The Elephant Ep2.8: Just Like That

The gammek base was equal in size to the one that Aeryn had seen weeks before. The security was just as tight as well. Ahead of their prowler, the transport pod turned towards the structure and began a descent. "They've locked on to both of us." Meryl leaned forward to look at the console and nodded. "What are you going to tell them?" Aeryn shrugged and didn't turn around. She was still trying to figure that part out. "Prowler, you have entered restricted space. Deviate or you will be shot down." The ex-peacekeeper sighed to herself and then clicked the comm reluctantly. "I am officer Aeryn Sun. Requesting permission to turn myself in." There was some confusion on the other line as the operator searched for her file. "Very well."

Zhaan was not feeling very well. She sat in the back of the transport pod in a daze while her companion worked the controls. He had largely ignored her for most of the trip. But the feeling of being watched never went away. "Not entirely your fault." Those words kept ringing in her ear. Yet she couldn't remember where she had heard them. Flashed came to her with increasing frequency now. "Leviathan transport pod, state your business." Scorpius activated the comm and looked back at her once. "This is Scorpius. Requesting permission to land." There was no confusion on the other line. "Of course sir. The docking bay is ready for you." The pod dipped downward.

The prowler touched ground with a soft thud as Aeryn cut the engines. In the back, her increasingly pregnant associate was quickly losing confidence. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" She turned back to look at Meryl's bloodshot eyes. "We've done this before. We can do it again." The ex-captain grinned back at her. "The circumstances are slightly different now." Just as she said those words, the overhead hatch slid open to reveal their new prison. Several soldiers armed with pulse rifles surrounded the craft and ordered their exit. "Both of you. On the ground now!" They complied slowly. One of the soldier's eyes widened. "Captain Raynor, is that you?"

Scorpius stepped out of the transport pod and glanced around the hanger. Another gammek base ready for him. He closed his eyes and there the sight was again. A sequence of numbers with far-reaching ramifications. Now all he had to do was insert them in a computer. The Delvian walked up beside him and looked nervously at him. "What is this place?" The hybrid smiled. "Our new home." Zhaan suddenly felt very dizzy. The words had triggered another reaction in her. She saw familiar faces. "Is there something wrong Zhaan?" Scorpius began to wonder if whatever had affected her was wearing off. "No, I'm fine."

The soldier lowered his rifle slightly and stepped forward. He gazed at Meryl with impressionable eyes. A look, first of admiration, then of disappointment, ran across his face. Motioning with his hand, the man called the others forward. "I want you to look closely at her. Keep that picture in your mind. The face of a traitor." He shook his head angrily and walked away. The others just glanced at one another in confusion. Meryl tried to remain calm. The boy had served under her on the Hyperion. One might of called them friends. Aeryn noticed the look on her face and whispered. "It gets easier."

<<<<>>>>

Jack Crichton opened his eyes and peered down the road. The force of the sunlight was a strain on his eyes. They had been traveling down a deserted highway for some time now without stopping. It was a convoy of green army trucks filled with soldiers and prisoners. DK sat quietly beside him looking down at his hands. The excitement of learning that John was alive had begun to fade. Both of them had heard stories about IASA's program for dealing with these situations. Neither expected to see home again. "Do you really think they have him?" It was the first time DK had spoken since they left. Jack tried to appear hopeful. "I don't know."

Sam glanced forward at the trucks in front of him and nodded to himself. At least this part of the plan was going smoothly. Family presence would now be very important if he was to get what he wanted. Milton's mistake back at the lab would delay the entire operation. It angered him to know that the fool had let John Crichton get the upper hand. "This is a violation of my rights. You can't do this." Rachel Wells gave him a look that would have killed a small child. "No one knows you're here ma'am. Probably wouldn't find anyone to believe you either." She smiled back at him. "So if I were to kill you, no one would know?"

A single guard post sat out in the middle of nowhere waiting for a group of trucks to arrive. The soldiers on duty hadn't been given any idea of what the circumstances were. The ranking officer had received a simple phone call hours earlier. "Be at post 17 by six this morning. Watch for anything strange. Wait for trucks." As Sgt. Rios checked the area with his binoculars again, the green vehicles finally came into view. "Heads up boys. The cavalry's coming." He was standing up to meet them outside when the shaking started. At first it was only a slight tremor. Then the walls started to buckle.

