The Elephant Season 3: Eight Directions
Ep3.4: Body Snatchers P1

“Did you feel that?” D’Argo looked up from the boots he was tying and glanced at the gray woman in front of him. The look on her face almost made him smile. There was something different about it now. Chiana appeared annoyed by his lack of attention. “I said-.” The Luxan raised his hand. “I heard you and no I didn’t feel anything.” His voice did not match hers in concern. “Well, I did.” At that moment, a loud crashing sound came from the left side of the room. The Qualta Blade had fallen from where D’Argo usually placed it. “See! There it is again.” D’Argo stood and walked over to his weapon. “Ok, I felt that.”

Chiana got up off the bed and took her comm from the table. “Pilot, what’s going on up there?” The frequency made no noise as she waited for his reply. It came quickly. “I already told all of you. Moya is attempting to-.” The creature’s words stopped abruptly. “Wait, I sense something else. Thank you Chiana.” The Nebari stared in confusion at her comm. Pilot was off the line. She looked over at D’Argo. “We should get up there.”

Pilot diverted his attention from the starburst work and checked his array of sensors. Something was not right. “What is it Pilot?” Zhaan stood mere inches away from him. Her voice echoed in his ear. Louder than he found comfortable. “I don’t know. It appears as if Moya’s skin has been breached. But I cannot detect a point of entry.” The look of concern on Zhaan’s face turned into one of horror. “Starburst Pilot! We’ve got to-.” A hand from behind took hold of her shoulder. The Delvian was quieted.

Aeryn waited for her blue friend to turn slowly around. She could feel the tenseness in Zhaan’s movements. It didn’t make sense that she was the frantic one. That job was usually taken by someone else. “Calm yourself Zhaan, I’m sure Pilot has everything under control.” Aeryn was not prepared for the look of anger in the other woman’s eyes. “Don’t you tell me to calm down! This is serious.” Before either could speak again, Pilot raised one of his arms.

“Officer Sun, would you mind taking a look for me? My sensors can’t get an accurate reading.” Aeryn backed away from the console slowly and nodded. “Of course Pilot. You’ll give me the location en route?” The creature agreed as she turned to walk out of the room with pulse pistol in hand. “Be careful Aeryn.” Zhaan’s words hung limply in the air.

Rygel heard the entire conversation as he sped away down another hallway. He had felt the tremors as well. The Hynerion didn’t need any fancy sensors to tell him what was going on. “Aeryn, I’m outside Crichton’s quarters. You should get down here.” Rygel finally paused to wait for her reply. He didn’t have to wait long. “I’ll be there in ten microts. Don’t move in without me.”

<<<<>>>>

The dull feeling in his head had finally passed after a few minutes. John opened his eyes again and thankfully didn’t see any stars. He was lying on the floor beside his bed. “What the hell?” A large round plate was positioned right where his ceiling should have been. Odd-smelling smoke drifted down from the device and reached his nose. John started to laugh. It wasn’t any sort of laughing gas. His arms and legs had just gone numb. That familiar feeling of pins and needles ran through him, just about a hundred times stronger than usual. John suddenly felt like singing.

Aeryn walked up to the door with her gun ready and aimed. She was a bit surprised to find Rygel standing there waiting for her. She couldn’t remember the last time he had been first to a possibly dangerous situation. “I’ll go in first, wait for my signal and then come in.” Aeryn was twice shocked. The authority and strength in the Hynerion’s words startled her. For a moment she could actually see him as a Dominar. “What do you mean you first? I’ve got the gun.” Rygel shook his head. “Don’t argue Aeryn, just do as I say.”

The doors slid open slowly and revealed a most unusual sight. A soft glow came from one of the room’s lights. All the others had been turned off. Rygel floated forward with caution, his eyes darting to every corner of the room. “Do you see anything Rygel?” Aeryn’s voice came from behind him. “Yes, I see Crichton.” Indeed, the human sat sloppily on the ground with his mouth open in a wide smile. He didn’t seem to notice Rygel. “Crichton, did you see them?” The little Hynerion didn’t need an answer. The ceiling had just come into view.

