AN: There are some adult matters in this chapter, nothing graphic...
City of Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
John waved his hand to activate the transporter room door as he asked, "What kind of bet?"
Sergeant Bates replied, "I'm just saying I bet that my team will have a trade agreement in place long before you and McKay."
John laughed, "Don't forget Teyla. Definitely a people person. Ford's not bad either. So what kind of stakes are we talking?"
Bates answered, "Obviously money is useless here and there's no telling when or even if we'll get back to Earth. So I was thinking something along the line of duties or even rations."
John responded as he pushed the symbol for the Gateroom on the Ancient's map, "Not rations. We may be on some tight ones coming up and I don't want anyone seen as hoarding. Even if they're not. Okay duties it is. Loser gets McKay watch for an entire month."
"I don't know... that's kinda steep. If I lose, I may have to shoot him," replied Bates as the transporter room door opened.
"What's the matter Sergeant? Losing faith in Doran already. I thought you were trying to get along with the Athosians," said John and the two men stepped out onto the Gateroom's floor.
"I'll admit that I was mistaken. Doran has been a great help. I've also added Dr. David Parrish and marines, Johnson and Brown to the team. Johnson was successful getting the gene therapy from Beckett," said Bates.
"Great. Johnson and Brown are good solid men. Has Parrish been off Atlantis yet... I'd hate for a repeat of the incident with Dr. Gaul especially since you're heading back to Manaria," remarked John.
"Not yet but he seems more interested in plants than anything else. He should be useful in identifying possible vegetation on Manaria that is similar to our own fruits and vegetables from Earth," replied Bates.
"I'd wish you luck but that would be counterproductive to my own goals," commented John.
"Same to you, Sir. You still heading to the Genii's planet this afternoon?" asked Bates.
"Yes, Teyla has described the Genii as simple farmers, so I'm hoping for some decent food," replied John.
Across the Gateroom, Rodney looked up. Snapping his fingers he called, "John! Colonel!"
Seeing McKay, Bates shook his head and replied, "Good luck." He headed down the passage to meet up with his teammates.
John headed over to the console, "Yes, McKay?"
"We've picked up something interesting on the long range sensors," replied Rodney.
Peter said, "Planet M5S-224."
John questioned, "What about it? Any Wraith?"
Peter replied, "No. But there are some strange energy readings."
Rodney added, "It could be an advanced society from these readings."
John said, "Add it to the list and I'll talk to Elizabeth about a future mission to check it out."
Rodney declined, "No...no... no. We need to go now. These readings are spiking off the charts. It can't wait."
"Rodney, you know we're scheduled to go to the Genii's planet today," answered John.
"Let Bates take care of finding food. This is more important," insisted Rodney.
Surprised, John looked to Grodin with a raised eyebrow. Peter nodded, "The readings are very high for a normal agrarian society. It is possible that there is a more advance civilization on M5S-224."
Thinking about the bet he just made, John muttered, "Great, a month of pure torture."
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
"Excuse me Miss. I'm here to see General Landry," said Cam.
Jenny, the General's administrative assistant, looked up from her computer terminal to eye the officer in front of her. His dress uniform indicated he was a Colonel. "Do you have an appointment Colonel?" She hadn't booked any for the General but maybe he had booked it and forgot to tell her... again.
"Yes, Ma'am. Colonel Mitchell. General O'Neill ordered me to report to General Landry at 0900 hours," he replied. He pulled his cap from under his arm and began to nervously twirl it between his fingers.
"I see. Please take a seat and I'll see if he's ready to see you now," Jenny responded as she gestured for him to take a seat in a nearby waiting area.
Cam nodded his agreement and went to wait for the General.
Jenny picked up the phone and advised the General that his nine o'clock appointment had arrived.
Landry told her, "Let him cool his heels for awhile. Bring him in at 10 o'clock."
Jenny sighed, "Yes, sir." She replaced the phone and went to ask the Colonel if he'd like a refreshment while he waited.
City of Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
John said, "I just think food is more important right now then energy readings."
Looking over the reports on the planet, Elizabeth nodded as Rodney snorted, "Since when did you think food outweighed a possibility at new weapons and technology?"
Elizabeth replied, "John, I must say I'm also surprised that you would take a trading mission over the possibility of advanced technology. Rodney yes... you... not really."
Crossing his arms defensively, Rodney complained, "That was uncalled for. I'm hypoglycemic. I have a legitimate need for food...frequently."
Ignoring him, John responded, "If we don't increase our food stores, we'll be rationing in a matter of two weeks. Even with our botanists working around the clock to help, the Athosian's won't have a crop coming in for several more weeks. I want to keep my troops well fed and in good physical form."
Rodney groaned, "Oh please."
Elizabeth held up her hand as she said to John, "Normally, I would agree with you... but the fact of the matter is Sergeant Bates' team has just left for Manaria and every indication is that his team will be successful in bartering a trade. His preliminary report showed that any ill will Councilman Smeadon had against Atlantis has been relieved. With that said, I think you should get your team together and head to planet...uh...M5S-224."
John grumbled, "What about the Genii?"
Elizabeth replied, "We haven't confirmed our date with them yet so they aren't expecting us on any particular schedule so I don't see any reason why we can't delay the mission. Teyla indicated that farming season on Genii was for several more weeks. A crop called Tava... some sort of bean I believe."
"I think we should use environmental suits since we can't risk a jumper. Too much interference and given what happened on M7G-677 with EMIs... well I'm pretty sure we don't want a repeat of that," advised Rodney.
"I agree. You have a go," responded Elizabeth.
Unidentified Warehouse near Stargate Command
As he exited his rental car, Harry scanned his surroundings. The vacant lot led to an old abandoned warehouse. His contact had advised him he wasn't allowed to bring any weapons or backup to the meeting so he unhooked his ankle holster and placed his backup piece in his glove box before heading around back as instructed.
Harry stepped inside through an unlatched door. The interior looked as dilapidated as the exterior. He called out, "Hello? Anybody here."
"Of course, Colonel," came a deep guttural voice from behind.
Harry jumped and spun to face the Goa'uld Lord. "Ba'al, I wasn't expecting you. I thought you were off in space with Carter."
Ba'al grinned with malice, "My activities are of no concern to you. You said you had something for me."
Harry glanced around, "Are you alone?"
Ba'al growled, "No. You are trying my patience. Why have you summoned me?"
Harry waved a hand in dismissal, "No need to get upset. I've got a prototype phase modulator that Carter was working on. The SGC is working on some kinda battle simulations using a virtual reality chair. I wasn't able to get the schematics yet but it was pretty clear that they intend to come after the Goa'uld once they perfect their techniques." He pulled out the modulator and handed it to Ba'al.
Ba'al turned the modulator over in his hands as he questioned, "Do you know how this technology works?"
Harry shook his head as he asked, "Nope but I figure you've got Carter so she can show you herself. She is still alive right? Haven't killed her or anything have you?"
Ignoring the Tau'ri's questions, Ba'al demanded, "What about this chair? When will O'Neill have it up and running? What kind of weaponry is it capable of? Is it of ancient design?"
"I don't have that info yet. I'll get it to you as soon as I do. In the meantime, I want payment for the modulator," replied Harry.
Ba'al sneered, "Your gold will be deposited into the usual account. Get back to Stargate Command and bring me the information I need or next time we meet I'll be paying you in blood... yours."
Harry grimaced inwardly, sorry Carter... every man for himself. "Yeah, I'm headed back there now. Don't want anyone getting suspicious." A clatter sounded from the depths of the warehouse.
Harry turned to look around, spotting a cat jumping down from a stack of boxes he released a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He turned back to Ba'al, "Sorry, I'm a little jumpy... where'd he go?"
Ba'al had disappeared.
In a hidden room within the warehouse, Ba'al ordered his guard, "Get a message to our master. The Tau'ri are planning something. We need to find out what."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy
"I can't see anything," complained Ford.
"It is very dark. These suits are quite bulky as well. Your people use these regularly?" asked Teyla.
John replied, "Not often. But some jobs can require environmental suits for some pretty harsh conditions." He then asked, "McKay do you have a source of the energy?"
Rodney looked over his datapad as he answered, "Not yet. It is pretty constant around the Gate. I think we should follow those stone pillars till we reach... something."
Ford asked, "What stone pillars?"
Teyla shook her head.
John replied, "They're faint but they are there. Alright let's move out. I'll take point. Ford, you have our six. Keep in sight of the person nearest you. Visibility is only about three feet. You get lost, we won't be able to find you in this fog."
Rodney said, "It isn't really a fog. There's no moisture in the atmosphere."
John replied, "Whatever. Just keep up."
Stargate Command, Cheyenne Mountain Base
Teal'c and Jonas walked along the corridor towards the sleeping quarters.
"I'm sorry about the apartment," apologized Jonas.
Teal'c nodded, "As am I. However, the IOA feel that in light of my current circumstances it would be best if I remained an on base resident for awhile longer."
Jonas replied, "At least you got to live off base for a bit. I mentioned it to the General and he just laughed at me. I don't think I'll ever be allowed a home of my own here."
"I'm sorry Jonas Quinn. I had hoped that my successful integration into human society would have opened a path for you as well. My failure has become your failure," responded Teal'c solemnly.
Feeling bad for his friend, Jonas brushed away his apology, "Don't worry about it Teal'c. I learn new things on base every day. Besides I've been allowed to stay out overnight occasionally if I'm in the company of one of the SG team members."
Teal'c acknowledge Jonas's words with an inclination of his head as he changed the subject. "Indeed. How is the search for a Zero Point Module going?"
Jonas bounced, "I've got a lead. Ancient Egypt."
Teal'c's brow raised.
Planet of Manaria, Pegasus Galaxy
A tall distinguished gentleman dressed in a plain brown suit said, "Councilman, thank you for your continued hospitality."
Smeadon bowed, "Of course, the Manarians are always at your service. The Genii have always supported us when we were in need."
The door opened and Sergeant Bates and Doran were escorted inside by the Councilman's assistant. Smeadon smiled, "Ah new friends. Please come meet some of our acquaintances."
Doran stepped forward and bowed in greeting, "Councilman thank you for seeing us."
Smeadon replied, "It is good of you to come. These are some dear friends of mine, Acastus Kolya, his brother, Athor and nephew, Idos." The men nodded at the newcomers.
Sergeant Bates responded, "It's a pleasure. I'm Sergeant Bates and this is Doran of Athos."
Kolya asked, "Athos? I've heard of it. Are you also from Athos, Sergeant?"
Bates replied, "No. I'm from the city of Atlantis."
"Really..." mused Kolya. "I've never heard of it. But as much as I would like to hear more, I'm afraid my family and I must take our leave." He nodded to Smeadon and to Bates before he and his family headed towards the door.
Bates turned to watch him leave and wasn't surprised when at the last second Kolya turned to stare at him. He raised a hand to his head in salute before walking out the door.
Suspicious, Bates turned back to the Councilman, "I don't believe we met your friends the last time we were here."
Smeadon smoothly replied, "No, you did not. The Kolya's are farmers and were tending to crops the last time you came." He turned to a nearby table and picked up a square device with two thin metal lines coming from the top. He pulled open a drawer and placed the device inside. "Please have a seat. Let's get started."
Goa'uld Mothership, edges of the Pegasus Galaxy...
Qetesh grinned as she saw stars populating the viewport showing the space outside the ship, "Finally." She turned away from the window and eyed the Jaffa kneeling on the floor.
"Ga'rek prepare my personal shuttle for immediate take off and make sure my cargo is stowed exactly as I've ordered," demanded the Queen. "Arrange a malfunction in the hyper-drive as soon as you have completed your other tasks."
"Yes, My Queen. Will I be informing My Lord of your orders?" he questioned.
"No. These ones are private for now. You will wait one full day after we have left the ship before informing his Lordship of the Tau'ri's escape. That will give me ample time to set my plans in motion," she informed her cohort. "Things are shaping up nicely."
He nodded his obedience, "Yes, My Queen." He turned to carryout Qetesh's orders.
She called, "Oh Ga'rek." He turned back to see her eyes glowing golden as she reminded him, "I expect complete fidelity. Don't forget what happened to the last warrior to cross me."
