Author's Notes:

Hi everyone!:-) I'm sorry for the veeeery long wait! But I didn't have a lot of inspiration, at least not for this chapter, I did write some plotlines for the following chapters, the sequel to this story (yes, this story is far from over!;-)) and other stories.

And then school began again and I was busy, busy, busy! Fortunately things are going to be a bit more quiet next week and the week after that I have a week of vacation so then I'll hopefully have some time for the next chapter as well.

I didn't write this in one day, I got a bit stuck in the scene where Jennifer talks to John about his secret. I'm happy about the length of this chapter and everything that needed to happen, happened so… here it is! Enjoy! :-)

And please leave a review. I'm trying to use correct English sentences but it isn't always that easy so please, if you have any remarks (word order, use of words, tenses, whatever), tell me so that I can improve my writing style.

Greetz: Wraith Fan –xXx-

PS: I've changed the name of the Wraith scientist aboard Amarah's ship from Lestat to Levesque. Cause in the plotlines for the sequel, I used the name Lestat for another character, I forgot this one already had that name.

PPS: The Wraith don't have a God or anything, but they do worship their own ancestors, their female ancestors that is. In my story, the Wraith female children inherit a certain amount of knowledge and experience, given to them by their female ancestors. So they respect and even worship these ancestors, they're actually the base of the mind powers of the Queens. They get stronger every generation and the older they get, the more powerfull as well.

PPPS: I know, no actual scene with the three Replicators that came to the gate, but I think it wasn't really necessary and I didn't really feel like writing all of that down too.

Chapter 11: Alliance

'See you guys later, I'm tired and should get some rest ...', colonel John Sheppard said to his team as he stood up from his chair in the mess hall.

'Maybe you should go for sleeping pills or even a check-up at the infirmary, you seem to be tired like this all the time, John ...', Teyla Emmagan proposed, her darkbrown eyes looking in his as if she was trying to figure out if something was wrong.

It wouldn't be the first time John kept something that bothered him secret for even his closest friends.

'No, I sleep just fine, I'm just a bit tired lately. I'll be all right, really, don't worry about it', John answered, obviously trying to sound nonchalant.

'Last time you assured us of that you were hearing voices and seeing visions of God knows what, until you ended up with a bloody heartattack!', Rodney McKay exclaimed.

'Nothing like that this time, Rodney. I'm just tired, that's all. Aren't all of us tired after our last mission?', Sheppard assured him.

'By the way, we still haven't talked about ...', Ronon started but Teyla interrupted him almost immediatly: 'John is tired and would like to get some rest first, and to be honest, so should you, Ronon. When everyone's calm and rested, we can talk about this like civilised people.'

The look in the Athosian leader's eyes clearly didn't allow any contradiction.

'All right then', the former runner growled. 'But we will talk about it.'

'I promise you, Ronon, we'll talk about this ... after we've both rested and had some time to think about it, okay?'

The runner just nodded without speaking, staring at his plate on the table instead of John.

Then Sheppard turned around and left the mess hall.

'Oh come on, Ronon! Just give him a break! Besides, he's not the only one who thinks it could be very interesting to have an alliance with this Amarah Queen ...', the scientist started.

'I must agree with Rodney, Ronon. I'm not fond of the Wraith but I believe it to be in the importance of protecting the people in this galaxy against the Replicators. It's definitely worth a try. Can't you just allow us to give it a go, Ronon? We can prevent people from undergoing what you had to go through when your people were slain, if we can just stop being stubborn and face reality', Teyla spoke, looking Ronon in the eye, a fire burning in her brown, confident eyes.

'All right then. But I still wanna talk about it with Sheppard first', Ronon answered her, lots of suspicion in his voice, anger in his eyes.

McKay looked a bit shocked when he noticed Ronon's glare but Teyla knew it was merely anger for the Wraith that had destroyed his entire home and people.

'I understand your anger and suspicion, Ronon. Many of my people have been victims of the Wraith as well. But you have to trust my judgement and John's. For the sake of other innocent people out there. We can do this, we can defeat the Replicators ... but the truth is we need help. And these Wraith are the only ones that can offer us the help we need', the Athosian leader continued, trying to make eye contact with Ronon to make him know she understood.

'She's right. And we need to do something about the Replicators very soon, so the help really can't wait long. I just hope we can manage to convince Elizabeth ...', Rodney said.

'And if we can't ... I suggest we accept their help even without doctor Weir's permission ...', Teyla added, her voice a bit rebellious.

'What?! We can't do that! She's in charge here, she's the higher ...', McKay exclaimed.

'Maybe she's your official leader, but Ronon and I still have the right to decide for ourselves. And that is what we'll have to do when there's no other option left ...'


