Ripples In Time
By: Can (lucyc_23455@yahoo.com)
Spoilers: Up through Unrealized Reality
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own them
Thanks to gbbarb for reading
Part 4
"There isn't much time. In a few arns a dreadnought will be within range. It will be up to you lead us through a wormhole and make it disappear before the Scarran vessel can follow." Aeryn answered, hoping she made some sense to John. It was important if they wanted to survive.
John looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "What. you see the future now?" He shifted in his seat, turning his back to her. "Come up with something better than that, Aeryn, and maybe I'll listen," he replied dismissing her, still not sure what they were up to. He lifted himself to his feet, ready to leave the center chamber. "Call me when you have a new story."
The other John quickly jumped to his feet and met him at the corner of the table grabbing his arm. "No, you have to listen," he said with urgency in his voice.
John glanced down at his arm where his twin was holding him. He looked at the other one, the malice showing in his eyes. In a low threatening voice, John said through gritted teeth, "Let go of me!" He pulled his arm back quickly, glaring at him. Tilting his head to the side he added, "Don't ever. do that again."
The other John held both his hands up, knowing it was the wrong move. "Just.just.don't go. Somehow, we have to make you understand! You've got to trust us, John," he said, wishing the Ancients could help them. He knew John would believe them.
Aeryn saw this was not working. John still didn't trust either of them. She tapped her comm, "Pilot are you picking anything up on your long range scanners?"
John turned and locked eyes with Aeryn, waiting for Pilot to answer. She stared at him, the softness in hers still there for him. He turned quickly, unable to bear the pain it caused him. She couldn't love both of them and he was sure he wasn't the one. John started to leave, when Pilot's voice stopped him in mid-step.
Pilot finally answered, surprised, but sure his readings were correct. "Officer Sun, I have already notified Ka D'Argo. we have a Scarran dreadnought several arns away, heading in our direction. This is not good," Pilot replied, checking his console for further readings. "We cannot out run this vessel."
The twin walked around the table to stand beside Aeryn. They saw John's shoulders hunched over as he leaned his arm against the wall, still facing the exit. In a voice barely above a whisper, John croaked, "How the hell did you know?" He turned to them, a confused look on his face. The fact Aeryn and the twin were together didn't phase him at the moment. The dreadnought and the fact they knew was the problem. He tilted his head, "The Ancients?"
"You got it John," The twin said, relieved they had finally gotten through to him. "We don't have much time. I need you.to cooperate or we're all sunk," he said, pointing his finger at him, taking over.
"Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted through his comms. Chiana and I are in command! We need you here, now," the Luxan said, knowing every microt they delayed could prove disastrous for them.
Aeryn's head shot up, knowing what the Luxan was thinking. "No, D'Argo! It's not time yet. If we do it now, they will find us again," Aeryn replied. "You have to trust me.I know what I am doing!"
The twin looked at Aeryn. "I think you'd better go babe. D doesn't always listen, especially when he doesn't understand." He didn't want Aeryn to leave yet, but he knew she was needed elsewhere.
Aeryn nodded and headed to the exit. She turned before stepping into the corridor. "John, just do whatever he says," she said, both men's eyes on her back as she left the chamber. She had to stop D'Argo before it was too late.
John rubbed his eyes, not believing the dren he was hearing. "So.what now?" He asked simply, stepping toward his twin. "And if you don't mind, keep the babe stuff out." John only felt the twist of the knife burrow deeper when he called her that.
The twin stopped to think about what he said, smiling to himself. "Just a slip of the tongue.I'll try not to let it happen again," he said, not sorry at all for using this endearment. Getting back to business, the twin ordered John to sit and let him explain. For some reason he wasn't even sure of, he did exactly as his twin said.
xxxxx
"How much longer? It seems as if he has been there longer than we had been planned."
The keeper nodded his head in ascent. "It should be over soon. The dreadnought has been picked up on their scanners and he is already at work on the human. Once the knowledge is in place, we can safely withdraw."
"Very well. Keep me informed," the head of the council stated, folding his arms in his robes and walking away.
xxxxx
Aeryn ran into command not stopping until she was in front of the console. The Luxan was talking to Pilot about starburst.
"D'Argo, I told you we couldn't yet!" Aeryn argued, her voice strained. If they left too soon all would be lost, but she couldn't tell him and the rest of the crew. The fear of mistakes on their part was too great.
