Chapter Nine
"All's fair in love and war"
Atlantis Station
Jack Talbot was the first to notice strains of music, coming from the Siren Song as the doors opened. He glanced at Cindy, who smiled, then at Ace, who shrugged. Zellar didn't seem to notice, his sights were trained on the three people standing in front of the Jukebox. As Talbot listened to the song, his gaze fell on Kristin, she looked so frail and helpless, and he'd never seen her like this before. Jack realized she had played this song just for him. He had to admit it fit what he was feeling.i
"I look out my window, at the world I once owned--
And I see it's still spinnin' round . . .
Somewhere above me, a light I once knew--
No longer shines through the clouds . . .
That's somebody else's moon tonight--
Those are somebody else's stars--
They're no longer mine, cause somewhere tonight . . .
You're in somebody else's arms--"
Talbot caught Ace's eye. Ace nodded and moved behind the bar and fingered the sound control on the Jukebox. Turning it down, so it played more in the background. But as he watched Zellar, advance on Bridger, Kristin, and Crocker, he realized everyone, except for Zellar, were listening to the song.
"I remember the wishes, we made in the night . . .
When dreams were supposed to come true--
Well I do, cause you proved, the stars in my eyes . . .
As you softly promised the moon . . .
That's somebody else's moon tonight . . .
Those are somebody else's stars . . .
They're no longer mine--
Cause somewhere tonight--
You're in somebody else's arms . . .
They're no longer mine--
Cause somewhere tonight --
You're in somebody else's arms . . .
The song ended, as Jack watched Bridger protect Kristin from Zellar.
"What a pleasure it is to see you again, Doctor. I'm sorry, you're feeling so unwell." Zellar spoke his voice, laced with malice. "Oh what a nasty bruise." Zellar cooed, reaching up to within inches of Kristin's face. She shrank back against Bridger. Horror and revulsion creasing her face.
"Back off, Zellar." Bridger demanded, taking step forward, pushing Kristin behind him into Crocker's arms.
"Of course, Captain. I wouldn't want to cause the Doctor anymore, undo stress." Zellar cooed, as he stepped back from the pair. Cindy picked that moment to go to her Mother. Crocker stepped aside to allow mother and daughter to embrace.
"Oh Momma, I'm so sorry." Cindy sobbed.
"It's alright, Cinny. Its not you fault." Kristin soothed, smoothing Cindy's hair back. Cindy looked into her Mother's eyes, she saw something there, and something she didn't quite understand. Sensing Cindy's scrutiny, Kristin reacted, letting long suppressed weakness overcome her.
"Mom!!" Cindy exclaimed, thinking that Kristin was going to faint, quickly put a arm around her waist in support.
"I'm alright, I just need to sit down for a moment." Kristin assured Cindy. As Cindy helped Kristin to a chair, Talbot made a move toward her. But Ace held him back.
"Jack don't, she doesn't need to deal with you now." Ace whispered to him. Talbot looked to Kristin, then back to Ace and slowly nodded. As he watched Bridger and Cindy hover around Kristin.
"Yeah, I guess, there's not much I can do for her, can I?" Talbot whispered back to Ace, his voice heavy with resignation, as he observed Bridger confront Zellar.
"Alright Zellar, I think it's time you told us, what you want."
"Yes Captain, I believe your right." Zellar concurred. "What I want is simple, your ship Captain. I want the seaQuest."
"You're crazy, Zellar. There's no way. Not after the stunt you pulled the first time you were onboard." Bridger told him, taking up a commanding stance. "I am not going to be responsible for the death of innocents."
"I'm sorry, Captain, but it seems you already are responsible for one death. If you don't give me, what I want, there will be more innocent deaths." Zellar proclaimed with malevolence.
"What the hell, do you mean by that? What death, and how I responsible?" Bridger demanded.
"He means, one of our Security men. Phil Knutson had the misfortune to be the one to try and put up a fight, when Zellar took over. Miller shot him. He was just a kid not much younger than Cindy was; too young to understand, that guns couldn't always fight your battles. Right, Zellar--"
"That will do, Commander." Zellar stopped Talbot, by taking a threatening step toward Cindy and Kristin. When Talbot backed off, Zellar continued. "You see Captain, when the UEO thought, they would do the world a favor, by executing me. I was able to call in several high-placed favors, through Mr. Miller, my mindless man-at-arms. Of course, it was through him, that I was removed from my deep-freeze. Also that, I was able to tap into the UEO internex and seaQuest computer, thus I was able to bring you to where, I could execute my plan of revenge, using the good Doctor." Zellar motioned for Talbot to continue.
"When Zellar arrived at Atlantis, he poised as one, Doctor Albert Boyer. Miller and other man, Price, accompanied him, supposedly they were replacement support personnel. So, we saw no threat until it was to late." Talbot explained, his face wearing a pained expression, as he avoided the gazes of Kristin and Bridger. He walked past them to stand in front of the window, and proceeded to tell them the rest. "Well, it wasn't long before people started to disappear, including my Chief of Security and Medical Officer. Soon, in the space of two nights, only Ace, Cindy, Jake, and myself remained at large; although, we didn't know it at the time. When Zellar heard you were enroute, he dropped the Boyer façade and took over the station. Zellar had already learned who Cindy was before he came here and he used her against you, Russ." Talbot stated, finally turning to look at Kristin.
