Farscape Fic: We resist

[Kavanne]

We Resist: Pt.1: That Rush
Author - Kavanne
e-mail address - kavanne@aol.com
Rating - PG-13 I guess.
Category - Action/Drama
Spoilers - None.
Timeline - A few cycles in the future.
Keywords -
Summary - Someone familiar invades Earth.

* * * * *
The small resistance sat, each heart thudding in its chest, each eye trying to hold back tears for their disbelieving family.
“Why are we just sitting here?�
“Because, Gray, there is nothing we can do now.� Once more the bunker rocked, sending more adrenalin rushing through each body. “Have we got the frequencies yet?� Fraiser continued.
“We’ve still got nothing, a few radio stations are still up but no transmissions from the Peacekeepers.�
“Dammit!� Fraiser strode over to the computer. The quakes were damaging their power cells, which were now only registering at half capacity on the screen.
“Strats.� He commanded. Plans and maps of Earth flashed up, it had taken them weeks but finally they had succeeded in writing a computer encryption program that translated the alien script.
“We don’t know how fast they are attacking but judging by the radio stations hasty reports and goodbyes and also the quaking they’re not wasting any time.� He looked around at the worn faces and he too almost felt like giving up, but he knew he needed to continue. For the sake of this planet, for the sake of the Earth. “We do, however, know their planned base and mining operation centre positions. When this is over, we should be directly under an iron ore mine, and we’ll need to get up there unnoticed.� Fraiser got no recognition from anyone. “I will not give up, OK. This is our planet, I will not give it up!!�
* * * * * *
ASSAULT CARRIER VEDA 10
“All prowlers are dispatched, Marauders were recalled upon your orders, Admirals,� Lt. Braca watched the two turn to face him, Admirals John Crichton and Aeryn Sun.
“Good. Place them in prime scanning orbits for quick retaliation if the humans attempt counter-measures.�
Braca nodded and waited for any orders to follow.
“Oh, bring me the Delvian, gag her, carry her if you have to,� Crichton said with dread, as he remembered the incredible incompetency of the grunts who were charged with her imprisonment and transport last time.
As they looked out, explosions littered the northern continents. This place had hundreds of element deposits available for mining, billions of people at their disposal to mine them, and no resistance.
“There has been some resistance on some of what appear to be developed countries, but anything major was eliminated.�
“What about the bases picked up?� Crichton asked.
“Eliminated on the first Marauder run.�
“Good,� he nodded and took a deep breath. This was his first invasion command, even though he was still under the watchful eyes of Admiral Sun, the invasion plan had been his own. He tapped his comm and spoke to the officers in command. “Any high density areas that cannot be penetrated with scans?�
“Yes, sir, 3 large areas, several smaller areas.�
“I will be up there as soon as I can, send the Battle Fighter down into a lower orbit and have those areas bombed.�
“Yes sir.� The com shut off and he motioned for Admiral Sun to lead the way to command, out of respect for her authority. He’d never thought the walls of a carrier to be dark, but now, somehow they seemed a little like that, carrying evil. He shook this… emotion away from him and carried on through the familiar halls. Officers and techs ran past, running into hangar bays to pick up their ships or refuel and repair those damaged in the small aerial battle the humans had initiated in vain a few arns earlier. So far on the Peacekeeper side there had only been two casualties, one pilot shot down and one ambushed as he landed. The humans had encountered much death on their side, at least 300,000 dead during the initial bombing of the cities.
Each console at command was manned by at least two officers, each shouting orders and instructions, mostly to pilots and crews outside, but also to other carriers in the armada of seven.
“Sir! We have the surface fully mapped, underground surveying will be commenced upon your order!�
Crichton nodded at the woman, “Do it.� She strode away, and dispatched the small survey vessels to each continent.
“You’re commanding well, your strategies are effective and not time consuming. What is the estimated time until mines will be operational?�
“4 days for temporary facilities, soon we will have the proper equipment and begin to upgrade them to permanent mining facilities and living spaces for the inhabitants.�
“That is acceptable. It does not look like I am needed now, I will be in my quarters. And try not to screw up, Admiral.� With that she left and Crichton concentrated his energies on observing the surface layout, it looked almost familiar to him but knew it must have been a similar planet he had observed at some time. Green flashes indicated the moving positions of prowlers, red indicated the orbiting Marauders and one black showed the Battle Fighter moving into position ready for bombing. Crichton smiled, this would be a success, and he would command this facility.
“Admiral Crichton, the Delvian demands she speak with you alone, she will not be moved. Two of our officers have been incapacitated already.� Crichton swore he heard a sigh from the other end and shook his head.
“I will come and for frells sake don’t send anyone else in there, not even to get those two out. They’ll wake up soon enough, no doubt very embarrassed but fine.�
Crichton closed down the projection and left the busy command, hoping none of his officers would make a mistake on this plan because he would take the punishment for it.
Two guards, Crichton was not stupid enough to go in alone, flanked him.
“Crichton, what are you doing? Don’t you know who you are?!� Zhaan spoke, she knew what had been done to him, knowing just speaking like this would get her branded insane.
“I have a rank, prisoner, and I expect to be addressed with it. It is Admiral. Now did you bring me here just to waste my time with this madness?�
“Yes, but it is not madness. It is the truth that you do not see! Can not see!�
“Delvian, you are insane, but it is not an insanity that shows through your eyes. Keep your madness to yourself, it is better for all of us.
“It is a shame I cannot have you executed. You will be delivered to your home world and disposed of there, I can only hope that I am still there to see it,� he informed her with spite. What hurt Zhaan the most was that he meant it. Any word of spite to her from either of them cut so deep, it would be all right if…. No, she thought, it will never be all right, because they will never know me again.
“John, how could you destroy your own home world!� She shouted after him as he left determinedly, it fell on deaf ears. Anything she said would always fall upon deaf ears. Zhaan had already seen D’argo and Rygel die by Crichton and Aeryn’s hands, and it had pained her so much, to know there truly was nothing left of the two she had know those few cycles ago.
Zhaan cursed herself for ever letting them back into the hands of Scorpius, always to her it seemed that it was her own fault, that there was something she could have done. The savage inside her boiled with rage towards the Peacekeepers for torturing her and her crew mates, two of which were being tortured without knowing it, two of which were put out of their misery long ago.
The door slammed and Zhaan was once more left in the small darkness of the Carrier’s cell. No. Way. Out.
* * * * * *
8 DAYS LATER
“Fraiser, don’t be stupid! We have no food left, we must go now, quakes have stopped and you can hear that hum,� she fell silent, allowing him to hear the distant and threatening noise. “It has to be their drills, open the hatch and we can get out. Then we can mount the resistance from there, once we are out with everyone else. We will get people to listen, as you said, the human race is too strong to be enslaved, history has proven that.�
“I know, we will rise up and we will be free,� he stated purposefully, but Gray could feel a 'but' coming on. “But, we still don’t know about how to do that.�
“I… I have an idea.� Even in those four words her voice was filled with dread, Fraiser knew how her mind worked and how she intended to get them noticed.
“Fine, inform everyone we are going up. Tell them to be prepared for our first encounter with the Peacekeepers, we don’t know what they look like, but I think we can safely assume they will not look much like us.�
Gray nodded and exited. She was beginning to wonder if she had a death wish. First coming down here, then trying to go back again, being a rebel against an entire planet.
“If I die,� she muttered to herself, “I know I’ll go to heaven.�

* * * * * *

Fires had lived and died, smoky remnants left in the now and still abandoned villages and small towns. If there had been anyone they would have seen charred bodies, fallen houses and heard an eerie silence that swept from one place to another.
In the middle of the Gobi desert the weather was changed, cooler and wetter, but still hot so it was hard to work at all. People trudged on, still no one saw the faces of their captors, all wearing suits covering their entire body’s. Humans, none the wiser, assumed that this atmosphere was toxic to them so they needed an artificial environment to survive in.
All had the information they needed implanted into their brains, all the knowledge needed to work this mine was installed into them in pictorial form as they had no way to understand this strange people’s language. This, just the second day since the operations had started. Already suicides had been committed, already people had broken, gone insane. Some had grown only stronger but still more afraid than to do anything. Religious people took to quoting their from their holy books for support, only to be shot down when they would not stop. No one cried for them.

