DarkQuest pg 3

3/11/01

Second Opinion

IC:

Chiana eased herself between Crichton and Shelan, standing in the cell door as she half crouched with her elbows back and gazed into Crichtons eyes from the corners of her own.

She narrowed her eyes as she looked from one crystal blue to the other and pursed her lips. She jerked her head towards Setig as she slung her dagger away in his direction, swaying back in Johns path as it clanged to the floor.

"What are you doing?" Crichton asked as he thumbed his pulse pistol, narrowing his eyes as Chiana's chest heaved upwards as she drew in her breath. Her own eyes narrowed cooly.

"Get out of here," she commanded softly.

"What?"

"I said get out of here," she snapped as she glared up into his eyes from her near crouch, moving at her hips restlessly.

"So you're protecting him now?"

"You know," she glanced from him to Shelan and back, her breath catching in her throaght. "If you didn't have your frelling head lodged so far up your ASS maybe you could see what it is you're really doing here. I just don't want to hear it anymore. So why don't you get the frell out before you make a mistake..."

"Chiana."

"John," Chiana swallowed as she stared at his pulse pistol at his side as if she were waiting for him to point it at her. She felt an indignant anger rise into her as she tilted her eyes back up to his, narrowing them again with the intensity that slowly growled into the back of her throaght. "BACK off!"

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

Nhfearme

3/11/01

Second Opinion

IC:

"No Chiana. This is the way it's gotta be." John tells her.

"What? Would you draw your pistol on me John?" Chiana asks angrily.

"No I would never hurt you." John's hand comes up from his pulse pistol. He reaches to take her shoulders.

She pulls away from him. "Just like you promised you wouldn't kill him?"

Phillip is in desperate shape. He hangs limp from his chains. He is drenched in sweat. His chest heaves with each breath. Chiana fears he is already in the living death. She knows she is his only chance.

"If you take him outta here, he'll just do it again. I am trying to protect you." John defends.

"And I'm doing my job." Her eyes are fixed on John's. "He's my prisoner. Mokan's prisoner." She stares him in the face. "He may be able to help us in the resistance against the contagion. Do you remember that John?"

She holds out her hand to Setig. "Give me the keys."

Setig looks at John and hands him the key. John hands it to Chiana. "You don't know what you're doing Chiana. He'll turn on you."

Chiana backs up. "Now back away from my prisoner!"

John backs up and signals Setig to do the same. John puts his hands on his hips and watches her from the corridor.

Chiana goes into the cell to Phillip. She cries as she unlocks his chains. "I'm sorry. I know I promised I would protect you." She whispers to him. She can't see through her tears. She feels where the key goes in the lock.

Chiana unshackles his legs first then his right wrist. Phillip's arm flops lifelessly down. She unlocks his collar. So much like the collars of her society, to control. He falls against her. She hurries to unlock his left wrist. She struggles trying to find the lock. Finally his left arm slips from the shackle and Phillip crumples to the floor.

Chiana is unable to catch him. She begins to think she's too late. She's failed him. She stands over him crying. She stoops and tries to lift him. He is too heavy for her. She begins to drag him by his arms.

John walks to her and stands watching her struggle. He grabs her arm and pulls her away from Shelan.

Chiana turns to John and slaps him. "He's dead! You killed him!" She yells.

John backs up and looks at her in shock.

She growls at John. She swings her arm again. This time striking him in the face with her fist. He reels, but takes it. She swings again. This time John catches her arm and pulls her to him.

She breaks down to him, sobbing. She shakes her head and pushes him away. "How could you do this?" She swings and hits him again.

John grabs at her and holds her tight. "I'll help you." He says quietly.

"No! You're not getting near him!" she screams and pulls away. She raises her fist to try to strike him.

John catches her arm and holds her. He hums to her and kisses her tears. "Let me help you. Please." He says softly. "We need to get him to the Med tech if we're going to help him." John holds her until she calms.

She looks into John's eyes trying to recognize the person before her. She lowers her eyes. "I don't know you anymore John." She mutters to his chest.

While she grieves for Phillip she begins to give in to John's warmth. She feels the strength of his arms and remembers her promise to him. Chiana realizes she can't do it by herself. She sighs and wipes her face. She knows they have to move quickly if there's any chance to save Phillip. She glances up at John's eyes wondering if he can now be trusted. She has no choice. She swallows. "Please hurry."

John lets go of Chiana. He stoops down and picks up Shelan. He carries him to the Setig's attack craft. Setig gets in and pilots Shelan to their hidden base.

John pilots Mokan's stealth prowler with Chiana, following. As they fly toward the base Chiana cries. "You promised me John." She shouts. "How could you do it?" She screams and hits the back of his seat.

They land at the hidden base. Setig carries Shelan to the Med bay.

"Hezmana!" the Med tech blurts out, shocked at Shelan's condition.

"Frell!" the Med tech immediately runs the scanner over Shelan as Setig sets him on the gurney. After his initial outburst the Med tech is silent. He gravely watches the readouts. Then delivers his diagnosis.

Phillip lays lifeless on the gurney.

"This man is dead if we don't get him to a Peacekeeper facility, Lord Crichton." He swallows. He looks angrily at Crichton and Setig. "Living death or not. He will be expire in half an arn if we don't."

"I have the current codes for the Planetary base. PhilPhillip gave them to me earlier." She begins to cry again.

John goes to her and holds her. She pushes him away.

The Med tech touches Shelan's arm and looks at him. "It's alright. The carrier has not arrived yet. They may let me slip in and out unnoticed. I have 2 arns at best." The Med tech suggests. "But I need to borrow a prowler to pull it off."

"Take mine." John tells him. "Use the stealth."

"Yes lord Crichton." He turns to Setig. "Bring him." Setig lifts Shelan and follows the Med tech out of the Med bay, leaving John and Chiana standing alone.

Chiana looks down at the floor. "How could you do this?" she asks again. "He is my prisoner. A prisoner of war."

John stands silently for a moment then moves toward her. "I'm sorry Chiana. I did what I thought was right."

Chiana is weary of crying. "I have to give him the codes." She says and begins to walk out of the Med bay. "Then I have to take Mokan's prowler to her." she says

"I'll come with you." He says.

