Pain of Love and Memories

Chapter 2: Differences

Accepting Tyruc's argument, she walked ahead. Ready to spot any trouble. They had not seen anyone, not even a DRD, by the time they reached the Docking Bay.

Dropping Crichton lightly onto the floor, Tyruc commenced, once again, altering the controls to the Bay doors. Tyruc's skill was rewarded, they slid open and there stood the Marauder waiting for its passengers.

Climbing in Tyruc chained Crichton's wrist to a pole, rendering him helpless. M'Lee walked to the controls, and started initiating start-up. Unbeknownst to the fugitives a solitary DRD was watching, hidden by a criss- cross metal panel. It had just completed a search for a tracking device.

The DRD contacted Pilot, gently beeping.

++++++++++

"Aeryn! The two prisoners have escaped! They are on the Marauder attempting to escape."

"Right, we'll get down there straight away." Aeryn called.

"Aeryn, they have Commander Crichton."

The ex-Peacekeeper felt her breath catch in her throat. Everyone rushed to the Bay just in time to see the Marauder's doors sealed shut and the Cargo Bay doors opening.

"Pilot! Seal the doors!" shouted D'Argo.

"Attempting." Answered Pilot, "I am afraid I am unable to. The Peacekeeper has altered the mechanism."

The crew and SG-1 watched the Marauder fly out of the Bay, they stood there, helpless. Shocked.

"I am attempting to activate the Docking Web, however, I believe they are already out of range."

A few microts later, Pilot returned the status of the Marauder.

"Unfortunately the Marauder was just out of range of the Docking Web, they have gone to Hetch 7 and are transmitting their coordinates."

A DRD who got too close to D'Argo suddenly found himself experiencing a new sensation, flying. D'Argo kicked him across the room.

"Pilot! I'm going to take my Prowler."

Aeryn ran across to the Peacekeeper vessel, ducking under the fierce poles protruding from it, she climbed into the cockpit.

Jack O'Neill suddenly felt a sense of caring for her. He guessed by her body language that both her and Crichton cared for each other, if he couldn't be the old big brother he was to Crichton then he would look after her. The Colonel, before anyone could react, had jumped in behind her.

"Get out, human!" shouted Aeryn.

"Ain't happening princess. Johnny's my friend as well."

"Colonel!" yelled Sam.

"Don't worry Major, I won't be long!"

They both locked eyes, and gave that look.

Soon the Prowler had sped away from the Leviathan following the vector that Pilot had provided.

+++++++++++

All wandered up to Command, stunned by the events that had happened in the last arn.

However, fate did not give them long to rest, an ugly twist in the story of their lives meant things were never going to be quiet.

"Everyone! A ship, approaching Hammond side!"

"Is it the Peacekeepers?" questioned D'Argo.

"No, the vessel is unknown to me, nor is it in Moya's databank."

What was left of the crew and SG-1 looked in the direction of the ship that was approaching.

"I highly recommended you commence the faster-than-light drive." Said Teal'c with not even an edge of fear to his voice.

"Why?" questioned Rygel.

"It is Apophis."

"Unable to, Teal'c. Once Moya has Starburst she requires at least 6 arns to rejuvenate her energy banks."

"Oh hell, hell, hell, hell." Muttered Daniel, pacing Command.

"Daniel! Calm. Down." Said Carter, "Pilot, does this ship have any weapon capabilities?"

"No, Major Carter. The only defence capabilities a Leviathan has is Starburst, which, is unavailable."

"What about the defence shield?" Rygel's quick mind was ready to get himself out of any trouble.

"Unable to. It still requires technical work."

"Me." Everyone turned to look at Carter.

"You're a tech?" questioned Zhaan. "But you handle yourself like a soldier."

"I'm sort of both. Where is this defence shield? I'll see if I can do anything."

"Sam, this technology might be way over your head." Commented Daniel.

"Hey, I handle the DHD that time, didn't I?"

Daniel nodded.

"Come this way." Zhaan floated up the corridor and Carter followed.

+++++++++

Up in Pilot's Den the DRDs ran about administering to Moya. Pilot encased in Moya, sitting in the same place as he would be until Moya or him died. Staying in the same place, and being a multitask-being he had a lot of time to think.

