The Price Part 12
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Many thanks to gbbarb for beta reading.
Scorpius observed the human as he navigated the pod to the planet. He could detect several things in John, neither of them satisfactory to him. John's face reflected a surprised calmness. Scorpius was sure Aeryn's last words had something to do with this. In foresight, he should never have allowed it, cursing himself now. Scorpius felt John was detached from the reality of his situation. This was not good since he needed John to care enough about himself to give him what he wanted. Perhaps he should have taken Officer Sun with them, but that was not part of the bargain.
The transport pod landed at the exact coordinates Pilot had programmed into the computer. John shut the engines down and looked at Scorpius. "What now boss?" John asked, unbuckling his belt, oblivious to everything around him. He was just going through the motions, satisfying Scorpius.
Scorpius stared at the face next to him, unsure it was really John Crichton. Shrugging, Scorpius replied, "Come with me John," he replied, unstrapping his own belt. He turned back quickly to John, his hand gripping his neck, "Don't do anything you will regret!"
John couldn't breathe within the hybrids grasp. He nodded in ascent, choking as Scorpius released him. John stared back at him, coughing and gasping for air. "Like I .said.what now boss?" John rubbed his neck, feeling the blood flow through it again.
"I see we understand each other!" Scorpius sent him a leering grin, satisfied with John's response. "Follow me. We have much to do."
John followed, still rubbing his neck as they left the transport. Scorpius led them to a building not far from where the pod had landed. John looked at the enormous city that surrounded him. It looked like something he would see on Earth, feeling his heartstrings tug at him momentarily. John's step had slowed without realizing it, suddenly feeling hands on him as Scorpius shoved him into the building.
The human was irritating Scorpius, perhaps on purpose. He suppressed his rage, saying simply. "Don't test me John!" Scorpius knew his coolant rods needed to be changed and didn't want to cause a scene in front of the Karaks who were going to afford him the opportunity to pursue his work.
John avoided Scorpius' stare, replying in a flat voice, "Don't know what you are talking about, Scorpy. Just looking. That's all."
Scorpius turned away, frustrated. "Stay here and wait!" He approached the man who had been watching them intently. "I am Scorpius. I believe I am expected, though I will admit later than I had planned."
The attendant looked down his list and saw the name. He looked up with a smile on his face. "Welcome to our planet, sir. We have everything ready for you. Please follow me. I will notify the others you are here and I'm sure they will join you shortly."
Scorpius turned to John. "Follow me Crichton. Your new home is waiting."
xxxxx
Scorpius and the guide were in deep conversation with John following several feet behind. The corridors were massive with many extending in different directions. John was trying to memorize landmarks and such in case he had a chance to escape. Scorpius paused for a microt and redirected his attention to the human. "John, I think we will show you to your quarters first. No need for you to continue to the lab with us," Scorpius said, motioning for John to go ahead of him.
"Come on Scorpy. I wanna see what you have planned for me," John replied, chuckling loudly, trying to keep the façade up in front of him. He didn't know how much longer he could hide the fear that grew by the microt.
Scorpius eyed him warily. "You shall see soon enough, John. Follow the guide down the steps, now!" Scorpius ordered, glaring at the human.
Seeing that Scorpius was losing patience with him, John complied with his request and took the stairs behind the guide.
They descended several levels before they turned down a dark corridor, walking to a door at the end of the passageway. The door squealed as the guide opened it, sending chills up and down John's spine. Scorpius noticed John shiver. 'Good. fear,' Scorpius thought to himself, the twisted grin spreading over his face.
John stood, seeing nothing but a black hole ahead of him. He swallowed hard, his stomach churning, realizing the horror of his situation. Fear crawled through John's body, feeling frozen to the spot.
Scorpius held out his hand, leering. "Your new home, John. I hope you will be.comfortable." Scorpius was beside himself with the human's reaction, sensing John's hesitation.
John shook off his immobility and turned to flee, terror taking over his will allowing the old memories to slash through his brain. The sweat poured off John's brow as his face contorted, using all his resolve to push them away. Scorpius grabbed John, preventing him from running and watched the human, wondering what was going through his mind. John gasped, surfacing from his torment, feeling Scorpius' hands on him. He shrugged them off, moving away from Scorpius.
