Nova places Jake in the shadows and studies the bunker that holds the amassing Scarran attack force, wondering how long she would have to wait.

Her fingers feel the surface of the small beacon Hep gave her. She slips it in the seam of her vest. Another group of Scarrans is approaching the bunker. She backs into the shadows with Jake.

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

Chiana studies the two men. If she had her choice, she would choose Hep. Still Shelan has been good to her. The dress, trying to protect her from the pirate. She finds herself wanting to be protective of him. She looks into Hep's eyes as though asking mercy for Captain Shelan.

"I would have done the same thing." Shelan nervously checks the perimeter, his eyes falling on the pulse pistol pointed at his chest. "Except it would mean my death." Shelan looks at Chiana then says seriously to Hep. "You must go quickly. Security is about to get a lot tighter with your disappearance!"

Just then, there is a scream from outside. Hep lowers Nova's Pulse Pistol from Shelan and glowers at him, then turns and runs to the window overlooking the street.

Nova is being dragged into the bunker.

Hep looks at Chiana. Desperation shows in his eyes. Then they hear the voice of a child screaming. Hep's eyes meet with Chiana's as they realize.

"Jake!" Chiana gasps. She glances at Captain Shelan. That one look to him says it all. "Help us." She begs.

Topik has been watching the three from the shadows. When he hears Nova's scream then Jake's, his guilt wins over his cowardice. "That is the building where the Scarran force is gathering." He says almost absent mindedly to Hep.

Shelan reacts with a start. "Scarran force?"

"Yes." Topik must be in shock. His eyes are glazed over. "I saw them enter. I heard their plan." His tone is flat. "Their plan is to attack Scorpius here at the banquet."

"And now they have Nova and Jake." Chiana adds getting upset that they are still standing there. "Take these off!" She demands of Hep.

"Can't." Hep says. "Don't have the key."

Shelan already has Chiana's hands in his. He reaches and removes her cuffs. Chiana looks startled at Shelan's boldness.

"I'll help you. But we have to hurry! Scorpius will soon discover that you have escaped."

Topik looks down on the street. "That's him! That's the Scarran they sent to torture Kry-ton."

Hep looks at Chiana, Topik and Shelan. "I'll go for Nova and Jake." He puts his hands on Chiana's shoulders. "Your best chance is to go for Crichton."

Chiana looks at Topik.

"Don't lookat me! I'm going for Nova!"

Chiana looks at Captain Shelan.

"Right!" Shelan says pulling his Pulse Pistol. "Lets move."

Shelan leads the pack. They exit through the back alley and move quickly toward the Scarran bunker.

Suddenly Captain Shelan ducks back into the alley. "More of them!" He looks at Hep. "I still have to do my duty and protect Scorpius. Even if he is science branch." He looks down.

Hep sees the forces are formidable. "If we start a skirmish out here?" He asks.

"Then Peacekeeper forces will have time to react to the threat." Shelan responds.

"And the Scarrans will move Nova and Jake! You could follow them!" Chiana adds.

"We don't want them firing at us though!" Topik says nervously.

"No problem." Shelan pulls a small device from his pocket. "Place this and I'll detonate it." He hands it to Topik.

"Not me!" Topik says withdrawing his hand.

"I'll do it!" Chiana takes the charge from Captain Shelan and runs it to the far side of the bunker where it do the least damage but get their attention. She runs back to the group.

"You had best go." Hep says to Shelan as Chiana comes running up. "The Scarran is on foot. He went that way."

Captain Shelan gives the detonator to Hep. There is an exchange of expressions between the men of respect. Shelan takes Chiana's hand to lead her and dashes to a Prowler in the back of the Banquet Hall.

"My career is in the dren." He remarks as he powers up. He hits the Comms as he lifts off. "Scorpius!" He waits for response.

"This is Scorpius."

He hovers above the banquet hall. "This is Captain Shelan, Sir." Shelan's heart is in his throat. "I have intel that the Scarrans are planning to attack you at the banquet. I have no forces here, Sir. You'd best evac."

"Thank you Captain." Comes Scorpius reply. "You have done well tonight, Scorpius out."

"There he is!" Chiana says excitedly, pointing down at a single Scarran male walking a few blocks away.

Captain Shelan follows stealthly.

Suddenly there is a bright flash. The attack has begun.

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

Nova JM
12/01/00
Attack
IC:

Nova struggled as she was ushered into a smaller room. She heard Jake scream. Her adrenaline rushed through her body as she pushed off the Scarren holding her, surpising him she threw him off balance. She ran towards Jakes voice when she was wrestled down by two more Scarrens. Fighting she pushed a Scarren to the side. But her energy was draining from fighting such strong Creatures.

