Disclaimer:
The Farscape name, its characters and story line are all the property of
Jim Henson Production. No infringement is intended this story is simply for
entertainment purposes only.
Rating: NC-13
Spoilers: Seasons 3-4
Setting: "The Beginning of the End" takes place after "Coup by clam" but does not chronologically or episodically follow the series. It tells the story of Aeryn's true origins.
Synopsis: Aeryn and Crichton are finally ready to have a serious go at the relationship "they're not having." Before they can work matters out, the entire crew of Moya is captured by a vengeful Peacekeeper Captain only to be rescued by High Command or so they believe. Once safe on a fabled Sebacean Planet in Tormented Space Aeryn finds out about her true past and Moya's crew find out just who's behind their rescue and why.
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In The Beginning
The Sebacean race consists of several subspecies nearly indistinguishable from one another. The most prevalent subspecies-often deemed "pure" Sebaceans are the Peacekeepers, an oppressive militia created to enforce the peace throughout "The Charted Territories".
Within the Peacekeepers, there are individuals of "pure" Sebacean bloodlines known as the Seekers and Guardians. Seekers and Guardians are born Peacekeepers but are distinguishable by the intense telepathic connection the embryo has with both parents and the healing energy it exerts at birth. The Seekers are also born with the ability to trace time and matter metaphysically. The Guardians are born with the ability to travel through and manipulate time. Once these skills have been mastered, they begin their Peacekeeper training as Juccari Assassins. The Juccari are the most feared regiment within the Peacekeepers. They stand as an invisible line against all enemies of the Peacekeeper regime. However their true loyalties lay with their creators the Premier Sebacean High Council and if ordered by this council they would gladly assassinate any and every member of High Command.
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"The Beginning of the End"
Part One
"Sun's Inferno" Ephitania Copyright 2002
Moya's crew stared silently at the Peacekeeper Command Carrier on Moya's view screen.
"What do we do now?" Chiana breathed, moving closer to D'Argo for security.
John Crichton dropped his arm from Aeryn Sun's waist and stepped forward. He answered without removing his gaze from the screen. "Surrender."
"I will not be imprisoned again!" D'Argo shouted.
"I agree with the Luxan! I've spent over one hundred and thirty cycles in Peacekeeper custody, being tortured and I am not interested in a return engagement." Rygel spat.
Aeryn's quiet reply followed. "I'm considered a traitor and irreversibly contaminated. My sentence will be death. I would rather die by my own hands, before submitting blindly."
Crichton turned an unbelieving gaze upon his comrades. "So what are we saying here people, that we should break out the cyanide capsules?"
"None of us wants to die John, but we are definitely not willing to be captured again, so unless you have a plan, we will not be taken alive. " D'Argo moved away from Chiana, to stand before Pilot's workstation. "Pilot, are we able to starburst yet?"
Pilot's holographic image appeared. "I am sorry but Moya still has another five arns before she's able to starburst again."
"John, look at our situation. Moya can't starburst, we can't outrun a command carrier and none of us wants to be imprisoned or worse killed. We don't have the resources to fight a successful battle. What would you have us do?" Aeryn questioned. She didn't want Crichton in Peacekeeper hands and said as much. "I don't want you tortured for the wormhole technology you carry."
John turned and walked over to Aeryn. He slowly raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek. "Believe me babe, I don't want to be tortured anymore than the rest of you, I've been in that chair and I'm not going back." Crichton's eyes lit excitedly. "That's it!"
"What's it?" D'Argo growled.
"I have a plan." Crichton frowned at the groans that followed. "Hey, if any of you have a plan, please share otherwise shut up and listen! Look High Command want this technology I've got right? So why not bargain with them. I'd think this technology is worth say seven lives, five actually. Pilot, seal the doors and access shafts to your tier. The rest of us will scatter. We know this ship a hell of a lot better than they do and unless they unleash the bloodhounds we're pretty okay. Let's hit the entrails people and stay hidden as long as possible. Keep your comms open and we'll be able to hear when each of us is captured. If we're good, the time it takes them to find us and try to unseal Pilot's Tier will give Moya the time she needs. Pilot once we're taken aboard the command carrier, you and Moya get the hell out of here."
What about all of you?" The thought of loosing the entire crew yet again was frightening for both Pilot and Moya. "If we starburst how will we find each other?"
"We'll find you like before. Listen guys, we're running out of time, don't fight them; let them take you into custody. We can figure an escape once we're all together. They won't kill us. They want what we can offer." John's pulse was racing sixty metras an arn; he was trying his best to keep his friends and the woman he loved from killing themselves. "Well, agreed?" he held his breath and waited for the explosion, it didn't take long.
"That's your plan? Let them capture us and escape later? And when they're not looking, Pilot and Moya starburst and we find them later? That is a stupid plan." D'Argo snorted.
Aeryn raised her hands to stop D'argo's tirade. "John's plan is not that bad, actually. Our only other recourse is to die. They shouldn't be too suspicious; unlike last time we won't be waving a white flag. They'll have to hunt us. Besides we're running out time."
Pilot's voice rang out frantically. "We're out of time, Peacekeepers are boarding Moya!"
"Pilot once half of us are taken, slowly raise the temperature. That will slow them down a bit." Aeryn instructed Pilot.
John didn't like that part of plan. The thought of Aeryn even suffering a little from the heat made him uncomfortable. "Aeryn I don't know about the heat thing."
D'Argo began to argue, but was interrupted abruptly by Aeryn. "D'Argo, I know the Peacekeepers better than any of you. If they capture us unarmed, we will all survive. I would suggest Chiana be the first captured, then Rygel. Once they have them you should be next D'Argo leaving me and john." She knew what was next and headed the argument off. "I will not succumb to heat delirium in five arns. I will go then John. We know for sure, that they will not stop until they have him. By the time John is captured the heat should be high enough to stall any attempt to get to Pilot, at least for a few hundred microts giving them time to starburst."
After a moment D'Argo nodded his acceptance. Rygel and Chiana agreed. "Well Pilot, it looks like this is goodbye for now." Aeryn spoke quietly.
"Farewell to you all" Pilot watch them scatter and with the help of the DRDs began the process of sealing off his tier. The thought of being alone again left him afraid and instantly lonely, he could feel Moya's anxiety as well.
FIVE SOLAR DAYS LATER.
"Sir?"