"No, I don't think you understand, John," Scorpius said calmly, blocking John from moving again. "You are to enter the cell." Scorpius gave John a slight shove from behind, plunging him into darkness.
John was slammed into the far wall of the cell knocking the air out of him. Fighting for air, he clumsily rose to his feet, staring at the door.
"I will return, John," Scorpius said, pleased. John Crichton was truly his prisoner now. Scorpius and the guide turned and walked back down the corridor and up the steps.
John stumbled to the door, hearing the retreating footsteps. "Scorpy!" John yelled. "Come back here!" He only heard his own voice echoing down the vast passageway, the sound of footsteps gone. John dropped his head, lightly banging his forehead against the door. 'Gotta stop this.'
With no light to see by, John carefully felt his way along the walls for some kind of switch. He knew there had to be some source in the cell, hell at least he hoped so. The idea of being in total darkness for undetermined amounts of time didn't make John feel warm inside; it scared the hell out of him!
John finally lowered himself to the floor, frustrated and tired of his search. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes. John wrapped his arms around himself, feeling the chill from the cell enter his bones. He calmed his mind thinking of Aeryn. The despair quickly took hold of him thinking of her last words. John lowered his head as the tears threatened, his heart aching for her touch. He envisioned her face in his mind, trying to find some comfort, remembering the feel of her skin beneath his fingers. John was sinking and knew it, without Aeryn there was nothing to hold on to. Sliding his back along the wall, he eased his body to the ground and allowed the abyss to take him.
xxxxx
The lab was more than Scorpius had expected. He was elated as he walked around the room, examining the equipment. The Karaks had provided him with more than promised.
"Are you satisfied, Scorpius?" The guide asked smiling, watching the hybrid move about.
Feeling all his wishes had been granted, Scorpius replied, "Extremely! I have no doubt I will be able to unlock the secret that John Crichton holds in his mind!"
The guide was still smiling, "We are glad you are pleased. The others are on their way, so you may thank them shortly. Ah, here they are."
Scorpius turned and greeted the ruler of the planet. "I am Scorpius," he said, looking up at the Karak.
The Karaks for the most part were a peaceful species. They reminded Scorpius of Sebaceans, only much taller and thinner.
"Welcome, Scorpius, I am Tirus, leader of our species. I hope everything is to your satisfaction," he replied, observing the hybrid that stood before him. Tirus had never encountered his kind before, finding him interesting.
Scorpius bowed slightly. "You have provided me with everything I need," Scorpius answered, impatient to get started.
"The agreement?" Tirus asked, unsure of the hybrid standing before him.
"It's acceptable under one condition.no harm must come to the human," Scorpius answered, not willing to compromise on this point. He couldn't afford for the Karaks to damage John before he unlocked the wormhole technology.
The Karak nodded, "We do not wish to harm anyone, Scorpius. My doctors tell me it should be painless for him."
"Very well Tirus, let's proceed with the work ahead of us," Scorpius replied, pleased with the conversation.
xxxxx
Moya had starburst as promised. The crew mourned the loss of John Crichton in their own way, taking solace in their quarters. D'Argo chose to stay in command, the absence of his friend haunting him.
D'Argo occupied himself with the search for a commerce planet. The food was dangerously low on Moya. It needed to be replenished soon or they would have to start rationing. D'Argo hated the thought, sure he would have to listen to Rygel's constant complaining.
D'Argo opened his comm, "Pilot, have you located a planet?" He asked, frustrated.
"Not yet," Pilot replied. "We should come upon something soon." Pilot felt a deep void with the loss of Crichton. He never liked losing any of the crew, but to be taken forcibly by Scorpius was another matter.
"Thank you, Pilot," D'Argo answered, sighing heavily. "Can you tell me where Aeryn is?" It had been over a solar day since John had left Moya. He felt it was time to speak with her.
"Officer Sun is on the terrace, Ka D'Argo, but she may want to be alone," Pilot replied, hesitantly.
D'Argo was sure Pilot was correct, but this was something that needed to be done. "I understand but it is important," D'Argo answered. "Comm me when you find a planet, Pilot."
"Of course, D'Argo," Pilot replied, closing the communication channel.
xxxxx
Aeryn couldn't sit, pacing back and forth on the terrace. She thought the room would bring her comfort, but it only caused her more pain. This was where she had finally shown her love for John, the love she had so cruelly kept from him because she was hurting. John was gone now, all for her.
