AN: Set three years after 'Common Ground', this is an AR story because Kolya is still very much alive and hiding out somewhere in the galaxy. Meanwhile Sheppard and Todd both come to realise they have issues that must be settled.

Disclaimer: I don't own Atlantis or most of the characters in this story – I'm just borrowing them for a short while.

Race to the Devil

Chapter 1

John Sheppard looked in the mirror and critically assessed the strained face that stared back at him. Never known as a morning person, today he felt even worse than usual. It had been a long difficult night, with very little sleep and even less peace of mind but, as he ran his fingers through his tousled hair, he could pinpoint the exact cause of the disturbance. Today marked exactly three years since he had been captured by the Genii and put through the most harrowing experience of his life. Despite his desperate attempts to suppress them, memories of this experience came flooding back each year to mark this anniversary and, clearly, this year would be no different.

The most potent memory, the one that had just woken him in a heart-pounding cold sweat, was the image of a very large, very wild looking wraith standing over him, feeding on him, taking his life and testing his courage to the fullest. At the time, his reaction had been one of anger but that had slowly subsided as he had realised this creature was living in his own world of pain and torture. They had adjoining cells and eventually found a common sense of purpose that resulted in an escape from their shared hellish nightmare. The wraith had returned Sheppard's life in full, but this had not erased the physical and mental agony he had endured as the years had been drained away in the first place.

As well as holding their own terrors, such visual images also triggered memories of the thoughts that had run through his mind at the time. When the reason for his capture became clear, he had signalled to Atlantis that his life should not be used as a bargaining chip so, not surprisingly, the most disturbing thought had been that this was it. The end. This time he was probably going to die.

Confidence that his team would find him in time had kept this thought under control most of the time, but it had not prevented the realisation filtering that, if he did die, it would not be as he had always imagined. As a hero going down in a blaze of glory or lost in the course of leading a hard fought victory. He would not even die peacefully in old age, surrounded by a family that as yet existed only at the very edges of his mind. No, his end would come in a cold, dank, stinking hole in the ground as the meal of a once proud, now pathetic creature whose own spirit had been broken by their common enemy, the renegade Genii leader, Acastus Kolya.

Sheppard ran some cold water in the basin and thought about the relationship, of sorts, he had developed with this wraith since they had shared those adjoining cells. They had worked together again on a number of occasions, in particular to destroy the Replicators, a common enemy who had threatened to destroy both their races. Sheppard had even given him a name, Todd. But their relationship was one of convenience, an alliance built on need rather than trust and Sheppard knew deep down that Todd could not be trusted. If it ever came down to a 'him or me' situation, he would have no hesitation killing this wraith, and he had no doubt whatsoever that the feeling was mutual. While Todd fed on him under somewhat unique circumstances, Sheppard knew that if placed in a desperate enough situation, his wraith 'friend' would be captive to his basic instincts and have no qualms about feeding again.

But as Sheppard closed his eyes and finally splashed cold water on his face, he knew that his problems went far deeper than this relationship with Todd.

Kolya was no stranger to him, indeed their paths had crossed a number of times since the Atlantis expedition had arrived in Pegasus and their relationship had never been good. As he reached over to pick up a small towel, Sheppard huffed ironically. Their first meeting had been during Kolya's ill-fated attempt to seize Atlantis some years ago, a venture that had failed largely because of Sheppard's single handed exploits. So to say their relationship was not good was an understatement. In truth, it was built on an intense sense of mutual loathing and animosity, tinged at best with some grudging respect for the other's military skills.

Since that failed mission on Atlantis, the former Genii commander had become an outcast from his own people. Sheppard's ordeal with Todd had been part of Kolya's plan to wrest power from the current leader, Ladon Radim. But while Sheppard had escaped, Kolya had also escaped and three years later was still at large in the galaxy. With one final glance in the mirror, Sheppard reluctantly had to admit that he was probably not going to find peace until the Genii rebel was dealt with one way or another.

-o-o-o-o-

It looked like everyone on Atlantis needed breakfast at the same time which meant the mess hall was full. Sheppard paused at the door and looked around. McKay and Teyla were part of the crowd, sitting opposite each other and one of the few empty seats just happened to be next to McKay. Damn! Sheppard's shoulders sagged slightly. Much as he would prefer to be on his own, that would inevitably raise questions he was in no mood to answer. So he moved over to take a tray and helped himself to some bacon and eggs, poured some strong coffee and went over to join his team members.

