A/N Our Victoria Day long weekend here in Canada...its been busy...and I haven't been feeling well...so this update has taken me awhile. Yesterday we spent the day helping friends do some renovations...and today I'm still not feeling well...I swear spring and summer colds are the worst. I can thank my wonderful son for sharing it with me.

Thanks for the reviews and pm's and encouragement. I really enjoy it. :)

Nathan put his hands up to defend his face from the blows Dosa was throwing at him. Everything within him was screaming at him to flatten the lunatic and pound his face into the ground. Nathan had been a boxer in his youth, and he prided himself on staying in good physical shape. Even injured, he felt confident he could take Dosa down in a heartbeat. The only thing stopping Nathan was the weapon the psychotic man held in his hand. That and the fact that Dosa's idiotic lackey had his gun pointed at Kristin. Those guns are the only things keeping you alive, Dosa. You better stay alert. Nathan dared Dosa to drop his guard for even a nanosecond. Nathan was just waiting for the right moment to pulverise him. You better pray I don't get the chance because once I start, I will not stop. Nathan forced himself to keep his facial expressions neutral. Dosa swung his arm back and landed another sharp blow to Nathan's face, causing him to stumble backwards. This time his eye caught Kristin cowering on the ground. She was looking at him in desperation. Nathan's breath caught in his throat as he watched Dosa's minion, Saleem, rip the bodice from Kristin's navy blue dress. The colour drained from his face when he saw her desperately trying to cover her modesty despite the fact she was wearing a white camisole.

"Listen, Mr. Dosa, please. The gun belongs to me! Kristin doesn't even know how to use it."

Nathan attempted to get Dosa's attention as he raised his hands higher.

"Why does she have it?" Dosa smacked him again.

Nathan kept his eye on Kristin and Saleem who had his weapon pointed at her. The man's eyes looked wild. Nathan sucked in a deep breath.

"Please, don't hurt her. I can explain everything! Just don't hurt her." Nathan kept his hands up and pleaded with Dosa with his eyes. "I'm trying to do what I can to help you get out of here alive, Mr. Dosa. I haven't lied to you or done anything to betray your trust. Please, I beg you to trust me." Nathan lowered one hand slightly to wipe away some blood that was dripping down his chin. He looked deeply into Dosa's eyes. C'mon you son of a bitch, listen to me.

Dosa dropped his hands to his sides and was breathing heavily from swinging at Nathan's face. He put one hand on his hip and leaned over slightly like he had developed a stitch in his side. He looked worn.

He turned to his own man. "Bring her to me, Saleem"

Nathan lowered his other hand carefully and massaged his chin. It was throbbing from the number of hits he had taken. He had begun to think Dosa was going to break or dislocate it. He was relieved to find it was still intact. Nathan sucked in a breath as he watched Saleem drag Kristin to her feet and bring her to Dosa. He cringed when Dosa licked his lips as she came closer. Nathan could see him eying her up and down. Once she stood in front of him, he jerked her hands away from her breast and seemed to be enjoying ogling her state of undress. Nathan felt his temper flare red hot, and he had to pinch himself harshly to keep from doing anything he'd regret.

"Tell me, Bridger, who is this woman to you? Why would you give her a gun?" Nathan sucked in a deep breath as he watched Dosa run his dirty hand along her chin and down the front of her chest. Kristin looked horrified. That fiery spirit he usually saw burning in her eyes had been replaced with terror. It was ripping his heart out to look at her. He could see the pleading in her eyes. She wanted him to help her…to protect her…something…anything.

"She's the Chief medical officer on SeaQuest and the head of the science department. No weapons were allowed in the Summit room, and they scanned all the military officers before entering the room. I gave her my weapon to conceal for me."

Dosa pulled Kristin closer to him, brushing his cheek against her face. "Why did you think you would need a weapon?" Nathan couldn't be sure if he was asking Kristin or him. He saw her swallow as more tears cascaded down her cheeks.

"Look, I had more than 100 different opportunities to use it, but I didn't!" Nathan was feeling desperate to convince the man to believe him. "Doesn't that prove to you that I didn't plan to use it?"

Nathan took a few steps closer to Dosa. "I've been trying to help you. I want to help you get out of here alive. Please, believe me. That goal hasn't changed. We just saw Abdul being released. Let me help you get home to your wife and children." Nathan made his voice as soft as possible. He made his eyes look at Dosa with sympathy. Appeal to his humanity. Remind him that he's accomplished what he set out to do. Now it's time to go home.

