The Price Part 13
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own them
My thanks to gbbarb for the beta read and keeping me straight.
Moya and the crew had been searching for three solar days for a habitable commerce planet. The fighting had started aboard the vessel on the second solar day when D'Argo started rationing the food. He knew the crew was on edge over John, this just added to their problems.
The old woman had been chosen to dispense the food cubes twice a day. The mid-day meal had been eliminated for the time being.
Chiana was questioning Rygel as D'Argo walked into the center chamber.
"I know you snerched some food cubes, Rygel! The old woman walks out for a microt and here you are taking more than your share!" Chiana said in an accusing tone.
"I did no such thing, Chiana! I am a Dominar and such thoughts would never enter my mind!" Rygel said indignantly.
"Don't give me that, Rygel. I saw you!" Chiana shouted. "You know you're nothing but a slug!" Chiana was furious with Rygel. They barely had enough food to last two solar days and he was stealing what little they had left, without a thought for the rest of the crew.
D'Argo was shaking his head as the two went at each other. Tired of the arguing he growled, "That will be enough! Both of you!" Lowering his voice he continued. "We have enough problems; we don't need the fighting also."
Aeryn heard the shouting down the corridor. She walked into the chamber just as D'Argo put an end to the argument.
"What the frell is going on here?" Aeryn asked, staring at all of them.
Chiana was the first speak. "This Hynerion slug decided to steal some food."
Chiana was silenced as Rygel interrupted. "This Nebari tralk has no right to."
D'Argo interrupted both of them, shouting, "Stop now! We don't have time for this!"
"D'Argo's right.that is if you want to stay alive," Aeryn said, looking at Chiana and Rygel. "We need to pull together guys, not apart." Aeryn stopped herself, realizing she sounded like John. She felt the lump form in her throat and turned away, the tears glistened in her eyes.
The room was quiet. Chiana slowly walked over to Aeryn and laid her hand on her shoulder. "It's ok, Aeryn. We'll get John back," Chiana said softly, her own tears threatening. "Nothing's ever been able to stop us before."
Aeryn reached over with her arm and placed her hand on Chiana's. She nodded her head, replying, "You're right, Chiana. We've never failed before. Thank you."
Pilot interrupted them, his voice coming over the comm. "Ka D'Argo, I believe we have located a safe planet."
"I'll be right there," D'Argo replied, heading for command. He glanced over his shoulder as he rounded the corner of the door, "Aeryn?"
"Right behind you," she said, her footsteps on D'Argo's heels.
xxxxx
Tirus was working on his research along side the rest of the Karak scientists. They had tried to formulate a cure for the people for many cycles, failing in every attempt. Tirus understood it was only a small amount of the population that suffered from the defective cells, but the thought of impurity in their society was unsettling.
Tirus filled the syringe with the latest formula and turned towards his newest subject. The Karak squirmed against the restraints that held him to the bed, fearing what they had planned. He had seen many captured and released, but some never returned. The scientists only lured them out when they felt they had a cure. This was one of those times as Tirus walked to the bed, trying to calm him with his voice.
"Shh, my friend. There is nothing to fear," Tirus said, injecting the fluid into his neck. The subject closed his eyes as the liquid had its effect. He motioned to one of the closer scientists, "In an arn we should take some tissue and examine the effects, if any, from our latest formula. We can only hope this will be successful."
Tirus was weary from all the arns they had spent with no success. He turned and took off his vest, dropping it in the sterilizer.
"I will retire now. Wake me in an arn," Tirus said, turning to exit the lab. He ventured as far as the door, when Scorpius roared over the communications channel.
"Tirus quickly! I need you in the lab! Something is wrong!"
Tirus bid two of his men to follow, exiting the unit.
xxxxx
"How can this be happening?" Scorpius growled, holding the human down. The violent spasms had flooded John's whole body, his thrashing becoming worse. Scorpius could only hope to keep him from harming himself, his own hands rotating from legs to arms.
John's body suddenly arched, a screeching sound emitting from his throat. Scorpius had never seen anyone in this state. He feared he was killing his prized possession, seeing the torment loom over John's face.
The screech broke John's mind free of its hiding place, the intense pain entering every fiber of his being. His eyes opened and shut without reason, his muscles quivering in distress. John fought to speak, his vocal chords still paralyzed. He felt the searing pulsations rip through his body, feeling trapped inside himself, unable to call for help.
Scorpius noticed John's movements, hope surging through him. John's eyes snapped open but all Scorpius could see was unspeakable agony exuding through them.
"Tirus!" Scorpius demanded again, feeling he was losing John.
Tirus appeared in the doorway. "What is the problem, Scorpius? You have interrupted."
Tirus stopped, seeing the human's body writhing in pain. He quickly moved towards the cot. "What did you do to him?" Tirus asked looking down at the half-Scarran.
