D'Argo stalked down Moya's corridors, wondering aimlessly, frustrated and angry. He had been on the command tier, but there was nothing he could do. Pilot and Zhaan seemed to prefer to wait for a chance to go in when the Peacekeepers wouldn't see them. He had to do something, anything, to take his mind off the Peacekeepers and the group down on the planet. As much as he hated to admit it, he actually cared about Chiana and Rygel. She was annoying and exasperating and he was pompous and useless, but they were still his friends... and he had been through too much with them as it was. He wasn't quite sure about Berret, though. Something about him made the Luxan's blood boil. He told himself it was just his thoughts that somebody who obviously kept so many secrets was alone with Chiana and Rygel, but he knew that wasn't it. He stopped abruptly and said in a voice that betrayed his tension, "Pilot? What's happening with the Peacekeepers? Is it clear to go in yet?"
"No, Ka D'Argo," came back Pilot's monotone voice. "Any reaction from our part would be picked up on their scanners. But as for what's happening, Moya tells me that someone has sent ships down to the ice moon. They appear to be conducting search patterns over its surface."
"Frell!" D'Argo exploded, his booming voice surprising even himself. "Have the DRDs prepare one of the Prowlers, Pilot."
"But why?" Pilot sounded confused.
"Just do it!" D'Argo barked, and then walked down the corridors toward the Prowlers' docking area. He didn't have much experience in Prowlers, but he had been familiarizing himself with the controls, and he felt he could fly, but not in combat. But as far as he was concerned, the combat wouldn't be in space. It seemed like forever before he finally arrived at the bay, climbing into Aeryn's Prowler. He laid his weapon beside himself, converting it to rifle form.
"D'Argo! What are you doing?" Zhaan's voice came over the comm-system, sounding concerned. D'Argo didn't reply, he had no time to make excuses. He had to rescue his friends.
Malika was talking to Andar when a semi-frantic Zhaan contacted her. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"D'argo is taking Aeryn's Prowler. He's going after the others, how close are you to the hanger bay?" she asked.
"I'll try to get there as fast as I can," Malika said. "Come on, Andar!" Malika said as she took off down the corridor.
The Enforcer forged ahead leaving Chiana to carry Rygel through the blowing snow. Berret made it to the ships well in advanced of the other two. The first ship he inspected looked pretty much in a state of disrepair, the second was little better, but better still then the first. While waiting for Chiana and the Hynerian to catch up, he walked around the better of the two crafts giving it the best pre-flight check he could. He had just walked under the front landing gear when a maintenance access hatch slammed open above him.
"Don't frelling move!" said a voice.
Looking upward, the Shrike saw a man holding a Heavy Pulse-rifle, the man needing two hands to hold the big weapon level. Berret could hear the tiny whine coming from it, indicating the weapon was fully charged and ready to fire.
Berret cursed at himself. How could he be so stupid to not think that the brigands didn't leave someone behind to guard their ships? Now the man had the tactical advantage and the superior weapon. The Shrike resigned himself to having lost. The nervous man would surly fire his weapon any microt and obliterate the assassin were he stood.
"Don't you FRELLING move, you bastard!" he said again, jabbing the barrel of the rifle in his direction for emphasis. "So much as breathe heavy and I'll...." he started, then a ball of light shot over Berret's head and disappeared into the head of the man holding the large Pulse-rifle, snapping it back and making his eyes cross. The man stiffened for a microt and then rolled out of the hatchway, falling face down into the snow beside the landing strut. Berret turned to look behind him to see Chiana still holding her smoking Pulse-rife, The Hynerian standing in the snow beside her. He turned back ignoring the body and climbed up into the craft.
"Humph!" said Rygel looking up at Chiana. "Not even so much as a thank you," he said.
"Oh Drez!" said Rygel after looking around the inside of the ship, "I was afraid of this."
"What? What's wrong?" asked the Nebari.
"This isn't a open space type craft. It's a drop ship. Only good for atmospheric flight and limited orbital capabilities," he explained. "The engine needs air to fire and in orbit only has basic thrusters. This ship is meant to be dropped off and picked up by a much larger mother ship."
Rygel check a few gages. "Those farging dren-heads only have enough thruster fuel left to put us into a high orbit. Once there, we won't be able to land or go anywhere else for that matter."
Berret had been staring out a port window while the other two checked over the cockpit of the craft. He turned to them, the sliver tint in his eyes fading again.
"Then I suggest we depart this moon before the mother ship returns and catches us here," he said in a flat voice.
"Are you addled? Didn't you hear what I said?" asked the Hynerian as if everyone but him had gone mad.
