Chapter Nineteen: Into the Belly of the Beast

Colonel Tigh walked around the briefing table that had a large and extremely detailed three-dimensional projection of a Peacekeeper Command Carrier floating over it.

To be perfectly honest, he commented thoughtfully while scrutinizing the image of the formidable warship and the statistical data scrolling beneath it, I'd rather we were facing a Cylon Baseship. This Command Carrier is every bit as big as the Galactica and, although we're carrying more firepower, its protective shielding is stronger than I would have thought possible.

Commander Adama, Captain Crais, Colonel O'Neill, Captain Apollo, Freya and John Crichton were seated around the briefing room table, trying to hammer out a plan of action against the Peacekeepers.

This Battlestar's offensive weaponry is far superior than anything that the Command Carrier mounts, Crais said. You can destroy it fairly easily.

But we have no defensive shielding, Tigh countered. We can't afford a blow for blow exchange of heavy fire with that ship. Once we attack, the Peacekeepers will put out a distress call, and I doubt that we can effectively jam it. We need to be in and out fast, and we can't do that if the Galactica is limping from engine damage.

That means that we not only have to be sure to get the first strike in, but that first strike must also be absolutely decisive, Adama stated, looking around the table questioningly. Any ideas?

We can mask ourselves with our countermeasures, but I doubt we could get close enough to use our solonite missiles before they detect us, Tigh said.

Just a thought, O'Neill spoke up. Could you use Talyn as a distraction, just to hold their attention for a moment while you come up from behind them?

Crais nodded. That might well work, and with a squadron of Vipers in support, Talyn would look like a sufficient enough threat to draw the Command Carrier into battle. Your Battlestar could then swing around out of the sun and come in from behind.

Colonel Tigh looked doubtful. Don't you mean, if they decide to commit their carrier to battle.

Crais smiled confidently. I will make them engage me, Colonel. Don't concern yourself. Just make sure that the Galactica is there when we need it, Talyn can not hope to hold off a Command Carrier for long.

As the planning session dragged on and on, John Crichton sat there silently, barely listening to the group's tactical discussions. To say that his mind was somewhere else would be an understatement. This should be a joyous time. He was as good as home! If it wasn't enough to be on a friendly fleet heading for Earth, he'd also made contact with a top-secret military organization from Earth, the SGC. One of his deepest wishes was within his grasp, but as fate would have it, he was not quite home free yet. Once again Scorpius blocked his path. Somehow, he'd known that this day would come. Sooner of later, he and Scorpy would have it out once and for all and the time was now.

What are you doing John?

Crichton looked up to see Harvey regarding him across the briefing table. Adama was talking to Crais, while Tigh, Freya and Apollo inspected the holo-image of the Command Carrier. Tigh was fiddling with the console display, trying to call up some bit of tactical data or other. Meanwhile, O'Neill tried to pretend he understood all of the otherworldly techno-babble that everyone was using.

Not now, Harvey! Crichton hissed under his breath.

No, I'm not going away that easily, John. Now explain this, you have Aeryn, and a free ticket back home to Earth and what do you do instead of getting while the getting is good? The neural clone laughed aloud. You are going to surrender yourself to Scorpius? Are you actually hoping to kill him, and then save this Samantha Carter? Ah, but you could never resist coming to the rescue for a damsel in distress, could you John?

Go away, Harvey! Now! Crichton whispered angrily.

But Harvey was now walking around the table, determined to goad Crichton on. She hates you now, John. Aeryn lost the first Crichton, and now she faces the possibility in losing another. How can you, in good conscience, do that to her?

Crichton was struggling now, to keep his voice down. I'm warning you Harvey... Shut up!

There's time to back out, John. No one will blame you. Don't face Scorpius. He will kill you, John. Starting first with your mind, then your body. As for this Samantha Carter, she'll be alright.... for a while. You see, if she's half as pretty as most of the women that have walked into you life, he will probably keep her around and even make her into a new lab assistant. After some reconditioning of course, Harvey smiled viciously. Scorpius has probably never experienced having a Human female before. Of course, whether he can or not depends on a few things...like, is the female side of your species put together like Sebacean women are, John? If so, then Scorpius should be good to go.