"Pilot agrees with me, Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted back, frustrated with her. "Aeryn what the frell is the matter with you?" He asked, grasping her by the shoulders. "You know we can't be here when the Scarrans arrive. They will destroy Moya!"
Aeryn pulled away and looked to the clamshell. "Pilot!" Her voice was frantic, knowing there was only one other she could try to reason with. "I need to speak with you now.in private!" She said, glancing at the Luxan.
Pilot was disturbed by her behavior. He knew she must have her reasons for protesting so vehemently. Pilot sighed, willing to listen. "Very well, Officer Sun, I will see you in my den."
"I'm sorry D'Argo, I can't let you do this," she stated, flying out of the room towards Pilot's den, the Luxan growling behind her.
Aeryn knew she had to convince Pilot quickly; time wasn't on their side anymore. Every time they seemed to get ahead, something set them back on their heels. She feared Pilot would think her fahrbot and not reverse his decision. If this happened she wouldn't be able to stop the horrible future she had witnessed, nor the misery of the two Johns.
She slid around the corner of Pilot's den, grabbing her knees, needing a microt to catch her breath. Aeryn held her hand up to Pilot to signal him. "Take your time, Officer Sun," he replied, still studying his scanners. He could not let the Scarran vessel sneak up on them, knowing they changed their speed many times. For now it seemed they were still safe, the vessel unaware they had been detected.
Aeryn righted herself, approaching the console, still breathing heavily. "Pilot, thank you for giving me this time. I am going to be honest with you but you must not tell the others," Aeryn said praying Pilot agreed.
Pilot studied her face for a microt, seeing fear in it. Whatever she had to tell him, he knew it was important. "Very well, Officer Sun, please proceed."
Aeryn told him everything; from the dreams about John's return to her most recent encounter with the Ancients. She explained why starburst had to happen at a certain microt. Aeryn was exhausted when she finally finished, staring at Pilot, hoping he believed her.
Considering all the strange things that had happened on Moya recently, Pilot asked one question. "Aeryn, do you have any proof the Ancients are involved?"
Aeryn dropped her head in defeat. "No, Pilot, just the other John." She raised her head, her eyes imploring him. "How could he be if it weren't for the Ancients, Pilot? Answer me that."
"I.I.cannot," Pilot replied, thinking again about her story. He had never known Aeryn to mislead him or Moya. Quietly he said, "For now we will do it your way.but if anything changes with the Scarrans, we will have to risk the consequences. I will not let Moya be destroyed."
"Nor I, Pilot," Aeryn replied, relieved he saw fit to give her the chance. "Thank you, Pilot, I won't let you down." She exited the den and headed back to command, ready for the next step.
xxxxx
John listened to his twin, never interrupting him, the story so far fetched, he started laughing when the twin finished. "You really expect me to believe that dren?" He questioned laughing aloud.
The twin never cracked a smile, allowing him to get it out of his system, sure he had taken in every word.
John's laughter ceased as he saw the somber look on the other's face, realizing he was serious. He pushed himself up from the table, running his hand through his hair, thinking. Turning swiftly on the other he said, "Ok.ok.say it's true. How are we going to stop it?" John asked walking back and forth in front of the table, using his hands to express himself.
His twin rose from the table, approaching him. He slapped his hand on his shoulder. "That's my department. I gotta a plan," the other John replied, resigned to the inevitable.
"You sound like me now, but I sure hope yours work better than mine, or we're really screwed," John replied, feeling like he wasn't sparring with an enemy anymore.
"I am you, John, and you are me. We just have different memories, but I'm going to help you with that. You need mine to carry on," the twin replied, smiling. "That's why I came back."
"So you're telling me.you came here to help.me," John replied, pointing his finger at himself. "Me?" He asked again, just to make sure he heard him right.
"Damn, John, you're quick aren't ya?" The other asked, the humor clear in his voice. The twin sobered, saying quietly, "Just don't forget. I'll always love her."
"I don't think I could forget even if I tried." The twin could hear the despair surface in his voice, understanding how painful this had to be for him.
"It'll be over soon, John. It's time we moved to your quarters. The others can't be around for this, not even Aeryn."
xxxxx
The silence in command was stifling. D'Argo felt Aeryn's presence as soon as she walked in. He ignored her, feeling betrayed, showing her lack of trust by only telling Pilot. They had fought alongside each other for arns and now she didn't feel she could trust him.
