Disclaimer: None of the Stargate characters belong to me, nor any other character or story already known. I like to sprinkle other great characters of movies through out as the characters exist in our time mand would make reference to them I think. This is all just for fun so please forgive any mistakes and inconsistencies or resemblance to other characters. I have not based Evander or any other character or this story off of anyone or anything else. I think the themes are familiar because well they have been around forever!
This is the second story after my first fic Evander's Heir where I try to explain why Sheppard's gene is strongest. For those that read the first I tried to recap somethings here to jog memories a bit and set up this story. The premise of this story is Sheppard developing his abilities and fighting the darkness of the Wraith. He also has to deal with the IOA. There will be conflict between some nut that wants Sheppard dead, his team and of course within himself. This is a Shepcentric team fic. It is a bit darker than the previous with some violence but I don't think anything that can't be seen on television. Standard Aventure/Hurt/Comfort. I hope it is okay. Thanks for your feedback and ideas. Thanks ahead to my betas Highonscifi and Comanche Antigo.
Chapter One-Dark Forests, Bright City
Siptis slowly called his men out of the shadows and gathered them in a quiet hideout in the deep forests of Palladin. Centuries ago, a group of Ancients had chosen Siptis' own ancestor to set in motion the destruction of Evander so that they could then have dominion over all. Siptis' own family had aligned itself with the family of Scelus during his war with the King Evander in the hopes that, through Scelus, they could bring about the beginning of those Ancients who would be gods in this galaxy so that they too could ascend as promised. The family had failed when Scelus had been defeated and then banished; and the ancient gods abandoned the ancestors of Siptis--or so his grandfather and father told them. Evander had been too powerful in his influence over the people and was not afraid to fight them directly like the other Ancients, thus the people of this galaxy had been corrupted by the lies of Evander and his talk of freedom.
Siptis, like others of these worlds, knew of the prophecy that Evander's heir would return. What the others did not know was that his small group also believed in Siptis' ancestor's promise that their reward and the return of their gods would only happen with the end of Evander's line.
Siptis scowled. Like Scelus, Vanitis also failed. He was useless except that through him the trueness of the return of Evander's heir was revealed. Vanitis' arrogance and impatience ruined a good opportunity where Armentarius could be defeated. Instead, Vanitis had hastened to put a poorly trained slave army together. Only a few actually believed in the cause and his forces were swiftly defeated.
Siptis smiled at the memory of the great King Armentarius defeating Vanitis. It had been too easy, but Siptis knew that Armentarius would be difficult to kill. He could not wage a great battle against him as Vanitis had done. The king was even more prepared for that. Frankly, Siptis had been surprised by how quickly Armentarius had been able to effectively gather his forces. Now Siptis' own group would have to trick Armentarius and isolate him if they were to defeat him. Siptis had no personal ill will toward the king especially since the king had set him free. Siptis most certainly thought he would have been put to death for his work with Vanitis. Yes, it was a pity that Armentarius had to die so that Siptis could fulfill his duty to his gods. He prayed that they would return once he fulfilled the prophecy and eliminated the abomination that was an Ancient descendant. The king would return and Siptis would be ready and finish what Vanitis could not, and finally their small group could worship openly.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard woke as the sun's rays seeped through a small opening in the curtains and landed on his closed eyelids. He groaned as he stretched before getting out of bed. He had pushed it just a little on the run with Ronon yesterday, and his leg was stiff and sore. It had been a little more than a month since his fight with Vanitis and he was mostly healed, but mornings like this reminded him that he still had a little way to go.
He had dreamt of Wraith, and of him being fed on by Wraith and him feeding on humans. That was very disturbing, but he also dreamt of controlling Wraith and in particular Wraith queens. Yet he was not sure where that was coming from because he was sure that he could not do that at least not with what he had gathered from the Eye of Armentarii. That mental itch that had called him to Ilium and to find the Eye also told him that it was time to talk to Atlantis again. He sighed. He really just wanted to forget about the Evander stuff for a while, just pretend it was all a dream, but he knew that it wasn't and the respite would be brief. A lot had changed in him and in some respects nothing at all. He could pretend for a while but even Atlantis knew he was different.
