Transposed Part 1

Summary: An Ancient attempt at a 'Fountain of Youth' attributes to the unexpected arrival of an ally to Atlantis who is not at all as they remember. Can they set her to rights before one of their own falls victim to the same device? Response to a request by Data Seeker who hankered for a 'kid-fic.' (S4)

Atlantis Control Room:

Usually, the ever competent and steadfast Chuck Campbell manned the gate with experienced ease. But sometimes, occasionally, (who's joking?) frequently, things did not go as planned.

Presently, the faithful gate technician found himself working on the underbelly of the console in an attempt to help restore the rebellious long-range sensors. Not only could the good tech monitor the gate, raise the shield, and accept incoming transmissions, but like any skilled computer geek he possessed certain other useful problem solving qualities as well.

Like now, elbow deep in wires and connecting cables he was helping Dr. Ren, a fellow control room regular, isolate and fix the glitch in the long-range sensors. Several hours before, when the problem manifested itself, they notified Colonel Carter, who gave them permission to have a go at fixing the problem. Contrary to popular belief, they did not always need to call upon the services of Dr. McKay or Dr. Zelenka to correct a glitch.

Emerging from the less than comfortable confines under the console, Chuck stood up to check his laptop, as Dr. Ren completed another set of commands on her own data pad. After three hours of running diagnostics and tweaking connections, the two were finally rewarded with success as the Canadian tech cried out, "We have long-range sensors."

No sooner than the words left his mouth, and Emily Ren climbed out from under the console were the two rewarded with a chirp from the computer indicating an approaching ship no less. As neither the Daedalus nor Apollo was expected for several weeks, the pair looked at each other in dismay at the present development.

Ancient Ship:

Acting Captain Cauls was less than thrilled.

Not only was their Captain incapacitated at the moment, but he was powerless to fix the problem. Worse was the fact that every competent being on their ship attempted to restore her, but ultimately failed. Cauls sighed at the thought that they simply did not have enough experience in dealing with temperamental and touchy ancestral technology, while rued the fact that he had no choice but to ask for help.

For Artur Cauls was not a power-hungry man, he instead devoted himself to serving his Captain to the fullest and protecting his ship; his home. On the other hand, Cauls was extremely proud of himself, and of his people.

So the fact they sought assistance from people other than his own left a sour taste in his mouth and bitterness on his lips. Yet as he looked down at the five year old girl bouncing around in front of him, his heart melted at the sight of her as he vowed to do whatever possible to restore her to her normal self—even if it meant asking for help from them.

Atlantis:

Colonel Carter sighed as the implications of what Chuck told her set in: a ship was headed their way, and would arrive in no less than four hours. Four hours to prepare for a potential attack, and with the identity of the attackers unknown, for this was no wraith hive headed their way, but rather an ancient battle cruiser! This factor baffled her, as they believed all of the replicators destroyed during the attack on the replicator home world.

So who was it? Perhaps a ship of ancients en route to their home? Would they be kicked out again?

No, Sam dismissed that thought because the approaching ship traveled at full hyperdrive to reach them. She doubted a ship full of ancients would still be around if their hyperdrive worked to maximum capacity—they would have reached Atlantis years ago.

Still thinking hard, another possibility dawned on Sam. Perhaps the ship approaching them was full of Travelers? Before the battle with the replicator home world, they had helped outfit Larrin's ship: her ancient battle cruiser! Yet, they still needed to prepare themselves if the approaching ship was not an ally, so she called the senior staff to an emergency meeting.

Atlantis Conference Room:

"So, you're telling me I have four hours to come up with a brilliant plan to save us from an unknown Ancient ship heading directly towards us?" whined Rodney McKay. Yet, all present knew this would not burden the astrophysicist too much, for it was a well known fact he thrived under impending doom.

Rolling his eyes, Sheppard drawled, "Yes Rodney, we all immediately look to you to save us! You're the only who can after all."

