Sorry a day or so later than expected. A bit of this part was in the very end of Evander's Heir. Thanks for your patience!
Chapter Six-Tea with the Queen
"What did you say, McKay?"
"When you did your voodoo mind trick on me back on Kildar, you gave me some gate addresses but I don't know where they lead." Sheppard looked away from McKay and, though the scientist could not read the colonel, he thought his friend looked almost embarrassed.
McKay continued, "You probably don't remember because you weren't all there. Your grandpa had you convulsing and all that again."
"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember." Sheppard said looking down at his computer. "So you can't find any more information on them?"
"No, I was wondering if you remember anything more."
Sheppard searched his mind then sighed in frustration. "I don't remember much, Rodney. I had forgotten that until you mentioned it. How many planets?"
"Just four. One of them was Doranda."
"Oh great. That gives me all kinds of confidence in any other information we get."
McKay nodded. "I know. But I was thinking that maybe if you had, um…if you had done your King Arthur thing before we went to that planet then maybe things would have turned out differently. Maybe…" McKay looked thoughtful and then disturbed. "Maybe you would be…well, maybe you would have had the knowledge to make things turn out differently."
"What do you mean?" Sheppard said with almost a grin. "Are you saying that I am smarter than you now?" He had always been gifted in math, but he understood even more now. There had been a few times since the initial transfer when he had watched Rodney struggle with some calculations on a project with the Ancient systems--most recently the chair-- but Sheppard had said nothing. He knew McKay would come up with the solution, and he did not want to bring attention to himself.
"No," McKay said indignantly, "That is not what I am saying…just that well…oh never mind. Anyway, we won't know what is on these planets unless we go."
"Well, the last one didn't turn out so good and I really don't feel like going on a treasure hunt. I have enough to figure out for now." Sheppard was being truthful. He did not want to assimilate any more information or find any new gadgets--at least for a couple of weeks. He turned to McKay suddenly. "Hey! We should just go back to Kildar. I can ask the AI or whatever it was if it has any more information about these planets. I didn't really have a chance to ask it."
McKay looked uncomfortable as he thought of the memory. Too much had happened in one week. "Are you sure you want to go back?"
Sheppard shrugged. "Well, I doubt there are any more stones there--in fact I am sure of it--and we know what to expect."
"Okay, okay," Rodney reluctantly agreed. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to go visit, would it?"
Sheppard shrugged but said nothing. Hopefully nowhere near as painful as the last time, he thought.
McKay watched his friend leave the lab. He hoped this trip would help Sheppard and Ronon patch things up. They were not talking much and there was a tension that neither McKay nor Teyla had been able to dissipate--but the two men were not exactly fighting. Two stubborn alpha males, McKay told himself; but he was still worried because, while it could be said that neither was really to blame, still both men were somewhat responsible for their current predicament.
oOoOoOoOo
What can you tell me of the gate addresses that were given to me?
Very little, my lord. One contains an advanced weapon that the ancient scientists were attempting to complete.
Yeah, well that one was a bust.
I do not understand, my lord.
Never mind. Anything else?
I know of a Potentia on the third world you listed; but the others are unfamiliar to me as they are not in these systems.
Sheppard was going to end the connection when he thought of something. What ancestor placed the key in the rock?
Capys, my lord.
Were there any others?
There was some hesitation. Erebus.
Who is Erebus?
It was he who desired dominion over the people of this galaxy. He considered himself a god and gathered others like him who thought themselves superior to the people of the worlds. Evander left little on him that I am aware of except that he despised Erebus because Evander sensed a darkness in him. Erebus seemed to enjoy the suffering of others.
Erebus worked with Capys?
No, my lord. Evander had battled Erebus when he found that Erebus caused the death of thousands and sought to turn Scelus, Evander's brother, against the king. Erebus was banished to the upperworld. It was Erebus who had aligned himself with the Enemy, helped them to become powerful so that he could spread fear and death. Erebus worked with the enemies of Evander to try to destroy him.
I don't understand. Why?
Erebus could not destroy Evander in this realm. Once banished to the upperworld, he attempted to gather followers. He allowed the Enemy to grow here in the hope that they would destroy Evander and that he, Erebus, could have all the power he desired. He wanted to be worshipped like a god.
When Evander left, why couldn't Erebus then return?
