Alice was running back through the dense forest, "Rodney move your ass!" Rodney sped past her as she fired her P90 into the trees at the advancing Wraith. "Dial the gate!" They'd reached the clearing around the Stargate. Alice took up a defensive position next to Sheppard and Ford, and pulled a pin on one of her grenades "fire in the hole."
Sheppard kept firing "McKay! Now." Alice could hear the kawhoosh of the Stargate. Sheppard looked down and punched in the code on his GDO. "Atlantis, this is Sheppard. We're coming in hot." Sheppard looked at Alice "Riley. Ford. Go!"
Alice stood up and shot a few more times behind her and ran for the gate, watching Teyla and Rodney run through. Just as she reached the event horizon, and looked back to see Sheppard hot on her tail. The wraith were emerging from the trees and firing stunners at them.
Alice flew through the gate and head first into the gateroom, she hit the ground hard and skidded to a halt. The rest of the team had turned to watch the shield go up, just as a stray stun blast flew through and hit Rodney straight in the face.
"McKay!" Sheppard and Ford ran over to Rodney as he fell to the floor. Alice saw him put his fingers to Rodney's neck "I've got a pulse."
Alice sighed and fell onto her back. Medical teams ran into the gate to Rodney, one medic headed for Alice, but she sat up and waved him off. "You okay, Riles?" Alice looked up to see Sheppard offering her his hand.
"Fine sir, thanks" she took his hand and pulled herself up. Hazel eyes met her green ones, his expression looked like he was doubting her, "really, i'm good." Shepherd's hand lingered on hers for a second before he nodded and let go.
Alice had headed back to her room to get changed, then attended the security briefing held by Sergeant Bates. She had been furious. After the meeting she'd stormed out and headed to the gym to vent out her anger. She'd taken her radio off in her room and left it there.
Alice panted heavily, she'd been sparring with a few of the marines. They'd gotten in a few lucky shots, her lip was split, but she'd done more damage, a couple were sporting black eyes, and she'd accidentally twisted one of their wrists too hard and possibly fractured it. "Okay, i think that's enough" she said in between breaths.
She wiped sweat from her forehead and flopped down onto the mat. "Riles?" Alice tilted her head up to see Sheppard walking over to her. "Venting?" he had a slightly amused look on his face.
Alice just put her head back on the mat and took another sip of water. "What can i do for you sir?" she tried to keep her tone level.
"I thought you might want a chance to get off the base?" Sheppard put his hands in his pockets and walked over so he was standing above her head looking down on her.
"I thought gate activity was restricted?" she raised her eyebrow.
"Well, they just found a roof in the Jumper bay and i was going to take out a Jumper to see the mainland. But, y'know you can just stay here beating up the kids." Sheppard shrugged and started walking away.
"Count me in!" Alice jumped up to see Sheppard had begun moving faster and was almost out of the room. "Hey! wait for me."
Alice caught up with him in no time, she wiped her forehead on her towel. "I'm guessing i don't have time to change quickly?" She watched as Sheppard looked at her outfit. She was wearing a light blue crop top and exercise leggings.
"I'd prefer if you didn't." Alice stared at Sheppard bewildered. She couldn't process anything, but she watched as he smirked and then looked forward again.
Before she could say anything she heard Ford's voice calling out. "Sir!"
"Ford!" he didn't look surprised to see him.
"Heard they got the sun roof open on the Jumper Bay." Ford had his hands behind his back, Alice could see a brown package.
"Anyone else call shotgun?" Alice realised she'd tuned out for part of the conversation.
"Just gonna drive around the planet, check it out." Sheppard shot a smile at Alice, she knew he was messing with him.
"Oh, you're just checking out the planet? Oh, never mind then, that's cool. I mean, I've got better things to do than cruise around the planet in a spaceship." Sheppard stopped walking abruptly, and turned around to look at Ford, who was pretending to sulk.
Alice put her hand up to her mouth to hide her smile.
Sheppard looked between Alice and Ford "You're both like kids, you know that?" Alice scoffed
But Ford started grinning, "yes sir" he held up the brown package "i brought something to eat on the ride."
"What's that?" Shepherd's eyebrows raised.
"How about a nice turkey sandwich?" Ford looked smug, he knew he'd won.
Alice smiled, as she watched Sheppard look at the bag. "Let's go."
JUMPER BAY.
Alice and Ford had picked up their pace slightly when they'd gotten to the jumper bay. Thinking quick she shoved Ford into the wall and made a break for the Jumper. "I've got shotgun." Alice ran in and launched herself into the co-pilot's seat. Ford trudged in behind her, followed closely by Sheppard, who was mumbling something about immature kids.
Sheppard took his seat, and Ford sat behind him looking annoyed. Alice stuck out her tongue as she turned to look at the controls in front of her. Sheppard hit a few buttons and began to speak "Flight this is Jumper Three. We're go for bay launch."
"Jumper Three, you are good to go." Grodin's voice sounded through the comms. All three of them looked up through the windshield as the Jumper raised itself up through the roof and out into the air.
Alice couldn't believe it, they'd discovered a huge land mass. Of course the first thing Ford wanted to do was name it. By the time they'd gotten back to Atlantis,the Athosian's had heard about the mainland and insisted on leaving Atlantis to stay and explore it. Though Alice hadn't been overly happy with this plan, it at least meant they were able to reinstate Stargate travel, and her team had been picked to explore some ruins on another planet.
ALIEN PLANET.
Alice looked around the ruins, Sheppard was talking to one of the scientists, whilst Ford and Teyla were making their way towards him. She turned her attention back to the tree line looking for any signs of movement.
"How's it looking?" Sheppard stepped up behind her.
"All good for the moment, no sign of any wraith or the villagers for that matter." Alice said glancing to take a look at Sheppard. "Y'know going off world to go explore ancient ruins always sound more fun than it is." Alice sighed slightly.
Sheppard grinned "You wouldn't be complaining to your superior officer now, would you Riles?"
Alice gave Sheppard a deadpan look "you're not gonna start pulling that crap on me now, are you?"
Sheppard looked at her for a second before shaking his head "ah, you got me there."
A moment of silence passed between the two of them "So…" Sheppard began "how are you settling in to Atlantis?"
Alice looked at Sheppard suspiciously "just fine, besides the obvious constant threat of attack from the Wraith. But y'know Goa'uld, Wraith, not much difference." She said shrugging her shoulders. "Except i do have to say Atlantis is much nicer to live in than the SGC."
Sheppard seemed amused "What about the people? I see you hanging around mostly with Ford and Teyla."
Alice wasn't sure what all these questions were about, "I mean, i guess. it's not odd to get close to your teammates. I don't see you hanging around many other people than us and Elizabeth." Alice spun to look at Sheppard. "Saying that, you and Dr. Weir seem very close."