Forcing her to her feet, she stood with one Scarren each holding either arm. She growled at the Third who pointed towards her. His foul breath extened towards her as she colapsed under the foul feeling that encroached upon her body.

"I could kill you with only a thought, mercinary." the Scarren hissed as he released her. She gasped for a breath of air. "Why were you with the child." He demanded from her.

She spat at him. "I was only to babysit him. And You are Interferring." She lunged foward towards the Scarren. The other two held her back.

"What for Scorpius?" he hissed towards her.

Nova felt the anger flush into her system. "How dare you associate me with that creature." She slipped on hand free from the grip of the other Scarren and lunged towards her questioner. The other Scarren quickly gained control of her again.

"Then who the PeaceKeepers?" he watches as her eyes narrowed at him in anger.

"You don't dare associate me with the PeaceKeeper Scum. Or I will rip your foul heart out." She hissed at him. She heard a low chuckle rise from the Scarren.

"You are a bold Mercinary arnt you?" He smiled towards her.

Nova only listened as the screams of Jake became fainter as he was brought to another room. She stood determined to get herself out. She only had to find her staff.

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

Nhfearme
12/01/00
Attack
IC:

Suddenly the explosion shakes the building. Tiles fall from the ceiling as the Scarrans scatter. Most of them run out of the front and side doors.

"Your accomplice did this!" The Scarran accuses Nova. Even as the building seems to be crashing down on them, he questions her. He holds his hand towards her, pointing. "I will know the truth." He hisses.

What feels like a heat blast, comes from the Scarran's hand. Nova feels that same faint, sick feeling she had before when he breathed on her.

"What is your plan with Scorpius?" He asks her.

Nova looks as though she may faint. She draws a ragged breath. "Scorpius is a mollen sucking, vork freller..." She says as she nearly passes out.

"Pagar!" One of the Scarran's helping with the evacuation interrupts the interrogation. "We are under attack by the Peacekeepers! They have chosen to attack us when we are together in one place!"

Pagar listens with little interest trying to digest Nova's involvement with the attack.

"The blast was caused by a Velnoty device, Sir! Designed to pierce and burn our skins!"

"I know the meaning of Velnoty!" Pagar snarls at him. "Continue to evacuate. It was a mistake to have ourselves together without more protection!"

Pagar again gives his attention to Nova. "Tell me!" He growls. "What do you know of this attack?"

She is near unconsciousness, still Pagar's power compels her. "You're across the street from 300 Peacekeepers and you ask me that!" She is incredulous. With her last ounce of strength, she giggles softly.

"This one knows nothing!" Pagar lowers his hand.

Nova collapses on the floor and vomits on the Scarrans feet.

Pagar steps back. "Leave her for the building to collapse on her! Bring the child!" He orders, leaving by the side door.

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

Crichton battles against the wind as the sun sets. Aeryn leaves the window, no longer watching him.

"It's time to go John." Scorpius appears from nowhere.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be, Harvey." John lowers his sword. "How do we do this?"

"You must remember what is real. You are not on your beloved world with your family. You are locked in a Scarran's power. You are being interrogated for information that will harm Jake. When the Scarran is finished he will kill you."

"The place I was in before, it is like that?"

"Yes." Scorpius prompts him. "The crossed swords are behind you. The Scarran you must battle is to your right standing by the Hesmat."

"I can visualize, but I still don't know how to get out!" John admits to his old foe.

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

Captain Shelan hovers in his Prowler to observe the Scarran as he turns down a small alley.

"Wow! I never saw someone pilot one of these to do this!" Chiana exclaims.

"It's the Prowler, not the pilot. Special for my line of work." Shelan explains.

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

Jake is brought from his holding cell out through the main hall. He sees Nova on the floor.

"Miss Nova?" Jake calls to her as they pass through the hall. "What did you do to Miss Nova? You monsters!" Jake starts screaming and kicking his captors.

Pagar exits the building. One of his men holds Jake by a chain attached to his wrists. Jake is screaming and kicking the Scarran's shins and feet.

"Let me go! Monsters! The Peacekeepers will get you! My Daddy will kill you."

"There he is!" Topik whispers to Hep.

Though he didn't need to. Jake is making so much noise; he can probably be heard from the banquet!

"Where is Nova?" Hep asks, concerned.

"Perhaps they killed her." Topik answers.

"You must follow Jake, Topik."

"No, I get Nova!"

"Are you prepared to fight if there are still Scarrans inside?"

Topik ponders. "No. You get Nova, I follow the boy."

"Good. Here." Hep hands Topik a personal emergency becon. "Turn it on when you find Jake."

"Right. I'll do that." Topik takes it and follows Pagar and Jake stealthily.

Hep runs across the street to save Nova.