Dosa loosened his grip on Kristin, and she collapsed to the floor weeping. Nathan frowned as he heard her cry out as she hit the floor. It seemed like she was working hard to catch her breath between sobs. Oh Kris, how hurt are you? His arms ached to reach out and hold her, to comfort her and let her know she was safe. Focus, Nathan. You need to get the attention away from her. Dosa needs to concentrate on his escape now. He needs to feel like he can get out of this unscathed. He needs to feel like he accomplished what he set out to do.

"Let's call Sheppard and get this thing finished."

Dosa raked a filthy hand through his hair. He stared at Nathan as he chewed on his bottom lip thoughtfully. Like everyone else in the room, Nathan felt sure the man was weary of the battle. The room resembled a war zone. It reeked of vomit, blood and sweat. Death hovered in the air. Nathan held his breath as he stared at Dosa, waiting for him to make some kind of decision.

Dosa looked up at Nathan and nodded. "You're right. It's time to finish things."

Dosa took a few steps towards his mercenary and the two exchanged several words. Saleem appeared to listen for several minutes and then began to shout at him. His face grew red in anger. Nathan took a few steps back in concern. What the heck is Dosa saying? Nathan had no clue what was being said. He tossed a look towards Tim who had taken the opportunity to move closer during the commotion. Tim's face looked alarmed. Nathan could see him mouthing some words but couldn't make out what Tim was trying to communicate.

Saleem continued shouting at Dosa and began to wave his arms frantically. The wild behaviour captured the attention of the other unnamed gunman who wandered over and soon joined the battle. The three men stood arguing and waving guns in the air. The tension in the room mounted as the men's loud voices escalated. Nathan motioned Tim to come to his side as he took the opportunity to stoop down to Kristin's aid.

"Kristin, are you okay?"

She nodded but Nathan could feel her trembling as he reached out to touch her. His gentle touch made her cry out in pain. He looked at her closely, trying to determine her injuries. Nathan unbuttoned his dress shirt and removed it, quickly covering her shoulders. He pulled the shirt around her as she sat shivering. She was going into shock.

"Can you stand to your feet?"

She nodded again. "Y-yes. I think I have a few broken ribs, but I'm fine, Nathan." Nathan smiled warmly at her as he helped her to her feet. She stumbled a bit and leaned into him slightly. He embraced her gently. You're always the pillar of strength, Kristin.

The voices of the three men began to intensify causing Nathan's heart to speed up. He couldn't understand the words, but he wasn't deaf to the intensity of their tones. The men had reached their end of patience with each other. Nathan caught the sight of Tim as he brushed up against his shoulder quickly.

"Captain, Dosa is trying to convince the other two to let the captives go free. The other two refuse to listen because Ibrahim Singh ordered that everyone be killed." Tim's face was white.

Nathan paled. "Help Kristin get to someplace quiet, but away from the other hostages. Do you have any idea where Jonathan and Miguel went?"

"Miguel went to look for the control panel. I'm assuming it was he and Lucas who figured out the power problem."

Nathan felt Kristin shiver as he pulled her close momentarily. "I just hope Lucas is safe," she whispered. Her voice was just barely audible. Nathan only heard it because he held her so close to his ear.

"Don't worry, Kristin. If he's with Miguel or Jonathan, he'll be safe." Nathan looked at Tim. "You might need to hide her, Tim. I don't know how this is going to play out. I need to deescalate things."

Just as Nathan turned to look at Dosa, Saleem turned on his heel and opened fire on the hostages sitting at the table in the corner. The room filled with screams and shouts of horror and pain. Several of the hostages collapsed to the floor while others ducked for cover. Nathan saw Tim grab Kristin and pull her to the floor, half dragging her under the nearest table. Nathan heard her cry out as she was pulled away. Nathan gritted his teeth as he ducked down. His heart was beating ferociously in his chest as he watched Dosa backhand Saleem in the face, knocking him to the ground. Saleem struggled to gain his foothold, but Dosa was too fast. Dosa punched him again and turned his weapon on him.

"Don't move, Saleem. We do this my way."

Saleem lay back, breathing heavily. "Ibrahim was a fool to trust you!"

"I did what he asked. Abdul has been released. It's over, Saleem."

"It will never be over as long as the UEO controls the oceans. We have to make…"

Dosa's hand shook. "Shut-up! My brother already died, Saleem. Who else needs to die before we're through? Enough!"