"No John." She turns and holds up her hand to stop him. "I need some time to think."

John's is troubled. He tilts his head and looks at her. "What do you mean?" his brow furrows.

Chiana stares at John. She tocks her head. "I'll be with Mokan." She says angrily. "Waiting for word of Phillip's condition." This time she says Phillip's name in defiance of John's broken promise.

"Chiana wait." John reaches for her arm.

Chiana draws her arm away from him. "I said, I need time." She says. She turns and walks out of the Med bay leaving John alone.

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

Chiana stands strangely quiet while Mokan says goodbye to Zhaan and D'Argo. Chiana and Mokan walk slowly toward the docking bay. Mokan stops walking and breaks the silence.

"What has happened Chiana?"

"Someone I thought I knew, someone I trusted nearly killed Phillip today." She sighs, her sigh catches in her throat.

"What?" Mokan shouts. "He's hurt? The doctor is taking care of him?" she asks.

"The Med tech took him to Peacekeeper rejuvenation." She looks at Mokan when their eyes meet Chiana feels the pain of her guilt. She turns away. "Nerve damage."

Mokan stomps her foot. "What the Frell?" she yells. "I nearly died getting him away from them! Their treatment of him will be no better!" she paces away with purpose toward the landing bay.

"No." Chiana follows her. "He is with the Med tech. He assured me he could get him out." Chiana calls after her.

Mokan stops "What has happened Chiana? What has changed?" She looks at her eyes. "Tell me all of it."

"You know what happened with us. John wants to kill him for what he did to me. Maybe we didn't know how badly he wants to kill him." Chiana swallows. "He went to the Hezmat facility where Phillip was and he and Setig questioned him." Chiana shakes her head as though she is responsible for his life; she failed to protect him. "When I arrived there, he already looked dead. I thought John was going to stop me. When the Med tech found nerve damage. I knew the Peacekeeper base was his only chance."

"So, there's no hurry to go there. We have to wait." Mokan says solemnly. She can see that Chiana is hurting. She puts her hand on her shoulder. "It isn't your fault. We must keep them separated. Shelan could just as easily kill Crichton."

As they stand in the corridor outside the landing bay, they hear something. They walk into the bay and see the inner doors opening.

"Oh no." Chiana says. "John followed me here." She gasps. "I'm not ready to see him yet."

Setig walks through the opening doors holding Krestan. "Where is the Pau?" Setig asks as he hurries in. "Our own Med tech did not return and his second cannot be found."

Mokan looks strangely at the wounded man. At first, she is stunned. Mokan wants to believe. Then sees his tattoos. "Aaaaa!" she screams. Her hands go to her face. "Aaaa! Krestan!" She reaches and grabs Chiana for support.

"This way." Chiana indicates through and down the passageway. "Jaboan." Chiana whispers.

Mokan fears Krestan will die. His arms and legs hang swinging with Setig's gate. She lets go of Chiana and runs alongside of Setig. "Krestan!" She says, hoping he hears her.

Chiana runs behind them trying to keep up.

"Here!" Mokan shouts as Setig nears the maintenance bay.

They enter and find Stark and Zhaan together.

"Another Jaboan?" Zhaan says to Setig with surprise. "Quickly, put him here." She indicates the table.

Setig lays him down on the table and Zhaan scans him. "He's been shot with a pulse blast!" She says. "It's lucky he's still alive."

"Will he be alright Zhaan? Will he?" Mokan asks anxiously.

"Yes." Zhaan breathes with relief. "I don't know how. Thank the goddess."

"Krestan my love." Mokan takes Krestan's hand, holds it to her cheek, and kisses it. "My love, I am here." She says crying to him.

Chiana smiles at their reunion. Setig walks to her and speaks to her privately. "I must tell you Lady Chiana."

"Yes Setig, what is it?" She asks, smiling.

"This Jaboan was wounded when Crichton was taken." Setig tells her.

"Taken? What do you mean taken?" Chiana already knows the answer. "No!" she screams and hits Setig's chest.

He does his best to comfort her. He places a clawed hand around her back.

Mokan hears Chiana shout. She hesitantly leaves Krestan and walks to Chiana. "I will take her. What did you tell her?" She asks him as she holds Chiana.

"There is a spy among us. Crichton has been captured and taken to the Peacekeeper base." Setig reports to them. "We suspect he is still there. Scorpius has not yet returned."

"Jake." Chiana cries. "Where is Jake?" She looks to Setig for the answer.

"He has rejoined Pagar." Setig tells her. "Geyo is searching the Comms and records for Crichton now." He says seriously to her. "We must find him. Scorpius' tactic before was to take him and move the Carrier away. Our forces will not be able to pursue."

Zhaan's Comms beeps. She answers it. It's pilot. She listens carefully then takes the Comms badge to Mokan, Chiana and Setig. "It is a communication from the resistance." She tells them and holds the badge up to them.

Mokan takes it. "This is Mokan." She says.

It is the Med tech from the base. He is excited as he gives his disjointed report. "Mallan here. When I secured captain Shelan in the rejuvenation clinic, they brought in a prisoner. There were troops everywhere, forgive me. I had to abandon him there. There was no more I could do. The prisoner. It was Crichton. He was injured. Tell Lady Chiana. I was there when they brought him. I am sorry. I barely escaped. I returned to base. It is abandoned. What happened?"

Setig speaks to Mallan. "There is as spy. The one who captured Crichton? Did you see who was with him?"

"No. The guards prevented me. He was surrounded by armed guard." Mallan says anxiously.

"Did you see Scorpius?" Setig asks.

"No. I got out of there when the guard entered." He answers.

"And what of Shelan?" Mokan asks. "Will he live? Is he worth rescuing with Crichton?"

"He is still there in rejuvenation!" Mallan reports. "I had some positive reaction when I connected him to the equipment. I don't know. I told you. I had to leave him there!" He stands in command looking at the abandoned equipment. "What do I do now? Where do I go?"

"Like the rest of us. We cannot trust our own people until we find the spy." Setig tells him.

"Go into hiding like the rest of us." Mokan tells him and closes Comms.

"We have to move now Mokan." Chiana says wiping her tears. "If we are to rescue them. We have to go now!"