Jack saw the damage before anyone else on the truck. He stood up slowly and blocked out the sun with his hand. "My God." DK followed his gaze and shook his head in confusion. "What the hell is that?" The younger man knew exactly what it was but the sight of it still left much to the imagination. Sitting up ahead across the road, a big black eighteen-wheeler barred their passage. Down the line, Sam saw it too. He picked up his cell phone and dialed the guard post. There was no answer. "What now?"

<<<<>>>>

Rygel sped down the corridor on his way to command without any regard for other traffic. An annoyed Nebari jumped out of the way just before being knocked down. "What's the rush?" Chiana's mind raced with possible reasons for his hurry. Money and food came to mind. "Out of my way girl." He brushed her off and continued on his way. She shook her head and followed in pursuit. The two of them reached command together and found D'Argo standing beside a hologram of Pilot. Both of them looked equally distraught. "Is it true?"

The Hynerion moved up to the window and looked outside. In full view of Moya's scanners, a odd-looking green vessel sat silently. He recognized the design immediately. As well as the royal seal that adorned its outer hull. "A Royal Hynerion Cruiser!" Pilot corroborated his assessment. "It has been hailing us for the past quarter arn." Rygel grinned happily and looked to the hologram. "By all means, answer it." The screen in front of them sparked to life. Chiana stepped forward to get a better look. "Wow. They're, um, big."

<<<<>>>>

John banged his head against the wall and cursed himself for being so stupid. "I should have thought of this." The computer in front of him beeped but said nothing. "No point in worrying about it now. Just try to figure something out." Tom was having trouble being the supportive friend. He was worried too, if not more. "Computer, is there any way for you to get us out of here?" They waited patiently for a reply. "Unfortunately no. Not without causing serious damage to the ship." John groaned and walked over to the door. "You don't think they'd shoot us if we opened the door do you?" Tom shrugged.

Doug Milton was panicking. His one opportunity to go down in history was quickly becoming a lost cause. The force field had risen up again immediately after the two prisoners entered. Attempts to coax the computer system into letting them in had failed. An armed response was being planned now. "Sir, you have a call." He took the phone and put it up to his ear. Fully expecting another wave of yells. "Sam?" There was a clicking sound on the other end. "I'm still on the way. Something's come up." Before Doug could ask what, the line went dead.

<<<<>>>>

Aeryn and Meryl were ushered into a holding cell and locked away. The door slammed shut and took the last bits of light with it. "I don't suppose we'll get regular feedings." Aeryn turned to her companion and shook her head. She sat down quietly against the wall and felt the cool stone on her back. "Probably not a good idea to tell them you're pregnant." Meryl nodded in agreement and sat down on the other side of the room. They stared at each for several moments without saying a word. "You used to it yet?" Aeryn didn't understand.

Meryl shifted in her seat and smiled slightly. The other woman stared angrily back at her. Waiting for a follow-up statement to what she had just said. She was still trying to figure that out herself. "Are you used to being alone again. Not having the burden." Aeryn almost laughed out loud. But she completely understood. Despite any sadness that had come with being without John, being alone was still much easier. The old soldier's instincts had fallen right back into place. That was not quite so easy for Meryl. She had an unending reminder of Tom stuffed inside her.

Zhaan had been allowed to roam freely throughout the complex. This might have signified the depth of Scorpius's trust if not for the guards that continuously followed her around. She waved back at them and gave a polite smile. One waved back awkwardly. Walking down the rows of passageways, she finally came to one marked "Detention." Glancing back at her escorts, Zhaan changed directions and entered into the area. A line of cells ran down the corridor, finally ending in a large steel wall. Whispers could be heard from every room. Some out loud, others mentally dispatched. It was one of the latter that caught her attention.

<<<<>>>>

Sam jumped out of the truck and motioned for several soldiers to follow him. They moved in tight formation towards the eighteen-wheeler with guns drawn. Searching the area quickly, he felt sure this was a trap. The only question really nagging at the government agent was who. No one knew they were out here. "Sir, you better take a look at this." Sam walked over to the soldier. The man had pulled open the driver's side door. Strangely, a pair of black jeans and a white tee-shirt sat on the chair. There was no sign of the driver. "I want every inch of this thing checked." The soldier nodded and went to work.

Rachel watched them from her seat in the car and prayed silently to herself. The weapon that John had left was still secured safely under her shirt. No one had bothered to search her before they left. She stood up and looked over at the two men in the vehicle in front of her. Rachel recognized one of them, Jack Crichton, from his things on tv. She could only guess who the other one was. With hands shaking, she pulled the gun out and aimed it towards the soldiers ahead. "That won't be necessary." Startled, she turned to find an odd-looking man standing next to her. He had not been there a second ago.

