A Bug's Life (conc)

A Bug's Life (conc)

Raven-Kat -- “Frell you, Crais!.”

Rae snaps, shoving him. "NEVER do that again!"

"Riv, it's how you programmed me..."

"The yotz it is! I programmed you first to follow orders, second to be outstanding in all things, and THIRD to do no harm, and that only when no harm would come from lack of action! So unless you think I was trying to harm Sunny--"

"No! Of course not!"

"Then next time, DO IT!" Rae shouts. "And try to remember, I, Lt. Colonel Rivyn B. Katlyn, am in charge of this expidition." She pauses and stares at the cryopod. Her eyes narrow. "What the hezmana are YOU laughing at?"

*This is the reason that your species is destined to die out.*

*Frell you! Sebacians will still rule the nine galaxies when your kind is nothing more than a memory in some disease-control lab. I will destroy you.*

*Then you will destroy your friend, too.*

Rae's eyes narrow. *Quite possibly, yes, but if you think that's going to stop me, you are much mistaken. REAL Sebacians don't flinch from that kind of thing. It is our strength.*

*It is your undoing.*

Rae closed her mind. "Crais, turn the heat up."

"Raising pod temperature..."

JilaCosa -- As Rae and Crais *discussed*

Crais' ability to hear and obey orders Jila silently walked across the chamber's stone floor. The floor was cold but Jila didn't notice even though her feet were bare. She walked straight over to the cryo-pod where Sunny lay waiting for the Sebacean Heat Death to overcome her. Jila stood beside the cryo-pod for only a moment before Sunny opened her eyes and saw her.

*NO JILA!* Sunny mentally screamed as loudly as her mind would allow. It wasn't terribly loud but Sunny was known to be able to mind-frell a person with only a quiet shout. *DON'T!!*

Rae had heard Sunny's mental shout, and when she turned in the direction of the cryo-pod so did Crais.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!" The two shouted in unison, but it was too late. (Later Rae would recall the totally blank look in Jila's eyes as Jila reached out and punched the release button on the cryo-pod.) As the pod door hissed open Jila crumpled to the ground.

Sun Aeryn -- FRELL, FRELL, FRELL

Sunny managed to get out as she weakly pulled herself out of the cryo-pod. Jila lay in a heap next to the cryo-pod. Sunny looked down at her, then up at Rae, & Crais. The look on Sunny's face sai it all, she was royally pissed.

Crais came over to help Sunny, he tried to support her, she pushed him away, "I don't need your help. Get Jila into this frellin' thing before that damn virus tries to infect anyone else." Sunny barked.

*Damnit Jila, why'd you go and do a fool thing like this? The reason I took Mouse's place was so her precious little Mousling would have a frellin' mother. Now you go and pull this! Damnit!* Sunny sent to Jila mentally.

"Go easy on her Sunny, she's just trying to help." Rae said coming over to Sunny "So is Crais, let him help you...you're to..."

"If you say weak I'll pantac jab you til you see stars!" Sunny interrupted Rae. Rae backed off

*What's up? Why are you so pissed?* Rae asked. Sunny looked at Rae. She closed her eyes as she heard the lock on the cryo-pod shut.

"Jila and the virus are locked in." Crais said sadly

Sunny let out a sigh

*Rae, I know what it's like to have a mother. I also know how much it frellin' hurts to be riped away from her. I will not let it FRELLIN' happen to Jila or Mouse's kids.* Sunny looked at Rae, determined to stop this frellin' virus. Sunny felt strong enough to finally try walking, she headed towards the door

"Where do you think you are going?" Rae asked

"I'm going to check on Mouse and do some research on intellent viruses. I'm also going to instruct the DRDs to not let any humans into this room. I'm setting the security level so only you, me, Crais, Larraq & Velorek can get in. I will not allow this damn thing to infect another Scoob. Is that clear?" Sunny shot out, daring Crais or Rae to question her.

Rae & Crais just looked at Sunny, surprised, almost shocked that she was behaving in such a fashion. Usually, Sunny let Rae run the show.

Rae whispered to Crais "Follow her..."

"Make sure she doesn't get hurt. Gotcha." Crais finished.

