Disclaimer: I do not own Farscape.
Chapter 5: Betrayal
"Out of our way," Scorpius growled at the aged Scarran.
"Wait," the Scarran started, "You need not flee. According to the Old Code if the King dies for the honor of his Queen, the Queen takes over his reign and is allowed to have a Consort of her choosing."
"You mean I get to stay Queen of the Scarran Imperium as long as everyone thinks that the King died protecting my honor?" Sikozu asked.
"Yes, your Highness," the Old Scarran humbly replied, "And might I suggest that you appoint me your as your chief advisor."
"Yes of course, now would you mind leaving us," Sikozu asked and after the Scarran had gone looked up at Scorpius, "Scorpius, I get to remain Queen isn't that incredible? Now I'll be able to stop the Peacekeeper-Scarran War! And you know who I'll appoint as my Consort don't you?" Sikozu whispered the last part hotly into his ear.
"Sikozu, perhaps you would be better of choosing someone else. Someone better suited for such a position."
"But Scorpius you *have* to be my Consort," Sikozu said persistently. 'He's the father of my child for heaven's sake!'
"Why?" Scorpius asked narrowing his eyes upon the woman in his arms.
Sikozu shirked under harsh gaze, "I- I Well, you see, I, don't you think it would be the perfect union? You're half-Sebacean and half-Scarran - the perfect man to represent a union between the two races. And that will be my first order of business as Queen of the Scarrans creating an alliance between the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers."
"An alliance?" Scorpius snarled. "Scarrans will never be Peacekeeper allies! They can be no one's allies!"
"You're wrong, I mean look at you. You're half Scarran and you've served the Peacekeepers well. I think an alliance is possible. No matter what you believe. I'll just have to prove you wrong and then you'll see."
"You don't seem to understand the true nature of the Scarran Race. Didn't you learn anything from the time you spent with Seker? Or was he that romantic that you now have a soft spot for all Scarrans? They will use you and then betray you."
"You are forgetting that there are good and bad in each race. At this point in time I think both races are pretty similar in that respect. Both need a change if they are to better themselves. And that is where the alliance comes in - it will stop unnecessary bloodshed. Too many have died because of this pointless conflict already."
"There are no good Scarrans, Sikozu."
"Now you're just being narrow minded Scorpius. What about the Old Scarran that just saved us? What about the Scarran guard Seb that allowed you and the others to escape? I may have hated Seker but I have forgiven and forgotten."
"My hatred is not a superficial one, Sikozu, that can be forgiven so easily. I have my reasons for hating Scarrans and it is a good one. I don't expect you to understand how I feel - I had only hoped you would. I can see it is pointless in trying to make such a naïve girl understand the grand scheme of things."
Scorpius' words hit Sikozu hard. She had thought Scorpius' feeling for her went deeper than what they now appeared to be. And the fact that she was carrying his child seemed to make things worse. Now she understood how Aeryn had felt when John had turned away from her. She even found it all a bit funny that their situations were so distinct and yet so similar. And so Sikozu began to laugh even though she really wanted to cry.
"Ahahahaha! That's a good one Scorpius calling me naïve. I may have been a naïve girl on Moya but now that I have my memory back I am not the person you think you know. I wonder if I would have made the same *mistake* twice! I want you to leave my sight Scorpius now before I have you removed from it!"
Scorpius was enraged at Sikozu for calling their time together a 'mistake'. "As you wish," Scorpius growled dropping Sikozu to the floor. But he couldn't help but flinch when Sikozu hit the titled floor with a sickening thud and yelped in pain.
"What are you trying to do kill-" Sikozu stopped herself. She had been about to say 'it' meaning her child but now she couldn't let Scorpius know about it.
"I would not kill you woman," was all Scorpius could say in apology before leaving the lab.
As soon as Scorpius left, Sikozu burst into tears caused by both physical and emotional pain. She buried her face in her hands and let all of her frustration seep out onto her slender fingers. Her body was wracked with sobs but she didn't care what she looked like at that moment. As she was crying she failed to notice the arrival of the Old Scarran, who was accompanied by two guards, which happened to be Seb and Pyre.
"Your Highness?" The Old Scarran questioned softly, "I have brought two guards to clean up the mess in here."
Sikozu wiped her tears to begin facing her duties, "Good work."
"Is something the matter? The Consort - I saw him leaving?"
"I don't know if he will become the Consort after all," Sikozu choked out.
"I see," The Old Scarran said solemnly, "I have already informed the court of the King dying to protect your honor, in your case meaning that the child was indeed his. I did not want to say that in front of Scorpius without your consent and now I'm glad I took that extra precaution. If Scorpius does not agree to become your Consort you may chose another without him ever knowing about the child being his."
"Very well," Sikozu assented getting up off the floor.
"And your Highness there are two Sebaceans that were recently captured that claim to know you. It seems they came here for the purpose of rescuing you. A little late wouldn't you agree?" The Old Scarran bared his teeth in a crooked smile looking at the blood that Seb and Pyre were moping up.
"One can depend on no one but oneself it seems." Sikozu told him with a sigh.
***
Peacekeeper Command Carrier:
"Scorpius?!" Those were Grayza's last words.
Scorpius had flown Aeryn's Prowler to Grayza's Command Carrier and managed to sneak onboard. When he entered the main hanger and saw Grayza he did not hesitate to kill her and that is how he was able to do it. He saw her, raised his pulse pistol, aimed, and fired, hitting her right between the eyes. She fell backwards to the floor dead.