"Do you want to stay here and wait for them?" asked Chiana.
Rygel swallowed hard at the thought. "No," he said and hit the engine start switch.
Unlike a Transport Pod, the drop ship took time to boost from the moon. Once they were free of the moon's atmosphere the main engine cut out from lack of oxygen. Rygel fired the thrusters to nudge the craft up into its minimum orbit.
"It'll take a few microns to reach orbit, this piece of dren is slower then trying to get Chiana to do any work," commented the small being. Chiana scowled in displeasure at the Hynerian's insult but chose not to dignify the dig with a retort.
"I'll try and find the comm and see if it works. If Moya's still in the area we can contact them," she said instead. Berret had gone back to silently staring out the view port, ignoring the conversation. With Rygel busy trying to pilot the sluggish ship, she decided it would be a good time to talk to her friend.
"Berret?" she asked, attempting to get his attention by lightly pulling at his arm.
"Leave me alone, Chiana," he finally whispered, not threateningly, but almost sadly.
"Hey, I thought we were going to talk to each other from now on? Remember, no secrets," she said quietly, but looking up at him hopefully. "Come on, talk to me. What happened to you?" she kept at him.
"This is different, this is very... dangerous," he said choosing the word carefully. He explained to her what had happened as briefly as he could. "I don't know how to stop it or how long I can keep it under control. Its there... always talking... always whispering to me. Please, just go away and leave me alone," he finished talking, almost begging her.
Chiana promised that they would help him when they returned to Moya, and then went on to find the comm panel. She moved back up to the cockpit and passed by Berret again who now seemed to be carrying on a conversation with himself. She could see his lips moving in his reflection in the view port's dura-glass and hear his low mutterings. She dropped into the seat beside Rygel and started to stare out the front view port herself, trying to think of a way to help her friend. Rygel sat in silence with her for a few microns. Finally he turned to her and said seriously,
"You know... the others won't stand for him on board Moya in that condition... especially the Luxan." Chiana absently nodded her agreement but remained silent.
"I know you've grown attached to your pet, but it might be best if he didn't make it back.... if we sort of put him out of his misery so to speak."
Chiana realized that for a change Rygel was not being spiteful or mean, but only speaking of what might have to be done.
"Number one..." she said calmly. "He's not a 'pet'. Number two, do you want to be the one to try and do it?" she asked. Without thinking, Rygel reached up and rubbed the spot on his head where the Shrike's blades almost touched it.
"Uhmmm, no. I think I'd rather not," he admitted. A light on the control panel lit, and a tone sounded.
"We've reached the plotted orbit. There's not enough fuel left to maneuver for reentry. We can boost to a higher orbit or break orbit and drift... that's it," said the Hynerian with a tone of finality.
Chiana rose from her seat. "I'll try the comm unit then," she told him and moved over to the panel.
Aeryn slowly opened her eyes and tried to move, only to have a sharp pain shoot through her arm.
"Ah!" she involuntarily cried out between clenched teeth.
Zhaan quickly turned to see Sebacean moving and saw the look of agony on her face. She went over to her bedside.
"Aeryn dear, it's best that you don't move. Your injury will take some time to heal," she said trying to get the ex-Peacekeeper to lie back down.
"Where am I? What happened to me?" Aeryn asked in confusion.
"You were injured by a pulse blast down on the planet. D'argo said that you two had been ambushed," answered Zhaan.
"We went down for the coordinates to where Chiana and the others are, on an ice moon. Did we rescue them yet?" Aeryn asked.
"No, not yet. Pilot said there is a transport convoy ahead of us and it's not safe for us to alert them to our presence."
"Are they Peacekeeper?"
"We don't know that, dear. I'm sorry," Zhaan answered placing a hand lightly on Aeryn's injured shoulder.
"So what do we do in the mean time?"
"We have been waiting. Pilot says it will be several arns before can emerge," Zhaan said sadly.
"Where are the others?" asked Aeryn
"Crichton and D'argo are up in Command... and Malika and Andar, I believe, are getting something to eat. Which reminds me, you must be hungry, my dear."
"I'm fine, Zhaan. I just have to get up to Command. Crichton and D'argo may need my help," said Aeryn as she began to try and get out of bed.
"Aeryn, it is too soon. You have lost a great deal of blood and you are very weak. It is best if you stay here and rest. Crichton and D'argo will be fine," Zhaan said, urging the ex-Peacekeeper to return to lying back down. Aeryn began to protest until a wave of dizziness overcame her and she thought it would be best if she did as the Delvian told her.
