The Ghosts of Atlantis

AN: Hope that all you readers had a great New Year! My apologies for not completing this tale before Christmas as I kinda struggled getting the next chapter up (me thinks I got a case of writer's block), then I was away during the Christmas break. However, I didn't forget about you guys and after staring at the blank page for a while, I finally cracked the whip at the naughty plots bunnies and placed them all in the sweat house until they delivered! lol. Hopefully you guys are still interested in this. Also thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys rock - and keep me going at this!

12: Race Against Time

"Well, Rodney, I don't mean to put any undue pressure, but at this moment, we're counting on you to figure out a way to deactivate the device before midnight tonight. A lot of lives are depending on it, including your own. Do you think you can do it?" Weir asked. Everyone was gathered together for another conference meeting at the infirmary.

"Given enough time, I'm sure I can," answered Rodney.

"The problem is Rodney, we're running out of time," Elizabeth noted.

"Why does everyone keep reminding me of it? Don't you think already I know that?!"

Elizabeth smiled wryly. "Yes, we do. Sorry Rodney, it's just that we also have to make contingency plans on what to do if you are unable to switch off the device in time. After all, this is an alien technology that we are talking about here."

"I thought of that," Rodney looked up and snapped his fingers. "Someone without the ATA gene should be assigned to Sheppard. I don't think he should be left alone, and I don't think he's in any condition to fight off any ghost if it reappears again."

"I'll stand guard tonight over Sheppard," Ronon volunteered.

"Good," Rodney replied.

"Hey!" Sheppard protested, feeling insulted by Rodney's statement. "I'm not an invalid you know..."

"Of course not, John, but you're injured and Rodney is right, you're not up to a fight with Sumner. You'll need someone to watch your back," Elizabeth said reassuringly to the Head of the Military contingent as he leaned back on his pillow and scowled.

"Yes, it's always best to play it safe rather than sorry, after all you only have one life, Sheppard, so why take risks, hmm? Actually we should probably get someone to watch Carson's back too. After all, he has the ATA gene too, and also myself, preferably some large Rambo-type marine with fast reflexes and lots of muscles," Rodney replied, blue eyes looking up at Weir.

"We don't have enough marines to cover everyone, Rodney," Elizabeth replied, "Many of the marines themselves will need watching as they have the ATA gene from Carson's gene therapy."

"I can watch over you, Rodney," Zelenka offered.

"What?!" Rodney replied, turning back to look at his assistant horror. "Hello? Weren't you listening? I specifically mentioned Rambo-like attributes, remember? And with that broken toe of yours, you won't be able to run fast, much less protect me!"

Zelenka frowned. "It's not broken, Rodney. And I don't need to run, only push you out of way when Gall wants to shoot you."

"Actually," Elizabeth quickly interjected before the conversation got out of hand. "I think it's a good idea, Rodney. After all, you two will be working together trying to deactivate that cube device. Besides, we don't have enough people to spare, Rodney. So you should be thankful that you have Radek looking out for you."

"Oh great, as head of the Scientific department, I end up with Mr. Wimp for a protector! Well, if I turn up dead, you know who to blame!"

"Rodney!" Weir said in a warning tone that meant no further insults or arguments from the scientist.

McKay knew when to keep silent, but all could see that he wasn't happy about the arrangement. Radek sat crossed armed and frowned darkly, grumbling under his breath in Czech about an ungrateful scientist who deserved to have his ass kicked.

"I will stand guard over you, Dr. Beckett," Teyla volunteered, bowing her head politely.

"Why thank you, Teyla," Carson replied, touched by the gesture. It made him feel better to know that if Perna's ghost showed up, he wouldn't have to face her alone.

There was another protest from Rodney. "Hey! If I can't get a Rambo marine, Carson, can I swap with you for Teyla instead? She knows stick fighting, she'll be more useful in a battle than Zelenka over there!" Rodney said pointing his thumb towards Radek. Zelenka by now was practically fuming; if he were a bull, he would have butted his boss' ass with his horns.

"Rodney, I SAID that is enough! Besides weren't you two meant to be a team? Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, remember?" said Elizabeth.