Narrowing his eyes and glaring McKay replied hotly, "Well, I am just saying. Historically speaking I have come up with countless plans to save our collective butts and I need to know if today is going to be one of those days!"

However, this did little to phase his companions, who had long before grown used to the abrasive nature of the man, and failed to quail under his temper—like many of the others who worked under McKay.

Before the argument continued further, Carter stepped in saying, "Well, we don't know for sure that the approaching ship is hostile. It could be Larrin's ship."

Rodney scoffed at this idea and said pointedly, "Oh look Colonel, I guess your girlfriend just wants to pay a friendly visit."

Next to John, Ronon quietly sniggered, but not rising to the bait he replied, "Yeah, well just in case it isn't, I think we still need a backup plan, and she's not my girlfriend."

"Yes," began Teyla calmly trying to salvage their present predicament and stave off a full out bickering session from the guy, "Would they not have sent a transmission if they were friendly? The travelers did not strike me as the most open of people. They were sort of…aloof last time we worked with them."

"Snobby and pompous more like it," commented McKay, "They wanted their ship fixed, but hated how we were the ones who had to do it. Completely ungrateful. Humph."

"Hmmm, sounds like Rodney, yet we still work with him," commented Ronon smugly to the scientist who began to turn red and splutter.

"Alright gentlemen," said Sam coolly trying to bring the meeting back to order, "I think it would be wise to have someone in the chair with drones at the ready."

"Guess that's a job for me," replied John, "Although we should probably also have jumpers in the air just in case."

Rodney nodded, "Yes, yes, yes. The shield will hold up perfectly fine for a while. But we are NOT making the city fly away again. We should probably dial the gate once they exit hyperspace to occupy it, just in case they try to active a gate of their own to lock us out."

They all fell silent at his pronouncement, thinking back to the last time, and its disastrous consequences.

"Alright, we have a plan, in the good chance that this approaching ship is NOT friendly," said Sam, "Let's get this taken care of."

Ancient Ship:

Acting-Captain Cauls turned to the scientist seated next to him and said, "Make sure to drop out of hyperspace just before we reach the planet and start broadcasting the message. We do not want them to try and take down our ship."

"Yes sir," replied the scientist dutifully.

Cauls knew they needed to alert the ancient city to the fact they were friendly, while the Lanteans needed other ships to help attack another world, he doubted very much they had problems defending themselves. This was the city of the ancients after all, who knew what kinds of defenses existed to protect their home.

Atlantis:

Back in the control room, Chuck sat poised over the DHD, ready to dial the moment the ship exited hyperspace. They would not make the same mistake again, and fall into the trap of loosing access to their gate. They had paid a high price for that mistake.

Nearby, Colonel Carter stood watching the monitor displaying the sensors. In a matter of minutes the ship would exit hyperspace. She radioed Lorne, who was leading the jumpers, "How we doing Major?"

"Great Colonel," responded Lorne, "Everyone is in position. We are hovering around the city, waiting for your word."

"Wonderful," Sam replied hoping that they would not need the extra protection, but grateful for the option nonetheless. "John what about you?"

"Oh, I'm just peachy—sitting in the old easy chair, feet up and everything," replied Sheppard cheekily.

Sam chuckled, imagining her second in command reclining in the chair, knowing he was the best suited for the job. Because, for some strange reason that aspect of the city responded to him better than anyone else, "Okay people, sit tight and let's wait for their move."

Everyone in the control room let out a collective breath once the ship exited hyperspace, and they readied themselves. Chuck dialed the gate to keep it under their control, Rodney activated the city's protective shield—they did not think it wise to risk bluffing with the cloak, draining the power when the ship's course was directly at them.

Moments later Zelenka called out, "We are receiving an audio transmission from the ancient ship!"

Sam strode over to him and replied, "Play it Radek."

"This is Acting Captain Cauls. Presently I am filling in for Captain Larrin, who desperately needs your assistance. Please allow us safe passage into your city, we only wish to cash in our favor for helping you destroy the Replicators. As a show of good faith, we are disarming our weapons."