IN THE RESISTANCE BELOW
Everyone was silent, responding to visual commands only, even though no one would be able to hear them yet. Fraiser would be the one to open the tightly sealed hatch of the bunker, only to hope it would open and they were not under 10 feet of rubble or placed concrete. Underneath him stood 4 people, all guns pointing upwards.
3, 2, 1, he indicated then pushed open the already unscrewed hatch. Only to close it and reseal it. His face said what he had seen and everyone knew it was not pretty.
“So many people. We’ve got no hope, their faces….� His opinion changed, to one of utter despair and emptiness.
“No. We’re still free and that means we have hope. Even if we go up there and work we are still free. Because we have the power to bring that hope to them.�
“You look, Gray, tell me what you see,� he said to her, not hearing her words.
“I will not look until I am up there, so there is no going back for any of us. Now, I will not give up because you told me not to.�
Everyone murmured their approval and Gray climbed onto the framework under the hatch.
“Now, we fight.�
She hopped out and quickly fell into line, people gasped but Gray but a finger to her lips to silence them. Hastily she glanced around, no one seemed out of the ordinary against the backdrop of humans, so she indicated for the rest of the group to follow, keeping the member who had come out before them always in sight.
“Where are we going?� Fraiser asked the person in front. The man just turned to look at him with an empty face, not dirty, just... thin, worn as his. He gave no answer, simply turning back round to face the front and continuing to walk in line. Fraiser tried behind him, it was a man about his age.
“Where are we going?� He repeated.
He stared at Fraiser for a moment. “Back to where we’re *supposed* to sleep. Hey, where did you come from?�
“Down, because we won’t be up here and serve like drones.�
“Oh? Got any ideas?� He asked sarcastically.
“Are you human?�
“Do I look anything else?�
Fraiser contemplated for a moment then shook his head. The man angered in that second.
“If you have a plan to save us, I want to know!� Once more, Fraiser stood contemplating his response.
“No, no plan,� he replied deadpannly.
“Well,� his voice changed, almost sounding English. “I think we may have to make sure of that.� He took a strong hold of Fraiser’s arm and shouted. “Nya tse!� Several others broke from the line with haste and one produced handcuffs which were clamped on Fraiser’s wrists.
“What the...? What are you doing?! Who are you?!� He was kicked in the stomach by a blonde woman and even though he couldn’t understand her words, she was obviously telling him to shut the hell up.
Fraiser glanced over hastily at Gray and her husband, Garrett, who were walking next to each other. He could see every member of the resistance but all merely looked on, not trying to save their leader.
“Do it! Bring these bastards down!�
Suddenly these group of ‘agents’, was the only way to describe them, went on alert bringing out some strange weapons, aiming them and looking for anyone reacting to what he had said. But no one was that stupid.
Still breathless he was dragged away through the door on the side of the wide open air corridor. These couldn’t be the Peacekeepers, could they?

* * * * * *

ASSAULT CARRIER VEDA 10
Crichton swore under his breath.
“We found the hideout, some sort of weapons protection bunker. They had Peacekeeper signals stored as slow data streams on a primitive computing device.�
“How did they intercept transmissions in the first place? We don’t have any ships in the space the other side of this planet,� Crichton asked Braca.
“We are not sure yet, the signals could have been redirected if they came in contact with the right matter...�
“Trace them! I want to know if and when their course was changed, otherwise we may have a traitor in our midst. Bring me transmission backup logs, I will check them myself.�
“Problems, Admiral?� Sun inquired as she entered.
“No, no, just a few rebels who managed to slip through our fingers after receiving information. We have caught one, he couldn’t have been working alone. He will talk and be made an example of.�
“Be careful, I think you may find these humans strong.�
“Not when I am done with them,� Crichton finished and left the observational area where he had been trying to relax before this occurrence. He hated rebel uprisings, but they did bring some fun, that was to come later. Torture.

Breath-taking in his ruthless intelligence, Aeryn Sun sometimes wondered why John Crichton was not a Tech. Maybe First Command had needed an intelligent soldier as a strategist, because it seemed they were sorely lacking.
Ruthless and brilliant it was no wonder he had made his rank so quickly. Yet, she could talk, but hers had been gained by betrayal against a lover. Velorek. She did not understand why she could not remember the moment she had turned him in, was she really so cold? Did she really care so little?
Knowing she should not be contemplating such things she wondered about observing the ‘questioning’ of the, as yet, anonymous human. Maybe she would learn something.

* * * * * *

End pt.1

We Resist: Pt.2: Empty Bliss

* * * * * *

The rebel was shuttled up to Crichton’s carrier, he was bound and gagged already with bruises on his face and arms beginning to form. His eyes locked with Crichton’s as he stood at the entrance to the docking bay, arms folded, waiting to follow on after them. Even seeing his eyes and their fear, Crichton felt nothing but disgust and distaste. Thinking how repulsing it was for a species to look so like Sebaceans, so like his own.
“Has he been injected yet?�
“No sir, we weren’t sure...�
“Do it. It won’t do any good if he can’t understand out... questions.�
The officer nodded and left, presumably to go to the medical bay to prepare some microbes for injection.

