Well here is Chapter 9 a bit early. I have one more chapter of building up to the confrontation which occurs in chapter 11 then the respite is over in a big way. Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I am trying to figure out how to respond to replies in this new format and I just can't. I am sure it is something simple but my mind is on overload and I honestly have no clue. I will fix that this weekend. But thank you very much for your kind words, curiosities and guesses as to what is going to happen next. Some of you must have a crystal ball, or perhaps this is just formula! Well, the hornets nest lands in this chapter. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 9-Dignitaries

O'Neill watched the three IOA members talking…no doubt they were hoping this trip went better than their last off world experience with the overactive beetles or whatever they were. The Frenchman, hopefully, would not be so annoying--although it would be fun to see how Sheppard reacted to him.

"All set, Jack."

O'Neill turned to his friend. "Well, Daniel, this should be fun for you, at least."

Jackson smiled. "I do see you have your fishing pole and I heard you mentioning that Col Caldwell better come with one."

"Yeah, well there is hoping. You did bring your tux?"

"Yes. Your mess dress?"

O'Neill sighed. "Yeah. I brought the monkey suit."

"See, all kinds of fun waiting for both of us."

"Well at least we won't have to do too much with them," O'Neill said looking at the three IOA members.

Jackson tried to smile, but he couldn't. "Well like you said, there's hoping." He moved toward the window to look at Atlantis as they approached. He had been excited to hear about the whole Evander/Capys stuff from O'Neill and was anxious to explore the mythology, but first he would just enjoy the city.

oOoOoOo

Sheppard wasn't kidding when he said he had other palaces. This one was larger but not as ornate as the one on Ilium. Arcadia had a much different feel to it. If Ilium was like a peaceful retreat in the spring, Aracadia was like the fall preparing for winter. There was more of a warrior spirit feel to the place. Lorne also realized that the people on Arcadia were taller than on Ilium, although Sheppard still stood out. The food was, of course, delicious and Lorne made a mental note to run tomorrow to work off any extra calories.

"How did the Scabuer perform my lord?" the Guardian Sarik asked.

"Great," Sheppard said, enthused. They had tested it extensively and Lorne, Lear and Sheppard were very impressed. It had five times the firepower of the jumper, and tons more maneuverability.

"Well, the people are ready to host the games for the Festival. Will you be participating in any of them, sire?"

"Actually…" Sheppard said looking hesitant, "Saphides suggested the horse event, but it doesn't seem fair with Zorthos and all."

Sarik smiled. "I think, sire, competing in the horse event is a grand idea. You need not take the prize but it would give others something to aspire to while, at the same time, demonstrating your horsemanship skills--which are valued here on Arcadia and, frankly, on all the planets. It is a two day event with marksmanship, jumping, and then navigating a course through the city and countryside."

Sheppard nodded. "Sounds like fun. Too bad you all don't have football or even baseball."

"Hockey," Lorne quipped. Sheppard gave him an are you kidding? look.

"You don't have any team sports?" Sheppard asked.

"I do not know of these games, my lord. Please show me," Sarik said, giving permission for Sheppard to send him a visual image. His head was slightly tilted then, after a minute or so, he nodded in understanding. "I see, sire." No, we do not have sports with many players on a team as you call it. We do have competitions between the planets, though, so winners from each acquire points for the planet they are from."

Sheppard looked at Lorne. "We need to teach them football before we leave. That way they can be ready the next time we come back." Lorne nodded in approval.

"You would not consider representing Arcadia, my lord, since it is the home world of the great Evander and his line?" Sarik said with a knowing smile.

"I think I should just represent the Armentarii, don't you think?"

Sarik bowed his head. "That would be the most diplomatic choice, sire."

Sheppard grinned. "Hey major, do you and the marines want to play? I know Fuentes can ride. Maybe some of you can represent Atlantis."

Lorne looked at Sheppard. His commander was not ordering them but he also wasn't asking. "I'll talk to the guys and see, sir. Maybe we can get some marksmanship points. I'll look at the list of events."

"Splendid, my lord!" Sarik said, pleased. "Shall we tour the rest of the palace? You did not have much opportunity the last time you were here, and I can show you the preparations we have made for the games."

"Sounds good. Samsus told me I needed to visit the royal library." Sheppard moaned inwardly. That is what Samsus said, but there was just something strange about saying it out-loud.

"Yes, my lord. Your library has remained largely untouched. A few historians have combed through the common books, but there is a great deal left undisturbed in regards to your family line from the Armentarii."

