Chapter 10- point of origin part 1

Colonel Sheppard bit into a sandwich as he sat in the pilots chair of Jumper 11, they were cloaked and sitting motionless in an area of space that seemed devoid of life. There were no nearby planets or a space gate.

Beside him Tayla looked like she was sleeping. In the back Ronon sighed heavily, he was not used to just sitting still and waiting. "It looks like nothing is going to happen", Ronon stated for what was at least the 20th time. Sheppard's response to that was usually, "let's wait a little longer", however now he was just bored with this whole exercise. 'I think you are right Ronon, its time to return to Atlantis and tell Caldwell that there is nothing at these coordinates".

These were the coordinates Major West had gotten out of the Ancient ships Victory's log. Sheppard had volunteered to lead a mission to investigate. He had not taken Major Donald West, because he did not want to put the Major in possible danger without knowing more about what they faced. Now it seemed like the answer was nothing. But John suspected there was more going on here than was immediately obviious. The Ancient man Cellin, had taken over Atlantis with a force of bogus Ancients and demanded they hand West over. He was, according to them an ancient named Braxia who had been responsible for war crimes during the final battle between the wraith and the ancients. Cellin had disappeared through the stargate to an unknown destination.

Initially John had hoped that the coordinates led to Cellin's hiding place. But that theory had now been proved incorrect. Colonel Caldwell had a theory too, that the seizure of Atlantis had been a test of West's abilities. He had passed that test, which in Cladwells mind, made the theory he was an Ancient more plausible.

West vehemently denied being an Ancient. He felt uncomfortable with the abilities that made him able to sense wraith thoughts and only slightly more comfortable about the fact he could also influence ancient technology. There were still no clear answers available for West ,a fact he would find frustrating. He would prefer to return to Earth. But it was a possibility that was becoming increasingly less likely.

The Major would nervously be awaiting their report. Now this part of the mission was not a success they'd have to move to phase two, which was actually taking the Major with them in a Jumper to these coordinates. It was possible that it was his presence that would prompt a response, though Sheppard suspected that phase two would also fail. Most likely they needed the Major and the Ancient cruiser to make something happen. That was why McKay was trying to get the cruiser functional enough to ensure they'd be safe. Thinking through all of that had giving him a headache. John turned to the others ,"let's get back home", he told Teyla and Ronan as he powered up the jumpers engines.

Back in Atlantis, Major Donald West was walking the corridors of the ancient cruiser. He followed Doctor Rodney Mckay, a man who , was in his opinion, more annoying than Doctor Smith. McKay was brilliant, but also erratic and not great with people. He treated him like he was some lab rat he could prod, poke and jump through hoops. Even though he found it annoying Don was not complaining. That was because he was sure that eventually they would disprove the theory he was an Ancient. He had also decided that a change in attitude was necessary, it was time to stop being the abrasive pain in the ass and be a good soldier. During the take over of Atlantis his plan had caused his best friend, Evan Lorne to be severely beaten by the bogus Ancients. Don had apologised to his friend for that and Evan had reassured him, "Don, I don't blame you. All of this has been very challenging." Evan had reached out and given him a firm handshake. Don had found though that his friend acted subtly different around him. He had not challenged him about the change yet, he was just going to alter his own attitude first and see if that made a difference.

So instead of telling Caldwell to stuff his orders out of the nearest airlock Don was 'helping' Rodney McKay onboard the Ancient cruiser . Even though there were personal scattered around the ship, it still seemed eerily quiet. It was like death had left a permanent mark upon this ship. He had checked the ships logs, using his 'freaky' ability to read ancient, and tried discover the cause of the deaths of the ancient crew. There was nothing.

That was one of the answers Mckay was trying to find, as he worked on making the cruiser serviceable enough for them to use. Most of the systems of this ship had already been failing when Cellin brought it to Atlantis. If this ship had been in a car yard trying to be sold, Don would have described it as a lemon.

He shivered again, this ship seemed to be perpetually cold, despite all the machinery and people . He noticed that ahead of him Mckay also shivered. The doctor was jumpy and mumbled to himself constantly. "Do you feel anything ", McKay asked again as he lead the way past another row of Ancient consoles. He'd always given McKay the same answer to that question and now the scientist asked it like he was trying not to yell at him. Don was about to tell him 'no' again, when he felt warmth settle over him.