Saleem rose to his feet. His face looked severe. "Hail to the People's Liberation Army!" Saleem put his hand to his chest and covered his heart. He glared at Dosa and then took a running leap towards him. Dosa shouted at him to stop but to no avail. The gun went off in the struggle and when Dosa stepped back, Saleem was lying dead on the floor. Dosa's face was white, and he was breathing hard as he dropped his arm to his side. He glanced over at his last remaining mercenary. The man shook his head in despair, dropped his hands to his side and walked away from Dosa. Dosa's hands tightened into fists as he glanced at Saleem's dead body.

"Bridger, get a link out to Sheppard. I want that helicopter now!"

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Lucas attempted to jump to his feet when he heard the gunshots but was held back by Miguel. He glared at his friend.

Miguel looked sternly at him. "Stay down, Lucas."

"We can't just stay here when Dosa is out there shooting people." Lucas was exasperated. "C'mon, Miguel, we need to do something!"

"Do what exactly?" Miguel kept a firm hand on his back. The two of them were still hiding behind the renovation pile on the stage. Both of them were feeling helpless.

Lucas shoved Miguel's arm away and leaned against the wall.

"I don't know!"

Lucas sighed. He was grateful that Miguel was close by, but he felt irritated with him. He knew it wasn't Miguel's fault, but the fact he was being the voice of reason felt aggravating. Lucas saw his friend situate himself comfortably beside him, leaning his head against the wall.

"Look, I feel as helpless as you do, Lucas, but for now, this is all we can do." Miguel raked his hands through his hair. "How's your leg?"

Lucas groaned. He didn't care about his stupid leg. Well, he did, but only because it was hurting so badly. Hurts like hell! Lucas pulled his leg up and glanced at it. It was red and inflamed. He grimaced as he pulled at his ripped pant leg. It was pretty much glued to the blood. He hissed as he attempted to unstick the material. OW! How could I have been so stupid!

Miguel looked at him and then sat forward to examine his leg. Lucas saw him grimace.

"Looks like it's infected."

"It's fine." Staccato words.

Miguel sighed. "You're one stubborn kid, Lucas. Sometimes I don't even know what to say to you."

Lucas looked up at Miguel in surprise. "What do you mean?"

For some reason Lucas was feeling like he wanted to pick a fight. He was frustrated. He was worried. He felt helpless. He felt like Captain Bridger hated him. He felt angry at the captain as well and was confused about that. One minute he felt like he wanted to pound someone's face in and the next he felt so vulnerable and scared. Lucas opened and closed his fist, noticing how his hand was trembling. His heart was racing constantly making him feel on the verge of panicking all the time. He couldn't even put into words how he was feeling, let alone try to explain it to Miguel. He certainly wasn't meaning to be difficult. Yet, as he looked at his friend, he knew Miguel was just thinking what a pain in the ass he was being.

Miguel shoulder bumped him. "Never mind, buddy. We're all worn thin."

Lucas chewed his lip and blinked back tears. "Do you think Captain Bridger, Dr. Westphalen and Tim are alright?"

Just as Miguel opened his mouth to answer, a noise coming from the stairway by the curtain startled them. Miguel's eyes grew large, and Lucas quickly turned to see what he was looking at. Lucas' mouth dropped open when he saw Jonathan enter the top of the stair well.

"But…how…"

Miguel put a finger to his lips to silence him. "Hold that thought."

Lucas frowned as Miguel jumped to his feet and hurried towards Jonathan. Lucas furrowed his brow but followed, trying to stay low and as close to the wall as he could. Jonathan gave them both a relieved smile when he saw them.

"Thank God," said the dark-skinned man, reaching out to pat Lucas on the shoulder. "I figured when the lights came back on, you had something to do with it, Lucas. Good job!"

"I don't understand." Lucas still felt confused. He had no clue as to how Jonathan was back inside the room. Lucas shook him in wonderment.

"I'll explain later. Lucas, can you get that back door open again?"

Lucas nodded. "Yah, sure."

"Good. Do it now."

It was a plain and simple command that left no room for arguments. Lucas eyed the commander with suspicion. He knew exactly what the guy was thinking, and there was no way Lucas was going to comply.

"Commander, let's get Captain Bridger and Dr. Westphalen and Tim up here first, and we can get out together."