"Yes Officer Roque?" Suddath turned from the prisoners, he'd brought them all before him hoping that the pain of one would induce the others to tell him where the Leviathan was. The frelling ship had starburst while his men were trying to figure out a way around the heat that had permeated the ship's bowels. Suddath was aware of the group's alliance with Bialar Crais and Scorpious; both like Officer Sun were traitors. How fortunate for Captain Crais his death preceded his court marshal, the others would not be so lucky. He chose Aeryn Sun as an example. She was placed in a heated chamber, effectively inducing the beginning of Sebacean Heat Delirium. Suddath had questioned the others while they watched Officer Sun succumb to the heat. All were extremely hostile and angry, especially John Crichton, twice he'd tried to attack the nearest officer in order to get to Sun, leading the captain to believe that there was more between Crichton and Sun than friendship. If that was true then Officer Sun had committed the ultimate offense by seeking a male outside of the Sebacean race. She would definitely die for such an act of betrayal.
"Sir?" Officer Roque called again.
"What is it?" Suddath glared, angry at the interruption.
"Sir, we've just received word that the admiral's command carrier is sending a marauder ahead to pick up the prisoners."
"When is it due to arrive?" Suddath asked. If the Marauder arrived too soon, he would be unable to get the information Commandant Grayza desired.
The chilling softness of Suddath's voice caused the young officer to swallow convulsively. "The marauder will be arriving in three solar days, sir."
"Three days, well let's see if we can break a few spirits. Put the prisoners in holding together!" Suddath turned and left without further discussion, he would need to contact Grayza and update her on this news.
Roque turned to her lieutenant as they led the prisoners to the holding tier. "Why does he want them together, they weren't before."
Lieutenant Kitasch shrugged. "I have no idea Officer Roque. Maybe he's hoping they will talk amongst themselves and give away the Leviathan's location, or maybe he just wants them to see Sun's plight up close. No matter what it is, it is not our place to question him." Kitasch watched the prisoners, paying close attention to Officer Sun's condition. Suddath was mad, another go in the heated chamber and he would drive Officer Sun into the "Living Death" and they would all pay dearly if that happened.
Crichton was the first to reach Aeryn as she was led out of the chamber. He swept her up into his arms as her legs buckled under her. He cradled her tightly against his chest carrying her to the holding cell and settling her convulsing body upon one of the cots." Can't you guys cool things off some? You almost killed her and if we don't get her temperature down you will succeed. that happens and you can kiss the wormhole technology goodbye!" He glared at the Peacekeepers through the shatterproof glass of their cell.
"Officer Roque you may go." Kitasch dismissed the other officers as well. Once they'd left, he turned to the prisoners. "Unfortunately for Officer Sun the heat will not kill her, that would be a blessing."
"So you just want her too suffer the "Living Death" is that it?" Crichton's gazed traveled over Aeryn's flushed face.
D'Argo glared at Kitasch and growled. "You can torture each and everyone one of us and we still won't be able to tell you where Moya is."
"D'argo's right! How can we tell you something we don't know?" Chiana's voice cracked with anxiety and fear. She watched as Crichton removed Aeryn's cloths, stripping the beautiful Sebacean down to her underwear. It was daunting to see Aeryn this weak. The ex-Peacekeeper had always seemed unshakeable.
Rygel sat on the cot next to Aeryn, still fuming over the loss of his chair. He'd watched as they'd tortured Aeryn and could only empathize, having been tortured by Peacekeepers himself. Over the past five cycles, he'd come to almost view Aeryn as a daughter, definitely a friend. He vowed the time would come when he'd make them pay for this torture as well as his own.
"All of you calm down! The Ta'al .Officer Sun will be fine." Kitasch cursed under his breath. He'd almost given away everything with two words. He finished adjusting the temperature and watched Aeryn's body calmed its spasms as cool air blasted into the room and began to chill her overheated cells.
Crichton gently pressed his lips to Aeryn's forehead. " Good her temperature is dropping."
D'Argo always suspicious stared at the Lieutenant. "What is this, more torture? Will you turn the heat up higher the next time you throw her in that frelling chamber?"
"No Luxan. I'm trying to keep her alive." Kitasch watched Aeryn's high color fade slowly. "Contrary to what you all believe, not every Peacekeeper believes officer Sun is a traitor".
Chiana twisted her head to the side. "What do you mean? Aeryn has her own fanclub?"
"No! I've told you enough. You have air and you'll have food soon. Do not try to escape. If you do Officer Sun will be returned to the Heat Chamber and I will be helpless to stop it. They will also come for the Nebari girl next."
D'Argo reared up, hissing. "It is torture! I knew it." He slammed his hands against the shatterproof viewing window.
Kitasch interrupted. " It is not! You have three solar days left. I suggest you use them wisely and not in some foolish pursuit of escaping." He turned and left the small control room outside of the cell.
"Three days. Then what?" Chiana's quavering voice rang through the silent cell.
An equally unsteady voice answered. "Then we die?" Aeryn's voice, just barely above a whisper was quite clear.
"No Aeryn, Officer Roque said that High Command was sending a marauder." Crichton brushed the hair away from Aeryn's face.
"And just what do you think High Command is going to do John invite us to dinner?" Came the slightly slurred, sarcastic remark.
"No Aeryn, I don't think dinner plans are in the making, but if they just wanted us dead, we'd be in body bags by now." Crichton answered.
"Not necessarily, if they think there is still some information to be rooted out. Point of fact, they still don't know where Moya is." D'Argo walked over to Aeryn's cot. He stooped down and leaned closer to her. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel like dren." Aeryn replied. "They will be back, you know. Captain Suddath is known for his viciousness."
"You heard Kitasch, he said we had three solar days!" Chiana was becoming more desperate and frantic at the possibility of death. She had no wish to die and watching Aeryn's torture had only brought her closer to the edge of despair. "I don't want to die." Had she spoken that out loud?
Crichton's soft answer was proof that she had. "None of us do Pip. We've got to figure out some sort of plan."
"A plan? We're on a Command Carrier on the edge of The Uncharted Territories and Tormented Space, surrounded by Peacekeepers. Did I also forget to mention the Scarran bounty hunters on our emas as well?" D'Argo stood in the middle of the cell gesturing wildly. These were not only his friends they also relied on him as their captain and he was powerless to help them. How could he have let them take Aeryn? She may be an ex- Peacekeeper, but she was still a Sabacean woman in need of protection.
Aeryn moved to sit up but her body still unsteady, refused to comply and she ended flat on her back. Slamming her fist into the cot and squeezing her eyes shut against her screaming muscles, she yelled. "Frell!"