Aeryn knew D'Argo was hurt but there was not much she could do about it. Standing beside the Luxan she apologized. He still didn't respond, angering Aeryn. "D'Argo, I have always told you everything.this time I can't!" She shouted, frustrated over all that she was responsible for. If things didn't go right it would be her fault and that she couldn't allow.
Walking towards the view screen, his silence oppressive, Aeryn heard his words behind her. "Since when, Aeryn? You could tell Pilot, but not me?" The hurt radiated from D'Argo's voice, not understanding any of what had happened since that fateful night the other John appeared.
Dropping her head, wishing things could be different, Aeryn said simply, "Not this time D'Argo. I will explain later, that's all I can do," she said softly, knowing the hurt she had brought on all of them.
"Well, you have your reprieve. Pilot says I am to wait for him, now," D'Argo replied bitterly. "I just hope you know what you are doing!" The Luxan stated, dismissing her and returning his focus back to the console.
xxxxx
"Where are we going?" John asked, following the other John through Moya's corridors. They entered tier eleven, surprising John, knowing the only thing that was here. "How did you know?"
"What? That you changed quarters?" The twin asked, an amused look on his face.
John nodded, walking into his new cell.
"I told you, we are the same. If you concentrate enough you will answer your own questions," the twin replied. He thought John would have figured it out by now, the scientist that he was, but maybe he didn't want to believe it all could be happening again. Denial was nothing but a dangerous mistake.
John was starting to get uncomfortable, still not totally convinced. The other one seemed so sure of himself, he felt inadequate compared to him. No wonder Aeryn had chosen him. It was obvious now.
"Take a load off your feet," the other said, wanting to relax him. He needed him fully focused and open minded for this to work. He pulled the chair from the table, pointing to it, him taking the other one and pulling it over next to John.
The other John opened his comm, "Aeryn do the others have their channels open?" He asked, needing a private moment with her.
Aeryn's voice caught in her throat, knowing what this meant. As she turned she saw their eyes upon her, knowing they had heard the transmission. Struggling with her words, she said. "Please.could you cut them off for a microt.John and I have something to discuss in.private."
D'Argo was ready to debate when he saw the crest fallen look on her face. He knew something was wrong so he did as she asked. Tapping his comm he spoke to Pilot, his eyes never leaving her face. "Please stop all communication, Pilot, except for John and Aeryn's."
"Very well, D'Argo," Pilot replied. What they had discussed was starting. He knew this would not be easy on any of them, but they were left with no choice.
D'Argo nodded. "It's only you and him now, Aeryn," he said quietly, feeling Chiana join him at the console. She had a bad feeling something was about to happen.
xxxxx
Aeryn walked out of command, hiding her face as she passed the Luxan and Nebari, the dread she felt, transparent. She wouldn't be able to stand any questions or sympathy from them. That would only tear her apart, weakening her resolve. Standing one corridor down from command, she notified John the channels were clear.
The other John stepped away from the table and walked to the entrance, turning to John, "be back in a minute. There's something I need to say in private.I'm sure you understand."
John nodded once in ascent realizing his intentions. He didn't know if he could do it if it were him. There were so many things he lacked that the other had acquired, it made him feel inferior. Maybe this wasn't the way it should be after all.
The other John, leaned his head against the supports for the door, trying to find the words he wanted to tell her. The words she would always remember and keep close to her heart.
He heard Aeryn's voice, his heart aching to touch her one last time. "Yeah, babe, I'm here. Just finding it a little hard to talk right now," he replied, his eyes watering, thinking of what they had. "Did I ever tell you how much you rock my world?" He stopped, sniffling slightly, the tears escaping slowly.
Aeryn heard the ache in his voice, only wanting to cry out. 'Wrong.this is wrong,' but she knew she couldn't because it wasn't. Even knowing this didn't make it any easier for either of them. "Not a day went by that you didn't," she replied, wistfully, smiling and remembering. "I love you, John." The tears she had fought so hard to keep at bay were now streaming down her face. Her knees buckled as she lowered herself to the floor, thankful he couldn't see her.