Evander had the devotion of many and as he battled alongside them they found faith in themselves. Falsegods such as Erebus did not deceive them. He lost much of his power even after Evander left and the Enemy became too strong and too intelligent for even Erebus to control.
Did he mess with the stone that was here?
Mess, my lord?
Did he manipulate it, do something to it either before or after it was hidden on Kildar?
I do not know. He did come to this planet very soon after Capys left. I do not know his intention or whether he had touched or manipulated the stone. The only information I have is what has been programmed into me by Evander and what I have observed over the centuries. There was a pause for a few seconds then the voice was slightly more urgent. I must alert you that my sensors have scanned an approaching Wraith ship. The same one returns periodically. They came soon after you left previously. I have been able to hide the temple from them each time.
Okay. Do it again until I tell you otherwise.
I am sorry I can provide no further information.
No, you have been very useful.
Sheppard broke the link. He felt an arm steady him as he swayed. "You okay, sir?" he heard Lorne ask.
Sheppard straightened up and scanned the room. "Yes. Thanks, major. We need to get ready. The Wraith are on their way."
"We should leave." Lorne said, "McEvers said he could not get through to Atlantis for the second check in. The weather has picked up again."
"No. These are the same ones that destroyed the people of this planet and they keep coming back looking for me." Lorne did not ask how Sheppard knew that. He assumed his commander knew what he was talking about and what he was doing but it was his duty to question. "Sir a whole hive ship."
Sheppard smiled. "Don't worry major, they won't be too much trouble." Lorne did not bother to ask how Sheppard knew that.
"What are we going to do?" asked Rodney who had remained quiet while Sheppard communicated with the AI and then Lorne.
"Wait and then set a trap." Sheppard said as he looked outside. This planet was a tumultuous one. He heard thunder and watched lightning strike in the general direction of the jumper.
McKay shared an anxious look with Teyla and then asked Sheppard, "Did the AI tell you anything else?"
"Just a history lesson of sorts. Anyway you better get something to eat and some rest, Rodney. The Wraith should be here in about 15 hours." Sheppard went and sat down to do the same. It was time for the Wraith to account for what they had done to this planet. He pushed his thoughts of Erebus away for now. He posted the watch, solidified a plan to use against the Wraith--and then he slept.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard felt a tickle in his mind. He quickly woke up and looked at his watch. Almost time. He stood and, without a word, went to interface with the Kildaran AI.
Where are they headed?
Their trajectory is toward the far side of the planet.
How many?
A Queen and 22 drones. They were a weakened hive to begin with--awakened only when The Eye of the Armentarii sent a signal to the key that you had arrived. Two other hives were also alerted by this and came to this world to investigate. A battle ensued and this is the hive that survived.
Twenty-two drones is a really small number.
Yes, the battle was great. This hive won through trickery and not strength; but they lost many and are not welcome amongst other hives from what I have been able to determine through monitoring their communications. They had lost a significant number more recently.
Sheppard wanted to know more about that but he had bigger fish to fry. Show me where they are now and let them know we are here. Sheppard saw a display appear with images of the planet. He realized it was a scanner as he noticed flashing blips.
"What is that?" Lorne asked no one in particular. He had been mesmerized watching his commander communicate with this thing. Sheppard was not speaking, but he knew by the look on this face that he was communicating.
Does the Queen know about me?
Not that you are the heir, but she believes that you must be Lantean as they are aware that only one of Ancient blood could have activated the device that sent signal to awaken me. She will hunt you just the same.
Not if I get her first.
You are too weak from your recent injuries.
I'm fine. Keep the temple hidden until I tell the plan to the rest of my team.
Sheppard turned and spoke to Lorne. "Radio McEvers that we are on our way. I need to get to the jumper. The Wraith are on their way."
"Yes sir. He just called. Damn weather is worse. He was able to apprise Atlantis of the situation during a break in the storm, they recommended caution."
"It's okay we'll make short work of this . The hive ship is on the other side of the planet but some of the drones will be on their way here now."
Lorne did not ask how Sheppard knew the location of the Wraith or of the hive ship. Asking would waste time. He tapped his radio and spoke to McEvers, while the Marines formed around Sheppard as he communicated with the AI.
Teyla watched the marines gather around the colonel. She could not hear voices but saw their heads nodding. Within seconds they ran out and dispersed with Lorne in the lead. Two remained.