Kristin just sat there for a moment, meeting Talbot's gaze squarely. Then slowly, turned blazing, sable eyes on Zellar. She felt Nathan's hand squeeze her shoulder and Cindy, who was on her knees before her, grip her hand tightly. Then as, Kristin started to rise from her chair, the people surrounding her backed off slightly. Then she stood, gathered her strength and rising to her full height, faced off with Zellar.
On Kenzie-West, Katie Hitchcock stood back and contemplated the strange contraption in front her. This has to work, she thought, it just has to. She unclipped her PAL from her belt and called O'Neill.
"Hitchcock to O'Neill. Tim, are you there?"
"Yes, Commander." O'Neill acknowledged.
"How are things going up there?" Katie asked.
"Not too good, Katie. I just can't get in. I need Doctor Westphalen for that, the code is keyed to her voice imprint or her Father's. There's nothing more I can do, without it." O'Neill explained.
"Alright Tim, then get yourself down here. We could use your help with our little project." Katie ordered.
"Right, on my way Commander." O'Neill said and signed off.
Katie sighed and replaced the PAL on her belt. She saw Miguel Ortiz and William Shan eyeing her with dubious looks.
"So, you boys think, this is going to work?" Katie asked, returned their looks.
"Well, if it doesn't. We made this little trip for nothing." Noted Shan.
"Then let's do it. Double check the ropes." Katie ordered. Just as Tim O'Neill appeared at her side. "Tim, you on the other side with Will. Miguel with me. Then on three." Katie gave the jury-rig of ropes, hoists, pulley the once over. She prayed that with crude block and tackle, they would have enough leverage and strength, to move the Seabase Transport, the few feet they needed to gain access to the underground Mag-Lev. "Alright boys, ready. 1-2-3. Now!!" It moved!! Ever so slightly. "Okay again. 1-2-3. Now! Pull Guys-- That's it. She's moving . . . a little more . . . more . . . there. We got it!!"
"Yes! Alright!" Ortiz, Shan and O'Neill echoed. Slapping each other on the back, and hugging Katie. After a moment, they stepped back from each other and moved to hatch, which was the entrance to Hades. Katie motioned to O'Neill who pulled out his Com-Pac. Then he keyed the unlocking code sequence, a single word. Which made him, laugh aloud at pure simplicity of it. It was a slang synonym for Hades "Hellhole". After a few seconds, the air-tight seal of the hatch was released, and they were able to lift off the hatch and gaze into the blackness, which was Hades.
On Atlantis, Level 2, Section A, Ben Krieg was growing impatient. Jake Talbot was taking too long. At that moment the lab door opened and Jake motioned Krieg inside. Krieg barely made it before the surveillance camera swung back to the door. Once inside him found himself surrounded by people, 3 women, and 3 men. They were a bedraggled lot. Jake was about to introduce Krieg when he realized, he had never gotten the man's name. Krieg saved the boy, and stepped forward, extending his hand to the man closest to him.
"Lt. Benjamin Krieg, seaQuest."
"Lt. Commander Samuel Buchanan, Chief of Security, Atlantis Station." The tall blond man, with green eyes greeted Krieg accepting his hand with a firm shake. "Lieutenant, let me introduce to the rest of the inmates." Turning to his left, he started with the women. "Doctor Marina Andross, CMO."
"Lieutenant Krieg," acknowledged the woman with dark eyes and hair. Krieg inclined his head toward her.
"Lt. Amelia Simmons, my Asst. Chief of Security." Buchanan indicated, the slim woman, with green eyes and brown hair. She simply nodded. "Med-Tech. Rebekah Clarke."
"A pleasure, Lieutenant." The young woman, with blue eyes, black hair, greeted Krieg in a musical voice. Krieg nodded to her. Then Buchanan moved to the men.
"Doctor Jarrett Morgan, Oceanographer."
"Doctor," Krieg extended his hand, Morgan took and pumped it heartily. He had a twinkle in his blue eyes that seemed to reflect off his balding head, with a fringe of brown hair.
"And Lt. Dylan Barkley, our all around man, Diver, Pilot, Security." Buchanan said jauntily, of the solemn young man, with blond hair and brown eyes. Who simply flecked his gaze over Krieg.
"You're our rescue team, huh." Barkley said cockily.
"Yep, fraid so. I'm not much to look at but I got a lot of heart." Krieg quipped, as he decided to just ignore Barkley. Then he turn to Jake." Well, Jake buddy, you ready to get this show on the road or are we going to start a poker game." Jake rolled his eyes. A gesture that caught Krieg off guard. He'd seen that look more that once, and not from Jake. From . . . Nah . . . it couldn't be. No way." Krieg told himself, yet . . . Krieg's train of thought was interrupted by a sound outside the door. He motioned for everyone to be quiet, as he pulled Jake back behind the door as it opened to reveal Randy Miller.