John sighed in relief as he shut the door of his room behind him. He felt extremely anxious about the upcoming discussion with Ronon. Off course it was very logic that the former runner didn't understand why Sheppard trusted a Wraith Queen so much.

He couldn't tell them the truth. He tried to imagine the look on Ronon's face and came to the conclusion that he simply couldn't imagine it ...

Maybe Teyla would understand. After all, she partly knew that not all Wraith were one hundred percent evil. She had felt sorry for Michael.

And everyone had to admit that Ellia hadn't been evil. At least, not until she took the retrovirus prototype and turned into a monster.

If Heightmeyer didn't totally freak out ... But she had never been a victim of the Wraith in a way like Ronon or Teyla had been.

Sheppard trusted Kate not to tell anyone about it. But was that truly what he wanted? To keep a secret like this for his friends? They already knew something was going on ...

Worrying and trying to decide what he had to do about the current situation, Sheppard lay down on his bed, knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep at all. Again.

John.

He woke up from his thoughts almost immediately. He got up and looked in every direction but saw nothing.

But he would recognise that melodic voice everywhere.'Amarah?'

He could hear giggling, the sound sent shivers of delight down his spine.

Not in your room, silly little human. In your head.

'Oh ...' He blushed. 'Hello to you too, how are you doing?'

I miss you, John. More then that, I need you.

'Well, I have to admit, there's a bit of distance between us ...'

Don't you want to bridge over that distance?

'Yeah, sure. Just one little problem, everyone over here is already aware of my strange behaviour. So if I just rush over to you, I think they might just don't trust me anymore ...'

Sheppard sighed, how was he ever going to convince Ronon and Teyla without losing their trust and friendship?

I never said you should. But I could.

'Sure that's safe? This city does have some security.'

I think I'll take the risk if that allows me to see you. And feel you ...

'Wow wow ... let's not rush things ...'

Don't you want to feel me then?

'Of course ... I mean, sure, I ...' The colonel started blushing again.

Amarah giggled again. The sound of it was high and a bit shrill. And it sounded as if there was more then one person giggling, it had a real alien sound to it.

I'll be on my way soon, my love.

'Yeah… yeah, I guess I'll just be waiting then…',the colonel started when he suddenly heard a knock on the door followed by Teyla's voice. 'Colonel Sheppard?'

John quickly got up and opened the door. 'Teyla… I… I didn't expect you…'

'I just wanted to talk to you about Ronon's behaviour towards you this morning… Are you alone in here, John?', the Athosian leader asked as she entered his room.

'Obviously, or do you think I'm hiding someone in the bathroom?', Sheppard asked, sounding ironic.

'No, it's just that I thought I heard you talk to someone…'

'Talk to someone? Like who? The pillows?'

'I don't know… I guess I'm a bit confused now Ronon's acting so strangely… I really don't know why he's always accusing you of… I don't know what, lately…'

'Yeah, me neither, I was hoping you'd know. Have a seat, can I get you something to drink? I've got my own storage of beer in here…'

'No, thank you, John. I'm not very thirsty', Teyla said as she sat down. 'Ever since you've said you'd like to think about that Wraith Queen's proposal, Ronon's been….'

'I know he doesn't trust the Wraith. But the truth is, I don't trust them either. It's just that … first of all, we don't really have much of a choice, and secondly I don't think this Wraith would betray us…'

'I know. And I understand, so does Rodney. It's just that.. this is all very personal for Ronon.'

'I know I wouldn't be fond of the idea of working with those responsible for the destruction of my people… But the fact is…' Sheppard went silent for a moment.

'Yes?', Teyla asked, concern and curiosity in her eyes.

'Not all Wraith are the same. It's not just my opinion, it's a fact and you know it.'

'You mean the Wraith that helped you escape Kolya and helped us out on several occasions?'

'There could be more like him. I think this Queen's not like the other Wraith Queens we've met.'

'She almost killed you and tried to drive you insane, John. Assisting the Wraith in their battle against the Replicators is one thing. But really trusting them…?'

'Look, Teyla. I can't tell you the entire story here. Things are a bit complicated. But I assure you, she can be trusted. I just can't seem to convince anyone else that accepting her help is for the best.' The colonel sighed. 'Especially not Elizabeth.'

'Why can't you tell us why you trust her?'

John could sense she was curious about the reason, but willing to accept help and trust a Wraith when John had a good reason for it. Could he tell her? No, he already told Heightmeyer and one was enough …

'I just can't. I'm sorry. But you trust me, right?'

'Yes. But maybe she isn't worth your trust, and you're simply unaware of that. It doesn't mean I don't trust you …'

They heard a knock again and turned around in the direction of the door.