"Do NOT follow me. I'm fine. I can make it to the medical lab. I'll have Velorek check me out, make sure I'm fine. Then I'll be in my quarters...researching." Sunny said and left.

Crais stood looking at Rae.

"What the frell are you doing? I said follow her." Rae told Crais

"She was rather adamant about me not following her." Crais offered

"Since when do I listen to her? Go after her...just don't let her see you." Rae ordered Crais.

Sunny made it to the medical lab ok, by the time she got there...she was weaker than she would admit, to anyone. Mouse was up, Velorek wouldn't let her leave just yet. He wanted to make sure Mouse was well.

"Sunny? What happened? The last thing I remember was seeing you in the cryo-pod." Mouse asked when she noticed Sunny leaning on the door frame. Velorek rushed over.

"Don't even try it. I got here on my own, I can make it to a frellin' bed as well." Sunny shot out at Velorek

He looked at Mouse, who was looking at Sunny

Mouse was almost afraid to ask, "What happened?"

Sunny looked at Mouse then at Velorek, "Jila is infected now. She's locked up in the cryo-pod with that frellin' virus. Rae and I had a plan to kill it...but now it's all frelled. What was Jila thinking? We had it under control. " Sunny told them. She made it to a bed and sat down on it.

"Let me look at you. You look like.."Velorek started

"If you say hell, I'll pantace jab you. Just give me something for this head ache, so I can go do some research on this frellin' virus." Sunny asked rather sharply. She was in no mood to argue with anyone. She had some research to do. She didn't have time to play sick.

"You've had that virus in you for quite some time. You need to rest. Your shaking, why?" Velorek asked, looking more closely at Sunny. Sunny looked at him then in a voice only he could hear, "If you mention Heat Delirium with Mouse in here....I'll ripe out your server."

Velorek gave Sunny something to drink. Then he went to get something to give her for her headache.

"Sunny, you ok?" Mouse asked hesitantly

"I'll be fine as soon as I can get out of here and to my quarters." Sunny reassured Mouse

Velorek came back with a shot for Sunny's head ache.

"That better not knock me out. I've got to much to do." Sunny told him as he moved in to give her the shot.

"It won't. It will only take away the pain." Velorek reassured her.

"Man I have got to get this taste out of my mouth." Sunny mumbled as she got up. She headed out the door and to the security room.

Raven-Kat -- Rae stared at the pod

with her hands on her hips. "Go ahead. Say it!"

*I hardly think that's necessary.*

"You've frelled with the wrong woman, you piece of drenn."

*You hardly seem to be doing a wonderful job retaliating.*

"I meant Jila. Woman's got more magic in her than I do. You think you can survive her power? She'll burn you out."

Rae stared at the pod and laughed. She could feel the virus's panic.

"That's right. That's the reason you couldn't possess me, isn't it?" Rae reached out and rested her hand on the pod, near Jila's cheek. "I told you it would come in handy some day." she whispered to Jila, smiling tenderly at her friend.

*NO!* the virus snarled.

Rae laughed again and hit her comm. "Crais, you want to hear something funny?"

"At this point, anything."

"Good." Rae smiles. "Bring a bottle of champagne and... three glasses. Jila will be joining us soon."

"Crais, did I just tell you to do something?"

Rae smiled and reconfigured her comm. "Vel. How is she?"

"She should be fine, given proper care."

"Well, then, I leave her in your hands. Keep her cool and comfortable."

"She just tired. I had Mouseling brought in. It seems to be speeding her recovery."

"Of course it is. Very well-done. Out."

Rae allowed herself a happy sigh and returned to the pod. "And how are we today, Jila?"

*Weak, Rae. It's trying to overpower me.*

"So, fight back. Remember the exercises I've shown you for mental control?"

Jila's mental voice sounded calmer. *Yeah.*

"Good girl. If you need extra strength, tap on in. I've got it to spare." She sat next to the pod and rested her cheek against the cool surface, waiting.