"Give it time Aeryn." Crichton pressed her down when she tried to rise again. "I want you to rest." He moved his hand down her face. "Close your eyes and sleep a bit."
"I don't want to sleep." Aeryn tried to push up against Crichton's hands, but in her current condition found them immovable. "Crichton let me up!"
"No Aeryn, lie down and sleep. Chiana would you please come and sit with Aeryn for a while. " Crichton shoved Aeryn none to gently until she lay flat on her back. " Sleep, please?" Aeryn gave in to the exhaustion as well as Crichton's plea. Sleep hit her long before Chiana settled on the cot next to her.
Crichton joined D'Argo across the cell. "We've gotta so something D, Aeryn won't survive another go in the Heat Chamber."
"I know John, but we're under tight surveillance. We would need an outside distraction. With all of us in here and Moya, juka knows where, the chances of that are gone." D'Argo spoke quietly as not to disturb Aeryn.
"You think Kitasch might be interested in giving us a hand in escaping?" Crichton asked; knowing the answer before it was given.
"Kitasch has already extended himself as far as he's going to. "
"Yeah, but why? Why is he so interested in Aeryn's welfare? What was it he said?" Crichton asked his gaze flicked from D'Argo to Aeryn.
"That he was trying to keep her alive." D'Argo answered.
Chiana joined in. "Don't forget her fanclub!"
"Right Pip, Kitasch said that not all of the Peacekeepers believe that Aeryn is a traitor. Maybe we can weed out some of these sympathizers." Crichton glanced around the cell again trying to detect some kind of surveillance.
"That is the best thing you've said since we were brought aboard." D'Argo shook his head in bemusement. "The only problem is, what Peacekeeper is so sympathetic that they'd risk death in order to help us?" Silence was his only answer.
Chiana sat staring down at Aeryn's sleeping form. Was she sleep or completely unconscious. If they were still on Moya, Chiana would have taken this moment to play a prank on the ex Peacekeeper, but they weren't on Moya and Aeryn wasn't sleeping because she was just tired. She was practically unconscious. She spoke out loud not realizing it. "What does Tal mean?"
D'Argo and Crichton both turned to stare at Chiana. "What?"
Chiana realized that she had spoken out loud and repeated her thoughts. "Kitasch called Aeryn Tal. He said that Tal.Officer Sun would be fine. What does Tal mean and why did he stop mid-sentence and switch to Officer Sun? Chiana glanced down at Aeryn, making sure she was still sleeping. "Do you think it's another word for traitor.
Crichton shrugged. "I've never heard the word, though that's not saying much. How about you D?"
D'Argo shook his head. "No".
A voice that had remained silent throughout the entire exchange spoke clearly. "The word is Ta'al and it is not another name for traitor. It's on the other end of the spectrum actually." Rygel paused for dramatic affect. "Ta'al means Princess. It is a Sebacean title, but a powerful one none the less." Rygel stared down at Aeryn's sleeping form. "Huh".
"Princess?" Crichton asked Rygel.
"Princess!" D'Argo shouted at Rygel.
"Princess?" Chiana stared at Rygel as though he'd lost all of his faculties.
Rygel summoned all the royal indignation he had in his small frame. "What? Is there an echo in here? Ta'al means Princess. Kitasch referred to Aeryn as Ta'al, Princess!"
"Aeryn a Princess? No frelling way! Chiana laughed. "Kitasch must be megra farbot, to even think such a thing!"
"Quiet down Pip." Crichton turned to Rygel. "What do you know about Sebacean Ta'als?"
"Just that the line is called Ta'a and it starts with Ta'aj or king, his mate Ta'ar or Queen and their offspring Ta'aq and Ta'al, the Prince and Princess." Rygel educated the group, feeling more self-important than ever.
"Why haven't we heard of these figureheads before?" Crichton asked, surprised that in all the time he'd been running from and fighting the Peacekeepers, he had never heard of Sebacean Royalty.
Rygel continued. "The Sebacean line of Ta'a is hardly a figurehead. The Ta'a are quite powerful. They created both Sebacean High Council and Peacekeeper High Command. You'll usually find them sitting at the head of both."
"Aeryn never mentioned family royalty. Not that she talks to me anyway." Chiana muttered.
"Because she's not! She was born a Peacekeeper, on a Command Carrier!" D'Argo growled. Refusing to believe that Aeryn could be anything but the warrior and friend he'd grown to care for over the past five cycles. "Obviously Kitasch was mistaken. We need to concentrate on finding those sympathizers."
"Yeah, D'argo's got it. We need to." Crichton broke off as two Peacekeepers brought their meals. Once they were gone he continued on. "We need to get Kitasch alone."
"How?" Rygel barked, grabbing for his food.
"When he comes next time, we'll just mention the word Ta'al and see where he leads. If it was a mistake he'll want to speak to us, at least to tell us to shut up."
"Once again Crichton, that is a horrible plan". Rygel spat between bites.
"Well Sparky, if you have a better plan, for that matter if any of you have a better plan now is as good a time as any to lay it on me." Crichton grabbed two trays, gestured for Chiana to move away from Aeryn's cot and took her place. "I suggest that we all eat and get some rest."
"Agreed!" D'Argo decided to follow Crichton's suggestion. They would need their strength. He had no intentions on letting them take Aeryn back to the Heat Chamber, nor would he let them take Chiana without a fight. Tomorrow might be his last.
However, it proved uneventful, no interrogation and no Kitasch. The only Peacekeepers to enter the cell were grunts delivering meals and a surgeon to check on Aeryn; all clearly felt that Aeryn was a traitor to her race! The crew had run into a dead end.
Two Solar days later.
Moya's crew watched warily as Aeryn Sun was separated from their group. She stood in the center of a large Peacekeeper symbol that decorated the floor.
Suddath drew his gun and began circling Aeryn. His every word laced with venom. "Well.well.well, Officer Sun, you seem to have made a remarkable recovery, tell me have you had time to reflect on your past actions?"
Aeryn stood at attention, perfectly still, only her eyes followed Suddath's movements. "Which actions?"
Suddath gestured to one of the officers standing behind him. The soldier handed him a long thin black rod. Most of Moya's crew was unfamiliar with this object, but two of the crew knew exactly what it was. Rygel stared in horror, Aeryn in disdain.
"What the Hezzmana is that? Crichton whispered.
"I have no." D'Argo began but was quickly interrupted.