SICK BASTARD!! Crichton flew out of his chair and straight at Harvey, gripping the spectral clone's neck to throttle him. However, Crichton barely blinked an eye before discovering that his taunting neural clone had vanished again. This left Crichton standing up and lunging over the table with his hands clutching at nothing but air. Adama, Tigh, Apollo, O'Neill, Freya and Crais were all staring at him rather startled by his furious outburst.

O'Neill broke the uneasily silence in the room first, by asking cautiously. Is there something you want to add, Crichton?

It was then that Crichton realized that he was still trembling with pent up fury. He took a second to compose himself, taking in a few deep breaths before addressing everyone.

he said slowly. I have to go Tobin...now.

Tigh looked surprised. Go to Tobin?

Crichton said as he nodded. You heard me.

What's going on Crichton? Apollo asked.

Crichton grimaced. Samantha Carter might be in more danger than I thought. I have to go to her now.

Freya shook her head. We're not ready yet. You'll be completely on your own if you leave now. Give us some more time.

Unfortunately, Carter doesn't have that much time left to her, Crichton argued. I'm prepared to go and I have plan A and B to fall back on as we have discussed.

You're forgetting about Plan C. O'Neill reminded him.

I'm not crazy about Plan C, Crichton muttered. But I'll keep it in mind.

Why the sudden urgency? O'Neill asked with a mixture of curiosity and dread.

Pausing, Crichton pondered the wisdom in telling them about his inside source, Harvey. No! It would be a huge mistake to tell them now. Adama was already having doubts about letting him go, as it was. Telling them that he had a personality fraction from Scorpy himself running around his psyche would not win him any fans at this table.

You'll have to take my word for it, he said. I have to go now, Samantha Carter can't wait.

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to insist, Adama said in a firm, but even tone. If you have additional information, then please share it. It is the only way we can be properly prepared to assist you. The Battlestar Commander then smiled faintly. Also, I fear that Aeryn Sun would never forgive us if we let any harm recklessly befall you.

You're going to have to take my word for it, Crichton answered again. After Scorpius is finished with his interrogation of Samantha Carter, if there's enough left of her to make it worthwhile, he'll make her into his personal pet. In fact, the process may have already begun. That's the simple truth. If you don't let me go, I'll never forgive myself for not stopping it. That's all there is to it.

***

High above the huge maintenance area in the Galactica's Alpha bay, from a catwalk running the length of it, Aeryn watched the activity occurring below. Numerous maintenance teams that were efficiently performing various tasks from routine repairs to major overhauls on different Colonial Vipers, getting them prepared for the upcoming battle. She leaned over with both hands gripping the railing tightly, staring down with only half-hearted interest. Her mind was elsewhere, on more troubling issues.

said a voice.

Aeryn barely gave a passing glance to the approaching figure coming down the catwalk towards her.

Despite its apparent size, it's impossible to actually be alone on this ship, Aeryn said as Sheba came up beside her to share her view of the work taking place below.

You can do a lot of things on a Battlestar, but having time alone isn't generally one of them, Sheba replied with a friendly smile.

Aeryn kept her eyes fixed to the activity on the service deck under them. I'm not up for any idle chit-chats, Sheba.

The Colonial warrior nodded. Then just listen, John's leaving soon. He has a transport pod set and he's departing in a little more than an centar.

Hearing this, Aeryn turned suddenly to face Sheba. So soon? I thought there'd be more... her voice drifted off in total shock.

Sheba finished for her. No, Aeryn, there is no more time. He's leaving soon. I know that you're hurt and angry that he's chosen to place himself in harm's way again, rather than remaining safe here with you, but he's leaving this ship thinking that you hate him. Please come and see him off with the rest of us.

I can't... I can't do another good-bye...I don't do good-byes to begin with...and this one... I can't, Aeryn whispered in sheer dread.

Sheba immediately placed her hands gently on Aeryn's upper arms and spoke to her with a comforting voice. Who said that it has to be good-bye?

