Storyline 1, "Crichton's Capture 6: Crichton's Hope"

Written by N. Hepner/N. Bovela/nahcsb/nh

This chapter is rated: "R"

story line Copyright January 2000

Original posting: Submitted to: FarScape_Fic@onelist.com Wednesday, March 15, 2000 1:57 PM

Re-posting per PEJA: (Pouty Webma)

DISCLAIMER: Based on Original "Farscape" Created By Rockne S. O'Bannon. Farscape is copyright (c) 1999 The Jim Henson Company, Hallmark, and the Scifi channel. No copyright infringement is intended in any way, shape, or form.

Warning: Het/Gen: This story is graphic. Adult themes, explicit sex, torture, kidnap, rape and strong language. Do not read if you are under 18 or offended by this type of material.

Prologue: This script was inspired by and occurs after "A Bugs Life" #118.

Those of you in Canada will be able to get the full effect.

Spoilers: #119 - #122.

Summary: After all the Crew of Moya went through together; they would never be ready for the death of John Crichton. In this deep space gothic piece Crichton finds himself in the depths of despair at Crais' hands. Crais owns him now and uses an old flame to find the perfect method to kill him!

Submited For Crit
by N Hepner

Gelina: "Reporting as ordered sir."

Crais: (Sits at his desk. Swivels in his chair.) "How is your new project coming?" (Rises, crosses to her.)

Gelina: "Crichton hates me. He called me a monster. He'll never trust me again."

Crais : "Has the Doctor examined you yet?"

Gelina: "Yes." (Looks down.)

Crais: "And the results?"

Gelina: "I'm pregnant with Crichton's child."

Crais : "Success! (Places both hands firmly on Gelina's shoulders, smiling.

Glances at her stomach.) "Ask for anything in my power, and I will grant it." (Takes his hands off her shoulders and takes a step back. Folds his hands.)

Gelina: "I want him to love me again."

Crais: "Unfortunately," (Unfolds his hands.) "even if I were a god, I could not grant you that. Do you have a second Wish?"

Gelina: "Will you stop torturing him."

Crais: "Again. I cannot. I must know all about Crichton before I could ever release him: His mysterious appearance in our sector. Why he killed my brother. Who sent him?" (Eyes narrow. Looks seriously at her.) "Your machine was made for him. Yet of all prisoners questioned he has resisted. He has yet to give up his secrets."

Gelina: "Are you planning for him to inseminate others?"

Crais: "You'll be in good company. Distinction will only go to those with the best breeding, the highest achievements. Think of it. This new generation will never know the horror of the living death. This gives honor to my brother's death. Tauvo did not die in vain."

Very early morning, in Crichton's cell:

Gelina: "Quickly, Crichton. Wake up." (Unshackles him.)

John: "What do you want Gelina?" (Jumps up. Moves away from her.)

Gelina: "You want proof that I love you?" (She walks toward him, reaches out and touches his arm.)

John: (He pulls his arm back and moves further away.)

Gelina: "I'm doing what you asked. I'm getting you back to your ship."

John: (Surprised.)

Gelina: (Gelina grabs his arm.)

John: (He lets her.)

Gelina: (She walks as fast as Crichton can keep up. Leads him up the stairs.)

John: "Wait a minute." (Stops at the interrogation room, goes in, rips out the wires from the "Crichton Device".)

Gelina: (Gelina gives Crichton a curious look.)

John: "Well it felt good anyway."

Gelina: Do you want to get out of here?"

John: "Well, Sure, I..."

Gelina: (Grabs his arm while he's talking and pulls.) "Come on! We have to go. Hurry!"

Back in the corridor Gelina runs, Crichton limps following, they move toward an escape pod. The ship is quiet.

Gelina: "Hurry up John. Faster!" (To Moya's comm.) "Officer Sun. I am releasing John Crichton. Just follow his comm signal." (Hands Crichton his comm badge.) "Here, take it. Come this way." (She runs.)

John : (He follows her.)

Gelina: "I'll jettison you in an escape pod. This way!"(She runs to the hull, opens a hatch and stands aside waiting for Crichton.) "Get inside. Quick!

John: "What about you? What will they do to you?"

Gelina: "I'm pregnant John. This project is too important to them. They wouldn't dare harm me."

John: (Stops short of the hatch. Turns and looks at her.) "Why are you doing this?" (Suspicious.)

Gelina: "I went to Crais. I begged him to stop torturing you. He refused. This is the only way, John." (Pushes him to enter.) "Hurry! Go!"

