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John's eyes flared, "GOD DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!" He threw his head back. "Why didn't they tell me?"

Scorpius walked behind John, brushing his hand across John's shoulders, forcing a shiver.  John's hair stood on end. "Would it really have mattered, JohnŠyou would have gone to her anyway." John looked unconvinced at Scopius who moved within an inch of his face. "Come on, John. You know I'm right."  John held the stare as long as he could then lowered his gaze. "MmmmŠthat's what I thought. You know," he placed his index finger under John's chin and raised it, "She is your Weakness."

 "NO. You're full of it. She is my strength!" John rebutted.

"Really, John. WellŠ" Scorpius circled behind John, "What if I start to, describe her. She is quite an attractive Sebacean. Her body is magnificent."

John nodded, "Oh, and here I thought you liked her for her mind."

Scorpius continued, "Her leather attire contours her body to perfection: her shoulders, hips, breasts, and waist all flawless proportion, a masterpiece."

"Since when did you become poetic?" John said.

Scorpius stood nose to nose with John, "Since I knew it could break you." Scorpius tilted his head to the right, "Stop resisting, John."

John squeezed his eyes shut, trying to dispel the arising fantasy.  "I will resist."

Scorpius grinned, "No, John." He paused. "I don't think you will."

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John saw Aeryn standing in front of a pure white background. Raven tresses flowed free around her neck; her steel gray eyes bore passion that could cut lead. Those ocean blue eyes that John drowned in. She flashed a radiant smile and John was captivated, hypnotized by the wonder before him. He lived for these moments when her Peacekeeper shields were down and only Aeryn stood before him.

She was not what John previously found attractive in women, the complete opposite of Alex. But now he cannot picture any creature more graceful, more powerful, more beautiful. The black hair felt like Chinese silk in his hand. Those gray eyes set into that flawless alabaster skin that stretched taut over her figure, magnifying the beauty of her curves. If ever there was a doubt for continuing to fight, Aeryn quickly vanquished the thought from his mind.  She was his epitome of everything beautiful, powerful, courageous, and mystical.

His mind flashed and he stood on a dark street corner. A lone street lamp shone on the opposite corner. Scorpy walked out of the shadows wearing a long leather trench coat, adorned in gold, a large hat, sunglasses, and an oversized super cell phone. He led Aeryn into the light. Now she wore a short black skirt, thigh high leather boots, and a red mesh top. John squinted to get a closer look. Makeup. Was that Makeup she was wearing? The same crap that enhanced the looks back on Earth stripped Aeryn of all of hers. This was no longer his Aeryn. He could still see the remnants of courage and fire, but they were now hiddenŠburied deep in the eyes of this shell standing before him.

Scorpy grinned, "Oh and by the way, John, I do charge by the hour and she has an appointment in,"  Scorpy looked at his watch. "An arn and a half with Crais so --"

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John shook his head hard breaking the torturous visions. "NO!" John sweated profusely and his breath quickened. He bowed submissively.

Scorpius grinned and raised John's eyes to meet his, "Weakness."  Scorpius dropped John's chin and his head fell limply. Scorpius turned his back and walked away from John. He quickly spun around and inhaled deeply, "And I will use her as suchŠyour breaking point." Scorpius paused. "How would you feel," Scorpius tilted his head, "if Aeryn Sun has a close encounter with my Aurora Chair?"

John's head shot up as he uselessly pulled at the chains, wanting desperately to wrap his hands around his tormentor's neck."Frell you, you frelling rat bastard son of a BITCH!"  John shook his head rabidly and spat, "You touch herŠŠŠIŠŠŠI'll kill you."

Scorpius grinned, "Good, John. Although you are in no position to make threats, a gallant effort nonetheless. I knew someday I would find the catalyst to spark you."

John growled and looked to the never ending ceiling trying to regain some sanity. He was not going to let Scorpius win this one. He had to calm down. Immediately his thoughts involuntarily wandered to Aeryn. She stood in front of him in the cell and ran her slender fingers over his furrowed brow, whispering calmly, soothingly. ŒShhh, John. Resist him.'  She brushed her hand over his cheek and he leaned into her palm. He relaxed at the thought of her presence. Even if the real Aeryn would never make such a gesture, his fantasy certainly could.  Her gray eyes stared deeply into his, caring, serious, and concerned.

Scorpius stepped through the image and she disappeared. "Composed, John?  She seems to help immensely, but also hinder fatally. You see, unlike the Scarran, I know exactly what I want.  And I know how to get it."