Looking defiant, nonetheless, the human yelped in surprise as he was fiercely stuck in the arm with the small, stubby needle.
“Now, primitive, what is your name?�
“Bite me!� He spat back.
“With pleasure, but not quite yet,� Crichton said back with a sardonic smile. “Admiral Sun would you care to start the ‘honours’?�
Somehow Crichton was beginning to scare her a little in his demeanour and she shook her head, being careful not to look too hasty about it and she merely went to sit at the side of the room. Watching while his ankles were cuffed to the chair legs. The guards saluted their Admirals before leaving on this understanding of a mere nod from Crichton.
“See, I am going to start with easy questions, so you can get the hang of it, OK?� Something that could be likened to a growl emanated from the humans throat and Aeryn noticed him trying desperately to free himself of the cuffs round his wrists.
“Stop it,� she warned harshly and his hands ceased to move as he turned his head to look at her.
“Yes, pretty isn’t she?� Crichton lowered his head and voice to whisper in his ear, “And I tell you what, if you answer all of my questions, you can have her.�
“Barbaric,� the human spat back, unswayed. Aeryn gasped silently at Crichton’s tactics, though knowing with almost certainty that if the human spoke he probably wouldn’t hold up his end of the bargain.
“Admiral Sun. You don’t, by chance, have a serrated line knife with you?�
“Yes, I do.� She got up and took it out of her belt, placing it in her fellow Admiral’s waiting hand. And now his attention turned back his captive.
“Now, it’s a simple, non-incriminating question. What is your name?� He wielded the small knife, seemingly admiring its brutal but beautiful shine and shape.
Fraiser got a little scared, this man was a mental case. *A total psycho or whatever...* He thought to himself.
“Fraiser,� he stated, trying not to let the quiver in his voice show.
“Now, I know humans usually have more than one name from the information we have gathered. So, what’s the other?�
“Boon.�
“Ah, thank you, sir!� He exclaimed then tapped the comm on his wrist. “Look in the data storage devices we found in that government building, look for a name... ‘Fraiser Boon’. I assume we have the translation system up now?�
“For 3 arns already, sir.�
“Good, I expect results then Lt.� Crichton promptly closed the channel, cutting off whatever Braca was planning to say next. “So, how did you receive those transmissions?� Crichton asked, seeming almost perky. Fraiser remained silent, he had a feeling of dread in his stomach that told him this man was very patient.
“They just came.�
“Who sent them?�
Fraiser thought for a moment, “I don’t know.�
“You’re a bad liar, you must have seen *a* name.�
“Even if I had I wouldn’t tell you.�
“You’re eyes, they move too much. You are lying,� he concluded, knowing he was deadly accurate, that his statement was not just mere assumption but based on what he had been taught through his life, being trained by Scorpius himself.
“I don’t know.�
“But you know someone who does,� Crichton continued on quickly, menacingly.
“Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.�
Aeryn decided she was annoyed with this human, there could be no doubt over Crichton’s methods, they were perceptive, skilful and seemed so far to keep injury to a minimum. Her methods were different, however, pain first, questions later.
She got up and grabbed the knife from John, slashing it lightly across Fraiser’s right upper arm. Just deep enough for it to bleed. He winced but seemed determined to keep his eyes open, to not focus on the pain.
“Tell us, or you’ll have one of those on *every* limb.� Crichton saw him shudder, whether it was from the pain or her implication he did not know.
“Changed your mind yet, have we?�
“No,� he stated and Crichton sighed.
“Please continue, Admiral, I’ll call for some guards to put him in a cell once you are done.� He left, closing the electronically locked door carefully behind him. They way he could even intimidate his superiors fascinated her, too much time around Scorpius, she mused before focussing her attentions on the knife in her hand and the man in front of her.
“Ooh, kinky,� he said, not as phased by her as he had been by Crichton. Aeryn would have laughed if he were anyone else. You couldn’t share a joke with an enemy. She wasted no time in reaping her revenge for his back-handed comment.
He could not, would not cry out. He would not let them win so soon. He could not let them win at all. Fraiser struggled to keep his eyes open but couldn’t for now she drew the knife once across the back of each leg, almost cutting into muscle. *That’s it,* he reassured himself. He was wrong. It drew, one last time, a straight line across his forehead.
“If you survive this,� she said, “you’ll have something to remember me by.� Fraiser opened his eyes and blood dripped down in front of them. Sun was no longer there, managing to leave silently. However he was far from silent as the guards handled him roughly. And for this display Fraiser earned himself the honour of unconsciousness.

* * * * * *

“You work well, Admiral, perhaps I could learn from you.�
“I don’t doubt that,� replied Aeryn as she continued to follow the mine complex plans she’d had hard-copied to get a better look at them. She knew Crichton was watching her hand over her shoulder as it traced the corridors and rooms. Aeryn could almost feel his breath on her neck.
“Maybe we should work together more often,� he commented lightly before leaving. Aeryn wondered about how, at times, he could be so repulsive and twisted. Then at others be so seductive and mysterious. She cursed herself for thinking such things, for letting her mind stray from the review she was conducting. It seemed, by then end, a waste of time, all was perfect. Not a faulty conduit or misplaced cell anywhere. She sighed. What a perfectionist.

Even when John had never experienced a particular emotion before, when it hit him he knew what it was and it took him only microts to decide if it was productive or not. This one was not, so he simply ignored it, all emotions faded eventually.
“Lt. Braca, how long until the builder ships leave?�
“Two days, sir.�
“And the mines will be fully operational then, correct?�
“Yes.�
“Inform them they have 24 arns to complete building,� Crichton ordered. Again, Crichton shut the channel before the annoying Braca had time to answer.
Braca knew he a Scorpius were the only two members of the Peacekeepers who had come into contact with the human, John Crichton, and remembered the experience. Everyone, even Crais, had had their memories of any encounters purged from their memories.
Why he had to obey such a primitive he did not know, but he knew he had to obey Scorpius’ orders and they were to observe Crichton and make sure no one suspected. This invasion was the final step of his full integration into Peacekeeper authority and Scorpius was loving it. Because seeing Crichton as a Peacekeeper, stripped of morality, was the ultimate revenge from Scorpius on the human.

* * * * * *

His cell was silent, except for the distant shouts that could be heard echoing down the stark, metal corridors of the ship. For a moment Fraiser swore he heard someone breathe.
“Hello?� He risked tentatively, hoping that the breath wasn’t just that of a guard placed outside. He put his hand to his forehead, forgetting the long slit that had been placed there earlier. Some fragile, not yet fully formed, scab came off but the wound did not bleed and it offered him some cold comfort.
“Hello,� he heard, in a voice that sounded like it was mimicking his and Fraiser almost immediately dismissed it as a strange echo, but it was different when he thought about it again mentally. More feminine, more lonely than his quiet toning.
“Who’s that?�
“Did they take you prisoner? Did they torture you?�
“Not yet,� he replied. “Who are you?� He rephrased the question.
“Zotoh Zhaan. Do you have a name?�
“Yes, it’s...� At first he was a little reluctant, fellow prisoners were the best plants to gather information from. “Fraiser,� he said simply.
“You are human? Like John?� Zhaan asked.
“Yes, I’m human. Aren’t you?� He was still thinking one race of aliens was all the universe had to offer, had, with cold hope to offer.
“No, and don’t insult me by asking if I am Sebacean either. Because you’re answer will be no. I am Delvian.�
“Oh,� said Fraiser, not knowing who or what a Delvian was at all. He thought back over what she had said. “Who’s John?�
“John Crichton. Or should I say the ‘Admiral’?�
“He’s a...?�
“Yes, but, as he would say; ‘the kick in the pants’, is that he doesn’t know. The Peacekeepers purged his and Aeryn’s memories. I still remember though,� she finished defiantly.
“These Peacekeepers are so like us, how could they be?�
“That I cannot say, I was did not live that long ago. I do know why they conquered you though...� Fraiser was about to ask why when she continued. “The reason is what you just said, they don’t want a race that looks so like them, yet it so primitive.�
“Hey!� He protested.
“To them you are. Only inhabiting one planet, fossil fuels. To them it is only technology that matters, not what you have in your minds,� her voice was now more methodical and measured. Wise and powerful.
“Yeah, I suppose we are. Seeing this, I’ve seen some of the computer consoles, I know a few people who’d die to get their hands on one,� he shook his head. “I’m going to die here, aren’t I?�
“I’m not, they’re taking me somewhere else to die,� she told him solemnly from the other side of the wall.
“Well, if I do, it’s been nice knowing ya.â€� He waved at the wall and slumped down even further. “Â*Because I could not stop for Death,
Â*He kindly stopped for me;
Â*The carriage held but just ourselves
Â*And Immortality.,â€� he cited. “Or in this case that’s just plain old crap.â€�
“From a holy book?�
“No, a poet, Emily Dickinson.�
“Keep it with you. You never know what is on the other side.�
“I believe that if I die, hell’s gates will be open for me.�
“Hell? Why?� She questioned.
“Because I almost sought death out.�

* * * * * *

End pt.2

[Kavanne]

We Resist: Pt.3: Sweet Revenge
Summary - Another familiar face arrives.

* * * * * *

THE NEXT DAY
“The builder ships will be dispatched in 18 arns, Admiral.�
“Good,� he slurred. “Have them fully inspected, searched by the dench. I don’t want a single one of these primitives escaping.�
It was times like this that Braca had to stop himself from laughing, at how Crichton almost referred to himself.
“Oh and feed that Boon guy, we don’t want him dying on us now, do we?�
“Straight away sir.� Braca began to turn to leave when an evil smile appeared on Crichton’s lips.
“Oh, and put some truth serum in it, see what effect it has on a different physiology. Hopefully it won’t kill him,� he sighed.
“Of course, Admiral.� And he left, shaking his head and silently laughing.