Even though Apophis' ship was approaching, Pilot still felt a small portion of his mind crawling away to ponder, to think about the fate that would befall his closest friend, his confidante. Moya was his carer, and in turn he cared for her, but that relationship was natural.

Friendship, closeness with a Peacekeeper, even an ex one, wasn't natural. From birth Pilot had been taught about the cruelty of the Peacekeepers and, if possible, bond with a free Leviathan.

Aeryn was different, she reminded him of an old distant memory, only recently brought into focus, Velorek. Above any other, Velorek actually cared what happened to him and Moya. Preventing them from becoming Peacekeeper experiments. At least to an extent.

This thinking led Pilot to wondering about Talyn, how Crais was treating him and how he was treating Crais. Although he would never admit it, even Moya didn't know. But Pilot actually envied Crais and Talyn, being able to fly where they wanted, able to defend themselves, if the time came. However, more importantly, being able to explore without a crew to hinder them. Free-flying.

Pilot was awoken from his thinking state when Chiana flitted into his Den.

Pilot sighed, "What is it Chiana? If you want me to prepare a transport, I am unable, all the DRDs are busy and the spare ones have been allocated to Major Carter."

"Er, no, no. Pilot, I actually came to see, uh, to see if you were alright."

Pilot raised his head in surprise, but he checked himself, he needn't have done. Since her helping of the birth of Talyn and the death of her brother, Chiana had become surprisingly sensitive. The two major events in her life had awoken her caring side.

"I appreciate your concern, Chiana. So does Moya, she heard what was happening in Command and understands that these strangers are ones to be feared. She feels defenceless and upset that she has let you all down."

"No! No, no, no." Chiana climbed up to Pilot's console and started delicately running her hand over his head-brow.

"Pilot, you tell Moya, she has not let us down. And well, we'll get out of this. We always do, hey? Don't you worry."

"Thank you, Chiana."

Chiana sat there for a few microts in total silent. It was strangely comforting to Pilot.

++++++++++

Samantha Carter sat in front of the defence shield. She was sweating slightly from the heat. Fortunately due to her prolonged experience with alien technology she was able to recognise part of the shield. However, she was not sure she knew enough to get it up and running.

Although many found it better to concentrate on the task at hand, Sam found she performed better when her mind wandered.

Her thoughts were consumed by images of Jack O'Neill. Although their military status did not allow them to fully express their feelings, they still managed to in their own discreet way.

Over the years their relationship had developed, Sam even slightly suspected that Daniel knew about their feelings. However geekish Daniel was, he was incredibly perceptive. Unfortunately the Colonel did not realise this, and didn't keep the "faces" in check when Daniel was around.

Although Jack and Sam had had different "relationships" with others from through the Stargate, down below they knew that nothing would happen, simply because of their unexpressed feelings for each other.

"Is it finished yet?"

Zhaan's voice snapped Sam out of her thoughts, staring down on her was the tall Delvian, the constant look of calm on her face.

"Er, well, it could but I don't understand all of this technology."

"Pilot, we need your assistance." The Delvian called.

++++++++++++

The coldness of space streamed past. Jack sat behind the sharp ex- Peacekeeper. He decided the quiet was too much for him and tried to start up a conversation.

"So. how long have you and Johnny been together?"

"We are not, together."

"Oh for cryin' out loud!" exclaimed Jack. "Even the stupidest person could see that you two have something going."

Aeryn sat, attempting to concentrate on the controls and ignore the truth that Jack was forcing her to see.

"We are nearing the Marauder, fortunately they are designed for long range, not short bursts of speed."

"Fine, you don't want to talk."

In the harsh vacuum of space the Marauder was struggling to lose the relentless Prowler.

+++++++++

John woke up, feeling groggy. He felt that something had totally consumed his energy. It was enough effort to keep his eyes open.

He was aware of a sharp pain in his chest, then remembered the pristine underside of the Peacekeepers boot. He sucked in some air sharply, his chest was becoming more painful.

The noise alerted Tyruc, turning around he saw the human awake and holding his chest with his free hand. Leaving the controls, the Peacekeeper approached Crichton, taking a small bottle out of a compartment.

