Chapter 1: A Matter of Politics
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC.
Chose to change the plot yet again. Name changed on my OC to prevent any confusion with Colonel Carter as she will be in it and I will be making one character inclusion from SG-1.
He sighed angrily as he walked back to his quarters on Atlantis, honey-brown eyes flashing in rather uncharacteristic anger as he did so. He'd gone from been a Medical Doctor to politician to get the city back where she belonged, and what for? The only ally from within the IOA he had was Camile Wray and she had left for the Icarus project and he and Woolsey weren't making progress.
"Terrence!" he heard a familiar voice call and he turned to see Cameron Mitchell jogging to catch up with him.
"Hey Cameron" he greeted, voice tired and frustrated.
"You okay?" he asked in concern upon looking at his posture and the Brit gave a short nod. "You sure don't look it" he pointed out.
Terrence Jones was a few inches shorter than Mitchell, his normally gentle honey-brown eyes now a mix of negative emotions. His usually unruly hair was flat against his forehead and his defined features looked just as tired as his eyes. He had a lean build with plenty of muscle definition thanks to Sheppard and Teyla training him. His shoulders were wide, his chest was broad and his waist was slim and when he walked, it was usually with a fair bit of grace.
"I just came from the recent round of negotiations" he said as though it answered everything.
"Ahh. No luck?" he asked and the Brit chuckled humourlessly.
"No luck was last week. More like dead end" he said, resuming his walk, which wasn't his usual graceful walk. It looked tired, agitated and out of character for Terrence. "They're insisting that Atlantis remain here to defend Earth whilst the few people that do remain in Pegasus suffer literally at the hands of the Wraith" he growled out.
"And have you brought that up with them?" he asked, a little concerned about his behaviour.
"Brought it up? Both me and Woolsey stressed it. They said that our primary concerns should be the protection of our own people. I attempted to convince them that by Atlantis remaining in Pegasus, the frontline would be out there and not too close to home" he said, swiping the motion sensor and gesturing for him to enter.
"When are the next round?" Mitchell asked, sitting on the chair at his desk.
"Tomorrow. I'm hoping we can find something to do for the people of Pegasus" Terrence said.
"Like what?" the Colonel asked.
"Searching for another city. Pass me that laptop please?" he asked kindly and Mitchell reached behind and handed the computer. "I've dug through a lot of old outposts and they are either on the most inhabitable worlds out there or they have been destroyed altogether" he said, tapping back into the database.
"Need some help?" he asked.
"I could kill for it. There's a tablet in the top drawer which is linked to the database" he said gratefully. All that could be heard in the room was the tapping of keys or fingers against a screen as the two searched extensively.
"How about this one. M4G-544 is an Ancient production plant" Mitchell suggested.
"Nah, we tried it. Power requirements were too much. Though I may have one. It's known as Agnos, situated in one of the most remote corners of the galaxy" he read off of the screen. "Apparently it was meant to be a permanent settlement, built on the ground rather than like Atlantis" he said and he smiled.
"I'm guessing it's viable?" Mitchell asked.
"Definitely. Just going over some of the data that was made before the Ancients evacuated for Earth from Atlantis" he said and Mitchell sat on the bed, looking over his shoulder.
"Anything good?" the Colonel asked.
"If you call a ship in the process of been refitted good then yes" he said with a grin.
"A ship?" he asked, a little shocked.
"This is what it says. 'One of two exploration vessels launched to seed planets with Stargates and investigate some sort of signal in the background radiation. One was launched, the other made it to Pegasus, where it was reclaimed and was in the process of been refitted for use in the war'" he read out.
"What work was been done?" Cameron asked, looking intently.
"They were in the process of rearming the ship with Drone weapons to go with their pulse guns and the shields were also receiving an upgrade. New sensors were added and they were ready to add an intergalactic hyperdrive, though they were only half way there before the evacuation to Earth. There are two bridges instead of one, each performing different duties" he read with interest.
"You're having a party in your mind aren't you?" Mitchell asked and the Brit beamed.
"No, I'm having three" Terrence said and Cameron chuckled.
"You missed one thing" he said and the Brit urged him on. "The ship has it's own Stargate" he said, pointing to the relevant area on the screen.
"It gets better" the Brit said. "With this, they won't be able to resist" he said with a grin.
"Want me to go with you? To the negotiations and on this expedition?" Mitchell asked.
"Oh no, I couldn't. Your commander of your own SG team. I can't call you away from that" the Brit said resolutely.