* * * * * *

There was only seven of them there, Hall and Ravens were nowhere to be found. Garrett considered themselves still lucky to have the majority of them intact. He had seen people being lead into vehicles, most likely to be transported elsewhere, though they maybe taken to be killed. This was not the subject on everyone's minds today, however.
"Do you think they'll... y'know...." The youngest of their group, Alistair Fisher spoke. He had been unlucky enough to also pick up the data via his radio.
He could bring himself to say 'torture', not waiting to tempt fate onto Fraiser. "Or will they just kill him?"
"No, I think that if they were just going to kill him they would have done it on site, as soon as he'd started to talk," Gray rationalised, being the psycho-analyst that she was.
“Whatever, but the real question is, will he talk?� Silence came after Garrett’s question. No one knew Fraiser that well enough to know, all they knew about him was he was a natural leader and hated seeing people suffer, as he demonstrated earlier.
“We have to have faith. I don’t believe he will. This is as important to him as it is to us and I know I wouldn’t talk.�
“Freak at two o’clock,� Alistair chimed and they all fell back into a prepared conversation about politics that would probably confuse the hell out of the narrow minded grunt. The helmeted figure walked straight on by.
“OK, so they undercover people who look and speak like us. So that could be a hazard, be careful of who you talk to.�
“I concur, whenever you do meet someone, ask them as much as you can about themselves and their family, I think if they are ET they’ll trip up somewhere.�
“They’re not as cute as ET, I’m sure. He would probably consider that an insult.� Alistair folded his arms across his chest.
Garrett narrowed his eyes, “Shut up!� He said simply before anyone else had the chance to. Alistair scowled and went into a sulky mood.
“I never should have bothered talking back into that microphone,� he muttered.
“Well, ya did, and if you hadn’t we’d never have gotten our hands on those records your system had.�
Alistair perked up a little, “No, I suppose not.�
“Look, I don’t think there is much point in bickering and I don’t think there is much we can do for Fraiser. He was the one who wasn’t careful. In a kind of twisted way he helped us, warned us, so I suppose all we can do is wait. See if he does come back.�
“And if he doesn’t, Gray?� Someone asked.
“Then we mourn him.� She shrugged.
“No more talk of Fraiser, there’s nothing we can do seeing as we don’t even know where he is and dwelling on it won’t help us, OK?� Nods came from all round and suddenly a flow of people began to meander past and fill the corridor. Back to work.

* * * * * *

“Hello, Delvian, keeping our treasonous convict company, I see. Well, you do have a lot in common,� John chuckled sardonically.
Fraiser could take little comfort for the knowledge that this man was human, in fact he did not want to believe it. It only disgusted him further that a human could have so much cold hate and insanity to be this way. Fraiser knew the devil would welcome this.... abomination of the human species.
Crichton now walked in front of Fraiser’s cell, the door swung open.
“And how are you, Mr. Boon?�
“Fine, thankyouverymuch,� he replied, spitting all the sarcasm straight back at Crichton.
“Considering. Ready to come and answer some things for Admiral Sun and I yet? Both of us are also more than happy to get the knife out again, or maybe 2 knives.� He let that hang in the air for a few microts before letting a couple of guards to bring Fraiser, drag if necessary, to an interrogation cell.

“So, where were we?�
“I believe he was bout to tell us who transmitted the messages.� Aeryn did not sit this time, but put herself to better use, doing more than just observing how Crichton worked, but joining him as well. She’d never wondered why most of the Peacekeeper soldiers craved for interrogation duties, the thrill of being successful, of doing whatever you wanted to be successful. Of inflicting pain.
“I think we’ll start with something else today, like...� he thought for a second. “Who you are... were working with.�
“I was alone.�
“Well, you are *now*, that is for certain, but I do not think a single pathetic being could outwit us, outwit me. Plus, one of our people saw at least one other person enter the line, unfortunately we lost them. All we need is a name and you can go free.�
Fraiser snorted. “Free? You mean back down there? I think I’ll pass.�
“Oh no, Mr. Boon. We mean we will give you a small shuttle. We’ll let you go.�
“And I’m sure it would do me the world... universe of good because even if I do manage to fly it out, you’ll shoot me down as soon as I do.�
“I do have some integrity, as hard as *you* may find that to believe. Once I have what I need, I have no need for you, and I have no need to kill you either. So you may go, is that not a fair trade?� He asked innocently. “A deal, is a deal, to break it would be dishonest and deceitful.�
“Ha!� Fraiser snorted again. In his eyes these people were evil, dishonest and hateful, after all, the had taken over his world.
“Do you mock me, man?� He said with slight agitation and not being able to shake it off in time for him to speak. “Do you accept our offer or not?�
“No, I do not accept your ‘offer’.�
Crichton sighed, “OK.� Even if he wouldn’t speak in exchange for a bribe, pain often changed peoples mind’s about answering. “You really are taking up much of my time. If you do not become any easier to deal with you’ll be meeting someone I guarantee you’ll hate tomorrow,� Crichton said cryptically. “And when he arrives we’ll have all the answers we need... But it will be painful and I’d rather not have you put through that.�
“Oh really?�
“No, I lied.�
“Thought so.�
Aeryn shook her head at the exchange at the two men, both seemingly overloading with testosterone in this showdown.
“In fact, I’d love to see you suffer. It would, however, make you an even bigger waste of time than you already are, human.� Crichton continued with his strategy, give him something to think about, tell him he’ll suffer, but not how.
“So, who is this someone I am supposedly so scared of.�
“Haha, let’s just say, after you’ve met him, you’ll never want to sit down in a chair. Ever. Again,� he dragged out and emphasised the last two words, achieving the desired effect. Confusion.
“Admiral.� The bridge officer’s voice came over the comm. “A Carrier has been sensed, 1000 metras off number 2 Scanning Buoy.�
“Scorpius,� he breathed. He turned back to Fraiser and raised his eyebrow. “Looks like your new best friend has arrived.� He signalled to the guards. “Take him back to his cell, we don’t need him here anymore. Be ready to transfer him to Scorpius’ carrier.� They nodded as Crichton left. Aeryn pondered over going to ‘welcome’ the hybrid as well, but thought against it, instead accompanying these guards back to the cells. Scorpius’ hybrid vigour still made her shudder.

* * * * * *

“Ah, hello John,� Scorpius greeted, calling him by his ‘unusual’ first name.
“I’m glad you came upon such short notice and strange request,� Crichton nodded, acknowledging his coming silently as well.
“Yes, it seems a little premature for such a measure.�
“However, I do need this information. Everyday that passes something could happen.�
Scorpius nodded in approval, “I always knew you were not as stupid as you looked.� They both laughed, not the empty laughter it would be around anyone else, but the laughter shared between... friends.
“Indeed.�
“Now, who is it that is so urgent?�
“A human. We need to find out some names and see some faces.�
“Hmmmm, he will resist, he will not break easily,� Scorpius told John as they continued to walk towards the cells deep in the bowels of the ship.
“Have you ever been in contact with one before?�
“No, no,� said Scorpius calmly, hands clasped behind his straight back. “I’m sure it will be an interesting experience. New species always are.�
“We are prepared for his transport, unless you would prefer to work here.� Crichton stopped outside the cell block entrance.
“I have also prepared for transfer of the Aurora Chair. It would be wiser to move it now, seeing as everything is prepared. Plus I would like to talk to the Delvian you also have, I believe she can help me,� Scorpius rationalised.
“She is a mad-woman, Scorpius.�
“Maybe, but she is still a P’au.� He covered his real reasons for wanting to see her with this and was believed without question from Crichton.
“True, true. You can see her when you like, I suppose,� Crichton informed Scorpius without interest. The door slid open as John swiped his ident chip over the lock and he indicated the way for Scorpius to walk.
Zhaan watched Scorpius walk by with narrow eyes. He paid no attention to her, walking by to the next cell, the cell of current interest. Zhaan knew Scorpius remembered, Zhaan knew Scorpius knew she remembered. That meant her fate was not sealed, would she die here, considered a security risk by Scorpius? Or on her home of Delvia?
She stayed quiet and listened to the exchange as it began only denches away.
“Hello Fraiser. Oh, John, I see you’ve already begun questioning.� Scorpius said, referring to the visible, large scab on his forehead.
“Yes, as you have probably guessed I thought it would come to no ends for a while, that is why I called you in.�
“Ew, what are you?� Fraiser blurted out in disgust. Scorpius merely stared at him, not delivering his retort for a few microts.
“Your worst nightmare.�
John had said that to him once, when Scorpius himself had been captured by them. it was that day that Crichton had put a bio-neural tracer and clone in his head. And that was also the day Scorpius had vowed revenge upon John Crichton once and for all.