The misery engulfed Aeryn, her heart aching from the memory of that final moment, embracing John in her arms, speaking the words he had so desperately sought. She felt the explosion as the tears flowed uncontrollably down her face. Aeryn's body slid to the floor, her legs unable to support her.
Embracing herself, Aeryn rocked back and forth, flashes of John rushing through her mind again and again. She only wanted to embrace him, tell him how much she loved him. Her sobs grew louder, realizing she would never get that chance since John was back in the hands of Scorpius.
D'Argo stood outside the door, hearing Aeryn's cries. He felt a few tears prick his eyes, understanding her pain. D'Argo debated on whether to intrude on Aeryn, but decided it was time. Perhaps they could help each other with their loss.
D'Argo palmed the door open and quietly entered. Aeryn sat on the floor like a lost child, holding herself. D'Argo hadn't expected to see her in such bad shape. There was no doubt in his mind where Aeryn's heart was, her slumped body painful to see. 'She seems to have completely discarded her peacekeeper ways, only too late for John,' D'Argo thought to himself, walking over to her.
D'Argo touched her lightly on the shoulder not wanting to startle her. " Aeryn?" D'Argo asked softly. She jumped slightly, turning quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you," D'Argo said, placing his hand firmly on her shoulder.
Aeryn turned away from D'Argo, fearing the judgment she would see in his eyes. She knew D'Argo would never blame her in words, but seeing it would be enough.
D'Argo lowered his cumbersome body to the floor, wanting to be in Aeryn's view. "As much as this may hurt, we need to talk, Aeryn," the Luxan said, trying to tread softly. He knew Aeryn blamed herself for what the future held for John with Scorpius, but he needed someone who could help him on Moya now. They didn't have time to dwell on the past. The crew was in trouble and they needed to be prepared for any attack from the peacekeepers. There was no doubt in D'Argo's mind that Grayza was still searching for them.
Aeryn ran her hands over her tear stained face. "What is it D'Argo?" She asked, her back to him.
D'Argo hesitated for a microt, feeling he was dishonoring his friend talking about their current situation. "John's gone, Aeryn. We have to face that fact and deal with the problems on Moya right now if we plan to survive." D'Argo winced as the words came out of his mouth. Who was he fooling? The only thing on their minds was John and what Scorpius was doing to him.
"I'm sorry D'Argo," Aeryn replied, her head dropping between her shoulders, "I understand your concern, but I don't think I can move on without John. I never realized how important he was to me until I lost him." Aeryn turned to D'Argo, the tears still in her eyes, "We have to go back for him!"
D'Argo dropped his head for a microt, feeling the same pain Aeryn did. He lifted his head as he replied, "We will Aeryn, but first we must find food before we take that journey, and promise me you will be by my side. Now that John's gone, I don't have anyone else to rely on."
Aeryn stared at D'Argo for a microt before responding. "After all that has happened.you trust me?" Aeryn asked, surprised.
"Aeryn, I see your love for John. I will admit at first.I doubted you, but I know now. you didn't mean for it to turn out his way. Yes. I trust you," D'Argo replied, rising to his feet, extending his hand to Aeryn.
"Thank you, D'Argo. I just hope the rest of the crew agrees," Aeryn replied, accepting D'Argo's hand.
"They will, Aeryn," D'Argo replied, pulling Aeryn to her feet. "In time."
xxxxx
Scorpius opened the door of the cell searching for John in the darkness. This was just another form of torture Scorpius had devised in his devious mind. He hoped with the probing and being deprived of light, it would bring John about quickly, opening his mind to reveal the wormhole technology.
Scorpius used the light from the corridor to locate the human's sleeping form. John was mumbling incoherently in his sleep, thrashing about. Scorpius walked over to him and nudged him roughly with his foot, hearing the human groan slightly.
"Get up Crichton," Scorpius ordered. "It's time to proceed."
John slowly slid his back up the wall, his hand in front of his face, shielding his eyes from the piercing light. "Where the hell am I?" John asked, his mind fuzzy and disoriented.
"You will remember as soon as you get your wits about you, now come. I don't have time for this," Scorpius replied, impatiently.