Ga'rek held back the shutter of horror as his mind flashed back to the remains of the former Jaffa Commander. "I will not fail you My Queen. Everything you have promised me has been delivered just as you prophesied." He bowed again to show his devotion before he hurried away.
She watched until the warrior was out of sight. She enjoyed the sight of his strong muscled body as he moved to do her bidding. Once he was gone, she turned and continued to gaze out at the stars in contemplation... soon everything she wanted would be hers for the taking.
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy
"How far are we from the gate?" asked Aidan.
Rodney absently said, "Don't know but these energy readings haven't changed. Curious."
"Curious Dr. McKay?" inquired Teyla.
Rodney answered, "Hmm. Yes."
John ground to a halt and growled, "Alright, that's far enough. McKay, where is this energy source? We've gone over a mile from the gate and there's nothing. No people, no machines, no buildings, no animals, no ruins. Just a bunch of stone pillars that appear to go on for a very, very long time."
Rodney looked up and replied, "I don't know. I can't seem to get a fix on the source yet. It's fascinating. The fluctuations are so minor it's like the energy is all around us. The planet is literally blanketed in free floating wave energy. The possibilities are astounding."
John demanded, "Well astound me. Because you let Elizabeth think that coming here instead of going to see the Genii was imperative to our continued survival."
"I'm pretty sure I didn't say imperative," responded Rodney with a negligent wave of his hand.
Ford muttered, "Great. This mission has been a complete waste of time."
"Aiden, please," said Teyla. "I'm sure Rodney did not mean to...uh... bring us on a wild duck chase. I believe that is what Daniel has referred to this type of mission as."
Indignant, Rodney sputtered, "A wild goose chase. Well, I'll have you know that these readings could mean a lot to Atlantis. Maybe not right away but..."
"Rodney! Stop," ordered John. "Do you or do you not know what is causing the abnormal energy readings?"
"Well... no... but," answered Rodney.
John interrupted, "Then we head back to Atlantis."
"But..." interjected Rodney.
John held up his hand, "Now. Ford take point. I'll guard the rear."
Ford nodded, "Yes, Sir."
Rodney whined even as he moved to comply, "But I really want to run some tests."
"No. Jackson should be back from the Athosians by now. If he wants to get a team together to check out the stone pillars then you can come back with him," replied John as he pushed Rodney ahead of him.
Teyla stated, "Perhaps I shall accompany you and Daniel for your tests Rodney."
"Great, I'll have to share my findings with the boy wonder. The stones will probably turn out to be some mystical gate to Wonderland," complained Rodney as the group trudged back towards the gate,
Approximately one hour later...
"Sir. Gate coming up," reported Aiden.
"Go ahead and dial Lieutenant," responded John.
"Yes, sir," replied Aiden who rushed ahead to the DHD. He started punching in the address for Atlantis.
Rodney walked up still immersed in his datapad. "Whoa!"
Teyla came up behind him, "What is it Rodney?"
Ignoring her, he turned back to John and boasted, "Colonel, you wanted a meaning for this mission. Well I just found it."
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Jenny glanced at the clock and noting the time stood up and walked into the waiting area. Spying that the Colonel was dozing on one of the chairs, she loudly called, "Colonel. General Landry will see you now."
Startled Cam jumped up, "What? Huh? Of yeah Landry... General." He flushed a deep red at having been caught napping.
Jenny hid a grin as the military man shook himself awake. "This way, Sir." She led him to the General's office door and pushed it open. She then stepped aside as the Colonel entered the room and shut the door behind him leaving Cam alone with the General.
Cam stood at attention as Landry looked up from the papers he had been reviewing on his desk. "Colonel have a seat."
"Yes, Sir." Cam sat as he continued, "Sir about last night..."
Landry interrupted, "I don't think you want to continue that statement Son."
"But, Sir," he tried again.
"Colonel let me make myself perfectly clear. I don't like you. I see you with my daughter again outside an official military medical office, I will make your life hell. Do we understand each other?"
Cam sweated, "Yes, Sir. Fully, Sir."
"Good. Let's get started. You've got a lot of paperwork to handle," grumbled the General.
Cam silently groaned... could this day get any worse.
City of Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
Rodney reported, "I can take the control crystal from the Atlantis Gate and put it in the DHD on M5S-224 and then we should be able to dial an eight symbol address utilizing the atmospheric energy to power the gate."
"It seems strange that a gate with that kind of power would just be abandoned. Are you sure you didn't see any signs of a civilization? Maybe they live underground due to the abnormal weather patterns," questioned Daniel.
Rodney growled, "No. There wasn't any evidence that dwarves lived on M5S-224. Just the gate and some stone pillars."
"Pillars? Were there any markings?" asked Daniel.
Teyla replied, "None that we saw but John said that you might want to put together a team and investigate them further."
"Thank you, Colonel. I definitely would be interested in taking a closer look at the stones. You know sometimes stones can tell you something just from the way they are sitting. Why when SG-1 went to planet..." lectured Daniel.
Rodney interrupted, "Some other time Jackson I'm sure we'd all find that absolutely fascinating. But right now, we have more important things to study. "
"Rodney!" chided Elizabeth at the same time John yelled, "McKay!"
"What? Like any of you were interested in Archeology 101," complained Rodney.
"I would be interested in hearing more Dr. McKay," replied Teyla.
"Figures," muttered Rodney which prompted John to kick him under the table. "Ouch!"
Ignoring him, Daniel turned to Teyla, "I'd love to discuss this further perhaps when there is less abrasive company around."
Teyla smiled with a graceful nod of her head, "I look forward to it."
"I hate to interrupt but shouldn't we discuss the fact that McKay wants to break our gate," said John.
"Agreed," replied Elizabeth as she turned to Rodney with a questioning look.
"I won't be breaking the gate just disabling it from dialing Earth... temporarily," responded Rodney indignantly.
Ford asked, "Didn't you say that the Atlantis Gate was the only gate back to Earth?"
Rodney answered, "Atlantis is the only gate in Pegasus, that we know of, that has a control crystal capable of dialing an eight symbol address." He turned to Elizabeth as he said, "Look we have a chance to at least contact Earth and let them know what is going on here. I think it is worth the risk... no matter how minimal it is."
"You're right Dr. McKay. We do owe it to our people to at least try," decreed Elizabeth.
Daniel looked around the conference room table as he asked, "So we're committed to trying to either contact or go back to Earth. It could very well be one way. Who's going?"
Goa'uld Mothership, edges of the Pegasus Galaxy...
Ba'al demanded angrily, "Why have we slowed down?"
Ga'rek replied evenly with his head bowed, "There appears to have been a malfunction in the hyper-drive. We are looking into the cause now. Would you like the Tau'ri to be allowed to work on the drive My Lord? She has shown a proficiency in the mechanics of engineering."
"Not yet. Determine the cause of the failure first. Make sure it wasn't sabotage before allowing Samantha near the engines. Where is My Queen? " he questioned. "Has she been near the engines?"
Ga'rek answered, "She is in the observation room watching the stars. She has been there for several hours."
Ba'al grunted, "Hrmp... continue to track her movements."
"As you wish My Lord," he responded with a bow as another Jaffa entered the throne room. He whispered into Ga'rek's ear as Ba'al watched from his throne.
Ga'rek nodded as he motioned for the warrior to leave. "My Lord, we have received a transmission from one of your clones. He has made contact with our source at Stargate Command."
Ba'al looked interested as he asked, "What news does Mayborne provide?"
"Apparently O'Neill is working on a battle simulation chair in conjunction with a phase modulator. There is concern that they are preparing for an attack against you My Lord," reported Ga'rek.
Ba'al leaned forward as he ordered, "Bring Samantha to me."
Ga'rek nodded, "Yes, My Lord."
Ba'al leaned back against his throne as he contemplated the human's treachery.
City of Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
"You about ready to go?" asked John as he walked up to where Rodney was disassembling the Gate.
Rodney looked up and said, "Almost. This is delicate work. I can't just pull a plug."
"I didn't know gates had plugs," commented Ford as he joined his teammates.
Disgruntled, Rodney grumbled, "They don't."
Ford responded, "But didn't you just say..."
Rodney interrupted, "I know what I said. I was there."
John commented, "Well you did mention a plug. I can certainly see where Ford got the idea."
"Oh shut up," demanded Rodney.
"Gentlemen, is there a problem?" asked Elizabeth as she, Teyla and Daniel rounded out the group.
"Nope, Rodney was just explaining the Ancient's method of power generation," responded John.
Rodney tossed down his stylus and rolled his eyes, "If you people don't mind, I need to get back to work."
"Of course, Rodney," replied Elizabeth as she made a shooing motion to the others.
"Thank you," answered Rodney as he resumed his work.
John said, "You know if you screw that up, it will take us eight hundred and forty years to retrieve you by jumper."
Uncertain, Rodney looked back up and said, "But you will still come and get me... right."
John replied solemnly, "Of course we will."
Ford and Elizabeth laughed as Daniel and Teyla shook their heads.
Rodney ignored them as he said, "Good. I'm ready to go. I'll need an assistant. Who's coming?"
John answered, "Ford will be more than happy to assist you."
"I will?" responded Ford. John raised his eyebrow and Ford continued, "I mean...yes, I will be happy to assist Dr. McKay, Sir."
John smiled, "That's what I thought."
"Keep the lights on. We'll be back by supper," advised Rodney.
Goa'uld Mothership, edges of the Pegasus Galaxy...
Vala swept into the quarters she was currently sharing with Sam. "Wake up sleepyhead... time to go!"
Sam groaned and looked over at her roommate, "What? Go where?"
Vala continued as she started cramming their meager belongs into a some stolen satchels, "We're in Pegasus... finally. Was beginning to think we'd never get through that horrible pit of empty space. I've arranged for my former host's shuttle to be prepped and the guards will be looking the other way but we must hurry."
Sam jumped up and helped Vala pack as she asked, "Are you sure we can trust them?"
Vala singsonged "Nope. But really what choice do we have. Good news is, they are as eager for us to go as we are. They really hate you... even more than me and that's saying something."
"Well I guess that's good... I think," replied Sam as she closed up her bags and set them on the floor. "I've got us enough food and water for a couple of weeks and rations for longer from my tac-vest. How much time do we have?"
"Change of the guards is in one hour... plus no telling how long till they figure out what's wrong with the hyper-drive," responded Vala as she took a quick turn around the room. "That looks like everything."
The ladies headed toward the door only to hear Jaffa warriors heading towards them from down the corridor. "Damn," swore Sam as she grabbed the bags and shoved them under the bed. "Wonder what they want?"
Vala glared as the door opened to reveal Ga'rek, "I don't know but I don't like it already."
Ga'rek led two warriors into the room. He gestured for them to take Sam, "You, Tau'ri, will come with us. Lord Ba'al demands your presence."
Sam struggled as the guards dragged her out of the room. She snarled as she kicked out, "Let me go you big apes. I can walk."
Once they were out of sight, Ga'rek turned to Qetesh. She backhanded him before he was able to speak. "You fool," she hissed. "You're going to ruin everything."
"My apologies My Queen... Lord Ba'al demanded she be brought before him. I believe he intends to question her about an advanced weaponry system that our spy at Stargate Command has brought to his Lordship's attention," soothed Ga'rek.
"Advanced weaponry? Hmmm. What do you know about it?" questioned Qetesh.
"Only what I overhead. It has something to do with a chair that provides battle simulations and a phase modulator. The modulator is why Lord Ba'al has requested the Tau'ri's attendance. Apparently it was taken from her lab."
"Interesting. You better hurry to the throne room. I'm sure Ba'al is expecting you to be present. Make sure the interrogation is kept quick," ordered Qetesh as she dragged the bags out from under the bed. "Drop these off at my shuttle on your way."
Ga'rek bowed in subservience as he gathered the satchels for transport. "Yes, My Queen."
The Jaffa warriors entered the throne room with Sam in tow. She was shoved unceremoniously to her knees in front of Ba'al. "Ouch... watch it will you," she complained as she slapped at the warrior's hand that was still gripping her gown.
"Samantha, thank you for coming so quickly," crooned the Goa'uld Lord as he stood.
