"The Beginning of the End"
Part Two
"Any Microt Now"
Every officer in the room stood at attention, warily watching the two Peacekeeper Commanders. Suddath released Aeryn and stepped toward the couple. "Sirs I.we weren't expecting you for another solar day."
The female Peacekeeper Commander spoke again. "Yes we could see that Captain. What exactly did you mean, when you told Officer Sun you would make her beg for death? How were going to accomplish such a feat? We know John Crichton's fate."
"I was just.just" Suddath cursed himself for his show of weakness in front of High Commanders Ahni and Lazzar. High Command had sent two of its highest-ranking figures; two of its most deadly but why?
"You were just what Suddath?" High Commander Lazzar spoke quietly, his eyes taking in the scene before him, scanning each face. His gaze rested momentarily on Aeryn, before moving on to pin Suddath in place. Lazzar was known for his ruthlessness. High Command often sent him on assignments no other could complete and he was always successful.
The fact that they were both aboard his Command Carrier made Suddath quite uneasy. Commander Ahni was only sent when High Command wanted loose ends tied; she was the best assassin in Peacekeeper history. Their presence meant that he was expendable. "I was just questioning the prisoners regarding the Leviathan's location, sir."
Commander Ahni crooked her head to the side, "Hmm, you didn't seem worried about the Leviathan just now." Suddath watched Ahni's beautifully full lips stretch into a cold smiled. "You seemed occupied with other matters. Matters of no interest to High Command."
Taking in Aeryn's appearance, Lazzar spoke up again. "What have you done to her?"
"Just questioning, Commander". Suddath answered, his eyes darting nervously from Lazzar to Ahni.
Ahni moved toward Aeryn, she touched the younger woman's flushed cheek, though the touch was feather light, the power behind it helped to steady Aeryn's quaking figure. Ahni stood for a moment longer with her eyes closed. She turned suddenly and spoke sharply to Suddath. "You would dare use the Krolinar on a political prisoner?"
Suddath began to defend himself, only to be stopped by Lazzar. "Remember Captain, Commander Ahni sees all that has passed. You can not lie and if I were you, I would not try." Suddath glared at Ahni. "Yes! She and her companions refused to divulge the whereabouts of the missing Leviathan. As you know that ship is the only Leviathan to successfully give birth to a healthy gun ship."
"But you chose Officer Sun to torture. You could have just as easily chosen the Luxan male, a stronger race, yet you chose her, hmm." Ahni cradled Aeryn's face, leaned into her and breathed softly into her ear.
Crichton, who stood frozen in place, suddenly came to life. "What the hell is she doing?"
"She's lowering Aeryn's body temperature. It's an ability few Sebaceans have." D'Argo answered quietly, staring in awe at the two Sebacean women. He'd heard that some Sebacean women carried the ability to heal by touch but he'd never actually witnessed the act.
Crichton still uneasy asked." What did she do the first time?"
Rygel sighed heavily before answering. God this human could be frelling annoying. "She's a Sebacean Seeker." Crichton simply stared down at Rygel waiting for a more understandable response. "She was seeking the truth. Now do you understand?"
They can do that? She can do that?" Crichton twisted his head from Rygel to D'Argo. "Jeeze who needs a lie detector?"
Chiana like everyone else stared at the two women. "Is it me or doesn't she look exactly like Aeryn?"
D'Argo answered both John's and Chiana's questions. "First, not they, her. Not all Sebaceans have the ability, just those born, as Seekers possess knowledge. Second yes they do appear to favor each other." D'Argo nudged Crichton. "Look at Suddath."
"Yeah, I noticed. He looks like a fly caught in a great big old Peacekeeper web." Crichton stared at Suddath a second longer before his gaze returned to Aeryn, just in time to catch the female Commander speaking softly to her. They were to far to away for Crichton to catch the words.
Serrca stared into the face of the young woman she and Corinth had been searching for more than five cycles. " How do you feel now my dear?"
Aeryn cleared her throat and straightened her body, before answering. She was trying hard to keep the tears still pooling in her eyes from falling. " Much better now. Thank you."
Serrca dropped her hands, nodding slowly. She turned to the soldiers guarding the other prisoners. "Release them!" The guards stepped away from the prisoners immediately, none daring to challenge her order.
"No!" Suddath yelled.
Both commanders turned at Suddath's defiant shout. Ahni quirked an eyebrow upward in amusement, Lazzar however was far from amused. He turned a hard gaze on Suddath. "Yes, you were saying Captain?"
"Only that we still have no answers regarding the Leviathan. We were not expecting you for another solar day and I was trying to get the information out of them."
"You weren't asking about the Leviathan when we arrived. If I remember correctly you were threatening Officer Sun with torture and Commander Crichton with death." Lazzar snapped.
"My methods are my affair!" Suddath snapped defiantly almost daring the Commander to question his authority.
The challenge was not long in coming. Ahni faced the Captain down. This wasn't hard at her present height of six feet, at least two inches taller than Suddath: a fact that added to Suddath's irritation. When he continued to glare, Ahni's eyes changed from gray- blue to a pale glowing gold. Her voice, a mere whisper, dripped venom so lethal, that Suddath felt his blood begin to freeze and his muscles cramp. "If you do not stand down Suddath, I will put you down and believe me you will stay!"