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

"You must concentrate, John. Amoth's replacement will be here at any microt. You can't possibly defeat two Scarrans!"

"I'm trying Harvey! I'm trying." John squeezes his eyes shut. "Dark, gothic, Scarran at Hazmana controls. I'm standing in one place, stationary. The swords are behind me..."

"This is getting you nowhere, John." Scorpius is losing patience. "The power is in your mind. You must have discipline!"

"I'm doin' the best I can, Harvey!"

"I will have to shut down your brain function, John. There is no other way."

"No, wait, give me a minute, Harvey... No! Harvey!"

John wakes covered in sweat on the hard stone floor. He can hear his torturer reporting into his record the events leading up to his death. John can't move, so tired.

John hears footsteps from another direction. He closes his eyes and 'plays dead'.

"The Imperium knew you couldn't be trusted, Hagar!" Amoth's replacement has arrived. "Prepare to die, traitor!"

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

Nova JM
12/4/00
Destruction
IC:

Report.

Scorpius, the Nebari Girl and her companion have escaped. The officer said as he came into Scorpiuss view. He trembled slightly fearing that the Scarren Half breed would go into a rage, but he would wait for a while as Scorpius just sat there in his own thought.

Did you see where they went? Scorpius questioned after a moment.

No sir. Shall we pursue to recover the prisoners?

Scorpius looked at the young Sebacean and leaned back into his chair, No.

Sir? A look of surprise crossed the officers face.

Track them down, but do not engage them. He knew that Chiana would go after and find his prize. He would only wait until it was his time to retrieve Crichton.

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

Hep moved silently through the building as it trembled and shook. The explosion was bringing down the roof of the building as it creaked and cracked. He cursed lightly under his breath when he realized that Nova did not turn on her beaconing device to allow for him to find her. He ducking into the darkness as a group of Scarrens came rushing past him, moving to evacuate the building. When the cost was clear he moved swiftly down the hall.

Making his way through the building he notices a glimmer in the corner behind a stack of crates, he looked to find Novas staff. Taking a hold of the Staff he knew he was getting closer. The building shook as a support beam collapsed behind him. Through the dust he plunged forward searching.

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

Novas gasped for air as she lay upon the floor. The ground was cool and helped to dissipate the nauseous feeling the still gripped her stomach. She coughed expelling any other toxic fumes from her body. She ached as her body lay upon the ground. Her mind raced as she thought about Jake, she moved her arms to push herself up from the ground. The pounding in her head was too strong as it sent her crashing back to the ground.

A loud clank and the sound of running footsteps filled her mind. Great, she thought to herself, they must now want to come finish her off. She concentrated on the footsteps as she prepared herself for one last fight. She felt the energy surge back within her as if she made the ground tremble, when the footsteps slowed, she pushed herself off the ground and lunged for her final attack only to collapse in Heps arms when she realized it was him.

What are you doing here? She whispered hoarsely to him, Arent you supposed to be saving Chiana?

Already done. He caught a hold of her falling body.

That was fast. She smiled weakly as she allowed him to catch her.

It was easier than expected. Besides, why didnt you set off your beacon? He scolded her.

She laughed at him, I havent found Crichton yet. Her arms went limp as her legs collapsed out from underneath her.

We have to get you out of here.

Why? I can get out by myself. She protested the rescue.

Really? Hep asked her amused. And how might I ask?

She looked up at him, Id make it, as soon as I gain control of my body again.

Before the building collapses on you? Hep spoke as the building made another crack straining under its own weight.

The building is not falling. She spoke to herself.

Hep laughed to himself as he quickly went and grabbed her staff, coming back to her he lifted her up again in his arms. Yes it is.

She looked back up to him again, while wrapping her arm around his neck. Is that why my head is pounding? She added, Hey my staff. She smiled

Hep took her looking for a why out of the building. He knew it wouldnt hold itself up much longer as all the support beams snapped. Nova lightly cried as he mind focused upon Jake again. Theyre taking him to the main ship.

Well get him. Hep said aloud as he dodged falling debris.

I havent found Crighton.

Chiana is looking for him right now. Hep saw the wall before him open up crumbling as the building tipped tearing a hole within its walls. Hep headed towards the hole, carrying Nova in his arms.

Where is Topik?

You are awfully full of questions right now. Hep answered her back; she was probably more delirious than conscious of what she was saying.

Never mind he can take care of himself. She laughed to herself.

Once outside the building, Nova heard the Scarren ships take off. They got Jake, she cried, I failed.

We will get him back. Hep reassured her, We just need a way.

The Prowler in the hanger that you left. She suggested.

