Revelations

Author: LeatherGirl

Summary: The crew must unite in the face of war.

Rating: PG-13

Category: ACTION/Adventure/Drama

Spoilers: Every episode up to CAN; Mind Games, Illusions, and Deceptions

Archiving: anywhere-please ask first…Please

Disclaimers: I do not own Farscape or anything associated with Farscape and give all credit to the creators for the magic they have created.

Author’s Note: The final installment in the “I’m Frelling With Your Minds” Series. Watch for a special edition of the Fellip Nectar Stand: Meet the Author coming soon!

Recap of First Three Stories:

Mind Games: John Crichton succumbs to Scorpius, risking the lives of his shipmates and exposing them to the birth of a war.

Illusions: Zhaan enters into the 11th Level of the Seek, which in effect endangers the lives of the crew as they are thrust onto a mysterious Leviathan. A stray transmission plays out Talyn’s death and trust begins to dwindle among all.

Deceptions: The mysterious Leviathan, Antarus, begins to transform, as the crew dives madly into delusions that only Crichton can see…only he is on the verge of madness himself. Separated and untrusting, the crew soon discovers their future in jeopardy.

Special thanks to my beta-readers Johryn, PKBarb, and JilaCosa!

Feedback greatly appreciated as always!

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*****

“Two cycles I have lived with freedom from the PeaceKeepers, in the company of six aliens of origins that span the universe. Six aliens I have come to know as family. I have seen much pain and suffering amongst you. I have also seen many great battles won and miraculous relationships formed. Life and death could not separate the bond that we share. We have faced the clutches of death only to rise and defy impossible odds. Only the things we desired most became the barriers that tore us apart. I do not know what will mend the wounds we have opened. We are at war. Moya cannot starburst. Now is the time to decide. Will you unite…or will you divide and fall into the hands of the enemy?”

Silence followed. The view screen displayed countless stars sparkling beautifully into the dimmed lighting on Command. Peaceful as the setting appeared, this portion of the universe was far from peace. Sudden small bursts of light flashed amongst these stars. The yellowish orange bursts were mute and constant, nearly a dozen exploding at any single moment. As Moya drifted on, these bursts of light became larger and more defined.

Doomed, darkened beings stood in place in Command allowing Pilot’s words to sink in. The darkness in the room was as chilling as the expressions on each of their faces. Each one was dressed for battle; weapons prepped and holstered. Minds were set on survival.

A sudden explosion in the distance lit their faces briefly. The ship shook a micron later, just as briefly. Regaining their footing, each one stood firm once again. A muffled noise from the initial blast followed. The ship was drawing closer to the madness. The shockwaves had finally reached them.

Pilot hoped his speech had been inspirational, but he feared otherwise. He watched Moya’s scans and sensors; fearful yet bravely watching as the dreaded war slowly advanced towards them. An ailing ship, with a Pilot who would soon be just as frail, accompanied by six aliens barely fit to engage in battle. Their chances: minimal.

A large, intimidating ship loomed before Moya. The ship drifted alongside of her, eerily quiet and abandoned. A slight reddened tint to the exterior casings with a hint of a Leviathan starburst tail still emerged from the back. A large set of Frag Cannons positioned on the side, still a work in progress. The ship, Antarus, resembled a small PeaceKeeper Command Carrier. This was the trap they had been lead into…Antarus was an enemy ship, courtesy of the PeaceKeepers, used to lure Moya in and capture the crew.

A long shadow stretched across John Crichton’s face. His right eye sparkled dimly in reaction to the little amount of light reaching his darkened face. His stomach churned worse than that fateful day leading to his arrival to this treacherous side of the universe. His mind carried all the accumulated stresses, concerns, and rationalizations from over the past two cycles. Yet his face remained set. His eyes burned with determination.

Aeryn stood in the shadows. Even her stomach churned at this point. She knew the odds of their survival against this race she knew all too well. She was once on the other side of the looking glass. She stole a glance at John and blinked slowly. She knew their lives would soon change drastically; wishing only that the change would be quick and painless.

Standing tall, D’Argo breathed deeply. His body displayed strength and power. His mind, however, carried guilt, sorrow, and uncertainty. As young as he was physically, this warrior Luxan had grown much older emotionally. Scars from many losses were beginning to take their toll on his weakened confidence.

Rygel hovered near the doorway of Command, quietly taking in their situation. His place among these beings was now evident. He had their trust. In the darkness that shadowed his body, a light glint shimmered near his right hand. Rygel now carried a weapon. He no longer considered himself too royal to bear a weapon. Survival was his main concern.

Zhaan, who, normally in dire situations prayed to her goddesses, stood silent as well. The darkness of the room barely seemed to be what blackened her complexion. Zhaan’s inner struggles would not be of help to their current situation. She held fast to her weapon and held her fearful mind at bay, struggling to concentrate only on the peaceful image of her beloved Stark.

 

Chiana stared into the view screen with sadness. Her usually pale complexion was painted over by the darkness of the room. Chiana felt strong among her comrades…yet more fearful than ever before. She and her shipmates were about to disrupt a massive war.

“How much longer before the first fleet of the battle reaches our current position?” Aeryn asked in a low voice. Her eyes were as dark as the black canvas of space.

“I cannot say. We can already feel the effects, so I fear any timeline I give you may be false. Moya is not functioning like she once was, mind you.” Pilot responded dimly.

“Fear has gripped our souls. We may not last that long.” Zhaan stated, as if her comments would be of comfort to any one of them. They all knew the truth; they wouldn’t accept it.

Silence lingered a moment longer. Moya shook slightly again, Command lighting up briefly from another blast far off in the distance. The muffled telltale of an explosion drifted past their ears.

“Pilot, one of us will keep watch with you in your den. Surely you cannot be well enough to detect everything.” D’Argo suggested.

“I’ll go first.” Chiana volunteered and headed out of the room, her feet pattering across the floor in rhythm with the bursts of light flashing in the distance out the view screen.

Command grew quiet again and the remaining crew stared off, each lost in his or her own thoughts. The anger each shared for the other had been temporarily ushered aside. Like Pilot had implied, if they wanted to survive, they had to work together.

“Antarus lead us to this war. He willed Moya to follow. Now, he will abandon her as her son has. I fear we may soon be without a safe environment in which to live. Before long, Moya will deteriorate, Pilot will slowly die with her, and we will be left with the transport pods, little food and supplies, and a vast space consisting only of a deadly, unforgiving war.” Zhaan said, her voice nearly a whisper. “We will die as well.”

“That’s pretty depressing isn’t it? But it’s no way to look at our situation. We have come against incredible odds and always survived. I think…no, I know we have a chance.” Rygel preached in a steady voice-a surprising speech from such a selfish being.

“I, for one, will die fighting…die trying to save not only myself, but also friends I have gained that I could not live without. I will not give up.” Aeryn stated strongly, looking from Zhaan to Rygel. She then allowed her gaze to settle on John’s set face. He had remained quiet throughout the conversation. Aeryn predicted from his expression that he would stay quiet.

“I agree with Aeryn. It will be an honor to die with all of you.” D’Argo responded quietly.

The silence from John was almost becoming deafening to the crew as they all became aware of his newfound speechlessness. John only continued to stare out at the battle. His heart was heavy with sorrow, only his face would never tell his shipmates of his pain. He seemed almost lost, in another time and place. Just as one of the crew was about to address him, John surprised them and spoke. He kept his eyes focused on the battle.

“Long ago, I remember lying on the dew-kissed grass in our backyard. My father pointed out every constellation visible. Every little star had a name. He knew them all. He had an important meeting that next morning…it would be the last time we saw each other for six months. My dad was going to the moon. He decided to stay with me that night, up until dawn, teaching me how precious life was.” John stated softly, his eyes cast on the abyss visible on the view screen, his face holding steady. Silence remained from his shipmates as they tried to picture his scenario.

“We will unite…and we will survive.” John said with a strong, sure voice, though with a hint of fatigue. With those final, simple words spoken, he turned swiftly on his heel and walked heavily out of Command. His boots pounded across the floor in the silence. The rest of the crew knew what words he chose not to speak: Scorpius would not allow for them not to survive. Especially John.

*****

Chiana entered Pilot’s den and paused at the entrance, her jaw hanging open in shock. Like the pilot aboard Antarus, this Pilot was frail and pasty white. Chiana slowly walked forward, taking in the sad sight of her friend. Glancing around at her surroundings, Chiana noted how dark the den had grown; the lighting on Moya was dim, and the DRDs who once busily zoomed about Moya were becoming sluggish. She lifted her foot avoiding a particular carelessly moving DRD as it passed her by in a beeline for the entrance. Pilot noticed Chiana finally, and took in a long, shaky breath, telling of his exhaustion.

As Pilot moved his arms around to monitor controls, Chiana noticed the shaking unsteadiness of his movements. She leaned forward onto the control console to make eye contact with Pilot.

“Pilot? What’s wrong? What can we do to help you?” Chiana asked in a caring, soft manner. She laid her weapon down on the controls to hop up onto the console to be closer to Pilot.

“I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do. Once Moya’s systems fail, I will die soon after.” Pilot stated his eyes opened only halfway.

“There must be something we can do!” Chiana argued, choking back tears. She brushed her hand across Pilot’s pale cheek gently.

“I am honored to be joined with Moya. I have seen the stars. I am prepared for my fate.” Pilot said, drooping his head to look down at the controls. Chiana shook her head.

“No Pilot, you can’t be ready to die. I know how much you care for us. There’s no way you’d give up without a fight…without at least finding a place for us to safely live.” Chiana retaliated.

“Moya is not well. I cannot do anything for her.” Pilot argued in return. He would not look Chiana in the eyes any longer. Chiana knew he was trying to avoid her confrontation.

“Pilot, you just gave us a frelling speech on fighting for what we believe in most and you want to give up? Just like that? Come on, Pilot. I know you better than that. Moya’s problem is that she doesn’t know how to deal with Talyn and Antarus’ betrayal of her. She needs you more than ever to keep her going. Tell her what you told us. Make her believe there is something left to fight for. Her real family.” Chiana said and then plopped back down to the ground from the console. She gave Pilot a lasting stare, grabbed her weapon, and stalked out of the den.

