The Price Part 14
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 reading and keeping me in line.
Braca had returned to command after a short rest. The hepple oil had put his mind at ease, allowing sleep to take him easily.
"Are we within range yet?" Braca asked his tech.
Checking the navigation console, the tech relpied, "Sir, we should be in range within fifteen microts. We can then dispatch the Marauder."
"Very well. I will notify the Sergeant to get his unit ready," Braca stated, opening his comm and advising him of their position. He proceeded to inform Grayza of the impending departure of the ship.
"I will be there shortly, Captain," Grayza responded, changing her uniform. After they launched the Marauder she knew they would be in hot pursuit of the Leviathan. Her ship was just a precaution in case she had misjudged the prisoners.
xxxxx
Aeryn and D'Argo were readying the pod for their journey to the commerce planet. Pilot had been able speed up their arrival by half a solar day. There was very little food left, but the crew's spirits were high, knowing they would be restocking soon.
D'Argo had decided that everyone but Rygel, Sikozu and the old woman would go down to the planet. He knew Rygel was good at negotiating, but someone had to stay with the newest members of the crew. D'Argo had no doubt Sikozu could manage the Leviathan, but he still didn't entirely trust her.
Chiana entered the maintenance bay just as D'Argo was leaving. "Good," he said. "You can help Aeryn while I go to command to speak with Sikozu."
"Sure D'Argo," Chiana replied, happily. She knew it was because of her outburst a few solar days before, but she didn't care. This was exactly what she needed. Chiana wanted to help, but in the past they hadn't given her a chance.
"Let me help, Aeryn."
D'Argo smiled to himself, hearing Chiana's lighthearted voice again, leaving the bay.
xxxxx
John lay shivering in the dark cell, coughing, the blanket pulled up to his neck, knees curled into his chest. For once he was glad there was no light. He didn't think his eyes could stand it. The headache had started again, along with the tremors that slashed through his muscles causing him to shake uncontrollably.
John felt his stomach lurch, as the cough grew worse. He pulled himself to an upright position, leaning his back against the wall, stilling the urge to vomit. John closed his eyes, exhausted but unable to sleep. Each time he dozed off, the flashes that cut through his thoughts jolted him awake. John needed to hold these at bay. They would only serve to drive him deeper into his already shattered mind. He knew it wasn't over. How much longer he could last was the question.
'God babe, I hope you meant what you said.' John thought to himself, the tears trickling down his face. Without her love his sacrifice meant nothing. He ached for her touch, his own fingers gliding over his arm, imagining Aeryn's. John felt comfort for a moment, his thoughts wandering, feeling Aeryn in his heart and soul, and feeling the touch. He went back to the moment with her on the terrace and embraced it in his soul. She had finally spoken the words he had longed to hear, giving him closure. Her love was the only thing that carried him up until the moment of Scorpius' probing.
"John?" The voice was familiar, but he knew it couldn't be. He opened his eyes and stared at the figure standing before him. She smiled, crouching in front of him.
"Aeryn?" John asked through red-rimmed eyes. "It can't be you. Y.you're on.Moya." He felt the tears glisten as she moved closer and touched his cheek. John closed his eyes, leaning his face into her hand. "God, Aeryn, please.be.here!" John choked in a raspy voice, the agony piercing his heart.
"Be strong.for me. Remember what I said," she said in a lulling voice.
The tears slid down John's cheeks as he felt himself falling to the floor. He opened his eyes and saw the hands he felt were only his own. "No," John groaned as he lay on the hard ground, sobbing, the hysteria threatening to surface.
Turning his face into the ground John knew he had lost his last grip on reality, the seeds of insanity finally taking root. This time he didn't try to stop the bile from rising, violently retching until he passed out.
xxxxx
"D'Argo.I do know what I am doing," Sikozu said, impatiently. "I am an expert with Leviathans. Just make sure you bring food back."
"That is our intention, Sikozu," D'Argo replied, sarcastically. "Make sure you inform us of any threat immediately.not after you have analyzed it!" D'Argo stated clearly. He didn't want to hear about the danger after it was too late to react. "Watch for Grayza. I'm sure the carrier can't be far behind."
"Is that it, Captain? If so, shouldn't we get started?" Sikozu asked, a slight smirk on her face.
D'Argo scowled at her, mumbling under his breath. He stomped off angrily and left for the hangar, ready to leave Moya.
The girls were doing a systems check on the pod as D'Argo entered the bay. Aeryn glanced at him as he climbed into the transport. "Everything taken care of with Sikozu?"
"We can only hope, Aeryn," D'Argo replied, rolling his eyes. "Not a lot of choices right now."
A slight smile formed on Aeryn's lips. She suspected things hadn't gone as well as D'Argo wanted. It would take a lot for him to completely trust Sikozu as it did with John. Aeryn slowed for a microt, her thoughts reverting to him. She hastily shrugged them off. There was no time for reminiscing. The sooner they restocked the supplies, the quicker she would have John back.
