The Price Part 17
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up to WWL Part 2
Rating: PG - 13
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Thanks gbbarb for the beta reading
The crew collapsed into the new building, exhausted from the battle that had just ensued. They knew reinforcements were on there way, but they never imagined they would be attacked from behind. Somehow they must have been scouted unknowingly. The edge they always had over the peacekeepers was quickly disappearing. Aeryn had no doubt it was because Grayza was in control. They were facing tactics they were not used to. Scorpius was readable, but Grayza on the other hand, implored different methods then they were accustomed to. Aeryn knew they would have to change as the peacekeepers did.
Aeryn recovered first, pulling herself to a sitting position. "I estimate we have seven peacekeepers left, not counting Grayza and Braca, but I'm sure they are somewhere on this planet. These ranks wouldn't be attacking so aggressively if they didn't have a leader pushing them," Aeryn said, hoping to rouse Chiana and D'Argo from their relaxed state.
D'Argo answered. "So how do we get rid of them and where is John?" The frustration was evident in the Luxan's voice. "For all we know he is already dead!" D'Argo cursed himself inwardly, instantly regretting his words. "I didn't mean."
He heard Chiana gasp as he spoke, the tears flowing down her face.
D'Argo's words cut deeply into Aeryn causing her to flinch, knowing in her heart they were said in frustration. "I understand, D'Argo, but I will not believe that. John is a survivor."
"You're right. Aeryn, Chi, we'll find him," D'Argo said, wishing he had more control over his anger.
"Here is our situation, D'Argo and Chiana. We have three soldiers in the square and approximately four left hiding in one of the structures. Perhaps we can use Sikozu and Scorpius to deal with the ones in the square while we hunt down the other four," Aeryn stated, for lack of a better plan. "We still have enough ammunition left to sustain us in battle, or do any of you have a better idea?"
"How do we get the word to Scorpius? He and Sikozu are still on the other side of the square," D'Argo, replied, before agreeing with the plan.
"We will simply tell him, D'Argo. Sikozu still has her comms. Scorpius will do what we want him to," Chiana replied, liking Aeryn's idea. She would like nothing more than to kill the frelling peacekeepers.
"You realize this could be risky? We could lose to the peacekeepers and be captured or die fighting," D'Argo replied, staring at Aeryn.
"What would you rather do, D'Argo?" Aeryn asked quietly.
"Die fighting!" D'Argo stated, rising to his feet, helping Aeryn and Chiana to theirs.
"Chiana, tell Scorpius what the plan is. He's not to let a single soldier leave that square alive and hurry!"
xxxxx
Grayza rose to her feet, assured the human would offer no more resistance. Turning to Tirus she said, "Shall we continue with our business?" He nodded in ascent, stepping into the side corridor. Glancing over her shoulder, she went to join the Karak, while instructing Braca, "Watch Crichton, I don't want any mishaps."
"Yes, ma'am," Braca replied, stepping over to Crichton, curious as to the business Grayza had with the Karak.
Tirus waited on the Commandant to join him. His only regret was involving Milon, who saw something special in the human, but he had no choice in the matter. He would make Milon understand in time.
Grayza sauntered over to the Karak, confident in herself. "So you have delivered John Crichton as promised. I suppose you want payment now?"
"Yes Commandant, you promised me two subjects, that was the bargain," Tirus replied, standing stiffly, waiting.
"Of course, Tirus," Grayza replied, turning her head to Braca. "Captain, bring me two soldiers. Since Tirus helped us, I promised to offer him protection from the enemy."
Braca stared at her, his eyes wide. "But ma'am, do you think that is wise with all the."
"Braca!" Grayza cut him off angrily. "Are you questioning my orders?"
"No. Commandant," the Captain replied, snapping to attention.
"Then bring them!" Grayza commanded. Braca didn't know the true reason, but it was of no consequence to him. Grayza felt the trade of two of her soldiers for John Crichton was a fair one. The human's value far outweighed her men's. There was no fear of being found out since Tirus promised to dispose of them after his experiments.