* * * * * *

End pt.3

We Resist: Pt.4: Beauty of the Aurora
Summary - Something happens to Crichton out of the past and Scorpius makes an offer Zhaan cannot possibly refuse.

* * * * * *

The room stood still except for in the centre where a black chair slowly rotated, conserving energy for when it would be brought into action.
John Crichton knelt in one of the four entrances, microns earlier, he’d a mental flash.

PREVIOUSLY
He stared at the pioneering machine that was in front of him, nausea overcame him. He blinked, there was a whisper in his head. John’s brow crumpled as he listened.
“I’m here, John...� It faded, but even with just three monosyllabic words he could tell who it was, but that was impossible, he thought. As he tried to stand his head exploded inside of itself. His eyes widened and head flew up. Crichton saw his face, himself in the chair. Face reddened, eyes watering, mouth open crying silently for rescue. He felt himself begin to shudder and as he blinked the image disappeared, sweat formed on his forehead. What had just happened to him? Was it the Delvian playing mind games?

John let his breathing slow down and gathered himself up to stand straight. The thought of him going insane crossed his mind, but he banished it. He had had strict thought control training, he could not go mad.
“Are you all right, Admiral?� Sun entered, passing the room and hearing someone inside.
“Yes.� He pressed his comm. “Bring Fraiser Boon for immediate questioning at my location.� Closing the line before he even knew who he was speaking to, he opened another. “Scorpius, your and your... assistant’s presence is required. We are to begin the first session immediately.� He shut it off, not thinking again to wait for a response

* * * * * *

Scorpius walked to the console, almost knocking the brunette assistant off her feet as he pushed past. He calibrated the setting to the specifics he had had to use when Crichton had been in the Chair.
“Start on these probing speeds and beam widths and depths, we can change it afterwards if the need arises.� he began to hear the grunts of the human prisoner a he struggled to try and break free, not that it would do him much good. Also heard were the grunts of the guards who were trying to keep hold of him.
*Who’s keeping who prisoner?* Scorpius thought.
“We sedated him earlier, sirs, but he woke up pretty fast on the way here.� Both Crichton and Scorpius kept their calm demeanours, not regarding this event as a setback or even indeed why they needed to be told about it.
“Sit him down, make sure the bindings are secure,� Crichton ordered.
“Do you doubt my security tests, John?�
“No, not at all, Scorpius. But we must take... precautions, all beings struggle, and I know some have even gotten free. There’s no harm in being careful,� John said to Scorpius without turning to look at him.

Crichton still was slightly unnerved by what he had seen earlier. He chanced no glances at Scorpius, irrationally afraid of what he might see or hear.
Afraid, John Crichton was afraid. This was to be over and done with as soon as possible.
*If this doesn't work, I'll kill him slowly myself,* he thought.
All saw the lever move up. A shout erupted.
Fraiser's whole body stiffened. What was this? What were they doing to him?
There was a noise in front of him, curiosity directed his eyes to open, to look straight ahead.
What he saw was his best friend laughing, as he kicked a ball. Fraiser remembered this day, so many years ago. They couldn't have been more than
nine years old. It was a freezing cold January day and at least 10 children from his block were playing soccer. His revelry was abruptly broken by a
harsh voice.
"*This* does not help us, Scorpius. Change the settings."
“This will take time, we have to map his brain, this first try was a lucky guess, Admiral, he lied calmly and skilfully, but his Scarren side could
sense that there was someone in the room who knew he was lying. He daren't look for whom though. Braca was not there to know. Scorpius made a mental note to be more careful in his conduct in the future.

Once more the lever was pushed up, the pain rocked his head and he was dizzy,sound shot in and out of his ears. Fraiser clenched his fists, he could not
face to see the jumble of images that flashed up, hundreds every minute. The pain subsided and for a second silence reigned but a ringing pushed through,
to remind him of what had just passed, and he flinched.
"He's put up a neural block, sir," the brunette reported.
"Increase power," Scorpius replied, as if he was reading from a prepared script. Few beeps were heard before, again, Fraiser's screams, still not for
mercy, rang through the halls.

* * * * * *

John Crichton entered his spacious command quarters not entirely dissatisfied with today, they had sufficiently scared Fraiser Boon, so tomorrow he may
talk. He did not waste time eating, knowing he could in the morning.
So he slept, fitfully, and dreamed with discontinuity. But, this Admiral never dreamed.
Dreams, nightmares, like the Aurora Chair without the pain. Crichton screamed as he stood spinning in the middle.
"What the frelling hell is wrong with me!"
"Nothing's wrong with you, John."
All went pitch black and silent as Scorpius strolled in, arms swinging slightly and rhythmically by his side as he did so.
John Crichton woke, immediately looking around for what had woken him, his body telling him it had not been eight arns since he had fallen asleep. He could not see, hear or think of why he was now in this state of awareness. He remembered none of the dreams and the thing controlling them.

* * * * * *

Fraiser muttered profanity as he heard controlled voices get louder. They maybe steady and measured, but their conversation was certainly not as such.
"Why did we need this 'Earth' place anyway? It's not of strategical value, has no large or rare mineral deposits. And by those tech. calculations the place will be exhausted in under 4 cycles."
"Not our problem, Dlain. We only work here."
The voices faded out, they must have turned a corner, and Fraiser sat back down. Almost disappointed to be staying in this cell. His home had 4 cycles left, whatever they were, but it didn’t sound long. His attention towards Earth was broken when Admiral Sun walked to the entrance of his cell, he didn’t get a chance to see her tranquilliser gun before it shot.
“He will no longer be listening, Scorpius. I am sure your paranoia was unwarranted in the first place anyway,� she added, hint of sarcasm in her voice but didn’t stay to see the exasperated look on Scorpius’ face.