Lazzar moved forward to lay a hand on Ahni's shoulder. He spoke quietly for her and Suddath's ears only. "Not here and not now. The time will come I will make sure of it." Ahni's body relaxed and her eyes returned to their natural color. She glanced over her shoulder to Lazzar, nodded crisply and moved away from Suddath.
Lazzar gestured to four guards. "Take Captain Suddath to his quarters. He will remain there until we have concluded our business is concluded."
"Yes Commander!" They answered in unison.
Lazzar addressed Suddath once more. "And Captain, I would suggest that you cooperate or Commander Ahni's threat will seem almost tame in comparison to what I will be forced to do to you. Do we understand each other Captain?"
At Suddath's sharp nod, the guards escorted him away, leaving Corinth, Ahni and the prisoners alone with the remaining guards. "Take the prisoners to the Briefing Room."
Ahni turned to Lazzar once they were left alone. "Do you think High Command will be- tray us again?"
"No! They can't afford to loose either of us with a Scarran invasion so close at hand." He touched a raven curl that had managed to escape the tight braid Serrca always wore. Her hair had always been a source of much pleasure for him.
Serrca allowed her composure to slip for just a microt. "I wanted to kill him when we walked in on his words."
"I know but he didn't have the chance to act on them or he would be dead now. What matters now is that we've found her and the human "
"Do not forget the others." Ahni nudged Lazzar's hand with her cheek. She loved the feel of his strength surrounding her.
"Hmm.yes their presence is imperative to our plans and the approaching war." Corinth allowed his arms to engulf Ahni for as long as she would allow it. This wasn't long once their personal guard arrived.
Ahni turned to her guard, once again the highly decorated Commander, her people feared. "Yes?"
Captain Ylan Janeseck was proud of the position he held under High Commander Ahni. She was strict in the fullest sense of the word, but she was fair. Ahni was quick to reward excellence but even quicker to discipline negligence and failure. When it came to insubordination, death by her hand was often the penalty. None of this bothered Janeseck; he was honored to be a member of Ahni's team. "The prisoners are waiting in the briefing room sir."
"Thank you Captain, we will be there shortly." Ahni dismissed Janeseck and began to follow him out.
Corinth's hand closed around Ahni's wrist effectively catching her attention. "Yes sir?"
"I believe I will have a chat with Suddath. You speak with the prisoners." Corinth suggested. He had a bone to pick with Suddath.
"Alright, I will have the prisoners ready for transport on your return." Ahni agreed and the two separated.
Briefing Room.
Crichton moved as close to Aeryn as his bonds would allow him. "Baby are you okay?"
"Yes, I feel better thanks to Serrca." Aeryn sat next to Crichton. She was the only one without bonds, but without the keys, she was no help to the others. Her mind was actually on High Commander Ahni. What was she doing here and what did she want with them? Aeryn knew that they were important to High Command but so important that it had sent two of its most highly decorated officers to escort them back. No! Something else was going on, but what?
Chiana stopped pacing and stared at Aeryn. "What is a Sebacean Seeker and who exactly are these two?" Chiana cocked her head from one side to the other. "And since no one is asking, I will. What's with the twin?"
Aeryn stared out of one of the room's many windows. She spoke without turning to face the others. " The female peacekeeper is High Commander Serrca Ahni Sun, she is Xhalax's younger sister."
"Wait! She's your aunt? You have an aunt? As in a blood relative?" Crichton asked, staring at Aeryn in awe.
Aeryn gave a brief nod. "Yes John, she's my aunt as you call it. She leads the Juccari Assassins, the most deadly unit in High Command."
"She's a murderer?" John gasped.
Aeryn turned abruptly. "She's an assassin, trained from the age of six cycles to destroy our enemies. The same enemies that would gladly kill us all, including the Luxans, Hynerians and the Nebari! Her rank is so high now that she reports only to The Sebacean High Council and the top tier Officers of High Command; Commander Lazzar is one of those tier officers. As for being a Sebacean Seeker, she was born that way."
" Okay, I'll ask again, what exactly is that?" Chiana repeated her earlier question. She was still reeling from the news that Aeryn not only had an aunt who was a Peacekeeper but a powerful one at that!
Aeryn turned to face the window again. "A Sebacean Seeker is born with the ability to actively seek the truth of a situation, be it past present or future. They simply touch a sample of DNA or object familiar to the subject or journey into the Realm Sleep and they see all."
"Realm Sleep?" Crichton asked. This dren was getting weirder and weirder! "What is a Realm Sleep and what kind of DNA."
Aeryn smiled, John always did ask a lot of questions. "A Realm Sleep resembles a Delvian meditation only far more advanced and quieter. The Seeker falls into a dreamless trance, asleep if you will. Then their soul leaves the body traveling back and forth through time in search of its targeted information. It's quite dangerous but most Seekers master the skill by the time they are six cycles. As for sampling, the Seekers use this method in addition to the Realm Sleep, it helps to narrow the search process."
Aeryn these Peacekeeper Seekers sound like the good guys. So why is Ahni an assassin? How exactly does that fit in?" Crichton considered himself as open-minded as the next human caught on the other end of nowhere but to be saved by a Peacekeeper assassin was bit much.