"Okay, maybe you're right. I could use a little rest. Just for a little bit though. Let me know the microt anything happens will you, Zhaan?" Aeryn said as she slowly began to close her eyes as she suddenly became very drowsy.
"I will do that, dear. Rest now and I will let the others know that you are awake. Crichton has asked me to notify him the microt you woke. Will it be alright with you to let him know?" Zhaan asked.
"Yes, Zhaan... that's fine," Aeryn replied tiredly.
"John?" Zhaan said opening her comm channel.
"Yeah, Zhaan?" he answered instantly.
"Aeryn is awake now if you would like to see her."
"How is she Zhaan? Is she alright?" John asked anxiously.
"I'm fine, Crichton," Aeryn said with a smile as she answered the question herself.
"Aeryn, it's good to hear your voice," John said, the smile evident in his tone.
"Likewise," she said softly.
"I'll be there in a few microts. Can't wait to see you, sunshine," John said. Now he was grinning. It was the best news he'd heard all day.
As the Prowler slowly came to life, D'Argo growled with impatience. The faster he could get to the ice moon, the better. Moya's long range passive scans alerted them that two crafts had been dropped off by a mother ship and were running search patterns over the moon that the Transport Pod was suppose to be on.
The mother ship moved off as the PK convoy came into scanner range and the Luxan knew he had to act fast if they were to recover their lost shipmates. Two drop-ships full of enemy soldiers were odds nobody could brave without divine providence, and he knew Moya's crew had already had their fare share of that already.
"Pilot! I'm launching the Prowler!" D'Argo said, and after a handful of microts pulled the Prowler out of Moya's landing bay and away, accelerating into space on an oblique trajectory for the ice moon. He watched until Moya disappeared around the planetary mass she was hiding behind, and then prepared to boost the attack-ship into a run for his destination.
A voice crackled into his cockpit comm system as he arrived in orbit around the moon, "Unidentified Prowler... Identify yourself! Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Trying his best to sound less Luxan, D'Argo bluffed, "Peacekeeper scout vessel 965." He hoped that would make some sense in their codebooks. "Investigating fugitives reported in this system." He nosed the Prowler into trajectory, looking around for the ship that had hailed him. What he saw were two ships on his scanners. One possibly the mother ship some distance away and the other a dropship that had just made orbit. He didn't have a prayer of fighting the mother ship, not with his Prowler skills, but a feint on the dropship might give the mother ship a few gray hairs.
He swooped toward the dropship. "Unidentified drop-ship, why are you coming out of orbit?" he asked, trying to sound as demandingly arrogant as a Peacekeeper. It was rare enough of an event to give him a good excuse for closing in. He still sounded distinctly Luxan, he thought, but frell it... who knew if there wasn't a Luxan or two on the Peacekeeper force? He kept his distance and waited for an answer.
"Returning to mother ship after successful mission," came a voice over the comm. D'Argo shook his head in disbelief. Now he was hearing Rygel everywhere! "Back off, Prowler," barked the voice. He hadn't been imagining it. Rygel had somehow gotten aboard the dropship, and where the pint-size ex-ruler was, Chiana and Berret were sure to be, too. It dawned on D'Argo that they must have somehow managed to hijack the enemy ship.
"Pilot," he said loudly over a secured channel, knowing that the other two ships couldn't hear him when he was communicating with Moya. "That's Rygel aboard the drop-ship, and the other two are probably with him. What are our chances of pulling them out of there before that mother ship figures out what's going on. And Pilot...?"
"Yes, Ka D'Argo?" asked Pilot, finally able to put in a word.
"Tell Aeryn I'm sorry for borrowing the Prowler, but someone better get in the other one and get down here. Ready Moya to pick up that drop-ship, things are going to get messy out here."
Malika was waiting with her prowler. Pilot had told her to wait, and he would tell her what to do after communicating with D'argo. Andar was standing off to the side, looking horribly out of place.
"If you want, I could try to teach you about this stuff," she said motioning around. "I don't know if I would succeed, but you need start learning sometime," she said. Andar nodded gratefully.
"Thank you. Also, I want to thank you for helping me since I came here. I appreciate it."
"It's not a problem. It's also nice to have someone to talk to, to tell the truth I don't really talk to anyone around here except for Zhaan," Malika said. "And I'm usually only talking to her when I'm learning new things to become a priestess... and she has made it obvious that she still has her doubts that I could ever do it."
"What is that farhbot Luxan doing?" exclaimed Rygel. "He'll get us shot to pieces for sure!"
"He might think that the Peacekeeper Fleet transport is the mother ship for this drop-ship," said Chiana.
"Well, now we're not going to be able to bluff our way out of it, the fleet transport is demanding clearance codes," snapped the Hynerian. "We're frelled now!"
