The Price Part 16
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 beta reading. Couldn't have done it without her
Milon was leading John to a different exit since Tirus was instructed to unite the soldiers in front of the building. This time John would have to depart through another outlet, away from the square and make his way around the building to get to the pod.
"How far from the pod am I gonna be?" John questioned, suddenly feeling weary. The adrenaline that had been coursing through his veins since his encounter with Scorpius and Tirus was slowly ebbing away.
"The path I am sending you on will take you around the back of this building and two others. You won't be seen from the square as long as you stay behind them. Your only exposure will be when you actually cross the square to the transport, but hopefully Tirus will still have the soldiers occupied," Milon stated, encouragingly, leading John deeper into the tunnel.
"Hey, Milon, can we rest for a microt?" John asked, bending over, grabbing his knees, and breathing hard.
Milon turned and saw the beads of sweat that had formed on John's face. He heard his labored breath, deciding it would be best to let the human have his wish.
"Of course, John, rest," Milon said, taking a seat next to him. "So where do you go from here?"
John leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes before replying, "Back to my friends on Moya. Maybe this time things will turn out better." His legs were cramping, but John wasn't surprised. He knew it was from lack of water as he extended them out in front of him, massaging them.
Milon turned to John, puzzled by his statement. "What went wrong with your friends?"
John chuckled. "You name it, everything."
Milon turned, looking intently into John's face. John looked away quickly, knowing he was going to hear something he didn't give a rat's ass about anymore. His whole life had turned into nothing but a joke; the crazy part was the joke was on him.
John had high hopes about his future as a scientist, only to be thrown away by his first experiment. From then on everything had gone downhill, even the love he finally thought he had found in this crazy universe. What he thought was love was nothing but pity for the inferior human that he was. He felt he had let everyone down, especially himself. John knew he couldn't survive any longer in the violent universe he had been thrust into, but most of all he wouldn't allow anyone to die because of him anymore.
"Look at me," Milon said softly. John looked at him, then turned away. "Very well, but I will continue so listen closely. You seem like a lost soul in this world, which leads me to believe you are not of our universe. Am I correct?"
John nodded, his gaze still on the walls of the tunnel.
"I can see you have suffered much in our world, but I see inside you. You haven't lost who you really are; it's still there. You need to fight to let it surface again. John, you have become a product of this life here instead of holding true to yourself. You admonish yourself when you have to take a life to preserve yours, but that is survival. It doesn't mean you are lesser than you once were; you have allowed it take control of the real John. When this is over search your heart and soul. Release all the rage inside of you and allow John Crichton to come back."
John's jaw was clenched, feeling the tears threaten. He wiped them away quickly; wanting so much to believe in the words he had just heard. 'If only it could be so easy,' he thought to himself. "Time to go."
Milon and John started to move deeper when they heard the pulse fire above them from the square.
"What the hell? C'mon we've got to move," John shouted, pushing Milon ahead of him.
xxxxx
The three Marauders landed on the outskirts of town. Commandant Grayza was the first to exit the ship; her only thought was of Crichton. Captain Braca and several other soldiers followed, their weapons trained for any movement. They moved towards the town at a quickened pace, finally seeing the lone peacekeeper vessel up ahead. Grayza called out to the Lieutenant, but received no response.
"Quickly," she ordered, pushing a few soldiers ahead of her. "Find out why the Lieutenant's not answering!"
The first soldier reached the craft and shouted back, "Commandant! The Lieutenant is.dead!"
"What about the prisoner?" Grayza demanded, hurrying to the vessel.
"Gone," the soldier simply said.
Grayza reached the ship and pushed the soldiers out of the way. She looked down at the body of her Lieutenant. "Careless!" Grayza was fuming over the humans escape as Braca stood next to her.
Braca leaned over and picked up the cuffs from the ground. Righting himself, he dangled them in front of his face. "He used these on the Lieutenant, ma'am." Grayza was also staring at them, thinking how close she was, only for the human to slip through her fingers once again.
"So he was telling me the truth," Grayza said to no one in particular, looking distant. "Change of plans, Braca."
"Ma'am?" Braca, asked.
"It's time we headed to town, Captain," Grayza stated, ignoring his question.
xxxxx
The crew opened fire first, having the soldiers at a disadvantage. The peacekeepers had no idea anyone was behind them. The Karaks scattered as the two sides exchanged weapons fire.
