Chiana shivers from her last thought of Shane, on the floor in his own blood. You killed him! You bastards! Let me go! She struggles between the two men as they carry her aboard the Nabari transport. Im not going back there!

They hold her as Thar'na places the control collar on Chiana then back away as Thar'na activates the it. Chiana falls and thrashes in pain screaming. Aaaa!

Thar'na stops her torture of Chiana and looks in through the bars seeming to drink in the comely sight of her naked body. She then throws in the clothes given her by one of the men. Put these on.

Frell you! Chiana coughs.

Thar'na activates the control collar and watches as Chiana writhes on the floor. She smirks as she watches, finally releasing the power to the collar. Put them on or this could take all day.

Then take all day you bitc Aaaa! Chiana screams instead of finishing at Thar'nas attack.

We will be at Nabari home world soon. Do you wish to see your parents in this condition? Thar'na asks.

My parents are dead Chiana says from her exhaustion of Thar'nas attack. My whole frelling family is dead because of the establishment you know that!

Chiana. Thar'na says doubtingly. Our last reports of Nerri show you attended the same Rashari banquet together. Thar'na smiles slyly. Nerri is alive and you are joining him for mental cleansing.

Chiana stands and rushes the bars. She spits at Thar'na just half a microt before Thar'na can respond by pressing her control button for the control collar. She disgustingly wipes the spittle off her face as Chiana pulsates with pain on the floor at her feet. Put on the clothes I have given you before we arrive or I will have Mjak and Chadre dress you! Thar'na releases the button and briskly walks away.

**********
 
ChianaGray
(10/4/01 1:22 am)
Belonging to Outcasts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Chiana dressed into the gray and dark Nebari uniform, rage filling within her at the memories it and the collar brings. She screams as she kicks the bars of her cell again and again, throwing her shoulder at it. She slams the ball of her fists into it, screaming out her defiance. "I'm never going home! Do you hear me! Frell you! FRELL! Never going home!"

She curled her lip, glaring out from beneath her thrash of bangs with an unusual fierceness in her eyes, spittle flying from her lips as she crept back from the cell door, clenching her fists tight into her hips. "Never!"

"I'd suggest you remain calm," M'jak spoke up as he came to the cell door.

"Calm," Chiana widened her eyes wildly with a jerk of her head, couching as she hissed at him. "Come inside and make me."

She kicked at the bars, crying out again as M'jak backed away. He sighed with disappointment as he raised his fingers to the two digits at his temple. "Obviously you are going to need further restraints."

"Faa - Frell!" Chiana lashed out viscously as she reached through the bars out at him. "I'm not your frelling tralk you son of a -"

She gasped, choking as the alarm on her collar rang off, pain coursing through her as she writhed on the floor. The cage door opened. She sobbed as Chadre cuffed her hands behind her spasming body and then stepped out, closing the door again.

"Let's try this, again," M'jak stated calmly as he let go of the digits. Chiana drew lax to the floor, staring up at him as she rolled to lay on her shoulder. "Maybe something more simple this time, get up Chiana."

Chiana swallowed as she gently nudged her head against the cool floor, her eyes drawing distant. "Go frell yourself." She muttered quietly and closed her eyes.

*************
 
nhfearme 
(10/4/01 1:46 am)
Belonging to Outcasts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Mokan holds Dora Lee gently while D'Argo growls to comms. Where is she then? If youve seen her then tell me where she is? He shouts angrily.

She would never leave Dora Lee like this. Its been over a solar day. Mokan laments.

D'Argo gets up from comms and paces outside. Shed do it if it were a man. D'Argo grumbles under his breath. He looks for Setig. Setig! He shouts to be heard.

What is it D'Argo? Setig answers.

You said that Chiana visited a man in the village. I think it is time we visited him. He walks down the stairs toward the prowlers. Chiana has not returned. Her child requires her.

Setig gets in to pilot position while D'Argo climbs into the second prowler. Setig launches toward the commerce district with D'Argo closely behind. They land and walk to Shanes shop. Where is this creep? D'Argo asks as they walk. Setig points toward the open door of the shop and D'Argo pulls his Qualta, entering he kicks the door the rest of the way open. Where is she? he yells.

Setig enters behind him. Lady Chiana! he shouts and looks around at the destruction. Just then he sees Shane on the floor. Look here D'Argo. This is the man. He turns him over.

D'Argo shakes him. What has happened? he looks at Setig.

Both men look at him. Is he even alive? D'Argo asks Setig.

Ill get a med Pac. You get his clothes. Setig offers and stands.

No. D'Argo says. Ill get the med Pac and you get his clothes.

I called it first. Setig balks.

Ill shoot ya for it. D'Argo says and puts his fist up to shoot rock-paper-scissors.

Setig shrugs and raises his fist. They go one-two-three and lower their arms. Setig has scissors. D'Argo has paper. Dohhh! D'Argo says and slowly begins to climb the stairs to get Shanes clothes while Setig runs outside for the med Pac.

**********

ChianaGray
(10/4/01 2:09 am)
 Belonging to Outcasts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Shane screamed, grasping tight to D'argoes sleeve as they picked him up enough to slip on his pants. "I've been shot God damnit!"

"Where is she!" D'argo growled as he cradled Shane easily into his arms and began to rush outside with him. "Where is Chiana!"

"Nebari," Shane moaned, shouting as D'argo less than mercifully put him into a prowler and nodded to Setig to take him back to the grove to Mokan.

"Where did they go!" D'argo commanded as Setig snarled, scrambling into the cramped prowler. "Where!"

"I don't know," Shane wrenched his face in tears. "They were Nebari."

D'argo growled, jerking away from the prowler with a snarl as he clipped his fingers to his comms. "Mokan, Chiana has been kidnapped by the Nebari."

"Sweet Amona!" Mokan whined into the comm. "I need tracing ... get off the frelling come D'argo!"

D'argo nodded, rattling deep within his throat as he turned to his prowler. "Get me M'lak immediately!"

Mokan kissed the top of Dora's head as she turned to the console in the grove adobes living quarter and began to run frequencies. "We'll find her."