"It's fine. All off-world missions have been cancelled whilst we help with repairs to the damage done during the battle with that Hive Ship. And I'm sure there's someone else who can take my place whilst I'm gone" he reassured and the Brit seemed to debate.
"Fine, but only if you're sure" he said and the other nodded.
"I liked Atlantis. I'll most likely grow to like this place as well" Cameron said with a grin.
"Okay. We'll go to the negotiations tomorrow morning. They'll be held in the Conference Room in the Central Spire. Meet me here at nine" he said and the other nodded.
"Got it. I'll go now and let you get some sleep. Night buddy" he said, getting off of the bed and shooting out of the room. Terrence breathed a happy sigh. The object of his affections was going with him on this expedition and he finally had a way to help the others in the galaxy.
"Good night" he whispered.
He stripped from his suit and folded it neatly over the back of his computer chair, dressing in a plain black t-shirt and loose black pyjama shorts before climbing into bed. He had a good feeling about tomorrow.
(The next morning)
He dressed quickly that morning in a plain black dress shirt with a black waistcoat and he pulled on his trousers, fastening a leather belt. He slipped on a pair of dress shoes and rolled up his sleeves, choosing to leave the jacket behind and then he heard his motion sensor tell him someone was outside of his room.
"Oh good, you're here" Terrence said upon opening the door.
"Yeah" was the simple reply from Cameron.
"Okay, I know how much government types bug you so please be on your best behaviour" he said as though speaking to a child.
"Yes mom" the other replied sarcastically.
"Good son" was the equally sarcastic reply.
The walk to the conference room passed by is companionable silence. The city was still bustling with activity as people conducted repairs to various systems or went about their usual business, but those who seemed to go about normal life missed life in Pegasus.
"This should hopefully go over smoothly" the Brit said.
"I like how you say hopefully" the Colonel replied.
"Yeah so do I" Terrence replied, sounding a little nervous, but a friendly pat on the arm helped calm him a little.
They approached the conference room, the multi-panel doors all open showing three members of the IOA on one side and Woolsey on the other. Upon seeing him, the current commander of Atlantis turned to give him a smile.
"Terrence" the bespectacled man greeted before turning to Mitchell. "Colonel Mitchell, I wasn't expecting you to be here" he said, turning a questioning gaze on Terrence, who merely smiled.
"I'll explain soon Mr. Woolsey" he said, shaking hands with the other representatives.
"Mr. Jones. Thank you for agreeing to see us again" Shen Xiaoyi said with a smile.
"A pleasure" he stated, before taking his seat. "To be frank I'm surprised you agreed to go for more negotiations" he said honestly.
"Well we thought you made a compelling case. And whilst we feel that Atlantis should be fully withdrawn from Pegasus related affairs, we thought that we may give you another chance. So, what are your additional terms for returning?" she asked.
"Actually I have something else in mind" he said.
"We're listening" she urged him on.
"Since the beginning of these negotiations and your refusal so far to send the city back, I decided to look into other options for Pegasus" he said and for a moment she looked outraged.
"You did so without consulting us?" she asked.
"I wasn't sure that it would come to anything" the Brit protested.
"Fair enough" she conceded. "Continue" she urged.
"I've been looking for different Ancient outposts located within the Pegasus Galaxy. I managed to find one, a city known as Avallana, on the planet of Agnos. I propose an expedition to this city, and if I can prove that the frontline is better out there in two years, will you return the city?" he asked.
"Have you even made sure to see if it's viable?" she asked, dodging the question for a moment.
"The Stargate in the city, despite it's distance from the galaxy, has been receiving reports, as it were on the status of the planet. It's intact, the atmosphere is breathable and there is plenty to explore" he said and she nodded.
"And in return for these two years, you want Atlantis to return?" she asked and he nodded. "Would you continue to lead the expedition in this new city?" she asked.
"Anything to help benefit the people of not only the Pegasus galaxy, but of this one as well. I would not have suggested it otherwise" he said and the others whispered to one another.
"Are you sure this will work?" Woolsey whispered to him.
"Even if they refuse to allow the city to return, we just request a transfer to Agnos" the Brit said.
"And failing that?" he asked and Terrence sighed.
"Back to the bloody drawing board" he said and Woolsey seemed to tense a little. Mitchell had remained quiet.
Time seemed to slow as the three representatives continued to discuss his terms and the atmosphere continued to grow tenser. In fact, you could practically grab a hold of the tension in the air. Soon the three turned to look at him and he inwardly gulped.
"You're terms are fair. Granted" Shen said and he smiled.
"There was one more thing I want" he said and she urged him on.
