away in disgust.
xxxxx
Grayza entered command with Braca and the Sergeant trailing behind her.
"The communication! I want to hear it now!" Grayza ordered, staring at the screen.
"Yes Ma'am. Transmission coming in now!" The tech stated.
All of command fixed their eyes on Scorpius as he delivered his message. Grayza turned swiftly on Braca.
"Do you wish to explain this now Captain, or do you want to continue thinking that I am a fool?!"
Braca drew himself up, in what he knew would be his final act as Captain. Swallowing hard, he found his voice. "Commandant, you know my loyalty is only to you!" He asserted.
Braca's eyes moved from staring straight ahead, to Grayza's face as she approached him. He fought to keep his face an impressive mask, but his stomach was turning, his heart was beating wildly as he saw the fierce anger he knew so well. How could he have expected Grayza to believe him? Even to himself, he sounded like a fool.
"We shall see about your loyalty Captain," Grayza said slowly. She turned to the Sergeant, snapping her order. "Take him to the Aurora Chair!"
Braca suppressed a shudder. It seemed so long ago that he had been watching John Crichton suffer the effects of the chair. As his future came crashing down upon him, Braca could hear his own words coming back to haunt him. 'You'll find out what obedience means.'
Braca had to look away at Grayza's knowing smile. It was if she had seen right through into his thoughts and confirmed his worst fears.
xxxxx
Rygel and Noranti greeted the crew as they disembarked from D'Argo's ship.
"Did everything go alright on Moya, Rygel?" D'Argo asked, eyeing him sharply, already disbelieving whatever response the Hynerion was about to give.
"Of course, D'Argo. Did you think I couldn't handle things here?" Rygel asked disdainfully. "Ask Moya if you don't believe me!"
"I plan to. I'm on my way now," D'Argo replied in a hurried voice, leaving the maintenance bay.
"Frelling Luxan!" Rygel mumbled under his voice.
Noranti hovered over John like a mother hen. " You look terrible, Crichton! I think we'd better get you to your quarters. Sleep is what you need!" Noranti hadn't noticed John's lack of response, as she continued. "Did my little friends help you with Grayza?"
John stiffened at the mention of Grayza's name, his eyes growing cold and empty. Noranti noticed the change in his body as she looked into his face. She carefully put a hand on both sides of his head and looked him deeply in the eyes. "More pain I see. You didn't use them."
John pried himself loose from Noranti's grasp and staggered back. "Granny I.I've had enough for.one day," John said trying to control his emotions. " I'll be in my quarters."
Chiana went over to Noranti, watching John leave. "What's with you old lady? Why can't you just leave him the frell alone!" Chiana started to follow John, but could see Aeryn was already ahead of her.
Chiana intended to stop Aeryn, but Rygel hovered his throne sled in front of her. "Let her go to him. I think the time has come when they might need each other now."
"But Ryg." Chiana started, only to be cut off by Scorpius.
"Chiana, I think you should listen to the Hynerion. After all. their time together will end soon," Scorpius stated.
Chiana, Rygel and Sikozu stared up at Scorpius. "What are you trying to say, Scorpius?" Rygel asked, the distrust clear in his tone.
Scorpius replied with feigned surprise, "Surely you didn't forget our deal."
xxxxx
D'Argo was doing a systems check in command when Scorpius entered. D'Argo saw him out of the corner of his eye, but continued with his work.
Scorpius spoke realizing the Luxan wasn't going to acknowledge him. "Ka D'Argo, have you set the Leviathan on course for the planet? I estimate it will take two solar days," Scorpius said, his arms folded behind his back.
D'Argo straightened, turning to him. "I will not let you do this Scorpius!"
"Ah. I see," Scorpius replied, leering. "I really don't think you have anything to say about it. It was a deal between John and myself. You are not involved."
"John is my friend! He only agreed to your demands to save Aeryn and you know it," the Luxan growled deeply. "If you take him, he will die and you will never get what you want!"