John slowly rose to his feet, remembering now. He purposely took his time, stretching his arms out to get his circulation back, anything to delay the inevitable. John asked, "I don't suppose it's time for dinner?" John knew he was annoying Scorpius. If he had to go through with this, John was determined to drive the half-Scarran crazy in his own way. John had no defenses, only his ability to irritate Scorpius.
Scorpius glared at the human. "Don't toy with me, John. I am warning you!" Scorpius growled, grabbing John and flinging him into the passageway.
John used the wall to steady himself, his eyes adjusting to the light. He felt the shove from behind.
"Move!" Scorpius ordered. "You are wasting time!"
John laughed walking down the corridor. "Time? I've got a lot of that now, Scorpy." John turned, walking backwards, staring at the hybrid. "I guess I can thank you for it."
Scorpius leered at John through his leather mask. "Actually.you should be thanking.Officer Sun!"
John stopped, feeling like he had been punched in the stomach, the laugh dying on his lips. He dropped his head wanting to hide his stunned expression from Scorpius. John knew Scorpius was aware his statement had hit home, but he couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing it in his face.
Scorpius had achieved the desired results. "Move along, John. I think there's been enough bantering for one day."
John turned and walked in silence, the truth in Scorpius' words still painful, causing despair to settle in again.
Scorpius directed John to the lab, allowing the human to look over the room. Perhaps if John saw what was at his disposal, he would be ready to cooperate. Some of the items John recognized, feeling himself cringe, remembering the last time Scorpius had used them on him. John was secretly relieved to see the Aurora Chair was not a fixture in the lab.
Scorpius was filling a syringe as he glanced at John. He was disappointed, hoping to see fear register on the human's face. "It will not be nearly as painful as last time Crichton. I have some new technology, thanks to the Karaks."
John only glanced up at him, shivering inside, the terror threatening to overwhelm him. He managed to get control of himself and push the panic inside. If John showed any fear, he knew he would be lost to Scorpius.
Walking around to the cot with the syringe in hand, Scorpius motioned to John, "You are to lay here."
John felt the bile rise in his throat, looking at Scorpius standing by the cot. He chewed on his lip, feeling like a caged animal. John knew he didn't have a choice, wiping his mind completely blank. This was the only way he knew to fight Scorpius. John moved to the cot and lay down, closing his eyes.
"You shall fill a prick from the needle, John and nothing else. The probe will do the rest," Scorpius instructed, sliding the needle into John's neck.
John lay still, feeling a burning sensation coursing through his veins. He moaned slightly when the twitching started, the moan becoming a shattering cry as the spasms engulfed his body. Scorpius held John down, unable to understand what was causing the reaction. The Karaks had promised the drug wouldn't cause the human any pain.
John's mind was screaming for it to stop. 'Please God.help.meeeee!' He tried to speak, but his senses were paralyzed, his body in torment. John desperately sought the corner of his mind he had been using to hide in when the memories became too much for him, the place where he could shut his emotions off. Finding it, John slipped into the confines, embracing it, virtually shutting his mind down, finding peace.
xxxxx
The Command Carrier's systems had finally been repaired, but it had taken longer than anticipated. They knew the Leviathan was several solar days ahead of them if not more.
"What do you have for me Captain?" Grayza asked, entering command. The interrogation of Captain Braca in the Aurora Chair had proven he had spoken the truth. Grayza had reinstated Braca to full duty, posting a warning in his file for allowing himself to be used by the renegade prisoners.
Braca studied the console before he spoke. "Commandant, there are two things the Leviathan could have done. She most likely starburst as soon as her crew boarded, or she could have searched for a commerce planet. I found this planet, it's about a weeken away." Braca reported. He had been ordered to investigate all avenues in their search for the prisoners. "It's just a possibility."
"Thank you, Captain. I will think about how we are going to proceed," Grayza replied, pleased with Braca's work. "You will have your orders soon."
"Very good, Commandant," Braca replied, returning his focus on the console. After the Aurora Chair, he only did as he was told, staying away from Grayza as much as possible.
Glancing over her shoulder, Grayza said, "I am pleased Braca. You have done a thorough job. Perhaps I won't regret making you a Captain after all."
Grayza felt they were getting closer to the crew of Moya. She left command with revenge on her mind. 'This time I will kill John Crichton and Aeryn Sun!'