This was an insane idea. She didn't know why she thought of it in the first place, maybe she'd just knocked her head somewhere back at that drilling station. She'd been so eager to get back to work, maybe she just needed some rest to get these crazy ideas out of her head.

What am I thinking? What am I doing here?

She sighed. There was only one way to find out. She closed her eyes and knocked at his door.

The door opened and she was surprised to see Teyla Emmagan's face.

'Jennifer… Are you here to see John?'

'Oh.. Hi, Teyla. Yes, this is his room, right? Doctor McKay said I could find him here', doctor Keller responded. A fake smile on her face. She didn't know if Teyla bought it or not.

'Is it important? Cause John and I are just having a discussion …'

'It's very important. I mean, I.. I just wanted to erghm ask him some things concerning.. his health.' Jennifer Keller was making it up as she spoke. Hopefully Teyla would leave them.

Colonel Sheppard himself appeared in the doorway. 'Fine. If it's that important, please come in…'

'Actually I hoped we could talk… privately. Face to face.'

'Oh.. well. I'll be on my way then. See you later, John. I hope I can talk some sense into Ronon …', Teyla said.

'Yes. Thanks, I hope so too. Seeya.'

John Sheppard shut the door as soon as the Athosian leader had left.

'So… What's this all about? Is there something wrong with my health?'

'No. Maybe there is with mine, I don't know', Jennifer said, her voice shaky and unsteady.

The Colonel looked surprised. 'Why? What do you want to talk about?'

'Erhm… This Wraith Queen who has offered you an alliance. Amarah. That was her name, right?' The look in her eyes was a bit scared and very uncertain.

'Yeah…. Yeah, that was her name.' Jennifer noticed how the Colonel's voice and the look in his eyes changed. Could she see fear in those eyes?

'Why? What about her?', John continued.

'It's… I thought… It felt as if….', doctor Keller started stammering.

'As if what?', the colonel asked.

Can she know? No, off course she can't.. I'm just going paranoid. Unless Heightmeyer told her… But why would she do that? Maybe she thinks I'm crazy after all….

'As if you got along quite well with her…', Jennifer continued nervously.

'Got alo… Do you have a problem with that? I just happen to be the only one in Atlantis that realises that we need help and that she is capable and willing to help us, even share her technology…'

'That's not true.'

'What isn't?'

John started to feel more anxious by the minute, couldn't they just stop bothering him about this? Jesus Christ, they were stalking him! He didn't do anything wrong, did he? It wasn't like he wanted any of this to happen…

'You're not the only one. I believe you're right. And so do your friends.'

John continued to stare at her, mistrust and surprise in his eyes.

'Look, John. I'm just trying to make sure that I'm not crazy, okay? I mean, I can't be the only one seeing it, right? Your friends know you better then I do …' Jennifer sounded a bit as if she was trying to reassure herself of the fact that she wasn't crazy.

She knew it! He could tell, she knew about him and Amarah, probably the second she'd seen Amarah at the drilling platform.

'Jennifer, I really don't know where this is going to but I swear I have absolutely no idea …'

'You don't have to lie to me, John. I understand. And I'm not saying we should tell any one else about it, I just wanna make sure that I'm seeing this correct. I'm not trying to get you sacked or anything like that.' Doctor Keller looked in his eyes, trying to win his trust.

This was all very weird. John Sheppard and a Wraith Queen. The idea was gross… but still it somehow fascinated her how such love was possible. Could it be mutual? Could a Wraith really love a human? And how would such relationship end if anyone found out about it? Don't worry about it, colonel Sheppard. Your secret's safe with me.

'What exactly is it that you're seeing?' Just keep denying it. Nobody can blame you for anything as long as you don't admit it.

'You and the Wraith Queen…'

He still pretended to have no idea of what she was talking about.

Maybe she was wrong… No! She was sure, she'd known it immediately! She'd never been wrong about anything like this before… Here goes nothing.

'I know you're in love.' Keller's sentence was followed by an awful moment of total silence. They daren't even breath.


'Are you one hundred percent sure you want to do this, doctor? You could be risking your life for all we know.'

'No, I'm sure. I have to go through with this. For all our sakes and the sake of this entire galaxy', Elizabeth Weir answered.

She had to admit she was afraid. Afraid something could go wrong, that she'd be stuck in that awful fake reality again. That reality in which she was insane or… they probably could come up with something even worse. Elizabeth swallowed. The fate of this galaxy is in my hands.

'Activate the nanites, doctor Zelenka.' She knew Rodney would've never agreed to this, so she just had to ask another genius to assist her in this. The less people knew about this for now, the better.

At first she didn't feel anything. But then she felt a presence in her, as if something that had been laying asleep inside her, now suddenly started to awake …

Doctor Weir fell to the floor at the sensation of several dozens of nanites activating within her body. No matter how this ended for her or even Atlantis, she had to make sure the Replicators stopped their crusade of destruction throughout the Pegasus galaxy.

