Chapter fourteen - Learning from the past
"In flesh and blood," Ford smirked and watched her shocked face harden until no emotion could be seen.
She was thinking. Faster than ever before. Trying to put every single piece of the once unknown puzzle together. Ford was alive – check. For some reason he seized the opportunity to take over Michael's experimentation – check. And for some reason, the Hybrids agreed to that – check. And he was succeeding in his plans – whatever they are.
She stared him down, inspecting the alternate version of what once was her teammate. He didn't change much since the last time they met. Apart from the one fact that he is now standing on the other side of the barricade.
He held her gaze, daring her to observe him. And she was trying to do just that. He was difficult to read though and she knew that he was aware of that fact.
"Why are you doing this?" she decided to ask in the end.
"Doing what?" he deflected and stepped a little closer.
"You know what I mean," she said resolutely, not letting him take control.
He frowned. "And you also know the answer. You know how this works. You are a diplomat after all."
She mirrored his frown. How can he know all that? He even called her by her name. Did he see the video? Or maybe...
"And you should stop interrogating McKay, you know it stresses him to the point of hyperventilation," she scolded him.
Ford shrugged. "He was mostly forthcoming though, sharing everything he knew about you."
"You should be careful about that. McKay's survival abilities, if pushed to the limits, can easily turn against you."
"I am not afraid of McKay," he dismissed it with a smile.
"Did you turn him into a Hybrid then?" she asked, not really wanting to know the answer though.
He scoffed. "Oh please, why would I do that? I can easily get everything I want from him without taking such drastic measures, no, I am saving this occasion for something more special such as…the arrival of my 'nemesis'," he smiled wickedly at her. "I should be thanking you, you know?"
"Is that so?"
"Of course. My original plan was to destroy Atlantis," he explained.
"The only possible threat to your intentions," she added for him.
"Just so. But come on, wouldn't that be a waste? It would and you helped me realize that. I spent a lot of time thinking, while you were destroying my every single effort. And in the end I realized I could make much better use of Atlantis and its personnel…once they see things my way."
She nodded. Just as she suspected her interference made him push forward his work on the virus and complete it earlier. So he could put it to an immediate use.
On Atlantis. On them.
"You understand now, don't you," he voiced his observation.
"Why didn't you come back?" she asked, suddenly changing the subject. "If you survived the destruction of the Hives, why didn't you contact Atlantis, I'm sure you would be able to find a way to do that."
He chuckled darkly. "Right, I wonder how that would go for me. Holding cells, medical experiments or Atlantis's favorite - sending security risks through the Gate into the vast of space? Or maybe a package deal of all of the above. Jadie, you are an intelligent woman, so are you trying to stall for something with such stupid questions?"
She wanted to argue that he was wrong. That they would help him should he return. But she knew better. She knew what IOA would do.
"Your silence betrays your intentions. I am not stupid you know. I'm certain your surprisingly outnumbered attack must serve some sort of cause. There's no way you would try to launch a rescue mission with just two people and think you'd be successful so naturally there must be an ulterior motive," he deduced and smirked at the still silent woman. "Once again, your silence speaks for yourself."
She chuckled suddenly. "Exactly. My silence indeed speaks for me. But there is just one person that understands it. And that person is dead. So…" she paused and turning her head around, she looked up to the city towering above the ocean.
Ford frowned at the action and just as he was about to ask, a humming sound reached his ears and in a split of a second the city fell into darkness. "What th-"
He wasn't allowed to continue as a fist collided with his face, both the force and the surprise of the incoming blow knocking him off his feet. He quickly recovered, rolling away just in time to avoid the assailant's kick. Getting on his feet, he adjusted his eyes to the darkness, which wasn't all that difficult in his Hybrid boosted state, to spot Jade standing over the space he just left.
Shaking his head he scoffed. "Wrong move."
The door broke open and the guardian Hybrid entered the pier. Jade eyed them both quickly and improvised a plan. Forgetting about Ford altogether she darted towards the other Hybrid and just as swiftly and forcefully tackled him to the ground, grabbing onto his head and with a snap breaking it.
Just as she got back to her feet and readied herself for an attack she was expecting from the back she felt a burning pinch in her left shoulder. Immediately reaching there to inspect the damage, she pulled out what seemed to be a small iron dart. Staring at it for a while she suddenly looked up to meet the victorious face of Ford. Her eyes widened.
"No bloody way…" she breathed out, her voice cracking up.