"It's a Krolinar-Tacleth. A torture device; It's what they use on their own when they fail." Rygel spat, he didn't bother to tell the others that Durka had used it on him several times. "Barbarians"
"Okay, so that tells me what it is. What exactly does it do?" Again an interruption but this time it came in the form of a loud crackling noise as Suddath activated the device. Crichton stared in horror as Suddath moved closer to Aeryn, pointing the device at her.
"I'll ask again, Officer Sun. Have you had time to reflect on your past actions?" Suddath's voice purred with the excitement of causing pain. He remembered the past. It was not the past the others thought. Suddath was referring to his and Aeryn's personal past. During Peacekeeper training Aeryn had dared to refuse his overtures of passion, even giving him a sound beating when his advances became physically demanding. Everyone had known about the incident, he'd lost the respect of both his Commanding and fellow Officers. Suddath found himself the brunt of more than one joke as a result. He owed all his past humiliation to her. He also owed her for the lust that was even now coursing through his body and he would see that she paid for all of it!
Aeryn stared at Suddath; she too remembered the past and was well aware that it was their past and not her defection from the Peacekeepers that drove Suddath's hate. She would not fall under his steady torture; she would meet it and him head on. "I have reflected."
"And?"
"And I would do it all over again, the exact same way!" Aeryn spat every word at Suddath with all the venom she could muster.
However, it wasn't the words that drove Suddath to slap the rod onto Aeryn's skin, it was the disdain in her eyes. How dare she look at him as though he were nothing. Here she stood; a traitor to all she knew and still had the nerve to look both beautiful and untouchable. He would touch her and he'd make her beg for mercy when he did.
Aeryn held her scream inside, managing one defiant sentence. " I...I still wou.wouldn't change it!" Her knees almost gave way with the second application of the Krolinar. As she doubled over with internal cramping caused by the intense heat of the Krolinar, she noticed both D'Argo and Crichton poised to attack. With an almost imperceptible shake of her head, she managed to stop them. She could tell that they weren't happy about it, but any attempt would only result in their death.
Suddath leaned closer to Aeryn and whispered in her ear, "Very good Aeryn, we wouldn't want the Luxan and your precious human to die. Will you beg me for your life?" He waited for her reply and when none was forthcoming he continued speaking. "No? Well how about John Crichton, will you beg me for his life?" He punctuated the sentence by rolling the Krolinar up her lower back. He watched salaciously as beads of sweat began to roll profusely down Aeryn's face and she began panting. The Krolinar was made specifically for Sebacean discipline and torture. When placed against the skin of a Sebacean, the Krolinar raised the body temperature to dangerous levels, literally boiling the blood.
Suddath suddenly turned toward the rest of Aeryn's comrades. He must keep up appearances for his crew and the prisoners. "Now where did the questioning leave off? Oh yes, where did the Leviathan and it's Pilot go?"
Chiana moved forward an inch. "We don't know! We already told you Moya starburst on her own." Her voice lowered an octave. "She does that from time to time, ya know."
"So none of you know where the Leviathan is? I would really like to believe that but I don't so." Suddath turned once more towards Aeryn, applying the Krolinar again, this time leaving it in place until Aeryn already weak from the last few rounds of torture, fell to her knees in agony.
"Suddath knock it off! You're killing her!" Crichton shouted, pulling against the restraining hands of the Peacekeepers.
Suddath turned to face Crichton once more. "You, human are more trouble than you're worth." Suddath lifted his left hand, which still held the pulse pistol and aimed it directly at Crichton's head. The entire room watched as the gun charged to fire.
Aeryn moved to stand but faltered, instead she simply reached out to grab the pistol. "Suddath! Nooo!"
Suddath snatched his arm away, disengaged the weapon, spun towards Aeryn and spat. "You would dare plead for this creature?" How dare she prefer this alien to her own kind. She would pay dearly for that.
"Just how far will you go to save his miserable life?" Leaning closer he whispered in her ear, at her nod he turned to his lieutenant. "Kitasch, take the prisoners to their cell". You all have Officer Sun to thank for your reprieve, as well as your lives. At least that is until the marauder arrives." He handed the Krolinar to the officer closest to him.
Crichton lunged once more for Suddath only to be yanked back by over zealous Peacekeeper soldiers. "Suddath! What did you make her agree to?"
Suddath moved to stand nose to nose with Crichton. "Why, I didn't make her agree to anything. I merely suggested that your last solar day with us could be spent in comfort or pain. The choice was hers; she simply chose to keep you happy and safe. You see how she cares for you." He walked back to Aeryn and reached down to help her to her feet. As she stood, Suddath drew his hand up caressing her face, then letting it roam its way down her torso.
Aeryn's eyes caught John's and in that moment, Aeryn believed that what she had chosen to do was well worth this man's life. She could not let them harm one hair on John's body, not again. "John please."
Suddath jerked Aeryn around to face him. "I'm sure John Crichton is more than thankful. Take them to their cell!" his voice lowered considerably, leaving no one in doubt of his intentions where Aeryn was concerned. "Take Officer Sun to my quarters".
"Suddath, you bastard! Don't you dare touch her! Aeryn!" Crichton rushed the guards in an attempt to get to both Aeryn and Suddath; the guards reacted immediately, knocking Crichton to his knees.
Suddath pointed his pistol at Crichton once more. "I can always kill you now."
Aeryn stepped into the pistol's line of fire. "Suddath! You and I had a deal!"
Suddath reached out and dragged Aeryn up against his chest forcing her head back by grabbing a handful of her long hair. "Deal? No my dear. That wasn't a deal, you simply humor me and I do enjoy a good trelk every now and again but how good a trelk are you?" Suddath ground his mouth into hers, pressing her lips so hard against her teeth, that Aeryn tasted blood. When she opened her mouth to gasp for breath, Suddath thrust his tongue into her mouth. Aeryn managed to clamp down on the offending appendage. Suddath snatched his head away. Spitting blood, he snarled. "Then again I've decided to make Crichton watch you beg for death, then I'll kill him."
It wasn't this statement that caused everyone in the room to gasp in awe. It was the soft but lethal answer. "Oh I don't think so Captain. Crichton is wanted alive and in good health as are Ka D'argo, Dominar Rygel the sixteenth, Chiana the Nebari and the defector Officer Aeryn Sun. it would not be wise to kill any of them for then I would have the pleasure of killing you."
All heads turned to stare at the tall, beautiful raven haired Peacekeeper, who'd spoken so quietly. The bars on her uniform effectively placed her rank high above Suddath's. Though she appeared dangerous, it was the man standing next to her that made Suddath visibly uneasy.