Doctor Weir could feel the nanites in her veins, in her body, everywhere. Her head started hurting terribly before she fell into nothingness…


'Anyone else knows about this?'

'No, off course not. I didn't tell anyone. Does anyone else already know?'

'No.. no, just Heightmeyer. And now you. God, I don't know what I have to do.. what's the right thing to do?' John Sheppard started pacing up and down his room, feeling anxious.

'You tell me…', doctor Keller said, looking a bit concerned.

'I cannot begin to imagine what you must think of me now, Jennifer, I'm so sorry, I just…'

'Actually I think it's very brave and... romantic', she answered, speaking the truth.

'Really? Romantic… how come?' This is the second person that's accepting it. But off course that doesn't mean Teyla, Ronon or even Rodney are going to … If any of them finds out about this, I'm in big trouble.

'It reminds me of Romeo and Juliette.' Had she totally lost her mind?!

'I mean, they also see each other in secret because their families or in your case, people, are at war with each other and hate each other.'

'Do you remember how that story ended, Jennifer?'


'Now I really do begin to have my doubts about your leadership and sense of strategy, doctor Weir.' A voice sounded from nearby.

Elizabeth found herself in an empty, dark room of which she couldn't even distinguish the walls and ceiling. She got up from the floor and tried to locate the source of the awfully familiar voice.

'I cannot say I'm very surprised to see you here, Niam. I am here to negotiate. Is there any way in which you can make contact to the other Replicators?'

'Now that you have activated us again, there is. But I wonder.. why have you? You knew we would once again be a threat to you.'

'Not as big a threat as your fellow Replicators back at your homeworld are at the moment.'

A look of surprise on Niam's face. He probably hadn't had time yet to contact the others.

'In order to destroy the Wraith, Oberoth has decided to destroy all human worlds that cross his warships' path.'

'Destroy the Wraith? That hasn't been or prior goal for thousands of years….'

For a moment doctor Weir felt ashamed. If it hadn't been for their idea, the Replicators still wouldn't be interested in destroying the Wraith and the entire galaxy wouldn't be suffering because of her mistake. It was time for her to correct it.

'My people interfered. Doctor McKay has reprogrammed the core in your homeworld. We thought it'd be the ideal way to get rid of two of our enemies at the same time, or at least keep one of them occupied for a while. It turned out to be a very bad idea that's now affecting this entire galaxy. But I'm finding it hard to believe that killing all humans is the easiest way to deal with the Wraith, don't you?'

'The Wraith are a cunning enemy. And their only weakness is their food supply.'

'They have other weaknesses. Weaknesses you don't know about. But we do.'

Niam looked very surprised at this. Was there something about their original enemy the Wraith, that they didn't know about? What weakness could there possibly be? They knew no illness, no old age, no fear… and they were far stronger then any human and even technically they weren't too far behind his fellow Replicators. And there were many of them. Too many for the Replicators to deal with using warships and other weapons.

'We will help you destroy the Wraith. If you promise to stop killing innocent people.'

'I will have to negotiate about this offer with Oberoth.'

'Actually I was hoping I could …'

'Trust me. If you want whatever plan is in your mind, to work out, it is best if I contact him alone …'

Does he want to help these people? Maybe some of them do care about living beings…

'It is not wise to risk so many enemies throughout an entire galaxy, when your goal can be achieved so much easier by co-operation. Oberoth is very old, the aggression is still very strong in him. In time it will be necessary to replace him. But for now we are afraid to face our own destruction if we disobey him… '

'Who are 'we'?' What was he talking about? Not all Replicators agreed to Oberoth's decisions? Were they really afraid of him?

Suddenly, Niam looked up as if he was spoken to. 'I am sorry. The others are calling for me. I will try to convince Oberoth. I will release your body now, as a sign of trust between us.'


'I don't see a Wraith committing suicide yet. By the way, as long as nobody knows about it, there's nothing to fear, right?'

'Other then being fed upon you mean?', the colonel responded.

Jennifer was shocked. 'She wouldn't! I thought you were I love!'

'That's the problem.. she loves me too much. But I don't think she'd ever kill me, I mean, I'm far too much fun to her.'

'Okay. You don't have to explain her idea of 'fun' to me…'

At that moment they heard a knock at the door of John's bedroom. Rodney McKay quickly entered the room. He seemed very nervous, agitated and even angry.

'Relax, Rodney, if you breath any quicker you'll start hyperventilating… Right, doc?', Sheppard said.

'What's going on?', doctor Keller asked the panting scientist.

'It's Elizabeth! She had Zelenka activate her nanites and she talked to this Niam Replicator or what's left of him, I don't know, the fact is… she made an offer to the Replicators! She offered an alliance to them!! Can you believe that?! Without even letting us know about it!'