As if sensing his approach, Teyla looked up and her face broke into a welcoming smile as he sat down. McKay's attention, as usual at meal time, was focused almost exclusively on a tray piled high with food, but he did stop briefly to look up as Sheppard sat down.

"God, you look really awful. Did you go on a bender last night?"

Sheppard glanced over at Teyla just as she closed her eyes and shook her head slightly. McKay might be a brilliant scientist but his grasp of the more esoteric concept of subtlety was pitiful.

"No, Rodney I didn't but thanks for your concern."

Sheppard scanned the canteen quickly, looking for another seat, as he wondered if it was too late to sit by himself.

"Hey, just pointing out that you don't look your usual bright-eyed self this morning that's all. In fact if I felt as crap as you look, I'd be heading down to the infirmary and getting myself check..."

"Yeah," Sheppard snapped, not waiting for McKay to finished. "But you're not me, are you Rodney, so why don't you just keep your opinions to yourself."

He never looked bright-eyed in the morning and had little tolerance of McKay's chattering on this particular morning.

But the scientist was unfazed. "Well, I'm sure if the situation..."

This time Teyla's calm but firm voice cut across McKay's advice, offering some of her own. "Rodney, I believe we should do as Colonel Sheppard has asked and leave him alone."

"What? Why? I haven't finished breakfast yet and anyway we were here first so why should we move?" Finally looking up from his food, McKay became aware of the look on Teyla's face. "Okay, fine, you don't need to tell me twice. Anyway, I've got far more important things to do that stay where I'm not appreciated." Annoyance bubbled in his voice as he rose to his feet quickly taking his tray with him.

Sheppard rolled his eyes and gave Teyla a quick nod and smile of thanks. But the smile faded as it became obvious she had no intention of taking her own advice. A sense of apprehension started to dampen his appetite. She had a knack of making him talk about things he really wanted to keep to himself and he just knew that was going to happen again here.

"Look, I appreciate you getting rid of Rodney but..."

"This is about Kolya and Todd isn't it?" Teyla interrupted, making no attempt to keep the hard edge of demand out of her voice.

Well, no beating about the bush then. Sheppard looked searchingly into the Athosian's face. He had never been sure if her small amount of wraith DNA allowed her to read his mind but the way she had come straight to the heart of his problem told him that perhaps she could. Well, reluctant as he was to talk, there was no use trying to deny her question because she certainly was not going to leave until he had admitted something.

"Yeah, perhaps but I really don't want to talk about it."

"John, I have seen you act like this, at this time each year since your capture by Kolya and each year your behaviour becomes more intense."

Sheppard was even more unnerved. The tone of her voice brought back memories of his mother scolding him as a child.

But her voice softened as she continued, again seemingly reading his mind. "I know you do not want to talk about it, but you cannot keep hiding your feelings or your fears. You must deal with this before it consumes you."

Sheppard laughed, but it sounded hollow and contrived even to him. "Oh I don't know, I've had plenty of practice hiding ... things ... feelings ... look, I'm just not good with feelings," he stated, his voice tapering away until it seemed almost as if he was talking to himself.

"Yes, I know that better than anyone." A slight smile touched Teyla's lips. "But this is serious John. You've made your peace with Todd, in as much as you could ever expect to do with a wraith, but Kolya is still out there. You must deal with your feelings about him and I suspect you are going to have to do that by facing him one more time."

She reached across the table and placed her hand on top of his. It was not something she had done before and while Sheppard was taken by surprise, he realised the gesture signalled her genuine concern about him. So he resisted the urge to pull his hand away and instead cautiously placed his other hand on top of hers. She was right, as usual. It would be impossible to move on from this until he had dealt with the ghosts that had been haunting his mind for the past three years.

"I know ... but right now I just don't know how to deal with it." He sighed deeply, like a man whose ordered view of life was facing a significant challenge. "Look, I can't order an operation to go lookin' for Kolya and put other lives in danger just to satisfy a personal vendetta. That's just not how things work."

"You do not have to. What you do is for you alone to decide. But you must make a decision and you must make it soon."