Grayza watched as the two soldiers walked over to them. "We will be leaving you behind to protect the Karaks. You will do whatever Tirus instructs. Is that clear?"
The soldiers nodded, stepping behind Tirus to begin their duties. "We understand, Commandant."
Satisfied that the exchange was successful, Grayza walked over to her prisoner. John lay with his eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to his current situation. Grayza felt he was far too comfortable to her liking. This would not happen again.at least not this soon. She still coveted his body, but Grayza needed answers from him.
"Tirus, do you mind if we use this area for awhile.just until we take care of the renegades on the surface."
"Of course Grayza, you may stay as long as you feel the need," Tirus replied. "I will be returning to my duties." The Karak turned and walked away, taking the soldiers with him.
"Captain Braca, have your men bring Crichton into this tunnel," she ordered, pointing to the side tunnel. "Then I want you and your men to exit through that seal and bring me a report on our progress with the prisoners."
Braca issued the first set of orders to his men. They pulled Crichton to his feet, his eyes snapping open, as he was dragged into the side tunnel.
"Ma'am, perhaps I should leave one soldier with you, for your safety," Braca replied, sincerely, glancing at the human. "We know he has managed to escape twice before."
"It's not necessary, Captain, but leave a guard posted at the entrance to the tunnel so we aren't surprised by the enemy," Grayza stated, knowing this time she would keep John under her control.
"As you wish, Commandant," Braca replied, directing his men out through the seal, closing it behind them.
John was mumbling, lying on his side as Grayza entered the passageway. She lowered herself to the ground, forcing him to his back, kneeling next to him. "Don't resist me, John. It will be much easier that way."
"Nothing to tell," John said, trying to wipe her smell away, hands flying. Grayza grabbed them, holding them still, watching him succumb.
"How did you end up on this planet? I know you went back to Moya when you left my ship." Grayza asked. "Why did you come here?"
The strain was evident in his features, the facial muscles bulging, the sweat forming on his face. John was trying to fight her questions, but she couldn't allow it. She wiped the heppel oil over him once again, watching his face contort in reaction to the drug. "Answer me, John. Why are you here?"
John reached out and dropped his hands to the floor, only to feel the dirt slide through his fingers, feeling nothing concrete to help him hold on. His fists opened and closed with no purchase, finally answering Grayza's question. "Scorp.Scorpius brought me here."
xxxxx
Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana quietly stepped out of the building in search of the soldiers.
Scorpius and Sizoku had started firing at the peacekeepers in the square, forcing movement on their part since the statues couldn't afford them a hiding place anymore. Sikozu could see her original plan was working, as they got behind the soldiers. Scorpius had already killed two of the three soldiers, the third soldier getting away when the other peacekeeper squad joined in the battle from the other side, forcing Scorpius and Sikozu to retreat.
Sikozu opened her comm, "D'Argo they're headed your way. We've downed two soldiers, but the third has joined the rest of the peacekeepers. Scorpius and I are pinned down until you can get to them. They are firing from inside one of the structures."
"We'll find them, Sikozu," D'Argo replied, as the crew crashed into another building looking for the soldiers. Two soldiers turned in surprise as Aeryn and D'Argo opened fire, sending their body's smashing through the windows, into the street.
Sikozu and Scorpius were listening to the fire, not being able to see anything from their position. They had gone back to the doorway where they wouldn't be an easy target. Sikozu heard voices coming from her left, glancing around the door. She could see Braca and four other soldiers coming around the side of the building intent on the sound of weapons fire.
Braca shouted, "Disperse and find them!" The men ran across the street where the pulse blasts were coming from.
Scorpius watched, as Sikozu tapped her comm, "Aeryn, you have four more soldiers coming in your direction. You need to get out of there!"
Scorpius grabbed Sikozu and pushed her inside the building, hiding behind the jutting wall. "Cut the comm off, Braca's coming!"
Braca took a step inside the doorway and stopped, observing the structure of the building, then quickly turned as he heard the shouting.