"Well let's leave that for last," Sheppard said. He had no idea why Sam wanted him to go there, but if there was some brain-twisting codebook, he thought it best to save that for later.

oOoOoOoOo

Elizabeth wanted to call Sheppard and ask if it was possible to go a day early. Woolsey was not so much trouble, but La Pierre was every bit as demanding and whining as his reputation had predicted he would be. She decided against asking, however--knowing Sheppard would not appreciate it; and, being a diplomat herself, she was well aware that preparations were often being made right up to the final minutes. She thought that little would come of this adventure, but they knew the only way to appease the IOA was to have them see for themselves--make them feel good. She was worried it would backfire, but the Armentarian people had proved themselves to be highly disciplined for 10,000 years. Even so, it would still be hard. She was also concerned that McKay and Ronon were not going down immediately. Secretly, she wished that she could also wait to go. Woolsey had asked why they were not with their team leader but, luckily, the answer of McKay and Ronon having other projects to complete was true--at least mostly.

"Elizabeth." She looked up from her desk and smiled.

"General O'Neill. Please come and sit down. You are a sight for sore eyes."

O'Neill, hands in pockets, strolled in and sat lazily in the chair across from her desk. "Yeah, sorry. I've been kind of scarce. Caldwell and I took a trip to the mainland with Dr. Beckett. Seems the good doctor likes to fish. He's actually pretty good."

"I forgive you, general, though you owe me one. That LaPierre is…"

"I know, I know. A royal pain…"

She grinned. "Or soon to be."

O'Neill laughed. "No kidding. Sheppard has no clue. How has he been? I noticed half of his team here."

She shifted uncomfortably. He caught that and looked at her intently.

"I figured you only sent the minimum in the reports as we had agreed," he prompted.

"Yes, I was waiting for you to get here."

"Well, I'm here and everyone else is in bed, thank God."

She nodded. Now was as good a time as any. "He's grown stronger in his mental abilities. I have the report here for you. The highlights: they discovered a sort of key or decoder of sorts, plus an AI who is like a historian. Ronon nearly choked John to death and he, in turn, brought Ronon to his knees not once but twice. Rodney is busy working with fine-tuning Atlantis, since John has an even deeper connection and opened up another chamber. We had two scientists die in a freak accident and, despite his abilities John could not rescue them and so, of course, blames himself. Then they went back to the planet with the AI for more info and came in contact with the Wraith and John had the Queen on her knees before she killed herself."

O'Neill let out a soft whisper. "Should make for interesting reading if the cliff notes version is any indication…Don't you all just rest around here; or is your life one action-packed scifi adventure after another?"

She almost laughed. As if he could talk. "No, we do get to rest but once it hits the fan…"

"So now you're worried Sheppard is getting a little too good with the brain power there; and McKay and Ronon have their own issues."

"Yeah, I guess that sums it up. I just thought John would be the very same person. I mean, he is, but it's not the kingly part that has changed him--at least not so far."

"We knew that, mentally, he would grow, Elizabeth."

"He spoke of a darkness. He thinks it was a renegade Ancient whom he believes may have had a hand in the Ori--or some sort of early version of them."

O'Neill did not like the sound of that, but there was no telling where that was going to lead--so worrying was useless. Being aware was more important. "But Sheppard is not evil, Elizabeth. You know that men like him…like me…live with that part of themselves more than the average person because of what we do. He is going to have to go there—to the darkness--to some extent…already has been there because of this galaxy and the vampires you call Wraith."

"I know, but…"

O'Neill sighed. "Trust the process, Elizabeth. He has been put on a path that is daunting. Hell, when I had all the Ancient stuff in my head, I would have been scared to death if I was even remotely aware of what it was doing. Unless something dramatic happens, Sheppard will always choose what is best for others, and Ronon and McKay will come around."

"And you know this because…"

"Because I've been there, because I'm a general, and because I'm Sheppard's cousin," He shrugged as he stood up to leave, "even if it is a gazillion times removed."

oOoOo

"All preparations are ready, your Majesty."

Sheppard nodded. "Thank you, Guardian Shalen. Please tell Saphides and Samsus I will wait for them in the throne room; then grant Atlantis permission to send the delegation through the Stargate."

Shalen bowed slightly. "As you wish, sire," he said and then left.