McKay, grumbled to himself as he stamped past the consoles. So far this had proved to be 'tiresome , instead of the amazing scientific discovery journey he had been expecting. West was absolutely no help at all, not one console had so far activated because of his presence. Even the idea that this man could be an Ancient was absolutely ludicrous in his mind. Yet West did possess some abilities he had no idea even existed. But finding answers about those abilities was frustratingly elusive. In his mind he was dissecting West and examining his brain. Of course talking to anyone about what he was thinking would just cause them to look at him in disgust. It was just scientific curiousity and nothing else. He became aware of the fact that West had not answered him yet. So he repeated the question louder just in case the major had not been listening.

Still no answer . It was time to release the yell, that he had restrained all afternoon. "Will you answer me", he snapped out loudly as he turned toward the young major. His voice choked off as he looked at Don's face. There was no expression there and his eyes were simply staring at nothing. When McKay waved his hands in front of them, he did not even blink. All thoughts of boredom faded , this had not happened before.

McKay pushed away the fear that had risen, Don phased out like that when he was sensing the wraith. Moving forward slowly, so as not to provoke a violent response, he reached out to touch the Major's skin. It was not icy like he'd expected, but warm. That meant he was not sensing the wraith. Rodney relaxed a little. He shook the hand he was touching slightly.

"What", Don suddenly became aware of the fact Rodney McKay was standing directly in front of him and touching him. "You did not respond when I asked you a question Major", Rodney explained. "It looked like your mind was elsewhere".

Don took a moment to look around him, to get his bearings, and remember he was on board the Ancient cruiser. Seconds ago though, he had been somewhere else, well not literally of course of else McKay would be doing more than staring at him. "I was, he admitted, "on this beautiful beach". He looked McKay in the eyes, "I was not woolgathering Doctor, because that beach was not one from either this planet or Earth, they don't have purple skies". Don pushed McKay's hand off his own and stepped around the Doctor boldly, he looked over the mass of Ancient consoles, "the one is active", he told McKay, pointing at a small octagon shaped console, "its where the illusion, or whatever I felt, came from".

Rodney, stepped forward and ran his scanner over the console. He looked at the results, "well this says that console is as dead as the others", he told West. Don ignored that and reached out his hand and touched the console.

McKay, watched as his scanner picked up the sudden burst in activity. He hurried to do an analysis on the console. Major West had that phased out look again and McKay swallowed, he was again seeing his mutant ancient gene in action".

Hurriedly Rodney scanned the console, trying to ascertain its purpose. There were waves of energy coming from the console ,they were fairly low in force and at the moment only directed toward Major West. The energy waves, had a pattern Rodney recognised, REM sleep, so perhaps what was being projected into Major West's mind was a dream.

So the console was effectively a dream machine. Maybe it was designed to relax the Ancients, who would have had a lot of complex thoughts running through their brains. "Okay Major ,you can stop interacting with it now", Rodney remarked loudly as he took West's hand off the console.

Don had been on the beach again, enjoying a short stroll across the dark brown sand. He felt a new vigour on his mind, like he'd been to sleep for many hours. "I think this replaces the need to sleep", he told Rodney. "That would certainly be useful in battle conditions, especially if you were fighting the wraith." With just a couple of seconds contact, you feel amazing", he smiled at Rodney.

"Well I don't think Beckett would approve of long term use without studying the effects. We have discovered some nasty side effects from some of the Ancient devices.", Rodney told him. He did n't think this particular console would be of use to them. Typical, they again made no progress, their were still no active weapons systems and the drive was barely functioning .

Rodney sucked in his frustration . He had to focus on what needed to be done and not hope for a shortcut, by using Major West's abilities. ""Okay, lets move on and forget about these Ancient consoles. I have to help work on the jump drive". John and the others are due back from Stage one very soon"

Don just nodded. Soon it would be time for him to get involved in the mission. "If you want a break, I'd get one now", Rodney told him as he grabbed a snack bar from his pocket and began to devour it quickly. That was another thing ,he'd discovered about McKay, he was always hungry. He'd had his break only one hour ago and was now eating again.

"I'm going to meet my wife at infirmary", Don told Rodney. Judy had actually fainted twice yesterday and Don had made her promise to go and see Beckett.