"John you have to understand, that like me, most Peacekeepers are either born or conscripted. Commander Ahni was born a Peacekeeper of Peacekeeper parents. We are told what to think, how to think and when to think. We are trained not to question orders or circumstances.."
John stared intently at Aeryn before interrupting her. "They."
"What?" Aeryn shot a questioning look.
"They Aeryn, you said we. You meant they. Right?" John asked softly.
"Yes, John. I meant they are trained not to question orders or circumstances." She shot him a half smile and continued educating the others. "The Seekers are born with Seeking abilities but they are trained as Juccari assassins, the most elite unit in the Peacekeeper regime. The Juccari are solely made up of Seekers and Guardians. The Guardians level of training is structured to surpass that of the Seekers but only as a fail- safe of sorts. By the time the Seekers are eight cycles, most of them have made their first kill." Aeryn cut off John's bursting remark, "John! It's either kill or be killed by the target! If they fail, upon their return to Command they are forced to watch a member of their unit put to death."
"Bastards, goddamn bastards, they force a child to kill and then punish them by killing a friend if they fail." Crichton's heart ached at the thought of a child going through such an ordeal. The thought of Aeryn growing up in such an atmosphere added to his ache.
"Please John, its the Peacekeepers' way of life. " Aeryn answered. Her thoughts were reeling. What was her mother's sister doing here? Commanders of her and Lazzar's status would never come for prisoners. That was grunt work.
Crichton's thoughts were in overdrive. "Whoa! Back it up a minute. You said that a Seeker's' training was only surpassed by a Guardian's. Therefore, what exactly is a Guardian?"
"I can't tell you that, it is not public knowledge, only the High Council and Command carry that information. However, I do know that each Seeker is assigned a Guardian and with her level of training High Commander Ahni is the most powerful Seeker in High Command. Commander Lazzar has always been known as the most deadly Peacekeeper to date. A Guardian of his station could only be assigned to Ahni.
"So he's here to baby sit the Seeker?" Chiana piped in. "Well why did they stop the mad Captain? I mean from what you told us about Xhalax, she wasn't exactly the maternal type, so why would Ahni stop Suddath?"
Sighing, Aeryn shook her head slowly. "I don't know Chiana. I really don't know."
Leaning into Aeryn, John whispered. "Aeryn what did she see?"
"What? Oh!" Aeryn glanced around the room before returning to John with an answer. "She saw Suddath's actions over the last few solar days."
"No.no that's not what I meant. What exactly did she see? I know it had something to do with that so-called deal you made and don't think we won't have a little discussion on that later. I get this feeling there's so much more then just the past few solar days. In fact I'm willing to bet you and our boy Suds have met before or is that another secret that you just can't divulge?"
"No John it's not a secret. Suddath was my Lieutenant during my Prowler training. He.ah.he made it clear that he expected me or rather us to recreate. When I refused he tried to force the issue by attacking me. I managed to defeat him. However he was publicly reprimanded by his superior officers, which didn't help matters. It is an humiliation he has held against me ever since." Aeryn explained. "Suddath saw his chance and took it. He thought that I would do anything in order to save you." Aeryn chuckled softly to herself. "Turns out he was right." She reached out to caress his face.
D'Argo rolled his eyes. "We're all glad you've come to that realization and we thank you for your sacrifice but right now we've got to figure a way out of here."
"There's no way out of here D'Argo. Once the seeker has you, running is futile. There isn't a place in this frelling universe where a Seeker couldn't find you." Aeryn answered.
"So the twenty-five thousand dollar questions of the day here folks is what do our two High Commanders want with us. As important as I'd like to think I am. You guys aren't exactly priceless. So why has Command sent it's top operatives; an assassin and her guide dog, after us?" John was doing his best to stay rational, but Harvey had been easier to handle then this madness.
Again Ahni's voice rang out into the quiet room. "Why not ask one of us Commander Crichton."
Crichton turned his head slightly and stared at Ahni. "Damn, you have got to stop doing that!"
CAPTAIN SUDDATH'S QUARTERS.
High Commander Lazzar sat staring at an obviously nervous Captain Suddath. "So exactly why did you choose to torture Officer Sun?"
Captain Suddath measured his answer carefully before answering," I knew that Crichton would be unable to tolerate her pain and would answer my questions!"
"So your choice had absolutely nothing to do with a personal vendetta? Say a past humiliation?" Lazzar asked.
Suddath knew his time was limited. Lazzar was not known for his patience. "Officer Sun's crimes deemed her a traitor. The punishment for such crimes."
Lazzar waved his hand in disregard. "I don't need you to tell me what the punishment is! I have carried out many such punishments! Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't you instructed that the prisoners were to be detained and not harmed in any way? Yet upon our arrival we see you torturing Officer Sun, with a Tacleth."
"I've told you, I was only trying to get information out of her and her companions." Suddath tried unsuccessfully to justify his actions.
"Ahh.but according to Lieutenant Kitasch, Officer Sun was placed in the Heat Chamber for over an arn at your request." Lazzar replayed the memories he'd received from Ahni in his mind. The pictures served as a catalyst to an already explosive anger. Lazzar's voice became a growl. "You'd dare to place her in the Heat Chamber then torture her with the Tacleth; a political prisoner! You do realize how easily you could have killed her. Sebacean women are not known for their tolerance to the Tacleth."
