The Price Part 18
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
Scorpius and Sikozu quietly walked through the corridors making their way to Tirus' lab. They stood outside the doorway, listening to the conversation.
"So you traded the human for these two Sebaceans, Tirus?" Ratoc asked, watching the other doctors strap the soldiers to the beds. For now they were unconscious, the drugs they had injected into the unsuspecting men had put them to sleep.
"Ratoc, there was no choice in the matter. Sebaceans are a better test subject than the human. There was too much we didn't know about his physiology, it may have taken cycles to understand him. But whether you agree or not, it is too late now. The exchange has been made." Tirus replied, anxious to start the experiments.
Scorpius was pleased by what he heard. The peacekeepers weren't a threat anymore. He reached for the gun Sikozu held and entered the room pointing it at the Karaks.
Tirus looked surprised by Scorpius' appearance. "What do you want?" Tirus asked, demanding an answer.
"Crichton!" Scorpius growled, leering at the Karak standing before him. "You will tell me where he is, before I tear you apart," Scorpius said in a low threatening tone, training the gun to his head.
Ratoc started to act when Sikozu stopped him. Stepping in front of him, she said, "Don't interfere. You will only make matters worse."
"She is correct, Ratoc, stay back. This is between Scorpius and me," Tirus said, turning slightly to Scorpius. "Commandant Grayza has him in the underground tunnels, level three. There were four guards and a Captain with her when I left. I know nothing more."
Staring intently at Tirus, Scorpius stated, "You don't know what you have done! If the knowledge John Crichton carries falls into the wrong hands it could be devastating to our universe!" Scorpius turned to Sikozu. "It's time to go," he said motioning with his hand.
Tirus stood stiffly, watching Scorpius and Sikozu walk to the door. "Scorpius. I see no difference between you and the Commandant. You both want the human for your own designs, but in the end one of you will manage to destroy him. You are both the same," Tirus said, dismissing him and returning to his experiment.
Scorpius started to turn back, but Sikozu stopped him. "We have to go, Scorpius," she said, pulling slightly on his arm.
"Yes, follow me," Scorpius replied, heading down the passageway toward the stairs.
xxxxx
Braca entered through the tunnel entrance, seeing Grayza at Crichton's side.
"Sorry to bother you ma'am, but I thought I should report the latest with the renegades," Braca said as Grayza rose to her feet, brushing off the dust from her clothing. The Captain stared down at the human, noticing his stillness. "Commandant, is.he alright?" He asked, nodding towards the form on the floor.
"Yes, Braca. I had to use more of my secretions than I intended before he would cooperate," Grayza replied, impatiently. She walked away from Crichton and entered the main tunnel. "What do you have to report, Captain?"
"The prisoners retreated when our soldiers appeared. They are in hiding now, but I expect them to attack again soon," Braca answered. "The men are resting, so we will be ready for them. We have about seven soldiers left to their three. They are heavily outnumbered, Commandant, so I don't anticipate a problem."
"Braca, do you think we could make it back to the Marauders now? I am willing to forget about their capture for now as long as I have Crichton." Grayza felt her prisoner would be more secure on the carrier. They were taking chances the longer they kept him on the planet.
"Ma'am, I don't think that would be a very good idea. The crew could attack at any point and have us at a disadvantage. We need to defeat them first," Braca replied, confident he was right. Even though there were only three of them, they knew how to fight.
"Perhaps, Captain," Grayza replied, suddenly remembering what the human had told her. "But make that four, Braca, Scorpius is on this planet somewhere."
xxxxx
The darkness had finally settled over the planet. Aeryn knew it would be time to move soon. Chiana and D'Argo were asleep, but it had not come easily for her. She only nodded off for half an arn when she woke thinking about John.
Since being on the planet, Aeryn hadn't had time to think about the condition they would find John in. She knew he was away from Scorpius, since he and Sikozu had helped them in the battle earlier that day. John was either running or in Grayza's hands again. Aeryn felt the shudder go up her spine with this thought. She remembered John's state of mind when they had finally rescued him from Grayza on the carrier. According to Chiana, John was in worst shape the second time than when he had first encountered Grayza's torture on Arnessk. Grayza's tricks had gotten worse on the command carrier.
Aeryn lapsed back to her final moments with John in the bay, drawing up her knees and hugging herself. The tears pricked her eyes as she relived that moment in her mind. 'If only I hadn't brought Scorpius aboard,' her mind screamed. 'It's my fault,' she thought to herself, as the tears slid down her face, her heart constricting in pain.
Aeryn sobered after a few microts, using her hands to push herself to her feet. 'It's time,' she thought, walking over to Chiana and D'Argo to waken them, nudging them with her boot.
"Ready, Aeryn?" D'Argo asked, raising himself to a sitting position.
Aeryn watched both of them getting to their feet. "Yes, but first I need something done. I need someone to disable the Marauder," she said in a dull voice.