She raised her pulse pistol a little higher and fought to look through the haze. Aeryn couldn’t believe what she was doing. Letting Rygel in was a stupid thing to do. He’d probably get himself killed. “I’m coming in!” There was no response from inside. She stepped forward and instantly felt an acrid smell touch her nose. Something stirred. “Why don’t you stay! Stay a while with your old ones!” The horrible chorus repeated several times. “John, is that you?” Aeryn could hear him laughing in front of her. “Stay a while-.” Suddenly the lights came on.

Rygel floated up beside his Sebacean companion and frowned. “He’s been drugged.” Aeryn shook her head. “I can see that. Now what the frell is going on?” Her companion pointed towards the ceiling. A large metal circle was stuck above their heads. Seven smaller circles could be seen on its surface. Aeryn had never seen anything like it before. “Who put that there?” Rygel’s voice was filled with what she recognized as fear. “My old ones.”

<<<<>>>>

The massive fleet of Regulator vessels moved fearlessly through space on their path to intercept the leviathan. Floating beside one of the larger details, was a smaller ship with only two passengers. Zelaya and Tom watched the procession with a disturbing feeling in their stomachs. “Where are they going?” It was the human who spoke first. He thought he knew the answer but it seemed appropriate to ask. “They’ve found some traces of starburst energy.” Zelaya stood from her seat at the controls and walked over to the window. “Moya must’ve thought she was leading them away. They’ll catch up now for sure.”

Tom suddenly felt very stupid about his decision. Watching Moya die from this point of view wasn’t a very exciting concept. “What happens when they catch up?” His companion didn’t answer. Something on the control console had gotten her attention. Or maybe it was that thing in her head. “What’s going on?” Zelaya raised he hand. “Shut up! We’re in trouble.” She looked back out the window and noticed the spot where five ships had been until just recently. “They sent out some ships to intercept Moya. None of them are on my scanners.”

A loud roaring sound began emanating from all around them. Tom covered his ears and sank to floor. “What the hell?” Zelaya didn’t bother to answer him. She was working furiously at the computer. An image appeared after a few seconds. “I don’t believe it.” The shocked tone of her voice made Tom shiver. He moved over to get a look. The sight waiting for him was the last thing Tom expected to see. Thousands of ships, all smaller than the one he sat in, hovered before the Regulators. “Are those the good guys or the bad guys?” An explosion knocked them to the side and sent brown fragments flying through space. Zelaya growled. “Take a wild guess.”

<<<<>>>>

Pilot could feel them. It had taken Moya a few moments to separate the small footsteps from every other movement in her. They were almost too light to register. But there was definitely something there, and it was getting closer. “Aeryn, Rygel. What’s going on down there?” His voice had taken on its usual worried tone. Zhaan opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. She could sense his fear and it only made her feel worse. “Pilot, Rygel says they’re-.” The transmission cut out before Aeryn could finish.

Zhaan moved around the console and stood beside the creature. She tried to read the sensors but found it too difficult. “How the frell does Aeryn do this?” A tinge of anger was in her voice now. “Don’t worry Zhaan. I have this under control.” Just as Pilot said the words, their situation proved him wrong. A low rumbling sound could be heard in the ceiling above their heads. Humming noises were coming from every exit. “That sounds like Rygel’s throne.” They didn’t have to wait long to find out.

<<<<>>>>

Chiana stepped out into the hallway and looked around. There was no sound. The comms weren’t working and she couldn’t find a single DRD. “I have a bad feeling about this.” D’Argo walked up behind her. “Stop saying that. There’s always a bad feeling around here.” He raised his Qualta Blade and moved down the hall. The Nebari followed close behind him. They both stopped as the humming noise began. It was coming from the walls. “DRD’s?” Chiana took in a less than hopeful breath. D’Argo shook his head.

The access door blew off its casing and shot across the hallway. It hit the opposite wall with a loud thud. The electronic hum got louder. Something was coming out. D’Argo armed his sword and aimed it at the door. “Who’s there?” Chiana took a cautious step forward and pulled out her pulse pistol. It came more and more in handy these days. She motioned for D’Argo to cover her. He nodded. Before either of them could take another step, the intruder showed itself. “Drop your weapons.”