Berret had left the view port and moved forward up into the cockpit. Chiana could see sweat on his brow even in the climate controlled cabin of the ship.
"Perhaps not," said Berret shakily, the voice in his head giving him in idea. "Patch me through on all local channels," he said. Chiana flipped a switch and gave him the go-ahead with a silent nod.
"Prowler Pilot..." he began in a stronger tone, "this is a AerynZhaan code priority... are you the escort codenamed... Tentacle Head? Over," making up the names as he went along.
D'argo knew Berret's voice and growled at the Shrike's implied insult. He hit the send key and responded, thinking two can play this game.
"Affirmative transport... confirm your codename.... Backstabbing Slug. Over."
Despite the mental stress the assassin was feeling, it was good to get a raise out of the Luxan.
"Affirm, Tentacle Head. We are standing by for recovery."
"Are you two done now?" asked Rygel. "Do you think that Peacekeeper ship is going to buy all that Tentacle Head, Backstabber dren?"
"No," said the Shrike, "that part is yet to come."
As if on cue, the fleet transport broke into the opened channel, "Attention both ships off our starboard bow, this is the Peacekeeper Fleet Escort-transport 'Sirius'. You will stand down operations and identify yourselves."
The Shrike broke in immediately, "Attention Sirius. Who is the officer in command?"
"This is Captain Bellario. Who is this?" he demanded. "Identify yourself."
"Who this is, is unimportant. What is important is that you are interfering with a covert Disruptor operation. You are hereby ordered to desist under article 9-0 tango, operation code: alpha-serria johee 0098... please check and confirm." Berret stood back and waited.
A few microns later the captain was back on the channel.
"The codes confirm, sir. We... I mean, I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding...." he started but Berret cut him off before he could continue the apology.
"I quite understand, Captain. You were simply doing your duty... but for now, you will wipe all logs and records of this encounter immediately. You will return to your escort duties with the fleet and you and your crew are forbidden to ever speak of this incident on pain of death. Is that completely understood, Captain?" asked the Shrike.
"Completely, sir!" said Captain Bellario.
"Good!" responded Berret and clicked that channel closed.
He sat heavily into the nearest seat, the strain of keeping the voice at bay while he bluffed the captain showing on his face.
"What was all those codes?" asked Chiana in wonder.
"They were something the Syndicate got a hold of a few cycles ago," Berret answered while rubbing at his temple, "And I believe I had to use then at one time. They are old but I thought an ordinary transport captain would not have a high enough clearance to know they were old. I believe it would be best if you tight-beamed D'argo and asked him to tow us back to Moya," he finished before gazing back off into the nearest view port.
Microts later he began to argue with the voice again.
"Do you believe they fell for that?" asked John to Zhaan as they listened in and the Escort Captain clicked off the open comm channel.
"It may be possible," said the Delvian. "Most Peacekeeper captains assigned to escort duty are usually of low standing and are often kept out of the command loop by their superiors."
"I hope you're right, Blue," said Crichton still not believing their luck.
D'argo broke in on a tight beam comm channel, "John, Zhaan... are you there?"
"Go ahead, D'argo," said Zhaan.
"I have the drop-ship in tow and am heading back to Moya now. Please inform Pilot to be ready with the docking wed and to starburst as soon as the others debark," said the Luxan.
"Already done, Dargo," said John. "Put your tail in high gear and get back here so we can blow this pop stand."
"Dargo did what?" shouted Aeryn.
"He's taken your prowler down to the ice moon," replied Pilot.
"Pilot prepare Malika's prowler for me. D'argo's going to need backup in case he encounters the Peacekeepers," Aeryn said as she strained to get up from the bed. Her arm was wrapped in a sling and she winced slightly from the stiffness of it.
"Malika is already standing by her ship," responded Pilot.
"I don't think so, Aeryn. You're not going anywhere," John interrupted as he entered the medical unit. "Beside, the escort was already in contact with them and they were able to bluff them. D'argo's towing them in right now as we speak."
"Look, John... I'm all right. I have to go. The escort might still come back for a second check."
"Not in your condition, Aeryn. I'll go," John said blocking Aeryn from leaving the room.
"Aeryn, John's right. You're in no condition to fly," Zhaan managed to cut in.
"She's right, Aeryn. You're still too weak. I'll go help D'argo if it'll make you feel better," John said placing a hand on Aeryn's wounded arm.
"Very well... but I'm going with you," Aeryn demanded stubbornly.
"Aeryn!" John started but Aeryn cut him off.
"No arguments, John. We go together or I go alone. I'm not too weak to give you a pantak jab," she said with a smirk.