John: (He resists.) "Do you think that I would abandon my child to this? To you?" (Grabs her by the waist and pulls her into the pod.) "You're coming with me!"

Gelina: "No!"

John: (Closes the hatch. Slaps the launch button. Holds tightly to Gelina as the pod fires away from the carrier.) "Aeryn! Can you hear me? I'm floating in an escape pod." (Listens, waiting for an answer.) "Aeryn, this is Crichton, do you hear me? Follow my comm signal. Aeryn?" (Uncertain.)

Gelina: "I hate you!" (Reaches for the pod comm panel.)

John: (Grabs her wrists. Then places her in the seat opposite.) "Now behave yourself."

****************

Aeryn is traveling at hetch 11 the long distance from Moya to the commerce planet where she lost Crichton three days ago. Not knowing where to start looking except to refuel and ask the locals. It's been 14 arns since she left Moya. She hasn't yet seen the planet. She knows that her fuel may not last more than an arn.

Aeryn: "Another arn, maybe." (She says to herself. Suddenly she hears it):

John: (Over the comm.) "Aeryn can you hear me? I'm floating in an escape pod. Follow my comm signal. Aeryn?"

Aeryn: (Checks her fuel and increases speed.) "John, I hear you, please respond. John?"

Some time passes while Crichton and Gelina float in space:

John: "I wonder if we have enough air for this."

Gelina: "You'll be sorry you kidnapped me."

John: "You should talk. You took my child from me. Raped me to get it! You're planning to turn it into some sadistic killer like Crais!"

Aeryn: (Over comm.) "Crichton. Can you hear me Crichton?"

John: "Yes, Aeryn! (Laughing.) The sweetest voice I've ever heard! What's your ETA?"

Aeryn: "My what?"

John: "Your estimated time of arrival."

Aeryn: "Why didn't you just say so. Not far now Crichton. Have you disabled the homing signal on the escape pod?"

John: "No. Where is it?" (Glances around the cabin. Checks Gelina.)

Gelina: "They'll re-capture you Crichton. Then you'll feel what real torture is!"(Eyes like fire. Reaches to scratch him.)

John: (Blocks.) "Woah!"

Aeryn: "Who is that?"

John: (Struggling with Gelina.) "Just a passenger I picked up."

Aeryn: "There should be an access panel above the control panel."

John: "I see it." (Pries it off.) "There are some wires behind it."

Aeryn: "Pull out the red ones."

Gelina: "No!" (Tries to scratch him again.)

John: (Pulls out red wires.) "Done." (Uses the wire to tie Gelina's hands. Shoves her into opposing seat. Clicks her seat belt over her bindings, making an effective restraint.)

John: "Now that should do it. Stay!"

Aeryn: "Do you see any of Crais' ships?"

John: "No, but I'm nearly to the planet. Do you want me to land or orbit?"

Aeryn: "Orbit if you can. It will make it more difficult for them to spot you."

John: "Wait. I see something. It looks like a marauder."

Aeryn: "I'm sorry Crichton it doesn't look like I'm going to make it."

John: "Can you at least see the planet from where you are?"

Aeryn: "I'm too far Crichton. Try to delay them."

John: "Fine. And exactly how do I do that?"

Aeryn: "Fire your thrusters toward the planet. Once the gravity catches you, they'll have to follow you and land. Just don't get shot again."

John: "OK but hurry." (Firing thrusters he begins to descend toward the planet's surface. The marauder follows.) "I've done it. The planet's gravity is pulling me in."

Aeryn: "Be careful, John." (Aeryn can now see the planet as she does a quick approach.) "I can see the planet Crichton. Delay them as long as you can."

(She glides down following the comm signal.)

John: "I can't run Aeryn. My leg is messed up."

Aeryn : "Change of plan, then. Let them capture you." (She pulls up from her approach.)

John: "Are you nuts? I just got away from these guys!"

Aeryn: "It will be all right Crichton. Trust me."

John: "Famous last words." (Looks at Gelina.) "Damn! So close!"

Gelina: "I'll build a new device John. One more powerful. You'll be begging to tell Crais the truth.

John: Shut up!"

Gelina: "I'm wondering what to tell our son about your death. Should I tell him that Crais killed you with his bear hands?"

John: "Shut up Gelina!"

Gelina: "Or would it be better if I told him I tortured you to death."

John: "I said! Shut! Up!"

Gelina: "No, John, I've decided to keep you alive. I like our nightly visits. I especially liked injecting you and hearing you scream."

John: "Oh God. God help me."(To comm.) "Aeryn!"