Sheppard looked uncomfortable now "radio me, if you see anything."
Alice smirked "of course Major." She was still looking back at him, as he began to walk away.
He'd only taken a few steps when he'd turned to look back at her, she saw his eyes widen and his body tense "WRAITH!"
Alice spun round, raising her gun and saw Wraith soldiers starting to emerge from the surroundings. She started firing at them, blasts from their stunner flew past her. She cursed under her breath she needed to get out of the open, just as she thought that she felt herself being launched backwards. Someone had grabbed the handle of her vest and pulled her behind one of the ancient columns.
Expecting the worse she spun around and found herself millimetres away from Sheppard's face. She could feel his breath on her face and his hazel eyes were staring into hers. "Thanks" she managed to breath out. His gaze momentarily dipped to her lips before he nodded and twisted around to start firing. "Stackhouse! Dial the gate!"
Alice and Sheppard had managed to make their way gradually back through the ruins and close to the Stargate. Sheppard gunned down two more guards "Move out!" Alice watched the scientists head through the gate, she watched Stackhouse and Sheppard shoot down another guard and vault over some of the ruins. Just before she turned around, she saw Sheppard take a Wraith stunner to the neck.
"Stackhouse. Rodney, grab the Major! I'll lay down cover fire." Alice knelt down and began firing on the closest Wraith guards.
"What about Teyla and Ford?" Rodney screamed back to Alice.
"Now!" Alice and a few of the other marines continued to fire as Rodney and Stackhouse dragged Sheppard through the gate.
"Go through the gate!" Alice waited until she saw the last marine heading towards the event horizon, then ceased firing and ran through the gate.
"Shut it down! They're right behind us!" Alice looked up to see Stackhouse shouting up to the control room. Alice ran over to Sheppard's limp form and checked his pulse, sighing in relief as she found it. She looked over him quickly, and grasped his hand. Though, she quickly pulled away as the medical teams came to take him.
She heard McKay and Stackhouse reporting in to Elizabeth, with one last glance at Sheppard, she made her way over to the three of them. "Briefing room now all of you." Elizabeth headed towards the conference room.
"How many?" Elizabeth had just waited for the doors to close.
Before Alice had a chance to speak Stackhouse spoke up "It's hard to say. Most of them were behind the tree line."
"We're wasting time here. We need to mount a rescue operation." McKay's voice was frantic.
"I am not going to send anyone through that Gate until I have all the facts, Doctor. How did Teyla and Lieutenant Ford get separated from you?" Elizabeth's voice had an air of authority about it.
Alice chimed in this time, sending a strong glare at Stackhouse "They went to check out the area and try to make contact with some of the natives to help us with the translations."
Alice was surprised it had taken Bates this long to step in "And whose idea was that?"
"Mine." Alice was surprised to see Sheppard walking into the room. "She was following my orders."
"Shouldn't you be back at the Infirmary?" Elizabeth looked suspiciously at him.
Sheppard took a seat and winced slightly, holding his side No, I'm fine. I didn't take a full blast."
"Why didn't you go with them, Major?" Elizabeth questioned.
Sheppard looked at Alice and Rodney before replying "Well, the natives of that planet are easily spooked. Teyla thought we'd scare them off with a big group."
Bates snorted, "Teyla did"
"What's that, Sergeant?" Alice stepped towards Bates, she'd had her run ins in the past with Bates, but he'd never pushed it this far.
"She was conveniently absent during the ambush." Bates stood up straighter and toward over Alice.
Rodney interrupted at this point, shouting "So was Ford! Maybe it was him!"
Without taking his eyes away from Alice he replied matter of factly "I'm just stating a fact, sir."
Alice refused to drop Bates' gaze, but she heard Sheppard move behind her "Sergeant …" Bates finally looked away from Alice, towards Sheppard. "I am only gonna say this once."
Bates had a smug look on his face as he interrupted "With all due respect, Major, you can reprimand me if you wish, but it's been six times your team's been compromised. Only one Athosian knew about this last mission."
Although Alice was furious, she could feel everyone shuffle uncomfortably around her. Suddenly they turned as the Stargate started to dial in.
"We have an unscheduled offworld activation." One of the gate technicians announced to the team. They moved quickly to the control room as the gate opened "It's Teyla's I.D.C. Receiving a radio transmission."
Everyone stood tensely as they waited for the signal "This is Teyla. Lieutenant Ford has been wounded. The Wraith are closing in on our position."
Alice felt slightly relieved at hearing they were okay, for now at least. That was until she heard Bates open her mouth "You put down that shield and we could be opening this base up to a Wraith attack."
She heard Teyla cry for help again over the radio, she could't believe Elizabeth was considering Bates suspicions.
"Lieutenant Ford, can you confirm the situation?" Elizabeth looked towards the gate, the anguish clear in her face.
Alice waited for Teyla's reply "He is unconscious. Our situation grows desperate. Soon we will have no choice but to go through the Stargate."
"We drop that shield and who knows what she'll bring through that Gate with her?" Bates stood in front of Elizabeth glaring at her.
Elizabeth turned to look at Alice and Sheppard. She thought Sheppard might actually explode, he was almost shaking with rage "Open up the damn Gate!" They stared at each other for a moment.
Elizabeth broke the stare to look at the gate, "Lower the shield."
Seconds later, Teyla was backing through into the Gateroom, dragging an unconscious Ford. Alice ran down from the control room, watching as Teyla bent down to check Ford. The marines all ran forward, aiming their weapons at her. Feeling threatened she stood up and backed away from Ford nervously, staring around her at Alice and Sheppard.
Alice tried to give her a apologetic look, but she was too busy watching the guns trained on her.
"Sheppard, Bates, my office now." Elizabeth walked back up the stairs.
Alice stepped in front of Sheppard, before he could move. "You can't let them treat her like this." Alice raised her voice.
Sheppard's gaze was hard "Captain, drop it." He made to step past her, but Alice mirrored him. "I mean it Captain."
"Don't make me wish i'd left you on that planet. Sir." Alice spat the words at him.
Sheppard pulled himself up to his full height and stepped towards her, their faces almost touching. "That's enough! You're dismissed Captain!" Sheppard's eyes were furious, Alice considered saying more, but she knew she'd pushed him too far.
She stared at him a second longer before whipping her head around and storming out of the gateroom. She basically ran most of the way down the hallway to Rodney's lab.
"I can't believe him!" Alice walked in and kicked one of the storage cabinets. A loud bang sounded in the room, Alice saw Rodney flinch.
"Wh...what are you doing?" Rodney had put his hands up to his face. "What's going on?"
"Major Ferris Wheel. Can you believe he let them hold her at gunpoint. She's supposed to be part of our team." Alice kicked another cabinet.
"Can you stop destroying my lab, geez Alice. Look i feel exactly the same as you even..." Rodney trailed off, Alice looked up to see him watching the door.