"I feel like I should have my mess dress on, sir." Lorne said looking at Sheppard, now dressed in formal garb. An attendant was adjusting Sheppard's forest green robe edged in brown velvet with gold and green embroidery. He was under some layers of clothing but, according to Sheppard, it apparently could get worse than this. Another attendant was carrying the crown. Lorne had never before realized how much grace Sheppard had in the way he carried himself. The colonel barely laced his boots when in BDUs; but here he was walking toward the throne with all the authority that he possessed as the sovereign ruler of four worlds. Sheppard turned back and grinned.

"I can find some sort of formal uniform for you to wear major, if you prefer. You are here on leave, not work, although you naturally can't help yourself. BDUs are fine. Lucky you--so don't complain."

"No, sir." Lorne said without envy of Sheppard. No way in hell he would trade places with his commander, not even for the royal treatment. He was going to be off to the side somewhere with the marines, but they were not part of the official greeting party.

"Oh," Sheppard said wryly, "ignore what you hear as well. I don't want it getting around that I am an uppity SOB. Saphides wants me to NOT be Col Sheppard while the IOA reps are here, so we'll see how that works out because sometimes I just can't help myself."

Lorne was not sure what that meant but assumed he would find out. With that, Sheppard had moved off toward the throne and had begun talking to Guardians Shalen and Sarik. Lorne saw the marines and went to stand with them.

oOoOoOoOo

"Welcome, Mr. Woolsey," Samsus said warmly. "It is very nice to meet you in person."

"Thank you, Ambassador Samsus. It is very nice to see you in person as well. Guardian Saphides--a great pleasure. Please let me introduce you to the rest of my team." Sam and Saphides bowed to each member of the IOA.

"General O'Neill and Col. Caldwell, welcome back," Saphides said, genuinely happy to see the general. "I hope you will have plenty of time to enjoy your hobby of fishing. Also, welcome back Dr. Weir and Dr. Beckett. It is always a pleasure to have you visit our lands. And you must be Dr. Daniel Jackson. His Majesty mentioned that you would be accompanying General O'Neill to learn more of our history."

"Thank you, Guardian Saphides. I am very excited to learn more about your culture."

"Please, let us proceed to the castle," continued Saphides, "His majesty is waiting to welcome you."

Woolsey climbed into a carriage of sorts that had been waiting nearby and tried to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the planet. It was lush and green and very fairy tale-like, he supposed. No doubt LaPierre would find something wrong, but Woolsey could see how O'Neill and Caldwell were inclined to return as their escorts. He looked up the path that was lined with small bushes which were blooming with petite flowers of various colors. The scent was pleasant and he could not help but relax despite his nervous nature. La Pierre and Shen were very quiet and were surveying the landscape as well.

They came around a bend and Woolsey caught a better view of the castle. It was white and huge. This was no Buckingham castle, beautiful as that was; this was a castle within a city. He heard La Pierre let out a soft whistle and say something in French…no doubt equally impressed. However, Woolsey understood that they would want more from Sheppard now. He knew that this was no backwoods planet that named Sheppard king because of his gene. No, this was a goldmine and he hoped he could make it work for Earth's best interest as well. He wished he could have come here on his own. He understood the expedition best, and La Pierre and Shen could complicate matters, but he had been overruled.

They pulled into a large courtyard and a number of attendants held the horses while others assisted the entourage out of the carriages. Woolsey noticed that Caldwell and O'Neill looked very comfortable as they joked with someone he heard O'Neill call Eileron. La Pierre, Shen and, frankly, himself did not feel so at ease.

They were lead through the hallways. There were few people and all Woolsey heard were their own light footsteps on what appeared to be marble floors. Saphides approached a great door and two attendants pulled it open. Woolsey saw a several people along the sides of the room lining the path to the throne.

Sheppard looked toward them with a bored curiosity that only he could pull off. Woolsey had to admit that, aside from the spiky hair that barely showed from within the crown, little of the colonel remained. He had an intensity in his eyes that Woolsey had not seen before, and his attire was formal and meant to quickly define his position of authority. He presented an intimidating figure and Woolsey figured that this man before him now was the warrior he had read about but had not seen. He sighed inwardly. This was going to be very interesting and very difficult. Sheppard had the upper hand here, and he knew it and so did the other IOA members.

"King Armentarius, sovereign lord over the people of Ilium, Quidari, Palladin and Arcadia, may I introduce to you and your court Mr. Woolsey, Ms. Shen and Mr. La Pierre of the International Oversight Advisory, which is responsible for the Atlantis expedition team."