Suddath tried to interrupt, but Lazzar again cut him off. "I know...I know you didn't want to kill her. You just wanted her to come to her senses or was it your bed? Now this is where it gets interesting. When you couldn't force her by torture or threat of death, you decided to try threatening John Crichton's life.
"Officer Sun owes me a debt for." Suddath began.
"For an humiliation that you dealt yourself in the past. I know all about that. You were told that the prisoners were to be unharmed. You chose to disobey a direct order." Lazzar began to circle Suddath in much the same way Suddath had done to Aeryn. "Remind me again what the punishment is for an officer of your level, who disobeys a direct order."
"Death." Suddath whispered.
"That's right, so you do know the rules." Lazzar motioned to the guards in the room. With in moments Suddath had been stripped of his Captain's jacket and shirt.
Suddath noticed wryly how quick his men were to follow another superior officer. He foolishly remarked upon their actions. "I see you've managed to sway my men."
"They were never your men. From the very beginning your men have reported to High Commander Ahni or myself." Lazzar raised his hand.
Suddath stared dispassionately at the Krolinar Tacleth in Lazzar's hand. "So are you now going to torture me because of some ex-Peacekeeper trelk?" Lazzar stared at Suddath, activating the Tacleth. He switched the device to maximum power and slapped it across Suddath's lower back, giving him a taste of Aeryn's pain. Suddath fell to his knees long before Aeryn had. "Do you really think that High Command. Sent us here for a band of escapees, one human and one ex-Peacekeeper trelk as you put it?" He removed the Tacleth.
"Why else are you here?" Suddath spoke between teeth clenched in pain. His body on fire, he could feel his thoughts loosing their cohesiveness.
"You'll never know. Then again maybe I will enlighten you. Just understand that you disobeyed a direct order that almost killed a political prisoner." Lazzar answered.
"Fine, then I'm ready to die." Suddath wouldn't give Lazzar the satisfaction of seeing him beg for his life Peacekeepers were trained to die.
"For disobeying High Command's orders you die. For torturing on such as Officer Aeryn Sun, your punishment is The Living Death." Lazzar smirked at the horrified expression that began creeping over Suddath's face as he digested Lazzar words'
"No!" Suddath protested. How could this be happening, a Captain of his stature reduced to nothing in a matter of arns. How could he be sentenced to The Living Death? "Why?"
For more than two arns Lazzar diligently applied the Tacleth set on maximum, against Suddath's bare skin, allowing his temperature to rise quickly and dangerously. He stood there waiting and watching as the heat began to affect Suddath. He watched as Suddath's eyes began to glaze over and only then did he decide to reveal a few truths. "Suddath your time is quickly running out. I will however tell you that the ex-Peacekeeper trelk you were torturing, happens to be the Ta'al of Sebacea-Tran." Lazzar saw recognition in Suddath's eyes. "Ahh! I see you do remember Sebacea-Tran from your studies."
Suddath stumbled over his words. "Tor.Tormented Sp...Space.Destroyed!"
"Oh no, Sebacea-Tran is far from destroyed. The Premier High Council rules and protects her well. You thought that Peacekeeper High Command ordered High Commander Ahni and myself here to retrieve the prisoners, and so they did, as did The Premier High Council. Unfortunately for High Command, my loyalties lie with The Premier High Council and so do Ahni's. We won't mention that most of your crew sympathizers. Of course those who remain loyal to you will suffer your fate, we can't have loose ends running around in High Command. Now do you see how far The Premier High Council's power reaches?"
"No! Hi.High Com.Command will hunt you both down." Suddath knew he'd uttered his last words.
"Haven't you figured it out yet? High Command does not control us; we control High Command." Lazzar watched as Suddath's eyes lit with understanding microts before they dimmed and glazed over permanently. Lazzar gave orders to Kitasch and his men as he left Suddath's quarters. "Pack him for transport then find those loyal to him."
"And then sir?" Kitasch asked, already knowing the answer.
Lazzar glanced at Kitasch. "Kill them."
"Yes sir!" Kitasch smiled and saluted. He'd hated pretending to be loyal to Suddath; the man was blight upon the Sebacean race.
BRIEFING ROOM.
Crichton turned toward Ahni. "Okay so why are you here?"
Ahni answered. "Why to save your emas of course."
D'Argo growled. "Yet here we stand still bound."
Ahni laughed softly. "Is that all Luxan?" With a single flowing wave of her hand, the crew'' cuffs fell to the ground, freeing them. "All you had to do was ask nicely."
"So we're free to go?" Crichton asked.
"I'm sorry but you are wanted or should I say needed somewhere else at the moment." Ahni answered, turning as Lazzar entered the room
Lazzar answered the question in Ahni's eyes. "It is finished. We must go."
Crichton backed away yelling. Oh no! I've been down this road before! Go where?"
Ahni stared at Crichton sending a wave of calming energy in his direction. Once he'd calmed down she answered. "We're taking you someplace neither Scarrans nor Peacekeepers will attempt to travel to."
Aeryn move to stand in front of Ahni. "That it?"
Ahni answered with a soft smile. "Home to Sebacea-Tran."
TO BE CONTINUED.