She saw Sergeant Bates walking through the door with a leather bag in hand. He walked up to Rodney and dumped the contents on his table. It was easy to tell the stuff belonged to Teyla. Rodney looked furious "You want me to go through her stuff?!"
Alice glared at Bates, she hadn't moved from where she stood. "We're looking for weapons, transmitters, recording devices, anything that looks like it's beyond the Athosians' level of technology."
"And if I don't find anything, do we move on to a strip search?" Rodney said angrily.
Bates looked like he was losing his patience "Just do it." He turned and started walking to the door. He still hadn't acknowledged Alice.
Alice followed after him and moved to block his path in the hallway, he stopped giving her a slightly amused look "out of my way."
Alice didn't move, she stared up at Bates as he stepped closer to her. "Step aside Captain or i'll make you move."
Alice thrust her hand up and into Bates nose, he staggered backwards cupping his nose. His nose gushing blood. "You're going to regret this!"
Alice stepped forward and went to jab at him again. This time he was prepared though, he moved fast and gripped her wrist then brought the other hand up to her throat. Slamming her back into the wall.
Alice screamed as her head crashed into the wall, Bates' grip tightened on her throat. Alice brought her leg up and crashed into Bates' stomach, he groaned and released his grip.
They exchanged a few more blows, Alice was thrown to the floor. Kicking out she caught Bates' leg and as he came down she kicked up into his head. Before she could act further she felt an iron tight grip on her arms, they pulled her up and held her back.
"You're going to regret this Riley!" Bates spat at her, blood flying out of his mouth.
She looked smug, he was definitely worse off than her. "Let me know the next time you want to get your ass handed to you!" She spat back.
"Let's get them away and report into Sheppard." The marine holding Alice ordered the others.
Alice felt herself being dragged down the hall, her glare didn't leave Bates' until she couldn't see him anymore.
Alice sat on the edge of her bed, her head, lip and throat was pounding. Bates must have landed a few lucky shots, her lip was throbbing, and blood had begun dripping down and into her eye. She knew she was waiting for Sheppard to come in and reprimand her.
She heard the door open behind her, "i got this, you can wait outside." Sheppard paused and then continued around the room to sit down next to her. He winced when he looked at her. "Oh geez Riles. What did you do?"
Alice wiped the blood out of her eye, "I'm sorry Major, I acted rashly. I know I shouldn't have but he was asking for it." Alice turned her head to look at Sheppard.
Sheppard pulled his hand up to wipe away some of the blood. "Look, i'm the first one to admit that Bates certainly had it coming. And it kills me to say it... but he was actually right this time."
Sheppard's hand twitched, Alice gasped "Teyla's necklace has been sending out a subspace signal to the Wraith. She didn't know though, turns out i'd accidentally activated it when i found it." Alice looked down at her hands, she couldn't believe she was going to have to apologise to Bates. Sheppard drew in a breath "Look, you guys didn't seem to do any serious damage to each other, so how about we call it a intense sparring match. That way I don't have to demote either of you."
Alice sighed in relief, the pressure in her chest relaxing, and she nodded "yes sir."
"Just don't do it again okay Alice?" Alice looked up at Sheppard, he'd never used her name before. He held her gaze for a few seconds before pushing himself up off the bed. "Right, get Beckett to look you over then if you're up for it we're going to set up a little trap for the Wraith."
Alice stood up quickly "I'll be there Major" she paused a second "Or should i start calling you John?" she teased, trying to hide her smirk.
Sheppard mumbled something under his breath about being the death of him before walking out "I need you geared up and ready to go in two hours. Meet us in McKay's lab" he called back to her, without turning around.
Alice went and got checked by Beckett, she had a couple butterfly clips put in the cut on her forehead, but other than that the damage was mostly bruising. Apparently, she'd be sporting a swollen lip for the next few days. Hurrying back to the armory, she grabbed her gear and headed for Rodney's lab. She'd arrived early and only Rodney was in the room.
"Hey" she said softly, watching him look up at her with a mix of emotions on his face.
"You alright? I heard about what happened with Bates." Alice just nodded and hung her head slightly ashamed.
"Well." Rodney said with a new amount of determination and confidence "I'm glad someone did it to him. Although, I wish you didn't have to get hurt too."
Alice shrugged "he's got a mean right hook, i can tell you that." She lifted her hand up to lightly brush over her lip. She turned her head as heavy footsteps sounded down the hall.
Sheppard and Ford made their way into the lab with a big box. Rodney started twitching and fidgeting with his hands. "You seem nervous" Sheppard sounded mildly amused.
"No. I'm a part of this team. I'm doing this." Alice rolled her eyes, Rodney wasn't good at hiding his nervousness.
Sheppard looked at Ford and then back to Rodney "Yes, you are. I just said you seemed nervous."
"Oh, really. I thought you said, "Rodney, you don't have to do this."" Ford snickered and Alice just rolled her eyes, giving Rodney a shove.
Sheppard raised his eyebrows "Yes you do."
Rodney shook out his arms and tried to channel some more strength into his voice "Damn right I'm doing this - despite the fact the feeling hasn't completely returned to my extremities."
Before anyone could retort, Teyla walked in the room. Alice smiled at her, but Rodney and Sheppard seemed a bit tense.
"You're late." Sheppard said bluntly.
Teyla smiled at him, the tension disappearing "Sorry."
Ford put his business face on and cleared his throat "Now, given the Wraiths' regenerative abilities, killing one requires some amount of effort. Catching one alive is gonna be a whole other deal. For any of these options to work, your Wraith has to be on the ground."
Rodney clicked his fingers, "The last planet we visited was inaccessible by ship and the, uh, ruins around the Stargate should force the Wraith to come through on foot."
Alice was impressed with Rodney's quick thinking, and she could tell Ford and Sheppard were too "In which case," Ford placed the box he'd been carrying up on the table. "You'll be able to use these." he picked up a silver canister and held it up for them to see, Alice recognised it immediately, "This is a stun grenade. It's filled with a mixture of aluminum and potassium percolate that, when ignited, produces a high pressure wave that will overwhelm the intended target with intense light and sound." He chucked the grenade to Sheppard and passed another one to Alice. She turned it over in her hand and then placed it in one of her vests pockets. "If that doesn't get his head ringing, in addition ...you've got your taser." He picked up a standard issue taser.
Back on the planet
They'd made their way back to the planet, and had taken up defensive positions around the gate. Sheppard had volunteered to babysit Rodney. in reality, Ford, Sheppard and her had pulled straws. She was currently sat behind a large column with a few marines by her side. Looking out to her left she could see Sheppard and McKay sitting behind a ruined wall, for some reason Sheppard had geared him up with a P90 which he was very nervously holding onto.