Starting the engines, Aeryn opened her comm. "Please open the bay doors, Pilot. We are ready to lift off, and Pilot.make sure you monitor everything entering this sector."
"Of course Officer Sun, opening the bay doors now," Pilot responded. "We will notify you if we detect any trouble. Please be careful. We have lost one and I don't want to lose another," Pilot replied, the sadness still in his voice.
Aeryn looked off, the pain of Pilot's words hitting her again. 'Never again,' Aeryn thought to herself. "We will be careful, Pilot."
xxxxx
Scorpius met with Tirus in his quarters. "You wanted to see me?" Scorpius asked, sitting across from the Karak.
Tirus sighed before speaking. "I'm sure you heard our latest cure failed. I had hoped we wouldn't have to use your prisoner in our experiment, but he is our last hope now." Tirus was on his feet staring down at Scorpius, expecting resistance.
"I see." Scorpius felt uncomfortable with the Karak dwarfing him as he rose. He stepped back with his arms folded behind his back, considering Tirus' statement. "You promised me no harm would come to John, but you also said the drug wouldn't harm him. How do I know that now?" He asked leering.
"We have an agreement, Scorpius," Tirus spat back. "I expect you to respect it!" The warning in the Karak's voice caused Scorpius to take notice.
Scorpius replied, "Very well, but.I will be in the room with John." He had no choice but to honor his word, but he would be watching very closely.
xxxxx
"Captain Braca! We are in range for the Marauder. Shall I give the order?" The Sergeant asked, standing at attention.
Grayza strode in as the Sergeant was informing Braca. "Sergeant, are your men ready?" She asked, calmly looking over the navigational instruments. Grayza could see the planet on the console, but she questioned the distance. Looking up at her Sergeant, she asked, "You are sure the range is sufficient? I want them to make it to the planet, not die in trying!"
The Sergeant turned to her. "Commandant Grayza, I am sure of this. I have even allowed for extra time."
Grayza studied his face for a microt before responding. "Then proceed, Sergeant. I will look forward to a report soon," she replied dismissing him, turning to other business.
The Sergeant opened his comm and issued the orders. The squad of five soldiers immediately followed their directive and launched their vessel toward the unknown planet.
"Do we have a lock on the Leviathan yet?" Grayza asked. To her this was more important. She didn't have much faith in the alternate plan, staring intently at the tech's console.
"Ma'am I'm picking up something, though I'm not sure what. I am trying to decipher it now," the tech replied, pressing different buttons on the console. "Sorry ma'am, it's still to far away to identify."
"Keep trying," Grayza ordered. Turning to Braca she said, "Captain stay on this course. I think we may have located our target." Grayza smiled, thinking about the stunned looks on the prisoner's faces when she finally had them in her hands again, especially John Crichton.
xxxxx
The pod landed at the coordinates Pilot had programmed into their computer. Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana entered the market square cautiously; hoping no wanted beacons had been planted. Seeing none, they went about their business like the normal traveler.
"Remember, we stick together," Aeryn said, realizing this would slow them down, but they couldn't afford to split up and one of them end up in trouble. It was safer this way.
The square was a busy place, filled with different species. The crew of Moya fit in well, easing their worries. They had encountered enough dren in the last monen; they didn't want to have to deal with anymore for a while.
D'Argo, Aeryn and Chiana were making progress quickly in the market. They kept each other in sight at all times, watching for anything amiss, as they gathered their purchases and moved on to the next tent in the square.
After several arns of shopping it was decided they had enough food to last them for close to half a cycle. They carried the crates back to the vessel and were loading them on the ship as the communication came from Sikozu.
"D'Argo, come in!" Sikozu said. "You, Aeryn and Chiana should get back to Moya immediately. Pilot has picked up a command carrier on his scans!"
xxxxx
John felt himself swaying as if he was floating in the ocean, the waves lulling his body to their own rhythm. He relaxed, allowing the dream to continue, remembering the beauty of the home he had left behind. John could feel the heat on his face, wiping the sweat away. He opened his eyes slowly only to be blinded by a shining light. John quickly snapped them shut, groaning. 'What the hell,' he thought to himself groggily.
The voices sounded distant to him as he tried to open them again. John couldn't make out who was in the room, his vision blurred.
"He's waking. This is good." Tirus stated, standing over the human, waiting. "You are lucky Scorpius."
"Tirus, must I remind you.I do know what I am doing!" Scorpius snapped. The constant judgment by the Karak was starting to wear thin on his patience. He knew it wouldn't be much longer before he cursed him.
The ragged cough started again, John choking, trying to sit it up. Tirus went to his side and helped John raise himself, reaching for the glass of water that stood on the table. Tirus held the glass to John's dry, cracked lips, encouraging him to drink.