***************
 
Nhfearme and ChianaGray collab
(10/4/01 9:06 am)
Belonging to Outcasts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tharnas vessel lifts off with their prisoner. She follows the beacon for their rendezvous with the host vessel. It is a long journey there.

Half a solar day passes as they follow the beacon. Tharna again goes to check on her prize. Chiana is secure in her cell and ready to present to her superiors. Tharna smiles that the long cycles of searching have paid off, finally capturing this super criminal against the greater good.

"How many cycles has it been since you used to spread the contagion for us?"

Chiana didn't answer from where she sat on her knees, most of her face buried in her hair as her lips parted.

"The anti-body," Thar'na continued as she moved down the bars to try to see her reaction better, wanting her to lash out again. "I look forward to bringing you in this mission Chiana. It won't be long before Nerri takes one look at you, and tells us anything we want to know."

Chiana sat back on her heels more, turning her face away towards the wall.

"You will address me," Thar'na snapped as she stepped closer to the bars. "I'm sure your parents will be pleased to see you."

Chiana's head tilted, swaying slightly to her shoulders as she raised her cuffed hands along her back.

"You will address me!" Thar'na shouted demandingly as she brought her fingers to the two digits at her forehead.

Chiana choked as she brought her head down, jerking in harsh sobs as the alarm on her control collar began to ring off.

"Thar'na," M'jak commed from helm. "We're picking up a group of prowlers headed straight for us.

"Begin evasives," Thar'na ordered as she released Chiana from her hold and narrowed her eyes into her as she rose her head again. "We'll finish this momentarily Chiana."

"Well I got all day," Chiana gaped wide-eyed into the floor as she swayed again.

Thar'na returns to helm, grasping to the console as their transport yaws through space to avoid prowler fire. Chadre mans the energy weapon, charging it he fires at each prowler as it eases into his scope. They easily defeat two prowlers. Another fires as it races kamikaze into them. Chadre fires back as a loud boom hollows through their ship and they spin out of control.

"Correct course!" Thar'na shouts as M'jak slumps over the command console. She gasps as another hollow boom resounds in the ship; the jarring it takes throwing her to the floor. She looks up from the floor to see Chadre unconscious in the weapons chair. She stands and runs to Chianas cell.

I need you to fire the weapon.

Are you klempt? Chiana growls. Get frelled!

Both Mjak and Chadre are incapacitated. Die at the weapons controls or die here!

Chiana stands, searching the floor wildly as a cracking sound fires through the ship and they jarred again. She stumbled towards Thar'na, narrowing her eyes into her as she rested into the cell bars. "You'll take off these frelling cuffs first?

Thar'na opens the cell door, turning Chiana around roughly and holds her weapon to Chianas head. One move to the contrary and Ill kill you myself.

For the greater good." Chiana smirks as Thar'na moves to free her hands. As the cuffs fall from her wrists Chiana twirls around and hits Thar'nas face with a loud Pop!

Aarrr! Thar'na yells and puts her fingers to her temple. Chiana grabs Thar'nas wrist.

Uh, uh, uh!" Chiana waggles her finger in front of Thar'na's face. "Its for the greater good!" She coos.

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

ChianaGray
(10/5/01 12:19 am)
Belonging to Outcasts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "It's just a flesh wound," Mokan grumbled as she finished dressing Shane's wound on the living quarters couch.

"That frelling burns," Shane grimaced as he touched his back. "What did you put on it?"

"A numbing salve," Mokan rolled her eyes as she patted him on his bare back and plopped a shirt over his head. "So you'll stop screaming like a drannit."

She smiled to herself as she returned to the console, knowing what Chiana must've seen in the man. Tight, sinew muscles, he was built like a rock, tall, dark, incredibly handsome for a Sebacean and rather gentle mannered when he wasn't yowling. She creased her brows as a heavy static came through the communications and tried to clear it.

"Geyo," she commed. "I'm picking up a deep space frequency, you got it?"

"Yes," Geyo returned after long moments. "It's a prowler skirmish on the outer boarder of PeaceKeeper patrol territory."

"Anything Nebari about it?"

"Still waiting," he said as the static rose again. "M'lak is sending a scouter to the skirmish to be certain."

"D'argo?"

"Yes," Geyo commented with a soft chuckle. "Anything to get him out of here."

Mokan turned her gaze to Shane as he slipped on his boots with a gasp of pain. She shook her head as he struggled to the kitchenry. "I guess you're going."

"If there's a prowler still here," he stated as he turned to look at her.

"Take my stealth fighter," she spoke quietly as she returned her attention to the console. "It won't be detectable to other ships unless they can physically see you. It has more room than a prowler."

"Mokan," he nodded his thanks. "I've heard of you."

"Ahh," Mokan smiled down at the console with a slight jostle of her head. "Am I the fiercest warrior this side of the uncharteds or the most ruthless cut throat known to alien kind? I'm wanted on fifteen different planets you know, most of them for torturing Sebacean's like you."

"Just that you freed Banik's from slavery on this planet," he said gently as he lifted a coat from the back of a kitchen chair. "The one who claims you did that is a Starkonian named Agi'ra. He saw it as his motivation to make the Rashari territory intolerant to slave trade. I wouldn't mention it but I'm curious as to what motivated you? Against enslavement, this dedication you have to Nebari Resistance ... and you're letting a Sebacean take your ship after what I've heard about Captain Phillip Shelan in the rumors of this planet."

Mokan looked to him again solemnly. "You're wasting time you could be getting to this prowler skirmish by now."

He nodded as he turned and left.

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

 Chiana lead Thar'na into the helm from behind, holding on to the control collar she had placed around Thar'na's neck. She broke away from her to the gunner seat, holding the pulse pistol out at her as she began to pull Chadre out. Thar'na came to the console as another blast rocked through the ship, Chiana falling to the floor with Chadre. She pushed him off of her and scrambled in, beginning to fire on the remaining prowlers that pursued. One blasted into smithereens from her shot as Thar'na careened the transport into a cluster of asteroids.

"Boo ya!" Chiana shouted as she shot another coming in front of them from around an asteroid. She swung in the gunny seat, firing into the last remaining two prowlers as they swept in from behind. The transport weaved through the giant rocks and tumbling debris as Thar'na tried to smooth out their course.