******************

The pod bumps and turns over as it rolls along the planet's surface. The marauder circles and lands close by. The Peacekeepers disembark and double-time it to the pod. They take a ready stance as their lieutenant opens the hatch.

Lieutenant: (Enters the pod. Surprised.) "Tech Officer Renais! Crichton!"

(Pulls Crichton from the pod. Handcuffs him. Pushes him in the general direction of the marauder.)

Officer 1: (Holds her pulse rifle on Crichton as he emerges. Then presses it into his back.) "Get moving, you!"

John: "Ow! Watch it."

Lieutenant: (Hurriedly unties Gelina.)

The lieutenant and Gelina exit the pod.

Gelina: "Thank you for your assistance Lieutenant. Secure the prisoner and transport us back to the Command Carrier as soon as possible."

Officer 1: (Walks slowly behind the limping Crichton. Occasionally prods him.) "Keep moving!"

John: "Quit it! I'm movin' already."

Officer 2 and 3: (Bring up the rear.)

On board the marauder:

Sergeant: (Pushes John into the hull bench seat next to Gelina.)

Lieutenant: (Comms the Carrier.) "Lieutenant Sebast. We have re-captured Crichton. Tech Officer Renais was his prisoner." (Steps over to Gelina. Hands her his side arm.) "Here."

Gelina: (Takes it and holds it on Crichton.) "I need no excuse to kill you." (She says to him menacingly.)

The Marauder takes off the planet and begins its journey back to Crais' Command Carrier:

Sergeant: (Takes co-pilot position. Reports.) "There's a Prowler on approach Lieutenant." (He checks the readings.) "It has Crais' command carrier ident signal. It's ordering us to stand to and release our prisoner, Sir."

Lieutenant: (The Lieutenant checks the ident signal himself.) "Prepare to surrender your prisoner, Sergeant."

John: (Still has his comm badge. Turns away from Gelina and speaks low to comm, hoping Aeryn can hear him.) "Hurry Aeryn."

Lieutenant: "Crais must be in a hurry to resume your torture, Crichton."

Gelina: (Sticks the Lieutenant's side arm into John's ribs.) "I can hardly wait."

John: "Ow! Great."

Lieutenant: (Gets up from command and walks to Crichton.) "So Crichton?" (Puts his boot up on the seat next to John. Looks disdainfully at him.) "How did you escape? You were shackled, under guard, locked behind a solid Stedhold door. And you took a prisoner!" (Glances at Gelina.)

Gelina: "And you'll be feeling it by morning." Jabs the pulse pistol into John's ribs again.)

John: (Winces. She found a sore spot.)

Lieutenant: "It makes me think the stories about you are true." (Paces around the cabin.) "Lieutenant Orn said you survived Optimum plus 40 for nearly a quarter of an arn. They thought the Chamber was broken." (Looks at his officers. They chuckle.) "The Crichton device was invented just to torture you. In the 10 arn's you lay unconscious, eleven prisoners were questioned. each one gave up their secrets. Yet you were interrogated for over 16 arns and answered only one!" (Glances over to Gelina.)

Gelina: "That will soon change."

Lieutenant: "Med. said you were brought back from death 5 times!" (He turns and looks at his officers. They snicker.) "Are you really Sebacean?"

Officers: (Can't stop chuckling after this one.)

Lieutenant: (Puts his knife into John's neck, forcing him to look up. Examines his features. Then releases him.) "Genetics said you are the only prisoner who has ever been on the docket. The guard for level 3 said that women visit you in your cell." (Shaking his head "no" in disbelief.) "How can you stand? Let alone walk? It's not surprising that you have a limp."

(Laughs.)

Sergeant: "We're docking, Lieutenant."

There's a slight jostle as the prowler docks:

Lieutenant: (Steadies himself against a bulkhead near the hatch.) "Some have even called you 'superior'".

Officer 1: (Rises, crosses to the hatch.)

(The hatchway handle turns.)

Lieutenant: "Not so 'superior' now! Are you, Crichton?"

Officer 1 opens the hatch releasing pressure from the airlock. A suited peacekeeper emerges. Rifle butts Officer 1. Fires two pulses. The Lieutenant falls. The Sergeant slumps over the control panel.

Gelina: (Gelina raises the lieutenant's side arm.)

John: (Knocks it from her grip. Picks it up.)

Officer 2 & 3: (Rise from their seats.)

The intruder shoots two short rifle pulses felling the two officers.

Officer 1: (Aims her pulse rifle up from the floor.)

John: "Look out!" (Fires, the Lieutenant's pulse revolver, killing the her.)