"Only a little. Too much will make you sick. You have lost a lot of fluids," Tirus said, glancing at Scorpius. The water felt glorious sliding down John's parched throat, focused on drinking as much as he could. John protested as he felt the glass leave his lips, the Karak easing him back down on the bed.
John stared at the Karak, uncertain of him. "Who.are you?" He asked in a raspy voice, swallowing hard. 'There has to be a catch to this somewhere, he's being nice,' John thought to himself.
"I am Tirus, and you are on Karak. Welcome to my world, John Crichton," he stated, proudly.
"The Karak's were kind enough to afford me a place to continue my.research," Scorpius said, searching John's face for a reaction.
John flinched, hearing the half- breeds voice. He knew he was there; John just didn't want to deal with it. Being in the same room with him was enough to send sheer terror through him.
Turning his attention back to John, the Karak spoke, "We are going to replace your body fluids before we start. While we are doing that you will remain here to rest."
John's eyes opened wide, struggling to sit up. "Start what?" He asked in a strained voice, looking from the Karak to Scorpius for an answer.
Scorpius flashed John a leering grin, sending shivers up his spine. "Nothing for you to worry about, John," he replied, turning on his heels and leaving.
Tirus nodded to his doctor to start. "We only need a few specimens, John, nothing more," he stated, dismissing him and walking out of the lab.
John dropped his head to the bed, jaw clenched, feeling the rage swell in him. "No," he said almost to himself, blocking the pain out to focus, the adrenaline pumping in his veins. "I'm not a lab rat!"
John turned his head and saw the Karak's back to him. He didn't know how much strength he had left in him, or how he was going to get out, but he would at least die trying. John knew he couldn't live another day like this, fear always at his door.
He slowly rose from the bed, steadying himself, dropping one foot before the other to the floor. John felt his knees buckle as he tried to stand, grabbing into the bed. He was bathed in sweat as his muscles groaned against the exertion. John took a deep breath before continuing, his mind screaming at him. 'Dammit John, do it or live the rest of your life in hell!' He rose up feeling a newfound strength from the words.
Focused on the doctor in front of him, John staggered slightly as he took his first step. Righting himself on his own, he felt stronger, walking quicker towards the Karak. John picked up what looked to be a medical instrument made of some sort of metal from the nearby table. He walked up quietly behind the doctor and slammed it against his head, watching him fall to the ground.
John dropped the weapon, bending over and grabbing his knees. His breath was coming harsh and fast, his heart pounding. John calmed himself, catching his breath. He wiped his face with his arm as he straightened and looked around the room. "Now to get the hell out of dodge." John turned to the door, ready to make his escape.
"Human, here!" The voice said, hastily.
John turned in panic hearing the voice behind him, ready to fight. He stared at the head sticking out of the wall sure he was seeing things. "What the hell?"
"Follow me if you truly wish to escape. I can take you to safety."
There was no trust left in John after all that had happened, but he could hear the footsteps in the corridor. His heart started beating wildly thinking of what his future would be if he stayed. "Frell it," he said, slipping into the cavity in the wall.
xxxxx
The Marauder landed on the outskirts of town. The soldiers exited the ship intent on following their directive, splitting up to cover more ground.
The soldiers sent the Karaks into chaos as they entered the square. They welcomed most life forms to their planet, but they knew the peacekeeper presence usually meant trouble. The Lieutenant grabbed one of the Karaks that had hidden behind a column. "Just answer my question and no harm will come to you." The man nodded his head fervently, wanting only to be away from him.
The Lieutenant held out the chip and rested it on the square of the column. "Tell me if you've seen any of these renegades on your planet," he said activating the holo. The image of the crew sprung up before the man's eyes, recognizing one. The man pointed to the image of Crichton quickly, hoping the peacekeeper would be satisfied and let him go.
"Very good," the Lieutenant replied. "Where can I find him?" He swung the Karak around and pinned him to the column, pleased with the fear he saw in his eyes.
"I.I don't know. Another brought him here, against his will I sensed. The ship they came in is on the other side of town. That is all I know," the Karak answered, hoping he had given him the answers he searched for.
The Lieutenant threw him aside, marching off in the direction the Karak had indicated.
xxxxx
John was having a hard time keeping up with the Karak, as they weaved through the endless tunnels. He felt his muscles cry out against the constant running, finally stopping to catch his breath and ease the pain that coursed through him. John slid to the floor, his legs finally breaking down.
John yelled out trying to slow the Karak down, "Man I gotta rest for a microt." He dropped his legs to the ground, massaging them, not knowing whether he had the strength to continue. John closed his eyes, resting his head against the walls of the tunnel.
The Karak stopped and went back to where John rested. "I know you hurt. We have been watching, but we must go now! It won't be long before they discover you missing," he said, pulling John to his feet.