"Well, what seems to be going on here? You people look like your headed somewhere." Miller observed.
"They are," Krieg hissed, coming out behind the door and catching Miller in a headlock. Which allowed the other three men, to wrest the gun he carried from him. Then throw it into a corner. "Alright Miller, what are you doing here." Krieg asked him.
"Zellar sent me to check on things. Then find the boy and bring him to the Siren Song." Miller told him, as he gasped for breath.
"Is that where Zellar is?" Krieg demanded. "This Siren Song."
"Yeah, and everybody else from here and the seaQuest."
"Well thank you, very much." Krieg said as he pushed Miller away from him to the hands of Barkley. Then Buchanan gave him a quick chop to the neck to render him unconscious. He laid him next to their guard, Vince Price who had already been subdued, thanks to Jake. "Okay people, we don't have much time. So let's get you out of here."
"Take them by the Mag-Lev, it's shorter. No one is watching now." Jake told Krieg.
"No way, I'm leaving not with Commander Talbot and Doctor Mackenzie with Zellar." Barkley piped up. Buchanan put a hand on Barkley's shoulder.
"You're forgetting Zellar's little insurance policy. We can't stay here, my calculations, we only have 35 minutes before the Fail-safe. Then 15 before the toxin is released. Dylan, if we don't get out of here now, we may never get out. Do you read me, boy?"
"Yeah . . . Yeah . . . okay."
"Whoa . . . what's this about a toxin?" Krieg jumped in.
"You mean you don't know." Doctor Andross said disbelieving.
"No . . . I don't, so tell me."
"When Zellar first came onboard. He planted 6 containers of a lethal toxin, in locations throughout the station. They're all on timers. Zellar carries the only activation unit, it looks just like a PAL. The containers are on cycles that need to be reset every 12 hours. If they are not, they start a Fail-safe, which will give us only 15 minutes to get off the station, before the toxin is released." Andross quickly explained.
"Damn, I gotta warn Captain Bridger." Krieg said then stopped. "no . . . I can't, he doesn't know I'm even here."
"I wouldn't worry about your Captain, no doubt Zellar has already told him about the toxin." Buchanan told him.
"Alright, let's go." Krieg said, as motioned for them to follow. He went to the Mag-Lev control and opened the door. One by one they filed in, then Krieg waved for Jake to come. And was horrified to see Jake standing by the lab door with Miller and the gun he retrieved, pointed at Jake's head. A groggy Price stood beside him
"Krieg go! Level 7!" Jake yelled at him. Krieg slammed his hand against the door control. As Miller fired shots at them, they hit the floor of the Mag-Lev, the doors closed. They were on their way.
"You'll pay for that, kid." Miller promised pushing Jake forward so that he stumbled. "Zellar will make sure of that. Vince, head for the Zellar's launch, keep out of sight. The Doctor will want to leave in a hurry." Price nodded and headed off down the corridor. Miller grabbed Jake by the arm and dragged him to the MagLev, calling for the reserve next car. It arrived almost immediately. Miller pushed Jake inside and droned, "Yes, Zellar will make sure you pay." as the car moved toward Level 5.
Kristin Westphalen hoped only one thing as she advanced on Zellar. That she was shaking more on the inside, then on the outside. Zellar had the good sense to take a few steps back from Kristin, unsure of what she was going to do. Everyone else in the room exchanged knowing smiles. They were all glad to see someone else, suffer from Kristin's wrath, having all done so themselves, once or twice.
"Alright . . . Doctor! I want to know!! What the bloody hell! Gives to the right to do this!" Kristin demanded, her distinctively accented voice, rising in volume with each word she spoke. Zellar simply shrugged.
"Nothing Doctor. Nothing at all . . . except." Zellar paused for emphases.
"Except . . . What!"
"Except for you . . . my dear Kristin. You and your, oh so righteous attempt to beat me at my own game. Checkmate . . . Doctor." Zellar intoned a sinister smile on his lips.
"No--" Kristin was shocked. She shook her head in disbelief. "NO! It can't . . . You . . . No--" she whispered.
"You see using your daughter, was only the first step." Zellar began to slowly circle the room as he spoke. No one moved. "To play my game, you must play my rules and since it is my game, I can change the rules whenever I wish. So when I decided to exact my revenge, I used your daughter to get what I needed to know about your metabolic rate. Then keyed the toxin I'd developed, to it. Now, to deliver it I used that pretty mini rose you received from your daughter as a gift, a couple of weeks ago. With Mr. Knutson as a delivery boy, his death was poetic justice you might say."
"You killed him, because he knew too much." Jack jumped in front of Zellar. Who simply sidestepped him and continue on.
"Yes Commander, I did. One less, to worry about turning on me." Zellar said glancing at his watch. He needed to speed things along a bit but he was having so much fun. "Now, there was something, I couldn't control long-distance. That was the exact effect, the toxin would have on you, Doctor. I'm assuming you sustained, a blow to the head after you were infused." Zellar looked at Kristin, who slowly nodded as her hand unconsciously brushed, the bruise on her forehead. "That would account for your pallor and weakness. Were you knocked out and for how long?"
