Chapter 10: Inter-Mission
Jen could not be gone… Evan let loose a volley, the noise deafening as the rounds left his firearm to fly ineffectually into the black sky after the retreating Dart. Staring into the void, listening helplessly as the buzzing receded into nothing, Evan slid down the ravaged hill, darting across the open expanse and between the fire-gutted buildings to the place where he last saw Jennifer.
The buildings still blazed brightly, illuminating the night sky and billowed black smoke high into the heavens. Lungs burning with smoke, Lorne stumbled towards the black medical bag lying abandoned on its side, supplies scattered, littering the cobbled street. Going down to a crouch, he scooped them back into the pack because Jen would be upset if she saw how her equipment was handled. Forcing himself to concentrate, he refused to allow his emotional response to override his duty, and he scanned the street, peering into every deep shadow… to no avail.
Evan's stomach clenched in agony, sinking to his knees with sudden realization, frozen with despair; he hoped his eyes deceived him and Jen would walk around the corner of a dilapidated building … imagining her trembling frame ensconced in torn, sooty clothes running over to him with her tear streaked face so he could catch her in his arms, kiss her face - tell her I love her - something she would never know, captured and taken to a Hive ship to serve as a meal to some nameless Wraith.
XXX
The warning sirens echoed throughout the Gate Room, startling Richard Woosley as he concentrated on a recent report Dr. McKay submitted. Riddled with mind numbing wormhole physics and mathematical equations he could not begin to understand, Richard was determined to get though it before retiring for the evening. Relieved to have his attention elsewhere for the moment, he marched out of his office onto the upper gallery and into the Control Room, about to acknowledge Chuck's "Unscheduled off world activation," with a "Raise the iris," but he was cut off by Chuck's declaration, "It's Major Lorne's IDC."
Expecting a request for more medical supplies, Richard was surprised when Lorne emerged from the event horizon, hair askew, uniform crumpled, and most noticeably without his team or Dr. Keller. The sirens were silenced, but they continued in Richard's head as Lorne's abrupt return spoke of ill news.
The agitated soldier dashed up the grand staircase to meet Richard at the top of the steps. Out of breath and clearly distraught, the words rushed out of his lungs as he reported to Woosley. "Jen was culled."
XXX
Amelia promised Chuck she would relieve him early tonight and she made her way back to the central spire still feeling elated by her time with the passionate Satedan, but seriously annoyed to have her time cut short, she stepped out of the transport and onto the main gallery with sirens blaring – great, what now?
Reaching the railing in a few quick strides, the fluid bubble of the event horizon stretched outward lighting the room in a glacial blue glow. Stepping from the center, Evan Lorne emerged in a rush, practically running down the ramp to the stairs, hurrying to report to Woosley who also dashed to meet the Major. Close enough to hear Evan's ragged breathing all Amelia could understand was "Jen."
Woolsey's eyes flashed with surprise, widening briefly, then with a painful resolve, he grasped Evan's arm and pulled the soldier into the conference room.
It was well known Evan had a 'thing' for Jen Keller, and the normally calm-collected officer's panic was infectious; a knot formed in Amelia's stomach as she raised her hand to activate the receiver/transmitter in her ear and call for Ronon.
"Yeah?" The single breathy word crackled as he was probably already practicing with John.
"Get up to the Gate Room; something has happened to Dr. Keller," she relayed through the device.
"Coming," was all he said. It made her heart wrench since Ronon recently had a 'thing' with Jen Keller, and Amelia was more than a little jealous the Doc got more than her fair share of attention from the male half of the Atlantis Expedition.
No more than a minute passed when John, closely followed by Ronon, jogged through the stairway access door and across the Control Room, headed towards the conference room.
XXX
The stairway was the quickest route to the Control room, and bounding the steps three at a time John and Ronon emerged from the access door to find the light was off in Richard's office. Catching sight of Lorne and Woolsey, Ronon snagged John with his hand and mumbled 'conference room.'
Anxiety built as they dashed through Atlantis's nerve center, John rushing into the conference room demanding an answer. "What the hell's going on?"
Both Lorne and Woosley leapt, turning as one at John's hell bent entry. It seemed others noticed too as everyone out on the catwalk stopped to stare through the doors, anxious to overhear the commotion. Ronon, with his ever-present scowl glared at the rubberneckers, triggering the pivoting doors to close.
John's apprehension grew as he took in Evan's disheveled appearance, shirt un-tucked, twigs and leaves sticking in the pockets of his vest, with dark smudges of dirt on his pants and face, sliding the P90 away from Evan's twitching hands, John repeated his question with less force, eyeing Woolsey, uncertain he would get a coherent answer from Major Lorne.