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

Nhfearme
12/5/00
Destruction
IC:

"Setig Katovan!" Hagar turns to face him. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to protect Crichton from you. I see I am too late! That means I have the unpleasant duty of exicuting you." Setig circles the room approaching his prey.

"Crichton died at Kelvo 7. His death was an accident. The Imperium will see my death as murder, Setig."

"The Imperium wasn't specific about the cause of his death. They simply instructed me to kill you if he died under your care."

Hagar moves away from Setig, moving around the room. "I am loyal to the Imperium. Pagar will defend my name! He has just informed me that Crichton's child has been captured due to my efforts!"

"That does not effect my orders. You still killed him!"

"You will find I am not so easy to kill Setig!" Hagar raises his hand and fires a heat pulse at Setig.

Setig moves aside letting the pulse hit the wall scorching it. "Coward! Take your punishment!"

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

"Well now what?"

"Just as soon as I find a place to land we can go rescue this friend of yours Chiana." Shelan says negociating the alleyways with his Stealth Prowler.

"Well, hurry up!" Chiana says impatiently.

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

"Hep and Nova haven't gotten far from the Scarran bunker when it collapses. Debris and dust belches out of the hole in the wall, speuing over them. Hep hits the dirt and covers Nova and himself with his leather coat.

Nova is coughing from the dust. "What did you use on that?"

"It was a Velnoty device. It shouldn't have done that. Maybe Captain Shelan has special charges for his duty."

"How the Hezmana did you get a Velnoty device anyway? From Shelan? Isn't he the Captain who arrested you?"

"It's complicated. Come on, let's go."

Suddenly Hep hears something. Something faint, like a beeping. He opens his coat. The beeping gets louder. He takes out a device. It has a red light on it that serves as an indicator.

"Did you activate your homing becon Nova?"

"Don't look at me."

Hep looks up at the Scarran ships overhead and at the indicator.

"I think it must be Topik! That old lizard! He's braver than I thought!" He lifts Nova. "Come on, we have a child to catch!"

Hep carries Nova across the street and down to where he has his Personal Transport. He straddles her on it and climbs in front.

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

Crichton hears the frightening sounds of the two titans fighting, upsetting furniture, crashing into equipment, hissing and growling; struggling against one another for the kill.

Setig slashes Hagar. Blood drips down Hagar's chest. Hagar snarls at Setig in vicious rage, shooting a searing heat pulse at Setig. Setig's clothes are scorched and burned. He growls in pain at his scorched skin.

John remains still on the stone floor waiting for the victor to emerge. He grips his fist, testing to see if he has the strength.

6 arns of interrogation has left him without the strength to fight them.

"How can I fight?" He thinks. "I don't even think I can stand!"

Captain Shelan lands the Stealth Prowler. He and Chiana run to the Scarran bunker. They enter to find Crichton on the floor, the two Scarrans struggling. Chiana runs to Crichton.

"John! John!"

Hagar has his hands on Setig's throat.

"Intruders! Peacekeeper scum!" Hagar yells.

Setig breaks free of Hagar's grip and backs away from the conflict. "If you have come to attack us, know this, our forces are coming!"

Chiana looks at Shelan. "We only came for my friend."

"Take him! Leave us! I must perform my duty of executing Hagar for the death of the prisoner Crichton."

Chiana is in shock starring at Crichton, transfixed. "The Bastards killed him." She says softly, almost unable to speak.

Chiana stands, crying. Shelan stoops by Crichton and picks him up. John opens his eyes at Chiana. She gasps, almost giving it away. John looks at the swords, then Chiana, then the swords again, trying to give her a signal to take it. Chiana turns to the Scarran foes and walks bravely to the mounted swords taking them down.

"Compensation!" She says simply. "For killing my friend!" She takes them, cobwebs, scabbards, mounting and all, then walks briskly out the door.

Just then they see a scarran ship approaching. They run to the prowler. Shelan still carrying Crichton.

John grunts as he bounces on Shelan's shoulder.

"What the Hezmana!" Shelan says and puts him down.

Crichton can barely stand. Shelan pulls Crichton's arm around him, helping him walk to the prowler.

They barely make it before Scarran forces land.

"Maybe they didn't see us!" Shelan says, not so confidently.

"Get us outta' here Shelan!" Chiana says putting the swords next to the seat.

"Why the dren did you bring that thing?" Shelan says as they lift off.

"It's the only way I know to fight Scarrans." Answers Crichton out of his exhaustion.

As they pull away, Pagar disembarks his craft. Jake is with him.

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

Hep and Nova begin to uncover Crichton's Prowler at Topik's storage hangar. Hep takes a quick look at his Personal Beacon tracker.

"I thought you said the Scarrans were taking Jake to their ship?" Hep asks Nova.

"That's what that Pagar told his men."