"Yes, for about 8 hours." Kristin lied, she had only been out for about 15 minutes, then in and out for only 6 hours.
"Yes, that would be about right. Then you have been extremely fortunate. Do to being knocked out, the toxin's mutation's were slowed but not stopped. You've only been given, a brief reprieve. Soon, you will begin to feel it working on you again. Then it's only matter of time, and there's no anti-toxin in the world, that will be able to save you."
"You know . . . Zellar. I'm really getting tried of your threats." Talbot told him.
"We all are!" Bridger concurred.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, because there's one other thing, you should know about." Zellar said as he pulled what looked like a PAL from his pocket. "You see, I have a little insurance policy working for me." Then Zellar explained to them, what it was. He calmly took in the exclamations and looks of shock and dismay. Then said simply. "You see, nothing can stop me, I hold all the cards." and the Siren Song was soon filled with his maniacal laughter
Ben Krieg hardly waited for the MagLev doors to open at Level 7 before he bounded out and sprinted into the Launch Bay.
"Lucas! Lucas, where the hell are you?!" Krieg yelled.
"Ben, cool it. I'm right here." Lucas Wolenczak replied, sticking his head out of the control booth.
"The Atlantis people are right behind me. Any word from Katie's team?" Krieg asked, breathing heavily.
"No . . . but I was able to tap into the station's, surveillance cameras. I've also sent a uplink to the seaQuest. They'll see everything we do. Now, take a look at this." Lucas hit some switches on the console. The screen in front of him came on. "This is a place called the Siren Song, this is where all the major players are."
"Yeah, and it looks like we're losing." Krieg observed, as they watched Zellar circle their people. Just then, the Atlantis Personnel entered the Launch Bay. Krieg went out and greeted them. "Alright people, this is your ticket out of here, climb aboard." Krieg pointed to MR-3. "Hey Barkley, you think, you can drive this thing?"
"No doubt, Lieutenant." Barkley responded as he ushered the others aboard.
"I'll let the seaQuest, know your coming. Oh, and don't dent the fenders." Krieg called to him as the hatch closed. Then Krieg went back to stand behind Lucas. "Okay Lucas, let'em out. Then get me Commander Ford."
Back on the seaQuest, Jonathan Ford was back to pacing again.
"Commander Ford, I have a uplink from Atlantis Station." Lt. Rachel Timms called out.
"On the Forward Screens, Lieutenant." Ford ordered.
"Yes sir, I'm afraid its video only."
"I wonder what's going on." Ford said he watched the scene, playing out in the Siren Song.
"Commander, there's a Comm-link coming in. It's Lt. Krieg." Timms informed Ford.
"Well, it's about time. Link it down here, Timms." Ford ordered, indicating the Captain's station.
"seaQuest this is Krieg. Be advised MR-3, is headed home. Six persons aboard. All Atlantis Personnel." Krieg relayed.
"Krieg . . . this is Ford. What the hell, is going on over there? Is Lucas with you?" Ford demanded.
"seaQuest from Krieg. Hang tight. Video uplink curtsey of L. Wolenczak. Put a light in the window. We'll be home soon. Atlantis out." Krieg abruptly cut the link.
"Krieg . . . Dammit!!" Ford yelled at the Comm-link. Then threw himself in the Captain's Chair, and focused on the Forward Screens.
Lucas looked at Krieg and shook his head.
"Commander Ford's going to get you for that one, Ben."
"Yeah well, he might not get the chance. If we don't get out of here in 25 minutes. The UEO is going to be sending a lot of condolence messages." Krieg said a sigh. Lucas give him a "whatta mean by that" look. And Krieg quickly explained about Zellar's insurance policy. To which Lucas just replied.
"Oh boy!!"
"Yeah, Oh boy." Krieg echoed, then they turned the attention back to the screen in front of them.
In the depths of Hades, the Kenzie-West Team had lost precious time. It had taken them a good 20 minutes to locate the generator that activated the MagLev. Then, they had to wait for it to come from the Atlantis end. Ortiz heard it first, a low scraping sound. Then O'Neill saw the lights. When it came to a stop in front of them, they were shocked to find a sign greeting them.
"welcome aboard, seaQuest Aquanauts . . . to The first underwater-underground transportation system. no food or beverages allowed. next stop Atlantis. enjoy the ride. Ace--"
"I have a feeling someone, knows we're coming." Shan said with a grin.
"So it would seem. I just hope, this is the same Ace, Kristin talked about." Katie said. As she pulled the lever to send the Mag-Lev into reverse. Then sat down next to Ortiz. It wouldn't be long now.
Randy Miller stepped out of the MagLev and started to drag Jake Talbot, toward the Siren Song. Halfway there, Miller lost his grip on Jake and the boy pulled away from him. Miller fired a shot at Jake as he disappeared down the corridor.
In the Siren Song, Kristin Westphalen was the one, standing closest to the entrance of the Bar. Her ears were still ringing from Zellar's sadistic laugh. When suddenly, she heard the gun shot from the corridor. All eyes fixed on swinging doors. There was another shot, this time closer. Kristin was riveted to the spot as someone came bursting through the doors.