He was still all sarcasm and charm, but now he could speak Ancient and this was disconcerting. McKay was pleased as it gave Sheppard another way to be useful and spare McKay the details of translating things himself. But Sheppard made McKay promise to only ask for his help when absolutely necessary and only in front of the team that knew of the recent events on Ilium.
Sheppard knew that there would be no rest until the Wraith were no longer a threat and the key to defeat them was buried in his head somewhere; but he resolved to ignore the itch for now. There would be plenty more sore days and days in the infirmary, and it would be a long time before he could keep his promise to Carson, but right now he needed a break to focus on the expedition and set aside anything having to do with Evander.
He smiled at the benefit of their new alliance with the Armentarian worlds. Atlantis had sent scientists of several disciplines there while they in turn had sent several here in an exchange to help the Earth culture and the Armentarian cultures learn about each other as well as to improve their technologies. One added benefit was Samsus coming along to continue to guide Sheppard and act as Ambassador to Earth. The Guardians had insisted that the king's chef and cooking staff also come to Atlantis. He was not sure why they had wanted this, but maybe just a simple reminder of his worlds. But they were wise men and Sheppard could not help but notice that the menu had improved considerably as had McKay's mood and frankly the mood of many of the expedition members. Food could do wonders for morale and perhaps alliances, and the new recipes were a hit.
Sheppard got up and showered. He remembered he had promised to meet with Lorne and groaned as he also remembered he had to meet with Weir and Sam in the conference room to speak with the IOA via a gate connection with Earth. He closed his eyes. "Quit whining John," he told himself, "You accepted this voluntarily." He then thought about the IOA and allowed a small smile to cross his lips. This could actually be fun…driving the IOA crazy.
oOoOoOoOo
Woolsey looked at Sheppard through the screen. The lieutenant colonel was sitting just behind Weir and Samsus looking very unconcerned and quite relaxed. From Earth it was just he, Landry, and O'Neill in on this conference to begin negotiations with the Armentarian people. At a later date they would be face to face but the IOA was impatient to establish relations thinking the sooner they talked to Sheppard, the more likely he would be to comply with their demands. They had already been briefed and as usual had allowed Woolsey to convey their views (or lack of them) to Atlantis and in this case to Sheppard. It made sense since he had the relationship with them. Frankly, Woolsey understood Atlantis. Secretly, he admired them although he always portrayed objectivity to the rest of the committee. Sheppard looked no different to him, not really. Just a bit more tired it seemed. Perhaps this kingship really was nothing as it did not seem to concern Sheppard--he projected the same beguiling and at times infuriating nonchalance. Woolsey doubted the whole expedition knew, for now, that Sheppard was king of some world or worlds. The IOA was worried about this new power of Sheppard's--if it turned out to be anything. He also knew a few government heads through his contacts and they were also a little worried about an Air Force lieutenant colonel who just happened to be king of four worlds. Woolsey wished the participating heads of state did not need to be informed but that was impossible--and he could only hope this would not complicate matters.
Woolsey got the impression from O'Neill that this was just a normal run of the mil kingship but fortunately with a world that had advanced weaponry to some degree or at least enough advancement to be a good ally. Apparently the place had numerous Ancient devices as well. Yes this could be a fruitful alliance if Sheppard would cooperate. He was not sure if that would occur. Although not quite a maverick, Sheppard was an independent. The IOA thought they would be able to control Sheppard but Woolsey knew that would not be possible, he could only hope to manage the colonel through appeal to his patriotism and through his need to protect others. Woolsey suspected there was more to the king story. He had no proof, but Woolsey was patient.
Through the interview, Sheppard was a quiet observer, and almost looked bored. Woolsey looked at O'Neill. "Is he going to say anything? We are negotiating about his kingdom, or so I am told."
The general shrugged. "He's a pilot, what do you expect?"
Woolsey did like this Samsus character. Amiable and polite. He wondered how the old man got along with Sheppard. "We do appreciate the advanced G-suits, Ambassador Samsus, however, we were hoping for access to any weapons that would prove useful to defend ourselves against any threats to our world."