"That was when a mystery needed to be solved! As I've already solved it, I now want either Conan or Xena to protect me," Rodney countered.

"Rodney!" Weir's voice high-pitched with annoyance. A last warning. It was obvious that she was losing patience with the Head of the Scientific Department. "I don't want to have to warn you again. I'm sure that Radek will be able to do an efficient job watching out for you. And as both of you will be working together in the lab, he's the logical choice."

"But Gall is always shooting at me, how is Zelenka going to stop a bullet, I ask you that, huh? After all, it's not that he's muscle man!"

"Well, if you're so worried, Rodney, I'll lend you Ronon instead. I'll be happy for Zelenka to watch my back," Sheppard offered from his corner. To his surprise, he was met with a resounding "NO!" from Elizabeth, Rodney, Ronon and even Radek. All knew that Ronon would be able to handle Sumner's ghost better than Zelenka.

Sheppard seemed a little taken aback at seeing four determined set of eyes glaring at him in concern.

"Whoa... I was only trying to help out, guys..."

However, Sheppard's offer made Rodney embarrassed of his ungratefulness over Radek's offer. So a little reluctantly, he muttered, "No, no, Radek watching my back will be fine. Ronon remains with you, Sheppard."

"You sure about that, Rodney?" John asked.

"Yes, yes, quite sure," Rodney replied as he scowled while Radek smirked.

"Well, now that that's settled, I recommend that we set up some sort of a bodyguard buddy system for all of our people who have the ATA gene." Elizabeth suggested.

There were nods of agreement from everyone in the room.

"Will a person without the ATA gene be harmed by these ghosts, Rodney?" Carson asked curiously.

Rodney looked up. "I'm not sure about that, we haven't had anyone who didn't have it be in the position to be hurt by them before. However, it might be better to play it safe rather than sorry. Just warn everybody to stay clear out of phantom weapons if they can."

"Aye, that sounds wise." Carson agreed.

"So, now that we know that these ghosts are the projections of our minds, shouldn't that lessen the power they have over us?" Sheppard wondered.

Rodney shrugged, not quite knowing the answer to that. "Chances are, when you're in the vicinity of these phantoms, they're going to bombard you with feelings of extreme guilt. However, you do bring up a good point, Sheppard. Elizabeth, we should also warn our people that if the phantoms attack again, to remember that they're not real, and to try to fight against their feelings of guilt."

Elizabeth agreed.

"I guess that leaves me to stand guard over Major Lorne then," O'Neill said.

"Is that wise, General? After all, you do have the ATA gene, Jack," Elizabeth stated.

"If what McKay says is true, the Ancient device shouldn't affect me now," Jack replied.

"Yes," Rodney agreed, looking at Jack then at Elizabeth. "In fact, if our people can manage to somehow fight against the cube's influences, defeat their own ghosts so to speak, the device shouldn't harm them any longer. Feelings of love seem to be a very powerful emotion, so I guess if it's a loved one that you're encountering, try to think of the love you shared with the person, like what O'Neill did. If it's not a loved one, then I guess we'll just need to find a way to work out our issues and put our ghosts to rest so to speak."

Elizabeth nodded. "Okay, then I'm going to recommend all those who want to speak to Kate Heightmeyer about their respective 'ghosts' do so. Carson, Rodney, John? I'll make sure that you are the list of top priority if you want to speak to her?"

Rodney shook his head, "No, I have too much to do here." He lifted a hand and pointed a finger at himself. "Me trying to deactivate the crazy alien device remember?"

Weir nodded. "John?" she asked, looking her first in command.

Sheppard made a face and echoed Rodney's shake of his head. "You forced me to speak to her about Sumner's death when it occurred over two years ago, Elizabeth. I don't know what more I can say to her. I just need to find a way to deal with it my own way. Heightmeyer will not be able to help me."

Elizabeth frowned. "Are you sure, John? You don't seem to be doing a good job at it at the moment."

An unreadable look flashed through Sheppard's eyes. "No, I'll deal with it. As I now know what's causing it, it should make a difference."