"Who the frell are you and why are you helping me?" John asked, leaning on the Karak's shoulder for support. He sucked his breath in, the throbbing in his head starting again.
Moving along the corridor, the Karak explained that they were imperfect. They lived underground, away from the others. None of them could venture into the light of day since the brightness burned their eyes, blinding them. Tirus was trying to find a cure for their defective genes, but so far had failed.
"So that's where I come in?" John asked, sure he knew the answer. "My tissues and DNA?"
"Yes, but when I saw you were against it, I couldn't allow it. You must do it of your own free will. It can't be forced, that is not our way," the Karak explained. "Please forgive Tirus, he meant you no harm."
John chuckled softly, coughing. "That's what they all say." John stopped, thinking while he chewed on his lip. Staring at the Karak he asked, "Do you know where the pod is?"
"Why yes, I do, but you are very weak." The Karak stopped speaking as John cut him off.
"Take me to it. I'll be fine if I can get away from here," John stated, knowing he could never go back to Scorpius. He wouldn't live that hell again.
xxxxx
"Commandant, I have found the Leviathan," the tech said, looking at the vessel closely on his monitor.
Grayza quickly went to the console to see for herself. "I knew I was right!" She stated, thinking to herself, 'you thought you could outsmart me; we shall see who wins this time!' She turned away from the tech's panel to address her Captain. "Braca, increase our speed. I want the prisoners in my hands within the arn!"
"Yes ma'am," Braca replied, issuing the orders. "We shall have them soon." He stepped back smiling, thinking about what he would do to Scorpius.
Grayza saw the look on Braca's face, walking towards him. "Do I detect some thoughts of revenge?" Braca quickly stood at attention, eyes raised to the ceiling.
"No ma'am," the Captain replied, feeling Grayza put her hand on his shoulder, turning him to face her.
Her smile was malicious as she said, "Perhaps you will get another chance with Scorpius and.I won't stop you." Grayza slid her hand off Braca's shoulder and inquired on their speed.
"Commandant Grayza!" The tech called, worry in his tone. "It seems we are losing the ship." Staring at his readings, he finally looked up at his superior. "She is in starburst."
"What the frell do you mean? She couldn't have detected us this quickly!" Grayza was beside herself with rage, pacing back and forth. "Follow that ship! I will not lose it now!"
xxxxx
Aeryn landed the pod in the bay, leaving Chiana behind to unload the supplies, while she and D'Argo ran to command. "How much time, Pilot?" Aeryn asked, running down the corridors.
"They will be upon us in an arn. Moya and I both agree we should starburst, Officer Sun," Pilot answered, calming Moya.
"Agreed, Pilot! Do you think you can locate the coordinates of the planet John was left on?" D'Argo asked, looking down at Aeryn, seeing the smile touch her eyes.
"Yes, Ka D'Argo, Moya stored them in her databanks for future use," Pilot replied, his voice lifting.
"Thank Moya for us, Pilot! Starburst to those coordinates!" Aeryn said, her heart filling with hope.
"Starbursting now!"
xxxxx
"I can only take you as far as the tunnel opening," the Karak stated. "Do you think you can make it alone from there?"
John stifled the cough that was rising in his chest, taking a moment to respond. "Yeah, I can do it. It'll be the easiest thing I've done in many solar days," he replied, chuckling.
They were almost to the end of the tunnel when John stumbled, his left leg buckling under him. The Karak eased him to the ground, staring intently at John. "Are you sure you can get to the ship? I have a place here where they will never find you."
"Thanks, but no. There's only one place for me and it's not here," John answered with definition in his words.
John started to stand with the Karak's help. Rising, John said, "You never told me your name."
The Karak started walking with John in tow and replied. "They call me Milon, and you?"
"John, John Crichton. Thanks for helping me.Milon," John replied as they reached the tunnel entrance, dropping to the ground on his belly.
Milon did the same explaining how to get to the ship from their location. John nodded, understanding. "I wish you well.John Crichton. Now I must go."
John waited until Milon was deeper into the tunnel before he pulled off the seal, the light blinding him for a minute. He turned away then slowly looked again, his eyes adjusting to the brightness. John crawled up through the hole and resealed the tunnel.
Looking in the direction Milon had instructed him to, he saw the pod. He felt the emotions rise in him, taking a deep breath before he rose to his feet. 'Save it John,' he thought to himself, 'Plenty of time later.' He quickly moved to the pod, his body aching with every step. John pushed the pain away, focusing on the ship, his lifeline.
John's breathing was labored as he reached the pod, but he didn't stop as he started to climb into the ship. He never heard the sound as he was struck from behind, sending him into darkness.
The Lieutenant opened his comm, "Commandant Grayza, I have the prisoner, John Crichton in my custody."