Chiana looked at Aeryn puzzled. "We never talked about that, besides we don't know what to pull or whatever you do!"
"D'Argo?" Aeryn stared at him with a questioning look on her face. "You know, don't you?"
The Luxan nodded, sighing. "Why do you want it done, Aeryn? We'll waste too much time when we already have a job to do tonight."
"It's important, D'Argo. I think Grayza has John. It's the only place he could be. If John were free, he would have joined us by now. We need to stop them from leaving this planet. I fear if that happens we will never be able to recover him," Aeryn replied, dropping her head.
"I agree, Aeryn, but will you and Chiana be alright without me?" D'Argo asked, searching both their faces.
"I hope so, D'Argo. You know what to do, so go. We will meet you back here," Aeryn replied, arming herself with different knives.
Looking up at Chiana, Aeryn said, "I suggest you do the same."
"I will meet both of you. later," D'Argo stated, jogging in the direction of the peacekeeper vessel.
xxxxx
John had finally woken from his heppel oil induced sleep. Grayza knew she would have to be careful; she had used too much the last time, causing him to slip into a deep sleep.
John groaned as he tried to stretch his aching muscles, oblivious to Grayza's presence. He grimaced as the pain hit his rib cage, causing him to pull his legs up, turning to his side to ease the pain.
Grayza watched as he wrapped his arms around his belly, burying his head into the dirt.
"Show me where it hurts, John. Perhaps I can help," Grayza said, feigning the sympathy in her voice.
"You can, Grayza. just leave me the hell alone," John replied, trying to recall what he had told her. His mind was a mass of confusion, the diverse memories slashing through him, not knowing what was real or imagined.
"Impossible, John, there's too much I want from you," she said, lightly tapping his forehead. "And other things," Grayza replied, laughing lightly.
John cringed hearing her laugh, wanting only to slip deeper inside himself, blocking everything out, but he couldn't when she controlled his mind.
Leaning on her elbow, she asked the question that interested her the most, besides the Scarrans. "Tell me about your love, Aeryn Sun."
John felt sick to his stomach as he turned away from her repulsive figure. His love for Aeryn was the only thing he had left in his heart, the only thing that was his.
Grayza watched him turn away, smiling as she ran her hand down his arm. "John you know you can't resist me," she said in a lulling voice.
"No," John said in a defiant voice, trying to hold the tears back. 'God.help me, it's the only thing I have left.please don't take that from me,' he pleaded with all his heart. 'Don't let her do this. to me!'
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana found the peacekeeper camp. It looked as if only one guard was on duty. Aeryn noticed there were eight soldiers, which meant Braca was probably among them.
"Chiana, you are to stay here, I'm the only one who is going down to the camp. You are to stop any of them from leaving or to alert me to anyone coming up behind me. Can you do that?" Aeryn asked, seeing the disappointment in her face.
"But.but Aeryn, I wanted to go with you. I want to help," Chiana replied, disappointed, wanting to be a part of it.
"Chiana, I told you it was something I had to do. Your value is here, my eyes and backup, please," Aeryn replied, her brows furrowed, needing Chiana to do this.
"Sure, Aeryn .just be careful. I wouldn't want to lose you," Chiana replied, the sincerity evident in her voice. She could see how much Aeryn cared for John and through the course of searching for him again, had stayed true to her words.
Aeryn was touched by Chiana's words, never hearing them before. "You won't," she said simply, glancing back at the Nebari before heading off into the darkness.
Aeryn made her way cautiously to the camp, seeing her first victim. The soldier was on duty, but was not very attentive, as Aeryn came up behind him and without a sound, slashed his throat with her knife. She pulled his body back, out of view from the others and hid him behind a building. Aeryn knew the rest wouldn't be as easy. She could only take their life and leave them as the encampment was too small to hide the bodies.
Aeryn had been able to take three other soldiers out before the alarm sounded. One of the other soldiers had wakened and saw Aeryn kill the man that slept next to him.
"Intruder in the camp," he shouted, getting quickly to his feet, pointing his weapon at her.
Aeryn quickly threw her knife at his chest, making contact as the soldier fell to his knees. The pulse rifle went off, grazing Aeryn in the shoulder. She knew the element of surprise was gone, as she retreated hastily, only to turn into Braca.
"Officer Sun, so glad you could join us," Braca said, pointing his pistol at her. "Commandant Grayza will be pleased when she hears the news, Crichton and now you, how stimulating. There is so much we will be able to accomplish with both of you in our custody."
Aeryn wanted to wipe the triumphant smile off his face, as she pulled a knife from her boot, only for him to grab her arm before she could use it.
"I am also a trained peacekeeper, Officer Sun. There is nothing you can do to me that I am not prepared for," he said, wrestling the knife from Aeryn's grasp.
"You sure of that, Braca?" Chiana asked, firing her pistol, watching him fall to the ground. "Let's get out of here, Aeryn!"
The two took off running back to the forest, their mission successful. Aeryn had eliminated three soldiers, increasing their odds.
