[4]
"This is it? You're kidding."
"I am not. Any delays and Major Sheppard will suffer. Cano and Ryal will remain here."
"Yeah, yeah."
Somewhat surprised at the distracted response Kolya left to attend to other matters. Despite the situation McKay was already fascinated by the device. Perhaps one of the strangest items he had come across so far, it appeared to be a combination of several smaller devices mounted to a standard data console. In the center of the console was a small black orb no larger than his hand. Placed around the orb in a semi-circle were crystal plates of numerous sizes and shapes while the other half had two thick tubes each around a meter in length. It looked as if something had once been attached to the ends but had been torn off as the edges were jagged and uneven.
Slowly circling around the object McKay noticed more details: the lopsided way the plates were on the console, the off-centeredness of the orb. His guess - someone had haphazardly assembled the device to what they thought it should be. It was possible this current configuration was completely wrong.
"Where did you find this?" he asked, stopping to read several of the plates. Some of the characters were damaged while were others completely blank. Just what he needed, more complications.
"That is none of your concern," Cano said, his arms crossed before him.
"You are simply to make it work," Ryal added.
McKay looked at them dumbfounded. "None of my … what type of scientists are you again?"
"I am one of the lead scientists under direct authority of Commander Kolya," Cano answered. "It was my team who cross-engineered the Wraith data device - which your people stole – to work with our technology. Ryal specializes in weapons development."
"And how does that relate to Ancient technology? Do you have any idea how exact the Ancients were in the construction of their data consoles and architecture? They were perfectionists. From what I can tell this is not the original configuration for this device and there is a high probability that pieces are still missing. If you expect me to get this working I need to know as much about this as I can." As the two looked at each other McKay let out an exasperated sigh. "Do you know how many labs the Ancients set up? Do you really think I'll know the exact facility on the exact planet this came from just from the description of a single room?" The two Genii shared another look, each frowning slightly. Eventually Cano gave a nod.
"It was found in the center of a small room," Ryal started. "The base of the console was open but there did not appear to be anything removed from it. The black sphere and most of the crystal plates were scattered about on the ground."
"Was there any pattern to the plates?" The Genii looked at him blankly. "Was there any order?" McKay clarified. "All facing upwards or from larger to small?" Ryal paused a moment, obviously thinking.
"No," he answered. "Some where right side up, some upside down."
"What about these tubes? Were they connected already?"
"No, they were on the ground. We attached them."
"And the room itself, any apparent damage?"
"I don't think so."
"I don't need you to think, I need you to know. Was there any sign of--"
"Enough," Cano interrupted. "Your questions have been answered. You are simply stalling."
"I'm not stalling! Look, it's obvious that the console was damaged when you found it. I need to know how. Was there any sign that of an attack? Scorch marks on the wall, shattered glass, anything to indicate the problem with the console wasn't internal? If the console became unstable by itself then there are different safety protocols I need to follow before I can even begin to access the systems."
"I remember seeing marks in the walls," Ryal answered, "along with several broken silver objects on the ground. We thought it was trash."
"Nothing Ancient is ever trash," McKay said. "I'm guessing they were part of the device that broke off when the lab was attacked. At least I shouldn't have to worry that the damage to the system was caused by the program itself." The open panel suggested someone had been in the middle of repairing the console. The scattered and random plates could be the result from the attack on the room, or someone had deliberately damaged it. What was connected to the tubes he couldn't fathom – yet.
McKay turned and moved to his pack that had been set on the ground. He could tell it had been rummaged through but everything appeared intact. Pulling out his scanner he turned back to the console. "If you're not going to help you could at least get me something to eat," he stated. "I'm not going to solve anything if I collapse from hunger."
"Who are you to demand anything?" Cano asked in anger.
McKay calmly looked up to meet his eyes. "I'm the only one who has any chance of getting this device to work. So unless you want to explain to Kolya that it isn't fixed because I've collapsed from hunger I suggest you find something." He turned away, missing the seething look on their faces. "And make sure it doesn't have citrus in it."
* * *
The town of Ralib was filled with people during the peak of the harvest season. Many villagers had set up booths and tents to sell their wares while travelers from various worlds had come to trade for the fresh crops. In the center of the main street was a small tavern, well known in the village for serving high quality drinks along with nightly entertainment. The past few weeks had been busy.
The barkeeper hummed softly to himself as he wiped the counter, enjoying the quiet in the morning hours before opening for lunch. An imposing figure, he was well muscled and stood over six feet tall, something he used to his advantage when dealing with ruffians in the bar. Hearing the bell ding above the door the barkeeper looked up, ready to inform the guest the tavern was not yet open. Recognizing the patron he placed the rag down on the counter as he moved forward, a warm smile on his astonished face.
"Teyla Emmagan!"
"Jacek, it has been many days." Returning the smile she touched her forehead to his. Her father had introduced her to Jacek when she was still a young girl and with his stories and soft laughter he quickly became a close friend and trading partner. Looking around the tavern she asked, "You are doing well?"
"This year's harvest has been one of the best. Many people have come to the town for trade and many are thirsty before the day is up," he answered with a wink. She laughed, following him back to the counter and taking a seat at one of the stools. "I am glad you are safe. I heard Athos was destroyed during the last Wraith culling. When you did not show up for the previous harvest I feared you and your people did not survive."
"We were taken in by friends," she informed him. "They have given us shelter and assistance in rebuilding our village. They asked only for our friendship in return."