"We've been set up!" One of the soldiers shouted, turning to get a lock on Tirus. The Karak had disappeared as soon as the peacekeeper had turned his back. He quickly turned back to the fight, looking for cover, feeling the heat of the pulse fire singe his uniform.
D'Argo, Aeryn, Chiana and Sikozu had spread themselves out to gain a better advantage over the peacekeepers in hopes of surrounding them. The soldiers hid behind the statues in the square making it difficult for the crew to target them.
Aeryn dropped one of the soldiers trying to escape from the battle. "D'Argo, I'm going to the left side of the square for any other peacekeepers who try to make their way back to the Marauder."
D'Argo nodded. "I'll watch this side. Sikozu and Chiana are you alright?" The Luxan shouted. There had been no movement from those two.
"We're fine, D'Argo. Just worry about your part. We've got ours covered," Chiana shouted, ducking her head as the pulse fire whizzed by her head. "Frell, that was close!"
"We need to bring them out somehow. Right now it seems to be a standoff," Sikozu said, evaluating the situation. "We've also have a command carrier to think about."
"Sikozu! We know all that, but we can't move with frelling soldiers across from us!" Chiana stated, irritated, the command carrier weighing heavily on her mind also. Chiana knew they had to be gone by the time the Marauders landed on the planet or they would face being captured or worse.
"Look Chiana, I've got an idea. I think I know where Crichton was being held," Sikozu replied, motioning her head towards the building the Karak had stood in front of. "Cover me. I'm going to find the leader and hope he can lead me to John. If we don't do something we are all going to die here."
Chiana stared at her, dumbfounded. "Are you out of your mind like Crichton? You'll never make it...it's too far!"
"I will. Remember I can go places you can't. Promise me you'll cover me, that's all I ask of you. I think some of our answers lay in that building," Sikozu replied, confident in her decision.
Chiana looked at Sikozu, hesitant to agree, but finally giving in. "You got it, but be careful. We don't need to be rescuing you too." When Chiana finally thought she knew her, Sikozu always proved her wrong.
Sikozu nodded as she said, "I'll be heading behind D'Argo and around so keep your eyes open." She moved towards D'Argo's position, confident Chiana would do as she said.
"I'm ready," Chiana replied, hoping Sikozu was right.
xxxxx
Nearing the town, Braca stopped his men, holding his hand up. "Is that pulse fire I hear?" he questioned, listening. They had not encountered the other squad, which bothered him.
"What is the meaning of this, Braca?" Grayza asked, impatient to get to their destination.
"Listen, Commandant, I think I hear pulse fire ahead, which means the rest of our soldiers could be in trouble or possibly encountering the escaped prisoners," Braca replied, the sound faint, but certain of himself.
Grayza listened intently and smiled. "Very good, Captain! Sergeant, send a squad ahead of us. I want to know what the weapons exchange is about so we can be prepared."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied, giving the orders. They watched the men leave, knowing it wouldn't be long before they had their answers.
xxxxx
Milon knew they were not far from the exit, looking about the tunnel nervously. John prodded Milon to move quicker, the sound of the pulse fire getting closer.
"Look Milon, I gotta know what's going on topside. Someone's fighting and that usually means it's over me. I can't be here while someone could be dying over my useless life," John said, the sadness in his voice.
"No life is useless, John Crichton. There is a purpose for all," Milon replied, truly believing his words. "We shall be there shortly."
xxxxx
Sikozu was ready to make her move. Both D'Argo and Chiana were prepared to cover her, as she moved to position, right of D'Argo's spot. Sikozu nodded, indicating her readiness. Chiana and D'Argo nodded back, D'Argo giving her a thumbs up like he had seen John do in the past.
Sikozu eyed her first point of cover as Chiana and D'Argo's fire rained on the soldiers, diverting all attention away from her, allowing her to make it all the way to the building. D'Argo saw how far Sikozu had gotten so he continued firing at the peacekeepers, hoping she would make it inside the building.
Aeryn heard the excessive blasts, turning in the direction of her comrades. She saw Sikozu running across the square, making it to the building's platform. Aeryn rushed across to where D'Argo and Chiana were. "What the frell is she doing?"
"We'll explain later, Aeryn. Right now, Sikozu needs cover," Chiana replied in a hurried voice.
Aeryn took her place bedside them and opened fire on the soldiers, expecting an explanation after this was over.