"What's happening?" Ronon asked. He kept quiet and kept his distance, still not sure how to interact with Sheppard.
Sheppard looked at Ronon. "We need to get to the jumper and take care of some Wraith. I'll tell you the plan on the way."
oOoOoOoOo
Fuentes had been on Atlantis for nearly a year now and finally had his chance to be part of what he considered an elite team--and what Lorne had secretly termed the Imperial Guard. It had been a rough week for all of them. Fuentes had seen Sheppard favor his arm although the lieutenant colonel made no complaints. He doubted, though, that Dr. Beckett would have let Sheppard return if he knew the good colonel was going to purposely engage the Wraith.
Sheppard was sprinting toward the shuttle like any good marine. Fuentes had forgiven the colonel for not being a marine but instead an Air Force pilot. When Sheppard nearly stumbled, Fuentes grabbed him by the arm to steady him and hoped he hadn't hurt him--but he would never know. Sheppard's face did not change from the determined look. The puddle jumper suddenly de-cloaked and, without losing stride, they ran in.
McEvers looked relieved when he saw Sheppard. "Ready to go, sir."
Sheppard nodded in acknowledgement and made some adjustments that pinpointed where they were heading. The weather was getting worse by the minute and he willed McKay and the others to hurry. A second or two later he sensed their presence and the puddle jumper started a slow ascent. "Hang on guys," Sheppard said as they hit some turbulence.
"It's going to be a bumpy ride."
No shit thought Fuentes. It was through sheer marine will that he had not lost his lunch already.
Teyla listened to Sheppard's plan as they made their way toward the Wraith ship. It was hard to concentrate with the turbulence, but their portion of the plan was very simple and she had no doubt Lorne and the marines would execute their part.
But she was concerned about her team. The tension had not resolved between Ronon and Sheppard and now McKay was uncharacteristically quiet. She was happy to eliminate the Wraith but she was not sure Sheppard was completely healed and up to a battle so soon. He had not spoken anymore about the scientists' deaths, but there had been something different about him since then. He was more subdued and serious. She sighed and prayed quietly that things would right themselves. She felt a bump and the jumper rear hatch opened, breaking her from her thoughts. Sheppard and the marines ran out and the rest quickly followed suit.
oOoOoOoOo
"The Lanteans have come, my Queen."
The female hissed. She had sensed them already after the device had been activated, but she only sensed one Lantean--the other minds were human, it seemed. She looked around the hive ship. There were only twenty-two of her drones left and then herself. She had been betrayed by the other hives but she had destroyed them. It would be risky to try to capture the humans but she had ordered half her contingent down to the planet when she located the temple. She gave the drones orders to bring the humans back alive as she would control this Lantean and feed off the humans. It was unfortunate that her hive ship had been damaged. She was taking a chance by landing here on the planet, but she needed to repair it or find another means off the planet. Then she would build their hive again once she traded the Lantean to a stronger Queen. He would be useful for intelligence, but she would play with him first. She waited in her throne room. It had been a very long time since she'd had a Lantean kneel before her, and she was excited by the prospect.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard tore through the trees. Normally caution would be part of the plan, but he sensed that the Wraith heading toward the temple were far from them so they were clear to the hive ship. He focused his mind, blocking his trek on the path toward the battered Wraith hive ship that was resting near the edge of a lake. He wanted this to be a complete surprise. He knew that the Queen had sensed him--but not who he was--and that their ship was crippled and forced to land; but he was not sure exactly what had happened.
McKay struggled to keep up. He knew that he was falling behind but one of the Marines was sticking with him. Standing orders from Sheppard--no geek is ever left behind alone. McKay could no longer see Sheppard as the darkness started to cast shadows but it surprised him that he could barely hear them up ahead despite the quick pace. "Come on sir," the marine whispered, "We need to move quicker." McKay dug down deep and went to his happy place to ignore the burning in his lungs and legs. As usual, Sheppard had to park three blocks away rather than in the garage.