Entering the forest they saw D'Argo.
"Did you get it done?" Aeryn asked, glad to see the Luxan.
"Of course, Aeryn, I do know what I'm doing. How did your mission go?" D'Argo asked, hoping they had been successful. They would have to move soon.
Chiana was smiling. "Aeryn took out three soldiers, and I shot Braca," she said pleased with herself.
"Thank you for that, Chiana, but I told you to stay back," Aeryn replied, grateful the Nebari was there when she needed her.
"Couldn't let you get shot, Aeryn, so when I saw you were in trouble, I had to do something. I am so glad it was Braca, frelling idiot!" Chiana stated, happy to be able to help Aeryn.
"Well now we have to rescue John. We know where the soldiers are and how to get into the tunnels. I think it's time to proceed before the soldiers organize themselves after our attack," Aeryn said, knowing the peacekeepers would be in chaos at this microt.
"We follow your lead, Officer Sun," D'Argo replied, trusting his life in her hands.
Aeryn cocked her toward the Luxan, seeing the admiration in his eyes. "Let's do it then," Aeryn said, using one of John's sayings.
xxxxx
"John, I wish you would answer me on your own accord. You know I will get what I want in the end," Grayza said, not wanting to use her gland again, fearing the effects it could have on him. She would eventually kill Crichton, but that would be when she finished with him and they were nowhere near that point yet.
He struggled to defy her, not sure if it was possible anymore. John had withdrawn from reality to escape all the agony he had endured. It was the only way he had been able to hold onto to his sanity.
"I can't do that," John replied, fighting the demons inside himself, not sure he could find the strength of the old Crichton, the person he once was. John felt disjointed now, struggling to become one again.
"John, you leave me with no choice but to use my scent again," Grayza, stated, running her fingers across her chest, extending her hand out to his face.
John felt the hand come across him and blocked it, suddenly atop her, pinning her arms to the ground. "Don't you understand the word No!" He yelled, enraged as the memories of him being violated engulfed him, his whole body shaking. John brought her to her feet and slammed her against the wall of the tunnel. "I said no and I meant it, Grayza! That part of me you can't take," John shouted, hearing new voices in the tunnel, shaking Grayza like a rag doll.
"Crichton!" Scorpius said, standing at the entrance to the tunnel, watching him slam the Commandant against the wall. "Don't kill Grayza, we can use her!"
Startled, John's eyes left Grayza's face for a microt. That was all it took for Grayza to get the upper hand and swiftly graze Crichton's cheek with her oil.
John was stunned for a microt. He shook his head as he felt the drug taking effect.
He backed away from Grayza, staggering, his body aching, his mind tired and confused. John stared at Grayza and Scorpius, the haze clouding his vision, knowing he had been mind frelled by both of them. He walked around Scorpius, clinging to the walls for support, as he stepped around the half-breed, not daring to make contact with him.
"Have at her Scorpy, and screw you both! I'll find my own way out of this hell hole," John said, slurring his words as he pushed Sikozu out of the way and ascended the stairs.
"Crichton stop!" Grayza commanded, reaching down for her weapon, intent on stopping John, taking aim for his leg.
Sikozu saw the pulse pistol in Grayza's hand. "Scorpius, she has a gun!" She shouted, lifting hers, but too late as the blast hit John's leg, causing it to buckle under him.
"Shit," John mumbled, grabbing onto the rail to keep himself from falling.
Scorpius advanced on Grayza quickly, grabbing the gun out of her hand. "You must be a fool!" The leer behind the leather mask turned grotesque, as Scorpius snapped her wrist, and backhanded her, sending her crashing into the walls. He watched her fall to the ground, unconscious. Scorpius took one of the syringes and walked over to Grayza injecting her with the drug. "That should be sufficient until we leave this planet."
Sikozu was at John's side, binding his leg wound as Scorpius finished with Grayza. She helped John to his feet as he pushed her hands away, determined to continue on his own.
Scorpius stood watching as Crichton pulled himself wearily up the stairs, stopping only to catch his breath, the pain radiating through his leg with each step.
Sikozu waited on the steps for Scorpius. When he joined her they simply followed behind the human to the upper level.
xxxxx
The Sergeant bandaged Braca's wound. The area had been cleansed thoroughly and wrapped, the injury not as bad as they originally thought.
"Report, Sergeant," Braca said, looking at the dead soldiers around him, wondering if they had lost more than he had seen. After he had been shot, Braca blacked out, needing the Sergeant to fill in the blanks.
"Sir, we have only lost the three soldiers you see here, but I have no doubt they will attack again very soon," the Sergeant replied, watching his men get ready for battle. "Perhaps we should tell the Commandant about this."
"It won't be necessary, Sergeant. The Commandant is busy with her interrogation and doesn't want to be disturbed," Braca replied, wondering if they shouldn't try to get to the Marauders as Grayza had suggested. He shrugged it off, knowing it would still be too risky.