"Perhaps, D'Argo, but I'm willing to take that chance," Scorpius replied, flashing a smile of sure victory.
"You are a fool Scorpius - look at him! John couldn't help you now even if he wanted to!" D'Argo realized he was shouting and lowered his voice, attempting to regain control. "It may take monens to reverse this damage."
Scorpius was silent for a few microts, raising D'Argo's hopes.
"Set the course, D'Argo," Scorpius stated leaving command.
"Frell!" D'Argo shouted slamming his fist into the wall.
xxxxx
John finally found the solitude he so desperately needed. He looked around the room, taking in every part of what he called home. John breathed in deeply trying to clear his mind. He slowly moved towards the water closet, grabbing some fresh underclothes along the way. A shower and clean clothes would make him feel somewhat human again.
John's aching muscles protested as he tried to disrobe. The lacerations on his back from the beating Braca had subjected him to had melted into the shirt. Alternating between gasps and low curses, John managed to separate flesh from fabric. Holding the tattered remains of another battle he didn't need, John tossed the shirt into the trash bin.
The shower was hot, his body relaxing under the flowing water. It was the best he had felt in days and he only wanted to embrace it, take it in and never let it go. The only thing he had to look forward to now was Scorpius. The hybrid was the last thing he wanted to think about, and he tried desperately to push that nightmare away.
John's thoughts turned to Aeryn, the only happiness he could manage in his distorted mind. He remembered she had held her hand out to him and said the words he wanted so desperately to hear. John crouched in the corner of the shower as he relived that moment. It was all he ever wanted from Aeryn. She was the anchor of his soul, the one thing that kept him strong.
John knew Aeryn hadn't betrayed him as those bits and pieces came together. In order for her plan to work Aeryn had to make sure Grayza believed her. 'What a fool I was,' John thought to himself. Aeryn had done what she had to do to protect everyone, including him. She had saved his ass and despite everything else he was grateful.
John's mind was jolted from its peaceful haven, and thrown back into his many nightmares, Grayza and his own betrayal. He rubbed his temples hard trying to push them away, but the memories kept persisting. John had never told any of their secrets, but this time he did, endangering all his friends. Even when Scorpius had tortured him he had never told him anything. This time he had weakened and gave her what she asked. He was nothing but a liability to them now. How could he stay on Moya knowing what he'd done?
John pulled himself to his feet, and stepped out of the shower. Feeling the tears start he brushed them away quickly, mumbling, "I'm sorry."
xxxxx
Aeryn heard the shower running as she entered John's quarters. She patiently waited for him to emerge. As the microts passed and John didn't come out, Aeryn became concerned. She ventured carefully, not wanting to intrude on his privacy.
Hearing the water stop flowing, Aeryn spoke. "John. is everything all right?"
Still getting no response, Aeryn entered the water closet. "John?" She asked, waiting for a response.
John was in his own hell private hell, walled in by the repeated memories of pain and betrayal. His eyes stared right through Aeryn, his face pale, emotionless, as he mumbled "I'm sorry" over and over, as if the mantra could make the wall disappear and reveal his relief, the woman standing right in front of him.
Aeryn's heart ached, watching the man she loved being torn down to nothing but a broken shell. She went to John and embraced him tightly, leading him to the room.
Aeryn sat him on the bed and fell to her knees, taking his face in her hands. Staring into John's eyes she said, "Listen to me John Crichton! I have finally gotten you back and I won't let you go again! Do you hear me? We'll fight this together."
John lifted his eyes and focused on Aeryn. He grabbed her in his arms and embraced her. The memories still gripped him as the tears slid down his cheeks. John finally managed to find his voice. "Y..you.j.just don't know.babe. I.I."
Aeryn put her hand lightly on his lips. "Shh, John. I know enough, and I'll be with you. Come on John, you need sleep now," She said, helping him into bed.
Aeryn held him until he fell asleep. She called Chiana to his room in case he woke up while she was away.
Aeryn had a new mission as she left John in the safety of Chiana.
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 reading!