"What's going on?"
Stepping forward, Woosley eyes darted to Lorne as he motioned Sheppard to come with him. Handing the firearm to Ronon, John followed Richard around the table to the far corner glancing back as Evan slid into a chair.
A thin sheen glistened in Woolsey's eyes, and he slid a glance back to Evan, hesitant to answer the question, his thin lips twitching as he contemplated the Major's reason for an abrupt return. "There was an attack on M2R-938 …"
The sweat on John's skin turned cold, the tension swarming through John's head threatening to break through his calm, he cut over Richard's hesitation, "And?"
Sighing, Woolsey continued as if he couldn't bear to speak, the words torn from his lips. "Dr Keller was taken."
"Taken where?" Ronan asked gruffly.
Pursing his lips together, Richard stared at the big Satedan, towering over John's shoulder. Normally eloquent Woolsey was unable to force the answer past his thick tongue.
When the response was not forthcoming, John countered with his own question, terrified he already knew the answer. "By whom?"
The creaking of the conference chair cutting through the sudden heavy silence drew their collective attention back to Lorne. The Major's eyes were red rimmed and his hands twitched treacherously on the edge of the conference table.
Pulling himself out of his stupor, Evan's voice echoed though the room confirming John's fears. "By the Wraith."
XXX
Making his way to the cafeteria, McKay practically bounced; excited by his new series of calculations, positive he was nearing a breakthrough on the wormhole drive technology the Ancients abandoned. If he could get it to work then the Daedalus could make the trip from Earth in seconds instead of three long torturous weeks. As they were still rationing the energy used to dial Earth, getting the drive to work meant faster supplies, better food, maybe even a getaway with Jen that didn't involve aberrant weather? The thought of her creamy skin and pouting lips brought a crooked smile to his face, and he ducked his head as if someone could read his mind and know he was thinking about her.
Giddy with the idea of spending time away from Atlantis with Jen made him eager to get back to work, but he needed some brain fuel, and Rodney thought an extra helping of chocolate pudding just might do the trick.
The Mess Hall was teaming with activity, and normally Rodney avoided the busiest times, but he braved the crowd for the allure of pudding. Grasping the handle on the refrigerated case, he pulled it open and grabbed the plastic container as Chuck walked over gazing longingly into the desert case. About to say hello, Rodney clamped his mouth shut as Katie Brown's arm snaked around Chuck's shoulder planting a quick kiss on the sergeant's reddening cheek.
All set to ignore the couple, the pang of Katie's un-trumpeted return prickling at his ego, a lively voice rang out over the dinner crowd. "Hi Rodney!"
More than a few heads turned and now unable to slink away from his almost fiancée, Rodney turned to the couple, feeling intensely uncomfortable. "Katie, what are you doing here?"
"Oh well, you know I transferred back to Earth, but Chuck and I started talking before I left … and well, now we're getting married. Isn't that great?" Katie prattled on wiggling her fingers, the fluorescent light catching the diamond of her engagement ring as Rodney's smile thinned repeating 'great' under his breath.
Chuck was now looking just as uncomfortable as Rodney, shifting his weight and cut through Katie's recount of their relationship. "Rodney is seeing Jen Keller now."
"Great!" The bubbly botanist exclaimed. "We should get together and have dinner."
Chuck groaned; he didn't seem to think that was a great idea and neither did Rodney. Both men looked for a reason to get away, and Chuck handed Rodney the means to escape.
"Lorne came back from M2R-938 just before the end of my shift, I think he's talking to Woosley."
Jumping on the opportunity, Rodney exclaimed excitedly, "Oh, Jen is with Evan's team."
Grabbing a second pudding out of the refrigerated case, and lifting the plastic container in a wave, Rodney skirted around the couple with a "see you later" – or not – barely missing Teyla as she rounded the counter leaving the cafeteria. Stopping short, Rodney held the puddings up at his chest.
Though startled, Teyla straightened, glancing over Rodney's appearance and quickly assessing his mood, she threw a jibe at the off-kilter scientist. "Perhaps there are more nutritious food choices if you are that hungry?"
Confused at first, Rodney chuckled realizing she referred to the two chocolate puddings he was protecting. Hooking a thumb behind him with a laugh Rodney explained, "Ah … no, Chuck was just saying Lorne's back."
Teyla leaned to look around Rodney's shoulder, seeing the sergeant there with Katie, her eyes tightened while she nodded thoughtfully, but kept her silence on the subject. Rodney looked distractedly at the puddings, clearly distressed with Teyla's knowing gesture, but she changed the subject.