"I doubt we have weapons that can do that Mr. Woolsey," Samsus began, "Some weapons that we have are above your level of technology--from what little I have been able to learn about your world. Most of our weapons are at your level and some are just below. We still use cavalry for instance. My understanding is that your advanced nations use a mechanized version of this." Samsus did not mention the shielding that protected their planets, the chairs, the ZPMs as his Majesty called them--but he was sure this IOA suspected as much or they would not be in negotiations at all.
"Surely there is something that may be of use. We could use any advantage."
"Rest assured, Mr. Woolsey," Samsus said in quiet frustration, "We will share what we can, but we must also think of the defense of our worlds."
"Surely it would be better if we were able to be equal partners…sharing what we have for the betterment of both our worlds."
"Really?" Sheppard drawled. O'Neill sat up and glanced at Landry with a smile. This should be good. "What are you offering in return? Seems to me that we are the ones giving you everything. That G-suit, I think, is pretty advanced enough, and we already have scientists from Atlantis on Ilium."
Woolsey looked at Sheppard. "The IOA requests that we send a non-Lantean scientific delegation to Ilium." O'Neill held his tongue as did Landry at this unexpected turn. Woolsey looked at them apologetically.
"Why is that?" Sheppard asked suspiciously, "Actually never mind. I don't care to know. The answer is no. Our people have agreed to work with Earth through Atlantis. You have the smartest people on this expedition. That should be enough…and you still have not said what you have to offer us in return. My guess the reason for that is because you don't have anything."
"I would not say that exactly."
"Of course you wouldn't Mr. Woolsey, not exactly." Sheppard was smiling but there was no warmth.
Woolsey shifted. This was starting to go in the wrong direction. He realized he much preferred the quiet, bored Sheppard. "What would you have in mind ColSheppard? Earth, after all, is your world with your people as well--if you have not forgotten."
Sheppard's nonchalance changed abruptly as he eyed Woolsey darkly. O'Neill had seen that look before. That was not a good call by Woolsey to play that card. He would have thought Woolsey would know better.
"Col Sheppard does not require anything Mr. Woolsey." Sheppard said coldly. "King Armentarius however, wants to know what you offer the Armenatrian people in return."
O'Neill grinned. Checkmate. It was a bit disconcerting how Sheppard could go kingly or dark or whatever you wanted to call it.
Woolsey decided a strategic retreat was best. "I apologize your highness." O'Neill smiled at Landry who was also enjoying watching the IOA--and in this instance, Woolsey--squirm. That must have hurt.
Sheppard looked slightly embarrassed then irritated. "I don't expect titles Mr. Woolsey, but I do expect respect for these people. Our worlds are not a candy store just for the IOA or anyone for that matter to take what they want. I have a responsibility to Earth that has not changed, and you can bet that we will be there to defend it. But just because I agreed to be king for these people, do not for one minute think that I will put them at risk to being more vulnerable than they already are. They have placed themselves at risk by allying themselves with us. Now if you don't mind Mr. Woolsey, I have some training with the marines. I haven't gotten my ass kicked by them for a while and they seem to expect this at least once a month, so it should be a good one today. Take care sir." With that Sheppard got up and left.
There were a few other brief awkward pleasantries exchanged between Woolsey, Weir and Samsus while Landry and O'Neill chatted to the side.
"The IOA is going to have fits over him," Landry said quietly.
O'Neill smiled. "Good for us. Sheppard is going to help us as much as he can, but he knows the IOA will want to exert control over him if they can. He just made it clear that they can't." It would be possible that the IOA would not exert as much power over the Stargate program if Sheppard really wanted to play hardball. That would still remain to be seen.
The link to Atlantis was broken. Woolsey looked at O'Neill exasperated. This would not make his colleagues happy. Yet Sheppard had not disrespected him, merely put him in his place in regards to his role with the IOA. O'Neill shrugged again. "He's a pilot. What do you expect?"
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard used his anger during his workout with the Marines. They didn't go easy on him but for the first time since he could remember he bested all of them. Ronon looked impressed.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Ronon asked as they left the gym. "Usually I am helping you up from the mat, although I never believed that anyone other than myself, and Teyla could really beat you."