"Sir, they are getting away!" The Sergeant bellowed to Braca. "Should we follow?"
Braca approached his Sergeant, shaking his head. "We have lost enough men for one day. They will be back and we will be ready for them. Let the men eat and rest." The Captain wasn't worried. He knew the renegades had retreated only to come back for a final assault. They would never leave without John Crichton.
xxxxx
Aeryn hated running, but they had no choice if they wanted to survive. The addition of four more soldiers to the battle worsened their odds. She was grateful Sikozu had seen them. Aeryn had tried to comm Sikozu, but had received no response. She could only hope her and Scorpius had eluded Braca's squad.
"So what do we do now, D'Argo?" Aeryn asked. She was at a loss as to what their next move should be, as she walked about the mini forest they had hidden in. When they first saw it, it only looked like overgrown brush until they reached the other side.
"I think we should rest for now, Aeryn. We'll come up with something," D'Argo said, his conviction wavering. How could they hope to fight off that many soldiers and they still didn't know where John was.
"You rest D'Argo, I'm going to look around," Chiana said, disappointed in the Luxan. She knew what he was thinking, but she wasn't about to give up. Chiana rose to her feet and began to explore the area.
Aeryn walked over to D'Argo, crouching in front of him. "I know what you are thinking, but John deserves more than that from us. He would never give up.I feel we owe him the same. He's alive, D'Argo, I feel it!" Aeryn stated, rising to her feet. "I won't leave without him." Aeryn turned to join Chiana, when D'Argo stopped her.
"Neither will I, Aeryn. Give me some time to think," D'Argo said, his voice filled with sadness for his friend.
Aeryn glanced over her shoulder and smiled at the Luxan, then walked away.
xxxxx
Scorpius and Sikozu took off inside the building toward the labs. They first went to Tirus', but stopped short of entering when they saw the peacekeeper soldiers inside. Scorpius changed direction towards his lab with Sikozu following. The entered the room and quietly closed the door.
Scorpius started cussing in his native Scarran language, his coolant rods rising in temperature. Sikozu tried to follow all his words, but couldn't understand some of them, though she knew the most important ones.
Translating them, Sikozu realized what Scorpius was saying 'Grayza has captured Crichton with the help of Tirus'! "No Scorpius, this is not good! They will make him tell everything about your research!" Sikozu said. "They may even come up to the lab and use the equipment on John!"
"I will stop them before that happens," Scorpius replied, the grotesque expression on his face deadly. He turned to the container in the cabinet and took out a coolant rod exchanging it for the one in his head. Scorpius took a deep breath as the new one twisted its way in his skull, feeling suddenly renewed.
"What do you propose? We don't even know where Grayza's holding Crichton." Sikozu replied, watching Scorpius move to the medicine cabinet.
"I have an idea.never fear, Sikozu," Scorpius replied with a leering grin. The new coolant rod helped him to think clearly again.
Taking several vials from the cabinet, Scorpius filled syringes with the contents, doubling the dosage.
Sikozu watched, a questioning look on her face. Scorpius finally finished, pleasure displayed in his features, slipping them into his clothing.
"Take the gun, Sikozu. I won't need this for the time being, you will," Scorpius stated, determination in his face. "Now we only have to find out where the human is and that is where Tirus comes in."
"You can't possibly hope to get to him with the soldiers in his lab," Sikozu replied, confident she knew what she was talking about.
Scorpius shot her his leering grin. "The soldiers won't be a factor soon.trust me." He would wait knowing, Tirus wouldn't be able to contain himself for long.
xxxxx
Grayza sat next to John, pressing him for more answers. "So you came with Scorpius because you chose to. The one who has done nothing but torture you, is that what you are saying?"
"Yeah," John mumbled with relief, struggling to shut his thoughts off from the truth.
Grayza was livid that he thought her so stupid, pulling her arm back and striking him across the face.
"Ugh." John felt the pain as his head snapped to the other side, tasting the blood that oozed from his mouth.