Without waiting for a response from McKay Don hurried out of the flight deck and along the cool corridors to the hangar bays. The ugly little jumper was waiting him there. He could fly them effortlessly, with just a touch of his mind. Yet he preferred to fly it manually, because he wanted to feel like it was him and not the alien machinery that had ultimate control. John Sheppard, had assured him that they did know what technology in the jumper could do. But he could never be sure what his mutant gene might awaken. He did not want to prove Colonel Sheppard wrong.

It was only a short flight back to the city .As soon as he was back in the corridors of Atlantis he felt warm again.

He hesitated at the doors to the infirmary ,trying to shake of all the memories of pain this place invoked. Finally he felt ready to boldly walk through the doors. He saw Judy lying on one of the beds and hurried her way. When he got close to her, he could clearly see tears running down her face. He felt a sudden lump in his throat, she looked like she'd had some distressing news.

Don stood at the side of her bed and picked up her hand. She would not even look at him, he noted. "What's wrong darling ", he asked shakily. Judy just sniffed loudly ,her eyes down toward the bed and not on him. Her hand was limp within his own and did not move when he stroked it gently. Looking around the infirmary Don saw Doctor Beckett, smiling broadly as he approached. That expression, was puzzling. "Hello laddie", Beckett greeted. "Doctor Beckett, Don replied . He frowned at the doctor. "What's wrong with my wife", he asked.

Beckett looked over at Judy West, who had a tear streaked face. It did look like she'd had some distressing news. Carson smile widened, this news was more surprising than distressing. "Congratulations Major ,you are going to be a father', he told Don. "What", Don thought he was not hearing correctly. He stared down at his wife, "I thought that was not a possibility, because of the birth control", he spluttered. Now Judy looked up at him and she did not have a smile upon her face, "so its my fault', she grumped, "I think it takes two Don."

Don stared Judy sounded angry, he knew they had not planned to have a child for a few years. He looked over at Beckett and demanded, "how did this happen Doctor, I thought those contraceptives were full proof". Now Carson could not help a little bit of teasing toward Major West, "I am sure you know how it happened Major", he said. "You are right though the contraceptive has never failed before. It is both an interesting medical and scientific puzzle. There is another first there for you and your wife Major".

Carson wondered if the pregnancy was yet another case of the Major's mutant gene causing something unusual to happen. He was not about to put the couple through extra stress by putting them through a barrage of tests to find out the answer. In fact it was better if he just gave them some privacy.

Don was still feeling rather stunned, when Judy sobbed again, he realised she was probably misinterpreting his silence. "Judy it is unexpected, but I am happy about being a dad". "I know this, he gestured around him, is not the place we wanted to raise children, but it is also not a terrible place". There are a lot of people here who will support us".

Judy stopped sobbing, she too had been feeling shocked. With Don caught up in the middle of the Lantean's war with the wraith, there was a lot of uncertainty. He was right though, Atlantis was not a terrible place. There also were many people who would offer to help them. She relaxed partially and squeezed Don's hand. Don moved to putting his arms around her tightly. She put her head on his shoulder. They held each other.

Carson did not disturb them. He knew it would only be a matter of minutes before the Major was called away ,so this time together was precious.

Indeed it was only 20 minutes later that John Sheppard brought Jumper 11 back into the bay. He met Colonel Caldwell and Elizabeth in the conference room a few minutes later. "Nothing happened, he told them. That region of space could be labelled boring ville". Colonel Caldwell had to restrain a sigh then, this type of debriefing was typical Sheppard. He forged ahead in his no nonsense voice, "so we proceed to stage 2 and take Major West with you to the same location", he stated

They had discussed this before, but it always paid to repeat things with Sheppard just to make sure he was going along with the plan. "Actually Sir", Sheppard began..."typical, though Caldwell, he is not going along with the plan, that is hardly unexpected. "Why don't we just jump ahead to stage 3 and take Major West and the Ancient cruiser. If something is going to happen at those coordinates it is likely the Major and the ship that will cause that reaction".

This was familiar territory too, Caldwell had dismissed this idea already. But this was another Sheppard trait, to push his luck. "We are being cautious Colonel Sheppard, with both of them, Caldwell reminded him. "As you know I am not sold on the idea of using the Ancient cruiser in this manner. We will need it for the war with the wraith".

