Title: What Lies Within
Author: stella_pegasi
Rating: K +
Genres: Angst, drama
Word Count: Chapter 1 4597
Spoilers: Some general SG-1 mentions,
Warnings: Sporadic Language
Characters: John Sheppard, Cameron Mitchell
Summary: An old ally may have stumbled on an important discovery in the Milky Way galaxy and requests John Sheppard's help, but things are never what they seem.
Disclaimer: I do not own them; I would have treated them better.
Authors Notes: Written for SheppardHC Secret Santa as a gift fic for tari_roo. Prompt appears at end of the story. What Lies Within
By stella_pegasi
Chapter One Coercion
The leaves beneath him were soft, cushioning his body from further damage when he fell. The damp, musty odor of decaying vegetation permeated the cool air, and filled his nostrils with the moldy scent. Immense trees, much like the sequoias on Earth, surrounded him. Their reddish bark appeared to glow in the heavy mist. Their limbs formed a thick canopy far above his head. He wasn't aware of how long he had lain there, but he was certain this was where his body would be found, if it was ever found.
Clutching his abdomen, he had curled into a fetal position, hoping to stem the bleeding flowing from the gut wound, but it hadn't helped. Blood was still pouring from the gaping wound, and he knew his time was limited. He attempted to muffle the moans and cries of pain spilling from him, but he couldn't. If he couldn't remain quiet, they would find him and time would run out sooner than he expected.
Though the pain, he thought back to the initial meeting when he was summoned to the SGC to participate in a covert mission in the Milky Way galaxy. He should have said no, using the excuse he couldn't be away from Atlantis for that long. However, orders were orders and, despite his past reputation, he usually followed the directives of his superiors. He sometimes, however, made certain that his superiors were aware he was unhappy. They never expected less from Colonel John Sheppard. He closed his eyes, and relived the meeting in General Landry's office; the day he met his first Tok'ra.
Tavor sat to his left across from General Landry; Colonel Cameron Mitchell leaned against the wall behind Tavor. Tavor was explaining why they needed Sheppard to join the mission that the Tok'ra were proposing to the SGC.
The Tok'ra, a member of the High Council, was an imposing figure, tall, his straight dark hair pulled into a ponytail around his head; his dark beard, neatly trimmed. His most striking feature, however, was his eyes; so deeply cobalt that they appeared black, and seemed to penetrate into their souls. He exuded confidence; Sheppard thought bordering on supreme arrogance. However, Sheppard also knew it was unwise to judge someone too quickly. Rodney McKay was an example of the book being far more interesting than the cover of his blustering personality.
"General Landry, I believe you understand why this mission is of such grave importance. Not only for the Tok'ra, but the Tau'ri as well. If, in fact, this citadel that has been discovered was a place of sanctuary for the Ancients, then there could be untold objects that could benefit everyone. Perhaps we will find another Ancient Healing device…one that we can use to develop a sarcophagus without the horrid side effects."
Landry was silent. His gaze never left Tavor, as he leaned forward in his chair, elbows resting on his desk. "Tavor, the last time I heard anything about the Tok'ra and sarcophagi, was that you guys didn't use them. You thought a sarcophagus, if I remember correctly, would 'drain the good from your heart'. Now you are telling me that you can't wait to get your hands on another such device. I'd like to know what changed your mind." The general's face expressed genuine, friendly interest, but Sheppard had known the general long enough to read his eyes, he was feeling anything but friendly.
The Tok'ra stared back at the general, then bowed his head. When his head lifted and he spoke, the host Tavor was no longer speaking; the symbiote, Partak, addressed Landry's concerns.
"General, I am Partak. You are correct; at one time, the Tok'ra believed that use of a Goa'uld sarcophagus would somehow changed us. Our fear was that it would take the good from our hearts, as you said. That fear was for the vessels constructed by the Goa'uld. When the Ancient Device that we sought was located, it proved not to be what we had hoped. However, it served its purpose by helping defeat the Kull warriors. Perhaps if we find a new healing device it will be without detrimental effects. Of course, while such a device would be useful, we believe there are many such wonders waiting to be discovered in the citadel."