Part 15 will be posted Tuesday
Disclaimer: I don't own them
My thanks to gbbarb for the beta reading and keeping me in line.
Braca had returned to command after a short rest. The hepple oil had put his mind at ease, allowing sleep to take him easily.
"Are we within range yet?" Braca asked his tech.
Checking the navigation console, the tech relpied, "Sir, we should be in range within fifteen microts. We can then dispatch the Marauder."
"Very well. I will notify the Sergeant to get his unit ready," Braca stated, opening his comm and advising him of their position. He proceeded to inform Grayza of the impending departure of the ship.
"I will be there shortly, Captain," Grayza responded, changing her uniform. After they launched the Marauder she knew they would be in hot pursuit of the Leviathan. Her ship was just a precaution in case she had misjudged the prisoners.
xxxxx
Aeryn and D'Argo were readying the pod for their journey to the commerce planet. Pilot had been able speed up their arrival by half a solar day. There was very little food left, but the crew's spirits were high, knowing they would be restocking soon.
D'Argo had decided that everyone but Rygel, Sikozu and the old woman would go down to the planet. He knew Rygel was good at negotiating, but someone had to stay with the newest members of the crew. D'Argo had no doubt Sikozu could manage the Leviathan, but he still didn't entirely trust her.
Chiana entered the maintenance bay just as D'Argo was leaving. "Good," he said. "You can help Aeryn while I go to command to speak with Sikozu."
"Sure D'Argo," Chiana replied, happily. She knew it was because of her outburst a few solar days before, but she didn't care. This was exactly what she needed. Chiana wanted to help, but in the past they hadn't given her a chance.
"Let me help, Aeryn."
D'Argo smiled to himself, hearing Chiana's lighthearted voice again, leaving the bay.
xxxxx
John lay shivering in the dark cell, coughing, the blanket pulled up to his neck, knees curled into his chest. For once he was glad there was no light. He didn't think his eyes could stand it. The headache had started again, along with the tremors that slashed through his muscles causing him to shake uncontrollably.
John felt his stomach lurch, as the cough grew worse. He pulled himself to an upright position, leaning his back against the wall, stilling the urge to vomit. John closed his eyes, exhausted but unable to sleep. Each time he dozed off, the flashes that cut through his thoughts jolted him awake. John needed to hold these at bay. They would only serve to drive him deeper into his already shattered mind. He knew it wasn't over. How much longer he could last was the question.
'God babe, I hope you meant what you said.' John thought to himself, the tears trickling down his face. Without her love his sacrifice meant nothing. He ached for her touch, his own fingers gliding over his arm, imagining Aeryn's. John felt comfort for a moment, his thoughts wandering, feeling Aeryn in his heart and soul, and feeling the touch. He went back to the moment with her on the terrace and embraced it in his soul. She had finally spoken the words he had longed to hear, giving him closure. Her love was the only thing that carried him up until the moment of Scorpius' probing.
"John?" The voice was familiar, but he knew it couldn't be. He opened his eyes and stared at the figure standing before him. She smiled, crouching in front of him.
"Aeryn?" John asked through red-rimmed eyes. "It can't be you. Y.you're on.Moya." He felt the tears glisten as she moved closer and touched his cheek. John closed his eyes, leaning his face into her hand. "God, Aeryn, please.be.here!" John choked in a raspy voice, the agony piercing his heart.
"Be strong.for me. Remember what I said," she said in a lulling voice.
The tears slid down John's cheeks as he felt himself falling to the floor. He opened his eyes and saw the hands he felt were only his own. "No," John groaned as he lay on the hard ground, sobbing, the hysteria threatening to surface.
Turning his face into the ground John knew he had lost his last grip on reality, the seeds of insanity finally taking root. This time he didn't try to stop the bile from rising, violently retching until he passed out.
xxxxx
"D'Argo.I do know what I am doing," Sikozu said, impatiently. "I am an expert with Leviathans. Just make sure you bring food back."
"That is our intention, Sikozu," D'Argo replied, sarcastically. "Make sure you inform us of any threat immediately.not after you have analyzed it!" D'Argo stated clearly. He didn't want to hear about the danger after it was too late to react. "Watch for Grayza. I'm sure the carrier can't be far behind."
"Is that it, Captain? If so, shouldn't we get started?" Sikozu asked, a slight smirk on her face.
D'Argo scowled at her, mumbling under his breath. He stomped off angrily and left for the hangar, ready to leave Moya.
The girls were doing a systems check on the pod as D'Argo entered the bay. Aeryn glanced at him as he climbed into the transport. "Everything taken care of with Sikozu?"
"We can only hope, Aeryn," D'Argo replied, rolling his eyes. "Not a lot of choices right now."
A slight smile formed on Aeryn's lips. She suspected things hadn't gone as well as D'Argo wanted. It would take a lot for him to completely trust Sikozu as it did with John. Aeryn slowed for a microt, her thoughts reverting to him. She hastily shrugged them off. There was no time for reminiscing. The sooner they restocked the supplies, the quicker she would have John back.