The peacekeeper soldiers reached Grayza's quarters. They found her unconscious and Braca hanging from the manacles. Upon their entry Braca began making loud noises through the binding over his mouth. The two soldiers separated quickly to assist their superiors.
Braca began spewing curses at the soldier's incompetence as the gag was removed and he was released from the shackles. Through his Captain's ranting on the soldiers' stupidity and slowness in attending to their superior officers, the soldier finally got a name - Scorpius.
The soldier tending to Grayza finally succeeded in rousing her, only to hold Grayza still, seeing the blood running down the commandant's arm. "Ma'am, you've been injured. I'll call for a med tech immediately."
"Get away from me," Grayza replied angrily, pushing the soldier out of her way. She rose unsteadily to her feet, looking down at her arm. She reached for a section of what was once her dressing curtain and wrapped the cloth around the wound.
Grayza's cold glare met Braca's suddenly silent form, and she stomped across the room to stand directly in front of him. Grayza pulled back and hit him hard across the face, the force of the blow flinging his head to the side. Braca bit back a wince, and managed to keep from reaching a hand up to massage the offended cheek.
"Ma'am, if I may, Captain Braca was."
Grayza held up her hand and the soldier went silent. "No you may not," Grayza replied. Turning towards them, her eyes burning in anger, she barked, "Send the Sergeant to me and get out!"
Grayza turned back to Braca, motioning to the shackles, her eyes locked on the Captain. "I believe you were about to explain this?"
Braca found himself unable to stop a slight step backward. He swallowed hard. "Scorpius." he began.
Grayza stared incredulously at her Captain before breaking into a demeaning chuckle. "Scorpius?" She repeated, her still icy eyes never wavering. "Captain, if Scorpius had been involved, I would not be questioning you alive. You expect me to understand that your former commander let you live?" Grayza moved to close the distance Braca had put between them, when the Sergeant entered.
With a hurried snap to attention, the Sergeant reported, "Ma'am, the prisoners have escaped!"
Before Grayza could respond, a message from command was sent to the Sergeant's comm.
"Sergeant we are receiving a communication from the escaped vessel. We think you should hear this!"
"We are on our way," Grayza replied hurriedly, her steely glare issuing the order for Braca and the Sergeant to follow her to command.
The Sergeant was secretly grateful for the interruption. Whatever punishment Grayza had in mind for him would at least be postponed for a while.
xxxxx
D'Argo and Aeryn were carefully monitoring the ship after its rough departure from the carrier. D'Argo was pleased with the way the ship was responding now. It was difficult at first to get it under control, but between Aeryn and himself, they had finally managed to slow the vessel enough to maneuver smoothly.
"Do you think there are going to be any problems with the engines D'Argo?" Aeryn asked.
"So far so good, Aeryn. I think we'll be all right until we get back to Moya. Once there I'll check her out thoroughly," D'Argo replied, sighing.
The rest of the crew had finally settled down. No one had been injured in the escape, everyone counting themselves lucky on that point.
Chiana was sitting with John in silence. She had tried to get him to talk, but John made it clear he only wanted to think. She sat patiently and waited in case he changed his mind.
Scorpius and Sikozu were in deep conversation about Command Carriers. She was amazed that there was so much Scorpius could tell her on the technical side that she didn't already know. It was clear that Sikozu had a lot of questions for him, but Scorpius was tiring of them.
"Sikozu, I would prefer to continue this stimulating conversation onboard Moya. There is something I need to discuss with John," Scorpius said, rising from his seat. "I will have Chiana come talk to you."
Sikozu rolled her eyes at the mere thought of Chiana and sighed.
Scorpius stood over Chiana's seat. Looking up at him she said, "What do you want Scorpius?"
"Just a moment with Crichton.alone," Scorpius replied, focusing on John. Chiana looked at John, posing the question with her eyes. John hesitantly nodded in agreement. He knew the time would come sooner or later.