Part Two
"Any Microt Now"
Every officer in the room stood at attention, warily watching the two Peacekeeper Commanders. Suddath released Aeryn and stepped toward the couple. "Sirs I.we weren't expecting you for another solar day."
The female Peacekeeper Commander spoke again. "Yes we could see that Captain. What exactly did you mean, when you told Officer Sun you would make her beg for death? How were going to accomplish such a feat? We know John Crichton's fate."
"I was just.just" Suddath cursed himself for his show of weakness in front of High Commanders Ahni and Lazzar. High Command had sent two of its highest-ranking figures; two of its most deadly but why?
"You were just what Suddath?" High Commander Lazzar spoke quietly, his eyes taking in the scene before him, scanning each face. His gaze rested momentarily on Aeryn, before moving on to pin Suddath in place. Lazzar was known for his ruthlessness. High Command often sent him on assignments no other could complete and he was always successful.
The fact that they were both aboard his Command Carrier made Suddath quite uneasy. Commander Ahni was only sent when High Command wanted loose ends tied; she was the best assassin in Peacekeeper history. Their presence meant that he was expendable. "I was just questioning the prisoners regarding the Leviathan's location, sir."
Commander Ahni crooked her head to the side, "Hmm, you didn't seem worried about the Leviathan just now." Suddath watched Ahni's beautifully full lips stretch into a cold smiled. "You seemed occupied with other matters. Matters of no interest to High Command."
Taking in Aeryn's appearance, Lazzar spoke up again. "What have you done to her?"
"Just questioning, Commander". Suddath answered, his eyes darting nervously from Lazzar to Ahni.
Ahni moved toward Aeryn, she touched the younger woman's flushed cheek, though the touch was feather light, the power behind it helped to steady Aeryn's quaking figure. Ahni stood for a moment longer with her eyes closed. She turned suddenly and spoke sharply to Suddath. "You would dare use the Krolinar on a political prisoner?"
Suddath began to defend himself, only to be stopped by Lazzar. "Remember Captain, Commander Ahni sees all that has passed. You can not lie and if I were you, I would not try." Suddath glared at Ahni. "Yes! She and her companions refused to divulge the whereabouts of the missing Leviathan. As you know that ship is the only Leviathan to successfully give birth to a healthy gun ship."
"But you chose Officer Sun to torture. You could have just as easily chosen the Luxan male, a stronger race, yet you chose her, hmm." Ahni cradled Aeryn's face, leaned into her and breathed softly into her ear.
Crichton, who stood frozen in place, suddenly came to life. "What the hell is she doing?"
"She's lowering Aeryn's body temperature. It's an ability few Sebaceans have." D'Argo answered quietly, staring in awe at the two Sebacean women. He'd heard that some Sebacean women carried the ability to heal by touch but he'd never actually witnessed the act.
Crichton still uneasy asked." What did she do the first time?"
Rygel sighed heavily before answering. God this human could be frelling annoying. "She's a Sebacean Seeker." Crichton simply stared down at Rygel waiting for a more understandable response. "She was seeking the truth. Now do you understand?"
They can do that? She can do that?" Crichton twisted his head from Rygel to D'Argo. "Jeeze who needs a lie detector?"
Chiana like everyone else stared at the two women. "Is it me or doesn't she look exactly like Aeryn?"
D'Argo answered both John's and Chiana's questions. "First, not they, her. Not all Sebaceans have the ability, just those born, as Seekers possess knowledge. Second yes they do appear to favor each other." D'Argo nudged Crichton. "Look at Suddath."
"Yeah, I noticed. He looks like a fly caught in a great big old Peacekeeper web." Crichton stared at Suddath a second longer before his gaze returned to Aeryn, just in time to catch the female Commander speaking softly to her. They were to far to away for Crichton to catch the words.
Serrca stared into the face of the young woman she and Corinth had been searching for more than five cycles. " How do you feel now my dear?"
Aeryn cleared her throat and straightened her body, before answering. She was trying hard to keep the tears still pooling in her eyes from falling. " Much better now. Thank you."
Serrca dropped her hands, nodding slowly. She turned to the soldiers guarding the other prisoners. "Release them!" The guards stepped away from the prisoners immediately, none daring to challenge her order.
"No!" Suddath yelled.
Both commanders turned at Suddath's defiant shout. Ahni quirked an eyebrow upward in amusement, Lazzar however was far from amused. He turned a hard gaze on Suddath. "Yes, you were saying Captain?"
"Only that we still have no answers regarding the Leviathan. We were not expecting you for another solar day and I was trying to get the information out of them."
"You weren't asking about the Leviathan when we arrived. If I remember correctly you were threatening Officer Sun with torture and Commander Crichton with death." Lazzar snapped.
"My methods are my affair!" Suddath snapped defiantly almost daring the Commander to question his authority.
The challenge was not long in coming. Ahni faced the Captain down. This wasn't hard at her present height of six feet, at least two inches taller than Suddath: a fact that added to Suddath's irritation. When he continued to glare, Ahni's eyes changed from gray- blue to a pale glowing gold. Her voice, a mere whisper, dripped venom so lethal, that Suddath felt his blood begin to freeze and his muscles cramp. "If you do not stand down Suddath, I will put you down and believe me you will stay!"