"And Jennifer should be with his team…"
Perking up at Jen's name, a smile lit McKay's face replacing his anxiety over Katie Brown's reappearance. "Yes, and hence – two puddings."
Teyla's smile widened when Rodney wiggled the containers in front of his chest. "I must speak with Woosley, may I walk with you?"
McKay gestured grandly, and Teyla turned to walk with him, noting the spring in his step, pleased to see the scientist was well over the encounter with Katie Brown.
XXX
Exiting the transport, Teyla and Rodney emerged on the gallery level of the Gate Room. The catwalk was bustling with activity, everyone making a show of not listening at the doors of the conference room. Immediately on edge, Teyla glided among them, scowling at the scandalmongers until they skittered away in shame. Glancing at Rodney, who followed her through the press of bodies still holding the puddings, though less enthusiastically, Teyla drew a breath stealing herself for what they would find behind the closed doors, knowing the mill outside could not accompany good news.
Scanning her slender hand across the interface, the lock recognized her biometric chip, and opened the doors. John's voice arguing with Woolsey echoed out of the meeting room.
The way unexpectedly blocked, Teyla looked up into Ronon's dour face, but when he realized it was Rodney and Teyla he stepped aside triggering the doors to close quickly behind them. Ronon's eyes locked with Teyla's briefly, his troubled look sending tension creeping through her limbs and pounding into her head.
John and Woolsey were seated across the mahogany table from Lorne, all three raised their grim faces to Teyla and Rodney's entrance, John falling silent mid-sentence, pressing his lips together. The anguish ringing John's eyes, tied Teyla's stomach in knots; opening her mouth, the question died on her lips with Rodney's thin and shaking voice.
"Where's Jen?"
Both John and Woolsey sat upright, Richard crossing his arms on his chest and John pursed his lips tighter, hands tightening into fists. Evan's head fell into his hands hopelessly exhausted and out of words to explain his turmoil.
XXX
Rodney's hands shook repeating his question, barely audible. Teyla turned to see McKay's pale face, a thin sheen coating his forehead, he seemed as if someone just pulled the rug from under his feet. If he were not paralyzed with inexplicable terror, Rodney would have sunk to the floor in a hysterical heap.
Ronon appeared, pushing a chair behind his legs with a hand to his shoulder, but he didn't want to sit, he wanted an answer; they were his friends and they owed him that much.
With a pained look to his brown eyes, John's reached out his hand imploring McKay to sit. "Rodney …"
"Where's Jen?" Rodney repeated, this time forceful and distinct.
Pushing the chair back, Richard stood, feeling it necessary to address the scientist man to man. Coming around the table, Woolsey answered, standing face to face with Rodney, steeling himself for McKay's emotional onslaught. "Rodney, Jen was culled."
Legs buckling, Rodney fell backwards, sliding down onto his rump into the chair, uselessly protecting the puddings from falling to the floor.
XXX
Teyla took a sharp breath, only a few days ago standing at the edge the cobblestone street, she waved a quick good-bye to Jen who smiled and called back 'see you in a week or so.'
Knees feeling weak she looked up to meet Ronon's grim face, there was a deep ache behind his eyes, and while he was involved with Amelia, he still harbored strong feelings for Jen Keller. Staring into each other's eyes, Teyla and Ronon both knew a Wraith culling was a death sentence; they swallowed down terror in an attempt to mollify Rodney's growing despondency.
Woolsey slid onto the dark brown table, and his movement seemed to wake McKay from his daze, he sat up straining his neck to look at Richard.
Words rushed from Rodney's near hysterical lips. "Culled … then she could be cocooned on a ship waiting for us to rescue her. We need to get a team together, right now, the Hive could still be in orbit, we can get on it, and John could get a cloaked jumper on board …"
"Rodney …" Woolsey repeated McKay's name twice as Rodney continued to talk over the Atlantis Commander, and when the scientist stopped speaking, hands clamped tight on two containers of chocolate pudding, Richard continued shaking his head. "You know it's a fool's errand, Dr. McKay."
The words deflated the panicked scientist, closing his eyes, the tears slid down his pale cheeks. Ronon placed a hand on Rodney's shoulder, sharing his pain, knowing what it was like to loose a loved one to the Wraith.
John was not ready to accept no for an answer and he stated firmly, "We need to send a team to aid the survivors and as my team is already here." Richard was shaking his head as John continued attempting to exploit Woolsey's soft spot for the Doc. "At least let us go and investigate."
Woolsey sighed, but gave in to John's demands turning to face the soldier. "Fine, do what you need to."