"Well, if you need to talk about anything, we're here for you, John. All of us. You know that don't you?"

Sheppard looked a little embarrassed. He frowned slightly then nodded and mumbled, "Thanks," before looking down at his hands.

Elizabeth now turned towards Dr. Beckett. "And what about you, Carson? Would you like to arrange a session with Heighmeyer?"

Carson looked up at Elizabeth. "Perhaps later, lass, when all this is over with, but I can't afford the time right now. There are things that need my attention."

"Okay, then." Elizabeth said, folding her arms and smiling around the table. "As all three of you are going to forgo Heightmeyer's services, it'll be first come first serve basis for all those personnel who wish to speak to her. I'll let her know about it too."

"Rodney, as soon as you manage to get the device deactivated, let me know." Elizabeth stated. With those final words, their meeting was over.

oOo

"Ouch!" Rodney cried out, sucking on his little finger in his attempt to dismantle the alien cube device. "Hey! I think it just zapped me!"

Zelenka looked up from his computer laptop and gave a little smile. "I know, it zapped me too when I tried same thing an hour ago while you were away getting yourself coffee,"

"What?" Rodney screwed up his face and looked at Radek surprised. "Why didn't you tell me this?"

"I did, you weren't listening. I said, 'It will not work, don't try that', remember?" replied Zelenka smugly.

"Well, you should have warned me about the zap!" argued Rodney, clearly annoyed with his assistant.

"I decided it would be good if it zapped obnoxious head scientist in little pinky. Perhaps it would teach him lesson to treat his assistant better," Zelenka smirked.

Rodney scowled at him, decided to take a bite out from his power bar and looked at his watch. So far going two days with very little sleep was affecting him, and it wasn't for the better. It was slowing down his reflexes, making him cranky and he found it harder to think straight. Already, he had been down to Carson's infirmary to get something to help keep him awake so that he could work on trying to resolve their problem.

"Zelenka," Rodney said suddenly, his tone serious. "I don't think we'll be able to find the off-switch in time, we need to let Elizabeth, Sheppard and the others know about it."

oOo

Carson was sitting in his office with Teyla by his side. His blue eyes were anxious, darting about, before finally resting on the wall clock showing that it would be midnight soon.

"How are you feeling, Dr. Beckett?" Teyla asked calmly.

"Oh, I'm okay, I think. I must say, Teyla, I'm not looking forward for another encounter with a ghostly Perna," he finally admitted.

Teyla gave him a reassuring smile. "Do not worry Dr. Beckett, I will see to it that she does not harm you."

"Thank..." he did not manage to complete his sentence before he suddenly felt a sudden chill in the air. Then at the corner of the room, he saw the corporeal form of the ghostly Perna appear. Her face was furious as she glared at him with hatred in her eyes. In her hand, she had a set of sharp looking scalpels.

oOo

Sheppard was sitting up in his bed, playing cards with Ronon when he sensed the feeling of coldness and the evil presence in the room. His heart beat started to accelerate as he looked up and saw the ghost of Sumner materialized at the foot of his bed. Instantly, Ronon was by his side, helping him out of bed.

"Sheppaaaard!" screamed the ghost of Sumner. "I have cooooome to claim whaaaat iiiiiis mine!"

oOo

"Roooodney!" said Dr. Brendan Gall as he materialized in the lab where the two scientists were working.

Rodney's eyes widened in alarm as he looked up from the computer screen where he was working. He saw the ghostly apparition of Gall approaching him with an ugly looking dagger in his hand.

"Uh… Rodney, you might want to move your butt…" Zelenka said a little nervously as he limped towards his boss to shake his shoulder.

"Yes, yes, I see him," Rodney commented testily, refusing to budge as he frantically began typing away. "Just give me a few minutes, I think I'm almost there. I think I've almost cracked the code!"

Rodney was too busy looking at his computer screen to notice the ghost move closer. He did not see the deadly smile that Brendan gave as the ghost flashed the evil looking long knife that he had in his hand and slashed it at him…

oOo

TBC

AN: So, how am I doing? Things might not be so good for a couple of our heroes… bwhahahahaha!