TO BE CONTINUED..
Rating: NC-13
Spoilers: Seasons 3-4
Setting: "The Beginning of the End" takes place after "Coup by clam" but does not chronologically or episodically follow the series. It tells the story of Aeryn's true origins.
Synopsis: Aeryn and Crichton are finally ready to have a serious go at the relationship "they're not having." Before they can work matters out, the entire crew of Moya is captured by a vengeful Peacekeeper Captain only to be rescued by High Command or so they believe. Once safe on a fabled Sebacean Planet in Tormented Space Aeryn finds out about her true past and Moya's crew find out just who's behind their rescue and why.
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In The Beginning
The Sebacean race consists of several subspecies nearly indistinguishable from one another. The most prevalent subspecies-often deemed "pure" Sebaceans are the Peacekeepers, an oppressive militia created to enforce the peace throughout "The Charted Territories".
Within the Peacekeepers, there are individuals of "pure" Sebacean bloodlines known as the Seekers and Guardians. Seekers and Guardians are born Peacekeepers but are distinguishable by the intense telepathic connection the embryo has with both parents and the healing energy it exerts at birth. The Seekers are also born with the ability to trace time and matter metaphysically. The Guardians are born with the ability to travel through and manipulate time. Once these skills have been mastered, they begin their Peacekeeper training as Juccari Assassins. The Juccari are the most feared regiment within the Peacekeepers. They stand as an invisible line against all enemies of the Peacekeeper regime. However their true loyalties lay with their creators the Premier Sebacean High Council and if ordered by this council they would gladly assassinate any and every member of High Command.
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"The Beginning of the End"
Part One
"Sun's Inferno" Ephitania Copyright 2002
Moya's crew stared silently at the Peacekeeper Command Carrier on Moya's view screen.
"What do we do now?" Chiana breathed, moving closer to D'Argo for security.
John Crichton dropped his arm from Aeryn Sun's waist and stepped forward. He answered without removing his gaze from the screen. "Surrender."
"I will not be imprisoned again!" D'Argo shouted.
"I agree with the Luxan! I've spent over one hundred and thirty cycles in Peacekeeper custody, being tortured and I am not interested in a return engagement." Rygel spat.
Aeryn's quiet reply followed. "I'm considered a traitor and irreversibly contaminated. My sentence will be death. I would rather die by my own hands, before submitting blindly."
Crichton turned an unbelieving gaze upon his comrades. "So what are we saying here people, that we should break out the cyanide capsules?"
"None of us wants to die John, but we are definitely not willing to be captured again, so unless you have a plan, we will not be taken alive. " D'Argo moved away from Chiana, to stand before Pilot's workstation. "Pilot, are we able to starburst yet?"
Pilot's holographic image appeared. "I am sorry but Moya still has another five arns before she's able to starburst again."
"John, look at our situation. Moya can't starburst, we can't outrun a command carrier and none of us wants to be imprisoned or worse killed. We don't have the resources to fight a successful battle. What would you have us do?" Aeryn questioned. She didn't want Crichton in Peacekeeper hands and said as much. "I don't want you tortured for the wormhole technology you carry."
John turned and walked over to Aeryn. He slowly raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek. "Believe me babe, I don't want to be tortured anymore than the rest of you, I've been in that chair and I'm not going back." Crichton's eyes lit excitedly. "That's it!"
"What's it?" D'Argo growled.
"I have a plan." Crichton frowned at the groans that followed. "Hey, if any of you have a plan, please share otherwise shut up and listen! Look High Command want this technology I've got right? So why not bargain with them. I'd think this technology is worth say seven lives, five actually. Pilot, seal the doors and access shafts to your tier. The rest of us will scatter. We know this ship a hell of a lot better than they do and unless they unleash the bloodhounds we're pretty okay. Let's hit the entrails people and stay hidden as long as possible. Keep your comms open and we'll be able to hear when each of us is captured. If we're good, the time it takes them to find us and try to unseal Pilot's Tier will give Moya the time she needs. Pilot once we're taken aboard the command carrier, you and Moya get the hell out of here."
What about all of you?" The thought of loosing the entire crew yet again was frightening for both Pilot and Moya. "If we starburst how will we find each other?"
"We'll find you like before. Listen guys, we're running out of time, don't fight them; let them take you into custody. We can figure an escape once we're all together. They won't kill us. They want what we can offer." John's pulse was racing sixty metras an arn; he was trying his best to keep his friends and the woman he loved from killing themselves. "Well, agreed?" he held his breath and waited for the explosion, it didn't take long.
"That's your plan? Let them capture us and escape later? And when they're not looking, Pilot and Moya starburst and we find them later? That is a stupid plan." D'Argo snorted.
Aeryn raised her hands to stop D'argo's tirade. "John's plan is not that bad, actually. Our only other recourse is to die. They shouldn't be too suspicious; unlike last time we won't be waving a white flag. They'll have to hunt us. Besides we're running out time."
Pilot's voice rang out frantically. "We're out of time, Peacekeepers are boarding Moya!"
"Pilot once half of us are taken, slowly raise the temperature. That will slow them down a bit." Aeryn instructed Pilot.
John didn't like that part of plan. The thought of Aeryn even suffering a little from the heat made him uncomfortable. "Aeryn I don't know about the heat thing."
D'Argo began to argue, but was interrupted abruptly by Aeryn. "D'Argo, I know the Peacekeepers better than any of you. If they capture us unarmed, we will all survive. I would suggest Chiana be the first captured, then Rygel. Once they have them you should be next D'Argo leaving me and john." She knew what was next and headed the argument off. "I will not succumb to heat delirium in five arns. I will go then John. We know for sure, that they will not stop until they have him. By the time John is captured the heat should be high enough to stall any attempt to get to Pilot, at least for a few hundred microts giving them time to starburst."
After a moment D'Argo nodded his acceptance. Rygel and Chiana agreed. "Well Pilot, it looks like this is goodbye for now." Aeryn spoke quietly.
"Farewell to you all" Pilot watch them scatter and with the help of the DRDs began the process of sealing off his tier. The thought of being alone again left him afraid and instantly lonely, he could feel Moya's anxiety as well.
FIVE SOLAR DAYS LATER.
"Sir?"