"Wasn't aware it was a choice," she replied haughtily.
"On your feet," he demanded.
Before Sam could stand on her own, the Jaffa grabbed her arms and yanked her to her feet.
Ba'al moved into her personal space and gentle ran his hand down her face in a caressing manner. He was wearing one of the Goa'uld devices. "I need you to tell me about the battle simulation chair and phase modulator that your Stargate Command are working on."
Sam bluffed nervously, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Ba'al tisked, "Now Samantha, you and I both know that is a lie. Why do you persist in taking me for a fool?" He opened his palm against her cheek as his eyes glowed. A paralyzing beam of electrical current shot through her face as she screamed in agony. He held his hand against her for a full minute before releasing her to slump to the floor.
"Ple...please," she begged, "I don't know anything about the chair. I never worked on it."
He gripped her by the throat as he pulled her to her feet. "Are you sure?"
Ga'rek came in as Sam squeaked, "Yes. I'm sure." The muscles in her cheek were still quivering in spasms caused by the aftershocks from the ribbon device.
Ba'al responded as he squeezed his hand, "Even if what you say is true about the chair... the phase modulator was found in your lab."
Sam gasped as she saw spots before her eyes, "What? How did you? It doesn't work... it is in its infancy stages." Her voice was barely audible as she struggled to breath. She frantically pulled on his hand. There was a traitor at Stargate Command.
"You will tell me what I want to know!" declared Ba'al. "No matter how long it takes or how many times I must kill you. You will talk."
Ga'rek interrupted, "My Lord. Please forgive the intrusion. I must speak with you privately."
Ba'al gave Samantha another glare as he threw her down. He ordered the waiting warriors, "Take the prisoner back to her room." He looked down at Sam as he continued in a threatening tone, "We will continue this again... soon."
City of Atlantis, Pegasus Galaxy
A knock sounded at the door to John's quarters as he flipped the page of the book he was reading. He leaned back against the headboard as he called out, "Come in."
Elizabeth stepped inside, "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
John sat the book down as he swung his legs to the floor and sat up on the side of the bid, "No. This is unexpected. What can I do for you?"
Elizabeth looked around the room as she answered, "You know this is the first time I've been in here. It's very... spartanish." She picked up the book he had sat down. "Wow, "War and Peace". Heavy reading."
"Well, I tried to get "In Search of Lost Times" but had to settle for "War and Peace".It was the longest book I could find at that little hole in the wall used paperback book store I found in Colorado Springs. Tolstoy is apparently more popular than Proust with the college set," replied John.
Elizabeth nodded, "Page seventeen, I'm impressed."
John agreed, "Exactly. I'm a little ahead of where I wanted to be. Although I may need to rethink my plan if this thing with M5S-224 works out."
Elizabeth smiled, "Actually that was what I wanted to speak with you about. I know that you have family back on Earth that you are probably anxious to see but I was hoping that you would consider staying here. Atlantis needs you... I need you."
John cleared his throat as he stood. "Well... as it happens I have no intention of going anywhere. Yes, I would like to get back in touch with Earth. I left some things... someone hanging. And I need to fix that but I feel that I'm...we are both needed here. So I think we both need to stay."
"Not a problem, Colonel. I'm staying too," responded Elizabeth.
"Good wouldn't be the same without you. Not that I wouldn't mind a visit or two to Earth... I would have to have some guarantee that I could return," clarified John.
"Me too. Did you notify Sergeant Bates that the Gate may be unavailable for an unspecified amount of time?" asked Elizabeth.
"Yes, I did. I had Grodin work up a secondary flight plan that takes him to a gate within 5 days of the city," answered John. "You know if neither one of us is going, we have to decide who should go."
"I know. Any suggestions?" responded Elizabeth.
"Wouldn't mind getting rid of Kavanaugh but the message we want might not be delivered. How about Jackson?" said John.
"I don't think Daniel would agree. He fought too hard to join the expedition and he's pretty much immersed himself in his studies on Atlantis. Not to mention his connections with the Athosians, especially Teyla. How about Beckett?" countered Elizabeth.
"Not a good idea to send away our head physician when we're in the middle of a war," replied John.
"Good point. Ford? He is your second and next to you would be the best one to brief Stargate Command on the Wraith. I'm also positive he misses his grandparents," said Elizabeth.
"Maybe... he's still a little wet behind the ears. I'll talk to him," answered John just as his headset beeped. He double tapped the switch and said "Sheppard." He listened momentary before stating, "We're on our way."
Elizabeth asked, "Who?"
"Grodin... McKay's got everything set up on M5S-224. He wants us to head there immediately," answered John.
Cheyenne Mountain Base, Infirmary
Cam carefully hobbled into the infirmary, he'd been on his feet all day working for the General and now could barely put one foot in front of the other but didn't want to be pulled from light duty by Carolyn. He was so busy concentrating on moving forward that he failed to notice the doctor watching from a corner of the room.
"So," she said. Startled, Cam spun around and lost his balance. Carolyn rush forward and prevented him from crashing to the floor.
He swore, "Dammit. Sorry Doc. I didn't see you there."
"How long have you been on duty Colonel," she asked as she assisted him to the nearest medical bay.
"Since 0800 this morning. Had an appointment with General O'Neill before reporting to General Landry at Peterson," he replied.
"That's eleven hours! I've only cleared you for light duty Colonel. No more than five hours a day. No wonder you are having difficulty moving. I'm afraid you'll have to stay here tonight for observation."
"What? Why?" he growled.
"Colonel, there is no telling what kind of damages you have done by disobeying medical orders. As it is, I'll be having a few words with both the generals," she replied forcefully.
"I really wish you wouldn't," he answered as he recalled Landry's less than welcoming visage this morning.
"Colonel...Cam... I want you to be back on full active duty as much as you do but you've got to stop pushing things. You'll just end up prolonging your treatments," she responded before adding, "I suppose I can skip speaking with the generals just this once so long as you promise not to overdo it again."
Cam breathed a sigh of relief for the reprieve, "I promise."
"Alright let's get started. We're just going to massage your muscles tonight," she said as she helped him recline back on the bed.
Cam grunted, "Massage is good."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy
Rodney mumbles, "Is everyone ready?"
Elizabeth gives him a sardonic look with a raised brow, "Rodney... just dial the gate."
Rodney nodded as he started pushing the glyph's to Earth's gate. He hesitated before pushing the send. "You're sure?"
John growled, "Rodney!" As everyone looked at him in varying degrees of disbelief.
Rodney sheepishly replied, "I was just making sure... K... Here we go." He pressed the center switch as everyone turned towards the gate. Seconds later the gate whooshed active. "Uh. It worked."
Elizabeth flicked on her radio comm, "This is Dr. Weir calling Stargate Command." Silence. She looked at John. He shrugged.
Daniel spoke up, "Maybe you should try again. It is a long distance call."
Elizabeth tapped her comm, "This is Dr. Weir calling Stargate Command. Do you read? Come in please Stargate Command."
Static filled the air as a reply came back, "This is Sergeant Harriman of Stargate Command. This had better not be a joke."
Daniel laughed as Elizabeth answered, "I assure you... no joke Sergeant I'm sending my personal IDC for confirmation."
Sergeant Harriman responded, "Sorry Dr. Weir. We weren't expecting to hear from you. The iris is open and you can come on through."
Elizabeth said, "Thank you, Sergeant, but we're not quite ready to come through just yet." She glanced between Daniel and John who nodded in agreement.
Harriman returned, "You don't understand, Dr. Weir, we just finished the construction on a new battleship powered by Asgard engines including a brand new hyper-drive system. If you hadn't contacted us, we would have pulled up to Atlantis within the next month. Travel time estimate between galaxies is three weeks."
Rodney quipped as the group exchanged astonished looks, "Who's going?"
Cheyenne Mountain Base, General O'Neill's Office
"So Harry, where'd ya go yesterday?" asked Jack as he looked over security's report.
"Went to see a couple of old friends. Did I miss something?" he asked nonchalantly.
Ignoring Harry's questions, Jack continued his questions, "What old friends? They wouldn't happen to have been rogue ex-NID friends or the type of friends you'd steal for would they?"
No way he could know about the modulator so fast... Harry bluffed, "Maybe they were some former NID operatives but they weren't the rogue ones. You know I don't see those guys anymore. Straight and narrow from now on remember. And I met up with them because they said they had some useful information on Carter for me...I admit, I wasn't going to tell you till I'd confirmed the info but I guess I have no choice now."
"Carter! What does the NID know about Carter?" demanded Jack as he jumped out of his seat and came around the his desk to grab Harry by the collar.
Harry pulled free of Jack's hand as he reported, "Take at easy, Jack. Ba'al's on Earth and they think he may have Carter with him. They think the demands for Camulus was just to yank your chain."
Jack declared, "That's impossible. Carter's not on Earth and I'd bet Ba'al isn't either."
Harry cleared his throat, "If you say so Jack...if you say so. I just want to remind you that I did say I hadn't confirmed the report yet."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy (Elizabeth and Rodney's POV)
"One moment Sergeant," Elizabeth looked at John and asked, "Well Colonel?"
John shook his head, "I think you and McKay should make the first trip. He's got all the mission reports stowed on his tablet."
Rodney jumped in, "Really. I think that is a great idea. Let's go."
Teyla interjected, "Rodney, I think we should talk about this."
Rodney simpered, "Why? I agree with the Colonel."
Teyla replied, "I think John and Elizabeth should go."
Ford nodded, "That's right. They need firsthand knowledge of the Wraith threat."
John answered, "And you're right but this will give Stargate Command a chance to look over the reports so that when I arrive on the second wave, they'll be able to understand me better."
Elizabeth looked to Daniel who had been quiet up till now. "Daniel? You're the most familiar with Stargate Command, what do you think?"
Daniel looked thoughtful as he replied, "I'm personally not in any hurry to return to Earth. Especially knowing that traveling between galaxies is going to be easier now. I agree with John... you and Rodney should make the initial visit. You as the expedition leader and Rodney to brief the General on technology we've discovered on Atlantis. The Wraith are certainly a continued threat to all of us but I don't believe we are in any imminent danger."
Elizabeth asked John, "You're sure you want to wait?"
John grinned, "A month isn't such a long time. Besides I'll be in charge while you're gone."
Elizabeth smiled back as she teased, "I expect the furniture to be in the same place when I get back Colonel." With a final glance at the expedition members and Teyla, Elizabeth tapped her comm, "Sergeant, we're coming through."
She and Rodney stepped through the event horizon and after a moment of disorientation they stepped through to Earth.
"Welcome back Dr. Weir...Dr. McKay," greeted General George Hammond. "I'm afraid Jack is off world attending a summit meeting with the Nox."
Sam and Vala's shuttle, Pegasus Galaxy...
Sam grimaced, "Thanks."
Vala looked over at her, "I'm just glad that they brought you back before they changed guards at the shuttle. Once we're further away, I'll see about using the healing device to fix you back up."
Sam shrugged, "I'll be fine." She probably looked a lot worse than she felt but now wasn't the time to worry about it.
"Eventually yes. But we don't know what we'll run into out here and for that I would prefer you to be at full strength," replied Vala.
Sam sighed, "I know you're right. But let's get to that planet you found on the chart first. By the way, where'd you find those?"
Vala responded casually, "After the guards took you to see Ba'al, I snooped in his personal effects. These charts look to be pretty old and I'm not sure how accurate they are but it's a start."
Sam glared over at her cohort, "You could have been caught and neither one of us would have made it."
"I wasn't and that's all that matters right now. Oh look, long distance sensors are picking up the planet," she pointed out hoping to distract Sam from her line of questioning.
Sam glanced over at the monitor, "Looks like we'll be there in about three hours at our present speed. Do you know anything about the planet?"
"It's round," ventured Vala as she looked back over the charts.
"Very funny," snapped Sam. Her whole body ached and her companion was making stupid jokes.
Vala glared back, "Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the ship this morning. Let's just get there and then we'll see what the planets like."
Sam rolled her eyes, "Fine. I just hope that the round symbol on those charts means Stargate."
Trying to take back control of the situation, Vala smiled as she assured Sam, "We could be in Atlantis by dinnertime."