"First, we get my trades ship from the base. Then we attack." Mokan says with anger in her eye. She turns to Setig. "Did the spy do this to Krestan?"

"Yes. He was found after Crichton was taken. He held Crichton's pulse pistol. He had no time to fire it at his assailant." Setig tells her.

"Then the spy will die at my hand!" she shouts and walks out of the maintenance bay toward her stealth prowler.

Chiana climbs into the copilot chair as Mokan powers up. Mokan closes the canopy. Her prowler and Setig's attack craft blast out of Moya toward their base. They both land in Mokan's landing bay. Mokan goes to her command and powers up her trades ship. Chiana goes to the galley for her juice.

"Mallan!" she says, entering the galley.

"I was looking for something to eat. Mokan is powering up? Where are we going?" Mallan asks.

"To attack the Peacekeeper base. We will rescue John and Phillip." Chiana tells him.

"Good." Mallan smiles. "I worry for both of them." He says, sipping a cold drink from Mokan's refrigeration unit. He sits and gets comfortable, crossing his ankles at the galley table.

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

The hardest part is the waiting. The battles fought and lost were better than this. Setig's heat pulse was better than this. Waiting in a locked in a cell hoping that Chiana would visit was better than this. "Crichton torturing me in the chair was better than this!"

Phillip feels he may go mad with the waiting! Still he must stay until his Intel tells him otherwise. He knows that his people are well placed. Soon they will seek him. Soon he will be able to help Chiana in her cause. Her purpose and that of the Peacekeepers will move hand in hand against the Nebari government. The thought of the contagion frightens him.

Phillip is constantly moving, conditioning, hitting the fresher, preflight checks on the prowler. He has polished his boots three times. He can see his face in them. Still he waits. The loneliness begins to wear on him. With Crichton gone he has nothing to fear from the resistance. He can go back to Chiana. Serve as her Protector. He hopes his own people will protect her. They know not to touch her.

The rough treatment during Phillip's arrest on the Rac'tarajin was from Scorpius' crew, not his. He trusts his people's blood oath will still stand. By now Scorpius may have told them that he is insane for her, contaminated. His credibility could be threatened. Dare he trust them to maintain their bond? He cannot panic now! He has worked too hard, suffered too much to risk it all now!

He struggles to keep hidden. He longs to see her, talk to her, touch her. No! Not yet. His heart is in his throat. His breathing is ahead of him. His mind goes wild with scenarios of her peril. What if Scorpius should take over his people? Order them to attack? Capture or even kill Chiana? He swallows and takes a deep breath.

He sits on his cot and holds his hand out to Lord Crichton's god. He waits for his presence and prays for his vigil to end soon. He thinks of his brave crew and asks for their protection from discovery, that their encoded Comms remain hidden from Scorpius. He prays for Chiana's safety. He prays for them to be together soon in pleasanter circumstances.

There is a sudden flash in his mind. It shocks him because usually when in prayer his mind is placid or filled with longing. This time there is anger. An intense hatred toward Crichton.

Phillip prays earnestly that Crichton will NEVER return to Chiana. Never again lay his hands on her delicate form! Or lay claim to her child! Phillip begins to cry with release of such anger he has held since her wedding day, that she remain free of Crichton forever!

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

Mallan sits at the galley table watching Chiana as she goes about the task of drinking her juice. He can see why captain Shelan became contaminated for her. The way she moves, so graceful. Even the way she breathes. She extends her neck to drink her juice. He nearly gasps at the shape of it. He slides himself under the galley table to hide his body's reaction to her.

It does not help that he was unable to see his assigned recreation partner on his last trip to the base. Though the thought of recreation does not have the allure of possessing Lord Crichton's wife. Or the titillation having captain Shelan's tralk. Mallan wonders, he has never been with a pregnant female before.

His mouth parts. He sighs. He moves his tongue over his moistened lips. Her civilian quarters are just adjacent. Mokan is distracted with the piloting the trades ship. It would be easy enough to overpower her.

His mind flies to her bed, imagining the joy of her pleasure. The Scarran, though is loyal to her. He may hear her screams and stop him. Mallan feels inside his jacket. An injector of the same drug he used on her husband. That would silence her!

Chiana places her juice on the table and goes about preparing her food. Mallan lifts the injector. Just then there is a pulse in his palm. The check in signal from Scorpius! He presses it twice. Once for 'I am in position.' Second for 'I await further orders.' He lowers the injector. He needs it in case Scorpius wants her.

Captain Shelan showed wisdom when he warned Mallan to avoid Scorpius. Now he is commandeered from Shelan's service. Shelan's orders? Remain in base command. Monitor the resistance's movements from the comfort of his new commission. Scorpius orders? Place himself near to Chiana or Jake with the purpose of capturing them. Then await further orders.

If Crichton's weakness is his family he was still stronger than Captain Shelan. Shelan's weakness is three fold. Trusting his commanding officer, trusting those in his command and Chiana.

Mallan is now loyal to Scorpius. He is grateful his fate brought him to Chiana. He again touches the injector. He hopes Scorpius will call for her soon. A sudden chill goes through him at the thought of what Captain Shelan would do to him if he ever found out! Then he calms remembering, the Captain would not dare come out of hiding! Scorpius would kill him.

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

ChianaGray

3/19/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Mallan came up behind her as she turned to set her glass on the table. She felt him press hard against her, a small gasp escaped her, her eyes flying wide open as his hands reached around her hips and his breath came ragged to her ear.

"Hey!" She barked as she turned to him and planted the butt of her fist into his chest. She cut her eyes at him sharply, her voice in a near coo then. "Get a grip on those hormones, Mallan."

"I'm sorry," he muttered thickly as he drew closer into her, breathing in the scent of her hair with a heavy, dreamy look in his eyes as he licked his lips. "I - I couldn't stand it ... watching you drink that jouice."

Chiana laughed, sucking in her breath suddenly as he grabbed her around her thys and lifted her to the table, setting her down roughly as he pressed his lips against her ear. She gasped deeply, the sudden rush of fear washed with threads of pleasure that raced up through her and into her chest.