The intruder swings around, in time to see the Officer die.

Gelina: "No!" (Lunges at Crichton, trying to scratch his face.)

John: (Blocks her wrist in mid scratch.) "Woah! Wolverine." (Puts the gun down and grabs her wrists.)

The helmet is removed; showing the intruder is Aeryn.

Gelina: "Traitor! Now you'll be caught trying to save your lover."

Aeryn: (Looks at her somewhat shocked. Turns her attention to Crichton.) "Are you ready to get out of here?" (She extends her arm to Crichton.)

John: "More than ready." (Still struggling with Gelina. He lifts his cuffed hands to Aeryn.)

Aeryn: (She unlocks the cuffs. Then cuffs Gelina and secures her to the hull. Aeryn helps Crichton to his feet.)

Gelina: "No!" (Tries to kick Crichton.) "They'll get you. They'll get you both."

Aeryn: "There won't be enough oxygen for all of us in my prowler. You'll have to pilot the Marauder back to Moya." (Pulls John's arm over her shoulder and helps him walk.)

Gelina: "They'll come for you. You'll die together!"

John: "I wouldn't have it any other way." (He walks, limping, with Aeryn's help over to the command console.) "That was a close one, Aeryn. Thanks for savin' my ass."

Aeryn: "Don't mention it. We have to get moving before they realize what's happened."

John: "Show me what to do." (Glances over the many controls.)

The marauder hangs dead in space:

Aeryn: (Aeryn briefly shows Crichton how to pilot her.) "Here John. Pedals are left and right Hetch drive. This is power, propulsor control, forward, upward and downward thrust. Here is the landing sequencer."

John: "Thanks, Aeryn. You're my Guardian Angel."

Aeryn: "Explain it to me later, Crichton." (She replaces her helmet and returns to her ship; closing the hatch and sealing it behind her.)

Gelina: (To Aeryn as she leaves.) "You'll die for this traitor. I'll torture you both to death!"

John: "Shut up Gelina! Where's a gag when you deed one?" (Their ships have just separated when.) "Heads up Aeryn. Incoming!"

Aeryn: "I see them. I'll try to lead them off. Just let the marauder appear dead." (Aeryn's prowler screams away. Five Attack prowlers follow her, firing. They pass by the marauder.)

***************

John: "Look out! Another squad, they're trying to cut you off."

Aeryn: "Good." (She turns and heads right for the new squad of prowlers, firing. She disables three. The second group fires back hitting one of the squad behind her. The First squad has trouble avoiding the disabled ships. One collides.) "You should watch where you're going." (She dives directly toward the planet at top speed.) Only five left."

John: (Sees what she's doing.) "Watch your approach vector!

Aeryn : "Don't worry Crichton. I remember." (Her ship enters the upper atmosphere, skipping along the surface of it, increasing her speed. Two prowlers dive striking the atmosphere, exploding. One tries to pull up, bouncing off, out of control. The last one tries to follow Aeryn but dips too deeply into the atmosphere, burning up. Aeryn pulls up exceeding hetch 13. The remaining prowler has regained control. Follows her firing, but is lleft behind as she quickly passes out of sight.) "One to go."

John : "Aeryn that was fantastic. How did you know?"

Aeryn : "You had said to keep a precise trajectory. I assumed any other was dangerous."

John : "Aeryn. My scanner shows three more squads on approach. You have to get out of here!"

Aeryn : "What. You want me to just leave you here?" (She prepares for another dive.)

John : "I can't see any other way. Thanks for trying. Tell the others goodbye for me."

Aeryn : "I won't leave you John. I'll repeat the maneuver as many times as it takes." (She can now see a large group of ships approaching on her scanner. She is still out of visual range.)

*******************

John: "Aeryn!" (Sees a large ship approaching on his scanner. Double checks that it is not Crais' carrier advancing on their position.) "What the hell? What is that? Aeryn, Something huge on my scanner!"

Aeryn: "It may be Chianna's idea of helping us. She called her people three days ago. When we thought you were dead."

John: "We have to submit to their judgement quickly. Before they decide we're a threat." (Opens Marauders comm.) "Hailing Nebari vessel. Permission to come aboard. We are being attacked. We have no defense."

Allay: "Permission granted." (A small landing port opens on the approach side.)

Aeryn and Crichton pilot their ships through the small port to take refuge.

Crais' prowler squads follow, firing as they go. They clip the marauder as it slips into the landing bay. Sparks fly everywhere. The squads continue to fire upon the Nebari vessel. The shots deflect. The Nebari fire on the prowlers. A beam of blue light cuts through the black of space. All that touch it char and melt.