John licked his lips. "Uh huh.  Uh huh. Your little clone saves me from the acid trip and for what?" He shifted his weight. "Why don't you look for the Robinsons instead? I mean, at least they know HOW they did the inter-space travel thing." John struggled against his restraints. "Hey waitŠŠŠhow did you know about the Scarran? That wasn't that so long ago."

Scorpius smirked, "You're top priority to High Command, John. We have contacts stationed everywhere. How do you think the Enforcer knew where you were?" John's stunned face stared blankly back at Scorpius. "John, John." Scorpius shook his head. "You didn't think I would let you go that easily, did you?"

John relaxed. "NopeŠbut a guy can dream, can't he?"

"Of course, John."

"So what nowŠŠŠback to the show?"

 "As you wish."

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Rygel rummaged through the few personal items the Sebacean owned. "Hey. What ya doin' Ryg?" Rygel spun around to see Chiana leaning seductively in the doorway.

 " Maybe I should ask you the same question." Rygel grumped.

Chiana walked closer to Rygel. "You know, she's not even dead yet, you miserable cold hearted sack of green dren. You owe a lot to Aeryn. We all do." She looked to the door and thought, ŒAnyway, I wasn't going to take anything -- at least not yet.'

Rygel hovered to the confrontational Nebari, "So...you little trelk, when did you get such a change of heart?  And who are you to tell a DOMINOR what to do?  I wasn't taking anything.  Merely, assessing our assets."

Chiana stared back, "I know I'm not the most selfless person on this ship, but Aeryn is the last person who deserves to die.  Not this way."  She backed out the room and headed down the hall leaving Rygel to his "Assessment."

A WHITE FLASH

The heat was steadily increasing as John made his way through the labyrinth of corridors to Aeryn's quarters.  He wiped his brow and flung the sweat to the floor. He turned a corner and stopped abruptly at the sight of Scorpy.  John put his hands on his waist and leaned into his right hip, "Ok Harvey, what now? You gonna break into song again, quote the poems of Lord Byron, what?"

Scorpy crossed his arms, "No. But if you insistŠŠŠ" John exhaled impatiently and walked away. Scorpy followed, and cleared his throat,

" She walks in beauty, like the night
 Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

 And all that's best of dark and bright
 Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
 Thus mellow'd to that tender light
 Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

 One shade the more, one ray the less,
 Had half impair'd the nameless grace
 Which waves in every raven tress,
 Or softly lightens o'er her face;
 Where thoughts serenely sweet express
 How pure, how dear their dwelling-place."

(Lord Byron. She Walks in Beauty)

 "Hey. Shut up!" John interrupted. "I don't have time for this."

Scorpy grinned, "What's wrong, John. Did something hit close to home?"

John stopped and faced the hybrid, "Yeah. Whatever.  Now what do you really want?"

 "I was simply going to inform you that it's getting warmer by the minute." Scorpy replied. "And with the docking bay doors malfunctioning, Aeryn cannot leave."

John impatiently answered, "I know."

Scorpy grinned, "She won't survive with four arns until temperature decrease."

John glared back in hatred, "Yes she will." He shoved Scorpy out of the way and continued down the corridor where he was almost bumped by an exiting Chiana. His eyes followed her down the hall; he turned and entered Aeryn's quarters.

He saw the Hynerian digging and grabbed the back of his throne, hurling it against the wall.  Rygel jerked on impact. John asked annoyed but playful, "Hiya Sparky. How the frell are ya? What ya doin?"

Rygel looked, confused. "I am not taking anything -- simply assessing."

John looked intently at the little Hynerian, "Oh, I get it. You were just WINDOW SHOPPING. Well just so you know, this store is WAAYYY outta your price range. So maybe you should just move along." His tone now threatening. "Before I help you."

John watched as Rygel hovered out of her quarters. John then left and headed back down the corridor. He looked over his shoulder, up then down. "HEY, HARVEY!  You makin' yourself scarce?" He looked down the hall. "All right.  So if I were Aeryn, I would beŠŠŠ"

Scorpy trailed behind, "Oh Johnny. If I were Aeryn, I would be with my Prowler."

 "Thanks Harvey. I'm going to the Terrace."

A WHITE FLASH

John ran onto the Terrace to see Aeryn huddled on the floor. He raced to her side and knelt down. John rolled her into his arms; her eyes were closed and she wasn't moving. She was soaked from head to toe; her sports bra clung to her body as the surrounding skin glistened. John looked out to the vastness of space at the stars and closest sun. He then looked down at Aeryn and brushed the hair away from her face.