'What!!' John got up and ran to the control room. Followed by a jogging Rodney and Jennifer.


'Will you people shut up and give doctor Weir a chance to explain the situation to everyone!!', Ronon roared. The next moment everyone in the briefing room went from loud protesting to utter silence and attention.

'Thank you, Ronon.' Doctor Weir got up from her seat in front of the crowd gathered in the small briefing room. It had been the right choice, she knew it.

'As you all know… I have attempted to make contact to the Replicators through my nanites and succeeded. I explained the current situation to Niam and he's informing Oberoth of my offer as we speak …'

'What exactly have you offered the Replicators?' Teyla asked, sounding concerned. Negotiating with lifeless beings wasn't her idea of a 'solution' to their problem. More like creating even more problems and risking the destruction of Atlantis. Dooming everyone in this entire galaxy. But doctor Weir was trying to fix what she believed were her mistakes, and Teyla couldn't blame her for it. She just hoped it would prove to be worthwhile.

'I offered them our help in the battle against the Wraith, in exchange they would have to leave humans alone.'

'That doesn't make any sense! What kind of weapon could we possibly have that the Replicators don't! They use Ancient technology, nothing we have is not within their technological reach!' Doctor McKay immediately reacted. She's gone insane. She has to be.

'I wasn't talking about an Ancient weapon, Rodney. But something far more simple, that turned out to have another effect on Wraith then we first expected. A powerful weapon against the Wraith that we discovered by accident in our first year in this galaxy.'

'Well, I wasn't around then. What is she talking about?', the Runner asked, looking at Rodney and Sheppard for answers.

'Oh, we all know what she's talking about, all right. But just think about what this could mean for the Replicator's further course of action if they decided to abort the alliance and continue using their current method!' Rodney said. Clearly not happy about what she'd offered Niam.

'I hadn't thought about it like that yet, Rodney … But no, I don't think they'll ever use it to kill humans. Their current way of doing so is one hundred percent affective, why would they change that to fifty percent?' Elizabeth responded. Now beginning to worry a bit herself.

'They could easily adjust this in a way they can use it to destroy both Wraith and humans…'

'Can anyone please tell me what the two of you are talking about cause I'm not getting it!' Sheppard exclaimed. Wondering what it could be the Replicators could be interested in.

'Oh, come on!! You've got to be joking! What's going on with your memory, Sheppard!', the scientist said, sounding irritated.

'Just tell me, Rodney!'

'The Hoffan serum off course! What else could we be talking about!'


'I've never heard of it before. Are you sure she isn't just bluffing, trying to win time or set up some sort of trap for Oberate…'

'Oberoth.'

'Whatever, I don't care what it's called…'

'What they're called. Unfortunately, there are several copies of the bastard.'

'Just. Answer. The. God. Damn. Question!'

'God damn? You learn quick when it comes to swearing …'

The stunning beauty before him opened her mouth to release without a doubt a whole sentence of curses but John Sheppard spoke before she could.

'I don't know what you've heard or not but I'm not making this up, it really exists. They probably found it by coincidence cause they didn't seem very advanced, and we still have samples of it in the lab.'

'Then why haven't you blown up the lab yet?'

'It doesn't work that way!'

'Sorry. Why haven't you stunned everyone in the lab, dragged them out and then blown it up yet?'

The colonel sighed. Conversation really was difficult like this.

'The point is, doctor Weir is our leader and many agree with her. I can't just go blowing up labs or stealing samples of the serum!'

'Well, I'm already here anyway. Step aside, I'll do it myself…', Amarah said, pushing him aside that hard he almost fell to the floor and making her way to the door of his room.

John ran after her, grabbing her arm. 'Are you out of your mind?!'

'How could I be out of my mind? Or is that some sort of terrible joke of yours again?'

'What I mean is… you can't just walk out there in a city filled with guards and blow up labs full of valuable samples and information!'

'Just watch…' The bluehaired queen pulled away from his grasp effortlessly.

'No, you can't go out t…'

There was a knock on the door of his room, followed by Ronon's voice.

'Sheppard? Are you in there?'

John nearly got a heartattack. Quickly he tried to push Amarah in the closet.

'What by the ancestors are you doing?!'

'Hush! Stay there, don't speak, don't move', John said while closing the door of his closet.

'Look mate, I'm sorry. I've been acting like a total prick lately, I know. I just came here to say that.. I think you're right. I mean… if I have to choose between you or doctor Weir at the moment..'

Suddenly the door opened, revealing Sheppard's surprised face.

