Copyright: existing characters belong to MGM and the creators of the Stargate Franchise. Story written for fan fiction.
Author: lezaanv
Summary"Within the city of Ramin, lays a deadly secret, which is believed to exceed the finding of Merlin's weapon. However, trouble follows close on SG1's heels, forcing the mission into a stalemate. Can they undo it before it's too late? Or will they face the consequences of their decision?"
Characters: Lt Colonel John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, General Jack O'Neill, Lt Colonel Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c
Timeline: Alternate Timeline (SG1 Season 10, SGA Season 03)
Please be advised: story has not been beta'd. I apologize in advance for any mistakes. They are unfortunately mine.
Prelude: THE SILVER BULLET
In a universe parallel to the year 2007
He could feel the tremble in his fingers. His palms moisten with sweat, while the rest of his body quivered in angst. He halted in stride, peered at the yawning gap and swallowed.
"Screw this." He declared as he backed up. Inhaled a deep breath and then set off.
"McKay!" Sheppard called out, but it was too late.
His boots split the water's surface in two, its cool temperature enveloping his body like a soft blanket. From above, the Colonel watched in vain as the surroundings stilled altogether.
Curled in a tight ball, Rodney fought against the raging nerves, pleading for them to calm down. It was an idiotic ploy, an asinine misnomer, especially for someone like him. But, when the sliver of a recent memory came to mind, it instantly made sense. Today of all days, he was alone. He had reason to fear this venture.
ATLANTIS: 3 DAYS AGO
"We're going to do what again?" Rodney asked as he turned the corner.
"Explore." Sheppard supplied as he caught up with the Canadian's stride.
"That's it? What a lame attempt . . ."
"I thought it would be obvious to Mister Impossible." Sheppard smirked, whilst his friend glared annoyed. "Now that you've recovered from the gunshot wound, I'll inform the SGC that you're too tired to lend a helping hand."
"I didn't say that." Rodney countered with an accusing finger.
"The foremost expert on the Stargate is too busy for a quick jaunt. Too cool for school."
"That's me." He agreed with delight.
Sheppard rolled his eyes in retort. "The team who has saved the world countless times, they're too boring for the great Rodney McKay."
"Now, let's not go overboard there."
"He's moved on to better . . . no wait." He stopped mid-stride and gestured dramatically. "He's moved on to greater things. The Lt Colonel's simply no match for our McKay."
Rodney snorted in reply.
"I get it; you've tasted our galaxy's forbidden fruit, rendering earth . . . mundane in comparison. You've outgrown it." The Colonel initiated their trek with a wry smirk, Rodney lagging behind. "Nah, you made the right decision."
"Hey, I never had earth to begin with." He corrected. "I helped save their alien's sorry ass from the 'Gate, and as reward they sent me to Russia. Then a year later, I got a call back to assist in defeating Anubis. Years passed before I volunteered for this expedition, but that wasn't enough either. They hauled me back again. For what?"
Sheppard glanced at him, brow furrowed. "As I recall, it was a quick family outing to prove your sister's theory."
Rodney dismissed it with a quick wave of the hand. "Whatever, these last few months I've spent most of my free time traveling on the Daedalus. When, in fact, we should be harvesting Gates. What am I? A damn yoyo? No, Sirree, the SGC's had plenty of opportunity."
"John. Rodney." Dr Weir acknowledged unexpectedly. Both gazed up at the Operation's balcony, one with expectancy, the other in reluctance.
"All geared up and ready to go?" She asked, eyes sparkling with interest.
"As ever." Sheppard replied cheerfully.
"Good." She dipped her chin in accord. "We'll dial the 'Gate within the next minute or so."
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
"Can't believe she's on-board with this." Rodney griped. "If I were in her shoes, I would ground these trotters of mine."
Sheppard's lips curled into a sardonic smile, his friend scowling in curiosity. They faced the Stargate simultaneously and stood shoulder-to-shoulder.
"A wicked jargon comes to mind."
"Oh no, please spare me." Rodney revolted, shoulders slouching with the reply.
"Join the navy, see the world." He supported the prolific sentence with the sweep of his hand and then lowered it.
"What did you imagine once you joined the Stargate Program? That you'd see the universe from a laptop?"
"A man can dream."