Starting the engines, Aeryn opened her comm. "Please open the bay doors, Pilot. We are ready to lift off, and Pilot.make sure you monitor everything entering this sector."
"Of course Officer Sun, opening the bay doors now," Pilot responded. "We will notify you if we detect any trouble. Please be careful. We have lost one and I don't want to lose another," Pilot replied, the sadness still in his voice.
Aeryn looked off, the pain of Pilot's words hitting her again. 'Never again,' Aeryn thought to herself. "We will be careful, Pilot."
xxxxx
Scorpius met with Tirus in his quarters. "You wanted to see me?" Scorpius asked, sitting across from the Karak.
Tirus sighed before speaking. "I'm sure you heard our latest cure failed. I had hoped we wouldn't have to use your prisoner in our experiment, but he is our last hope now." Tirus was on his feet staring down at Scorpius, expecting resistance.
"I see." Scorpius felt uncomfortable with the Karak dwarfing him as he rose. He stepped back with his arms folded behind his back, considering Tirus' statement. "You promised me no harm would come to John, but you also said the drug wouldn't harm him. How do I know that now?" He asked leering.
"We have an agreement, Scorpius," Tirus spat back. "I expect you to respect it!" The warning in the Karak's voice caused Scorpius to take notice.
Scorpius replied, "Very well, but.I will be in the room with John." He had no choice but to honor his word, but he would be watching very closely.
xxxxx
"Captain Braca! We are in range for the Marauder. Shall I give the order?" The Sergeant asked, standing at attention.
Grayza strode in as the Sergeant was informing Braca. "Sergeant, are your men ready?" She asked, calmly looking over the navigational instruments. Grayza could see the planet on the console, but she questioned the distance. Looking up at her Sergeant, she asked, "You are sure the range is sufficient? I want them to make it to the planet, not die in trying!"
The Sergeant turned to her. "Commandant Grayza, I am sure of this. I have even allowed for extra time."
Grayza studied his face for a microt before responding. "Then proceed, Sergeant. I will look forward to a report soon," she replied dismissing him, turning to other business.
The Sergeant opened his comm and issued the orders. The squad of five soldiers immediately followed their directive and launched their vessel toward the unknown planet.
"Do we have a lock on the Leviathan yet?" Grayza asked. To her this was more important. She didn't have much faith in the alternate plan, staring intently at the tech's console.
"Ma'am I'm picking up something, though I'm not sure what. I am trying to decipher it now," the tech replied, pressing different buttons on the console. "Sorry ma'am, it's still to far away to identify."
"Keep trying," Grayza ordered. Turning to Braca she said, "Captain stay on this course. I think we may have located our target." Grayza smiled, thinking about the stunned looks on the prisoner's faces when she finally had them in her hands again, especially John Crichton.
xxxxx
The pod landed at the coordinates Pilot had programmed into their computer. Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana entered the market square cautiously; hoping no wanted beacons had been planted. Seeing none, they went about their business like the normal traveler.
"Remember, we stick together," Aeryn said, realizing this would slow them down, but they couldn't afford to split up and one of them end up in trouble. It was safer this way.
The square was a busy place, filled with different species. The crew of Moya fit in well, easing their worries. They had encountered enough dren in the last monen; they didn't want to have to deal with anymore for a while.
D'Argo, Aeryn and Chiana were making progress quickly in the market. They kept each other in sight at all times, watching for anything amiss, as they gathered their purchases and moved on to the next tent in the square.
After several arns of shopping it was decided they had enough food to last them for close to half a cycle. They carried the crates back to the vessel and were loading them on the ship as the communication came from Sikozu.
"D'Argo, come in!" Sikozu said. "You, Aeryn and Chiana should get back to Moya immediately. Pilot has picked up a command carrier on his scans!"
xxxxx
John felt himself swaying as if he was floating in the ocean, the waves lulling his body to their own rhythm. He relaxed, allowing the dream to continue, remembering the beauty of the home he had left behind. John could feel the heat on his face, wiping the sweat away. He opened his eyes slowly only to be blinded by a shining light. John quickly snapped them shut, groaning. 'What the hell,' he thought to himself groggily.
The voices sounded distant to him as he tried to open them again. John couldn't make out who was in the room, his vision blurred.
"He's waking. This is good." Tirus stated, standing over the human, waiting. "You are lucky Scorpius."
"Tirus, must I remind you.I do know what I am doing!" Scorpius snapped. The constant judgment by the Karak was starting to wear thin on his patience. He knew it wouldn't be much longer before he cursed him.
The ragged cough started again, John choking, trying to sit it up. Tirus went to his side and helped John raise himself, reaching for the glass of water that stood on the table. Tirus held the glass to John's dry, cracked lips, encouraging him to drink.