"Yes Officer Roque?" Suddath turned from the prisoners, he'd brought them all before him hoping that the pain of one would induce the others to tell him where the Leviathan was. The frelling ship had starburst while his men were trying to figure out a way around the heat that had permeated the ship's bowels. Suddath was aware of the group's alliance with Bialar Crais and Scorpious; both like Officer Sun were traitors. How fortunate for Captain Crais his death preceded his court marshal, the others would not be so lucky. He chose Aeryn Sun as an example. She was placed in a heated chamber, effectively inducing the beginning of Sebacean Heat Delirium. Suddath had questioned the others while they watched Officer Sun succumb to the heat. All were extremely hostile and angry, especially John Crichton, twice he'd tried to attack the nearest officer in order to get to Sun, leading the captain to believe that there was more between Crichton and Sun than friendship. If that was true then Officer Sun had committed the ultimate offense by seeking a male outside of the Sebacean race. She would definitely die for such an act of betrayal.
"Sir?" Officer Roque called again.
"What is it?" Suddath glared, angry at the interruption.
"Sir, we've just received word that the admiral's command carrier is sending a marauder ahead to pick up the prisoners."
"When is it due to arrive?" Suddath asked. If the Marauder arrived too soon, he would be unable to get the information Commandant Grayza desired.
The chilling softness of Suddath's voice caused the young officer to swallow convulsively. "The marauder will be arriving in three solar days, sir."
"Three days, well let's see if we can break a few spirits. Put the prisoners in holding together!" Suddath turned and left without further discussion, he would need to contact Grayza and update her on this news.
Roque turned to her lieutenant as they led the prisoners to the holding tier. "Why does he want them together, they weren't before."
Lieutenant Kitasch shrugged. "I have no idea Officer Roque. Maybe he's hoping they will talk amongst themselves and give away the Leviathan's location, or maybe he just wants them to see Sun's plight up close. No matter what it is, it is not our place to question him." Kitasch watched the prisoners, paying close attention to Officer Sun's condition. Suddath was mad, another go in the heated chamber and he would drive Officer Sun into the "Living Death" and they would all pay dearly if that happened.
Crichton was the first to reach Aeryn as she was led out of the chamber. He swept her up into his arms as her legs buckled under her. He cradled her tightly against his chest carrying her to the holding cell and settling her convulsing body upon one of the cots." Can't you guys cool things off some? You almost killed her and if we don't get her temperature down you will succeed. that happens and you can kiss the wormhole technology goodbye!" He glared at the Peacekeepers through the shatterproof glass of their cell.
"Officer Roque you may go." Kitasch dismissed the other officers as well. Once they'd left, he turned to the prisoners. "Unfortunately for Officer Sun the heat will not kill her, that would be a blessing."
"So you just want her too suffer the "Living Death" is that it?" Crichton's gazed traveled over Aeryn's flushed face.
D'Argo glared at Kitasch and growled. "You can torture each and everyone one of us and we still won't be able to tell you where Moya is."
"D'argo's right! How can we tell you something we don't know?" Chiana's voice cracked with anxiety and fear. She watched as Crichton removed Aeryn's cloths, stripping the beautiful Sebacean down to her underwear. It was daunting to see Aeryn this weak. The ex-Peacekeeper had always seemed unshakeable.
Rygel sat on the cot next to Aeryn, still fuming over the loss of his chair. He'd watched as they'd tortured Aeryn and could only empathize, having been tortured by Peacekeepers himself. Over the past five cycles, he'd come to almost view Aeryn as a daughter, definitely a friend. He vowed the time would come when he'd make them pay for this torture as well as his own.
"All of you calm down! The Ta'al .Officer Sun will be fine." Kitasch cursed under his breath. He'd almost given away everything with two words. He finished adjusting the temperature and watched Aeryn's body calmed its spasms as cool air blasted into the room and began to chill her overheated cells.
Crichton gently pressed his lips to Aeryn's forehead. " Good her temperature is dropping."
D'Argo always suspicious stared at the Lieutenant. "What is this, more torture? Will you turn the heat up higher the next time you throw her in that frelling chamber?"
"No Luxan. I'm trying to keep her alive." Kitasch watched Aeryn's high color fade slowly. "Contrary to what you all believe, not every Peacekeeper believes officer Sun is a traitor".
Chiana twisted her head to the side. "What do you mean? Aeryn has her own fanclub?"
"No! I've told you enough. You have air and you'll have food soon. Do not try to escape. If you do Officer Sun will be returned to the Heat Chamber and I will be helpless to stop it. They will also come for the Nebari girl next."
D'Argo reared up, hissing. "It is torture! I knew it." He slammed his hands against the shatterproof viewing window.
Kitasch interrupted. " It is not! You have three solar days left. I suggest you use them wisely and not in some foolish pursuit of escaping." He turned and left the small control room outside of the cell.
"Three days. Then what?" Chiana's quavering voice rang through the silent cell.
An equally unsteady voice answered. "Then we die?" Aeryn's voice, just barely above a whisper was quite clear.
"No Aeryn, Officer Roque said that High Command was sending a marauder." Crichton brushed the hair away from Aeryn's face.
"And just what do you think High Command is going to do John invite us to dinner?" Came the slightly slurred, sarcastic remark.
"No Aeryn, I don't think dinner plans are in the making, but if they just wanted us dead, we'd be in body bags by now." Crichton answered.
"Not necessarily, if they think there is still some information to be rooted out. Point of fact, they still don't know where Moya is." D'Argo walked over to Aeryn's cot. He stooped down and leaned closer to her. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel like dren." Aeryn replied. "They will be back, you know. Captain Suddath is known for his viciousness."
"You heard Kitasch, he said we had three solar days!" Chiana was becoming more desperate and frantic at the possibility of death. She had no wish to die and watching Aeryn's torture had only brought her closer to the edge of despair. "I don't want to die." Had she spoken that out loud?
Crichton's soft answer was proof that she had. "None of us do Pip. We've got to figure out some sort of plan."
"A plan? We're on a Command Carrier on the edge of The Uncharted Territories and Tormented Space, surrounded by Peacekeepers. Did I also forget to mention the Scarran bounty hunters on our emas as well?" D'Argo stood in the middle of the cell gesturing wildly. These were not only his friends they also relied on him as their captain and he was powerless to help them. How could he have let them take Aeryn? She may be an ex- Peacekeeper, but she was still a Sabacean woman in need of protection.
Aeryn moved to sit up but her body still unsteady, refused to comply and she ended flat on her back. Slamming her fist into the cot and squeezing her eyes shut against her screaming muscles, she yelled. "Frell!"