“Chiana, you’re supposed to be assisting Pilot.” D’Argo stated in the hallway as she passed him by. He noted her troubled expression and grabbed her arm. Chiana spun around and stared into D’Argo’s inquiring eyes with her own misty eyes.

“If you’re so concerned about him, you do it!” Chiana stated angrily and wiggled out of D’Argo’s grip. She stomped away and disappeared around the bend in the hall. D’Argo growled. He wasn’t about to put up with her dren at the moment. He continued on his way to the maintenance bay to check on Moya’s systems for Pilot.

*****

Sitting in his quarters, John stared endlessly at his tape recorder. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes glazed. He rubbed a thumb over his lips thoughtfully. A thought spurred him to span the room with his eyes, to observe the writings he had scribbled on any surface that would allow it. The words and symbols appeared hurried and wild; telling of the state the author had been in at the time. John rubbed his eyes with his hand. He was emotionally spent.

John had sought solace in his quarters after listening to the concerns of his shipmates, seeing for himself the grave situation they were heading into. He had decided he was going to leave another message to his father. Unfortunately, John discovered it would be the last message. The last tape had been inserted. And worse, the batteries were dying.

The frightening images of his attempted suicide flashed back into his mind. Had it really happened? Only a solar day ago, he and the crew were on the verge of madness. Now, they all were ready to embrace it, just to save themselves the pain and conflict the war would bring. Time and time again, John had come against impossible odds. He had always made it through to the next day. Now, he had no care for the next day…in fact, he dreaded it. An image flashed through his mind of the day weekens ago when he sacrificed himself to Scorpius. Not only had Scorpius gained control of his mind, he had also done much more damage than ever before. Now John was a callous, shadowed man. He remembered the satisfaction of arguing with Zhaan. The anger and hate that drove him on was satisfying. Suddenly becoming focused in time to let his shipmates know they had fallen into a trap. This was all cause and effect by the hands of Scorpius. Maybe the half Scarren had left something inside of him that he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

“John?” A soft, caring voice broke the heavy silence. John jumped in his seat, startled. His heart racing, John turned around to see who had nearly scared him to death. Aeryn stood in the doorway, leaning to one side. John gazed at her beautiful body, not really allowing her exhausted appearance to play into her present state. John gave her a small smile after a few moments of uneasy silence. Aeryn walked over to him and sat down beside him on his bed.

“You’re not talking like you usually do.” Aeryn said. She gazed into John’s eyes with a wrinkled brow. She was concerned. Even for Aeryn.

“I don’t really have anything to say, do I?” John remarked with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Aeryn leaned back in slight surprise.

“What do you mean by that?” Aeryn asked, anger slipping into her voice as well. She couldn’t take much more of this human’s nonsense. John opened his mouth and stopped, closing it again. He studied Aeryn’s face for a moment and shook his head.

“Aeryn. All we do is bicker. Everyone on this ship is mad at each other. Why is that?” John asked, cocking his head. The ship shook slightly, reminding them that the war was not far from arriving.

“I don’t know. I only know that you are the one who always comes up with an answer. But you’re not even doing that anymore. All you do is sulk. What is your problem? Tell me.” Aeryn demanded, confronting John once and for all.

“Aeryn, I….” John started to say when the ship shook violently. John and Aeryn nearly fell off the bed and stood immediately with alarm.

“What was that?” Aeryn asked, holding onto John’s arm. John held onto her arm as well.

“Better not be what I think it is.” John stated and the two began to race out into the hallway for Command.

“Pilot! Report!” John ordered as the two ran through the hall. D’Argo, armed and ready, joined them.

“There are more ships approaching from behind us…it looks as though they were headed towards the battle but saw us first.” Pilot’s weak but frantic voice called out over the comms.

“They’re shooting at us?” John shouted in anger. The three approached Command to see Rygel, Zhaan, and Chiana already standing by nervously. Three large, unfamiliar ships zoomed past the view screen, headed towards Antarus. One of the ships fired once more, the blast of energy aimed for Moya. The crew braced themselves for impact. Pilot struggled with controls but came short as the blast hit. The defense screen remained un-activated. Moya shook fiercely, a low rumbling echoed throughout, as a section of a lower tier was ripped apart by the blast. Everyone save Rygel was thrown to the floor with force. The lighting within Moya diminished momentarily.

“Pilot! Pilot. Pilot, are you there?” John shouted, as he helped Aeryn and Zhaan up from the floor. D’Argo and Chiana stood and nodded to each other silently, assuring the other of their current status. Rygel veered back into a corner of the room, shivering in fright. With no response from Pilot, John grunted in frustration and raced out of the room towards Pilot’s den.

“Where are you going?” Aeryn shouted after him.

“Check out the lower tier!” John ordered Aeryn as he disappeared out the door.

“Go, we’ll stay here.” Chiana urged D’Argo and Aeryn, holding up a weapon in her hands, showing she was prepared for anything. D’Argo held up his Qualta blade and raced out of the room as well with Aeryn close behind.

“May the goddesses protect us.” Zhaan cried in panic. She looked to Rygel and Chiana to see they were just as frightened as she.

“We’re not going to make it, are we?” Chiana stated in a small, shaky voice. Her question remained unanswered.

The future looked grave. The ships out the view screen had started to dock with Antarus and more small ships began to encounter their space. Yet no contact came from these ships nor did they bother trying to finish Moya off.

*****

His long, leather coat wavered away from his body as he raced on through the halls. A look of determination played on his face. His muscles were tensed and strong. John headed towards Pilot’s den. He skidded to a stop, nearly missing the entrance. His heart skipped a beat. What John saw when he peered into the den, was almost more frightening than the images of Scorpius. Panic and concern washed over his body as John slowly walked the ramp to Pilot. His eyes heavy with sorrow, John approached Pilot and breathed deeply. He reached a caring hand out to caress Pilot’s pale cheek. Pilot blinked at him sickly, barely moving in his already stationary position. His entire body had grown stiff and pale. His long arms rested carelessly on the control console, as if they had been neglected and thrown off to the side. Pilot breathed raggedly, looking to John with a look of plea to end his suffering.

“Pilot, is there anything we can do for you?” John asked half in a whisper, his voice cracking.

“Get Moya…as far away…from here as possible.” Pilot muttered, taking short breaths as he spoke.

Moya shook once again, this time from a stray shockwave from the war fast approaching. The interior lighting flickered and grew even dimmer.

“Pilot, let me speak with her. Let me convince her how precious her life is. She deserves so much more than to die like this. And so do you.” John urged caringly. He tilted his head at Pilot and released a large smile, something rare in the past few weekens. Pilot blinked heavily and reflected the smile as best he could, giving a nod for John to go ahead. Pilot weakly dragged one of his arms towards the controls and patched John in to Moya.

“Moya, this is John Crichton, on behalf of Pilot and the rest of the crew. Listen to me. Your life is worth so much. You have to get your son back. Don’t give up on us now. This is just the beginning. You’re a brave and incredibly strong ship. I know you have everything it takes…Moya, please, we’ve been through so much. Fight for Talyn. For us. But most importantly, fight for your life.” John spoke softly, eyeing Pilot and looking around at Moya. A renewed sense of hope began to fill him. The words he had spoken were true not only to Moya and Pilot, but to himself as well.

“John, we need you down on Tier 17. Its looks bad.” D’Argo’s demanding voice carried over the comms. John sensed a rare uneasiness in the Luxan’s voice. John glanced once more to Pilot.

“Will you be okay?” John asked, directing his stern gaze into Pilot’s eyes. Pilot blinked slowly and nodded, letting out a shaky breath as he did so.

“I will manage. The DRDs will help.” Pilot replied, his breathing now becoming more manageable. John nodded to Pilot once and rushed out of the den. His mission and his focus were now clear.

*****

 

Sparks streaked down to the floor with tumbling rolls of steam billowing out from Moya’s atmospheric systems in the storage bay on Tier 17. A strong vacuum pushed throughout the bay, pulling anything not bolted down to the floor out the extremely large hole torn in Moya’s exterior skin and into space. The bay doors had been permanently sealed by the DRDs that had not been damaged or blown away during the initial impact. All systems were down. Neither Pilot nor Moya could even detect the status of the bay.

D’Argo and Aeryn stood adjacent to the bay, staring at the central chamber not far from the bay. Somehow, a large piece of Moya’s outer casing had speared through the bay doors and pierced the central conduit structures of Moya’s systems. Steam was rapidly pouring out as well as dark amnexus fluid. Sparks from the electrical nerves danced dangerously close to the pools of fluid flooding the structure.

“That could not have struck anywhere worse.” D’Argo stated sorrowfully in his low, cracking voice. Aeryn only nodded in agreement.

“What seems to be the prob…Holy Mackerel, I think we’ve found the big one. Whoa.” John stated with surprise, appearing on the other side of the structure. He gazed at the mess before him with a pissed off grin. John watched his step, lifting his boots carefully over a pool of amnexus fluid. Arriving at Aeryn’s side, John stared back at the damage. “What the frell…how did this happen? The odds of that casing being driven into the center for Moya’s systems is probably 125 million to one!”

“It’s irreparable.” Aeryn informed John.

“There’s gotta be something we can do. Pilot is dying. I talked to Moya but I don’t know if it helped. She wants to die. I’m not going to stand around here and watch as everyone around me goes down without a fight. I’ve already been there, done that.” John replied.

“And how do you suggest we go about this?” Aeryn asked, folding her arms over her chest. John only looked at her for a moment and didn’t answer.

“D’Argo, help me out.” John ordered, walking up to the damage, not caring whether the sparks or slick fluid got in his way. D’Argo approached the damage as well and grasped one side of the casing lodged into the structure. John grabbed the other side and the two pulled together, grunting as the shrapnel refused to dislodge. Aeryn took a hold onto John’s side. The shrapnel immediately slid out, nearly crushing the three in its weight as it fell to the floor. They stepped back to avoid the impact. With an echoing crash, the casing slammed onto the floor, sending specks of amnexus fluid into the air. Suddenly, an explosion of amnexus fluid began to spray wildly from the hole created by the casing. John hopped up onto a ridge in the structure and quickly worked with the various nerves and ducts hanging loosely around the hole. The fluid rapidly enveloped his fingers as he worked to tie off the nerve from which the amnexus fluid was flowing.