"Well, he gave you false intell. They're not going fast enough. It almost looks like Topik's signal is stationary. They're not too far from here."

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

Captain Shelan pilots the craft. Crichton sits in the co-pilot seat. Chiana sits on Crichton's lap.

"Here John." Chiana hands Crichton a yellow capsule.

John lets Chiana place it in his mouth. Chiana hands him a small bag of food cubes. John takes it.

"Nice dress. You look good in black." He's too weak to smile, but he looks into her eyes.

"Thanks." She says, smiling at him, her arms around his neck. She stares at him, studying his eyes.

"I have to find my son, Chiana." John says seriously. "He was with me when I escaped from Scorpius."

"We had him." She says.

John looks at her with shock.

"But the Scarrans took him." She says, suddenly unable to look him in the eyes.

"Hep may know where he is, though." Shelan offers.

"John, I want you to meet Captain Shelan. Shelan, this is Commander John Crichton." She smiles. "Turn Comms to 973.3." She says to Shelan. "I saw that on Hep's personal transport, if he's listening."

Shelan switches on Comms. "Hep." Shelan hesitates to identify himself, if the Peacekeepers are picking it up. "Hep, do you read me?" He waits anxiously.

"Go north." Chiana says to Shelan. "There's a safe place for us there."

Captain Shelan turns the Prowler twards the north. Soon they are at Topik's hangar. Shelan lands and taxis into the hangar.

Chiana and Crichton get out of Shelan's Prowler. Crichton is able to stand on his own. Still he leans on Chiana. She sees Heps personal transport.

"You've really been through the dren, haven't you? Here, lets get you to the bed." She says to him.

Captain Shelan gets out and walks up behind them. "Where are they?"

"I dunno." She says. "But they took Crichton's Prowler."

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

"I could be home with my pipe and pie right now!" Topik says to himself, unnerved at being trapped in the Scarran transport. "No, my pipe is broken." He remembers. "Where is that Hep! He said he would come."

Hep and Nova approach Topik's Emergency Homing signal. They see the Scarran forces below. Nearly all the ships have landed there from the scattered Scarran forces.

"You don't think?" Nova says. "That's where they have Crichton."

"If Chiana and Shelan walked into this, they may be dead now." He says solumnly.

"Still, I don't see his Prowler. Maybe they got away!"

"Maybe." Hep says. "I'll try to Comm them."

"No!" Nova is upset. "That will lead the Peacekeepers straight to us!"

"I have my own emergency band, I told you. If Chiana is smart enough to tune to it." Hep switches the frequency.

"Chiana!" Hep Comms. "Chiana, do you hear me?"

Captain Shelan helps Crichton to the stairs. They hear the Comms activate on Hep's personal transport.

"It's Hep!" Chiana exclaims. She runs to press Comms on the transport. "This is Chi!" She says excitedly. "Did you find Jake?"

"We found Jake alright." Hep answers. "And the Scarran force."

Crichton sits on the stairs, listening. Chiana looks at him.

Hep continues. "We'll need an army, if we're going to rescue him now. We'll just have to wait until they move him again."

Nova puts her hand on Hep's shoulder. "What about Topik?"

Hep turns to her. "Sorry. It can't be helped."

"I don't have time. I have to do something." Crichton stands and nearly falls.

Captain Shelan catches him. "Not in your condition, you're not."

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

"I have to go. I am supposed to be scrambling my forces against the Scarrans. I must engage them at their new position."

"No!" Crichton grabs Shelan's arm. "No! Jake, they may kill Jake in the attack."

"I will force them to move him again, allowing us to rescue him." Shelan assures him.

"No, Captain. They cannot find him! I gave everything up to save him!" Crichton looks to Shelan in desperation.

Chiana is surprised at Crichton's remark about 'giving up everything'. It makes her wonder.

"Please, don't give him back to Scorpius." Fear flashes in John's eyes to the Shelan.

"Recognizance is sure to show their activity. It's only a matter of time before their position is known." Shelan ponders. "Still, I could delay my report."

"How much time?" Crichton asks.

"A matter of arns." Shelan answers.

"Hep and Nova are there." Chiana reminds them. "They'll be watching if he is moved again."

"How many of us are there?" John looks at Chiana.

"You, me, Shelan." She says. "Hep, Nova and Topik."

"I have to return to base." Shelan tells them. "I will return here in a couple of arns. We can make our plan then."

John sits quietly. He bites his lip and looks at Shelan.

"You must rest anyway. I will return, Crichton. You have my oath as a Peacekeeper."

John withholds comment. He just nods at Shelan and lets him leave. John lies down on the bed and closes his eyes. He lies on his side and tries to console himself with thoughts of Jake's rescue.