Scorpius settled into the vacant seat. John turned his head away and pulled the blanket tighter around him. He really didn't want to talk about anything. John was still trying to sort everything in his head, needing to remember as much as he could. He wanted to separate the truth from fiction in order to put his mind back into some semblance of sanity. What he needed was solitude, but he could see that was out of the question.
"What do you want Scorpy?" John asked, in a flat voice, still staring away.
"We need to talk.John, " Scorpius replied in all seriousness.
John knew what Scorpius wanted, but he didn't know if he could handle it. Right now he needed to deal with what had just happened, he didn't need anything new to cloud his mind. "How about later. I'm just not in the mood, Scorpy," John replied, trying to bring the sarcasm back into his voice. 'Did it always have to be one thing after another?'
Scorpius ignored John's protest as he continued, " I've done what I said I would do. Aeryn's cured," Scorpius replied. Seeing the surprised look on John's face, he continued, "Of course you didn't know John. You were with.Grayza. when I administered the medication. I have been observing Aeryn and she seems to have made a full recovery."
Scorpius finally got the reaction he had been waiting to see.
John bolted upright in his seat, hurling the blanket aside. "Why the hell didn't anyone tell me? Let's just keep the human in the dark again!" John was raging, but again, didn't understand why. He was overjoyed to hear that Aeryn was healthy, but couldn't believe she hadn't told him herself.
"John, please calm yourself. There was no time to tell you anything. Remember, we rescued you and had to leave the ship immediately," Scorpius stated, trying to stir his memories.
John could see the logic in Scorpius' answer, but there was only one way he would believe it. He had to hear it from Aeryn.
"Aeryn," John shouted, pulling himself to his feet. "Is it true Scorpius injected you with the cure?"
Aeryn turned, and looked over her shoulder. She hadn't realized Scorpius was with John, now knowing the reason for the question. Aeryn looked at Scorpius coldly. "Couldn't you have waited?"
Scorpius shrugged off her question. It was of no consequence to him anymore. He would finally get what he wanted.
"Just answer the question, Aeryn," John said, lowering his voice, not meaning to get angry with her. "Please."
"Yes, John. I'm cured." Aeryn replied. Seeing the hurt in his face, she tried to explain with her eyes that there just hadn't been time to tell him.
John nodded, the hurt still there, as he dropped back into his seat. He leaned back, wishing the half-breed would just go away.
"Satisfied?" Scorpius asked leering.
"So what now?" John asked, his voice completely devoid of emotion. "Time to let you frell with my mind?"
Scorpius leered. "It will take us two solar days to get to the planet I spoke of. You have until then to take care of any.needs." Scorpius rose from the seat leaving John to his own thoughts.
John reached for the blanket pulling it tight around him. It gave him a sense of security. As false as that sense may have been, it was the only thing he had at the moment. He chuckled to himself, as he felt the tears slip down his cheeks. 'Screwed again,' he thought to himself, his mind begging for sleep.
Aeryn and D'Argo were surprised when Scorpius approached the console. "What is it?" D'Argo asked bluntly.
"I have one more transmission to send to the Command Carrier, Ka D'Argo. My last gift to Braca," Scorpius replied, relishing the moment.
"He will have to do without it," D'Argo insisted, not wanting anymore trouble.
"Trust me Ka D'Argo. They will not be able to trace the communication," Scorpius stated.
D'Argo looked to Aeryn for guidance.
"Let him, D'Argo. We owe him that at least," Aeryn replied, coldly, purposely looking away from him.
D'Argo growled, handing Scorpius the comm.
Scorpius' expression melted into the easy signature of evil. "Captain Braca, this is Scorpius. I wish to commend you for the loyalty you displayed in helping us escape from Commandant Grayza's carrier. You can be sure I will reward you for it some day." He merely smiled as he finished the communication.
Aeryn glared at Scorpius, now understanding his full plan for Braca. Even she could not imagine what Grayza would do to the Captain now. Biting her tongue hard to keep her raging thoughts in check, she swung her head back to the console.
"I told you before, Officer Sun. I am a peacekeeper! We don't leave our enemies alive!"