'Come on in. Sorry I kept you waiting, I was in the bathroom. I really needed a shower after that meeting in the briefing room this afternoon. It's unbelievable how far Elizabeth's willing to go to protect this galaxy. You say my cause of action is insane, look at what she's doing… Desperate situations call for desperate methods, I know, but this is pure suicide …'

'I agree. With you I mean.' The former Runner looked at him, sounding a bit more hesitant then the colonel was used to.

'Oh…' The colonel turned around and started looking for a beer in his minibar. 'That's… great. That's great, really. I appreciate it.' He handed over a cold beer to Ronon, who looked like he needed it. Judging by the sweat on his forehead, he'd been for a run to get rid of his frustration. 'This isn't Teyla's doing, is it?'

'No. Though she was right along, I just was too stupid to listen to her …'

'It's okay. I understand. Over a month ago, I would've never ever agreed to what I'm saying now. But as I said, desperate situations call for desperate methods.' John took a sip from his beer and continued to stare out the open glass doors that led to his balcony.

'I don't know a lot about these Replicators or nanites or whatever they're called. I just know they're one of the only things I can't fight. Not in my usual way of fighting.' Ronon came standing next to him, also staring out the window. 'Still, I wanna help. Support you.'

'I'm sure we could use someone like you, when the time comes.'

'The time to stand up against Elizabeth's authority?'

The colonel practically choked in his beer, coughing and spilling the beer on the floor.

'No… No, that really isn't a good idea, Ronon! We can't just do that to her, not after all she's done for us! We're in this together, we all have the same goal.' At least you and doctor Weir have the same goal now.

'I wasn't referring to the both of us. But me and Teyla, we… we don't have to obey her. Definitely not when our lives are at stake. Not that I'd ever… You know what I mean. We could help you. She can forbid you to do something about this situation right now, but if me and Teyla carry out your plan without her knowing about it… She won't be able to say anything about it when your plan safes us all. And if it doesn't, well… Then her plan can be considered as plan B.'

'God,Ronon… I… I don't know what to say.'

'Then don't.'

John looked at the Satedan, put the nearly empty beer bottle on the table and hugged him.

'You know, I'm very happy. I really need friends right now. All my friends.'

Sheppard himself was as surprised by his own reaction as Ronon was. This whole situation really got to him in an emotional way. Atlantis was his home now. His team were his friends. He was in love with Amarah. His life really was in the Pegasus galaxy now. And he wouldn't let a bunch of heartless machines take his life, his real life, away from him. Ever.


'I have spoken of this matter with my superior. To my surprise, he has agreed to your offer, on the condition that you will keep your end of the bargain until the enemy is defeated.'

Elizabeth Weir got up and saw that she was in the dark room again. Or no, she was still in her office, unconscious.

It worked. They agreed to it! We're saving millions of lives without anyone getting hurt…

'I'm happy to hear that, Niam.'

'Are you sure you have the means to keep your promise, doctor Weir?'

'Yes. I have. About a year ago, we've…'

'You can give us the information we require to change our methods as soon as our contact person has arrived in your city. We request you to lower your shield this instant.'

Off course, they know our location now because of my nanites. I'm practically broadcasting our location to every Replicator in the entire galaxy. Let's hope I won't regret this decision.

Doctor Weir woke up in her office, got up and headed towards the control room.

'Incoming wormhole…'

'Lower the shield.'


Seconds after the alarm had started, the door opened and Teyla entered.

'Colonel Sheppard, doctor Weir wanted you to… oh, Ronon, here you are. Doctor Weir wants the both of you to be there when we welcome the contact person of the Replicators …'

'You can go if you want to, Ronon. But I'm not going…', the colonel said.

'John! You have to be there, you're Atlantis' military leader. Doctor Weir isn't the only one who wants you to be there.'

'All right then. But I'm doing this for you, not for Elizabeth.' John had the feeling it would take a very long time for him to forgive her.

They all made their way to the gate room and were just in time to see three Replicators stepping through the open wormhole. Oberoth wasn't amongst them. Thank God for that.

Doctor Weir and many others already stood there. Along with marines armed with electric pulse weapons. Not that those would make any difference if the Replicators attacked the city with their warships now in orbit around the planet.

'Welcome to Atlantis. If you could follow me, we can talk somewhere a bit more private.'

The three remained speechless and followed her to the briefing room. No emotions whatsoever on their perfectly symmetric faces. Not even when John Sheppard gave them a very hostile look, the hate radiating of his entire body.

And so negotiating had begun …


'I must say, all went well. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea as I thought …'

'Have you gone totally insane?! They're Replicators!! Who knows what they might be thinking, you could be walking into a trap, the looks on their faces definitely wouldn't tell you! I trusted you, John! I trusted you to stop all of this! Do something about it! But you have betrayed me, you have obviously seized to care about me!'