Dawn was breaking over the camp as the Sergeant called out to his men, "Be ready. I know they will be coming soon!"
xxxxx
The crew carefully skirted the town, trying to avoid the soldiers, using the relics for cover. They saw the building, relieved they had gone undetected by the peacekeepers.
The three of them stopped outside the structure. "This is where we split up," Aeryn said, realizing the danger in this. "D'Argo you come with me to the tunnels. Chiana, you take the main building. We know John is being held underground, but Chiana, you have to make sure the way is clear for us on the main floor. We may need it to escape."
"It'll be clear, Aeryn, don't worry about that," Chiana replied, disappointed, but ready to do her part. She wanted to be there when they found John, but she knew D'Argo was better prepared for battle.
The crew split up, going in separate directions, Aeryn and D'Argo heading to the closest seal and Chiana to the opening in the structure.
D'Argo finally managed to loosen the seal, as Aeryn slid through first, checking the tunnel for soldiers.
"It's clear," Aeryn said, hearing the Luxan struggling through the tight fit. D'Argo hit the ground with a loud thud, cursing in his native language.
Rising to his feet and brushing off the dust, he said, "Which way?" D'Argo asked, seeing Aeryn trying to get her bearings. They had entered at the side of the structure, the front of the building to their right and around the corner.
"This way," Aeryn answered, moving to her right. She felt if John was in the tunnel, he would most likely be near the main entrance. They jogged off hoping they had chosen the right path.
The passageway seemed endless, but they wouldn't give up, as they continued to push themselves. D'Argo and Aeryn stopped as they came upon an area that had been recently occupied. Aeryn gasped slightly at the sight of Grayza, lying slumped over on the ground.
The word "bitch," escaped Aeryn's lips, her face hardened, eyes cold, wishing she had been the one to knock Grayza unconscious.
D'Argo joined Aeryn and said, "Let's find John. We will use the stairs; it's the only way he could have gone."
Aeryn nodded, glancing over her shoulder at the still form on the ground. "I hope you rot here!"
xxxxx
John felt numb as he walking slowly through the corridors of the main building, using the walls to support himself when he staggered. He had closed his mind and body off to all the pain that threatened to erupt, drifting aimlessly down the hall. Sikozu and Scorpius followed behind, waiting for him to collapse.
John's wounded leg buckled under him causing him to land on all fours, the wall offering no support. He turned his body and rested his back against the wall, closing his eyes for a minute for a short rest. John was soaked in sweat, as each step he took had became harder. He could barely hear Sikozu and Scorpius talking, until they raised their voices.
"Scorpius, no." Sikozu started, Scorpius interrupting.
"I have to. We can't stay here!" Scorpius, replied emphatically, walking over to John.
John felt the presence and opened his eyes, turning away when he saw it was the hybrid, his jaw tight. 'Why won't they just leave me the hell alone,' John thought, feeling exhaustion taking over, knowing it was time to move.
"John we must go. We can't take the chance the peacekeepers won't enter this building." Scorpius stated, extending his hand to John.
John stared at it, then up at Scorpius with bloodshot eyes, knocking his hand away. "Y.you.stay the fuck.away from me!" John's tone was flat, but there was no mistaking the hatred in the words.
"Very well, John," Scorpius replied taking a step back.
John struggled to get to his feet, using the wall as his crutch. Standing upright on his shaky legs, he saw Chiana appear from around the corner.
"Good to see you Crichton, but we've got to get the frell out of here! The soldiers are headed this way!" Chiana stated in a frantic voice.
"We can't hold them off here," Scorpius replied, thinking of another exit. "We must go back to the tunnels. That's our only option!"
Everyone moved except Crichton. Chiana went to him and put her arm through his, feeling him flinch at the contact. "It's ok, John. We're all going together."
"I'm not going back down there," John replied without hesitation.
Scorpius didn't have the time to convince the human as he grabbed him by his jacket, pushing John towards the exit. "Move before we are all dead!"
John hit the wall and turned swiftly on Scorpius, feeling the rage surface after all this time. He extended his arm, pointing his finger at him. "I told you never to come near me again!" John cried as he flung himself at the hybrid, knocking him to the ground. Scorpius quickly retaliated turning John onto his back, closing his hand over his neck. John's windpipe was cut off as the grip became tighter. Chiana quickly pulled her gun out as John turned white and choked for breath under Scorpius' grip.
"Let him go, Scorpius, or I will kill you!" Chiana threatened.
Sikozu yelled out to Scorpius. "Do as she says, Scorpius. She has her gun pointed at you!"
Calming himself with Sikozu's words, Scorpius could see John was losing consciousness and released him, getting to his feet. He looked at Chiana, straightening his uniform. "You had better convince him or I will take him bodily down to the tunnels."
Chiana nodded, quickly going to John's side. Sikozu helped her pull him to his feet and drag his half conscious body to the tunnel, hearing the running footsteps of the soldiers getting dangerously near.