This time Teyla left him and he pushed his breakfast away as his appetite left too, replaced by a mild annoyance that she done just what he had feared. Those raw, troublesome feelings were out into the open and she had left without helping him find a way to deal with them. He sighed again and stood up to follow her. There was work to be done today that he did know how to deal with so Kolya would just have to wait a little longer.

x-X-00-X-x

The hive dropped out of hyperspace above a large planet partially wrapped in a thick dark blanket of cloud. The sleek craft came in closer to the surface than was usual for a hive moving into orbit, almost as though it was searching for someone or something. Todd stood with his long hands resting on the ledge of a large portal as he looked out over this sombre world, his mind immersed in thought as deep and dark as the cloud he now watched.

Although nothing had been said openly, he had sensed that his crew were concerned. Over the past few months, they have travelled from one end of the galaxy to another, without being told the nature of their quest. He also knew there were a range of theories circulating about why they had been taking this path but the prevailing view was that their commander was searching for a queen. The one thing that would give him the additional tier of power needed to seize control of their alliance. Todd smiled. Certainly he was looking for a queen, but he knew from centuries of experience that they were only won through diplomacy and negotiation. They were not to be found in a random trawl through some of the more remote areas of the galaxy.

Truth was he been unable to give his crew the information they wanted because he was being driven, indeed was still being driven, by something, some problem, he was having difficulty understanding himself. After weeks of indecision, he had finally been drawn to this world and now that he was here, he had no doubt something on its surface held the key to this dilemma. All he had to do was go down to the surface to find out what it was.

There was danger in this course of action though. They had ventured well outside their alliance's territory, but he had faced such danger before and it was not enough to deter him. This problem could not be dealt with by simply trying to push it to the back of his mind in the hope it would fade into oblivion. No, it would continue to gnaw away until he tackled it head on.

Finally, he nodded decisively and let out a long, slow growl. Anyone watching would have been left in no doubt that he had reached a decision, that he had chosen to follow a path from which there would be no turning back. Todd turned to walk back to the hive's command centre, his strong, confident strides bolstered by the fact that, for the first time in months, he was certain he was about to embark on the right course of action.

-o-o-o-o-

The second in command sensed the commander was on his way back to the command centre and also sensed that a decision had been made. He stood back as his superior entered, waiting for his commander to open the telepathic link. This was his first position as second on a hive but, despite his relative inexperience, he knew better than to advise they were set in a suitable orbit. He had seen others pay dearly for stating the obvious to one who knew and understood everything that was happening on his hive. Queens were expected to have this skill but he had never seen it so finely honed in a commander. Curiosity had once got the better of him and he had asked his leader how he had learnt such a skill only to be told 'betrayal is a hard teacher'. The second knew there was a story behind this remark but had not inquired further.

=You have command of the hive. I will go down alone to the surface.=

=Is that wise commander? Perhaps you should take an escort of warriors? This world is not in...= He stopped in mid-sentence and instinctively took a small step backwards, aware that his questions were not being met favourably.

But it seemed that despite his mild annoyance, the commander was prepared to be forgiving. =This world is uninhabited so poses no threat and I know very well where it is located. I should not be there for long but you will take the hive and wait at the closest point of our alliance's territory. I will activate my tracking device when I have finished.=

=As you wish commander.=

The second bowed his head respectfully and watched the other disappear towards the dart bay. He respected this wraith, one who was far older than any he had known before, and the wealth of knowledge and experience he brought to their hive. There was something going on here though, something he sensed was significant but the commander's mind was well and truly closed to any unwanted intrusions. So for now the second had no choice but to just follow his orders.

-o-o-o-o-

Todd watched the hyperspace window swallow his hive before steering his dart down to the surface. He had chosen the smaller craft over his official shuttle for a reason. An accomplished and decorated pilot during the Lantean War, the sheer exhilaration of controlling one of these small, nimble craft still excited him. Wraith usually felt more comfortable travelling down to a planet in darkness as was their practice when culling and Todd was no different but he was making this trip during daylight for a reason.

As he surveyed the surface, searching for something he knew was hidden there, he caught sight of the faint outline of the twin moons that circled this planet in smooth, synchronised orbits. A fragment of memory briefly cut across his thoughts. The mere sight of these two satellites enough to convince him that this world would finally provide some substance to the nature of his persistent problem.