Braca had been watching the entire scene to his immense delight. He was getting sick and tired of Grayza using him for a sex toy.
"I'm taking command of this vessel," Scorpius announced expecting resistance and keeping his pulse pistol raised at the surrounding crew.
But to Scorpius' immense surprise the first shots fired were not at him - the crew had turned on each other.
Braca came running up to Scorpius, "Scorpius I'm so glad to see you. Don't worry I've already warmed some of the crew up to the idea of you being in command so we won't have to fight alone."
Scorpius took Braca's head in his hands and smiled, "Good work Braca I knew I could count on your loyalty."
"Yes, of course sir!" Braca responded happily.
"Let's finish this," Scorpius said releasing Braca and joining the fight. Braca followed his lead.
It wasn't long before the opposing force was either killed or subdued. And now Scorpius was in command.
"Braca there is something I need to consult you about," Scorpius began turning to Braca.
Braca became nervous, "What is it?"
"It's about the current state of affairs of the Scarran Imperium. They have a new Queen - a Kalish woman by the name of Sikozu Shanu."
"You don't say - isn't that the girl you once mentioned to me as being your only real ally aboard Moya?"
"Yes, but she is no longer my ally. She foolishly plans to try to create an alliance between the Peacekeepers and the Scarrans."
"But I thought the King was to make military decisions?" Braca asked hesitantly.
"Well, the King has been killed. Now the Queen has control of the Scarran Army. But there's more: Sikozu has a special neurochip implanted in her brain that makes her a formidable weapon against Scarrans. The technology she carries within her would be very useful in the fight against the Scarrans."
"So you don't agree with Sikozu on making an alliance between the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers. And you also believe that she would be more useful as a research subject. I perfectly agree with you sir. An alliance between Peacekeepers and Scarrans is not possible. And as for the special neurochip - we should have that technology in the Peacekeepers grasp along with wormhole technology if we are to defeat the Scarrans once and for all. We should trick the girl in coming to talk to us about the alliance and then steal the technology from her."
"How do you suggest we trick her?"
"You said you were 'close' on Moya did you not? Use that against her - she trusts you Scorpius. She'll even come alone if you ask her too. Better yet you could go and pick her up yourself. Then once she's here she's ours to do whatever we want with."
"She *was* loyal to me on Moya..."
"Even if she was she's against you now. Think about everything you've been trying to accomplish all these years - if you let her go ahead with the alliance all of it would have been for nothing. Besides she's just a naïve girl who used her feminine wiles to try and get you as a powerful ally."
"Do you think so?"
"You can't trust women Scorpius. I mean take Grayza for example - did you know she was planning on making a deal with the Scarrans all along? She's just as bad as that Kalish woman and her Alliance."
"I believe you're right Braca, I'm glad I could count on you to help me see the truth of the matter. That girl was playing me for a fool." Scorpius clenched his fists in anger. And Braca put a hand on Scorpius' shoulder for support.
***
Planet Pyrite:
Landing pad #33:
Scorpius' touched down in Aeryn's prowler, which he was planning to return later, to meet Queen Sikozu.
She was standing alone on the pad waiting for him. She was dressed in a tangerine colored dress and her still straightened hair was blowing in the rush of air caused by the landing prowler. As soon as it was safe she rushed over to greet Scorpius.
"Scorpius," Sikozu said happily, "I told the guards there was no need for them since you would be here to protect me. I'm so glad that you have seen the light and are representing the Peacekeepers to put my alliance plan into action. I knew you wouldn't abandon me."
"Of course not Sikozu," Scorpius said through gritted teeth. "We better get going - the others are anxious to meet the new Scarran Queen."
"Yes, of course." Sikozu agreed joining Scorpius in the prowler. She was positively beaming while sitting next to Scorpius. She placed a hand on Scorpius' chest as they took off. "I've missed you Scorpius." Sikozu told him in a silky voice.
Scorpius looked at her out of the corner of his eye and thought that she looked different - changed somehow. He also decided that it wasn't just her new clothes and hair but something else he couldn't quite put his finger on. Whatever it was Scorpius decided he didn't like it. Sikozu seemed overly emotional in his eyes and it made him uncomfortable.
"Scorpius there is something I need to tell you," Sikozu began saying.
Scorpius looked over at her, "Can't it wait until we're aboard the Command Carrier."
"I suppose it can - I wouldn't want you passing out while flying." Sikozu giggled and Scorpius was at a loss.
Sikozu gave Scorpius a kiss on the cheek before settling herself back in her chair. She was filled with impatience for when they would arrive aboard the Command Carrier. She knew she had to tell Scorpius about the pregnancy as soon as possible - she had already seen what it had done to Aeryn and John's relationship by keeping such things a secret. She expected that by the end of this trip Scorpius would be in her arms once more. She had decided to account for his odd behavior due to the strange events that had taken place as of late. She also concluded not to doubt his feelings for her and trust him. Trusting Scorpius was the only surefire way to earn his trust in return. She had even made several little blue pills in anticipation of their alone time together.
'He's been so cold to me but perhaps he just needs me to warm him back up.' Sikozu reassured herself with a smile. 'Maybe I should even tell him about the pills...no I think I'll surprise him!'
***
Scorpius escorted Sikozu down the hallway where Braca was supposed to meet up with them.
Sikozu latched onto Scorpius' arm a moment and sighed in contentment. Scorpius was about to push her away when she let go herself and Scorpius was almost sorry. Sikozu turned around to stand in front of him and face him deciding she couldn't wait to tell Scorpius her news any longer.
