Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or things related to Stargate Atlantis. I only write what I think, and have no other gain from them...copyright infringement not intended...
CHAPTER ONE: Last time!
POV Sheppard
This is great, just great! Only in the Pegasus Galaxy, and only to my team! 'Fair traders' she says 'peaceful community'. One of these days I'm going to learn not to believe it! What is this, the hundredth time?...alright a little exaggerated, but seriously, com'on! These were the thoughts going through my head, as once again, the peaceful traders we were dealing with held us against our will.
"Colonel…" Teyla was trying to get my attention. I threw her a what-the-hell-is-going-on look. "Colonel, believe it or not, this is…common…"
"What?" I whispered incredulously.
With a patient look, "Colonel, they are testing us. Every time I come, I must do this." She explained.
"And this is 'peaceful' to you?" I threw back, still skeptical.
"Have they fired upon us?" I shook my head, "Are they aiming weapons at us?" again a no. "They are only waiting for their leader. He will come and you will go with him, while we wait."
"I just follow him? All willie nille?" She nodded her head, though she seemed confused by my remark. With a sigh, I nodded my head, signaling I would go.
"Sheppard…" Ronon this time…
"What?"
"We should leave…we can fight our way out…"
I noticed he was tense, and his hand hovered by his blaster. Just what I needed now, Ronon being trigger happy and tense…"Relax, buddy, Teyla says this is the norm…" He threw me another glance, but relaxed…a little.
"McKay, any readings?"
"No, nothing out of the ordinary to suggest another Genii situation…" he trailed off.
The villagers where just watching us…Kind of creeped me out. They didn't talk; they hadn't even coughed, just watched. I gave them one of my famous crooked grins…no response. This is the norm, nothing to worry about…I kept telling myself
All of a sudden the villagers parted like the Red Sea and a man, the leader I guessed, came forward. He glanced at all of us, Teyla, then Ronon, then McKay, and settled on me. I nodded to him. Then he just turned and started walking away. Teyla nodded encouragement, and I followed him to a large hut.
Inside there was a fire giving off an earthy aroma. There was a small kettle over the flames, chiefy removed it, then gestured I should sit; I did. A silence settled as the chief looked me over, as if inspecting. I stayed still and returned the gaze. After what seemed an hour, but was only minutes, the chief smiled…a very small smile. I returned one in kind.
"I am called Yilan, Chieftain of the Draak Ihmiset."
"Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard." I responded flatly.
"My people welcome you to Draak, Colonel."
"Thank you, Chief," I coughed, formality has never been my stong suit...
Another smile from Yilan, told me I was on the right track, at least. "What is it that has brought you here, Colonel?"
"Well, Chief, we were hoping to start trade relations with you and your people." I answered simply.
"Well, Colonel, we are open to new trade, but you must first go through a ritual or our people," big shock there, "Will you drink tea with me?"
I gave him a curt nod and small smile, "I enjoy a good cup of tea."
"I'm glad." there was something about his tone throwing me all the warning signs. I am becoming McKay...not every one wants to ruin your day John, trust Teyla..."Please," he gestured towards the cup he had poured.
I picked mine up and raised it to him, then downed it. Yilan seemed please, but only sipped his. "So...what do...I...do..." the room started spinning, Last time! Was my last thought before everything went black.
POV normal
"Teyla, what's taking so long?" It had been two hours since Sheppard left, and Ronon was tense again.
"Ronon, calm down. The Colonel is safe..." She spoke too soon. All of a sudden, the people of Draak had spears and other things; not quite aimed at them, though. "What is the meaning of this?" Teyla inquired in her best diplomat voice.
"I am sorry Teyla," Yilan said coming towards them, "But the Colonel must stay here the night."
"That has never been the case; the ritual is to drink tea, and leave." Teyla said in a controlled voice.
"For you, yes. But for the Colonel, it is something else. Not to worry, come back tomorrow and the Colonel will be ready to go."