“So Zhaan, you remember do you?� Zhaan looked as if she was going to attack him, but she knew doing that would reduce her back into the primitive barbarian she used to be, and even now she was so close to the edge.
“Unfortunately.�
“Shame there is no way to cleanse you,� he commented offhandedly.
“Did you come here merely to gloat?�
Scorpius took a quick breath, “No. I have heard you have been talking about John Crichton’s alleged previous life, that cannot happen any longer.�
“Oh, you’re going to kill me?�
Once more he breathed and shook his head, “No, I offer you asylum aboard the leviathan Moya.�
Zhaan gave him a blank and then confused look. “If Moya... Moya is still alive then...�
“Yes,� he said ironically. “They are, unfortunately for me. But now they seem to come in useful. If you do not accept this, then they will die and so will you. One way or another you will be silenced. I felt this offer more compassionate than the one Crichton has offered of a ‘fair’ trial on Delvia.�
Before when Scorpius had made a deal he had always kept his end, Zhaan remembered when John had traded himself for Jothee. She searched his face, but he hid his mind well. Still she felt she could trust this madman.
Zhaan thought about D’argo, about Chiana, Rygel and... Stark. How she had seen Moya disintegrate in front of her very eyes, if truly they were alive, then her eyes had lied. Or the Peacekeepers had lied.
“I accept your offer Scorpius, but,� she added, “I want Moya brought here. I will not move until I see her for myself, until I see my family with my own eyes and can reach out and touch them.�
He nodded once, silently.
As he left Zhaan still did not feel as if she had won, as long as John and Aeryn were under the control of the Peacekeepers she would never win, never be free.
“I pray to the Goddess, let the humans win.�

* * * * * *

Crichton walked slowly towards Scorpius’ temporary quarters, there was some news for him apparently. John had been contemplating a visit down to one of the bases on Earth’s surface when he had been so rudely interrupted, but he did not let it show when he met his superior.
He entered without announcing himself, still Scorpius did not seemed startled in the least.
“I want Pa’u Zhaan released into my custody,� he stated simply.
“I am afraid that is not possible, as soon as High Command dictate it is to be so, she will be transported *on my carrier*,� he emphasised, “to Delvia.�
“But Crichton, why give yourself an extra job when someone else is offering to do it for you?�
John contemplated for a second, was Scorpius really offering to transport his prison? Or did he have an ulterior motive. Scorpius never made a gesture of good will unless he did.
“Are you now travelling to Delvia, Scorpius?� He asked.
“No, there is a Leviathan prison transport going there, we can intercept it in a few days.�
That did not sound like the motive Crichton had been looking for, but without seeing one he had no reason to deny Scorpius’ request, and even if he did, Scorpius motives may have been desperate enough for him to pull rank on Crichton. He decided to try and find out why Scorpius wanted Zhaan to go on this passing transport, instead of having her live a few more monens here, lengthening her suffering. After all, a murdered deserved to suffer before they met death.
“I am afraid this is not possible Scorpius, unless you have a direct order from First...� A pad was almost thrust in from of Crichton by his superior. An order from First Command, to transfer Pa’u Zotoh Zhaan into Scorpius custody.
Now Crichton nodded, letting Scorpius think he had fallen for it even though he knew full well it was a forgery. He left promptly as Crichton watched him go, raising his eyebrow behind Scorpius’ back.
“Lt. Braca, scan for any Bio-mechanoid activity in the area.� A response was almost immediate, just before Crichton had a chance to close off the frequency of the comm built into the desk.
“Sir, a Peacekeeper Leviathan is in the area, it appears to have come to an all -stop.� Braca fiddled with the scan data in case anyone else looked, for the next 5 arns that Leviathan would stay where it was, of course, it had no control collar.

* * * * * *

D’argo hissed, when anyone tried to talk to him, he had been against this. He knew as well as the next person the three enemies that inhabited that fleet, yet he was the only one who did not trust any of them.
“They are offering us Zhaan, they need her away from Crichton and Aeryn now, Scorpius said she is becoming a risk,� Chiana pleaded, just to try and get D’argo to sleep. For two days he had not slept, he had not left command, eyes always on the view port, not trusting any one of Moya’s eight senses to watch.
“It is a trick, they will capture us.�
“D’argo, they have no reason to, is that so hard to contemplate?� she asked, only realising the stupidity of the question afterwards.
“YES!�
Chiana placed a small, delicate hand on D’argo’s shoulder, not moving it when he flinched away in anger and annoyance.
“We’ll all be together again... Like family.�
“No... Not family,� he looked at the sensor images showing the Peacekeeper fleet and Chiana knew he was still trying to comprehend how John and Aeryn could have become Peacekeepers, and wondering how they could be saved. To Chiana’s almost relief he left, she leant on the console and took over his job, knowing D’argo would kill her for leaving command unattended.

Pilot could feel Moya, today she was not scared as he had expected her to be. Her fear had been surpassed by her desire to see her appointed guardian again and getting her back. Also he could sense her want of John and Aeryn, wanting then to come back to her too. This was something he shared also, however he knew he mustn't let it affect Moya or him in their judgments, and he told her so. Moya agreed with him to try and let the thoughts and feelings go, but it is never that easy.
A transmission came through on audio, he routed it to all the crew after they had given approval.
“This is Admiral John Crichton to the Leviathan Moya, you are ordered to hold position until Scorpius arrives, is that understood?�
Everyone on Moya stood still and silent at their various locations, gob smacked by the voice they were hearing.
“Y.. Yes,� Chiana stuttered, she didn’t know if he thought they were Peacekeepers, but he seemed to take her answer without question of race.
“Good.�
The click of the channel closing let everyone relax, instinctively everyone almost fled to Pilot’s chamber, the safest place on the ship, a place where everyone could be together.
Chiana sobbed slightly with D’argo as her comfort, Rygel and Stark felt that tinge of pain, but did not let it show. And all Pilot could think about was if Aeryn, the person who shared his DNA, was with Crichton. For a while Zhaan was forgotten, once initial shock had passed they began recalling happier times, laughing together, trying vainly to not think about what awaited them, trying to immerse themselves in a quieter past. A past that had been lost.

* * * * * *

End pt. 4

NOTE: I am not including Jool because I have not seen the actual eps with her in and I feel I do not know her character well enough to include her.

[Kavanne]

We Resist: Pt.5: Dum Spiro, Spero
Summary - Moya has a plan and Scorpius finds out who knew he was lying.
Notes - Title means ‘While I Breathe, I hope’ in Latin.

* * * * * *

The strange sensation rolled through him again and soon the coolness of the rod followed and he felt refreshed and made the heat easier to stand. The standard look of confusion and disgust built on the human’s face, mixed with slight curiosity, but Scorpius was in no mood to explain something that was not on Boon’s need-to-know list.
“Did you like my ‘little invention’?� Scorpius questioned almost amicably.
“Good idea, bad execution of,� he replied, remembering the experience and the unique points of pain.
Scorpius smiled, it had been a desperate comment from the human and Scorpius still marvelled at how humans retained their wit and malevolence even in a game they knew they had lost already. At that moment a thought struck Scorpius, now he sensed the same thing as he had earlier. When he had felt someone knew he was lying. Scorpius’ mocking face turned to one of almost bitter distrust.
“You know about the human, Crichton,� he said, less of a question, more of a statement.
“I suspect.�
The truth had outed.
“Maybe it will offer you little cold comfort as he slowly kills you.�
“Look... Frankenstein, I may be condemned to torture and death but I am not afraid of your little Hitler wannabe, because I know, if he is human, at least he’ll feel something of guilt as I die.�
“I think there you are wrong.� Scorpius prepared to throw a little native human knowledge back at Fraiser. “John Crichton has succeeded where Adolf Hitler failed.�
Fraiser blinked, having nothing to say back now. “Kill me now,� Fraiser stated, not begging or pleading, just ironically. Realising if Earth could be saved it wasn’t he who would be saving it.