Lazzar moved forward to lay a hand on Ahni's shoulder. He spoke quietly for her and Suddath's ears only. "Not here and not now. The time will come I will make sure of it." Ahni's body relaxed and her eyes returned to their natural color. She glanced over her shoulder to Lazzar, nodded crisply and moved away from Suddath.
Lazzar gestured to four guards. "Take Captain Suddath to his quarters. He will remain there until we have concluded our business is concluded."
"Yes Commander!" They answered in unison.
Lazzar addressed Suddath once more. "And Captain, I would suggest that you cooperate or Commander Ahni's threat will seem almost tame in comparison to what I will be forced to do to you. Do we understand each other Captain?"
At Suddath's sharp nod, the guards escorted him away, leaving Corinth, Ahni and the prisoners alone with the remaining guards. "Take the prisoners to the Briefing Room."
Ahni turned to Lazzar once they were left alone. "Do you think High Command will be- tray us again?"
"No! They can't afford to loose either of us with a Scarran invasion so close at hand." He touched a raven curl that had managed to escape the tight braid Serrca always wore. Her hair had always been a source of much pleasure for him.
Serrca allowed her composure to slip for just a microt. "I wanted to kill him when we walked in on his words."
"I know but he didn't have the chance to act on them or he would be dead now. What matters now is that we've found her and the human "
"Do not forget the others." Ahni nudged Lazzar's hand with her cheek. She loved the feel of his strength surrounding her.
"Hmm.yes their presence is imperative to our plans and the approaching war." Corinth allowed his arms to engulf Ahni for as long as she would allow it. This wasn't long once their personal guard arrived.
Ahni turned to her guard, once again the highly decorated Commander, her people feared. "Yes?"
Captain Ylan Janeseck was proud of the position he held under High Commander Ahni. She was strict in the fullest sense of the word, but she was fair. Ahni was quick to reward excellence but even quicker to discipline negligence and failure. When it came to insubordination, death by her hand was often the penalty. None of this bothered Janeseck; he was honored to be a member of Ahni's team. "The prisoners are waiting in the briefing room sir."
"Thank you Captain, we will be there shortly." Ahni dismissed Janeseck and began to follow him out.
Corinth's hand closed around Ahni's wrist effectively catching her attention. "Yes sir?"
"I believe I will have a chat with Suddath. You speak with the prisoners." Corinth suggested. He had a bone to pick with Suddath.
"Alright, I will have the prisoners ready for transport on your return." Ahni agreed and the two separated.
Briefing Room.
Crichton moved as close to Aeryn as his bonds would allow him. "Baby are you okay?"
"Yes, I feel better thanks to Serrca." Aeryn sat next to Crichton. She was the only one without bonds, but without the keys, she was no help to the others. Her mind was actually on High Commander Ahni. What was she doing here and what did she want with them? Aeryn knew that they were important to High Command but so important that it had sent two of its most highly decorated officers to escort them back. No! Something else was going on, but what?
Chiana stopped pacing and stared at Aeryn. "What is a Sebacean Seeker and who exactly are these two?" Chiana cocked her head from one side to the other. "And since no one is asking, I will. What's with the twin?"
Aeryn stared out of one of the room's many windows. She spoke without turning to face the others. " The female peacekeeper is High Commander Serrca Ahni Sun, she is Xhalax's younger sister."
"Wait! She's your aunt? You have an aunt? As in a blood relative?" Crichton asked, staring at Aeryn in awe.
Aeryn gave a brief nod. "Yes John, she's my aunt as you call it. She leads the Juccari Assassins, the most deadly unit in High Command."
"She's a murderer?" John gasped.
Aeryn turned abruptly. "She's an assassin, trained from the age of six cycles to destroy our enemies. The same enemies that would gladly kill us all, including the Luxans, Hynerians and the Nebari! Her rank is so high now that she reports only to The Sebacean High Council and the top tier Officers of High Command; Commander Lazzar is one of those tier officers. As for being a Sebacean Seeker, she was born that way."
" Okay, I'll ask again, what exactly is that?" Chiana repeated her earlier question. She was still reeling from the news that Aeryn not only had an aunt who was a Peacekeeper but a powerful one at that!
Aeryn turned to face the window again. "A Sebacean Seeker is born with the ability to actively seek the truth of a situation, be it past present or future. They simply touch a sample of DNA or object familiar to the subject or journey into the Realm Sleep and they see all."
"Realm Sleep?" Crichton asked. This dren was getting weirder and weirder! "What is a Realm Sleep and what kind of DNA."
Aeryn smiled, John always did ask a lot of questions. "A Realm Sleep resembles a Delvian meditation only far more advanced and quieter. The Seeker falls into a dreamless trance, asleep if you will. Then their soul leaves the body traveling back and forth through time in search of its targeted information. It's quite dangerous but most Seekers master the skill by the time they are six cycles. As for sampling, the Seekers use this method in addition to the Realm Sleep, it helps to narrow the search process."
Aeryn these Peacekeeper Seekers sound like the good guys. So why is Ahni an assassin? How exactly does that fit in?" Crichton considered himself as open-minded as the next human caught on the other end of nowhere but to be saved by a Peacekeeper assassin was bit much.