Scorpius replied, irritated by the Karak, "I did nothing. It was the drug you gave me! You said it wouldn't harm the human! Look at him!"
Tirus looked at Scorpius in an unpleasant manner. Taking control he replied, "Leave the room, Scorpius. I will take care of this!"
Tirus went to the cabinet, instructing his own people to hold the human down. He filled another syringe, looking at Scorpius. "I told you to leave. We will take care of this matter."
Scorpius reared up. "I will not leave. He is mine."
Tirus dropped his hands by his side, staring at the hybrid. "Must I remind you, you are on my homeworld," he said dismissing Scorpius. "I will let you know when this is over."
Scorpius hesitated for a microt before stepping back. He didn't want to raise their wrath since they had afforded him the lab. "Very well, but you can't release him. He is to remain in my custody," Scorpius replied in no uncertain terms.
"That is no concern of mine. I am only here to help him," Tirus replied, injecting the new serum into John's veins. "It should only be a few arns."
Scorpius nodded retreating. "Again, I will be waiting."
Tirus sighed as Scorpius finally left, observing the human. John's spasms were slowly subsiding, his breath returning in choking gasps, the spittle settling on his lips. Tirus propped John's back to ease his breathing. He could at least relieve his distress on this point while the drug did its job.
Tirus dismissed his doctors sure the crisis was over. "You may go back to the lab. Don't forget the culture. It should be done in an arn. I will wait with him until I am sure he has recovered," Tirus said, noticing the human slowly stirring.
"We will meet you back in the lab, Tirus," Ratoc replied. "I will test the specimen myself if you are not back in time."
Tirus nodded, turning to put the supplies away.
His mind clearing slowly, John fought waking, the pain finally easing. He didn't know what happened, what had caused the agony he had just experienced; he only knew he didn't want to wake up. John cried inside himself, wishing he could end it all.
Another spasm pierced through him, his back arching, a cry escaping from his lips. Tirus went to John's side, speaking in a calm voice. "Are you in pain still?" He noticed some wetness on the human's face and lightly wiped it away.
John could hear the lulling voice, resisting the urge to trust it. The pain stopped as John felt his body relax again. Sleep was all he wanted, allowing his mind to drift, welcoming the darkness.
xxxxx
Grayza sat in her quarters thinking about her options. 'I don't think the Leviathan starburst, but they wouldn't go to a nearby planet, either. That would be too easy.' She rose from her seat and went to the charts. Grayza had others on the carrier to plot courses, but for the renegades she would make the decisions. Studying the charts, she decided on their course.
Grayza opened her comm, leaving her quarters. "Captain Braca, have the Sergeant meet us in command. I will be there shortly."
"Yes ma'am. I will comm him now," Braca replied, notifying the Sergeant. The Captain worried about what decision Grayza was going to make, knowing he would follow her orders without hesitation.
Grayza met Braca and the Sergeant at the console that held the charts. "This is my plan," Grayza said, pointing to the planet Braca had spoken of. "We will proceed to the planet until our Marauders are in range, then send a squad of five down. They will investigate and report back. While they are searching, the carrier will track the Leviathan. If any of the crew went down to the planet we will capture them, at the same time we will have the Leviathan." Grayza was pleased. Either way she couldn't fail.
"Commandant, do you think it's safe to leave our soldiers on this planet until we return?" He asked, several more questions on his lips. "What if the Leviathan did journey to the planet? We will be chasing nothing and our soldiers may not be able to hold them." The Sergeant knew the risk he was taking questioning Grayza, but he knew she wouldn't have called him if she didn't want his opinion.
Grayza smiled, pleased with his thought process. "Very good, Sergeant, but I don't think the escaped prisoners starburst. I believe they are still within range, perhaps, several solar days ahead of us, but not on this planet. That would be too close to our location. I only want to be thorough this time, something we have not been in the past," Grayza replied, glancing at Braca.
The Captain adjusted his collar and looked to the ceiling. He knew Grayza enjoyed seeing discomfort in her subjects, refusing to display it.
"Very well, Commandant!" Braca said. "Sergeant prepare the ships. I will increase our speed, bringing us into range in a solar day and a half." Braca was concerned about her plan, but would not voice his opinion. He had been a victim of her wrath before and wouldn't risk it again.
"Sergeant make sure you put your best man in charge of the Marauder," Grayza said, slipping around the man to stand next to Braca. "Dismissed, Sergeant," she ordered without looking his way.
The Sergeant hesitated for a microt then left command.
Braca stood still, feeling her warm breath against his ear, staring straight ahead. He swallowed hard, fearing her motive for the closeness. Grayza stared at the techs around command, the look causing all eyes to drop. She slowly slid her fingers across her chest, hearing Braca gasp as he breathed in her oils.