"Give it time Aeryn." Crichton pressed her down when she tried to rise again. "I want you to rest." He moved his hand down her face. "Close your eyes and sleep a bit."
"I don't want to sleep." Aeryn tried to push up against Crichton's hands, but in her current condition found them immovable. "Crichton let me up!"
"No Aeryn, lie down and sleep. Chiana would you please come and sit with Aeryn for a while. " Crichton shoved Aeryn none to gently until she lay flat on her back. " Sleep, please?" Aeryn gave in to the exhaustion as well as Crichton's plea. Sleep hit her long before Chiana settled on the cot next to her.
Crichton joined D'Argo across the cell. "We've gotta so something D, Aeryn won't survive another go in the Heat Chamber."
"I know John, but we're under tight surveillance. We would need an outside distraction. With all of us in here and Moya, juka knows where, the chances of that are gone." D'Argo spoke quietly as not to disturb Aeryn.
"You think Kitasch might be interested in giving us a hand in escaping?" Crichton asked; knowing the answer before it was given.
"Kitasch has already extended himself as far as he's going to. "
"Yeah, but why? Why is he so interested in Aeryn's welfare? What was it he said?" Crichton asked his gaze flicked from D'Argo to Aeryn.
"That he was trying to keep her alive." D'Argo answered.
Chiana joined in. "Don't forget her fanclub!"
"Right Pip, Kitasch said that not all of the Peacekeepers believe that Aeryn is a traitor. Maybe we can weed out some of these sympathizers." Crichton glanced around the cell again trying to detect some kind of surveillance.
"That is the best thing you've said since we were brought aboard." D'Argo shook his head in bemusement. "The only problem is, what Peacekeeper is so sympathetic that they'd risk death in order to help us?" Silence was his only answer.
Chiana sat staring down at Aeryn's sleeping form. Was she sleep or completely unconscious. If they were still on Moya, Chiana would have taken this moment to play a prank on the ex Peacekeeper, but they weren't on Moya and Aeryn wasn't sleeping because she was just tired. She was practically unconscious. She spoke out loud not realizing it. "What does Tal mean?"
D'Argo and Crichton both turned to stare at Chiana. "What?"
Chiana realized that she had spoken out loud and repeated her thoughts. "Kitasch called Aeryn Tal. He said that Tal.Officer Sun would be fine. What does Tal mean and why did he stop mid-sentence and switch to Officer Sun? Chiana glanced down at Aeryn, making sure she was still sleeping. "Do you think it's another word for traitor.
Crichton shrugged. "I've never heard the word, though that's not saying much. How about you D?"
D'Argo shook his head. "No".
A voice that had remained silent throughout the entire exchange spoke clearly. "The word is Ta'al and it is not another name for traitor. It's on the other end of the spectrum actually." Rygel paused for dramatic affect. "Ta'al means Princess. It is a Sebacean title, but a powerful one none the less." Rygel stared down at Aeryn's sleeping form. "Huh".
"Princess?" Crichton asked Rygel.
"Princess!" D'Argo shouted at Rygel.
"Princess?" Chiana stared at Rygel as though he'd lost all of his faculties.
Rygel summoned all the royal indignation he had in his small frame. "What? Is there an echo in here? Ta'al means Princess. Kitasch referred to Aeryn as Ta'al, Princess!"
"Aeryn a Princess? No frelling way! Chiana laughed. "Kitasch must be megra farbot, to even think such a thing!"
"Quiet down Pip." Crichton turned to Rygel. "What do you know about Sebacean Ta'als?"
"Just that the line is called Ta'a and it starts with Ta'aj or king, his mate Ta'ar or Queen and their offspring Ta'aq and Ta'al, the Prince and Princess." Rygel educated the group, feeling more self-important than ever.
"Why haven't we heard of these figureheads before?" Crichton asked, surprised that in all the time he'd been running from and fighting the Peacekeepers, he had never heard of Sebacean Royalty.
Rygel continued. "The Sebacean line of Ta'a is hardly a figurehead. The Ta'a are quite powerful. They created both Sebacean High Council and Peacekeeper High Command. You'll usually find them sitting at the head of both."
"Aeryn never mentioned family royalty. Not that she talks to me anyway." Chiana muttered.
"Because she's not! She was born a Peacekeeper, on a Command Carrier!" D'Argo growled. Refusing to believe that Aeryn could be anything but the warrior and friend he'd grown to care for over the past five cycles. "Obviously Kitasch was mistaken. We need to concentrate on finding those sympathizers."
"Yeah, D'argo's got it. We need to." Crichton broke off as two Peacekeepers brought their meals. Once they were gone he continued on. "We need to get Kitasch alone."
"How?" Rygel barked, grabbing for his food.
"When he comes next time, we'll just mention the word Ta'al and see where he leads. If it was a mistake he'll want to speak to us, at least to tell us to shut up."
"Once again Crichton, that is a horrible plan". Rygel spat between bites.
"Well Sparky, if you have a better plan, for that matter if any of you have a better plan now is as good a time as any to lay it on me." Crichton grabbed two trays, gestured for Chiana to move away from Aeryn's cot and took her place. "I suggest that we all eat and get some rest."
"Agreed!" D'Argo decided to follow Crichton's suggestion. They would need their strength. He had no intentions on letting them take Aeryn back to the Heat Chamber, nor would he let them take Chiana without a fight. Tomorrow might be his last.
However, it proved uneventful, no interrogation and no Kitasch. The only Peacekeepers to enter the cell were grunts delivering meals and a surgeon to check on Aeryn; all clearly felt that Aeryn was a traitor to her race! The crew had run into a dead end.
Two Solar days later.
Moya's crew watched warily as Aeryn Sun was separated from their group. She stood in the center of a large Peacekeeper symbol that decorated the floor.
Suddath drew his gun and began circling Aeryn. His every word laced with venom. "Well.well.well, Officer Sun, you seem to have made a remarkable recovery, tell me have you had time to reflect on your past actions?"
Aeryn stood at attention, perfectly still, only her eyes followed Suddath's movements. "Which actions?"
Suddath gestured to one of the officers standing behind him. The soldier handed him a long thin black rod. Most of Moya's crew was unfamiliar with this object, but two of the crew knew exactly what it was. Rygel stared in horror, Aeryn in disdain.
"What the Hezzmana is that? Crichton whispered.
"I have no." D'Argo began but was quickly interrupted.