"John you have to understand, that like me, most Peacekeepers are either born or conscripted. Commander Ahni was born a Peacekeeper of Peacekeeper parents. We are told what to think, how to think and when to think. We are trained not to question orders or circumstances.."
John stared intently at Aeryn before interrupting her. "They."
"What?" Aeryn shot a questioning look.
"They Aeryn, you said we. You meant they. Right?" John asked softly.
"Yes, John. I meant they are trained not to question orders or circumstances." She shot him a half smile and continued educating the others. "The Seekers are born with Seeking abilities but they are trained as Juccari assassins, the most elite unit in the Peacekeeper regime. The Juccari are solely made up of Seekers and Guardians. The Guardians level of training is structured to surpass that of the Seekers but only as a fail- safe of sorts. By the time the Seekers are eight cycles, most of them have made their first kill." Aeryn cut off John's bursting remark, "John! It's either kill or be killed by the target! If they fail, upon their return to Command they are forced to watch a member of their unit put to death."
"Bastards, goddamn bastards, they force a child to kill and then punish them by killing a friend if they fail." Crichton's heart ached at the thought of a child going through such an ordeal. The thought of Aeryn growing up in such an atmosphere added to his ache.
"Please John, its the Peacekeepers' way of life. " Aeryn answered. Her thoughts were reeling. What was her mother's sister doing here? Commanders of her and Lazzar's status would never come for prisoners. That was grunt work.
Crichton's thoughts were in overdrive. "Whoa! Back it up a minute. You said that a Seeker's' training was only surpassed by a Guardian's. Therefore, what exactly is a Guardian?"
"I can't tell you that, it is not public knowledge, only the High Council and Command carry that information. However, I do know that each Seeker is assigned a Guardian and with her level of training High Commander Ahni is the most powerful Seeker in High Command. Commander Lazzar has always been known as the most deadly Peacekeeper to date. A Guardian of his station could only be assigned to Ahni.
"So he's here to baby sit the Seeker?" Chiana piped in. "Well why did they stop the mad Captain? I mean from what you told us about Xhalax, she wasn't exactly the maternal type, so why would Ahni stop Suddath?"
Sighing, Aeryn shook her head slowly. "I don't know Chiana. I really don't know."
Leaning into Aeryn, John whispered. "Aeryn what did she see?"
"What? Oh!" Aeryn glanced around the room before returning to John with an answer. "She saw Suddath's actions over the last few solar days."
"No.no that's not what I meant. What exactly did she see? I know it had something to do with that so-called deal you made and don't think we won't have a little discussion on that later. I get this feeling there's so much more then just the past few solar days. In fact I'm willing to bet you and our boy Suds have met before or is that another secret that you just can't divulge?"
"No John it's not a secret. Suddath was my Lieutenant during my Prowler training. He.ah.he made it clear that he expected me or rather us to recreate. When I refused he tried to force the issue by attacking me. I managed to defeat him. However he was publicly reprimanded by his superior officers, which didn't help matters. It is an humiliation he has held against me ever since." Aeryn explained. "Suddath saw his chance and took it. He thought that I would do anything in order to save you." Aeryn chuckled softly to herself. "Turns out he was right." She reached out to caress his face.
D'Argo rolled his eyes. "We're all glad you've come to that realization and we thank you for your sacrifice but right now we've got to figure a way out of here."
"There's no way out of here D'Argo. Once the seeker has you, running is futile. There isn't a place in this frelling universe where a Seeker couldn't find you." Aeryn answered.
"So the twenty-five thousand dollar questions of the day here folks is what do our two High Commanders want with us. As important as I'd like to think I am. You guys aren't exactly priceless. So why has Command sent it's top operatives; an assassin and her guide dog, after us?" John was doing his best to stay rational, but Harvey had been easier to handle then this madness.
Again Ahni's voice rang out into the quiet room. "Why not ask one of us Commander Crichton."
Crichton turned his head slightly and stared at Ahni. "Damn, you have got to stop doing that!"
CAPTAIN SUDDATH'S QUARTERS.
High Commander Lazzar sat staring at an obviously nervous Captain Suddath. "So exactly why did you choose to torture Officer Sun?"
Captain Suddath measured his answer carefully before answering," I knew that Crichton would be unable to tolerate her pain and would answer my questions!"
"So your choice had absolutely nothing to do with a personal vendetta? Say a past humiliation?" Lazzar asked.
Suddath knew his time was limited. Lazzar was not known for his patience. "Officer Sun's crimes deemed her a traitor. The punishment for such crimes."
Lazzar waved his hand in disregard. "I don't need you to tell me what the punishment is! I have carried out many such punishments! Correct me if I'm wrong but weren't you instructed that the prisoners were to be detained and not harmed in any way? Yet upon our arrival we see you torturing Officer Sun, with a Tacleth."
"I've told you, I was only trying to get information out of her and her companions." Suddath tried unsuccessfully to justify his actions.
"Ahh.but according to Lieutenant Kitasch, Officer Sun was placed in the Heat Chamber for over an arn at your request." Lazzar replayed the memories he'd received from Ahni in his mind. The pictures served as a catalyst to an already explosive anger. Lazzar's voice became a growl. "You'd dare to place her in the Heat Chamber then torture her with the Tacleth; a political prisoner! You do realize how easily you could have killed her. Sebacean women are not known for their tolerance to the Tacleth."