Sikozu continued, realizing what D'Argo had in mind. Rounding one of the columns, she came face to face with a soldier. The peacekeeper knocked the gun out of Sikozu's hand, sending it flying towards the steps, training his weapon on her. She shoved the soldier away and quickly walked up the inside of the column, away from him.
Chiana saw Sikozu vertically climbing the column, confused as to what she was doing. Chiana eyed the peacekeeper when he came to her side of the pole. She shouted "D'Argo, peacekeeper to your right. He's got Sikozu. You've got a cleaner shot at him than I do!"
D'Argo turned quickly to the right, seeing the soldier aiming his weapon and firing at Sikozu. The soldier missed her as she quickly changed direction and stood on top of the column, dodging the pulse fire. The peacekeeper stepped out to get a better view of his prey as D'Argo lined him up in his sight, growling as he pulled the trigger.
The soldier dropped to the ground as Sikozu quickly descended, checking to make sure he was no longer a threat. Sikozu motioned to D'Argo that she was fine, picking up her gun and entering the building.
Tirus met Sikozu as he came out of the shadows. "Who are you and what to you want?" Tirus asked, tired of all the intrusions on his planet.
"Scorpius and Crichton," Sikozu replied, curtly, observing the species that stood before her.
"I can help you with the hybrid, but I don't know where the human is," Tirus replied, walking through the corridor and down the stairs. "He was here, but left."
"Then just take me to Scorpius," Sikozu responded, wondering how deep he was taking her, if he was even speaking the truth.
The Karak stopped at a door. Motioning for Sikozu to move ahead of him, Tirus said, "Please, enter." He watched her enter the room, and then focused his attention on the doctor. "Ratoc, I have some things to attend to. Please accommodate our guests."
"Of course, Tirus," Ratoc replied, turning his attention to Sikozu.
Sikozu stepped into the room and immediately saw Scorpius. He seemed to be in deep thought sitting in the chair, with Ratoc next to him.
"Scorpius?" Sikozu asked quietly. "What happened here?"
Scorpius rose from his seat. "Very good to see you, Sikozu. Have you seen John?" Scorpius was pacing, his hands behind his back. The very thought of Grayza capturing the human worried him immensely.
"No, Scorpius. We know the peacekeepers had him, but he escaped, killing one of the soldiers. We have the rest of the squad pinned down in the square, but a command carrier is here and has launched Marauders," Sikozu replied, touching on the important points.
"Crichton came back here, but only briefly. He seems to have his own plan. which I believe.you have disrupted," Scorpius replied, turning away. "It's of no consequence now." Scorpius now understood the look he saw in Crichton's eyes. Even though John had killed in the past, it wasn't something he enjoyed. When the carrier was destroyed, Crichton tried to spare as many lives as he could, including his own. The price of war was something the human would never adjust to.
"We have to leave, Scorpius. I think we can get behind the soldiers in the square and with the others help, destroy them." Sukozu had it planned in her mind, confident it would work.
"Give me the pistol, Sikozu," Scorpius demanded, holding out his hand as she complied with his request. "It's imperative we take care of the soldiers and find Crichton before Grayza does!"
xxxxx
Grayza could see the soldier's running back to report.
"Ma'am," the man started, trying to steady his breathing. "The Captain was correct. It seems the former squadron is caught in a crossfire with the escaped prisoners. They are fighting in the square!"
"How many?" Grayza asked, already knowing what she was going to do.
"I don't know Commandant, my best guess would be two or three," the soldier responded. "It doesn't look like anyone from the planet is helping either side."
"Good!" Grayza replied, the edges of her mouth slightly upturned. "Braca, organize the men. I want two squadrons. One I will command that will follow me. The Sergeant will take the other soldiers to fight the renegades."
The soldier was relaying something to his Sergeant, when Grayza turned and noticed the conversation. "Sergeant, does the soldier have more to say?"
"Ma'am, from what he could see, the best way to capture the renegades is to come up behind them. We can use the buildings to hide in until we are ready to attack," the Sergeant answered, waiting for their orders.
"I see," Grayza said, staring in thought for a microt. She walked over to the closest thing they had to a chart of this distant planet, looking down at it. Braca followed, standing next to her, gazing at the map.
"Commandant, the Sergeant makes sense in his approach. They will never know we are here until it's too late," Braca said, imagining the scene in his head, a slight smile appearing on his face. He immediately stiffened, as he dropped his eyes and saw Grayza staring at him. "Sorry ma'am."