"Alright you win, but I'm driving," said John.
"Fine. Let's go. We're running out of time," Aeryn said slowly walking out of the medical unit.
"Ladies first," John gestured for Aeryn to lead the way. Aeryn staggered a bit as she walked and John hurriedly walked beside her and held onto her to support her.
"Goddess be with you both," Zhaan said as she watched her friends leave.
"No, Ka D'Argo," came back Pilot's monotone voice. "Any reaction from our part would be picked up on their scanners. But as for what's happening, Moya tells me that someone has sent ships down to the ice moon. They appear to be conducting search patterns over its surface."
"Frell!" D'Argo exploded, his booming voice surprising even himself. "Have the DRDs prepare one of the Prowlers, Pilot."
"But why?" Pilot sounded confused.
"Just do it!" D'Argo barked, and then walked down the corridors toward the Prowlers' docking area. He didn't have much experience in Prowlers, but he had been familiarizing himself with the controls, and he felt he could fly, but not in combat. But as far as he was concerned, the combat wouldn't be in space. It seemed like forever before he finally arrived at the bay, climbing into Aeryn's Prowler. He laid his weapon beside himself, converting it to rifle form.
"D'Argo! What are you doing?" Zhaan's voice came over the comm-system, sounding concerned. D'Argo didn't reply, he had no time to make excuses. He had to rescue his friends.
Malika was talking to Andar when a semi-frantic Zhaan contacted her. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"D'argo is taking Aeryn's Prowler. He's going after the others, how close are you to the hanger bay?" she asked.
"I'll try to get there as fast as I can," Malika said. "Come on, Andar!" Malika said as she took off down the corridor.
The Enforcer forged ahead leaving Chiana to carry Rygel through the blowing snow. Berret made it to the ships well in advanced of the other two. The first ship he inspected looked pretty much in a state of disrepair, the second was little better, but better still then the first. While waiting for Chiana and the Hynerian to catch up, he walked around the better of the two crafts giving it the best pre-flight check he could. He had just walked under the front landing gear when a maintenance access hatch slammed open above him.
"Don't frelling move!" said a voice.
Looking upward, the Shrike saw a man holding a Heavy Pulse-rifle, the man needing two hands to hold the big weapon level. Berret could hear the tiny whine coming from it, indicating the weapon was fully charged and ready to fire.
Berret cursed at himself. How could he be so stupid to not think that the brigands didn't leave someone behind to guard their ships? Now the man had the tactical advantage and the superior weapon. The Shrike resigned himself to having lost. The nervous man would surly fire his weapon any microt and obliterate the assassin were he stood.
"Don't you FRELLING move, you bastard!" he said again, jabbing the barrel of the rifle in his direction for emphasis. "So much as breathe heavy and I'll...." he started, then a ball of light shot over Berret's head and disappeared into the head of the man holding the large Pulse-rifle, snapping it back and making his eyes cross. The man stiffened for a microt and then rolled out of the hatchway, falling face down into the snow beside the landing strut. Berret turned to look behind him to see Chiana still holding her smoking Pulse-rife, The Hynerian standing in the snow beside her. He turned back ignoring the body and climbed up into the craft.
"Humph!" said Rygel looking up at Chiana. "Not even so much as a thank you," he said.
"Oh Drez!" said Rygel after looking around the inside of the ship, "I was afraid of this."
"What? What's wrong?" asked the Nebari.
"This isn't a open space type craft. It's a drop ship. Only good for atmospheric flight and limited orbital capabilities," he explained. "The engine needs air to fire and in orbit only has basic thrusters. This ship is meant to be dropped off and picked up by a much larger mother ship."
Rygel check a few gages. "Those farging dren-heads only have enough thruster fuel left to put us into a high orbit. Once there, we won't be able to land or go anywhere else for that matter."
Berret had been staring out a port window while the other two checked over the cockpit of the craft. He turned to them, the sliver tint in his eyes fading again.
"Then I suggest we depart this moon before the mother ship returns and catches us here," he said in a flat voice.
"Are you addled? Didn't you hear what I said?" asked the Hynerian as if everyone but him had gone mad.
"Do you want to stay here and wait for them?" asked Chiana.
Rygel swallowed hard at the thought. "No," he said and hit the engine start switch.
Unlike a Transport Pod, the drop ship took time to boost from the moon. Once they were free of the moon's atmosphere the main engine cut out from lack of oxygen. Rygel fired the thrusters to nudge the craft up into its minimum orbit.
"It'll take a few microns to reach orbit, this piece of dren is slower then trying to get Chiana to do any work," commented the small being. Chiana scowled in displeasure at the Hynerian's insult but chose not to dignify the dig with a retort.
