Chapter 2 – Arcaeda

A week had past since I first arrived on Atlantis. I had still not given much away about myself, or the relationship I had with Guide. I did not think it was something they would approve of.

I also refused to the let them know of my connection to Atlantis, I feared it would arise too many questions, questions I did not want to answer.

Over all my time here had been good. Dr. Beckett had taken great care of me during my time in the hospital, and he seemed a very kind man. Sheppard was the one I spoke to the most, and upon realizing this; the others had since left it up to him to ask me questions. I trusted Sheppard only because it seemed Guide trusted him, even if only a little, and even if only during a dire situation.

Everyone seemed nice enough, and the accommodations were good. They didn't seem to have any intention of sending me off upon learning that I had no people to return to, however I desperately longed to see Guide again. I wanted to try and find him, but I had no idea of how to accomplish such a task, especially with these new Atlanteans keeping an eye on me.

"Good morin'. Enjoying your breakfast that resembles scrambled eggs and something like bacon?" Sheppard spoke as he sat down on the bench beside me.

"Good morning." I muttered through a bite of food. "Yes, breakfast is quite nice. I enjoy being able to sit down to a proper meal like this." I informed him after finishing my bite, and thinking back on the odd foods and dishes Guide used to come up with in order to keep me fed. I had never been much of cook, nor a survivalist, as it turned out, and instead had to rely on a wraith to provide for me.

"Yeah, it's pretty good." Sheppard responded, obviously thinking I enjoyed it compared to imprisonment.

We sat in silence for a while, enjoying our meals, before the rest of his team slowly joined, one by one. Each one greeted the rest of us as they sat down, except Dr. McKay who seemed too engrossed by something else he was doing.

Each day was much the same; breakfast followed a wonder around the city, some exercise, a bit of reading, lunch, and then much the same until dinner, and soon after bed. There was some socializing mixed in, but I really didn't have much to do. I wasn't part of their expedition, or being made part of one of the teams, and I wasn't supposed to be familiar with Atlantean technology. It left me with a rather empty schedule and a lot of free time and boredom.

However today turned out differently. It seems that Dr. Weir had grown impatient with the amount of information they knew about me. I was still too much of a mystery. I was summoned to her office, and instructed to sit down.

"Arcaeda, I was hoping we could have a little chat. You've been with us for a week now, but I still feel as though I barely know you. I want to make sure you're fitting in." She spoke in a smooth, gentle tone. She was clearly trying to be friendly in her approach rather than out inquisitional.

"I'm more than happy to have chat with you Dr. Weir." I responded, feeling as though I really didn't have a choice in the matter. "What would you like to discuss?"

"Why don't you tell me about more about yourself?" She prompted.

"Hmm…I'm not sure where I should begin, or what things would really be of any interest to you." I responded innocently.

"Anything will interest me. You can start with whatever you would like." She smiled.

"Well…I believe myself to be the last survivor of my people. I have since spent my time travelling as I never felt as though there was anywhere I belonged once I was alone." I began to tell her a strange variation of my tale, a variation that omitted many details. "I had always been quite bright, and quick to learn. The sciences have always intrigued me. I saw many places, and met many people. I found fun at the various markets of different worlds. I had a few run ins with the wraith but luck always seemed to be on my side. Eventually I was captured by the Genii, who did their best to put me to use." I trailed off there, hoping it would discourage further prying.

"I see." She paused for a moment. "Who were your people?" She inquired; unsure of what response the question might prompt.

"I'm from a small but relatively advanced tribe of people." I lied, stalling to think of a name for my 'tribe'. "We were known as the Stinalta tribe, but very few knew of our existence."

"Alright. Well… I think that's enough for today. It was a pleasure talking to you." She said finishing our conversation. I don't think she really got what she wanted, but the made up name of my imaginary tribe was something.

I nodded in response before standing up and leaving. I wanted to make my time her pleasant, and I had no problem with them getting to know my personality, but I couldn't shake the feeling that them knowing my true personal details was a mistake. Maybe once they knew me better and trusted me…but I couldn't be sure.