"Interesting, Braca. It looked like you could almost taste their capture," Grayza said, smiling. She shrugged him off, approaching the Sergeant.
"Behind it is, Sergeant. Instruct your soldiers and let's be on our way," Grayza ordered, checking her pistol for chakan oil. "We will separate outside of town, and Braca, you will come with me."
The trek to the settlement didn't take long, as Grayza and the Sergeant split up, their men trailing behind them.
xxxxx
The Sergeant's squad quietly entered through the back of the structure where they thought the pulse fire was coming from, making their way through the building. The Sergeant motioned for them to fan out, making them harder to target all at once.
Aeryn, Chiana and D'Argo, were waiting patiently for some kind of movement in the square. The remaining three soldiers seemed content to stay hidden.
Scorpius and Sikozu appeared in the doorway, only allowing the crew to see them, hidden in the shadows of the door itself.
"There," Aeryn said, pointing in their direction. D'Argo and Chiana followed her motion, relieved Sikozu was all right.
D'Argo growled. "Scorpius! I should kill him now! All of this is his fault!" He was aiming his blade as Aeryn saw his action. She quickly put her hand over the weapon, lowering it.
"No," Aeryn said. "We'll take care of Scorpius later.we may need him right now." She knew he was the reason for all this. He had brought John here for his own selfish motives and that she would never forgive, but until they were safe, they would use him to their advantage.
Aeryn's thoughts were broken when she felt the heat of a pulse blast graze her face, and heard the crashing noise from behind. All three of them sprung into action as the peacekeeper soldiers attacked from behind, raising their weapons to fend off their enemy.
Scorpius had seen them first, firing into the group, killing two immediately. He could see the soldiers on the ground pull up their weapons, ready to join the others in battle. Scorpius changed his focus and fired on them, the men quickly hiding behind the statues again. He could see the crew was in trouble and outnumbered. Changing his direction, he opened fire on the men attacking them. The Peacekeeper's quickly retreated into the building as Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana, picked up their weapons and headed for a structure at the end of the square.
xxxxx
"We almost there?" John asked, listening to the fire from above. He wanted to believe it was his friends, but that was too much to hope for. Scorpius had forced the crew to starburst after they left Moya, knowing it would be hard to find their way back to the planet.
Milon stopped and pointed to the opening. "It is here, John, but it may be wise for you to wait until the pulse fire ceases."
"You know what I'm going to say, Milon, but thanks anyway. I'll wait until you're down the tunnel before I crack the seal again." If it weren't for Milon, he most probably would be dead right now. "Thanks for saving my life," John said, dropping his head.
Milon only nodded as he scurried away down the main tunnel.
"You are correct, John Crichton, we have a lot to thank Milon for," Tirus, stated, emerging from the shadows, standing behind John.
John turned quickly, startled by the presence of Tirus. He felt the panic rise in him, remembering what he had planned for him. "I'm not going with you," John said, stepping away from him, eyeing the seal, his only way to freedom.
"Again, correct. You are not coming with me," Tirus, responded, stepping aside, Grayza appearing in his place.
John froze for a moment, distressed by the turn of events. "No!" John stammered, reaching for the seal, only to be slammed to the ground by a peacekeeper that appeared out of nowhere. John could see Grayza smiling as he backed up, digging his heels in the dirt, pushing himself away. He turned, using his hands to help him stand. John started running in the other direction, hearing the mocking voice behind him.
"There's no use in running, John. You are surrounded," Grayza said with malice in her voice. "I told you I would always find you. Do you still doubt me?"
The fear John felt encompassed him, running for his life, no more tomorrows. John's eyes widened, his heart caught in his throat, as the two soldiers stepped in front of him. One the soldiers grabbed John, holding him by the neck as he resisted. John felt the blackness overtake his mind, his struggles weakening. The soldier released his grip on John before he passed out, dropping him to the ground.
John turned to his side, writhing and gasping for breath, holding his neck. Wheezing as his breath slowly returned in painful spasms, John opened his eyes, seeing the boots at ground level in front of him. Without looking up John knew, cringing inwardly. Grayza laughed lightly watching his reaction.
Grayza knelt down so John could see her clearly. "I will ease your pain," she said, slowly wiping her hand across her chest, wanting him to see. She slowly caressed his face with her hand watching his eyes flutter, hearing his choking breath, as the feeling of triumph coursed through her.
"Noooooo!" John shouted, feeling himself start to float.