"Only a little. Too much will make you sick. You have lost a lot of fluids," Tirus said, glancing at Scorpius. The water felt glorious sliding down John's parched throat, focused on drinking as much as he could. John protested as he felt the glass leave his lips, the Karak easing him back down on the bed.
John stared at the Karak, uncertain of him. "Who.are you?" He asked in a raspy voice, swallowing hard. 'There has to be a catch to this somewhere, he's being nice,' John thought to himself.
"I am Tirus, and you are on Karak. Welcome to my world, John Crichton," he stated, proudly.
"The Karak's were kind enough to afford me a place to continue my.research," Scorpius said, searching John's face for a reaction.
John flinched, hearing the half- breeds voice. He knew he was there; John just didn't want to deal with it. Being in the same room with him was enough to send sheer terror through him.
Turning his attention back to John, the Karak spoke, "We are going to replace your body fluids before we start. While we are doing that you will remain here to rest."
John's eyes opened wide, struggling to sit up. "Start what?" He asked in a strained voice, looking from the Karak to Scorpius for an answer.
Scorpius flashed John a leering grin, sending shivers up his spine. "Nothing for you to worry about, John," he replied, turning on his heels and leaving.
Tirus nodded to his doctor to start. "We only need a few specimens, John, nothing more," he stated, dismissing him and walking out of the lab.
John dropped his head to the bed, jaw clenched, feeling the rage swell in him. "No," he said almost to himself, blocking the pain out to focus, the adrenaline pumping in his veins. "I'm not a lab rat!"
John turned his head and saw the Karak's back to him. He didn't know how much strength he had left in him, or how he was going to get out, but he would at least die trying. John knew he couldn't live another day like this, fear always at his door.
He slowly rose from the bed, steadying himself, dropping one foot before the other to the floor. John felt his knees buckle as he tried to stand, grabbing into the bed. He was bathed in sweat as his muscles groaned against the exertion. John took a deep breath before continuing, his mind screaming at him. 'Dammit John, do it or live the rest of your life in hell!' He rose up feeling a newfound strength from the words.
Focused on the doctor in front of him, John staggered slightly as he took his first step. Righting himself on his own, he felt stronger, walking quicker towards the Karak. John picked up what looked to be a medical instrument made of some sort of metal from the nearby table. He walked up quietly behind the doctor and slammed it against his head, watching him fall to the ground.
John dropped the weapon, bending over and grabbing his knees. His breath was coming harsh and fast, his heart pounding. John calmed himself, catching his breath. He wiped his face with his arm as he straightened and looked around the room. "Now to get the hell out of dodge." John turned to the door, ready to make his escape.
"Human, here!" The voice said, hastily.
John turned in panic hearing the voice behind him, ready to fight. He stared at the head sticking out of the wall sure he was seeing things. "What the hell?"
"Follow me if you truly wish to escape. I can take you to safety."
There was no trust left in John after all that had happened, but he could hear the footsteps in the corridor. His heart started beating wildly thinking of what his future would be if he stayed. "Frell it," he said, slipping into the cavity in the wall.
xxxxx
The Marauder landed on the outskirts of town. The soldiers exited the ship intent on following their directive, splitting up to cover more ground.
The soldiers sent the Karaks into chaos as they entered the square. They welcomed most life forms to their planet, but they knew the peacekeeper presence usually meant trouble. The Lieutenant grabbed one of the Karaks that had hidden behind a column. "Just answer my question and no harm will come to you." The man nodded his head fervently, wanting only to be away from him.
The Lieutenant held out the chip and rested it on the square of the column. "Tell me if you've seen any of these renegades on your planet," he said activating the holo. The image of the crew sprung up before the man's eyes, recognizing one. The man pointed to the image of Crichton quickly, hoping the peacekeeper would be satisfied and let him go.
"Very good," the Lieutenant replied. "Where can I find him?" He swung the Karak around and pinned him to the column, pleased with the fear he saw in his eyes.
"I.I don't know. Another brought him here, against his will I sensed. The ship they came in is on the other side of town. That is all I know," the Karak answered, hoping he had given him the answers he searched for.
The Lieutenant threw him aside, marching off in the direction the Karak had indicated.
xxxxx
John was having a hard time keeping up with the Karak, as they weaved through the endless tunnels. He felt his muscles cry out against the constant running, finally stopping to catch his breath and ease the pain that coursed through him. John slid to the floor, his legs finally breaking down.
John yelled out trying to slow the Karak down, "Man I gotta rest for a microt." He dropped his legs to the ground, massaging them, not knowing whether he had the strength to continue. John closed his eyes, resting his head against the walls of the tunnel.
The Karak stopped and went back to where John rested. "I know you hurt. We have been watching, but we must go now! It won't be long before they discover you missing," he said, pulling John to his feet.