"Well, these workouts with the Marines are really about the team."
"So what happened?" Ronon persisted.
"Talked to Woolsey," Sheppard said simply.
"Oh."
"He questioned my loyalty to Earth, or at least tried to use it to get what the IOA wants."
"Oh. Yeah that was dumb."
Sheppard grinned. "Yeah it was. Oh well. You know this is going to be tougher than I thought…actually, you know, it is going to be as tough as I thought. I might be able to keep my true identity hidden, but being king is going to be hard enough. It won't be long before the Atlantis expedition knows that part."
"Would that be so bad? They like the food much better now, but people are already wondering about these new people."
"I know. It doesn't take long. I have a feeling King Armentarius will be known soon."
Ronon put a hand on Sheppard's shoulder. "King Armentarius will help to keep Evander's heir hidden."
Sheppard met his friend's eyes. "I hope so."
oOoOoOoOo
He was right--it didn't take long. One of the Armentarian scientists ran into him in McKay's lab and bowed with a greeting that ended in "Your Royal Highness." There were other scientists in the lab. McKay threatened them, but that was just too juicy to keep to themselves. One month was all it had taken for his newfound title to be spread around Atlantis.
Fortunately, Ronon was right and the cover of Armentarius held the larger secret of being Evander's heir and what that meant, but he wondered how long even that would last. He might have to come to a decision sooner than he hoped in regards to where he would work to end the Wraith. Earth, or at least the IOA would fear him because they feared anything they did not understand or control completely. But for now he would just have to worry about how to deal all the looks he was getting.
At first he smiled sweetly at the stares, he then tried to just ignore them and then finally resorted to a scowl or what Lorne called the "imperial glare." The major paid for that with some new performance reports to write.
The imperial glare comment had quietly spread amongst the military. When he asked Lorne how this news of his newfound royalty had affected the troops the major said that it had not fazed them. There had been a military collective shrug of so what, he's still the boss. Sheppard had already proved himself more than capable in their eyes--flyboy or no, he was a lethal warrior. That was enough for them. Lorne and Sheppard had agreed, however, that a select few would know his true identity as there might be assignments that would be more sensitive and would require back-up. Sheppard had a nagging feeling that his acquisition of knowledge on Ilium was just the main puzzle piece. He had dreamt of further smaller pieces to help him unlock how to use his brain and what was in it and make training with Samsus even more interesting. The mental itch that would guide him to those pieces could still be ignored, but Sheppard knew it would get stronger.
Lorne had selected the squads which he quietly termed the Imperial Guard hoping that Sheppard would not punish him with more paperwork. He cleared his selections with Sheppard then showed them more than just the standard reports sent to the SGC. Ronon verbally told them the rest including the battles. The legend of Sheppard went up a notch with them after that.
The new found royalty of Sheppard went up through the whole city much to his chagrin, but he knew at some point, if he just kept acting as if it was no big deal, things would die down. Weir had sent out memos describing the situation the same way that they had described to the IOA and Earth. With O'Neill's okay, the story would remain that these worlds of the system believed Sheppard to be their king and would not ally themselves until he agreed. That was that and the simplicity of it seemed to stick.
"Hi John," he heard a quiet voice call. He turned around and grinned as he saw Teyla.
"Hey Teyla want to join me for lunch?"
"Yes John that would be wonderful."
They walked to the cafeteria. Thankfully it was nearly empty and Sheppard picked up his tray and waited for Teyla before sitting down at a table in the corner. He decided to ignore a group of scientists who stole some furtive glances toward him then began whispering. He sighed and stabbed at his food. Teyla slowly turned her head then looked back to him knowingly. "I am sure they will grow accustomed to this John," she began tentatively, unsure if he wanted to talk. He said nothing so she continued. "I know the secret of you being a king did not last long, but you could not expect it to."
He looked past her then back down at his food. "No. I guess not. I guess I can learn how to deal with this, but Teyla, I am not really sure how to act. I mean, no matter how much I try, the scientists and other citizens of the four planets still bow to me, call me your royal highness, your majesty and so on. I just…well, they won't call me Lt Col Sheppard, or even just sir. I think they try but…"
"Give them time as well John. They, too, will learn. As for how to act, well…just act like John Sheppard. Nothing has changed in that regard--at least not in my eyes."