D’Argo rushed into action as well, grabbing a torch to seal off any ducts spewing steam. Aeryn worked swiftly to eliminate the sparking conduits from creating a disastrous fire.

“What we need to do is fight back. We unite as Pilot stated, and with strategy, we may have a way out.” John stated as he worked. Aeryn glanced over to him with question on her face, pausing from her duties. D’Argo did the same.

“What are you talking about?” Aeryn asked, stepping forward. A few stray sparks passed close to her face, falling to the floor in front of her.

“I’m saying….” John stopped as the ship shifted slightly. He held himself firmly onto the structure as Aeryn and D’Argo regained their footing. “I’m saying I have a plan.”

“What kind of plan?” D’Argo asked, his voice growling with anger as he stood to face John. The steam was beginning to lessen from the ducts.

“You’ve decided to inform us now, have you?” Aeryn asked, folding her arms and waiting patiently for an answer. She could not figure why John had not mentioned anything earlier. Perhaps the human had come up with the plan on a whim, like he so often had in the past.

“I can’t tell you the specifics right now, Aeryn. But when I need your help, I hope you’ll be willing. Trust me.” John said, looking from Aeryn to D’Argo and then back to the nerves he was digging around in.

Aeryn and D’Argo exchanged uneasy looks. Trust was hard to come by on Moya these days. But they knew this human well by now. For the most part, he was true to his word.

“Fine. But if anything goes awry….” D’Argo charged but was interrupted.

“D’Argo. Trust me.” John gave D’Argo a look and turned back to his work once more. D’Argo frowned at John and slowly went back to sealing the ducts. No more conversation played as the three worked on in the increasing coldness of the chamber.

*****

Zhaan stood in the center of Command, her hands held out in prayer. She mumbled silently, her eyes closed. Rygel hovered underneath the strategy table, nervously releasing helium every few microns. Chiana stood far behind all, quietly observing the ships that had entered into their space. The ships stayed at a certain point near Antarus, some facing Moya, others faced towards the approaching PK Prowlers…the frontline of the war. Strangely, Antarus was strategically positioned to shield Moya from the war itself. Chiana cocked her head; suddenly realizing with fright what origin the ships surrounding Antarus came from.

“Zhaan! Those are Nebari fighter ships! What are they doing here?” Chiana spoke, her voice wavering. She charged forward until she was at Zhaan’s side. Zhaan opened her eyes briefly.

“Chiana, please.”

“Zhaan? Hello? Did you hear me? Those ships are Nebari. We’re frelled!” Chiana shouted at Zhaan. Zhaan lowered her hands. A strange, quick smile played across her face before she turned to look at Chiana.

“Chiana, go to Pilot. I’m sure he is in need of your assistance.” Zhaan stated with a smile in her calm, soothing voice. Chiana glared at Zhaan and swayed in her stance. She studied Zhaan’s eyes and suddenly nodded.

“I’ll go see Pilot.” Chiana stated and walked towards the hall without a fuss. She stopped suddenly as Zhaan was watching her leave and turned to face her once more. “But if those Nebari ships come any closer, I’m taking a transport pod and getting the frell out of here!” With that said, Chiana turned and left Command.

Zhaan smiled to herself. She looked to the strategy table. Her smile grew larger. She knelt down near the table and looked at Rygel. Rygel, startled by her sudden appearance, jumped and leaned away from her.

“Wh…what do you want?” Rygel asked.

“Rygel, we may need to have all the food and supplies prepared in the event that we abandon Moya. I think you would be the most qualified for that, wouldn’t you agree?” Zhaan asked, tilting her head.

“Food? I don’t know….” Rygel stated but with the transformation of Zhaan’s soft approach to one of disapproval was enough to motivate him. He zoomed off out of Command.

Straightening, Zhaan smiled eerily and walked up to the controls. She leaned forward and checked the comms.

“I’ve got them all distracted. Shall we proceed?” Zhaan asked to the view screen.

An image flickered terribly on the view screen. Frequencies in this part of space were becoming more and more disrupted. Zhaan waited patiently.

“Yes. That will be all for now. Allow me to contact you. We can’t have them discovering us quite yet.” A slithering voice replied as the view screen continued to flicker. Suddenly, the image became crisp. Unfortunately, the being on display was not a pretty sight. His pale, wrinkled face was scarred heavily. His eyes were sunken and devilish. The black leather encasing his head had been upgraded, with thicker leather and advanced thermal casing. A flash of sharp, decaying teeth escaped from his slithering lips.

“It will not be easy.” Zhaan replied, folding her hands together.

“You have done well. I like your style. Perhaps afterwards, we can join together and rule the new PeaceKeeper federation.” Scorpius replied in a hiss.

“I only wish to be with Stark once again.” Zhaan replied.

“So be it. He has contacted you, yes?” Scorpius asked. Zhaan nodded. “The others have been approached as well?”

“Yes. But I do not believe they know what is real any longer.”

“They will, Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan…soon, they will.” Scorpius’s frightening image flickered once more before dissipating completely. Zhaan glanced around Command to confirm her solitude and looked back to the view screen.

Zhaan stood with slight shame creeping into her conscience. She did not want to betray her friends. Unfortunately, she would have no choice. When she had forced John into Unity, her mind had somehow acquired a version of Scorpius’s personality. For weekens afterwards, she would constantly witness Scorpius talking to her. She would look away and then back, and he would be gone. Her aching mind could take little more madness. So she struck a deal with this image of Scorpius. She would sacrifice the others. The only thing she would get in return would be the right of passage into the afterlife--to join once again with Stark.

Chiana reentered into Command. She had forgotten her weapon. Upon seeing Zhaan at the controls, she strolled up to her with suspicion.

“What were you doing, Zhaan?” Chiana asked peering with her head tilted at Zhaan. Zhaan glanced nervously at Chiana, wondering what course of action she should take. She would not have to ponder much longer. A distraction came up on the view screen.

“Is that? Dren. That’s Talyn! He’s docking near Antarus.” Chiana stated her brow wrinkled with a frown. She stepped up to the view screen with Zhaan who was just as shocked as she was.

“What is he doing here?” Zhaan asked in surprise.

Talyn docked at Antarus and the two could barely make out a transport pod emerging and traveling over to Antarus. Several Prowlers, marked with a strange new symbol on the bellies of the ships, hovered nearby, as if to guard the young battle ship. Talyn was much bigger than before…and more intimidating.

Without warning, Moya boosted forward. The ships facing her fired warning shots that flew past Moya. Moya stopped abruptly, causing Chiana and Zhaan to stumble slightly. Chiana looked to Zhaan.

“This just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?”

*****

 

The looming Command aboard Antarus was almost exactly the same as one found inside a PeaceKeeper Command Carrier. The ship was nearly complete in its transformation; only the exterior structure remained to be modified. In this Command, however, Leviathan characteristics still existed. There were consoles and DRDs. But morphed into the controls were PeaceKeeper symbols. Antarus once existed as a Leviathan. Now he was a pawn in a game much larger than anyone could fathom.

Scorpius stood at the view screen, marveling in the magnificent display before him. His goals were within his grasp. He grinned in reflection. Moya hovered, pale and stationary just metras away. Over thirty Prowlers now loyal to the PeaceKeeper Federation alongside a few Nebari fighter ships guarded the Leviathan, in the event she should try anything drastic. Once her son arrived, as Scorpius had anticipated, she would become resistant to their intimidating presence.

“I’m here. The Nebari have come to assist us. What’s our position?” Crais’ demanding voice boomed as he entered into the nearly vacant Command. He noted the Leviathan displayed on the view screen and walked up to stand at Scorpius’ side. Off to their right, the war, which had come to a halt, began anew as ships began to fire once more and attack one another again. They could barely distinguish the make of the ships, but felt the shockwaves from explosions much worse than ever before.

 

“All is going as planned.” Scorpius stated, not giving any more information. He looked slyly at Crais.

“Talyn was not as cooperative once he saw his mother.” Crais informed Scorpius.

“As he should be. A child will always be connected with his mother. Only time will make him see where his true loyalties lie.” Scorpius spoke with wisdom.

“John Crichton will not be easily defeated.” Crais stated, as if Scorpius didn’t know this already. Scorpius turned to him thoughtfully. Crais looked at the scar that had burned into his already disfigured face. John Crichton had struck Scorpius down once. But with the building determination within this half-breed, Crais doubted if the human would be able to strike him down twice.

“The human does not yet know what he’s already walked into. He never saw it coming…and he’ll never be able to escape it.” Scorpius stated mysteriously. He charged off, with the tapered leather of his thermal suit trailing in the breeze as he walked. Crais watched him leave with a curious expression. He didn’t know what Scorpius was up to and his loyalties to the creature were dwindling.

*****

The steam had diminished completely in the Central Chamber on Tier 17. Aeryn, D’Argo, and John sat nearby, observing the mess they had tried to clean up the best they could. Each one of them was covered in amnexus fluid and soot. Their faces were drawn in exhaustion.

“John. I…I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday. I didn’t mean to harm you.” D’Argo stated unexpectedly. John looked to D’Argo, noting the sincerity in his eyes.

“I know big guy, I know.” John said, nodding his head and looking down at his hands. He was still rubbing them with a rag, trying to clean off the amnexus fluid.

“I don’t know what came over me. With Jothee approaching me and everything….” D’Argo said, looking down at the floor. John and Aeryn turned to look at D’Argo with stern expressions.

“What do you mean? What are you talking about, D’Argo?” Aeryn asked. She thought of her own chance meeting with a few PeaceKeeper officers.

“On the commerce planet. Jothee was there. He had a deal for me.” D’Argo stated and looked back up to face John with the truth once and for all. John looked at D’Argo suspiciously, feeling those rattlers begin to shake his stomach.

“D’Argo, what aren’t you telling us?” John asked, slightly nervous. He remembered his telltale dream from the day before.

“Jothee had a message from Scorpius. If I turned you in, he would be freed. We would be together once again.” D’Argo answered, his voice lowering in shame. John stood up immediately upon hearing Scorpius’s name and backed away from his friends with disbelief.

“What?!” John exclaimed.

“I knew it was too good to be true. Jothee did not want anything to do with me. I didn’t want to do it…but, John, I have been separated from him for too long.” D’Argo reasoned, holding his hands out and looking to his friend. John shook his head slowly. Aeryn glanced at him and then looked down at the floor as well.