Ford was somewhere over to her right hand side, out of all of them his team had the clearest line of sight and should be able to spot the Wraith first. Just then her radio crackled to life "We've got company. Four of them."
Alice gestured to her team to stay low, as she precariously poked her head up above the ruins to get a look at the gate. She could only make out two figures, the rest were blocked by either trees or more ruins. She watched silently as she waited for Sheppard to give the signal. "Alright then, we go as planned."
Alice slunk back down "Yes, sir." Ford and her replied at the same time. Alice started motioning for her team to prepare. Then peeked her head back up to watch a lone Wraith kneel down and pick up Teyla's locket. Then suddenly everything exploded, literally, the C4 that the marines set up covered the area in a shower of dirt.
Alice and her team moved, throwing a couple of grenades at the retreating Wraith. As expected this caused them to abandon their plans to hide and run right past where Sheppard and Rodney were hiding. Perfectly timed, both Sheppard and McKay stood up from behind the wall and fired at the Wraith, taking down one of the guards.
Teyla and her team took down another one of the Wraith guards, the third guard got caught by Alice, Sheppard and McKay who unloaded an entire clip each. Alice watched as the guard fell back on to the floor and they all stopped firing, kepping their guns raised. A moment later he sat bolt up right, Ford started to move towards them, but Sheppard put up his hand to stop him. "This one is ours, boys. Tasers."
Alice lowered her P90 and took out her taser, slowly they took a couple steps forward and fired. The electric cables shot out and struck the Wraith from multiple angles. Alice kept her finger firmly on the trigger, watching the Wraith convulse.
Sheppard held his hand up and they all pulled back, he handed his taser to Rodney and took a hesitant step towards the body and knelt down next to him, rolling him over.
Instantly the guard slapped a hand onto a round device on at the centre of his armour. It began to light up and beep. Alice froze "It's a self destruct! Take cover!" She watched almost in slow motion as Sheppard grabbed the guards stunner and wheel around grabbing the front of her vest as she went. She hit the ground hard, all the air from her lungs flew out of her body as something heavy landed on top of her.
Ears ringing and dust or dirt falling in her eyes Alice started coughing as she struggled to breathe. "You alright?" She opened her eyes to she Sheppard's eyes staring down at her. Still coughing she simply nodded.
Debris was still falling down around them and Sheppard had moved off her to look over at Rodney "You ok?"
Alice turned her head and had to squint to see him, he had his head flat down into the dirt. He groaned in response to Sheppard and shook his head "I'm fine. This is, this is fun for me." his voice was laced with sarcasm.
Sheppard was quickly up on his feet "Ford, check them. I'm going after Teyla."
Alice had managed to roll herself over and try to brace herself on her elbows. She was still coughing and the ringing in her ears had yet to dissipate. "I'm fine, help Sheppard!" she croaked out, crawling over to Rodney.
Atlantis
Carson had given her a quick check over when they'd gotten back from the mission. Although she still had a slight ringing in her ear, he'd said it wasn't anything serious and should fade over the next few hours. She'd decided to head over to the mess hall to see if there was still any food from dinner leftover. With everything happening, sh had barely had a chance to eat.
Walking into the mess hall, she saw Teyla, Rodney and Sheppard all gathered around a table near the back. Grabbing a tray and piling some food onto it she went over to join them. Apart from their team, there were a few scientists and soldiers lingering about, with their heads down in their datapads. "Evening!" Alice greeted her team cheerfully.
They all looked up and smiled at her, Rodney scooted his chair over so she could sit down next to him and across from Teyla and Sheppard. "How are you feeling Alice?" Teyla looked at bruising that was still covering her lip. "I heard about what you did to Sergeant Bates, and i'd like to say thank you."
Alice just shrugged, not looking at Sheppard's expression "It's not a problem Teyla, i would have done it for any of our team." She heard a disapproving noise from Sheppard "But next time..." she paused "I'll try and use my words."
Rodney chuckled and Teyla smiled "Well my friends, it has been a long day. I shall see you all in the morning." Teyla stood up and nodded, everyone said their goodnights and she gracefully left the table.
Alice was picking at the food on her tray, her eyes unfocused as she let her mind wander. "Alice...hey...Aly!" Rodney's voice shook her out of her daze.
"huh?" He smiled and shook his head at her "I'm going to see if Radek's made any progress with the repairs to the City's power distributors. Can i..." Rodney pointed to some of the food on Alice's tray.
"Sure, go ahead" She moved her head to the side and let Rodney grab the food from her plate. "Ah! leave the jello!" Alice narrowed her eyes at him before he could put his hand over it. Rodney shuffled awkwardly and then headed out after Teyla.
Picking up her spoon she ripped open the cover of the jello and stuck her spoon into it. "what is it with you and jello?" Sheppard had one arm leaning on the table and the other was holding onto a spoon.
Alice looked at him appalled "It's only the best thing in the entire universe!" She put her spoon in her mouth, closed her eyes and moaned gently.
"Stop that!" Sheppard dropped his fork and pointed at her.
Alice opened her eyes, they were full of mischief "make me" she enunciated each word slowly. Sheppard continued to glare at her, as she dipped her spoon down and got another spoonful of jello. She loved annoying Sheppard, he seemed particularly prone to her, and unlike Rodney, he incited it as much from her as she did from him.
"i'm warning you Riles..." Sheppard threatened, Alice had to contain her smile as she slowly lifted the spoon up to her mouth.
"But it's just so good" she moaned, about to place the spoon in her mouth. To her shock Sheppard jumped up and threw his hand over her mouth. Alice dropped her spoon out of surprise.
She tried to ask what he was doing but it only came out as a muffled noise, she looked up at Sheppard with a look of defiance. "I did warn you" Sheppard's voice was low, he had his eyebrow raised smugly.
Slowly he pulled his hand back from her mouth, "You're no fun" Alice just pouted. "What are you doing this evening?" Alice pulled her spoon back up from the table. Sheppard watched her closely as she put it back in her mouth, without the noises this time.
When he was satisfied she wasn't going to moan again, he returned to his seat. "Probably just read. How about you?" he pushed his chair back so he was leaning on the back two feet.
"I dunno, I'm too awake to try and sleep. Maybe go see if anyone is around in the gym for sparring, or go bug Ford or Rodney, that's always good fun." Alice shrugged and scraped the last bit of jello out of the cup.
"you and Ford are quite close aren't you?" Sheppard said nonchalantly.
"I guess, he's a good friend." Alice said slowly.
"Well, if you need a sparring partner i'd be happy to take you on." Sheppard dropped his chair back down onto all four legs, giving her a challenging look.
"if you can't even land a blow on Teyla, what makes you think you stand a chance?" Alice lent across the table, narrowing her eyes.