***

In the Galactica's infirmary, Crichton sat on a medical bed, intently studying the simple four by six inch colour photo that he held. What made it special was that it was taken on Earth, the sky was clear and the sun was bright for the five figures in it. In the picture, a smiling Jennifer Hailey stood front and centre in an Airforce dress uniform. It was her big day; she'd just graduated from the Academy. Gathered around her was Colonel O'Neill in his own blue Airforce dress uniform, with Teal'c and Daniel Jackson close by, both wearing civilian clothes. Crichton stared with passing amusement at Teal'c for a bit, taking in the huge ten-gallon hat that the Jaffa was wearing to conceal his golden tattoo on his forehead. However, his main focus was on the other woman in the picture, who was wearing an Airforce dress blue uniform. She had short blonde hair, a radiant smile and an air of intelligence that he could sense just by examining the photo alone.

Major Samantha Carter I presume, Crichton muttered before looking up to the gather members of SG-1.

O'Neill nodded, and then regarded Crichton with genuine appreciation. Listen, I'm grateful for what you are doing, but I can't let you go in there and risk your own life.

Crichton grunted as he studied the photo for another moment, committing Carter's face to memory before handing the photo to Hailey, And I appreciate your concern, but this is my choice and no one else can do this but me. Scorpy won't rise to any other bait. He looked to the young Lieutenant as she took the picture back from him.

So did you have fun at your graduation? Crichton inquired curiously.

It was the happiest day in my life, Hailey smiled as she put the photo away in one of her many vest pockets. A week after graduation, I was in the SGC learning how to defend our planet and exploring new worlds.

Crichton laughed sombrely. Here I thought I was breaking new ground with the launch of Farscape One and all the time you guys were out there literally exploring the final frontier before I even got off the ground. What a waste.

Well, I wouldn't be so certain of that, Hailey spoke up. With this worm hole technology of yours, we could open an entirely new avenue to space travel that is probably a thousand times faster than using hyperspace. Think of it, generating wormholes without the need of Stargates. It would permit us to visit new worlds outside the existing Stargate network. You're going to be a hero Crichton, just as I knew you would be.

Crichton smiled wryly at Hailey's praise of him. A hero... You know I've never thought of myself as a hero type. I considered myself as more of a survivor than anything else, after arriving out in the UT's.

Jack chuckled. Sometimes the label hero' goes to the last man standing. To the survivor'. And deservedly so. He shook his head ruefully. Either way, when you get back, we'll take you to Earth, and throw you the mother of all welcome home parties, O'Neill said. Heck, maybe even the President of the United States will attend.

Just give me a cold beer and a nice quiet stretch of sun washed beach, and I'll be happy, Crichton said with a grin.

Sure thing. O'Neill answered with a nod of affirmation.

Do me a favour, Crichton said as he reached for a small black bag that lay beside him. He handed it over to O'Neill. These are audio tapes that I have been making since I first arrived in the Uncharted Territories, some of
them are of a personal nature that I made for my family. Could you make sure that they reach my father, if anything should go wrong down there.

O'Neill took the bag in his hand, and felt the weight of numerous cassette tapes inside it. He looked directly at Crichton and promised. I'll make sure they get to him, but I really it would go better if you come back so you can
have the honour of doing it yourself.

I have every intention of doing so, Crichton said with a smile.

Just then, Doctor Cassiopeia approached holding a tray with several assorted medical instruments, placing it on a small table beside Crichton's bed she said, And how's our patient today?

Is the bedside manner' universal to doctors everywhere? O'Neill wondered silently.

Ready to become a radio antenna, Doc. Crichton said, as he gave the pretty blond physician a half smile.

Cassiopeia plucked a small clear plastic bag off of the tray and pointed to the grain-sized object it held. This is what I'll be implanting under your skin, just behind your right ear. It'll just take a centon to insert it, then we'll be
able talk to you and we'll be able to hear everything you hear.

There's no chance of the Peacekeepers detecting that? Hailey asked worriedly.