“I was also approached by someone.” Aeryn admitted. John dropped his mouth open and looked directly at Aeryn with anger forming in his face.

“Let me guess, you were reinstated to the PeaceKeepers.” John stated sarcastically. Aeryn’s head shot up and she stared at him in shock. John straightened his posture and held out his hands. “I can’t believe this. I just...frell. How am I supposed to trust any of you?”

“We just told you things we’re not proud of. We’re still here, aren’t we? We didn’t do anything to offend you so back off.” Aeryn retorted angrily. John dismissed her anger.

“I don’t give a flying frell what you admitted. You considered them. That’s enough.” John replied, almost shouting.

“What were we supposed to do when we thought you had blasted a hole through your head? We rush to find you, turns out you didn’t commit suicide, and then you go off and don’t even apologize for deceiving us.” Aeryn exploded with anger. She stood to face John. John looked away, releasing a long steady breath.

“We have to stay together if we want to survive.” Aeryn said in a calmer, softer voice.

“Half an arn ago, you asked us to trust you.” D’Argo said, standing to join Aeryn. He looked at John with the same sincere eyes. “We do.”

“Trust. That’s not something I take lightly.” John stated. He closed his eyes briefly, thinking hard. He could feel the weight of all the dren he had been dealt pushing down on him, pressuring him. He had come to a frightening world where life and death was the only way of survival. These aliens had become his only structure in the insane Uncharted Territories. He had to trust them. He had done so naturally for nearly two cycles. In the end of any given day’s struggles, standing in the wake of the aftermath, they all stood strong…united. The connection with these aliens ran far too deep for John to just turn his back on them once and for all.

“We are here to stand with you. We did not fall to our weaknesses, whether they were illusions or not.” Aeryn pointed out.

She stepped forward until she was standing within denches of John. She gave him a sincere, trusting stare. John felt compelled in her gaze. He realized these beings had loyalties even beyond those of family. They would do whatever it took to fight for one another’s lives. John smiled at Aeryn. He leaned in, not caring whether D’Argo was standing nearby. John pressed his warm lips to Aeryn’s, receiving the same pressure back from her. The two became lost to each other momentarily. D’Argo rolled his eyes, took a deep breath, and headed off to Command.

John and Aeryn broke from their kiss and smiled at each other gently. They felt more strongly than ever that the future would remain bright for both of them.

*****

John and Aeryn entered Command to see D’Argo had already arrived there. He was staring out the view screen, with a perplexed expression. Chiana stood nearby, her face expressionless. Zhaan stood close to the view screen, observing the exploding destruction of both PeaceKeeper and Scarran ships several metras from their current position.

“They have not advanced any further.” D’Argo informed them as they came to his side. “But the Nebari have arrived and taken up protective guard with Antarus.”

John looked to Chiana to see her reaction to D’Argo’s observation. She displayed nothing.

“No transmissions? No word from any of them? History is repeating itself. This is just getting a little too weird for me.” John stated. The crew was briefly reminded of their position when the war had originally begun. John couldn’t believe that no enemy ship had tried to dock Moya yet, save shooting them into oblivion.

“That’s Talyn. When did he arrive?” Aeryn asked her voice rising with concern as she recognized the little battleship docked near Antarus.

“Half an arn ago.” Rygel stated. He drove his thronesled into Command to join the rest of the crew. Zhaan looked at him suspiciously for a moment. Only she and Chiana had witnessed the arrival of Talyn. She wondered how he could possibly have known.

Moya shook violently, sending the crew to the floor with harsh force. The shaking did not cease as the crew struggled to regain their balances. Pilot’s frail image briefly appeared on the clamshell.

“Moya…seizure...ver…si….” Pilot tried to communicate to them. His holo image disappeared.

The lights dimmed and a cold rush of air began to fill into Command. The shaking finally stopped giving the crew a chance to regain balance. Rygel wildly struggled with his thronesled as the center of gravity was briefly thrown off balance.

“What the frell was that?” D’Argo demanded to know. He clambered up and held onto the edge of the strategy table in the event of another sudden movement.

“Did they fire on us?” Chiana asked, straightening.

“It was Moya.” Aeryn answered, a feeling of uneasiness rising in the pit of her stomach. She looked to John and saw he was thinking the same thing…they had to act now.

John stepped up to the view screen, rubbing his mouth with his hand thoughtfully. He looked through the view screen, at the chaos before them. He caught a glimpse of Zhaan out the corner of his eye, looking at him with an odd expression. He only dismissed it as the anger she still harbored toward him. Something clicked in his mind…telling him what he knew all along. John spoke swiftly as he turned to face his shipmates with a dead serious expression.

“I’m going to Antarus. Scorpius and I need to have a little chat.”

“What?” Aeryn, D’Argo, and Chiana cried in unison. Rygel nearly fell off his thronesled.

“Don’t you remember what happened last time? You gave yourself up to Scorpius! You nearly died.” Chiana enraged. John only blinked at her statement. He had expected these reactions from his shipmates. Nothing would change his mind.

“How do you know Scorpius is on Antarus?” Zhaan inquired, eyeing him suspiciously as she spoke.

“He’s there. Somehow, I know, okay?” John said, looking at Zhaan directly. Aeryn walked up to John to confront him with anger spread over her face.

“You’re crazy. I did not think you wanted to kill yourself before…but now I’m not so sure.” Aeryn spat. John gave her a trusting stare, confusing her even more.

“Aeryn, when we were on Antarus, we became angrier and angrier with each other. Don’t you get it? Antarus is just a trap care of Scorpius. We took the bait.” John explained.

“You’re not making any sense, as usual Crichton.” Rygel uttered.

“Now is the time you need to trust me. I have a plan…I can’t tell you the specifics yet. I’m going to see Scorpius. When I return….” John said and Aeryn began to speak but he continued over her words. “When I return, we will escape together. Moya will be ready to go when we need her.”

“This is fahrbot! What could you possibly have planned? The war is far too massive for us to simply vanish. Have you forgotten Moya can’t even starburst?” D’Argo charged.

“D’Argo, trust me! I’ve got a plan. All I need you to do is stay here and wait.” John informed him.

“Wait for what?” Chiana asked before D’Argo could even get the words out of his mouth.

“The signal.” John said.

“What signal?” Aeryn urged.

“You’ll know it when you see it. I am the first human to enter this space. So by God, I’m going to leave a little something behind they won’t soon forget!” John stated, his eyes blazing with determination. He smiled at his shipmates. They were almost shocked by his smile. How this human of all of them could be so calm at their deadliest hour was even beyond Zhaan.

*****

The module glistened, even in the dimmed lighting of the docking bay aboard Moya. John ran his fingers smoothly over the front of his project he had taken pride in since the first blueprint was drawn up. Nearly two years of hard work and set back after set back had brought him up to the point of D-day: the day of his demise on Earth. That one fateful day that carried him to the present. John breathed heavily, and turned on his heel to face his five shipmates standing in a row before him, staring on in sadness.

They looked upon him as a man with honor and bravery. He literally would die for each and every one of them, so they could live another day…just as he was doing now. He never judged them or ridiculed them for their beliefs. The human accepted them for who they were and offered them unconditional support. Though recent times had stretched these virtues thin, the crew still put their faith in this man, trusting him. Trust to the point that they did not question this mysterious plan he was about to initiate.

John walked up to Zhaan first. She looked into his eyes only for a moment, feeling unworthy after her recent betrayal. She could still sense issues unresolved between them. John remained silent with a nod and moved on to Chiana. They embraced in a hug, as Chiana grew tearful. They separated and John stepped over to Rygel.

“While I don’t agree with what you’re doing, I do trust you will do what is right.” Rygel stated. John was beginning to feel pride for the little slug who often displayed ruthlessness for others. John patted Rygel on the head softly and moved on to D’Argo. No one caught the sudden glowing smile that formed onto Rygel’s froggy lips.

“Same as what Rygel said.” D’Argo said quietly, not wanting to actually have to agree with the Hynerian. John nodded with a smile; he was about to move on to Aeryn when D’Argo grabbed his arm gently. “We trust you, John.”

“I know you do. You wouldn’t let me go alone, otherwise.” John said, giving his friend a steady gaze. He then turned to Aeryn. Her eyes were tearful, as her emotions could no longer remain hidden. She had finally come to terms with her feelings for the human. And now their future was bleak. She mentally kicked herself for not revealing her true feelings to John sooner. But somehow, the human already knew what she was thinking. He drew her close for a hug. Aeryn embraced him tenderly.

“Come back to us alive.” Aeryn ordered in the strongest voice she could find. John almost chuckled at her persona. No matter how weak she was in the emotions department, she could always be the strong ex-PeaceKeeper soldier at the most opportune times. John placed a quick, gentle kiss on Aeryn’s lips and swiftly turned away from his shipmates.

John entered his module and fired the ship up. The remaining crew stepped away and watched whole-heartedly as the module disappeared into space. As the module grew smaller and smaller, Aeryn remained in place, the others slowly breaking away to go to Command. Her heart filled with pride for the human…John Crichton was finally going to be the hero, no longer standing in the shadow of his father.

*****

“Scorpius, we received a transmission from Moya. John Crichton is coming aboard Antarus.” A PeaceKeeper Officer informed the half-breed. Scorpius stood at the view screen, observing the ship as if he was studying her every movement. Scorpius turned at this announcement with a pleased yet puzzled expression.

“What are you up to John Crichton?” Scorpius wondered out loud. The PeaceKeeper Officer stood at attention, waiting for orders.

“Thank you, officer. That will be all.” Scorpius stated, realizing the officer was still in his presence. The officer nodded and marched out of Command. Scorpius cocked his head and looked back out at Moya through the view screen, a smile forming on his face.

“You never cease to surprise me, John.”

“Scorpius! What is the meaning of this?” Crais charged into Command, his face set in anger. Scorpius turned with a smile and waited for Crais to continue, even though he already knew what his concerns were. “You have given orders to seize Talyn? You cannot separate him from his captain…we are physically linked!”

