Stargate: Atlantis- Collision Theory

Chapter 14

"The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate." -O. Henry

Elizabeth stood in her office eyeing her guests below. She'd told Colonel Sheppard to prepare for an off world trip, making a few recommendations about how he should approach the situation. She wasn't sure how many of them he'd take to heart because he'd lapsed into his humorous mood, a sure sign that he was uncomfortable. Crossing her arms she mulled through the thoughts in her head. At the moment, she had quite a bit on her mind. Suddenly she heard the door open and as she turned, Colonel Caldwell edged near her desk.

"Word has spread that you've come to an 'agreement' with the Lorne..." he cautiously stated as Doctor Weir remained silent, "Now Colonel Sheppard has been dragged into some kind of 'understanding' with the Lorne Commander..."

"Well, news certainly spreads fast..." Doctor Weir finally commented.

"I think we should cut ties with these people, at least distance ourselves. We need to focus on the situation with the Wraith."

Elizabeth was frustrated by his insinuations that her attention had ever been taken away from that matter.

"Colonel Caldwell, while I can understand your concern, I think our gain has outweighed our inconvenience."

"The Commander shared information with you?"

"It 'was' a condition of the agreement..." Doctor Weir firmly stated.

Colonel Caldwell stood quietly waiting for more.

"The little information that Commander Delacroix was able to share with me was rather alarming..."

"The location of Atlantis has been compromised?"

"I can't say with certainty, but I'm now more inclined to agree with Colonel Sheppard, that they do not have our location," she slowly turned back to glance down at the gate, "From what the Commander has indicated the Wraith colony is detached from the collective Wraith society..."

Colonel Caldwell took a seat as she explained the latest information.

XXX

John Sheppard moved in long strides down the hall towards his quarters. He was growing fidgety as he walked and Rodney's presence really wasn't helping matters. Stuffing his hands into his pockets he let out a sigh.

"Why can't stuff like that happen to me?" McKay chimed after he'd been filled in on the day's events.

"And you'd want this to happen to you why?" John inquired.

"You get to go off world to some grand gathering on a distant planet and pretend to be involved with a beautiful woman, because you know scary or not she's h..."

"Standing right behind you," John interrupted with a smirk.

Rodney spun around in a panic only to find no one there.

"Haha...very funny," he noted with a grimace, "You mock me because I'm right. You get a vacation and the rest of us have to stay here."

"Yeah well, I was thinking more about the irate father and the suitor, both of which are going to want me dead, but I guess you're view may be more important."

"Oh...well you didn't mention that part..."

"It was kind of implied Rodney."

XXX

Major Lorne stood nervously by the door to Colonel Sheppard's room. He'd gone from pacing to leaning against the wall, but the lack of movement failed to distract him so he started up again. A few of the personnel had passed him quizzical glances as he marched back and forth off to one side of the corridor.

To his relief he noticed Colonel Sheppard finally approaching with Rodney in tow. Too far to catch their conversation, he hadn't been alerted to their goodbye as Rodney took off down another hall.

"Colonel Sheppard," he suddenly stated as he walked up to his commanding officer.

"Major Lorne?" he replied with a raised brow, "What can I do for you?"

"Well sir, news is spreading that you're making a trip back to Lorne..."

"Under less than ideal circumstances...Yes."

"I've heard that as well..."

"Well...that's just great," Sheppard mumbled before he forced a smile, "So why are you interested in my travel plans?"

Major Lorne paused in his response, eventually forcing his eyes up to meet Colonel Sheppard, "I was hoping to return with you."

Sheppard pursed his lips, "I see..."

"If you feel my presence would only worsen your situation, I will retract my request."

"What is the reason behind your request?" Colonel Sheppard asked, apparently he was not quick to say no.

For a moment Major Lorne thought to claim personal matters, but he was close enough to Colonel Sheppard to feel comfortable presenting him with the truth.

"I would like to investigate the claims put forth by the Lorne people regarding my ancestry..." Major Lorne trailed off.

Sheppard eyed him for a moment.

"I see no problem with that," he finally answered.

With a shrug Sheppard entered his quarters and disappeared behind the closing door.

Major Lorne stood uncertain about what to do. He honestly hadn't been expecting Colonel Sheppard to agree. Looking around briefly he finally took off down the corridor.

XXX

"Are you sure you're prepared to do this?" Elizabeth said as she walked down the stairs to the gate platform after Colonel Sheppard had finally .

"Oh...so now I get a choice?" John stated with a sarcastic scowl.

"No...not really," she replied with a shrug, "I just wanted to see if you've thought of any clever ways to get out of this situation."

"Right...I figured I'd just play it by ear."

"You know John...this is not one of those things that's just going to fix itself."

"I know, but I'm not going to stop it if it tries to."

"Are you sure there is no possible way and/or reason you can think of to make it so that I could come along?" Rodney called as he hurried down the stairs to join them.

"I think your presence would make, an already strained situation, worse," Catalina replied as she waited near the stargate.

"Yeah...what she said," John added with a smirk as he glanced up at Rodney.

"Hey wait a second. Why does he get to go?" Rodney suddenly commented as Major Lorne approached wearing surprisingly casual attire.

"Catching up on the old family tree..." John replied.

"Please don't say that. I'm trying to prove this is all just a misunderstanding..." slowly he turned to Catalina, "No offense."

"Besides Rodney, I already feel awkward enough going in there without a weapon," John added as he scratched the side of his head, "And since when has it ever been ok to go off world without a weapon?"

"Never..." Elizabeth stated, "But as surprising as it may seem, we have apparently found an exception."

"Funny how we always manage to find those..." he mumbled as he disappeared through the gate after Major Lorne and Catalina.