Chiana came up from the gunny seat and stood stance as she stretched out her arm, aiming the pulse pistol into Thar'na. "I'll be going back now."

M'jak groaned as he turned, lunging himself to Chiana as the pulse pistol fired, its shot ringing off denches from Thar'na into the console. The pulse pistol fired again into the floor as she fell with M'jak. Thar'na whirled to them. Chiana cried out as M'jak grasped her, his blue blood seeping freshly through a gash into his jacket at his chest and down his left shoulder. Chiana curled her lip as she punched into his wound to get him off of her. He screamed as he fell away. Chiana sat up, gruffing as Thar'na grasped her from behind by her chin and hoisted her precariously to her feet and dragged her. She swung Chiana into the console. Chiana hit it with her hands and gasped, startled by the sudden realization the punch the console would have given to her stomach could hurt her child. She swung back with her elbow to hit Thar'na. Thar'na blocked it as she kicked Chiana's legs farther apart and grabbed a wad of her hair, planting her face into the sparking console.

"You don't get away from me that easily!" Thar'na shouted as she wrung Chiana's wrist up her back and held it there tightly as she cuffed it. Chiana barked out her cry as Thar'na secured her wrists and pushed her hands high up her back as she hit comms. "Host vessel! Transport in distress, respond."

"Rendezvous failed," a voice returned politely. "Host vessel is leaving the area for another sweep. Try again at these coordinance in fifty arns."

"Frell," Thar'na growled as she punched comms. "We can't get that far in this condition."

"You'll never make it," Chiana grimaced as she swung her head around. Thar'na glared into her as she pulled at the control collar around her neck and slipped it around Chiana's. She pulled her to the ground as she dug her fingers into the digits at her forehead. Chiana began to convulse on the floor, choking in gasps until M'jak grasped Thar'na's wrist and pulled her hand down.

"My guide," he spoke weakly. "There is a planet we can reach for repairs in twenty arns."

"Get us there," Thar'na glared up to Chadre who still lay on the floor, his eyes barely opening as he touched the blood running through his hair, streaking across his face in small rivers. "I'll secure this tralk!"

"You are in better condition to get us there," M'jak stated flatly as Thar'na shot up and grasped Chiana by her foot.

"Get us moving, M'jak," she nearly hissed as she began to drag Chiana out of the helm.

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

 The ride out to the skirmish report was agonizingly long. Sweat poured from Shane as he road it, barely dulled from the pain he was in. He soon picked up D'argoes prowler on his sensors and pressed comms in a blur of sweat and tears. "This is Shane."

"Awwww!" D'argo groaned into the comms as Shane swung the stealth fighter half a mile below D'argo. "Do you even know how to frelling fly?"

"How's your big feet on those little PeaceKeeper petals?" Shane asked with a bare smile on his pale face as he rested his head back. "I have an unusually high tolerance to heat for a Sebacean ... They call it superior breeding for an army of defense against Scarren ... Nhugh! I wish that applied to a tolerance for being shot and then thrown around by a near hyper raged Luxan. Are you a jealous boyfriend by any chance? Girl like her, I kept waiting for when one would show up ... I never expected Nebari Prime ... much less Lady Crichton of all people."

D'argo growled into the comm. "She IS a resistance lead. Just stay low and don't get in my way."

"Sure," Shane closed comms, blinking the saltiness out of his eyes as he took in a haggard breath from the pain and tried to rest as the fighter streamed towards the laid in coordinance.

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

 The transport twisted into orbit like a corkscrew. It cut free of the spin and glided, landing in a harsh skid across black sand. It jumped, landing again like a wild bronco driving its face into the sand, throwing it out in a splashing wave that streaked in silver shines against the planets red sky and orange sun.

The hatch flew open, smoke billowing out, soon followed by the crew as they crawled out. Chadre and M'jak laid into the black sand as Chiana fell to her knees at Thar'na's side and gazed over the skyline without expression, remembering the rain on Red Moon and the last sight of the two prowlers that carried Aeryn Sun and John Crichton back to Scorpius. A tear of her blood slipped down from her nose but she seemed oblivious to anything as Thar'na brought her to her feet by her arm and turned her to M'jak and Chadre as they stood. Chiana continued stare at the brilliant midnight blue danced with silvers of the horizon line as she stumbled in the hold of the two men towards a citadel. The wind was stronger here than Red Moon, blowing mercifully cool into her hair and clothes, restoring some strength to her spirit if not her worn and sore body as she slowly blinked and looked up to the red sky above and the few whifts of silvered gray clouds. Would she forget this if they did mind frell her? Thar'na had to be lying, her parent's were being mind frelled and it was hardly a hundred cycles since ...

"Nashay lerail, lairf'inay," Chiana whispered distantly from what she could remember of her mothers words so long ago in the mirriad of forgotten folk songs she still hummed. "Birdrain'e' aifasoard, lirthen'taimel'au."

Thar'na snorted as she jerked her hand up to the digits at her temple. Chiana flinched, raising her shoulders as she tocked her head away. "You won't do that again," Thar'na threaghtned. "Don't test my patience again or I'll bring our authorities your head back instead."

"I've only got one," Chiana muttered as she slowly cut her eyes back to Thar'na with a wry smile. "Is that how many you have?"

Thar'na sighed, lifting an eyebrow as she brought her finger tips to the digits at her temple again and pressed. "We can do this the whole frelling way to Nebari Prime Chiana."

***********
 
nhfearme 
(10/6/01 3:23 am)
Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Its 20 arns to where the Nabari signal originated. Shane lags behind as D'Argo rockets toward the asteroid belt above a small commerce planet. This is where we got the transmissions indicating Nabari activity. D'Argo tells Shane. But I dont see anything.

Just then Shane flies very near what looks like a piece of a prowler wing. Say D'Argo. Shane says over comms. How do we scan to know if there has been a recent battle? I see ship parts down here.

That is how we tell. By the parts. What kind of parts?

Prowler, I think. What else do I look for? Shane asks as his prowler suddenly hits something. Frell!

What is it? D'Argo asks.