“The objective of this war is to gain technology and ownership of the Uncharted Territories. Talyn is…well, a prize. The Scarrans, the Nebari, and especially the PeaceKeepers would like to capture him and we can’t have that. He stays close to Antarus; he will thrive.” Scorpius explained to Crais. He circled Crais as he talked, grinning.

“Are they also in pursuit of John Crichton? I would think he is a higher commodity than that of a young battleship with little experience.” Crais pointed out wryly. Scorpius paused, turning his head to look at Crais with an annoyed expression.

“My orders stand.” Scorpius hissed. Crais turned fully to face Scorpius with a glare.

“I created my Federation in the wake of the crumble of the PeaceKeepers. I have over one hundred ships in my fleet already. I no longer require reporting to you, Scorpius!” Crais argued. A smug smile formed on his face as he read Scorpius’s angered expression. Without waiting for a reply, Crais swiftly charged out of Command, headed back to his ship.

Scorpius snarled in his wake. He turned back to observe the events playing out the view screen. He could see John Crichton’s module exiting Moya and heading for Antarus. He smiled once again. Scorpius walked over to the communications console.

“Lt. Braca.” Scorpius asked for the officer over the comms.

“Yes, sir?” Lt. Braca’s steady voice replied.

“Crais has betrayed me. Kill him.” Scorpius stated flatly. He ended the transmission and stepped back with satisfaction. His plan was playing out better than he had anticipated.

*****

 

Aboard Moya, things were beginning to look grave. The crew stayed together in Command, anxiously pacing and observing the battle, each lost in thought. Tier 17 was completely off limits by now, as the tear in Moya’s exterior began to wreak havoc on the entire tier. Pilot was no longer able to maintain atmospherics in the tier, nor establish connection with any DRDs in the area.

A loud hissing sound played into the storage bay of Tier 17, followed by an echoing slam. A Nebari fighter ship had boarded Moya, undetected. The ship had entered through the large tear.

Moments of silence followed before the inhabitants of the ship exited. A blast disrupted the silence from the back of the ship toward the tear. A thin, clear gelatin-like patch formed over the tear, creating a breathable, manageable atmosphere once again in the storage bay. The bluish gray inhabitants of the ship opened the hatch and entered onto Moya, armed.

“There was a chip implanted in his neck. There was no way to remove it.” Zhaan stated to the crew as they waited in agony for any communication from John. Her sudden revelation startled the crew. They stared at her in disbelief. Aeryn stepped forward, her heart pounding in shock.

“What are you talking about, Zhaan?” Aeryn asked with panic rising in her voice. The visions of Scorpius John had confessed to her had been real.

“Scorpius planted a version of himself within John when he had him in the Aurora Chair. John only revealed this to me when he had recently fallen to the hands of Scorpius. When he returned, I tried to remove it, but the chip sent some sort of signal to the equipment, damaging my scans.” Zhaan answered. She thought of her recent conversation with Scorpius. She needed to contact him again… soon.

“That would explain his strange behavior.” D’Argo reasoned, looking to Aeryn. Aeryn didn’t like the feeling that was creeping up on her. She was worried…extremely worried.

“He told me it was no longer effective. Now I’m not so sure.” Zhaan replied with a sigh. Her loyalties were swaying.

“You don’t think this chip could be controlling his thoughts, his actions, do you?” Chiana pondered, stepping forward. A strong sinking sensation was forming in her stomach.

“I sincerely hope not.” Rygel stated as he watched the human’s tiny module disappear inside Antarus on the view screen. “Or we’re all dead.”

Moya shook in the repercussion of another blast from the battle. The interior lighting flickered. The crew exchanged anxious glances.

“Pilot is frightened and alone. I will keep him company.” Zhaan decided. She walked out of Command, her shipmates watching her leave in silence.

“Inform us of any new updates regarding our situation.” D’Argo ordered after her. He looked back to Aeryn. They read each other perfectly. Things had to get worse before they were to get better. And no one knew this better than John Crichton.

*****

Zhaan paused near the galley. She glanced behind her, scanning the hall to assure no one had followed her. She ducked into the galley and made sure the door closed swiftly behind her. Once barricaded inside, Zhaan traveled over to the small view screen. She activated the comms to Scorpius and waited for a reply. A low chuckle confirmed her hushed query.

“Zhaan, so nice to hear from you again. I remember informing you that I would contact you.” Scorpius stated slyly, appearing on the view screen.

“I have something to tell you.” Zhaan replied steadily.

“John Crichton has surrendered himself to me. I no longer require your services.” Scorpius said, not caring what Zhaan had to say any longer. He grinned at her with his thin lips and jagged teeth.

“Then we are in agreement. I no longer require your services, either.” Zhaan reported her face set in a stern, steady gaze. Scorpius’s smile faltered a moment. Was this Delvian conspiring against him?

“You have little time left, Delvian. Danger lurks where you do not see it.” Scorpius said with a hiss. Zhaan grew angry.

“No, Scorpius. You are the one who’s in danger!” Zhaan threatened and ended the transmission. Her emotions running high, Zhaan leaned back on the table in the galley to gather her thoughts. Her heart was racing and her mind began to clear. She felt extreme shame and guilt for her actions. In order to save her shipmates, she had done what was necessary.

Zhaan gathered her wits and pushed herself off from the table. She opened the door to the hall and glanced around once more, assuring herself that no one was near. She then proceeded on down the hall, headed for Pilot’s den.

Rygel emerged from the shadows near a corner in the hall. His face set with dread.

*****

John walked slowly out of the docking bay on Antarus, observing the sleek PeaceKeeper persona that had taken over the Leviathan. He walked with caution up to Lt. Braca, who was smiling smugly as he awaited the human. Two officers stood on either side of the Lieutenant. John nodded to Lt. Braca. Surprised, the lieutenant stared at the human and continued his gaze as the human swiftly passed him and the officers by, headed for Command.

“He’s arrived and is heading towards you.” Lt. Braca reported into his comms as he stared into John’s back with hatred.

With his mind set on the matters at hand, John felt no rattlers in his stomach. He experienced no feelings of fear. The moment he had been waiting for, dreaming of for so long, had finally arrived. He would face Scorpius and kill him.

Walking on through the twisting halls, John barely noticed the transformations that had taken place since the last time he had boarded Antarus. The walls were straighter and more rigid, colored in a bright PeaceKeeper red. The once gentle, innocent scientist full of wonder had become a brutal, callous individual, eager to kill. All he had his sight set on was a future for Moya and his shipmates.

As John rounded a corner, he ran into Captain Crais, who had been angrily charging back to his ship. Crais stopped short, staring at John with anger and puzzlement. John stared back at him with sincere hatred.

“Today is not a day for heroism, Crichton. Scorpius will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I would leave as quickly as I could if I were you.” Crais stated his hands formed into fists at his side.

“Sounds like something only a coward, such as yourself, would do.” John bit back, accenting his words as he stared into Crais’ narrowed eyes. Crais shook his head slightly with a tight grin.

“I’m not the one walking into a trap without a hezmana of an idea as to what it could be, am I? Good luck, John Crichton. You will need it.” Crais stated, patting his hand on John’s rigid right shoulder as he passed him by. John turned his head to watch Crais leave with a piercing glare.

An uncontrollable rage was beginning to roll within him. John took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Heading into any confrontation with Scorpius would be lethal if he allowed his emotions to control his actions. He had to think smart. He was an intelligent being, unique to the Uncharted Territories. John still had a few tricks up his sleeve.

He advanced through the hall, arriving closer to Command. Aeryn and his other shipmates entered into his mind. All the suffering they had endured…especially Pilot and Moya. John could not have them suffer at his expense. This would be the final confrontation with Scorpius for John…if he did not succeed, there would be nothing left to fight for. Trust me. John had begged his shipmates. They were ready and willing, after all they had been through.

Finally, John arrived in Command. The only being within stood tall and dark, facing the view screen in silence. John swallowed hard. He had not advanced one step when Scorpius turned swiftly to face him, a grin plastered onto his scarred face. Even now, John’s heart skipped a beat whenever he encountered this demon. He stepped forward. The closer he came to his nemesis, the better look he got at the damage he had caused not too long ago.

The scar was long and deep, stretching from Scorpius’s right cheekbone, back to beyond where his thermal suit revealed his face. A satisfying smile slowly began to form on John’s lips. He had struck Scorpius in a place he would never forget.

 

“John Crichton. What a pleasant surprise.” Scorpius stated with his arms held out.

“Cut the chit chat, Scorpy. What are you doing here?” John asked in a low voice as he glared at his nemesis. Scorpius opened his mouth and stepped forward, but John reached for his weapon holstered on his thigh. Scorpius stopped, titled his head briefly, and smiled.

“I do not need to engage in the war, for I have no concerns over the Uncharted Territories. It was a mere fortunate coincidence we encountered the war. Bringing Moya here, with the help of Antarus, only secured my plan to capture you. Moya is ill, is she not? If I did not get what I needed, all I had to do was lead Moya into the battle. She wouldn’t last for longer than a microt, wouldn’t you agree?” Scorpius grinned as he motioned towards the view screen behind him. The war was full-fledged by now. John noted the Scarran and PeaceKeeper ships racing madly towards one another, firing upon and destroying everything in their path as they traveled forth. Scorpius began to walk to his left. John followed him with his untrusting eyes, standing armed and ready. Scorpius stopped at the communications console.

“I’ve got them all distracted, shall we proceed?” A familiar voice carried over the comms as Scorpius activated it. He grinned with satisfaction at John, who in return laughed crazily and shook his head at the recording.

“Zhaan was in on it the whole time, huh? Figures! The blue bitch never did understand the loyalty of friendship.” John said with a smile. Zhaan had encouraged the crew, no forced the crew onto Antarus. Frell, she had even encouraged their madness. Things began to fall into place. John’s smile quickly disappeared, though, as he concentrated on matters at hand. “I’m here to give you an ultimatum, Scorpius. You leave Antarus alone now, and I won’t kill you slowly.”

Scorpius chuckled at the threat as he circled John. John turned to watch Scorpius carefully, always being sure to keep his back away from the deceitful being.

“Quite a coincidence. I have an ultimatum for you, John.” Scorpius smiled, stopping in his advance around the human. John narrowed his eyes in question and cocked his head. He had prepared himself to expect anything…but that was beginning to wear thin.