"No. We can't go directly to Atlantis. There's no telling how far behind us Ba'al is," she replied absently as she adjusted the shuttles co-ordinates to match the designations on the chart.
Vala felt a sudden surge of anger jolt through her at the delay, she quickly turned away before Sam could guess the cause for her temper, "What does Ba'al have to do with anything? He can't find us."
Sam responded, "If he figures out we went to the planet closes to us with a possible gate, he can either beat us there if he finds out we've left sooner rather than later or he can catch up to the shuttle after we've gotten to the planet and pull the last several gate address from the DHD which would give away Atlantis' position."
"Oh," she replied. Damn, she's right. Can't have Ba'al finding them too soon.
"First thing we need to do is find any indigenous people. Hopefully, they'll be friendly enough to give us a couple of addresses to Pegasus planets with space-gates and then we'll do some planet hopping. Besides, we don't want to abandon the shuttle, we may need it and from the reports I got from the Atlantis Expedition's initial exodus, the Atlantis Gate is inside a large room... not outside so the shuttle probably won't fit inside a building."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy (John and Aiden's POV)
"One moment Sergeant," Elizabeth looked at John and said, "Colonel I think you and Ford should go in the first group. We need Stargate Command brought up to speed regarding the Wraith threat. Now that we know we can travel between galaxies with relative ease I think the day to day operations and technological advancements can wait till the next rotation."
John nodded, "I agree. We need to get an increase in men and ordinances to protect the city and it will also give Ford a chance to visit with his grandmother."
Ford yelled, "Alright!"
Elizabeth looked at him indulgently, "A brief visit Lieutenant."
Still grinning, Ford replied, "Yes Ma'am."
Rodney complained, "What? I think I should be the one to bring Stargate Command up to speed."
Teyla chided, "Rodney!"
Elizabeth frowned as she answered, "Dr. McKay, I don't believe that you speak for the military contingent and Stargate Command needs someone with firsthand knowledge of the Wraith and other than Teyla that would be Colonel Sheppard and Lieutenant Ford."
Rodney tried, "I have all their mission reports. I'm sure the General can read through them."
Elizabeth responded, "No doctor."
Rodney sulked, "Fine."
Elizabeth turned to John, "You ready Colonel?"
He nodded, "Yep. Come on Ford." The lieutenant hurried around the group to stand with John in front of the event horizon.
Elizabeth tapped the comm, "Sergeant, we're coming through now." She nodded to John.
He and Ford stepped through the event horizon and after a moment of disorientation they stepped through to Earth.
"Welcome back Lieutenant...John," greeted Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter. She rushed up the ramp and threw her arms around him and kisses him in front of the Gateroom staff without a single thought.
Ford's jaw dropped in shock, "Uh... sir?"
John broke off the kiss with a stunned look, "Samantha?" He pushed her back to arms length.
Sam gushed, "I've missed you. Sorry General O'Neill isn't here to greet you but I'll try my best to make up for it." She hugged him again. "Jack's on a fishing sabbatical but Walter has already sent a communiqué to recall him back to base as soon as Dr. Weir made contact."
John continued to stand in silence as he felt a prickle of unease.
Ford interrupted, "Sir? Uh... what's going on?"
John looked over to him and replied, "Not another word Lieutenant."
Ford groaned, "But Sir... you and..."
John interrupted with a raised finger as he again slid out of Sam's arms, "Not one word."
Cheyenne Mountain Base, General O'Neill's Office
"Whose your source? I wanna talk to 'em myself." Jack paced back and forth in front of his desk.
Harry shook his head, "No way. I'm not given up my people."
Jack clenched his fist, "I thought we were your people. Remember that whole new leaf speech you gave me when you asked for another chance. Or was that just an excuse to get free run of the base so you could get your hands on some more alien tech."
Harry sighed, "Damn it Jack. You know I don't want anything to happen to Carter."
Jack switched tactics, "You know Quinn reported a missing phase modulator this morning."
"And?" questioned Harry.
"You were there... in the lab that it was stolen from. Come on Harry, tell me the truth," the General demanded. "Tell me you're just using this alleged information about Ba'al and Sam as a smoke screen to cover up your crimes."
Harry swore, "I'm not making it up. Ba'al was spotted on Earth yesterday."
"Then who is your source?" he asked again.
Harry refused, "Sorry Jack. I just can't say."
Jack shook his head as he said, "Then you leave me no choice. Harry Maybourne you are hereby confined to quarters till you are ready to give up your source and SG-1 is hereby grounded."
"Jack...," he began before a flash of bright light lit the room leaving Thor behind.
"Greetings General O'Neill."
Jack nodded at his Asgardian friend, "Thor. Hang on just a sec." He reached for his phone and called in the two marines that were waiting outside. "Gentle please escort Mr. Maybourne to his quarters. Remain on post outside his quarters till I tell you otherwise."
The marines saluted as they each gripped one of Harry's arms. Harry called back, "Jack, you're making a big mistake."
Jack replied, "I know. I trusted you for even a minute."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy (Daniel and Teyla's POV)
"One moment Sergeant," Elizabeth looked at John and said, "Colonel, I think Daniel should go. He and General O'Neill go way back and is in the best position of getting us the immediate assistance we are going to need to defend ourselves against the Wraith."
John nodded, "I agree. I also think Teyla should go along with him. She has firsthand knowledge of the Wraith and is our liaison with the Pegasus Galaxy."
Rodney protested, "Teyla?...What?...Why should she get to go first. She doesn't even come from Earth."
"Really Rodney!," Elizabeth responded as she turned back to Sheppard, "Are you sure John? You and Ford are our military representatives and you also have firsthand knowledge."
Daniel interjected, "I'd be happy to show Teyla around after the debriefings. A short visit couldn't hurt anything and it will take Jack time to get troops and gear together."
Teyla answered, "While I would welcome the visit perhaps Dr. McKay is correct that only Earthers should go on the initial visit."
John replied, "Nonsense Teyla. You are representing the Pegasus Galaxy not Earth. You're the perfect candidate." He then turned to McKay and snagged the tablet out of his hand.
Rodney yelled, "Hey. That's mine!"
John turned to Daniel, "Jackson... Rodney's put all the mission reports on this tablet. Have the General review them as soon as possible." He then looked over his shoulder to Elizabeth, "I think they're ready to go."
Elizabeth agreed as she tapped the comm, "Sergeant, we're coming through now." She nodded back to the group.
Daniel waved for Teyla to proceed him through the gate. Daniel looked back, "Colonel, I won't forget to take care of that message for you while I'm there." John looked relieved as he nodded his thanks.
Elizabeth questioned, "What message?"
Without waiting to hear Sheppard's reply, Daniel grasped Teyla's elbow as they stepped through the event horizon together. After a moment of disorientation, they stepped through to Earth.
Teyla looked around in wonder as she caught her first glimpse of the world she had heard so many stories about.
Eying the attractive woman that came through the gate with his best friend, Brigadier General Jack O'Neill called from the gateroom's doorway, "Daniel, did you get married again?"
Daniel groaned, "Very funny Jack. This is Teyla Emmagan of the planet Athos. Teyla this is General Jack O'Neill."
Jack held out his hand, "Nice 'ta meet ya."
Teyla inclined her head as she shook his hand and replied, "The pleasure is all mine General O'Neill. I have heard a great many wonderful things about your world."
Jack nodded, "Call me Jack. I've heard many wonderful things myself. So Danny... where's Weir?"
Daniel replied, "Dr. Weir will be attending later. She wanted to keep the returning group as small as possible on the initial visit. Where's Sam and Teal'c?"
Teyla continued to look around as she listened to the two men converse.
Jack answered, "Sam's still with the Tok'ra. She took her dad's death pretty hard."
Remembering his promise, Daniel said, "Yeah. I wish I would have had an opportunity to see her before I left. Do you know when she'll be back?... I really wanted to talk to her."
Jack responded as he clasped his friend on the shoulder, "Don't worry, you'll see her soon I'm sure... oh and Teal'c... well Teal'c's son is getting married. Some hot chick named Kar'yn. Teal'c gone to meet up with Bra'tac to discuss Rya'c wedding arrangements."
Daniel grunted in disappointment, "Huh. He mentioned Kar'yn's name in a recent message he received from Rya'c but he didn't say anything about marriage. Well I guess I'll just have to wait to see both of them." He looked over to Teyla and gestured for her to come back over to them, "Look Jack, we need to talk about what's happening in Atlantis..."
Jack smiled, "No hurry. We've got lots to talk about but first I think Dr. Lam is gonna want to check out Ms. Emmagan."
Cheyenne Mountain Base, 28th level conference room
"Gentlemen, thank you for pulling yourselves away from your work on the X-304 to bring me up to date," stated Cam. Everyone nodded in acknowledgement. "We have a week left on the design phase... so where are we?"
Dr. Larry Murphy looked at his colleagues before he began, "I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say this has not been enough time for the designing of a ship from scratch..."
Cam interrupted, "Doc, we've been over this already. Four weeks is the allowable time. Are we going to make it or not?"
Larry glared, "We'll make it. But again I want to go on record as saying that the schedule set for this ship has been brutal. In order to make it, we've had to work round the clock... damn near twenty-four hours a day. Most amount of sleep any of us have gotten is in two or three our increments."
Cam replied, "Good. I won't have to explain to the General that the trust he placed in me to get this job done was in error." He then turned to another man sitting at the table, "What about the integration phase? Do you foresee any insurmountable problems?"
Dr. Hugh Bricksdale replied, "Problems? Yes. Insurmountable? No."
"Thank you Doc. Your participation was highly recommended to me due to your diligent work on the Osiris transporter wrist control. I understand a lesser man might have been tempted to make a quick buck off that piece of tech but you handled yourself like a pro."
Hugh beamed, "Thank you, Sir. We'll be heading down to Area 51 to run tests this afternoon on a derivation of the Mimetic imaging devices. We think we can change its purpose to create a holographic hull around the new ship and not just around a person."
Cam asked, "What will that do?"
Hugh replied, "It would work as sort of a clock around the ship that will reflect back another image. So the enemy would see one of their allies bearing down on them rather than our ship."
Cam smirked, "Cool. I know O'Neill's gonna love that. I've been informed that the Asgards will be bringing the hyper-drive system with them today. I want you to get started on the integration as soon as possible."
Hugh agreed, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Cam sighed, "Let's hope it isn't too much of a challenge. Hermiod will be staying on after the tests to help with the integration of Asgard systems into the Earth standard systems. O'Neill is trying to secure his permanent posting to the ship as soon as it is ready for flight."
Dr. Brent Langham spoke up, "I will be joining Bricksdale and Hermiod on the tests as well. I was wondering however, do we know if we can get all the parts we are going to need? Shipbuilders generally have years to design, procure and build their warships. We only have months."
"Good question, Doc," responded Cam. He opened a folder that was laying on the table and handed out a sheet to each of the men. "As you can see from the reports, preliminary shipments have already begun for the materials we were able to scope in advance. We had to scavenge from several other projects to get our hands on some of the equipment. Vendors are killing our budget with demands for high premiums in order to cut down on unnecessary delays."
"Hrmp, bet the IOA is loving that," replied Hugh.
"The IOA, Senators, Congressmen, the President... I think O'Neill is the only one that doesn't care about the cost over-runs," responded Cam.
Bricksdale reported, "We do have one ongoing concern with the cloaking. It is still highly susceptible to a particular sonic frequency which will disrupt the illusion that the device puts out. We were hoping that Dr. Carter would be able to assist us with that due to her work with the phase modulators. However, with her still being missing, I'm not sure who we can call on in the interim."
"Jonas Quinn of Langara and Dr. Bill Lee are currently onsite to help out as we need them. Jonas has been pouring through Colonel Carter's notes so he may be the best source to help with the frequency issue. I know O'Neill has him working on some other projects but I think I can get him to agree that getting this ship together takes precedence over anything else." The men around the table nodded.
"Thank you Colonel," responded Hugh.
"I've assigned Staff Sergeant James Taylor and Lieutenant Doug Copeland to provide transportation and security for the testing," announced Cam. "They'll be my eyes and ears while you are in Nevada. If you need anything to keep this project moving... don't hesitate to say."