"Don't play me the fool, John Crichton! I swear you will regret it! Now tell me why you came here with Scorpius!" Grayza demanded as she pulled her knife out of her boot and laid it against his throat. "Tell me the truth."
John tried to resist, but knew he was losing ground, the thoughts tumbling out with no way to stop them. His mind was completely under her control. The protective walls had crumbled and he had nothing to shield his inner most thoughts anymore. Whimpering slightly he replied, "He.he forced me using. Aeryn."
Grayza was pleased by his answer as she started to cut away at his shirt, starting at the top and continuing down the middle, bits at a time. "Tell me all, John and I will. reward you."
"No," John's breath caught in his throat as he tried to pull away, his body shuddering at her idea of a reward, feeling the coldness as his shirt fell away. He pulled his hands up over his face trying to wipe away the smell of her oil.
Grayza didn't like what she was seeing. Resistance wasn't something she was used to and for a mere human to be able to fight off the glands effects unsettled her. She slammed him to his back and pushed his arms down, smearing him heavily with the oil this time, more than she had dared to use on any other subject, watching the effect.
John choked and snorted this time, his breath coming in gasps as the drug seized his mind. He finally settled down, his eyes closed.
"Now tell me, John. What does Aeryn Sun have to do with Scorpius? I thought you were all enemies," Grayza said, caressing his chest to calm him.
There was no resistance in John now as he told Grayza the story of how Scorpius had come aboard Moya with a sick Aeryn. In order to save her life, Scorpius would help, but only if John would agree to go with him in the end.
"How brave of you, John, you must love Aeryn Sun very much. Did Scorpius get what he wanted from you?" Grayza asked, still running her hands over his body.
Grayza felt the hesitation in the human. Looking up at John's face, Grayza saw the terror replace the calm he had shown before.
"He.he .tortured me.worse than.before," John stuttered, his eyes opened wide, reliving the horror.
"Shh, John," Grayza said soothingly, using the drug again, watching his body jerk as it took hold of him. "I will make all of that go away."
xxxxx
Chiana and Aeryn were searching the forest for some way around the peacekeepers, when D'Argo joined them.
"I have an idea, but first, lets see if we can find a way into the building from here," D'Argo said, staring at his comrades, sorry for his thoughts.
Chiana and Aeryn smiled, knowing he had to come to terms with their circumstances in his own mind before he could help them. "Of course, D'Argo," they both replied at the same time, smiling at each other.
Walking deeper into the forest they finally came upon the main structure of the town, the one the Karak had stood in front of.
"So now we have a different way in, "D'Argo stated, feeling they were making progress. "If John is being held anywhere, it is here. It's the only place it could be."
"I agree with you D'Argo," Aeryn replied. "But where could he be?"
"That's something we'll have to figure out when we get in there. At least we can get to it without having to encounter the soldiers," Chiana said, pleased with their progress.
"Good point, Chiana," D'Argo replied. "We'll just have to fight our way out, which still leads us to that problem and there is no way around it."
"I intend to infiltrate the camp in the early hours of the morning while they are sleeping and make our odds better," Aeryn replied, matter of factly.
"You can't do that Aeryn, it's too dangerous!" Chiana stated, fearing for her friend.
Aeryn turned to Chiana. "It's something I did when I was a peacekeeper, so I can do it again. I haven't forgotten," Aeryn replied, smiling at Chiana, showing her the confidence she felt in her decision. "You want any help?" Chiana asked, ready to do whatever Aeryn asked.
Aeryn shook her head. "No, Chiana, it's only a job for one person, but I do appreciate the offer. You and D'Argo need to be on standby in case I frell up." Aeryn never thought she would have to rely on this part of her peacekeeper training again, but she now knew she was wrong.
"We'll be there Aeryn," D'Argo replied, proud her. No wonder he had no doubts about ex-peacekeeper.
"We need to return to the forest, I for one need rest before tonight," Aeryn said to the others. Whether they survived after the morning would rest on her shoulders.