Jonathan grasped Lucas' arms tightly and gave him a shake. "Look, Lucas, for once, I need you to submit to an order. You have the means to get us out and that's what we need to do. Dosa isn't fooling around here. He's unpredictable." Jonathan held his arms so tightly it was pinching. Lucas knew Jonathan was dead serious. "You heard that shooting, right? Dosa just blew away another one of his own men!"

Lucas gasped. "B-but what about the captain?"

"The captain can take of himself, Lucas. You know that!" Jonathan's voice was extremely low, but Lucas felt sure he had never heard it so unyielding in all the time he had known the man. Jonathan shook him again, nearly making his teeth rattle. "Damn it, Lucas, just do as I say!"

Lucas felt tears burning in his eyes but he nodded. He cast a look at Miguel who was silently standing beside Jonathan.

Miguel shrugged his shoulders sympathetically. "We can't do it without you, Lucas." Lucas heard the encouragement in his voice. Miguel always tried his best to be kind and a voice of reason. Lucas knew Miguel was his friend and always had his back. Commander Ford was more the voice of authority and more difficult to warm up to and right now, Lucas felt bitter resentment towards him. Lucas walked carefully towards the control panel, avoiding the sharp equipment close by. He opened the panel and felt tears brim his eyes. He angrily wiped them away. Who does he think he is? Always bossing everyone around. Annoyed thoughts clouded Lucas' head as he stared at the panel. He knew exactly how to open the door. He just didn't agree with it being the best idea right now, not unless he could have the rest of the crew right here as well. They might only have one chance at this door. Lucas tossed a quick look over his shoulder, and he saw Miguel and Jonathan whispering. He sucked in his bottom lip and pulled at a few wires industriously. I can do a lot of things from this panel, Commander; more than you realise, but I'm not opening that door. Suddenly a waft of air swished across the stage as the air conditioning in the room came online loudly. Lucas jumped from the noise, not expecting it to be as loud as that.

"Lucas?" Jonathan glared at him.

Lucas shrugged. "I can't get..."

His words caught in his throat as his eyes widened at a blur of colour behind Commander Ford. Lucas felt his heart leap in his chest as a gunman appeared pointing his gun at Jonathan and Miguel. He glared at Lucas and motioned to him to come closer. Lucas felt the urge to run but remained frozen in place.

"Don't move," commanded the man.

Commander Ford and Miguel slowly raised their hands as they turned to see the man. Lucas saw Miguel mouth some words to him, but he was too frightened to concentrate on what was being lip-synced to him

"Get over here, kid. NOW!"

The gunman took a few stops towards Lucas, grabbing his shirt and roughly pulling him towards him. He wrapped one arm around Lucas' neck and pulled him in close. Lucas wrapped his hands around the guy's upper arm to try and pull him away. The man's grip was steadfast.

"Lemme go!"

"Don't do anything stupid." The man's voice was eerie.

"Don't hurt him," said Jonathan. "He's just a kid."

The gunman tightened his grip on Lucas' neck. Lucas could feel the man's arm trembling.

"Shut-up and get the hell back into the room!"

The man walked backwards, half dragging Lucas with him, while ushering Miguel and Jonathan towards the edge of the stage. Lucas looked out of the corner of his eye as the stage edge grew closer. Just a few more steps, you idiot. Lucas could feel his heart racing, and he felt like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. Deep breaths…calm down…just a few more steps.

As they approached the edge, the gunman stopped briefly and motioned to Miguel and Commander Ford to jump to the floor. Lucas tried to twist his head to see if he could see the captain or Dosa but he couldn't.

"Jump now!"

"What the hell is going on up there, Hassan?"

Lucas felt himself being spun around as his captor turned towards the voice. He kept his gun on Miguel and Commander Ford. Lucas felt his lower lip quiver when he saw Dosa walk closer followed by Captain Bridger. The captain's face looked pale and bruised. The corners of his lips were bloody, as well as his nose. Terror began to overtake Lucas and he began to tremble forcefully. Lucas' breathing sped up as his eyes found Dr. Westphalen huddling under a table. The look on her face completely threw him off balance causing that full-blown panic feeling to set in. The adults in his life looked frightened and out of control; it was a terrifying sight to him. He depended on them to be his foundation and strength. He didn't think he could bear seeing them so hurt and vulnerable. In uncontrolled panic, Lucas swung his head backwards as hard as he could, bashing Hassan in the face. The man cursed in shock and pain as Lucas turned and kicked him in the groin as hard as he could, sending the man to his knees. In one fluid movement, Lucas reached out and shoved him off the stage. He saw the man land on the floor, hitting his head harshly on the linoleum. Lucas stood breathing hard in trepidation as Miguel and Jonathan rushed to his side to comfort him, but Lucas held his hands up to keep them at bay.