"Scorpius I can't stand waiting to tell you," Sikozu began.
Just then Braca was making his way down the hall and coming up behind Sikozu.
"You see Scorpius I- I feel dizzy," Sikozu finished before slumping to the floor unconscious. Braca had injected her with blackout serum from behind.
"Good work Braca," Scorpius praised. "You may take her and begin your research. I am going to *return* Aeryn's prowler among other things."
"Yes sir," Braca smiled lifting Sikozu into his arms. Scorpius found himself suppressing a growl.
"And Braca - don't hurt her." Scorpius warned before walking away.
"Of course not sir," Braca reassured him all too quickly.
***
'I wonder what Sikozu had to say? Probably something along the lines of *I love you Scorpius* or some such foolishness. Love is a soft emotion and can be used against you. That is why I will never allow myself to feel such petty Sebacean emotions as those. I am not as weak as that human John or Aeryn for that matter. If Aeryn were a true soldier she never would have given in to John's boyish advances. I may have felt possessiveness for Sikozu after I had a taste of her flesh but that is as far as my feelings for her go. I won't confuse lust for love.' Scorpius thought to himself on his way to Moya.
***
When Scorpius boarded Moya Aeryn and John were there to greet him just as he'd expected.
"Hey grasshopper, long time no see," John greeted very friendly.
"I see you've finally returned my prowler," Aeryn started, "I hope you haven't damaged it in anyway. I was beginning to get worried."
"You'll see your prowler is in perfect order," Scorpius reassured coming towards her. "Aeryn is there something on your face?"
"Is there?" Aeryn questioned raising a hand to her face.
"Yes, I believe there is," Scorpius said coming even closer. He then pulled out a pulse rifle and pointed it at Aeryn's head causing a red dot to appear on Aeryn's forehead. "My mistake, but there is a red dot on your forehead now."
"Scorpius?" Aeryn gasped.
John pulled out his pulse pistol, "Scorpius what the frell are you doing?"
"I suggest you put that pistol down John before I'm forced to kill Officer Sun," Scorpius warned.
John dropped the pistol to the floor. He could tell this was no joke. "What do you want Scorpius?"
"You know what I want John. I want what's inside your head - the key to wormhole technology."
"Damn it Scorpius, you know I can't give you that."
"Then I'm afraid I'll just have to kill Aeryn and the child she is carrying by you I might add."
"Why are you doing this? Whatever happened to Sikozu? I thought that because of her you would understand that something like this would never work."
"What are you talking about John," Scorpius growled.
"This will never work Scorpius because me and Aeryn love each other. That means we're willing to die for each other as well. Aeryn would rather die than to let herself be used against me. So you see what you're doing is pointless. And you didn't answer my question - what happened to Sikozu?"
"I handed her over to the Peacekeepers. She is no concern of mine."
"You did what?! Scorpius, you think you're so smart but you've made a huge mistake doing that. Man, you can't even figure out for yourself when you're in love. And you are in love Scorpius believe me. So what the frell made you betray Sikozu anyways?"
"She wants a Scarran-Peacekeeper alliance, which I cannot allow, and she's actually the perfect weapon against Scarrans and so needs to be researched."
"Not good enough Scorpius. Darn it, I think she loved you and I was almost sure that you felt the same way. You know what all this is Scorpius - a test. Love is always tested. You claim you don't love Sikozu but whether or not you leave her in the hands of the Peacekeepers will be the Acid Test of your true feelings. Are you really going to let them dissect her just so you'll have a better way to kill Scarrans? You think that love is a weak emotion but you're wrong. If Aeryn didn't love me she'd probably be screaming her head off right now for me to spill the beans to you about wormhole technology. But because she loves me the secret is safe. I pity you Scorpius to find love, which is so hard to come by, and toss it away like trash."
"You heard him Scorpius. I won't be used against John in any way. So what are you going to do - kill me for no good reason or go save Sikozu?"
Scorpius lowered the rifle, "Sikozu has no need to be saved she is in the hands of a man I trust."
"I truly hope you aren't talking about Lieutenant Braca," came a voice.
Scorpius, John and Aeryn turned to see an older looking version of Sikozu.
"Oh yeah, Scorpius this is Serilda Salva Sugashi Shanu," John introduced. "She came to Moya looking for Sikozu a few days ago."
"Actually its Serilda Svala Shanti Sugaysi Shanu but nice try. I'm Sikozu's mother."
"But that's not possible - Sikozu was genetically engineered-" Scorpius objected.
"That was a lie. Sikozu is my daughter. Let's just say you and Sikozu may have more in common than you think. But what's important is that I've been working as a spy for the Organization and I was the one who found out about Prince Seker knowing Sikozu's whereabouts. I also know that it was Braca who told Seker where Sikozu was and that he was paid quite handsomely for that information. I wonder what he did with all those krindars."
"Braca," Scorpius growled. "I left Sikozu in his care."
"You see, Braca's had it in for Sikozu all this time. There's no telling what he'll do to her." Serilda said sadly.
"Aeryn-" Scorpius began.
"Yes you can use my prowler," Aeryn interrupted him. "But you'll have to take me and John with you."
***
Back on the Command Carrier:
"Let me see those tests," Braca demanded of the doctor, who had just finished running the first set of standard medical tests on Sikozu.
"Here you go, sir." The doctor said handing the tests to Braca.
Braca flipped through the pages not really finding anything interesting until-
'My god she's pregnant! It couldn't be Scorpius' child could it? That just might be what she was trying to tell him. I can't let Scorpius find out about this no matter what. She'll have to have an abortion as soon as possible.'