Thanks gbbarb for the beta reading
Scorpius and Sikozu quietly walked through the corridors making their way to Tirus' lab. They stood outside the doorway, listening to the conversation.
"So you traded the human for these two Sebaceans, Tirus?" Ratoc asked, watching the other doctors strap the soldiers to the beds. For now they were unconscious, the drugs they had injected into the unsuspecting men had put them to sleep.
"Ratoc, there was no choice in the matter. Sebaceans are a better test subject than the human. There was too much we didn't know about his physiology, it may have taken cycles to understand him. But whether you agree or not, it is too late now. The exchange has been made." Tirus replied, anxious to start the experiments.
Scorpius was pleased by what he heard. The peacekeepers weren't a threat anymore. He reached for the gun Sikozu held and entered the room pointing it at the Karaks.
Tirus looked surprised by Scorpius' appearance. "What do you want?" Tirus asked, demanding an answer.
"Crichton!" Scorpius growled, leering at the Karak standing before him. "You will tell me where he is, before I tear you apart," Scorpius said in a low threatening tone, training the gun to his head.
Ratoc started to act when Sikozu stopped him. Stepping in front of him, she said, "Don't interfere. You will only make matters worse."
"She is correct, Ratoc, stay back. This is between Scorpius and me," Tirus said, turning slightly to Scorpius. "Commandant Grayza has him in the underground tunnels, level three. There were four guards and a Captain with her when I left. I know nothing more."
Staring intently at Tirus, Scorpius stated, "You don't know what you have done! If the knowledge John Crichton carries falls into the wrong hands it could be devastating to our universe!" Scorpius turned to Sikozu. "It's time to go," he said motioning with his hand.
Tirus stood stiffly, watching Scorpius and Sikozu walk to the door. "Scorpius. I see no difference between you and the Commandant. You both want the human for your own designs, but in the end one of you will manage to destroy him. You are both the same," Tirus said, dismissing him and returning to his experiment.
Scorpius started to turn back, but Sikozu stopped him. "We have to go, Scorpius," she said, pulling slightly on his arm.
"Yes, follow me," Scorpius replied, heading down the passageway toward the stairs.
xxxxx
Braca entered through the tunnel entrance, seeing Grayza at Crichton's side.
"Sorry to bother you ma'am, but I thought I should report the latest with the renegades," Braca said as Grayza rose to her feet, brushing off the dust from her clothing. The Captain stared down at the human, noticing his stillness. "Commandant, is.he alright?" He asked, nodding towards the form on the floor.
"Yes, Braca. I had to use more of my secretions than I intended before he would cooperate," Grayza replied, impatiently. She walked away from Crichton and entered the main tunnel. "What do you have to report, Captain?"
"The prisoners retreated when our soldiers appeared. They are in hiding now, but I expect them to attack again soon," Braca answered. "The men are resting, so we will be ready for them. We have about seven soldiers left to their three. They are heavily outnumbered, Commandant, so I don't anticipate a problem."
"Braca, do you think we could make it back to the Marauders now? I am willing to forget about their capture for now as long as I have Crichton." Grayza felt her prisoner would be more secure on the carrier. They were taking chances the longer they kept him on the planet.
"Ma'am, I don't think that would be a very good idea. The crew could attack at any point and have us at a disadvantage. We need to defeat them first," Braca replied, confident he was right. Even though there were only three of them, they knew how to fight.
"Perhaps, Captain," Grayza replied, suddenly remembering what the human had told her. "But make that four, Braca, Scorpius is on this planet somewhere."
xxxxx
The darkness had finally settled over the planet. Aeryn knew it would be time to move soon. Chiana and D'Argo were asleep, but it had not come easily for her. She only nodded off for half an arn when she woke thinking about John.
Since being on the planet, Aeryn hadn't had time to think about the condition they would find John in. She knew he was away from Scorpius, since he and Sikozu had helped them in the battle earlier that day. John was either running or in Grayza's hands again. Aeryn felt the shudder go up her spine with this thought. She remembered John's state of mind when they had finally rescued him from Grayza on the carrier. According to Chiana, John was in worst shape the second time than when he had first encountered Grayza's torture on Arnessk. Grayza's tricks had gotten worse on the command carrier.
Aeryn lapsed back to her final moments with John in the bay, drawing up her knees and hugging herself. The tears pricked her eyes as she relived that moment in her mind. 'If only I hadn't brought Scorpius aboard,' her mind screamed. 'It's my fault,' she thought to herself, as the tears slid down her face, her heart constricting in pain.
Aeryn sobered after a few microts, using her hands to push herself to her feet. 'It's time,' she thought, walking over to Chiana and D'Argo to waken them, nudging them with her boot.
"Ready, Aeryn?" D'Argo asked, raising himself to a sitting position.
Aeryn watched both of them getting to their feet. "Yes, but first I need something done. I need someone to disable the Marauder," she said in a dull voice.
Chiana looked at Aeryn puzzled. "We never talked about that, besides we don't know what to pull or whatever you do!"