Captain Crais hit it thoroughly with every detection device that Talyn had in his inventory and they couldn't register a quiver from it on any scanner. So it shouldn't be a problem, Cassiopeia answered Hailey.

There's that word again, O'Neill muttered under his breath.

Cassiopeia continued. Unfortunately, it has a somewhat limited range. It won't work until we actually enter the system.

Fair enough, lets get this done, Crichton said laying back on the bed and rolling on to his left side, presenting his right ear to her.

We'll give you some time alone, O'Neill said, and then winced. And to be honest I'm not real big at watching a medical procedure anyway.

While Cassiopeia readied a couple of oddly shaped medical instruments to implant the transmitter under Crichton's skin, Daniel hung back as the rest of SG-1 filed out of the room. He approached Crichton with a vaguely troubled expression on his face.

Ah... I have a question that's been on my mind, and I was wondering if you could help me out?

Sure, what is it? Crichton said.

Daniel paused before deciding to cut to the chase. Could you tell me a bit more about Chiana?

***

Once again, Samantha Carter was managing to surprise Scorpius...and he didn't care for the feeling at all. How was she eluding him? Either it was a result of her time as a host to a Goa'uld symbiont, or there was a lot more to her than met the eye. Much more than she'd let on. And whatever it was, it was giving her a superior resistance to his efforts to probe her mind. The question was, where were these superior qualities during his initial successes? Or had there actually been any initial successes? Had she let him believe that he was winning, simply to lull him into complacency?

Scorpius shook his head in disgust and self reproach as he trekked across the desert in search of his chosen prey. As he slogged up, up the face of yet another sand dune he thought, Who would have believed that I would come across another Human from Earth just as annoying and troublesome as Crichton! And I've only met TWO of them to begin with. It stretches all credulity and the laws of probability that I could draw two such irritating, aggravating, infuriating specimens as the only Earthers to fall into my hands! What does this say about their species? Scorpius snarled. That's it, he half-muttered, half-snarled, I'm blowing up their planet! They're too dangerous to have running around the same cosmos that I'm in!

Then he felt it. A distant sub-sonic vibration that caused the ground to tremble faintly. It sounded like the grinding stone and humming of an energy flux, and it was steadily building in strength. Immediately, Scorpius knew what it was... Somewhere a Stargate was being activated.

Cresting another dune, he saw his prey standing at a DHD and just beyond that was a Stargate, which from the looks of it was approaching its activation threshold. Samantha Carter didn't even bother to turn around as Scorpius marched down the dune face towards her. When he got within a dozen feet, she called out to him while still watching the Stargate as the chevrons continued to lock in.

You came to see me off... Scorpy? Carter said in a soft cooing voice.

Scorpius paused at tilted his head speculatively at the change in the blond human's behaviour. I don't know what your plan is Samantha, but it won't work. There's no escape from this place. I rule here.

I beg to differ, Carter said slowly as she turned to face him. You see you aren't the first person or thing to take possession of my body and mind. So what is the big deal with you? Am I supposed to cringe before you? She waved her hand at him dismissively. You're just the next thing in a long line of maniacs who've had their crack at me. I'm still here. Do your worst.

Scorpius glared intently at her. Where is this coming from?

Sam smirked. It was working. Where's what coming from?

This sudden surge of new-found courage, Scorpius stepped closer to her. What are you planning Samantha?

Go fuck yourself Scorpius! Carter snarled. I'm through with your mind games. Go find you next victim, I'm done!

Scorpius scowled darkly. Sounds like you're becoming delusional about your situation here. I'm in control, not you.

I wouldn't bet on that Scorpy, Carter replied heatedly, then suddenly smirked. We just might surprise you.

Behind Scorpius, a patch of sand suddenly erupted as a lone figure rose from the ground, welding a Goa'uld staff weapon. Scorpius didn't sense the new intruder until he heard the staff weapon being primed to fire. He turned just in time to see... A second Samantha Carter?? Dressed in desert garb and aiming a Goa'uld weapon directly at him.

Scorpius whispered in stunned admiration, before coming to the most obvious answer. The symbiont!