Sheppard felt the deep resonance of Partak's voice in his bones. Only once before, had he heard word's spoken by a Goa'uld, the one who had inhabited Colonel Caldwell a few years before. However, Caldwell uttered only a few words before he was subdued. Now, this 'Goa'uld' was conversing with them. Sheppard winced as he subconsciously referred to the symbiote as a Goa'uld; the Tok'ra loathed that term. He would have to remember not to use that name in their presence.
Partak turned toward Sheppard, and continued. "The legends recounted to our operative tell of many wondrous occurrences in the city's past. How many of these fairytales are true, remains to be seen. However, I will admit that the Tok'ra are concerned about entering the abandoned city without someone who can control devices the Ancient may have left there. Colonel Sheppard and the strength of the Ancient gene he carries will be invaluable in providing for our safety."
"Don't be so certain about the safety of Ancient devices, Partak. I've seen plenty that are quite dangerous, especially in the wrong hands." Sheppard remarked, his voice low and measured.
Partak's eyes flashed with anger, before he regained control. "Are you suggesting, colonel, that the Tok'ra have an ulterior motive?"
The corners of Sheppard's mouth upturned slightly, "I am not suggesting anything, simply making an observation." As he spoke, he noticed, in his peripheral vision, Landry's slight grin. He had definitely hit a nerve.
Partak's head dropped and within seconds, Tavor was speaking, "Please, colonel, Partak did not mean to sound accusing. Many of the Tok'ra are uneasy about renewing the alliance with the Tau'ri. However, the Tok'ra also know that their days are numbered. It is only understandable that they are anxious to survive. It should not be surprising that of interest would be to find another, perhaps more sophisticated, healing device, while exploring the city." His demeanor changed ever so slightly, as he added, "Many Tok'ra, in case you are unaware, colonel, have sacrificed themselves to save the Tau'ri."
Mitchell jumped into the conversation, "So, Tavor, you want Sheppard to tag along with two of your operatives to search this Ancient city, so that he can interpret and protect you from what you find?" The Tok'ra nodded.
Landry leaned back in his chair, "We have conditions, Tavor. The SGC is not going to risk the life of one of our most important officers in a fool's quest. The Air Force and the IOA will not agree to a joint mission, unless all Ancient devices, if recovered, remain in our custody. A Tok'ra scientist will, of course, be invited to be part of the research team if any Ancient devices are recovered. Furthermore, Colonel Sheppard will not accompany you without backup. A team led by Colonel Mitchell will also go on this mission with him or no one goes." Landry's facial expression was rigid. Anyone who knew the general would be well aware that his offer was non-negotiable.
Once again the Tok'ra's head dipped and Partak answered, "We expected that you would insist on possession of any recovered items, general. We are willing to agree to that condition, as long as your offer to jointly share in the research is honored. As for Colonel Mitchell accompanying the Tok'ra, I have no issue with that. However, it is not necessary. I vouch for Colonel Sheppard's safety."He withdrew and Tavor spoke.
"I will return to the Tok'ra home world now, and notify the council of your decision. I will return shortly with the Tok'ra members of the mission, and specific information collected regarding the location of the citadel. General, before I leave, I must echo Partak's words, Colonel Sheppard's safety is not in question."
Sheppard felt colder. He wanted to believe it was due to the fading sunlight, but he knew better. He was becoming weaker from the loss of blood, and rescue was becoming increasingly unlikely. One of the Tok'ra operatives, a woman named Selana had been hit by the plasma fire before they fired at him. She had quickly tumbled down the steep bank of the river they had been running along, giving him no opportunity to rescue her. They had hoped to find a way over to the riverbank on the opposite side, to throw their pursuers off track, but they had been unsuccessful before whoever was after them, caught up. One of the men following them shot at him, the blue beam glancing off the tree next to him. He stumbled and fell onto the thick underbrush, directly onto a thin, broken sapling stump. He felt the searing pain as the stump tore into his abdomen just above his waist. He knew he had to keep moving, so he pushed off of the stump and clutching his side, he stumbled through the underbrush. He heard one attacker yell to the other to help him with the woman. From the sound of his movements, Sheppard was certain the attacker had turned back toward the river to assist his companion, giving him time to put some distance between them.