"We also need allies Colonel, Elizabeth reminded him. She had felt like Caldwell was now giving her the cold shoulder ,as this was a military mission. He was like that. Elizabeth felt like she struggled to assert her opinion each time Caldwell came to Atlantis and was in charge of a mission.

"If you are thinking of Cellin Doctor Weir, he has shown that he is not willing to help us", Caldwell reminded her. "There could be other Ancients , ones who would be willing to share their knowledge. We still don't know what half of the technology within Atlantis does Colonel. For all we know there could be something here that will help us in our fight", Elizabeth spoke passionately .

She was right about allies ,the wraith had an extraordinary amount of numbers on their side, as well as being very hard to kill. The wraith could discover their location at any time and bring a massive force down upon them. He imagined it would be like the last battle between the Ancients and the wraith. Only they would not have all the fire power that the Ancients possessed at that time. If there were more Ancients out there to help with this fight, then they needed them on their side. He followed that thought along. Surely if it came to a choice between siding with lesser beings , like humans or letting the galaxy be overrun by wraith, Ancients would chose humans. They could not all have the attitude of Cellin.

Caldwell gritted his teeth. He could see them looking at him expectantly. "Alright then, lets skip ahead, to stage three" , he decided. Sheppard, he noted stood up immediately ,he had been waiting for this response, instinctively knowing they had few choices.

"I will inform Major West about the change. We will be ready to leave shortly", Sheppard told Caldwell.

He hurried down the corridors to the Jumper bay, so he could fly up to the Ancient cruiser. Ronan and Teyla would also be coming along for the mission. They were awaiting him at the jumper bay. Donald West was standing at their side .His eyes looked a little red, like he'd be rubbing them . Sheppard regarded him seriously, "are you alright', he asked.

Don was not ready to share his most recent news with Sheppard yet. Apart from Beckett there was only one other person he'd told. Before leaving the infirmary, he'd gone to visit Evan. He was almost ready to be discharged and looked bored as he lay on the bed. When Don stood by his side, his eyes shifted from the ceiling to his eyes. Evan noting the tears asked the same question as Sheppard. He looked concerned. "I am going to be a father", Don told him. It is unexpected news Evan, and not great timing considering I am about to leave on a mission." Don took a breath, Evan was still looking at him. "I want to ask you to look after Judy while I am gone and, Don stuttered his voice suddenly dry, "after that if I don't come back", he added. Evan immediately grabbed his hand, he did not try to make Don take back those words or tell him there was nothing to worry about, that would not be truthful. All he could do was say, "of course I will Don. ".

"I really value our friendship Evan ", Don told him earnestly. Then he departed leaving Evan staring after him.

"I am ready to begin the mission sir", was all he said to Sheppard. The Colonel studied him, then asked, "difficult farewell Major". Don nodded at that. Sheppard looked pensive, "having family here has its issues Major. " Let's gets this mission underway so you can get home to your wife again".

Don actually surprised himself by smiling at that, Sheppard was not a defeatist, he had pulled off missions that many would say were doomed to fail. He was in the best of hands.

They flew back to the cruiser and were met by an anxious McKay. "I thought we'd have more time", McKay stated as soon as he saw them. "You did say that the ship is functional enough for this journey', Sheppard reminded him. "It is functioning, but barely. All the work I have been doing has not improved this ships state. I cannot guarantee that the engines won't give out at some point', McKay said."We can also not rely upon the hyperdrive, it remains non functional and we do not have the parts necessary to make repairs. This ship is in a sorry state Colonel".

"I am sure you can find a way to manage any crisis we encounter", Sheppard said calmly. He was again relying on McKay's expertise . McKay puffed up a little then, compliments always helped motivate him and Sheppard knew this.

They strolled up to the bridge. Teyla and Ronan were quiet ,awed by the mass of technology around them. This was an impressive ship. In its prime it would have made the wraith shiver in fear. Now they just might scan it and laugh heartily. It was a sorry shadow of its former self. Previously the Daedulus, would have looked like a old jalopy next to a sleek racing car, now their ship was the more powerful of the two.

The Daedulus would be shadowing them and making sure they were not flying into a trap. It might have to defend them if that happened.