"I'll try and find the comm and see if it works. If Moya's still in the area we can contact them," she said instead. Berret had gone back to silently staring out the view port, ignoring the conversation. With Rygel busy trying to pilot the sluggish ship, she decided it would be a good time to talk to her friend.
"Berret?" she asked, attempting to get his attention by lightly pulling at his arm.
"Leave me alone, Chiana," he finally whispered, not threateningly, but almost sadly.
"Hey, I thought we were going to talk to each other from now on? Remember, no secrets," she said quietly, but looking up at him hopefully. "Come on, talk to me. What happened to you?" she kept at him.
"This is different, this is very... dangerous," he said choosing the word carefully. He explained to her what had happened as briefly as he could. "I don't know how to stop it or how long I can keep it under control. Its there... always talking... always whispering to me. Please, just go away and leave me alone," he finished talking, almost begging her.
Chiana promised that they would help him when they returned to Moya, and then went on to find the comm panel. She moved back up to the cockpit and passed by Berret again who now seemed to be carrying on a conversation with himself. She could see his lips moving in his reflection in the view port's dura-glass and hear his low mutterings. She dropped into the seat beside Rygel and started to stare out the front view port herself, trying to think of a way to help her friend. Rygel sat in silence with her for a few microns. Finally he turned to her and said seriously,
"You know... the others won't stand for him on board Moya in that condition... especially the Luxan." Chiana absently nodded her agreement but remained silent.
"I know you've grown attached to your pet, but it might be best if he didn't make it back.... if we sort of put him out of his misery so to speak."
Chiana realized that for a change Rygel was not being spiteful or mean, but only speaking of what might have to be done.
"Number one..." she said calmly. "He's not a 'pet'. Number two, do you want to be the one to try and do it?" she asked. Without thinking, Rygel reached up and rubbed the spot on his head where the Shrike's blades almost touched it.
"Uhmmm, no. I think I'd rather not," he admitted. A light on the control panel lit, and a tone sounded.
"We've reached the plotted orbit. There's not enough fuel left to maneuver for reentry. We can boost to a higher orbit or break orbit and drift... that's it," said the Hynerian with a tone of finality.
Chiana rose from her seat. "I'll try the comm unit then," she told him and moved over to the panel.
Aeryn slowly opened her eyes and tried to move, only to have a sharp pain shoot through her arm.
"Ah!" she involuntarily cried out between clenched teeth.
Zhaan quickly turned to see Sebacean moving and saw the look of agony on her face. She went over to her bedside.
"Aeryn dear, it's best that you don't move. Your injury will take some time to heal," she said trying to get the ex-Peacekeeper to lie back down.
"Where am I? What happened to me?" Aeryn asked in confusion.
"You were injured by a pulse blast down on the planet. D'argo said that you two had been ambushed," answered Zhaan.
"We went down for the coordinates to where Chiana and the others are, on an ice moon. Did we rescue them yet?" Aeryn asked.
"No, not yet. Pilot said there is a transport convoy ahead of us and it's not safe for us to alert them to our presence."
"Are they Peacekeeper?"
"We don't know that, dear. I'm sorry," Zhaan answered placing a hand lightly on Aeryn's injured shoulder.
"So what do we do in the mean time?"
"We have been waiting. Pilot says it will be several arns before can emerge," Zhaan said sadly.
"Where are the others?" asked Aeryn
"Crichton and D'argo are up in Command... and Malika and Andar, I believe, are getting something to eat. Which reminds me, you must be hungry, my dear."
"I'm fine, Zhaan. I just have to get up to Command. Crichton and D'argo may need my help," said Aeryn as she began to try and get out of bed.
"Aeryn, it is too soon. You have lost a great deal of blood and you are very weak. It is best if you stay here and rest. Crichton and D'argo will be fine," Zhaan said, urging the ex-Peacekeeper to return to lying back down. Aeryn began to protest until a wave of dizziness overcame her and she thought it would be best if she did as the Delvian told her.
"Okay, maybe you're right. I could use a little rest. Just for a little bit though. Let me know the microt anything happens will you, Zhaan?" Aeryn said as she slowly began to close her eyes as she suddenly became very drowsy.
"I will do that, dear. Rest now and I will let the others know that you are awake. Crichton has asked me to notify him the microt you woke. Will it be alright with you to let him know?" Zhaan asked.
"Yes, Zhaan... that's fine," Aeryn replied tiredly.
"John?" Zhaan said opening her comm channel.
"Yeah, Zhaan?" he answered instantly.