"D'Argo?" Aeryn stared at him with a questioning look on her face. "You know, don't you?"
The Luxan nodded, sighing. "Why do you want it done, Aeryn? We'll waste too much time when we already have a job to do tonight."
"It's important, D'Argo. I think Grayza has John. It's the only place he could be. If John were free, he would have joined us by now. We need to stop them from leaving this planet. I fear if that happens we will never be able to recover him," Aeryn replied, dropping her head.
"I agree, Aeryn, but will you and Chiana be alright without me?" D'Argo asked, searching both their faces.
"I hope so, D'Argo. You know what to do, so go. We will meet you back here," Aeryn replied, arming herself with different knives.
Looking up at Chiana, Aeryn said, "I suggest you do the same."
"I will meet both of you. later," D'Argo stated, jogging in the direction of the peacekeeper vessel.
xxxxx
John had finally woken from his heppel oil induced sleep. Grayza knew she would have to be careful; she had used too much the last time, causing him to slip into a deep sleep.
John groaned as he tried to stretch his aching muscles, oblivious to Grayza's presence. He grimaced as the pain hit his rib cage, causing him to pull his legs up, turning to his side to ease the pain.
Grayza watched as he wrapped his arms around his belly, burying his head into the dirt.
"Show me where it hurts, John. Perhaps I can help," Grayza said, feigning the sympathy in her voice.
"You can, Grayza. just leave me the hell alone," John replied, trying to recall what he had told her. His mind was a mass of confusion, the diverse memories slashing through him, not knowing what was real or imagined.
"Impossible, John, there's too much I want from you," she said, lightly tapping his forehead. "And other things," Grayza replied, laughing lightly.
John cringed hearing her laugh, wanting only to slip deeper inside himself, blocking everything out, but he couldn't when she controlled his mind.
Leaning on her elbow, she asked the question that interested her the most, besides the Scarrans. "Tell me about your love, Aeryn Sun."
John felt sick to his stomach as he turned away from her repulsive figure. His love for Aeryn was the only thing he had left in his heart, the only thing that was his.
Grayza watched him turn away, smiling as she ran her hand down his arm. "John you know you can't resist me," she said in a lulling voice.
"No," John said in a defiant voice, trying to hold the tears back. 'God.help me, it's the only thing I have left.please don't take that from me,' he pleaded with all his heart. 'Don't let her do this. to me!'
xxxxx
Aeryn and Chiana found the peacekeeper camp. It looked as if only one guard was on duty. Aeryn noticed there were eight soldiers, which meant Braca was probably among them.
"Chiana, you are to stay here, I'm the only one who is going down to the camp. You are to stop any of them from leaving or to alert me to anyone coming up behind me. Can you do that?" Aeryn asked, seeing the disappointment in her face.
"But.but Aeryn, I wanted to go with you. I want to help," Chiana replied, disappointed, wanting to be a part of it.
"Chiana, I told you it was something I had to do. Your value is here, my eyes and backup, please," Aeryn replied, her brows furrowed, needing Chiana to do this.
"Sure, Aeryn .just be careful. I wouldn't want to lose you," Chiana replied, the sincerity evident in her voice. She could see how much Aeryn cared for John and through the course of searching for him again, had stayed true to her words.
Aeryn was touched by Chiana's words, never hearing them before. "You won't," she said simply, glancing back at the Nebari before heading off into the darkness.
Aeryn made her way cautiously to the camp, seeing her first victim. The soldier was on duty, but was not very attentive, as Aeryn came up behind him and without a sound, slashed his throat with her knife. She pulled his body back, out of view from the others and hid him behind a building. Aeryn knew the rest wouldn't be as easy. She could only take their life and leave them as the encampment was too small to hide the bodies.
Aeryn had been able to take three other soldiers out before the alarm sounded. One of the other soldiers had wakened and saw Aeryn kill the man that slept next to him.
"Intruder in the camp," he shouted, getting quickly to his feet, pointing his weapon at her.
Aeryn quickly threw her knife at his chest, making contact as the soldier fell to his knees. The pulse rifle went off, grazing Aeryn in the shoulder. She knew the element of surprise was gone, as she retreated hastily, only to turn into Braca.
"Officer Sun, so glad you could join us," Braca said, pointing his pistol at her. "Commandant Grayza will be pleased when she hears the news, Crichton and now you, how stimulating. There is so much we will be able to accomplish with both of you in our custody."
Aeryn wanted to wipe the triumphant smile off his face, as she pulled a knife from her boot, only for him to grab her arm before she could use it.
"I am also a trained peacekeeper, Officer Sun. There is nothing you can do to me that I am not prepared for," he said, wrestling the knife from Aeryn's grasp.
"You sure of that, Braca?" Chiana asked, firing her pistol, watching him fall to the ground. "Let's get out of here, Aeryn!"
The two took off running back to the forest, their mission successful. Aeryn had eliminated three soldiers, increasing their odds.