He smiled at her. He did not want anything to change but time would tell. He did not tell her just how much Atlantis pulsed through his body now, how communicating with the city had become even easier than before and he wondered what more would change.
"Thanks Teyla."
She looked around before asking him in a low voice, "Have you begun your work with Sam?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. I am waiting for him to say something. He said he wanted to meet for dinner tonight so my guess the break is over."
She placed her hand on his. "No matter what comes of this John. We are with you."
He nodded slowly. "I know you are."
oOoOoOoOo
McKay looked at his data pad. Atlantis was functioning more efficiently but he was not sure why. He had been running diagnostics since he had returned sure that anyone else but him would have let the city run into disrepair. He actually knew better than that but that was his excuse to tinker once again. He looked up at his data pad.
"Hmmph. That figures. Of course she perks up once powered up king boy comes home." He double-checked the numbers. "Well well. Looks like the love affair continues doesn't it Miss City of the Ancients?" She did not respond to him, never did, and he wished she would just once. He knew it had nothing to do with having the gene naturally. Although he and others might be able to operate things, only Sheppard had that special connection.
"Excuse me Doctor McKay." McKay turned around as a clear distinct voice broke him from his thoughts. The lead scientist from Ilium looked up from a console not far away. McKay enjoyed having the exchange scientists around even if they were a bit formal. He admitted to himself that they had deciphered a few mysteries of the city which he was not sure if he would have found otherwise. They had found, for instance, an inner area of sorts that had revealed another corridor. He always suspected the city had tons of areas , but it was a big city and hard to find them all. Of course most everything was gene operated in the room and he could not get Sheppard down there yet and they dare not let anyone else touch anything. He had tried, but the consoles seemed to require someone with the natural gene.
Other rooms had been found and the marine biologists were chomping at the bit. The military had done a cursory sweep but there was too much they did not know and it looked older than other parts of the city, as did a couple of other rooms. Sheppard had ordered everyone to stay clear until further investigations could be done. McKay supported this, but had taken some flak from some of the other geeks anxious to explore. He understood, but frankly given the urgency to help Sheppard in his quest, this room amongst others was low on the priority sheet. The safety team including Radek and a small group of scientists and military would eventually clear the room, but it would take time.
"Yes Dr. Reinaul?"
"There appear to be energy fluctuations within the king's sanctum."
McKay looked confused. "What do you mean sanctum? Like his bedroom?"
"No the sanctum we discovered two days ago. For the last four hours there have been a number of discrete power surges but they seemed to have increased. I thought it an anomaly but I am certain now."
McKay looked at the data. "Why did you call it the king's sanctum?" he asked as he continued to study the data pad.
"Is this not the king's city?" Reinaul asked incredulously.
"Um, well, not really, I don't think."
"This is the city of the Ancients. This city was meant for him to return through back to us."
"Yeah, well, I don't think he would think of it as his although he does seem to be in touch with it more than others. Besides…we should be careful about saying things like the "portal for him to return" and all that prophecy type of stuff. Don't want to blow that cover. It's hard enough for him now that everyone knows he is king."
Reinaul nodded slowly. "Yes I should be more discrete, but I do not understand why being king would distress him."
"I don't think it is the 'being in charge and responsible for everyone' part of being king that bothers him. I think it is the 'waited on hand and foot, bowed to, being held above others' part of it--like he was special."
"But he is special."
McKay sighed. "He would never think so. He is a simple man with just a whole lot of complexity."
"We only wish to please him."
"I know. But hey…well we need to get down to this "sanctum" as you call it and figure out what is going on and then maybe we can convince Sheppard to get down there and turn some of the gadgets on for us."
Reinaul said nothing more as he followed McKay out the door but he wondered what, exactly, "gadgets" were.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard smiled at the older man across the table in his quarters. "How are you settling in Sam? I mean, are your quarters okay?"