"Aeryn I'll always love you. Just remember what we had and carry that in your heart. You'll be fine, besides this guy loves you the same way. How can you lose?" John chuckled through the tears. "At least if I can't be here, I know he'll take care of you and that's all I can ask."
Aeryn couldn't speak for several microts, the sobbing worse, only wanting to hold onto both of them. She cleared her throat and swiped away the tears that were blurring her vision. "He's.not.you," was all she could manage.
John looked at the ceiling taking a deep breath, detesting the words he was about to say. "He is, Aeryn. He is me, we just have different memories. Remember that and it will guide you. just like your star did me. Never. lose. hope, babe. Now I gotta go," he said, drying his tears. "Crichton out," he said shutting off the comm, holding it in both hands, not wanting it to end. He knew if he didn't now, he never would.
Aeryn heard the static in her comm, aware he had shut his off. She hugged herself, the tears flowing freely. "Goodbye, John."
xxxxx
Giving himself a few moments to compose himself, he finally turned back to the reason he came. He saw John's eyes turned away, like the little boy who'd been caught listening when he shouldn't have been.
Walking back to his seat, he asked, "Ready John?"
"No.we need to talk, dammit! You just can't come in here and leave like you never existed! You did and you screwed up everything.especially me," John said, adding softly, "and Aeryn."
The other John sat next to him. What his twin said was true, but only time could fix that now. In order for the universe to exist it was necessary for him to come back. His only regret was never being able to hold Aeryn in his arms again. "John it was necessary, but I'm sorry. You and Aeryn will heal; I have enough faith in you man. You love her as much as I do." The twin could only imagine the rocky road they both had in front of them. "Now, stop the delays and remember what I told you."
The twin reached out and placed his hands on either side of John's head. "Relax, brother, you'll only get the memories you need to fight the Scarrans. The rest I'm keeping. I wouldn't give them up for the world," he chuckled, feeling his counterpart relax. He was pleased to hear the slight snicker escape his lips.
They both relaxed in the surreal world the Ancients had set aside for this purpose.
The mist hovered around them, embracing the brothers, comforting them in the journey they were about to take one last time.
"Open up your mind, John. It will be easy and swift that way," the twin offered, feeling stirrings he knew he shouldn't, it would only impede their progress. He couldn't stop them, feeling John's own love, so strong for Aeryn, spilling into his thoughts instead of the way it was meant to be.
The twin concentrated harder on breaking down the barriers John had built around his thoughts to stop his progress. The other realized at that moment John wanted him to live and he to be the one to leave. He fought him, not allowing this. "No John! Let me enter, it's the only way. It's not your choice or mine anymore!"
John still struggled against him. "No, Aeryn deserves to be with you. You.both.had something.we never .had. I.I just want her to be happy." There was no anger in his words, just love.
The twin backed off a bit, surprised by what he heard, his heart content that John had finally realized this. He knew it wasn't his fault, the Crichton family always being a bit hard headed. He had learned when he had her by himself on Talyn. His brother never had that luxury, taking him longer to open his heart fully. Now that he had he wouldn't allow anything to stand in the way. "I think you have found your way, John."
The twin always knew John loved Aeryn, but there was much he still had to learn and it seemed he had finally done so. "You have to go back if you want Aeryn to survive. If I go, everyone will perish," he said solemnly, knowing John would do the right thing now. The twin felt him relax again and proceeded to allow his thoughts to enter his brother's mind, feeling no more resistance. John glowed in the mist as he took in his twin's memories, twitching and shuddering as the Scarrans entered his mind.
Both were suddenly blinded by the piercing light that stabbed at their eyes, turning their heads away from it.
The figure entered the light, standing there as if a halo surrounded its head. "Our job is complete. It is time for us to go and for you, John Crichton, to return to your friends."
John felt dazed for a moment, his brain overwhelmed by all he had learned from his twin. Now he understood. Pulling himself upright, he looked at the figure. "Don't take him yet, we still have things to talk about," he said, glancing at his twin. "Let me handle the Scarrans first and then we can talk. I.if it's. ok with him." John knew he had no right to request this; it was just his gut feeling, something he needed to do.
The twin answered for the figure. "It's not possible, John. I have to leave with them, it's my destiny, and I just showed you yours."
"What if I'm not the right choice?" John asked, doubting himself.
"There is no other choice," the figure stated solemnly, allowing no room for discussion. "Goodbye, John Crichton."