oOoOoOoOo
Lorne signaled the Marine to his left, who relayed the message to the next. The Major smiled. Sheppard had always been a cool cat. He was an extraordinary commander who knew when to show the razor's edge and when not to. The colonel was always underestimated, and Sheppard played that to his advantage over and over again. The new SuperSheppard, though, might actually be more like the legend that was spread about him than was the old one. Sheppard had asked their permission before doing so, and then mentally conveyed his plan. In a second, Lorne and his men knew exactly what their CO wanted. Lorne had seen their expressions when Sheppard was finished. Yeah, that had been very very cool. He also knew why they had to keep it a secret. The Wraith were approaching the temple just as Sheppard showed them they would. Dummies. All of them walked through the shield and went inside. As planned, Lorne and another Marine stayed out to scout for any that might be left while they listened to the gunfire inside taking care of the drones. It was over so quickly it was barely satisfying.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard skidded to a halt at what looked like a cave entrance. He could barely make it out in the darkening sky, but the hive looked like it had made a hard landing and most of it was covered by the ground it had torn into. He turned around impatiently waiting for McKay who, as usual, was bringing up the rear. Finally the scientist approached him with an annoyed Marine practically dragging him along. Sheppard shook his head. He walked up to McKay and took the life signs detector from his vest. McKay was wheezing and did not even protest. Sheppard looked up. "Just ten drones plus the Queen, guys, so we should make short work of this. McKay, you're with me. Teyla and Ronon, if you go to the right, you will encounter six. Sgts. Fuentes and Pierce, you go left. There are about four. Be careful. I don't think there are any more but they could be hibernating. McEvers, you watch the entrance."
McKay waited until they were inside. "Where are we going?" he asked nervously.
"To have tea with the Queen," Sheppard quipped.
"I was afraid you would say that. Why do we have to do that? Looks like they're stranded."
"Because they know we are here. They came because of us and if they ever get rescued or hell, even if they don't, they are going to wonder why we were here. We can't risk it. Besides, they killed everyone here."
McKay said nothing more. They should be able to take on one Queen. It did not take long to find her. They had been on enough hive ships to quickly make their way through. As they entered her chamber, McKay heard gunfire. He watched the Queen's head shoot up in surprise. She stood, then hissed at them, annoyed, and he realized she had not sensed their presence. Yup, this was going to be fun.
oOoOoOoOo
Fuentes and Pierce made short work of their four drones. There did not appear to be any hibernating Wraith or cocooned humans. No other signs of life. Fuentes turned to Pierce. "Let's go see if we can find Teyla and Ronon."
oOoOoOoOo
As Ronon killed the last Wraith in their path, Teyla conveyed to Rodney that they were nearing the Queen's chambers. He did not acknowledge her, so she quickened the pace. She also received a transmission from Lorne informing her that the last of the Wraith in the temple had also been quickly dispatched. The plan had gone off with no problems so far, but she still would feel better once she found Sheppard and McKay.
oOoOoOoOo
McKay watched Sheppard in fascination. He was standing face to face with the Wraith Queen. They had already killed the other Wraith, except for maybe a few that were headed their way.
"Kneel," the Queen hissed.
McKay could feel the power of her mind but, surprisingly, Sheppard did nothing but smile with his head leaning slightly to the right. He actually looked charmingly amused. A human female would no doubt be in a puddle of adoration at that look. The Wraith Queen just looked pissed and confused.
The Queen hissed again. She actually looked like she was struggling. "Who are you, Lantean?"
Sheppard smiled again, but not quite so charmingly. "Wouldn't you like to know? I am sure you would all like to know, but you can't talk to the others, now."
McKay realized that he no longer felt the Wraith Queen's mind and that Sheppard was actually blocking her thoughts--or at least that is what he guessed the colonel was doing. McKay heard Ronon and Teyla in his earpiece. They were very close, now.
"I said kneel, Lantean!"
McKay saw Sheppard straighten his head as he eyed the Queen darkly. He saw the look of surprise on the Queen's face as she dropped to her knees. McKay felt a shiver down his spine as he turned to see Teyla and Ronon staring with open mouths. Cool. Very cool.
Sheppard grinned once more then said. "You first."