"Of course," responded Larry as his companions nodded in agreement.
Stargate Command, Milky Way Galaxy
"Please take a seat," ordered General Hammond as Elizabeth and Rodney accompanied him into the conference room. Nodding to the man already present he continued, "You already know Major Davis."
Major Paul Davis jumped to his feet and nodded at the Atlantis Expedition members. "Ma'am. Doctor."
Elizabeth replied with a nod, "Major. It's good to see you again. I just wish we were meeting with better news."
"Better news? I thought the Atlantis Expedition was considered a success Dr. Weir," questioned the General with confusion.
Rodney jumped in, "It was...is. But there are some...complications."
Paul asked, "Complications? The Gatebuilders didn't want to share their technology?"
"Nothing like that Major...General. Atlantis is everything we hoped for and more. We've barely scratched the surface. The Ancients...Gatebuilders as it were...have been gone for several generations," reported Elizabeth. "But that really wasn't what I wanted to speak about right now."
The General and Major exchanged a confused look, "You didn't? If not your progress, what did you want to tell us."
Rodney answered, "It's about a group called the Wraith. Nasty creatures really...space vampires in fact that suck the life from you..."
The General looked alarmed, "Excuse me...vampires! Where is Colonel Sumner? He should have come through with you."
Elizabeth replied, "Colonel Sumner has been medically relieved of duty. I've included a detailed report that Colonel Sheppard wrote on the incident with the Wraith in the pad that Dr. McKay handed to you. And the Wraith aren't vampires per se... they just...resemble them."
"Colonel Sheppard? I think you mean Major Sheppard," said Hammond.
"No. I mean Colonel Sheppard. I issued him a brevet field promotion after Colonel Sumner became incapacitated as was well within my rights as Expedition Leader. You will also find that Sumner agreed with my decision," stated Elizabeth. "I fully expect the Air Force to support the change at its earliest convenience."
"I see," responded the General. "Doctors, I think I'm going to have to reschedule this meeting. I need time to carefully look over the reports from Atlantis and confer with the Pentagon on these matters. In the meantime, Major Davis will show you to guest quarters."
"General... please... the Atlantis Expedition is so much more than the dangers it presents. The technology we've discovered in the short time we've been there is nothing short of miraculous. I'm sure Dr. McKay would agree with me that even with the Wraith, we need to continue to explore the city," said Elizabeth with a touch of concern over the General's abruptness.
"Absolutely. Life sucking aliens take a back step to science every time," quipped Rodney.
The General ignored them both as he turned to Davis, "Major, please show our guests to their quarters then report back to my office."
Major Davis stood as he answered, "Yes, Sir." Turning to the doctors he continued, "Please follow me."
Elizabeth pressed, "General, I must protest..."
"Dismissed Dr. Weir," interrupted Hammond.
"Sir..." Elizabeth tried again.
"I said dismissed doctor. I don't like to repeat myself and I've got to tell you based on just your preliminary report alone, I will be recommending that the President pulls a plug on the Pegasus Project and permanently lock out its gate address. Earth doesn't need another alien invasion to rival the Goa'uld," snapped the General.
Both Elizabeth and Rodney exchanged a stunned look.
Unknown planet in Pegasus Galaxy
"Did the Goa'uld have a name for this place?" asked Sam as she and Vala covered the shuttle from any prying eyes that may wander by.
"Not that I know of. It just says approved sustainable planet," replied Vala as she tugged the final branch into place, "There... that should do it." She looked around in satisfaction. You could still board the craft if you knew where the door was but you would not be able to see it unless you were right on top of it.
"Wish we had some defenses for it... but this will have to do. I couldn't tell how advanced that village we flew over was but I don't think it was capable of flight," said Sam as she picked up her duffle.
"Too bad we couldn't get closer. Looked like a really long walk," responded Vala as she too hefted her bag. "The gate must be in one of the larger structures we saw from the air."
"Looked like a two or three day walk if we only travel by day," replied Sam as they headed out towards the village. "You were right about us taking the time to heal my injuries. Would probably take us a lot longer if you hadn't."
"Of course I was right. I'm always right. However, I think your time frame depends on how long the days and nights are here. I've been on hundreds of worlds over the centuries and they are never the same," said Vala as she kept her strides in tandem with Sam's.
Sam came to an abrupt stop as she swore, "Damn, I'm sorry. I'd forgot that you were once a host and immortal. Can't imagine what it must be like to go through that for centuries then one day finding out your jailor was dead and you were free."
"Liberating," responded Vala curtly. She clearly didn't want to discuss the subject of her symbiote. She walked right pass Sam and kept going.
Sam jogged briefly to catch up. She mumbled, "Sorry."
Vala turned to answer her when a male voice came from behind, "Ladies. To what do we owe the pleasure of two such lovely creatures as yourselves to be wandering in the woods... alone and unescorted."
The women jolted to a stop as they turned to face the newcomer and his friends. They exchanged a brief shared glance as they noted the weapons the men carried.
"Please, we don't mean you any harm. I'm Commander Acastus Kolya and these are my men," said the stranger.
Vala eyed the handsome stranger before grinning, "I'm Vala and this is my friend, Sam. I believe the pleasure is going to be all mine Commander."
Kolya smiled back as he asked, "Vala... what a lovely name. Please forgive me being forward but it is going to be dark soon and you ladies should not be traveling through here at night."
Sam replied, "Thank you Commander. We weren't sure when the night was coming. We are somewhat new to this area." She was getting a sense that the man could be very dangerous.
Kolya snapped briefly, "Ignorance is no excuse to place your lives in danger." He signaled one of his men who rushed forward. "We make camp. Put up an extra tent for our guests."
"Yes, Sir."
Sam and Vala exchanged a wary look. Looks like they would be spending the night with these men whether they wanted to or not.
Stargate Command, Milky Way Galaxy
Sam smiled, "John, I've arranged for transportation to take us to our chalet in the Rockies now that Jack's back at Command and the briefings are over I think a little R and R is called for."
"Our chalet. Yeah right. So liberty time already? Isn't that fortunate. After all, we just got here," questioned John with a trace of suspicion. He paced away.
Sam turned away, "I was thinking we could treat this like a second honeymoon."
"A second honeymoon huh. We'll who am I to argue with that," murmured John.
Sam tilted her head as she moved turned back to him. "I've missed you."
He drawled, "Have you?"
Her smile faltered. Taking a step back, she replied seriously, "Of course. We've been apart for several weeks. I think we can let the bigwigs handle things here while we get reacquainted."
John asked, "What about Ford?"
"Who? " answered Sam.
"The lieutenant I came through the gate with. Remember him," responded John.
Looking momentarily confused Sam slowly replied, "Yes, of course. He was given liberty leave as well to... umm."
John helped, "To see his grandparents."
Sam grinned, "Yes. He was given a driver to take him to see his grandparents. "
John nodded, "I see."
"So wanna fly the plane?" asked Sam. She reached up and fiddled with the collar of his flight jacket.
"Sure," replied John with just a hint of nervousness.
Kolya's Camp, Pegasus Galaxy
Qetesh looked over at her companion who was fast asleep. She carefully lifted the blanket that was assigned to her and pulled back the tent's flap. A guard was outside.
He gave her a questioning look when she held a finger to her lips for silence. She pointed back into the tent at Sam's figure reposed in sleep. He nodded understanding and stepped out of her way. The flap fell closed behind her. She whispered, "Perhaps you could show me to your commander. I wish to speak with him."
The guard hesitantly nodded. He cast a brief look at the tent. Vala responded, "Don't worry, she'll sleep for hours." He nodded again as he gestured for her to walk ahead of him. Vala grinned as she took the lead... no need to let the guard know that Sam had been drugged into compliance.
The guard stopped and pointed to a tent off to the edges of the camp. Vala nodded back at him and headed for the tent as the guard left to resume his post outside of the guest tent. He had been ordered to protect the women not keep them inside so he saw no reason to escort her any further. She would certainly be safe with the Commander.
Kolya looked up from his glass as he watched the woman enter. She was more appealing to him then her companion. She had a more feminine quality about her. He stood, "Ma'am was there a problem?"
Vala smiled as she glided across the room to stand in front of the Commander. "No problem at all." She reached up and pulled him in for a kiss.
Momentarily surprised, the Commander didn't respond. He pulled back cautiously.
Vala ran a hand along his chin as she rubbed her body against his. He put his arms around her, more to hold her still then to initiate additional physical contact.
"I want to show you something," she whispered in his ear.
"Like what?" he asked.
She grinned as she grabbed his hand, "Not here. It's just over the last ridge."
"Perhaps we should go in the morning after you've had a good night's sleep," he replied as he stood still not allowing her to pull him from the tent.
"What's the matter Commander? Afraid of me?" she simpered.
Kolya declared, "Of a slip of a woman like you... no." He hesitated for a minute before stating, "Very well, show me."
She grinned with glee as she pulled him out of the tent. A guard rushed forward but was waved off by the Commander.
"What manner of craft is this?" the Commander asked as Vala showed him the shuttle.
"Goa'uld," she replied as she opened the hatch. She pulled him inside.
He looked around the inside with awe. "Fantastic."
She replied, "You haven't seen anything yet." She turned away as her eyes flashed golden and her grin became calculating. The flash was gone as she turned back, "Follow me."
Gripped in his thoughts, Kolya followed Vala to the end of the craft. He looked confused.
"Watch," she said as she placed a hand on the panel. The panel slid open to reveal a darkened room. She stepped inside.
Feeling a sudden wave of trepidation he hesitated. She called, "Hurry Commander." He stepped in the room as the panel closed. It was pitch black.
"I can't see," he said.
"I'll fix that. Lights," she replied as the room was suddenly illuminated.
He looked around in interest but only spotted an oversized tub, a bed and a night stand. Must be her bedroom. He relaxed, she must have wanted to be more comfortable.
She moved into his personal space as she ran her hands up his body. "Someone is overdressed."
Kolya replied, "Allow me." He placed his weapons on the floor and dropped his jacket on top as he watched her with desire.
She smiled as she slipped the robe she was wearing off her. She was nude beneath it.
Kolya eyed her lithe body with wanton abandon as he yanked off his shirt and pushed down his trousers. He quickly stepped out of his boots and left them and his pants behind.
She reached out a hand and he took it in his.
"I'd like to clean up a bit first. Perhaps you'll join me," she continued to smile seductively.
"Of course," he replied as they stepped towards the tub.
Vala pressed a button and the water began to ripple.
Kolya looked at it briefly as he murmured, "Fascinating."
Vala stepped into the tub and tugged him in after her. They began to make love. She kept the Commander's attention firmly on her as they joined. With his attention firmly entrenched, he did not see the water part and a Goa'uld symbiote rise behind him. The symbiote watched in silence for several minutes.
Vala moaned as the Commander reached his pinnacle. Her eyes flashed golden. The symbiote shrieked in triumph as it flew into the commander. Kolya twitched for several minutes before coming to a rest. His golden eyes shot open.
Qetesh crooned, "Hello love."
Kolya reared up and demanded in a guttural voice, "More."
Stargate Command, Cheyenne Mountain Base
"Doctor, how's our patient?" asked Daniel as he entered the medical triage.
Dr. Carolyn Lam looked up from her desk nearby, "She's just about ready to go. A picture of perfect health."
Teyla interjected playfully, "I was beginning to think you had forgotten me."
Daniel blushed, "Of course not. Jack and I had a lot of catching up to do after the briefings."
"What has your government decide on our request for assistance with the Wraith?" asked Teyla as she hopped down from the hospital bed.
"Nothing yet. They want you to meet with the International Oversight Committee as an official Ambassador of the Pegasus Galaxy. However, we've been given a day off so that I can show you the sights around Colorado Springs before you are taken over by the IOA," answered Daniel.
"Should we not meet with this committee as soon as possible?" questioned Teyla. Her concern over her fellow Athosians clearly surpassing her desire to visit Daniel's homeworld.
"The IOA representative is currently out of town and will not be arriving back until tomorrow," he replied.
Teyla grinned, "Well in that case, I would be delighted to see some of your world."