Thanks to gbbarb for reading
Part 4
"There isn't much time. In a few arns a dreadnought will be within range. It will be up to you lead us through a wormhole and make it disappear before the Scarran vessel can follow." Aeryn answered, hoping she made some sense to John. It was important if they wanted to survive.
John looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "What. you see the future now?" He shifted in his seat, turning his back to her. "Come up with something better than that, Aeryn, and maybe I'll listen," he replied dismissing her, still not sure what they were up to. He lifted himself to his feet, ready to leave the center chamber. "Call me when you have a new story."
The other John quickly jumped to his feet and met him at the corner of the table grabbing his arm. "No, you have to listen," he said with urgency in his voice.
John glanced down at his arm where his twin was holding him. He looked at the other one, the malice showing in his eyes. In a low threatening voice, John said through gritted teeth, "Let go of me!" He pulled his arm back quickly, glaring at him. Tilting his head to the side he added, "Don't ever. do that again."
The other John held both his hands up, knowing it was the wrong move. "Just.just.don't go. Somehow, we have to make you understand! You've got to trust us, John," he said, wishing the Ancients could help them. He knew John would believe them.
Aeryn saw this was not working. John still didn't trust either of them. She tapped her comm, "Pilot are you picking anything up on your long range scanners?"
John turned and locked eyes with Aeryn, waiting for Pilot to answer. She stared at him, the softness in hers still there for him. He turned quickly, unable to bear the pain it caused him. She couldn't love both of them and he was sure he wasn't the one. John started to leave, when Pilot's voice stopped him in mid-step.
Pilot finally answered, surprised, but sure his readings were correct. "Officer Sun, I have already notified Ka D'Argo. we have a Scarran dreadnought several arns away, heading in our direction. This is not good," Pilot replied, checking his console for further readings. "We cannot out run this vessel."
The twin walked around the table to stand beside Aeryn. They saw John's shoulders hunched over as he leaned his arm against the wall, still facing the exit. In a voice barely above a whisper, John croaked, "How the hell did you know?" He turned to them, a confused look on his face. The fact Aeryn and the twin were together didn't phase him at the moment. The dreadnought and the fact they knew was the problem. He tilted his head, "The Ancients?"
"You got it John," The twin said, relieved they had finally gotten through to him. "We don't have much time. I need you.to cooperate or we're all sunk," he said, pointing his finger at him, taking over.
"Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted through his comms. Chiana and I are in command! We need you here, now," the Luxan said, knowing every microt they delayed could prove disastrous for them.
Aeryn's head shot up, knowing what the Luxan was thinking. "No, D'Argo! It's not time yet. If we do it now, they will find us again," Aeryn replied. "You have to trust me.I know what I am doing!"
The twin looked at Aeryn. "I think you'd better go babe. D doesn't always listen, especially when he doesn't understand." He didn't want Aeryn to leave yet, but he knew she was needed elsewhere.
Aeryn nodded and headed to the exit. She turned before stepping into the corridor. "John, just do whatever he says," she said, both men's eyes on her back as she left the chamber. She had to stop D'Argo before it was too late.
John rubbed his eyes, not believing the dren he was hearing. "So.what now?" He asked simply, stepping toward his twin. "And if you don't mind, keep the babe stuff out." John only felt the twist of the knife burrow deeper when he called her that.
The twin stopped to think about what he said, smiling to himself. "Just a slip of the tongue.I'll try not to let it happen again," he said, not sorry at all for using this endearment. Getting back to business, the twin ordered John to sit and let him explain. For some reason he wasn't even sure of, he did exactly as his twin said.
xxxxx
"How much longer? It seems as if he has been there longer than we had been planned."
The keeper nodded his head in ascent. "It should be over soon. The dreadnought has been picked up on their scanners and he is already at work on the human. Once the knowledge is in place, we can safely withdraw."
"Very well. Keep me informed," the head of the council stated, folding his arms in his robes and walking away.
xxxxx
Aeryn ran into command not stopping until she was in front of the console. The Luxan was talking to Pilot about starburst.
"D'Argo, I told you we couldn't yet!" Aeryn argued, her voice strained. If they left too soon all would be lost, but she couldn't tell him and the rest of the crew. The fear of mistakes on their part was too great.