Tbc tomorrow
My thanks to gbbarb for beta reading. Couldn't have done it without her
Milon was leading John to a different exit since Tirus was instructed to unite the soldiers in front of the building. This time John would have to depart through another outlet, away from the square and make his way around the building to get to the pod.
"How far from the pod am I gonna be?" John questioned, suddenly feeling weary. The adrenaline that had been coursing through his veins since his encounter with Scorpius and Tirus was slowly ebbing away.
"The path I am sending you on will take you around the back of this building and two others. You won't be seen from the square as long as you stay behind them. Your only exposure will be when you actually cross the square to the transport, but hopefully Tirus will still have the soldiers occupied," Milon stated, encouragingly, leading John deeper into the tunnel.
"Hey, Milon, can we rest for a microt?" John asked, bending over, grabbing his knees, and breathing hard.
Milon turned and saw the beads of sweat that had formed on John's face. He heard his labored breath, deciding it would be best to let the human have his wish.
"Of course, John, rest," Milon said, taking a seat next to him. "So where do you go from here?"
John leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes before replying, "Back to my friends on Moya. Maybe this time things will turn out better." His legs were cramping, but John wasn't surprised. He knew it was from lack of water as he extended them out in front of him, massaging them.
Milon turned to John, puzzled by his statement. "What went wrong with your friends?"
John chuckled. "You name it, everything."
Milon turned, looking intently into John's face. John looked away quickly, knowing he was going to hear something he didn't give a rat's ass about anymore. His whole life had turned into nothing but a joke; the crazy part was the joke was on him.
John had high hopes about his future as a scientist, only to be thrown away by his first experiment. From then on everything had gone downhill, even the love he finally thought he had found in this crazy universe. What he thought was love was nothing but pity for the inferior human that he was. He felt he had let everyone down, especially himself. John knew he couldn't survive any longer in the violent universe he had been thrust into, but most of all he wouldn't allow anyone to die because of him anymore.
"Look at me," Milon said softly. John looked at him, then turned away. "Very well, but I will continue so listen closely. You seem like a lost soul in this world, which leads me to believe you are not of our universe. Am I correct?"
John nodded, his gaze still on the walls of the tunnel.
"I can see you have suffered much in our world, but I see inside you. You haven't lost who you really are; it's still there. You need to fight to let it surface again. John, you have become a product of this life here instead of holding true to yourself. You admonish yourself when you have to take a life to preserve yours, but that is survival. It doesn't mean you are lesser than you once were; you have allowed it take control of the real John. When this is over search your heart and soul. Release all the rage inside of you and allow John Crichton to come back."
John's jaw was clenched, feeling the tears threaten. He wiped them away quickly; wanting so much to believe in the words he had just heard. 'If only it could be so easy,' he thought to himself. "Time to go."
Milon and John started to move deeper when they heard the pulse fire above them from the square.
"What the hell? C'mon we've got to move," John shouted, pushing Milon ahead of him.
xxxxx
The three Marauders landed on the outskirts of town. Commandant Grayza was the first to exit the ship; her only thought was of Crichton. Captain Braca and several other soldiers followed, their weapons trained for any movement. They moved towards the town at a quickened pace, finally seeing the lone peacekeeper vessel up ahead. Grayza called out to the Lieutenant, but received no response.
"Quickly," she ordered, pushing a few soldiers ahead of her. "Find out why the Lieutenant's not answering!"
The first soldier reached the craft and shouted back, "Commandant! The Lieutenant is.dead!"
"What about the prisoner?" Grayza demanded, hurrying to the vessel.
"Gone," the soldier simply said.
Grayza reached the ship and pushed the soldiers out of the way. She looked down at the body of her Lieutenant. "Careless!" Grayza was fuming over the humans escape as Braca stood next to her.
Braca leaned over and picked up the cuffs from the ground. Righting himself, he dangled them in front of his face. "He used these on the Lieutenant, ma'am." Grayza was also staring at them, thinking how close she was, only for the human to slip through her fingers once again.
"So he was telling me the truth," Grayza said to no one in particular, looking distant. "Change of plans, Braca."
"Ma'am?" Braca, asked.
"It's time we headed to town, Captain," Grayza stated, ignoring his question.
xxxxx
The crew opened fire first, having the soldiers at a disadvantage. The peacekeepers had no idea anyone was behind them. The Karaks scattered as the two sides exchanged weapons fire.