I frelling hit something. Shane says as his prowler looses power. And its frelling with the prowler.

Just land in the commerce district for repairs. Ill keep looking here for signs of Nabari activity. And comm. me if you see anything. D'Argo says.

Ill wait for you on the surface then. Shane says and leaves him to search.

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

 ChianaGray
(10/6/01 6:46 am)
Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Chiana fell to the floor of the cargo hold within the citadel, barely shuddering in her exhaustion as Thar'na stood over her pressing her fingers to the digits on her forehead. Bystanders stopped, gaping at them in wonder. Chadre and M'jak picked her up, holding her limp body between them as Thar'na relented and walked briskly out of the cargo hold and into the streets.

"Thar'na," Chadre spoke up as they followed behind. "You've got to stop. We all need rest. Chiana cannot take much more of this and our wounds are frightening every barter we try to encounter."

"We need a ship," Thar'na snapped. "By any means necessary!"

"We aren't going to get it like this," M'jak protested. "My guide, we have enough time to at least lodge long enough to recuperate."

"Fine," Thar'na narrowed her eyes as she turned to a refreshment center. "Stay here, I'll get the room and try again while you're resting."

Chadre sighed heavily, looking to M'jak as Thar'na stepped inside. "She's going to kill us, we'll never keep up this way."

"Never mind us," M'jak muttered as he moved to the wall and gently set Chiana down, sitting with her as she began to slide down its side to the ground. He brought her to him, resting her head in his lap as he looked up to Chadre and his blood streamed face. "If she continues at this rate Chiana will never live long enough to see Nebari Prime."

"Don't you think she would welcome that?" Chadre asked as he crouched in front of them. "Look at her."

"She's a little escape artist," M'jak barely smiled as he shook his head at him. "And Resistance Lead like her brother. I don't think she's even capable of resisting anymore. I think Thar'na is over stepping lines to keep her incompasitated from further attempts to get away."

Chadre frowned with concern as he wiped the fresh droplets of blood that began to slip from Chiana's nose. "If she kills Chiana, we'll never get Nerri to turn himself in to us."

"It's not just Nerri anymore, Chadre." M'jak scowled, planting his head back against the wall with a painful groan. "Chiana's capture is enough to shake the foundations of the Resistance, perhaps even enough to bring her establishments within the PeaceKeeper's to panicked knees. Enough to expose officials we want to find - stop this nonsense about a Resistance base and strains of antibody ... we can bring Chiana into our services once again to serve the Greater Good and her influence within rebellion would indeed serve us greatly, only starting with Nerri. We can't just let her die here."

"Inside," Thar'na ordered as she returned to them and handed Chadre a small chip. "Come, I will secure Chiana myself."

*************
 
ChianaGray and Nhfearme collab
(10/7/01 9:10 am)
Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Shanes stabilizer is off line. His port engine is at half power. He cuts through the atmosphere at a fast clip and circles back to the commerce district as he attempts to control the stealth fighter.

"Frell!" He grunts as the ship jolts into the sands, jarring his entire body, aggravating his wound. He looses the controls for a moment, tipping the wing into the sands, the metal of the ship screeching with protest.

"Get you mother!" Shane bellows at his read outs as he forces the wing back up and begins to hover towards the citadel in a pecarious wobble, black sand splashing into his cockpit and into his face. He spits out the grit into the controls. "Jaboan space craft bitch! Level out you feket!"

He comes in a rough curve into the citadel at hover and sees a depot to land. He takes it, moving the controls gently for a feather foot landing, pain jabs through his back like a white hot poker as the ship plops down like a heap. "Oh God, you dren bucket! That's it! I'm getting out, and I'm frelling shooting you!"

He climbs out, moaning in the relief of finally getting to stand as he limps to the front of Mokan's fighter. He narrows his eyes as he moves his jacket back and touches his pulse pistol. "I'm going to track down your designer and slap them with your blueprints."

He enters the hanger of the depot. I need repairs on my prowler. He says to the first mechanic he sees.

The mechanic stands, eyeing him. And how are you going to pay? She says puffing on her cigar.

Shane reaches into his leather pants and pulls out some stones, gratis from general Corrum as inducement to design and create the skrail.

The mechanic sees the stones and smiles. First let me see whats wrong with it. Where do you have it parked? She asks.

Out here. Shane points to the stealth fighter and smiles. How long do you figure?

Soon enough, youre the only one in today. So, 3 arns, 2 point 5 ... maybe, 2 even. I already sent home half my crew for lack a work. Ill get them back here soon enough for ya. Where will you be when its done? She asks him signaling her skeleton crew to get to work. The crew begins towing the prowler through her hangar door.

You answered my first question already. Im looking for a damaged Nebari ship, or Nebari that may be from ... well I am looking for any Nebari activity actually. Shane says.

Nebari ..." she sighed at her cigar as she bared her bottom teeth. " Nope. They dont usually come around here much. She says knocking the ash off of her cigar. Why? Do you have business with them?

No, just looking for a friendwho is Nebari. She may be with other Nebari." Shane rolled his eyes lightly, not wanting to mention that he had found evidence of a Peacekeeper battle or that Chiana might be with Establishment agents. "I mean, got a signal, not far from here. But, they arent there now. I thought they might be on the planet.

"I see," the mechanic looks at him suspiciously. Well, if I see any between now and then Ill let you know. She says and turns from him. Oh, by the way most of the restaurants on this planet are Yamalan! If you want food you can eat youll have to go further downtown to find those that cater to ..."

She looks lasciviously at Shane as he saunters down the street to look for the Nebari, flipping her ashes from her cigar again. "That cute little Sebacean, butt, of yours."

Shane talks to the other shops in the district. After a quarter arn he has found no one who admits to seeing Nebari on this planet. Outside the last mechanics hanger he opens his comms.

D'Argo, I found a mechanic. She says Nebari do not frequent this planet. I have asked the other repair shops, but no one has seen them. Maybe they escaped the PeaceKeepers and left the system.

That is what I am thinking," D'argo sighed into comms. "I can see parts from the destroyed prowlers but have not seen other debris. The scans confirm. There is another habitable planet. It isnt too far, perhaps they went there. How soon will the prowler be repaired?