"Aeryn is awake now if you would like to see her."
"How is she Zhaan? Is she alright?" John asked anxiously.
"I'm fine, Crichton," Aeryn said with a smile as she answered the question herself.
"Aeryn, it's good to hear your voice," John said, the smile evident in his tone.
"Likewise," she said softly.
"I'll be there in a few microts. Can't wait to see you, sunshine," John said. Now he was grinning. It was the best news he'd heard all day.
As the Prowler slowly came to life, D'Argo growled with impatience. The faster he could get to the ice moon, the better. Moya's long range passive scans alerted them that two crafts had been dropped off by a mother ship and were running search patterns over the moon that the Transport Pod was suppose to be on.
The mother ship moved off as the PK convoy came into scanner range and the Luxan knew he had to act fast if they were to recover their lost shipmates. Two drop-ships full of enemy soldiers were odds nobody could brave without divine providence, and he knew Moya's crew had already had their fare share of that already.
"Pilot! I'm launching the Prowler!" D'Argo said, and after a handful of microts pulled the Prowler out of Moya's landing bay and away, accelerating into space on an oblique trajectory for the ice moon. He watched until Moya disappeared around the planetary mass she was hiding behind, and then prepared to boost the attack-ship into a run for his destination.
A voice crackled into his cockpit comm system as he arrived in orbit around the moon, "Unidentified Prowler... Identify yourself! Who are you and what are you doing here?"
Trying his best to sound less Luxan, D'Argo bluffed, "Peacekeeper scout vessel 965." He hoped that would make some sense in their codebooks. "Investigating fugitives reported in this system." He nosed the Prowler into trajectory, looking around for the ship that had hailed him. What he saw were two ships on his scanners. One possibly the mother ship some distance away and the other a dropship that had just made orbit. He didn't have a prayer of fighting the mother ship, not with his Prowler skills, but a feint on the dropship might give the mother ship a few gray hairs.
He swooped toward the dropship. "Unidentified drop-ship, why are you coming out of orbit?" he asked, trying to sound as demandingly arrogant as a Peacekeeper. It was rare enough of an event to give him a good excuse for closing in. He still sounded distinctly Luxan, he thought, but frell it... who knew if there wasn't a Luxan or two on the Peacekeeper force? He kept his distance and waited for an answer.
"Returning to mother ship after successful mission," came a voice over the comm. D'Argo shook his head in disbelief. Now he was hearing Rygel everywhere! "Back off, Prowler," barked the voice. He hadn't been imagining it. Rygel had somehow gotten aboard the dropship, and where the pint-size ex-ruler was, Chiana and Berret were sure to be, too. It dawned on D'Argo that they must have somehow managed to hijack the enemy ship.
"Pilot," he said loudly over a secured channel, knowing that the other two ships couldn't hear him when he was communicating with Moya. "That's Rygel aboard the drop-ship, and the other two are probably with him. What are our chances of pulling them out of there before that mother ship figures out what's going on. And Pilot...?"
"Yes, Ka D'Argo?" asked Pilot, finally able to put in a word.
"Tell Aeryn I'm sorry for borrowing the Prowler, but someone better get in the other one and get down here. Ready Moya to pick up that drop-ship, things are going to get messy out here."
Malika was waiting with her prowler. Pilot had told her to wait, and he would tell her what to do after communicating with D'argo. Andar was standing off to the side, looking horribly out of place.
"If you want, I could try to teach you about this stuff," she said motioning around. "I don't know if I would succeed, but you need start learning sometime," she said. Andar nodded gratefully.
"Thank you. Also, I want to thank you for helping me since I came here. I appreciate it."
"It's not a problem. It's also nice to have someone to talk to, to tell the truth I don't really talk to anyone around here except for Zhaan," Malika said. "And I'm usually only talking to her when I'm learning new things to become a priestess... and she has made it obvious that she still has her doubts that I could ever do it."
"What is that farhbot Luxan doing?" exclaimed Rygel. "He'll get us shot to pieces for sure!"
"He might think that the Peacekeeper Fleet transport is the mother ship for this drop-ship," said Chiana.
"Well, now we're not going to be able to bluff our way out of it, the fleet transport is demanding clearance codes," snapped the Hynerian. "We're frelled now!"
Berret had left the view port and moved forward up into the cockpit. Chiana could see sweat on his brow even in the climate controlled cabin of the ship.
"Perhaps not," said Berret shakily, the voice in his head giving him in idea. "Patch me through on all local channels," he said. Chiana flipped a switch and gave him the go-ahead with a silent nod.