Braca's breath caught in his throat as the oils had the desired effect. "Commandant.I.I." He turned, feeling dizzy and out of touch with his surroundings.
"Captain Braca, I suggest after you issue the orders you should rest. You have been in command too long and we have a mission ahead. I don't expect it to fail." Grayza wanted complete control of her Captains mind. After the Aurora Chair she had lost it. She couldn't afford for Braca to start thinking on his own, thus her oil. It would keep him obedient and focused on her directives.
Braca simply answered, "Yes ma'am."
Grayza walked away pleased with his answer.
xxxxx
D'Argo and Aeryn entered command, their steps slowing, staring at the planet Pilot had already put on visual.
"How far Pilot?" D'Argo asked, watching the viewing screen.
"Two solar days, Ka D'Argo," Pilot replied, knowing they would be out of food by then. "I'm sorry."
D'Argo cursed in Luxan to himself. "Are you sure there's nothing closer?" D'Argo knew the answer, but his frustration was getting the best of him.
Aeryn interjected, shooting D'Argo a warning glance. "Forget the question Pilot. We know you've done your best. We'll just have to reduce our intake. Set a course for the planet and thank you Pilot."
"I already have Officer Sun. I knew there was little choice in the matter," Pilot replied, closing the visual.
Aeryn felt the same frustration as D'Argo, moving towards the bench to sit. She dropped her body on the seat and closed her eyes. Each day they were delayed in acquiring food was lost time for John.
D'Argo walked over to Aeryn, knowing her thoughts. He sat beside her, laying his hand on hers. "I know Aeryn. Trust John to be strong," he said sighing, the truth of their situation weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Aeryn dropped her head, biting back the tears. "John was so weak when he left, D'Argo, so distressed. How can he hold up to anything Scorpius does to him? All you had to do was look into his eyes to see the torment."
Chiana walked into command quietly, listening to their conversation. "Are you talking about John?" She asked, staring at Aeryn. "If you are, remember, I care for him also. I was the one who comforted him after Grayza had her way with him. Yeah I know all about his torment, I lived it, through him, all the frelling nights I rocked him to sleep!" Chiana shouted, her stomach churning, remembering the nightmares.
Aeryn stared, surprised by Chiana's outburst. "Chiana, I don't understand."
The tears slowly slid down Chiana's cheeks. In a softer voice she said, "You wouldn't." The Nebari turned away from Aeryn and D'Argo, suddenly sorry for what she had said.
"Chiana, you make no sense!" D'Argo bellowed, rising to his feet.
Aeryn put her hand on his chest. "Let me. I think I know," she said, walking towards the Nebari. Aeryn had seen the closeness that had developed between John and Chiana in her absence. Now that she was back, her and D'Argo had thrust Chiana aside, not considering her feelings.
Aeryn stood behind Chiana. "I think I understand, Chiana. While I was gone, you were the one there for John. You reached out to him, listening to all his thoughts, helping him cope. You gave your heart to him and now we haven't even considered the pain you must be feeling. Am I right?" Aeryn had acquired a new understanding of emotions since John was taken from her.
Chiana felt her whole body shake, the tears erupting freely. She never thought Aeryn would understand, but she did. Aeryn had become more as John said she would. The Nebari turned around, facing Aeryn. "I didn't think you could," Chiana said, burying her head in Aeryn's arms.
"Trust me. I do," Aeryn, replied, the pain of John's absence a void in her existence. Aeryn held Chiana as D'Argo looked on, feeling helpless to make a difference.
D'Argo knew Chiana had been closest to John since the turmoil on Arnessk. He just hadn't realized how attached she had become to the human. D'Argo cursed himself now for not paying attention to her.
xxxxx
John heard the voices as the haze began to clear. His head pounded as he slowly opened his eyes, the light blinding him. John moaned, feeling like a hot blade had just pierced his skull. He quickly brought his hands to his head, pulling his legs up, to stop the coursing pain.
Tirus and Scorpius were arguing when they heard the human stir. Tirus saw the curled up body and hurried over to John's side, Scorpius following.
"You will not tell me what."
"Quiet, Scorpius!" Tirus demanded, stopping Scorpius in mid sentence. "We will talk about this in a microt. The patient needs our attention," he said, trying to pull John's hands away from his face.
John fought the touch of the Karak, the bass drum continuing to pound in his head. Finding his voice, John croaked, "Leave. me the frell. alone." His words were barely audible; the vocal chords still weak from the drug.
Tirus ignored his request, managing to pry John's hands away. He beckoned Scorpius, "I need your help. Hold his hands so I can examine him." Scorpius complied, holding them back for Tirus. He carefully lifted John's eyelids one by one, noticing the deep red in place of the white.