She said maybe another 2 arns. Shane puts his hands on his hips and looks up the long stretch of shops he still has yet to ask for Nebari customers. He sighs, wrenching his face with the pain his wound is giving him from walking so long, after being cramped in a ship for even longer.

I will go to the other planet then while you continue to search here. Comm me if you find anything. D'Argo says.

Sure, Ill let you know the microt I find anything. Seems no one has seen a Nebari here in cycles though.

Fine, Ill be back in 5 arns. D'Argo says and closes comms.

My dream-come true." Shane grumbled to himself as he started walking again. "Stuck on a Yamalan planet with a busted prowler, the only other Sebacean is my mechanic and nothing to eat but live writhing squaf; frelling the day away asking all Laloo and the 90 sisters if theyve seen Chiana when they dont even know what the frell a Nebari is!

He stops, nodding to a pedestrian as they gaped at him for talking to himself. "Id rather be home," he continued, smiling at the stranger. "Sweeping up the draccic of glass Chiana left on the floor of my shop than doing this. Have you seen her?"

Chiana, please be alright. He says and begins the long walk through the shops to find her.

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

It is near time for Shane to check on the prowlers progress. Hes asked nearly every Yamalan shopkeeper and manager if theyve see any Nebaris Frell if ever a Yamalan has even seen a Nebari on this planet!

Yamalans are tall willowy people, peaceful as a general rule, except when they eat. They violently attack the squaf in a special holder designed to keep their live prey from escaping. It is enough to make any decent Sebacean hurl on his boots or completely freak watching the screaming creatures spasm in their spidery legs as the Yamalan stab a fork into them.

I should just comm D'Argo to come back. There is nothing here to see. Shane thinks as he makes his way back toward his mechanics hangar. He is nearly there when he hears voices, not the sweet sound of Yamalan trills and the unnerving shrieks of their prey but more of a screeching, or screaming coming from an alleyway. Shane looks down the dark alley, the sun is beginning to set. One more reason to get the frell away from here; Ill probably have to spend the night with my mechanic. Shane sighs with a slight smile. Im sure she charges.

Shane steps into the hanger and sees his prowler is no longer there. He glances outside and sees it. He strolls up to the mechanic. Whats the pad on the repairs?

Im sorry handsome." She eyed him as she drew back. "Do you remember those Nebaris you was lookin for? It seems they needed my services as well. And they offered me a lot more money. Along with my life.

What?

My service charge doesnt cover my coffin," she bit her upper lip as she gazed up at him beneath her brows. "So I decided I better take them up on their offer. Dont worry though, I kept them here for ya. The sooner you take care of them the better. The lady has a targate up her posterior. Ive put her off now 2 times. I think the next time she may blast me with that little gizmo of hers.

Where? Where are they, she is she with them?

I only saw a man and a woman. And if the woman is your friend? I just gotta tell you, you dont need enemies then do ya? She picks up a water bottle and takes a long drink off of it then takes a deep breath and wipes her mouth on her sleeve. They just left. She yelled at me I had to have this used ship ready for her next time or shed off me for sure."

Shane turned, searching the street earnestly. The mechanic watched him, lifting an eyebrow as she rubbed her finger along her lips. "Say, are you sure can you handle these Nebari? 'Cause for a little more I can call a Yamalan I know. He handles this kind of stuff all the time.

Just tell me where they are and fix my prowler.

Okay, but ... whos gonna pay me if youre dead honey? She smiles up at him.

Shane sighs and hands her a few stones. Is that enough? He asks.

Sure, Ill have your hunk a' junk ready for ya. And be careful handsome. She smiles as Shane hurries to find the Nebari and Chiana.

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

Shane listens carefully for the screeching he heard before, believing it to be the angry Nebari woman his mechanic told him about. He hears nothing but knows the alleyway where he heard it. He lifts his pulse pistol and checks the charge. Fully charged. Now if there are only two of them this should be easy. He thinks as he investigates the alleyway.

All is quiet. Shane looks; there are only a few doorways. He lifts his hand, makes a fist and knocks. The door opens, it is a Yamalan.

Sorry." Shane says. "Wrong door... er, Can you help me? I am looking for a Nebari couple that might be here. Have you seen any Nebari?

The Yamalan looks down at him and trills. I have been home all day, and while I have not *seen* any Nebari, perhaps they produced that shrill scream I heard earlier. I believe if you just continue to knock on doors, you will eventually find them. The Yamalan nods and closes the door.

Great. Shane grumbles. Ive walked in it now. Frell! Which door? He walks to the next door and knocks. No answer. No, wait! This could be the one. His body straightens, his grip on his pulse pistol tightens. Frell. Maybe I should just wait. The mechanic said shed be back.

Shane leaves the alleyway and waits. The time clicks slowly as he stands, pacing. Then he hears it. The screaming. Only this time it isnt as before, he recognizes it.

Chiana! he pulls his pulse pistol and runs up the alley. He stands outside the door and kicks it in!

What Shane sees is appalling! Chiana is on the floor, being tortured by one of those evil control collars. The horrible woman the mechanic described is standing over her pressing on the activation buttons in her head. Shane raises his pistol and fires. The next thing he knows he is looking up. One of them hit him from behind. His gun is across the floor.

Chiana is no longer screaming for help when she sees him. No! Shane! Stop! Dont hurt him you bitch! She screams.

Shane sees the woman point something at him. He is suddenly filled with stinging pain as his body jumps, startles to it, feeling he is burning from the inside out.

***********

nhfearme 
(10/8/01 4:26 am)
 Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Shane wakes in chains a control collar tightly in place around his neck. He looks but does not see Chiana. He recognizes that he is aboard the ship the mechanic was repairing to sell to the Nebari Establishment. The last thing Shane remembers is twisting in pain on the floor somewhere on the commerce planet. He pulls at his chains to test if he can escape. The wound on his back stops him, piercing his mind again with intense pain. He winces and groans.

Questioning you will be difficult, Shane is it? Chadre says pacing to Shane. Our apparatus for mind cleansing was destroyed in our duel with the Peacekeepers. So conventional torture will have to be implemented in your case. He says reaching to his forehead he presses briefly activating Shanes collar.