Jolinar wasted no time as Major Carter leapt out of the line of fire behind Scorpius, the Tok'ra fired her weapon at point blank range, hitting Scorpius square in the chest. The first blast pierced straight through his upper torso, causing him to stagger backwards. Jolinar fired again, and again, striking Scorpius several more times before he collapsed to the ground in an unmoving heap.

Shocked by the sudden victory, Carter was slow to move to join Jolinar, who still held her staff weapon at the ready. Only a little more than 10 ten feet from them was the prone form of Scorpius, laying flat on his back with a half a dozen black smoldering holes in his chest. For a moment, there was silence broken only by the constant rumbling from the Stargate as another Chevron locked into position.

That was too easy, Carter whispered to her Tok'ra counterpart.

Indeed it was! Scorpius growled aloud as he stood up as if nothing happened. His chest was still marred by several gaping wounds that were the size of Carter's fist. His face was compressed into a hateful sneer. This little display of defiance is over, Samantha. After I'm finished with your friend, I will show you the real meaning of...

It was then that Scorpius paused as he noticed something else. The Tok'ra was focused completely on him, but Samantha Carter wasn't watching him at all. She was looking past him. What was behind him?

The Stargate!!!

The seventh Chevron locked into position and Carter yelled.

The Stargate flared to life and almost immediately, a mighty howling vortex erupted from within the portal, drawing in everything within reach with the force of a hurricane driven wind.

Scorpius, for his part, was half expecting the two women to run, however his arrogance didn't allow for the possibility of them laying this trap, or for the both of them charging at him to push him towards the Stargate. He already felt the swirling air clutching at him, pulling him backwards, even before the two women barrelled into him and shoved Scorpius towards it.

His feet suddenly left the ground as he was being sucked backwards into the Stargate. Desperate, Scorpius reached out and unexpectedly made a desperate grab at Jolinar's flailing cloak.

Carter couldn't believe it, but they'd done it! They managed to manoeuvre Scorpius close enough to the Stargate just as it activated.

Scorpius was able to create images and realities in Carter's mind, with which to assault her. However, with Jolinar's help and added strength, they were able to turn the tables on Scorpius. Now, he was getting a taste of his own medicine. If this worked, it would get Scorpius out of her hair, for a while at least.

Together, they pushed Scorpius towards the activated Stargate with the co-ordinates set for P3W-451, to the infamous black hole. It was a fitting place for a monster like Scorpius, but the major disappointment was that none of this is real enough to kill. At best, this would probably give Scorpius a terrifying ride and a splitting headache.

The incredible roaring wind and stinging sand created by the suction from the Stargate caught Scorpius and pulled him up into the air as it began to carry him off. Suddenly, Jolinar yelled as she fell forward. Scorpius had managed to seize the end of her cloak as it whipped wildly in the bellowing winds. He was now pulling her with him.

Carter screamed as she leapt after her Tok'ra double. She grasped Jolinar by the arms, then by the cloak about her shoulders. She thrust her feet forward, trying to dig in her boot heels in the soft blowing sand to prevent them from being dragged along the ground towards the Stargate. Sam managed to steer them to the DHD, where she anchored them long enough to let Jolinar get a grip. Carter used her web belt to buckle herself to the DHD. She wasn't going anywhere now. Then she wrapped her legs around Jolinar to help her hold on.

Carter could see that Jolinar was being choked as the strings on her cloak tightened about her neck under the added burden of Scorpius weight. Carter glanced up for a second to see Scorpius not only still holding the end of Jolinar's cloak, but was now climbing up it, hand over hand to reach them.

With all her strength, Carter fought to keep Jolinar from being pulled towards the Stargate with Scorpius. At the same time, she tugged back on the cloak to relieve some of the pressure on Jolinar's throat with one hand, while with the other, working the knot to unfasten the cloak.

Major Carter.... Jolinar wheezed, as her grip on the DHD slipped. Let me go... Save yourself.

Work the knot! Carter thought before answering with a flat. No! Just hold onto to me!