He tried desperately to revive her, but could not. She was still alive and he prayed he wasn't too late, "Oh God, NoŠŠŠCome on, Baby. Don't you leave me."  John pulled her completely into his arms and stood, cradling her against his chest. "Come on, just hold on for me, ok."  He walked from the Terrace, trying to get her to the showers as quickly as he could. "The cold water can wake her."

A WHITE FLASH

Chiana raced into Pilot's den. John had told her that whenever something was wrong, talking to Zhaan always helped him. Maybe it would help her too.  Zhaan stood in front of Pilot. "Zhaan?" The blue Delvian turned her gaze from Pilot to the little Nebari. Chiana slowly walked closer as if she was a frightened child. "Zhaan, can I uhŠŠŠtalk to you?"

Zhaan smiled, "Why of course, my child. What seems to be troubling you?" Chiana shifted nervously and pulled Zhaan out of the den into Command. 

She cocked her head, her voice squeaked with unspoken fear, "Zhaan I don'tŠŠŠ"

Zhaan rested a hand on Chiana's shoulder. "Come now.  It is fine.  Tell me.  Is it D'Argo?"

Chiana shook her head, "No, not D'Argo. ItŠŠŠit's Aeryn."

Zhaan's face morphed to concern, "What. What seems to be the problem with Aeryn?" She feared that Chiana had chosen the worst time to pick a fight with the near death Sebacean.

Chiana snapped, "In case you hadn't noticed, Aeryn is dying and we can't do a thing about it."

Zhaan relaxed but inside she jolted at Chiana's harsh reality, "I know Chiana.  But D'Argo and Pilot will fix everything before that happens."

Chiana stomped a foot and cocked her head, "No, Zhaan. Stop lying to yourself -- and to me." Zhaan frowned and wrinkled her brow. "Aeryn's going to die.  And there's nothing we can do."

Zhaan spoke soothingly, "We all care deeply for Aeryn. None of us want to lose her. Everything will be fine. The Goddess will take care of her."

 "I ," Chiana paused then gathered her courage. "I don't want her to die, Zhaan. I mean she didn't have to come after me back on that planet. She could have just taken her prowler and left -- but she didn't. She and Crichton both came after me.  I meanŠwell, I belong. I have grown to love the entire crew.  But Aeryn is different." She shrugged away Zhaan's hand and wiped the tear from her eye. "If anyone deserves to live, it's Aeryn. She can't go down like this. She can't. I've already lost a brother. I don't want to lose her too."

Zhaan tried to comfort, her maternal instinct taking over, "Chiana, Aeryn is dying where she is happiest: here with usŠ her family. Do not fear for her.  She knows how you feel. You are right. She would not have stayed on that planet for you if she did not return your affection, no matter what John said. She knows what she means to all of us and is at peace with that. The Goddess always takes the good before their time. All that we can do is cherish the time we do have with themŠand immortalize them by never forgetting." Zhaan looked directly into Chiana's eyes, wiping another tear from her now stained face. "And we will never forget."

A WHITE FLASH

John ran into the shower stall and quickly laid her on the floor. He pulled the head off and turned the water to cold. He sat beneath her, cradling her, and poured the water over her sweating body. He laid the showerhead on her chest and removed her pants. Her Calvins and bra clung to her body as John desperately tried to cool her down. He brought the cold water to her face then down her torso to her legs. "Oh GawdŠŠŠBaby come on.  Wake upŠŠŠplease." He laid her on the floor and knelt at her right side. He poured the water, which was only slightly cold, over her chest then moved back down to her legs. He focused on cooling her lower half when Aeryn's eyes fluttered open. "Aeryn, please."

She ran her fingers through John's short hair. He turned to meet her half-open eyes. "John." Aeryn's voice and breath were weak and labored.

John gasped. "Oh God, Aeryn." He pulled her back into his lap still letting the cold-water stream over them both. He looked down at her, the whites of his eyes red and tortured.

John grabbed her hand and entwined his fingers through hers. Aeryn looked into his eyes as he brushed the wet curls from her face. "ShhhŠŠŠJohn."  Aeryn swallowed hard. "IŠŠŠI'm sorry." Aeryn coughed harshly, "ForŠŠŠfor not telling you before how much I care for you. I'm sorryŠŠŠfor never showing you. Thank youŠŠŠfor letting me be more." She closed her eyes as a sharp pain fired through her body.