"Stay away!" he shouted. Lucas' eyes were wide in terror and he couldn't bear the thought of anyone touching him.

In that moment, Dosa raised his gun in the air and fired off a series of shots.

"That will be quite enough!" Lucas froze and looked down at Dosa. He had grabbed Captain Bridger by his injured shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain and shoved the barrel of the gun against his head.

"You," Dosa pointed at Commander Ford. "Bring that brat to me." Lucas saw the commander hesitate. "Don't test me, commander."

Lucas grasped as Commander Ford grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and led him off the stage to the terrorist. As he and the commander took the stairs down, he heard Dosa command Miguel to help Hassan up to his feet. Several harsh smacking sounds were heard. Lucas shivered, trying not to think about who was being smacked around this time.

"Stay calm, Lucas." He heard the commander say as the he loosened his grip on his shirt. Lucas knew the commander had no choice but to obey the command from Dosa. As they entered the closure of the stairs, briefly out the sight of Dosa, Jonathan released him. Lucas straightened his shirt and chewed his lip as he stared at the commander with big eyes.

"Use the fear, Lucas. Remember what I said to you when Schraeder commandeered SeaQuest? This isn't any different. Stay calm. You ok?" Lucas wasn't okay. This situation was extremely different. As much as he didn't want to let everyone down, he pretty much figured he already had. He felt defeated, but he nodded anyways. He didn't have any other choices. When Lucas and Ford entered the room from the stairwell, Miguel was laying on the floor with a bloodied lip. Hassan was wiping his own bloodied lip that had split when Lucas' bashed his head into it. Lucas gulped as Hassan took several threatening steps towards him.

"Please, he's just a kid." Lucas saw the captain raise his hands to stop Hassan from approaching him.

"Bridger, that KID is a menace! He's out of control!" Dosa shoved Captain Bridger away from him and grabbed Lucas roughly by the scruff of the neck, shoving him to his knees on the floor. All the colour drained from Lucas' face as he looked up at Dosa. A mixture of pure terror and panic flooded his face.

"You better be scared, kid. When I'm through with you, you will be begging for mercy."

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Sam Sheppard mopped his brow with the back of his hand. The room felt overly warm to him. He stared at the wall without really seeing it. His head was assaulting him with a plethora of extraneous thoughts, and he wished he had a switch to turn it all off. He had reached his limit…his limit of rational thought… of caffeine…of everything. He was long past his breaking point. He was completely spent. He didn't even think he could string together logical sentences anymore. His tongue felt thick, like it didn't even belong in his mouth. He reached back and rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes, thinking about how good it would feel to take a hot shower and feel the hot water run over his tired, tense muscles. From the corner of his eye, he saw Commander Hitchcock leaning against her father's shoulder with her eyes closed. He envied the woman as he wished he could rest his eyes as well. Rick was leaning his head back but he wasn't asleep. The man's eyes were wide open and appeared to be lost in his own thoughts.

Sheppard blinked a few times, almost startled to consciousness, when Mitch Brady came running into the room out of breath. Sheppard groaned inwardly. He didn't feel like he had the patience to deal with civilians anymore today.

"The lights are back on!" said Mitch, a smile of relief on his face.

Commander Hitchcock seemed to jump to her feet from a sound sleep. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I was walking back from my car and I heard some of the SWAT guys say that the lights were back on."

Sheppard scratched his head. "Well, that's good news."

"They sounded surprised, Commander, so I don't think it was them."

"Lucas!" said Rick, standing to his feet as well.

"Could only be him!" Mitch ran a hand through his hair but looked more hopeful than the last time Sheppard had seen him.

"What else did you hear?" asked Katie, prompting him for more.

"They are poised to move. Fully geared up and snipers are positioned all over."

Sheppard took a few steps to the door way and glanced at the vid-link.

"No one is answering the link, and I haven't heard anything since the video was patched in. We heard more gunfire a few minutes ago." Sheppard saw Mitch's face fall and the cloud drain from his face.

Commander Hitchcock picked up the vid-link and handed it to him again.

"Call again." Her voice had a desperate edge to it.

Sheppard nodded and dialed again. He had tried 20 times since the video was patched in but there had been no answer. Twice since the video ended they had heard gunshots but still no one answered the link.