"Kristin! Russ!" Bridger and Talbot yelled as both, made dives toward Kristin. Just as a small compact body collided with her, sending them to floor in a heap. Almost immediately, another body came through the doors, brandishing a gun.
"Miller! What the hell do you think your doing?" Miller was brought up short by Zellar's voice.
On the seaQuest, reactions to what was happening on the Forward Screens, was immediate.
"Ouch--"
" Damn--"
"Lookout!" Were the exclamations chorused by the bridge crew. Jonathan Ford standing between the rear helm positions, hands clutched tightly behind him, keep his reactions silent. Damn, a hell of a way to reunite with your son, Doc. Be careful, with Zellar, Captain. Ford thought as he watched, the sordid scene continue to unfold.
In the Launch Bay on Atlantis, Ben Krieg and Lucas Wolenczak, simply shook their heads, and mouthed "Ouch" to each other. As they too observed the happenings in the Siren Song.
"Doc . . . I'm sorry . . . but the kid--" Miller stammered, backing away as Zellar advanced on him. Everyone observed the confrontation, from the current positions, not knowing with was going to happen, because Miller still had his gun. Bridger and Talbot lay where they had landed, side by side, just inches from Kristin, who on her side, clutching Jake tightly against her. Cindy and Crocker were under a table, and Ace was on his hand and knees, peeking out from around other end of the Bar.
"Miller, I told you to bring the boy here and that I, would deal with him." Zellar continued his verbal assault on Miller.
"That's what I was doing. But he got away and he . . ." Miller tried to explain Zellar cut him off again.
"So, you shoot at him. Fire blindly. You idiot!! You could have shot me." Zellar accused.
"Now . . . that's an idea." Talbot quipped in response to Zellar last remark.
Which only caused Zellar to twitch slightly as he again focused his attention Miller.
"You don't understand, Doc. The kid let . . ." Miller tried again to tell Zellar.
"Give me the gun, Miller. Now!" Zellar demanded. Miller was visibly trembling. "Now, Miller, give it to me." Miller threw a glance about the room, then complied. "Very good." Zellar commented as he took the gun. Then slowly brought it up, leveling it on Miller.
"No . . . " Miller whispered.
"You've really disappointed me for the last time, Mr. Miller. You've cost me precious time. Time . . . I cannot . . . afford." Zellar told me.
"Doc . . . Please . . . you just don't get it--"
"Oh . . . I get it. You're a liability."
"NO--" Miller screamed as Zellar pulled the trigger. The retort of the gun echoed through the Siren Song. Crocker was on his feet. He caught Miller in his arms and gently lowered him to the floor. Cindy came to his side and gave Miller, the once over. She wasn't a medical doctor. But she could tell, from the tremendous amount of blood, that the bullet had pierced his heart. She shook her head slowly, at the others.
"Chieff, I'mm . . . soorrry . . ." Miller said halting and died.
"Goodbye . . . Mr. Miller." Zellar said, with no trace of remorse. Then with great interest, he noted the reactions of the others in the room. They were all slowly getting to their feet. As if deciding, that if, they too, were going to die. They were going to do it, standing up.
Ben Krieg and Lucas Wolenczak had the same idea. As they both watched Zellar gun down, Randy Miller in cold blood.
"We gotta get up there." Lucas voiced, what both he and Krieg were thinking.
"Yeah, Zellar will think nothing of gunning them . . . all down." Krieg said, "But you'd, better stay here."
"No way . . . the more of us there are . . ."
"The more likely it is, that one of us will get shot." Krieg jumped in.
"Well Ben, you know, you've always said that you wanted to be a hero. So here's your chance." Lucas coerced Krieg.
"Yeah, but not . . . a dead one." Krieg sighed, and looked at Lucas and threw up his hands. "Okay-- Okay-- Come on, and please . . . try not to get yourself shot. I don't want to give the Captain another reason to kill me." Krieg said as he and Lucas, left the Launch Bay and made for the Mag-Lev. Just as they arrived, the Mag-Lev doors slide open and out of it burst, Katie Hitchcock, Miguel Ortiz, William Shan, and Tim O'Neill.
"Ben! Lucas!" Katie exclaimed.
"Katie, you're a sight . . . " Krieg started, as he took in her grimy face and grubby jumpsuit. " . . . for sore eyes." He tactfully finished.
"Yeah, you too, Ben." Katie said warmly, her eyes telling him, she knew what he had meant, by his greeting. Then she turned, those brilliant green eyes on Lucas. "What is Lucas doing here?"
"Helping . . . Katie, just like the rest of us. He got us a uplink to the seaQuest and has tapped into Atlantis' surveillance system." Krieg told them. Katie looked from Lucas to Krieg to Lucas, then slowly nodded.
"Alright Ben, fill us in on what's been happening."
"Okay . . . " Krieg replied and told the Kenzie-West Team of everything that had transpired, since the Captain, the Doctor, and the Chief had arrived on Atlantis. This included the little problem of Zellar's toxin containers as he led them back to the Launch Bay Control Booth, so they could see for them themselves, the scene being played out in the Siren Song.