"God you're persistant," She gruffed harshly as she forced him away with all her strength and slipped her feet to the floor again. She tilted her head into his neck as the senses of pleasure swept through her again at his smell and the desiring groan that escaped him. "But I - want to - stay faithful to John."

"You want me," he smiled as he pulled her to him forcefully. "Admit it."

Chiana laughed loudly, drawing into a sudden seriousness as she swayed her head, glaring up into his eyes as she took his pulse pistol from its holster and pressed it up into his crotch.

"What I want," she sighed quietly. "I want from John. So why don't you go take a cold shower before I forget you're on our side ... "

*********************************
Nhfearme

3/20/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Phillip checks his Comms. The red light is flashing. He listens and notes that Mallan has not checked in. He gets a bad feeling. He knows Scorpius must have retrieved Crichton by now. Could he have taken Mallan as well? His fear for Chiana's safety rises again. Would Mallan turn? The question needs no answer, only his feeling that Chiana is threatened takes him over.

He reaches to open Comms then stops himself. What good is he to Chiana if Scorpius captures him out in the open? He swallows. Then he remembers, Leah. Leah could look at the future, tell him if Chiana is in danger. He powers up and hits the launch sequencer. He places stealth on full and flies quickly to Leah's hut. As he lands it seems there is something different. He climbs out of the prowler and walks inside.

Kedva waits for him. Shelan sees and raises his pulse pistol. "No!" Phillip yells, holding his pulse pistol on the beast. "Stay where you are Kedva!"

"I will not harm you slave. Leah requested that I answer your questions." The beast snarls and stands to face him. "You are not to return here! You are no longer welcome! As for your plan to steal Crichton's wife? You have succeeded!" Kedva towers over Phillip.

"Keep back!" Phillip warns as he backs toward the door.

"As for her peril?" Kedva continues. "She will always be in danger. This is the nature of the life she has chosen. You cannot protect her Captain!" Kedva steps closer. He strikes the pistol from Phillip's hand then hits him knocking him against the wall.

"Aaaaa!" Phillip screams as he strikes the wall. He falls to the floor. Kedva blocks the door. Phillip scrambles into a room and slams the door. He stands breathless not noticing a form lying on the bed.

"Phillip." A sweet voice calls him.

Phillip turns and sees her. Leah is in bed. She is in her young form. Yet she seems ill.

"Not ill." She answers his thoughts. "Only tired. Kedva was trying to protect me." She says looking with love to his eyes.

He is suddenly concerned. "What has happened to you?" They have shared much. He walks to her.

"You do not belong to me. I would rather that you leave me now." She says turning her face from him.

"I am in hiding" he begins

"Until Chiana needs you." She finishes his sentence. "But if you remain with me? You may choose to never leave."

"Humph." Phillip balks. "Why?" he asks. "I have my duty."

"Duty." Leah says bitterly. "Yes, your duty Phillip. It will always keep you from me. From us."

"Us?" Phillip shakes his head wondering what she means.

"You have your information Captain." She says beginning to cry. "So will you please go now?"

"I don't understand Leah. If you need me. I will stay."

"You cannot stay! Can't you see Phillip that's why you have to go now! Otherwise it will only hurt us more."

"I don't understand. Tell me please Leah. I want to understand. How will it hurt us?" Phillip asks.

"Do you remember your joy when you thought Chiana would bear your child?" Leah asks him.

"My feelings have not changed." He defends.

"It is just that." She hesitates. "Will you love the mother of your child Phillip?" She holds her breath waiting his answer.

"Yes." He says simply.

"Then love me." Leah reaches folds back the covers, showing her swollen stomach.

"How did this happen?" Phillip is in shock. "You aren't even real! This is dreamtime here!"

"I am real. Your child is real. Would you deny your own issue?" she says angrily through her tears.

"You tricked me!" Phillip yells at her.

"It will be a hybrid. Is that why you hate me?"

"No!" He says. He feels confused. He can't stay with her and return to Chiana. "But you have the power to prevent this!" He shouts.

"Yes, I do." She answers quietly.

Suddenly the Kedva breaks down the door and runs in. He hits Phillip knocking him across the room. It goes to the bed and takes Leah. It takes her to the window and lifts her over his shoulders to hurl her down the rocky cliff.

Phillip acts swiftly. He picks up a large bottle of precious oil and strikes Kedva on the back of the head. Kedva falls dropping Leah on the window ledge. "Uh." She groans and falls unconscious.

Phillip lifts her carefully and takes her back to the bed. Only in his nightmares has he seen this. It is as it was with Chiana. She has begun to bleed. He wraps her in her blanket and takes her quickly to his prowler. He flies her to the doctor that cared for Chiana. He lifts Leah and takes her inside. "Help! Help us!" he yells and carries her through the building. He places her gently on the gurney.

Phillip looks at her and caresses her cheek with his hand. "I'm sorry Leah." He cries. "I'm sorry." He leans over and kisses her.

The doctor enters. He holds a sandwich. "What is it with you and pregnant women?" the doctor asks. He puts down his sandwich and washes his hands. He dries his hands and walks to her. He runs the scanner over her. "Why didn't you take her to the Peacekeepers?" The doctor says to him annoyed. "She will lose her baby now. Perhaps her life as well."

"No." Phillip says and lifts her from the gurney.

"Where do you think you're going?" the doctor asks, picking up his sandwich.

"I'm taking her to the Peacekeeper base." Phillip says and carries her out.

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

Phillip lands at the Peacekeeper base. His stealth on full. The bay guard remains at attention letting Captain Shelan carry Leah past.

Phillip hurries into the Med bay with Leah. "Kainar! Help her!" he calls, breathless as he places Leah tenderly on the gurney.

Kainar hurries over to them. "You took an awful risk coming here Captain." He runs the scan. "Scorpius has been here. He took Crichton. He also did a bit of recruiting."

"I had to. Can you save her?" Phillip stands near her.

"Hezmana! What happened Captain?" He says seeing the blood.

"She was attacked by an animal." He says anxiously.

"What? You had her in the badlands?" Kainar studies the scan readout. "She had no business being there! Not this close anyway."

"She was seen by a doctor in the village. He said her only chance was to bring her here."