"Who the frell are you and why are you helping me?" John asked, leaning on the Karak's shoulder for support. He sucked his breath in, the throbbing in his head starting again.
Moving along the corridor, the Karak explained that they were imperfect. They lived underground, away from the others. None of them could venture into the light of day since the brightness burned their eyes, blinding them. Tirus was trying to find a cure for their defective genes, but so far had failed.
"So that's where I come in?" John asked, sure he knew the answer. "My tissues and DNA?"
"Yes, but when I saw you were against it, I couldn't allow it. You must do it of your own free will. It can't be forced, that is not our way," the Karak explained. "Please forgive Tirus, he meant you no harm."
John chuckled softly, coughing. "That's what they all say." John stopped, thinking while he chewed on his lip. Staring at the Karak he asked, "Do you know where the pod is?"
"Why yes, I do, but you are very weak." The Karak stopped speaking as John cut him off.
"Take me to it. I'll be fine if I can get away from here," John stated, knowing he could never go back to Scorpius. He wouldn't live that hell again.
xxxxx
"Commandant, I have found the Leviathan," the tech said, looking at the vessel closely on his monitor.
Grayza quickly went to the console to see for herself. "I knew I was right!" She stated, thinking to herself, 'you thought you could outsmart me; we shall see who wins this time!' She turned away from the tech's panel to address her Captain. "Braca, increase our speed. I want the prisoners in my hands within the arn!"
"Yes ma'am," Braca replied, issuing the orders. "We shall have them soon." He stepped back smiling, thinking about what he would do to Scorpius.
Grayza saw the look on Braca's face, walking towards him. "Do I detect some thoughts of revenge?" Braca quickly stood at attention, eyes raised to the ceiling.
"No ma'am," the Captain replied, feeling Grayza put her hand on his shoulder, turning him to face her.
Her smile was malicious as she said, "Perhaps you will get another chance with Scorpius and.I won't stop you." Grayza slid her hand off Braca's shoulder and inquired on their speed.
"Commandant Grayza!" The tech called, worry in his tone. "It seems we are losing the ship." Staring at his readings, he finally looked up at his superior. "She is in starburst."
"What the frell do you mean? She couldn't have detected us this quickly!" Grayza was beside herself with rage, pacing back and forth. "Follow that ship! I will not lose it now!"
xxxxx
Aeryn landed the pod in the bay, leaving Chiana behind to unload the supplies, while she and D'Argo ran to command. "How much time, Pilot?" Aeryn asked, running down the corridors.
"They will be upon us in an arn. Moya and I both agree we should starburst, Officer Sun," Pilot answered, calming Moya.
"Agreed, Pilot! Do you think you can locate the coordinates of the planet John was left on?" D'Argo asked, looking down at Aeryn, seeing the smile touch her eyes.
"Yes, Ka D'Argo, Moya stored them in her databanks for future use," Pilot replied, his voice lifting.
"Thank Moya for us, Pilot! Starburst to those coordinates!" Aeryn said, her heart filling with hope.
"Starbursting now!"
xxxxx
"I can only take you as far as the tunnel opening," the Karak stated. "Do you think you can make it alone from there?"
John stifled the cough that was rising in his chest, taking a moment to respond. "Yeah, I can do it. It'll be the easiest thing I've done in many solar days," he replied, chuckling.
They were almost to the end of the tunnel when John stumbled, his left leg buckling under him. The Karak eased him to the ground, staring intently at John. "Are you sure you can get to the ship? I have a place here where they will never find you."
"Thanks, but no. There's only one place for me and it's not here," John answered with definition in his words.
John started to stand with the Karak's help. Rising, John said, "You never told me your name."
The Karak started walking with John in tow and replied. "They call me Milon, and you?"
"John, John Crichton. Thanks for helping me.Milon," John replied as they reached the tunnel entrance, dropping to the ground on his belly.
Milon did the same explaining how to get to the ship from their location. John nodded, understanding. "I wish you well.John Crichton. Now I must go."
John waited until Milon was deeper into the tunnel before he pulled off the seal, the light blinding him for a minute. He turned away then slowly looked again, his eyes adjusting to the brightness. John crawled up through the hole and resealed the tunnel.
Looking in the direction Milon had instructed him to, he saw the pod. He felt the emotions rise in him, taking a deep breath before he rose to his feet. 'Save it John,' he thought to himself, 'Plenty of time later.' He quickly moved to the pod, his body aching with every step. John pushed the pain away, focusing on the ship, his lifeline.
John's breathing was labored as he reached the pod, but he didn't stop as he started to climb into the ship. He never heard the sound as he was struck from behind, sending him into darkness.
The Lieutenant opened his comm, "Commandant Grayza, I have the prisoner, John Crichton in my custody."
Part 15 will be posted Tuesday