***************

Crais: "Weapons control. Full charge! Fire!" (The shots miss the Nebari.) "Best speed! Bring us within range of that vessel Lieutenant! Scramble all Prowler squadrons!" (To Nebari Vessel.) "I am Bialar Crais, Captain of this Command Carrier. The man you are harboring is a dangerous fugitive. He has kidnapped my tech officer. Release them to me and I will cease fire on your vessel. Continue to defy us and we will destroy you." (To Orn.) "Fire, lieutenant."

The Nebari ship seems to stay just out of range. The fragg cannon fires, dissipating before it reaches the Nebari vessel. The Nebari return fire with their energy weapon upon the attacking prowlers. Ignoring the Command Carrier for now. Allay has been monitoring the battle from a comm panel near the landing bay. Turns to greet Crichton and Aeryn as they enter.

Allay: (To Crichton.) "Captain Crais has demanded that we surrender you to him. If we do not he has threatened to destroy our Vessel."

John: "I am John Crichton, this is Aeryn Sun. This is my prisoner, Gelina Renais. We are at your mercy, Sir."

Allay: "Explain yourselves. Your prisoner: What is her crime?"

John: "She constructed the device used for my torture. She used it to interrogate me for information to capture my shipmates. And she stole something from me." (Angry; hurt.) "She raped me in order to conceive my child."

Aeryn: (Has been watching Crichton. Her body startles at this news. Her pulse rifle comes up and centers on Gelina.)

Allay: "All are serious crimes. However, we may not begin her mental cleansing until she delivers. Afterward we would raise the child for her.

You may, however, keep her until she delivers and then return her to us."

Gelina: "No! I have to return to Captain Crais. This child is our future: Our survival." (Begging to Nebari. Struggling against Crichton.) Allay: "Your race is in no danger of extinction." (Looks at her, questioning.)

John: "She hopes that my baby will give them the ability to exist in hotter climate. So they can conquer more territories."

Allay: "Why would they do this? You are Sebacean. Are you not?"

John: "I am a human. Homo Sapiens, Sapiens. I can live in temperatures above Optimum. Crais has decided to classify me as Sebacean for his own purposes. I will take responsibility for her."

Allay: "As you wish. My name is Allay."

Aeryn: "I've come a great distance to rescue Crichton. May I recharge my prowler for the return trip?"

Allay: "Certainly." (To comm.) "See to our guest's ships." (To Crichton.) "You may repay us by supplying us with genetic material for your classification. And please, demonstrate your tolerance to heat for us. We will examine your prisoner as well. Medical is this way." (Leads the way.)

******************

John: (Crichton walks slowly, limping. Holds the hand cuffed Gelina tightly by the arm.)

Aeryn: (Aeryn supports him as he walks.)

Gelina: "Let go of me! You will all die for this. Torture was too good for you, Crichton. I will kill you with my own hands!"

John: "Yes, you told me already." (Crichton brings Gelina through the door into the Nebari medical. He stands watching her as she's led away. Begins to cry. Turns away from her.)

******************

Kag'arr: This will be fine. Click. (The medical engineer indicates a small room with a large window. She is a translucent Red, yellow and green alien female with lizard-like skin and with two fingers and thumb on each hand. Her thin tail hangs straight down occasionally switching up suddenly hitting her apron. She wears only an apron of limp skin. Every so often she says, "Trrr." or "Click, click." When she swallows her eyes turn up into her head and her eyelids close. Sometimes her inner eyelids stays closed making her eyes look cloudy. She helps seat Crichton in the Topa and closes the door.) "Trrr. We use Topa for healing. Tell me if you have any discomfort from the heat." (Her voice is sing songy, almost melodic, calming. Her "Trrr" soothing like a cats purr.) "Click, Click." (Swallows. Proceeds to scan Crichton.) "Please remove your clothage. Click click."

John: (Removes his clothing down to his underwear. Sits, eyes closed. Breaths as though relaxing.) "This heat feels good."

Kag'arr: (Examines Crichton, looking at his numerous wounds and burns.)

John: (Winces at being touched.)

Kag'arr: "Asce! Tetrilla asce! Click Click. Her tail switches up nearly hitting Crichton.) So much damage! How many days?" (Scans some of the larger wounds.)

John: "Aeryn says three." (Looks at the med.) "So what are you in for?"