"We've been set up!" One of the soldiers shouted, turning to get a lock on Tirus. The Karak had disappeared as soon as the peacekeeper had turned his back. He quickly turned back to the fight, looking for cover, feeling the heat of the pulse fire singe his uniform.
D'Argo, Aeryn, Chiana and Sikozu had spread themselves out to gain a better advantage over the peacekeepers in hopes of surrounding them. The soldiers hid behind the statues in the square making it difficult for the crew to target them.
Aeryn dropped one of the soldiers trying to escape from the battle. "D'Argo, I'm going to the left side of the square for any other peacekeepers who try to make their way back to the Marauder."
D'Argo nodded. "I'll watch this side. Sikozu and Chiana are you alright?" The Luxan shouted. There had been no movement from those two.
"We're fine, D'Argo. Just worry about your part. We've got ours covered," Chiana shouted, ducking her head as the pulse fire whizzed by her head. "Frell, that was close!"
"We need to bring them out somehow. Right now it seems to be a standoff," Sikozu said, evaluating the situation. "We've also have a command carrier to think about."
"Sikozu! We know all that, but we can't move with frelling soldiers across from us!" Chiana stated, irritated, the command carrier weighing heavily on her mind also. Chiana knew they had to be gone by the time the Marauders landed on the planet or they would face being captured or worse.
"Look Chiana, I've got an idea. I think I know where Crichton was being held," Sikozu replied, motioning her head towards the building the Karak had stood in front of. "Cover me. I'm going to find the leader and hope he can lead me to John. If we don't do something we are all going to die here."
Chiana stared at her, dumbfounded. "Are you out of your mind like Crichton? You'll never make it...it's too far!"
"I will. Remember I can go places you can't. Promise me you'll cover me, that's all I ask of you. I think some of our answers lay in that building," Sikozu replied, confident in her decision.
Chiana looked at Sikozu, hesitant to agree, but finally giving in. "You got it, but be careful. We don't need to be rescuing you too." When Chiana finally thought she knew her, Sikozu always proved her wrong.
Sikozu nodded as she said, "I'll be heading behind D'Argo and around so keep your eyes open." She moved towards D'Argo's position, confident Chiana would do as she said.
"I'm ready," Chiana replied, hoping Sikozu was right.
xxxxx
Nearing the town, Braca stopped his men, holding his hand up. "Is that pulse fire I hear?" he questioned, listening. They had not encountered the other squad, which bothered him.
"What is the meaning of this, Braca?" Grayza asked, impatient to get to their destination.
"Listen, Commandant, I think I hear pulse fire ahead, which means the rest of our soldiers could be in trouble or possibly encountering the escaped prisoners," Braca replied, the sound faint, but certain of himself.
Grayza listened intently and smiled. "Very good, Captain! Sergeant, send a squad ahead of us. I want to know what the weapons exchange is about so we can be prepared."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied, giving the orders. They watched the men leave, knowing it wouldn't be long before they had their answers.
xxxxx
Milon knew they were not far from the exit, looking about the tunnel nervously. John prodded Milon to move quicker, the sound of the pulse fire getting closer.
"Look Milon, I gotta know what's going on topside. Someone's fighting and that usually means it's over me. I can't be here while someone could be dying over my useless life," John said, the sadness in his voice.
"No life is useless, John Crichton. There is a purpose for all," Milon replied, truly believing his words. "We shall be there shortly."
xxxxx
Sikozu was ready to make her move. Both D'Argo and Chiana were prepared to cover her, as she moved to position, right of D'Argo's spot. Sikozu nodded, indicating her readiness. Chiana and D'Argo nodded back, D'Argo giving her a thumbs up like he had seen John do in the past.
Sikozu eyed her first point of cover as Chiana and D'Argo's fire rained on the soldiers, diverting all attention away from her, allowing her to make it all the way to the building. D'Argo saw how far Sikozu had gotten so he continued firing at the peacekeepers, hoping she would make it inside the building.
Aeryn heard the excessive blasts, turning in the direction of her comrades. She saw Sikozu running across the square, making it to the building's platform. Aeryn rushed across to where D'Argo and Chiana were. "What the frell is she doing?"
"We'll explain later, Aeryn. Right now, Sikozu needs cover," Chiana replied in a hurried voice.
Aeryn took her place bedside them and opened fire on the soldiers, expecting an explanation after this was over.