'No, Amarah, it isn't like that! I don't have a choice! Doctor Weir is our leader, I can't just go disobeying her, even if I don't agree! Out of all people, you should understand that!'

'Then I guess you're gonna have to choose who you're loyal to, colonel John Sheppard, doctor Weir or me!' The Wraith Queen turned around elegantly and went through the balcony doors, her shiny turquoise hair waving behind her. She hidded in the direction of her invisible puddle jumper, which was hanging in the air just next to the balcony of John Sheppard's room.

'No, Amarah, wait! I care about you! More then that, I love you! I really do!'

'Then prove it! Or you're not worthy of my love!' She entered her invisible vessel and John heard her fly off into the sky. He watched the direction in which she probably was hidding. Sheppard felt sad. Very sad. More then sad. He felt truly depressed. And guilty.

Oh, what wouldn't she give just to blow up all those Replicator ships orbiting around the planet! But no, then they would definitely destroy Atlantis and she couldn't let that happen. Not even if John Sheppard wasn't the man she thought he was …


'I know it's your call, but my job is to warn you if you're gonna make the wrong decisions, and that's exactly what I've done!'

'No, it isn't, John. You've done more then advising me. You've tried to make it your call, to undermine my authority. I must ask of you, not to do that ever again. This isn't the first time you've disobeyed me. We have to stick together now. We can't afford to argue with each other in front of the Replicators …'

'That's the problem!! Those Replicators! We have to get rid of them! What do you think will be the next step they'll take, after they've finished with the Wraith? We're next! And if Atlantis is destroyed, there's practically no hope left for the rest of this galaxy! Do you really wish for that to happen?'

'This is my decision John! And the alliance will only less until one of our greatest enemies is destroyed. If the Replicators are still a threat to this galaxy after that, we will take action to prevent them from hurting anyone …'

'Will you still be able to when that time comes? Will you even be alive? As soon as the Replicators have destroyed the Wraith, we aren't worth anything to them anymore! And then they'll know about the Hoffan serum ànd they'll know the location of Atlantis! You're giving them not only what they require to win this war but also what they require to destroy us once they're done with the Wraith! We're sticking together with the wrong enemy here!'

'I don't know, John! Non of us can know what will happen eventually but at the moment, my course of action is saving millions of innocents. And why should we trust the Wraith any more then we trust the Replicators? They will not stop killing innocent people after the Replicators are destroyed…'

'No, but they'll never kill everyone in this galaxy, because that would simply be suicide! The Replicators are machines, it doesn't matter to them if we or any living being for that matter, is left alive! More then that, they have feelings of hate towards humans! It is only a matter of time before they deal with us too! Is it wise to refuse the help of an enemy if there is a common enemy that's even worse?'

'You believe the Replicators to be worse then the Wraith… All right, that's your opinion, John. But the decision is mine. And I want you to respect that. I have been very patient with you but if you continue to make negotiations between us and the Replicators difficult, I will have you released of your command. Do you understand?'

Sheppard stared at her, disappointment, disbelief and anger in his hazel eyes. They seemed empty now, cold and unwelcoming. A strong contrast to what they usually looked like.

'Oh, yes. I understand. I understand perfectly fine.' After a final almost hateful glare he turned around and left her office.

Doctor Weir continued to stare at the door of her office. A look of utter shock on her face. I really hope this is the right decision …


'How are you expecting me to fix this hyperdrive if you're constantly looking over my shoulder!'

'I'm just trying to give you some advice, Rodney… ', the Czech answered.

'Well, I didn't ask for your help, okay! I'm not in the mood for an argument right now so if you'd be so kind to leave, thank you!'

Doctor Zelenka sighed and left Rodney McKay to work alone. It wasn't his fault the alliance with the Replicators was a fact now. He had simply been following doctor Weir's orders when he activated her nanites.

Doctor McKay continued to work on a damaged hyperdrive in one of the adjusted Puddle Jumpers in the bay. Finally. Some peace now. Why can't they all just leave me alone?

A few seconds after that last thought, Rodney heard footsteps on the other side of the bay. This really was getting extremely annoying! Who was it this time? Maybe that stupid Zelenka again?

'What part of the sentence 'I didn't ask for your help, leave me alone' did you not understand, Zelenka?! I'm sick of you bothering me, okay? I'm not angry! I just want to work ALONE!'

No response. Had it been his imagination? Maybe the stress of this whole situation was finally getting to him, he had to get some rest. After I've finished this, I will go to bed. Just a few more minutes should do the job…

McKay almost got a heart attack and dropped his laptop when he heard the sound of a Jumper taking off. He got out of the Jumper and looked up to see another Jumper turn around to leave the bay. It only took two seconds for him to recognise the only person in the ancient vehicle.