Suddath tried to interrupt, but Lazzar again cut him off. "I know...I know you didn't want to kill her. You just wanted her to come to her senses or was it your bed? Now this is where it gets interesting. When you couldn't force her by torture or threat of death, you decided to try threatening John Crichton's life.
"Officer Sun owes me a debt for." Suddath began.
"For an humiliation that you dealt yourself in the past. I know all about that. You were told that the prisoners were to be unharmed. You chose to disobey a direct order." Lazzar began to circle Suddath in much the same way Suddath had done to Aeryn. "Remind me again what the punishment is for an officer of your level, who disobeys a direct order."
"Death." Suddath whispered.
"That's right, so you do know the rules." Lazzar motioned to the guards in the room. With in moments Suddath had been stripped of his Captain's jacket and shirt.
Suddath noticed wryly how quick his men were to follow another superior officer. He foolishly remarked upon their actions. "I see you've managed to sway my men."
"They were never your men. From the very beginning your men have reported to High Commander Ahni or myself." Lazzar raised his hand.
Suddath stared dispassionately at the Krolinar Tacleth in Lazzar's hand. "So are you now going to torture me because of some ex-Peacekeeper trelk?" Lazzar stared at Suddath, activating the Tacleth. He switched the device to maximum power and slapped it across Suddath's lower back, giving him a taste of Aeryn's pain. Suddath fell to his knees long before Aeryn had. "Do you really think that High Command. Sent us here for a band of escapees, one human and one ex-Peacekeeper trelk as you put it?" He removed the Tacleth.
"Why else are you here?" Suddath spoke between teeth clenched in pain. His body on fire, he could feel his thoughts loosing their cohesiveness.
"You'll never know. Then again maybe I will enlighten you. Just understand that you disobeyed a direct order that almost killed a political prisoner." Lazzar answered.
"Fine, then I'm ready to die." Suddath wouldn't give Lazzar the satisfaction of seeing him beg for his life Peacekeepers were trained to die.
"For disobeying High Command's orders you die. For torturing on such as Officer Aeryn Sun, your punishment is The Living Death." Lazzar smirked at the horrified expression that began creeping over Suddath's face as he digested Lazzar words'
"No!" Suddath protested. How could this be happening, a Captain of his stature reduced to nothing in a matter of arns. How could he be sentenced to The Living Death? "Why?"
For more than two arns Lazzar diligently applied the Tacleth set on maximum, against Suddath's bare skin, allowing his temperature to rise quickly and dangerously. He stood there waiting and watching as the heat began to affect Suddath. He watched as Suddath's eyes began to glaze over and only then did he decide to reveal a few truths. "Suddath your time is quickly running out. I will however tell you that the ex-Peacekeeper trelk you were torturing, happens to be the Ta'al of Sebacea-Tran." Lazzar saw recognition in Suddath's eyes. "Ahh! I see you do remember Sebacea-Tran from your studies."
Suddath stumbled over his words. "Tor.Tormented Sp...Space.Destroyed!"
"Oh no, Sebacea-Tran is far from destroyed. The Premier High Council rules and protects her well. You thought that Peacekeeper High Command ordered High Commander Ahni and myself here to retrieve the prisoners, and so they did, as did The Premier High Council. Unfortunately for High Command, my loyalties lie with The Premier High Council and so do Ahni's. We won't mention that most of your crew sympathizers. Of course those who remain loyal to you will suffer your fate, we can't have loose ends running around in High Command. Now do you see how far The Premier High Council's power reaches?"
"No! Hi.High Com.Command will hunt you both down." Suddath knew he'd uttered his last words.
"Haven't you figured it out yet? High Command does not control us; we control High Command." Lazzar watched as Suddath's eyes lit with understanding microts before they dimmed and glazed over permanently. Lazzar gave orders to Kitasch and his men as he left Suddath's quarters. "Pack him for transport then find those loyal to him."
"And then sir?" Kitasch asked, already knowing the answer.
Lazzar glanced at Kitasch. "Kill them."
"Yes sir!" Kitasch smiled and saluted. He'd hated pretending to be loyal to Suddath; the man was blight upon the Sebacean race.
BRIEFING ROOM.
Crichton turned toward Ahni. "Okay so why are you here?"
Ahni answered. "Why to save your emas of course."
D'Argo growled. "Yet here we stand still bound."
Ahni laughed softly. "Is that all Luxan?" With a single flowing wave of her hand, the crew'' cuffs fell to the ground, freeing them. "All you had to do was ask nicely."
"So we're free to go?" Crichton asked.
"I'm sorry but you are wanted or should I say needed somewhere else at the moment." Ahni answered, turning as Lazzar entered the room
Lazzar answered the question in Ahni's eyes. "It is finished. We must go."
Crichton backed away yelling. Oh no! I've been down this road before! Go where?"
Ahni stared at Crichton sending a wave of calming energy in his direction. Once he'd calmed down she answered. "We're taking you someplace neither Scarrans nor Peacekeepers will attempt to travel to."
Aeryn move to stand in front of Ahni. "That it?"
Ahni answered with a soft smile. "Home to Sebacea-Tran."
TO BE CONTINUED.