Part 13 tomorrow
Many thanks to gbbarb for beta reading.
Scorpius observed the human as he navigated the pod to the planet. He could detect several things in John, neither of them satisfactory to him. John's face reflected a surprised calmness. Scorpius was sure Aeryn's last words had something to do with this. In foresight, he should never have allowed it, cursing himself now. Scorpius felt John was detached from the reality of his situation. This was not good since he needed John to care enough about himself to give him what he wanted. Perhaps he should have taken Officer Sun with them, but that was not part of the bargain.
The transport pod landed at the exact coordinates Pilot had programmed into the computer. John shut the engines down and looked at Scorpius. "What now boss?" John asked, unbuckling his belt, oblivious to everything around him. He was just going through the motions, satisfying Scorpius.
Scorpius stared at the face next to him, unsure it was really John Crichton. Shrugging, Scorpius replied, "Come with me John," he replied, unstrapping his own belt. He turned back quickly to John, his hand gripping his neck, "Don't do anything you will regret!"
John couldn't breathe within the hybrids grasp. He nodded in ascent, choking as Scorpius released him. John stared back at him, coughing and gasping for air. "Like I .said.what now boss?" John rubbed his neck, feeling the blood flow through it again.
"I see we understand each other!" Scorpius sent him a leering grin, satisfied with John's response. "Follow me. We have much to do."
John followed, still rubbing his neck as they left the transport. Scorpius led them to a building not far from where the pod had landed. John looked at the enormous city that surrounded him. It looked like something he would see on Earth, feeling his heartstrings tug at him momentarily. John's step had slowed without realizing it, suddenly feeling hands on him as Scorpius shoved him into the building.
The human was irritating Scorpius, perhaps on purpose. He suppressed his rage, saying simply. "Don't test me John!" Scorpius knew his coolant rods needed to be changed and didn't want to cause a scene in front of the Karaks who were going to afford him the opportunity to pursue his work.
John avoided Scorpius' stare, replying in a flat voice, "Don't know what you are talking about, Scorpy. Just looking. That's all."
Scorpius turned away, frustrated. "Stay here and wait!" He approached the man who had been watching them intently. "I am Scorpius. I believe I am expected, though I will admit later than I had planned."
The attendant looked down his list and saw the name. He looked up with a smile on his face. "Welcome to our planet, sir. We have everything ready for you. Please follow me. I will notify the others you are here and I'm sure they will join you shortly."
Scorpius turned to John. "Follow me Crichton. Your new home is waiting."
xxxxx
Scorpius and the guide were in deep conversation with John following several feet behind. The corridors were massive with many extending in different directions. John was trying to memorize landmarks and such in case he had a chance to escape. Scorpius paused for a microt and redirected his attention to the human. "John, I think we will show you to your quarters first. No need for you to continue to the lab with us," Scorpius said, motioning for John to go ahead of him.
"Come on Scorpy. I wanna see what you have planned for me," John replied, chuckling loudly, trying to keep the façade up in front of him. He didn't know how much longer he could hide the fear that grew by the microt.
Scorpius eyed him warily. "You shall see soon enough, John. Follow the guide down the steps, now!" Scorpius ordered, glaring at the human.
Seeing that Scorpius was losing patience with him, John complied with his request and took the stairs behind the guide.
They descended several levels before they turned down a dark corridor, walking to a door at the end of the passageway. The door squealed as the guide opened it, sending chills up and down John's spine. Scorpius noticed John shiver. 'Good. fear,' Scorpius thought to himself, the twisted grin spreading over his face.
John stood, seeing nothing but a black hole ahead of him. He swallowed hard, his stomach churning, realizing the horror of his situation. Fear crawled through John's body, feeling frozen to the spot.
Scorpius held out his hand, leering. "Your new home, John. I hope you will be.comfortable." Scorpius was beside himself with the human's reaction, sensing John's hesitation.
John shook off his immobility and turned to flee, terror taking over his will allowing the old memories to slash through his brain. The sweat poured off John's brow as his face contorted, using all his resolve to push them away. Scorpius grabbed John, preventing him from running and watched the human, wondering what was going through his mind. John gasped, surfacing from his torment, feeling Scorpius' hands on him. He shrugged them off, moving away from Scorpius.