"Open your mouth."

Crichton looked up. His face was grabbed harshly, a cool liquid was poured down his throat.

Almost instantaneously the pain in his chest evaporated.

"Who are you?" demanded Crichton.

"My name is Tyruc. I believe you know M'Lee. I'm sorry, but it has to be this way."

"You're sorry?! Peacekeepers are never sorry, so quit patronising me."

"Ty, we have a problem."

Tyruc instantly ran to the controls.

"It's a Prowler. Frell." He muttered under his breath.

Using all his skill he tried to shake the Prowler, but although he was a good Pilot, the other was better.

"Marauder. Lieutenant. Stand down." Came the cool voice of Aeryn over the comm.

"Surely you would not shoot down your friend."

"To stop him from entering Scorpius' clutches? Yes I would. And he knows it. The question here is, do you want to die, Lieutenant?"

+++++++++

Aeryn could hear Tyruc mutter swear words over the comm.

"Alright, engines powering down."

"Uh, Aeryn. There's a big ship approaching."

Jack's helpful contribution made Aeryn glance down at the console.

"Oh frell. It's Scorpius' Commander Carrier."

+++++++++

"Sir. We are approaching the Marauder and a Prowler. Most likely from Moya."

Braca's strict voice showed no emotion. Although his face gave away the barest disgust as Scorpius prowled around.

The Lieutenant's emotions or non-emotions were as pure Peacekeeper as a Sebacean could get. His disgust at a Sebacean hybrid were only masked by his lust for power and ambition.

"Bring both crafts aboard." Scorpius ordered to a nearby officer, then to Braca; "It seems the good Lieutenant's mission was successful."

"Sir, are you going to grant his request?"

"I do not see why not. We have no more need of him. Send a full compliment to receive our. guests."

++++++++++

The defence shield was up. Sam admitted to herself she would never have gotten it done if it wasn't for Pilot, his technical skills were invaluable. Together the job was completed.

It was just in time. Back in Command, Apophis' face appeared on the screen, the ugly scars were highlighted by the peculiar light, his face seem even more wretched as the gold helmet glinted. Behind him, through the transmitting signal the crew and SG-1 could see plenty of Serpent Guards. The staff weapons worryingly straight.

"Who is this?" His harsh, Goa'uld voice echoed over the comm.

Rygel floated forward, his grandeur stature making up for the fact his was only a few feet tall. Although not entirely.

Apophis looked at Rygel as if he was some sort of horrible insect.

"I will speak to the leader of this vessel."

"Then you will speak to me," ordered Rygel. "I am Rygel the Sixteenth, Dominar of over 600 billion subjects."

Apophis' eyes gave away the minute surprise. The connection was quickly cut.

This gave breathing space for Daniel to explain everything, well almost everything about the Goa'uld, how they survived by taking hosts and their ruthlessness. Omitting nothing expect information about the Tok'ra. Zhaan's eyes widened at the Goa'uld's reasoning of being gods.

By the time Daniel had finished, Sam entered Command, she had overheard the conversation from over the comm's.

"The defence screen won't work long, I've only temporarily repaired it. That thing had taken some pretty hard hits."

"Of course it has, it was salvaged from a wrecked Peacekeeper ship." D'Argo commented.

"The other vessel is calling. I am putting Apophis through."

"Quickly! Back!" hissed Sam.

It was too late, Apophis' eyes caught the unnatural shape of Teal'c's tattoo, the blonde hair of Sam Carter, and the glint of the light reflecting off Daniel's glasses.

Fury rendered him almost speechless.

"I will talk to the traitor and the human leader." Apophis managed to speak a few words, anger holding his teeth together.

"You will have to contend with just me, Kee'sol!"

'Kee'sol?' mouthed Sam.

'Not very nice.' Mouthed Daniel back.

Sam rolled her eyes, even she had guessed that.

"Surrender, traitor. Your ship has no weapons."

"No."

"Destroy them."

The blast of weapons fire erupted from Apophis' ship, its strength was the last straw for the defence screen. It protected Moya from that one blast, then gave up.

Moya floated in space, helpless.

+++++++++