<<<<>>>>

“How the frell could they have found you way out here?” Aeryn finished going over the room with her rifle and turned back to her green compatriot. Rygel shook his head angrily and floated over to face her. “Hezmana Aeryn! I don’t know. The point is that they’re here and you have to protect me.” The Sebacean smiled briefly before turning her attention back to the situation. She let herself wonder for a moment, turn him in and their problem went away. No, she couldn’t do that.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Rygel beared his teeth at her angrily. He moved over towards John’s still form and poked the human. Aeryn scowled at him. “So you know not to bug me then.” The look on his face was more than enough to satisfy her. “Now let’s get Crichton out of her before those things come back.” She holstered her rifle and knelt down.

<<<<>>>>

Pilot’s mouth hung open in shock as he watched the strange sight descend from the air vent above his head. He had never seen one quite like this. Its little hands seemed stronger than Rygel’s. There was more purpose in the face. Zhaan wasn’t taking it quite as well. Her eyes were pinned maliciously on the floating Hynerion. It stared back at her with the same indignant look. “Where is he?” The intruder spoke first. His voice was low and grave. If not for the tiny body, Pilot could of mistaken if for a peacekeeper.

Zhaan stepped away from the console and shook her head. “Who are you referring to?” The Hynerion growled and pulled a gun from inside his robes. It looked like a toy in his hands. Not so much when he fired it. The blast burned into the console and left a charred reminder. Pilot breathed in a sigh of relief. “Please, don’t hurt us. We’ve done nothing-.” The Hynerion cut him off. “Tell me where Rygel is or I will kill you.”

Four more floating Hynerions appeared out of the air vent. Each was holding its own weapon like that of the first. They were all aiming at Pilot. “I don’t know where he is. You’ve disrupted my sensor equipment.” The creature was shaking slightly despite the strength in his words. Zhaan took one of his arms and squeezed it. “Very well. We will cease the jamming. But you will tell us.” The first Hynerion, apparently the leader, motioned towards his cohorts. Some of the console’s readings came back on.

“My name is Hetch.” Zhaan’s eyes widened in an almost mocking expression. “Like the engine term?” The Hynerion smiled horridly. “Yes. For stopping leviathan’s dead in their tracks.” Pilot swallowed hard.

<<<<>>>>

“What do you mean we have to go?” Tom stood up and moved to intercept the Ferrian’s course. She appeared to be ignoring the question. Zelaya had done it again. Touched her temple and almost doubled over in pain. That thing was giving her orders again. “I said-.” She turned around and covered his mouth with her hand. “I heard what you frelling said. There’s no discussion. I have to do it and I’m not leaving you here alone.” Tom tried to remind himself of why he had come as the ship began to turn.

Zelaya didn’t like the idea any more than he did. She hated Hynerions. Even the one on Moya got on her nerves. And he was of the smaller variety. “All we have to do is explain ourselves. Then their royal navy will pass us by.” Tom still didn’t seem to understand. “Why don’t your guys just blow them all away? I’ve seen them do it before.” Zelaya gritted her sharp teeth. “They are not my guys!” She pointed out the window. “There are thousands of them out there. We wouldn’t stand a chance.” That managed to quiet the human down.

The small brown ship moved forward to meet the storm of Hynerion vessels. Tom held his breath as thousands of gun ports locked on to them. Each confirmed lock displayed on the computer screen. He reached forward to turn it off. “Get ready. They’re docking.” Zelaya finished the warning just as one of the ships bumped against theirs. A low hissing sound ran around the hatch. It slid open and revealed a large green creature. It was holding a gun.

<<<<>>>>

“You’re a Hynerion?” Chiana’s fear dissipated as she took in the rather odd sight. Behind her, D’Argo was not as enthusiastic. He remembered what had happened the last time. “I am. What of it?” The creature floated up to their height and frowned. In expression, he was definitely related to Rygel. D’Argo took a step forward and lowered his blade. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t use this.” The Hynerion laughed out loud. He pointed a pudgy finger towards the shaft entrance. Another one of them was inside. This one had a gun.