Kag'arr: "I used my knowledge of genetics to alter and genetically reorder the enemies of Pfat'ul'ma into slaves and food. Trrr. Click. It was evil what we Pfat'ul'ma did. Many species were lost; many worlds. I will make amends. Click, Click." (Swallows.)

John: (Surprised, concerned.) "Sorry to hear it."

Kag'arr: (She places a med. band on John's brow.) "There now, this will calm you. Trrrr. Excuse. I must report now." (Kag'arr steps out of the Topa and walks to Allay to give her report.)

Aeryn: (Has been watching Crichton's examination through the glass window of the Topa. She steps well away from the hot Topa as Kag'arr opens the door. Comms to Moya.) "Pilot, D'Argo. We'll be returning soon. Crichton is with me. He has taken a prisoner."

****************

The Captain of the Nebari ship receives Crichton's medical report from Kag'arr. Comms to the Sebacean Carrier:

Assuage: "Captain Bialar Crais. Cease firing upon us and surrender. We will not release our passengers to you. John Crichton, who has escaped from you, is suffering from extreme mental duress and physical trauma. We have identified him as the same man you tortured in a transmission we intercepted. You have entered our sector to seek your prey. We do not take kindly to your methods. This will be your only warning."

On Crais' Command Carrier:

Crais: "Continue firing at full Charge Lieutenant. She can't escape us forever."

Orn: "Sir. Reports coming in. The weapon the enemy is using is penetrating their shields. We are experiencing heavy casualties, Sir. Her weapons range is over 60 metras, Sir."

Crais: "Lieutenant. We must re-capture Crichton at all costs. Continue pursuit."

On Moya:

Zhaan: (Zhaan is in a deep trance. Her body vibrates. Her long maintained concentration has reached Crais' cruiser. She sees him in her mind.)

Crais: (Suddenly Crais is in pain. Attacked by Zhaan. He grabs the side of his head. Reaches forward to catch himself from falling against the command station. Falls to his knees. Yells.) "What's happening!" (Reaches out to Lieutenant Orn for help.) "Help me!" (Grabs his head, screaming. Then Collapses.)

Orn: "Captain Crais is incapacitated. I hereby officially relieve him of duty and assume command." (To Lieutenant Sebast.) Lieutenant Remove Crais to Med. Tech."

Sabast: "Yes, Sir." (Signals Grots to remove Crais.)

Orn: "Lieutenant. Sabast. All stop. Disengage the enemy. Withdraw all prowlers. Recall all Marauders. Prepare to retreat at top speed." (Hails Nebari Captain.) "Captain of unknown vessel. Captain Crais has collapsed. He has been relieved of command. We wish to negotiate a cease-fire and return to our sector."

Assuage: "Granted, on the condition that you surrender Captain Crais to us."

Orn: (Closes comm.) "Are all troops aboard, Lieutenant?"

Sabast: "Heavy casualties, Sir. Only half of our prowlers have returned, Sir. We may not recover our marauders for several arns, Sir."

Orn: "Engage engines. Lieutenant. Best speed." (He catches the Nebari off guard and Gains a 60-metra lead on them.)

When Orn engages his engines, The Nebari fire, slicing off a portion of the aft section. Inside there's rumbling and shaking, as from an explosion. People falling, sparks from consoles and panic.

Sabast: "We've been hit aft, Sir. Our port engine. We have a hull breach, Sir! Our defense shields are no protection. The enemy is out of range, Sir."

Orn: "Lieutenant! Put Captain Crais on an escape pod. Eject him!"

Sabast: "Aye, Sir."

Grots: (Have been struggling, dragging Crais. They have only carried him a few feet from where he has fallen.)

Sebast: (Grabs Captain Crais by his boots lifts his legs and yells.) "To the escape pod men! Double quick!" (They quickly put him aboard a pod, seal the hatch and hit eject.)

Orn: (To Nebari Captain.) "Please do not attack us! We withdraw. We surrender Captain Crais to you. He is on an escape pod. We will return to our own territories. We make no demands of you, Sir. Only let us live."

******************

The pod drifts slowly along. The Nebari overtake it.

Assuage: "Recovery procedures. Secure the pod. Continue pursuit of the peacekeeper vessel until we can confirm Captain Crais is aboard."

On Moya:

D'Argo and Rygel are together in command when Pilot receives Aeryn's transmission of their captive.

Rygel: (Rygel's is shocked. Complains.) "What is this? What are they thinking of? Are they bringing another peacekeeper here?"

D'Argo: "Zhaan and Chiana have to know about this." (To comm.) "Zhaan, Chiana, meet me in Command. Aeryn has sent a transmission I think you should both hear."

