TITLE: "NO CHOICE AT ALL"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "Farscape"

PAIRING: No specific pairing

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: New.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed

SERIES/SEQUEL: SEQUEL to "WELCOME TO THE ZOO"

The usual disclaimers apply. No infringement of copyright is intended.


"NO CHOICE AT ALL"
A "Farscape" story
Written by Alison M. DOBELL

Hovar Kan stood silent and patient just inside the Commandant's office door. Darikos was watching the monitors, or rather one monitor in particular. He played the tape over again and leaned forward. Looked closely at the welts that peppered the human's body. He spoke to his major domo without turning his head. "Did Rellar find out what caused those marks on Crichton's body?"

Kan stepped closer and shook his head slowly. A puzzled expression on his usually dour face. "No, but he was able to establish the human was not infected. It was not a virus. Not bacteria or a contagion."

"I do not want to know what it WAS NOT Konar."

"Your pardon, sir. Rellar stated that it looked like thousands of tiny teeth marks..."

Darikos looked up from the screen in surprise. "What?"

He felt uncomfortable at being scrutinised. Especially over something he did not understand. "As far as he could tell, each of those marks appears to be made by a mouth full of teeth."

The silence that fell was absolute. The Commandant was stunned. He looked at the image again, on greater magnification. Studied different shots and angles then looked at Kan. "Do we know how this happened to him? Who or what was responsible?"

His major domo shook his head. "No, sir. The procedure Rellar used rendered the human unconscious. He seems to have a low tolerance to pain."

"If Rellar has damaged him..." Ground out the Commandant.

"No, sir. He has taken a number of samples of the injuries then healed him."

The Commandant nodded and breathed out again. The whole programme would come to naught if they lost Crichton. Everything they had done up until now had led to this point and he had Bialar Crais to thank for his immense good fortune. Not that he would tell him. A dead human was of no use to him. But a live one... He flicked between screens until he was looking at the cage he shared with the ape and the Hynerian. A humourless smile graced thin cruel lips. He reviewed the tape closely, noting again the gorilla's reaction to the human's return. The emotion openly displayed fascinated him. His other specimens seemed to lack much of the bonding he saw between Crichton and Guy. Interesting. He wondered about John Crichton. Unable to see him properly because the gorilla had dragged him back into the shadows, as far from the cage door as he could get. Ah, protective instinct. Pity he was not the female of the species. Now *that* would have been interesting.

"Hovar?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Ensure that John Crichton is given unrecycled food. The creature is to have fresh fruit and all are to be given fresh water."

"And the Hynerian, sir?"

Darikos thought for a microt. Had noticed the worry on the Dominar's face when Crichton had been returned. Worry not just for the human but also for the ape. They made a very odd triumvirate. "Hynerians are always hungry," He mused almost to himself. "Give him sufficient to fill one stomach but not three."

Hovar Kan frowned but said nothing. The Commandant smiled, still looking at the screen, watching the way the ape cradled the unconscious human protectively in his arms. Long after Kan had gone, he watched the human sleep. His expression thoughtful as Guy gently rocked him.

* * * * *

"How do we know it is not a trap?" Said D'Argo.

Crais raised his eyebrows. "We do not. For all we know they could change the codes every time they have been used by an outsider." <I would> He thought.

Aeryn stared at him. "Outsider?"

He shrugged without rancour. "He is aware that I had ah disgraced my Peace Keeper past. He was highly suspicious of me."

"Yet he let you in?" Said Chiana, her head tilting in that curious bird like fashion. All jerking movements and sharp angles momentarily hiding her natural grace. "Gave you the codes to enter the Gammak Base."

"The Commandant wanted Crichton. I think he would have allowed Moya to land if that had been the only option. This code," He held it up so they could all clearly see it. "Could be a key or a death warrant. The choice is yours." He placed the entry code data file next to Pilot. "I have done as you have asked. Now it is time for myself and Talyn to take our leave. I wish you luck."

Aeryn was surprised. "You are leaving?"

"Yes." He paused, frowned at their expressions as if surprised that anyone should ask. "That was the understanding. I did not offer or have any intention of going any further with this fahrbot scheme and I will not risk Talyn. You asked me to help get them onto the Gammak Base. I have done that. The rest is up to you."

Zhaan inclined her head graciously though Aeryn knew the P'au was as upset and shocked as the rest of them. Somehow they had all assumed Crais would stay and help them retrieve Crichton. Not that there was any logical reason why he should. "We are grateful for your help. Please convey our thanks to Talyn."

Crais nodded curtly then walked briskly out of Pilot's den. For a microt the others just stared at each other, then Aeryn hurried after him. Not running but not exactly walking either. He hid a smile and composed his features but did not slow down. She wanted to speak to him then so be it but he had no intention of making it easy for her. "Crais! I need to speak to you."