"No, I don't think you understand, John," Scorpius said calmly, blocking John from moving again. "You are to enter the cell." Scorpius gave John a slight shove from behind, plunging him into darkness.
John was slammed into the far wall of the cell knocking the air out of him. Fighting for air, he clumsily rose to his feet, staring at the door.
"I will return, John," Scorpius said, pleased. John Crichton was truly his prisoner now. Scorpius and the guide turned and walked back down the corridor and up the steps.
John stumbled to the door, hearing the retreating footsteps. "Scorpy!" John yelled. "Come back here!" He only heard his own voice echoing down the vast passageway, the sound of footsteps gone. John dropped his head, lightly banging his forehead against the door. 'Gotta stop this.'
With no light to see by, John carefully felt his way along the walls for some kind of switch. He knew there had to be some source in the cell, hell at least he hoped so. The idea of being in total darkness for undetermined amounts of time didn't make John feel warm inside; it scared the hell out of him!
John finally lowered himself to the floor, frustrated and tired of his search. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes. John wrapped his arms around himself, feeling the chill from the cell enter his bones. He calmed his mind thinking of Aeryn. The despair quickly took hold of him thinking of her last words. John lowered his head as the tears threatened, his heart aching for her touch. He envisioned her face in his mind, trying to find some comfort, remembering the feel of her skin beneath his fingers. John was sinking and knew it, without Aeryn there was nothing to hold on to. Sliding his back along the wall, he eased his body to the ground and allowed the abyss to take him.
xxxxx
The lab was more than Scorpius had expected. He was elated as he walked around the room, examining the equipment. The Karaks had provided him with more than promised.
"Are you satisfied, Scorpius?" The guide asked smiling, watching the hybrid move about.
Feeling all his wishes had been granted, Scorpius replied, "Extremely! I have no doubt I will be able to unlock the secret that John Crichton holds in his mind!"
The guide was still smiling, "We are glad you are pleased. The others are on their way, so you may thank them shortly. Ah, here they are."
Scorpius turned and greeted the ruler of the planet. "I am Scorpius," he said, looking up at the Karak.
The Karaks for the most part were a peaceful species. They reminded Scorpius of Sebaceans, only much taller and thinner.
"Welcome, Scorpius, I am Tirus, leader of our species. I hope everything is to your satisfaction," he replied, observing the hybrid that stood before him. Tirus had never encountered his kind before, finding him interesting.
Scorpius bowed slightly. "You have provided me with everything I need," Scorpius answered, impatient to get started.
"The agreement?" Tirus asked, unsure of the hybrid standing before him.
"It's acceptable under one condition.no harm must come to the human," Scorpius answered, not willing to compromise on this point. He couldn't afford for the Karaks to damage John before he unlocked the wormhole technology.
The Karak nodded, "We do not wish to harm anyone, Scorpius. My doctors tell me it should be painless for him."
"Very well Tirus, let's proceed with the work ahead of us," Scorpius replied, pleased with the conversation.
xxxxx
Moya had starburst as promised. The crew mourned the loss of John Crichton in their own way, taking solace in their quarters. D'Argo chose to stay in command, the absence of his friend haunting him.
D'Argo occupied himself with the search for a commerce planet. The food was dangerously low on Moya. It needed to be replenished soon or they would have to start rationing. D'Argo hated the thought, sure he would have to listen to Rygel's constant complaining.
D'Argo opened his comm, "Pilot, have you located a planet?" He asked, frustrated.
"Not yet," Pilot replied. "We should come upon something soon." Pilot felt a deep void with the loss of Crichton. He never liked losing any of the crew, but to be taken forcibly by Scorpius was another matter.
"Thank you, Pilot," D'Argo answered, sighing heavily. "Can you tell me where Aeryn is?" It had been over a solar day since John had left Moya. He felt it was time to speak with her.
"Officer Sun is on the terrace, Ka D'Argo, but she may want to be alone," Pilot replied, hesitantly.
D'Argo was sure Pilot was correct, but this was something that needed to be done. "I understand but it is important," D'Argo answered. "Comm me when you find a planet, Pilot."
"Of course, D'Argo," Pilot replied, closing the communication channel.
xxxxx
Aeryn couldn't sit, pacing back and forth on the terrace. She thought the room would bring her comfort, but it only caused her more pain. This was where she had finally shown her love for John, the love she had so cruelly kept from him because she was hurting. John was gone now, all for her.