Save yourself. Jolinar pleaded again.

Carter's fingers moved fanatically to loosen the knot as Scorpius pulled himself closer. There was murder in the Scarren hybrid's eyes.

Work the knot!

I said no! Carter shouted over the howling winds. For Pete sakes! She cursed silently as she struggled to untie the string that was almost slicing into Jolinar's throat. You majored in astrophysics and you're a Major in the United States Air Force, and you can't untie a bloody knot?!

Something made her look up again.

Scorpius was only three feet from her now. His eyes focused solely on her as he pulled himself up a bit more along Jolinar's cloak.

Let... Me go... Major Carter... Jolinar croaked painfully as she gasped for breath.

Suddenly, Carter's desperation turned to anger. She wasn't going to let Scorpius beat her. She focused on the knot.

Forget, Scorpius! Just untie the knot!

After another moment of futility, Carter had enough.

Fuck this! she shouted as she looked up at Scorpius, who was even closer now. Their eyes locked for a second in mutual hatred before Carter wrapped her arms around Jolinar, raised her one foot, and planted the heel of her combat boot squarely in his face.

Once...

Twice...

Three times!

Stunned from the kicks, Scorpius grip on the cloak weakened and failed as the furious winds snatched him away into the Stargate. The gate then closed and all was still.

Carter cradled her Tok'ra friend in her arms as she stirred back to life, drawing in a breath of needed air.

You didn't give up on me, the Tok'ra whispered.

Carter smiled, relieved. Having had you die once for me is enough! Besides, I don't abandon my friennnnnndsssssSSS!!

Carter sat up screaming in pain. All she felt was something burning into the side of her head like a jabbing red-hot poker. Someone else was screaming too, but it sounded more like a cry from a wounded bear crossed with a scalded tiger

With weak and fumbling hands, Carter reached up and pulled the memory recall device away from the side of her forehead. Then she yelled again as the smoking device burned her fingers tips. With a curse, she tossed it away.

Nearby, Scorpius was up on his feet, pulling what was left of his smoking and burnt out headband from the top of his head, hissing in pain before throwing it away. Then he slowly turned and glared down at Samantha Carter with growing hatred, as the salient fact sank in that he'd been bested by yet another Human. Again!

He took one threatening step towards her before seeming to double over in pain, grasping his head with a hiss, then collapsing to the floor.

For her part, Carter simply looked more than a little amused at the sight of Scorpius' weakened condition. Wasn't it good for you? she said with a cocky smile.

Still in considerable discomfort and struggling to stand up again, Scorpius could only glare at her with impotent fury.

TWENTY SECONDS LATER...

The cell door opened and two burly Peacekeepers heaved Samantha Carter inside before slamming the door closed behind her. The blond Major picked herself off the floor and turned, staring at the door.

I guess not, she muttered. Some men are just never satisfied.... and let's not talk about the evil overlords. Sam began laughing as hopelessly as a mad hatter, and somewhere in the corner of Carter's mind, Jolinar laughed with her.

***

Crichton had sort of lost his taste for good-byes, long or otherwise, after spending three years out in the Uncharted Territories. A simple good-bye to someone, more often than not, tended to be permanent.

A transport pod from Moya had been prepared and was waiting in the Galactica's Alpha launch bay. All he had to do was climb aboard and fly to Scorpius' base on Tobin, but first he had all of SG-1, along with Commander Adama, Captain Apollo, Starbuck, Athena and Sheba, plus his friends from Moya, with Crais included, all waiting to see him off.

It was quite a gathering.

It was nice to see that he had the support of so many people and close friends. Although, having something as big as the Galactica in your corner never hurts either. It would let him walk softly, but carry a big stick'. As sticks went, you couldn't get much bigger than a Battlestar.

After a dozen handshakes, assorted back slaps, and a few tearful hugs, Crichton bid them all farewell. Sadly however, Aeryn was not there. Painful as it was, he couldn't blame her.

As he turned to leave, Sheba followed him, asking politely, May I walk you to your ship, Crichton?