Cam and the other Tok'ra had headed in the opposite direction to escape the renegades, who had been chasing them across two planets. Cam wouldn't realize what had happened to him until it was too late. As he lay in the thick natural debris of the forest floor, attempting to remain quiet, Sheppard's mind drifted to the mission's beginning.
Tavor had returned with the Tok'ra, who would be accompanying them on the mission. Selana was host to Lanar, a Tok'ra scientist who had done most of the research on the possible Ancient city. With her was a male Tok'ra named Curnon, who was host to a symbiote named Ma'tek, another scientist. They seem extremely anxious to embark on the mission, and were noticeably agitated when General Landry insisted on reviewing the mission plan.
Seated around the conference table located on the mezzanine level, Lanar and Curnon sat quietly, ramrod stiff in their chairs. Answering only questions directed to them. Landry had requested that Dr. Bill Lee join them to probe into the data that the Tok'ra had provided. Dr. Lee had reviewed the interviewed the Tok'ra offered as proof that they may have discovered the location of an Ancient city.
"I see that you have included entries, provided by this source you have, of several 'eye-witness' accounts from people who claim to have been to this city. Have you interviewed any of these people?
Selana glanced at Tavor and Curnon before she answered, "We did not."
Lee, as well as the other SGC personnel were exhibiting exasperation at the cryptic answers. The Tok'ra were known for not being very forthcoming, but these Tok'ra were being obstinate beyond reason.
Landry's brow was pinched; his lips compressed in a thin line. He took a shallow breath before he spoke, "How do you know that this fortress described is even Ancient, if you did not interview the people who claim to have been there?"
A slight look of impudence passed over Tavor's face before he answered. When he did, his voice held a note of impatience, "General Landry, we trust the information given to us by our operative is factual. We are wasting time; we need to deploy this team to begin the search."
Landry squirmed in his seat, "Tavor, that 'city' has been there a long time. It can wait. I still want to know what proof you have that this is an Ancient city.
Tavor exhaled deeply, "Your lack of trust, General Landry is very unfortunate. The report explains that our operative was told that no one could enter the citadel/ You have seen the rendering of the markings on the wall. Both Colonel Sheppard and Dr. Lee have confirmed the symbols are Ancient writing. What more is there to discuss?"
The glance shared between Sheppard and Mitchell did not appear to go unnoticed by Landry. It was obvious that none of them had reason to trust the Tok'ra. "Thank you, I would like to meet with my officers before they prepare for the mission." He motioned to a Marine sentry to escort the Tok'ra from the room; then stood up and headed for his office, the two colonels on his six.
Sheppard dropped into one of the chairs, slouching as he did. It was a position he often adopted when he was troubled or thinking. His apparent disinterest usually threw people off of how he really felt. Sheppard knew most people underestimated him, so he allowed them to. Mitchell, on the other hand, was a bit more direct. He sat down, leaning his elbows on Landry's desk.
"Our 'friends' are hiding something; but what? Why would they refuse to tell us who gave them this information?" Mitchell asked absently, as if he truly didn't expect an answer.
Sheppard scoffed, "Yeah; I feel real confident that they're telling us the truth," his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Landry spoke to his senior officers, "I doubt I have to tell either of you that I suspect that there's quite a bit the Tok'ra are not telling us." His eyes were hard as steel as he gazed at them.