Kainar's face is grim. "It isn't good Captain. She was doomed from the beginning. The Microt you moved her." He points to the scan. "See here. Her neck is broken. The doctor should have told you."

"What?" Phillip says unbelieving. "She's dead?" He asks. He looks at Leah trying to see if she still breathes.

"Not yet, but soon she will be. I may be able to save the child." Kainar looks at Phillip. "I'll need your assistance Captain." He glances around nervously. "It's best, the fewer who know you are here."

Kainar walks to his station and picks up some items. He puts them on a tray and rolls the tray to Leah. He sprays his hands. Phillip holds up his hands. Kainar sprays Phillip's hands then picks up a surgical laser. He carefully pulls off Leah's blanket and cuts through her skin of her lower abdomen.

Phillip caresses Leah's hair as the surgery proceeds. Kainar makes another cut to open Leah's womb. He puts down the tool and presses on Leah's stomach gently to express the child. Slowly the baby's head emerges then the shoulders, finally the hips and legs. He lifts the baby up and turns him over, holding him by the ankles. He strokes the baby's back. The baby quivers and cries.

Kainar holds the baby to Phillip. "Here, take him Captain." He says. "It may be the only chance you have to hold him."

Phillip looks at Kainar then at the child and takes him. He lifts the small blanket from the tray and wraps it around the baby. He looks into the child's bright eyes. "I wish I had a name for you. I came ill prepared for this."

Kainar cuts the cord and fixes the end. "No worries, Captain. Leah already told me what to name him." He says.

"Leah! You know her?" Phillip asks in shock.

"Officer Leah Leiter. She's been assigned here for nearly a cycle sir. She was so happy after your successful coupling. I was the one who examined her." Kainar explains. "Good work sir! Our birth rate has been low."

"Sebacean. Our coupling." Phillip says and looks at her again. He doesn't understand. "How?"

"If you don't remember sir, it must have been one of your raslak binges!" Kainar says. "Begging your pardon sir. But you must get out of here before Scorpius comes to find you."

"My son, Kainar." Phillip swallows. A chill goes through him. He looks at his son again. "What is his name?" He asks, unwilling to let him go.

"Ty'ven, sir." Kainar answers.

"Ty'ven." Phillip says looking at his son's face, his eyes. "I wish you could know your mother. She is the strongest of us."

"She said that is the name of an ancient angry god who protects the weak." Kainar reaches to get a body bag. "A strong fine son she's given you, to have survived this!" He unzips the bag.

"Wait!" Phillip stops him. "You said she isn't dead!" He says grabbing Kainar's arm.

"Now or in 500 Microts. What does it matter?" Kainar asks in surprise.

"I will take her home." Phillip says. He hesitantly hands his son to Kainar. "Did you see who Scorpius may have recruited?"

"Only one." Kainar answers taking the child. "The newly commissioned, ex Med tech, Officer Mallan."

"Give me a data pad Kainar." Phillip waits. Kainar hands him the babies birth record.

Phillip inputs some codes into the pad, then speaks into it. "Chiana this message is for you. I know you have the codes to break this encoded message. Don't trust Officer Mallan! He is a spy for Scorpius! He is dangerous!"

Phillip hands the pad back to Kainar. "Transmit this for me."

"Yes, Captain sir." Kainar says, more as a friend.

"Take care of my son for me Kainar." He lifts Leah. "I have to care for his mother now." Phillip takes one last long look at Ty'ven and walks quickly out to his prowler.

Phillip places Leah in the copilot seat. Just then, it hits him. He looks at her face. All that has happened. He hits the power, the launch sequencer. As he speeds to her hut, he cries in deep sobs to lose her. "I'm sorry Leah. I do love you." He cries as he lands. He takes her from the prowler and carries her to the door.

Kedva greets him. "I will take her and care for her." it takes Leah from him.

Phillip follows him in. Kedva has prepared the room for her. Candles surround her bed. Kedva places her there. Phillip sits next to her on the bed. He holds her hand, crying.

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

Mokan brings her trades ship out of the compromised resistance base and into planetary orbit. The Comms light blinks. She hits the switch to open the frequency. It sounds like loud static. She turns it off and walks to the galley. Chiana is still there with Mallan, eating.

"There is a Comms." Mokan says cautiously. "I think you should hear it."

"Alright." Chiana says. She gets up from her chair, shoves the last piece of food into her mouth and quickly rinses and racks her dish.

Mallan watches her with great interest. Mokan notices. Chiana follows Mokan out of the galley toward command.

"Is Mallan being a good boy?" Mokan asks her as they walk.

Chiana laughs nervously. "I don't know what you mean." She smiles.

They enter the trade ship's Command. Mokan sits in her command chair. She hits the Comms switch turning on the loud distorted transmission.

Chiana listens for a Microt and begins inputting the code she learned from Phillip. Soon the static clears. It is a repeating message.

"... a spy for Scorpius! He is dangerous!" (pause) "Chiana this message is for you. I know you have the codes to break this encoded message. Don't trust Officer Mallan! He is a spy for Scorpius! He is dangerous!"

Chiana swallows. The message continues to repeat in the background as she looks toward the Command hatch. Mokan stands. "I'll take care of it." She says, drawing her Qualta and converting it to a pulse rifle.

Chiana draws her dagger. "Wait." She puts her hand on Mokan's arm. "These bastards got John. I know that wasn't easy. Let's do this safe. Let's get Setig, just in case." Chiana cautions.

Mokan shakes her head in agreement. She slaps off the Comms and walks with Chiana to gain Setig's help in capturing Officer Mallan.

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

ChianaGray

3/22/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Chiana leaned over the table, easing her hips around its corner with a small smile as she looked to Mokan and Setig entering. She ploped a food cube into her mouth, resting on her elbows as she gazed at the top of the table thoughtfully. Mallan stared at her. She cut her eyes to him from beneath her bangs, a rather adventurous look in her dark eyes as she looked him over munching her cube.

"Well?" Mokan krinkled her face at her in a near snarel as she crossed her arms. "You wanted a meeting ... I'm buisy."

"Yeah," Chiana slightly curled a smile into one corner of her mouth as she stood and shifted her shoulders. "I need you to help me arrange moving the prowler Crichton had been creating for Scorpius..."