XXX
Days and weeks blurred together into nearly four months, and still Rodney walked the halls in a stupor. John noted McKay's glazed eyes as he made his way across the cafeteria, tray in hand, to sit with the lonely scientist.
Their investigation of M2R-938, revealed nothing; John had even gone so far as to contact several known Wraith worshipers in the hope of getting Todd's attention. But the Machiavellian Wraith Commander ignored the tentative inquiries, especially since it did not suit him to aid the Atlanteans.
John frequently mused over the Doc's disappearance as it was a stark reminder what they were all up against here in the Pegasus Galaxy. No one had the heart to pack up Jennifer's room, and sometimes he walked past the dark door hoping she would emerge with her infectious grin to poke him on the shoulder, wondering what he was doing skating past her room in the middle of the night. Always the younger sister to him, John's heart clenched every time he walked into the infirmary and it was Marie sitting at the CMO's desk.
John sat down at the empty table. "What's up Rodney?"
McKay hadn't even noticed John approach and barely reacted to the spoken words, staring out the window and across the city. Fat drops slid down the windowpane; it was raining again and the gray sky mirrored Rodney's bleak expression. Fidgeting with the plastic fork, Rodney bent it, splintering the plastic in half and tossed it onto a half eaten chicken patty.
"Time heals all wounds … huh? What a crock of shit." Rodney stood, the folding chair scraping against the floor with a loud screech, and walked off.
John watched the depressed scientist disappear around the corner with a sigh. Rodney's life ended when he walked into the conference room that day, clutching two chocolate puddings with a ridiculous smile on his face. Listening to Woolsey's chill voice explaining Jen isn't coming back tore at his soul - I should have said it, but he was too far gone in his own grief to string the words together. Remembering the blood draining from Rodney's face when he realized Jen wasn't coming back, knowing it was the worst moment in Rodney's life as it was the one thing he could not control, the one thing he could not apply his wit to overcome - and John was not able to open his mouth and tell his good friend himself.
Appetite suppressed by his growing melancholy, John pushed away his own tray, and ran his hands through his brown hair. Rodney was right, the depression settling in after Jen's loss had not dissipated, and they all walked around wallowing in perpetual gloominess. It made his hands itchy, waiting for the other shoe to drop and, save infiltrating every known Hive ship, there was nothing left he could do. Jennifer was gone and no amount of wishing was going to make her reappear.
XXX
"What the hell does Ladon want?" John growled in annoyance over the comm.
"I don't know, but could you please come up to the Control Room?" Woolsey's voice echoed in John's ear.
Replying to Woolsey with a reluctant affirmative, John briefly contemplated laying back down and throwing the blankets over his head. Glancing at the clock, the light glowed a steady - 3:18 am. Waking up in the middle of the night to listen to the Genii leader was not on the top of John's to-do list, but groaning, he pushed off the mattress to find some appropriate clothing, and this time he pondered heading to the Control Room in his boxers, which he mused, stick-up-the-butt Woolsey would not appreciate in the least.
T-shirt, pants - covered enough for decency, John headed for the nearest transporter, rubbing the sleepies from his eyes and running a hand through his eternally tousled hair. A quick walk, and he was striding across the catwalk and into the Control Room to be met by Richard's annoyed countenance.
John moaned; Richard was waiting for him in his crisp gray and red uniform, un-rumpled and unfazed by the unholy hour Radim chose to contact Atlantis. The image came to mind of Woolsey sleeping standing up so as not to wrinkle his uniform.
Woolsey's eyes scanned disapprovingly over John's disheveled appearance. "You could have put on your uniform."
Turning and heading out of the Control Room, John followed Richard's abrupt departure wondering where they were going and replying with his usually snarky attitude determined to get the last word on the subject. "I didn't know this was a formal affair … it is three in the morning."
Ignoring Sheppard's sarcastic response, Woolsey led them to the conference room. John hesitated at the threshold as surprise registered on his face when he realized Radim was actually here on Atlantis. There were two armed marines guarding the doors, but the Genii leader was alone when the pair entered the conference room.
Ladon Radim stood, inclining his head to the two Atlanteans. "It is mid-morning on my planet, Colonel Sheppard and thank you for meeting with me on such short notice."
Ladon's smooth voice instantly woke John from the remaining vestiges of sleep and he took the Genii leader's outstretched hand to shake it.
Woolsey was speaking pleasantries as he gestured for the Genii leader to take a seat, something about 'working together' a 'unique opportunity,' but John disregarded the words to study the lone man sitting down to join them. The Genii leader was not listening to Richard's words either, hands out in front of him intertwined, outwardly calm, but the fingers fidgeted; Ladon was eager to relate why he came here and it set John on guard.