"Oh that's it. Meet me in the gym in 10 minutes, and we'll see who's better. Last one there has to set up the mats" before Alice could agree Sheppard had leaped up and taken off running down towards his quarters.
Alice changed as fast as she could and made it to the sparring room as quick as she could. "You cheated!" Sheppard was standing waiting in the room for her.
"Sorry Riles, you lose." Sheppard pointed to the heavy mats against the wall. Throwing him a frustrated look she walked over and threw the mats onto the floor. Sheppard kicked them into position and then took up position and waited for Alice to join him. "Don't worry, I'll try to avoid your bruises."
Alice stepped onto the mat and faced Sheppard, he raised his hands up to his face. Alice moved first, launching herself forward and trying to get underneath his guard. Sheppard reacted quickly though, bringing his arms down to block her arms, grasping onto her forearms and pushing her backwards. Alice didn't allow a pause as she spun around and hit out with her elbow trying to catch Sheppard's face. She had him moving back and on the defensive.
This continued for a few minutes, neither had made much headway. Although Alice had managed to land a blow on his chest, which had winded him slightly. They now stood opposite each other again, breathing heavily. Alice was trying to plan her next move when Sheppard struck out with his right arm, Alice moved quickly to avoid the strike and brought her left arm up to block him. Once she felt her skin contact his, she twisted herself around and pushed her leg up with as much force as she could. Sheppard moved quicker and was able to bring his arm back to grab her leg in a brace.
Pushing himself forward he was able to swipe Alice's other leg out from under her and slam her body down onto the mat, pressing his body down on top of her. "Okay! I give in." Alice threw her hands up next to her head.
Sheppard laughed victoriously, and released her leg which caused his body to drop down towards her. She shut her eyes expecting an impact, but he'd managed to put his arms out and catch himself above her. Breathing heavy, Sheppard's head was just hovering above Alice's. He still had a proud grin on his face.
Alice's gaze flickered down to Sheppard's mouth, before coming back to look up at his eyes. She could see a spark of conflict happening in his eyes, but she wasn't sure about what. "I win" Sheppard breathed, his face lowered slightly. Alice felt a cold shiver go through her body, without really thinking she threw her hands up onto Sheppard's shoulders and twisted around, catching him off guard and throwing him onto the ground reversing their positions.
Alice had Sheppard's shoulders pinned and was straddling his waist, "you should know not to let your guard down..." she lent down next to his ear "John..." she let his name hang in the air, before she sat back up and started to move off him.
As soon as she'd moved her hands off his shoulders, she shoved herself up from the ground and stood up. "I say you got lucky this time. I expect a re-match soon." She laughed reaching over and grabbing her water bottle from the floor.
Sheppard hadn't moved, she turned back to look at him curiously, "You okay Major?"
Sheppard twisted his head to look at her, his eyes were dark and he had a guarded expression "I'm looking forward to it" his voice sounded tense.
Alice headed back to her room, showered and flopped down onto her bed. She kept replaying the sparring match over in her head, she thought there was something she was missing. After about 10 minutes of not understanding she huffed, frustrated and closed her eyes. She'd barely drifted off when hazy images of Sheppard leaning over her and lowering his head came into her mind. She suddenly jolted up and out of bed, he'd been going to kiss her, she was sure of it. "But it's against the rules" Alice mumbled to herself. She was incredibly confused, she hadn't noticed anything before this to suggest Sheppard had feelings for her. She convinced herself she was just jumping to conclusions and she'd misread the situation. Allowing that to close off her mind, she finally let herself sink back on the bed and fell into an uneasy sleep.
It had been a couple of weeks since the 'sparring incident' as Alice had dubbed it, she still hadn't been sleeping well. They'd been on a couple of missions since, and thanks to Rodney fiddling around with a ZPM and energy shields had almost gotten them killed by the Wraith, Elizabeth had ordered them all to take a couple of days to rest up, before their next mission. When they weren't on missions, Alice had found it too confusing to be around Sheppard, so she'd been mostly avoiding him.
Today, she was avoiding him by spending the day training with Ford. "Alright, this time try to get me off and my hands away from your chest" Ford held up his gloved hand, he'd insisted on drawing Wraith marks on it as a way to make the training more realistic. Alice had just laughed at his ridiculousness, he could be such a child.
Breathing heavily she waited for Ford to 'sneak' up on her and attack her from behind, as he had been doing most of the day. She heard his footsteps as he ran towards her, although instead of going into the manoeuvre they'd be practicing, he grabbed the back of her neck whipped his body around and thrust his Wraith hand into her chest her legs collapsing under the force causing her to fall back to the ground. "What was that Aly!?" Ford's voice was tense, he removed his hand as Alice started rubbing her neck.
"I was expecting it! That's not what we were practicing" Alice tried to yell back at him, but it came out more of a squeak.
"Cause the Wraith are always going to attack you the same way" Ford said plainly crossing his arms. "You've been distracted the last few days, what's going on with you?" Ford sighed and offered his hand to help her up.
"Sorry," she mumbled "I've just not been sleeping well."
Ford nodded, then looked down to check his watch "Damn. Come on, let's get moving or Sheppard will have our heads for being late again."
Alice and Ford ran back to their quarters and met up in the armory, they were running a couple minutes late, and they had just been laughing about Rodney's failed attempt to ask one of the female scientists out on a date. "There you two are... you're late!" Sheppard marched into the room, giving both of them a pointed look.
Alice and Ford looked at each other and burst into laughter again "sorry sir, we just got distracted." Sheppard eyed them suspiciously, then turned around gesturing for them to follow him. They'd run up and joined the pre-mission briefing, they were on their way to negotiate a trading deal with the Genii.
Genii homeworld
Alice stepped out of the gate next to Sheppard and Ford. Sheppard took out his sunglasses and put them on. They were surrounded by long wheat like grass. "Alright - where to, Teyla?"
Teyla looked around the gate and started moving forwards "We should allow them to come to us."
Rodney already sounded fed up, "Well, if you know where the village is, shouldn't we ...?"
Teyla ignored his tone and just shook her head "They are a simple people and they trust me, but that trust was hard earned."
Sheppard nodded "OK."
Alice did a quick sweep behind her, tuning out the conversation, until Ford said "How will they even know we're here, anyway?"
Teyla stopped walking "They already do."
Alice fought the urge to raise her weapon as a man and woman walked into view. They were dressed in simple outfits, the women looked a lot younger than the man, she had bright red hair that Alice could make out from this distance.
"They look friendly enough." Sheppard took of his sunglasses and placed them back into his vest. Alice exchanged a tense look at Ford.
"The eldest one is called Tyrus. I have traded with him on many occasions" Teyla pointed subtly at the couple
"Teyla Emmagan" the man Teyla said was called Tyrus came to a stop in front of Sheppard and Teyla.
Teyla was smiling at him "Tyrus. It has been many days."