***
Scorpius, John, and Aeryn made their way towards the medical lab research center onboard the Command Carrier. John had decided it was safest to knock out anyone they came across just in case.
"Halt who goes there," An unarmed man stepped into the hallway.
John was about to attack him when Scorpius interceded.
"You there, don't you realize who I am?" Scorpius asked.
"Yes, sir, you're Scorpius, sorry to disturb you, sir." The man stuttered.
Scorpius put his arm around his neck and began to walk him down the hall, "No need to worry." Scorpius then bumped his head into the nearby wall knocking him out cold. "I can see why you chose to be cautious John - to relieve stress."
John scratched the back of his head, "Not exactly but whatever works."
The three continued swiftly down the hall until they came to the door of the lab, which was closed. Scorpius entered the numerical code that was supposed to allow him entrance but the code had been changed.
Scorpius growled and John and Aeryn both pulled out their pulse pistols. Scorpius joined them and together they blasted the door to pieces. Scorpius kicked down what was left before entering to find Sikozu on a medical table about to be operated and Braca looking guilty with a scalpel in his hand.
"What is the meaning of this?" Scorpius snarled stalking up to the already trembling Braca.
"Please sir, allow me to explain." Braca started to back up. "Knowing about the child would have only gotten in the way of your ambitions!" Braca dropped his scalpel, which hit the floor with a clang.
"What child?" Scorpius questioned looking over at Sikozu whose only body part that was exposed for the operation had been her stomach. Scorpius got closer to Braca and suddenly grabbed him by the throat. "I asked you a question Braca."
"She's pregnant with your child," Braca said gagging.
"With my child?" Scorpius asked in a deadly tone. "You were going to kill my child? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't snap your neck right now."
"I was only doing it for you! I even used some of the krindars I got from Seker to bribe the crew to follow you! I've only ever been anything but loyal! Please forgive me!"
"You've been playing sides for too long Braca," Scorpius said before he snapped his neck and threw the limp body aside.
Scorpius then turned to see to Sikozu but was surprised to find John with a pulse rifle to her head.
"John," Scorpius began to walk towards him.
"Stop right there Scorpius or I'll blast her brains out." Scorpius stopped in his tracks. "So how does it feel Scorpius to see the one you love with a pulse rifle pointed to their head, who's carrying a child by you I might add? I want you to promise me you'll never try to use Aeryn against me again or else I can't promise that I won't use Sikozu against you. All is fair in love and war Scorpie. Let's keep our dispute between us - between men."
"Alright John, you win. For once I see things your way. Whatever happens we won't involve the women we love in our affairs." Scorpius consented.
"Did I just hear Scorpius use the 'L' word Aeryn? Too bad Sikozu wasn't awake for that one. Who knows what it'll take for him to say it again!" John smiled and lowered the pulse rifle. "Well, what do you say we wake sleeping beauty?"
Scorpius came over to assist John in waking Sikozu, "You know John that wasn't funny."
"It wasn't meant to be Scorpius. Even a nice guy like me has his limits."
"I'll remember that," Scorpius grinned.
Sikozu slowly opened her eyes to see John and Scorpius hovering over her, "Scorpius! Braca he-" Sikozu tried to say but stopped herself. Would he really believe her anyways? Was the operation over?
"I know Sikozu and I regret having ever trusted him," Scorpius apologized.
"My child?"
"We got here just in time," Scorpius reassured her.
"You know the child is yours - that's what I was trying to tell you before." Sikozu said with a smile.
Scorpius looked back at her perplexed - shouldn't she be angry at his betrayal for handing her over to Braca.
"Sikozu I don't think you understand - I betrayed you."
"I'm sure you had a good reason."
"I handed you over to Braca to stop your Alliance and to research the neurochip in your brain."
"Those *are* pretty good reasons especially if you hate Scarrans. So what changed?" Sikozu asked smiling but she already knew what had changed she could see it in his eyes as he looked at her.
"I realized that I had become the very thing I hated by turning against you. And that my hatred for Scarrans isn't as important as you have become to me. I'm sorry Sikozu I don't expect you to forgive me-"
"Well you should," Sikozu said draping her arms around Scorpius' neck. "Haven't you figured out that I love you yet?" She asked before bringing him into a kiss.
John and Aeryn looked on in shock.
"Hey Aeryn are you seeing what I'm seeing?" John asked Aeryn.
"Yes, and I'd don't believe it either John." Aeryn turned to John and smiled. "John how did you know that I would die for you?"
"I didn't, I was using Reverse Psychology on Scorpius. But hey that's nice to know. What do you say we leave these two love birds alone?"
"Alright John, you may join me for coffee in my prowler when we get back to Moya."
"I'm all for that baby and I'm planning to pass this test with flying colors," John said with a smirk. 'At least she learned something useful while one earth!'
The two left Sikozu and Scorpius alone.
Sikozu pulled back from Scorpius to catch her breath, "Scorpius, so why did you come for me?"
"Which time are you talking about?" Scorpius joked but continued upon seeing Sikozu's stern expression. "I came back for you on the planet Pyrite because I couldn't stand the thought of Seker having you when you were mine. And I came back for you now because I lo- because I lo-"
"Come on, you can say it, repeat after me, 'I love you'"
"You're lucky I love you or else you'd be dead."
"There you said it! See that wasn't so hard! And I love you too Scorpius." Sikozu said brining Scorpius into a heated and passionate kiss.
END
Bonus Chapter 6 coming soon!!!