* * * * * *

“There is a Marauder approaching, weapons are not powering up. There is a Delvian aboard, I cannot find anyone or anything else.... We are receiving an automated transmission from the ship.�
“Lets see it, Pilot,� Chiana said.
No image came up, just the resonating voice of an unknown officer, “Return this Marauder within five arns or the reactors are set to overload. Do not tamper with the engines or weapons control, this will also automatically trigger an overload. No one must enter the Marauder. Let its cargo off and de-dock.�
“That is all.�
“Are we dead yet?� Rygel asked, earning himself a clout over the ear by Chiana causing him to mumble something about his lost Hynerian slaves and leave command.
“Everyone take a weapon, I do not want any nasty surprises,� D’argo warned, drawing his Qualta Blade in one swift movement.
One of the strange silences fell over Moya again, somehow words would seem to ruin this moment to the crew. Life had been lonely the last cycles, this gave hope. And after all, it was all they had.
No one could deny the ease with which they carried this out, as if it was the most natural thing. Not trusting the Peacekeepers was a natural thing though.
Zhaan walked out and almost collapsed in tears at their feet, if it hadn’t been for D’argo and Stark she would have. All of them cried, out of little happiness at being reunited, but also at remembering what Aeryn and John still suffered. This only made them all stronger, they would not give up, it was not an option. And if it ever had been they wouldn’t be where they were today.
"Me, in exchange for all of our silence," Zhaan declared when asked the reason of her sudden release, albeit with a little deception on Scorpius' part.
D'argo hissed with rage, "Silence?!"
"Scorpius is... somewhat paranoid, I believe. He thinks I was getting too much of a risk, being so close to Crichton and that you were trying to ally with Peacekeeper enemies on this personal vendetta."
"We still have that vendetta though, doesn't he know what?" Chiana asked, referring to John and Aeryn. "We've waited too long, I won't move from here until they are aboard."
Pilot's image flashed up, they had not known he would be giving any input on their conversation today.
"I agree, the Peacekeepers have played us for too long. Moya will not move another metra until John Crichton and Aeryn Sun are aboard her. Even if she dies here she feels her point will be made, even if I die here, I know it will be for a just cause."
“Pilot!� But it was too late, his image had gone and the DRD he had been watching from’s antenna flopped and it shut down. They heard the hum of the engines dissipate and saw lights dimming to half light. They knew Pilot would leave Life Support and Refrigeration units on.
Stark tapped his comm tentatively, “Pilot?� but all there was was static.
“It’s no use, I’m going down there, all this protest will bring more attention to us.�
“Which may just be what we need,� said Zhaan loftily before walking out and proceeding to Pilot’s chamber ahead of everyone else. “I think Moya has a plan.�

* * * * * *

“What do you mean the Leviathan is ‘malfunctioning’?!� Crichton demanded to the officer posted at the sensor grid in Command.
“It’s secured itself in an orbit between the 8th and 9th planets and is shutting itself down except for Life Support for itself and its crew.�
“Isn’t it on a schedule?� He turned to Scorpius and stared accusingly at him.
“Admiral, our scans show the Leviathan has no control collar.�
“Do we have a video feed buoy out yet?�
“It’s coming around, sir, putting the image on screen now.�
The looming body of Neptune filled the screen of the external camera for a few seconds, it guided itself using it’s targeting scanners. Neptune moved out of the way, revealing Moya, moving the same way in a slower orbit. She increased in size, it was blatantly clear that now Control Collar tarnished her now darkened surface.
“Scorpius, how long did you think you could keep up this deception?� Crichton did not look at Scorpius again. “Hail it.�
The officer shook his head and John cursed loudly, his mind working through solutions to the situations. He had the fire power to destroy the Leviathan, and if he needed to destroy it, so be it. “Tell me, Scorpius, are there actually any Peacekeeper officers aboard that ship?� Silence. “No, no, of course not, a stupid question really.�
“There may not be any officer’s aboard there, but I know if you kill that ship, as I am sure you are planning to, First Command will execute you right in front of the council.�
When Scorpius gave warnings like that, he was never lying. So the ship would not die, today she was lucky.
“Prepare a Marauder, we’ll blast our way in if we have to.� He stormed out and hit on of the comm units on the wall, ordering Admiral Sun, wherever she was, to join him in the Prime Hangar bay with a commando team.
"Now, due to Scorpius'... attitude, I suspect First Command do not want this Leviathan dead. It is also not under Peacekeeper control, so my first priorities seem, at the moment, to be retrieving the Leviathan and getting back my prisoner. You will start by leading an internal assault on the vessel, and I am going with you. Whatever is so special about that ship, I want to know about it," Crichton stated their mission to the team of the five elite commandos before him, flanked on the right by Admiral Sun, who seemed to have decided she too was coming, which was a little pretentious, Crichton thought but he accepted the situation and tried to think of ways to make use of her, maybe an extra pair of hands would help.

* * * * * *

"Oh yeah! It's working, I can hear it." They looked towards the oblivious humans who suddenly stilled, not being able to locate the source if the distorted voice, but still listening.
"Just play it twice, before any guards get too suspicious," Gray warned. "Any sign they can hear it?"
"Not one." Alistair kept his eyes fixed on two figures who were trying to ascertain why work had seemingly ceased in some places.
"Sound stopped."
"Let's hope they listen," Garrett said, quickly beginning to dismantle the rudimentary loud-speaker and voice synthesiser. No trace was left of the rebellious message that had just been broadcast.
"And you're sure they couldn't hear?" Alistair, being paranoid again.
"I told you, it's too high, out of *their* hearing range," Gray reassured the teen.
"Cool, I can deal with that."
"So, now we wait and we bloody well better pray that whoever that communication came from holds up their end of the bargain..."
"With any luck, they won't have a leader to give them orders." Garrett smiled wryly. There had been thoughts that this was a trap, even if it was it still would be hard for the Peacekeepers to find them and they had nothing to lose if they were indeed caught.
"This has to work, this job is becoming somewhat monotonous. I resign," a woman dead panned.

* * * * * *

The Marauder glided at just half thrusters, to show they seemingly had no malicious intent. They had to hope the prisoner and her cohorts were open to a little negotiation. Crichton would make no contact with the inhabitants of the ship until their ship had entered, which was why they had brought Scorpius along, albeit it a bound and gagged Scorpius. His DNA would be useful when they were scanned by the enemy. However, Scorpius still seemed smug, even though he was being used as a deception, bait even, if you like. This attitude made Crichton suspicious, but what way was there to question Scorpius? And he had no questions to ask. Whatever it was it would catch up with them sooner or later, or it would just turn out to be a bluff. The second outcome seemed more appealing to John at present.
It would not take more than an arn to reach Moya and she would no doubt have them inside her Sense Horizon by now, even with this she mad no attempt to run or power up.
He had instructed their pilot to fly straight towards the Leviathan’s aft docking bay, if it did not open she was instructed to pull up the Defence screen so that the Marauder would bounce relatively harmlessly off the side of the Leviathan. There was no point in crashing in as the inner doors would still be closed and it would waste time and resources they did not have enough of on trying to open them.
“600 metras off outer doors, positioning as approaching,� Senior Officer Lenta reported, each crew member took a seat now, bracing for any impact that may occur.
“Grav. Systems and engine secure?� Admiral Sun asked, not trusting these officers who were so junior to her in rank.
“Checked. . . And rechecked.� Was that an almost mocking or exasperated tone she heard from the older male officer? Jealousy, she’d have to watch him.

* * * * * *

Zhaan ran down to Pilot’s chamber, “Please, we need sensors. Chiana thinks she saw a ship approaching off the Terrace.�
He sat unwavering for a second but Moya sensed that his current blindness to the surrounding space was unnerving more to him than her. She encouraged him to return her manual sensor control to command. Pilot cold never disagree with her. A relieved look came over the priestess' face as Pilot's multitasking claws tapped several plate, relinquishing control of Moya's sense functions.
"D'argo, do you see anything?"
"Yes, we have one Marauder. It's not scanning us... yet. it is, however, closing in on us, albeit at a rather slow rate."
"Can you scan them? she asked, glancing once again at Pilot. *How much had he restored?* she wondered. Zhaan heard a sigh over the comm.
"Scorpius is on board, so is Crichton..."
"No, it could be a captive human, to use a deception to our scanners," Stark pointed out.
"Stark, can you sense anyone on board the Marauder?"
"Only Scorpius, I *know* Scorpius is there, after being two cycles near him you know him. But I cannot see anyone else."
“Can we trust him?�
“Can we trust Crichton?� D’argo retorted to Zhaan’s remark about Scorpius.
“Excuse me, the Marauder is positioning itself to dock.�
“Pilot, send as many DRD’s as you have to the docking bay and open the outer doors.�
With nods all round it had been agreed.