Ronon pulled his blaster and aimed it at the chief, with the distinctive whine of it set to kill. "Release him, or die."
"RONON!" Teyla yelled. "Lower. Your. Weapon!" He gave her a hard look and, hesitantly, lowered his aim.
"What do you mean by 'something else'?" she asked evenly.
"You will know tomorrow, now my warriors will escourt you to the Well of the Gods." With that he returned to his hut.
"Teyla, we can't just leave him here! We have to go get him!" Rodney bagan to rant.
"Dr. McKay...We will return to the 'Gate, and return tomorrow." The two men looked at her with disbelief, did she really just consent to the chief's demands?
The Warriors began leading, more like herding to McKay, them towards the 'Gate.
"Atlantis...This is Teyla, we are coming back..."She radioed when McKay had dialed.
"Your early...is every thing alright?" came Elizabeths reply.
POV Sheppard
Another headache, can only mean one thing, I'm doomed. Sheppard thought as he remembered the tea. Groaning, he slowly opened his eyes and looked around. As far as he could tell, he was still in the Chief's hut. "You are awake," Yilan's voice said from the corner.
Bolting upright, ready for a fight, I just staired at him.
"Please, Colonel, relax."
"Relax, really? You want me to relax after you knock me out!" I tried to control my temper, but this was really starting to get old.
"That was a side effect from the tea. I asure you, I drank the same as you." I didn't say anything, just gave him my best start-talking-or-else glare. "Colonel, you are one of the few that has had such a reaction. If you were to drink agian, you would not pass out. Please, sit, and I will explain."
With a hard look I complied, but only to get answers. "Well?"
A small, almost sad, smile played across Yilan's mouth. "First, you should know, Teyla had no idea this would happen, and left with great reluctance..."
"WHAT! Where are they! Where's my team" I barely kept my voice under control...
"Colonel, please, calm down...They are safe, I sent them back to Atlantis." He stated, trying to calm me. What was wierd is that it was working. A feeling of peace and calm was settling over me; that was not OK. I tried fighting it.
"What's going on?" my voice was strained.
"Calm down, first, Colonel..." I started to feel calm again, but couldn't fight it... "Good. I will explain." Yilan stated. "The tea you drank, is a cerimony tea we use often in our rituals. It's recipie passed down since the begining of our people. When I said it only effected few the way you were effected, I was not lying. Teyla drank the same tea, everytime she came. That is why she said it was safe."
I looked at him skeptically, but said nothing. Wanting him to get to the point. "When you passed out, I informed your team you would be staying here until tomorrow, when they come to get you. That is all part of the ritual, if you had not passed out, you would have left as Teyla did. But because of your reaction, I had to keep you here, to explain." He paused, letting the information set in. "I was the last person to pass out from the tea. It was before I became chief, but it set my course to Cheiftain. The tea has components that alter a human if they have the right..." he struggled for a word, "blood? Do you understand?" I nodded. "Well, you have the right blood, and have now gone under a change. Do not ask me what it is, because I do not know, everyone is different."
"What happened to you?" I asked evenly, but curious.
Yilan smiled, "I was given the ability to read one's emotions and to alter them if need be. From this I have learned to read one's intentions as well, and to impose on them another one, but only when necessary. I did such a thing with Teyla."
"You mess with people's heads, and make them what you want?" I asked a little annoyed.
"No, only when there is a threat...like your man raising his weapon to me. I imposed on Teyla to calm him and that you would be safe, so that she would convince the others to leave."
"Good idea not to mess with Ronon, he can be stubborn," I muttered half to myself. The chief chuckled. "So what does this mean? Something's different, but I don't know what it is?"
"Yes...In time you will find out. The change will become known when the time is right." With that he stood and walked to the hut's door, "Your people will be returning soon. I said you would be ready for them, come, I'll walk you to the Well of the Gods."