"They sound like good people." He took out two glasses and poured wine into each. She took the offered cup with a gratuitous nod.
"They are." Teyla took a sip, enjoying the sweet taste before she placed the glass down. "That is why I am here. Two of my friends have been taken captive by an unknown enemy. I believe they were betrayed by a merchant who is known to frequent this village. His name is Hadek." One of her people had returned that bit of information only an hour ago and she hadn't hesitated in setting out for the town.
"I am familiar with the man. He has been here many times and more than once I have had to remove him. He becomes very vocal when drinking, it disturbs the other patrons." Jacek paused a moment in thought. "Last night I overheard him talking about easy money and the foolishness of outsiders."
Teyla was relieved to finally have a positive lead on her missing teammates after so many futile efforts. Yet she fumed at the thought of the merchant's betrayal, knowing the whole encounter with SGA-2 had been a setup from the start. "Did he mention who the money was coming from?"
"I am sorry Teyla," Jacek answered with a frown. "The night was busy and there were many conversations among the patrons. I did not hear more of his words. However, I believe he may still be in the village. It would be unlikely for him to leave during the peak of the trading season."
A sly smile appeared on Teyla's face as she reached for the glass of wine. "Then I think I will stay awhile longer. There are some questions I need to ask him."
* * *
The voices woke him up. He hadn't meant to doze off. How long had he been sleeping? Wincing, he slowly sat up on the cot to face the door. A small sigh of relief escaped as he recognized one of the voices arguing about time and complications. Careful not to tear open the bandages around his waist and leg Sheppard rose to his feet as McKay and two Genii stopped before the door.
"It's not that simple," McKay was arguing. "Nothing the Ancients have done has ever been as easy as plug and play. Each system has to be calibrated to..."
"Enough!" One of the Genii unlocked the door and all but pushed the scientist into the cell. "You have been warned before what will happen if you continue to stall."
"I'm not stalling!" McKay defended himself.
"You will get the system working," the Genii told him. Making sure the door was locked the two left without another word.
"Idiots!" McKay growled out as he turned around. "They don't know the first thing about …" He stopped. "Uh Major, you don't look too good. I think you better sit down." He moved to Sheppard's side, easing the swaying soldier back onto the cot. Kolya had been true to his word – the wounds had been treated and wrapped in gauze but judging by the expression on his friend's face painkillers had not been part of the bargain. "How do you feel?"
"Fine," Sheppard lied. "You were gone a long time. What happened?"
"Just your typical day of having to fix everyone else's mistakes." Reaching into one of his pockets he pulled out two powerbars. "Here."
"Thanks." Sheppard gratefully and eagerly took them; food had not been part of the deal either. The hunger pains he had pushed away hours ago now came back with a vengeance. "How'd you get them?"
"Told them I had hypoglycemia and that I need to eat every few hours or I'd go into shock."
"But that's true." After swallowing he added, "Or so you're always saying."
"It is true. You do not want to see me with low blood sugar. I just may have over-exaggerated a bit on how often I have to eat." He didn't bring up the fact that the Genii scientists hadn't believed him until he started to visibly sweat and shake.
Having finished the two bars Sheppard tucked the wrappers into one of his pockets. He didn't want to get McKay in trouble for sneaking in food. "Amazing how good those taste when you're starving. So what is this device, a weapon?"
"Unlikely. It's similar to the standard consoles back on Atlantis." After describing the device he added, "I believe it worked more for data storage and transfer, primarily used for education. The tubes may have been connected to headsets for more virtual learning."
"Kolya's not going to be happy to hear that."
Leaning his head back against the wall McKay let out a tired sigh. "I know. What I told those two excuses for scientists is true - I really do need to calibrate the system and that will take some time. I'm just not sure what to do afterwards. I mean, I'm great at saving the day but escaping…" He turned to face Sheppard, expectant. "That is more your type of thing."
"Thanks for the confidence, Rodney. You know, I haven't failed yet and I don't intend to now. I need to know more though, get an idea where we're at."
"Underground in some type of bunker," McKay answered. "But I don't think we're on the Genii homeworld."
"That a guess or a fact?"
"This place doesn't seem as elaborate. It was probably found and modified to suit their basic needs. There are no windows, the passages are roughly carved out, and I've heard sounds coming from above." They were both silent for a few moments, lost in thought. Eventually McKay quietly remarked, "I wonder if Ford and Teyla escaped or if they're being held somewhere else." When Sheppard didn't comment, he knew something was wrong. "What happened back on the planet?"
Reluctantly Sheppard informed McKay of the events, losing contact with Ford, overhearing the report of the lieutenant's death, Kolya's threat against Teyla, and his forced surrender. He didn't miss the increased paleness and eventual slump of defeat from the scientist.
"We're dead men."
"Hey Rodney, there's a reason I put those two on my team. I'm betting Kolya couldn't find Ford so he made up the whole thing. If I know the Lieutenant - and I do - he found Teyla and they're planning our rescue right now." McKay cast a glance his way but didn't say anything. "In fact, you're going to help them."
"Me? How?"
"You said you have access to all your equipment, right?"
"Yeah, so?"
"So it's only a matter of time before Ford gets here and starts looking for us. I need you to start transmitting a signal that'll reach a jumper's scanners."
"The chances of them stumbling on this planet and searching for a signal are so remote that-"
"McKay, just do it. Trust me. They'll come." The scientist cast him another glance, this time with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I'll get you back to Atlantis, I promise." They would escape, Sheppard vowed, one way or another.