Everyone in the room seemed to wait on baited breath as the link rang again. This time, Sheppard was rewarded with Bridger's face on the link. Sheppard took several steps back to conceal the drawings and intel on the walls. He felt his breath quicken when he caught a good look at the captain's face. He looked up at the others in the room and ushered them to stay back. He didn't need anyone else to see the captain. His appearance would freak them out. The man's face was ashen and bruised, and Sheppard wasn't sure what was keeping him standing on his feet, other than sheer will power.

"Is Dosa satisfied with the video of Abdul's release?"

Before Bridger had time to open his mouth, Dosa leaned into the frame and nodded.

"I want my helicopter to take me to the same coordinates, Commander." Dosa squinted a wary eye at Sheppard and licked his lips.

"Promise me you will release the rest of the hostages unharmed, and I will do my best to get you that helicopter." Sheppard kept his face neutral and took in as much information as he could about Bridger and things he could see in the background. Keeping the vid-phone as steady as possible, he began jotting down notes in great detail. From the corner of his eye, he saw Commander Hitchcock peer around his shoulder. He scribbled on the paper "GET LOST." He pulled the sheet off carefully and casually let it fall to the floor beside him. The commander took a few steps away. I don't need any observers, Commander. Keep away!

Dosa gave him a wiry smile that sent chills up and down Sheppard's back. Something about the man was giving him the creeps. He looked too sure of himself all of sudden.

"I will leave the rest of the hostages behind relatively unscathed. I only have one loose end to tie up, and then I want that helicopter."

Sheppard saw Nathan's face change to sudden alarm. Dosa left the screen for several seconds and then came back. He panned the camera in on a table where someone was pinned down with his arm behind his back by another of Dosa's mercenaries. Sheppard sucked in a breath.

"What's going on, Mr. Dosa? Who is that?"

Dosa pulled on the hair of the hostage lying across the table until his face could be clearly seen. Sheppard felt his heart drop to the floor. It's that kid! What is he going to do to that kid? No wonder Bridger is on the verge of panic.

"What's going on?"

Dosa pulled harder on the boy's blonde hair until he cried out and struggled to get his footing again. Dosa shook him harshly, turning him to face the vid-link. Sheppard's breath caught in his throat when he saw the boy's wild eyes. The kid looked like a feral animal. Sheppard wasn't sure he'd ever seen such a look on the face of a child before. Lucas was on the verge of losing his grip. He was beyond terrified.

"I'm about to teach this kid a lesson."

Sheppard saw Bridger's face flash red. Stay calm, Bridger. Don't panic on me now. Keep it cool.

"I see the lights are back on finally. I worked hard to get them back on for you." I need to get the attention off Lucas. He needs to concentrate on his escape. This thing needs to end now.

Dosa furrowed his brow and shook Lucas harshly. "This brat is the one responsible for your power issue, Commander." Change the subject.

"My friend, Steve, is one of the best pilots I know, and he's agreed to drop you are the same coordinates at Abdul. Can you do me a favour, though?"

"What's that?"

Dosa cocked his head to one side at the mention of a favour. Sheppard thought he almost looked intrigued by the idea.

"Promise me that you will let Steve go unharmed once he's safely delivered you to your destination. He's a new dad, and he's a good friend of mine. Can you do that for me, Mr. Dosa?" Make it real. Make it credible. Make him believe it will happen.

Dosa dropped his gaze to the floor and seemed to be considering the situation. You're a real piece of work, Dosa. Considering my request like it would some kind of special favour or something. Sheppard chewed the inside of his lip, knowing his face would look cryptic to Dosa. His head felt so muddled, he wasn't even sure how he was still able to form logical sentences. Maybe he couldn't. Then Dosa looked up with the most sincere look on his face.

"You have my word."

"Thank-you. Now, as a show of good faith, please release the boy and I'll have the helicopter land right outside the door."

Dosa looked past the vid-link towards where he had left Lucas pinned to the table. Just let the boy go, Dosa. Come on, he's just a frightened kid, for Pete's sake.

"I will consider it, Commander, when I'm finished with him." A shiver ran down Sheppard's spine at the words, and he didn't know why. "The next time I see your face, I want it to be telling me my ride is here." Sheppard sucked in a frustrated breath when the link ended. He closed his eyes as he pounded the table and swiped off all the contents. The unending helplessness of the situation was killing him.