Tirus pulled out a syringe and filled it with a yellow fluid. He injected it into the base of John's head, watching him closely as he pulled the needle out.
Scorpius asked, "What did you give him?" He watched along with Tirus as the drug took effect.
They saw a more relaxed expression on John's face as he slowly straightened his body, lying flat. John opened his bloodshot eyes, the throbbing in his head gone. "What the frell happened?" John asked, groggily, staring at Tirus. "I...I.don't remember."
"Just a bad reaction," Scorpius replied, relieved by John's recovery. "You will remain here and rest.then we will continue."
John felt some of his bravado return. He figured he had come close to dying by the look on the hybrid's face. "Yeah Scorpy, maybe next time you can kill me and put me out of my misery. At least I won't have to look at your ugly face anymore," John chuckled weakly. He knew deep inside it would be a blessing.
Scorpius glared at John. "Shut up Crichton, and be careful what you wish for!" He turned and walked out of the room with Tirus, ready to continue the argument.
xxxxx
Tirus took Scorpius to his lab so they could discuss the debate over the human. He also wanted to see the results of the culture. Tirus had been delayed longer than he had planned.
"What do you have for a replacement then?" Scorpius asked, walking around the room. The equipment the Karak's possessed was a scientist's dream. Scorpius thought about the different kinds of research that could be done in this setting.
Tirus sighed, answering, "Nothing. That drug was the weakest. If that was too strong for him, the others will kill him. His physiology is very different from ours." He wondered with the difference in the human if any of his fluids would be able to help them now.
Tirus turned to Ratoc, "How did the specimen turn out?" He asked with hope in his voice.
The look on Ratoc's face told him all he needed to know. Tirus sighed, turning back to his table, "We will keep trying. Let's work on your equations, Ratoc."
Ratoc nodded in agreement and wearily returned to his worktable.
"Now Scorpius, back to your problem," Tirus said. "What do you plan to do with Crichton? Our drugs can't open his mind as you had hoped."
Scorpius didn't want to resort to his old ways, but with no drug available he had no choice. "I will simply have to probe and hope John's mind has been broken to the point he can't fight it," he replied, walking out of the Karak's lab, ready to start prying into Crichton's mind.
xxxxx
Scorpius entered the lab, staring at the human on the cot. John was sleeping, curled into a ball as if this would protect him from everything. Scorpius prodded him with his hand to waken him.
Waking with a start, John sat up in a panic, looking into Scorpius' face. Scorpius noticed the blood shot eyes and the weariness in his face.
"Miss me?" John asked, sure he knew why Scorpius was back. "Gonna suck my brain out now, Scorpy? Well have at it, cause there ain't nothing left!" The laughter verged on hysteria, causing Scorpius to have second thoughts.
"John, let me explain. The drug the Karaks told me would make this pain free won't work on you. I'm left with no choice but to proceed without it," Scorpius said, wishing he had an alternative.
John looked at Scorpius, sobering. "Is that supposed to be some kind of apology?" John asked, turning away and rubbing his eyes. "You know, Scorpy, I said I would come with you to save Aeryn, but I didn't say I would help you," John said, his voice flat. "I can't do that and you know it, so frell away," John stated, turning away. "It's so buried, I can't even find it anymore."
"We shall see, John," Scorpius replied, roughly pushing John down onto the bed. Terror filled him as the realization of what was about to happen sunk in. John fought the grip Scorpius had on his wrists, twisting and turning against him, his heart beating so frantically he felt it would burst through his chest.
"Get away from me you frelling maniac!" John shouted through clenched teeth, the sweat quickly forming on his brow. He swung a leg hoping to catch Scorpius on the side of the head. John was frantic. he couldn't do this again.
Scorpius moved aside just in time and deflected John's leg, releasing one hand from his hold on John. Without a thought Scorpius backhanded John across his face, stunning the human and ending the struggle. Scorpius quickly snapped John's wrists into the restraints, before he could regain his senses.
"I had hoped it wouldn't be this way, John," Scorpius stated, positioning the probe and attaching the electrodes to his head. "It must be the human in you."
John opened his eyes and saw Scorpius glaring down at him with his leering smile. He fought against his restraints, John's eyes frantically looking up and back at Scorpius, the horror of the inevitable dawning.
"Save your strength Crichton, you can't win," Scorpius said, sliding his hand over to the unit as John watched.
John closed his eyes, aware of what was coming. 'Please God help me. Just let it all end this time.' These were John's last thoughts as Scorpius activated the unit.
John's body shuddered from the intensity of the pain. The diverse memories slashed through his mind threatening his already shattered thoughts as John tried to shut off the feelings that were tearing him apart.
Scorpius increased the voltage as John's screams resounded off the walls. Chapter fourteen will be posted tomorrow.