JilaCosa -- The Virus panicked

It's thoughts were jumbled at first but then became more organized. This human had more mind power than the dark one on the other side of the pod? It found that statement hard to believe but wouldn't take the risk. The dark one, Rae, and the other, called Sunny, they had powerful minds that could not be overcome. If this one was the same perhaps striking hard and fast was the answer. So the Virus struck at Jila... Hard.

As Rae watched Jila drew a ragged breath as her body jerked once.

*C'mon baby.* Rae thought as she moved her hand slowly across the glass of the cryo-pod, her fingers spreading as her hand inched forward. *You can do it. Remember....*

Of the lessons that Rae had taught Jila relaxation was the most important. With a great deal of effort Jila ignored for a moment the virus which furiously tried to beat her into submission, and began to relax and regulate her breathing.

Space. Jila needed space. Elbow room.

How was it Rae had taught her?

Think. Build an image in my mind. It will only be an image but for the need it will become real.

The Virus reared back for another attack. It could win, it thought, if it could just wear her down. Endless attack, no breathing room.

Jila threw her arms up and crossed them in front of her to try to fend off the attack. Once again it worked, though Jila had no idea how, the same as it had worked against the spell that Dartran had thrown against her when he had fought WizMick. The virus stumbled back stunned when it hit the invisible shield but only for a moment.

Dartran and WizMick... That was it! Lord Corwin's castle stadium! Yes! Jila concentrated on the image of the stadium and suddenly it appeared. Space. Jila found that she could move around, not be confined to one place. This would make things easier.

The virus noticed the different surroundings in an instant. It stopped in its advance to wonder how this had happened. Had they moved? Was this still the human's mind, and it was a trick? This it had never experienced before. It had also noticed that it had taken on a form. It was taller than the human, and more muscular. Alien. The word came to it's mind. The word had come from the human but what did it mean? Never mind. The human was nearly finished, it was sure. It leapt with an amazing speed, and Jila was knocked sideways with it's impact.

And there lay the problem. Jila couldn't think of anything else to do. Running, dodging, staying out of reach, that was all she could think of, but that was what the virus wanted her to do. It wanted her physically and emotionally spent so that possession of her mind would be simple. The Virus circled Jila. It watched her. It watched for an opening. Another chance to weaken the human.

Rae had told Jila that Jila was strong, powerful. A power to match Rae's own. But could she use it Here without killing herself in the process? That she didn't know. Rae was continually teaching her control. The Virus leapt again and slashed with it's new found claws. This time though Jila got caught. She had jumped sideways but not fast enough. Jila stumbled, fell, and got back to her feet fast. Blood ran down her side.

*Rae, I'm bleeding!* Jila cried as she held out the hand that she had clasped to her side when the searing pain hit.

*It's not real* Rae's image in the stands spoke to her. *It's a figment of your imagination. Think away the blood, it's just distracting you.*

Rae was right, the blood was gone without a thought, but the pain remained.

Outside Jila's mind, in the cryo-pod, Jila's physical hand came up, her fingers spread, and rested itself on the glass under Rae's hand. Crais, who had finally gotten back to the chamber with the champagne and glasses, saw what Jila had done and even though he knew that he couldn't offer the two anything more than his physical presence, placed his hand over Rae's. Rae looked up at her longtime friend and nodded, then looked back down at Jila in the cryo-pod.

Raven-Kat -- Rae smiled grimly

Jila had prevaled. For the moment. It was no longer a question in the Sebacian's mind of her human friend's strength. Jila had the power. It was only a matter of Jila's own knowledge of that power. Doubt was the enemy for Jila now, so Rae refused to let any enter her own mind.

She was faintly aware of Crais's hand against hers and gave it a little squeeze by way of acknowledgement, never for a moment taking her mind from Jila's.

*You've been practicing.* she told her tired friend, allowing her mental 'voice' to hold a trace of pride. *Your strength grows every time you use it. Discipline is all you lack any more. It's time for you to find that. Take a rest before you continue.*

She felt Jila's tired acknowledgement and the virus's rage. The rage was strong, stronger than any that Rae had ever allowed herself to feel, but it was weakness. She had always taught Jila that anger was weakness, that it clouded judgement and dulled precision. She could not remind her friend of that now without warning the virus of the fact. She could only hope that Jila was as good a student as she seemed.