Sheppard wanted to laugh. Of course he knew who the hell these people were. He invited them--although against his better judgment. He had a strong urge to read their minds and see what they were thinking; but he did not want to intrude. He stood. "Of course I know who they are, thank you, Guardian Saphides. Welcome Mr. Woolsey, Ms. Shen, and Mr. La Pierre. I hope that this visit will be enjoyable for you and that you will stay for our Festival and Games."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Woolsey said. "On behalf of the IOA, we thank you for your hospitality and hope that we can reach agreements that can benefit both of our worlds."

Sheppard raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Perhaps--if you can answer the question I posed to you weeks ago. But let's worry about that another day. Everyone is anxious to meet you so we have arranged a dinner tonight and then, tomorrow, a ball after the opening ceremony for the Festival of Stars. Of course, you will be my guests of honor. Guardian Sauriko has made arrangements for your stay here and has assigned escorts. He can brief you later. General O'Neill, Dr. Jackson and Colonel Caldwell, I hope you can join me after dinner tonight."

"You can bet on it," O'Neill said with a shrug toward Woolsey.

oOoOoOoOo

"I am so glad that dinner is over," Sheppard said with his boots up on a table. He had a bottle in one hand. His crown and robes had been taken away by Samsus and he looked much more relaxed. Jackson had decided to meet with Samsus instead of having a beer and had excused himself to accompany Samsus to the library.

"You put on quite a show there, Sheppard," Caldwell said with a grin.

"Uh…yes, sir. My "uncles" thought it best that I make my authority very clear to put the IOA on their heels a bit. I know that they are just itching to get their hands on whatever they can."

O'Neill took a sip of his brew and nodded appreciatively. "They want to do what is right for Earth. The Ori scared them a bit, you know."

"Well, we will share what we can but the safety of Pegasus is just as important."

Caldwell looked at Sheppard. "The 'g' suits are a significant improvement in the field but it was a fight to keep them within the US for testing; and the IOA reluctantly agreed to keep them for pilots within the Stargate program so that no one felt disadvantaged."

Sheppard shook his head. "That's what I mean. There is enough suspicion on Earth already--we don't need to add any more trouble what with the Wraith threatening to become an intergalactic enemy like the Goa'uld and the Ori."

O'Neill sighed. "There are always people who want power, Sheppard…everyone except you…or me…but I don't know about you, Steven."

Caldwell laughed. He did not deny his ambition, but he would not trounce on anyone to achieve it--except maybe one John Sheppard a long time ago. He was glad, now, that Weir had fought strongly to get Sheppard promoted. The man's reputation was unfair. Even now, he was still seen as a maverick, albeit a very effective one; but he knew the likes of O'Neill and Mitchell could do equally as audacious acts and not suffer the blows to their reputations that Sheppard had. Well, this discovery of his heritage was the ultimate payback.

"So, how are you going to torture the IOA, John?" O'Neill asked, setting his own bottle down.

"Well, sir, I'm not sure that I can actually torture them…but torment may be okay. I know that they will ask for more than they can have or that we can possibly give; and I doubt they have anything more to offer us than before. So I will offer continual relations between here and Atlantis. Atlantis can represent Earth. Period."

"You know they want to send an Ambassador here."

Sheppard rolled his eyes. "Please, they should send one to the Genii."

Caldwell and O'Neill looked at each other. "Well," O'Neill said quietly, "they aren't worried about the Genii."

Sheppard finished his drink and let the warmth linger in his throat. "Oh," he said quietly, "they want to keep an eye on me, you mean."

"Well, after seeing all this…yeah, they probably will but, to be honest, they were concerned as soon as they found out you were king and that this world was more technologically advanced."

Sheppard sighed and stood up. "And they don't even know the rest."

"No, John they don't, and they must not learn of it or who knows what will happen."

Sheppard smiled, "Guess I'd have to conquer Earth then, sir."

O'Neill laughed and Caldwell smiled. "Just so long as you're on our side."

Sheppard sat down again and looked at them thoughtfully for a moment. "There is something I discovered, but I don't want the IOA to know and I won't put you in a compromising position, so just…"

"Spill it, Sheppard." O'Neill said.

"It's a new weapon isn't it?" Caldwell said, more eager than Sheppard had heard him in a long time.

"No," Sheppard said leaning back more relaxed. "It's a ship. A ship of all ships. A fighter that Evander had built years ago and then hid."