Ford lowered a small hand gun, which probably shot the dart and chuckled. "I told you. I was saving the occasion for something special."
She stared wordlessly at him, her breath quickening. Cursing mentally she threw the dart away almost angry and started off in Ford's direction. She came to a halt few feet away from him though, falling to the ground with a pained cry. "Son of a…" she spitted out through gritted teeth and groaned.
"It was nice meeting you, Jade Langford. But you cannot be allowed to continue your little sabotage," he said, moving to her fallen form and crouching next to her. "Goodbye."
oooSGAooo
"Well, that was useless," Sheppard sighed and watched Ronon as he was still trying to push the holding cell door open in no vain. "Was there any plan behind this at all?" he turned to Lorne, who just shrugged.
"How would I know? She is not one to explain her plans, you should know that the best. This was meant to cripple them; they won't be getting the power back online in few more hours so I'm guessing we'll have to take our chances and use to commotion to think something up or wait for others to come. Opening standard doors should be a piece of cake."
"I guess," Sheppard said thoughtfully. "Did you two really just come down having no plan at all?"
"No, of course not. Cadman and Rivers are on their way to gather with the Travelers. They will help us with both their Hives and their soldiers."
"That's still a lame plan if you ask me," Sheppard whispered.
"It's all that we have, we can't let the Hybrids get the city, get us and get to the Earth, even if we'll have to destroy the city in the process," Lorne reasoned.
Sheppard have him a tired look and sighed again. "You are right…but let's not think of the worst just yet. We still have a chance."
"Chance for what, exactly?" a voice ringed through the dark room and suddenly a bright light blinded the three prisoners. "The blackout gave you exactly nothing, I already have McKay working on the problem," Ford said, revealing himself and two other Hybrids carrying some sort of circular flashlight.
"Look, Ford, you don't have to do this," Sheppard tried.
"Yes I do. This way we'll finally be together again. Now isn't that what you always wanted? For me to come back? Well here I am Sheppard and we will soon be one big happy family."
"No we won't, not this way! You know that!"
"You know…that if I returned after I escaped from the Hives I would be locked up and put down. I know far too well what a 'help' means in your dictionary, Sheppard!"
"We would be able to help you; in time you would get off of the enzyme and be just fine!" Sheppard argued.
"Fine? That's funny, I've been feeling quite alright lately," Ford replied sarcastically. "Better actually."
"Right, faster better stronger…and so on," Sheppard rolled his eyes at him.
"Yes. And soon, you will also feel the same. This is evolution Sheppard. You can't stop it, and you can't stop me. And your alternate friend…well she is reconsidering her priorities already. Aren't you, Jade?" he asked turning around, his gaze searching for something in the dark.
"Reconsidering? I think I'm already done with that," her low voice sounded from behind him and soon her form appeared in the light, standing next to Ford. "I say we move to chapter two of this story," she suggested and eyed the prisoners.
Sheppard frowned. Something in that voice…that smile…made him uncomfortable. Did he…did he really…
"Son of a bitch," Lorne muttered as he moved to stand next to Sheppard, whose thoughts he unknowingly voiced for him.
"Whoa, watch you language Colonel. I think you are quite right Jade, we should move on. So what do you say, Sheppard. You up for it? Faster, better, stronger…," he smirked, but flinched as Ronon smashed his hands against the bars.
"Let me outta here and I'll take my chances," Ronon growled and stared him down.
Ford returned the stare and continued to smile wickedly. "Don't worry big fella, once I'm done with you, we'll be best of friends."
"How about we start with this one," JJ suddenly spoke up, nodding in Lorne's direction.
Ford gave her a side glance and raised his brows curiously. "The good Colonel Lorne? Why?"
She looked straight at Lorne, her eyes strange and unfamiliar. "Well the blackout was his fault. He's got this gadget hidden in his left shoe, some sort of Ancient EMP bomb it is. Quite handy actually."
Lorne sighed through gritted teeth and shrugged. "That was all your plan, you know?"
"What do I say…my plan or not, I think you should be…awarded," she smiled almost evilly.
Ford chuckled. "Very well. The lady favors you, so who am I to oppose?" he smiled towards Jade and waved at the two other Hybrids. "Take him."
oooSGAooo
"You don't under…well of course you don't understand, you're an idiot! I can't just flip a switch on and expect the power to get back on, now can I? Whatever caused this made sure I won't be able to do that! So you can watch me with your best intimidating stare as much as you like, but it will not speed up the process! In fact…it may even be slowing it down!"