He stopped and turned to face her. "Yes? What can I do for you Aeryn Sun?"

She frowned slightly at his words. Suddenly unsure just what she was going to say to him. "You never intended to help us get them back?"

"That is what I said and that is precisely what I meant. Why does this surprise you? That I should make a promise and keep it?"

She shook her head. Did not want to argue with Crais. Far from it. "No, that is not what I was thinking. I know you are an... honourable man, Crais. I just thought you would want to stay and help."

"Why?"

She gave him a blank look. "Why?"

"Yes, Aeryn. Why? I know why you want to get Crichton back. Even understand the others but why should I care? What is Crichton to me?"

"Crais you can't mean that, that you would leave and let John, Rygel and Guy die?"

He took a step towards her, holding his anger in check enough so that she would see the warning flash in his eyes. "Aeryn, do not attempt to ascribe feelings or motivations to me that I do not have. I thought the whole plan was bartantic from the beginning and if I recall correctly I expressed that opinion though no one listened to me. I told Crichton it was suicide."

"Then why did you take him to Trilon? Why have Talyn heal him?" She asked.

He allowed his look to soften slightly. "Do you need to ask?"

For a microt there seemed to be no air in the corridor. Then Crais broke the spell. "Goodbye, Aeryn Sun."

She watched him turn to go. "Goodbye, Crais."

She stood and watched him disappear down the corridor. Into the docking bay. She could have followed. Could have said goodbye to Talyn. But there seemed little point and she did not want the gunship to see that she was upset. She stood and listened as Talyn powered up and left Moya then made her slow way back to Pilot's Den. Chiana looked up as she rejoined them. Chiana knew from the look on her face that she had failed to convince Crais to help them any further.

"Yeah, well I say who needs Crais anyway? We're better off without him."

Aeryn was staring at the viewscreen but not really seeing anything. "Yes, but is John?"

No one knew how to answer her.

* * * * *

He woke with a shudder. Nightmare scenarios peppering his waking mind with glimpses of hezmana. Strong arms held him. The panic began to subside as he realised where he was. The rapid hyperventilation eased almost immediately. Rygel was watching him closely, a look of concern on his face. Guy made comforting noises in his throat that made the human smile. "How do you feel?" Asked the Dominar carefully.

Crichton sat up, the gorilla releasing him the microt he wanted to move. He looked surprised. "I feel... good." He paused, puzzled, and patted his hands over his chest and stomach.

Rygel looked at Guy. "Fahrbot." He murmured to the gorilla. The gorilla did not respond, he was watching Crichton.

"This is weird, Sparky. They took me to a... to a..." He broke off to steady his breath so he could continue. "a laboratory of some kind. This alien had me strapped to a table..."

The Dominar put a hand on Crichton's arm. "You don't have to tell us, John."

"No, you don't understand. I *want* to tell you. *Have* to tell you. Don't ask me to explain but I had been stripped off and was tied naked to this operating table. I was covered in these red blotches or sores, I'm not sure what they were only that they were sore and..."

"I know what those were."

Surprised, Crichton stared at him. "You do? And you never thought to *tell* me? What was that about, Rygel?"

Whenever Crichton used his name like that Rygel knew he was upset. Now was no different. "It was on Talyn. When Crais knocked you out so Talyn could heal you. Only that's not what he was doing if you ask me."

Crichton was stunned. What the hezmana was going on? "What did he do to me?"

"You were covered in some sort of slime Talyn was producing..."

"Oh yeah, healing nutrients. That's what Crais called it."

"It was no healing nutrients I've ever seen. For one thing the slime was moving."

He blanched a little. "Moving?"

Guy rubbed a hand back and forth gently on his head, not wanting him to get upset.

"There were these creatures, almost transparent tube like things wriggling in this slime. They had round mouths and rows upon rows of teeth..."

Crichton closed his eyes and shuddered. The marks on his body. It was beginning to slot into place.

"Crais made me watch as the mouths ate into you, scraping off layers of your skin until the slime turned pink then red..."

He wanted to gag, to be sick. To tear Bialar Crais limb from limb. "He said he was helping me."

"Harrumph. Take it from me you can do without that kind of help."

For a few microts no one spoke. Guy hugged him, drawing Crichton out of a descending fugue. He fussed the gorilla back and rubbed his fur to show him he was alright. "It's okay Guy, I'm okay."

Rygel watched him for a microt. "What did the alien do to you, John?"

He swallowed hard. It scared him all over again just to think about it. "He got this instrument, Sparky. The pain, I've never felt so much frelling pain."

"What did he do?"

"I'm not sure. It felt like he was cutting me open. I could feel *everything* Rygel. Then I must have lost consciousness with the pain. The next thing I remember is waking up in here."

Crichton started to undo the buttons on his shirt. Rygel frowned.