"Too many" Tyrus smiled back, his gaze swept across the team, lingering slightly on their weapons.
"Teyla" The girl had a soft voice, she couldn't have been much younger than Alice.
Teyla turned and started introducing them "This is Major Sheppard, Doctor McKay, Captain Riley and Lieutenant Ford." Alice saw Ford raised his hand up in a small wave when Teyla said his name.
Tyrus pointed at the girl next to him "My daughter, Sora."
"You must be very proud" Sheppard was looking at Sora, who had started smiling, obviously flattered. Alice felt a slight twinge of jealously flare through her as she watched Sheppard look over Sora.
"She's betrothed" Tyrus said sternly.
"I wasn't hitting on your daughter. I was just, uh ..." Sheppard looked taken back and stuttered over his words. Alice saw Ford fighting a smile.
Teyla interrupted him "They have come to trade for a share of your crops."
"Yet you bring weapons." Sora's voice lost a bit of it's lightness, raising Alice's suspicions, something didn't sit quite right.
"Only to defend ourselves" Ford replied smiling back at her.
Alice rolled her eyes, and took a deep breath. The last thing she needed was the male members of the team fawning over some girl.
"We'll take you to see Cowen." Tyrus nodded to Sora
She turned and gestured to them "Follow me."
Sheppard turned and looked at each member of his team before nodding and following after Sora.
It didn't take them long to get to a small settlement, where Sora led them into a wooden house. She held the door open and ushered them in and then invited them to sit at the table. Alice had shaken her head and remained standing, as did Ford, they casually looked around the room and out the windows.
A middle aged man, who Alice assumed was Cowen, approached the table to discuss the trade.
"And these medicines are potent?" he said finally.
"They're capable of stopping bacterial infections entirely." Rodney looked shocked at his indifference.
"It would help us through a harsh winter" Sora piped up from the other side of the room.
Cowen finally sat down at the table. "Hmm. We will need more than you offer." The whole team look slightly puzzled
"More?" Sheppard pressed questioningly.
"I don't think you understand how cool this medicine is." Ford turned from the window he'd been looking out at.
Alice didn't like where this was heading...
They'd all moved outside and Ford was setting up C4 around a large tree stump. "Major! i don't think Elizabeth will agree with this." Alice hissed at Sheppard, though he just ignored her.
"Cover your ears!" he shouted as Ford ran back to join them. Alice turned away, annoyed at being ignored, but quickly plugged her ears with her fingers.
She saw Ford grinning like a child and pulling up the antenna with his teeth "Fire in the hole!"
Alice watched as the tree stump exploded across the field. The villagers took their hands from their ears, and stared in amazement.
Still grinning, Ford turned to address the villagers "It's called C4."
Cowen walked forward, looking at the debris around the tree stump, then turned back to the team. Alice noticed a strange expression cross his face. "If you can supply us with a sufficient quantity of C4, we will supply you with the crop you require."
"So, this instead of the medicine" Sheppard clarified.
"As well as the medicine" Cowen had turned to look at Sheppard with a stern look now.
"Really?! That wasn't impressive enough?" Sheppard gestured to the small crater where the stump used to be.
"It is you who are in need" Cowen stated, his face hard.
"Well, I'll have to discuss this with my people" Sheppard looked around at his team, suddenly looking nervous.
"I'm sure we can come to terms. Teyla, thank you for bringing us these new trading partners. Please, stay as our guests. There will be a harvest ceremony later." He nodded at Teyla, then turned and headed back towards the house, followed by the other villagers.
"Wonderful!" Teyla grimaced, Alice felt her stomach drop, this wasn't going to be pleasant.
"I'll be back soon." Sheppard announced after whispering something to Ford, and turned back towards the gate.
Rodney looked at the remaining team and then pointed towards Sheppard, "I should go back with the major."
Ford looked bewildered, Alice kept her face blank and moved over to Teyla and Ford to head back to the wooden house.
The harvest ceremony as it turned out was just the Genii way of saying they were having a massive piss-up. Alice looked bewildered around the room, everyone was extremely merry and had a cup of something in their hand. It was a completely different atmosphere to the one they'd originally arrived with, Alice could feel herself relaxing and starting to let her guard down.
"We give thanks for a plentiful harvest" Cowen was in the centre of the room and raised up his cup to the ceiling.
"We give thanks" the villagers chanted in response, all raising their own cups above their heads.
"May next season be as fruitful" he shouted above the cheers, then turned to where Ford, Teyla and Alice were standing "And to our new friends." He raised his cup towards them.
"New friends" Tyrus chanted along with him, another woman had come past at this point and shoved a cup in both Ford and Alice's hands. Everyone tipped their head back and drank, Ford didn't hesitate but just the smell of the liquid burned the inside of Alice's throat.
Ford spluttered and sprayed his mouthful everywhere "Moonshine?!"
Alice laughed "Taking it like a real man Ford"
Teyla smirked and raised her glass "I thought you were man enough." Ford looked horrible, he was still coughing as Teyla and Alice laughed.
"I don't see you drinking it?!" Ford managed to get out staring at Alice.
Alice smiled, raised her cup and down the contents. As she expected it burned her mouth and throat, she only just about to managed to stifle her cough as she swallowed. One thing she had learnt in basic training was how to drink like the other soldiers. Ford looked at Alice in shock. Alice swallowed quickly to make sure her voice would be clear "you were saying?"
As it always did with Ford, the drink became a game, for every shot Alice could down Ford agreed to take her security detail shifts. Currently, she'd managed four more shots of the vile Genii drink. And it was starting to affect her slightly. "That's four shifts now Aiden!" Alice slurred slightly.
Ford had only managed to drink two cups, but with the strength in these things he was feeling it too. "Both of you, I don't think it's wise to have any more." Teyla took the drinks out of their hands. Alice looked at her and pouted.
Sora laughed and tipped her own cup back.
Alice saw Cowen walk over to where they were sitting. "If you'll excuse me, I must go tend to a dispute."
Teyla smiled up at him, but Alice could see it looked forced "Is everything alright, Cowen?"
Alice couldn't hear his reply as Tyrus and Sora stood to follow him.
It wasn't long until the party vibe started to fade, the Genii in the house started whispering amongst themselves and staring over at them.
Ford lent in towards them "I'm getting a weird vibe all of a sudden."
Alice expected Teyla to say he was imagining it. "I agree. I have never seen the Genii behave this way."
Alice suddenly felt extremely sober, looking at Ford they all started to stand. "Listen, we're just going to step outside and see if Major Sheppard and Doctor McKay are back" he kept his voice light and friendly.
Tyrus and Sora came hurrying over to them, blocking their path, "no-one must leave. It's not safe."
Alice had a skeptical look on her face, Sora was staring back at her "There's a Wraith ship in the area." Alice felt a deep cold feeling spread through her.