She squeezed Crais's hand again and leaned into him, waiting, dimly aware that this situation was no longer in her hands.

Sun Aeryn -- “Dren! Still nothing!”

Sunny tossed the book across the room, when she didn't find anything about the Viruse that would help them get it out of Jila. It hit the wall, just barely missing Velorek’s head.

“It’s a good thing I released Mouse. You might have hit her or Mouseling.” He commented picking up the book.

“I wouldn’t have thrown it if they had been here.” Sunny complained. She tried to get off the bed, but Velorek had a couple of DRD’s trained on her, keeping her in bed.

“Would you please call them off? I’m fine. See, no more shaking.” Sunny said holding out a hand to prove she was fine.

“You need to rest.” Velorek told her

“You let Mouse go.” Sunny reminded him.

“Mouse isn’t Sebacean, she wasn’t exposed to extreme heat.” Velorek said coming towards Sunny, ready to poke and prod her again.

‘I’m fine, really. Jila & Rae need my help.”

*Sunny, I need you to bring me some stuff from my lab* Rae’s voice called

*Rae, I would love to but Velorek won’t let me out of here. * Sunny responded, glaring at Velorek

*Sun, he’s only doing what I told him to do. I’ll have him let you out for good behavior* Rae told her

Within minutes, the DRDs guarding Sunny moved away. Velorek finished checking Sunny, “You should still rest, but Rae informed me that Jila needs your help as well. Rae has a plan.”

As soon as Velorek moved, Sunny was up & out the door, “Thanks!” was all Velorek heard. Sunny was out the door and on her way to Rae’s lab. A couple of DRDs were inside pulling the items Rae needed. One rolled up to Sunny with a list. Sunny and the DRDs finished gathering the items Rae requested, then they headed downstairs.

Sunny entered the room pushing a cart loaded with gadgets galore. Rae got up from sitting next to the pod. She was still able to connect with Jila.

“Ok, what’s the plan?” Sunny asked, walking over to the pod. She leaned her head on the pod *Jila, hang in there. Don’t let it beat you. Your kids need you. You’re doing great. *

“Sun, I need your help. Crais can keep an eye on Jila.” Rae called

*What do you think you are doing? You’ll never defeat me. I’ll win and take this human’s body with me. * The Virus yelled at Sunny. She backed away, with a slightly evil grin on her face *That’s what you think. * When Crais touched her shoulder, Sunny knew it was time to go.

“Let’s do this.” Sunny said as she ‘ported a divider between the cryopod and the area she & Rae were working in. They worked quickly and in what some would call silence, but they were communicating, with each other…and keeping tabs on the Virus inhabiting Jila.

*Rest* Rae had told Jila.

*I'm proud of you* Rae's soft voice soothed.

Yes Rest. Jila sighed and smiled, the work had paid off. Having Rae for a teacher was not easy. Jila had assumed that being a fellow Scoob meant that Rae would be more patient, more relaxed, more forgiving when a mistake was made. Jila assumed wrong. She had gotten enough thumps from Rae that it was a wonder she could remember any of the lessons. But the thumpings had done their job, and now Jila only had to put each lesson to use. Jila knew she needed to sit back just for a moment and catch her breath. She backed over to the wall keeping her eyes on the virus the whole way. The virus feinted one way and then the other. When her back touched the wall Jila slid down to a sitting position.

What were the other lessons that Rae had taught her.

Calm. Focus. Control.

Rae had also taught her that she didn't need to wave her hands around like some of the ancient magicians did. The power was in the mind, not the hands. Jila felt her own power flowing around her. The air nearly hummed with it. She pictured a square of the power and let it drop down over herself like a sarape.

*Good* The Rae image said. *Close your eyes and rest a moment.*

The virus watched as Jila sat down and closed her eyes. It howled in rage. How could anyone not be afraid! Didn't this human know what kind of peril it was in? The virus ran over to Jila and tried to rip her into a bloody mess. It would destroy this human. It Would have her, mind and body. Then it howled in rage again. Its massive claws kept being deflected away from Jila.

*Had enough yet?* Rae's image asked. *I told you she was strong.*

*NEVER!!!* The virus roared *She cannot win!*

*Are you sure?* A new voice called from the other side of the stadium.