"Pilot agrees with me, Aeryn!" D'Argo shouted back, frustrated with her. "Aeryn what the frell is the matter with you?" He asked, grasping her by the shoulders. "You know we can't be here when the Scarrans arrive. They will destroy Moya!"
Aeryn pulled away and looked to the clamshell. "Pilot!" Her voice was frantic, knowing there was only one other she could try to reason with. "I need to speak with you now.in private!" She said, glancing at the Luxan.
Pilot was disturbed by her behavior. He knew she must have her reasons for protesting so vehemently. Pilot sighed, willing to listen. "Very well, Officer Sun, I will see you in my den."
"I'm sorry D'Argo, I can't let you do this," she stated, flying out of the room towards Pilot's den, the Luxan growling behind her.
Aeryn knew she had to convince Pilot quickly; time wasn't on their side anymore. Every time they seemed to get ahead, something set them back on their heels. She feared Pilot would think her fahrbot and not reverse his decision. If this happened she wouldn't be able to stop the horrible future she had witnessed, nor the misery of the two Johns.
She slid around the corner of Pilot's den, grabbing her knees, needing a microt to catch her breath. Aeryn held her hand up to Pilot to signal him. "Take your time, Officer Sun," he replied, still studying his scanners. He could not let the Scarran vessel sneak up on them, knowing they changed their speed many times. For now it seemed they were still safe, the vessel unaware they had been detected.
Aeryn righted herself, approaching the console, still breathing heavily. "Pilot, thank you for giving me this time. I am going to be honest with you but you must not tell the others," Aeryn said praying Pilot agreed.
Pilot studied her face for a microt, seeing fear in it. Whatever she had to tell him, he knew it was important. "Very well, Officer Sun, please proceed."
Aeryn told him everything; from the dreams about John's return to her most recent encounter with the Ancients. She explained why starburst had to happen at a certain microt. Aeryn was exhausted when she finally finished, staring at Pilot, hoping he believed her.
Considering all the strange things that had happened on Moya recently, Pilot asked one question. "Aeryn, do you have any proof the Ancients are involved?"
Aeryn dropped her head in defeat. "No, Pilot, just the other John." She raised her head, her eyes imploring him. "How could he be if it weren't for the Ancients, Pilot? Answer me that."
"I.I.cannot," Pilot replied, thinking again about her story. He had never known Aeryn to mislead him or Moya. Quietly he said, "For now we will do it your way.but if anything changes with the Scarrans, we will have to risk the consequences. I will not let Moya be destroyed."
"Nor I, Pilot," Aeryn replied, relieved he saw fit to give her the chance. "Thank you, Pilot, I won't let you down." She exited the den and headed back to command, ready for the next step.
xxxxx
John listened to his twin, never interrupting him, the story so far fetched, he started laughing when the twin finished. "You really expect me to believe that dren?" He questioned laughing aloud.
The twin never cracked a smile, allowing him to get it out of his system, sure he had taken in every word.
John's laughter ceased as he saw the somber look on the other's face, realizing he was serious. He pushed himself up from the table, running his hand through his hair, thinking. Turning swiftly on the other he said, "Ok.ok.say it's true. How are we going to stop it?" John asked walking back and forth in front of the table, using his hands to express himself.
His twin rose from the table, approaching him. He slapped his hand on his shoulder. "That's my department. I gotta a plan," the other John replied, resigned to the inevitable.
"You sound like me now, but I sure hope yours work better than mine, or we're really screwed," John replied, feeling like he wasn't sparring with an enemy anymore.
"I am you, John, and you are me. We just have different memories, but I'm going to help you with that. You need mine to carry on," the twin replied, smiling. "That's why I came back."
"So you're telling me.you came here to help.me," John replied, pointing his finger at himself. "Me?" He asked again, just to make sure he heard him right.
"Damn, John, you're quick aren't ya?" The other asked, the humor clear in his voice. The twin sobered, saying quietly, "Just don't forget. I'll always love her."
"I don't think I could forget even if I tried." The twin could hear the despair surface in his voice, understanding how painful this had to be for him.
"It'll be over soon, John. It's time we moved to your quarters. The others can't be around for this, not even Aeryn."
xxxxx
The silence in command was stifling. D'Argo felt Aeryn's presence as soon as she walked in. He ignored her, feeling betrayed, showing her lack of trust by only telling Pilot. They had fought alongside each other for arns and now she didn't feel she could trust him.