Chapter 5: Betrayal
"Out of our way," Scorpius growled at the aged Scarran.
"Wait," the Scarran started, "You need not flee. According to the Old Code if the King dies for the honor of his Queen, the Queen takes over his reign and is allowed to have a Consort of her choosing."
"You mean I get to stay Queen of the Scarran Imperium as long as everyone thinks that the King died protecting my honor?" Sikozu asked.
"Yes, your Highness," the Old Scarran humbly replied, "And might I suggest that you appoint me your as your chief advisor."
"Yes of course, now would you mind leaving us," Sikozu asked and after the Scarran had gone looked up at Scorpius, "Scorpius, I get to remain Queen isn't that incredible? Now I'll be able to stop the Peacekeeper-Scarran War! And you know who I'll appoint as my Consort don't you?" Sikozu whispered the last part hotly into his ear.
"Sikozu, perhaps you would be better of choosing someone else. Someone better suited for such a position."
"But Scorpius you *have* to be my Consort," Sikozu said persistently. 'He's the father of my child for heaven's sake!'
"Why?" Scorpius asked narrowing his eyes upon the woman in his arms.
Sikozu shirked under harsh gaze, "I- I Well, you see, I, don't you think it would be the perfect union? You're half-Sebacean and half-Scarran - the perfect man to represent a union between the two races. And that will be my first order of business as Queen of the Scarrans creating an alliance between the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers."
"An alliance?" Scorpius snarled. "Scarrans will never be Peacekeeper allies! They can be no one's allies!"
"You're wrong, I mean look at you. You're half Scarran and you've served the Peacekeepers well. I think an alliance is possible. No matter what you believe. I'll just have to prove you wrong and then you'll see."
"You don't seem to understand the true nature of the Scarran Race. Didn't you learn anything from the time you spent with Seker? Or was he that romantic that you now have a soft spot for all Scarrans? They will use you and then betray you."
"You are forgetting that there are good and bad in each race. At this point in time I think both races are pretty similar in that respect. Both need a change if they are to better themselves. And that is where the alliance comes in - it will stop unnecessary bloodshed. Too many have died because of this pointless conflict already."
"There are no good Scarrans, Sikozu."
"Now you're just being narrow minded Scorpius. What about the Old Scarran that just saved us? What about the Scarran guard Seb that allowed you and the others to escape? I may have hated Seker but I have forgiven and forgotten."
"My hatred is not a superficial one, Sikozu, that can be forgiven so easily. I have my reasons for hating Scarrans and it is a good one. I don't expect you to understand how I feel - I had only hoped you would. I can see it is pointless in trying to make such a naïve girl understand the grand scheme of things."
Scorpius' words hit Sikozu hard. She had thought Scorpius' feeling for her went deeper than what they now appeared to be. And the fact that she was carrying his child seemed to make things worse. Now she understood how Aeryn had felt when John had turned away from her. She even found it all a bit funny that their situations were so distinct and yet so similar. And so Sikozu began to laugh even though she really wanted to cry.
"Ahahahaha! That's a good one Scorpius calling me naïve. I may have been a naïve girl on Moya but now that I have my memory back I am not the person you think you know. I wonder if I would have made the same *mistake* twice! I want you to leave my sight Scorpius now before I have you removed from it!"
Scorpius was enraged at Sikozu for calling their time together a 'mistake'. "As you wish," Scorpius growled dropping Sikozu to the floor. But he couldn't help but flinch when Sikozu hit the titled floor with a sickening thud and yelped in pain.
"What are you trying to do kill-" Sikozu stopped herself. She had been about to say 'it' meaning her child but now she couldn't let Scorpius know about it.
"I would not kill you woman," was all Scorpius could say in apology before leaving the lab.
As soon as Scorpius left, Sikozu burst into tears caused by both physical and emotional pain. She buried her face in her hands and let all of her frustration seep out onto her slender fingers. Her body was wracked with sobs but she didn't care what she looked like at that moment. As she was crying she failed to notice the arrival of the Old Scarran, who was accompanied by two guards, which happened to be Seb and Pyre.
"Your Highness?" The Old Scarran questioned softly, "I have brought two guards to clean up the mess in here."
Sikozu wiped her tears to begin facing her duties, "Good work."
"Is something the matter? The Consort - I saw him leaving?"
"I don't know if he will become the Consort after all," Sikozu choked out.
"I see," The Old Scarran said solemnly, "I have already informed the court of the King dying to protect your honor, in your case meaning that the child was indeed his. I did not want to say that in front of Scorpius without your consent and now I'm glad I took that extra precaution. If Scorpius does not agree to become your Consort you may chose another without him ever knowing about the child being his."
"Very well," Sikozu assented getting up off the floor.
"And your Highness there are two Sebaceans that were recently captured that claim to know you. It seems they came here for the purpose of rescuing you. A little late wouldn't you agree?" The Old Scarran bared his teeth in a crooked smile looking at the blood that Seb and Pyre were moping up.
"One can depend on no one but oneself it seems." Sikozu told him with a sigh.
***
Peacekeeper Command Carrier:
"Scorpius?!" Those were Grayza's last words.
Scorpius had flown Aeryn's Prowler to Grayza's Command Carrier and managed to sneak onboard. When he entered the main hanger and saw Grayza he did not hesitate to kill her and that is how he was able to do it. He saw her, raised his pulse pistol, aimed, and fired, hitting her right between the eyes. She fell backwards to the floor dead.