Sheppard was thoughtful, "General, according to the limited information the Tok'ra gave us regarding this 'city'; they aren't certain where it is located. It could be on one of two different planets and they aren't even certain about that. But the lack of specific location for the city, doesn't concern me as much as the fact they appeared on our doorstep out of the blue. From what I know, they had walked away from their association with the SGC because they didn't like to be controlled. Now they seem to be willing to give up anything this city yields. Do you have any idea what they have been up to? "
Mitchell answered, "Teal'c's currently attending a Jaffa High Council meeting. I contacted him to see if the Jaffa knew anything. Nothing, nada…the Jaffa havn't heard from the Tok'ra for a very long time. Not that Teal'c expected they would, considering the nature of their relationship."
Landry clasped his hands together, "The fact is that the IOA and the Pentagon are in agreement. Finding more Ancient technology had them salivating at the possibility of more weapons. If the Tok'ra didn't claim to be so peaceful, I would suspect them of looking for weapons as well."
Sheppard shook his head, "What makes you think they aren't, general?" Landry didn't have an answer.
An hour later, Sheppard, Mitchell, and SG-8 about to head to the gate room, having changed into clothing similar to the clothes that the Tok'ra wore.
Sheppard looked over at Mitchell who was lacing the suede boots that they had been issues. "So, two scientists; we get to babysit for two scientists."
Mitchell laughed, "It could be worse, Shep; could be two McKay's."
It was Sheppard's turn to laugh, "One McKay I can deal with; two, more than I'd want to tackle."
"You know, in addition to your gene, I think we might be going along simply as the muscle on this mission, maybe they should have taken Teal'c and Ronon."
Sheppard shook his head, "Probably not a good idea. Ronon would have shot Tovar by now."
"Yeah, there's that."
Walking out of the locker room, Sheppard caught Mitchell taking a quick look in the mirror at the dark brown tunics and pants they were wearing.
Sheppard laughed. "You look pretty, if that's what you are concerned about, Mitchell."
Mitchell glared at Sheppard, "Bite me."
"You need an original line. McKay says that to me all the time; it's getting old."
Mitchell chuckled, "Yeah; wonder what would provoke him to say that all the time, Sheppard?"
The two colonels along with SG-8 were laughing when they entered the gate room. Sheppard noticed the quick glance of disapproval from the female Tok'ra. He wondered if the Tok'ra ever smiled.
Selana turned around as the two men walked up, her eyes conveying her annoyance. "I am glad you have decided to finally join us. We are anxious to leave," she said dismissively, then turned her back on them.
Nearly whispering, Mitchell drawled, "Maybe, Ronon would have been a good idea."
A mission with the Tok'ra was proving as difficult as they had suspected. The only thing that Sheppard and Mitchell knew for certain was that the Tok'ra were as devious as they had suspected.
The first planet had proven fruitless. After a nearly four hour trek to the coordinates that the Tok'ra operative had provided, they found nothing except farmland scattered with groves of trees; no tall stone walls and huge metal gates as described by the legends. The Tok'ra simply shrugged and turned around, intending to head back to the gate. Mitchell wasn't pleased.
"Whoa there, we aren't going anywhere for a bit. I know you guys are Tok'ra, and have a lot more energy than we do. However, we're going to take a break, have something to eat, and you are going to tell us what bull-shit wild goose chase you have us on."
Sheppard dropped his rucksack and sat down on the ground, his back against a tree. "Cam, don't get all worked up. It's pretty obvious they've been lying to us all along." He took a swig from his canteen, and continued, his question aimed at the Tok'ra. "You knew there wasn't a 'city' at these coordinates. Why did you lead us here?"
Selana stared at him briefly, then answered, "You are right. We did know that there was not an Ancient city at these coordinates. We came here because we suspect someone is watching our every move, waiting for us to find the citadel. We were hoping to lure them into the open during our walk here."
"Bait; you used us, or maybe just Sheppard, as bait." Mitchell stated flatly.