'Oh… you guys are never gonna believe what I just saw! We have to be quick, we… never mind, it's probably too late anyway ….', Rodney McKay said, panting and sweating. He really had to do something about this condition of his. Maybe when he had time. I'll do some training when I'm retired. If I ever live to see that day.

'Rodney… What's going on? Are you all right?', the Athosian leader asked concerned.

'Yeah, you look like you've seen a ghost. I thought all Replicators had left Atlantis about two hours ago. What reminds me of it… have you seen Sheppard anywhere? I can't find him anywhere …'

'I know where he is. Or what I mean is… I don't know.'

'Doesn't make any sense to me', the former Runner said, rising an eyebrow and looking in Teyla's direction with a questioning look on his face. She didn't understand it either, judging by the surprise in her eyes.

'It's Sheppard…. I just saw him at the jumper bay. He left in a Jumper.'

'How do you mean, he left?'

'He left!! He flew off in a jumper! He left Atlantis! And I don't know where he's gone, he's already out of sensor reach by now. And probably cloaked too. I have no way of tracing him, no idea where he could be going.'

They all looked at each other in shock and surprise a few moments, then they raced off to the control room. Rodney was still catching his breath and yelling after them. 'It's no use! Can't we just sit here and rest for a while?'


'This is all my fault. I had an argument with John earlier. It was pretty bad. I… I just can't have him questioning my authority all the time. Definitely not in a situation such as this.'

'It's all right, Elizabeth. Nobody's blaming you for this. I'm sure the colonel will realise that there's no use in running, then he will return to us', Teyla assured her.

A few seconds later doctor Weir, to the surprise of all, began to cry. 'It's… all my fault! Maybe they're all right… John… the IOA… I am a bad leader!'

At that moment, doctor Beckett, doctor Keller and doctor Heightmeyer entered the room. They were all surprised to see doctor Weir crying. Ronon stood leaned against the wall, his feelings could not be determined by the neutral look on his face. Teyla was comforting doctor Weir and Rodney was nervously pacing up and down the room, almost panicking.

'What's going on?', Carson asked. 'What happened? Where's colonel Sheppard?'

'He left.' McKay responded, pacing up and down the room faster and faster, practically jogging around doctor Weir's desk, getting even more tired.

'How d'you mean, he's left?'

'He's left Atlantis, in a Jumper, through the jumper bay doors, into space! Can I be more specific?!'

'Oh my God… ', Kate said. 'I must have seen it coming. But with everything that was going on, I didn't have time for our sessions anymore. Not to mention he was making progress and I thought he wouldn't need them anymore soon … I was obviously very wrong.'

'Don't blame yourself, honey. You couldn't possibly see this coming. Is there a way for us to track him? Contact him?', doctor Beckett asked. Looking even more worried then before.

'No. No, there is no way! That's what ancient cloaking technology is all about, sensors not being able to see or contact Jumpers!' Rodney McKay sighed.

There was no way for him to find out Sheppard's location. Yet he had to. God knows what he could do when he was like this! No. No, I can't think like that! I have to find a way…. Find a way to find him! And I have to do it quick… Hurry up. I don't know! I just don't know! I have to stay calm, just... stay calm! Oh My God, I can't think like this! I have to be alone in order to think properly!


'There can only be one place he'd go to and that's the obvious reason of his departure …'

'I don't know what you're talking about, why did you want to see me face to face immediately, Jennifer?'

'You know damn well what I'm talking about! Maybe Teyla doesn't blame you for his disappearance but I do! You were supposed to help him with his emotional problems!'

Jennifer Keller was surprised by her own actions and words. An anger had awoken inside of her and was now speaking for her. She'd never dreamed of being in another galaxy in this sort of situation, let alone talking like this to someone way more experienced then she was.

'You know? How?'

'It was very obvious. Sheppard and I talked about it yesterday night.'

'I'm not sure if we're referring to the same thing here…', Kate Heightmeyer started.

'John Sheppard and Queen Amarah!'

Kate was silent for a few moments. Then she spoke. 'You're probably right. Maybe it is my fault. But John, as you know, isn't an easy patient. And I can't talk to her about this issue…'

'We both know that's probably where he went. Her.'

'You think so? You think he'd risk that?'

'I'm one hundred percent sure he would. Besides, she's so crazy about him.. he isn't really risking anything.'

'What about his freedom?'

'Freedom? How do you mean, he's risking his freedom? You don't think… No…'

'From what I've learned about Wraith and how they think, I'd say there's a pretty good chance she won't let him go anymore, once she's got him where she wants him.'


Somewhere in another solar system of the Pegasus galaxy, a lonely Puddle Jumper decloaked itself and flew in the direction of two Wraith hiveships, orbiting around an abandoned moon.


TBC …

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