"John." Chiana says after Captain Shelan has boarded his prowler. "I missed you."

John opens his eyes and looks at her. "I missed you too, Chiana."

Chiana moves to the side of the bed and takes his hand. "I've missed you terrible." She begins to cry.

"No. Don't cry." John pulls on Chi's hand to bring her down to the bed.

Chiana sits on the bed and leans over to embrace John.
Gentle sighs can be heard as they cry together.

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

ChianaGray
12/8/00
Destruction
IC:

"D'argo took things over after you - you were gone," Chiana muttered, afraid to mention Aeryns name as she sat on the side of the bed and wiped Crichtons pale, sweat covered face with a damp cloath. "He was almost farbot with finding Jothi. Him and Zhaan got into a huge argument. He just - turned into this big control freak. I tried to tell them you were still alive, that we should look for you..."

She gazed solemnly into his eyes as he looked back sleepily, his ice blues filled with anguish. It seemed like he wasn't even listening. He turned his head away on the pillow as his hand found hers and he grasped it.

"I don't like it here," he barely whispered. His voice was harsh and serious, more as if he were speaking to someone else than her. He sounded cold. "I don't want to be here. Can you understand that Chiana? If it wasn't for Jake..."

"Yeah," she sighed as tears began to well in her eyes and she wiped at them before they could fall. He turned his head to her, his eyes piercing, trying to see through the haze and pain that held him. The torment in his eyes seemed to say everything. She felt a cold finger dart into her chest at the look in his eyes. It was fierce, deadly, almost blind with anguish.

"Maybe you don't," he muttered as a large tear welled out of his eye and streamed down his face. He sucked in his breath through his nostrils as they flared, his face suddenly twising up as he sobbed. He buried his face in her lap, grasping so tightly to her side she winced with pain but didn't try to move him. Instead, she placed her hand on his head and rubbed. "She's dead."

Chiana's head swayed as she gaped down at his head, the sense of loss she could feel from him was profound. He was like a weak kitten in her arms, sobbing with what little strength he had left trembeling through his body. She began to hum softly, rubbing his head with a haunted gaze in her eyes at the fear she felt in loosing him yet again to his own misery. After some time he began to quieten. She thought he may have even been lulled to sleep by the ancient Nebari encantation she couldn't remember the words to. It was just a song of the street from the gypsies who would wander in to escape their warrents and earn a little currency entertaining. His hand slipped its way up her thy and she let in a sharp breath, awing at him with a dazzled wonder in her dark eyes as he pulled away and wraped his arm over his head to sleep.

She curled next to him, hoping her body warmth would continue to comfort him as she nosed her face into the small of his neck and drew up her knees to match his half curled position.

"Have you been looking for me all this time?" He asked in a bare whisper.

"Yes," she pursed her lips in her saddened smile as she closed her eyes with a light chuckle. "You wouldn't believe where I've been, trying to find you."

"Chiana..."

"Shhh," She curled into him more tightly as she laid her hand on his shoulder blade. "Just sleep."

"I miss you," Crichton muttered driftingly.

"I won't let you go," Chiana muttered back. "I'm staying with you, I promise."

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

Nhfearme
12/9/00
Destruction
IC:

It's been several hundred Microts since the Scarrans left their ship for the bunker. Topik leaves his hiding place and cautiously climbs out of the hatchway. He looks, beware of them, and runs as fast as he can toward his own place.

"I don't care what Nova say! Next Peacekeeper I see? I kill him!" He growls angrily.

Hep sees Topik leave. He looks down on the rooftops. Finding a sturdy structure he lands to have vantage over the Scarran bunker. He sits quietly with Nova.

Nova finally breaks the silence. "It's not the currency anymore, is it?"

"If it were? I'd be selling Crichton right now."

"It's the boy. He changed everything." She says. "He tried to attack the Scarrans when they left me there. Tried to protect me from them. A child."

"For me? It was when you were captured. I heard you screaming when you were taken."

Nova looks around the pilot's chair at him. She places her hand on his shoulder. "You care? About me?" She asks him.

Hep's lips curl into a smile. He turns his head to face her and takes her hand.

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

Crichton has the first freedom since his escape from Scorpius. His sleep, peaceful. He dreams of his family together on their planet. Suddenly his dream turns into a nightmare. The Prowler attack, Aeryn's death.

John's nightmare takes him back to the Command Carrier, to Scorpius. He stands again in Scorpius' Command Quarters. To their last 'discussion'. The guards stand behind him, ready to arrest him.

"Go ahead! Tell me! What are your plans for Jake?" He yells.

"He will be enlisted in the Elite Squad!" Scorpius takes delight in explaining.

"No. No. No! He won't be a killer!" John wakes in a sweat.