I'd appreciate that, Crichton said quietly and started walking towards the transport pod with the Colonial warrior by his side. After a few steps he stopped walking and looked over to her. I need to ask you for something.

Sheba halted and turned to face him. Ask away.

It's about Aeryn, Crichton said, speaking hesitantly, and wondering if he'd jinx himself by asking this favour. If anything should happen, make sure that she's looked after.

Don't worry, Crichton, Sheba promised, patting his shoulder. We'll treat her as one of our own, all of us. She'll be safe.

Crichton said in noticeable relief. Hearing that from you means a lot. Also, when you see Aeryn, tell her... he paused, not knowing what to say. Just tell her that I... I... Oh, hell.

Sheba softly interrupted. It might be easier if you tell her that in person. She pointed past him, indicating that Crichton should look behind him.

Turning his head, John saw Aeryn Sun standing along side a parked Viper. She managed a sombre smile. The mere sight of her transfixed him so completely that he barely heard what Sheba said next.

Aeryn didn't want an audience watching, so she waited here until after I shooed everyone else away. I'll leave you two to talk. Take care of yourself Earthman.

Crichton managed to tear his eyes away from Aeryn long enough to glance to Sheba, ever grateful to his Colonial friend. I owe you one, Sheba. If you ever need something, like waxing your Viper, ironing your uniform, or the vital body organ of your choice, just let me know.

With a big grin, Sheba walked a short distance away to let the two have some privacy, or at least what passed for privacy on the Galactica. However, she remained close enough to make sure that no crewmember interrupted them accidentally.

While Sheba kept an alert eye out for interlopers, the Colonial warrior couldn't help but cast an occasional glance at her friends' tryst in the shadow of the Viper. Although she couldn't hear what was being said, their actions spoke volumes about the affection they bore for each other. The touching of hands, the gentle caress of one anothers face, just the way they looked into each another's eyes said that they had a unique love. It was an entrancingly romantic sight to behold.

Aeryn suddenly kissed Crichton and he returned it passionately. That was the moment when Sheba realized that she shouldn't be watching and she reluctantly turned away to look in another direction.

After a long moment, with tears flowing down her cheeks, Aeryn broke the kiss. The two lovers stared into each other's eyes once more. No good-byes, she whispered. I won't say good-bye.

Crichton nodded, still holding her face in his hands, gently wiping some of her tears away. Then how about, I'll see you soon'.

She couldn't fight down the fear and panic engulfing her. He'd be leaving any moment and Aeryn didn't want him to go. A part of her told her to stop him from leaving. To break his frelling legs if that's what it took to keep him from leaving. However, another part told her that this was something he had to do and if she did truly loved him; she'd let him do this.

We'll get you out Crichton, Aeryn said, choking back tears. I'll get you out.

There's no one I could count on more to come riding to my rescue than you, Crichton smiled, drawing his right hand across her face to her chin, holding it. He leaned down and kissed her one last time. For love. For luck.

***

On the bridge of the Galactica, Colonel Tigh turned away from a monitor to face Commander Adama. Crichton's transport pod is requesting permission to launch sir.

From his command chair, Adama once again pondered about the wisdom of their plan. Could they pull it off? Or would John Crichton and Samantha Carter end up paying the ultimate price if he and the Galactica should fail in their part to be there when they needed them the most? Adama sighed; he was growing weary at in sending out young people to their possible deaths.

Colonel Tigh stepped closer, softly repeating. Commander? Does Crichton have permission to launch?

Adama sighed heavily. He hated this. After another long moment, he finally said, Permission granted. Wish him well, and tell him that we shall come for him as soon as we can.

Aye, sir.

May the Lords of Kobol protect him and Samantha Carter. Adama quietly prayed as he watched the transport pod on a console monitor as it left the launch bay and headed off into deep space, on course for Tobin. To deliver John Crichton into the hands of his enemy. Into the hands of everyone's enemy





Author's Notes: Please remember that feedback is very appreciated and needed. :-)

Also, it can't be said enough. I like to thank my Beta Reader Kzinti_Killer. His supreme efforts are making this fanfic possible.