"My God, Ben . . . we've got to get them and us out of here. What about Atlantis' support vehicles?" Katie asked, she still couldn't believe, what was happening.
"No good . . . they've all been sabotaged. All launches and transports, have been disabled." Lucas interjected.
"And there's no time for repairs." Krieg added.
"What about the transport Zellar arrived in?" Shan suggested.
"It's one level up, docked to some kind of emergency hatch. We can't get to it from here. It's in restricted military area, locked up tighter than Ben's wallet." Lucas informed them. Krieg reached over and mussed Lucas hair. Lucas gave him a disgusted look. "Yeah, I guess the only way, we can get out of hereisthe way you guys came in, through Hades." Lucas informed them. Katie nodded and thought for a moment.
"Lucas, get me the seaQuest." Katie ordered.
Jonathan Ford could not believe . . . what he was seeing. He just shook his head slowly, in reaction to Zellar's murder of Miller. If Zellar was doing the shooting, it meant more people, people he cared a great deal about were going to get shot or killed.
"Commander Ford, I have a uplink coming in from Atlantis. It's Lt. Commander Hitchcock." Rachel Timms informed Ford, startling him out of his revere.
"Put it through, Mr. Timms." Ford ordered. A few seconds passed, then Katie Hitchcock's classic features, although a little dirty, appeared on the screen in front of Ford. "Katie, good to hear from you, what's up."
"Jonathan, I don't have much time. I need you . . . to send in the cavalry. Stop any vehicle . . . leaving the Station. No doubt, Zellar will be onboard. I will try and let you know . . . if he has any hostages. But . . . no matter . . . what . . . don't let him get away." Katie told him. Ford scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Katie, I don't understand, what's the hurry?" Ford asked. "Why can't you explain more--"
"Sorry Jonathan, I can't take the time. Just please, do as I ask. Atlantis out." The link was cut abruptly, leaving Ford to stare at the screen. Then he quickly gave orders, to back up Katie's request. If Doctor Zellar left Atlantis Station, he wouldn't get far.
Katie Hitchcock stood up, and motioned the others in close.
"Miguel, Will . . . you're with me. We're going to the Siren Song. Tim, Lucas . . . head back into Hades, keep a clear path to the Mag-Lev. Ben take up position on the next level, stay out of sight, and report back to me, via Comm-Link . . . on whoever enters, that level." Katie ordered and received nods of acknowledgment from all. Then, they went their separate ways. They had very little time left.
Bridger and Talbot looked at each other as they got to their feet. Then, if they were reading each other's minds, Talbot bent down beside Jake, and Bridger knelt next to Kristin.
Kristin was savoring the feel of having, Jake in her arms. It had been so very long. Jake was doing the same thing, he wasn't sure, who this woman was but he felt very safe in her arms. He could smell the faint scent of perfume that somehow, seemed familiar to him. And as his head rested, against her breast, he felt comforted by the rhythmic beating of her heart. Then when Zellar was reaming out Miller, she whispered to him in a soft soothing voice, telling him that it was going to be all right. And when, Zellar shot Miller, she had brought her head so close to his, that her hair fell across his face like a veil, and he could feel her breath, ruffling his hair. Unconsciously, Jake had snuggled closer, how he wished, that he could remain with her, like this, forever. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Jake . . . " Jack said softly, to his son while reaching out to touch the boy lightly on the shoulder. While Nathan whispered to Kristin.
"Kristin, you have to get up." Bridger said, as he grasped her by the arm, to bring her to her feet. Kristin reluctantly allowed, Jack to pull Jake from her arms. She couldn't stop the single tear that fell from her eye as she stood next to Bridger, and watched Jack embrace his son, then speak to him softly. Then she felt Bridger's arm come around her waist, to pull her close. Kristin gratefully turned into the embrace, allowing Nathan to hold her, ever so briefly.
Ace took his opportunity, to tell Jack, that he had disabled all of the toxin containers but one, the one between the Launch Bay and Restricted Area on Level 6. Jake listened and added his part, that Krieg had gotten the rest of the Atlantis personnel, hopefully to safety. Talbot only nodded his comprehension, as he could not take his eyes off, Bridger and Kristin. It was then, that they heard a soft beeping sound. There was a muttered curse from Zellar. All eyes turned to him, and then fell on the PAL in his hand. The Fail-safe had begun. 15 minutes and counting . . .
Zellar looked down at the PAL, and threw a disgusted look at Miller's still body and tossed the PAL aside.
"Well, thanks to Mr. Miller. I seem to have run out of time, so I'm afraid . . . I must bid you, adieu." Zellar told them as he backed slowly toward the swinging doors. "Of course, not without a few parting gifts." he intoned. Zellar gazed around at the people in the Siren Song. They had gathered in a semi-circle in front of him. Finally, he brought his gun up to level it on one of them, that being . . . Kristin Westphalen. "You . . . dear Kristin, are the cause of all of this, so you well be . . . the last . . ." Zellar taunted, as his quickly swung the gun to Cindy Mackenzie and fired.