* * * * * *

End pt.5

[Kavanne]

We Resist: Pt.6: Mercy Be Ruthless (The Balance)
Summary - Cold blooded killing by an unlikely source, and mercy from an even more unlikely source.

* * * * * *

Each of them carried two sleep mist bombs, they were warned incessantly not to drop it by Zhaan or they would be out cold in a microt. They were made from an especially potent mixture, almost completely undiluted. So when it was thrown the victim would not have a chance to fire a shot before they could realise that they were going down.
“The Marauder has entered the bay.�
“Pilot, don’t power Moya back up at all. I think that is what they want us to do.�
“So they can justify firing upon us,� D’argo hissed without thinking, losing a little self-control.
“Well, once they are out of the Marauder, D’argo, and inside the inner bay, we should be safer, right?�
“That is correct, Chiana. And Moya informs me that she will not power any of her systems until she sees fit again.�
“Oh, yay,� Rygel said sarcastically, almost dropping once of the weighted balloons. “At least we know Moya committing suicide isn’t my fault and if you die it isn’t my fault either!�
Pilot warned them of the inner doors opening.
They all ducked behind containers, some to the left, some to the right. All scared drenless. Who was going to come out? Would they die today?


"Identify the admirals, please Pilot," Zhaan requested as calmly as she could, even though she appeared like this her soul was in turmoil, memories flashed up. Memories of what she had done for Aeryn, of her bonds with John and of how many times they had saved each others lives.
“Identities confirmed."
"I see no introduction is necessary then," John said on hearing the voices, their sources squatting behind barrels and boxes. He made eye contact with the blue Delvian eyes that looked over, accompanied by weapon in hand, trained on his party of seven.
For a moment he contemplated bringing Scorpius out. No, his main priority was to find out why this Leviathan had shut down right in front of the eyes of a command carrier and why it had no control collar or Peacekeeper crew.
"Explain your situation," he ordered.
"Even if we could, we wouldn't want to," Chiana feigned innocence during this snide remark.
"Where is Scorpius?" D'argo asked, having expected to see the half-breed standing by the side of the two Admirals, and denying involvement.
At this question weapons were primed on both sides, the Peacekeeper commanded by Admiral Sun and the crew of Moya commanded by their own instincts.
"Pa'u Zhaan, I now recommend the course of action you hold in your left hand," Pilot's low and hushed voice came over her private comm line. For a moment she hesitated, looking at each of he comrades faces. D'argo scarred and concentrating, Chiana's ready and willing to kill, Stark's scared of what may befall them next, Rygel not knowing what to do. She knew a fire fight would be lost.
"Drop the bombs," she whispered through her communicator, they knew, and each silently counted to five. As they rose Crichton saw the balls, he tried to give the order to fire but he couldn't, something stopped him, controlled him and clouded his mind.
One soldier took initiative and managed to get in a blind shot before he and his team along with their superiors were down in the sleep mist. Stark had dropped too, being too near Rygel's missed shot, but all the bombs had been thrown.
They waited a few seconds, looking hesitantly for movement that would indicate their plan had failed.
"Pilot, translate and transmit: Act now."
"The signal will reach Earth in approximately 7 microns, Zhaan."
“We have to get these people secure in cells," D'argo said as he moved towards the largest body.
"No," Chiana objected. "Let's send them back."
"They'll still die, Chiana, if you're trying to keep them alive."
"Not if Scorpius IS in there."
As if on cue, Scorpius's figure appeared in the still open doorway of the Marauder, having broken out of the strong metal Peacekeeper handcuffs with a magnet. "You are a very perceptive woman, Chiana."
"Put them back, Scorpius, make John and Aeryn the way they were!" Chiana demanded.
Scorpius sighed, "Just to admit; I can't do that... no one can."
D'argo fumed and lashed out with his tongue, knocking Scorpius out also, but it wouldn't be for long he was more resilient that most.
“What now?� Chiana breathed as they all stood in an arc around the disorderly line or horizontal Peacekeeper bodies.
“Prepare for Starburst.�
“No, Pilot!� A shout came in unison.
“Why?� Zhaan asked.
“Moya has what she wants, she senses to reason in putting us in any more unnecessary danger.� Strange logic, the crew thought, she was the one who wanted us to stay.
“Wait, Pilot, we need some more time.�
“She knows you wish to stay and see the results of your endeavours to the humans.� His head bobbed on the screen. An innocent look in his eyes, almost asking for forgiveness for Moya’s actions.
“A few microts, Pilot?� D’argo requested, though is came out sounding more like a demand in his deep Luxan tones.
“You still have until Moya’s power reserves are full...� he said before his image was closed off at Moya’s request. She saw through his eyes and did not wish to see them now. *We have everything* she said to Pilot.
Microts later, five Peacekeeper bodies had been loaded into the Marauder, along with Scorpius. No one was in the mood for killing tonight. Zhaan carried Aeryn while D’argo carried Crichton up to put them in cells. Not together, separately for now, to try and jog their memories, anything of the Peacekeepers they had to hold on to would only impede the process, they were sure.

* * * * * *

“Are we ready?� Gray asked, eyes glazed, secretly knowing what would happen. Knowing how much want of vengeance her race now held. “This is for you, Fraiser, even if you’re already dead,� she whispered.
She stood dead still and watched groups converge, people were shot down, but some made it through, inevitably. She noticed Alistair standing just behind her.
“You couldn’t do it either?� he questioned. She swallows and took a deep breath.
“Come on. Let’s go.�
She took the teen’s hand and they strolled to the perimeter of the complex, it had already been torn down. They both knew that humans would never regret this day, and in history it would be a triumph...But at the cost of countless lives. And Alistair almost looked back as they walked towards the now dark ruins of New York.

* * * * * *
EPILOGUE

During the human rebellion, ten thousand Peacekeeper guards and one thousand Peacekeeper officers were publicly executed. Two Command Carriers were forced to retreat and any human cargo aboard was disposed of. Only ten Peacekeeper ground troops were known to have survived, 8 of those being John Crichton, Aeryn Sun, who were captured by an unknown party and never found. Scorpius and his Marauder crew, who were recovered two monens after the uprising drifting outwards of the Sol system. The remaining two had been tortured and were left in a vegetative state.
No attempt at reconciliation has ever been made by Earth.

* * * * * *

[H_P_M]

I have said this as Cosmic Castaway and I'll say this again, GOD Kavanne, you're work is so brilliant and so orginal I just only hope I can be as good as you someday .

[Gizzymo]

wow .. had to read all that . my eyes hurt . very cool my friend very cool . i would have loved to seen that as a eppy . wow well done

[pkgrl]

Wow! What an epic!

Very engaging story/situation.

I love houw you dropped hints about how Aeryn and John ended up where they are instead of just extrapolating on it (like I tend to do )

How much time did you spend on this?

[Kavanne]

*LOL* Quite a long time, it took me two months to write parts 3 and 4, but
the rest kinda came... naturally Glad you liked it.

Kav.
Who wishes she could only get on with this next fic. Grrrrrrrrr.

[H_P_M]

Hey I understand that whole process thing Kav. You get one of those writer's block thingies and you don't want to rush it, cause if you do that then you know it's no good. Soooo take it easy, let it come to you, cause I know if you do it will come out really good cause your a talented writer Kav Keep going, can't wait for a new story by yeah.