"Where?"

"These coordinance," she stated as she set down a small chip on the table. "I'm selling it to the Scarrens to re-supply what I've lost since the sqirmish."

"I am honored," Setig slightly bowed. "You are going to provide my people with this wormhole technology. We shall be merciful to the Nebari."

"In alliance to our resistance Setig," Chiana cooed as she smiled. "Just be sure none of us end up in the Scarren casualties. Don't take Nebari Prime lightly."

"You can't be serious," Mallan gaped as he stood. "Scarrens with wormhole technology? What would Nerri say to this?"

Chiana cut her eyes to him sharply in a defiant gaze before turning her attention to Mokan. "How long will it take us to transport the prowler?"

"Not long," she shrugged without much interest.

"Good," Chiana half nodded as she slid the chip across the table and smiled wrly up at Setig. "Take care of this for me, we still have a few negotiations on the price to cover. Mokan will notify our contacts when to move it as soon as I'm satisfied. Mallan, you'll take care of our security when we're ready for the exchange. I need you to find me a safe place for the Scarrens to land a few transports into our care. I don't want them to be trackable once they're in our hands."

"Of course," Mallan nodded, stunned as he turned his eyes away from her.

**********************************
Nhfearme

3/23/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Mallan finds a private corner in the landing bay. He hits his personal Comms unit. "Emergency communication scramble velca to Scorpius. The Resistance has plans to move Crichton's secret project. Please advise."

Mallan waits for the answer, listening. "Yes sir, will do! Confirm." Mallan looks again to be sure he has not been observed. He walks out of the landing bay and to quarters to clean up. "Soon lovely girl." He says under his breath as he strips his Peacekeeper pants and climbs into the fresher.

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

Chiana, Mokan and Setig stand in command.

"Mallan has sent the Intel to Scorpius." Setig hisses. "It will delay the command carrier's departure until we can rescue Crichton."

"That's all we need." Chiana says. "These bastards will work for us for a change."

"Don't worry Chiana." Mokan puts her hand on Chiana's shoulder. "We'll get Crichton back."

Chiana grips Mokan's wrist and tries to smile. "Thank you Mokan."

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

Jothie walks quickly down the passageway. "Repeat Pilot."

"Krestan has taken a transport pod to the surface." Pilot tells him. "He has been gone nearly a quarter arn."

"Zhaan! Dad!" Jothie says upset to Comms. "Pilot where are they?"

"They went to the Commerce district for supplies." Pilot tells him.

"Did you Comm them?" Jothie asks.

"Of course Jothie. They aren't responding to their Comms." Pilot reports.

"This is real trouble. With Scorpius nearby he could find us." Jothie stands in the passageway then turns back walking towards command. "Are you still tracking him Pilot?"

"Yes. He is still on a trajectory for the planet." Pilot tells him.

"Comm Mokan. If anyone would be able to stop him, it would be her." Jothie walks into command. "Hurry pilot while she can still find him." Jothie stands in command; he looks at the readouts. "Encode his coordinates. We have to be careful on this one Pilot."

Pilot Comms to Mokan. "Mokan. Please respond."

Mokan, Chiana and Setig are still in the trade ship's command.

Mokan presses Comms. "Pilot?" she asks, surprised.

"Krestan is bound for the planet. I am sending you his coordinates."

"Thank you Pilot!" Mokan says. She turns to Setig and Chiana. "I will return in time to effect our plan." She turns to Setig. "Guard him carefully."

Mokan grips Chiana's arms briefly, looking into her eyes. "Be careful." She then turns and leaves.

Mokan gets into her stealth prowler and blasts out of her landing bay in search of Krestan. She is been gone a mere Microt when the Comms beeps again. Chiana opens the frequency.

"Jake is missing Lady Chiana." It's Pagar.

Chiana gasps and listens. She mouths the word 'No,' as Pagar gives the report.

"He did not report for the morning meal. We have searched the vessel and found one attack craft is missing."

"Thank you Pagar." Setig closes Comms and turns to Chiana. "It appears that Scorpius has more spies than Mallan."

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

Krestan searches for a safe place to land. He is confused by the peacekeeper attack. He needs to find allies that will help him stay clear of them. He sees a prowler patrol approaching. He lands near the equator, knowing Sebaceans would not dare seek him there. He wonders how the peacekeepers know his connection to Mokan. He begins to doubt his understanding of the situation. The Peacekeeper who attacked him took Crichton.

Mokan calls to Moya over Comms. "How long has he been missing Pilot?"

"He left half an arn ago Mokan." Pilot's voice comes over Mokan's Comm. "Follow the given trajectory. It will lead you to the transport pod." Pilot tells her.

"I have past that area already Pilot. I don't see the pod at that location." Mokan passes by that section again, searching the ground.

"Moya is still picking up the heat signature to his pod." Pilot answers. "The location is coming to you now."

"Thank you Pilot." Mokan looks at the data and follows it in. She sees the transport pod. She circles to make sure no other craft have tracked it. She keeps her stealth on full as she lands some distance and reconnoiters the parameter.

**************************
ChianaGray

3/25/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Mokan landed next to Krestans ship, her heart pounding hard as she came out with her qualta in her hands. She stepped into the tall trees, not far from a village she was sure he may make his way to. She listened for a movement, gently smelling the air until a whift of his sent just barely came to her. She began to tremble, her heart aching at the remembered scent of his musk and traditonal oils. She moved with the drift of the smell, tears comming to her eyes as it brought her memories of her family and the last time she had ever seen him.

"I lived without YOU!" She screamed into the jungle, her teeth clenching as she searched desperatley around herself, trying to pick the scent up again. "Do you hear? I lived without you!"

"Why?" His voice came from behind her. She turned, not seeing him as she raised her qualta blade in its rifel form. "Would you shoot me?"

"Take the prowler and return home Krestan," She demanded, wincing her face as she cried. "I am dead to our people. You'll tell them that I am dead!"

"And you wouldn't even want me to find you?" His voice came higher pitched. She raised her rifel, aiming into his gold eyes, wide and wild in shock of her from the branches of the great tree just beyond her.