Aeryn knew D'Argo was hurt but there was not much she could do about it. Standing beside the Luxan she apologized. He still didn't respond, angering Aeryn. "D'Argo, I have always told you everything.this time I can't!" She shouted, frustrated over all that she was responsible for. If things didn't go right it would be her fault and that she couldn't allow.
Walking towards the view screen, his silence oppressive, Aeryn heard his words behind her. "Since when, Aeryn? You could tell Pilot, but not me?" The hurt radiated from D'Argo's voice, not understanding any of what had happened since that fateful night the other John appeared.
Dropping her head, wishing things could be different, Aeryn said simply, "Not this time D'Argo. I will explain later, that's all I can do," she said softly, knowing the hurt she had brought on all of them.
"Well, you have your reprieve. Pilot says I am to wait for him, now," D'Argo replied bitterly. "I just hope you know what you are doing!" The Luxan stated, dismissing her and returning his focus back to the console.
xxxxx
"Where are we going?" John asked, following the other John through Moya's corridors. They entered tier eleven, surprising John, knowing the only thing that was here. "How did you know?"
"What? That you changed quarters?" The twin asked, an amused look on his face.
John nodded, walking into his new cell.
"I told you, we are the same. If you concentrate enough you will answer your own questions," the twin replied. He thought John would have figured it out by now, the scientist that he was, but maybe he didn't want to believe it all could be happening again. Denial was nothing but a dangerous mistake.
John was starting to get uncomfortable, still not totally convinced. The other one seemed so sure of himself, he felt inadequate compared to him. No wonder Aeryn had chosen him. It was obvious now.
"Take a load off your feet," the other said, wanting to relax him. He needed him fully focused and open minded for this to work. He pulled the chair from the table, pointing to it, him taking the other one and pulling it over next to John.
The other John opened his comm, "Aeryn do the others have their channels open?" He asked, needing a private moment with her.
Aeryn's voice caught in her throat, knowing what this meant. As she turned she saw their eyes upon her, knowing they had heard the transmission. Struggling with her words, she said. "Please.could you cut them off for a microt.John and I have something to discuss in.private."
D'Argo was ready to debate when he saw the crest fallen look on her face. He knew something was wrong so he did as she asked. Tapping his comm he spoke to Pilot, his eyes never leaving her face. "Please stop all communication, Pilot, except for John and Aeryn's."
"Very well, D'Argo," Pilot replied. What they had discussed was starting. He knew this would not be easy on any of them, but they were left with no choice.
D'Argo nodded. "It's only you and him now, Aeryn," he said quietly, feeling Chiana join him at the console. She had a bad feeling something was about to happen.
xxxxx
Aeryn walked out of command, hiding her face as she passed the Luxan and Nebari, the dread she felt, transparent. She wouldn't be able to stand any questions or sympathy from them. That would only tear her apart, weakening her resolve. Standing one corridor down from command, she notified John the channels were clear.
The other John stepped away from the table and walked to the entrance, turning to John, "be back in a minute. There's something I need to say in private.I'm sure you understand."
John nodded once in ascent realizing his intentions. He didn't know if he could do it if it were him. There were so many things he lacked that the other had acquired, it made him feel inferior. Maybe this wasn't the way it should be after all.
The other John, leaned his head against the supports for the door, trying to find the words he wanted to tell her. The words she would always remember and keep close to her heart.
He heard Aeryn's voice, his heart aching to touch her one last time. "Yeah, babe, I'm here. Just finding it a little hard to talk right now," he replied, his eyes watering, thinking of what they had. "Did I ever tell you how much you rock my world?" He stopped, sniffling slightly, the tears escaping slowly.
Aeryn heard the ache in his voice, only wanting to cry out. 'Wrong.this is wrong,' but she knew she couldn't because it wasn't. Even knowing this didn't make it any easier for either of them. "Not a day went by that you didn't," she replied, wistfully, smiling and remembering. "I love you, John." The tears she had fought so hard to keep at bay were now streaming down her face. Her knees buckled as she lowered herself to the floor, thankful he couldn't see her.