POV normal
After Teyla, Ronon, and McKay stepped through the 'Gate, Elizabeth knew something was wrong. Why always John? She asked herself. Ronon was glaring at Teyla, and McKay was dumbstruck. "What happened? Where's Colonel Sheppard?"
"Ask her," Ronon said harshly before stalking off. Elizabeth turned to Teyla, confusion written all over her face.
"John is still with the people of Draak," Teyla began, holding a hand up to stay Elizabeths questions. "Chief Yilan brought the Colonel to his hut for the ritual; one I have done many times. When he came back, he told us Colonel Sheppard would be staying until tomorrow morning. I asked him why, he said there was something different about the Colonel; but would not explain. I knew, and know, the Colonel is in no danger, these are peaceful people. And so I did as Yilan asked, and brought Ronon and McKay back to the 'Gate and Atlantis." Teyla said matter of factly.
"You left him with them?" Elizabeth asked as dumbfounded as McKay's face. "Has he taught you nothing of 'we don't leave people behind'?"
"Yilan said we could go back tomorrow, and the Colonel would be ready for us. I trust Yilan's word, we have but to wait." Teyla said and walked off towards her room.
"Rodney, you and Ronon just left with her?" Elizabeth asked, a little surprised.
McKay only nodded, still thuroughly confused and also walked off; leaving Elizabeth alone by the 'Gate.
Elizabeth was thinking about yesterday's conversation, as Johns team stepped through the 'Gate back to Draak.
POV Sheppard
"Sheppard! Are you alright?" McKay asked as soon as he saw me.
"I'm fine, McKay," I stated, "Let's get out of here."
McKay was again confused, and stood there. Ronon was looking at me, I presume looking for injuries. Teyla just nodded at me with a smile, and dialed Atlantis.
"Atlantis...This is Teyla..."
"You just left, whay are you coming back?" came the reply.
"Because we have finished trade negotiations," I said, "Coming home."
"John?..." came the very confused voice of Elizabeth, "The shield is down... you can come through."
"Colonel..." I turned back to Yilan, "Come back when you know more..." he turned and walked away after I gave him a curt nod.
POV Sheppard
About an hour later...
Sitting in the infirmary, McKay, Ronon, Teyla, Elizabeth, and Beckett were staring at me. "What?" I asked annoyed.
"Son, mind tellin' us what happ'ned?" Beckett asked.
"Would if I could, Doc, still trying to sort it all out myself."
"Well, I'll run some test, see if there's anythin' t' worry 'bout," He said, his scottish accent riddled with confusion. Then Beckett began drawing blood.
"Why don't you tell us what happened last night," Elizabeth, suggested. I looked around at my team; Elizabeth got the hint. "Why don't you let me talk to the Colonel...alone." My team reluctantly left. "Alright, start talking..."
So I told her about the tea. How I woke up and my team wasn't there. Told her about my little chat with Yilan; leaving out the bit about possible changes to my body. I instead lied and said, "He says the Gods sent him a message, or something, and that there would be a feast in my honor. But only I could be there, that is why he sent Teyla, Ronon, and McKay back."
Elizabeth seemed to buy it and turned to Beckett, "Well is anything amiss, Carson?"
"No, every thin' seems t' be in order..." he smiled, "This may be ya quickest visit yet, Colonel!"
"That mean I can leave, Doc?" I asked, all to ready to be out of the infirmary.
"Aye, ya can leave," he chuckled at my eagerness.
POV Sheppard
A few days later...
"Sheppard!" Ronon yelled
"I'm here! Get McKay to the 'Gate" I ordered over the sound of gun fire. A second later I saw Ronon pushing McKay to the 'Gate. "Teyla!"
"I am here, Colonel," She said from my left, taking cover behind a boulder.
"Go! Get to the 'Gate, I'll cover our six!" My team must really have some bad karama...I saw Teyla nod and reluctantly head for the Stargate. This must be the Genii, they are the only ones with this much fire power...or an ally anyway...