Braca had been watching the entire scene to his immense delight. He was getting sick and tired of Grayza using him for a sex toy.
"I'm taking command of this vessel," Scorpius announced expecting resistance and keeping his pulse pistol raised at the surrounding crew.
But to Scorpius' immense surprise the first shots fired were not at him - the crew had turned on each other.
Braca came running up to Scorpius, "Scorpius I'm so glad to see you. Don't worry I've already warmed some of the crew up to the idea of you being in command so we won't have to fight alone."
Scorpius took Braca's head in his hands and smiled, "Good work Braca I knew I could count on your loyalty."
"Yes, of course sir!" Braca responded happily.
"Let's finish this," Scorpius said releasing Braca and joining the fight. Braca followed his lead.
It wasn't long before the opposing force was either killed or subdued. And now Scorpius was in command.
"Braca there is something I need to consult you about," Scorpius began turning to Braca.
Braca became nervous, "What is it?"
"It's about the current state of affairs of the Scarran Imperium. They have a new Queen - a Kalish woman by the name of Sikozu Shanu."
"You don't say - isn't that the girl you once mentioned to me as being your only real ally aboard Moya?"
"Yes, but she is no longer my ally. She foolishly plans to try to create an alliance between the Peacekeepers and the Scarrans."
"But I thought the King was to make military decisions?" Braca asked hesitantly.
"Well, the King has been killed. Now the Queen has control of the Scarran Army. But there's more: Sikozu has a special neurochip implanted in her brain that makes her a formidable weapon against Scarrans. The technology she carries within her would be very useful in the fight against the Scarrans."
"So you don't agree with Sikozu on making an alliance between the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers. And you also believe that she would be more useful as a research subject. I perfectly agree with you sir. An alliance between Peacekeepers and Scarrans is not possible. And as for the special neurochip - we should have that technology in the Peacekeepers grasp along with wormhole technology if we are to defeat the Scarrans once and for all. We should trick the girl in coming to talk to us about the alliance and then steal the technology from her."
"How do you suggest we trick her?"
"You said you were 'close' on Moya did you not? Use that against her - she trusts you Scorpius. She'll even come alone if you ask her too. Better yet you could go and pick her up yourself. Then once she's here she's ours to do whatever we want with."
"She *was* loyal to me on Moya..."
"Even if she was she's against you now. Think about everything you've been trying to accomplish all these years - if you let her go ahead with the alliance all of it would have been for nothing. Besides she's just a naïve girl who used her feminine wiles to try and get you as a powerful ally."
"Do you think so?"
"You can't trust women Scorpius. I mean take Grayza for example - did you know she was planning on making a deal with the Scarrans all along? She's just as bad as that Kalish woman and her Alliance."
"I believe you're right Braca, I'm glad I could count on you to help me see the truth of the matter. That girl was playing me for a fool." Scorpius clenched his fists in anger. And Braca put a hand on Scorpius' shoulder for support.
***
Planet Pyrite:
Landing pad #33:
Scorpius' touched down in Aeryn's prowler, which he was planning to return later, to meet Queen Sikozu.
She was standing alone on the pad waiting for him. She was dressed in a tangerine colored dress and her still straightened hair was blowing in the rush of air caused by the landing prowler. As soon as it was safe she rushed over to greet Scorpius.
"Scorpius," Sikozu said happily, "I told the guards there was no need for them since you would be here to protect me. I'm so glad that you have seen the light and are representing the Peacekeepers to put my alliance plan into action. I knew you wouldn't abandon me."
"Of course not Sikozu," Scorpius said through gritted teeth. "We better get going - the others are anxious to meet the new Scarran Queen."
"Yes, of course." Sikozu agreed joining Scorpius in the prowler. She was positively beaming while sitting next to Scorpius. She placed a hand on Scorpius' chest as they took off. "I've missed you Scorpius." Sikozu told him in a silky voice.
Scorpius looked at her out of the corner of his eye and thought that she looked different - changed somehow. He also decided that it wasn't just her new clothes and hair but something else he couldn't quite put his finger on. Whatever it was Scorpius decided he didn't like it. Sikozu seemed overly emotional in his eyes and it made him uncomfortable.
"Scorpius there is something I need to tell you," Sikozu began saying.
Scorpius looked over at her, "Can't it wait until we're aboard the Command Carrier."
"I suppose it can - I wouldn't want you passing out while flying." Sikozu giggled and Scorpius was at a loss.
Sikozu gave Scorpius a kiss on the cheek before settling herself back in her chair. She was filled with impatience for when they would arrive aboard the Command Carrier. She knew she had to tell Scorpius about the pregnancy as soon as possible - she had already seen what it had done to Aeryn and John's relationship by keeping such things a secret. She expected that by the end of this trip Scorpius would be in her arms once more. She had decided to account for his odd behavior due to the strange events that had taken place as of late. She also concluded not to doubt his feelings for her and trust him. Trusting Scorpius was the only surefire way to earn his trust in return. She had even made several little blue pills in anticipation of their alone time together.
'He's been so cold to me but perhaps he just needs me to warm him back up.' Sikozu reassured herself with a smile. 'Maybe I should even tell him about the pills...no I think I'll surprise him!'
***
Scorpius escorted Sikozu down the hallway where Braca was supposed to meet up with them.
Sikozu latched onto Scorpius' arm a moment and sighed in contentment. Scorpius was about to push her away when she let go herself and Scorpius was almost sorry. Sikozu turned around to stand in front of him and face him deciding she couldn't wait to tell Scorpius her news any longer.