Chiana is still asleep. He lies back down and tries to calm himself. He's anxious, nervous. All he can think of is freeing Jake. Getting him far from here. Far from Scorpius!

John gets up and goes downstairs. He finds the swords and removes one from the mounting. He wipes off the cobwebs and dust with an oily mechanics rag.

He begins to go through his moves. In his mind he tries to see the Scarran.

"May I help?" It's Scorpius.

"You know you can, Harvey." Crichton answers curtly.

"Very well." Scorpius stands back and waves his arm to introduce the Scarran, as the large beast stands before him. "This is Hagar. The Scarran who tortured you." Scorpius tells him.

"Great. Gives me more motivation." John lunges at him. "This is for Jake!"

Hagar steps aside and backhands John, knocking him into the wall.

"Aaaa!" Crichton yells as he goes flying. "Hey! That hurt!" John shakes his head and holds his sword to protect himself. "He can't hurt me in the real world!"

"Who ever said we were in the 'real world', John?" Scorpius answers.

Chiana holds tightly to John as he struggles in his nightmare against his evil foe.

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

Jake laments his position as he sits in his cell in chains.

"Scorpius said I would be enrolled in the Elite Squad at 5 cycles, that's tomorrow. I can't be here! I must escape and find my Daddy!" He snaps his fingers. "That's it'!"

"Pagar!" Jake shouts. "Pagar! You old monster! Come here!" Jake demands.

"What is this, child?" The guard says. Jake has awakened him. "Stop making noise!"

"Fine you stinky lizard. Pagar wanted to know where my father is! But since you want me to shut up? I'll just take a nap." Jake turns toward the wall and rolls up in the hay.

The guard lets out a kind of shriek and runs from the boy's cell.

"Humph." Jake says to himself.

Soon Pagar is standing at the bars. "You will lead us to your father?" Pagar doesn't trust Jake.

"If I get a few things." Jake answers. "Like a decent meal. Like some juice to drink. A decent place to sleep. Maybe remove these chains!" Jake rattles the chains in front of Pagar's face in defiance.

"I have no use for you, boy! I will question you and leave you here, in your chains, to die!"

Jake makes a sound like a buzzer. "Eh! I don't think so. You also need me for bate to catch Scorpius!"

Jake needs food and real sleep. He feels cranky and has no time for this stupid Scarran.

"You have 20 Microts to decide, or I withdraw my offer." Jake folds his arms. "Tic, tic, tic." Jake says. "Ok, well, I guess you'll just have to kill me then." Jake goes back to the hay and starts to get comfortable.

"Take me to your father and I will feed you and remove your chains." Pagar changes the deal.

"No." Jake says firmly. "My deal, or no deal!"

Pagar motions the guard to open the cell. He removes Jake's chains. "Bring him some Bakat meat! And some Ramna nectar!" He orders the guard. "Now!"

The guard runs to bring the food.

"And a place to sleep?" Jake prompts him.

"You must remain in your cell." Pagar retorts.

"Come on Pagar! Where am I going to go in a building full of Scary-uns?" Jake grins. "Trust me."

"Hmmm." Pagar growls.

The guard returns with his meal.

"Take the food to the canteen. Then bring more men to guard the child there and as he sleeps."

"Yes Pagar." The guard squeaks and rushes from his presence.

Jake and Pagar walk to the canteen. Jake sits and quickly consumes his meal.

"This juice has an odd flavor." Jake remarks. "But I like it!" Jake finishes the Ramna nectar. He lets out a sigh of pure satisfaction as he puts down his glass. He turns to Pagar. "So, where's my bunk?"

Pagar signals the guard and he and the rest of the guards take Jake to the barracks.

Jake sits on the bed, wraps himself in the Scarran blanket and turns toward the wall. Jake folds his hands in prayer and says. "I miss you Daddy."

Jake closes his eyes and cuddles his cheek against his hands. He drifts off to sleep, happy in his dreams of being a Prowler pilot, like his dad.

Pagar turns to leave. He remarks to the guard. "Tell me the Microt that he wakes. Be ready. Crichton will be ours!"

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

In the darkness sit two Scarran prisoners.

"Who knew that Crichton was still alive." Hagar moans.

"You let the Peacekeeper just walk out with him!" Setig accuses.

"You were trying to kill me at the time!" Hagar retorts.

"You were trying to kill me!" Setig stands.

"We are not enemies." Hagar tries to calm him. "We must find a way out of this."

"My record of service is impeccable!" Setig asserts.

"As is mine." Hagar adds.

"The child says he knows where they took him." Setig interjects.

"We could ask Pagar for amnesty by fighting the Peacekeepers in this attack." Hagar says, thinking.

"I will stand with you on this!" Setig says, saluting to Hagar from his chest.