I peeked out from behind my tree. A bullet grazed the tree inches from my head, giving me all the encouragement I need to duck and change hiding places. The gun fire was starting to come from all sides. Crap! Way to get boxed in, John!
Looking around, I saw a dense area of trees, and made a dash form them. Bullets burried themselves in the ground behind me and some whized by my head. Staying low, I got to the trees as a bullet narrowly missed my foot. Either their shot has gotten worse, or I just played into their plan...Hoping for the former, expecting the latter.
And with that thought, I heard the distinctive click of a cocked gun next to my ear. "I suggest you lower your weapon, Colonel..." a voice leered. Slowly, I bent down and placed my P-90 on the ground, "We got him." The voice said, into a radio I assume, as I raised my hands. "Hands behind your back!" I was ordered and then I felt hands tying rope around them.
Out of no where, more people were surrounding me, guns raised; definitely the Genii, great, this is just not my week! With a final tug, the ropes were digging into my wrist, definitely should have stayed in bed. A Bag was placed over my head, "Move!" ordered the first voice, as hands grabbed my arms and started leading me away.
I could still hear gun fire in the distance, and hoped my team was already at the 'Gate.
POV normal
"Where is he!" Ronon asked, looking at Teyla then McKay.
"I do not know, he said he would be behind me," Teyla said worried. Ronon wanted to be made at her for leaving him, but knew Sheppared had ordered her to go.
Ronon looked to McKay then, "He is still back there," he said looking at his Life Signs Detector, "But he's surrounded, Ronon growled and started to leave, "WAIT! We're cut off" He said showing Ronon and Teyla the dots moving towards them.
"We can't leave him!" Ronon cursed.
"Dr. McKay, dial the 'Gate," Teyla said sadly.
"We're just leaving him...again?" Ronon couldn't believe Teyla was abandoning Sheppard for the second time in four days.
"No," she said with force, "Dr. McKay is going back, you and I are staying." She said with finality. McKay was going to object, but they were being shot at again, and he dialed.
With McKay through the 'Gate, Teyla and Ronon looked at each other and ran in opposite directions.
POV Sheppard
The hands held me up whenever I stumbled, but their vice grips where definitely not gentle. More bruises, whoop-dee-fricking-doo! "We'll wait here..." the man in charge said to his men, "Sit him there and tie his feet." With that I was sat against a tree and my feet secured with more rope.
The bag was still over my head, so I couldn't see, but I figured there were about four men standing close by, because I could hear shuffling and breathing. We'd been walking long enough that my legs were starting to ache, but that could also be do to the uncomfortable position I was in. My hands had started tingling a while ago, but I wasn't worried about circulation because they weren't numb yet.
Resigned that there wasn't much to do, I sighed and laid my head back. I wasn't sleeping, no way, but to anyone watching it looked like that.
POV normal (ronon)
Teyla had run opposite the way Sheppard had gone, knowing Ronon was the better tracker. She had lead about half the pursuers away from him, leaving five or so for him. They were shooting at him, and he shot back, blaster set to kill. After almost an hour, the last one fell to the ground clutching his leg and screaming.
Ronon walked up to him, kicked his gun away and asked, "Where is he?"
The Genii soldier only looked at Ronon, shaking his head. Ronon knew he was silent because of fear not courage. Growling, Ronon put his foot on the man's wound, causing him to scream. "Where is he?" Ronon repeated. The man only shook his head, before passing out from the pain.
Ronon then headed for where Sheppard had been last.
POV normal (Teyla)
The five men chasing Teyla had a hard time keeping up. This gave Teyla the time to climb a tree and wait. As they walked under her, she watched, P-90 at the ready. She knew climbing the tree wasn't the smartest idea, but it caused the men to regroup almost directly below her.
Taking aim, she took down three men, before the other two looked up. The fourth was down as the fifth raised his gun and began shooting. The fifth was down before he got off three shots.
Teyla waited a moment, calming her breathing and making sure all the men were down for good. Satisfied she began to climb down the tree.