Jila half opened her eyes. Yes, she thought so. Sunny had joined them. With all the training she had had from Rae, Jila had become familiar with the touch of Rae's mind. This new touch was different but still a bit familiar. Jila didn't know who's touch was darker, Rae's or Sunny's. Each had their hidden secrets, each had places in their minds that were off-limits where the barely controlled things dwelled.

*You're doing great Jila.* Sunny said, her voice now soft as a purr. *Just a little while longer.*

*They're up to something.* Jila thought privately and grinned. Knowing those two it could be almost anything. Now to stall until they were ready.

One of the last lessons Rae had taught her was that you didn't need magic as long as you could keep your enemy off-guard by... what? What was it that Rae had said. Jila watched as the virus paced back and forth shouting at the images of Rae and Sunny, and jumping at her. Jila flinched as she thought that each lunge might put the virus right in her face but she didn't move. The less she moved and the less Rae and Sunny talked, the angrier the virus got. Anger! That was it! Keep your enemy off-guard and apt to make a mistake by keeping it Angry!

*Get up human and Fight!* The virus growled.

*Go away.* Jila said turning herself sideways to rest her shoulder and knees against the wall. *You bother me.*

*You Will Fight!*The virus howled, its image rippling with its rage.

*Oh no!* Jila thought privately as she started to giggle. Giggling was not exactly the reaction she would have bet on having just about now, but the rippling affect looked like something out of a Horror or Scifi movie. Like the movie Alien just before a creature explodes out of somebody. Not that the Alien movie was funny... Oh wait! No, it was actually more like the movie 'Mask' with Jim Carrie where he changes into really strange things because of the mask. Jila could picture the movie, Jim Carrie's character's face contorting and his body spinning like a tornado just before he changed. Jila tried to stifle the giggles, but she couldn't. She started to snort, then choke, and then giggle louder. She tried to clap her hands over her mouth but her whole body shook with laughter. Oh why had she had to think of that right now. Jila rolled face down onto the ground and howled with laughter. The virus howled too, but with a rage so black that Rae wasn't so sure of things for a nano.

*Let us take it from here Jila* The words were so soft on the breeze that Jila thought she had imagined them, but when she had calmed her laughter down enough to look up to Sunny and Rae's images they nodded. Jila layed her head back down on the ground, closed her eyes, and nearly stopped her breathing.

Whatever it was they were going to do Jila hoped they could accomplish it quickly before the giggles came back.

Sun Aeryn -- The end is near... for the Virus

Sunny and Rae continued working quickly & quietly. The occasional words spoken were to ask for tools or gadgets. All the while the Virus was getting more curious about what was happening.

*If I promise not to hurt you or your friends, will you let me see? * Sunny could hear it ask Jila. Jila laughed, *You wouldn’t be able to see anything. Sunny put a barrier between the pod and the work area. *

The Virus tried to attack Jila again, but it was unsuccessful. Jila was still safe in the shield she placed around herself. She looked up when she felt Sunny enter. Sunny was standing about the Virus & Jila, smiling *You know, you’ll see what’s happening soon enough. You wouldn’t want to spoil your surprise now would you? * Sunny asked the Virus.

*Where’s the other one? * It demanded.

*Rae? She’s busy. * Sunny replied *Jila, you ok? * Sunny sent to Jila, *Can you hold on for a few more microts? Rae is almost done. *

*I think so. * Jila responded. Sunny could see she was getting tired, but knew that she could make it.

*I’ll let you know when it’s safe to let down the shield so we can get this thing out of you. * Sunny added before turning her attention to the pesky intellent Virus

*You know, for an intellent virus you sure aren’t very smart. * Sunny taunted it. She wanted it mad enough to follow the plan she & Rae hatched. The Virus roared and headed towards Sunny, only to realize that it couldn’t reach her. This was not her mind.

*She’s right you know. You’re letting three females get the better of you. * Rae popped in. Jila noticed both Sunny and Rae. *You ready, Jila? When Rae gives the signal, drop your shield so the virus can get out of you. * Sunny told Jila, she nodded that she understood.