It had been just over a month since they had returned from Ilium and Sheppard had not yet been able to talk with Samsus at much length. Sheppard had tons of things to do and Sam had enjoyed getting to know the city. As part of their cover story, Sam spent a good deal of time talking to Weir as well as the SGC leadership, O'Neill, and the IOA even after the first meeting Sheppard had with Woolsey. But it was time for Sheppard to continue his training.
"Yes sire. I have enjoyed getting to know your people. They have been very kind. My quarters are acceptable."
Sheppard grinned. Yeah, he had gotten accustomed to his posh chambers as well. He realized he had never seen Sam's quarters back on Ilium, but they had to be pretty nice as well, being the apprentice to the Jedi Master and all. He sighed at the thought of Sophistides but pushed that away.
"I mean I know they aren't as posh as back home, but…"
"They truly are fine, sire. I have enjoyed exploring the city. It is very beautiful and inspiring. To imagine that Evander himself stepped through that Ancestral ring is quite amazing."
Sheppard had actually not thought about that. He said nothing but took a bite of his food. McKay had actually gotten his wish. A chef from the planet Palladin had readily agreed to return to Atlantis to cook for his king and Sheppard was grateful as was McKay.
"So sire…how are you doing?"
What no mind probing, just straight out questions?
"Doing great really. IOA and SGC, and whoever else, seems to be buying the story. I received an encrypted message before talking to Mr. Woolsey from General O'Neill. They asked him all kinds of questions but they seemed to buy the story that you all made me king because I was not from your worlds and also because I had the gene in droves. The General also added that you all would only ally yourselves with us if I agreed to become your king."
"He was telling the truth," Samsus said matter-of-factly, "We would not have exposed ourselves to the Wraith if you had not been Evander's heir. The risk would have been too great for us."
Sheppard nodded slowly. "It still is but, well, thanks."
"Do you miss your kingdom?"
Sheppard nodded. Yes he had to admit that he did.
"I do Sam. But I'm also glad to be back on Atlantis. She seems more…alive to me even more than before."
Sam nodded. "I do sense this myself. I have felt her speak to me as well. She is pleased that you have accepted your heritage. She has always known."
Sheppard frowned. Was he jealous? He was the only one that had a connection to Atlantis. Even those with the natural gene could not speak to her they way he did.
Samsus smiled. "Do not worry Sire. You are still her favorite. She has always understood that you were special from the first moment you stepped through the ring. She did not come to life for your entire expedition. She came to life for you."
"She told you that?" Sheppard asked incredulously.
"Yes, she made it known to me although did not specifically tell me in words but rather images. She recognized you right away."
Sheppard said nothing. It was kind of cool really but scary at the same time. Atlantis had waited for him. Sheppard sat back and pushed his plate away. He was no longer hungry as the weight of the last several weeks returned to his shoulders.
Samsus set his plate aside as well. "It can be intimidating I know. It must seem that everything depends on you."
Sheppard only shrugged. He was not really sure if that was it. The whole thing really just seemed weird again…that everything came together in him.
"Well to be honest Sam, it really has always felt that way. This really doesn't make it any different. What you just told me just reminded me of it is all. I mean it's just weird."
Sam nodded. He knew Sheppard a great deal by his discussions with his brother.
"It is…weird, as you say, because you are part of a legend known across the galaxy?"
Sheppard stood up and turned away, looking at his surfboard absently. "Well to be honest Obi-Wan, I do kind of feel like some kind of fictional character. Luke…no…actually, more like Anakin Skywalker. I just don't feel like…"
"Like you are special enough to be the one anointed to have this knowledge or these abilities."
What abilities?
"Yeah. I guess. I've always kind of been an under achiever, below the radar unless it was getting recognized for something I did wrong. People seemed to notice that. I never really fit in completely."
Sheppard had done a lot of good things while in the Air Force, most of it having to do with flying, but he was never the wonder boy--the chosen one--that squadron commanders tried to make sure burned a trail up through promotion. He got along well with his peers and the enlisted, but he was always treated as mediocre by his commanders. He knew he had put his career at risk when he had disobeyed orders back in Afghanistan, but he knew others that had done the same or worse, or had really really screwed up, but it did not seem to linger around with them. He had been pegged as a rebel, a maverick, and he knew that if it had not been for Elizabeth he probably would be just a team leader or, worse yet, he would be back on Earth, and not the military commander No. He was no wonder boy in the Air Force, so this was just weird…Pegasus fit him like a glove.