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

Topik enters his hangar. The Prowler is gone. He shakes his head takes the banister in hand to walk upstairs. He sees the crossed swords and ponders them for a Microt then climbs the stairs.

He enters the room at the top of the stairs and sees Chiana and, he thinks, Hep. His blood is boiling that he was abandoned at the Scarran bunker, walking all the way home.

Topik takes out his Pulse Pistol to threaten Hep. He steps closer. He sees it is another Peacekeeper! He grabs Chiana and pulls her off the bed and out of the way.

"Die! Peacekeeper scum!"

Crichton startles awake to the Pulse Pistol in his face.

"No! Topik, No!" Chiana struggles with him and knocks the Pulse Pistol to the floor. "He's not a Peacekeeper!"

"He wears the uniform! He is Sebacean! You brought him to my place! I must kill him! I am sworn to kill all Peacekeepers!"

"Please Topik. Look at him. He was the Scarran's prisoner. He's Human. The one we went to rescue."

"Prisoner?" Topik begins to calm.

"John Crichton." Crichton holds out his hand to shake with Topik.

Topik looks at him then his hand. "Not Peacekeeper?"

"I was Scorpius' captive. The Scarrans caught me when I escaped."

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

Jake wakes and rubs his eyes. He smiles and sits up. "My Birthday!" He says.

The guard wakes and runs to get Pagar.

Hep shakes Nova. "Wake up! They are moving Jake!" He looks down to see Pagar walking with Jake to the transport with about 10 others as their force.

"Are you sure there are only two of them?" Pagar asks him as they enter the transport.

Hep opens Communication. "Chiana! Topik! Anyone!"

Chiana runs down the stairs and opens the Comms on Hep's personal transport. "Chiana here!"

"They are moving Jake. We are in pursuit."

"Great! Let us know." Chiana closes Comms. She looks up at John.

Crichton is standing on the stair landing looking down at her. He walks down the stairs and pulls a sword from the mounting. His jaw is set. "It's time to get ready." He cleans off the dust and cobwebs with an oily rag and goes to the center of the hangar. Chiana and Topik watch him. He slashes the air with the moves he knows will kill them.

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

The morning breaks over the buildings of the town. Scarrans, Sebaceans alike wake to the cold morning breeze. Jake watches the settings in command, guiding the Scarran vessel to it's destination.

"They are fools not to have left the planet!" Setig blusters. "It will be a pleasure to subdue your prisoner that you may continue your interrogation, Hagar."

"It is for my honor that I must be the one, Setig!" Hagar is astonished at the suggestion. "As you pointed out, he was in my care when he 'died.' He was also in my care when he escaped!"

"You must work together to overpower him." Pagar interrupts their argument. "His recovery is valued greatly by the Imperium! No more mistakes!" He stares them down.

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

Hep follows the Scarran transport and notes the heading. "Nova." He says. "It appears that they are going in the direction of Topik's hangar!"

"You've got to warn them!" Nova tells him. "Maybe there is still time to evacuate them!"

Hep opens Comms. "Chiana!" He says anxiously. "Chiana! Are you listening!"

Chiana wears some old leathers that Nova has left behind. She presses Comms on Hep's personal transport. "Yes Hep. Where can we meet you?"

"There! They are coming there! You have to get out! Now!"

Crichton stops his exercises and stands, listening. "How many?"

"How many, Hep?" Chiana asks.

"Eleven, including the leader." Hep answers.

Crichton looks at Chiana. Chiana looks at Topik.

Topik looks at both of them as though they are mad. He shakes his head in disbelief and runs upstairs. "I don't believe you two! I'm not staying! I'll be gone, and gone!" He grabs some things quickly from the room.

"Will you help us face them?" Chiana asks Hep over Comms.

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

Captain Shelan has monitored Hep's 'private' frequency carefully for any news. When he hears that Jake has been moved from the Scarran installation he scrambles his men to attack the bunker. He is in flight there when he hears Chiana's plea for help. He hits his Comms.

"I don't know about Hep, but I'll be there Chiana!" Shelan turns his Prowler away from his forces and toward the hangar.

Chiana gasps but knows not to say his name over the Comms. "Thank you." She says simply, near tears.

"That's the odds." Nova places her hand on Heps shoulder as she fondles her staff. "Six against eleven!"

"You can count on us Chiana." Hep says, increasing his speed to reach the hangar first. "We'll be there!" He closes Comms.

Topik runs back downstairs, still listening to the conversation. "You two! Crazy aliens, your gonna' break my place! Now get out!"

"Chiana, you heard him. Let's take it outside." Crichton slips his hand under his uniform Jacket and lifts it from the banister. He pulls it on to protect against the cold morning air.