D'Argo turned away in disgust.
xxxxx
Grayza entered command with Braca and the Sergeant trailing behind her.
"The communication! I want to hear it now!" Grayza ordered, staring at the screen.
"Yes Ma'am. Transmission coming in now!" The tech stated.
All of command fixed their eyes on Scorpius as he delivered his message. Grayza turned swiftly on Braca.
"Do you wish to explain this now Captain, or do you want to continue thinking that I am a fool?!"
Braca drew himself up, in what he knew would be his final act as Captain. Swallowing hard, he found his voice. "Commandant, you know my loyalty is only to you!" He asserted.
Braca's eyes moved from staring straight ahead, to Grayza's face as she approached him. He fought to keep his face an impressive mask, but his stomach was turning, his heart was beating wildly as he saw the fierce anger he knew so well. How could he have expected Grayza to believe him? Even to himself, he sounded like a fool.
"We shall see about your loyalty Captain," Grayza said slowly. She turned to the Sergeant, snapping her order. "Take him to the Aurora Chair!"
Braca suppressed a shudder. It seemed so long ago that he had been watching John Crichton suffer the effects of the chair. As his future came crashing down upon him, Braca could hear his own words coming back to haunt him. 'You'll find out what obedience means.'
Braca had to look away at Grayza's knowing smile. It was if she had seen right through into his thoughts and confirmed his worst fears.
xxxxx
Rygel and Noranti greeted the crew as they disembarked from D'Argo's ship.
"Did everything go alright on Moya, Rygel?" D'Argo asked, eyeing him sharply, already disbelieving whatever response the Hynerion was about to give.
"Of course, D'Argo. Did you think I couldn't handle things here?" Rygel asked disdainfully. "Ask Moya if you don't believe me!"
"I plan to. I'm on my way now," D'Argo replied in a hurried voice, leaving the maintenance bay.
"Frelling Luxan!" Rygel mumbled under his voice.
Noranti hovered over John like a mother hen. " You look terrible, Crichton! I think we'd better get you to your quarters. Sleep is what you need!" Noranti hadn't noticed John's lack of response, as she continued. "Did my little friends help you with Grayza?"
John stiffened at the mention of Grayza's name, his eyes growing cold and empty. Noranti noticed the change in his body as she looked into his face. She carefully put a hand on both sides of his head and looked him deeply in the eyes. "More pain I see. You didn't use them."
John pried himself loose from Noranti's grasp and staggered back. "Granny I.I've had enough for.one day," John said trying to control his emotions. " I'll be in my quarters."
Chiana went over to Noranti, watching John leave. "What's with you old lady? Why can't you just leave him the frell alone!" Chiana started to follow John, but could see Aeryn was already ahead of her.
Chiana intended to stop Aeryn, but Rygel hovered his throne sled in front of her. "Let her go to him. I think the time has come when they might need each other now."
"But Ryg." Chiana started, only to be cut off by Scorpius.
"Chiana, I think you should listen to the Hynerion. After all. their time together will end soon," Scorpius stated.
Chiana, Rygel and Sikozu stared up at Scorpius. "What are you trying to say, Scorpius?" Rygel asked, the distrust clear in his tone.
Scorpius replied with feigned surprise, "Surely you didn't forget our deal."
xxxxx
D'Argo was doing a systems check in command when Scorpius entered. D'Argo saw him out of the corner of his eye, but continued with his work.
Scorpius spoke realizing the Luxan wasn't going to acknowledge him. "Ka D'Argo, have you set the Leviathan on course for the planet? I estimate it will take two solar days," Scorpius said, his arms folded behind his back.
D'Argo straightened, turning to him. "I will not let you do this Scorpius!"
"Ah. I see," Scorpius replied, leering. "I really don't think you have anything to say about it. It was a deal between John and myself. You are not involved."
"John is my friend! He only agreed to your demands to save Aeryn and you know it," the Luxan growled deeply. "If you take him, he will die and you will never get what you want!"