Aaaa! Shane screams then groans, his neck and brain on fire. Just as suddenly the pains of the collar cease replaced by the throb of the wound on his back from thrashing against the wall. He gasps to get his breath.

Now, who are you?

Shane Norof. Shane gasps, still in pain from his wound.

What is your involvement with Chiana, Shane Norof?

I am her friend.

You are not with the resistance?

No.

Then how did you find her? If you are not with the resistance? Chadre asks angrily.

Shane remains silent knowing what it means. Chadre places his fingers on his temple and activates Shanes collar. Shane screams and strains against his chains at the horrific pain from the collar. He can no longer catch his breath as the pain of the collar tears through him.

Chadre removes his hand from the control and stands near Shane. He takes him by the hair and pulls, raising his head. Tell me, Shane are there others looking for Chiana?

No. Shane lies from his anger and his pain.

I find that incredible, that no one but you used resistance intel to find her. How many of her agents are looking for her?

No one. Shane gasps.

Chadre looks into Shanes eyes trying to judge what it will take to break the man. He lets go of Shanes hair letting his head fall. Tell me, or your suffering will continue until I learn the truth! He wipes his hand on his coat. Tell me or feel the collar again, Shane.

Shane knows he has failed in helping Chiana. His only hope is in D'Argo finding them. If he tells this farbot about D'Argo, his life will also be in danger. Shane feels his shirt becoming wet from his own blood. His wound is now open from his thrashing during his torture. He breathes, trying to think of what to say to placate his Nebari torturer. I came alone. Im the only one who knew.

Liar! Chadre yells. He raises his hand again to the control collar mechanism in his forehead and presses.

Shanes screams can be heard throughout the ship. Chiana screams and cries in her cell at hearing his torment.

Mjak runs to Chianas cell and throws open the bars. He enters and lifts her from the floor. Your collar, is it active? He asks, more than a little concerned. Chiana cannot answer him, crying for Shane. Mjak quickly removes Chianas collar and holds her as she cries. Im sorry. There must be a malfunction. Ill get you another collar. He continues to hold her rocking her.

Not the collar. Chiana cries, finally able to speak. Shane! She cries. Please, youll kill him. She begs, holding tightly to Mjaks arm, embracing him.

Mjak swallows and stands as she clings to him. Not your collar? He asks, unnerved and backs away. He quickly puts the collar back on her as she sits crying at his feet.

Chiana lifts her face to look up to Mjak. She reaches, clinging to his legs. Please stop torturing him. She begs. Hes not with the resistance. He is my friend.

Mjak gasps at the feeling he gets from her insistent pleas. He backs away and secures the cell door watching her. Ill check on the prisoner for you, Chiana. He nearly gasps as he turns from her and runs to Shanes screams.

******************
 
ChianaGray
(10/8/01 6:03 am)
 Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "Shane!" Chiana tries to stick her face through her cell bars to see any glimpse of him. "Shane!"

Chadre cut off Shane's shirt, narrowing his eyes on dim shadows of his dark skin. "You've been tortured before have you?"

"Scarren," he barely spoke as sweat poured from him.

"Scarren," Chadre grunted as he pressed his fist into Shane's wound. "You lie. This much Scarren breath would have killed you, you'd be well within the Sebacean living death."

Shane screamed as his knees fell from under him. "I'm tolerant to the heat! I can't reach the living death!"

"Really," Chadre narrowed his eyes again. "Is that how Chiana knows you then? You're a Scarren lab rat, you joined her in the Resistance to escape them!"

"NO!" Shane screamed as he dug into his wound again. "I'm a PeaceKeeper lab rat you frelling idiot. Scarren's found me, gave me a ride. I met Chiana and we became friends, that's it. I'm a frelling glass blower!"

"That is enough!" M'jak shouted as he came in.

"We need to know where he stands with the Resistance!"

"Not by over stepping what we stand for," M'jak persisted as he took Shane down, glaring into Chadre as the Sebacean fell lifelessly to the floor. "Unless you want my report to include you in my questioning the severity used in this mission, you'll help me get this man to Chiana's cell."

"Chiana's?"

"Just do it Chadre!" M'jak scowled at him as he lifted Shane by his arm.

"Let go of him!" Chiana screamed as they opened her cell. She ran for them. Chadre quickly pressed the digits at his forehead, scowling at her as she fell writhing to the ground. M'jak chained Shane up again into the cell and turned to Chadre, grasping his hand and pulling it away.

"It's bad enough," M'jak narrowed his eyes into him. "With Thar'na."

Chadre lowered his hand slowly, turning his gaze on Shane as Chiana came to him on her knees, burying her face into his thigh as she sobbed. M'jak pushed Chadre back and closed the cell door, looking to Chiana worriedly as she grasped Shane's knee with her cuffed hands.

"Can't you see," M'jak spoke in a very low tone as he stepped back to Chadre's side.

"She's a tralk," Chadre shook his head with doubt as he turned away. "He has to be Resistance to be looking for her."

*************
 
nhfearme 
(10/9/01 3:26 am)
Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Shane. Chiana says. Shane? She stands and looks at him, his torn shirt, and his back. What the frell did you do to him? She runs to the bars and yells. He needs help! Help him! She yells. Chiana is afraid for Shane, that he may die. She stands at the bars again and yells. Help him! You bastards! Hes dying!

Some time passes, Mjak approaches the bars and stands briefly watching her. His dark eyes see her then fall to the floor, his hand on the bars. Chiana sees him and looks up from holding Shane. What the frell did you do to him? His back! You tortured him. She cries.

Chadre has yes, to learn of his resistance involvement. Mjak says unlocking the cell door.

You tried to kill him! Chiana yells and charges Mjak.

Mjak reaches quickly to his forehead and presses bringing Chiana to her knees. He then releases just as quickly. I have brought something for him. It is a peacekeeper med packet. You will let me apply it, of course? Mjak pulls the packet from his leather vest and waits to see if Chiana will attack again.

Yes, please. He needs help. She cries and tries to sit up, watching him.