Sheppard laughed, "Yep, bait, Cam. The Tok'ra apparently don't like risking their necks when they can risk ours. I imagine bringing a SGC team along, wasn't part of your plans, was it? Whoever you think is following you might not want to take on all of us, but just you two and the man with the gene…maybe."
"Colonel, as Tovar said, we would never put you in danger. Please excuse us for a moment." Curnon's voice was brusque.
Selana and Curnon stepped out of ear shot and began to talk, somewhat heatedly. In the meantime, Cam went to speak to Captain Maris and after a brief conversation, he sat down on the ground next to Sheppard.
"Told Maris to stand down, but keep their eyes open. I don't like being used as target practice."
"Something is still not right, Cam. If they were hoping to flush whoever is following, if someone's following them, why would they expose themselves with only two Tok'ra scientists and one SGC officer? They weren't considering additional SGC troops to be along. Doesn't make sense, unless there are more Tok'ra lurking around than we know about."
"I think we'd better stay on our toes. I agree, something isn't right."
Selana approached them. "Colonel Sheppard, Colonel Mitchell, we owe you an apology. We did suspect that we are being followed. We learned of a group of renegades who had also heard about the legend of the Ancient city. We felt that if they thought we were close to locating the city, they would show themselves. We are well-protected, there are several Tok'ra nearby, watching us."
"You could have been honest with us." Sheppard said soberly.
"Not the Tok'ra's strong suit, Shep. They prefer to keep their secrets." Mitchell's tone was very disdainful.
"Think what you will, Colonel Mitchell; but we are not purposely being dishonest with you. We just felt that was unimportant information."
Sheppard dropped his head back against the tree while Mitchell dropped his forward into his hands. Taking a deep sigh, he looked up at Selana. "Being followed by unknown assailants is not something you think we should know. Not exactly good allies there, are you?"
Selana chose to ignore his comment, "When you have sufficiently rested, we will return to the town where we will spend the night. We will gate to the planet we believe to be the true location of the citadel tomorrow." She walked away, leaving the two Air Force colonels to wonder what was really going on.
It was nearly dark, when Sheppard and Mitchell walked into the local tavern. The hike back to town from the bogus citadel site had been uneventful, with the exception that the two Tok'ra remained silent the entire way. SG-8 was handling watch duty, alerted to possible assailants or Tok'ra. At this point, neither colonel was convinced there was a difference.
They sat at a small rustic table next to the large fireplace. Sheppard looked around the room, an uneasy feeling washing over him.
"Maybe it's just my spidy sense, but I have this feeling we are being watched."
Mitchell chuckled, "Maybe your spidy radar is picking up the two barmaids that checked us out when we walked in."
"Cam, do you ever get your mind out of the gutter?" Sheppard flashed a half-grin at his friend.
"Nope, my mind is right down there with yours." Both colonels laughed.
"Well, no time for that at the moment, Cam. I have this feeling that the Tok'ra are in here right now, keeping an eye on us."
"Nothing would surprise me; it this job has proven one thing to me, it's that surprises lurk around everyone corner."
"Speaking of lurking; looks like both young ladies are coming to wait on us. Mind your manners."
The next morning was cool and foggy, as the SGC members and Tok'ra approached the gate. The planet was a center of trade, holding a large open market each week. Consequently, there was a queue for the gate. While waiting their turn, Sheppard and Mitchell scanned the waiting crowd.
Mitchell was fiddling with his vest, not looking up as he asked Sheppard, quietly, "See anything interesting?"
"Those three men across the path and the two on beyond look suspicious. They aren't being too stealthy; keep looking at each other and at us."
"Yeah, thought so. Now, the question is Tok'ra or renegade?"
Sheppard shrugged, "Huh…at this point, does it matter?"
Mitchell didn't have time to reply; Curnon had stepped to the DHD and was dialing their destination. A stern glance from Selana, and Sheppard, Mitchell, and SG-8, followed the Tok'ra through the event horizon.