“You have the equations. I want them. If not, Moya and your friends will be executed immediately.” Scorpius stated and motioned with his eyes towards Moya. John, puzzled, stepped forward to glance out the view screen. Several Nebari ships had taken up residence alongside the frail Moya. He had not anticipated the presence of the Nebari. This turn of events would surely alter John’s plan. The display only angered him further. He spun around to look at Scorpius, who had moved in to stand where John had stood previously. His hatred for the being was swelling.

“I’m quite surprised by you, John. For the intelligence you have displayed to me, I would have thought by now, you would have seen the trap for what it really was. You never even saw it coming, John.” Scorpius continued.

“Antarus. He’s not really Leviathan.” John confirmed his suspicions.

“Not quite. He’s Leviathan…with PeaceKeeper genetics, like Talyn. Only Antarus was originally a pure Leviathan until his capture and injection of genetic samples. It could not have been a more successful experiment. We’re both scientists, John. The results are fascinating, aren’t they?” Scorpius explained, growing excited over his project.

“You captured an innocent Leviathan and destroyed his life…sounds familiar.” John stated with a sour tone.

“More than you will ever know.” Scorpius stated, staring deep into John’s eyes. Uneasy under his stare, John looked away briefly.

“Did you think it would actually work? The Uncharted Territories is a large place. How did Antarus find us in the first place?” John inquired. He couldn’t believe Scorpius was actually sharing so much information.

“Moya has continuously emitted transmissions to Talyn and he had finally responded. It wasn’t long before we discovered your location and starburst him to you.” Scorpius answered. John studied his grinning face.

“I don’t believe any of this.” John said just to see what Scorpius’s reply would be. He got a surprise.

“How did you think I came up with the name of this ship? I know what’s in your mind, John. Each and every little memory. Like I said before, you never saw it coming.” Scorpius replied his grin baring all his jagged, rotten teeth. John stepped back in shock. He had always known the answers. He just didn’t want to face them.

“The suicide? It wasn’t real….” John feared to ask, looking around at the strange ship once more.

“It was an ultimatum as well. An implanted memory of sorts. It did happen…as only a realization of things to come.” Scorpius confirmed. John widened his eyes in horror. The anger within began swirling into madness once more.

John lunged at Scorpius, screaming to startle him. Scorpius reared back in surprise, only to be knocked to the floor. John struck him in the face, centered on his healing scar. Scorpius hissed in pain. With immense strength, Scorpius shoved John off of him and sailing into the air. John landed hard on the edge of a console, falling to the floor. He gasped for air, holding his chest in pain. John rested his head on the cool floor of the ship and looked up with his left eye. Scorpius loomed over him with a satisfying grin.

*****

Zhaan stood near the control console, her head tilted with care. She gazed at Pilot, who was struggling with his deteriorating health as well as Moya’s. Several DRDs had taken vigil nearby, eagerly awaiting commands they would soon no longer receive.

“Even if Crichton succeeds.” Pilot stated breathlessly to Zhaan. “Moya will be too weak to carry on much longer. She’ll not live more than another solar day.”

“Pilot, do you know what John’s plan is?” Zhaan inquired her face wrinkled with a frown.

“I cannot…He will save us.” Pilot stated firmly putting faith in the human.

“Pilot, you’re not making any sense.” Zhaan stated in frustration.

“Zhaan! Where are you?” D’Argo’s tested voice carried over the comms.

“I’m with Pilot, what’s the matter?” Zhaan asked with concern, sensing something wasn’t right.

“Several of the Nebari ships have approached Moya. We think they are trying to board. Can Pilot detect them?” No one on board Moya was aware that two more Nebari ships had entered into the docking bay at that moment.

“No, D’Argo. There’s not much left that Pilot can do.” Was Zhaan’s worried reply.

Moya jolted with extreme force. Pilot opened his eyes wide, shaking briefly himself. Zhaan stretched her arm out for comfort.

“Moya…is distressed. She…needs to contact Crichton.” Pilot said slowly. With extreme effort, he dragged one of his limbs across the console; Zhaan observed in silence, a tear traveling down her cheek. She could bear the pain and suffering she was witnessing no longer. She was about to confess her dealings with Scorpius.

“Frell.” Came a dreadful reply over the comms. It sounded like Chiana. A shout and blast of weapons fire followed and the comms suddenly went dead. Zhaan looked to Pilot in alarm.

“Pilot?” Zhaan cried.

“I do not know….” Pilot began. Zhaan shook her head and picked up the weapon she had acquired before coming to the den. She then raced out of the den, her weapon raised and ready.

*****

The strategy table in Command exploded into a fiery mess of shredded biomechanoid material. Another blast struck near the view screen, leaving a mark on the wall. Rygel cowered next to Chiana and Aeryn, who were all sheltering behind the communications console. D’Argo was nearby, shielding himself behind a column in the wall. Three Nebari soldiers had taken position at the entrance of Command, firing their weapons at the surprised shipmates.

Aeryn popped her weapon and head out from around the edge of the console and fired upon the ruthless Nebari, striking one in the leg. The injured Nebari only continued his advance towards them, with his comrades at his side.

Aeryn looked to D’Argo with an angered expression. He shared her look. They weren’t about to lose a battle on Moya. No one had the right to take over their ailing ship. Aeryn nodded to D’Argo and then to Chiana. Chiana, though frightened, knew her time was now to be brave and strong. At Aeryn’s signal, the three jumped up and fired upon the Nebari, startling them. Rygel shouted in fear, covering his eyes and was about to wither his way out when Chiana shouted to him.

“Rygel! Are you going to fight for Moya or shamefully surrender like the coward that you are?”

Rygel stopped. He turned and watched as his friends fought with the Nebari, avoiding the laser blasts shooting dangerously close by. Rygel took in a deep breath and pulled out the weapon he had stored within his thronesled. He fired a blast. His thronesled shot backwards with force, throwing Rygel into a wall. He fell off his thronesled and landed face first onto the floor in surprise.

Sparks flew and laser blasts fired. The two sides advanced towards each other. They were almost too close to be missing in their aim. A laser blast whizzed past Chiana’s ear, causing her to jump back in surprise. Without warning, the Nebari soldiers stopped firing. Puzzled but not stupid, D’Argo, Aeryn, and Chiana held their weapons steady.

Suddenly, the three soldiers were struck in a row by a single laser blast. The Nebari soldiers fell to the floor, nearly in a heap, dead. Chiana lowered her weapon and released a shaky breath. Aeryn and D’Argo, on the other hand, were not ready to lower their guard just yet. The laser blast came from the hall, and they could not see if there were more Nebari hiding just beyond sight, or if Zhaan had come to their aid.

A single Nebari stepped forward, his weapon lowered, and a smile playing on his darkened blue lips. Chiana let out a shriek and raced to him, jumping into his outstretched arms. The two hugged as several more Nebari entered behind them. Zhaan was with them, her weapon lowered, but her face displaying relief.

“Who is that?” Aeryn demanded to know, her weapon still trained on the Nebari.

“This is my brother, Nerri.” Chiana introduced him. She wrapped her arm around her brother’s neck and faced Aeryn and D’Argo with a large smile.

“Hmphf! How convenient of you to show up.” Rygel grunted, hovering back into view, once again situated smugly on his throne sled. Chiana sent Rygel an unforgiving glare but the Hynerian only continued his ranting. “After all the dren we’ve been through, you finally decided to show your sorry little….”

This time, D’Argo interfered, slapping his hand onto Rygel’s mouth. Nerri snapped his fingers and several of his Nebari followers grabbed the dead soldiers and dragged them away. He hugged Chiana and turned to her shipmates.

“We’re here to protect you. Those three Nebari soldiers were mercenaries. Not a part of our Resistance.” Nerri explained. “We arrived undercover as a fleet of Nebari ships to protect the Leviathan Antarus. The Resistance had taken over the ships and tactfully entered into the war, undetected.” Nerri continued on. “I had been informed that my sweet, dear sister was living on this ship.” Nerri looked to Chiana with a smile and then back to the two standing before them. “Our intent was originally to capture and destroy Antarus before any one else got to him.”

“One of our own is on that ship.” Zhaan informed Nerri breathlessly.

“I’m surprised you care.” Rygel blurted. Zhaan shot him a look.

“What are you talking about, Rygel?” Aeryn asked, suspicious of Zhaan herself.

“She’s been conversing with Scorpius.” Rygel revealed. Suddenly, the room grew deafeningly quiet. Aeryn unsheathed her other pulse pistol and aimed it at Zhaan. D’Argo turned to the blue priest in anger.

“Explain yourself, Delvian.” D’Argo stated in a low, husky voice.

“I…I was weak. The 11th level of the Seek was so important to me. I lost my true self. When John and I were in Unity, I gained a version of Scorpius…perhaps from the chip in John’s head. Scorpius haunted me. I couldn’t rid my mind of him. I listened to him instead. I regret it now. But I assure you all I have ended my agreement with him.” Zhaan explained, lowering her head in shame. “I no longer deserve to be a priest.”

“It’s true. Zhaan ended all communications with Scorpius a quarter of an arn ago. I believe in her own way, she may have saved us.” Rygel confirmed.

“In what possible way could she have saved us, Rygel? She frelling betrayed us.” Aeryn replied angrily, her weapon primed and ready. She glared at the Delvian with extreme hatred.

“By allowing us to fall to our own madness.” Rygel stated simply.

“That makes no sense whatsoever, Rygel!” Chiana said.

“I hope someday soon, it will.” Rygel implied but said nothing further.

“John Crichton doesn’t have much time. We must leave soon.” Nerri reminded the crew. They had almost forgotten about the Nebari Resistance they had encountered on their very own ship. Aeryn and D’Argo shifted their gaze back to the Nebari before them.

“Why should we believe you?” D’Argo pushed on, keeping his weapon trained on Nerri. Chiana frowned at the untrusting reactions from Aeryn and D’Argo.

“We will not abandon Moya.” Aeryn added.

“Your ship is dying. She doesn’t have much longer. We have to act now.” Nerri argued. Aeryn and D’Argo were confused and remained silent.

“I want to join you, Nerri. I want to join the Resistance.” Chiana said in desperation and turned to her brother. She knew he would soon have to leave her once again.