Daniel gushed, "Great. I've already arranged for a driver to take us to a local mall to pick you up some new clothes."
Teyla looked down at her traditional Athosian outfit with concern, "Am I not properly attired?"
"Sure you are but I think something a little more casual will help you blend in more," replied Daniel as he presented his elbow for escort.
Teyla answered as she slipped her arm through his, "Lead the way."
Goa'uld Mothership, Pegasus Galaxy...
Ba'al growled, "Gone. What do you mean they are gone! Find them... now." He sank onto his throne as he sneered 'Damn her. This wasn't part of the plan. When he got his hands on that treacherous bitch she would be grateful for her immortality by the time he was finished'.
"Yes, My Lord Ba'al," replied Ga'rek as he bowed then rushed from the room. It would be best to limit all contact with the Goa'uld Lord for the foreseeable future.
Elizabeth and Simon's Georgetown Home
Elizabeth eyed the couple sitting on her porch as she swung the rental car into her driveway.
Simon looked up as she stepped out. He jumped to his feet and rushed forward, "Elizabeth!" He grabbed her in a hug as her dog, Paloma Sedgewick Saddie Street, affectionately known simply as Sedge, pushed her way between them. The woman stood and watched them silently from the porch.
They both laughed as Elizabeth leaned down and greeted her fifty pound baby girl with enthusiasm. "God, I've missed you so much."
Simon chuckled, "I hope you've missed me too."
Elizabeth looked up and replied, "Of course." She stood and gave him a quick peck on the lips. She then hunkered back down and began scratching her dog around her head and neck. "And how's my best girl?," she cooed. After several more seconds, Elizabeth stood and held a hand over her eyes to block the bright sun. "How have you been Simon?"
"Not as good as I would have been if you had been here," he murmured as they turned towards the house. "I wish I hadn't let you out of my sight."
Elizabeth demurred, "Simon, you know I had to do this."
"I know. I just wish that I had gone with you," he replied.
Elizabeth shrugged, "Perhaps you can now." She looked down as she grumbled under her breath, "If we get to go back."
Simon placed a hand under her chin, "Hey, what's the matter?"
She shrugged off his concern, "It's nothing." Quickly changing the subject, she asked, "Isn't that my mother over there?"
Simon glanced over his shoulder toward the house, "Yes, it is. We've been meeting for lunch every Friday since you've been gone."
Elizabeth questioned, "Why?"
Simon answered, "We've both been worried about you. I hope you're planning on sticking around this time."
Cheyenne Mountain Base, General O'Neill's Office
Jack looked across his desk to the three men sitting in front of him. "I've confined Maybourne to his quarters."
No one looked surprised as Teal'c inquired, "What has he done?"
Jack replied, "Snuck off base. Met with some NID operatives. Pretty sure he stole that phase modular from Sam's lab but I can't really prove that one."
Cam asked, "Sir, why am I here?"
Jack looked over at him, "I realize, Colonel, that you are not yet an official member of SG-1 but I felt that you should know that your future team has been grounded indefinitely unless a lead on Sam's whereabouts comes up." He hesitated before continuing, "Maybourne claims the NID have spotted Ba'al on the planet."
Cam nodded. He knew Maybourne was up to something but this was definitely worse than anything he had come up with.
Jonas yelped, "What? That's impossible. We've tracked Ba'al's ship as far at the Void. No way he could have returned that fast."
Jack nodded, "I know. I don't believe him either. There's more. Those bracelets that Bricksdale was working with... are missing also. Harry might have been working with the NID or Trust all along and is just trying to throw us off. For now, we are going to continue with what we know for sure but keep your eyes and ears open."
Jack stood and dismissed Teal'c and Jonas.
"Cam, I want you to increase security on the project. Last thing we need is for the NID or Trust to get wind of this if Maybourne hasn't already clued them in," ordered Jack.
"Yes, General," he replied with a nod as he also stood. "Is there anything else, Sir?"
"Yeah. Thor's dropped in. Hermiod and the new hyper-drive are already waiting for you in Nevada. I want you to accompany the doctors to the testing and take two squads of marines with you. Thor's agreed to beam you all when you've got everyone assembled in the Gateroom," replied the General.
"Sweet," responded Cam. He hesitated momentarily before continuing, "Can you get me a pass from Lam?"
Jack grinned, "Date didn't buy you any special favors?"
Cam unrepentantly replied, "Nah. That'll be the second date. Provided I can sneak one pass the old man."
Jack replied, "Watch your back."
Cam laughed as he exited.
Jack shook his head in amusement before remembering the pickle they were in. "Damn, I wish Daniel were here."
Rodney's Apartment in Colorado Springs
Rodney eyed the green door in front of him for a second before he began pounding his fist.
"Hold on," yelled an unseen person from inside the apartment.
Rodney shifted back and forth as he waited.
The door flew opened and a blond head peaked out, "Oh, it's you."
"Yes, it's me. I've come for my cat," he demanded without preamble. "I'll be in town for awhile."
Bambi glared, "Sorry, she ran away." Without waiting for a reply, she slammed the door shut.
Cheyenne Mountain Base, Crew quarters
Harry paced back and forth as he shifted through his options. There weren't many.
He finally stopped and sank down on the bed. "I've got to get out of here before they find out I'm working for Ba'al." He knew O'Neill wasn't stupid and would figure it out sooner or later. He hoped for later. Least if Jack believed he was working with the NID, he had a chance at future redemption.
Cessna Traveling through the Rocky Mountain Area in Colorado
John looked around the interior of the well stocked Cessna he was piloting with curiosity.
Sam looked at him from the co-pilots seat, "Is something wrong?"
John answered, "Feels a little strange. A little off if you know what I mean."
She dismissed his concern, "You've been away for a long time. Getting used to being back on Earth the first time can be difficult. I remember when I first went through the gate with SG-1 it felt weird being back."
John questioned calmly, "Your first time. I don't believe you've ever mentioned the trip to me before. What was it like? Where did you go?"
Sam stalled, "Um... I... oh look we're here. "
"That's strange. I could have sworn we had a least another fifteen minutes of flight time," replied John as he looked through the windshield and spotted the airport directly ahead.
"Do you want me to call the tower?" asked Sam.
"No, I've got it," he answered as he flipped the radio switch to on. "This is private flight Ray Tango Zulu...2...2...9...8...1 requesting permission to land."
After a moment of static a disembodied voice came over the radio, "Roger Ray Tango Zulu...2...2...9...8...1, you are cleared to land. Please bear to the right as you begin your descent."
John replied, "Affirmative tower. Bearing to the right."
Sam said, "I called ahead while you were with General O'Neil and requested your favorite car rental... a cherry red Camaro."
John responded sarcastically, "Really...what a surprise. I was just thinking about that old red Camaro I drove while in college."
"Really, great minds think alike. Although, I'm sure the rental agency won't give us a car as beat up as that pile of junk you drove through college."
John eyed her as he replied, "It wasn't a pile of junk. Only my dad called it that."
"You must be feeling better if you want to defend your old car," said Sam.
"I think I'll feel better once we get to the cabin," he answered as he made his final approach.
Kolya's Camp, Pegasus Galaxy
Sam groaned as she set up on the bedroll. Man, felt like she'd slept for a week and her head was splitting. She looked around and noticed that Vala's bed roll was already neatly folded.
Sam dressed quickly and stumbled out of the tent. She spotted Vala standing off to the side with Kolya. They were talking quietly. She strained to hear what they were saying but it was no use. She shrugged as she trudged over to them.
"Hey," she called.
Vala looked over to her and replied, "Good morning, sleepyhead." Kolya ignored her.
Sam grimaced, "Yeah, sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to sleep so hard. How long have you been up?"
"Me? I've been up for hours. I was just going to wake you for breakfast. The Commander here was just telling me that he's heard of Atlantis," responded Vala.
Sam's jaw dropped, "What? How?"
Kolya continued to ignore her till Vala elbowed him. He looked briefly at her before turning to Sam, "I know the Atlantian's have had some dealings with the Manarians who are associates of ours. I've seen a few of them... they wear the same type of clothing that you were carrying yesterday."
"Can you take us to the Manarians?" asked Sam. Maybe this wasn't a total waste.
He nodded, "Yes, but I have some business in the village first."
Disappointed Sam replied, "Okay. That's something."
Vala responded, "I thought you wanted to do some Gate hopping first?" She turned to Kolya and said briefly to his questioning look, "Jealous ex." He nodded.
Sam nodded, "Your right. Commander, if it wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience, would you mind if we accompanied you for a bit before heading to see the Manarians?"
He nodded, "Of course. I have a couple of places my men and I need to go before heading towards Manaria."
Colorado Springs, Colorado
"Thank you Daniel. I have traded in many, many markets on many, many different worlds but nothing compared to this thing you call a mall," extolled Teyla.
"Countries. Remember to call them countries while on Earth," he responded.
"Of course. Countries. Where are we headed next?" she asked as she climbed back into the government furnished vehicle.
"Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. It will give you a chance to look at some of our cultural and artistic artifacts."
"This is a type of museum? The kind that you have told me about before?" Teyla asked as she repositioned her shopping bags around the backseat of the car. "Do they also have examples of your archeological finds?"
"Yes. A few," he answered.
"With all of the wondrous things you can do on your planet, what made you decide to become an archeologist?"
Uncomfortably Daniel responded, "My parents, Doctors Claire and Melburn Jackson, were both archeologists. So I guess you could say I'm following in their footsteps."
"Will I get a chance to meet them while we are here?"
"No. I'm afraid they...uh...died... it was a freak accident at another museum, the New York Museum of Art. A coverstone fell on them. I was just a kid when it happened," he mumbled.
"I am so sorry Daniel. I did not wish to cause you pain," she apologized as she placed a comforting hand on his leg. "Were you raised by friends of theirs or other family?"
"No but my foster parents were good people. They died in a plane crash. I haven't really had much luck with family," he answered as he grasped her hand.
"My parents too passed at an early age. Do you have any other family still left?"
"Well sorta. My maternal grandfather, the great Nicholas Ballard, was around... occasionally but he was obsessed with finding an ancient artifact called the Crystal Skull. He didn't have time to raise me so I went into foster care," Daniel responded with a hint of bitterness.
Feeling a great sorrow for Daniel's tragic family life, Teyla questioned solemnly, "Will I be able to meet him?"
Daniel shook his head as he rambled disjointedly, "Fraid not. He's on another planet right now. P7X-377. He wanted to study giant aliens. Quetzalcoatl is a meso-american deity... although he, that is Quetzalcoatl, has made appearances in ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures as well."
"Quetzalcoatl? That name seems much different than the other names I have heard from your world," commented Teyla. "Does it have some special meaning?"
"The name comes from the Nahuatl language... means feathered serpent," replied Daniel. "He invited old Nick to live out the remainder of his days studying Quetzalcoatl's culture."
"Feathered serpent? Is he any relation to the Goa'uld that Colonel Sheppard refers to as 'snakeheads'?"
Kolya's Camp, Pegasus Galaxy
A soldier came up, "Sir, Chief Cowan is trying to reach you."
Kolya nodded, "Ladies, please excuse me. I must take this in private."
Vala and Sam watched him go into his tent. Sam turned to her and asked, "Doesn't he seem strange to you? He barely looked at me at all."
Vala shrugged, "Seemed okay to me. Maybe he just doesn't find you attractive. I wonder who this Cowan is."
Sam glared, "That wasn't what I meant."
Vala ignored her ill temper as she replied, "I'm starving. Let's go eat."
Kolya picked up the radio receiver, "Commander Kolya reporting."
A voice came over the airwaves, "This is Cowan. Change of plans Commander. I want you to head back to Genii after making the collection from the village."
Kolya frowned, "Why? What is happening?"
Cowan replied, "The Athosian's have requested a meeting and are bringing guests. I want to make sure you don't arrive in the middle of their visit."
"I see. I too will be bringing guests."
Cowan asked cautiously, "What kind of guests?"
Kolya pushed the reply button, "One is a nuclear scientists. I believe she will be useful in our efforts against the Wraith."
Cowan responded, "Radim should be pleased. He's been pestering for additional help since his sister's breakdown. How many others?"