The world they found when they exited the gate was totally different that the bustling trading community they just left. The busy town and numerous people was a sharp contrast to the overgrown gardens and forest that surrounded the gate. At one time there had been a structure built around the gate, which was sitting on a large worn, cut stone dais. Remnants of large columns, carved with familiar designs, lay scattered about, partially covered with moss and creeping vegetation. A formal garden had been present once, the faint outline of planting areas and broken sculpture barely visible under the overgrowth. What appeared to have once been an archway, was evident along the far edge of the garden, directly across from the gate. The stone now lay in pieces, the wide path leading from the gate disappeared into the forest. The DHD sat near the edge of the enormous dais slightly to the left, surrounded by vines and scrubby bush. Daylight splashed brightness onto the gate, but past that, the thick trees masked the sun.
Selana hurried to the DHD, checking the base to make certain that the dialing device was working. After a few minutes, she rose up, a look of relief on her face.
"The device is intact, there should not be a problem dialing out." She turned to Sheppard. "Colonel, do you recognize any of these symbols. She pointed to the edge of the dais.
Sheppard stepped off the stone and turned around. Along the perimeter of the dais, there were words written in Ancient. Staring at the words for a moment, he finally spoke, 'May Your Journey, uh… Trip… Prove Wise'. At least, that's what I think it says.
Selana replied sharply, "Well, we can only assume that you have interpreted the Ancient language correctly. If so, then the citadel should be here." She turned, joining Curnon and they began walking down the overgrown path toward the forest.
Sheppard snarked, "You're welcome." Looking at Mitchell, he jerked his head indicating they might as well follow.
They walked along the wide worn path through the thick forest for over two hours, before the first sign of trouble appeared. A cry of alarm from one of the SG-8 member brought the group to a halt. Captain Maris rushed toward a young corporal, who at been at the rear of the group.
"Corporal, where is Sergeant Palmer?"
"I don't know, sir. He was behind me, I thought. Then I turned around and he was gone. I backtracked a few steps and found this." He held out a P-90, the sergeant's weapon.
Maris whirled toward the colonels. "We have a problem, sirs." Just as he finished those words, a bright beam of blue light hit him in the chest and the captain fell. A second later, the corporal went down as well, struck by the beam.
Sheppard pulled his P-14 from his tunic and yelled to Mitchell, "Split up." Grabbing Selana's arm, he pulled her toward the undergrowth to his left. Glancing back, he saw Mitchell, Curnon, and Corporal Harrelson heading in the opposite direction.
After a short distance, he could hear the sound of swift moving water. "Come on, I think there's a river nearby, maybe we can cross over and throw them off. " Sheppard ran toward the sound, Selana directly behind him.
He was barely conscious when he heard the cracking sound of a twig breaking under someone's foot. He was shivering, and felt extremely weak, unable to defend himself. Part of him almost wished for the end, he wouldn't be so cold anymore. He forced his eyes to open, but the light was now too dim for him to make out anything but dark shapes around him. It was then he felt a hand on his cheek.
"C-colonel, it…it is Selana. Not…much time. I am dying; Lanar has kept me alive until we…f-found you."
He managed a weakened reply, "S-Selana?"
"Quiet, I do not have much…time. I am Tok'ra, Curnon and the ones following us are as well..." She took a breath, a moan escaping her. "They, however, have turned from the Tok'ra and are looking for power. Lanar…has been under…cover to stop t-them."
She lay down on the forest floor next to Sheppard, her face inches from his, "You must take L-Lanar, be his host…he can h-heal you….I can no…."
Sheppard, for the first time in his life, felt what he could only imagine was panic. "N-no…no…no…don't w-ant…"
But with the strength that only Lanar could give her, Selana hands gripped Sheppard's head. As he continued to shout no, Lanar slid from Selana's body into Sheppard's. Sheppard's yells became cries of pain, as the Tok'ra bore into the base of his brain.
Then there was only darkness.
Hope you enjoyed, would love to hear what you think.
Chapter Two will be posted tomorrow.