“No, Chiana. You will be safer in hiding. The Nebari have already infected an entire system not far from here. Their advance is slow but sure.” Nerri said, staring into his sister’s eyes with care. Chiana swallowed hard. Her emotions were screaming madly at her, ushering her to do as she pleased. But Chiana knew more than anything that Nerri was right. She looked deeply into her brother’s eyes with sadness, seeing the emotion reflected in his eyes as well. The Uncharted Territories was a large place. Chiana knew she would see her brother again…she had a feeling. Nerri hugged Chiana tightly.

Moya shook fiercely, as the shockwave of yet another blast from an exploding ship reached their position. The light of the exploding mass lit the interior of Command. A muffled boom broke the silence. Talyn, with his fleet of Prowlers clinging close, suddenly shot into starburst, leaving behind a battle with no foreseeable conqueror.

“In ten microns, nothing will matter.” Chiana stated dreadfully.

*****

John slammed his foot into Scorpius’s chest as Scorpius had leaned in to grab for him. Scorpius fell back, struggling to quickly regain his balance. John took the chance to whip out his pulse pistol and aim it into Scorpius’s hideous face. Scorpius laughed and smiled.

“You can’t kill me John, remember? The chip in your head won’t allow it.” Scorpius chuckled. John shook his head fiercely.

“The chip fried. I will kill you.” John replied firmly, tightening his grip on the weapon. Just as before, the ship began to rock from a shockwave blast nearby, sending both John and Scorpius tumbling onto the floor.

“You have the equations for a wormhole! Give them to me now!” Scorpius shouted as the ship shifted violently. He struggled upwards and pressed his own pulse pistol onto John’s forehead. John lay still, but never released his own weapon from his hand. He instead sprawled his arms out, daring Scorpius with his eyes to end his life. A crazed look danced in the human’s eyes, something that actually disturbed Scorpius. As always, this creature never ceased to surprise him.

“Go ahead…do me the favor!” John laughed in his crazed state.

Scorpius paused. John took this opportunity to immediately flip the situation around. He grabbed Scorpius’s wrist and twisted it, forcing the weapon out of Scorpius’s grasp. Scorpius struggled against John, throwing his other fist into John’s side. John winced but held him at bay. The ship jolted. Both John and Scorpius grabbed for their weapons and stood. In a flash, both had their weapons primed on each other, grins on their faces and fingers holding steady on the triggers.

Scorpius glared angrily at the human. No creature had ever given him this much trouble and distress. His temper was mounting.

“Got a little secret for you, Scorpius.” John grinned. He walked around to a console, all the while keeping his frame faced towards Scorpius with his pulse pistol aimed and ready.

“There are no secrets between us that I don’t already know, Crichton.” Scorpius taunted him. John shook his head, looked down at the console before him and then slid his eyes back up to Scorpius with a wide, mysterious grin.

“Try this on for size, Scorpy.” John said biting his lip with satisfaction before continuing. “Those equations are gibberish. I faked them. I don’t know the equations of a wormhole. I knew your plan all along. Get the human to go crazy and admit everything. You underestimated the power of the human mind, Scorpius. You don’t know anything more than before.” John stared at Scorpius with a smug smile. Scorpius’s eyes grew wide with anger. Without warning, John pounded his fist down on the console, striking a button. An alarm began to play and red lights flashed throughout Command, dimming the lighting. Evacuation warning. Evacuation warning.

Scorpius charged at John with rage. John pressed a few more buttons on the console and the ship began to turn towards the battle. The Frag Cannons on the outside of Antarus began to charge. Scorpius hit John with full force, knocking him to the floor with a thud. John struck the back of his head, almost losing consciousness. John woozily threw Scorpius off of his body and rolled away into the shadows.

“Moya, now!” John shouted into his comms. He struggled upwards, his head screaming in pain. His vision darkened as he stood. Blinking hard, John desperately searched Command for any sign of Scorpius. “Where are you, you bastard? Fight me!”

Scorpius sprung from the shadows, surprising John from behind. John spun and raised his weapon at Scorpius. Out the view screen, a small cloud of nearly translucent gases pooled out of Moya’s belly. Neither Scorpius nor John could see this any longer, as Antarus turned fully to face the battle and stopped in place.

Scorpius fired his pulse pistol. The blast whizzed past John’s right arm. John only blinked and fired his own weapon. The blast would have hit Scorpius but the half-breed was too quick for John’s unsteady gaze. He streaked across the room, towards the entrance. Evacuation warning. Evacuation warning.

John fired at Scorpius as he moved across the room himself, trying to shield his body behind any console in the room. Scorpius fired a blast that struck the top of the console John currently hid behind. John ducked from the shrapnel and spun on his heels, his coat swirling in the air around him as he leaned off to a side and fired out towards Scorpius. John ducked back for cover as another blast was fired his way.

“Give it up, Scorpy! You’ve failed.” John shouted at him.

“If only you knew how wrong you are.” Scorpius growled angrily back. He fired once more upon John.

“I’m not going to die without knowing you’re going down with me.” John stated, breathing hard and leaning his back on the console. He looked out to the battle raging before them on the view screen. A few stray blasts streaked past Antarus, dangerously close to ending the ship’s existence. Things suddenly slowed to a reflective pause as John saw his family on Earth, his friends on Moya, all his life flashing through his mind. His heart pounded loudly into his ears, almost counting the microts passing. Time was running out. A new wave of energy and motivation traveled through his veins and John stood to face Scorpius once more.

“Frag Cannons Overload. Frag Cannons Overload.” A computerized voice announced over the comms. Scorpius cocked his head at John, suddenly realizing what was happening. John returned his gaze with a satisfied smirk.

“Clever.” Scorpius admired John. He lowered his weapon and stepped forward to face John, who slightly lowered his own weapon, but remained on guard.

“Just adding fire to the fuel.” John said with a smile. Antarus jerked forward, towards the battle. Scorpius raised his weapon immediately and fired at John. John dove to his right, the blast piercing through the tail of his coat. John fired upon Scorpius as he flew threw the air towards the floor. He struck Scorpius in the shoulder. Scorpius jolted back and snarled. He charged at John. John had little time to react. Scorpius grasped his hands around John’s throat, holding him down to the floor in a strong chokehold. John struggled, grabbing onto Scorpius’s wrists with all the strength left in his body. He kicked and squirmed, but Scorpius’s hold was too strong. His vision blurred. John could feel his blood rushing and the familiar light-headed rush flowing into his head. He gagged and struggled for air, glaring into Scorpius’s vengeful eyes with hatred.

With one ounce of strength remaining, John reached for a pulse pistol lying nearby. Scorpius strengthened his hold, his anger controlling his better judgment. Antarus began to shake as the Frag Cannons gathered more energy for overload. Evacuation warning. Evacuation warning.

John gasped for air. Frag Cannons Overload. System failure in three hundred microts. His vision was fading. A flash of his life on Moya passed before his eyes. He couldn’t fail them. He had to survive.

Scorpius began to laugh, realizing his dream was at hand; he was killing the human. John grasped his shaking fingers around the pulse pistol. In a sudden movement, John shoved the pulse pistol up into Scorpius’s belly. Scorpius’s eyes widened as John fired. Scorpius’s hold remained on John’s throat. John fired once, twice more. No effect. He felt a warm, trickling liquid drip down his hand onto his chest. He had struck Scorpius every time. Scorpius moaned in pain. He finally released his hold on John, grabbed his stomach painfully and rolled off of John into the darkness of the room. John struggled for air and consciousness, losing the battle quickly. His heartbeat was erratic. His lungs screamed for air. Gasp. Cough. Evacuation warning. Evacuation warning. System overload. Two hundred thirty microts. Gasp. Blackness.

*****

Tension on board Moya was building. None of Chiana’s shipmates could lay their complete trust in her brother’s hands. Aeryn and D’Argo continued to aim their weapons on the Nebari. Moya suddenly hummed to life, her lighting returning to near normal. Everyone in Command looked around in shock. Not a microt before, the ship had been on the verge of death. Pilot appeared on the view screen with a smile, though he still looked frail.

“Pilot?” Zhaan asked, stepping forward in bewilderment. Aeryn narrowed her gaze at Zhaan, her other arm holding a weapon towards the Delvian.

“Crichton’s plan is at hand. We must unite now!” Pilot ordered. The initial order by John to release the gases had been the first step of his plan. Once Antarus began to maneuver, which had been John’s signal, Pilot had been ordered to proceed with the plan. D’Argo and Aeryn exchanged glances as things began to make sense and lowered their weapons cautiously. They observed Antarus beginning to turn away from them, towards the battle at hand. They recognized the motion as John’s signal. Nerri smiled and jumped into action.

“Turn this ship around immediately! We have to be at the coordinates John Crichton predetermined if we want to get out of here alive!” Nerri stated and rushed up to the navigation console. Aeryn joined him at the controls, her weapon still trained on Nerri. Nerri stepped back with a trusting look. Aeryn looked to D’Argo, lowered her weapon, and proceeded to navigate the ship.

Moya began to turn in place, away from the battle to open space.

“What is going on? How did you know of Crichton’s plan?” D’Argo asked, unsure of whom to put his faith in at the moment.

“When we arrived, we had no idea who you were. We just assumed you were another Leviathan in Scorpius’s control. Your Pilot informed us of John Crichton’s plan and we immediately formed an alliance.”

“Then what is Crichton doing on Antarus?” Aeryn demanded to know. She raised her weapon to Nerri in a threatening manner. A few of his followers stepped forward to protect him. Nerri raised his hand and smiled at Aeryn.

“Antarus is to be positioned and his frag cannons overloaded. John Crichton volunteered himself to do this. You’ll have to take matters up with him if you do not concur. We are rather in awe of the being, ourselves. His bravery is more than any of us have ever seen even in fables.” Nerri stated, staring straight into Aeryn’s eyes with sincere honesty. Aeryn blinked, her heart filling with joy.

“What the frell is taking him so long, then? Shouldn’t he be here by now?” Chiana asked nervously, swaying back and forth.

“Moya has released all of her stored resources and poisoned fluids. The gas mixture is in place.” Pilot informed them. Moya and Pilot had deliberately deprived themselves of nutrients to assist in the plan. “Fuel to the fire, as Crichton would say.” Pilot chuckled at his own remark.