My thanks to gbbarb for the beta read and keeping me straight.
Moya and the crew had been searching for three solar days for a habitable commerce planet. The fighting had started aboard the vessel on the second solar day when D'Argo started rationing the food. He knew the crew was on edge over John, this just added to their problems.
The old woman had been chosen to dispense the food cubes twice a day. The mid-day meal had been eliminated for the time being.
Chiana was questioning Rygel as D'Argo walked into the center chamber.
"I know you snerched some food cubes, Rygel! The old woman walks out for a microt and here you are taking more than your share!" Chiana said in an accusing tone.
"I did no such thing, Chiana! I am a Dominar and such thoughts would never enter my mind!" Rygel said indignantly.
"Don't give me that, Rygel. I saw you!" Chiana shouted. "You know you're nothing but a slug!" Chiana was furious with Rygel. They barely had enough food to last two solar days and he was stealing what little they had left, without a thought for the rest of the crew.
D'Argo was shaking his head as the two went at each other. Tired of the arguing he growled, "That will be enough! Both of you!" Lowering his voice he continued. "We have enough problems; we don't need the fighting also."
Aeryn heard the shouting down the corridor. She walked into the chamber just as D'Argo put an end to the argument.
"What the frell is going on here?" Aeryn asked, staring at all of them.
Chiana was the first speak. "This Hynerion slug decided to steal some food."
Chiana was silenced as Rygel interrupted. "This Nebari tralk has no right to."
D'Argo interrupted both of them, shouting, "Stop now! We don't have time for this!"
"D'Argo's right.that is if you want to stay alive," Aeryn said, looking at Chiana and Rygel. "We need to pull together guys, not apart." Aeryn stopped herself, realizing she sounded like John. She felt the lump form in her throat and turned away, the tears glistened in her eyes.
The room was quiet. Chiana slowly walked over to Aeryn and laid her hand on her shoulder. "It's ok, Aeryn. We'll get John back," Chiana said softly, her own tears threatening. "Nothing's ever been able to stop us before."
Aeryn reached over with her arm and placed her hand on Chiana's. She nodded her head, replying, "You're right, Chiana. We've never failed before. Thank you."
Pilot interrupted them, his voice coming over the comm. "Ka D'Argo, I believe we have located a safe planet."
"I'll be right there," D'Argo replied, heading for command. He glanced over his shoulder as he rounded the corner of the door, "Aeryn?"
"Right behind you," she said, her footsteps on D'Argo's heels.
xxxxx
Tirus was working on his research along side the rest of the Karak scientists. They had tried to formulate a cure for the people for many cycles, failing in every attempt. Tirus understood it was only a small amount of the population that suffered from the defective cells, but the thought of impurity in their society was unsettling.
Tirus filled the syringe with the latest formula and turned towards his newest subject. The Karak squirmed against the restraints that held him to the bed, fearing what they had planned. He had seen many captured and released, but some never returned. The scientists only lured them out when they felt they had a cure. This was one of those times as Tirus walked to the bed, trying to calm him with his voice.
"Shh, my friend. There is nothing to fear," Tirus said, injecting the fluid into his neck. The subject closed his eyes as the liquid had its effect. He motioned to one of the closer scientists, "In an arn we should take some tissue and examine the effects, if any, from our latest formula. We can only hope this will be successful."
Tirus was weary from all the arns they had spent with no success. He turned and took off his vest, dropping it in the sterilizer.
"I will retire now. Wake me in an arn," Tirus said, turning to exit the lab. He ventured as far as the door, when Scorpius roared over the communications channel.
"Tirus quickly! I need you in the lab! Something is wrong!"
Tirus bid two of his men to follow, exiting the unit.
xxxxx
"How can this be happening?" Scorpius growled, holding the human down. The violent spasms had flooded John's whole body, his thrashing becoming worse. Scorpius could only hope to keep him from harming himself, his own hands rotating from legs to arms.
John's body suddenly arched, a screeching sound emitting from his throat. Scorpius had never seen anyone in this state. He feared he was killing his prized possession, seeing the torment loom over John's face.
The screech broke John's mind free of its hiding place, the intense pain entering every fiber of his being. His eyes opened and shut without reason, his muscles quivering in distress. John fought to speak, his vocal chords still paralyzed. He felt the searing pulsations rip through his body, feeling trapped inside himself, unable to call for help.
Scorpius noticed John's movements, hope surging through him. John's eyes snapped open but all Scorpius could see was unspeakable agony exuding through them.
"Tirus!" Scorpius demanded again, feeling he was losing John.
Tirus appeared in the doorway. "What is the problem, Scorpius? You have interrupted."
Tirus stopped, seeing the human's body writhing in pain. He quickly moved towards the cot. "What did you do to him?" Tirus asked looking down at the half-Scarran.