Entering the forest they saw D'Argo.
"Did you get it done?" Aeryn asked, glad to see the Luxan.
"Of course, Aeryn, I do know what I'm doing. How did your mission go?" D'Argo asked, hoping they had been successful. They would have to move soon.
Chiana was smiling. "Aeryn took out three soldiers, and I shot Braca," she said pleased with herself.
"Thank you for that, Chiana, but I told you to stay back," Aeryn replied, grateful the Nebari was there when she needed her.
"Couldn't let you get shot, Aeryn, so when I saw you were in trouble, I had to do something. I am so glad it was Braca, frelling idiot!" Chiana stated, happy to be able to help Aeryn.
"Well now we have to rescue John. We know where the soldiers are and how to get into the tunnels. I think it's time to proceed before the soldiers organize themselves after our attack," Aeryn said, knowing the peacekeepers would be in chaos at this microt.
"We follow your lead, Officer Sun," D'Argo replied, trusting his life in her hands.
Aeryn cocked her toward the Luxan, seeing the admiration in his eyes. "Let's do it then," Aeryn said, using one of John's sayings.
xxxxx
"John, I wish you would answer me on your own accord. You know I will get what I want in the end," Grayza said, not wanting to use her gland again, fearing the effects it could have on him. She would eventually kill Crichton, but that would be when she finished with him and they were nowhere near that point yet.
He struggled to defy her, not sure if it was possible anymore. John had withdrawn from reality to escape all the agony he had endured. It was the only way he had been able to hold onto to his sanity.
"I can't do that," John replied, fighting the demons inside himself, not sure he could find the strength of the old Crichton, the person he once was. John felt disjointed now, struggling to become one again.
"John, you leave me with no choice but to use my scent again," Grayza, stated, running her fingers across her chest, extending her hand out to his face.
John felt the hand come across him and blocked it, suddenly atop her, pinning her arms to the ground. "Don't you understand the word No!" He yelled, enraged as the memories of him being violated engulfed him, his whole body shaking. John brought her to her feet and slammed her against the wall of the tunnel. "I said no and I meant it, Grayza! That part of me you can't take," John shouted, hearing new voices in the tunnel, shaking Grayza like a rag doll.
"Crichton!" Scorpius said, standing at the entrance to the tunnel, watching him slam the Commandant against the wall. "Don't kill Grayza, we can use her!"
Startled, John's eyes left Grayza's face for a microt. That was all it took for Grayza to get the upper hand and swiftly graze Crichton's cheek with her oil.
John was stunned for a microt. He shook his head as he felt the drug taking effect.
He backed away from Grayza, staggering, his body aching, his mind tired and confused. John stared at Grayza and Scorpius, the haze clouding his vision, knowing he had been mind frelled by both of them. He walked around Scorpius, clinging to the walls for support, as he stepped around the half-breed, not daring to make contact with him.
"Have at her Scorpy, and screw you both! I'll find my own way out of this hell hole," John said, slurring his words as he pushed Sikozu out of the way and ascended the stairs.
"Crichton stop!" Grayza commanded, reaching down for her weapon, intent on stopping John, taking aim for his leg.
Sikozu saw the pulse pistol in Grayza's hand. "Scorpius, she has a gun!" She shouted, lifting hers, but too late as the blast hit John's leg, causing it to buckle under him.
"Shit," John mumbled, grabbing onto the rail to keep himself from falling.
Scorpius advanced on Grayza quickly, grabbing the gun out of her hand. "You must be a fool!" The leer behind the leather mask turned grotesque, as Scorpius snapped her wrist, and backhanded her, sending her crashing into the walls. He watched her fall to the ground, unconscious. Scorpius took one of the syringes and walked over to Grayza injecting her with the drug. "That should be sufficient until we leave this planet."
Sikozu was at John's side, binding his leg wound as Scorpius finished with Grayza. She helped John to his feet as he pushed her hands away, determined to continue on his own.
Scorpius stood watching as Crichton pulled himself wearily up the stairs, stopping only to catch his breath, the pain radiating through his leg with each step.
Sikozu waited on the steps for Scorpius. When he joined her they simply followed behind the human to the upper level.
xxxxx
The Sergeant bandaged Braca's wound. The area had been cleansed thoroughly and wrapped, the injury not as bad as they originally thought.
"Report, Sergeant," Braca said, looking at the dead soldiers around him, wondering if they had lost more than he had seen. After he had been shot, Braca blacked out, needing the Sergeant to fill in the blanks.
"Sir, we have only lost the three soldiers you see here, but I have no doubt they will attack again very soon," the Sergeant replied, watching his men get ready for battle. "Perhaps we should tell the Commandant about this."
"It won't be necessary, Sergeant. The Commandant is busy with her interrogation and doesn't want to be disturbed," Braca replied, wondering if they shouldn't try to get to the Marauders as Grayza had suggested. He shrugged it off, knowing it would still be too risky.