Sikozu continued, realizing what D'Argo had in mind. Rounding one of the columns, she came face to face with a soldier. The peacekeeper knocked the gun out of Sikozu's hand, sending it flying towards the steps, training his weapon on her. She shoved the soldier away and quickly walked up the inside of the column, away from him.
Chiana saw Sikozu vertically climbing the column, confused as to what she was doing. Chiana eyed the peacekeeper when he came to her side of the pole. She shouted "D'Argo, peacekeeper to your right. He's got Sikozu. You've got a cleaner shot at him than I do!"
D'Argo turned quickly to the right, seeing the soldier aiming his weapon and firing at Sikozu. The soldier missed her as she quickly changed direction and stood on top of the column, dodging the pulse fire. The peacekeeper stepped out to get a better view of his prey as D'Argo lined him up in his sight, growling as he pulled the trigger.
The soldier dropped to the ground as Sikozu quickly descended, checking to make sure he was no longer a threat. Sikozu motioned to D'Argo that she was fine, picking up her gun and entering the building.
Tirus met Sikozu as he came out of the shadows. "Who are you and what to you want?" Tirus asked, tired of all the intrusions on his planet.
"Scorpius and Crichton," Sikozu replied, curtly, observing the species that stood before her.
"I can help you with the hybrid, but I don't know where the human is," Tirus replied, walking through the corridor and down the stairs. "He was here, but left."
"Then just take me to Scorpius," Sikozu responded, wondering how deep he was taking her, if he was even speaking the truth.
The Karak stopped at a door. Motioning for Sikozu to move ahead of him, Tirus said, "Please, enter." He watched her enter the room, and then focused his attention on the doctor. "Ratoc, I have some things to attend to. Please accommodate our guests."
"Of course, Tirus," Ratoc replied, turning his attention to Sikozu.
Sikozu stepped into the room and immediately saw Scorpius. He seemed to be in deep thought sitting in the chair, with Ratoc next to him.
"Scorpius?" Sikozu asked quietly. "What happened here?"
Scorpius rose from his seat. "Very good to see you, Sikozu. Have you seen John?" Scorpius was pacing, his hands behind his back. The very thought of Grayza capturing the human worried him immensely.
"No, Scorpius. We know the peacekeepers had him, but he escaped, killing one of the soldiers. We have the rest of the squad pinned down in the square, but a command carrier is here and has launched Marauders," Sikozu replied, touching on the important points.
"Crichton came back here, but only briefly. He seems to have his own plan. which I believe.you have disrupted," Scorpius replied, turning away. "It's of no consequence now." Scorpius now understood the look he saw in Crichton's eyes. Even though John had killed in the past, it wasn't something he enjoyed. When the carrier was destroyed, Crichton tried to spare as many lives as he could, including his own. The price of war was something the human would never adjust to.
"We have to leave, Scorpius. I think we can get behind the soldiers in the square and with the others help, destroy them." Sukozu had it planned in her mind, confident it would work.
"Give me the pistol, Sikozu," Scorpius demanded, holding out his hand as she complied with his request. "It's imperative we take care of the soldiers and find Crichton before Grayza does!"
xxxxx
Grayza could see the soldier's running back to report.
"Ma'am," the man started, trying to steady his breathing. "The Captain was correct. It seems the former squadron is caught in a crossfire with the escaped prisoners. They are fighting in the square!"
"How many?" Grayza asked, already knowing what she was going to do.
"I don't know Commandant, my best guess would be two or three," the soldier responded. "It doesn't look like anyone from the planet is helping either side."
"Good!" Grayza replied, the edges of her mouth slightly upturned. "Braca, organize the men. I want two squadrons. One I will command that will follow me. The Sergeant will take the other soldiers to fight the renegades."
The soldier was relaying something to his Sergeant, when Grayza turned and noticed the conversation. "Sergeant, does the soldier have more to say?"
"Ma'am, from what he could see, the best way to capture the renegades is to come up behind them. We can use the buildings to hide in until we are ready to attack," the Sergeant answered, waiting for their orders.
"I see," Grayza said, staring in thought for a microt. She walked over to the closest thing they had to a chart of this distant planet, looking down at it. Braca followed, standing next to her, gazing at the map.
"Commandant, the Sergeant makes sense in his approach. They will never know we are here until it's too late," Braca said, imagining the scene in his head, a slight smile appearing on his face. He immediately stiffened, as he dropped his eyes and saw Grayza staring at him. "Sorry ma'am."