The misery engulfed Aeryn, her heart aching from the memory of that final moment, embracing John in her arms, speaking the words he had so desperately sought. She felt the explosion as the tears flowed uncontrollably down her face. Aeryn's body slid to the floor, her legs unable to support her.
Embracing herself, Aeryn rocked back and forth, flashes of John rushing through her mind again and again. She only wanted to embrace him, tell him how much she loved him. Her sobs grew louder, realizing she would never get that chance since John was back in the hands of Scorpius.
D'Argo stood outside the door, hearing Aeryn's cries. He felt a few tears prick his eyes, understanding her pain. D'Argo debated on whether to intrude on Aeryn, but decided it was time. Perhaps they could help each other with their loss.
D'Argo palmed the door open and quietly entered. Aeryn sat on the floor like a lost child, holding herself. D'Argo hadn't expected to see her in such bad shape. There was no doubt in his mind where Aeryn's heart was, her slumped body painful to see. 'She seems to have completely discarded her peacekeeper ways, only too late for John,' D'Argo thought to himself, walking over to her.
D'Argo touched her lightly on the shoulder not wanting to startle her. " Aeryn?" D'Argo asked softly. She jumped slightly, turning quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you," D'Argo said, placing his hand firmly on her shoulder.
Aeryn turned away from D'Argo, fearing the judgment she would see in his eyes. She knew D'Argo would never blame her in words, but seeing it would be enough.
D'Argo lowered his cumbersome body to the floor, wanting to be in Aeryn's view. "As much as this may hurt, we need to talk, Aeryn," the Luxan said, trying to tread softly. He knew Aeryn blamed herself for what the future held for John with Scorpius, but he needed someone who could help him on Moya now. They didn't have time to dwell on the past. The crew was in trouble and they needed to be prepared for any attack from the peacekeepers. There was no doubt in D'Argo's mind that Grayza was still searching for them.
Aeryn ran her hands over her tear stained face. "What is it D'Argo?" She asked, her back to him.
D'Argo hesitated for a microt, feeling he was dishonoring his friend talking about their current situation. "John's gone, Aeryn. We have to face that fact and deal with the problems on Moya right now if we plan to survive." D'Argo winced as the words came out of his mouth. Who was he fooling? The only thing on their minds was John and what Scorpius was doing to him.
"I'm sorry D'Argo," Aeryn replied, her head dropping between her shoulders, "I understand your concern, but I don't think I can move on without John. I never realized how important he was to me until I lost him." Aeryn turned to D'Argo, the tears still in her eyes, "We have to go back for him!"
D'Argo dropped his head for a microt, feeling the same pain Aeryn did. He lifted his head as he replied, "We will Aeryn, but first we must find food before we take that journey, and promise me you will be by my side. Now that John's gone, I don't have anyone else to rely on."
Aeryn stared at D'Argo for a microt before responding. "After all that has happened.you trust me?" Aeryn asked, surprised.
"Aeryn, I see your love for John. I will admit at first.I doubted you, but I know now. you didn't mean for it to turn out his way. Yes. I trust you," D'Argo replied, rising to his feet, extending his hand to Aeryn.
"Thank you, D'Argo. I just hope the rest of the crew agrees," Aeryn replied, accepting D'Argo's hand.
"They will, Aeryn," D'Argo replied, pulling Aeryn to her feet. "In time."
xxxxx
Scorpius opened the door of the cell searching for John in the darkness. This was just another form of torture Scorpius had devised in his devious mind. He hoped with the probing and being deprived of light, it would bring John about quickly, opening his mind to reveal the wormhole technology.
Scorpius used the light from the corridor to locate the human's sleeping form. John was mumbling incoherently in his sleep, thrashing about. Scorpius walked over to him and nudged him roughly with his foot, hearing the human groan slightly.
"Get up Crichton," Scorpius ordered. "It's time to proceed."
John slowly slid his back up the wall, his hand in front of his face, shielding his eyes from the piercing light. "Where the hell am I?" John asked, his mind fuzzy and disoriented.
"You will remember as soon as you get your wits about you, now come. I don't have time for this," Scorpius replied, impatiently.