"Perhaps, D'Argo, but I'm willing to take that chance," Scorpius replied, flashing a smile of sure victory.
"You are a fool Scorpius - look at him! John couldn't help you now even if he wanted to!" D'Argo realized he was shouting and lowered his voice, attempting to regain control. "It may take monens to reverse this damage."
Scorpius was silent for a few microts, raising D'Argo's hopes.
"Set the course, D'Argo," Scorpius stated leaving command.
"Frell!" D'Argo shouted slamming his fist into the wall.
xxxxx
John finally found the solitude he so desperately needed. He looked around the room, taking in every part of what he called home. John breathed in deeply trying to clear his mind. He slowly moved towards the water closet, grabbing some fresh underclothes along the way. A shower and clean clothes would make him feel somewhat human again.
John's aching muscles protested as he tried to disrobe. The lacerations on his back from the beating Braca had subjected him to had melted into the shirt. Alternating between gasps and low curses, John managed to separate flesh from fabric. Holding the tattered remains of another battle he didn't need, John tossed the shirt into the trash bin.
The shower was hot, his body relaxing under the flowing water. It was the best he had felt in days and he only wanted to embrace it, take it in and never let it go. The only thing he had to look forward to now was Scorpius. The hybrid was the last thing he wanted to think about, and he tried desperately to push that nightmare away.
John's thoughts turned to Aeryn, the only happiness he could manage in his distorted mind. He remembered she had held her hand out to him and said the words he wanted so desperately to hear. John crouched in the corner of the shower as he relived that moment. It was all he ever wanted from Aeryn. She was the anchor of his soul, the one thing that kept him strong.
John knew Aeryn hadn't betrayed him as those bits and pieces came together. In order for her plan to work Aeryn had to make sure Grayza believed her. 'What a fool I was,' John thought to himself. Aeryn had done what she had to do to protect everyone, including him. She had saved his ass and despite everything else he was grateful.
John's mind was jolted from its peaceful haven, and thrown back into his many nightmares, Grayza and his own betrayal. He rubbed his temples hard trying to push them away, but the memories kept persisting. John had never told any of their secrets, but this time he did, endangering all his friends. Even when Scorpius had tortured him he had never told him anything. This time he had weakened and gave her what she asked. He was nothing but a liability to them now. How could he stay on Moya knowing what he'd done?
John pulled himself to his feet, and stepped out of the shower. Feeling the tears start he brushed them away quickly, mumbling, "I'm sorry."
xxxxx
Aeryn heard the shower running as she entered John's quarters. She patiently waited for him to emerge. As the microts passed and John didn't come out, Aeryn became concerned. She ventured carefully, not wanting to intrude on his privacy.
Hearing the water stop flowing, Aeryn spoke. "John. is everything all right?"
Still getting no response, Aeryn entered the water closet. "John?" She asked, waiting for a response.
John was in his own hell private hell, walled in by the repeated memories of pain and betrayal. His eyes stared right through Aeryn, his face pale, emotionless, as he mumbled "I'm sorry" over and over, as if the mantra could make the wall disappear and reveal his relief, the woman standing right in front of him.
Aeryn's heart ached, watching the man she loved being torn down to nothing but a broken shell. She went to John and embraced him tightly, leading him to the room.
Aeryn sat him on the bed and fell to her knees, taking his face in her hands. Staring into John's eyes she said, "Listen to me John Crichton! I have finally gotten you back and I won't let you go again! Do you hear me? We'll fight this together."
John lifted his eyes and focused on Aeryn. He grabbed her in his arms and embraced her. The memories still gripped him as the tears slid down his cheeks. John finally managed to find his voice. "Y..you.j.just don't know.babe. I.I."
Aeryn put her hand lightly on his lips. "Shh, John. I know enough, and I'll be with you. Come on John, you need sleep now," She said, helping him into bed.
Aeryn held him until he fell asleep. She called Chiana to his room in case he woke up while she was away.
Aeryn had a new mission as she left John in the safety of Chiana.