"What the yotz are you doing?"

"I have to know, Sparky."

"Know what? That you're completely fahrbot? I could have told you that."

"No, I need to know what they did to me."

The Dominar watched in silence. Guy tilted his head, a quizzical expression on his face that Rygel totally understood. Crichton opened his shirt and looked down at his chest. Nothing. There was nothing there. He looked at the Dominar, saw the Hynerian's mouth drop open in surprise. Crichton jumped to his feet startling Guy. He began to undo his trousers.

"John, I don't think that's necessary...."

"Shut up, Sparky, don't you see I have to do this?"

He slid his pants down. Nothing. His skin was smooth, bare, completely unmarked. He looked at Rygel. "Sparky, can you um can you check my back?"

Rygel walked behind him and looked him over. He walked back round to face his friend. "I don't understand it. You are completely unmarked. What the yotz is going on?"

He pulled his pants up and dressed. "That's what I'd like to know. I've just about had it with this funhouse."

Just then they heard the sound of heavy boots pounding down the corridor. Someone was coming. Instinctively the three friends drew further back and braced themselves. They sat in a little huddle, not knowing what to expect but taking comfort from each other's presence. To their surprise the guards were not in clash gear this time. There were two male guards, neither spoke. They shoved four dishes under the slot at the bottom of the cage by the door. Obviously the design had been well thought out because the slot was just big enough to allow one of the round metallic dishes through without having to switch off the current first. The dish shoved towards Guy had fruit in it. Crichton's dish had an assortment of odd looking meat that he did not recognise but at least it looked dead. There were no vegetables. Rygel's was squirming. The fourth dish fortunately was water. Before Crichton could ask any questions the guards turned and walked back down the corridor. By the sounds they could hear further down the corridor they were not the only ones being fed.

Guy looked down at his food then up at Crichton. He was pushing the contents of his tin around with one finger not sure if any of it was fit for human consumption. He looked at Rygel, noticed the little Hynerian was shoving something dark that wriggled like mad into his yawning pit of a
mouth. He looked delighted, the squirming food rapidly disappearing into that slash of a mouth. He was the happiest Crichton had seen him since their little *adventure* had begun. He was about to ask him what he was eating then thought better of it. He didn't want to know. He looked down at this food again. Could not summon up the interest or the appetite to try any of it. He put the dish down. Rygel finished his food, beamed at Crichton and burped loudly. Then he looked sadly back at his now empty dish. Seeing that the little Dominar was obviously still hungry he pushed his dish towards him.

"Here, you look like you could use this."

"Not hungry?"

"Uh no, I seem to have lost my appetite for some reason."

Rygel did not need telling twice, he began shoving the food in his mouth with renewed vigor. Crichton wriggled back a little to lean against the back of the cage and rest. Guy shuffled over to sit beside him, his shoulder touching Crichton's. Crichton leaned his head back and closed his eyes,
startled by a gentle touch on his face. His eyes flickered open to see Guy looking at him in gentle concern.

"What's up, Guy?" He said softly.

Guy held up a piece of fruit. Crichton smiled, touched and proud of his hairy friend. "It's okay, Guy, I'm not hungry. Really. You eat it."

The gorilla shoved his dish away and would not touch it. Crichton sighed. He leaned forward and slid the dish back towards them, Guy watching him but otherwise not moving.

"If you aren't the most stubborn gorilla I have ever met..." He mumbled in mock exasperation.

Guy watched as he picked up a piece of fruit and bit into it, the juice running down his face surprising him with its' sweetness. He smiled and slid his hand over his face to wipe the juice off then licked his fingers. He pushed the dish over to Guy. "You're turn, Guy. I eat, you eat. Deal?"

The gorilla picked up a piece of fruit and put it in his mouth, munching silently. They ate like that, each watching until the other had consumed a piece of fruit before eating themselves. When the dish was empty Crichton felt better but also guilty for eating Guy's food. Then he looked across at
Rygel and chuckled. The Dominar had no such reservations about taking whatever was on offer. But then, that was part of what made him a survivor.

* * * * *

"I say we go in now!" Said D'Argo gruffly. He was getting tired of waiting and with still no word or sign from Crichton he worried about leaving it too long.

Aeryn disagreed. "We can't do that D'Argo. Not yet. We have to give John a chance to find Guy and get him out of there. He'll find a way to contact us."

"You heard Crais. They put John and Rygel in the same cell as Guy."

Chiana looked concerned. "I wanna get them out as bad as you do, D'Argo, but I want to get them out alive."

D'Argo snorted and glared coldly at her. "What are you saying?"

"I'm just saying we gotta be careful, you know?"

"Chiana is right, sweet D'Argo." Said Zhaan gently. "So is D'Argo. We cannot afford to leave it too long but neither can we simply rush in." She looked at Aeryn. "We need more information."