"Heh, I see you are once again in your spirit McKay," Ford said, deciding to step into the scientist's rant.
"Look, I really can't get the power back I'm sorry, okay?" he said desperately.
"Sure, it's okay, I don't really need it," Ford shrugged.
"Are you sure? I mean…how will you communicate with all those Hives you've lined up back on Lantea?" Jade asked entering the Gate room as well, shortly followed by Lorne.
"Ah, so you know about my little plan with those too…"
"Jade what are you…Colonel? Why are you…oh don't tell me you…" he paused pointing a finger at Ford accusingly.
"Yes I did," he admitted and sat down in a nearby chair.
"Oh god…," Rodney sighed and he, too, sunk back into his chair. "Great, that's just great…"
"How did you found out about the Hives?" Ford asked Jade, ignoring the panicking scientist.
"I didn't, not really. I just guessed you must have some plans for them. Why go through all the trouble of confiscating them if you would just leave them be in the end," she explained.
"Nice deduction. You are quite right."
"So what is it that you plan? I don't really observe that well so excuse me if I'm not joining your smart ass debate," Lorne said.
"Simply put, I know that sooner or later the…Serenity will be back with bunch of Traveler friends. And their priority will be to destroy Atlantis so we will not be able to reach the Earth. So I planned ahead to save them the trouble. By the time they arrive, we will be gone, but Earth will be far from safe though."
"You're sending those Hives to Earth?" Jade asked almost in disbelieve.
"That's kindda cool," Lorne stated.
"It is," she admitted and nodded. "How many Hybrids are in here really? We thought that since Lantea is abandoned and the Hives empty all of you were here."
"We were, but right now, ninety percent of my soldiers are already on those Hives and on their way to the Milky Way," Ford smirked. "It's really not necessary to have so many soldiers here. Once the rest of the personnel is turned just like you were."
"True," Jade smiled and eyed Rodney. "Still, I'd continue with the…turning asap and start with the good doctor over here. I was not kidding when I said he can be dangerous."
"Dangerous? Me? Oh, come on!" Rodney whined in defense, standing up and backing against a console. "I'm harmless, totally harmless!"
"Yes, McKay, you are. And I know that if I use the right arguments, you will do anything I want. But I can't risk that big smart brain of yours coming up with some kind of master plan," Ford said and pulled out his dart pistol.
"Why don't you let me," Lorne stepped up reaching for the pistol. "This guy was annoying the hell out of me for five years. Payback time," he whispered.
Ford smirked and handed him the gun. "Enjoy yourself, Lorne."
McKay's eyes widened and he stuttered. "Oh…come on…Colonel…it's not my fault I'm so smart!"
Ford chuckled. "You'll never learn, McKay."
Lorne raised his eyebrows and glanced sideways at Jade. "Seriously? Jade can I shoot him for real, please?" he pleaded, but his voice was different.
"Well…let's spare him this time," Jade said and watched the stunned face of the scientist.
"What?" Ford frowned, not understanding at all.
Jade looked back at him and in one swift motion pulled out her blaster, which was once again in her waist holster. "As for you though…," she said slowly, raising her eyebrows in thought.
"What's going on?" Ford shouted and moved closer, only to be shot in the leg by the red blast.
"You called yourself intelligent so…guess," Jade dared him and looked back at McKay. "Rodney, I need you to get the power on."
Rodney looked between them in utter confusion, but nodded. "Give me ten minutes."
"Five," Jade bargained.
"Eight!" McKay joined in.
"Fine…eight and I want the secondary systems up and running as well," she offered.
"You got it," he replied and was already working hastily on the main computer.
"All doors are sealed for now," Lorne informed as he climbed the stair back up.
"Good," she nodded.
"Why aren't you…how is this possible?" Ford spitted through gritted teeth.
"That's a long story," she shrugged. "Okay, I guess we have time. What do I say, you were right. People never learn. Not until they get stabbed in the back by their own mistakes and failures. And even then, some will not learn still. But you see, I'm being stabbed with the failure of my past every single second since I came into this reality. Reality so similar to my own. There's just no way I could let the history repeat itself, Ford, no way," she whispered.
"Why didn't you turn," Ford mumbled interrupting her.
"I've learned from the past. And in the past, you failed to perfect the virus the first time around. Its structure was recognized as a threat by the Ancient gene in one's DNA and before it could take over the body eventually dispatched an anti-virus to counter and neutralize it," she explained, watching Ford's eyes widened in realization. "I also knew you wouldn't go for Atlantis unless the virus was completed this far, so I took my chances of you failing again and based my whole plan on this high possibility, letting me and Lorne be captured so I could finally get to you. Since then it was easy."