"Aeryn I'll always love you. Just remember what we had and carry that in your heart. You'll be fine, besides this guy loves you the same way. How can you lose?" John chuckled through the tears. "At least if I can't be here, I know he'll take care of you and that's all I can ask."
Aeryn couldn't speak for several microts, the sobbing worse, only wanting to hold onto both of them. She cleared her throat and swiped away the tears that were blurring her vision. "He's.not.you," was all she could manage.
John looked at the ceiling taking a deep breath, detesting the words he was about to say. "He is, Aeryn. He is me, we just have different memories. Remember that and it will guide you. just like your star did me. Never. lose. hope, babe. Now I gotta go," he said, drying his tears. "Crichton out," he said shutting off the comm, holding it in both hands, not wanting it to end. He knew if he didn't now, he never would.
Aeryn heard the static in her comm, aware he had shut his off. She hugged herself, the tears flowing freely. "Goodbye, John."
xxxxx
Giving himself a few moments to compose himself, he finally turned back to the reason he came. He saw John's eyes turned away, like the little boy who'd been caught listening when he shouldn't have been.
Walking back to his seat, he asked, "Ready John?"
"No.we need to talk, dammit! You just can't come in here and leave like you never existed! You did and you screwed up everything.especially me," John said, adding softly, "and Aeryn."
The other John sat next to him. What his twin said was true, but only time could fix that now. In order for the universe to exist it was necessary for him to come back. His only regret was never being able to hold Aeryn in his arms again. "John it was necessary, but I'm sorry. You and Aeryn will heal; I have enough faith in you man. You love her as much as I do." The twin could only imagine the rocky road they both had in front of them. "Now, stop the delays and remember what I told you."
The twin reached out and placed his hands on either side of John's head. "Relax, brother, you'll only get the memories you need to fight the Scarrans. The rest I'm keeping. I wouldn't give them up for the world," he chuckled, feeling his counterpart relax. He was pleased to hear the slight snicker escape his lips.
They both relaxed in the surreal world the Ancients had set aside for this purpose.
The mist hovered around them, embracing the brothers, comforting them in the journey they were about to take one last time.
"Open up your mind, John. It will be easy and swift that way," the twin offered, feeling stirrings he knew he shouldn't, it would only impede their progress. He couldn't stop them, feeling John's own love, so strong for Aeryn, spilling into his thoughts instead of the way it was meant to be.
The twin concentrated harder on breaking down the barriers John had built around his thoughts to stop his progress. The other realized at that moment John wanted him to live and he to be the one to leave. He fought him, not allowing this. "No John! Let me enter, it's the only way. It's not your choice or mine anymore!"
John still struggled against him. "No, Aeryn deserves to be with you. You.both.had something.we never .had. I.I just want her to be happy." There was no anger in his words, just love.
The twin backed off a bit, surprised by what he heard, his heart content that John had finally realized this. He knew it wasn't his fault, the Crichton family always being a bit hard headed. He had learned when he had her by himself on Talyn. His brother never had that luxury, taking him longer to open his heart fully. Now that he had he wouldn't allow anything to stand in the way. "I think you have found your way, John."
The twin always knew John loved Aeryn, but there was much he still had to learn and it seemed he had finally done so. "You have to go back if you want Aeryn to survive. If I go, everyone will perish," he said solemnly, knowing John would do the right thing now. The twin felt him relax again and proceeded to allow his thoughts to enter his brother's mind, feeling no more resistance. John glowed in the mist as he took in his twin's memories, twitching and shuddering as the Scarrans entered his mind.
Both were suddenly blinded by the piercing light that stabbed at their eyes, turning their heads away from it.
The figure entered the light, standing there as if a halo surrounded its head. "Our job is complete. It is time for us to go and for you, John Crichton, to return to your friends."
John felt dazed for a moment, his brain overwhelmed by all he had learned from his twin. Now he understood. Pulling himself upright, he looked at the figure. "Don't take him yet, we still have things to talk about," he said, glancing at his twin. "Let me handle the Scarrans first and then we can talk. I.if it's. ok with him." John knew he had no right to request this; it was just his gut feeling, something he needed to do.
The twin answered for the figure. "It's not possible, John. I have to leave with them, it's my destiny, and I just showed you yours."
"What if I'm not the right choice?" John asked, doubting himself.
"There is no other choice," the figure stated solemnly, allowing no room for discussion. "Goodbye, John Crichton."