“Crichton’s plan was to blow up Antarus using the gas mixture? What did he need us for?” Rygel asked oblivious to the entire ordeal.

“Your trust. Would you have willingly let him go alone to face his nemesis and manually overload the weapons systems before making a quick, dangerous exit?” Pilot asked expectantly waiting for a reply. The crew remained in silence, taking in everything they had been presented with. Aeryn looked to Antarus, a smile almost beginning to form on her face. She was proud of the human.

“Paelus, get the troops to their ships.” Nerri ordered to one of his men. He turned to his sister, with a sincere smile. Chiana opened her mouth, her eyes set in sorrow as her brother stepped up to her. He placed a caring hand on her cheek. She warmed up to the touch, bringing up her hands to embrace his. “Chiana, I must leave. You must stay here. You understand, don’t you?”

With tears trailing down her cheeks, her chin trembling, Chiana only nodded. D’Argo and the others stood by in silence, saddened. Nerri’s eyes grew tearful as he took one last longing glance at his sister. He then left quickly without good-byes. Chiana outreached her hands after him as he left and began to sob. Zhaan approached and embraced her in a hug.

Aeryn turned to the view screen, watching Antarus intently. She noticed a small ship exiting out of Antarus. Her heart raced. Could it be Crichton? The ship headed off in another direction. Aeryn almost lost her balance in disappointment as she watched the ship disappear. Perhaps the crew that must have been on the ship was evacuating, Aeryn reasoned.

“We are slowly drifting away from the gas cloud Moya produced. Once Commander Crichton overloads the frag cannons, he will have less than three hundred microts to board Moya. Unfortunately, I have not heard from him since he ordered Moya to release the gases.” Pilot stated with a saddened expression.

“How much time do we have?” Zhaan asked urgently.

“Two hundred microts.” Pilot informed the crew in a grave voice.

“We are not leaving him!” Aeryn shouted emotionally.

The Nebari ships that had surrounded them and boarded Moya were now advancing away from the battle, out into open space. They sped up and were quickly out of sight. Chiana felt her heart slowly breaking as she cried into Zhaan’s shoulder. Zhaan gave her a comforting squeeze.

“Get out of there now, John!” D’Argo rammed his fists onto the table before him, staring out at the foreboding ship threatening to explode any microt. Waves of light flashed from the Frag Cannons on Antarus, foretelling the disastrous events to follow.

*****

Evacuation warning. Evacuation warning. One hundred thirty microts. Gasp. John’s eyelids fluttered briefly. He felt something warm oozing over his hands. He could only assume it was Scorpius’s blood on his hands. He hoped. Pain enveloped his body, his chest tightened in spasms, and his head spun, screaming for oxygen. Gasp.

The flashing red lit the shadows briefly as John opened his eyes fully. His heart skipped a beat. Had that been Scorpius grinning down at him, holding his stomach, with blood on his hands? John closed his eyes and opened them once more. The flashing lit the shadow to reveal only an empty corner. John took another long gasp. His breathing was difficult through his strained, bruised throat. John rolled sorely onto his chest, glancing wearily up at the view screen. He turned his mind back to matters at hand. He had to get out of there before the one hundred-microt warning. The Frag Cannons were already so unstable that any microt could be his last.

One hundred twenty microts. The warning voice echoed into command. John stole another long gasp of air before thrusting himself upwards. He searched the floor for his weapon and spied it near the edge of a console. He scooped to pick it up and nearly lost consciousness once more. John slowly straightened. He stumbled over to the console from which he had activated the overload of the frag cannons. He had little time left. Using manual controls on the console, John flew the ship forward.

John held up his pulse pistol, glancing one final time out the view screen at the foreboding war, and raced out of Command. In the hall, John observed a thick trail of darkened blood, leading in the same direction he was heading. He still had to be on guard. If Scorpius indeed was alive by any infinitesimal chance, John would be prepared.

The red lights flashed on and off, lighting his way to the docking bay. John was finding it harder and harder to breathe as he ran. The turning, twisting halls seemed to taunt him, laughing at the human racing through an impossible maze. But all John needed to do was follow that trail of blood. Once again, Scorpius would save his life.

John encountered the docking bay around a darkened corner. Several dead bodies of PeaceKeeper officers, including Lt. Braca, rested in a mangled heap on the floor. John could only guess that it had been the handy-work of Crais. He raced forward to where he had landed his module. He almost reared back in shock. Scorpius was leaned up against it, laughing slowly and holding his stomach. His body flickered briefly. John blinked in confusion as a rush of light-headedness waved through his head.

“Scorpius!” John shouted in anger, holding his weapon out towards him.

One hundred microts. John glanced around at the ship nervously and back to Scorpius. He strengthened his hold on the pulse pistol and unsteadily aimed for Scorpius. Scorpius held up a few frayed wires in his hands. The wires had been torn from his module. There were no other ships left in the docking bay to escape with. The color drained from John’s face. He didn’t want to face the truth. He charged madly at Scorpius. In a quick movement, Scorpius revealed a weapon hiding under his right arm and fired at John. John jumped out of the line of fire. Scorpius charged at John. John rolled to his side and struggled to his feet.

Frag Cannons Overload. Fifty microts to detonation. John glanced around wildly. The countdown had sped up. Scorpius had bluffed him, just as John had done earlier with the equations. The frayed wires were from the communications in the docking bay. He had only adjusted the countdown. John fired at Scorpius madly. Scorpius advanced, not caring whether he was struck and slammed his fist into John’s face. John fell backwards, grabbing his jaw in pain. Scorpius kicked him in the ribs as he tried to rise up. John fell down to the floor. He gasped for air once again, this time, his lungs failing him. Forty microts.

As Scorpius’s foot drew in for another strike, John grabbed it and used Scorpius’s momentum to spin him around and crash onto the floor. John struggled over to Scorpius and continuously pounded his fists into his body. His nostrils flaring, John’s anger began to overpower him. Gilina! Talyn! The Aurora Chair! The neural chip! All these were symbols of Scorpius’s reign on his life. John began to run out of air, his sight failing him. He fell to the side, looking at the unconscious being that had once haunted him. He smiled and laughed lightly. Scorpius was finally dead.

Thirty microts. John wasted no time. He sprung up with adrenalin powering his body. He jumped into his module, fired it up and blasted out of the docking bay in less than fifteen microts. The clock was ticking. John could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he advanced further away from Antarus and closer to his escape. He passed through the hazy gases stored and released by Moya and drew closer to the brightening ship. He could almost hear his crewmates shouting for him to hurry. There was no time for contact.

With a deafening roar, the Frag Cannons on Antarus gathered enough energy and released their power. The ship burst into a powerful ball of light and fire. John’s module was pushed towards Moya at a frightening speed as it was carried on a shockwave from the blast. The gases behind him ignited, and the entire black canvas around him lit up in an orange fiery blaze. As the flames licked John’s module, he could see Moya just ahead of him, suddenly being pushed by the shockwave as well. The blast behind them was far from over.

The entire battle taking place halted, realizing this ship would be the end of their existence if they did not exit quickly. Prowlers and Scarran ships madly raced out of the line of fire. Only half of the ships escaped as the blast consumed the raging battle. Continuous explosions and shockwaves filled into space. Both Moya and the module switched to their hetch drives for extra boost. Not quite to starburst levels, they burst forward at an amazing rate of speed adequate enough to carry them to safety. John’s plan had worked.

*****

Moya had now traveled into the depths of the deserted regions of the Uncharted Territories, days after narrowly escaping the deadly war. The Leviathan was gaining her strength back, after deliberately depriving herself of daily nutrients. Pilot was well and the crew was once again united and in harmony. What no one had yet realized was that Moya was still not as well as she should be…and Antarus had something to do with it.

The stars shimmered above the terrace on Moya. Aeryn took a deep breath, pondering those stars she had witnessed John stare at for arns. She looked down from her gaze. She felt her heart jump with joy. John stood there, staring at her with a warm, handsome glow on his face, his eyes only displaying his undying love for her. Aeryn smiled back at him, reflecting his gaze.

The two approached each other and drew in close for a long, gentle kiss. They released from their hold and looked into each other’s eyes once more. Aeryn took a deep breath and released it, knowing she could now trust her life completely in this human’s hands. The feeling was mutual. John held Aeryn’s hands close to his heart and then wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close to his body in a warm embrace.

Zhaan remained in her quarters, thinking of things past with a slight frown. The message from Stark still haunted her thoughts. Rygel entered into her room, even though she was presently undressed and in her usual meditation stance. Rygel kept his gaze to the floor.

“Rygel, I’m sorry for my actions.” Zhaan stated, without turning. She took a deep breath, thinking of how she almost had betrayed her only family.

“I trust you Zhaan.” Rygel replied. He was about to say more; Zhaan could sense it. But he only grunted, probably referring to her nakedness and zoomed quickly out of her quarters. Zhaan smiled and returned to meditation.

Chiana stood small, alone in the center of Command. Tears still freely flowed from her eyes as she longed for her brother once more. D’Argo stepped forward, allowing Chiana to hear his footstep. He had been observing her in the shadows for quite some time. He gently approached her and embraced her in a comforting hug. Chiana hugged him as well, and laid her head on his chest. The two remained in silence.

The aftermath of the amazing turn of events had tired everyone. Truths had been told and feelings had been revealed. Much later, all were fast asleep in their quarters, with dreams of happy days past. DRDs traveled throughout Moya, maintaining systems. Pilot worked the controls with ease, watching in awe at the wonders of the stars around them, enjoying the freedom they were in at last.

Only John Crichton slept with a heavy conscience. His forehead drew beads of sweat, his breathing erratic. His eyes shot back and forth under his eyelids. Frightening images were drilling into his mind. Give it up Scorpy, you failed. If only you knew how wrong you are, John. The haunting words circled throughout his mind among these images. A blast from a pulse rifle sounded deafeningly close by. John woke with a start, struggling to control his breathing. His eyes adjusted to the darkness of his quarters. Only disoriented for a micron, John’s breathing slowed as he sat up. He stared into the darkness, the memories of his dream fresh in his mind. A low, conspiring familiar laugh began to echo throughout his quarters. No visions or hallucinations of Scorpius this time. The unsettling laugh was rising deep from within his very own throat. A smile played onto his lips.

THE END!