Back on the ground she looked around and headed for the 'Gate. She didn't want to, but she knew Ronon would be on the Colonel's trial, and she wouldn't be able the catch up. She also knew, Atlantis would want to know what was happening. So she ran back the way she'd come.
POV Sheppard
It sounded like more people had joined the party, I could hear the one in charge talking to the new arrivals.
"Let's move out!" I heard the order. Someone undid my leg bindings, before hands grabbed me and got me standing. The temperature hand dropped a little, so I figured night was falling. I've been gone a couple hours then. God I hope my team made it to Atlantis.
POV normal (Teyla, dr. wier)
"Incoming Wormhole!" a technician called from his seat. "Recieving Teyla's IDC!"
"Lower the shield!" Elizabeth ordered as she descended the stairs.
Teyla came through the 'Gate and it shut down. "Did Dr. McKay make it through?" She asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, Teyla. What happened? Where are Ronon and Colonel Sheppard?" Elizabeth found herself asking again.
"Did Dr. McKay not explain?"
"He did, but I was hoping for more than 'Sheppard was surrounded and Ronon and Teyla stayed behind'." Elizabeth prompted.
"Very well. Let us talk somewhere more private." With a nod from Elziabeth, they headed for her office. Once there Teyla began, "When Dr. McKay went through the 'Gate, Genii soldiers where moving in on us. Ronon and I split up to divide their numbers. Ronon went in the direction were Sheppard was most likely, and I the other. I dispatched the soldiers following me and came back, to inform you. Ronon will find Colonel Sheppard, Elizabeth, I would not be here if I thought otherwise."
Elizabeth nodded at Teylas statement, but still seemd worried. "Get a team ready with a 'Jumper and find McKay he will want to know whats going on."
POV normal (Teyla, mckay)
Rodney was sitting in his lab. "How could I have just left? That's twice I left Sheppard, twice I don't know whats going on!" he said to himself.
"Rodney," Teyla called from the door.
"Teyla! What's going on? Is Sheppard okay?" he jumped to his feet.
"Ronon is still looking for him, I came back to update Dr. Wier."
"What's the plan? We going after them?"
"We are giving Ronon an hour, and if they are not back, then we will go after them."
"I should have stayed...I could be helping Ronon..." McKay said dejectedly.
Teyla walked over to him, and put a supportive hand on his shoulder, "You would have only been in danger, and Colonel Sheppard would not have forgiven us if you got captured or hurt. Ronon is better on his own, and will find the Colonel. Have faith Rodney." a gentle squeeze and she left to prepare herself for the rescue.
POV Sheppard
Always with the Genii, can't someone else catch me for once! Maybe a clan of warrior women, even children I would take...but the Genii...OW! damn that one hurt! As per Genii norm, I was again being beaten. We had gotten to some unknown destination and for, I'd guess, last hour and a half the Genii had been using their new punching bag.
My hands were now shackled, above my head, to a chain hanging from the ceilng. At first they had left the bag on, so I didn't see the first hits coming, but they did take off my shirt. After a rib cracking blow, the bag was removed; probably so they could the pain I was in, like hell I'm giving you the satisfaction!
There wasn't much pause between hits, and I was now onto the third one. The only sound I made was grunts as the blows knocked the wind out of me a little. I could feel that unconciousness was waiting for the right blow, but I really wanted it to interrupt already.
Unfortunately, the Genii knew better. Number three stopped his assult, leaving me hanging limpy from the chains, my chin dropped to my bare chest.
"So, Colonel...Enjoying your stay?" The leader asked, still didn't know his name, but he was the only one talking to me...
I snorted, which aggrivated my ribs, "'m havin' a blas'..." I slurred; it's hard to talk after nonstop punches...
"So it would seem." was all he said, before leaving with all the other Genii. Finally alone, I took stock of the situation.