"Just one who is of no consequence. I will keep her attached to my unit and out of your hair," he responded. "I believe she will be trainable as a soldier for the Genii."
A moment of silence before Cowan answered, "I see. Maybe you should stay away an extra few days. I don't want to lose the scientist... nor do I want to explain her to our other guests. I'll send Sora after you once the Athosians are gone."
"Yes, Sir. I'll keep the base informed of my whereabouts. Commander Kolya out." He flicked off the radio.
Elizabeth and Simon's Georgetown Home
Elizabeth laughed as Sedge chased after the stick she had tossed across the fenced in backyard. Hearing a car pull into the drive, Elizabeth headed around to the front yard followed by her dog.
Simon stepped out of the car and asked, "Missed me?"
"Absolutely. Did you get my mom settled okay?"
"Katherine was disappointed that I wanted you all to myself tonight but I assured her that the weekend would be a mother-daughter day. Hope you don't mind," replied Simon as he scratched Sedge's head. "She missed you as much as I did and she didn't even have the benefit of knowing where you were."
"I know. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I've missed everyone here so much but I believe that going to Atlantis was the best possible thing I could have done. We've discovered so many things and we've barely touched the surface... Oh Simon the city is simply beautiful. I can't wait to show it to you," responded Elizabeth with a twinkle in her eye.
"I see. You know I've watched that tape you left a thousand times since you've been gone. I was used to you hoping a plane and disappearing for weeks... even months on diplomatic missions to Korea, Israel, Afghanistan but the Pegasus Galaxy was never on my mind. I've had a lot of time to think about...," Simon began.
Elizabeth interrupted, "Simon. I never meant to..."
He placed his finger across her lips, "Wait. Let me finish. I've thought long and hard about this." He fished in his pocket and pulled out a box.
"Oh, Simon," whispered Elizabeth.
"I want to do this properly," he continued as he knelt on one knee. "Elizabeth Weir, would you marry me? Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
With tears of joy, Elizabeth yelled, "Yes. Oh yes, yes, yes." She pulled him to his feet and kissed him. She didn't feel the usually pull of passion that she had always experienced when they kissed. She pulled back confused, "Simon?"
He looked away without comment just as Elizabeth's cell phone rang. He glanced at the phone that had fallen to the ground. "Shouldn't you get that? It could be important. We have plenty of time to talk later."
Elizabeth nodded pensively. "Right." She bent to retrieve her phone and saw the code for the SGC on the display.
A short-while later at Rodney's Apartment in Colorado Springs
Rodney moaned as he ground his mouth against his neighbor's.
She moaned, "Oh doctor please forgive me for my earlier display. I don't know what came over me."
He groaned as he replied, "Already forgotten."
She clutched him to her as she gasped, "I didn't really lose your cat. She's sleeping in my bed. Maybe we should go check on her."
Rodney pulled back, "Good idea. Let's go." He grabbed Bambi's hand and swung open his door.
Elizabeth grunted as Rodney plowed into her.
He sighed, "Oh Elizabeth. It's you. Can't this wait? I've got to go check on my cat."
Elizabeth's eye-brow soared as she replied, "No, Rodney, it can't wait." She glared at the woman standing behind her head scientist.
"Oh this is Bambi... my neighbor. She's been watching my cat while I was gone," stuttered Rodney.
Bambi smiled vacantly as she waved, "Hi."
"Hello Bambi. If you don't mind, I have some business to discuss with Dr. McKay," prompted Elizabeth.
"I don't mind waiting," she replied.
Annoyed, Elizabeth asked, "Do you have a security clearance?"
Sensing Elizabeth's ire, Rodney intervened, "No, she doesn't." He turned to face Bambi and said, "Why don't you go on over to your apartment while I talk to Elizabeth and I'll come and join you later."
She giggled, "Okay Doc." She brushed past Elizabeth and left.
Elizabeth slammed the door shut in disgust. "Really Rodney."
"What? I was just retrieving my cat," he mumbled.
Elizabeth paced passed him and looked at his apartment. It was in shambles. Concerned, she asked, "Did someone break in while you were gone?"
Rodney looked around, "No, why do you ask?" Everything looked normal to him. Just like he left it.
She shook her head, "Nevermind. I just got off the phone with General Hammond. He said that the Goa'uld have attacked the Asgard Research Base where the new battleship was stationed."
"The Goa'uld? I thought they were scared of the Asgard," he remarked.
"Me too but apparently not so much that they didn't waltz right up and destroy the only vessel capable of taking us back to Atlantis. General Hammond said that the Asgard weren't interested in rebuilding at this time."
Rodney looked dejected for a moment before he started snapping his fingers, "Wait a minute. We're fine."
Elizabeth complained, "We are not fine. Didn't you hear me. We can't go back."
"Sure we can. I'm sure I can use Earth's depleted ZedPM to establish a wormhole for 3.5 microseconds," Rodney gleefully replied.
"What good is 3.5 microseconds? The gate would shut down before either one of us made it to the other side?" questioned Elizabeth in confusion.
Rodney reminded her, "That's all the time we would need to establish a lock with M5S-224. The energy field would amplify the gate and should maintain a stable wormhole for more than enough time to get back to Pegasus."
Relieved, Elizabeth ordered, "Get dressed. We need to get to Stargate Command immediately."
Rodney looked down, "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" He eyed his shorts and t-shirt with fondness.
Cheyenne Mountain Base, Sam's Lab
Jack walked in and asked, "What ya got?"
Jonas and Teal'c looked up at his entrance. Jonas answered, "I think we've got a lead on a ZPM."
Jack questioned, "You think... meaning you don't know if you have a lead."
Teal'c replied, "We know we have a lead."
Jack nodded, "Alright, lay it on me."
Jonas looked abashed as he replied, "We found references to one in Ancient Egypt. Ra's tomb."
Jack looked confused, "I'm pretty sure we've dug through just about everything in Ra's tomb."
Jonas squirmed, "That's because it isn't in the right place yet."
Jack looked between the two men, "Come again."
Teal'c replied, "We must go back to Ancient Egypt. Remove the Zero Point Module from its alter and place it into Ra's tomb. Then it should appear in Egypt here."
Jack opened his mouth to speak, closed it. Held up his hand as he stuttered, "Time travel? How do you plan..." He shook his head, "Nevermind, don't want to know."
Jonas responded, "We'll let you know if we find the device."
Jack nodded as he looked between them once more then walked away shaking his head.
John and Sam's Rocky Mountain Chalet, Colorado
Think John think. Everything is wacked out. Did we come to one of those alternate realities some of SG-1's mission reports mentioned. He looked over at Sam in the passenger's seat. She glanced back at him and smiled. Nope... not that. Things are changing too rapidly to suit what I want. Time to run a few tests.
John remarked, "Man, I've missed this car. Can't wait to see the cabin...again."
Sam replied, "I'm sure it is just like you remembered it. I haven't changed a thing while you've been gone."
John agreed, "I'm sure you're absolutely right. It will be good to see some familiar surroundings."
A short drive later, John looked up at the huge mansion up ahead, "Yep, just like I remembered it." Mentally he ticked off a check mark of strange occurrences as he mumbled under his breath, "Just like I saw in a magazine of the rich and infamous."
Sam looked over curiously as she asked, "Did you say something Hon?"
John replied, "I just said I'll get our bags."
Sam grinned, "Okay." She pulled open her handbag and produced the keys. "I'll just unlock the door."
John nodded, "'Kay."
The both crossed the threshold and looked around. John noted the top of the line Calloway Golf clubs in pristine condition just inside the door as he sat down their bags. He casually looked around with a wry twist of his lips as he saw the framed five foot tall Johnny Cash poster displayed prominently over the chalet's fireplace. He glanced at his companion and commented, "I bet there is still some cold Coors in the frig."
Sam replied, "I'm sure there are. After all, they are your favorite beer. Want me to get us some?" She moved in close and placed her arms around him.
He ran a hand through her blond locks with familiarity before he casually stepped back and answered with a smile, "Nah. Why don't you go slip into something a little less comfortable... maybe that mint green number you wore on our honeymoon while I light the fire and get us a couple of cold ones."
"Sure," she responded as she turned and grabbed the bags. "I'll be right back."
John watched as she headed up the stairs. As soon as she was out of sight the grin that he was sporting slipped off his face into a thoughtful frown.
Cheyenne Mountain Base
Jack was lost in thought as he walked back to his office.
Cam called to him, "General O'Neill gotta minute."
Jack turned back, "Yes, Colonel?"
Cam rushed to catch up but winced just before he came to a halt, "Sorry, Sir. Legs are a bit sore today."
"How'd testing go?" asked Jack.
"Good. Good. But I wanted to let you know that the designers are still complaining about the schedule. Not to mention the scientist, the construction workers, the planners and security."
"Frankly Colonel, that sounds like your problem not mine," groused the General. "Unless, you feel that your injuries are preventing you from doing your duties."
"No, Sir. No, Sir. I just wanted to ask your advice," Cam stood a little straighter to bring any attention away from the weakness in his legs.
"My advice?" asked Jack. No one asked him for advice... unless they were crazy... he eyed Mitchell... maybe he was.
Cam blushed as he asked, "What's a good threat? I don't want to scare the hell out of them but I don't want to come off sounding like a wuss either."
Jack nodded as he thoughtfully decided, "Remind them that there are several dark holes at Area 51 that need to be filled if they don't meet everyone of your deadlines."
Colorado Springs, Colorado
"Should we not be heading back to the base?" asked Teyla as she looked at the darkening sky. "I would like to contact Elizabeth soon."
"Hmm. I'm sure Elizabeth will forgive us for checking in late. I want to show you more of Earth before we head back to Pegasus," replied Daniel as he opened the car door.
"If you are sure. How about a movie? And some popcorn. Colonel Sheppard is quite fond of them and he mentioned large structures that do nothing but play them all day and night," responded Teyla as she got back into the car.
Daniel slid in behind her and asked the driver, "Can you take us to the nearest movie theater please?" He looked down and spotted a discarded newspaper in the floor. "Great." He grabbed it up and turned to the entertainment section. "Hmm, Resident Evil Apocalypse...no.. Shaun of the Dead...definitely not. Here's a good one...'King Arthur'."
"Do you know what it is about?" questioned Teyla.
"Not specifically no but King Arthur is an old tale that takes place in medieval times. Lots of romance, intrigue, adventure and magic. I've always had a fondness for the tale especially after spending several weeks pouring over ancient texts this past year. There was a mythological wizard, named Merlin, in the Arthurian legend that turned out to be a real Ancient named Myrddin. I found several references in the Atlantis library pertaining to Myrddin and a weapon called the Sangreal. I think it's located somewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy but haven't had time yet to finish looking through the texts," explained Daniel as they headed towards the theater.
"Do you think this Sangreal will help us in the war with the Wraith?" Teyla looked ecstatic by the prospect of another Ancient weapon at their disposal.
Daniel admitted, "It's too early to tell. I haven't had a chance to research many details yet."
Disappointed, Teyla covered, "Well, I shall at least look forward to seeing this 'King Arthur'."
Kolya's Camp, Pegasus Galaxy
Kolya grunted as he fell back on the bed in satisfaction. "I want the woman."
Qetesh growled, "I don't share."
He flipped her under him as he declared, "I want to break her to my will. You wouldn't be sharing... we'll do this together."
A flood of relief roared through her, "After we've taken Atlantis, I suppose I can give you the Tau'ri as a gift. But I want to make her watch as I possess her husband first."
He protested with a flash of gold, "Maybe I don't want to share either."
Qetesh replied as she gripped his hair tightly, "Remember who is in charge. You will do as I order."
"Very well. For now. Is the woman getting suspicious?"
"Of course not, I've been slipping small toxins in her water supply that have kept her from keeping a clear head all day. Even now she is sleeping off the effects in our tent. You leave her up to me."
"What about Ba'al?" he questioned.
"Ba'al who?" she purred as she pulled him down for another round.
Stargate Command, Cheyenne Mountain Base
"I'm afraid Dr. McKay that won't be possible," replied General Hammond to Rodney's request to use the Zero Point Module.
Elizabeth protested, "Why not?"