"Radek, open a channel," asked Sam relaxing slightly at the thought that they would probably not have to fight their way out of this situation, but cautious never the less, as her diplomatic mask fell into place.

Radek complied and signaled to Sam who began, "This is Colonel Carter."

"Colonel Carter, I am Acting Captain Cauls."

Raising her eyebrows she replied tactfully, "Not to prod, but why 'acting'? What happened to Larrin?"

There was silence for a moment, as if the captain was hesitant to divulge an explanation, "She came off the worse from an encounter with an ancient device," Cauls stated, "We found that none of my people posses the skill-sets to restore her. We have come here seeking your help because you have the best known knowledge of ancestral devices."

Surprised at the flattery, for they had been far less open last time, replied, "Oh, well then we shall lower the shield, and you may land on one of the piers where a delegation will be sent to meet you."

"Thank you Colonel," came Cauls' reply formally before breaking off the transmission.

Atlantis:

Shortly after the conversation ended, Sam called back Major Lorne's jumpers and ordered Chuck to lower the shield and de-activate the gate. She still had Radek and Rodney monitor the ship to make sure that they did not suddenly arm weapons to attack them. The plight of the Travelers seemed authentic and she could hear in Cauls voice that he genuinely needed their help.

By the time Major Lorne entered the control room from the jumper bay, Colonel Sheppard and Ronon entered from the other direction after coming from the chair room. The three of them, plus two squads of marines volunteered to meet the delegation of Travelers who wanted to speak with Carter. Remaining in the control room were Sam, Teyla, Rodney, and Radek.

Teyla at this point, did not need to be running all over the city in her current condition, she only had four months left after all, and stood over the two scientists who monitored the ship as it landed on one of the piers for any deception.

Atlantis Pier 2:

The group walked out onto the pier to see the giant ancient ship docked peacefully, quite a different sight from when the Daedalus or Apollo docked, for this ship seemed to blend perfectly into the surroundings—after all, both the ship and the city had been made by the same people.

Exiting the ship and approaching the Lanteans was a group of three: two men and a little girl.

Lorne cocked his head in puzzlement as he quipped, "Well, it's not every day that a delegation brings a little girl to the negotiation table."

As the group got closer, a sinking feeling in John's stomach grew as he eyed the little girl. The child seemed barely older than five years of age, but something about her struck a familiar chord. The way her wavy dark brown hair cascaded down to her shoulders, framing a face centered on brilliant dark eyes, radiating intelligence, seemed all too coincidental. Clothed in a simple loose tunic, the shirt barely fell to her knees while underneath, a pair of brown leather pants peeked out.

John noticed how she seemed resigned, and even reluctant, as one of the men led her away from the ship. However, her eyes told a different story as they darted to every corner, taking in everything.

Leaning towards the Major, John replied to Evan's previous comment, "You know, I think might have an idea why they are bringing a little girl to talk."

Evan shot a quizzical look at his CO, "Why?"

Frowning, John replied, "Mum's the word for now, but I'll bet you a mission of scientist babysitting that the little girl approaching us is Larrin."

Atlantis Control Tower:

After being led to the conference room, away from prying eyes, Acting Captain Cauls hesitated before sitting down in the intimidating discussion space. He watched as Colonel Carter entered the space with Dr. McKay in tow, and another man who appeared to be a scientist as well.

"Welcome," greeted Sam pleasantly, throwing a glance at the little girl, confused as to why such a child would be brought to a meeting. Voicing her confusion, Sam queried, "Who is this lovely young lady?"

The girl ceased her visual examination of the room and focused on the tall blonde woman who spoke to her, she replied coolly, "My name is Larrin."

Looking surprised at the pronouncement, Sam observed similar reactions in the faces of Rodney, Radek, and Teyla while Lorne simply shook his head in disbelief as John looked satisfied with himself. Ronon, on the other hand, folded his arms across his chest in suspicion.