Sam closed his eyes as he listened and thought. "Yet you do fit in here, in this galaxy, you have exceeded expectations including your own?"
"Something like that."
"I think deep in your heart you have come to realize that you are unique…You have abilities that you do not even realize. You know Atlantis does not sing to the others they way she sings to you. They do not know how to do that even if they possess the gene naturally. I can speak to her, but she does not sing to me. You are afraid of this power aren't you? You joke about it, the others joke about it as you explore the city. But you are afraid of what you will become."
Sheppard sighed and turned to look at the old man. "Sam, I can feel the darkness of the Wraith thoughts and memories inside of me. What if it wins one day? I have already crossed some lines I never thought I could cross since coming here to protect this city, these people, and the people of the other planets... and that was before incorporating the Wraith information."
The older man looked thoughtful but was earnest. "You lack arrogance, John Sheppard. You do not want dominion over others the way Vanitis did. Yes you have to be careful to use this darkness only when you need it. I will work on helping you harness it."
Sam knew that there was more to this than Sheppard's concerns about the Wraith memories. Sheppard was truly afraid of his abilities--as if they would make him less human, less of whom he was. Sam knew that he would have to show Sheppard that his abilities were a part of who he was. He just was not sure how yet.
"Well Sire, I think we should begin your training again. It is very important that you be able to block your identity from the Wraith or from anyone else that would want that information from you. I know that you already have the ability to resist them but at a cost to you. Your resistance to them can be quite more effective and considerably less painful. Circumstances in Ilium prevented the completion of that training."
Sheppard sighed. He looked over in a drawer next to his table. Tylenol. Check.
"Okay Sam. Let's do it."
oOoOoOoOo
The next morning he faced Rodney McKay and the chief scientist on Ilium, Reinaul. They were trying to persuade him to go to what they termed the Sanctum. He had only visited it once but a part of him knew that they would find something very interesting there and frankly, he could not resist the itch any longer. Atlantis was persistent and he felt her calling him to that room. The feeling of excitement now felt like impatience, and he knew he had to do something, so he obediently followed them with Samsus in tow.
Sheppard stepped into the room and there was an immediate buzz that coursed through his body.
"I think you need to stand here Your Majesty," Reinaul said pointing to a small dais in the middle of the room. Sheppard eyed it cautiously and nodded. He wondered if it would be like his experience in the chair. He knew that most people thought he had a nonchalance about being able to use his gene, but he had always been amazed by the experience, and he really did feel fortunate. After the Eye of the Armentarii, the experience of interacting with the technology had become so much easier, which left room for just the wonder of it. He likened it to learning how to fly. At first he had to concentrate and think of everything he did. He learned quickly enough but once he got past the basics of flying in general and it became second nature, he experienced the sheer joy of it. The best experience was always the combination of flying and using his gene like the puddle jumper and the aircraft on Ilium. There really was no way to describe that feeling to others.
"You think this is safe?" he asked.
"Of course it is, why would…" McKay stopped himself as he remembered a few other times that had at least hurt the colonel and at the most nearly killed him.
"Ummm, I am pretty sure. It looks like some sort of interface to coded information. I tried to turn it on myself but well, guess it needs the real thing. Reinaul here refused."
"It is not my place to usurp the knowledge meant for the King," Reinaul said with a sidelong almost accusatory glance toward McKay, "I also cannot be sure it would work for me."
Sheppard raised his eyebrows in surprise at McKay's comment. Usually he found some way to taunt Sheppard regarding the gene. He also knew that Reinaul was correct. He could feel Atlantis stirring with energy when he entered the room. That energy was not reaching out to McKay, Reinaul, or Samsus. It was squarely directed at him.
"Okay Rodney, ready."
McKay looked worriedly at Samsus as he had second thoughts. "Maybe we should have Beckett here. What if something goes wrong?"