Rodney gazed up as if recalling a fond memory. The Colonel shook his head at the absurd act.
"This is live stream buddy, toe-to-toe with the enemy, in the action . . . so much better than sitting behind a desk, tinkering with useless gadgets. It's just so darn exhilarating baby."
"Yes, so much better." Rodney's gaze levelled with the 'Gate, gritting his jaw in dislike.
Sheppard glared, annoyed by the scientist's jab. He acknowledged the guards on duty, and then watched as the 'Gate began its spinning sequence.
"You were so gung ho about the invitation. Now, you're like a three year old who wants to play robot wars. When you should be enjoying that favourite tender, succulent steak . . . on earth."
"Sounds like a good idea . . ." Rodney began, appreciating its flavour, when he realized the age was a deliberate comment. "Hey, I resent that insult."
"Colonel Sheppard, Dr McKay." Elizabeth interrupted once more. A soft smile quirked her lips as she regarded the men. "I'm proud to announce that you've received the all-clear signal. Enjoy and godspeed."
"We will. Thank you." John declared with a sweet smile of his own.
"Oh yes, we're overwhelmed with deep gratitude; ecstatic beyond compare. Can't wait to see ol' Goldie Locks again. Match our intelligence; see who wins this round. Simply can't wait."
"That's the spirit!" Sheppard cuffed his shoulder in mock pleasure. Then shoved him forward.
"C'mon McKay. Time to go."
"This is not fair." He protested.
"All's fair . . ."
Rodney glared sternly.
The Colonel halted before the event horizon, expression creased in a sardonic grin.
He leaned over. "In love and . . ."
"Don't you dare finish . . ." He quickly threatened with a raised forefinger as he followed behind.
PRESENT DAY
"You just had to go and jump down the well without apprising me of the situation." Sheppard professed upset.
The astrophysicist barely heard the irritated complaint penetrate through the volume of water. He shoved it aside, and spun around until he found the copper ladder that descended down from the ledge. It was lop-sided, one bolt still burrowed deep in the concrete slabs. Broken where it touched rock bottom twenty feet away, but he didn't have to go down that far.
He swam deeper, found a feasible spot to anchor himself, and fished for the flashlight inside his pocket. Once retrieved, it spiralled from his grip and floated away in the opposite direction.
He cursed the clumsiness aloud and swallowed a mouth full of filthy water.
"I heard that." Sheppard called out as the bubbles reached the surface. "Humans aren't fish you know."
McKay stilled for a few seconds, shuddering as the distasteful liquid settled in his stomach. Face creased as if he'd eaten a lemon. He stiffened again, shocked, and terrified, sensing the nausea form in the pit of his stomach.
What had possessed him to take the plunge? To harm his insides for something that might turn out as a possible dud. No, this was urgent, serious, and catastrophic. Apocalyptic even. Ignoring the spell of phobias, he channelled everything he had into their objective. It was important. Life and death kind of important.
However, the fear of drowning still clawed its way to the surface of his psyche. Likewise, the fact that the walls felt like it was closing in on him, threatening to squeeze life and limb into a pulp.
Should he panic? No, that was the last thing he should do.
Swim to the surface? Not until he had proof.
Die? Definitely not the first thing on his mind.
Determined, Rodney opened his eyes, scoured through the murkiness, and found the flashlight sinking past his feet. Desperate, he clawed after it, fingers barely touching its head, but it moved to the left and away. He cursed its useless existence, and tried again, straining his back muscles with the reach, and caught it in the nick of time.
Successful, the Canadian pressed down hard on its button, but the flashlight stayed dormant. With fervent urgency, he jammed its butt end against his palm. It flickered like a faulty turning signal before it finally came to life.
He gasped in horror; then shrivelled with the aftertaste. Focussed on the task and squinted at the titanium shimmering in the abyss. His blue eyes expanded in shock, fear slithering its way down his frame.
"Don't make me come down there, Rodney."
Sheppard's distant warning jerked him from the trance, and the water's surface lit up, revealing his form as he combed the light over the encircling walls. Sudden gooseflesh ran along his skin, an irrepressible shudder following quickly in its wake.
Today was supposed to be a gas, a break away from their daily routine. Instead, it had turned into a nightmare with a nasty silver light show. Exactly what he'd predicted would happen. He shuddered all over again.