"What do you suggest?"

Zhaan looked at Ka D'Argo. "You said the tracking devices were Luxan?"

He nodded. "They are."

"Pilot?"

"Yes, Zhaan?"

"Can you try to locate John's tracking device?"

There was a short silence. "Moya detects a small response on the frequency Ka D'Argo suggested."

Aeryn felt hope flicker in her heart. "John?"

"Yes. Moya believes it is him."

"Where is he, Pilot?" Asked D'Argo.

Pilot swayed his head slowly, communing with Moya. "Impossible to say only that Moya thinks the weakness of the signal is because Commander Crichton is right in the middle of the Gammak Base."

Aeryn was not surprised. Whatever dren they got into he always seemed to end up being in the middle of it. "That settles it."

D'Argo frowned. "Settles what?"

Aeryn made sure she looked at all of them in turn. "The device is working. It has located John. Now we must give him time to come up with a plan and be prepared to act on it."

D'Argo looked displeased. "It is a tracking device, Aeryn, *not* a communication device. How will we know what his plan is or what he wants us to do?"

"Trust him, D'Argo. John will come up with something. If we go in now we may ruin everything."

"You mean we may rescue him before they kill him?"

He regretted the words the microt they left his mouth. Saw them hit Aeryn like pulse fire. If he could have taken the words back he would have. It was Zhaan who calmed down their ragged nerves. "A good idea, Aeryn. We will give John and Rygel a solar day. If we have not heard anything from them by then we will go with D'Argo's plan."

Chiana almost laughed at that. "D'Argo's plan? He doesn't have a plan! He just wants to go in there and blast everything to hezmana."

"That *is* my plan." Retaliated D'Argo.

Aeryn, Chiana and Zhaan said nothing. When D'Argo had something fixed in his head not even a qualta blade could shift it.

* * * * *

Crichton had only just fallen asleep when he was woken by Rygel shaking him. Guy was already awake, craning his neck to try to see down the corridor without touching the bars. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. Was he never going to get any sleep in this place? "What's up, Sparky?"

"Something's happening."

He crept over to Guy. Yep. There was definite movement. Ever since their incarceration the cages to the immediate left and right of them had remained empty. All the other cages had specimens in them. Now, Crichton could see some of the other occupants were being moved around. What he could not fathom was why. And why do it in the middle of the sleep cycle? Or was that the point? Maximum disruption? He did not have to wait long to realise one particular group was being herded into the cage next to theirs. The one on the right. The one on the left remained empty. Crichton stood a half metra from the bars and watched. The creatures were anthropoid, somewhere between his ancestors and the missing link. They were taller than Crichton, not as hairy as Guy, and walked almost as upright as he did. He counted six before the guards slammed the door shut and turned on the power to the bars. All the cages abutted each other so the side of one cage became the side of the next and so on. Like a row of terraced cells. Crichton sat facing the new arrivals. So damn tired. They seemed upset and he could not blame them for that. But he was too weary to pay too much attention to them right now. He did not have the energy to go to the back of his cage and sleep so laid down where he was and closed his eyes. Even as their cries and howls escalated he could feel himself falling off to sleep. How quickly the strange and terrifying could become commonplace. Rygel moved back, not liking the way their new neighbours were looking at them.

The Dominar felt increasingly unhappy. It was looking more and more as if their current situation was going to become a permanent one. His plan was simple but relied on a lot of what Crichton would have called luck. To Rygel the key to their success or failure would be their ability to shut off the power. If they could not find a way to do that they might just as well get used to their new home. He yawned. Everything was settling down again, the brief glimmer of lights had dimmed again. He noticed the neighbours sitting in a huddle together, looking back at him but making no move and now silent. Well that was an improvement at least. He lay on his side and was soon
gently snoring. Only Guy remained awake. Some instinct making him wary. Watchful. He sat beside Crichton and watched, the creatures in the next cage staring back at him. Then he blinked. Something hummed along the bars between them then went silent. He had no idea what it was. Looked down to see if Crichton had heard it but the human was fast asleep. Guy tilted his
head as he looked at him then turned suddenly, springing to his feet as something metallic shifted with a slight noise as if it had been oiled. Before he realised what was happening something fast and heavy hit him in the chest and knocked him flat. When he shook his head and sat up it was just in time to see several pairs of hands drag Crichton swiftly through an open section of the cage. The next microt the section slid back and clicked into place and the current hummed back through it.

Guy howled. Crichton opened his eyes to find himself being dragged into the much larger cage next to theirs. Six pairs of eyes looking down at him with almost human intelligence. A memory stirred. A glimpse of something seen and hardly taken in. A shaky piece of hand held camera footage taken in a wood. "Oh my God, I've been kidnapped by the Sasquatch!"

* * * * *
end