Mjak enters to minister to Shane, opening the cell door and locking it behind him. His long kilt sweeps around his ankles as he walks conjuring some ancient wizardry. His long hair sweeps past his shoulders as he tilts his head to examine Shanes wound. Tharna is recovering, her injuries from the Peacekeeper attack on us. He rips open the packet and rubs it into Shanes wound. I consider it lucky, since she may have killed you by now. When she recovers she will return to question you, perhaps Shane as well. Mjak looks caringly at her.

Frell her. Id rather die than go back. Chiana says wiping the tears from her face.

Mjak wipes the excess med pac material and Shanes blood from his hand on a rag then reaches down, offering his hand to Chiana. I dont care to see you dead. Surely it cant be what you want.

You have no frelling idea what I want! You have no freedom. Youre dead inside and dont even know it. The establishment owns you.

Mjak is taken aback. I am glad to be serving the greater good.

You say that now. Will you feel the same when Thar'na kills me or Shane? Chiana says to his eyes then tilting her head she says. All I ever did was want to be free to do what I want. Is that so bad?

You must conform for the greater good. Mjak says with deep concern. I do not wish to see her harm you.

You are harming me. You and the whole frelling establishment! I want to be free! Shane wants to be free. Do you understand that? You never know Mjak, maybe youll be the one that Thar'na tortures next.

***************
 
ChianaGray
(10/9/01 9:15 am)
 Looking for Trouble
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "It's useless to talk to you, isn't it?" Chiana asked as she narrowed her eyes, tilting her head to M'jak as she stepped back from him. "You're stuck in your great conformity until you can't even see anything else, imagine anything else! Why am I talking to you? You - you tried to tell me my parents were frelling waiting for me on Nebari Prime? They're a little busy having their minds cleansed M'jak."

"You've been gone much too long Chiana," M'jak shook his head amunantly. "The Greater Good ..."

"Gave me the contagion!" Chiana cut in angrily as she swung back at her shoulder. "It's for the Greater Good, can't have me running around now can you? Oh no that wouldn't fit, I feel too much to your satisfaction so there must be something wrong with me ... and then I don't feel enough ... I don't, I don't ... give what I'm supposed to to our people's ideals, fit in my place and enjoy it because then nothing is wrong with me ... but they'll spike me in a routine physical examination? Then - then track down one frelling Nebari in this universe because I - I got away? It's not - I don't fit your criteria, but you'll use me for it ... and you know what my ideals are?"

Chiana chuckled sharply as she eased up to him. She searched his eyes in a slight crouch, swaying her head slightly with a small smile. "None of your frelling business, M'jak."

"Chiana you ..."

"Why don't you just stick your hand up to your damn control and get this collar going," Chiana stressed as she flexed her fists in the cuffs.

M'jak raised his fingers, gaping at her as his hand trembled, his fingers denches from the digits as Chiana swallowed, her eyes unstraying from him as she waited. The plea and anticipation in her eyes made his heart pound, his breath catching as he lowered his hand. He whirled away from her, slamming the cell door shut. He continued to tremble as he looked to her again. She searched the floor distantly with a wild stare as her lips parted, swaying her head as she brought her cuffs to her chest level.

"I have to bring you in." He stated in a low tone as he turned his head away. "Mind cleansing only takes two cycles now ... it won't be long for you."

He looked to her as she drew to her knees. She raised her head, letting out a hollow screech on the intake of her breath as M'jak stepped away.

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

nhfearme 
(10/10/01 11:31 pm)
The Question of Peace
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Mjak enters command to relieve Chadre. He looks over the controls to see their progress. 17 arns to our rendezvous. Perhaps Thar'na will be recovered in time to present our prize to the establishment.

Perhaps. Chadre says turning to Mjak. Or perhaps Thar'na will chose to question Chiana again.

Mjaks eyes suppress their startle at Chadres suggestion. You intend to assist her in this? he asks unobtrusively.

Chadre paces, circling Mjak. If Thar'na dies of her injuries Mjak, then Chiana will be credited only to us. He sighs. Our assignments will be assured with this accomplishment.

There is also a risk that in Thar'nas questioning of her, Chiana will die. Mjaks eyes lower. Is your desire to advance so strong that you would risk her death?

Chadres eyes focus softly on Mjaks face. If it means that you will rise with me? Yes, I think it is worth the risk.

I do not. Mjak says restrained. These prisoners may unlock the very framework of the resistance to us.

To the establishment you mean. Not to us. And this Shane; is not necessary to our cause. However he may be the way to win Chianas cooperation. If only you could see that Mjak.

Mjak turns and looks steel eyed at Chadre. What I see Chadre is our mission to bring Chiana and Shane back for the greater good. The resistance will still fall. The contagion is spreading to worlds even beyond our sphere of influence.

This is our last mission then Mjak? Now, only those given the cure are a threat. Chiana is the only one Nerri would surrender himself for. And with his fall falls the resistance forever. Do you not see that? Chadre shakes his head at his friends naivety. We must establish ourselves further to be of value to the establishment.

Mjak falls silent at his friends admission knowing any further words will bring his anger. Is this why Thar'na is willing to kill Chiana? Chadre understands this. Chianas capture means our victory is complete. Peace. Peace long sought by our people will be a reality. He looks to Chadres face. Both Chadre and Thar'na fear this new peace? The greater good is threatened by our own peoples fear of our future.

Mjak chooses his words carefully sensing Chadres instability, knowing the risks. Nerris surrender is only a small part of our fight Chadre. If Chiana dies, we may never secure him. He has shown us this. I am willing to wait for Chianas cleansing to learn of who has been given the cure. Our long search for peace will bring us a new future Chadre, one I look forward to. He says assuredly. We will control more than we could have dreamed my friend. Mjak puts his hand firmly on Chadres shoulder. Peace is only the beginning, not the end. He smiles.

Perhaps you are right Mjak. Chadre looks at Mjaks eyes then away. Still, I wonder what secrets Chiana would share with us. This Shane could release her tongue if only we would ask.

Good, each microt he waits may save their lives. Mjak sighs with Chadres acceptance. When Shane has recovered sufficiently. There are many arns yet until we near our rendezvous. There is still time.