To be continued Tuesday
Thanks gbbarb for the beta reading
The crew collapsed into the new building, exhausted from the battle that had just ensued. They knew reinforcements were on there way, but they never imagined they would be attacked from behind. Somehow they must have been scouted unknowingly. The edge they always had over the peacekeepers was quickly disappearing. Aeryn had no doubt it was because Grayza was in control. They were facing tactics they were not used to. Scorpius was readable, but Grayza on the other hand, implored different methods then they were accustomed to. Aeryn knew they would have to change as the peacekeepers did.
Aeryn recovered first, pulling herself to a sitting position. "I estimate we have seven peacekeepers left, not counting Grayza and Braca, but I'm sure they are somewhere on this planet. These ranks wouldn't be attacking so aggressively if they didn't have a leader pushing them," Aeryn said, hoping to rouse Chiana and D'Argo from their relaxed state.
D'Argo answered. "So how do we get rid of them and where is John?" The frustration was evident in the Luxan's voice. "For all we know he is already dead!" D'Argo cursed himself inwardly, instantly regretting his words. "I didn't mean."
He heard Chiana gasp as he spoke, the tears flowing down her face.
D'Argo's words cut deeply into Aeryn causing her to flinch, knowing in her heart they were said in frustration. "I understand, D'Argo, but I will not believe that. John is a survivor."
"You're right. Aeryn, Chi, we'll find him," D'Argo said, wishing he had more control over his anger.
"Here is our situation, D'Argo and Chiana. We have three soldiers in the square and approximately four left hiding in one of the structures. Perhaps we can use Sikozu and Scorpius to deal with the ones in the square while we hunt down the other four," Aeryn stated, for lack of a better plan. "We still have enough ammunition left to sustain us in battle, or do any of you have a better idea?"
"How do we get the word to Scorpius? He and Sikozu are still on the other side of the square," D'Argo, replied, before agreeing with the plan.
"We will simply tell him, D'Argo. Sikozu still has her comms. Scorpius will do what we want him to," Chiana replied, liking Aeryn's idea. She would like nothing more than to kill the frelling peacekeepers.
"You realize this could be risky? We could lose to the peacekeepers and be captured or die fighting," D'Argo replied, staring at Aeryn.
"What would you rather do, D'Argo?" Aeryn asked quietly.
"Die fighting!" D'Argo stated, rising to his feet, helping Aeryn and Chiana to theirs.
"Chiana, tell Scorpius what the plan is. He's not to let a single soldier leave that square alive and hurry!"
xxxxx
Grayza rose to her feet, assured the human would offer no more resistance. Turning to Tirus she said, "Shall we continue with our business?" He nodded in ascent, stepping into the side corridor. Glancing over her shoulder, she went to join the Karak, while instructing Braca, "Watch Crichton, I don't want any mishaps."
"Yes, ma'am," Braca replied, stepping over to Crichton, curious as to the business Grayza had with the Karak.
Tirus waited on the Commandant to join him. His only regret was involving Milon, who saw something special in the human, but he had no choice in the matter. He would make Milon understand in time.
Grayza sauntered over to the Karak, confident in herself. "So you have delivered John Crichton as promised. I suppose you want payment now?"
"Yes Commandant, you promised me two subjects, that was the bargain," Tirus replied, standing stiffly, waiting.
"Of course, Tirus," Grayza replied, turning her head to Braca. "Captain, bring me two soldiers. Since Tirus helped us, I promised to offer him protection from the enemy."
Braca stared at her, his eyes wide. "But ma'am, do you think that is wise with all the."
"Braca!" Grayza cut him off angrily. "Are you questioning my orders?"
"No. Commandant," the Captain replied, snapping to attention.
"Then bring them!" Grayza commanded. Braca didn't know the true reason, but it was of no consequence to him. Grayza felt the trade of two of her soldiers for John Crichton was a fair one. The human's value far outweighed her men's. There was no fear of being found out since Tirus promised to dispose of them after his experiments.