"I can't face them after what I've been through," she stated as she tried to hold the qualta on him and wipe her tears at the same time, her heart pounding. "Don't break my heart again. I want to know you're alright ... then I want you to leave."

"I'm fine," he creased his brows as he leaped from the tree, landing a few feet in front of her. He raised his head to her proudly. "I am Jaboan."

"I don't care," She winced her eyes, gruffing in protest of the sobbs that ripped through her heart. "I have been dishonored. You died! You frelling died! Get away from me!"

"You came to tell me to get away," Krestan stated more than asked as he lowered his head, gazing at her from beneath his brows as he stepped up to her, pressing his chest against the end of her qualta. "Or are you afraid the sight of me must make you choose between two lives?"

Mokan slammed her eyes shut, forcing them open again as she swayed back and forth on one knee. "You won't accept me as both. How Krestan? How could I live while my entire band is gone? Why should I live while you died?"

"Who is Zareth?" He asked gently but firmly as he drew the dagger from his side. "I want to avenge your death. I have longed for it every night."

"The man who attacked at the - base," she grimanced as she pushed him back roughly with the tip of her qualta, forcing him to stumble. "He tortured me until I was freed with the help of the Nebari I work for. Chiana."

"Mercinary?"

"No," Mokan cut her eyes into him, a dangerous glare within her depths. "I work for the resistance."

Krestan raised his head again, his eyes softening solemnly apon her as he rested his hand holding the dagger.

"You are not dead woman," he spoke quietly as he tossed the dagger to her feet. "Could you see me as your mate again?"

"How long will you stay?"

Krestan sighed deeply as he moved her qualta down until it pointed to the earth and stepped into her. He wrapped his arms around her, turning his face into her neck as he held her. Mokan's knees gave, a deep cry escaping her as she dropped her blade and snatched him around his waist tightly.
Krestan closed his eyes, knealing with her as he waited.

*********************************
Nhfearme

3/26/01

IC:

The arns stretch to the end of the day. Mokan still has not reported in. Chiana has reservations about their plan to expose Scorpius' spies.

Chiana goes into her room and bolts the door. She lets her clothes drop to the floor and enters the fresher.

Chiana succors her memories of John. The last time they showered together was so wonderful. She dries and goes to bed. It is hard to get to sleep. She misses him so.

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

ChianaGray

3/27/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Chiana drifted through her dreams. She saw herself standing in Moyas terrace, gazing out at streams of light Moya was passing through in starburst. She awed at it, her head tilting to one side as her arms drew out.

"Chiana."

She turned, her eyes casting solemnly on a young man somewhere in his early teens, maybe 15 or so. He looked Nebari, his flesh an ashen gray with darker shadows blushing his cheeks, dark thin lips. He gazed out at her from a curtain of long, jet black hair, most of his face hidden within the strands that fell to the shoulders of his cloak.

"I'll - I'll be leaving soon."

"Why?" She curved her head to him as she aproached him, her heart beggining to pound in her chest. Her eyes narrowed. "What are you up to? Jarren ... I heard someone calling you Shadow. Why? Why did you change your name?"

"Because of him," he spoke quietly, his eyes filled with pain as he lowered his head, letting his hair fold over his face. "I like my name."

"What about this, huh?" Chiana reached into his cloak, snatching out a dagger sheathed to his side of over a foot in length. She held it to his face angrily. "What are you doing with this? Are you leaving to kill someone, is that what you want your future to be like? Like mine?"

"It's a little late for that, isn't it?" He asked as he narrowed his eyes and gently took the dagger from her, turning his eyes away from the look on her face as her lips parted. "You don't understand what I'm looking for. I want the answers, Crichton is going to give them to me."

"Jarren," she began to tremble, trying to search his face as his figure eased more into the dark until he seemed to vanish there. "Jarren don't do this to me ... you're my son..."

"I won't betray you," his voice came solemnly. "I promise. I just want to know why ..."

Chiana moved to him in protest, reaching out as she began to awaken and found herself laying in her bed. She swallowed hard as she sat up. Her head turned, her hand reaching to Crichton for comfort but he wasn't there.

******************************
Nhfearme

3/28/01

Plan of Attack

IC:

Chiana feels strange. There is a presence next to her. She looks. The dream woke her to this. Mallans face is close to hers. He pins her shoulders to the bed. She struggles. The drug is taking effect.

Get your filthy Peacekeeper hands off me! Chiana yells.

Mallans cups his hand over her mouth. She tries to scream. It is muffled. He presses himself to her.

Scorpius said to take you by any means. He smiles. Mmmmm. You are so beautiful Chiana. He puts his lips to her neck and deeply inhales her fragrance. Crichtons woman. His voice groans, vibrating through her. The Captains lover. He looks into her eyes. His tongue teases his upper lip. I will love you too.

Chiana feels herself slipping away. With her last ounce of strength she bites his hand. He jerks it away. He looks angrily at her. He raises his hand and slaps her. You will be mine!

Suddenly he jerks. He groans in Setigs heat pulse. Setig growls in anger. His determination is to kill this infidel who would touch his Lords wife! He increases the heat in his Scarran wrath. He suddenly lowers his hand. Mallan is convulsing. Setig reaches and pushes him off of Chiana. Mallan falls to the floor screaming!

Setig looks gravely at Mallan and huffs. Then he reaches to Chiana and strokes her cheek gently with the back of his clawed hand. He reaches into his belt and draws out an injector. He injects her, giving her an antidote to Mallans drug. Slowly she wakes.

Setig? She says sleepily. What are you doing here? she says still under the drugs power.

Mallan attacked you here. Setig tells her.

The bastard. She says trying to get up. Where is he? Did he get away?

Setig looks on the floor. Chiana follows his eyes and grips the edge of the bed looking down at the now unconscious Mallan. His face has been burnt but he still breathes.

Do you think he will be ready for questioning soon? Chiana says gleefully to Setig. She smiles at Mallans capture.

It may be a while. Forgive me Lady, my anger.

***************************************
Nhfearme and ChianaGray collaboration

3/28/01

Mallan's Confusion

IC:

Setig applies a spray to Mallans face. Almost instantly his skin heals. Chiana waits. Setig gives him a stim shot then leaves them.

