"McKay?" Caldwell asked from his seat on the bridge of the Daedalus.

"Going as fast as I can. I mean I am trying to integrate Earth, Ancient and Asgard technology to do something that is almost impossible. If I get this wrong I could blast everyone with a lethal dose of radiation so you really do not want to be rushing me right now."

"Umm Rodney." Zelenka said from his side, however McKay ranted on oblivious to the interruption.

"Maybe if you kept a better record of your logs you would have noticed you were giving a ride to a ship and we would not be in this mess."

"Rodney." Zelenka tried again as McKay paused for breath.

"But no, once again you all screw up in the knowledge that I'll get you out of the mess. Well this time it is not so simple so-"

"Rodney." Zelenka almost shouted, cutting McKay off.

"What?" McKay shouted back.

"I'm picking up a signal."

"You can't be, I have not even connected the antenna yet."

"Well I am." Zelenka argued. "It is weak but definitely artificial."

"Where?" Caldwell asked, not waiting for McKay to respond.

"About a hundred metres off our port side."

"McKay, can we run scans without them knowing we are scanning them and will we be able to see anything through the cloak?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes and no. The point of a cloak is it stops all energy being visible outside it. That means we can't see into it. The only way to see inside the ship is to deactivate the cloak or be inside it." He suddenly paused and started clicking his fingers. "Of course that's it. We'll need to work quickly, but it could work. I'll need a little time to set it up."

"What could work?" Sheppard questioned.

"How much time?" Caldwell asked speaking over his subordinate.

"An hour."

"You have thirty minutes." Caldwell replied. "Sheppard prepare an assault team for boarding."

"Yes Sir." Sheppard said, suddenly feeling like their luck was changing, although still concerned he had no idea what McKay was up to.

-oo-

Twenty seven minutes later McKay and Zelenka jogged onto the bridge and Rodney said.

"Ok, I'm ready. I just need to plug this into the terminal." He said attaching his laptop to the Daedalus systems. "Before you start I should warn you this will be a rough estimate. I won't be able to get any more than detecting where lifesigns are present."

"That's all we need." Caldwell pointed out.

"They will probably also work out what is happening really quickly. When they do they'll switch to shields and we'll no longer be able to use the transporters."

"I thought you said they won't be able to detect the scans." Sheppard said.

"I did and they can't. It is the modifications to their cloak that they'll detect."

"What modifications?"

"I am using the transmitted signal from their ship to simulate certain responses, including a distortion and extension of their cloak all the way up to the Daedalus, which will put our antennas inside the cloak allowing us to see inside the ship."

"Sweet. Will that work?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes." McKay replied as Zelenka simultaneously said.

"Maybe."

"Seeing it is all we have when will you be ready?" Caldwell asked.

"As soon as you give the word."

"Sheppard is the assault team ready?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good. McKay do what you're going to do."

"Ok, initialising modifications...now. Ok we are getting readings. Two lifeforms are separated from the others."

"Beam them to the bridge and beam the assault party over there." Caldwell immediately ordered. Moments later what looked like a pile of blankets appeared on the bridge. Sheppard quickly but cautiously approached and saw the two women huddled underneath the material. As soon as he nodded to Caldwell the Colonel ordered.

"Beam the others straight to the brig." He then paused and waited for confirmation when he had it he contacted Lorne on the Ajax.

"Major, we have our people and have transported the others to the brig. Secure the ship."

On the other side of the bridge Sheppard dropped down by the two women and asked.

"Doc, Major?"

"She needs the infirmary." Jennifer stuttered. "Now." She added when Sheppard didn't immediately move. This time he moved forward to pick Teldy, who he realised was unconscious, up. "Careful." Jennifer continued, still stuttering. "Punctured lung." In response Sheppard nodded and carefully scooped Teldy up before carrying her to the infirmary. Moments later Jennifer, still shivering, found herself in Caldwell's arms being carried off the bridge.