"Major", Sheppard pointed toward the Captain's seat. He was trying for an advantage they had, and letting Major West captain this ship, was one of those. He could have his own turn later. Admittedly though, something inside of him hesitated at that thought. This ship was one stained by death and that was never a good omen.

Don settled down in the seat. "Proceed to the coordinates", he ordered.

Rodney activated the drive and the mighty ship began its journey. It took merely seconds to arrive at the coordinates. Don wiggled nervously in the Captain's chair, awaiting the moment something would happen .

He was still waiting hours later. "So maybe they were just random coordinates, meant to waste our time ", Ronan remarked.

"Perhaps, though I really don't see the point in that", Sheppard mused. "We have to wait a little longer before declaring this mission a failure. He looked over at Don, "why don't you get some rest now Major". I will have a shift in the Captain's chair'.

Don slid out of the chair. He headed down the corridor toward the crew accommodation. They had found skeletons in many of these rooms, so they did not appeal that much as places to rest. One though had been empty and Don made his way to that room. The bed now had new linen upon it and when he sat down, it felt comfortable. Not bothering to change out of his uniform , Don placed his legs up on the bed . He intended just to rest.

As soon as he closed his eyes, he found himself back on the alien beach, walking upon the sand. He must be dreaming. Moving down to the water's edge he dipped his feet into the water. Cold assailed him, as the water sunk into his shoes and onto the bottom of his trousers. It felt so real.

He splashed for awhile, enjoying the quiet solitude of the beach. After awhile he became conscious of the fact, he could hear more than just the waves. Sea birds circled around him, screeching loudly. They were an alien type of bird, larger than most of those on earth. One of them landed before him, and stretched out its head, beak forward and open in a challenging manner. Suddenly this beach did not feel so peaceful. The other birds were landing now and encircled him.

It was time to wake up from what was now turning into a nightmare. Don tried to force himself awake, but it did not work.

The birds were coming closer . He held out his hands palm upward, "shoo, go away", he told them. They flapped their wings, but did not retreat. One reached out its beak and pecked his hand hard. Don felt pain blossom. He pulled his hand away and looked down to see blood dripping from his palm. It looked very real. He knew this was the point when you would awaken from many nightmares. But he still did not.

The bird shot out a large tongue and licked his blood from its beak. If they were carnivorous then he was in serious danger, they could rip him apart in seconds. The one who had pecked him let out a loud screech, that made him cover his ears.

As the bird screeched the sand rose up in a swirling maelstrom . Don backed away slowly, keeping his eyes upon the birds. They seemed passive now, just watching him. The sand maelstrom picked up in intensity, then suddenly died away to reveal four people. They stared at him, "hello Braxia", they greeted.

"No, that's not my name", Don protested quickly. The were all dressed in white, and looked like angels come to claim him . One woman stepped forward , toward him, "it may not be the name you bare now, but it is the one you were born with". She held out her hand, "come home now Braxia".

"No, I won't Don", yelled. He tried once more to force his mind awake . Perhaps it had not worked before because he was panicking .This time he went slowly picturing the image of the Ancient cruiser in him mind.

John Sheppard jumper when all the consoles on the bridge suddenly lit up. "Umm Rodney, what's going on", he asked. "They were all dead Colonel", Rodney protested. "Yeah, well now they are not", Sheppard mumbled. Rodney checked the readings and swallowed, "these ones are the not only consoles that now bare active signatures. The whole damn ship, is alive with signatures. I am afraid the largest one comes from the hyper drive".

"You said it would never function ", Sheppard accused. "Maybe never was an exaggeration ", Rodney told him ."It has definitely powered up and if I am not mistaken, is about to take us somewhere".

Sheppard, pressed the button in front of him in response to that, "Major West, the ship's hyperdrive is active, can you get it to turn itself off. We are about to be flung goodness knows where.".

Silence was all he got.

Rodney do something", Sheppard begged. Rodney raced to the door intending on running all the way to the engine room. Unfortunately the drive activated before he could even open the door.

"I am not Braxia and I am not going anywhere ", Don told the group of four people. "We wondered if we would get this response ,you have forgotten much. But not to worry, we will help you remember. We now have control of the cruiser. You will be home soon".