Manilow Crocker managed to push her out of the way, just in time. But the bullet caught him in the shoulder. The shock of being shot, sent Crocker to one knee. Cindy was at his side.
"No!!!-- Dammit Zellar . . . Stop!!!" Kristin shouted and stepped forward before Bridger could stop her. "If . . . I'm the cause of this then take it out on me . . . not them!!"
"Kristin, no--" Bridger exclaimed, making a grab at her.
"Russ . . . Don't!" Jack Talbot echoed Nathan Bridger's plea, as he too moved to stop Kristin, at the same time pushing Jake behind him. But, Zellar was closer, as Kristin stepped forward Zellar grasped her arm, twisting it behind her, as he pulled her close to him. Causing Bridger and Talbot to stop in their tracks.
"Perhaps, you're right, Doctor." Zellar hissed in her ear. "But then again, maybe I still need to even the odds a little . . ." Zellar brought the gun up and pointed it at Bridger.
"No . . . " Kristin whispered as she watched Zellar and Bridger gaze coldly at each other.
"No . . . that's too easy." Zellar decided, as he moved the gun to Jack. "It's seems you have, one too many Knights to fight for you against the Dragon, Kristin dear." He intoned as he moved the gun slightly downward and pulled the trigger. Only Ace . . . had the vantage point to see, that Zellar was really aiming, at Jake. Ace reacted with instinct as he lunged into Jack and Jake, pushing them both . . . out of the line of fire. The shot caught him in the thigh . . . he hit the floor with a thud, and lay there stunned.
"Zellar . . . you bloody bastard!" Kristin screamed as she twisted in Zellar's grasp. "You could have killed my son!" Kristin abruptly stopped her struggling as she realized, that was what he intended. Then the shock hit her, she had just given Zellar . . . another reason to kill Jake.
"Well . . . well . . . now that's a interesting bit of history, Doctor." Zellar replied. Now he knew, why he had observed reactions, that he had thought at the time were strange. Why everyone, seemed to know each other, too well. Kristin for her part, couldn't believe what she had done, she hung her head in despair. That was when Zellar took his opportunity. He could waste no more time with this little . . . family affair. He again, began to slowly back out of the Siren Song with Kristin in tow.
Jake Talbot got unsteadily to his feet, he looked at Jack, who tending to Ace. Jack raised his dim gray eyes to meet his son's, dark brown ones. Jack saw the question there, "Was it true?" Jack flecked his gaze to Kristin and simply nodded. Jake pulled his eyes from Jack, and moved to Ace, then to Bridger, who was helping Cindy with Crocker. Bridger met Jake's look squarely, then moved his gaze to Kristin and Zellar. He caught the message in Kristin's eyes, just before Zellar dragged her out, it read, 'I love you.'
As Katie Hitchcock, stepped from the MagLev with Miguel Ortiz and William Shan. She heard gunshots from the direction of the Siren Song. They dodged for cover in the doorways that lined the corridor. They waited a few moments, then the heard footsteps, coming toward them. Katie peeked around a corner and saw Zellar with a gun and Kristin. She stepped back and signaled to Shan and Ortiz, to get ready. Katie then heard a voice call out, she waved them back into hiding.
"Momma . . . stop, please!" Jake called as his burst from the Siren Song.
"Jake . . . No!! Go back . . . please!!" Kristin cried out, pulling against Zellar hold on her. Suddenly, she was free. Jake was in her arms.
"Momma . . . Dad said. They said you . . . Momma . . . I missed you." Jake sobbed into her shoulder. Kristin gazed loving down at him, running her fingers through his downy brown hair, which had reddish highlights. She cupped Jake's face in her hands, gently kissed his forehead and tilted his chin up to gaze into his eyes. Sable meeting topaz brown.
"I know, my darling, I know. It's alright, Jake." Kristin told him, as she felt Zellar's cold eyes, drilling into her back. She put an arm around Jake shoulder's, holding him close to her, as Zellar motioned toward the Mag-Lev. Mother and Son calmly boarded, with Zellar following, his gun pointed at Jake's back.
Katie realized there was nothing at the moment they could do to help Kristin and Jake. So after the Mag-Lev doors closed on Zellar. Katie signaled to Ortiz and Shan, and they made their way to the Siren Song. The swinging doors opened on a scene of carnage. Bridger quickly got up from Crocker's side, and met Katie Company at the door.
"Commander, nice to see you made it. Did you see Kristin?" Bridger asked.
"Yes Captain, we couldn't stop Zellar, without endangering their lives." Katie reported.
"I know, any idea where they're headed."
"If I were a betting man," Ace jumped in, as Talbot finished with the tourniquet on his leg and helped him to stand, with Jack supporting him. "I'd say, Zellar was headed for his only way out. The launch that's docked at the Emergency Hatch in the Restricted Area, on Level 6."
"That's what we thought as well, Captain." Katie injected. "Ben, is there waiting to let us know, for sure and seaQuest is prepared to stop Zellar, if he manages to get to the launch."
"Good" Bridger commented, then turned to Talbot. "Commander, what exactly is in this Restricted Area?"