Grayza watched as the two soldiers walked over to them. "We will be leaving you behind to protect the Karaks. You will do whatever Tirus instructs. Is that clear?"
The soldiers nodded, stepping behind Tirus to begin their duties. "We understand, Commandant."
Satisfied that the exchange was successful, Grayza walked over to her prisoner. John lay with his eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to his current situation. Grayza felt he was far too comfortable to her liking. This would not happen again.at least not this soon. She still coveted his body, but Grayza needed answers from him.
"Tirus, do you mind if we use this area for awhile.just until we take care of the renegades on the surface."
"Of course Grayza, you may stay as long as you feel the need," Tirus replied. "I will be returning to my duties." The Karak turned and walked away, taking the soldiers with him.
"Captain Braca, have your men bring Crichton into this tunnel," she ordered, pointing to the side tunnel. "Then I want you and your men to exit through that seal and bring me a report on our progress with the prisoners."
Braca issued the first set of orders to his men. They pulled Crichton to his feet, his eyes snapping open, as he was dragged into the side tunnel.
"Ma'am, perhaps I should leave one soldier with you, for your safety," Braca replied, sincerely, glancing at the human. "We know he has managed to escape twice before."
"It's not necessary, Captain, but leave a guard posted at the entrance to the tunnel so we aren't surprised by the enemy," Grayza stated, knowing this time she would keep John under her control.
"As you wish, Commandant," Braca replied, directing his men out through the seal, closing it behind them.
John was mumbling, lying on his side as Grayza entered the passageway. She lowered herself to the ground, forcing him to his back, kneeling next to him. "Don't resist me, John. It will be much easier that way."
"Nothing to tell," John said, trying to wipe her smell away, hands flying. Grayza grabbed them, holding them still, watching him succumb.
"How did you end up on this planet? I know you went back to Moya when you left my ship." Grayza asked. "Why did you come here?"
The strain was evident in his features, the facial muscles bulging, the sweat forming on his face. John was trying to fight her questions, but she couldn't allow it. She wiped the heppel oil over him once again, watching his face contort in reaction to the drug. "Answer me, John. Why are you here?"
John reached out and dropped his hands to the floor, only to feel the dirt slide through his fingers, feeling nothing concrete to help him hold on. His fists opened and closed with no purchase, finally answering Grayza's question. "Scorp.Scorpius brought me here."
xxxxx
Aeryn, D'Argo and Chiana quietly stepped out of the building in search of the soldiers.
Scorpius and Sizoku had started firing at the peacekeepers in the square, forcing movement on their part since the statues couldn't afford them a hiding place anymore. Sikozu could see her original plan was working, as they got behind the soldiers. Scorpius had already killed two of the three soldiers, the third soldier getting away when the other peacekeeper squad joined in the battle from the other side, forcing Scorpius and Sikozu to retreat.
Sikozu opened her comm, "D'Argo they're headed your way. We've downed two soldiers, but the third has joined the rest of the peacekeepers. Scorpius and I are pinned down until you can get to them. They are firing from inside one of the structures."
"We'll find them, Sikozu," D'Argo replied, as the crew crashed into another building looking for the soldiers. Two soldiers turned in surprise as Aeryn and D'Argo opened fire, sending their body's smashing through the windows, into the street.
Sikozu and Scorpius were listening to the fire, not being able to see anything from their position. They had gone back to the doorway where they wouldn't be an easy target. Sikozu heard voices coming from her left, glancing around the door. She could see Braca and four other soldiers coming around the side of the building intent on the sound of weapons fire.
Braca shouted, "Disperse and find them!" The men ran across the street where the pulse blasts were coming from.
Scorpius watched, as Sikozu tapped her comm, "Aeryn, you have four more soldiers coming in your direction. You need to get out of there!"
Scorpius grabbed Sikozu and pushed her inside the building, hiding behind the jutting wall. "Cut the comm off, Braca's coming!"
Braca took a step inside the doorway and stopped, observing the structure of the building, then quickly turned as he heard the shouting.