"Scorpius I can't stand waiting to tell you," Sikozu began.
Just then Braca was making his way down the hall and coming up behind Sikozu.
"You see Scorpius I- I feel dizzy," Sikozu finished before slumping to the floor unconscious. Braca had injected her with blackout serum from behind.
"Good work Braca," Scorpius praised. "You may take her and begin your research. I am going to *return* Aeryn's prowler among other things."
"Yes sir," Braca smiled lifting Sikozu into his arms. Scorpius found himself suppressing a growl.
"And Braca - don't hurt her." Scorpius warned before walking away.
"Of course not sir," Braca reassured him all too quickly.
***
'I wonder what Sikozu had to say? Probably something along the lines of *I love you Scorpius* or some such foolishness. Love is a soft emotion and can be used against you. That is why I will never allow myself to feel such petty Sebacean emotions as those. I am not as weak as that human John or Aeryn for that matter. If Aeryn were a true soldier she never would have given in to John's boyish advances. I may have felt possessiveness for Sikozu after I had a taste of her flesh but that is as far as my feelings for her go. I won't confuse lust for love.' Scorpius thought to himself on his way to Moya.
***
When Scorpius boarded Moya Aeryn and John were there to greet him just as he'd expected.
"Hey grasshopper, long time no see," John greeted very friendly.
"I see you've finally returned my prowler," Aeryn started, "I hope you haven't damaged it in anyway. I was beginning to get worried."
"You'll see your prowler is in perfect order," Scorpius reassured coming towards her. "Aeryn is there something on your face?"
"Is there?" Aeryn questioned raising a hand to her face.
"Yes, I believe there is," Scorpius said coming even closer. He then pulled out a pulse rifle and pointed it at Aeryn's head causing a red dot to appear on Aeryn's forehead. "My mistake, but there is a red dot on your forehead now."
"Scorpius?" Aeryn gasped.
John pulled out his pulse pistol, "Scorpius what the frell are you doing?"
"I suggest you put that pistol down John before I'm forced to kill Officer Sun," Scorpius warned.
John dropped the pistol to the floor. He could tell this was no joke. "What do you want Scorpius?"
"You know what I want John. I want what's inside your head - the key to wormhole technology."
"Damn it Scorpius, you know I can't give you that."
"Then I'm afraid I'll just have to kill Aeryn and the child she is carrying by you I might add."
"Why are you doing this? Whatever happened to Sikozu? I thought that because of her you would understand that something like this would never work."
"What are you talking about John," Scorpius growled.
"This will never work Scorpius because me and Aeryn love each other. That means we're willing to die for each other as well. Aeryn would rather die than to let herself be used against me. So you see what you're doing is pointless. And you didn't answer my question - what happened to Sikozu?"
"I handed her over to the Peacekeepers. She is no concern of mine."
"You did what?! Scorpius, you think you're so smart but you've made a huge mistake doing that. Man, you can't even figure out for yourself when you're in love. And you are in love Scorpius believe me. So what the frell made you betray Sikozu anyways?"
"She wants a Scarran-Peacekeeper alliance, which I cannot allow, and she's actually the perfect weapon against Scarrans and so needs to be researched."
"Not good enough Scorpius. Darn it, I think she loved you and I was almost sure that you felt the same way. You know what all this is Scorpius - a test. Love is always tested. You claim you don't love Sikozu but whether or not you leave her in the hands of the Peacekeepers will be the Acid Test of your true feelings. Are you really going to let them dissect her just so you'll have a better way to kill Scarrans? You think that love is a weak emotion but you're wrong. If Aeryn didn't love me she'd probably be screaming her head off right now for me to spill the beans to you about wormhole technology. But because she loves me the secret is safe. I pity you Scorpius to find love, which is so hard to come by, and toss it away like trash."
"You heard him Scorpius. I won't be used against John in any way. So what are you going to do - kill me for no good reason or go save Sikozu?"
Scorpius lowered the rifle, "Sikozu has no need to be saved she is in the hands of a man I trust."
"I truly hope you aren't talking about Lieutenant Braca," came a voice.
Scorpius, John and Aeryn turned to see an older looking version of Sikozu.
"Oh yeah, Scorpius this is Serilda Salva Sugashi Shanu," John introduced. "She came to Moya looking for Sikozu a few days ago."
"Actually its Serilda Svala Shanti Sugaysi Shanu but nice try. I'm Sikozu's mother."
"But that's not possible - Sikozu was genetically engineered-" Scorpius objected.
"That was a lie. Sikozu is my daughter. Let's just say you and Sikozu may have more in common than you think. But what's important is that I've been working as a spy for the Organization and I was the one who found out about Prince Seker knowing Sikozu's whereabouts. I also know that it was Braca who told Seker where Sikozu was and that he was paid quite handsomely for that information. I wonder what he did with all those krindars."
"Braca," Scorpius growled. "I left Sikozu in his care."
"You see, Braca's had it in for Sikozu all this time. There's no telling what he'll do to her." Serilda said sadly.
"Aeryn-" Scorpius began.
"Yes you can use my prowler," Aeryn interrupted him. "But you'll have to take me and John with you."
***
Back on the Command Carrier:
"Let me see those tests," Braca demanded of the doctor, who had just finished running the first set of standard medical tests on Sikozu.
"Here you go, sir." The doctor said handing the tests to Braca.
Braca flipped through the pages not really finding anything interesting until-
'My god she's pregnant! It couldn't be Scorpius' child could it? That just might be what she was trying to tell him. I can't let Scorpius find out about this no matter what. She'll have to have an abortion as soon as possible.'