John slowly rose to his feet, remembering now. He purposely took his time, stretching his arms out to get his circulation back, anything to delay the inevitable. John asked, "I don't suppose it's time for dinner?" John knew he was annoying Scorpius. If he had to go through with this, John was determined to drive the half-Scarran crazy in his own way. John had no defenses, only his ability to irritate Scorpius.
Scorpius glared at the human. "Don't toy with me, John. I am warning you!" Scorpius growled, grabbing John and flinging him into the passageway.
John used the wall to steady himself, his eyes adjusting to the light. He felt the shove from behind.
"Move!" Scorpius ordered. "You are wasting time!"
John laughed walking down the corridor. "Time? I've got a lot of that now, Scorpy." John turned, walking backwards, staring at the hybrid. "I guess I can thank you for it."
Scorpius leered at John through his leather mask. "Actually.you should be thanking.Officer Sun!"
John stopped, feeling like he had been punched in the stomach, the laugh dying on his lips. He dropped his head wanting to hide his stunned expression from Scorpius. John knew Scorpius was aware his statement had hit home, but he couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing it in his face.
Scorpius had achieved the desired results. "Move along, John. I think there's been enough bantering for one day."
John turned and walked in silence, the truth in Scorpius' words still painful, causing despair to settle in again.
Scorpius directed John to the lab, allowing the human to look over the room. Perhaps if John saw what was at his disposal, he would be ready to cooperate. Some of the items John recognized, feeling himself cringe, remembering the last time Scorpius had used them on him. John was secretly relieved to see the Aurora Chair was not a fixture in the lab.
Scorpius was filling a syringe as he glanced at John. He was disappointed, hoping to see fear register on the human's face. "It will not be nearly as painful as last time Crichton. I have some new technology, thanks to the Karaks."
John only glanced up at him, shivering inside, the terror threatening to overwhelm him. He managed to get control of himself and push the panic inside. If John showed any fear, he knew he would be lost to Scorpius.
Walking around to the cot with the syringe in hand, Scorpius motioned to John, "You are to lay here."
John felt the bile rise in his throat, looking at Scorpius standing by the cot. He chewed on his lip, feeling like a caged animal. John knew he didn't have a choice, wiping his mind completely blank. This was the only way he knew to fight Scorpius. John moved to the cot and lay down, closing his eyes.
"You shall fill a prick from the needle, John and nothing else. The probe will do the rest," Scorpius instructed, sliding the needle into John's neck.
John lay still, feeling a burning sensation coursing through his veins. He moaned slightly when the twitching started, the moan becoming a shattering cry as the spasms engulfed his body. Scorpius held John down, unable to understand what was causing the reaction. The Karaks had promised the drug wouldn't cause the human any pain.
John's mind was screaming for it to stop. 'Please God.help.meeeee!' He tried to speak, but his senses were paralyzed, his body in torment. John desperately sought the corner of his mind he had been using to hide in when the memories became too much for him, the place where he could shut his emotions off. Finding it, John slipped into the confines, embracing it, virtually shutting his mind down, finding peace.
xxxxx
The Command Carrier's systems had finally been repaired, but it had taken longer than anticipated. They knew the Leviathan was several solar days ahead of them if not more.
"What do you have for me Captain?" Grayza asked, entering command. The interrogation of Captain Braca in the Aurora Chair had proven he had spoken the truth. Grayza had reinstated Braca to full duty, posting a warning in his file for allowing himself to be used by the renegade prisoners.
Braca studied the console before he spoke. "Commandant, there are two things the Leviathan could have done. She most likely starburst as soon as her crew boarded, or she could have searched for a commerce planet. I found this planet, it's about a weeken away." Braca reported. He had been ordered to investigate all avenues in their search for the prisoners. "It's just a possibility."
"Thank you, Captain. I will think about how we are going to proceed," Grayza replied, pleased with Braca's work. "You will have your orders soon."
"Very good, Commandant," Braca replied, returning his focus on the console. After the Aurora Chair, he only did as he was told, staying away from Grayza as much as possible.
Glancing over her shoulder, Grayza said, "I am pleased Braca. You have done a thorough job. Perhaps I won't regret making you a Captain after all."
Grayza felt they were getting closer to the crew of Moya. She left command with revenge on her mind. 'This time I will kill John Crichton and Aeryn Sun!'
Part 13 tomorrow