"Sir, they are getting away!" The Sergeant bellowed to Braca. "Should we follow?"
Braca approached his Sergeant, shaking his head. "We have lost enough men for one day. They will be back and we will be ready for them. Let the men eat and rest." The Captain wasn't worried. He knew the renegades had retreated only to come back for a final assault. They would never leave without John Crichton.
xxxxx
Aeryn hated running, but they had no choice if they wanted to survive. The addition of four more soldiers to the battle worsened their odds. She was grateful Sikozu had seen them. Aeryn had tried to comm Sikozu, but had received no response. She could only hope her and Scorpius had eluded Braca's squad.
"So what do we do now, D'Argo?" Aeryn asked. She was at a loss as to what their next move should be, as she walked about the mini forest they had hidden in. When they first saw it, it only looked like overgrown brush until they reached the other side.
"I think we should rest for now, Aeryn. We'll come up with something," D'Argo said, his conviction wavering. How could they hope to fight off that many soldiers and they still didn't know where John was.
"You rest D'Argo, I'm going to look around," Chiana said, disappointed in the Luxan. She knew what he was thinking, but she wasn't about to give up. Chiana rose to her feet and began to explore the area.
Aeryn walked over to D'Argo, crouching in front of him. "I know what you are thinking, but John deserves more than that from us. He would never give up.I feel we owe him the same. He's alive, D'Argo, I feel it!" Aeryn stated, rising to her feet. "I won't leave without him." Aeryn turned to join Chiana, when D'Argo stopped her.
"Neither will I, Aeryn. Give me some time to think," D'Argo said, his voice filled with sadness for his friend.
Aeryn glanced over her shoulder and smiled at the Luxan, then walked away.
xxxxx
Scorpius and Sikozu took off inside the building toward the labs. They first went to Tirus', but stopped short of entering when they saw the peacekeeper soldiers inside. Scorpius changed direction towards his lab with Sikozu following. The entered the room and quietly closed the door.
Scorpius started cussing in his native Scarran language, his coolant rods rising in temperature. Sikozu tried to follow all his words, but couldn't understand some of them, though she knew the most important ones.
Translating them, Sikozu realized what Scorpius was saying 'Grayza has captured Crichton with the help of Tirus'! "No Scorpius, this is not good! They will make him tell everything about your research!" Sikozu said. "They may even come up to the lab and use the equipment on John!"
"I will stop them before that happens," Scorpius replied, the grotesque expression on his face deadly. He turned to the container in the cabinet and took out a coolant rod exchanging it for the one in his head. Scorpius took a deep breath as the new one twisted its way in his skull, feeling suddenly renewed.
"What do you propose? We don't even know where Grayza's holding Crichton." Sikozu replied, watching Scorpius move to the medicine cabinet.
"I have an idea.never fear, Sikozu," Scorpius replied with a leering grin. The new coolant rod helped him to think clearly again.
Taking several vials from the cabinet, Scorpius filled syringes with the contents, doubling the dosage.
Sikozu watched, a questioning look on her face. Scorpius finally finished, pleasure displayed in his features, slipping them into his clothing.
"Take the gun, Sikozu. I won't need this for the time being, you will," Scorpius stated, determination in his face. "Now we only have to find out where the human is and that is where Tirus comes in."
"You can't possibly hope to get to him with the soldiers in his lab," Sikozu replied, confident she knew what she was talking about.
Scorpius shot her his leering grin. "The soldiers won't be a factor soon.trust me." He would wait knowing, Tirus wouldn't be able to contain himself for long.
xxxxx
Grayza sat next to John, pressing him for more answers. "So you came with Scorpius because you chose to. The one who has done nothing but torture you, is that what you are saying?"
"Yeah," John mumbled with relief, struggling to shut his thoughts off from the truth.
Grayza was livid that he thought her so stupid, pulling her arm back and striking him across the face.
"Ugh." John felt the pain as his head snapped to the other side, tasting the blood that oozed from his mouth.