Chiana dropped her pistol on the ground and raised her hands. “Ok, listen. We’re not gonna hurt you. Just let us go.” The Hynerion cackled again. “I’m Hynerion Special Forces. You couldn’t hurt me if you tried.” D’Argo raised his sword but it was blasted away by the second midget. “Try that one again Luxan, and I’ll split you in two.” Chiana put a hand on D’Argo’s chest and pushed him back. “No need to be rash. What can we do for you?” The two Hynerions smiled. “We want him.”

<<<<>>>>

John smelled something different this time. It wasn’t funny like the last time. The smell reminded him of something. “Aeryn?” He felt a strong smack against his cheek and opened his eyes. The Sebacean was standing over him with a pulse rifle in her hands. “Get up John. We’re in trouble.” He smiled despite the incredible headache that was creeping up. “Did you see the stars?” Aeryn’s look of urgency turned to one of confusion. “Just shut your mouth and get up.” John did as he was told.

Rygel shook his head angrily as the exchange went on between the other two. “Yotz! We don’t have time for this.” He revved his throne and sped out the door. Crichton stepped out a moment later. “What’s the matter Sparky?” Rygel growled in response. “If you call me that in front of them, I’ll slit your throat.” He moved away down the hall and left John standing there alone. “Frelling humans! No respect.”

Aeryn took one last look around the room and went to join Crichton at the door. She found him standing there alone. “Where’s Rygel?” John shook his head and pointed down the hall. “He couldn’t wait for us.” The Sebacean kicked the wall angrily. “How the frell am I supposed to protect him when he won’t sit still?” A gun blast suddenly echoed from down the corridor. Rygel’s screams reached their ears moments later. John grabbed his pulse pistol. “Here we go again.”

Rygel clutched his chest and breathed a sigh of relief. About a dozen DRD’s were moving in a pack towards him. He had almost mistaken them for the others. “Get away from me! Go do something useful.” The mechanical creatures blinked their lights at him and continued moving. Rygel floated forward and around the corner. He froze when the realization came. “A gunshot?” Crichton and Aeryn weren’t there. It couldn’t have been them. One of the DRD’s turned around. “You shot at me? I’ll kill you!” No response from the DRD.

<<<<>>>>

Pilot and Zhaan watched nervously from the console as Rygel confronted the DRD. Above them, Hetch smiled wickedly and nodded towards his group of followers. “Thank you Pilot. You’ve done well.” The creature lowered his head and muttered as the Hynerions descended back into the vent system. Zhaan leaned in close beside him. “We don’t have a choice.” Pilot shook his head. “There’s always a choice. I think I just made the wrong one.”

The Delvian looked at him in such a way that Pilot felt like hitting her. He recognized his incompetence in these situations but she was making him feel like a child. “Pilot, you have to protect Moya. That is our first priority.” Zhaan motioned towards the screen. Rygel was lying on his side against the wall. His cloak had been singed where the DRD shot at him. His royal highness wasn’t moving. Pilot turned away from the image. “I’m sorry Rygel.” The Hynerions were on their way.

<<<<>>>>

Aeryn moved past the DRD herd and came upon Rygel’s still form. He was just lying there on the floor. She wondered for a moment if he was dead. “Pilot, what’s going on? I think one of your workers shot Rygel.” No answer came back from the comm. John walked up behind her. He was still trying to shake the woozy feeling in his head. “What the hell?” There was something wrong with the scene in front of him. Aeryn nodded slowly. “Pilot isn’t responding.”

“Do you hear that?” There was no need for an answer. The humming sound coming towards them was getting louder with each corner it turned. “More hover thrones?” John didn’t like that idea. Aeryn raised her pulse rifle and aimed it towards the direction of the sounds. She motioned for John to do the same. “Whoever’s down there! Rygel the 16th is under our protection.” They looked at each other as Aeryn spoke the warning again. It still sounded bizarre. Her eyes widened. “They’re in the walls.”