Captain Cauls shifted uneasily and said, "Perhaps, Larrin could stay somewhere else while we talk?"

Sam, understanding that this was no place for a child, addressed the one person in the room best suited to keep the girl out of trouble, "Teyla, would you take our little guest to my office for the time being?"

"Of course," replied Teyla shaking off her surprised look, "I would be more than willing to keep an eye on her."

Larrin eyed Teyla sharply and asked, "Uncle Artur, do I have to?"

Cauls sighed as he replied, "Larrin remember what we talked about."

Hardly mollified, Larrin reluctantly allowed the Athosian leader to escort her to Carter's office.

Meanwhile, Sam, John, Rodney, and Radek, took their seats, while Ronon and Lorne stood watch over the additional man whole placed the large case he had been carrying on the conference table in front of him.

"So," began Sam diplomatically, "What exactly is going on and how can we help?"

Cauls took a deep breath before answering, "She and a small group of soldiers left the ship to trade at one of the markets on a planet we are friendly with. Ever trying to acquire new technology, at one particular vendor she touched a device that resulted in reverting her to a five-year old like state you all saw."

The skepticism in the room was evident, as Sam surveyed her people's reactions to the Captain's story.

Ronon managed to look more menacing as his hand strayed ever so closer to his gun.

Rodney, however, looked up from across the room, arms folded, "So you are saying the child that is being watched in Carter's office is Larrin?"

Annoyed that this rude man's impatience, Cauls replied testily, "Yes," the last time they worked together Cauls had disliked Dr. McKay, even if the man was brilliant—he was just so irritating.

Trying to stay diplomatic Cauls resumed his story, "Larrin's guards described how a blinding flash of light enveloped her once she touched the device. Once the light dissipated, all that remained is the little girl I brought with me."

Nodding understandingly, Carter said, "So you thought we might be able to help you get your Captain back if you brought her here? You did bring the device correct?"

Sighing heavily, "Colonel Carter, I have no wish to remain Acting Captain any longer than I must. Larrin was more than competent and held a greater amount of vision than I have ever seen. I could in no way lead as she led us. Please help me restore her."

Accepting the truth of his words and the conviction behind it, a convinced Colonel Carter replied, "Of course we will help you Captain Cauls. I'm sure we can put her to rights before too long. Dr. McKay is one of the best scientists we have when it comes to ancient technology, as is Dr. Zelenka, " Sam motioned to

Radek, "Dr. Keller will, of course, make sure he doesn't do anything to harm Larrin."

Feeling relieved that Larrin would get some help, even if he did not exactly like all of 'Lanteans, Cauls trusted Carter and replied, "Thank you. However that is one more thing you must know."

Chuckling softly, Sheppard drawled, "Only 'one' thing?"

Putting down anger at the insolence of this man, for he had heard of the trouble Sheppard caused the first time Larrin encountered him, Cauls replied, "We are a proud people, my race, independent and leery of asking for outside help. But presently even our most close knit groups are starting to quarrel amongst themselves. "

Cauls paused for a moment, realizing the enormity of his revelation: a great weakness of his people exposed for the Lanteans to see. "A great meeting has been scheduled by our governing council to try and rectify these differences. My ship must be present."

"So basically, you need us to fix Larrin, while you go off and try and fix your people is that it?" asked John skeptically, all the while thinking about Larrin's vague comments the last time they met, about her needing to take care of some issues he needn't worry his pretty little head about.

Acting-Captain Cauls, after revealing everything, said tiredly, "Yes."

Sam turned to look at Rodney, and his eyes clearly said he was annoyed by this. John, on the other hand, might not have been the most eloquent at verbally expressing himself at times, could have entire conversations with his eyes. They provided true insight to the man's intelligence and emotions, and right now he was giving Sam a look that clearly said they needed to help fix this.

Gathering up her things Sam replied, "Alright Captain Cauls, Larrin may certainly stay with us for the time being, while you and your ship return to meet with your people.

--tbc--

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