"Go ahead" one of the other representatives said.
"I wish to take all senior members of Atlantis staff with me to Agnos" he said and Woolsey nearly fell out of his seat. "The reason been is that the senior staff have more experience in Pegasus and could benefit the newer members" Terrence argued.
"Granted. Compile a list and make the necessary calls. This is your idea, so you will lead. Just do us one favour" Shen said and he nodded. "Don't let us down" she said.
"I won't ma'am" he said respectfully. "Colonel Mitchell will be accompanying me as the ranking military officer. I have something in mind for Sheppard" he said and the others nodded, not even bothering to question him on what this something was.
He stood, and with a respectful bow he left the room in remarkably high spirits, Mitchell in tow.
"You do realise all the paperwork you'll have to do?" he asked and the other nodded.
"Yeah, and I couldn't give a toss. Anything to help those people" he said passionately.
"By the way, what did you have in mind for Sheppard?" Cameron asked.
"He'll remain as a member of an off-world team. However I'm going to see if I can put the newest 304 under his command when we need it" he said and Mitchell grinned.
"The USS Interceptor. You sure he won't mind?" Sheppard asked.
"He'll be glad to do it" Terrence assured.
(Later)
"Absolutely not!" the Colonel protested.
"I thought you said he'd be glad to do it?" Cameron asked but the other merely held a hand up to silence him.
"John, you and I have been friends for a while" he started. The one problem he suffered was the fact that he was divided. He had two crushes on both military commanders, and it's left him conflicted. The feeling had diminished with the negotiations, but it soon came back with a vengeance.
"I know, and I'd do anything for you, except that" the other said and the Brit sighed.
"I can't have two commanding officers. And you interrupted me before I could finish what I was going to say" he pointed out and the other urged him on. "I'm not taking you off of active duty. You will only command the Interceptor if needed. Other than that you still get to go off-world and kick alien arse" the Brit said and John was silent.
"Do I get a health plan?" he asked.
"Who do you think I am? Jesus? I can't work all sort of miracles. I thought staying in a team would be enough to convince you" Terrence said and Cameron continued to grin. "No check-ups in the infirmary" he pleaded.
"No tests on my ATA" Sheppard said.
"Plus the no check-ups?" Terrence asked.
"Of course" Sheppard said.
"Submit to one final check-up before we leave and we'll play it by eye from then on" he made one final term. Sheppard held out his hand to shake and the Brit took it with a smile. "You're the best, even if it means no up-to-date medical records" he said, realising what he just done.
"Yeah, Carson will kill you" Sheppard said and even Cameron looked sympathetic.
(Infirmary)
"You told him what?!" the Scot exclaimed and the Brit winced.
"It was the only way to get him to go" he pleaded and Carson looked dangerously close to pulling a scalpel on him. "Besides, he rarely changes in his physiology unless it's been altered by some sort of alien bug and even then, the results are visible" he pleaded.
"You'd best be praying, lad" Carson said, before clapping him on the shoulder. "I'll go" he said simply.
"You really are the good doctor" he said, hugging the Scot.
"Yeah yeah, just don't take it for bloody granted" Carson said and the other gave a nod before leaving. He walked into Cameron and Sheppard.
"So he didn't dissect you?" Sheppard asked.
"Not an organ out of place and he said he'd go with us" Terrence said.
"Well I managed to convince Rodney to go. Zelenka will stay behind to oversee repairs to the city" John said and the other nodded. "Naturally Teyla and Ronon are coming with us" he added.
"Okay so that's one team sorted. You'll kill me for saying this" Terrence said and they raised a brow.
"What is it?" they asked in unison.
"I need you two to go through personnel files for the expedition. You are my two military experts" he said.
"You mean paperwork?" John asked.
"In a word, yes" the Brit said, cringing at the glare.
"Because we have to do it anyway, fine" the other Colonel said before heading off.
Terrence headed into the smaller conference room to go over his own load of personnel. He knew now how Elizabeth must feel having to deal with all of the paperwork. The thought of that woman with her motherly tones and stern nature brought a small tear to his eye. She was the mother of that expedition and under her they had managed to accomplish many things, just like she said in her small speech prior to the start of the siege.
"We'll make you proud Elizabeth" he said quietly.
He continued his work in silence then, the only sound to be heard was the clicking of keys and the sounds coming from the computer.
So I'm going with this. And I damn well mean it. Anyway, I'm on halfterm, meaning I have a week off from school which is well timed as I have finished my exams and coursework which should mean I will be updating like mad. Hope you enjoy, Rate and Review :)