Scorpius replied, irritated by the Karak, "I did nothing. It was the drug you gave me! You said it wouldn't harm the human! Look at him!"
Tirus looked at Scorpius in an unpleasant manner. Taking control he replied, "Leave the room, Scorpius. I will take care of this!"
Tirus went to the cabinet, instructing his own people to hold the human down. He filled another syringe, looking at Scorpius. "I told you to leave. We will take care of this matter."
Scorpius reared up. "I will not leave. He is mine."
Tirus dropped his hands by his side, staring at the hybrid. "Must I remind you, you are on my homeworld," he said dismissing Scorpius. "I will let you know when this is over."
Scorpius hesitated for a microt before stepping back. He didn't want to raise their wrath since they had afforded him the lab. "Very well, but you can't release him. He is to remain in my custody," Scorpius replied in no uncertain terms.
"That is no concern of mine. I am only here to help him," Tirus replied, injecting the new serum into John's veins. "It should only be a few arns."
Scorpius nodded retreating. "Again, I will be waiting."
Tirus sighed as Scorpius finally left, observing the human. John's spasms were slowly subsiding, his breath returning in choking gasps, the spittle settling on his lips. Tirus propped John's back to ease his breathing. He could at least relieve his distress on this point while the drug did its job.
Tirus dismissed his doctors sure the crisis was over. "You may go back to the lab. Don't forget the culture. It should be done in an arn. I will wait with him until I am sure he has recovered," Tirus said, noticing the human slowly stirring.
"We will meet you back in the lab, Tirus," Ratoc replied. "I will test the specimen myself if you are not back in time."
Tirus nodded, turning to put the supplies away.
His mind clearing slowly, John fought waking, the pain finally easing. He didn't know what happened, what had caused the agony he had just experienced; he only knew he didn't want to wake up. John cried inside himself, wishing he could end it all.
Another spasm pierced through him, his back arching, a cry escaping from his lips. Tirus went to John's side, speaking in a calm voice. "Are you in pain still?" He noticed some wetness on the human's face and lightly wiped it away.
John could hear the lulling voice, resisting the urge to trust it. The pain stopped as John felt his body relax again. Sleep was all he wanted, allowing his mind to drift, welcoming the darkness.
xxxxx
Grayza sat in her quarters thinking about her options. 'I don't think the Leviathan starburst, but they wouldn't go to a nearby planet, either. That would be too easy.' She rose from her seat and went to the charts. Grayza had others on the carrier to plot courses, but for the renegades she would make the decisions. Studying the charts, she decided on their course.
Grayza opened her comm, leaving her quarters. "Captain Braca, have the Sergeant meet us in command. I will be there shortly."
"Yes ma'am. I will comm him now," Braca replied, notifying the Sergeant. The Captain worried about what decision Grayza was going to make, knowing he would follow her orders without hesitation.
Grayza met Braca and the Sergeant at the console that held the charts. "This is my plan," Grayza said, pointing to the planet Braca had spoken of. "We will proceed to the planet until our Marauders are in range, then send a squad of five down. They will investigate and report back. While they are searching, the carrier will track the Leviathan. If any of the crew went down to the planet we will capture them, at the same time we will have the Leviathan." Grayza was pleased. Either way she couldn't fail.
"Commandant, do you think it's safe to leave our soldiers on this planet until we return?" He asked, several more questions on his lips. "What if the Leviathan did journey to the planet? We will be chasing nothing and our soldiers may not be able to hold them." The Sergeant knew the risk he was taking questioning Grayza, but he knew she wouldn't have called him if she didn't want his opinion.
Grayza smiled, pleased with his thought process. "Very good, Sergeant, but I don't think the escaped prisoners starburst. I believe they are still within range, perhaps, several solar days ahead of us, but not on this planet. That would be too close to our location. I only want to be thorough this time, something we have not been in the past," Grayza replied, glancing at Braca.
The Captain adjusted his collar and looked to the ceiling. He knew Grayza enjoyed seeing discomfort in her subjects, refusing to display it.
"Very well, Commandant!" Braca said. "Sergeant prepare the ships. I will increase our speed, bringing us into range in a solar day and a half." Braca was concerned about her plan, but would not voice his opinion. He had been a victim of her wrath before and wouldn't risk it again.
"Sergeant make sure you put your best man in charge of the Marauder," Grayza said, slipping around the man to stand next to Braca. "Dismissed, Sergeant," she ordered without looking his way.
The Sergeant hesitated for a microt then left command.
Braca stood still, feeling her warm breath against his ear, staring straight ahead. He swallowed hard, fearing her motive for the closeness. Grayza stared at the techs around command, the look causing all eyes to drop. She slowly slid her fingers across her chest, hearing Braca gasp as he breathed in her oils.