"Wraith? Are you serious?" Ford stepped forward.
"We need to warn our friends" Teyla's voice held a lot of authority, she tried to move past the two Genii.
"You will draw them to us. Everyone must stay indoors." Sora put her hands up to stop them.
Alice stepped back and looked around them, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She felt threatened and she knew it wasn't because of the Wraith. Teyla has stepped away as well, moving towards where their equipment was stored. "Do you sense any Wraith?" Alice whispered, as the bent down to get their things.
Ford was next to them, listening intensely. "No" Teyla whispered back.
Ford nodded, placing his equipment on himself "Listen, we just wanna take a look outside."
"We can't let you. It's not safe" her voice was almost quivering now.
"We can take care of ourselves" Teyla reminded her.
Alice heard a beeping noise coming from Tyrus, he pulled up his sleeve and revealed a radio-like device attached to his arm. Alice looked at Teyla in shock.
"Tyrus, please respond" Cowen's voice sounded through the device.
Tyrus lifted his arm up, not taking his eyes off them "Receiving."
Teyla was staring at him in amazement and shock.
"Bring them" Cowen ordered.
Tyrus took his eyes away from them and murmured "Understood." Putting his arm down he looked back at the three of them, "Relinquish your weapons."
Alice acted quickly, her senses were slightly dull from the alcohol, but she was still fast. She took out the two men next to her, and started towards the next couple, when she felt the barrel of a gun touch her forehead. Sora had her arm extended "You will not be harmed."
All around her, villagers had drawn their guns. Alice looked at Ford "You guys are full of surprises."
Sora nudged her gun into Alice's head forcing her to move. They were led out of the village to an underground entrance. Alice was led away from Teyla and Ford, now only Sora and one other guard were surrounded her. Alice collapsed forward, pretending to seize up. Sora and the guard jumped forward to grab her, when they did Alice struck out. She kicked Sora in the face and grabbed the guard by the throat.
Alice didn't act quick enough, more guards came around the corner and pulled her off the guard. They threw her against the wall, her head snapped hard against the concrete and everything went dark.
Alice slowly opened her eyes, the room was dark her head was throbbing. She tried to lift her arm, but it was stuck down beside her. Alarmed, she looked around her and realised she was alone in a room and was tied to a chair. She didn't know how long she'd been out of it.
She heard movement outside the door, there were footsteps approaching. Two Genii soldiers walked in the room, Alice struggled against her binds grunting in frustration. Sora walked in behind them "cut her loose".
Alice froze, the two guards walked up beside her and began cutting the ropes, "where is my team?!"
Sora nodded to the two guards "come with me and you'll see them. But i'm warning you, if you try anything..." she pulled out her gun and pointed it at Alice. "I won't hesitate."
Sora led Alice down a corridor, towards a large door "Riley!" Sheppard's voice sounded from around the corner.
Alice walked quicker now, bursting through the door "Sheppard?" Alice saw her whole team pacing in the room. "Thank god you're all okay" she sighed.
Teyla and Ford had rushed forward to greet her "why'd they separate us all, what's going on?" Alice looked at Sheppard, he looked uncomfortable.
"Actually they only separated you, you were too um..." Sheppard paused awkwardly.
"You gave them a bit too much trouble Aly" Ford chuckled, slapping her on the shoulder, "you okay?"
Alice nodded "a little headache, that's all." Everyone looked relieved, "so, what's going on guys?" Alice looked expectant at Sheppard.
"We've come to an arrangement" Sheppard moved closer and explained what she'd missed.
When he finished Alice pinched the bridge of her nose, "fantastic, another party..."
They were all sat around a large table - Cowen, Tyrus and Sora, along with some other Genii scientists joined them. A meal had been laid out in front of them.
Cowen raised his glass "We give thanks to our new friends."
Alice grimaced, she couldn't stand to drink anymore of this stuff.
"We give thanks" the Genii chanted around them.
Everyone drank, Alice brought the cup to her lips but didn't drink any.
"Please, eat." Cowen gestured to the food. "I hope that by sharing this meal, we can make up in some small way for past offences."
"I'm sure we'll get along just fine" Sheppard smiled.
Cowen smiled at him, and then looked at Rodney. "What method did your people use to initiate fission reaction in your prototype devices?"
Alice brought some of the food up to her mouth, she wasn't sure about this. She looked as Sora was staring at her from across the table, she had a bruise forming slightly on her face. Alice couldn't help but smirk.
"With your help. Before the next culling, we plan to vaporise the Wraith as they sleep." Cowen had just finished saying as Alice turned her attention back to the table.
Teyla's face was serious, she turned and gave Sheppard a sharp look, he just looked innocently back at her "What exactly is your plan?"
"We intend to take advantage of their over-confidence. That is their weakness." Cowen said.
"'Over-confidence.'" Sheppard repeated. Alice knew where this was heading, and it wasn't good.
"We had hoped to test our first atomic weapon five years from now. Do we have that much time, Sheppard?" Cowen's gaze was hard again.
Sheppard hesitated, Cowen started to turn red "Do we?"
"No" Sheppard stated bluntly.
Cowen slammed his hand down onto the table angrily as he stood up. He then turned and stormed out of the room. Sheppard looked at his team, before jumping up and follows him.
Atlantis
Sheppard, Ford and Alice walked back through the gate. Teyla and Rodney, had been kept behind to fix the bombs. In other words, they were being held hostage to ensure Sheppard held up his end of the bargain.
Alice breathed out, she was relieved to be back in Atlantis. "Captain, a word please. Ford start debrief Elizabeth I'll be back up in a minute." Sheppard's tone was hard.
"Of course" Alice winced and looked at Ford, he gave her his best good luck face. She followed Sheppard into the side room off from the gateroom.
"Look, I'm only going to say this once." Sheppard hadn't even waited until the door closed. "We don't take unnecessary risks." his voice was getting louder as he spoke
"Hang on a minute" Alice stepped towards Sheppard "that's not fair."
"They had guns pointed at your head, and at Teyla's and Ford's, and you thought it was a good time to...what..be the hero?" Sheppard turned around and dragged his fingers through his hair. "You're lucky they didn't paint the wall with you".
"i was doing my job!" Alice raised her voice. "We were threatened and I reacted, exactly like you would have in our situation!"
"You were being reckless. They could have killed you!" They stood staring at each other.
"Isn't that the risk every time we step through the gate?" Alice said back, they stared at each other for a few seconds "if there isn't anything else...sir"
Sheppard turned around and waved his hand dismissively at her. Alice spun around and headed for Elizabeth's office.
Wraith planet
Alice sat in the back of the Jumper across from Tyrus. They'd just come through the Stargate and were proceeding to the dormant hive ship. Tyrus stood up and began looking around the ship, Cowen was up front with Sheppard, she could hear them talking about the ship. Her and Sheppard hadn't spoken more than a few words to each other since their confrontation, she was already feeling uneasy and this just added too it.