Chiana: "Are you sure it's safe? Can't you just play it for me now?" D'Argo: "Just get up here." (Losing patience. Comms Zhaan gain.) "Zhaan, did you hear me? Zhaan, respond." (To Rygel.) "Rygel, where is Zhaan?"

Rygel: "She's been in her quarters with her blue backside meditating, ever since we returned from the planet."

D'Argo: "Wait here for Chiana. I'm going to get Zhaan."

Rygel: "Don't they realize prisoners eat? We can't afford to keep a prisoner. This is unacceptable".

D'Argo: "Not now Rygel." (Walks to Zhaan's quarters. Sees her lying on the floor.) "Zhaan!" (Opens Zhaan's door and goes quickly over to where she lies. Picks her up.) "Zhaan!" (Comms Rygel and Chiana.) "Rygel! Chiana! There is something wrong with Zhaan." (Carries her to the scanner.) "Meet me in the cargo bay. What am I supposed to do Pilot? Pilot!"

Pilot: "Use the scanner to determine her condition."

D'Argo: "Are you reading this Pilot?" (Runs the scanner over Zhaan.)

Pilot: "I need you to read me the results D'Argo; On the panel."

Chiana: (Enters.) "What? Is she all right?"

D'Argo: "I can't tell." (Looking for the panel.) "Here it is. It says her life signs are in the lower one-third range."

Chiana: "What does that mean? What's wrong with her?"

Pilot: "She appears to be suffering from exhaustion. If she's been meditating since Crichton's capture, She could very well need nourishment and rest."

Rygel: (Enters.) "Zhaan! What's happened?"

*******************

D'Argo: "I found her in this condition, in her quarters. Pilot. How can I feed her when she's unconscious?"

Pilot: "There should be nutrient supplies in Zhaan's stores. You can mix some of the powder and inject it.

D'Argo: Will she recover without it?"

Pilot: "Yes, but it will take longer for her to return to health."

Chiana: "I'll do it. Where did you say she keeps it?" (Rummages around in Zhaan's stores. Pulls out a package of powdered stuff.) "Is this it?"

Pilot: "Yes. Now, just mix some with water and fill an injector."

Chiana: (Quickly follows pilot's instructions. Injects the formula.) "Here goes nothing."(Watches Zhaan for some reaction.)

Pilot: "D'Argo. Run the scanner over her again and read me the panel."

D'Argo: (Scans her and reads.) "The readings are low to mid range now."

Zhaan: (Moans and turns on her side. Opens her eyes. Blinks and says.) "Where am I? The cargo. Bay? What am I doing here?"

D'Argo: "I found you collapsed on your floor."

Zhaan: "Aeryn, Chrichton, are they all right?" (Grabs D'Argo's arm.) "Please, D'Argo. I must know."

D'Argo: "We've just received a communication from Aeryn. She says that Crichton has a prisoner."

Zhaan: "Thank you D'Argo." (Lays her head down. Closes her eyes. Exhausted rests.) "Thank Rha 'nalan."

Chiana: "Should I give her another shot?"

On the Nebari vessel:

Nebari 3: "We have the pod, Sir. Crais is inside."

Assuage: "Break off pursuit. Recover any enemy ships." (To Allay.) "Crais is in our custody. The command cruiser is leaving the sector. We will remain to mark their retreat."

In the medical bay:

John: (Rests. Lies on treatment table in his underwear. The Nebari are treating Crichton's wounds with light. The band around his forehead, lights flashing.)

Kag'arr: (Sprays John's wounds with a mist and re-adjusts the light.)

John: (Submits to the Nebari treatment. Winces from spray and movement.)

Aeryn: (Sees John's wrists and ankles where he was shackled. There are abrasions, electrical burns, broken blisters & bleeding. There are electrical burns where Gelina and Crais placed the cable electrode on John's leg, arm, side, and chest. She reaches toward his side wound, then withdraws her hand.)

Gelina: (Strapped to a table some distance behind them. A large scanner passes over her.)

Allay: "I have just received word. The Command Carrier is in retreat. We have Captain Bialar Crais in custody."

Aeryn: "We are grateful for your protection. Thank you."

Allay: (To Aeryn.) "You're welcome."

Kag'arr: (Clicks off the lights Surrounding Crichton and removes the brow band.)

John: (Sits up.)

Med. tech's: (Bandage Crichton's numerous wounds.)

John: (Winces, clenches his teeth during the bandaging. Occasionally lets out an.) "Auh!"