Braca's breath caught in his throat as the oils had the desired effect. "Commandant.I.I." He turned, feeling dizzy and out of touch with his surroundings.
"Captain Braca, I suggest after you issue the orders you should rest. You have been in command too long and we have a mission ahead. I don't expect it to fail." Grayza wanted complete control of her Captains mind. After the Aurora Chair she had lost it. She couldn't afford for Braca to start thinking on his own, thus her oil. It would keep him obedient and focused on her directives.
Braca simply answered, "Yes ma'am."
Grayza walked away pleased with his answer.
xxxxx
D'Argo and Aeryn entered command, their steps slowing, staring at the planet Pilot had already put on visual.
"How far Pilot?" D'Argo asked, watching the viewing screen.
"Two solar days, Ka D'Argo," Pilot replied, knowing they would be out of food by then. "I'm sorry."
D'Argo cursed in Luxan to himself. "Are you sure there's nothing closer?" D'Argo knew the answer, but his frustration was getting the best of him.
Aeryn interjected, shooting D'Argo a warning glance. "Forget the question Pilot. We know you've done your best. We'll just have to reduce our intake. Set a course for the planet and thank you Pilot."
"I already have Officer Sun. I knew there was little choice in the matter," Pilot replied, closing the visual.
Aeryn felt the same frustration as D'Argo, moving towards the bench to sit. She dropped her body on the seat and closed her eyes. Each day they were delayed in acquiring food was lost time for John.
D'Argo walked over to Aeryn, knowing her thoughts. He sat beside her, laying his hand on hers. "I know Aeryn. Trust John to be strong," he said sighing, the truth of their situation weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Aeryn dropped her head, biting back the tears. "John was so weak when he left, D'Argo, so distressed. How can he hold up to anything Scorpius does to him? All you had to do was look into his eyes to see the torment."
Chiana walked into command quietly, listening to their conversation. "Are you talking about John?" She asked, staring at Aeryn. "If you are, remember, I care for him also. I was the one who comforted him after Grayza had her way with him. Yeah I know all about his torment, I lived it, through him, all the frelling nights I rocked him to sleep!" Chiana shouted, her stomach churning, remembering the nightmares.
Aeryn stared, surprised by Chiana's outburst. "Chiana, I don't understand."
The tears slowly slid down Chiana's cheeks. In a softer voice she said, "You wouldn't." The Nebari turned away from Aeryn and D'Argo, suddenly sorry for what she had said.
"Chiana, you make no sense!" D'Argo bellowed, rising to his feet.
Aeryn put her hand on his chest. "Let me. I think I know," she said, walking towards the Nebari. Aeryn had seen the closeness that had developed between John and Chiana in her absence. Now that she was back, her and D'Argo had thrust Chiana aside, not considering her feelings.
Aeryn stood behind Chiana. "I think I understand, Chiana. While I was gone, you were the one there for John. You reached out to him, listening to all his thoughts, helping him cope. You gave your heart to him and now we haven't even considered the pain you must be feeling. Am I right?" Aeryn had acquired a new understanding of emotions since John was taken from her.
Chiana felt her whole body shake, the tears erupting freely. She never thought Aeryn would understand, but she did. Aeryn had become more as John said she would. The Nebari turned around, facing Aeryn. "I didn't think you could," Chiana said, burying her head in Aeryn's arms.
"Trust me. I do," Aeryn, replied, the pain of John's absence a void in her existence. Aeryn held Chiana as D'Argo looked on, feeling helpless to make a difference.
D'Argo knew Chiana had been closest to John since the turmoil on Arnessk. He just hadn't realized how attached she had become to the human. D'Argo cursed himself now for not paying attention to her.
xxxxx
John heard the voices as the haze began to clear. His head pounded as he slowly opened his eyes, the light blinding him. John moaned, feeling like a hot blade had just pierced his skull. He quickly brought his hands to his head, pulling his legs up, to stop the coursing pain.
Tirus and Scorpius were arguing when they heard the human stir. Tirus saw the curled up body and hurried over to John's side, Scorpius following.
"You will not tell me what."
"Quiet, Scorpius!" Tirus demanded, stopping Scorpius in mid sentence. "We will talk about this in a microt. The patient needs our attention," he said, trying to pull John's hands away from his face.
John fought the touch of the Karak, the bass drum continuing to pound in his head. Finding his voice, John croaked, "Leave. me the frell. alone." His words were barely audible; the vocal chords still weak from the drug.
Tirus ignored his request, managing to pry John's hands away. He beckoned Scorpius, "I need your help. Hold his hands so I can examine him." Scorpius complied, holding them back for Tirus. He carefully lifted John's eyelids one by one, noticing the deep red in place of the white.