"Don't play me the fool, John Crichton! I swear you will regret it! Now tell me why you came here with Scorpius!" Grayza demanded as she pulled her knife out of her boot and laid it against his throat. "Tell me the truth."
John tried to resist, but knew he was losing ground, the thoughts tumbling out with no way to stop them. His mind was completely under her control. The protective walls had crumbled and he had nothing to shield his inner most thoughts anymore. Whimpering slightly he replied, "He.he forced me using. Aeryn."
Grayza was pleased by his answer as she started to cut away at his shirt, starting at the top and continuing down the middle, bits at a time. "Tell me all, John and I will. reward you."
"No," John's breath caught in his throat as he tried to pull away, his body shuddering at her idea of a reward, feeling the coldness as his shirt fell away. He pulled his hands up over his face trying to wipe away the smell of her oil.
Grayza didn't like what she was seeing. Resistance wasn't something she was used to and for a mere human to be able to fight off the glands effects unsettled her. She slammed him to his back and pushed his arms down, smearing him heavily with the oil this time, more than she had dared to use on any other subject, watching the effect.
John choked and snorted this time, his breath coming in gasps as the drug seized his mind. He finally settled down, his eyes closed.
"Now tell me, John. What does Aeryn Sun have to do with Scorpius? I thought you were all enemies," Grayza said, caressing his chest to calm him.
There was no resistance in John now as he told Grayza the story of how Scorpius had come aboard Moya with a sick Aeryn. In order to save her life, Scorpius would help, but only if John would agree to go with him in the end.
"How brave of you, John, you must love Aeryn Sun very much. Did Scorpius get what he wanted from you?" Grayza asked, still running her hands over his body.
Grayza felt the hesitation in the human. Looking up at John's face, Grayza saw the terror replace the calm he had shown before.
"He.he .tortured me.worse than.before," John stuttered, his eyes opened wide, reliving the horror.
"Shh, John," Grayza said soothingly, using the drug again, watching his body jerk as it took hold of him. "I will make all of that go away."
xxxxx
Chiana and Aeryn were searching the forest for some way around the peacekeepers, when D'Argo joined them.
"I have an idea, but first, lets see if we can find a way into the building from here," D'Argo said, staring at his comrades, sorry for his thoughts.
Chiana and Aeryn smiled, knowing he had to come to terms with their circumstances in his own mind before he could help them. "Of course, D'Argo," they both replied at the same time, smiling at each other.
Walking deeper into the forest they finally came upon the main structure of the town, the one the Karak had stood in front of.
"So now we have a different way in, "D'Argo stated, feeling they were making progress. "If John is being held anywhere, it is here. It's the only place it could be."
"I agree with you D'Argo," Aeryn replied. "But where could he be?"
"That's something we'll have to figure out when we get in there. At least we can get to it without having to encounter the soldiers," Chiana said, pleased with their progress.
"Good point, Chiana," D'Argo replied. "We'll just have to fight our way out, which still leads us to that problem and there is no way around it."
"I intend to infiltrate the camp in the early hours of the morning while they are sleeping and make our odds better," Aeryn replied, matter of factly.
"You can't do that Aeryn, it's too dangerous!" Chiana stated, fearing for her friend.
Aeryn turned to Chiana. "It's something I did when I was a peacekeeper, so I can do it again. I haven't forgotten," Aeryn replied, smiling at Chiana, showing her the confidence she felt in her decision. "You want any help?" Chiana asked, ready to do whatever Aeryn asked.
Aeryn shook her head. "No, Chiana, it's only a job for one person, but I do appreciate the offer. You and D'Argo need to be on standby in case I frell up." Aeryn never thought she would have to rely on this part of her peacekeeper training again, but she now knew she was wrong.
"We'll be there Aeryn," D'Argo replied, proud her. No wonder he had no doubts about ex-peacekeeper.
"We need to return to the forest, I for one need rest before tonight," Aeryn said to the others. Whether they survived after the morning would rest on her shoulders.
To be continued Tuesday