Thanks for the reviews guys and chuffed at the no of hits again, love ya all! Well, Atlantis starts tonight and I am actually bouncing up and down at the thought. Can't wait for the hug! God, I am a sad shipper.
xkawaiix: How freaky is this? Just what you wanted!
Deadly Passion
Chapter 9
3 MONTHS SINCE DISAPPEARANCE
ATLANTIS
"Colonel!" Rodney shouted as he practically jumped out of the event horizon and ran up the steps. Only managing half way up the staircase he slowed down feeling his breath become shallow and scowled as Teyla and Ronon rushed passed him. "Yeah, I'm fine guys!" He waved weakly dragging his feet up the last few steps.
Colonel Caldwell met the team with a worried expression barely noticing McKay jog beside them with a bright red face and gasping for air. "What's going on? Did you meet hostiles?"
"No, the inhabitants were actually very helpful, Colonel." Teyla told him excitement in her eyes. "Dr McKay showed a villager a picture of Dr Weir and Colonel Sheppard-"
"She recognized Sheppard!" Rodney burst in hope lighting up his face.
"Really?" A shocked Caldwell asked.
"Yes." Ronon stated, allowing a small smile to appear. "Apparently Sheppard has visited the planet three times in the past two weeks."
Teyla picked up the story. "Since the planet is a meeting place for various cultures she has seen him meet with others. On this last occasion she noticed him leave with a box but knows nothing else."
Caldwell nodded as he took in the information and gestured to Weir's office. "Let's talk in my…Dr Weir's office." He stuttered avoiding Rodney's accusing eyes.
Once inside the door slid shut and Caldwell perched on the desk. "So, we can assume Colonel Sheppard will return to the planet?"
"I think so." Rodney said wringing his hands together impatiently. "The woman said she could point out the men he met with and maybe we could find out where he came from or who has him."
The three teammates watched Caldwell carefully as he thought over Rodney's plan. A grim expression appeared on his face causing the team to dread his answer. "We could do that doctor. But here's my concern…if Colonel Sheppard is roaming free, meeting with others…why has he not attempted to contact us, or even one of our allies?"
Rodney opened his mouth to respond but then closed it realizing the man was right. Thankfully Teyla came up with a reason, "Perhaps he has no means to communicate. He may have escaped and has no radio or is doing the work for someone else."
"Maybe." Caldwell said but still looked unsure. "But he could easily have dialed the alpha site as we have no iris there-"
"Does it matter!" McKay cried receiving a warning glare from Caldwell, which he ignored. "The point is we have found a lead after three months Colonel! Just because you've settled into Elizabeth's job-!"
"That is not the case Dr McKay!" Caldwell bellowed fury flashing in his eyes. Teyla and Ronon merely stood in silence having experienced several of these arguments since their friends had gone missing. "Despite what you may think of me I do not wish to lose Dr Weir or Colonel Sheppard! I am only-"
"Playing devil's advocate?" Rodney snapped clenching his fists.
The two men had a stare off and it was now Teyla had notice the entire control room was watching with either worried or curious stares. Taking a deep breath Teyla placed a gentle hand on Rodney's arm and advised, "Perhaps we should visit the infirmary. Give the Colonel sometime to think over a plan of action." When Rodney didn't move she tried again, "Arguing is not going to get them back doctor. We have to work together."
Finally McKay's tense form relaxed slightly and with one final angry glare he marched out of the glass office ignoring the other personnel's stares and whispers. Caldwell glanced at Ronon and Teyla declaring, "I do want them back. I just think there is more going on than meets the eye concerning Sheppard and that we need to be careful."
Ronon simply grunted and walked out leaving only the Athosian who gave him an understanding smile, "I know Colonel. But after three months of their absence this is the only lead we have found."
Caldwell almost chuckled at her Earth-like phrase. "Yes, it is. That's why I'll come up with a rescue plan…hopefully if we find Sheppard we will also find Dr Weir." He said quietly knowing that no news of her whereabouts was a very bad sign.
"Hopefully." Teyla agreed sadly.
Two hours later the flagship team were sitting in the briefing room along with Major Lorne's group waiting for Caldwell.
"He better have done something about a rescue plan." Rodney grumbled munching on a power bar.
Teyla's eyes roamed over the other team as she replied, "I think this is why Major Lorne's team is here Dr McKay."
At this remark Lorne looked up with a confident smile. "Don't worry, we'll get them back." He received three hesitant but grateful smiles just as Caldwell entered carrying a folder.
"Right." He announced sitting down. "As you can see I am wanting both teams on this so we have a decent chance of succeeding with this rescue plan. Now, Teyla reported something about ruins not far from the main village."
"Yes, that is correct." She said. "Very extensive."
"Now, as we have no idea of when Sheppard will return we will use these ruins as our excuse to remain on the planet. As soon as you set up camp I want Teyla's team to meet with this woman again to identify the men she saw talking with Sheppard. Once you've spoken with them hopefully we will gain some information on his whereabouts or intentions." Caldwell reeled off watching his people nod, even McKay who looked slightly happy with the plan. "Each team will take a night to watch over camp-"
"But-" Rodney tried to cut in before being stopped by Caldwell.
"I understand you want to be there doctor but we may need you on Atlantis." He said diplomatically trying to avoid another confrontation. "And at least this way you will get a decent bed every second night and slightly better food."
The entire room seemed to watch Rodney for his reaction and let out a silent breath as he nodded once, but still donned a frown. Seeing his silence as a good sign Caldwell concluded the session by ordering both teams to set up camp and then for Lorne's team to return before nightfall. Ensuring everyone knew their orders Caldwell dismissed them and called to Teyla. "I am going to assign Sergeant Stackhouse to your team so you have a four-man team, Teyla."
Teyla nodded and followed the rest of her team, her mind in overdrive about what may happen in the next few days.
A/N: Again, tried to make Caldwell seem kind of decent, as I was a complete bitch to him in another fic.