The Queen looked up at the Lantean in surprise and hatred. How had he overpowered her? She sensed him reading her thoughts, gathering information from her, yet she could send nothing out to the others. Who was this one? She had no recollection of him in her memories. She fought to try to get up, but felt him push those thoughts down and she hissed in pain and rage. Finally he let her loose. You cannot live, he told her. She had no desire to live with this humiliation. Never had a Lantean been able to overpower the mind of a Wraith except one from a legend she had heard--but that was millennia ago. Her eyes narrowed. No, she did not want to live, but she would take them with her. She managed to press a small button on her wrist. The last thing she saw was the Lantean and his humans running away from her. He still blocked her mind, and she realized that her last thoughts would die with her.
oOoOoOoOo
McEvers heard shouting in his earpiece. The order was, simply, "Haul ass!" He knew what that meant. He turned to run away from the ship and saw Sheppard, the Marines, and Sheppard's team running out at full speed. His CO glanced at him as he ran past, already at full speed. McEvers brought up the rear as they crashed through the forest in the freezing cold wind and rain. He heard a whump then felt hot air push him down to the ground. He lay still for a moment before realizing that he was not dead. He pushed himself up and looked around to see the plume of smoke and fire. He heard Sheppard's hoarse voice in his earpiece ordering them to return to the puddle jumper.
oOoOoOoOo
McKay stared at his friend. He turned and looked at Teyla and Ronon who were also staring. They had seen what had happened, at the end, with the Queen on her knees; and they knew that it was not a normal occurrence. McKay so wanted to ask Sheppard how he had done that. He knew it had to be something with the magic marble Sheppard had miraculously plucked out of the rock. He had to admit, the Queen packed quite a punch, as not much was left of the hive. It all happened so quickly--thirty minutes in and out. That had to be the quickest Wraith ass-kicking they had ever done. But McKay held his tongue and worked hard to hold an MRE down as the puddle jumper lurched through the storm. It was not letting up, but at least the rain had contained the fire from the explosion. It was a rough ride but, thankfully, a short one. The puddle jumper set down harder than usual and McKay was not sure if it was because of the storm or Sheppard, who really seemed out of sorts. Why wouldn't he be, thought McKay. McKay and Teyla helped Pierce, who had been knocked unconscious during the explosion while Ronon scouted up ahead with McEvers. Sheppard followed behind to talk to Lorne.
oOoOoOoOo
Sheppard's head was killing him. It had been fairly easy blocking his thoughts and memories from the Wraith Queen; slightly more challenging to do that and block her own ability to communicate with other Wraith; but fighting her assault on his mind as a whole had proved the greatest challenge as he made her do what he wanted. That last bit took some effort as she fought him furiously and with a hatred that he had not felt before. Now, as everyone sat in silence resting while the storm passed, Sheppard realized that his team had settled on the other side of the temple. Teyla had fallen asleep as had Ronon, but McKay kept stealing glances toward him as he worked on downloading information from the temple after Sheppard had given him access. What? Sheppard thought. McKay's eyes widened and Sheppard scowled; annoyed that he had broadcast that thought. Why the hell did everything seem to be falling apart? He still needed them, that had not changed, but now that he could do more to help his teammates, they were distancing themselves from him.
"Sir?" Sheppard turned to face a steaming cup of coffee. "Thought you might want something hot."
Sheppard grinned. "Thanks, Major. I do. Hopefully, this storm will be done soon and we can get a hot shower, too. Guess we could go fly through it to the gate but the worst should pass soon and that gives McKay some more time to finish gathering data."
"Yes sir, it has been a long couple of hours."
Sheppard nodded. "Yeah, but completely satisfying. That was the easiest fight with the Wraith I can remember."
"No kidding. I have to admit though, sir, it really wasn't all that satisfying for me."
Sheppard leaned back and closed his eyes. "Don't worry, Evan. There are going to be plenty more."
oOoOoOoOo
Soon after they arrived back in Atlantis, Sheppard and the team gave their report to Weir. She had been amazed at the news of the Wraith Queen. Not much had come from interacting with the AI on Kildar except what Sheppard called a "history lesson" and the possibility of another ZPM. McKay had also downloaded some information from the planet for the archeologists of the expedition.
Weir was also surprised to learn of Sheppard communicating mentally with his team and blocking the minds of the Wraith. Part of her was disturbed by that. She knew his mental abilities had expanded or been enhanced since the Eye of Armentarii but she had not expected this; and she sensed that neither had he. He looked slightly uncomfortable when he talked about his experience with the Wraith. She knew what had happened the first trip with Ronon and Sheppard's control over him, but this was more purposeful and, for some reason, scarier. Sheppard had been beside himself after the incident with Ronon--although no one blamed him, chalking it up to self-defense. But this time he subjugated not just a person but a Wraith Queen.