 "Oh BabyŠŠŠI have been waiting so long to tell you." John swallowed attempting to steady his voice and caressed her cheek. "Aeryn, I love you so much.  No one has ever made me feel this way before." He brushed his fingers through her wet hair entwining wrapping it around his fingers. "God Baby, you're everything to me. PleaseŠŠŠPlease Aeryn. Don't you give up on me. I need you here. I couldn't have come this far without you." John's pleas became sobs. "IŠI can't live without you. I need you." John bowed his head. "You're my reason for living. God BabyŠŠŠNo!" He buried his face in her stomach and cried into her trembling body.

Aeryn slid her fingers through his hair and slowly raised his eyes to meet hers. She brushed his lower lip; her mouth curled up as tears built in the corners of her eyes. John held her against him, kissing her gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer. She deepened the kiss, taking as much comfort as she could. He pulled back from the embrace, completely breathless and locked in her gaze. "Aeryn, you kissed me likeŠŠŠlike it would be our last. But it won't cuz D'Argo, yeah D'Argo will fix everything. Just hang in there. Ok, Baby?"

He wrapped his arms tightly around her, refusing to let go. A tear fell as she reached for the dagger at John's side.  She brought the blade within his sight, but he quickly turned away. "John look at meŠŠŠplease."

He looked back into her eyes. His ice blue eyes filled with hurt and anger, "How, Aeryn? how can I. It'sŠŠŠI couldn't bring myself toŠŠŠoh God, Aeryn, No."

Aeryn's eyes begged back.  "Please John." She arched her back in a wave of pain. John held her close wishing he could take this agony for her. She relaxed as the pain subsided.  "John."  Her breath quickened as she felt a pang in her lower back. "You promised so long agoŠŠŠas my friend, my family. AhhhhŠŠŠ." John bowed his head unable to see her suffer through another wave of pain and unsure if he could actually keep his promise. "IŠŠŠI know what it is to ask. But please, John end my painŠŠŠas my love. I love you, John Crichton. I always have. And no matter whatŠŠŠ" she clenched her teeth, attempting to hold the intensity and not cave to the pain. "I'll never leave you.  Even in death." She placed the dagger in his hands slowly wrapping his fingers around the handle.

John's mind raced. Could he do it?  Could he kill the woman he loved? John took the dagger and nodded. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. She reached up turning off the water, almost reading the thoughts of his discomfort and turmoil. Tears fell down his cheek. "John." He nodded in acknowledgment. "John, look at meŠŠŠI'm not going to say ŒGoodbye'."

She lowered his chin to look in his eyes. John opened his eyes and two tears dropped onto her face. He held her palm to his cheek and looked her up and down, memorizing every curve, every crevice, every part of her being. He spoke slowly, brushing her cheek, "Aeryn, I love you so much and I'll never let you down. YouŠŠŠyou're the missing piece to my heart." John brought his forehead to Aeryn's but never left her eyes. "Aeryn, you complete me. I'll never be whole until I'm with you again." John paused. "I'll never forget you. I'll always love you."

Her eyes glassed over and John kissed her as passionately as he could. She responded, forever sealing the covenant each made. John pulled back again. Aeryn slightly tensed in his arms. He pierced the tip of her finger with the dagger. Without breaking their stare, John brought her finger to his lips. He then placed the same hand over his heart.

Harvey the Rabbi stood at Aeryn's feet. "I thought this was a bris. But I can do funerals too." Scorpy began to issue the Hebrew Kaddish. John ignored the insult. Aeryn tried to speak, tears flooding her eyes, but no sound past through her lips.  She only mouthed his name.

John pulled her up again, kissing her deeply. She gasped into John's mouth; he felt her arch violently in his arms. John tried to pull away; but with her last bit of strength, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. John yielded to her last request. He pulled her tense body as close as he could and continued their final embrace. He ran his hand through her hair and cradled her head.  Aeryn convulsed again and went limp in his arms.  John slowed the kiss but did not remove his lips from hers until her arms fell from around his neck.

John broke away and stared at the creature in his arms. Her glassy eyes were open, staring into his. John wailed and winced in this new affliction.  He could not see past her haunting gaze, could not see the woman he loved, only saw pain and suffering. He buried his face in her hair inhaling as much of her scent as he could, the familiar scent that was uniquely Aeryn and was forever engrained in him. He mumbled into her ear,  "Aeryn, ILove you."  His tears flowed freely. "Forgive me." John raised his head. Aeryn's body bucked as the last wave of pain raced through her.

She lay unmoving in his arms staring out blankly. He squeezed his eyes shut, wiped away the tears, opened them. He looked into her eyes as he gripped the dagger. He gently kissed her one last time then slid the dagger between her ribs. She gasped as the warm blood flowed over her chest, onto his hands, and seeped through his shirt.  He closed his eyes and screamed.

Time Keeps on Slippin page 3>>