The truck exploded without warning and charred the ground around it in an instant. Sam was thrown a few feet back and landed in the dirt. None of the soldiers even had a chance. Glaring up at the burning rubble, he realized how stupid it had been to search the truck. There must have been a bomb. Strong arms took hold of him from behind. Sam tried to turn his head but they wouldn't let him. There were at least two of them back there and they spoke in a language that he could not even begin to comprehend. "I work for the government."

Jack stared in amazement as the scene unfolded before his eyes. The black truck had been blown up by someone. All the soldiers were gone. He looked over at DK. The younger man sat stunned beside him. "DK, wake up. We don't have time for this." They stepped down from the car and glanced in both directions. The woman in the truck behind them was gone. "Whoever did this must be helping John." Jack nodded. His son's best friend was finally taking the initiative. DK ran back to the other car and somehow disappeared before Jack's eyes. "What the hell?" He followed.

The air seemed to ripple and curve for a moment before the area around him disappeared. Jack was in a dark room with burnt out light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. It took him a minute but the memory came back. This was an old training center from the early days. He had seen this place many times in its glory days. Now it was a wreck. Four people stood in the shadows ahead of him. DK stepped out and motioned behind him. "We have visitors." Jack didn't know exactly what that meant but it appeared he was about to find out. The woman came up next and extended her hand. "I'm Rachel Wells." He nodded in understanding. "Nice to meet you?" The two other figures let themselves be seen. "Hello Jack Crichton." He had to blink several times.

<<<<>>>>

Zhaan moved slowly down the corridor and then stopped in front of the appropriate cell. Sliding the food hole open, she peered inside and saw two women. Aeryn and Meryl stood from their respective places and walked towards her. "Is that you Zhaan?" The question rang in her ears for several moments before having any affect. The Delvian felt a weight leave her shoulders and a new force take over. Zhaan fell to the ground and clutched her forehead. The flashes had stopped. She sensed that the infection had gone away. "Not entirely my fault."

Aeryn watched her friend appear and then fall from sight. She banged on the door several times to attempt contact. Finally, a low murmur rose from the floor. "Aeryn? Are you alright?" She looked back at Meryl and winced involuntarily at what she saw. "I'm fine but Meryl will need to eat very soon." The ex-captain stepped up to the hole. "Do you remember what happened Zhaan?" It took her a microt, but Zhaan did remember. "Can you forgive me? I was not in my right mind." Aeryn put a stop to the conversation. "Listen, we need to get out of here right now. Can you open the door from that side?" Zhaan checked for a lock to open. "No, there's nothing here."

<<<<>>>>

The Hynerions staring back at them on the screen were even taller than D'Argo. Built like Ogres, the crew pictured more than a little fearsome. "I don't understand. What are you all surprised about?" Rygel floated up towards the monitor and allowed them to see him. "I am Dominar Rygel the 16th." The one appearing to be the captain spoke up. "We know who you are. Our great monarch has taught us all about his wayward cousin." D'Argo and Chiana both inched closer to the manual starburst button. The situation did not look good. "He lies! I am the rightful ruler of-." The connection was cut off.

"They are preparing to fire on us." Pilot's frightened voice echoed throughout the ship as Moya attempted an evasive maneuver. Everything lurched from side to side as she tried to get away. The cruiser opened fire and hit them directly several times. "Pilot! Damage report." Through the wavering hologram, Pilot read off the list of numerous problems. Chiana ran towards the console and pressed down on manual starburst. "I'm afraid starburst is unavailable as well." The Nebari groaned. "What can she do then?" His answer was not encouraging. "Moya can run away. Very slowly."

Fortunately for them, the Hynerion Cruiser never got another shot off. An immense object on its way to other destinations sent shockwaves across the far reaches of space. The cruiser was thrown forward against its victim and passed by just barely out of range. "What the frell is going on?" No one answered D'Argo's question. Angrily, he charged out of the room and headed for the terrace. As he stepped outside, a large brown ship flew by overhead. He recognized it immediately. "Regulators." They ignored Moya and continued on to wherever they were going. "Pilot! Get us out of here."

<<<<>>>>

Doug Milton heard the alarms just like everyone else in the room. As soldiers checked their guns and prepared for whatever came, he sat calmly at the control console. "What else could possibly go wrong?" He could already feel the irony moving to smack him in the face. A loud pounding sound came from the outer doors. Screams of armed guards could be heard echoing in the distance. Suddenly, the doors gave and two men entered the room. They were dressed like truck drivers.