Rodney interjected, "We need that ZedPM. It may be our only way of getting back to Atlantis."
"I'm sorry doctors but the ZPM was destroyed in a fight with the Goa'uld."
Elizabeth declared, "General, that doesn't make any sense. The Goa'uld have no use for an Ancient power source. Why would they destroy it and how could they have even gotten to the ZPM here on Earth?"
General Hammond stared at the two Atlantian residents blankly without comment.
Elizabeth and Rodney shared a concerned glance, "General Hammond, are you alright?"
"Of course I am. It was an accident. I doubt the Goa'uld had any idea they had destroyed the device," Hammond replied without further explanation.
Rodney asked, "But how did the Goa'uld get it? It's always been kept locked up here in the Mountain or at Area 51."
Another blank stare.
"General?" prompted Elizabeth with increasing doubt. "What's going on?"
"Dr. Lee had taken the ZPM to the Asgard ship to run some tests . The Asgard facilities are more sophisticated then our own and Dr. Lee had hoped to determine a way to charge the ZPM. Unfortunately things didn't work out and it was lost when the Goa'uld destroyed the ship," explained Hammond. "I'm very sorry. Besides, the President has already declared that based on the threat of the Wraith, the civilian expedition to Atlantis has been scrubbed. Only military personnel will be returning to Pegasus after a viable method of travel has been established."
"Excuse me?!" yelled Weir. "Who the hell are you and what have you done with the real General Hammond?!"
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy
The mist gathered round the bodies of the Atlantian's.
"Are you sure we are doing the right thing?" whispered through the air as they looked over the humans.
"They are but a handful. We are billions. They do not matter," was whispered back through the mist.
The mist whirled around the visitors and the idle Gate in silent rebuke.
John and Sam's Rocky Mountain Chalet, Colorado
After getting a fire going, John walked around inspecting the chalet as he waited for his wife to come back downstairs. He wasn't quite certain what was going on but one thing was certain. That wasn't his wife and this wasn't Earth or at least not any Earth he'd ever lived on. Just as he started on his second round a phone rang in the distance. Following the sound, he found a phone hidden behind the fully stocked wet bar. Picking it up he said, "Hello?"
"Sir, finally... I've been trying to get a hold of you for the past several hours," stammered Ford.
"Ford, where did you get this number?" asked John with idle curiosity.
"Uh... I don't know. Look that isn't important right now. All hells broke loose here. They said something happened to the battleship and plans to return to Pegasus have been scrubbed. The General has reassigned me. They're sending me to Iraq in two days! You gotta get back here. What am I gonna tell my Grandma. Iraq! She'll go nuts. Sir, I don't understand any of this. What's going on?" whined Ford desperately.
"Ford calm down. I'll take care of everything and you're not going to Iraq," replied John in a calm tone as he pulled a couple of cold beers out of the nearby frig.
"Sir, when are you coming...," stressed Ford although his voice had lost that note of hysteria.
"Ford! It'll be fine. I think I'm going to find out what's going on very soon," responded John as he watched Sam re-enter the room. "I'll get back to you." He placed the phone back into its cradle even as Aiden continued his protestations. John's gaze travel the length of Sam as she slowly sashayed down the steps leading to the first floor. Her long tan legs continued to appear and disappear through the slit of her outfit.
Sam smiled down at him as he came to meet her at the bottom step, "Who was on the phone?"
John mumbled, "Nobody important." He handed her one of the beers.
"Really John. You know I'd prefer a spot of tea," she replied in a perfectly British tone as she tucked her long brunette hair behind her right ear.
"Hmm...sorry," he looked her up and down as he swallowed a sip. "You know I really... really like that night gown. The color really brings out your eyes."
"Oh this old thing," she stepped down off the stairs and set the beer on a nearby end table as she grabbed his jacket lapel and pulled him towards the rug set up with pillows in front of the fireplace. She glanced down at the mint green nightgown she was wearing.
"Yep, I remember seeing it in a Victoria Secrets catalog that I had mailed to Antarctica. I was going to buy it for your next birthday," he continued.
Sam hesitated before she repeated her earlier sentiment, "Great minds must think alike." She pulled him in for a kiss.
John pushed away as he replied, "And I really love the new accent and the hair is definitely not you." He waved his hand towards her head.
"I don't understand," she stammered nervously. "Are you feeling alright?"
John glared as he answered, "I'm fine but I've had enough of this. Who the hell are you and where am I?" He took another swig of his beer as he waited for the woman to reply.
Local Village on planet, Pegasus Galaxy
Sam looked around the village and noticed the closed look on the inhabitants faces. Clearly these men were not welcome visitors here. She tugged on Vala's sleeve and whispered, "Notice the way the people are acting?"
Vala looked around, "Seems okay to me."
Sam again glanced over to the people, "It's like they're afraid of the Genii."
Vala smiled, "Most simple villagers are afraid of an advanced militaristic culture. I wouldn't worry about it." She continued rhetorically, "Besides he's going to help us get to Atlantis. What else really matters?"
A small child ran up to one of the soldiers and asked, "Are you here to fight the Wraith?"
Sam asked, "Wonder what the Wraith are?"
Kolya came up behind her and replied, "Evil. Pure evil."
Stargate Command Gateroom, Cheyenne Mountain Base
Ford, John, Teyla, Daniel and Rodney stared at each other as they appeared standing around the Gateroom in various poses. The group looked around and exchanged confused glances as General Hammond and Elizabeth winked into appearance in front of them at the foot of the ramp.
Hammond spoke first, "There's no point in deluding you any longer." He flashed to a green mist before resuming his human persona.
Elizabeth backed away as John asked, "What happened?" he was looking at his empty hand forlornly.
The alien replied, "I've pulled you all together from your fractured realities."
John interrupted, "I'm talking about the beer I was drinking."
Elizabeth whispered in an exacerbated tone, "John!"
The alien ignored their interchange as he continued, "Colonel Sheppard discovered the truth almost immediately. He displayed a unique capability of bending his reality to his own desires."
Rodney complained, "He did? Figures."
The alien explained, "The realities you experienced were fabrications of your own minds. It was unfortunate that you all became aware so quickly but now that you have, you may each choose a reality of your own that you want to spend out the rest of your lives in."
Elizabeth protested, "No!" She was angry that the last few days she'd spent with Simon were just a dream. A good dream but a dream nonetheless.
Ford questioned, "What?" He was so confused. Did that mean he really didn't have to go to Iraq?
Daniel said, "Absolutely not." He thought of the Ancient's library that he had barely begun exploring.
John answered, "That's not gonna work for us." He planned on getting back to Earth.. the real one and seeing his real wife again. Not some carbon copy.
Rodney replied, "Any other time someone says that I might have jumped for joy... just not today." Damn he thought, why'd Elizabeth have to interrupt before he had completed negotiations with Bambi. Now he'd never get to have sex with her.
Teyla responded, "We cannot stay here. We must return home. To our home." She thought briefly of her fellow Athosians as they continued to struggle against the Wraith.
The alien glared, "You have no choice."
John taunted, "Wanna make a bet? We'll find a way."
Elizabeth questioned, "Why are you doing this?"
The alien replied, "We must protect ourselves."
Ford innocently asked, "From what?"
Local Village on planet, Pegasus Galaxy
Kolya explained, "The Wraith are a scourge on this galaxy. It is the Genii's mission to bring this plague to its knees."
Sam asked, "Why? What have they done?"
Kolya swore, "They destroy our worlds. Eat our souls. Take a look around at this village. It is typical of the planets in Pegasus." He flicked a dismissive hand at the simple buildings. "They will never be more than they are until the Wraith have been wiped out. Even when they hibernate a handful move through the planets culling as they go. We are their human herd."
Vala shivered, "That doesn't sound very nice."
He replied, "It isn't. I hope Dr. Carter that your experience with nuclear armaments will assist our own scientist with a weapon we can use to defeat the Wraith once and for all."
Sam gasped, "Excuse me? How did you...?" she turned to Vala with a glare. "You didn't?"
Vala smiled, "Of course I did. We needed help and it seems to be a small compensation."
Kolya said, "Dr. Radim has been informed by our leader to expect you when we return to Genii."
Feeling trapped, Sam looked from one to the other. Now what?
Stargate Command Gateroom, Cheyenne Mountain Base
Rodney chimed in with a snap of his fingers, "The mist. The energy readings. You're the mist on planet M5S-224."
The alien answered succinctly, "Yes Dr. McKay."
Daniel questioned, "Why the need for protection? We do not mean you any harm."
The alien explained, "Every time someone used the Gate, my kind dies. To dial Earth, millions of us would die each time. I can't let that happen. You consciousness will remain here in our realities while your bodies are still on the planet."
Rodney mumbled, "Bodies are still on the planet... no food and water... we'll die!" He looked at the others in shocked horror as the reality of what was happening to them became clear.
The alien replied philosophically, "A few deaths to save millions."
John was quick to remind him, "More will come. Will you kill them too?"
Daniel put in, "We'll leave and never return but you've got to return us to our bodies."
The alien looked momentarily sympathetic as he refused, "Your desire to go home is too strong."
Elizabeth replied softly, "So you're just going to kill us."
John interrupted, "We don't leave people behind. Every time you kill a group of us another group will follow. Another and another. Over and over. When will it stop?"
Teyla agreed, "My people are the same way. We are simple people but we will continue to come and try and find out what happened to the others. You would be killing our race as well. You would be no better than the Wraith."
The alien asked, "..but what about your need to return home?"
Daniel calmly replied, "That desire is not worth the death of millions. We will find another way... a better one."
Rodney looked ready to protest but wisely held his tongue.
The alien nodded in agreement, "I understand. I'll let you go." A flash of blinding light covered the room.
Kolya's Camp, Pegasus Galaxy
Back at camp for the night, Sam excused herself and Vala, "Would you mind Commander? I need to discuss some things with Vala. Girl talk."
Kolya nodded, "Of course. Have a good evening ladies." He rose from the campfire and headed into his tent.
Vala replied, "Girl talk. Really?"
Sam glared, "No, not really. How could you?"
Vala asked with ignorance, "How could I what?"
Sam jumped up and said, "Tell that man that I was a nuclear physicist. I'm not. I'm an astrophysicist."
Vala waved her hand in dismissal, "I didn't. I just said you dabbled in the sciences for a hobby. He took that to mean a nuclear physicist. I just didn't correct his mistake."
"Vala! You practically promised him we'd help build his bombs for his people."
Vala stood up and glared back at Sam, "So what if I did. He's helping us get to Atlantis and it seems to me that using a few bombs to take out some creatures is a pretty good idea."
Sam took a deep breath before saying, "If it is true. We don't even know these Wraith even exist. It could just be a story they tell villages to keep them in line. The Genii are strangers to us. You are too trusting."
Vala swallowed her retort and only said, "And you are too pessimistic. I've been an immortal God. Now life is too short to waste it on the little things."
Planet M5S-224, Pegasus Galaxy
The group slowly regained conscious.
Rodney asked, "What if it's a double fake out?"
Hammond's disembodied voice replied, "This is real Dr. McKay."
Elizabeth looked up, "Thank you." She then turned to look at Rodney, "Go get the crystal and be careful. We're going home."
Rodney questioned, "You do mean Atlantis right."
John who sat up next to him, popped him on the back of the head, "I'll give you a double fake out... of course she means Atlantis."
Rodney yelped, "Fine. No need to get physical." He hurried to the DHD to remove the control crystal from its base.
Ford groaned as he sat up, "So, if all that was fake...," he turned to John and asked, "What about you and..."
John quickly interrupted with an order, "Not another word Lieutenant."
Ford smiled as Elizabeth eyed them with curiosity. "Yes, Sir."
Teyla arose as she said, "Let's go home."
Daniel climbed to his feet as he replied, "I'll second that."
Elizabeth murmured, "Let's hope Sergeant Bates had better luck then we did."
TBC
AN: Chapter 8 will cover 3 episodes (Underground, The Storm, The Eye). Not sure when this will be posted, it will be awhile I'm sure since it is going to cover a lot of ground and probably be insanely long. Will probably be written after a couple of chapters of the Enterprise fics I'm working on.