"Prowler Pilot..." he began in a stronger tone, "this is a AerynZhaan code priority... are you the escort codenamed... Tentacle Head? Over," making up the names as he went along.
D'argo knew Berret's voice and growled at the Shrike's implied insult. He hit the send key and responded, thinking two can play this game.
"Affirmative transport... confirm your codename.... Backstabbing Slug. Over."
Despite the mental stress the assassin was feeling, it was good to get a raise out of the Luxan.
"Affirm, Tentacle Head. We are standing by for recovery."
"Are you two done now?" asked Rygel. "Do you think that Peacekeeper ship is going to buy all that Tentacle Head, Backstabber dren?"
"No," said the Shrike, "that part is yet to come."
As if on cue, the fleet transport broke into the opened channel, "Attention both ships off our starboard bow, this is the Peacekeeper Fleet Escort-transport 'Sirius'. You will stand down operations and identify yourselves."
The Shrike broke in immediately, "Attention Sirius. Who is the officer in command?"
"This is Captain Bellario. Who is this?" he demanded. "Identify yourself."
"Who this is, is unimportant. What is important is that you are interfering with a covert Disruptor operation. You are hereby ordered to desist under article 9-0 tango, operation code: alpha-serria johee 0098... please check and confirm." Berret stood back and waited.
A few microns later the captain was back on the channel.
"The codes confirm, sir. We... I mean, I am truly sorry for the misunderstanding...." he started but Berret cut him off before he could continue the apology.
"I quite understand, Captain. You were simply doing your duty... but for now, you will wipe all logs and records of this encounter immediately. You will return to your escort duties with the fleet and you and your crew are forbidden to ever speak of this incident on pain of death. Is that completely understood, Captain?" asked the Shrike.
"Completely, sir!" said Captain Bellario.
"Good!" responded Berret and clicked that channel closed.
He sat heavily into the nearest seat, the strain of keeping the voice at bay while he bluffed the captain showing on his face.
"What was all those codes?" asked Chiana in wonder.
"They were something the Syndicate got a hold of a few cycles ago," Berret answered while rubbing at his temple, "And I believe I had to use then at one time. They are old but I thought an ordinary transport captain would not have a high enough clearance to know they were old. I believe it would be best if you tight-beamed D'argo and asked him to tow us back to Moya," he finished before gazing back off into the nearest view port.
Microts later he began to argue with the voice again.
"Do you believe they fell for that?" asked John to Zhaan as they listened in and the Escort Captain clicked off the open comm channel.
"It may be possible," said the Delvian. "Most Peacekeeper captains assigned to escort duty are usually of low standing and are often kept out of the command loop by their superiors."
"I hope you're right, Blue," said Crichton still not believing their luck.
D'argo broke in on a tight beam comm channel, "John, Zhaan... are you there?"
"Go ahead, D'argo," said Zhaan.
"I have the drop-ship in tow and am heading back to Moya now. Please inform Pilot to be ready with the docking wed and to starburst as soon as the others debark," said the Luxan.
"Already done, Dargo," said John. "Put your tail in high gear and get back here so we can blow this pop stand."
"Dargo did what?" shouted Aeryn.
"He's taken your prowler down to the ice moon," replied Pilot.
"Pilot prepare Malika's prowler for me. D'argo's going to need backup in case he encounters the Peacekeepers," Aeryn said as she strained to get up from the bed. Her arm was wrapped in a sling and she winced slightly from the stiffness of it.
"Malika is already standing by her ship," responded Pilot.
"I don't think so, Aeryn. You're not going anywhere," John interrupted as he entered the medical unit. "Beside, the escort was already in contact with them and they were able to bluff them. D'argo's towing them in right now as we speak."
"Look, John... I'm all right. I have to go. The escort might still come back for a second check."
"Not in your condition, Aeryn. I'll go," John said blocking Aeryn from leaving the room.
"Aeryn, John's right. You're in no condition to fly," Zhaan managed to cut in.
"She's right, Aeryn. You're still too weak. I'll go help D'argo if it'll make you feel better," John said placing a hand on Aeryn's wounded arm.
"Very well... but I'm going with you," Aeryn demanded stubbornly.
"Aeryn!" John started but Aeryn cut him off.
"No arguments, John. We go together or I go alone. I'm not too weak to give you a pantak jab," she said with a smirk.
"Alright you win, but I'm driving," said John.
"Fine. Let's go. We're running out of time," Aeryn said slowly walking out of the medical unit.
"Ladies first," John gestured for Aeryn to lead the way. Aeryn staggered a bit as she walked and John hurriedly walked beside her and held onto her to support her.
"Goddess be with you both," Zhaan said as she watched her friends leave.