"Sweet," O'Neill said. "What does it do?"

"It does everything the puddle jumper, F-302, and Wraith fighters do, but faster. It carries drones…and it has a hyper-drive."

Caldwell looked at Sheppard incredulously. "Are you kidding me?"

"No sir, I'm not, but there is only one and only I can fly it. However, the ship can carry two co-pilots that, if they have the gene, can also operate it once I activate it. It can also carry a small squad of men."

"A surgical striker." Caldwell said to himself, but Sheppard answered.

"Yes sir, that is my guess. I am finding out more about missions, but I haven't gotten through all the memories yet."

O'Neill looked at him quizzically. "You mean the ship's log."

Sheppard looked slightly uncomfortable but looked the general in the eye. "No, sir. I mean memories. All the missions are stored in the ship and I can access the missions from it but they are like memories from the point of view of the occupants at the time…mostly Evander, but also…Capys."

"Really?" O'Neill said curiously. "Can you, um…can anyone access those memories?"

"I don't know, sir. You might be able to but, if not…I could, well, I could always share them with you."

O'Neill nodded. "Can't say that I'm not curious. Well, I hope once the IOA goes back we can view this ship of yours in a little more detail."

"Absolutely. Another beer?"

Caldwell stood. "None for me, colonel. I have to say that this is really good. Maybe we can take some back with us?"

"As much as you want, sir."

"Well then, goodnight general, colonel" Caldwell said to O'Neill and Sheppard. "Seems that tomorrow will be quite busy."

"Goodnight, Steven," O'Neill said. When Caldwell had left, O'Neill turned to Sheppard. "I'll take one more."

Sheppard nodded and pulled one out of a silver ice bucket next to him.

"So, Weir told me that things have been a bit rough the last couple of months."

O'Neill did not mince words or waste time as there were not going to be any quiet moments between them over the next few days.

"It has been a bit busy," Sheppard said, tentatively.

"Oh, come on, Sheppard. Haven't we been through enough already to not have to pretend to be the strong silent type?"

Sheppard did not say anything for a moment. "Yes sir, we have."

"Fine. I read the reports so you don't have to tell me the details. How are you doing? If you say fine I will demote you to major."

Sheppard almost sputtered the beer in his mouth, but swallowed hard instead. He knew O'Neill would not do that, although…perhaps he could. Certain bigwigs in the Air Force would love for that to happen, no doubt. "I don't know how I am doing, sir."

O'Neill raised his eyebrows at the colonel's honesty. "Okay then. Fair enough. Just trust yourself and your team."

"I will sir, but…"

"I know it doesn't feel right without all of your team here; and that having your superpowers has put a wrinkle in things between you and your team, Elizabeth, and maybe a few others."

"That sums it up."

"You know, Sheppard, it is kind of scary for us, but I trust you--as do they. You'll get this all sorted out. It has only been a few months since you became king of the galaxy."

Sheppard laughed. "Yes, sir. I will try to be patient."

"Good. You know I'm just impressed that your brain hasn't fried with everything that's been downloaded into it."

"No sir, not yet. I am hoping that Dr. Jackson can help me understand Evander, Capys and…"

"Erebus," O'Neill finished. "Elizabeth gave me the non-official report when I got here. Destroyed it, of course."

"Yeah…Erebus."

"Well it is best to know our enemies, and Daniel is good at figuring that stuff out," O'Neill said thoughtfully.

"Yes sir, I thought so."

O'Neill finished his drink and then stood as did Sheppard. O'Neill did a half grin.

"You know, Sheppard, you outrank me here. You don't have to stand."

"I'm still an Air Force lieutenant colonel, sir, and you're still a general."

O'Neill gave him a sidelong glance and a short nod. "When you aren't being a king."

"Yes, sir."

"Good night, son. I'll see you tomorrow,"

"Good night, general."

O'Neill walked to his quarters which was not too far from Sheppard's. Caldwell was just down from him as was major Lorne, who had gone to visit with his squad. O'Neill had heard them talking and had heard Lorne ask how the Imperial Guard was doing. He knew by their conspiratorial tone that Sheppard did not know of this nickname; but he was pleased by their loyalty. O'Neill noted that the IOA members had been quartered on the opposite side of the castle. He entered his quarters and changed for bed. That was when he saw it and realized that he had forgotten to give it to Sheppard. He made a note to ask the colonel why he wanted a football here.

Thanks for reading. Chapter 10 will be coming within a week, will try for sooner!