Sam smiled but it was Sheppard who answered. "Don't worry McKay. Just getting a little history lesson and we'll see if we can find anything else out. As I am recalling some information from the transfer, it is clear that Evander left other little morsels throughout the galaxy--like where there might be some ZPMs or a weapon or two. Piece of cake."
"Okay whatever you say Captain Courageous, just don't say I didn't warn you."
"Lieutenant Colonel Courageous Rodney, how many times do I have to remind you?" Sheppard drawled as he stepped toward the dais.
"Oh, whatever, you pompous spiky-haired sorry excuse for a human being."
Samsus laughed. He could feel the amusement in Sheppard but he also felt it in McKay stronger than even the irritation. He sensed no animosity or anger. Interesting. They must do this often.
He saw Sheppard close his eyes and a small smile creep across his face. This was the first time since the knowledge transfer that Sheppard had interacted with Atlantis.
Hello my lady, miss me? Sheppard thought. Of course Atlantis did not answer back in words, but she sent him a neural transmission that settled in his brain spreading warmth throughout his body. He smiled. I missed you too. Now can I see where Evander hid any goodies like weapons or ZPMs? An image soon flashed in his mind, and he saw Evander standing on the balcony just outside the gate-room.
"Quick Capys, we have no time left. We must go now before all our efforts are lost!"
"Yes my lord. The last group has arrived from Kildar. The first key is hidden beyond the great temple. Your heir should be able to find it, but it will be hidden to all others. The Kildaran people were unaware of our presence. Do you not think it would have been best to leave it all on Ilium?"
"No Capys. Many generations will pass and my heir may not have the same abilities as us to assimilate this information. If our people do as requested, he will have training. It is too much to expect for him to be like us right away. If he can survive the Eye of Armentarii then we have done well. I hope these other eyes will be hidden well enough to protect him from both the Enemy and the abominable traitor and his followers who want these worlds. They know they can only win if they defeat us and understand how to defeat the Wraith."
"Sire, it is too much for one man," Capys said quietly.
Evander looked at his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. His voice sounded burdened and sad.
"It is Capys, but he will not be alone and he will have great knowledge. We have so little time, I can think of no other solution in such a short time. We were lucky to lead the Enemy away from our lands and they have followed us here. It is the best I can do."
"It will be enough Lord."
" It must be enough Capys."
Sheppard saw Evander turn and reach his arms out as a sleeping baby with black hair was placed in his hands. "Roharin, your mother shall miss you, and I shall miss her, but we cannot abandon these worlds to our mistakes. Our descendants shall return my son. As will yours, Capys. Have your wife and child gone?"
"Yes my lord, they await us on the other side."
Evander smiled at his son but his eyes were sad. "See there Roharin. We shall not be completely alone. Your kinsmen will watch you grow and watch over your grandchildren."
Sheppard saw Evander look up to the stars. "I will see you again Ilian."
The image was gone. He waited a moment then opened his eyes. His head swirled and he tried not to sway. Kildar, that wasn't much. No gate address.
"Anything," McKay asked.
"A planet named Kildar. We have not visited it yet, and no address," Sheppard said with a quiet hoarseness.
"I'm sure I can look it up. May take a little while but should be here somewhere."
McKay looked Sheppard over. "You okay?"
Sheppard nodded. He was still dizzy but grateful there were no bloody noses or ears, and just barely a headache. "Yeah fine. Going to get some lunch. Let me know when you find it." He did not tell Rodney that he felt sadness right now. Not his own really, it was Evander's—perhaps even that of Atlantis. She had seen everything and if she could be happy and even excited surely she could be sad. He shuddered a moment. Damn, what if she ever gets angry? He did not hide is feelings from Samsus, but he said nothing of them.
He turned to the old man when he got outside his quarters.. "I am going to go to bed Sam. It's been a long day."
"Are you not hungry colonel?"
"Not really, thanks for asking. If I know Rodney, he will find that address soon and then off to the races we go, so better rest now."
"As you wish. I will see you in the morning." Samsus decided to leave Sheppard to his own thoughts. He sensed his fatigue and a swirl of mixed emotions that were not completely his. Sleep was probably best.
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Preview Chapter 2: Sheppard finds out more about his abilities on Kildar, then Ronon and Shep get into a wee bit of trouble.