John heard all the commotion too and inquired about it to the computer. "What's going on out there?" There was a low beeping noise as the monitor turned on. Tom slid over in his chair to see. Some sort of attack was taking place. Two familiar looking men were beating the crap out of their soldier detail. "Who do you suppose they are?" Tom's question was answered as a face came into view. "They guy from Palm Springs." John nodded and shook his head in amazement.

Rachel stepped into the now quiet room with the pulse pistol in hand. The gun was stuck into the spine of her prisoner. Sam walked slowly in front of her with a sad smile on his face. Despite the massive failure of his operation, one inalienable truth had been confirmed. "We are not alone." Rachel didn't quite hear him. "What was that?" He didn't bother to answer. The battle ended quickly and pretty soon Doug Milton was the only man left standing. He was shaking uncontrollably as one of the truckers walked up to him. "Sit down." He obeyed.

The very same man turned away from Doug and went over to the brown ship. Raising his hand in a circular motion, he activated something. The door slid open to reveal two confused humans. John and Tom stepped out and looked around. "Hi mom." Rachel nodded back at her son but stayed put. The truck driver walked up to John and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hello John. It is interesting to see you again." John shook his head. "And you are?"

The burly facade was swept away in an instant and replaced by Jack Crichton. In that moment, John understood. "You?" The alien nodded. "Fortunately for us, your assessment of this planet was not comprehensive. We have found alternate means of surviving here." Tom walked up beside his friend. "These are the ones you told me about? The Earth simulation?" John couldn't respond. Something even more important had just entered the room. Jack Crichton, the real one, had arrived.

Father and son stood face to face for the first time in too many years. Jack and John moved cautiously toward each other and finally embraced. "I'm so sorry dad." Fighting to keep from crying, the older Crichton shook his head. "You don't anything to apologize for. You're alive and that's all that matters." There was a coughing sound from behind them. DK looked into the eyes of his best friend and smiled broadly. "Good to see you again." John raced forward and took the man in his arms. Leaning in close to his friend's ear, John whispered. "It worked." There was no other explanation needed.

<<<<>>>>

Tom and Rachel had looked on for hours as John Crichton got reacquainted with his family. The three men sat together in a huddle of laughter and tears that expressed three years worth of emotion. "That must be incredible." Mother looked at son with a sad expression. "Your father was very proud of you." Tom smiled. "I know." The two visitors had retreated into the Regulator ship as they waited for the reunion to come to an end. They had seen the look in John Crichton's eyes. He was not meant for this place any longer.

"You've got to come see the new shuttles being built." A simple statement of intent that shattered everything for John. The sad expression on his face was more than enough to worry his father and best friend. "I can't dad." Jack Crichton had never even allowed the thought to enter his mind until this moment. "What does that mean?" The conversation turned very tense. "You know what it means. I can't stay here." DK looked from one man to the other and saw the depth of seriousness. "You're going away again?" John nodded. "I have a life out there now. Commitments."

"Her name is Aeryn Sun." Everyone turned to stare at Tom. He looked back at them and nodded with more than a little amusement. "And?" Jack stood and walked over to him. "What does that have to do with my son-." He froze for a moment and then turned back to John. "Damn John." His son nodded and stood. "I love her dad. Can't let that go." Jack was surprised to find that he understood what his son was saying. "No, I suppose you can't."

Rachel turned a quizzical eye to her son. "Aeryn Sun huh? What about yours?" Tom tried not to show his surprise. "What are you talking about?" She shook her head accusingly. "I know you better than anyone. Anywhere. You've got a girlfriend." He lowered his head slightly and nodded. "I'll have to have a long talk with her about you." Tom looked up at his mother with a look of shock on his face. "What did you just say?"

<<<<>>>>

Tom, Rachel, and John said their last goodbyes and entered the not-so-alien realm of the brown ship. The computer, back up to full capacity, chimed in. "Welcome Tom." He thanked it and gave a shrug to his mother. She smiled and shook her head. As John stepped foot inside, one of the truckers called out to him. "Thank you John Crichton." He didn't understand. "For what?" The creature grinned. "For finding us a home." John stuck out his hand and the other took it. "You found Earth John. Now go find home."

The roof fell away above them and cleared a path to the stars. The ship rose from its nest and shot upwards, leaving four stunned onlookers. Jack Crichton and DK watched with both happy and sad feelings as it grew smaller and smaller against the light blue sky. Within seconds it had disappeared into the darkness. High above the cities of Earth, an electrical disturbance erupted. A wormhole opened up and swallowed the three travelers. Taking them back to the uncharted territories of space.