When she looked up, the entire windscreen was filled with the hive ship looming in front of them, Sheppard guided the cloaked jumper through a large opening in the side and landed on a large walkway. Alice checked her gear and stood up preparing to leave, Sheppard opened up the rear hatch and began to move outside. He looked around cautiously, before turning back to face Ford and Alice "OK, hold the fort you two!"
Ford nodded "Yes sir. Good luck" Alice wanted to argue, but she bit her lip. Sheppard looked at her briefly as if expecting resistance, then turned and headed out into the ship.
Alice watched Sheppard's back until she couldn't see it anymore, then stepped back inside the Jumper moving to the cockpit "I should be able to follow their progress on the ships life signs detector."
"Cool" Ford sat himself down in the co-pilot seat, "so what's up with you and Sheppard?" Ford said casually, not looking at her.
Alice sat down and starting hitting buttons watching the hud come to life and the watching the five life signs move their way through the hive, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Ford scoffed "yeah right, I could feel the tension between you guys since we got back to Atlantis." Ford swiveled his chair around to look at her.
"He just freaked out on me for no reason" Ford nodded slowly, Alice still refused to look at him "we all accept the risk that every time we step through the gate, we might not come back. But, he's right. My actions put both you and Teyla at risk. I'm sorry."
Alice looked at Ford, he was smiling slightly "what are you smiling about?"
Ford held his hands up in surrender, "nothing, nothing. I just don't think it was my life the Major was overly concerned with."
Alice huffed "what are you talking about."
"Teyla and I both got chewed out too." Alice looked over at Ford confused "You should have seen Sheppard when you didn't come in with us. We got an earful about letting them separate us."
Alice was confused now, "oh, they're splitting up" Alice pointed to the screen, watching as three dots headed down the north hall, whilst the other two headed for a large chamber.
"I wonder who is who" Ford looked up, "I bet that's Teyla and McKay" Ford pointed at the two dots.
"I don't think so..." Alice said quietly, thinking. "I reckon that's Sheppard, McKay and one of the Genii, and the other is Teyla. I don't think Sheppard would let Rodney out of his sight. He's the one the Genii need the most."
Ford nodded in agreement, they watched silently as both groups stopped. Suddenly one of the two dots, headed away from the other and more white dots began appearing around them. "Something's wrong"
Alice had barely gotten the words out when they heard the ships alarms sound. Ford stood up and headed to the back of the Jumper, grabbing extra ammo. "Should we radio them?"
Alice hadn't taken her eyes of the screen "no, it doesn't look like Sheppard's group has been noticed, if we radio in we might give away their positions." Alice paused and closed her eyes to think for a minute. "Right, let's gear up and be ready to lay down some cover fire. Hopefully they can get back to the jumper, if not then we'll dial Atlantis and get reinforcements."
Ford nodded, looking back at the screen, the lone dot was almost at them. Ford moved to the edge of the Jumper, rifle aimed as Teyla came sprinting around the corner. Ford stepped out of the cloak so she knew where to run. Once she reached the Jumper she turned raising her weapon "Wraith guards."
Alice prepped the Jumper for take-off "I'm ready, let me know as soon as Sheppard's group is on board"
"Go, go, go" Ford yelled up at Alice. Alice closed the hatch and took off, guiding the Jumper out through the same opening.
Alice felt Sheppard put his hand on her shoulder, "dial the gate" she nodded towards the DHD. She was still new to flying and it took most of her concentration to keep the Jumper going. Alice landed the Jumper and breathed a sigh of relief, she was exhausted. She knew she'd have to put more hours in on the Jumpers.
Walking out of the Jumper, they saw a group of Genii led by Sora approach them. Her eyes searched over the faces of the team "Where is my father?"
Cowen walked over and looked down at her "He did not survive."
Everyone was quiet, Alice felt Teyla stiffen beside her. "How? What happened?" Sora's voice cracked with grief.
"I think we should find out" Cowen looked up "Take aim!"
Many Genii - some in uniform, some in their farmers' clothes - burst out of the trees and bushes nearby, aiming weapons at Alice and the team. Alice brought her P90 up to her face, but they had been completely surrounded.
"Cowen, I thought we were just learning how to get along" Sheppard took a step back so the team were back to back.
Cowen looked at Teyla "She killed Tyrus"
"No" Teyla sounded distraught
"By leaving him to die, you may just as well have killed him yourself" Cowen accused
"He shot the man we tried to save" Teyla sounded like she was trying to explain herself more to the team than Cowen.
"It was a mistake to try and save anyone. It jeopardised the mission." He reached into her pocket and took out the Wraith data device "we will keep this intelligence information."
"You're the one making a mistake" Sheppard's voice was level and cold. Alice looked at the soldiers gathered around them, there was no way they'd be able to take them out before getting shot themselves.
"And your ship, and whatever quantities of C4 you have in your possession" Cowen gestured to the Jumper
"That is all you ever intended. To use us" Teyla spat the words out at him.
"And for your efforts, I will spare your lives" Cowen made it sound like he was the most generous man in the galaxy.
"Generous of you!" Rodney shouted, echoing Alice's thoughts.
"Guess the tava beans are off the table" Alice rolled her eyes, leave it up to Sheppard to make a joke in this position.
"Your weapons" As Cowen said it all the Genii around them took a step forward.
"No, I don't think so" Sheppard stood his ground.
"We have the advantage, Major." He gestured around at all the soldiers surrounding them.
"Well, I lied, too" Sheppard activated his radio "Jumpers Two and Three, execute"
Alice looked up to see Stackhouse and Marks sitting at the controls of their Jumpers, weapon pods activated.
The Genii stared up in amazement
"You didn't really think we had one ship, did you? Tell your people to get back and nobody get hurt." Sheppard's voice was mocking as he stepped forward.
Cowen hesitated, "Jumper Two, prepare to fire on my mark." Alice tensed, she knew it was a bluff but just incase she wanted to be prepared for a fire fight.
"Wait!" Cowen called out, looking at Sheppard "Do you promise to leave?" his looked defeated now, his posture shrunk down.
Sheppard stepped closer to him "Well, that's the plan. Guess we'll have to go somewhere else to find our tava beans. But ..." he reached out and took the data device from Cowen's hand "... I think it's only fair we end up with something."
Cowen stared at him threateningly, "you do not want to make an enemy of the Genii."
Sheppard held his gaze "You know what? Same here."
Alice began shuffling back towards the Jumper, her eyes darting to the soldiers around her making sure none of them made any moves. Once she was clear of the ramp, she ran up to the cockpit and slipped into the co-pilots seat. Sheppard was right behind her and began firing up the engines.