-oo-

Two hours later Sheppard stood in the brig looking at the all the detainees. He was making no attempt to hide his anger and disdain. Caldwell may have been temporarily prohibited him from interrogating any of them, but that did not stop him pacing in front of the cells planning what would happen when he was allowed some time with them. He thoughts were broken by Caldwell entering the brig.

"Colonel." Caldwell greeted.

"Sir."

"Lorne has just reported in. The Ajax, which is a small Ancient ship, still no idea where they found it, is under their full control. McKay and Zelenka have beamed over to play with their new toy. I have requested Ronon's return to the Daedalus to help with the interrogation."

"Good." Sheppard said glaring at Slock. "How's the doc and Teldy?"

"Both should make full recoveries. The team here want to transfer them back to Atlantis." Caldwell replied.

"I want Keller to remain here." Sheppard said. "With a protection detail, until we know this is really over."

"I have already informed Woolsey of that decision. I need to get back to the bridge. As soon as Ronon arrives start getting answers. But remember if the IOA is behind this any behaviour that contravenes human rights will be a nail in your coffin." Caldwell ordered.

"Yes Sir."

-oo-

As Caldwell walked from the brig towards the bridge he wondered how the IOA had managed to infiltrate Atlantis and the Daedalus with such ease. He also questioned how many more were involved at the SGC. He was pulled from his thoughts by colliding with Jennifer, nearly sending the doctor flying.

"Doctor, shouldn't you be in the infirmary?" He asked gripping her arms to steady her.

"I'm fine." She mumbled looking at her feet.

"I'm sure I can find plenty of doctors who'd disagree with that appraisal." Caldwell countered.

"Needed to get away." Jennifer said, still looking at her feet.

"Doctor." He started, with an authoritative tone, until he noticed her trembling. "You don't look fine." He added more gently. This time Jennifer did not reply verbally. Instead she continued to stare at the floor. Her trembling though increased. Removing one hand from her arm Caldwell hooked a finger under her chin forcing her head up. As her face became into view he saw how pale it was, except for the nasty bruises on her cheeks. He also noticed the tear stains. Realising she was on the verge of a break down he guided her towards his quarters, growing more concerned when she did not resist.

When they finally reached his cabin he ushered Jennifer inside, following closely behind, before shutting the door. Placing his arms on Jennifer's shoulders he tried to think of something to say. He was, however, beaten to the punch by Jennifer collapsing in tears. Supporting her against his chest he wrapped his arms round her letting her cry, knowing that words, at least none that he could offer, would not help.

When Jennifer finally calmed he led her to his bed and helped her sit before moving to the other side of the room and boiling some water.

"It gets better." Caldwell said a few minutes later, handing Jennifer a mug of tea. "It just takes time and small steps. In your case that's probably eating and sleeping." He then turned and went to a set of drawers in the corner of the room from where he pulled out a bar of chocolate. Returning to Jennifer he placed the bar in her free hand saying.

"It's not exactly going to win nutritious product of the year, but it's high in energy." He looked down at Jennifer who seemed to be staring blankly at the chocolate. "Well it would be if you ate it rather than just looked at it." When Jennifer continued to look blankly at the bar he took it from her and unwrapped it. Breaking off a piece he handed it to her saying. "Try sucking on that." As Jennifer numbly took the chocolate he put his arm round her shoulder and tried to comfort her.

-oo-

Leaving his quarters an hour later Caldwell saw Sheppard round the corner and asked.

"Colonel. Any signs of cooperation yet?"

"Not yet and there is another issue." Sheppard replied scanning the corridor, trying to look pass Caldwell.

"Lost something?" Caldwell questioned. Then not giving Sheppard a chance to answer held his hand at chin height and continued. "A doctor, about yay high."

"Umm yes." Sheppard replied confused that Caldwell knew.

"She's in my quarters. I'm already late so have someone sit with her." He said walking off, leaving Sheppard even more confused. Moving towards the open door he looked in and saw Jennifer lying asleep on Caldwell's bunk. The scene not helping to bring clarity to Sheppard's mind.