Tirus pulled out a syringe and filled it with a yellow fluid. He injected it into the base of John's head, watching him closely as he pulled the needle out.
Scorpius asked, "What did you give him?" He watched along with Tirus as the drug took effect.
They saw a more relaxed expression on John's face as he slowly straightened his body, lying flat. John opened his bloodshot eyes, the throbbing in his head gone. "What the frell happened?" John asked, groggily, staring at Tirus. "I...I.don't remember."
"Just a bad reaction," Scorpius replied, relieved by John's recovery. "You will remain here and rest.then we will continue."
John felt some of his bravado return. He figured he had come close to dying by the look on the hybrid's face. "Yeah Scorpy, maybe next time you can kill me and put me out of my misery. At least I won't have to look at your ugly face anymore," John chuckled weakly. He knew deep inside it would be a blessing.
Scorpius glared at John. "Shut up Crichton, and be careful what you wish for!" He turned and walked out of the room with Tirus, ready to continue the argument.
xxxxx
Tirus took Scorpius to his lab so they could discuss the debate over the human. He also wanted to see the results of the culture. Tirus had been delayed longer than he had planned.
"What do you have for a replacement then?" Scorpius asked, walking around the room. The equipment the Karak's possessed was a scientist's dream. Scorpius thought about the different kinds of research that could be done in this setting.
Tirus sighed, answering, "Nothing. That drug was the weakest. If that was too strong for him, the others will kill him. His physiology is very different from ours." He wondered with the difference in the human if any of his fluids would be able to help them now.
Tirus turned to Ratoc, "How did the specimen turn out?" He asked with hope in his voice.
The look on Ratoc's face told him all he needed to know. Tirus sighed, turning back to his table, "We will keep trying. Let's work on your equations, Ratoc."
Ratoc nodded in agreement and wearily returned to his worktable.
"Now Scorpius, back to your problem," Tirus said. "What do you plan to do with Crichton? Our drugs can't open his mind as you had hoped."
Scorpius didn't want to resort to his old ways, but with no drug available he had no choice. "I will simply have to probe and hope John's mind has been broken to the point he can't fight it," he replied, walking out of the Karak's lab, ready to start prying into Crichton's mind.
xxxxx
Scorpius entered the lab, staring at the human on the cot. John was sleeping, curled into a ball as if this would protect him from everything. Scorpius prodded him with his hand to waken him.
Waking with a start, John sat up in a panic, looking into Scorpius' face. Scorpius noticed the blood shot eyes and the weariness in his face.
"Miss me?" John asked, sure he knew why Scorpius was back. "Gonna suck my brain out now, Scorpy? Well have at it, cause there ain't nothing left!" The laughter verged on hysteria, causing Scorpius to have second thoughts.
"John, let me explain. The drug the Karaks told me would make this pain free won't work on you. I'm left with no choice but to proceed without it," Scorpius said, wishing he had an alternative.
John looked at Scorpius, sobering. "Is that supposed to be some kind of apology?" John asked, turning away and rubbing his eyes. "You know, Scorpy, I said I would come with you to save Aeryn, but I didn't say I would help you," John said, his voice flat. "I can't do that and you know it, so frell away," John stated, turning away. "It's so buried, I can't even find it anymore."
"We shall see, John," Scorpius replied, roughly pushing John down onto the bed. Terror filled him as the realization of what was about to happen sunk in. John fought the grip Scorpius had on his wrists, twisting and turning against him, his heart beating so frantically he felt it would burst through his chest.
"Get away from me you frelling maniac!" John shouted through clenched teeth, the sweat quickly forming on his brow. He swung a leg hoping to catch Scorpius on the side of the head. John was frantic. he couldn't do this again.
Scorpius moved aside just in time and deflected John's leg, releasing one hand from his hold on John. Without a thought Scorpius backhanded John across his face, stunning the human and ending the struggle. Scorpius quickly snapped John's wrists into the restraints, before he could regain his senses.
"I had hoped it wouldn't be this way, John," Scorpius stated, positioning the probe and attaching the electrodes to his head. "It must be the human in you."
John opened his eyes and saw Scorpius glaring down at him with his leering smile. He fought against his restraints, John's eyes frantically looking up and back at Scorpius, the horror of the inevitable dawning.
"Save your strength Crichton, you can't win," Scorpius said, sliding his hand over to the unit as John watched.
John closed his eyes, aware of what was coming. 'Please God help me. Just let it all end this time.' These were John's last thoughts as Scorpius activated the unit.
John's body shuddered from the intensity of the pain. The diverse memories slashed through his mind threatening his already shattered thoughts as John tried to shut off the feelings that were tearing him apart.
Scorpius increased the voltage as John's screams resounded off the walls. Chapter fourteen will be posted tomorrow.