Chiana looks at Mallan and combs her hand through his hair. It is too bad you have to be a spy for Scorpius. Why are all of you Peacekeeper boys so tauntingly handsome?

Mallan wakes groggily. He cant move. His jacket and shirt have been removed. Chiana stands over him.

What? What am I doing here? His sinew flexes testing his bonds. His chains rattle. He is chained tightly to a chair.

The last thing he remembers is that she was naked under him on her bed. She was unconscious. Now he is her prisoner in one of her cells. He is at her mercy. She stands before him wearing black leather. Her pants show her every curve. She wears a peacekeeper dagger on her hip. Her bodice clings to her. Her breasts taunt him to touch.

Chiana pulls on leather gloves. She raises her arm and slaps him. You want to be my lover Mallan? She coos. You may have been but now you are fodder for the resistance.

What do you want? He is still waking. His eyes drink in her beauty.

You will tell me what I need to know to rescue Crichton. She breathes.

Mallan watches her move. How her leather clothes move with her. Her subtle breath, the tilt of her head allure him, tease him. He should be afraid but he is not. He breathes waiting for her next strike. It comes quickly.

Slap! His face turns from her. He wills it back to gaze on her. His face stings but he welcomes it. Slap! He wishes she would remove her gloves so that he can feel her touch.

Whats wrong with you Mallan? Chiana asks to his dream. I would think you enjoy this.

Chiana comes close to him and sits on his lap facing him. She strokes his hair with her hand. He gasps at her touch. She moves her hand over his neck and shoulder. He shudders with the movement of her hand. Her hips move across his thighs, the sound of her leather creaking...

Dont you want to help me find him? She sighs.

Mallan breathes in her scent. I want to help you Lady Chiana. She is like a powerful drug. I want to tell you. He says under her spell.

Chiana continues to move her hand over his chest. Mallans mouth opens in a gasp. He closes his eyes with pleasure then forces them open to see her hand on him. His breathing is rapid.

I was in the base in Med Lab. Shelan had already left. Scorpius sent me back to the resistance base to wait for you. He swallows. To capture you. His eyes rest on her face. Her eyes.

Chiana touches his face, looking into his eyes. He can feel himself falling into her eyes. I, I wanted you so badly. I couldnt help myself.

She brushes her face against his. Tell me how I can rescue Crichton, Mallan. She whispers into his ear.

The feel of her sensuous breath, the touch of her cheek. Her soft hair against his skin. He can feel such a longing to take her!

Chiana brushes her lips against his neck. He trembles. Mallan gasps at her intimacy and turns his face to hers.

She teases his lips with hers. Tell me Mallan. She smiles.

He has already been transferred to the carrier. I dont know how you can get him there. I knew the base. That is all. He tries to move his face to her as she pulls away. His chains stop him.

The carrier. Do you know the codes there? Her mouth parts denches from his own as she traces his lips with her finger, breathing in a ragged breath as her finger tips into mouth.

Please I. Mallan tries to think. His mind is afraid of Scorpius but wants to please his new mistress. Scorpius will kill me for this betrayal Chiana... I, I want to. He gasps at his weak will.

Chiana suddenly gets off of him. She looks at his eyes and growls. I will leave you here to die Peacekeeper! She begins to walk away.

No! Wait! Mallan calls after her. Please! His heart is pounding through his chest at her leaving. Just to have her there, as his torturer is enough. If she will only return. Please. He swallows.

Chiana rests against the bars of his cell. The cold metal of the bars brush against her breast. His heart groans at the sight. She peeks in at him. Will you tell me the codes Mallan?

Yes mistress. If you will only come in to me. He hungers for her. Please, dont leave me like this. Mallan begs.

Chiana enters and stands very close to his side. She brushes the back of her hand against his cheek, his neck. He gasps at her touch and turns his face to her. He kisses the back of her gloved hand and lifts his tortured eyes to her.

Tell me. She taunts.

I a.. it means death if I do this. He swallows. His lips long for her touch, her kiss. He turns his face to her expectantly. "I - he's on a command carrier...." he gasps, trying to swallow. Chiana narrows her eyes, pressing against him.

"I know that," she speaks in a low, dangerous tone. "Don't I?"

Chiana again sits, straddling him. He reaches to touch his lips to hers. She allows a tender touch to his. She turns her face from his. His lips trail down her neck to her chest. His chains restrain him from feasting on her breasts.

Tell me. She begins to withdraw from him again. "I want you to tell me how bad I want my husband Mallan. You tell me what I want."

Mallans heart feels a ripping, almost terror at her break of passion! He gasps in pain. My implant! He cries in panic. In my palm. My implant has the communications Comms. They will allow you to get on board. His eyes look in fear to her, pleading for her return. His heart pounds. His desire for her is stronger than his fear of death. His desire for her has broken him.

She stands over him, straddling him as she snatches his hair and pulls his head back further against the chair. Chiana slowly lowers herself to him.

He moans, thrusting slightly, his hardness pressing against her inner thigh. Chiana gasps! The hairs of her body rising as thrills of pleasure mixed with fear of his suddenness washes through her chest. Crichton," she sighs into his ear as she runs her hand down his chest, feeling his shudders as he moans again. She touches him through his pants, watching him as his head comes back in an agonized groan, feeling his throbs as he climaxes on himself.

He cries out as the chair falls back with him. Chiana lets her head hang loosely to her shoulders as he hits the floor, sitting harshly on his abdomen. Leaning back against his legs she slips the point of her dagger under his chin. She gazes into his eyes distantly.

Chiana raises her chin slightly. The dark thought of slitting his throat for trying to attack her like Shelan... She lets a small, wry smile cross her lips as she leans over, planting her hand at the side of his face.

She sets the dagger aside, wiping her tongue with her thumb and fingertip before kissing him on the lips. She kisses again, her tongue searching his, moving her hips as his hardness begins to throb again against her.

She gently breaks the kiss. His lips still longing for hers. She reaches and picks up her dagger. She moves it over his begging lips and along his chin. She gets up and looks down at him, snapping Jena into its scabbard. "Oh yes!" She says licking his taste from her lips. "If only you werent a spy for Scorpius." She says breathless and walks away.