Alright, small cell, with no windows...possibly underground, or just a closet...one very solid looking door, most likely underground...some cracked, if not broken, ribs, spianed wrist, maybe two, couple fractured bones here and there, very sore jaw, but not too bad, probably a concussion, I never get away without one, and lots of cuts...all in all, not too bad. Ahhh, who am I kidding, I am so screwed...Better be certain people looking for me!
POV normal (ronon)
Ronon had been tracking Sheppard for the better part of an hour. He found a place where a large group of people had stayed, and tell tale Sheppard signs; the standard issue boots really stood out. He noticed prints that joined the rest, and followed where all of them led off.
He figured Teyla would have gone back to the 'Gate, after handling her men, so guessed a rescue to come after a while. Figuring two hours, given certain sernarios, they would be coming in little over an hour. By then he was going to have Sheppard and be surrounded by piles of dead Genii.
POV Sheppard
YAY! They're coming back! I thought on hearing doors clanging open and closed, and getting closer. Maybe I should play dead...I mused, knowing it would never work.
And behind door number 5...drumroll please...you just got won a chained and beaten Lt. Colonel John Sheppard!
The person that came through the door however made my stomach plummet...Kolya. Can't he just curl up and DIE already! Seriously, enough with the strange obsession! "Hello, Colonel..." He said said smoothly, striding up to me.
I controlled my outward emotions, but on the inside was turmoil. My heart went into hyperdrive, and my lungs strained to tell me to breath. Kolya just smiled at the handy work compliments of his men. He was pacing around me in a circle, I just stared staight ahead; I knew were he was from the sound he was making.
Chuckling, Kolya came back around in front of me, "Last time, it wasn't personal, I needed something that you had." he paused, inspecting my reaction, "this time, John, it is personal." I steeled myself, and didn't give him what he wanted, all he got was a cold look without emotion. Kolya just smiled, like he knew what I was thinking, and left me alone again.
Oh for the love of...why can't I just go to a planet with dinosuars! At least all they would want is to eat me, not find pleasure in beating the crap outta me! Dammit, where's my team!
My heart was still speeding, and now that no one was around, my breathing was fast and short. I tugged on the chains, knowing it wouldn't help, but still...I tried to stand up a little more, but barely held myself up on my own feet. Gotta get out of here...was all I was thinking.
Then something started to feel weird, in the pit of my stomach...
POV normal (Teyla, mckay, lorne)
Teyla sat in the front of the jumper, next to McKay and behind the pilot. The back was full of six marines, ready to retrieve their CO. Major Lorne was co-piloting, his jaw was set and a determined look filled his eyes.
They were waiting for Dr. Wier's order.
POV normal (ronon)
Ronon had tracked the group to the entrance of a bunker. Currently there were six Genii guarding it. There was no way he could kill them all without drawing unwanted attention, stunning was also a no-go.
What would Sheppard do? He thought. With that he circle to the left to inspect from a different angle.
POV Sheppard
It had been ten minutes since Kolya had left. And the feeling hadn't left, if anything it was worse; which meant breathing was hurting more and more.
Then something snapped, and I was on the floor. I looked around confused on my hands and knees. I tried to stand up, but waivered. Back on my hands I look down, to stop the spinning. What I saw made me miss the spinning.
POV normal (Teyla, mckay, lorne)
The Puddle Jumper lowered into the 'Gate room, and Elizabeth nodded through the 'Jumper's window, "Bring him home."
Teyla and Lorne nodded back, before the 'Jumper turned and went through the Stargate.
On the other side, they didn't waste time before speeding off in the direction they last saw Sheppard.
POV normal (ronon)
Ronon was now to the right of the entrance. Two of the guards had gone back into the bunker, leaving four for Ronon. Still difficult, but doable for Ronon.
Taking aim he set his blaster to 'stun'. Ronon shot off four consecutive shots, all of them hitting their target. Stalking forward, he entered the bunker, gun at the ready.
What's got Sheppard worried? Has Ronon gone unnoticed? Will the rest of the team make it in time? Stay tuned for more!