***
Scorpius, John, and Aeryn made their way towards the medical lab research center onboard the Command Carrier. John had decided it was safest to knock out anyone they came across just in case.
"Halt who goes there," An unarmed man stepped into the hallway.
John was about to attack him when Scorpius interceded.
"You there, don't you realize who I am?" Scorpius asked.
"Yes, sir, you're Scorpius, sorry to disturb you, sir." The man stuttered.
Scorpius put his arm around his neck and began to walk him down the hall, "No need to worry." Scorpius then bumped his head into the nearby wall knocking him out cold. "I can see why you chose to be cautious John - to relieve stress."
John scratched the back of his head, "Not exactly but whatever works."
The three continued swiftly down the hall until they came to the door of the lab, which was closed. Scorpius entered the numerical code that was supposed to allow him entrance but the code had been changed.
Scorpius growled and John and Aeryn both pulled out their pulse pistols. Scorpius joined them and together they blasted the door to pieces. Scorpius kicked down what was left before entering to find Sikozu on a medical table about to be operated and Braca looking guilty with a scalpel in his hand.
"What is the meaning of this?" Scorpius snarled stalking up to the already trembling Braca.
"Please sir, allow me to explain." Braca started to back up. "Knowing about the child would have only gotten in the way of your ambitions!" Braca dropped his scalpel, which hit the floor with a clang.
"What child?" Scorpius questioned looking over at Sikozu whose only body part that was exposed for the operation had been her stomach. Scorpius got closer to Braca and suddenly grabbed him by the throat. "I asked you a question Braca."
"She's pregnant with your child," Braca said gagging.
"With my child?" Scorpius asked in a deadly tone. "You were going to kill my child? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't snap your neck right now."
"I was only doing it for you! I even used some of the krindars I got from Seker to bribe the crew to follow you! I've only ever been anything but loyal! Please forgive me!"
"You've been playing sides for too long Braca," Scorpius said before he snapped his neck and threw the limp body aside.
Scorpius then turned to see to Sikozu but was surprised to find John with a pulse rifle to her head.
"John," Scorpius began to walk towards him.
"Stop right there Scorpius or I'll blast her brains out." Scorpius stopped in his tracks. "So how does it feel Scorpius to see the one you love with a pulse rifle pointed to their head, who's carrying a child by you I might add? I want you to promise me you'll never try to use Aeryn against me again or else I can't promise that I won't use Sikozu against you. All is fair in love and war Scorpie. Let's keep our dispute between us - between men."
"Alright John, you win. For once I see things your way. Whatever happens we won't involve the women we love in our affairs." Scorpius consented.
"Did I just hear Scorpius use the 'L' word Aeryn? Too bad Sikozu wasn't awake for that one. Who knows what it'll take for him to say it again!" John smiled and lowered the pulse rifle. "Well, what do you say we wake sleeping beauty?"
Scorpius came over to assist John in waking Sikozu, "You know John that wasn't funny."
"It wasn't meant to be Scorpius. Even a nice guy like me has his limits."
"I'll remember that," Scorpius grinned.
Sikozu slowly opened her eyes to see John and Scorpius hovering over her, "Scorpius! Braca he-" Sikozu tried to say but stopped herself. Would he really believe her anyways? Was the operation over?
"I know Sikozu and I regret having ever trusted him," Scorpius apologized.
"My child?"
"We got here just in time," Scorpius reassured her.
"You know the child is yours - that's what I was trying to tell you before." Sikozu said with a smile.
Scorpius looked back at her perplexed - shouldn't she be angry at his betrayal for handing her over to Braca.
"Sikozu I don't think you understand - I betrayed you."
"I'm sure you had a good reason."
"I handed you over to Braca to stop your Alliance and to research the neurochip in your brain."
"Those *are* pretty good reasons especially if you hate Scarrans. So what changed?" Sikozu asked smiling but she already knew what had changed she could see it in his eyes as he looked at her.
"I realized that I had become the very thing I hated by turning against you. And that my hatred for Scarrans isn't as important as you have become to me. I'm sorry Sikozu I don't expect you to forgive me-"
"Well you should," Sikozu said draping her arms around Scorpius' neck. "Haven't you figured out that I love you yet?" She asked before bringing him into a kiss.
John and Aeryn looked on in shock.
"Hey Aeryn are you seeing what I'm seeing?" John asked Aeryn.
"Yes, and I'd don't believe it either John." Aeryn turned to John and smiled. "John how did you know that I would die for you?"
"I didn't, I was using Reverse Psychology on Scorpius. But hey that's nice to know. What do you say we leave these two love birds alone?"
"Alright John, you may join me for coffee in my prowler when we get back to Moya."
"I'm all for that baby and I'm planning to pass this test with flying colors," John said with a smirk. 'At least she learned something useful while one earth!'
The two left Sikozu and Scorpius alone.
Sikozu pulled back from Scorpius to catch her breath, "Scorpius, so why did you come for me?"
"Which time are you talking about?" Scorpius joked but continued upon seeing Sikozu's stern expression. "I came back for you on the planet Pyrite because I couldn't stand the thought of Seker having you when you were mine. And I came back for you now because I lo- because I lo-"
"Come on, you can say it, repeat after me, 'I love you'"
"You're lucky I love you or else you'd be dead."
"There you said it! See that wasn't so hard! And I love you too Scorpius." Sikozu said brining Scorpius into a heated and passionate kiss.
END
Bonus Chapter 6 coming soon!!!