Cutting off Richard's speech, Sheppard usurped Woolsey, and asked point blank, "Why are you here?"
Relief spread across the Genii's face, though it quickly disappeared, hidden in eyes gone cold with a grim curve to his mouth. "About a month ago we lost contact with one of our outposts … a team of scientists."
John was hard pressed to care and sat back crossing his arms across his chest.
Ladon continued, noting Sheppard's distrust. "We had regular contact scheduled, and when our team went through the gate they were attacked. One of the scientists managed to return through the gate before it dissipated."
Pulling a folded paper out of his pocket, Ladon past it over to John. Reluctantly, he reached forward and unfolded a black and white photo, creased along the center, the object in the frame was unmistakable, a Hive ship.
"What's your point? You want to attack a Hive ship? Get your scientists back?" John's voice was unforgiving, though he did not harbor a specific ill will against the Genii leader for his capture and subsequent torture by Kolya, the Genii's meddling with the Coalition of Planets almost got him and his team executed. John was not about to do them any favors. Leaning forward, John asked getting straight to the matter, "What does she mean to you?"
Blinking, fingers clenched on the edge of the table, Ladon hesitated over his words, confirming John's suspicions the Genii leader wasn't just motivated in retrieving his scientists for their research. "That doesn't matter, but what does matter is the research they were conducting."
Huffing, John sat back again and eyed Woolsey, who was hiding his grim look by running a finger across his upper lip.
John felt like they were being lured in like a fish, but he took the bait anyway. "And what research were they conducting?"
Ladon was quick to reply, edging forward and folding his hands in front of his chest. "You have heard of the Hoffan plague?"
Richard who had been silent until now replied to Ladon with a curt affirmative.
"Then you know the sickness kills about thirty to forty percent of the victims, but it also leaves those that survive … like a living time bomb."
John and Richard exchanged a look, but allowed the Genii leader to continue without comment.
"Well, we were able to isolate a small protein we believe is the toxin, if we can weaponize the drug, then we could stop the Wraith before they feed on humans … the contact was supposed to bring a synopsis of their research to the scheduled meeting."
Radim's words trailed off, but they could draw their own conclusion, there were rumors circulating the Wraith found a way to identify the presence of the Hoffan drug. Though they had no way to confirm this, it was a disturbing notion the Genii might have inadvertently handed their common enemy the ability to detect the toxin.
Looking uncomfortably at John, Richard addressed the Genii leader. "And what is it you want from us."
"We haven't been able to get a lock on the gate; we have no way of knowing if the Wraith got their hands on the research. You are the only ones that have the means to find out."
"The Travelers -" but John was cut off by Ladon.
"Are not interested. The Travelers can run from the Wraith, but we cannot, and they won't put their ships at risk. We have eluded culling for now although our underground tunnels are not a permanent solution."
Fixing the Genii leader with a glacial stare, John watched as Ladon reached for the abandoned photograph, turned it over and pushed it squarely in front of John's crossed arms. Hand written across the bottom edge … a gate address.
Woolsey eyed the photo. "We need time to consider."
Ladon Radim's eyes tightened again and the haunted look returned briefly as he stood. "Please contact me as soon as you reach a decision."
John and Richard stood as well, Woolsey picking up the photo and hanging back as John escorted Ladon out. Turning down the stairs, the marines followed a respectable distance behind. Both Ladon and John walked in silence as the Gate burst, expanding outward and settling into a shimmering sea rippling across the surface of the event horizon.
The Genii leader hesitated at the apex of the incline taking a slow breath he turned to John. The haunted look was back in Ladon's hazel eyes. "She's my wife."
XXX
Joining Richard in his office, John sat in a chair opposite somewhat unnerved by Ladon's confession - dammit I've lost people too, and he'd just as soon throw us to the Reavers… why should I feel any sympathy for Ladon?
Richard broke through John's introspection, getting the Lieutenant Colonel's attention as Sheppard lounged in the chair, unfocused. "M4R-239 - nothing in the database about this planet except it's uninhabited. For all we know Radim could have a bomb waiting for us if we dialed the planet."
"Yeah, and the Daedalus won't be back for another two weeks." John stated, absentmindedly chewing on his thumbnail.
"Then it will have to wait." Putting the matter aside with the photo, Richard picked up a mug and sipped his tea.
Still distracted, John countered Woolsey's harsh directive. "I think he's telling the truth … Ladon said his wife was on the planet." The look in the Genii leader's eyes gnawed at John's stomach, intimately knowing that feeling of helplessness.
Richard snorted derisively. "That may be, but I'm not going to put us in danger if the Genii are plotting another trap."
John could not fault Richard's argument.