"Interesting, Braca. It looked like you could almost taste their capture," Grayza said, smiling. She shrugged him off, approaching the Sergeant.
"Behind it is, Sergeant. Instruct your soldiers and let's be on our way," Grayza ordered, checking her pistol for chakan oil. "We will separate outside of town, and Braca, you will come with me."
The trek to the settlement didn't take long, as Grayza and the Sergeant split up, their men trailing behind them.
xxxxx
The Sergeant's squad quietly entered through the back of the structure where they thought the pulse fire was coming from, making their way through the building. The Sergeant motioned for them to fan out, making them harder to target all at once.
Aeryn, Chiana and D'Argo, were waiting patiently for some kind of movement in the square. The remaining three soldiers seemed content to stay hidden.
Scorpius and Sikozu appeared in the doorway, only allowing the crew to see them, hidden in the shadows of the door itself.
"There," Aeryn said, pointing in their direction. D'Argo and Chiana followed her motion, relieved Sikozu was all right.
D'Argo growled. "Scorpius! I should kill him now! All of this is his fault!" He was aiming his blade as Aeryn saw his action. She quickly put her hand over the weapon, lowering it.
"No," Aeryn said. "We'll take care of Scorpius later.we may need him right now." She knew he was the reason for all this. He had brought John here for his own selfish motives and that she would never forgive, but until they were safe, they would use him to their advantage.
Aeryn's thoughts were broken when she felt the heat of a pulse blast graze her face, and heard the crashing noise from behind. All three of them sprung into action as the peacekeeper soldiers attacked from behind, raising their weapons to fend off their enemy.
Scorpius had seen them first, firing into the group, killing two immediately. He could see the soldiers on the ground pull up their weapons, ready to join the others in battle. Scorpius changed his focus and fired on them, the men quickly hiding behind the statues again. He could see the crew was in trouble and outnumbered. Changing his direction, he opened fire on the men attacking them. The Peacekeeper's quickly retreated into the building as Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana, picked up their weapons and headed for a structure at the end of the square.
xxxxx
"We almost there?" John asked, listening to the fire from above. He wanted to believe it was his friends, but that was too much to hope for. Scorpius had forced the crew to starburst after they left Moya, knowing it would be hard to find their way back to the planet.
Milon stopped and pointed to the opening. "It is here, John, but it may be wise for you to wait until the pulse fire ceases."
"You know what I'm going to say, Milon, but thanks anyway. I'll wait until you're down the tunnel before I crack the seal again." If it weren't for Milon, he most probably would be dead right now. "Thanks for saving my life," John said, dropping his head.
Milon only nodded as he scurried away down the main tunnel.
"You are correct, John Crichton, we have a lot to thank Milon for," Tirus, stated, emerging from the shadows, standing behind John.
John turned quickly, startled by the presence of Tirus. He felt the panic rise in him, remembering what he had planned for him. "I'm not going with you," John said, stepping away from him, eyeing the seal, his only way to freedom.
"Again, correct. You are not coming with me," Tirus, responded, stepping aside, Grayza appearing in his place.
John froze for a moment, distressed by the turn of events. "No!" John stammered, reaching for the seal, only to be slammed to the ground by a peacekeeper that appeared out of nowhere. John could see Grayza smiling as he backed up, digging his heels in the dirt, pushing himself away. He turned, using his hands to help him stand. John started running in the other direction, hearing the mocking voice behind him.
"There's no use in running, John. You are surrounded," Grayza said with malice in her voice. "I told you I would always find you. Do you still doubt me?"
The fear John felt encompassed him, running for his life, no more tomorrows. John's eyes widened, his heart caught in his throat, as the two soldiers stepped in front of him. One the soldiers grabbed John, holding him by the neck as he resisted. John felt the blackness overtake his mind, his struggles weakening. The soldier released his grip on John before he passed out, dropping him to the ground.
John turned to his side, writhing and gasping for breath, holding his neck. Wheezing as his breath slowly returned in painful spasms, John opened his eyes, seeing the boots at ground level in front of him. Without looking up John knew, cringing inwardly. Grayza laughed lightly watching his reaction.
Grayza knelt down so John could see her clearly. "I will ease your pain," she said, slowly wiping her hand across her chest, wanting him to see. She slowly caressed his face with her hand watching his eyes flutter, hearing his choking breath, as the feeling of triumph coursed through her.
"Noooooo!" John shouted, feeling himself start to float.
Tbc tomorrow