"The UEO Military's idea of a Atlantis Defense Plan." Talbot told Bridger. Then it hit him, an idea that might buy them some time. He turned to Ace. "Ace are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Jack asked.
"It's scary-- but I think so. The Sea-Water Intakes." Ace replied.
"Sea-Water Intakes?" Bridger asked, feeling like he was being left out.
"Come on, I'll explain on the way," Jack said as he started for the door.
"Ace, can you get the ball rolling?"
"Yeah Jack, but I gotta do it from the Command Center or Maintenance." Ace affirmed.
"Do it from Maintenance. We have about 7 minutes."
"Commander, where are the rest of our people?" Bridger asked Katie.
"O'Neill and Lucas are waiting in at the entrance to Hades." Katie informed Bridger.
"Lucas is here!!" Bridger exclaimed, shaking his head. "I should have known. Okay, Talbot and I are going after Zellar, Kristin and Jake. Get Crocker, Cindy and Ace to Maintenance and we hope to met you in Hades. No pun intended." Bridger and Jack watched the others head to the Mag-Lev. Cindy stopped to hug them both.
"Be careful you two. Give Mom and Jake, my love." Cindy told them as the doors to the Mag-Lev closed. Bridger and Jack boarded the next car, and Jack told Bridger about the SeaWater Intakes, and what they would do. Bridger wasn't sure, he was too happy with Jack and Ace's plan but it was the only one they had.
On Level 6, Ben Krieg was standing in the Library, peeking through a slight crack in the sliding door. As he watched Zellar, Kristin and Jake, move past. Headed for the Restricted Area. He studied Kristin and Jake for a moment, and realized . . . he had been right in his observations, they were indeed . . . mother and son. Krieg watched Zellar key the unlocking code sequence on the door, open it and pushed Kristin and Jake inside, before following . . . holding a gun on them, the door closed behind them. Krieg came out of the Library and walked to the door, the nameplate said 'Bay 6A . . . Area Restricted'. A smile flashed across Krieg face, as he pulled out the marking pen he never went anywhere without, and wrote the code, he'd seen Zellar input, on the wall beside the door. Signing under it with BK, he keyed the code and followed the trio . . . inside.
When the MagLev, settled to the bottom of its shaft, the doors opened to deposit the refugees from the Siren Song, in Ground Zero, the Maintenance Bay. Despite his injury, Ace was the first on out, aided by Ortiz and Shan. Ace made directly for his computer console, and discovered Lucas and O'Neill already there. Lucas offered up the chair to Ace, who gratefully sat down. Then Ace began his task, quickly explaining as he went along, to everyone as they huddled behind him. They had 5 minutes left, to toxin release.
"Okay people, this is how . . . its going to work. We have one toxin container, still activated. It's sitting between Levels 6 and 7, in a life-support Conduit. Now this conduit, although most of the time it carries on air recycling, can in the case of pressure loss to the station, carry water. This is where the Sea-Water Intakes come in. Normally, the intakes bring water in only for Desalinization purposes, at a specifically controlled rate to provide for the Station's normal needs. But, if pressure loss occurs, for any reason . . . be it an attack of some sort or act of nature, water is brought in to equalize for the loss, to prevent implosion." Ace paused.
"Which in this case does what for us?" Shan asked, skeptically.
"In essence, the water is diverted through the conduit, drowning our little toxin problem. But it well be uncontrolled for the most part. It well give Jack and Bridger, one less thing to worry about but it causes another." Ace answered, shifting in his chair.
"You mean, the water itself." Lucas jumped in.
"Yeah, what is that going to do?" Ortiz questioned.
"Well . . . hopefully, not much. I've set the Intakes, to draw for 30 seconds but that's still 1000's of gallons, a second, moving through conduits designed to handle air instead of water . . . and pipes that carry half the water at half the rate. It's possible that, the conduit well not . . . be able to handle the pressure and may rupture. Then there's the holding tanks themselves, they will be able to only contain, 80% of the water. The overflow will cascade over to fill the Launch Bay, just below. If that happens, it will flood into everything, including the Docking Bay and Mag-Lev shaft. It will take at least 5 hours, to siphon it back out. It may get a little messy up there and down here, if anybody gets caught in a rupture or in the overflow." Ace finished, scanning the faces around him. They had little choice; it was the only chance they had.
"Do it!" Katie said. Ace nodded, and reached for the Comm-link to warn Talbot and Bridger.
Bridger and Talbot were standing outside the door, to the Restricted Area. Having gotten Krieg's message, Talbot was about to impute the code, when his Comm-link sounded.
"Yeah-- That you . . . Ace?" Talbot answered.
"Yep . . . Time to Rock and Roll, Jack buddy. Hope you guys . . . brought your water-wings." Ace informed them.
"Funny Ace . . . did you set for a 30 second draw?"
"You bet . . . It'll be in 15 seconds. Good luck, Gentleman. 15 mark."
Ace began the countdown. Talbot quickly keyed the code, the door opened, and he and Bridger were in.
i Song Somebody else's Moon by Collin Raye