Sheppard's team was still very tense if not more so than before they left, and she made a note to talk to McKay before the end of the night. She realized, suddenly, that what she felt was fear. She actually feared what Sheppard could do even though she trusted him completely. The last time she felt this was when he was converting to a bug. Sheppard looked tired as the team left for their check-up and she decided that there would be no further off-world events for a few weeks for them. She also decided to not tell him about the IOA's demands for a visit to Ilium--they wanted to see both Sheppard and his planets up close and personal. But she needed time to plan their visit in order to maintain Sheppard's cover.
Writing reports back to Earth was getting more and more interesting.
oOoOoOoOo
"You should not have been out there trouncing about fighting Wraith, colonel!"
Sheppard sighed. He was tired and his patience was short. Teyla had invited him to dinner--actually, all of them--but McKay was busy working on making Atlantis better and Ronon said he needed to run, so it was just going to be the two of them. That is, if Carson ever let him leave the infirmary again.
"Look, doc. I did not intend to get in a fight, and I knew what I was doing."
"Of course you did. You're lucky that your arm was not injured any further."
"Carson, it's been a week."
Beckett shook his head. "Don't you realize what you have been through in the past few months? You need time to rest and heal if you are going to be of any use to anyone. Why can't you get that through your head, colonel? Physical stress and mental stress take their toll even when you think everything is fine. As a pilot, you should know that."
Sheppard looked at the doctor. "I'm sorry. You're right. I'm going to have dinner with Teyla; then I am going to sleep for at least a day. Is that okay?"
The doctor put a hand on Sheppard's shoulder. "Aye. See that you do."
oOoOoOoOo
Teyla looked at Sheppard. She had been pleased to notice that there were fewer stares in the dining room and that they had relative privacy since it was late. "How are you doing John?"
"Tired but I'm good," he said truthfully. "You?"
"The same."
Sheppard watched her carefully for moment. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, of course."
"Teyla, look. Things are just off between all of us—well, mostly me and Ronon and now McKay. I don't know what to do and you're kind of in the middle, I guess because, well…everything is good with us, isn't it?"
She smiled at him while she placed her hand on his. "Yes John, it is good between us. I am just worried about you. A lot has happened in the last few months; but mostly in just the last two weeks."
"You're right, Teyla, there is a lot going on. I mean, I can make a Queen fall to her knees," he said in such a low voice she could barely hear him. "I can talk to people without moving my mouth and it's kind of cool and…and kind of disturbing, too. I can do all kinds of things but," he looked away from her, "I couldn't save Haus and Stiller." She squeezed his hand before letting go. He was afraid, although he would not tell her.
"What of this darkness John?"
"Just there; barely, but it's there." He did not tell her that he had suspicions about what was causing it. He had to investigate it more. They were quiet for a moment then he looked at her. She felt him gently touch her mind asking permission to speak to her this way. She gave it with a slight nod. They are afraid of me, aren't they? McKay and Ronon? I sensed it from Elizabeth, too. She frowned slightly. She did not know how to speak to him without talking but she thought openly, allowing him to read her thoughts if he wished. I do not know John. Maybe they are. You have become more powerful and very quickly.
This was a bad idea. I never should have done this.
"John," she told him quietly, not chancing her thoughts to be misread, "It is who you are and who you were meant to become. Give them time, give us time."
"You're afraid too?"
"No, John. But I had learned of this legend before. The darkness you speak of troubles me, but I know that you are strong and that you care for all of us--perhaps too much."
He tried to smile. He wanted to tell her that he felt very alone right now, but he didn't. She could not help him in that regard. "Well, I'm glad we had dinner. I need to get to bed, though, because I promised Carson I would sleep for twenty-four hours," he said trying to sound chipper and glad that she could not read his thoughts.
"Yes I know," she said with a laugh. "I promised to make sure you ate and then went straight to your room. Have you talked to Sam?"
"Not yet," Sheppard said, putting his tray away. "I promised him he could pick my brain when I woke up."
She laughed. "Well then, I suggest you sleep as long as you can."
The next couple of chapters set the scene for the big showdown somewhere near Chapter 11. This is the part where things settle a bit for everyone before it gets a bit intense again. The IOA gets to see Shep's kingdom. More whump to follow, O'Neill and bad guys will get what's coming to them-eventually.