"There are still enough soldiers in the city, you can't fight all of them. Besides, they are holding the Atlantis's personnel hostage. You won't risk their lives," Ford observed.
She nodded. "Of course I won't. Why do you think I used the EMT bomb in the first place? Well, of course it served as a bluff, to make you think I had a plan when I came down here and that plan just failed. But apart from the obvious, I needed the life signs scanner offline for number of reasons. Mainly because the scanner can differentiate between human and Hybrid DNA and thus it would reveal me as not being turned and spoil the whole plan immediately. Also, without being able to check on the life sings in the city, you could hardly realize I had Cadman beam up all the Atlantis's personnel up as soon as Lorne was 'turned'. Your guards don't really expect the prisoners to vanish into thin air, so they don't even check if they are still there."
"There are still about hundred Hybrids in the city!" Ford tried to argue nonetheless.
"And I am about to rid of them in one go. In Atlantis's favorite - as you put it - way of disposing security threats," she stated.
"What, you gonna make them go through the Gate to meet their death? Good luck with that!"
"There are things out of our control you know," she said, her voice softened. "Things we cannot stop from happening no matter how we try to. Mistakes we later regret. You were right. I failed to stop you in my reality and your plan succeeded. You got an army of loyal zombie Hybrids made of half of the Pegasus and Milky Way population. And there was nothing I could do about it. Because I failed. But it's not over yet, you know," she said, stepping closer to him.
"It's not like you can return and apply this ridiculous plan again!"
"No. But now I know who I'm dealing with. And I know exactly how to deal with a delusional arrogant man, who believes himself to be doing the two galaxies a favor by enslaving them in their own minds. I'm not dealing with Aiden Ford. I'm dealing with a Hybrid who has also forgotten who he used to be. And there's no turning back. Aiden Ford died that day he fell down into the ocean with a bloody Wraith feeding on him. But that never stopped your friends from searching for you, trying to help you, bring you back. In the end friends are all we have left when the whole world stops believing in who we are. And Ford would know this."
Silence settled in the room, as they looked into each others eyes in attempt to see their very soul. Lorne stood in the back, with his own gun aimed at Ford, but watched Jade with a frown.
McKay cleared his throat. "I got it," he informed and the lights suddenly came up, consoles coming to life with silent buzzing.
"Run the scanner McKay," Lorne commanded when Jade didn't speak up.
"Right. Um…here," he offered, the screen behind them lighting up to reveal the city map with life sings scattered all over it. All of them were displaying red, all but three.
"Cadman?" Jade finally spoke, tapping her earpiece.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Rodney is sending you life signs scanner data right now," she informed giving Rodney a look of do-as-I-say. "Lock on all of the dots looking red and beam them up."
"Beam them where?"
Jade glanced at Ford and paused. "Orbit."
"Oh, okay."
"This is not the end. My army has orders; it will take over the Earth in no time."
"Exactly, no time. The second those Hives fired up the hyperdrive, they exploded to bits and pieces. Courtesy of hyperdrive physics and bunch of well placed explosives," Jade stated, her voice stone cold. "This is the end. For you and your army. And rest assured, if there is any Hybrid left, it won't be for long."
"We'll make sure of that," Lorne confirmed resolutely.
Ford stared at them in thought and his blank face suddenly cracked into a smirk. "Well played," he nodded at Jade. "But you still lose," he added.
"I know."
"Beaming up now."
oooTBCooo
A/N: Alright so basically...as you might have noticed...I hate when a TV series leave things open. And SGA left a lot of things very much opened. Like the poor Sora, who never saw the light of day after she was imprisoned after The Storm :D Okay, I heard she was later exchanged for the nukes or something, but it was never really mentioned in the show itself so...too bad.
In Ford's case, I guess I can't really argue that it was left open, since he was probably very much dead. Pff...like that would happen in Stargate, someone dying off-screen in an explosion, come on :D No, unless I see some hidden footage of Ford blowing up, I refuse to believe it ^^ So I've decided to continue his story...by making him my master villain. I think he was slowly going nuts since the fateful incident in The Siege and could picture him eventually losing it in the end. So yay for Ford being alive! Um...not really hm...
Well...ready for the final chapter? O.o :X
Next: Chapter fifteen – Long road home