Kag'arr: (To Crichton.) "I think you should know. Trrr. Our tests confirm. On first examination you are Sebacean. Click. Click. You are gamma II blood group. Your brain structures are identical. Trrr. Also, you lack the gland necessary to regulate heat."

Aeryn: (After this revelation, Aeryn begins looking at Crichton differently. Studying him.)

John: (He puts on his clothes while listening.)

Kag'arr: (Swallow.) "You are genetically quite similar to Sebacean. However, some internal structures are dissimilar. Only some of your organs are directed by the nervous system. The others seem to be directed by chemical processes. Click Click. You have larger sinus cavities. Your bones are denser. There are unfamiliar bacteria in your body, unidentifiable antibodies and inert bio proteins in your blood. Trrr. We cannot medically explain your ability to exist in optimum plus 60. Because of these differences we have decided to keep your classification as Human, or if you prefer, Homo Sapiens, Sapiens. Click. Click. You are the first of your kind to be found in any of our territories." (Swallow.) "A most exceptional specimen."

Allay: (Looks thoughtfully at John.) "Your prisoner claims she aided in your escape. Can you explain this?"

John: "I don't know why. I've been wondering that myself. Let's ask her."

(He limps to Gelina's table, with Allays' help. Then supports himself, holding onto the edge of an adjacent table.)

John: (Looks down at her.) "Why did you help me escape Gelina?"

Gelina: "I am the one Crais chose to have the new generation. No one else has the right."

John: "Do you mean, Crais had other women? They were going to use me, to do that to me again?"

Gelina: "I'm supposed to be the only one. I had to send you away. I should have just killed you."

Allay: "Truly, the depths of evil cannot easily be measured in this one."

John: (To Allay.) "Thank you for your intervention. You've saved us. My children, and the lives of countless others."

Kag'arr: (Looks thoughtfully at John. Her tail whips around her side. Swallows. Takes two steps toward him.) "I can release you from this burden. Trrr." (Places her hand on John's shoulder. Looks into his eyes.) "You are not the genetic father of this child." (Swallows. Removes her hand.)

John: (Stands speechless. Catches his breath. Looks at Gelina. Another kick in the stomach.)

Aeryn: (To the Pfat'ul'ma and Allay.) "Well, in that case, you can have her."

Gelina: "No! Don't listen to her. She's lying."

Allay: (Looks at Gelina.) "Perhaps, she is mad."

John: "Aeryn. Please. Get me away from here."

Aeryn: (Takes his arm. Rests it over her shoulder and walks John away from Gelina.)

Gelina: "Don't touch him traitor. He loves me, not you. Don't go with her John. Take me with you. Please! John! Don't leave me here with them! Come back! I'm having your baby. No! Don't leave me!"

John: (Finally he escapes her voice as Allay closes the door behind them. Stops for a moment to catch his breath.) "It was just another peacekeeper lie: Just another one of Crais' tortures."

Allay: "Captain Crais is aboard. Do you wish to confront him?"

John : (Looks hurt at the suggestion. Looks at Allay.) "He would tell any lie to hurt me. I've all ready said all I have to say to him."

******************

"The long trip home. Aeryn sends a message ahead to Moya that they're returning. Crichton is silent. He has much to think about. Upon their return Aeryn assists Crichton walking."

Aeryn: "Let me take you to Zhaan. She can take a look at your wounds."

John: "No. Just take me to my quarters." (Enters his room. Aeryn takes him to the bed. He takes her hand; it seems, for support. Turns to face her.) "Please, stay." (He sits, holds her hand, and closes his eyes. Kisses her palm. Places it on his cheek. Glances up at her.)

Aeryn: (She sits down next to him.)

John: (Still holding her hand looks at it.) "It took a lot of guts to come after me." (Looks into her eyes.)

Aeryn: "I was unsure of what the Nebari would do." (Watching him.)

John: "It was my hope. Even when I knew it was impossible." (Swallows.) "Even when Crais told me," (Lump in his throat.) "you asked for my body." (Tears begin to well up in his eyes. He closes them.)

Aeryn: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have believed him."

John: (Covers his face. Shaking.) "I told Crais. You would never." (Sighs deeply. Wipes his face.)

Aeryn: (Places her hand on his shoulder, his back.)

John: "Thank you, for saving my life; My soul." (Rests his hand on her thigh.)

Aeryn: "Don't mention it."

John: (He lays his head down in her lap.)

Aeryn: (She holds his hand. Caresses his hair with her hand.) "I'd gladly do it again."

End

Complete work of "Crichton's Capture 6

By Nancy A. Hepner
Story Copyright January 2000.