Meanwhile, outside Jila’s mind, Sunny, Rae & Crais were preparing for the transfer of the Virus to a robot. It looked just like Rae. Rae was the only being the Virus hadn’t been in. Rae finished uploading her memories into the Raebot’s brain. So that the Virus would really think it was in Rae. When she finished, Rae stayed hidden as Sunny and Crais got the Raebot into position.

*Jila, get ready. * Sunny warned

*I’ve never seen a sorrier excuse for an intellent virus in my life. * Rae taunted the Virus. It was fuming, lashing out at Sunny & Rae.

*Rae, you are absolutely right. I could beat this virus while suffering from Heat Delirium. * Sunny added.

*NOW, Jila! * Rae said as the Raebot opened the cryopod door. Jila drooped the shield and the Virus jumped.

*I’ll teach you who’s stronger! * exclaimed the Virus as it moved from Jila to the Raebot.

Sunny shoved the intellent virus infested Raebot, “Come on, show me what you got.” And took off running, “Come on you lazy git, catch me if you can.” Sunny taunted from next to her Prowler.

*Sunny be careful. * Rae cautioned

*Just worry about Jila. I can handle this virus* Sunny shot back, with a gleam in her eye. Rae chuckled and helped Crais get Jila to the med lab where Velorek was waiting.

The Raebot finally caught up with Sunny, who was waiting in her Prowler, “Took you long enough. Wanna go for a spin?” Sunny asked, sealing her helmet.

“Where’s mine?” demanded the VirusRaebot

“Didn’t you know? Rae’s body doesn’t need one. She spent years training so she wouldn’t need a helmet to fly.” Sunny said, offering her hand to the VirusRaebot. It looked at Sunny’s hand then at Sunny, not sure it could trust her.

“What’s the matter? You chicken? You going to let a couple of lesser life forms defeat you?” Sunny asked raising an eyebrow.

*Lesser life forms? * Rae asked, *That’s pushing it don’t you think? *

*That’s what I’m hoping for. Just get busy building a new canopy for my Prowler, please. * Sunny responded as she helped the VirusRaebot into her Prowler. They were off, in the air quicker than the VirusRaebot could imagine. The VirusRaebot tried to wrest control of Sunny’s Prowler, but Sunny was able to stop it. Without it realizing what was happening, Sunny secured her harness tightly and then hit the eject button for the canopy. The VirusRaebot was sucked out with the force of the canopy.

*No! You can’t do this to me! It’s me, Rae, your friend! * It screamed at Sunny.

*I’m afraid not. See the body you inhabit right now is actually a highly sophisticated robot. Built especially to trick you. You fell for it. You let us anger you to the point of no return. Your anger towards Rae & me blinded you to what was really going on. * Sunny smiled as she locked her guns on the VirusRaebot. She fired, hitting the VirusRaebot dead on. It blew up. The force of the explosion killed the Virus. Sunny had to go into a nosedive to avoid having Raebot parts hit her helmet.

After landing her Prowler, Sunny released the seal on her helmet, took it off and climbed out of her Prowler. Rae & Crais were standing near by. Sunny walked over to them, “Next time, can you make the bot someone I can’t stand? It was rather freaky blowing you up.” Sunny said as they walked to the med lab to check on Jila.

“What do you mean next time? You did kill it, right?” Rae demanded.

“I mean the next time we use this plan. Yeah, I killed that pesky little virus.” Sunny reassured Rae. “I think bits of its charred remains are stuck to my Prowler.” She added.

“I’ll have the DRDs give it a good cleaning while they attach the new canopy for it.” Crais told Sunny.

“I’m glad that’s over.” Sunny said as they entered the med lab. Velorek was just finishing up his scan of Jila, making sure she was ok. “She needs lots of rest, but is otherwise unharmed.” He informed them.

Sunny looked at Jila, Rae, Crais, & Velorek, “Well, I’m going to go take a nap I’m pooped.” With that…Sunny left her friends and headed towards the TreeHouse. She was happy that everyone was safe and the intellent Virus was gone. She would sleep for a long time. All was once again, right in the ScoobyScaper’s world, for now.