"It's a Krolinar-Tacleth. A torture device; It's what they use on their own when they fail." Rygel spat, he didn't bother to tell the others that Durka had used it on him several times. "Barbarians"
"Okay, so that tells me what it is. What exactly does it do?" Again an interruption but this time it came in the form of a loud crackling noise as Suddath activated the device. Crichton stared in horror as Suddath moved closer to Aeryn, pointing the device at her.
"I'll ask again, Officer Sun. Have you had time to reflect on your past actions?" Suddath's voice purred with the excitement of causing pain. He remembered the past. It was not the past the others thought. Suddath was referring to his and Aeryn's personal past. During Peacekeeper training Aeryn had dared to refuse his overtures of passion, even giving him a sound beating when his advances became physically demanding. Everyone had known about the incident, he'd lost the respect of both his Commanding and fellow Officers. Suddath found himself the brunt of more than one joke as a result. He owed all his past humiliation to her. He also owed her for the lust that was even now coursing through his body and he would see that she paid for all of it!
Aeryn stared at Suddath; she too remembered the past and was well aware that it was their past and not her defection from the Peacekeepers that drove Suddath's hate. She would not fall under his steady torture; she would meet it and him head on. "I have reflected."
"And?"
"And I would do it all over again, the exact same way!" Aeryn spat every word at Suddath with all the venom she could muster.
However, it wasn't the words that drove Suddath to slap the rod onto Aeryn's skin, it was the disdain in her eyes. How dare she look at him as though he were nothing. Here she stood; a traitor to all she knew and still had the nerve to look both beautiful and untouchable. He would touch her and he'd make her beg for mercy when he did.
Aeryn held her scream inside, managing one defiant sentence. " I...I still wou.wouldn't change it!" Her knees almost gave way with the second application of the Krolinar. As she doubled over with internal cramping caused by the intense heat of the Krolinar, she noticed both D'Argo and Crichton poised to attack. With an almost imperceptible shake of her head, she managed to stop them. She could tell that they weren't happy about it, but any attempt would only result in their death.
Suddath leaned closer to Aeryn and whispered in her ear, "Very good Aeryn, we wouldn't want the Luxan and your precious human to die. Will you beg me for your life?" He waited for her reply and when none was forthcoming he continued speaking. "No? Well how about John Crichton, will you beg me for his life?" He punctuated the sentence by rolling the Krolinar up her lower back. He watched salaciously as beads of sweat began to roll profusely down Aeryn's face and she began panting. The Krolinar was made specifically for Sebacean discipline and torture. When placed against the skin of a Sebacean, the Krolinar raised the body temperature to dangerous levels, literally boiling the blood.
Suddath suddenly turned toward the rest of Aeryn's comrades. He must keep up appearances for his crew and the prisoners. "Now where did the questioning leave off? Oh yes, where did the Leviathan and it's Pilot go?"
Chiana moved forward an inch. "We don't know! We already told you Moya starburst on her own." Her voice lowered an octave. "She does that from time to time, ya know."
"So none of you know where the Leviathan is? I would really like to believe that but I don't so." Suddath turned once more towards Aeryn, applying the Krolinar again, this time leaving it in place until Aeryn already weak from the last few rounds of torture, fell to her knees in agony.
"Suddath knock it off! You're killing her!" Crichton shouted, pulling against the restraining hands of the Peacekeepers.
Suddath turned to face Crichton once more. "You, human are more trouble than you're worth." Suddath lifted his left hand, which still held the pulse pistol and aimed it directly at Crichton's head. The entire room watched as the gun charged to fire.
Aeryn moved to stand but faltered, instead she simply reached out to grab the pistol. "Suddath! Nooo!"
Suddath snatched his arm away, disengaged the weapon, spun towards Aeryn and spat. "You would dare plead for this creature?" How dare she prefer this alien to her own kind. She would pay dearly for that.
"Just how far will you go to save his miserable life?" Leaning closer he whispered in her ear, at her nod he turned to his lieutenant. "Kitasch, take the prisoners to their cell". You all have Officer Sun to thank for your reprieve, as well as your lives. At least that is until the marauder arrives." He handed the Krolinar to the officer closest to him.
Crichton lunged once more for Suddath only to be yanked back by over zealous Peacekeeper soldiers. "Suddath! What did you make her agree to?"
Suddath moved to stand nose to nose with Crichton. "Why, I didn't make her agree to anything. I merely suggested that your last solar day with us could be spent in comfort or pain. The choice was hers; she simply chose to keep you happy and safe. You see how she cares for you." He walked back to Aeryn and reached down to help her to her feet. As she stood, Suddath drew his hand up caressing her face, then letting it roam its way down her torso.
Aeryn's eyes caught John's and in that moment, Aeryn believed that what she had chosen to do was well worth this man's life. She could not let them harm one hair on John's body, not again. "John please."
Suddath jerked Aeryn around to face him. "I'm sure John Crichton is more than thankful. Take them to their cell!" his voice lowered considerably, leaving no one in doubt of his intentions where Aeryn was concerned. "Take Officer Sun to my quarters".
"Suddath, you bastard! Don't you dare touch her! Aeryn!" Crichton rushed the guards in an attempt to get to both Aeryn and Suddath; the guards reacted immediately, knocking Crichton to his knees.
Suddath pointed his pistol at Crichton once more. "I can always kill you now."
Aeryn stepped into the pistol's line of fire. "Suddath! You and I had a deal!"
Suddath reached out and dragged Aeryn up against his chest forcing her head back by grabbing a handful of her long hair. "Deal? No my dear. That wasn't a deal, you simply humor me and I do enjoy a good trelk every now and again but how good a trelk are you?" Suddath ground his mouth into hers, pressing her lips so hard against her teeth, that Aeryn tasted blood. When she opened her mouth to gasp for breath, Suddath thrust his tongue into her mouth. Aeryn managed to clamp down on the offending appendage. Suddath snatched his head away. Spitting blood, he snarled. "Then again I've decided to make Crichton watch you beg for death, then I'll kill him."
It wasn't this statement that caused everyone in the room to gasp in awe. It was the soft but lethal answer. "Oh I don't think so Captain. Crichton is wanted alive and in good health as are Ka D'argo, Dominar Rygel the sixteenth, Chiana the Nebari and the defector Officer Aeryn Sun. it would not be wise to kill any of them for then I would have the pleasure of killing you."
All heads turned to stare at the tall, beautiful raven haired Peacekeeper, who'd spoken so quietly. The bars on her uniform effectively placed her rank high above Suddath's. Though she appeared dangerous, it was the man standing next to her that made Suddath visibly uneasy.
TO BE CONTINUED..