It looked like many worlds populated by humans and he was surprised it was not occupied by them on a permanent basis, it certainly seemed to have all the resources they usually needed to sustain their communities. Skimming the dart over banks of tall trees, wide open grasslands and lakes of deep blue and green water, he surveyed the surface looking for the landmarks he now knew were here somewhere. Finally he found the first one, a small group of derelict buildings nestling in a heavily forested area. Using them as his point of reference, he began to fly in increasingly wide sweeps until he found the second area he knew was there. He slowed and set his dart down in a clearing as close as possible to his destination.

Todd had always enjoyed leaving the hive and sampling the different climates and landscapes that existed on the myriad of worlds spread across the galaxy. This was his first walk on the surface of a planet since the hive's last culling some time ago, and he took in all the natural environment had to offer. As he made his way through the lightly wooded area, the air held the sweet promise of a new season, the ground felt soft and pliable under his boots, and the slight breeze that rustled the new leaves on the trees also brushed against his face and caressed his long, silver hair.

Suddenly the aroma of the atmosphere changed and his delicately attuned sensory pits detected the cloying, lingering stench of death. He stopped, closed his eyes, threw back his head and let out a loud, deep roar that morphed into a howl. Opening his eyes, he quickly took in the lightly forested area he had entered, the trees, the small body of water nearby and, most importantly, the bleached human bones scattered around, obviously the work of feral scavengers. These were the human tormentors whose lives he had finally had the satisfaction of taking to fill his own needs for energy. As he looked down at the pathetic relics, he felt no pity only a growing sense of outrage and disgust.

Nothing more could be gained from lingering in the clearing though so, after one last look around, he returned to his dart for the short flight back to the group of buildings. There was plenty of space to land and a stern grimace spread across his face as he climbed out of dart. It was in this place that he had spent so long as the captive of a group of cruel, sadistic humans known as the Genii, an experience that had tipped him into absolute desolation and laid bare his most basic instincts for survival.

Although the short span of time that had passed since his escape was just a flash in the scale of his whole lifetime, he had used it wisely. Firstly, to regain his confidence then to rebuild much of the prestige he had held before being captured. But as he took a long, deep breath and made his way towards the buildings, the mere thought of what lay beyond the entrance tore at that confidence as memories he had kept hidden in the darkest recesses of his mind struggled to resurface.

The buildings looked innocuous enough but their location and the remnants of the strong metal fence that had once surrounded the facility spoke of something far more sinister. He climbed down the strong iron ladder that was used as the main entrance and followed corridors that were unfamiliar. Although he had spent so long here, he had only travelled this particular path once, when he had first been brought to the facility. After walking for several minutes he arrived in a more familiar space, the junction of three corridors, two of which felt very familiar to him.

He looked down the corridor to the left. It led to the cold, dark, dank cell where he had existed in solitude, being fed only when it suited his captors or when they knew he was close to death. The stench of the stale air, the colours and hard texture of the walls he had passed to reach this point had already flooded his mind with memories of the time spent in that cell and he knew nothing but a renewed sense of despair would be gained by revisiting there. So he took the corridor to the right, the way he knew led to the room where he had first seen the human from Atlantis, John Sheppard, and participated in his torture under the eye of the Genii leader, a human called Kolya.

Walking towards this room, the silent remains of the guards he and Sheppard had killed while making an escape confirmed that the Genii had never returned to this facility. Finally arriving at the entrance to the room he had been seeking, he stopped and briefly took in the auras that remained in the atmosphere, auras of torture, mistrust and hatred on so many levels.

Todd entered the room slowly. Sitting down on the chair in which Sheppard had been tied during those torturously short feedings, he began to think about this human with whom he had shared some unique experiences. They had developed a useful alliance, although it was a relationship that had been fraught with danger. He had been forced to walk a very fine line with both the humans and his fellow wraith, a process that had challenged his well developed skills in diplomacy and subterfuge to the fullest. But it had been well worth the effort. Dealing with the humans on Atlantis had allowed him to gain information that he was certain one day be useful in this seemingly unending civil war the wraith were fighting. Sheppard and his team started the war so it seemed only fitting that they provided him, knowingly or not, with every technological advantage he could get his hands on that might improve his chances of emerging the winner.

But sitting there, sensing the auras that still lingered in that cold, soulless place was not the time to get ahead of himself. It was now obvious what had been troubling him and the exact nature of the end that must be achieved before his life could return to normal was now crystal clear. He had to hunt down this Kolya, the one he held responsible for his torture and misery, the one who had stood only feet away from this spot and looked at him with disgust, the one who must pay for his digressions with his life.