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

ChianaGray
(10/11/01 9:15 am)
 The Question of Peace
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 "Where is he," D'argo demanded softly as he pushed away a rolling bin of tools and approached the mechanic.

"Who!" The mechanic gasped as D'argo snatched her and pushed her back against the stealth fighter.

"The one who came in this ship! He came looking for Nebari, where is he now?"

"What's in it for me?" She asked.

D'argo growled deep in his throat, curling his lip as he tilted his head. "I won't kill you?"

"Fair enough," she bared her lower teeth at him as she pulled a cigar from her uniform. "Nebari took him on their ship, he didn't look too happy about it, him or his little girl friend. You want to catch up with that bunch, maybe you ought to let me go and start talking business."

D'argo let her go, eyeing her as he took a few stones from his belt and slapped them into her hand with a harsh gruff.

"I took a little liberty of finding out where they might be goin," she continued as she light her cigar. "The coordinance they set into the ship I gave them are in the outer sectors, not far from a group of planets called the Valkry? Might get there before them if you punch it."

D'argo flared his nostrils as he stepped away from her and climbed up to the cockpit of the stealth fighter.

"You're taking my profit Luxan."

"So keep my prowler," D'argo grumbled as he closed the hatch.

***********
 
nhfearme 
(10/14/01 6:34 pm)
The Question of Peace
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Chiana sleeps, clinging to Shane. She could have escaped arns ago but for him. She has nothing to pick the locks on his chains.

Chadre wakes, unable to sleep after a few short arns of rest he tosses thinking of his future in the establishment. We will be discarded just as Chiana was when we have outlived our usefulness. We have three choices, continue the war, stop Nerris capture or find some information that will raise our status in the establishments ranks. Chadre rises from his bed and checks on Thar'na. Thar'nas wounds still keep her from the task. Chadre stalks toward the cell containing Shane and Chiana. He seals the hatch between the cells and command to prevent Mjaks hearing what may come. He quietly unlocks the cell as Chiana sleeps and enters stealthy toward her. Suddenly Chiana leaps up and lands on Chadre. He quickly places his digits to his head and presses the collar control.

Chiana screams as Chadre shoots shock after shock through her body until she lay on the deck, unable to move. The sealed hatch has worked. Chadre looks toward command and smiles. Mjak did not hear her. She is mine at last. Chadre chains Chiana to the ceiling to prevent any more attacks. He walks to Shane and injects something into his neck. Shane wakes groggily.

Chadre paces around Chiana. Thar'na is still recovering from her injuries and Mjak believes we should wait the two cycles required for your mental cleansing to obtain the information we need.

Frell you. Chiana barely eeks out, still recovering from Chadres extreme activation of her collar. I dont know anything.

Of course you know things Chiana. Your connections in the resistance. You know those who have received the cure and most of all, I believe you know where we can find Nerri.

I wont tell you frelling anything. So go soak your head! Chiana yells.

It has occurred to me Chiana, that Shane means something to you. Chadre paces to Shane and lifts his head by his hair. He looks into Shanes half closes eyes. Advise your accomplice to cooperate.

You tried to torture me before. It didnt work. Shane mutters.

But this time Im not asking you anything! I am asking Chiana. Chadre smiles. If she does not give me satisfactory answers to my questions, I will have to kill you slowly in front of her. He snarls and lets go of Shanes hair allowing his head to fall.

Chiana gasps. You wouldnt frelling dare! She growls. If you touch him again Ill kill you myself!

Now how are you going to do that Chiana? All trussed up like you are. Chadre gloats and turns facing Shane. He lifts his hand and sends a shock to Shanes collar. He stands watching his pain while Chiana screams. Stop! Stop it you bastard!

Chadre paces toward Chiana and looks icily at her. Dont test me. He says coldly. Lets start with a simple question. Most of your latest funding for the resistance comes from your husband Lord Crichton. We have received reports that he recently escaped the Peacekeepers and is again building his empire for you. Where is he? He demands. Is he leading this charge to free you?

Chiana lets out a bark of a laugh! Your intel is old Chadre. Crichton is back in Peacekeeper hands. She chuckles.

Are you making light of me? Chadre asks angrily.

No, Im just calling you stupid is all. She smiles, delighted.

Chadre lifts his hand to his head and presses sending a massive shock through Shanes collar. Shane thrashes throwing himself into the wall. Chiana sees his blood on the bulkhead.

No! Stop! Chiana screams.

Chadre releases his hand from the controls. Are you ready to tell me where Nerri is? He asks, not bothering to turn toward her.

The last time I saw him was at a banquet held on Rashari. That was several weekens ago and it was by accident that I saw him. I havent seen him since. Chiana confesses.

Seen. You have not *seen* him. but have you heard from him? Intel Chiana, your resistance specializes in intel. Chadre again lifts his hand to his head and activates Shanes collar sending a dangerous pulse through his body.

Aaaaaa! Shane screams.

Stop it! Stop it, frell you! Chiana yells, jerking at her chains.

Chadre smiles as he lowers his arm. That is more than I heard from you before Shane. Could it be that your weakness is Chiana? Perhaps I am questioning the wrong person.

He doesnt know anything! Chiana asserts.

Chadre stands close to Chiana. You tralk! Tell me what I want to know or Shane will die. He again lifts his hand to his controls.

Chianas eyes burn with anger at Chadre. As his hand goes to his head she suddenly pulls up on her chains and grasps around his neck with her legs, choking him. He tries to but can no longer reach the trigger for the control collars. He then tries to unsuccessfully pull her legs apart to free himself. For several hundred microts he struggles, his eyes in fear, then silence as Chadre goes limp. Chiana lets him drop to the floor.

"Thank you Chiana. I couldnt stand the idea of that guy laying his hands on you." Shane tells her.

My pleasure Shane. She smiles. I wasnt crazy about it either.

In a quarter arn Chiana emerges supporting Shane as they walk out of their prison.

Chiana, I had no idea you were so athletic and limber. If I hadnt seen the way you escaped him, I never would have believed it! Shane says amazed.

Well it was easy. Chiana coos. After all, he had the keys on him.