Dawn was breaking over the camp as the Sergeant called out to his men, "Be ready. I know they will be coming soon!"
xxxxx
The crew carefully skirted the town, trying to avoid the soldiers, using the relics for cover. They saw the building, relieved they had gone undetected by the peacekeepers.
The three of them stopped outside the structure. "This is where we split up," Aeryn said, realizing the danger in this. "D'Argo you come with me to the tunnels. Chiana, you take the main building. We know John is being held underground, but Chiana, you have to make sure the way is clear for us on the main floor. We may need it to escape."
"It'll be clear, Aeryn, don't worry about that," Chiana replied, disappointed, but ready to do her part. She wanted to be there when they found John, but she knew D'Argo was better prepared for battle.
The crew split up, going in separate directions, Aeryn and D'Argo heading to the closest seal and Chiana to the opening in the structure.
D'Argo finally managed to loosen the seal, as Aeryn slid through first, checking the tunnel for soldiers.
"It's clear," Aeryn said, hearing the Luxan struggling through the tight fit. D'Argo hit the ground with a loud thud, cursing in his native language.
Rising to his feet and brushing off the dust, he said, "Which way?" D'Argo asked, seeing Aeryn trying to get her bearings. They had entered at the side of the structure, the front of the building to their right and around the corner.
"This way," Aeryn answered, moving to her right. She felt if John was in the tunnel, he would most likely be near the main entrance. They jogged off hoping they had chosen the right path.
The passageway seemed endless, but they wouldn't give up, as they continued to push themselves. D'Argo and Aeryn stopped as they came upon an area that had been recently occupied. Aeryn gasped slightly at the sight of Grayza, lying slumped over on the ground.
The word "bitch," escaped Aeryn's lips, her face hardened, eyes cold, wishing she had been the one to knock Grayza unconscious.
D'Argo joined Aeryn and said, "Let's find John. We will use the stairs; it's the only way he could have gone."
Aeryn nodded, glancing over her shoulder at the still form on the ground. "I hope you rot here!"
xxxxx
John felt numb as he walking slowly through the corridors of the main building, using the walls to support himself when he staggered. He had closed his mind and body off to all the pain that threatened to erupt, drifting aimlessly down the hall. Sikozu and Scorpius followed behind, waiting for him to collapse.
John's wounded leg buckled under him causing him to land on all fours, the wall offering no support. He turned his body and rested his back against the wall, closing his eyes for a minute for a short rest. John was soaked in sweat, as each step he took had became harder. He could barely hear Sikozu and Scorpius talking, until they raised their voices.
"Scorpius, no." Sikozu started, Scorpius interrupting.
"I have to. We can't stay here!" Scorpius, replied emphatically, walking over to John.
John felt the presence and opened his eyes, turning away when he saw it was the hybrid, his jaw tight. 'Why won't they just leave me the hell alone,' John thought, feeling exhaustion taking over, knowing it was time to move.
"John we must go. We can't take the chance the peacekeepers won't enter this building." Scorpius stated, extending his hand to John.
John stared at it, then up at Scorpius with bloodshot eyes, knocking his hand away. "Y.you.stay the fuck.away from me!" John's tone was flat, but there was no mistaking the hatred in the words.
"Very well, John," Scorpius replied taking a step back.
John struggled to get to his feet, using the wall as his crutch. Standing upright on his shaky legs, he saw Chiana appear from around the corner.
"Good to see you Crichton, but we've got to get the frell out of here! The soldiers are headed this way!" Chiana stated in a frantic voice.
"We can't hold them off here," Scorpius replied, thinking of another exit. "We must go back to the tunnels. That's our only option!"
Everyone moved except Crichton. Chiana went to him and put her arm through his, feeling him flinch at the contact. "It's ok, John. We're all going together."
"I'm not going back down there," John replied without hesitation.
Scorpius didn't have the time to convince the human as he grabbed him by his jacket, pushing John towards the exit. "Move before we are all dead!"
John hit the wall and turned swiftly on Scorpius, feeling the rage surface after all this time. He extended his arm, pointing his finger at him. "I told you never to come near me again!" John cried as he flung himself at the hybrid, knocking him to the ground. Scorpius quickly retaliated turning John onto his back, closing his hand over his neck. John's windpipe was cut off as the grip became tighter. Chiana quickly pulled her gun out as John turned white and choked for breath under Scorpius' grip.
"Let him go, Scorpius, or I will kill you!" Chiana threatened.
Sikozu yelled out to Scorpius. "Do as she says, Scorpius. She has her gun pointed at you!"
Calming himself with Sikozu's words, Scorpius could see John was losing consciousness and released him, getting to his feet. He looked at Chiana, straightening his uniform. "You had better convince him or I will take him bodily down to the tunnels."
Chiana nodded, quickly going to John's side. Sikozu helped her pull him to his feet and drag his half conscious body to the tunnel, hearing the running footsteps of the soldiers getting dangerously near.